Chapter Text
Neteyam, Tsireya, Rotxo, and Kiri all arrived at the Metkayina spirit tree right as eclipse was starting. Tsireya brought them there so that they can connect with Eywa for the first time since they left home. Lo'ak wasn't able to come because he said he needed to do something, Neteyam just thinks that he is getting tired of not spending alone time with Tsireya. Aonung was going to join, however the argument between Neteyam and him cause him to not go. Neteyam was glad, he really didn't think he could see that liar again for today.
Neteyam got off his ilu, going down to the tree with the others. Tsireya motioned for him and Kiri to connect to the tree before she and Rotxo probably did. Neteyam grabbed his kuru and connected with the tree, sending him to his ancestors.
A man approached the young omatikaya, looking down on him. Why did he always feel so small towards everyone. He was only slightly shorter than Aonung and Rotxo. He was taller than Lo'ak, yet no matter what he felt small. The taller Na'vi before Neteyam proved his point.
The man didn't speak, he just pointed to Neteyam's ears then to his heart. "Listen to my heart? I can't. I have to take care of my siblings before I can." Neteyam exclaimed, not believing what he was seeing. The taller Na'vi didn't say a word as he faded into the back, leaving Neteyam by himself.
Neteyam stood there, trying to understand everything before a tall Metkayina faded into his view. This teal blue Na'vi was taller than Neteyam, but it made sense as the stranger was an adult. The man had half his hair up in a bun and half down. There were tattoos across the skin, making it more known that he was an adult. The Na'vi had a familiarity to him. He was similar to Aonung. Wait, was Neteyam looking at an older version of... Aonung? Once the older Aonung stood before him, instead of being the height an adult would be, he shrunk down to Neteyam's height. Making them see eye to eye like they were equals.
This confused Neteyam. Why was this so different than how he always felt insignificant to everyone around him. He always felt smaller, yet it was like Eywa was showing him that Aonung sees him as an equal, not someone that the Metkayina looks down upon in a metaphorical stand point. The older Aonung looked like he was going to speak to him. Like he was about to be told everything and he was ready to listen. Whatever Eywa had to tell him through Aonung must be important.
His name came out of Aonung's mouth as he was pulled rather forcefully back to reality by Rotxo. He looked at the Metkayina and saw him pointing to Kiri who was having a seizure. As quick as he could, the young Omatikaya rushed to his sister's side, detaching her from Eywa and bringing her up to the surface. His ilu rushed over so he coulf put an unconscious Kiri on the reef creature. That's when he started to to give his sister CPR.
Rotxo came to the surface as quick as he could with Tsireya, looking at Kiri in concern. "Will she be okay?" Neteyam looked at the two before looking back down at his sister.
"Let's get her back, she needs a Tsahìk fast." Two more ilus came up to the Metkayina kids, all rushing back to the reef.
~Time Skip~
Neteyam sat by the water, looking out as he held his knees close to his chest. Kiri was okay, but still unconscious. He blamed himself for taking his eye off of her, now he has to figure out what Eywa was trying to show him. What was the older version of Aonung gonna tell him? He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice someone approaching.
"Is Kiri okay?" Neteyam looked up at the Na'vi finding Aonung, nervous as can be. He nods at the Metkayina, slowly standing up.
"Yes, she is fine. Aonung, I'm sorry for getting upset at you." Neteyam quickly blurts out. He looks back out towards the water, not wanting to look in Aonung's eyes.
"You're okay, I did push it. Are you doing fine, though?" Aonung grabs Neteyam's hand, making the omatikaya look at him. Neteyam nods, smiling softly. "Let me walk you back to your marui." Aonung starts walking with Neteyam beside him. Neteyam thinks about how Eywa showed him what Aonung would look like when he is older, as they walk. Aonung stays quiet, letting Neteyam think as they hold hands.
"Thank you Nung." Neteyam smiles, as they reach his marui. Aonung slowly let's go of the others hand, not fully wanting to part.
"It's my pleasure, Teyam. Please take care of yourself, okay?" Neteyam smiles softly, laughing behind his hand. Aonung smiles proudly once he sees Neteyam's smile. Neteyam watches Aonung leave before he goes into his home. Everyone is already asleep, making it easier for him to walk in and lay down without anyone noticing.
Neteyam looked out the door once he laid down. The unknown Na'vi was telling him to listen to his heart, yet Neteyam didn't know how that would be possible. He stared down at himself before reluctantly closing his eyes, thinking about Aonung and his tattoos that he will receive once the Metkayina is older.
Falling asleep, Neteyam never realized he never reassured Aonung that he will take care of himself, yet the taller Na'vi did. Aonung lay awake, thinking over and over about how Neteyam never properly answered him, instead he laughed. He laughed at the idea of putting himself first for once, and that is what scared Aonung.