Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I am writing this on word, so that it's easier for me so bare with me. If there is a same emoji on the chapters then they are in the same world/universe If there is a Pt 2 or 3 it means that that chapter directly follows the last one.

Chapter Text

They had been in Awa’atlu for a week and Neteyam felt like he was drowning. He missed his home. The forest. His people. His Grandmother. He missed climbing in the trees and flying above the clouds. He couldn’t fly on Ajá {“wild wind” is an Orisha, the spirit of the forest, the animals within it and herbal healers} as often anymore. He missed riding the Pali and chasing the Yerik around the forest. He couldn’t believe that he might not ever go home again. That the sky people had destroyed everything. He could remember the time before, when his family was happy, when his mother smiled more and his father wasn’t so strict. When the forest was healthy and Eywa could smile upon them without the pain of grief.

“Neteyam” Looking up from the fish he was supposed to be gutting and towards the person who pulled him from his thoughts, above him stood Tsireya, her long hair flowed over her shoulders and her face was twisted in concern.

“Yes?” “Are you okay?” He looked at her confused. She kneeled down next to him and reached up to wipe his cheek.

“You’re crying.” Her voice was soft as she wiped his cheeks before gently grabbing his hands. He hadn’t realised they were shaking; he didn’t even know he was crying. How embarrassing.

“I…I… Um…I don’t.” Neteyam stuttered. Tsireya watched as his face flushed and his ears folded back.

“Oh, Neteyam it’s okay.” She knelt down and scooped him into her arms, it was so unexpected that he tensed and went ridged. Tsireya started stroking his braids and it felt so nice, and he was so warm. The dam broke, everything he had been feeling for the past week, and even the past years, came rushing out, he collapsed into Tsireya, she just held the other na’vi as he broke apart in her arms.

“It’s okay Neteyam, I’m here for you.” Maybe he had left his home in the forest but perhaps he might just find a different home in the ocean, here in the warm arms of a possible new family.

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The Metkayina’s spirit tree was beautiful, it lit up the entire cove.

Neteyam stayed back as he watched his sisters connect with the tree, Tuk being held up by Rotxo and little Tsireya held Kiri’s hand as they both connected. A small smile, identical to his mother’s, bloomed on his face as he watched the other four’s light up in excitement as they all connected to Eywa. A little glowing fish swam around Neteyam’s legs, he giggled silently as more little glowing fish surrounded him.

A few minutes later Neteyam noticed the fish started getting angsty, they moved and started darting towards Kiri. She was convulsing while still connected to the tree. Neteyam swam towards his sister bumping by Rotxo, disconnecting him, and pulled Kiri from the tree, breaking tsaheylu. He heard Tsireya gasp behind him but ignored it as he grabbed his sister and swam to the surface, pulling her up onto the ilu.

“What is happening?!” Rotxo panicked as he broke to the surface. “

She’s having a seizure.” Neteyam panted out pulling Kiri against him and giving her mouth to mouth trying to get more air into her lungs.

"We need to get her to my mother.” Tsireya said calling for her own ilu while pushing Tuk over to Rotxo and his ilu.

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Max and Norm had arrived early this morning and still they could not find out why Kiri wouldn’t wake up and Neteyam was getting fed up. He had lived with this sky people technology all his life however, he kept his grandmother's views that sky people technology was not the answer to everything, something his father doesn’t seem to get.

The Tsahik had finally intervened. His mother started to push his father out of the marui, Neteyam moved to the side of the room, refusing to leave is sister, as his father guided his siblings out. Ronal started using herbs and chanting to Eywa to heal Kiri.

After 30 minutes and still nothing happening, Neteyam had had enough. He growled while grabbing his knife from beside him and stormed out of the marui, moving passed his family.

“What? Neteyam where are you going?” Neteyam ignored his father as he stomped towards the forest behind their new home. Jake almost shuddered as he watched his eldest son walk away with a glare identical to his mates resting on his features.

Neteyam had reached the trees and climbed up onto one strong enough to hold his weight in order to get a better vantage point to find his target. He ran across the branches of multiple trees as he made his way father into the forest until he came across a rather thin tree with red bark. He jumped down and took his knife out of his sheath and started cutting into the ground to get to the roots of the tree. He reached the roots, which where a deeper red, and cut of a piece stuffing it into the pouch hanging off of his loincloth. He got to his feet and cut off some of the leaves of the tree, wrapping one around the section of the root he cut and then filling in the hole.

“Thank you, Great Mother.”

20 minutes after he had left, Jake spotted his eldest son walking back out of the forest. His ears were pinned to his head and his tailed whipped around behind him in irritation. His lips where set in a scowl and his eyes were hard. Jake was hit with the memory of Mo’at stalking towards him all those years ago when his son had finally started up the mangroves. Tonowari had arrived some time ago with his daughter to deliver more herbs for Ronal because Kiri still wasn’t waking up. Jake herd him shuffle back from where he was next to him as Neteyam walked stalked towards them.

Neteyam walked towards his father while drawing his blade, he passed Tsireya and plucked a shell bowl out of her hand, mumbling a quite sorry and thank you towards the stunned girl. Neteyam got closer to his father and Jake started to sweat because this was beginning to become a little too familiar to his first meeting with his mates mother.

“Daughter what is taking so long?” came Ronal’s voice as she exited the marui, only to stop as she watched the Suli’s oldest child march pass her towards his father. Ronal watched as Neteyam, she remembered his name from all the times her daughter praised him for his quick learnings of their ways, grabbed his fathers arm and with a hiss of “Don’t move.” cut a shallow line just at the cups of the inside of the mans elbow and then turn his arm to collect the blood. Jake looked at his son, stunned by his sharp words and brutal force.

“Neteyam, what are you doing?”

“Saving my sister, your blood is the closest we have to hers. So be quiet please, sir.” was all he got out, in a voice so similar to Mo’at’s, that if he closed his eyes, he could almost believe she was the one in front of him.

“That’s enough.” Was all Neteyam said, again, before he shoved a leaf over the wound and made his way into the marui, passing Ronal and ducking his head mindful and respectful that she was pregnant more than that she was the Tsahik. Ronal noticed this as she followed the other inside, interested in what he would do and prepared to stop him in case he proved to be as…short coming as his father.

Neteyam ignored both the woman in the marui and made his way to the fire. He set the shell on the ledge used to cook food atop it, so that the small puddle inside of blood would start boiling. He then started cutting and smashing up the root, all while asking his mother to grab his beaded bag from the second floor of the marui that he had claimed as his own. (it was really just a large ledge usually used to store large baskets and other items) Ronal watched as Neteyam rummaged through the satchel and produced an almost glowing powder, with which he dropped a pinch into the boiling blood. By now more of the Suli family had made their way into the marui, her own mate and children hung just at the opening of the room. All watched, transfixed, while Neteyam worked, struck by how much he reminded them of certain Tsahik they all knew.

Neteyam ignored all of them as he finally finished crushing the root and then adding it to the mixture. He took the shell off of the fire, not so much as a thought of the heat of the shell. He moved towards Kiri while pulling out a deep cobalt leaf from his satchel and put it into the shell, it stopped steaming immediately, much to the surprise of all those in the room apart from his mother, who felt a sense of pride and longing as she watched her son work. He reminds me so much of you, sister.

Neteyam moved to kneel behind Kiri’s head, lifting it and placing it into his lap. Neteyam parted his sisters lips and poured the contents of the shell down her throat, massaging it so that she didn’t chock. He rested her head back down into his lap and started stroking her hair. Tsireya was the first to move and made her way towards Neteyam. She knelt down next to him.

“What was that?” she spoke quietly to him, Neteyam was half convinced the younger didn’t even know how to raise her voice.

“A mixture of reypay (blood) and a root that heals the soul, usually you use a parent or mates blood but Kiri is special so I had to use fathers. It is why I used a ground up syuratan (glowing) pearl to help balance the mixture. The leaf simply cooled it down so that I could give it to her immediately.”

Ronal was struck speechless by the boys knowledge of healing herbs, even those only found in the reef. She would be almost lost if given only herbs found in the forest to use, meanwhile this boy could identify and correctly know how to use one of the Metkayina’s more rare healing ingredients. She wondered what else this boy knew.

Ao’nung, who had come to collect his father, stood stunned as he watched the na’vi, he would never admit to being fond of, act like the perfect Tsahik.

Everyone was bought out of their thoughts when a harsh gasp filled the room. Kiri had woken up. Neteyam looked down into his little sister’s eyes and was thrown into his first memory of her. She had just been born - two years after Grace’s death, his grandmother believed it took so long because she developed slowly, given the fact Eywa was the one providing energy and nurturance for the babe and that the Great Mother wanted Neteyam to be older than Kiri to help guide and protect one of her most special children. Neteyam had been the first to hold her, after Mo’at who delivered her, she had been so small in his arms and he had sworn that day that he would be everything she needed in this world. Now looking down at her, Neteyam was struck by how big she had grown, how beautiful she had become. He lent down to kiss her brow while she breathed in his scent, enchased in the warmth and safety of her older brother, she fell asleep.

“She’s just sleeping know, she is okay.” Neteyam spoke to the room while he continued to nuzzle into his sister’s neck, holding onto Tiserya's hand while she wiped away the sweat that had accumulated on the exhausted girl with her other. 

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Chapter Text

Neteyam had thought he was going to be in trouble for how he treated his father, not that he could really bring himself to care all that much, but he was supposed to set an example. What type of one was he setting where he could hurt his father while ignoring and being short with him?

He had heard his mother speaking to his father that night while he cuddled up next to Kiri with Tuk’s head on his chest.

“Ma Jake, you must understand.” Neytiri pleaded with her mate.

“I do understand that he was helping Kiri, but that doesn’t excuse his behaviour.” Jake’s voice was short and sharp, his military voice.

“Don’t you use that tone on me. I am proud of what Neteyam did today, and he will not be punished.” And that was final. With a last bearing of teeth, his mother entered the marui. She moved pass while leaning down to nuzzle all of her children’s faces. Even Lo’ak’s, who laid with his head on Neteyam's thigh and his legs draped over Kiri’s middle. Neteyam could already hear the fight that would cause in the morning.

“Good night ma parultsyìp.”

Tsireya had practically kidnapped Neteyam early the next morning.

“Come, Neteyam. You will shadow me today, until we have lessons in the evening.” She was practically bouncing up and down while she pulled him along after breakfast.

“Okay, Okay. I’m coming.” He chuckled while maintaining pace with the over excited young girl.

“Why exactly am I to shadow you today?” “Mother said ‘I will not have his talents waisted on the foolishness that his father has him do.’ Oh My Eywa, those where her words not mine. I did not mean to be rude.” She looked so panicked while she tried to apologies for words that where not even her own.

“It is okay Tsireya, mawey Reya, mawey.” Neteyam rested one of his hands on her shoulder while the other rested on top of her head. Tsireya ducked her head under the touch while a smile adorned her face.

“Okay! We will be stopping by some of the elders to see what they need help with today. Sometimes they get me to help them make paints for the tapestries they make. Other times I get to help look after the children while the elders or mothers go about their tasks.” “You enjoy tasks like this.” It wasn’t a question.

 “Mhm, yes. Sometimes the elders tell me stories while we work and I love playing and teaching the children!” Tsireya was swinging their interlocked hands back and forth while they walked.

“These where my favourite tasks to do for my people in the forest as well.” Neteyam hummed while he help lift the girl over a mangrove root while they made their way up from the sand.

“Really!? You must tell me more of the Omatikaya.” Neteyam chuckled at her excitement, he was always endeared by Tsireya’s openness to everything. He promised to tell her the stories they told around the fires as the two reached one of the community huts.

It had been a couple hours since they had arrived. The elders had them help weave baskets for a short while until most of the children too young to be on the reef on their own had arrived. Neteyam had then introduced them to ‘hide and hunt’ though he dropped the hunt part so it reflected more of hide and seek – he did not need to explain to the children’s parents why some had small cuts that the game demanded they receive upon being caught.

Tsireya and Neteyam where now making their way towards the sea front to meet the others, Neteyam was telling her a story about Lo’ak from when he was younger and how he always failed at hide and hunt because he made too much noise. (mind you, no one else could have heard him) Tsireya was giggling so hard Neteyam had to hold her up and practically carry her as they made their way to the others already gathered around.

“Hi everyone!” Neteyam was so startled by her abrupt change he almost lost balance from her moving up right, only saved by his tail providing him with more balance.

They where now in front on Tuk, Ao’nung, Lo’ak and Rotxo – the very latter of which looked very uncomfortable being in the middle of the glaring match going on between the two formers, all while Tuk splashed in the shallows of the beach – Kiri was ordered my Ronal to rest one more day. Neteyam watched with amusement as his brother perked up at the sound of Tsireya’s voice.

“Hi Tsireya!” Ao’nung rolled his eyes at the boys obvious behaviour, as the two started chatting both with obvious blushes on their cheeks.

“Careful, you roll them too far back and they’ll get stuck.” He jumped at the others voice. Eywa did all of them have to make so little noise when they moved. Ao’nung looked to the side to see that Neteyam had made his way towards them, moving pass him with a giggle to face the direction of Tuk who was now trying to drag Rotxo into her game with the small fishes. Ao’nung was going to retort with how impossible that was when he was struck by the fact Neteyam was wearing pearls, specifically pearls that wrapped around his small waist, pearls that when worn like that were supposed to be for woman, pearls that made Ao’nung have to fight down a vicious flush of his cheeks.

“What are you wearing?” his voice was deeper, even to his own ears. Neteyam looked down at his new waist beads – it was an interesting and different feeling to one made out of actual beads but he had no other name for it.

“Oh, Tsireya and some of the children made it for me. They said it was because my waist was so tiny, whatever that meant?” Oh, his sister was trying to kill him, as if he had not noticed the other Na’vi small waist the second he laid eyes on him, he had been so floored by it that he couldn’t even return Neteyam’s first greeting to him – and he thought the beaded belt was bad. Speaking of. 

“What happened to your beaded belt?” Neteyam looked at him confused, until a wave of realisation.

“Oh, you mean my cummerbund. Father wanted me to stop wearing it, to better assimilate to the reef.”

“You seem sadden by this.”

“I am disheartened, yes. The cummerbund is a symbol of becoming a warrior, to wear one is to indicate that you have completed your iknimaya and are now a warrior of the people.” Neteyam’s hand had moved toward where the article would usually rest, it hurt that he could not wear it, that all he had worked for to become a warrior could mean nothing in the eyes of the Metkayina people.

“You have completed your iknimaya!?” Ao’nung could not believe it. He had heard stories about the Omatikaya rites of passage, it sounded like a brutal and very hard ceremony.

“Yes, I completed it when I was 13. Though it does not mean much here.”

“What do you mean? Of course, it means much here.” Neteyam looked at Ao’nung in bewilderment, the other looked and sounded in absolute awe. Why would it mean anything here? This was not the forest. Ao'nung saw the confusion on the others face and started to explain.

“The reef, while dangerous in its own way, is not nearly as dangerous as the forest – at least from the stories told – and so our own Iknimaya is no where near as challenging as the Omatikaya’s. I mean you have to tame an Ikran!” Neteyam stood shocked as the other male's face contorted from its usual impassiveness to one of wonder and awe.

“I…um.” What was with these two siblings and making him stutter.

“We must take you to my father to inform him immediately.” And with that, Ao’nung took Neteyam’s hand and started dragging him away.

“What? Ao’nung you can’t just...?” Neteyam was cut off by the other asking if any of his sibling have completed theirs.

“Um… no Kiri has only tamed her Ikran and Lo’ak was supposed to carve his bow soon but we left before he could.” Neteyam had just excepted his fate while he waved and shrugged goodbye to the others.

“Did he not fly here on an Ikran?” “It was not his bonded one, sometimes a warrior dies and their Ikran remains behind – tamed. They are then used as practice Ikran.” (this is completely made up, I just like the idea that Lo’ak doesn’t have an Ikran and that’s why he bonds with Payakan so easily) 

"Very well. I will take you too my farther and he will decide what is to become of this information."

Chapter Text

They found the chief at the farther side of the village – where the fishers most commonly unload. Neteyam’s mother and father were also there. Perfect. Neteyam didn’t hold much hope for how this conversation was going to go. He was still being dragged by Ao’nung and he was sure they made an interesting image.

“Papa!” Neteyam was shocked by how… friendly Ao’nung called his father, particularly in such a public setting. Was it not standard for a future Olo’eyktan to be formal with the current Olo’eyktan, was it just an Omatikaya thing? Neteyam took on a conflicted look – eyebrows scrunched together and lips set in a line.

Tonowari turned towards the call of his son only to fall flat as he watched his eldest stalk towards him while dragging Toruk Makto’s eldest behind him, the boy looked less than impressed at being dragged around. Amusement and affection filled the large male as his gaze fell upon his son’s determined face. He looks so much like his mother.

“Yes ma ‘itan” Jake turned towards the new comers, pulling up blank as he watched the rather interesting view of the other teenager pushing his eldest son in front of the chief like he was presenting an exotic animal.

“I can’t teach Neteyam anymore.” Ao’nung said this with such finality that Tonowari had trouble forming the words to question why. Apparently, the boy’s mother had no such issue.

“Why? The tsakarem has praised his progress. What has changed?” Neytiri was less then impressed by the young Na’vi and his behaviour towards her middle children. She could understand that he was uncomfortable with the blatant difference, that she was sure he had been taught ment the signs of a dream walker. However, she did not see any need for him to be this dismissive of Neteyam. Neteyam took after her most out of her children in both looks and demeanor.

“Yes, he has made great progress. He is an amazing diver. However, something has indeed changed.” Ao’nung spoke with a firm but respectful voice as he addressed the female warrior. Neteyam looked at him in a stunned fashion. He had not expected for Ao’nung to say that. While it was true he picked up diving quicker than his siblings, that was only because there used to be a waterfall with a deep pool high up in the mountains that he would frequent often in order to find a peaceful place to better connect to the Great Mother.

Neteyam moved to stand closer to his mother while gesturing in respect to the Olo’eyktan, who gestured back in kind before turning towards his son once more.

“Then what has changed son and why can’t you teach him anymore?”

"He has completed his iknimaya, papa.” Ao’nung gestured towards Neteyam. Tonowari turned quickly to Neteyam, looking him over. His eyes fell on the pearls wrapped around the, apparently, young man’s waist and remembered the cummerbund that had been replaced. He only wore it upon their arrival and Tonowari had not thought much of it.

“Is this true?” he indicated his question towards the na’vi himself, his eyes flickering towards Neytiri. Neteyam shuffled under the chief’s stare before schooling his features into a blank stare his grandmother had taught him.

“Yes, Olo’eyktan. I completed my iknimaya 3 years ago. I had been training along side the warriors of my past village, as well as training with my grandmother to eventually begin taking a more spiritual leadership role among the village. She provided me with teachers from the ancestors to help teach me the ways of the Olo’eyktan while my father was busy securing our safety and fighting the sky people.” Neteyam spoke evenly, but his mother knew him well enough to note the pride within his voice as his tail came to wrap around her ankle, something he used to do often as a child for comfort and later when he was apprehensive of an answer his father would give.

Tonowari stood stark still as he stared in surprise at the warrior in front of him. He was only broken out of his stupor by his son who had come closer.

“That is why I cannot teach him anymore father. He is of a higher skill than I. I think it’d be best he be taught among the other new warriors. It would also provide me with the time to continue my training for my iknimaya and complete my other duties. Neteyam could even offer me some insight.” Ao’nung spoke with such sincerity that Neteyam was having trouble believing if this was the same na’vi.

No, it wasn’t.

Because this was a glimpse at the real Ao’nung. The one Tsireya loved to tell stories about – one who sang their song cords whenever she had a nightmare, one who gifted their mother with a pearl stained in his own blood because he accidently broke one of his mother’s ones that came from a particularly nasty and sharp clam. This was an Ao’nung Neteyam wanted to get to know. He flushed beautifully at the realisation as his tail swung back and forth, much to his mother’s amusement.

Tonowari looked at his son in pride. He was proud that Ao’nung could admit such things as well as even ask – in a roundabout way – for help. Jake on the other hand was confused. Neteyam completed his iknimaya with Ronal and Neytiri, apparently the Great Mother had spoken to the former upon Neteyam’s birthday and had shown signs that his son was ready to become a warrior. Jake didn’t understand why an Omatikaya iknimaya would hold any value here at the reef nor why his son was of a ‘higher skill’ than the boy who had been raised here. Through his thoughts, Jake heard Tonowari exclaim.

“Well than, we must get him started on his training immediately so that he may, should he choose, become a full adult member of our tribe.” What? Why would he become an adult of the tribe? His son was only sixteen. Jake still stood to the side. He would not question the chief in an open setting such as this. I will speak to Neytiri of this later.

“Oh, this is wonderful news. He will have to tame a Tsurak (skimwing) first, correct?” Neytiri directed her question to the chief, her arms came up to wrap around Neteyam’s shoulders. Tonowari turned towards the woman while laying his hand on his son’s head to convey his proudness.

“Yes. And due to the fact that our iknimaya’s aren’t as challenging as yours I see it futile for him to go through them all. In addition, am I correct to assume that you have bonded with an Ikran?” He directed his last question to Neteyam, who nodded.

“Yes, her name is Ajá.” Tonowari just nodded while guiding the group further into the water. Before doing so he directed his attention towards one of the fishers – that was definitely listening into the conversation.

“Round up the village, those who wish to see this young one tame his Tsurak are welcome.”

“Yes chief.” And the na’vi ran off. Neteyam turned towards Tonowari from where he was sandwiched between his mother and Ao’nung.

“Sir, would it be okay if I call on Aja? I do not want her to feel temperamental or rejected should I be able to successfully bond with the Tsurak. It is just that I have never bonded with a being that only takes one rider apart from her, I do not know how she will react if she is not warned first.” Tonowari turned towards Neteyam, weighing the logistics of this request.

“Very well. Call upon your soul sister.” Neteyam separated himself from the group and let out a loud call from the back of his throat and then a high yip that echoed across the water. He was unsure of how well she would hear him with no trees to echo his call off of, so he reached out with his mind to try and connect to her. He felt for her and then called out in his mind when he felt her awareness. She was unsure herself if what she heard was him so she was reaching out too. Ao’nung watched as Neteyam called out for his Ikran and then went quiet for several seconds while his ears twitched around constantly and his back went pin straight. “

He is calling out to her in his mind because there are no trees for his call to bounce off of. It is very difficult to do and speaks to the bond he shares with her that he is able to do it.” Neytiri spoke up upon the questioning looks from the two na’vi next to her. She noted in the back of her mind Jake’s quietness. She did not know what it meant but she was not hopeful of the outcome of any conversation they had regarding Neteyam in the near future.

Chapter Text

There was a loud screech that pierced the ears of every Na’vi that had come to watch the young warrior tame his Tsurak. Emerging from the dense canopy overhead, a massive Ikran descended gracefully toward the gathered crowd. Its iridescent wings shimmered in the sunlight filtering through the forest's edge, casting rainbow hues across the faces of the assembled villagers. Neteyam stood transfixed, his eyes wide with a mix of awe and adoration, Eywa he loved his Ikran.
Ajá, his loyal Ikran, circled the gathering once before coming to a graceful landing not far from where Neteyam stood. The young warrior approached her confidently, speaking softly in Na'vi as he extended a hand toward her. Ajá eyed him warily at first, her posture tense and wings slightly raised, she was obviously wary of the number of eyes that were trained on her. But as Neteyam continued to speak in soothing tones, the tension in her muscles visibly relaxed. She stepped forward, nudging her snout against his outstretched hand, reaffirming their bond stronger when Neteyam made tsaheylu.
Loud murmurs started up, many of the Metkayina had never even seen an Ikran before. Ao’nung had never seen anything more beautiful, and terrifying, then when he watched Neteyam bounding with his soul-sister.
In the midst of it all, Neteyam had his soul focus on Ajá, his hand gently resting on her snout. "Ajá, my loyal sister," he began in a soft, reassuring tone. "Today marks a new chapter for us both. I must bound with a skimwing today in order to continue my path within this new tribe, but our bond will remain unbreakable, of that I assure you."
Ajá rumbled softly, her eyes reflecting understanding and trust. She leaned her head against Neteyam's chest, the warmth of their connection palpable. In that moment, amidst the murmurs of the Metkayina, Neteyam and Ajá shared a quiet exchange of love and mutual respect—an unspoken promise that their bond would endure whatever challenges lay ahead.
There was a moment of hushed anticipation as Neteyam and Ajá stood together. Neteyam gently withdrew from Ajá's comforting presence, his eyes conveying reassurance as he turned towards the towering figure of Tonowari, the chief of the Metkayina.
Tonowari approached with measured steps, his expression a blend of solemnity and pride. "Neteyam of the Omatikaya, today you stand before us to take another step in your journey among the Metkayina. The bond you share with Ajá is a testament to your spirit and strength, but now you must prove yourself anew to our tribe."
Neteyam nodded respectfully, his heart filled with determination. He glanced back at Ajá, who remained a steadfast presence, her wings slightly flared in a display of support. With a final reassuring touch, Neteyam turned towards the edge of the clearing where a Skimwing, a sleek aquatic creature with iridescent scales and powerful wings, awaited him.
The Skimwing regarded Neteyam with intelligent eyes, its sleek form shifting restlessly on the water's edge. Neteyam approached cautiously, aware of the Skimwing's reputation for testing its riders with its swift movements and aquatic agility. He spoke in soothing tones, reaching out to touch the creature's side in a gesture of respect and trust.
Sensing Neteyam's intent, the Skimwing tensed momentarily before lunging forward into the water with surprising speed. Neteyam reacted instinctively, his grip tightening on the creature's dorsal fin as they skimmed across the surface, water spraying in their wake. The Skimwing dove suddenly, its wings slicing through the water as it tested Neteyam's resolve.
Neteyam held on with determination, his muscles straining against the Skimwing's powerful movements. He adjusted his balance with each twist and turn, his focus unwavering despite the exhilarating challenge. The crowd watched in awe as Neteyam and the Skimwing danced across the water's surface.
As they reached a moment of stillness amidst their dance, Neteyam closed his eyes briefly, centering himself. With a deep breath, he extended his one hand to grip his braid where his queue rested while the other reached towards the Skimwing's neck, feeling the pulse of its life force beneath his touch, gently yet firmly gripping the Skimwing’s own queues. In a surge of determination and reverence, Neteyam initiated tsaheylu—the sacred bond that linked Na'vi and beast.
The Skimwing hesitated, its movements slowing as it felt the gentle yet firm touch of Neteyam's connection. A wave of calm washed over both rider and creature as the bond solidified, their spirits intertwining in harmony. The crowd fell silent, witnessing the rare and profound moment of unity between warrior and Skimwing.
Tonowari's voice rang out across the clearing, filled with admiration and respect. "Neteyam has proven himself worthy of the Skimwing's trust. May this bond strengthen him as he embraces his new path within our tribe."
Neteyam opened his eyes, a radiant smile spreading across his face as he felt the Skimwing's acceptance and trust. He dismounted gracefully, patting the creature's side affectionately as a symbol of their newfound partnership.
In that moment of triumph and celebration, Neteyam's eyes met Ao’nung’s pride and awe reflected back at him and he couldn’t help but flush further, ducking his head as his heart swelled with gratitude for the bonds that had shaped him—the bond with Ajá, his steadfast Ikran, and now, the bond with his Skimwing, a new companion on his path among the Metkayina.

Chapter Text

Neteyam couldn’t see straight, there was too many sounds, gunshots, explosions, screams.
Eywa, there was so many screams.
His heart was beating out of his chest as he ran with his siblings. He has to get them out of here, they couldn’t get hurt, he would do anything to make sure they wouldn’t. He heard a shuffle from behind him, turning around he saw a sky person lining up his gun.
It was aimed directly at Lo’ak.
Absolutely not, this sky demon was not taking his brother away from him. Neteyam pushed Lo’ak into the water when, getting behind him and effectively getting in front of the bullet, he turned around and threw his knife at the demon’s head. Just as he felt the bullet lodge in his chest and he lost his balance and fell into the water, he watched as the knife made contact. Bullseye bitch.

His siblings raced towards the three rocks, he had gotten behind his brother while Tsireya had his sisters ridding with her, no one had noticed he was bleeding yet. That was okay, he didn’t want to worry them, they had to worry about getting to safety first. Once he made sure they were safe he could rest. He lent against his brother, feeling his heartbeat steady in his chest.
“Neteyam? Are you okay?” he heard his brother ask. “’m okay, just ‘eep going.”
Lo’ak turned to look at his brother. His eyes grew wide as he took in the sight of his big brother. He looked pale. He looked fucking dead.
“Tsireya! Kiri! Somethings wrong, Neteyam doesn’t look too good!” Lo’ak screamed to Tsireya and his sisters. Kiri turned and tried to look at her older brother, that’s when she noticed the red, it was following them in the water.
“Lo’ak, are… are you bleeding?” Kiri asked hesitantly, Lo’ak felt a chill go down his spine, he thought that the wet feeling was just water. He felt back, touching his own back and then brought it out in front of his face. It was red.
“Shit, hold on brother! Tsireya faster” Lo’ak moved on to try and contact his father, his hands were shaking while his tail moved to wrap around his older brother’s waist, his older brother who was bleeding out on his shoulder.
“Father. Father!” “What is it Lo’ak!? Where are you and the others!? Are you all okay?!” Lo’ak had never felt relief like he did hearing his father’s voice in that moment.
“No… No father somethings wrong. Neteyam’s been hurt. Fath…dad he looks like he’s dying.” Lo’ak’s voice was a whimper. There was a long pause after that, the only thing that could be heard was heavy breathing until Neytiri’s voice came through, a controlled calm that broke the chaos of Lo’ak’s mind.
“Tell us where you are Lo’ak.” “We’re just making our way to the three rocks… I um I” “It’s okay ‘itan, mawey, I can see you. Get your brother there and put pressure on the wound.” “Yes ma’am”

“Neteyam, please stay with me,” Lo’ak pleaded, his voice trembling as he applied pressure to the wound. “Just a little longer, okay?”
Neteyam's breaths were shallow, a flicker of consciousness behind his glazed eyes. “Lo’ak… I’m—”
“Don’t!” Lo’ak interrupted, his grip tightening. “Don’t say it. Just keep your eyes on me.”
Neytiri’s eyes scanned the scene, landing on her eldest son, and a raw anguish surged through her. “Lo’ak! Tsireya! Kiri! Tuk! Get to safety!” she commanded, her voice steady despite the fear that gripped her heart.
“We can’t leave him!” Kiri cried, her voice cracking as she fought against her mother’s order, Tuk letting out a sob.
“Do as I say!” Neytiri insisted, urgency seeping into her tone. “We’ll handle this. Go now!”
With one last look, Lo’ak released a choked sob, urging Tsireya, Kiri and Tuk to swim ahead. He stayed with Neteyam, feeling the warmth slowly leave his brother's body, the vibrant life dimming with each breath. His brother, who was always so strong, was laying in his lap looking like Eywa would take him away any moment.
Jake moved swiftly, assessing the situation. He knelt beside his sons, his gaze hardening as he took in Neteyam’s pale form. “We’ll get you help, son. Just hold on,” he said, voice low but steady.
“Dad… I can’t…” Neteyam gasped, a pained smile flickering across his face. “I… I love you.”
“Don’t you dare say goodbye,” Jake said fiercely, gripping Neteyam’s shoulder, his heart shattering as he felt the life slipping away.
Neytiri took up Tsireya’s old position, gently combing her sons braids away from his face; before she moved to apply pressure to the wound. “Stay with us, Neteyam. You are strong, my son. Fight!”
Neteyam’s eyes fluttered, glancing at his family—his mother, his father, his brother. A soft, peaceful look crossed his face as if he were seeing something beyond the chaos surrounding them. “I’ll… always be with you…”
“No!” Lo’ak screamed, his voice breaking as he shook his brother gently. “Neteyam, please!”
But Neteyam’s eyelids fluttered shut, his body going slack against Lo’ak’s hold. The light in his eyes faded, leaving behind a haunting stillness.
“Neteyam!” Lo’ak cried, a howl of agony that pierced through the din of war, his mother’s following only a moment after. Neytiri moved to wrap her arms around Lo’ak, pulling him close as they both sobbed, the reality of loss crashing down like the waves around them.
“Lo’ak, Neytiri, we need to move. We can’t stay here,” Jake said, his voice thick with pain but resolute. “We have to finish this fight for him.”
Neytiri nodded, wiping away tears as she stood firm, determination igniting in her chest. She brought Lo’ak up with her, holding her, now, only son to her breastbone. “For Neteyam,” she whispered, her voice like steel.
“Let’s go,” Jake urged, and with a final, lingering glance at his son’s still form, they turned away from the three rocks. Away from the body of their eldest son.

As the eldest of the Sully family moved to meet up with the other, they missed the moment gentle waves lapped at Neteyam’s body. Missed the moment those gentle waves slowly carried his body out to sea, slowly sinking it as Eywa welcomed her little warrior. The Sully’s were too busy trying to ignore their grief for the moment that they missed the soft breeze that swirled around them. Missed the split second that that breeze took on the form of their missing warrior, missed the moment he hovered over them. Neteyam was a warrior, not a solider, and warriors never went down so easily; warriors didn’t follow rules, not when it meant hurting the ones they loved. Neteyam had always been his mother’s warrior. It was time he proved that.

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I'm sorry for being AFK for so long. I started university (Bachelors in Behavioural Science and Justice is kicking my ass). I'm currently on semester break, unfortunately the dopamine has shifted to another fandom - I'm currently fixated on Teen Wolf and plan to write a PackMom Stiles fic (probably similar to this fic). I'm sorry for anyone who wanted an update on this fic but I know that if I try to force it, my writing will either turn out bad or I'll start resenting this fic. I'll try my best to get back into this fandom.
Thank you for all your support and I hope that any of you that also love Teen Wolf will go and have a look at my new fic when I publish it.