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skeletondeerart · 2 months ago

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Sacred Waters, Sacred Hearts Chapter 1

A Male OC! Metkayina x Fem Human! Reader | Word Count: 1722

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A/N : Both Rukan and reader are in their mid 20's

" " = direct speech | ' ' = Metkayina sign language | Bold = English

Another night approaches as multiple moons emerge from the waves. I adjust my mask, ensuring it's sealed to my cheeks, as I shuffle off my light shawl, leaving just my wetsuit and waterproof tablet. The morning winds nip at my exposed skin, and I make haste into the reef, gracefully submerging myself and diving down to the reef bed to escape the chill of the evening.

I was one of the last marine biologists left on Pandora after the fall of the Omatikaya's Hometree, yet by the grace of Eywa I was taken into her embrace and was allowed to live amongst the flora and fauna. I now reside on the coastline a couple hours from the Metkayina settlements; respecting the ocean-dwelling Navi immensely, I made sure to leave them alone and stay in my small corner of the ocean; content with just researching and documenting the underwater flora and fauna. Though I may seem isolated here on my lonesome I do make frequent calls to Norm and Max to update their data files, ordering human supplies or just for a chat yet sometimes I yearn for someone else to share my experiences with...

Weaving through bioluminescent kelp, flippers boost me through the currents I glide to a halt and unsheathe my switchblade to harvest some vegetation and check on the coral's health. Happy with the healthy flora and the harvest I document photos for my log and bask in the temperate waters. I smile at the stillness from the ocean bed, turning onto my back and gazing up through the water's surface, mesmerised by the reflection of light shimmering across the lapping waves from below.

Eventually, my lungs begin to burn yearning for oxygen, and I move to breach the surface, breaking the water tension my mask immediately intakes the Pandoran air and swiftly converts it to plain oxygen. As I catch my breath, I watch Ilu ride the waves and birds dive into the ocean to nab up small fish for their dinner. My stomach rumbles at the through and my mind drifts back to the edible vegetation in my pouch, I paddle back to shore and squeeze the water from my hair before I begin stoking a fire to roast my own dinner.

Time gets away from me as I continue to do tasks onshore like chopping wood and transferring files into the databank. My thoughts are disturbed by a shrill ring, Norm's contact blaring from my tablet. I quickly accept it as Norm appears on the screen; giving a curt wave before he started speaking.

"Hey (Y/n), how are you? Hope I didn't catch you at a bad time, but I have a favour to ask." He rambles, arms gesturing awkwardly.

"Uh, nah I'm not doing much; how can I help ya Norm?" I say absent-mindedly as I continue weaving a new blanket, preparing for the cooler weather.

"Mo'at needs some specific medicinal herbs, but they can only be found in the deeper parts of the reef bed. Considering you're now quite an adept diver I thought to ask you first before connecting with the Metkayina traders."

"Oh yeah no problem, I'll duck out in a moment and get that heading your way no problem" I smile as I stand to pull my wetsuit back on from its drying rack.

Norm rubs his nape and bows his head in gratitude "I can't thank you enough (Y/n) just text me when you're done so I can send someone out there to collect the goods"

"Easy, I'll get back to you soon, but if you don't hear back by tomorrow afternoon assume I drowned" I laugh in jest.

I watch as Norm scrunches his face in horror "Don't make me come over there for a welfare check buddy, because I will! I swear it." Norm sighs exasperated by my words wagging his finger to the camera.

"Oh, I'm just kidding Normie; have some faith in me will ya." I giggle as I slip the thick fabric up my torso, Navi stripes adorn the fabric, mimicking the Metkayina's camouflage.

"How many times have I asked you to quit it with the 'Normie'…" Norm scolds but it holds no venom at all. "Look, you better update me straight away ok! I got to go; Max needs some help in the lab, see ya (Y/n)." He waves and disconnects as I wave goodbye myself.

I release a sigh as I take a final note of all the things I need and make sure my mask is free from damage as I set out. I walk out of the airlock to the edge of the mangroves and leap into the deeper portion, my vision is hindered by a myriad of bubbles for a moment before settling down, I begin the descent into the sandbank, I had no need for a flashlight due to the high concentration of bioluminescence, I glide through the waters and corals with ease and gradually letting some oxygen in through my air tank, I only used it for longer expeditions as I like to train my lung capacity.

I swim further from my base, lowering my altitude as I dive into a stunning deep cave. I spotted the herbs; it looked like sea moss; excellent in curing skin ailments when ground into a salve. I push faster through the currents and into the jagged coral formation that the moss grew on, not seeing the signature Metkayina markers for a protected area... I peeled it from its roots and placed it into a leather pouch, deeming it enough I turned to make my way back out, but I was stunned into silence as a massive shadow passed by the gaps in the coral.

It was an Akula…a massive shark-like beast who not even the Navi deem as a friend. My lungs constricted as I limited agitating the water around me. I waited with bated breath as the Akula swam circles around the exit, I peered timidly out as I no longer detect its presence. So, I make the decision to slowly rise to the entrance of the cave. I make the dash, but the Akula notices the disruption and flings itself in my direction, a terrified gargle escapes my throat as I weave hastily through the outcrops narrowly avoiding its snapping jaws.

In my adrenaline-fueled state, I didn't notice another join the fray. Until a muffled roar is heard from the Akula as it flees back deeper into the cave system. I burrow myself into the coral hiding from my painful death as I go to release more oxygen into my mask, my hands fumble with a pierced tube and my eyes widen in realisation.

My oxygen supply is drained and I'm so far from the surface.

My panic only spikes further as piercing blue eyes peer down at me cuddled up in the coral like a child.

It was a Metkayina patroller, he was mounted on an Ilu as he scowled in my direction, his rapid signing not going unnoticed.

I gingerly raise my hand and sign 'I mean no harm. I'm with the Omaticaya, gathering medicinal herbs for our injured, but can you help me to the surface I need to breathe…'

He shook his head frustrated but for a moment I could see the disbelief in his eyes at my fluency. 'You do not belong here tawtute, let alone in a protected area, go back to the forest.' But his eyes soften when he sees me start to go blue, my eyes pleading as I point to the surface. He sighs exasperated as he snatches my arm and hauls me into his chest atop his Ilu, jetting to the surface. My vision gets splotchy as we break the water, my mask luckily taking in the air again with no issue.

As I fill my strained lungs again, I'm abruptly shoved off the Ilu and dunk under momentarily pouting as I surface and gazing up at the Navi with a smug look on his face. He points his finger at me.

"Do not touch tawtute, it is a protected site and you're too close to the village" he states, shaking his head. "Go" He states his finned arm pointing back to shore.

"Sorry I didn't see the marker, I'll stay away, promise." I put up my pinky finger momentarily before realising he wouldn't know what it meant. He leans back, a hairless brow raising in suspicion.

"Silly tawtute…" He mutters under his breath before urging again "I'll accompany you home just to make sure that Akula leaves you be. I don't want your pitiful death on my conscience." He states "But you're swimming yourself…"

I laugh "Fine by me" I say before setting back on course. I paddle on the water's surface beside the Metkayina on his Ilu, swimming in silence for most of the way. I'm broken out of my thoughts as his words pierce the silence.

"What are those on your feet…" He questioned, with an ounce of curiosity evident in his tone. I gaze back for a moment checking for any foreign matter.

"Flippers. Helps me swim faster and easier, kind of how your feet and tail help you through the water." I say casually, lifting one from the water to flaunt it with a smile, his face scrunching up as water flicks him in the face.

"I see…" His words were cut short as my home was spotted over the water. Nestled into the mangroves and covered in my hand-woven cloths and netting.

"Well, here's my stop" I sigh as I pull myself up into the mangroves and onto the net platforming.

A curious hum leaves his throat as he gazes at my abode. "Looks somewhat like our villages… yet so tawtute." He mumbles scratching at his nape.

Honestly, over the past hour, I have grown fondness for this Navi. I can't help but blurt out "(Y/n)." His eyes shoot to me confused. "My name… it's uh (Y/n)" I state my cheeks flushing.

"(Y/n)…" He takes a moment letting my name digest "Rukan…" he replies before abruptly diving on his Ilu and swimming off in the direction of the village.

"Rukan…. What a nice name" I smile before heading inside to preserve the moss and notifying Norm of a successful expedition.

Enjoy the next chapter in my Masterlist! & join the taglist

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skeletondeerart · 29 days ago

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Sacred Waters, Sacred Hearts Chapter 7

A Male OC! Metkayina x Fem Human! Reader | Word Count: 2700

Masterlist & join the taglist

A/N: Both Rukan and reader are in their mid 20's

TW: Sibling loss, Terminal Illness.

" " = direct speech | ' ' = Metkayina sign language | Bold = English

POV Rukan

As Vurok and I approach the shore, I mull over Nokai’s words: Let Eywa’s plan for you come to fruition. I sighed, knowing that if I continued to pursue this relationship the clan would find out about her sooner or later, yet that thought didn’t bother me anymore. She may have demon blood, but she was my friend first and foremost.

I hoist myself up on the nets above the shore and let my feet ripple the waters and I gesture for Vurok to leave, he nods and ducks under the waves disappearing off into the depths.

“Ru~ where did you run off to? I’ve been looking for you all day!” Säyani called gleefully and she ran up behind me and leant over my sitting form. Her curly waist-length braids fell gracefully around her supple rounded face as her pale green eyes sparkled in the sunlight. She was a peculiar woman, one of the most eligible bachelorettes in the clan yet she clung to my arm like a barnacle.

“Säyani please, I’m trying to think,” I mumbled, smoothing out the crease in my brow. I just needed some silence and acting friendly was tiring. She was just well, let's say too intense for my liking.

“Aw, are you alright?” She asks with a honeyed tone wrapping her arm around my own and leaning her cheek on my bicep to look at me through her lashes.

“Doesn’t matter-” I say, shrugging her off gently. “I’m getting tired, I’m heading in.”

“What? It's only early afternoon! Come for a swim with me.” She whines, shaking my arm gently to get my attention.

I felt my blood start to boil as my ears were pinned to my head. “Enough Säyani- I said I’m tired, that's that.”

Her ears pinned back in shock as her tail swayed to a halt in shame. “Oh-” she said shortly before slowly rising to her feet looking down at her feet unable to meet my eyes. “Alright, see you at dinner Rukan” She mumbled before walking down the beach, her hips swaying as she held her hands to her chest timidly.

I watch her for a second until shame weighs in my chest. I should have handled that better. I groan, splashing my face to clear my mind before standing and heading back to my mauri.

…

I lay on my hammock, my woven blanket tossed over my head hiding myself from the world. I felt ill. Not physically, but because of (Y/N)... I’ve never felt like this before. It was an unusual mix of adoration, curiosity, concern and anxiety. I liked her personality - kind, considerate and a tad clumsy, I wanted to see if the tawtute were as ruthless as in the stories… yet I held concern for her safety alone, and was anxious about this feeling growing further and the danger it would pose to not only her but to my clan.

After all, it was forbidden by Tonowari and Ronal to mingle with the demons. I felt like I was going grey with stress. I wanted to show her my world yet that would risk the clan’s safety… is she just gathering intel? No… that's not her. How could I assume such horrid things?

I abruptly tugged the blanket from my face as I walked to a basket in my mauri holding various fabrics and aquatic ornaments. Making her an aquatic navi set would be a great ‘welcome home’ gift plus it was something to burn time.

I pull out a large leaf and sketch out a sewing pattern template. I carefully made a mock-up of the cut with the leaves but I couldn’t help but imagine what her skin felt like under my palms… how she fit against my form- I flustered at the thoughts shaking my head to focus on fitting the garments to her smaller frame. With practised ease, I began to macrame seagrass and iridescent shells into a top and loincloth. Many hours had passed hunched over my masterpiece, to the point I didn’t notice the cheers and night-life during dinner.

A knock was heard at the entrance of my mauri, but I didn’t bother to look up ��Come in” I called, my voice muffled by the twine held in my teeth ensuring that the line didn’t go slack.

To my surprise, it was Säyani holding a plate of my favourites. My brow raised at this unexpected visitor.

“I know you probably don’t want to see me right now. But I didn’t see you at dinner… I couldn’t see you go hungry.” She said earnestly. She traced the woven floor with her foot while holding her hands out to present the steaming meats.

“Thanks Säyani… I appreciate it.” I say with a small smile standing to collect the plate, my fingers brushing against hers. Her teal cheeks bloomed a purple hue, standing there stunned momentarily before giggling. I tilted my head confused by her recent behaviour. She had never been this shy and giggly before, we have known each other since we were children and she had only started acting like this over the past few months. What was going on? I see her eyes dart down to (Y/N)’s gift on my rug, she pushes past me as I stand there shocked as she picks up the tawtute-sized top.

“Oh, This is adorable! Is this for your little cousin?”

“Hey! Be careful the pearls aren’t secure-” I warn, but it is too late. As Säyani flipped the top over to see the back I heard the plinking of pearls hitting the ground. I let out a loud sigh of frustration as she looked at me like a child who got caught in the oyster jar.

“... my bad… sorry Ru”

I laugh it off to try and distract myself from blowing a fuse “Haha, it’s fine, really. Thanks for the dinner and all”

“No worries… sorry again about the top”

“It's alright” I sigh defeated, crouching down to pick up the pearls and pouring them into a cup ready to rethread them.

“Byee~,” She says nervously as she high-tails it back to the communal dinner.

She certainly is peculiar.

…

After hours of careful work, I stitched the final row of pearls and hung the outfit on a rack to admire it. The ensemble featured a stunning pearl headpiece, a macramé leather top and matching loincloth, each designed with practicality and elegance.

The headpiece bore two delicate strings of iridescent pearls draping gracefully on either side of her face. These strings joined at the center with a polished horn-shell clasp and were complemented by a starfish hairclip that will complement her locks. The top was intricately woven from golden seagrass in a macramé style, accented with a band of pearls on the underbust. Thin, braided straps connected to her top wrap securely around her middle, keeping the garment light and quick-drying. It was perfect for an active life by the ocean.

The loincloth mirrored the top’s intricate design, its knotted twine falling to mid-thigh before gently transitioning into a fine, braided fringe adorned with large pearls at the ends, it swayed gently with every movement.

It was some of my finest work. I carefully fold it up and slip it into a saddle bag ready for her return. I hope she will love it, she will swim faster with no heavy fabrics holding her back and will look like she was one with the reef.

I wipe the sweat from my brow and take a bite of the meats Säyani brought. I smiled at the familiar spices and watched the eclipse from the comfort of my mauri.

…

Another day comes around and I’m out net fishing by the smaller coral Atolls. Bundling up the large net into my arms I twist my torso and launch it perfectly onto the surface of the water, reeling the net back in. I scoop up the fish and deposit them into a large jug to feed the Ilu’s and Skimwings. A squawk was heard and I turned my attention to a baby Ilu, they cooed and eyed off the fish in my hands. With a smile, I toss a runt in their direction. They lept out of the water and caught the fish in their jaws.

“Cute,” I say under my breath as I scratch the Ilu’s chin.

I had caught ample fish so I decided to head back. Looping the straps of the jug on my back I trekked back to the village. Walking along the coral pools, the ankle-deep water rippled as I waved to the other fishermen, they waved in return. I walked along the sand bank and watched the crabs burrow in the wet sand, gracefully avoiding crushing any under my feet. Fifteen minutes later I arrived and dropped off the haul to the mount handlers as I went to attend to my other duties.

“Rukan dear,” My mother's voice called as I passed by her mauri “Make sure you visit your sister sometime today”

“Of course, I’ll never forget,” I say nodding. “I was going to head out now.”

“Good, good… remember to say we love her dearly,” Mother said quietly.

“I will Mum,” I say approaching her and kissing her cheek.

“Good boy- run along now.” She says with a small smile waving me off.

I walk back to my mauri selecting a gorgeous conch shell from my collection and take Vurok to the Cove of the Ancestors. I ducked under the rocky entrance swimming to the center of the cove and dismounting. I tread water as I released a shaky breath, my eyes welling with salty tears. It never gets easier… I only learned to live for her. I submerged myself propelling down to the roots of the tree of souls, leaving the conch shell as an offering to her.

I close my eyes as I sign a prayer ‘Eywa, please guide Rivani te Rena Rashiri’ite through the great flow, and may her light remain in my heart as I walk the path of life without her.’ As I open my eyes I see the tree of souls light up in ripples. It brought a smile to my face as if Rivani was still here. I release the bubbles from my lips and gently bring my kuru to one of the branches, my hair falling away exposing my nerve tendrils. Watching as they intertwined with the leaves I felt like I could breathe effortlessly. The tree of souls gifting me air though my kuru, a spiritual and biological phenomenon. Soon my mind fades and I’m brought back to when I was a child sitting in the family mauri.

…

“Brotheeeer! Quit itttt-” Rivani squeals trying to push his hands away from her. “It tickles!” “I’m the big bad sea monster! You can’t escape me!” Younger Rukan boasted as he wrapped his arms around her middle, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around.

I watch from a distance. This was only a memory. She won’t ever come home again. You would think I would be an utter mess on the floor but it had been so long I could only watch with dewy eyes and a heavy heart. We were only eleven at the time. In a matter of months, Ewya’s plan would take its course. Soon the scene fades to white and a new memory begins.

“Daddy- I don’t feel well,” Rivani murmured in the morning's wee hours, shaking our parents from their slumber. Father rolls onto his side taking her into his comforting embrace. “We will seek out Tsahìk Ronal in the morning, just try and sleep baby,” Father whispered brushing Rivani’s locks away from her sweaty forehead. “M’kay” She whispered and squeezed her eyes shut trying to block out the migraine.

I felt sick to my stomach as the scene changes again. We were all in the Tsahìk’s mauri at dawn. Rivani was shivering and pale laying on the mat as Ronal ran her fingers over her scalp, pressing gently on her bare kuru's base.

“A-AHh!” Rivani wailed unexpectedly, she writhed in agony her hands jumping up to her kuru to pry Ronal off of her. “Mummy! Daddy! Make her stop!” Ronal quickly withdraws her hands and raises to her feet, running behind a curtain to grab supplies. “What is wrong with our daughter!” My parents yelled in fear. Young Rukan quivered burying his face into Father’s back. “It’s ok Baby, we are here..” Mother and Father whispered caressing her sodden cheeks. Her wide blue eyes displayed fear and pain. Ronal walks back and applies a cooling salve to her bare kuru before loosely braiding it again. “Rashiri, Rytek. I need to speak to you privately” Ronal says bluntly, trying to mask her sorrow as my parents hurry behind the curtain with her. “Ru? I’m going to be ok. Right?” Rivani whimpers and she goes to grab Younger Rukan’s hand. He smiles trying to be strong for his twin sister “Of course, we are the Rena’s. We always persevere through hardships. Our name means enduring strength after all.” Soon my parents and Ronal emerge. Mum and Dad were crying and spoke the sentence that would change our family forever. “Rivani… isn’t going to get better.”

All I wanted was to hug my sister but I couldn’t bear to intrude on this memory. I slowly turn away from the medical mauri and walk down the beach trying to calm my heart. Rivani contracted a terminal disease in her brain. It ultimately infected her kuru and made her weak and sickly, slowly eroding her mind and body. Her body began to shut down within two months of her diagnosis. I didn’t go out to play with the other kids during this time, I had spent every second at her bedside feeding her pureed foods since she was getting too weak to even chew.

And one day it happened. It was our twelfth birthday... It was dawn. Pinks, purples and oranges filled the sky, the sun kissing her frail body as we all lay with her.

“Happy birthday Ru… but I think I’m celebrating with Eywa this year… I’m sorry,” Rivani murmured looking deeply into my eyes, her eyes were gentle holding an air of acceptance, she knew her song cord was about to end. “The Navi are always born twice right? I’ll guess I’ll see you soon-” She croaked letting out a feeble cough. The real me slowly entered the mauri and crouched beside my younger self. Rivani’s eyes sparkled in recognition, bearing the biggest and toothiest smile we had seen since she became sick. I smiled back through the tears and brushed the hair from her cheeks. She was the only one who could see me. “Look at how pretty you became Ru- I’m so proud of you.” “I’m so proud of you too Rivani. You fought so hard… it’s ok. Even the best warriors need rest.” I choke out. “We love you so dearly and so does Eywa. See you in your next life.” I whisper leaning down to her cheek, kissing away her tears. “My dear twin brother… We will find each other in the next life. I just know it.” “I believe Eywa will reunite us. For now… rest.” Rivani smiles as her eyes fade and her chest stills. The spirits of my parents of my past self dissipate leaving just me and Rivani’s corpse. Tears stream down my cheeks as the sun crawls in, the rays' warmth caressing her glossy cheeks making her tears look pearlescent and warming her flesh. You could mistake her for simply sleeping in… it seemed like Pandora was also saying its goodbyes. I sit and watch, eyes running over her form, her soul now passed over to Eywa, I sigh as I shut my eyes.

Slowly I fade back to reality. A reality without my twin. A world without my soul sister. I pull my kuru away from the branches reluctantly.

May we meet again dear sister… I think as I swim to the surface as my tears were lost to the waves.

Enjoy the next chapter in my Masterlist! & join the taglist

Taglist! @stag-symbolism @camiicazi @shadyd3ar @cocopuffff @etexin @nanaluvs-me @misplacedvibes @annoyingasexual @royaltysuite @lovemiss-vale @heyitsaliii @lunagala23 @darktrashpoetry @mojo-jojo-1 @samlove391 @ravenswife

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