Chapter Text
Leaving home is always a hard thing to do.
You’re leaving behind the place you were raised, a place your childhood was formed.
A place all your memories were made.
But sometimes you might not have a choice, and sometimes it’s for the best.
. . . . . . . .
Memories of his childhood and home lingered in Neteyam’s mind. Even though he was expected to set a good example for his siblings, by showing them this is an experience to look forward to- he couldn’t help but feel some regret as well.
Why not fight? Why do we have to run away?
If it was up to Neteyam, he’d have fought. Fought to protect his home. Was fighting not what their father had taught them?
But at the same time, he understood the decision they made. Leaving was also a way of protecting it… protecting the people, protecting the Vitraya Ramunong- Protecting Pandora.
- It had been around two weeks since they arrived at Awa’atlu, and all Neteyam could think about was the day of their arrival.
He stood on a side of the island where there was none to little Na’vi, he needed some time to himself. Neteyam waded in the shallow waters, feeling a sense of relief as the cold ocean washed over the skin that’d been exposed to the sun for so long.
. . . THE DAY OF THE ARRIVAL . . .
The sound of a conch rang through their ears as they approached Awa’atlu.
Putting their ikrans to a halt on the sand, they noticed a crowd form quickly.
Almost immediately the faces of judgement fell upon the people, it was obvious. Neteyam stood behind his father, and next to Lo’ak, feeling overwhelmed.
Out from the crowd, Neteyam’s eyes fell on a certain someone. There were two boys of the Metkayina clan, who were built much much different to how the Sully Siblings were used to. The children from both clans looked at the other with curiosity.
Neteyam tried to remain polite, giving them the “I see you” gesture, and so did Lo’ak. Neteyam couldn’t help but stare at the taller boy.
But the two boys did not do it back. Instead they circled the Omatikaya children, laughing at their “odd appearances.”
Neteyam turned to face Lo’ak, but his eyes were already hooked on something else. Neteyam looked too, only to see a girl emerging from the water, a grin smeared on his face as he nudged his younger brother.
The Sully children’s attention were then drawn towards their parents, who were now pleading with the Tsahik, Ronal. She accused them of having demon blood; that their bodies were too different - and were therefore not fit to live in this environment.
However, not much long later, the Olo'eyktan, Tonowari, arrived. During most of this, Neteyam could only think about what was to come, his family’s fate were in his hands. His nervousness grew as he remained quiet, siding by Tuk, who was clearly intimidated as well.
Tonowari spoke, and after some hesitance, he declared:
The Sully family were to reside temporarily. The kids were to spend their days with the children of Tonowari, and Neteyam quickly learned the boy who captured his attention was named Ao'nung.
Hearing about the help of Ao'nung and Tsireya, Jake and Neytiri felt a bit of relief for their children.
The conversation was soon over. It was decided, the Sully family was to stay with the Metkayina clan…
They’d learn the way of water.
. . . BACK TO THE PRESENT DAY . . .
Even though two whole weeks had passed, Neteyam wasn’t sure if he could adjust to this place as his new home. He felt guilty about this too, but he wouldn’t dare say anything. He did not want to challenge his parents decisions. He had to remain… perfect.
Neteyam didn’t like talking to people about his worries, it’d make him seem flawed, and everyone was so used to relying on him. He couldn’t give that up no matter how much he hated it.
... Sometimes he even wished he could be like Lo’ak, not having the burden of…
Neteyam’s thoughts wandered again… but stopped on one thing in particular… Ao'nung. He reminded him of the sea, is it because he’s a similar shade of blue? Why Aonung specifically though?
He snapped out of it as his eyes focused on the water… he never realised how pretty blue looked. It was calm and the ocean seemed so at peace… An urge to jump in was felt but he was tired enough from riding his ilu all week. He stood there, admiring the blue.
It’d only been two weeks, and Ao'nung managed to make a mess of things already. Lo’ak and Ao'nung were on bad terms especially since the Metkayina boys picked on Kiri. Oh, and of course since he was stupid enough to take Lo’ak to the reef. They both despised each other. Neteyam shook his head at the thought.
Although his brother disliked Ao'nung, Neteyam was quick to forgive. He himself didn’t know what to feel towards him.
. . . . . . . .
Ao'nung walked along the beaches after being scolded by his father. His father wasn’t as intimidating as his mother… luckily she wasn’t at their Marui when the kids were told off.
Kicking at the sand, Ao'nung scoffed to himself. His eyes wandered up from the ground, only to spot one of the Omatikayan children… judging by his height it was probably the one Ao'nung didn’t hate.
Seeing as he had nothing else to do for the day, he approached Neteyam.
“Hey!”, Ao'nung called out, making Neteyam snap out of his thoughts, processing the situation he was now in.
They’d only spoken twice before… and they weren’t exactly interactions you’d want to remember.
Neteyam put on a slight smile, nodding his head. Ao'nung looked at him, before letting out a confused laugh, “What are you doing?”
Neteyam hadn’t realised that from anyone else’s perspective, he just seemed to be standing there. Embarrassment flushed over his face but he kept himself together, replying “Just thinking…”
“About what?”
“Nothing that concerns you. It’s fine.”
An awkward silence grew between the two as they both stood there, unsure of what to say. That was until Ao'nung remembered the duty he was given by his father, to make amends.
“Have you tried riding an ilu yet?”
“I’ve tried, only with Tsireya.” Neteyam eyed Ao'nung, knowing he’s done everything but help.
Ao'nung’s lips pursed and he kissed his teeth. “Fine. What about breathing?”
“Done that.”
Ao'nung’s forehead shrivelled as he thought harder, “Swimming?”
Neteyam could tell he was getting desperate, it was obvious how badly Ao'nung wanted to do something to outshine his sister. She couldn’t have all the credit.
Neteyam smiled before saying “I’ve done that too.” He wanted to push it even further, teasing Ao'nung as he spoke “Tsireya is a really good teacher. So much done in such little time.”
By now Ao'nung realised Neteyam was taking the piss, he sighed and put a hand on his hip, rubbing his forehead.
“Then what haven’t you done, Mr Perfect?”
Neteyam’s face twisted at the nickname before chuckling. “I don’t know, maybe I’m so perfect I’ve mastered everything already. Come on, think harder son of the Olo'eyktan.”
Ao'nung tilted his head, apparently not finding that funny. “I’m trying, skxawng , you’re lucky I’ve tolerated you so far.”
Neteyam spat back “So what? You gonna take me out to the reef too?” He was obviously picking on what Ao'nung had done to Lo’ak.
“Have you not gotten over that? I apologised already.”
Neteyam sighed. “Yes, my bad..” They’d promised to forgive and forget, well at least in front of their parents… Ao'nung let out a small laugh, before nudging Neteyam.
“Come, let’s find something you haven’t done. Surely you’re not that perfect.”
Neteyam’s eyes widened, he smiled at this.
The two ran together across the island, a competition soon growing amongst them as they started racing. From smiles to rivalry, Neteyam found it funny how competitive Aonung was.
Neteyam decided to give up, panting heavily. He stopped running and placed his hands on his knees, looking up at Aonung as he groaned.
“You win! Now stop running..!”
Ao'nung laughed as he slowed down, coming back to Neteyam.
“I thought your stamina was better than that tree climber.”
Neteyam sighed and sat down on the sand, Ao'nung joined him.
“You have no reason for being so fast… all you do is swim.” Neteyam scoffed.
“That’s part of it.” Ao'nung replied, a grin still on his face.
“I’ll beat you next time.”
“Next time? So you’re saying you wanna hang out with me again.” Ao'nung teased.
Neteyam rolled his eyes and smiled. “Why not.”
Before they knew it, the sun began to set and both boys went back to their families and their marui.