Archive of Our Own ^beta

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.

POV Rukan

“...I - I will miss you.”

“You barely know me yet...”

“I want to get to know you”

The words circle in my mind endlessly. What am I doing? I look down at (Y/N)’s sleeping figure. Her face contorted in pain as her injured leg flexed in her dream state. I shouldn’t hold these emotions for her, it shouldn’t matter if she goes away, leaving me in the reef. Leaving me behind.

My mind reeled I was going to offer to take care of her… I hoped she didn't catch on to what I nearly said. It was stupid of me and I wasn’t thinking straight. I have to take her origin into account, if I brought her back to Awa'atlu she would be chased out or killed.

My people had suffered immensely because of the tawtute; actions so heinous that there was zero tolerance for their species to enter Awa’atlu. From the poaching of Tulkun and killing of our brothers and sisters, no matter how harmless (Y/N) was; they would only see her for her species – greedy and violent. It wouldn’t matter if she had a kind heart or gentle hands—they would see her as a threat.

Tonowari and Ronal would never allow it. Bringing a human into the heart of the village? Into the sacred spaces our clan held dear? If I brought her back, I would be risking her life –  and risking my own reputation or potential exile. If others saw me protecting her, would they notify Tonowari and Ronal? Perhaps thinking I had sided with the tawtute. What if they thought I had betrayed Eywa’s will to care for a demon? What if the clan saw our rendezvous as a weakness, an inability to protect them from what I swore to keep out at my Iknimaya?

I exhale and fully recline myself running my hands down my face, careful not to accidentally pull my tail from her head. I notice her skin prickle in tiny bumps, my brows furrow in curiosity as I lean in closer and run a single finger down the plane of her arm watching tiny hairs stand up at my touch. The corner of my lip raised in amusement before watching her shiver. Ah, she's cold, I realised. My body moved without thinking. Holding her head gently, I replace my tail with one of my arms and curl my tail over the expanse of her stomach, slotting my body beside her own. I watched her breathing slow and her head rolled to face me. Her features are concealed in the glass's confines, her skin glistening with sweat and seawater and her eyelashes flutter gently as she dreams. 

What do tawtute dream of? I pondered as my head moved to stare at the ceiling, my other arm supporting my head. I assess the bruises and scrapes that littered her form, at the vulnerability that made her look so small and helpless. Protecting (Y/N) felt natural, but I couldn’t face away from the guilt. Every instinct instilled into me since birth fought against the idea of letting her into my life, yet every time I saw her struggling to keep up, saw her silently tending to her wounds, my resolve wavered and the urge to protect grew. Eventually, the subtle lapping of the water lulled me into my dream state, all worries fading away. 

…

“Rukan-” I am stirred awake by (Y/N) shaking me by the shoulder. “I want to head back, I think the storm has passed.” I groan, rolling over onto my stomach and pretending to fall back asleep, my smile hidden behind my arms.

“You ass.” She huffs with an amused chuckle and shuffles to face the wall momentarily before she begins scooching to the water. I sit up abruptly at that and launch forward to grab her arm before she slides in.

“Hold on, you can't swim in your condition.”

“Then take me back, I need to see a doctor.” She huffs still exhausted from yesterday. I push her attitude to the side, she's been through a lot in the past 24 hours.

I hold my hand in the air in surrender “Alright, alright. Let's get moving.” I say reluctantly. In reality, I knew I wasn't going to see her for a while, and that depressed me for some reason. I just wanted to stay in this moment forever, but that was cruel to her.

I take her in my arms and slide us gently into the water. The waters were silent, all sea life still huddled in their dens but the storm had passed. Resurfacing she uses my arm as a crutch as we approach the remains of her metal marui. She makes a saddened noise as she gazes at the state of her home.

“I spent a lot of time making this feel like home. Never saw the appeal in the cold metal. Shame I have to start again.” She murmurs, lowering herself on one of the few intact nets and just takes everything in.

“Rukan, can you go inside and get my tablet? It’s a blue glass slate, it should be near my bed,” she asks, I nod quickly and move to fetch the device, crawling back inside and taking a second to look around. I see sodden and battered tapestries skillfully stitched and hung on every wall. I trace my hand over the fabric and realise each of the three tapestries depicts different scenes. One was of the Omatikaya and the Hallelujah mountains, I gazed in awe at detailed Ikran amongst the clouds with their riders. Another was an underwater scene with the Metkayina and the Tulkun, depicting infants swimming with Ilu. Then my eyes fell upon the final tapestry, it was a beach scene… but I didn’t recognise any of the plants. Three tawtute were depicted playing in the shallows yet they had no masks. The child looked eerily like (Y/N)... was this her family on Earth?

“Rukan?” I hear (Y/N) call from outside. “You ok in there?” I sweep the floor finding the tablet hidden under a blanket and something else falls out. My song cord? I frantically pat my waistband where it was usually tied to find the area vacant. How did I not notice it missing? But how did (Y/N) have it in the first place?

 “Rukan, seriously are you alright?” She calls again, her voice rising in concern.

“Yes, yes. Coming!” I call back before securing it to my waistband and tucking the tablet under my arm, clambering out of the Marui. 

I take a breath and lean down handing the tablet off to her I watch her tap away, looks like she is talking to another tawtute in a language I can’t understand. “Can I ask you something?” I ask looking at her intently. 

“Yeah go for it.”

“You had my song cord, where was it?”

“Oh, you dropped it when you were fishing, probably got snagged on a rock and it came loose. I spotted it and picked it up. Intending to give it back of course.” She says jokingly.

“Ah, Thank you so much! They mean so much to the Navi. I would have been heartbroken if I couldn't find it.” I express in gratitude, (Y/N) smiling in return “On another note, I was just looking at the tapestries on your walls” She meets my eyes and her gaze softens as she hums in acknowledgement. “Did you make them, they are made well.”

She giggles brushing stray hairs from her cheeks. “Mm, I did. I’m not all data and research you know. I love to stitch in my free time.”

“You would get along with my Mother, she also loves stitching.” The words just spill from my lips without thinking.

She smiles looking up at me, scratching the nape of her neck “You think so?” I smile and nod my chest feeling warm as she looks at me.

“You know, back on Earth, I wanted to be an artist, to make tapestries and sell them around the world. But that didn’t pay the bills. So I studied marine biology and soon joined the Avatar program to help find a solution for our dying oceans.” She sighs dejectedly.

“It’s very sad that your talents were not recognised by your people.”

“Very sad, Rukan… very sad indeed” She replied. “But on the other hand, I wouldn’t be here with you right now. I would still be in a sick world without ever knowing the beauty of Pandora.” She smiles gently at the thought. “Everything happens for a reason, you must see the dark to know when you’re in the light…”

“Very true,” I say as I sit down, swaying my legs off the ledge as I watch the shoreline in the distance.

“Norm and Max will be here soon. They were already on their way when they saw the storm approaching.” (Y/N) stated, twiddling her thumbs and adjusting her lacklustre leg brace.

“Please come back soon…” I whisper. More to myself than to her. I stare at my feet, missing the downcast look on her features.

“Hey.” She whispers, I turn to her and see her holding her pinky out to me. That strange fifth finger. I remember she did that when we first met. “Promise?” She sees my confused look before elaborating “This is the way tawtute swear by our word. Now you know I will return. Come on Rukan, intertwine your outer finger with mine to seal the promise.”

I try my best to withhold a smile yet can’t help myself reaching out and intertwining my finger with hers. She gives it a single shake and lets go. “I’ll hold you to that. See you soon” I say as I see the helicopter settle onto the sand. An Omaticaya in tawtute clothing and a regular tawtute man emerge, running down the beach to (Y/N).

POV (Y/N)

“NORM! MAX!” I call out excited to see my friends in person after so long.

“(Y/N), Holy shit- we came to check up on you when we saw the storm on the radar. Good thing we set off so early. You would be stranded out here for days with a broken leg.” Norm rambled, his looming avatar flailing around in worry. Then he and Max notice Rukan’s presence. Rukan coughs awkwardly into his fist and gives a wave.

Norm and Max became flustered, and quickly gave the greeting gesture and began speaking Navi. “Oh hello! (Y/N) didn’t notify us she made a Metkayina friend.” Rukan’s ears prick up in acknowledgement and giving his greeting gesture in return.

“Ah, you are both fluent. A nice surprise. Yes, I’m (Y/N)’s friend. I’ve been caring for her during the storm. She said she would be moving back to the Omaticaya temporarily. When will she return to the ocean?” Rukan says to the two men, I smile as he refers to me as a friend.

“Ah, well that depends, she needs to heal and tend to some matters in the primary base, plus the base needs to be rebuilt. It will take a couple of weeks for everything to be resolved.”

“A-a couple of weeks?” Rukan responds startled.

“Yes - Her leg needs to be monitored to ensure no long-standing damage occurs. It's in her best interest to stay with the medics.” Max tries to reason with Rukan.

I watch Rukan’s features screw up and he crosses his arms over his chest in denial. I reach out and place a hand on his bicep. “Remember we promised. I’ll return as soon as I can.” I reason and I see his ears droop.

I miss the knowing look shared between Norm and Max during our interaction.

“Come on (Y/N), it's time to say your goodbyes. We need to get you checked out.” I sigh knowing our time has come to an end. Norm goes to wrap his blue arm around me but Rukan beats him to it. I squeak in surprise at his firm grip.

“I’ll walk her,” Rukan states, both of us walking ahead of Norm and Max. Rukan climbs up the steps and places me gently in the middle seat, watching me strap myself in. 

I look up at him with a soft smile. “You won't even notice I’m gone. Just do your normal duties and I'll be back before you know it.” 

With a solemn nod, he pats my knee momentarily and hops out, walking away from the helicopter. Soon Norm and Max strap themselves in and signal the pilot to lift off. The whirring of the propellers makes me cover my ears before Norm slips on some earmuffs. As the helicopter ascends I look down watching a teal form get smaller and smaller. I faintly see Rukan waving goodbye and I wave back. It saddens me to leave the ocean, but I know I’ll return stronger than ever.

As Rukan disappears from view Norm asks a question I hate on an 8-hour flight.

“So who’s that Metkayina boy?”

Oh, Eywa. This is going to be a long couple of weeks.

“You got chased by a what!” Norm exclaims, his eyes seemingly bulging out of his skull.

“An Akula. It could be compared to a great white shark; it was dark down there and I didn’t see the protected marker, ok? All that matters is that I got out alive.” I groan looking away dismissively. I hear Max huff silently judging my poor choices but Norm rips it into me.

“By a stroke of luck (Y/N)! If Rukan wasn’t there you would have been its dinner.” Norm lectured as he pinched his nose in exasperation “You have to be more aware of your surroundings when you’re solo. If you pull stunts like this again we might need to consider withdrawing you from the marine branch and find you a safer role in Omaticaya Territory. We can’t risk losing more people-”

“You can’t do that to me! I’m a marine biologist, what would I even research in the forest, tiny ponds and creeks?” I say exasperated trying to mask my fear of not seeing the reef or Rukan again. I feel Max place a hand on my shoulder giving me a look to calm down.

“We are just concerned for you is all, the reefs are dangerous and being the only human there we can’t guarantee we can reach you in time (Y/N)” Max reasons shuffling in his seat antsy from the long commute. I’m prepared to continue my protest but am interrupted by the pilot.

“Attention passengers, we are passing through the Hallelujah Mountains in Omaticaya Territory. The local time is 6 AM. Preparing to land, ensure all seatbelts are fastened.” She says over the intercom, the descent making my ears pop. As we park on the pad, two medics rush to the door with a wheelchair. I unbuckle, and Norm lowers me slowly into the chair, my injured leg propped up as I’m wheeled inside. 

For a fleeting moment, I looked around at the outpost watching fondly as Omaticayian children ran around and playfully tugged the tails of roaming avatars, they exclaim in surprise before playfully bearing their teeth at the children and chasing them around. I giggle before I'm depressurised and moved to the medical wing of the base.

I zoned out for a while, debriefing with the medics as they x-rayed my leg and determined I needed surgery to correct the leg. I’m changed into a loose gown and the area is sanitised and they wheel in equipment. Two hours had passed to ensure the clinic was ready for the procedure.

I’m carefully lifted onto the surgical table and administered anesthesia as the scrubbed-up, surgeons pull on the final layer of gloves.

“Just count down from thirty for me please,” The anesthesiologist instructed as she released the medication into the mask. I began to count down slowly as I took in the sedative. The room became fuzzy and I hardly felt them disinfecting the site. I reached sixteen before my mind faded and I drifted off.

…

“Starfish?” a gentle voice calls as my vision fades in. I realise I am no longer on the operating table but sitting on a sandy shore basking in the Sun. 

Yet this wasn’t Pandora. This was Earth. My confusion is broken by a gentle hand on the crown of my head.

“Mum?” I choke out as my eyes meet hers, my lip quivering and my heart aching. She had not aged a day since I left on the shuttle. Her gentle eyes and calm voice washed over me like a cool wind during a heatwave. I shot up from my seat and wrapped my arms around her shoulders.

“Mum!” I repeated in disbelief as tears cascaded down my cheeks like a raging river.

“My dear little starfish - I’ve missed you.” She whispered into my hair. I look up from the crook of her neck to gaze at her features once more, trying to savour the moment. “Your Father and I think of you always, you have made us and our country so proud daughter.” She says running her hand through my hair, untangling the knots with practised grace. I felt like a child again as she pulled me into her lap. My legs lay sideways over hers as we gazed at the lapping waves.

“I’m sorry I never came home, Mum…” I whimper, rubbing a soothing hand down her arm.

“We don’t blame you little starfish, we had a feeling you would stay... Earth was already too far gone. We wanted the best for you and if that meant moving to an entirely new star then so be it…”

This felt so real.

Another set of feet came around the corner and my Father appeared. My smile was so wide that it felt as if my cheeks were going to tear at the seams. “Dad!” He jogged up to me and slid to his knees, embracing us in a group hug.

“My beautiful girls, all together again…” he murmured, caressing my hair as he looked at me. My body bore new scars and longer hair, my features more refined from age but I still held the soul of the girl who left all those years ago. We spent what felt like hours just talking about our lives, it was heaven.

“...Starfish, it's time to wake up now.” Mum and Dad spoke in unison.

“What?” My eyes flickered between them in utter confusion.

But of course, this was only a dream… although I didn’t want to wake up just yet.

“No no no! Mum, Dad don’t leave me!”

“We are so sorry (Y/N), but we need to go…” They spoke as their faces contorted in pain and their features disfigured. The beach around me warped before everything became nothingness. I screamed as a falling sensation took over me as if I fell into the core of the Earth.

…

A horrified scream erupted from my body as I shot up in bed. The pungent smell of bleach and crisp hospital bedsheets hit my nose, I grimaced as I wiped the sweat from my brow. The other beds were empty, neatly made, and ready for future patients. 

I vividly recall my dream, and I couldn’t help but notice the tears in my eyes. My lips quiver as I imagine them growing old and dying alone with no one else by their side… that thought causes the dam to erupt. I wail into the empty ward like a child. The ache of my leg was negligible to the emotional turmoil.

I had bottled up my emotions for so long and threw myself into my research to quell the pain. But alas that only caused a torrent of emotion to boil over at the slightest nudge. Soon I had no more tears to weep as I lay back helpless into my pillow. I realised this bed held no comfort like my bed at home, it was cold and sterile. There were no soft blankets or warmth to be found.

Home…

Was it even on Earth anymore? I had lived on Pandora for so long and met so many new people that I now consider family… I sigh as I close my eyes and try to calm myself down.

I lay there silently for a second before a gentle knock on the metal sliding door broke me out of my stupor. 

“Come in…” I croak, coughing trying to get the grit out of my voice. A human Norm comes in and takes up a chair next to my bed.

“Hey, you alright? I heard you crying” He murmurs as if trying to soothe an angry viperwolf. 

I didn’t say anything, knowing if I spoke I would cry again. So I settled on just turning my back to him in hopes that he left. I heard Norm sigh, groaning as he stood up from the chair knowing he won’t get anything from me. 

“There are some guys outside wanting to see you. Can they come in?” Norm asks, I make an unimpressed expression as Norm continues “Trust me, you will want to see them too.” He smiles as I give a subtle nod. “Alright then, I’ll give you guys some privacy.” Norm states as he leaves, waving goodbye with his back turned.

Jake and Neytiri crouch through the doors and my face lights up as I see them and they bear two baby nets strapped to their chests holding Neteyam and Kiri.

“(Y/N) Long time no see!” Jake says as he approaches my bed. I try pulling myself up again, as Neytiri adjusts the pillow to support my back.

“Ma (Y/n), it is great to see you again, even if these aren’t the best circumstances.” Neytiri greets gesturing ‘I see you’ and I dutifully return. I hear Kiri coo and wave her arms around for me.

“Oh- hand her here Jake.” I cooed to the infant girl, Jake raised a worried brow in my direction.

“You sure, ya know with your injury and all.”

“Oh, hush—give her over. I’m well overdue for baby hugs.” I reason, holding my arms out as Jake humours me. I slide Kiri from the wrap and cradle her in my awaiting arms. 

I gaze down into her big yellow eyes, wide open in wonder as she takes hold of my cheek, which for once wasn’t obscured by my mask. It had been about six months since they adopted Kiri and around three months since my last visit to the Omaticaya base; she had grown so quickly and looked so much like Grace that it brought me to tears, to see my late friend and teacher’s features in her. 

I laughed gently at her babbling, and soon her eyes fell to the shell beading in my hair. It enraptured her, swatting at them and listening to them clink against each other brought us so much joy. Jake and Neytiri smiled at our interaction as I played with Kiri, tracing her stripes along her forehead and arms admiring her.

Another coo is heard as little Neteyam yawns, waking from his nap. My eyes drifted from Kiri and I gave a little wave to the boy. 

“Well, good morning Neteyam~” I coo, watching his little ears peek in recognition. Neteyam was older than Kiri by about a year and was babbling short Navi words now.

“Heylo” Neteyam babbles, slightly mispronounced but understood nonetheless.

I giggle “Why hello to you too.” I reply, gesturing ‘I see you’ with my free hand as the other cradles Kiri.

“We were so worried for you (Y/N) that storm cell was huge,” Jake asks worriedly as he begins to pace at the foot of the bed, he takes a brief inhale from his mask, then turns towards me staring at me. I watch his tail whip around, a telltale of anxiety and concern.

“I’m alright, Jake. I wasn’t alone,” I say without thinking as I wiggle my fingers at Kiri. She grips them in curiosity, chewing gently on my knuckles. Jake and Neytiri make a questioning sound at my words.

“What do you mean you were not alone Ma (Y/n)?” Neytiri queries as she rocks Neteyam lightly. 

I cough abruptly. “Well, that's the thing… I met someone.” I nervously state, looking at Jake and Neytiri through my lashes, weary of their reaction.

“Oh? Are they Metkayina?” Neytiri speculates.

“Yes, his name is Rukan. We met when he was on patrol”

“Excuse me…. HE?” Jake says exasperated. “And he didn’t try to kill you?”

I sigh at what I've started, shuffling awkwardly under their gaze. “No, he was more cautious if anything. He even helped me find shelter in the storm and strapped my leg.”

Neytiri merely hums in thought and looks at me knowingly at the tone of affectation I used.

Jake and Neytiri were like my older siblings in a way. They always looked out for me, protecting me from Pandora’s dangers… and potential suitors to ensure I was safe and happy. They were saddened when I was deployed to the coast but we kept in touch through video chat. 

“Well if he does anything, and I mean anything- to you just give me a call and I’ll get down there ASAP and beat his ass-”

“MA JAKE-” Neytiri scolds whacking Jack on his bicep. He hisses in pain as Neteyam and Kiri giggle at the scene. 

“No, seriously,” Jake says handing me a throat comm. “Norm had adjusted the radio radius. Now you can contact us from the reef, " he proudly states.

I smile warmly “Thank you, it means a lot that you care about me.”

“Of course Ma (Y/N), you are family and we protect our own, tawtute or Navi we love you regardless.” Neytiri smiles, smoothing my stray hair.

We are interrupted by a nurse with crutches and a bottle of pills. Neytiri refrains from bearing her teeth and wraps her arms around Neteyam protectively and I reluctantly hand Kiri back to Jake as I talk to the nurse.

“Hello,” I acknowledge the woman’s presence and quickly switch back to English.

“Ah, Ms (L/N), here are your painkillers and a pair of crutches, you can now be discharged. You are healing nicely, just keep off that leg.” She stated with a nod, writing something on her clipboard before heading back out of the room. 

“Thank you, I’ll head out shortly,” I say as Neytiri takes the pills from my hands and tosses them in the trash.

“Hey ‘Tiri!” I exclaim in shock at her behaviour.

“Pssh, silly tawtute medicines. Mother will have something better for your pain.” Neytiri hisses. Even after all these years she can’t help but want to do it the Navi way, I can’t fault her for that.

“Fine by me, but let's get out of here. I need some fresh air.” I say as Jake walks over with Kiri back in the wrap handing me the crutches. Jake and Neytiri support both sides of me as I ease into a standing position, I groan as my muscles slowly wake up then begin hobbling to the door with them following suit.

Coming out of the base Jake and Neytiri led me back to High Camp, reaching the final climb to their home that I couldn’t scale in this state. I stop along the branch bridge connecting the islands and with a huff, I look at Jake dejectedly asking to be carried up.

Without a word, Jake kneels with his back exposed, Neytiri helps me slide on as I nestle my feet into the straps of Kiri’s wrap and wrap my arms around Jake’s neck. He slowly rises to his full height and I look down feeling a sense of vertigo as I stare down at the fatal drop to the forest floor.

I hear Jake laugh as my breath hitches “Don’t look down!” He says in jest.

“Too late…” I say my voice shaking. That earned a giggle from Neytiri as she followed along behind us. 

Effortlessly Jake and Neytiri scaled the branches to reach the Omaticaya dwellings. I sigh in relief as I slide down Jake’s back and stretch out on the woven mats of their home. Neteyam and Kiri join me on the floor crawling all over me like a jungle gym. Neteyam climbs onto my chest and I wrap my arms around him playfully earning a happy babble.

Jake and Neytiri watched me playing with their children with great happiness, they held each other's hands as they coughed to gain my attention.

“(Y/N), we have some exciting news to share… We are pregnant.” They say in unison. I suddenly sit up, Kiri and Neteyam dangling from my arms.

“HUH! No way!” I exclaim in joy “I’m so happy for you!” I hobble over and bring them into my arms. “I’m going to be an Auntie again! Yes!” Jake and Neytiri are smiling ear to ear and they wrap their arms around me too. 

“We couldn’t think of a better Auntie to our kids.” They say, I look down as I feel Neteyam and Kiri latch onto my legs. I laugh and pick them up into each arm.

“You are going to be a big brother and sister. How exciting!” I say to the two babies. Sensing our excitement they coo and clap their hands.

I am so lucky for this family. Pandora is my home now.

POV (Y/N)

Dawn slowly rolls around, the morning rays casting a warm blanket over High Camp. Birds can be heard singing songs and the murmuring of other Omaticaya outside our dwelling begins.

I peel my eyes open and rub the sleep from my eyes but my hand makes contact with the glass of my mask. Oh right… I slept in Jake and Neytiri’s home. I slowly sit up, folding my good leg to my chest and leaving my cast leg straight. I stretch my back before looking over to Jake, Neytiri and the babies all huddled in a pile. I smile warmly as I make a move to a basket of fruits. I pick up a knife and begin splitting the fruit into cubes making a fruit salad for us all.

Around fifteen minutes had passed before I heard Neteyam coo and roll out of the crook of Jake's arm. I didn't move but I watched him keenly from my peripheral vision. Neteyam babbles something similar to my name and I turn fully to his direction. His wide yellow eyes and gummy smile greet me as he goes to stand up on wobbly legs. I smile in return and beckon the boy over to me.

“Good morning, Neteyam. Do you want some fruit?” I ask, holding up a cube of Yovo fruit as an offering. That got him moving, toddling his way over and launching into my arms with a smile. I smile as I let him chew gleefully on the sweet fruit. I talked aimlessly to Neteyam about the new plants I have documented and how I’ll be sure to show them to him one day. Amid my tangent, I didn’t notice him smashing his sticky hands on my cargo shorts and staining them blue. I didn’t have the heart to be mad at the child. Yovo fruit doesn't come out of fabric easily… I guess my pants have a blue handprint pattern now. 

“We have an artist on our hands I see” I say as I take a bowl of water and wash his palms clean of the juices. Neteyam takes the opportunity to start splashing me and I hold one of my hands up in lacklustre defence. I splutter as my top is thoroughly soaked, wiping the droplets off my mask. I point an accusatory finger at him, but before I can say anything a deep sleep-riddled voice interrupts.

“Oi that's enough boy, stop bullying your Auntie”

Neteyam and I’s eyes widened in shock at being caught making such a mess. Jake is sitting up now, his dreadlocks stuck out of place making me giggle. He rolls into a crouch before standing up, scratching his belly and yawning, his canines on full display. He made his way over, plucked Neteyam from my arms and spun him around playfully making fighter-jet noises before blowing a raspberry on his belly.

Neteyam’s boisterous laughter woke Neytiri and Kiri. They groaned and sat up sporting their bedheads. Neytiri smiled fondly at the scene before starting her day, picking up Kiri with one arm and walking to a rack holding an outfit. She walks over handing me a beautiful beaded top and loincloth tailored to my size.

“For you… it was going to be your birthday present but I don’t know when we were seeing each other next” Neytiri confesses.

My eyes trace the woven article meticulously in awe of the craftsmanship. “You made this Neytiri? This is stunning!” I gasp at a loss for words. I look into her eyes, crinkled with joy, and her tail swishing happily at my reaction.

“I’m glad you love it. Neteyam and Kiri also helped.” 

“Oh? Did they now” I say pinching both their cheeks lovingly watching them giggle and playfully swat my fingers away.

“Yes, they picked out the gemstones on that arm cuff,” Neytiri says with great pride.

I didn’t notice it before. I pulled out a woven band with two gems embedded, one was a rusty red jasper gemstone and the other a blue apatite gemstone.

“Red!” Neteyam exclaims, pointing to himself “Blue!” as he points to Kiri, who was gnawing on one of Neytiri’s hair beads.

“Well done Neteyam, you are so smart!” I praise and clap in celebration.

Neytiri caresses the boy’s hair in praise. “Yes, well done Neteyam. He picked out the jasper and Kiri picked the apatite all by themselves.” She explained to me with pride. “Go, go put them on! Take off those dirty tawtute clothes.” She urges. Their home was open-plan so I had no semblance of privacy except for the main door panel which was still shut to the rest of the clan. My face flushes in embarrassment. Neytiri’s eyes widen in recognition of how conservative we are.

“Ah, my apologies! We will give you a moment of privacy,” She says curtly before spinning around and talking to Jake.

I quickly removed the sodden clothes and put on the new outfit. Surprisingly, it fits amazingly as I adjusted the straps to secure it to my body. The wind brushing against my bare skin was a weird sensation. 

“Hey, you can turn back around now,” I said bashfully. As I unveiled my new look, my nails ran up and down my forearms nervously. 

“You look wonderful, (Y/N)” Jake said with a grin.

“You dress like one of the people now,” Neytiri said giddy “It fits perfectly”

A top of soft leather straps and twine hugged my chest, and expertly carved blue beads decorated the garment. My breasts were modestly wrapped with brown fabric which offered support when moving about. The deep brown loincloth fell just above my knees, decorated with the same beads as the top. The waist straps consisted of a leather base and reinforced with decorative woven twine. It was clear it was made with care.

Barefoot now, two vine anklets adorned my right foot. My right arm had the kids’ armband and my left had Rukan’s net arm wrap that he used to secure my leg … I hope he won’t mind. 

“Thank you guys, I feel so pretty,” I say gratefully as I spin around slowly showing off my new outfit. 

“Creek! Creek!” Neteyam babbles while picking up his wooden Ikran toy. 

Jake looks in my direction “What do you say (Y/N)?” he says picking up Neteyam.

“Sure why not.” I shrug.

…

After packing some snacks and getting the babies ready, we make our way down to the forest floor. Jake carrying me down the vines to the Ikran nest.

Neytiri took both kids as I travelled with Jake on Bob.

“I still can’t believe you called your Ikran Bob.”

“What? It's a strong and vicious name for an Ikran such as him”

“Sure, sure, keep telling yourself that.” I sigh in exasperation but can't help chuckling at the sheer sillyness.

“Hold tight,” Jake says with a grin as he instructs me to hold onto the reins, his hands enveloping mine to secure me to the saddle. 

Bob raises his wings and leapt off the edge, bomb-diving through the Hallelujah Mountains. My scream of terror is lost in the wind as Jake whoops in adrenaline before levelling out above the canopies. 

“You’re alright” Jake comforts half-heartedly in jest, patting my hand to soothe me.

“You ass-” I mutter and kick his shin with my good leg. 

“Ow- quit it! ever heard of not distracting the pilot?” Jake groans.

Neytiri flies beside us watching the interaction, muffling her laugh with the back of her hand. She shakes her head with a smile before turning her attention forward once more.

After another fifteen minutes, we pass over a clearing with a large creek system. Jake spots it and motions his hand to Neytiri to land. Both Ikran’s land gracefully and Jake plops me down by the creek's edge, my casted leg outstretched on a mossy stone while my other dangles in the crisp waters.

Jake takes Neteyam and Kiri for a paddle as Neytiri sits next to me and sharpens her knife.

“Are you ok Ma (Y/n)?” Neytiri questions, breaking the ice.

I turn to look at her confused, “I’m fine, my leg doesn’t hurt too bad now…”

“No, are you alright?” she asked, emphasising her query. “Norm mentioned to us that you were crying when coming out of anaesthesia and refused to talk to him about it.” Her eyes were caring, truly wondering what ails me. I sighed, avoiding her gaze as I watched Neteyam and Kiri play with the river fish. Neytiri hummed, trying to prompt me to speak my mind.

“My Mother and Father, back on earth. I just miss them, is all...” I say hoping it was enough to satisfy her. Neytiri’s brows furrowed knowing there was more to this story but she knew I was not quite ready to talk about it. A gentle hand fell on my shoulder in this rare instance of physical affection, her gaze understanding but worried nonetheless.

“Whenever you want to talk, we will listen. Our family is our fortress and you are one of us. Don’t forget that.”

I smiled but it didn’t reach my eyes “Thanks ‘Tiri. I appreciate it.”

Neytiri left me on the bank to play with the kids and my mind slowly drifted back to Rukan. What was he doing right now and is he thinking of me too?

POV Rukan 

The croon of my Skimwing which I named Vurok soothes my heart as I stroke his muzzle, he swims around me in playful circles as I attempt to put on the saddle. 

“Oh come here you silly thing” I laugh and try to toss the saddle onto his flank yet he swiftly dodges my advances. It was like he was mocking me. After a couple of minutes of this, I give up, playfully groaning and floating on my back staring up at the rolling clouds.

It has been less than a week since (Y/N) left and she was on my mind more often than I would have hoped. I’ve thrown myself into my duties, spending long hours at sea. Whether that was fishing, weaving nets, or patrolling the reef. Whatever job needed to be done I took just to avoid my thoughts. 

I’m broken from my thoughts as Vurok nudges my leg and lets me put on his saddle. Securing the saddle I latch my queue to him and swim out of the reef, heading towards Three Brothers Rocks. Schools of fish blur past us as we lept in and out of the waves. I whoop as the sea foam shoots into the air as we gracefully submerge ourselves in the chilly waters again. We swam around until I saw a pod of Tulkun a couple hundred meters out.

I urge Vurok forward quickly catching up to the pod, I spot my spirit brother amongst them.

“NOKAI!” I yell over the roar of the waves. I pull in beside him and jump onto his fin as Vurok swims beside us.

‘How have you been Rukan?’ Nokai asks using a myriad of vocalisations and gestures.

‘I have been ok, just the usual’ I reply as my shoulders slumped. I could see Nokai knew something was up.

‘Just ok? Is there something you need to express?’ He urges. He is a caring soul, very intuitive, maybe a little too much for his own good. 

I scratched my nape deliberating on telling him what bothered me. I peered into his eye and knew he wouldn’t judge me.

‘I met a girl.’

‘What's wrong with that? Isn’t that a good thing? You are getting to that age where you should be looking for a mate.’

‘That’s the thing- she's a tawtute.’ I signed abruptly, apprehensive of Nokai’s reaction.

Silence took over, all I could hear was the crashing of waves and the croons of the other Tulkun.

‘She must have a good heart for you to spare her your thoughts.’ Nokai said simply. ‘She may hail from the sky but that doesn’t make them all demons. Has she done anything for you to think otherwise?’

‘No! No… she is rather lovely. I would even consider her as a friend. She documents aquatic plants and animals. She respects the oceans and the Metkayina-’ I start to ramble a smile creeping onto my features just mentioning her.

Nokai makes a knowing hum ‘I think you have your answer. Don’t think about it so hard. Let Eywa’s plan for you come to fruition.’ At that I smile gratefully, my mind a tad lighter.

‘Thank you, brother. I shall see you soon.’ I bid my goodbyes as I mount Vurok.

‘It was my pleasure, stay safe.’

‘I will!’ I sign as we dip below the waves and make haste back to the village.

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.

…

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. 

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.

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.

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.

POV (Y/N)

The lab lights bathed everything in a pale, sterile light. I followed closely behind Norm, who was in his human body, as he took me into the room housing the avatar tanks. My eyes flitted over Grace’s avatar suspended in the solution with a melancholic gaze. Yet on this occasion, I wasn’t here to voice my respects… I was here to view my avatar for the first time.

Norm gestures to the final tank in the room, multiple monitors were set up to display the avatar’s vital signs - temperature, pulse, breathing, and blood pressure all of which were shown in green text so I knew everything was going smoothly. I tentatively approach, my reflection bouncing off the curved glass of the cylindrical tank. I stepped closer, my heart thudding against my ribs as I peered into the solution. There, floating in the gentle currents, was her, or me I guess - the infant form of my Metkayina avatar. 

Her tiny form bore a broad chest and long limbs with wide forearm fins built for the harsh waters of Pandora. The solution nudged her slightly as her face lulled to face me, the resemblance was uncanny, she had my face shape, the same lips even the same lashes and some faint eyebrows… it was starting to feel real. Her rippling markings were slowly emerging, they were faint right now but I knew they would gain their colour as she grew. She was beautiful, my eyes became misty as I watched her ebb with the gentle push and pull of the solution. All I ever wanted was to reach my hand into the tank and caress the short inky strands sprouting from her scalp.

Her chest fluttered with practising ‘breaths’ as the umbilical cord pulsed with life, her small webbed fingers twitched slightly like she was dreaming. I pressed my hand against the glass, not caring if I left handprints on the pristine glass, my fingers splaying out as if I could somehow reach her… cradle her in my arms… bond with her. She was so small, so fragile, yet so full of potential. My throat tightened as the weight of it hit me - this was my future, I could bond with Pandora as Eywa intended. I couldn't help but dream of the day I would swim with her… as her. But right now, she was just a delicate promise suspended in a tank, waiting for her to take her first breath, first dive… and I will be ready for her when that time comes.

I’m pulled from my stupor by Norm’s gentle voice. “Beautiful isn’t she, not a single complication. She's growing strong and healthy. I can see your features in her already.” he stated with a warm accomplished smile. “We have worked tirelessly to ensure she's developing correctly. Her lungs are on track, her fins are enlarging daily, and her tail is beginning to develop its paddle. Vital signs are steady. She’s one healthy baby girl!” Norm proudly rattles off the diagnostics from his tablet. His excitement is infectious. I grin, unable to take my eyes off her. Eighteen months to go… I think, mentally counting down the days. 

POV Rukan

The waves lapped at my feet as I carved another tally mark into a shell with my knife. Three weeks have passed since (Y/N) was taken for treatment and I began to grow restless. The days seem to drag on longer now that she’s gone, weeks stretching into the next with the same endless monotony. I’m staring out in the direction of the Omaticaya Clan more often than I’d like to admit, my gaze always drawn to the horizon where the forest meets the beach. Somewhere out there (Y/N) is recovering, but every moment without her feels like I’m desperately swimming to the surface trying to catch my breath, just waiting for her to return.

I can still hear her laugh - soft and genuine. She made everything feel… lighter, she could make any boring task the most fun I’ve ever had. Without her, the ocean feels quieter. Even Säyani’s presence, usually so overwhelming, can’t fill the space she left behind in my mind.

I shake my head pushing my damp fringe from my eyes. I was frustrated with myself. I’m being foolish. She’s only been gone three weeks. But the time apart has made me realise how much I’ve come to rely on her steady presence.

Yet all I can do is wait, watch the tides roll in and out, and hope that Eywa brings her back to me soon.

“Ru! Come out with us!” My ears prick up at Säyani’s voice ringing out. I sigh as I sheathe my knife pushing myself to stand with a groan, my feet tingle after sitting cross-legged for an hour now just reminiscing.

“Coming,” I say unenthusiastically as I pick up a light jog to meet with her little group of girls. I could tell they were trying to impress me. It didn't feel genuine. I flash a polite smile, unconvinced as Säyani eagerly took my hand into her own and dragged us over to a pod of Ilu. I bond with one and we all set out deeper into the reef. The girls do tricks and show off, seawater cascading around them elegantly as they breach the surface. I can’t help but have some fun as I urge my Ilu to leap into the air and splash causing a wave to wash over the girls. My chest rumbles with laughter as I watch them cry in surprise tumbling off their Ilu’s in a flurry of limbs. 

"Rukan!" Arohi squeals, her voice light with amusement. She’s already half-submerged, her legs sticking awkwardly above the water. Her short ponytail floats behind her, and a playful smile dances on her lips. Her pale markings crease with joy.

"Rukaann!" Tsevi yells, her voice high-pitched with mock annoyance. Her thigh-length goddess braids are tangled from the tumble, she glares at me with her piercing pale eyes contrasting greatly against her rich markings. She scowls, but I can see the glimmer of competition in her, eager to get me back.

"I hate you, Ru!" Säyani exclaims, her headpiece askew, shooting me an exaggerated pout. She swims up to me, her movements sharp with determination as she throws a half-hearted punch toward my shoulder. As it connects, I laugh it off. Her arms flail in the water as she splashes me back, grinning despite herself. “Alright girls, let's head off” She huffed “Ru is being a pain anyways-” She ordered as the girls rolled their eyes and swam down the reef wall with Säyani. My gaze soon drifted across the ocean towards (Y/N)’s mauri and I couldn’t help but urge my Ilu forward as if drawn in by a siren’s call.  

The familiar waters gave way to the beach where her mauri resided. I expected it to still be in ruin but was taken back to see a shiny new pod standing on the shore and the debris cleared. It was like nothing ever happened, I went up to investigate only to see tawtute boot print marks in the wet sand and I hummed in curiosity. They were here recently. I crouched down tracing the strange prints before the clattering of helicopter blades abruptly pulled me from my thoughts. I dove off the pier into the waves in a mindless panic. My teal skin blended seamlessly into the waters as I hid in the corals. My eyes widen as I watch the helicopter land with a thud. But to my surprise, a familiar face steps down onto the sandy shore, she brushes stray hairs from her mask as she turns to stare at the ocean.

My breath caught in my throat as the figure turned around, allowing me to catch a glimpse of her features. The sun beat down, basking her in an ethereal glow. (Y/N). She had finally returned to me.

For a moment,  my body floated motionless as if I was paralysed. She looked like the girl I bid goodbye to just a few weeks ago, yet she seemed to hold herself in a new light - like she carried a newfound weight. My fingers clutched the coral as she took a slow, hesitant step forward, scanning the beach like she wasn’t sure she was welcome here after such a long time.

I should have rushed forward and called her name. But something held me back. I had spent so long imagining this moment, picturing the day she would return to me. Now that she was here, my chest tightened with something I couldn’t name.

Then, her gaze flickered to the water, her brows furrowing as she squinted through the water. My cover was blown as I stared at her through the water like a stunned mullet.

“Rukan?” she called, her voice cutting through the roar of the helicopter blades with an excited lilt.

I exhaled sharply as bubbles rose to the surface. Pushing off the coral, I swam toward her. The water dripped from my skin as I pulled myself onto the shore, furiously racking my fingers through my curls trying desperately to make myself more presentable. My teal fingers sink into the damp sand as I push myself to stand before her. 

(Y/N) stood there, hands on her hips, a lopsided grin tugging at her lips. For a moment, neither of us spoke. My mouth opened, yet no words came out.

The silence shattered as she spoke with a grin. “You should see your face right now Ru.”

I blink owlishly, my tail flicking behind me in embarrassment. “I-” I start trying to defend myself.

“I was gonna surprise you, you know,” she teased, crossing her arms. “But I guess you beat me to it… I didn’t expect to see you lurking here.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms with a pout. “I wasn’t lurking… I was just on patrol.” I stammered out trying to make a believable excuse for why I was out this far. 

“Oh, you liar.” She said jutting her hip out “You were snooping” she scolded, wagging her finger at me with a knowing grin. Rocking on her heels as she eyed me up and down. “Still my handsome boy, I see.”

Heat crept up my neck as I whipped my head around, astonished at her brazen words. flustered. I pretended to pick the sand from under my nails so I didn't have to look at her teasing grin. Soon we both fell silent as we listened to the lapping waves, the helicopter already far into the distance. 

After another beat of silence, I let out a drawn-out sigh. 

“You… came back,” I mumbled, looking at my feet. Unable to bear watching her crestfallen expression.

“Why wouldn’t I? I promised I’d come back.” She murmured concerned, I peered through my lashes as I watched her curl into herself, unsure where this conversation was going.

“I- uh I don’t know. I thought maybe you would like to be with the other tawtute more than being with me and would decide to stay… ah, don’t listen to me.” I stumble out trying to back out and make her forget about this conversation, I take a step back running my hand down my face angry at myself and how I openly expressed my baseless anxieties like that.

“Oh Ru…” she said softly, her teasing tone faded into something empathetic. “I’ll always come back for you… This is my home, the ocean… and you”

Something thick settled in my throat, an unspoken weight pressing between us as I raised my head to meet her eyes. I wanted to say something - anything - but all that came out was a strangled whimper.

“Why didn’t you tell me of your return?”

(Y/N) winced. “Well, I wanted to. But I had no way of contacting you remember? so I thought it’d be a nice surprise?” She gestured around vaguely trying to find the right words. “Didn’t think I’d nearly give you a heart attack, though.”

I huffed, shaking my head. “You are impossible.”

She grinned. “Yeah, but you missed me anyway.”

My ears flicked, and I tried to keep my face neutral, but the warmth in my chest betrayed me. “A little.”

“Just a little huh?” She laughed, almost stepping forward before hesitating like she wasn’t sure if she should hug me. I took matters into my own hands and strode up to her, embracing her tightly and lifting her to my chest. Her feet dangled but she couldn’t help but huff humorously wrapping her arms around my neck melting into me almost instantly.

“I really did miss you,” she mumbled into my chest.

I sighed, pressing my chin to the top of her head. “I know, me too.”

And just like that, the world felt right again. Just like Eywa intended.

POV Rukan

The sun was beginning to fade against the shore as dusk drew closer. (Y/N) and I strolled along the beach, the soft, iridescent sand squeaking underfoot. We walked toward a series of rockpools nestled among ancient mangroves - a quiet refuge teeming with life. Tiny baitfish glow in the pools, the air cool and salty as I took a deep breath taking in the moment.

As we walked, the soothing crash of the waves provided a steady rhythm, but I couldn’t help but notice how (Y/N) averted her gaze. Her usual playful banter was replaced with quiet seriousness, and her eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, now held a mix of determination and vulnerability. We reached a particularly vivid rockpool, its surface dancing with shimmering flecks of light. There, in the quiet intimacy of that secluded spot, (Y/N) pulled me close, her hand warm and steady in mine as she led me to sit, I reclined letting my feet submerge in the water.

My eyes drifted to her hand in mine. My thumb absentmindedly ran across her knuckles in quiet comfort, letting her talk in her own time. We sat there watching the rockpools until I heard (Y/N) release a heavy sigh. She shuffled to face me, taking my other hand. 

“Rukan?” she questioned, her voice barely rising above the murmur of the tide.

I tilted my head, my curiosity piqued. “What is it?” I asked, a gentle frown creasing my brow, as what-ifs swirled inside my mind. 

She hesitated for a moment, then said something that would change everything

 “I’m getting an avatar.”

The words hung between us, and I frowned in confusion as I floundered under her wide hopeful gaze. 

“An avatar? What is that?” I inquired. The term foreign on my tongue. I saw her eyes flick around nervously as her palms became clammy. My heart leapt into my throat as I guessed this wasn’t the reaction she wanted. 

“Uh- how to explain this simply…” She muttered to herself in English, the language lost to me. “Well, I’ll become Metkayina-” She started before I interjected trying to grapple with all this new information.

I frowned, confusion knotting my brow. “Become Metkayina?” I echoed. “What do you mean? You’re tawtute… you can’t just change species.” I leaned back, trying to make sense of her words.

“Ru- hear me out.” She huffed in frustration, and I quickly shut my mouth allowing her to explain further. “Think of it as a second body. Right now, I’m human, but when I sleep my brain will connect to my avatar… my Metkayina body. I will become Navi, Ru. This will allow me to move, swim, and bond with this world just like the way you do… just like Eywa intended”

I listened, absorbing her words trying desperately to understand. “So… you mean you’ll be able to go to sleep and wake up in a different body? How?”

“Exactly! I will sleep in a bed in my mauri, and wake up in my Navi body. When my Navi body sleeps, I will wake up as human again,” she replied, her voice growing more animated. 

“Isn’t this exciting?! I won’t be holding you back anymore. I can be right there with you - sharing every adventure, exploring every hidden cove, and truly belonging.”

I swallowed hard, glancing down at our joined hands. “(Y/N)... I-” I admitted, my voice unsure. “I've always known you like this. It’s difficult to imagine you any other way.”

Her gaze softened, as her five-fingered hands interlocked with my larger four-fingered hands “I know it sounds scary, Ru. But I want to be a part of this world and experience it alongside you. I’m still me, just… blue. I want to explore Pandora and breathe the air without bulky equipment… I just feel so alien.”

Alien.

The word stung my heart as it tumbled from her lips, she was my (Y/N), and to think she saw herself like those true aliens that destroy my… no… our world is truly heart-wrenching, my eyes burning with unshed tears as she poured her heart out. 

I gazed down at our intertwined fingers, then back up at her, a conflicted smile tugging at my lips. “I can’t say I fully understand yet (Y/N). But you belong to Pandora whether you are Navi or not. Your soul is Navi and that is more than enough for our Great Mother”

Her smile deepened as she squeezed my hand in gratitude. “Thank you, Ru. This means so much to me. I know this is a lot, but trust me. I’ll still be (Y/N) in my heart.” She reassured me by bringing my palm to her chest, where her heart beats with unwavering resolve.

“Of course my dear. I care about you if this is what you wish. Then we’ll navigate this together.” I say, my tone resolute and full of determination. I watch as (Y/N) flushing at the term of endearment - a soft blush spreading over her cheeks -before a playful, toothy grin takes over her as she lands a teasing punch on my arm.

“Alright enough out of you, you overgrown fish,” She says dismissively but the bright flush of her cheeks betrays her words.

“Ok-ok! I’ll quit it… my dear~” I snicker, raising my arms in a mock-defensive stance as she delivers another playful hit, and I groan in amused exasperation.

… Back at Awa'atlu with Säyani, Arohi and Tsevi …

Säyani couldn’t help but notice Rukan venturing outside the reef again on his Ilu—something he had been doing for months. He would silently slip away, as if disappearing within the seafoam, and the nagging feeling tugging at her chest fueled her curiosity about where he went. She could only speculate what he was getting up to.

“Hey girls,” she called out, glancing at Arohi and Tsevi, floating on their backs, basking in the sun. Their heads lifted briefly to acknowledge her. “Do you ever wonder where Ru goes beyond the reef?”

“You aren’t his Mum, Säyani—who cares? What, you sweet on him?” Arohi teased, her eyes closed as she soaked in the Sun’s rays.

Tsevi’s eyes narrowed as she watched the horizon. “Oh, this is ridiculous. What’s he even doing out there?” She huffed, swinging onto her Ilu. “No point in guessing. Let’s find out.”

“Yeah, that's a good idea, Tsevi. Let’s just check on him. I just want to make sure he's not up to no good,” Säyani agreed, yipping for her Ilu.

“Aww… but I wanna keep sunbathing,” groaned Arohi, squinting at them with one eye and shielding her face with her hand.

Tsevi huffed in annoyance as she turned around, her back facing Arohi. “Fine by us. You can stay here while Säyani and I go,” she called over her shoulder before jetting off to the open ocean, leaving a trail of sea spray behind her.

“NO! Wait up, guys!” Arohi floundered as she climbed onto her Ilu and raced after them.

Later, Arohi, Tsevi, and Säyani approached a dense tangle of mangrove roots. Their Ilu’s glided effortlessly through the water as they nestled themselves out of sight, keeping a safe distance. Their eyes settled on Rukan, who spoke to someone on the shore.

Tsevi squinted her mouth slightly agape. “Is that... a human?” she muttered under her breath, incredulous.

Säyani narrowed her eyes, her gaze drifting to a smaller form beside Rukan. “I thought humans were far out in Southern waters?... Why are they so close to Awa'atlu?” she murmured.

Arohi, always the more observant of the group, whispered, “It doesn't feel right. That one doesn't look like the demon soldiers we've heard about. They’re... different. Not like the stories.”

Tsevi frowned, her gaze flickering between Rukan and the stranger. “A human,” she muttered. “I just... I don’t get it. After everything? After what they did to the Tulkun?” She shook her head, the words catching in her throat.

Säyani exhaled slowly. “Rukan wouldn’t be reckless about this. Would he?”

Arohi hesitated before speaking. “What if this one is different?” She glanced at her friends. “What if we’ve been wrong?”

Tsevi inhaled sharply. “We can’t afford to be wrong.”

A tense stillness settled over the group as they tried to process the seriousness of the matter. Then, Tsevi’s voice cut through the silence, low and sharp with determination. “I’m telling Tonowari. This can’t go on.”

Säyani moved to interject but hesitated, her gaze lingering on Rukan and the human. Turmoil coiled in her chest as she took a deep breath, realizing they might have stumbled into something that would change their lives forever.