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Chapter Text

Spider sighed as he heard a couple of footsteps coming from behind him, he has only been with the Metkayina for a week and he was already getting targeted by the bullies. Led by Krakan, with his friends Rotxo and Aonung. They have been calling him names, intentionally verbally bullying him, because he was different, which he was. At first, it just whispers behind his back, but eventually, the attacks got more and more direct. Regardless, Spider always tried to ignore them

"Look at that freak," Spider could hear Krakan mocking him from behind as he tended to the Ilu by the shore. Spider sighed as he heard the others snickering.

"Can't you all just leave me alone?" Spider asked frustration in his voice before turning around to glare at the trio. "I did nothing to you guys."

Krakan just chuckled. "Funny that you assume that you got any right to tell us what to do, demon." Spider's glare softened as those words pierced through. Perhaps he did deserve all this... 

"That is right, skxawng. You deserve all this right now," Krakan continued as he closed in on Spider before pushing him to the ground.

"Hey!" 

Spider would always be able to recognize her voice, prompting him to turn around to see Kiri marching forward angrily to stand between him and Krakan. "I will say this once, stay away from him." Spider hadn't heard Kiri this angry since Loak ruined the plants she collected when they were younger.

The confidence and color immediately left Aonung and Rotxo's faces as they backed away a little while Krakan wasn't fazed at all. "Ohh, look, guys, another freak coming to defend her little monkey boy. Guys? Guys...?" Krakan was confused as he saw his peers backing away a little. "What?"

"Uhm, Krakan... I think we should just back off," Rotxo said nervously while eyeing Kiri.

"What has gotten into you two? Scared of a little forest girl?" Krakan mocked. "You two should feel ashamed-" 

"Seriously Krakan, we didn't tell you everything that happened during the battle, "Aonung interjected." Look, Kiri, we are sorry, it was meant to be a joke and-"

"I am not apologizing," Krakan scoffed as he turned to face Kiri. "Definitely not to a little forest girl and her monkey pet-" Whatever insults Krakan wanted to say, he didn't manage to finish as Kiri punched his face, knocking him down. Spider was startled by how much Kiri seemingly put into that punch as Krakan fell backward.

"I will repeat this one more time. I do not want to see any of you bully him, or any of my family. We have been through enough! Do you skxawngs understand me?" Kiri demanded fiercely.

"Y-yes, of course, Kiri," Rotxo stammered as he held onto Krakan.

"Come on, let's leave them," Aonung urged as Krakan tried to lunge at Kiri, holding him back.

Soon, Spider and Kiri were left alone. "You okay?" asked Kiri, her voice now filled with worry as she bent down to examine the boy.

"Oh, I'm fine. Taken worse," Spider shrugged it off, still, a bit taken aback by the sudden shift in Kiri's behavior, while also wondering why Aonung and Rotxo were so afraid of her. "Thanks, Kiri. " 

"Ah, it is nothing. Us orphans have to stick together, remember?" asked Kiri smiling softly now as she helped him up. 

Spider chuckles as memories came flooding back. "Of course." 

"Kiri? Spider?" The two turned to see Tsireya walking briskly toward them in a hurry. Tsireya had been pretty friendly to Spider, even though they didn't interact a lot because she stuck with Loak most of the time whenever they hang out together. 

"Reya? What is it?" asked Kiri confused. 

"I just heard that my brother and his friend were giving both of you a hard time again," Tsireya said. "I am so sorry that this happened. I will do my best to talk some sense into them." 

"It's alright, and you don't have to apologize. It is not your fault," Kiri assured. "Plus, I doubt anything will get through their thick heads." 

"I am still going to try," Tsireya assured. "Spider, are you hurt?"

"Just bruises, nothing too serious," Spider replied. "Thanks for asking." 

"Least I can do to help," Tsireya said, relieved. "Are you two about to go out into the sea?" asked the young Na'vi after noticing the Ilu in the waters. 

"Yeah, I want to show Spider around," Kiri explained. 

"Oh, okay. I will see you all later then," Tsireya waved before walking back. 

" So, Kiri. Just curious, why did Aonung and Rotxo look so afraid of you?" asked Spider after Tsireya left. 

Kiri paused for a moment, thinking before she chuckled, knowing what scared them. "Come monkey boy," Kiri gestured as she walked over to the Ilu. "I will tell you all about it after I show you."

Chapter Text

Ever since the battle at Three Brother Rock, everyone hasn't been the same, and that is understandable, with the amount of loss and destruction. Even so, the fact that Loak kept on disappearing during the day was concerning to Tsireya. 

"Sorry Reya, Loak isn't around again," Kiri said after realizing she was standing outside the Marui. 

"How are you so certain that I am here to look for your brother?" asked Tsireya surprised. 

"Reya, you have been coming to our Marui to look for him for three days in a row now," Kiri explained. "I think it is not surprising that I guessed you would come looking again today." 

"Did he tell you where he went?" asked Tsireya. 

"No. And well, Loak hasn't been talking much since... Neteyan's funeral," Kiri sighed. 

"What do you mean?" asked the young Metkayina. 

"He often goes out in the day, and only comes back for meals, then after eclipse, he just goes to sleep," Kiri explained. 

Tsireya was even more worried about Loak now after hearing what Kiri said. "Do your parents not try to talk to him?" 

Kiri shook her head. "Honestly, I think he is avoiding everyone. Even Tuk."

Tsireya paused for a moment, thinking. "I am going to look for him," she said firmly. 

"Yeah, good luck. He could be anywhere out there," Kiri scoffed.

"Do you have to be so sarcastic all the time?" asked Tsireya, sounding a little angry at Kiri seemingly not caring about Loak. "Don't you care about him?" 

Kiri was a little taken aback by how defensive Tsireya suddenly was. It was the first time she heard the Metkayina speaking with this tone. "Sorry, I do care, we all do, it is just... We don't know how to help..." 

The Metkayina sighed as she took in a deep breath.  "Sorry,  Kiri, I am just worried about Loak."

"We all are," Kiri nodded. 

Tsireya sighed. "I will do my best to help."

As Tsireya left the Sullys Marui, her mind was racing about where Loak could be. It didn't take her long to realize the fact. Tsireya jumped into the waters quickly summoning her Ilu, riding as fast as she can toward where she thought Payakan is. 

Chapter Text

The battle has no doubt affected everyone in one way or another. Especially for little young Tuk, the experience of being held captive and held at gunpoint was nothing less than traumatic. She was just eight years old, she was still a child. Children weren't supposed to face all this, they were supposed to be innocent and enjoy their time. Instead, Tuk now was traumatized from that battle, perhaps not physically, but she was scarred mentally. And those effects were already starting to show just after the funeral. 

Kiri thought it was just Spider rolling around in his sleep when she heard someone moving nearby. So she didn't pay much attention to it until she heard her sister's voice. "No... No... Don't... Please..." Kiri's eyes flew open as soon as she heard her young sister mumbling. Kiri quickly moved forward to hold little Tuk in her arms, cradling her gently.

Tuk's eyes were still closed as she mumbled in her sleep, moving slightly as if struggling. "Please... Let us go... No... NO!" 

Kiri held the young Na'vi close, her heart feeling the trauma and pain Tuktirey had as she woke up violently, breaking down. "Tuk... We are here... You are safe... We are all safe... Dad, Mom... Me... Loak... Spider... We are all okay." Kiri assured as she rubbed the little girl's back. 

"What about... Neteyam?" Tuktirey was now just a sobbing mess, still trembling as she nuzzled into Kiri's hold. Meanwhile, the others were starting to wake up from Tuk's cries. 

"Kids...?" Jake groaned as he woke up. Then, he noticed what is going on and quickly rushed over to his daughters, as did Neytiri, who quickly held her little Tuk in her arms. Loak and Spider were both wide awake now as they just sat there feeling sympathy for her, knowing they wouldn't be much help.

"Oh Tuk," Neytiri muttered as she hugged her youngest daughter, worried. 

Loak looked at them, that guilt in his heart weighing heavy again as he watched. He caused this. He damaged their family. Those were the voices echoing in his head. Loak clenched his fist as he turned around, crying silently.

Chapter Text

Spider felt so guilty, especially when the Sullys treats him so well, except for Neytiri. Jake treats him like his own son, Loak treats him like a brother, Tuktirey treats him like an older brother, and Kiri treats him as a very close friend. Even Tsireya, one of the Metkayina, who he never met before was so kind to him. And every time he spends time with them, he felt that he never deserves it, for a multitude of reasons. 

Not only he taught his father a bit of what he knows that helped him in battle, but Spider also couldn't do anything as the Recoms burned down the villages, nor when the Tulkun was being hunted. But the one thing that bothered him the most was the fact that he went back to save his father, who was technically just an Avatar with his father's memory. This person wasn't even his real father, so why he did do it? 

This question bothered him for days now as he kept thinking about it. Was it because he has seen some hope of humanity in Quaritch? Or was it because Spider felt like he had to as he is his son? 

Perhaps, the biggest reason was that technically, Quaritch saved his life, from Neytiri as there was no doubt that Neytiri would have stabbed him to death if Quaritch didn't let go of Kiri. This means in some capacity, that man cared for him, enough to give up the chance of completing his mission after so many losses. At that moment, not saving Quaritch just didn't feel right. 

But now as Spider thinks back on what he did, he was beginning to realize he made a foolish choice, stupid even. Because of him, the Sullys are still in danger. 

The worst part of it all was the fact that Spider didn't tell anyone. How could he? Everyone was already so broken down from their losses, telling them that he saved the man that caused them so much pain would not only break them more, he would probably be slaughtered by Neytiri too. 

But this was too much of a secret to keep as Spider knew he is wrong to keep this secret. Yet he did not want to lose this family, this connection with the Sullys. 

"Monkey Boy? Spider?" Kiri's voice interrupted Spider's train of thought as he looked out at the sea, the waves. "You alright?" asked Kiri concerned as she sat down next to him on the sandy grounds. 

"I am fine," Spider lied.

"You know I can tell that something is bothering you, right?" asked Kiri.

"Was I that obvious?" asked Spider smiling awkwardly for a moment. 

"Yes, plus you are a terrible liar," Kiri teased lightly. "So... What is it?" asked Kiri concerned. "You know you can tell me everything right?" 

Spider hesitated for a moment. He felt that out of all of them, Kiri should know, and perhaps she will understand him more, or perhaps he will lose a very good friend. "Do you think saving a very bad person who saved your life is the correct thing to do?" asked Spider nervously, eyeing Kiri's reaction. 

Kiri was at first startled by the question, staying silent for a brief moment before turning sharply to look at Spider. "You saved him, didn't you?" 

Spider closed his eyes, dreading the moment more scoldings came. But instead, he felt Kiri's arm wrapping around him, hugging him close to her. "I don't blame you..." 

"You... Don't?" asked Spider surprised. This was not the reaction he was expecting. 

"My mom would have killed you if Quaritch didn't let me go," sighed Kiri.

"She just wanted to protect you," Spider assured. "And I guess she hates me too."

Kiri nodded sadly while touching the scars on Spider's chest that her mother left behind. "Your father wanted to protect you too. Perhaps there is hope for him. That is why you saved him?" 

"Part of it I guess. But mostly, because I felt like... I owed him?" Spider sighed as he buried his face into his palm. "Did I make a mistake, saving him?" 

"Perhaps," Kiri sighed. "But I don't blame you in any way." 

"Maybe you should," Spider muttered. And for a moment, there was just silence between the two as they looked at the sea, thinking. "I should tell the others." What Spider didn't expect was how Kiri reacted so strongly to that remark. 

"You can't do that!" Kiri said worriedly. "Mom would kill you... Dad wouldn't understand either..." 

"Maybe I deserve to die for saving him," Spider mumbled. 

"Don't you dare say that!" Kiri said, more loudly now with tears in her eyes. "I almost lost you once... I don't want to lose you again. Please, don't tell them... Not now at least... Not until things calmed down... Promise me please... " 

Spider could not control his emotions anymore and pulled Kiri into a tight hug, overwhelmed by the support he felt from her. "I promise." 

Chapter Text

Kiri needed some alone time, to calm down. Without a second thought, Kiri took in a deep breath and dived into the water, swimming deep down toward the sea bed. Along the way, she saw a Gill Mantle swimming towards her and attached the creature to her back. When he finally reached the sea bed, she just sat down. 

Kiri loved the sea, or more accurately, the beautiful world and nature around her. Sometimes she would just lay in the shallow waters by the shore to feel the waves and see the sunlight breaking into the waters. Sometimes she would appreciate the sealife watching as they swam around her. But today, she just wanted some time alone to think. 

Kiri hates it so much when the people around her are struggling, yet she doesn't know how to help. That empty feeling is nothing less than frustrating. There were just so many things going on. Loak is beginning to be more distant from his own family, and Tuk's nightmares aren't getting much better. But the one thing that weighed on the young Na'vi's mind the most was Spider. 

Kiri was shocked when she heard Spider go back to rescue Quaritch, but as she remembered how things happened, she couldn't blame in. How could she? Spider was just saving the life of someone who just saved his own. If anyone should take the blame for all this, it should have been her mother, who as the days goes by, Kiri began to feel more resentment. 

If only Neytiri went back to save Spider the day they were captured near the shack. But why would she? Kiri could always tell that her mother dislikes Spider's presence around her family. She was probably thinking to get rid of him that day too. 

Kiri's fist began to clench as she thought about how cold her mother was to Spider. Spider risked his life to go back for her and Tuk. Yet her mother decided to hold him at knifepoint and cut him. Granted it was to make Quaritch release her, but there was no doubt Neytiri wanted to kill Spider at that moment she raised her blade. And what happened after that? There was no apology from her mother to Spider. And her mother just continued to be cold toward the poor kid. Something about this must be done. 

Kiri's train of thought was interrupted as she felt something nuzzling against her cheek. She opened her eyes to see her Ilu nuzzling her cheeks softly as if comforting her. Kiri just smiled and petted her gently, feeling calmer now. Her thoughts were clear, she knew what she had to do. 

Chapter Text

"I understand how you feel now, more so than ever," Loak signed to his spirit brother, Payakan, who let him sit on his fin so he could see him. "I saw the damage I did, to the clan, to my own family... I deserved to be an outcast." Loak signed, feeling his emotions getting to him as he sighed. 

That was the first thing Loak told Payakan when they met again. It was a few days after the funeral. He couldn't bear being close to the people he hurt so much because of his actions. So, the Na'vi decided it was better for him to stay away from his family and with someone he finally understood.

At first, Loak was confused as to why Payakan was an outcast, as he didn't mean any of those deaths and wouldn't do it again. But now, Loak wished he was cast out by the Metkayina, believing he deserved such punishment.

It was he who brought Tuk, Kiri, and Spider out to the old shack, which in the end caused them to have that run-in with the Recoms, which resulted in Spider being captured. It was he who went to Payakan, causing the others to follow, which ended in a battle between those demons and the clan. It was he who wanted to go back for Spider, which resulted in Neteyam's death. It was all him. He doesn't deserve their care, he doesn't deserve anything. 

Those words echoed through Loak's mind as he just sat there on Payakan's back, staring at the clear sky, while the tulkun carried him. It was just them and the light sounds of waves crashing around them before Loak heard a familiar voice.

"Loak? Loak!" 

The young Na'vi quickly sat up, surprised as he wasn't expecting anyone to come for him, as he didn't tell anyone where he was going, "T-Tsireya?" Loak was startled to see her.

"Oh Loak, you are alright!" Tsireya sighed in relief before rushing to hug him, pulling him close.

Loak paused for a moment before returning the hug, wrapping his arms around her back as their bodies pressed together. "What are you doing here?" That was the first question Loak asked after they parted, and perhaps it came out harsher than he intended it to sound.

"I have been wanting to see you since... his funeral," Tsireya explained, a little taken aback by the harshness in Loak's tone. "I kept coming by to your Marui for days, and you were always not there... I thought you might be with Payakan so I went looking for you."

Loak could feel his heart melt as he heard Tsireya's account. Not even his own family tried to talk to him or even seemed concerned that he was always gone during the day. But then, another part of him was telling him that he does not deserve this sort of care, not after what he did. "I-I see," Loak said before looking down."

"Loak..." Tsireya said as she held his hands, intertwining their fingers. "I know, what is on your mind right now," the young female said softly. "You blame yourself."

Loak sighed as he pulled back, turning away from Tsireya. "It should have been me... I caused all these troubles... " Loak's voice trembled as he spilled his thoughts out to her. 

"No... Loak," Tsireya shook her head and moved to hug him from behind now. "You didn't know what would happen, and you just did what you thought was right," Tsireya comforted.

"Was it the right thing? I don't even know anymore," Loak sounded frustrated as he turned around to look at Tsireya, who moved back a little.

"It was. You going back to save your friend, Spider, was the right thing to do. You want to warn Payakan about the demons, that was the right thing to do too," Tsireya assured as she held Loak's hand again while Payakan finally said something, agreeing with what Tsireya said. 

"Look, I know regardless of anything I say, you are going to need time to heal Loak," Tsireya said as she squeezed his hands in hers gently. "I just wanted to let you know that I care about you and you can come to me whenever you need someone to talk to."

Loak nodded in response. "Thanks," Loak said softly, also a whisper, overwhelmed by the warmness he felt from her.

"Should... I go?" Tsireya asked after there was a short pause between the two.

"No! I mean, don't go," Loak corrected himself after reacting a little too fast. 

"I can stay," Tsireya nodded as she sat down, which prompted Loak to sit down beside her.

There they were, sitting on Payakan's back looking at the scenery around them in silence, with each other's company, holding each other hands.

Chapter Text

Kiri should have known that no matter how she worded her thoughts to her mother, it would have ended in a shouting match either way. At first, Kiri just wanted to talk to her mother about how she had been treating Spider. Little did she know, her mother was that sensitive to that topic.

"Mom, why do you treat Spider like this?" asked Kiri as they prepared the food for the family.

Neytiri was a little startled by the sudden shift in topic. "Why do you ask?"

Kiri felt her anger starting to bubble up again. Her mother obviously knew what she was asking about, yet she still wanted to play dumb. "You just... never seem to treat Spider like one of us."

"He is not of us, Kiri," Neytiri answered quickly. 

"But Spider has been spending so much time with us. He is living with us now-"

"He should be with his people," Neytiri interjected, starting to be annoyed.

"So does that give you the reason to abandon him when he needed help?" asked Kiri, not trying to hide the frustration in her voice now. "Is that why you were ready to kill Spider?"

"Spider is alright now, isn't he?"
 
"You are not answering my question!" Kiri replied angrily. 

"I was protecting you! Kiri! How dare you talk to your mother like that!?" Neytiri was furious now.

"Oh please, you wanted to kill Spider," Kiri scoffed rolling her eyes. "Don't use me as an excuse. You wanted revenge!"

"THAT DEMON KILLED MY SON! YOUR BROTHER!" Neytiri bellowed, glaring at Kiri. 

"SO WHAT? SPIDER TRIED TO HELP US. SPIDER WENT BACK THERE TO SAVE ME AND TUK! WHAT DID HE GET? A CUT ACROSS HIS CHEST AND NO APOLOGIES FROM Y-" Kiri didn't finish her sentence as Neytiri slapped her across her face.

Neytiri froze as she looked at Kiri, who fell back from the force of her hit. "I-I am sorry-"

"No, you aren't," Kiri mumbled, glaring at the older Na'vi before rushing out of the Marui. 

---
Spider was in the cabin that Norm and the others just set up for him to stay with the Metkayina. As he put on his mask, he heard a knock at the door. "Coming." 

He wasn't expecting to find Kiri at the doorsteps. "Kiri?" Then, Spider noticed the bruise on her cheeks and her teary eyes. "Kiri, what happened?" asked Spider concerned as the Na'vi walked into his cabin. 

Kiri sighed. "I might have to stay with you for a while."

Chapter Text

Tuk sat at the entrance of the Marui, looking out, bored. Loak wasn't there, as usual. Kiri was probably with Spider. And her mom and dad weren't at home either. “Why does no one wants to spend time with me?" Tuk muttered to herself as she brought her knees to her chest, rocking herself.

"Hey?"

Tuk looked up, surprised to see a young Metkayina boy standing before her. 

"Uh... Hi?" Tuk said unsurely. Even though they have been living there for months, this was the first time a Metkayina of her age approached her, as she was usually with her family.

"You look bored," the boy said. "Come play with us at the shore. I can teach you to make sand sculptures!"

Tuk smiled a little, happy that someone invited her. "Sure!"

"My name is Ivaw," the boy introduced himself. "You are?"

"Tuktirey," the girl said. "But everyone calls me Tuk."

Chapter Text

After Loak and Tsireya returned from visiting Payakan, Loak was surprised to find the Sullys Marui a mess, Kiri was gone, and his mother was an emotional mess with his father trying to comfort her, while Tuk was outside, seemingly oblivious to the things going on inside as she was playing happily with the other kids. Immediately, Loak decided to look for Kiri, but then he knew she could only be in a place. 

"Do you think Kiri would be here?" asked Tsireya unsurely as she eyed what looked like a metal box, Spider's cabin near the village.

"This is where Spider is staying, so I am positive she is here," Loak replied as he walked up the stairs to the door.

"Your sister does spend a lot of time with Spider," Tsireya commented. "More than she does with you."

"Yeah, I get that," Loak sighed before he knocked at the door. "Spider? You in there, bro?"

There was a short silence for a moment before the door opened, revealing Spider in his usual attire, wearing his mask. "Hey, bro, didn't realize I am having a housewarming party now," Spider quipped before noticing Tsireya. "Hey." Tsireya just nodded, giving the human a small smile as acknowledgment. "Come on in," Spider said.

Tsireya was unfamiliar with all the setups in Spider's cabin around her, admiring the differences from the usual thing she knew while Loak closed the door behind them. Then, the young Metkayina saw Kiri sitting in front of the window, looking out. "You are right Loak. She is here."

Kiri snapped out of her trance upon hearing someone call her. "Oh, hey, Tsireya, I see you found Loak," Kiri said after noticing his brother standing behind her.

"It wasn't too hard. He was with Payakan," Tsireya explained.

Kiri paused for a moment before letting out a scoff. "Of course he was."

"Kiri..." Loak interrupted. "We know you got into an argument with Mom."

"And you are here because?" Kiri asked, clearly still not in the best mood.

"We just wanted to check up on you, see if you are alright," Loak explained.

"Oh, I wonder why I wouldn't be," Kiri said with sarcasm as she turned away to look out the window again.

"Kiri. We only want to understand what happened and try our best to help," Tsireya said, concerned as she placed her hand on Kiri.

Kiri paused for a moment. "Sorry, I am just frustrated."

"About what?" asked Loak, concerned. "Tell us what happened?"

Kiri sighed, looking at Spider, giving him a look to tell him to tell the story. "Oh? Okay," Spider nodded as he sat down beside Kiri. "She tried talking to your mom about me," Spider said, looking at Loak. "About how she has been treating me and such. Of course, you know how much your mom hates me, it ended up in an argument, and then she hit her."

Tsireya gasped. "What happened then?" asked Loak, concerned. 

"I just left," Kiri interjected. "And I have no intention of going back anytime soon."

"What do you mean?" asked Loak.

"I mean, I am staying with Spider from now on," Kiri said firmly.

"Oh, Kiri..." Tsireya sighed. "But your mother is worried about you-"

"She isn't my biological mother," Kiri retorted harshly before pausing for a moment to look at the concerned eyes of the young Metkayina. "I'm sorry. It's just. I am so mad at her right now."

"Kiri... Look at it from her viewpoint," Loak said as he placed his hand on Kiri's back. "She just lost a son that day. She was grieving."

"Seriously, Loak, are you telling me that during all these years, you never sensed your mother's resentment of Spider?" Loak looked down before looking at Spider, realizing the truth in Kiri's words. "You weren't there when your mother held him by her knife, ready to kill him! I saw her rage. She wanted to kill Spider! You can't tell me that she doesn't unjustly hate him!" Kiri's anger was starting to show.

Loak paused for a moment, looking at Spider, then at Tsireya, before turning towards Kiri. "Look, I agree with you about how Mom treated Spider. It wasn't right. But arguing with her? It isn't going to help matters."

"To be honest, Loak, I don't care about what she thinks of me," Kiri mumbled. "Is it bad that I don't?"

"Well, it is just you, so I am not surprised," Loak smiled as Kiri let out a soft chuckle. "Look, I know you need time away from Mom, and I am not forcing you to come back. Just come back anytime you are ready, okay?" 

Kiri turned to look at Loak and nodded. "Thanks for understanding, all of you."

"You are welcome, Kiri," Tsireya nodded. "Just remember we all care about you." Tsireya then noticed the skies outside. "I have to go soon. It will be time for our family meal, and I don't want to be late," Tsireya said, tugging Loak's arm gently.

"I will accompany you back. I should head back to my Marui too," Loak said as he noticed the sky outside darkening. "Do you want me to pack some stuff for you, Sis?" 

"No need, I can handle myself," Kiri said. "Thanks still."

"If you need anything-"

"I will let you know, don't worry," Kiri interrupted, seeming to be in a better mood now. "You should get back before Dad gets worried."

After Loak and Tsireya left, Spider moved to sit next to the Na'vi. "You alright?"

"A lot better now, thanks, Monkey Boy," Kiri smiled as she leaned on the human a little.

"Not to abruptly change the topic or anything. But are Loak and Tsireya, you know..." Spider said as he put his hands together.

Kiri laughed after hearing Spider's question. She noticed the signs too. "You should have seen how the two of them were when we first moved here."

"Oh? Is there some things I don't know?" asked Spider, curious now.

Kiri chuckled. "Plenty."

Chapter Text

"You wanted to see me, father?" asked Tsireya as she walked into the Marui. It was just her father there, her mother was out harvesting in the sea, and Aonung was probably with his friends hunting as usual.

"Yes, Reya. Do sit down," Tonowari said warmly before sitting in front of her.

"Am I in trouble?" asked Tsireya, the worry in her voice showing. 

Tonowari shook his head. "Don't be worried. I just wanted to talk to you about something in private."

"Oh?" Tsireya asked.

"You have been spending a lot of time with the son of Jakesully," Tonowari said.

"Y-yes," Tsireya answered, nervous about where this conversation was going. "

"You like him, don't you?" asked Tonowari. "I could see it from the first moments you two met."

Tsireya felt her cheeks heat up from the embarrassment. "Was I that obvious?"

"Very," Tonowari said with an amused look on his face. 

"Do you not approve, father?" asked Tsireya, concerned about why her father decided to talk to her about this.

"Reya, I have no right to choose who you love. That is up to you," Tonowari assured. "I just wanted to be sure of the situation."

"Does Mother know?" asked Tsireya.

"Well, if she does, she doesn't seem to be paying much mind to it," Tonowari answered.

"So she doesn't," Tsireya sighed in relief. "Are you going to tell her?"

"They will only know when you let them, Reya. Don't worry," Tonowari assured.

"Thanks, father," Tsireya smiled gently before moving to hug him.

Chapter Text

"Where is Kiri?" 

Loak closed his eyes. He knew little Tuk would eventually realize the absence of her older adoptive sister. He noticed his mother looking down, presumably still feeling bad about her violent outburst.

"Kiri is staying with Spider for the moment," Jake explained. 

"But why isn't she staying here?"

Jake sighed and paused, thinking. "Kiri wants to make sure Spider is comfortable in his new home."

Loak watched as his mother's fist clenched before she stood up and walked out of the Marui without saying a word. "Neytiri? Hey, wait-" And like that, it was just Loak and Tuk left. 

"Loak? What is going on?" asked Tuk, the sadness in her voice showing. "Why is everyone leaving...? I feel so lonely..."

"No... Tuk. It is not because of you," Loak sighed. In the moment, he began to realize the effect this had on his youngest sister. "Come here," Loak sighed, before pulling her into a warm hug.

"Then why?" Tuk asked, unconvinced.

"I don't know, Tuk," Loak said. "But I know we all care and love you a lot," the older Na'vi let his sister rest her head on his shoulders. "I am sorry for not spending enough time with you after... after.."

"It is not your fault, Loak," Tuk interjected, hugging him back.

Loak paused before nodding stiffly. 

---

"Neytiri... please, talk to me," Jake said as he finally caught up with her, taking her hand. "I know you didn't mean to harm Kiri."

"No, MaJake, I do not deserve your forgiveness..." Neytiri sighed as she shook his hand off hers. 

"No... Neytiri," Jake sighed as he caught her hand again. "Look... I know you blame yourself for what happened but, this isn't helping our children either, especially Tuk."

"Then what should I do?" asked Neytiri, a little frustrated.

"Just... try to act normal, until she is ready to come back?" Jake suggested.

"And what if she doesn't come back?" asked Neytiri, her voice breaking. 

Jake sighed before pulling Neytiri into a hug. "She will. I am sure of it."

Chapter Text

"Kiri, what does your brother think of me?" asked the young Metkayina as she drifted closer to Kiri. In the meantime, Tuk was playing a little game of splash with her Ilu.

Tsireya, Kiri, and Tuktirey were out in the sea, riding their Ilus while having quality girl time together. Kiri could tell that Tsireya had been meaning to ask her that question for a long time. And that was the case, but with what happened, Tsireya decided to wait for a while longer before asking the question on her mind. 

Kiri is very observant of her surroundings. She knew Loak had something for Tsireya. Kiri wouldn't blame him as Tsireya is probably the prettiest Metkayina of her age. But she didn't expect to find out that Tsireya had fallen for his brother. Neither does she understand what she sees in Loak.

"Why do you ask?" Kiri asked.

"Nothing, just curious," Tsireya stuttered a little. 

"You like him, don't you?" asked Kiri, smirking a little.

"Am I that obvious?" Tsireya chuckled awkwardly.

"Perhaps to everyone but him," Kiri sighed, smiling. "He is so oblivious."

"Does he like me?" asked Tsireya, unsure.

"Are you kidding me with that question? I guess Loak isn't the only oblivious one," Kiri chuckled rolling her eyes.

"What do you mean?" asked Tsireya.

"Reya, girl. Do you seriously not see how he looks at you?" asked Kiri. "He is so into you!"

"I do not mean physically," Tsireya interjected. "I meant, does he actually like me aside from my physical appearance?"

"Reya, you really need more confidence in yourself. You are literally the kindest soul in the Metkayina clan," Kiri assured. "Loak sees that too, I mean, he is so open with you."

"I am just worried. Perhaps I am just a friend to him?" Tsireya said.

"Reya, trust me, Loak definely likes you too," Kiri assured. "Why don't you ask him out on a date or something? Well as if you two haven't been spending a lot of time alone already."

"No..." Tsireya shook her head. "He is still grieving... I want to give him some time, before I bring up this prospect."

Kiri paused for a moment. "Wow... Tsireya, that is... really considerate of you," Kiri said. "Loak will be lucky to have you as his mate."

"Kiri, I think it is a little too early to say that," Tsireya chuckled as she rubbed the back of her head shyly. 

"Nah, you two are definely getting together," Kiri quipped.

"S-stop!" Tsireya laughed as she splashed a bit of water at Kiri.

Chapter Text

"So, when are you confessing to Tsireya?" Spider asked casually, before chuckling as Loak almost fell out of the chair he was sitting on. 

"W-what?"

"Come on, bro," Spider said patting his back. "I see those eyes when you look at her. You are in love~" Spider teased.

"N-no... Okay," Loak gave in. "She is just so... beautiful..."

"I can see that bro," Spider chuckled.

"I don't mean just her looks, I meant her heart too... So kind... so caring..." Loak said.

"And there you are, getting dreamy thinking of her again," Spider chuckled. 

Loak shook himself gently before sitting up. "Oh well... Tsireya probably just sees me as a friend though."

Spider choked and the water he was drinking and immediately shot a look at him. "You are joking."

"No... why?" asked Loak.

"Gosh, Kiri is right about you. You are so oblivious, bro," Spider laughed.

"W-what do you mean?" Loak asked, confused.

"Do you seriously not see it? She kept coming around for you when you weren't at your Marui. And then she went out looking for you, comforted you, made sure you were okay. Do I need to make myself clear?"

"Well, we are very good friends?" Loak suggested.

"You are an idiot bro," Spider rolled his eyes. "Why don't you just tell her?"

"What if she doesn't feel the same? I might ruin our friendship," Loak sighed.

"Bro," Spider patted his back. "Trust me. Everyone can tell Tsireya likes you except you."

"Okay... okay... Maybe I will tell her," Loak rolled his eyes before looking out the windows. "But when are you going to confess to Kiri?"

Loak laughed as Spider smacked the back of his head.

Chapter Text

Jake paused for a moment before knocking on the door. "Spider? Kiri? You in there?" 

It wasn't long before the door opened. It was Kiri. "Dad." 

"Hey, baby girl," Jake smiled before Kiri rushed to hug him. 
-----
"Your mother worries about you, you know?" Jake asked. 

Kiri's face darkens upon hearing about her mother. "Well, I am doing great here. Tell her Spider has been taking good care of me,"  Kiri scowed.

"Where is Spider anyways?" asked Jake. He was curious, as Spider is usually with Kiri.

"He is out with Loak. He is teaching him how to hunt, I think," Kiri said. "Spider is adapting pretty well. We have been teaching him."

"I can see that. And I say you all are doing a good job," Jake nodded. "When are you coming back?" asked Jake after a short pause.

Kiri sighed. "Not until she can accept Spider," Kiri said. "Not until she changes her extreme views on humans."

"Baby girl, you got to understand her viewpoint too-"

"It's not fair to Spider," Kiri interjected. "He was so loyal to us. And where that got him?"

Jake stayed silent. He knew Kiri was right in a way. "I have been talking to your mother. She will come around."

Kiri nodded silently. "I doubt it," the young Na'vi said to herself.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

"Come on, Tuk!" Loak groaned as he searched high and low. "We got to go back soon. Mom is gonna skin me if I don't come back with you. Seriously, guys, are you really not telling me where she is?" Loak groaned as he looked at Kiri and Spider. The two were sitting on a log, watching the show.

Kiri was just snickering, leaning on Spider. "Nah, bro, good luck," Spider chuckled. 

Chapter Text

Kiri was laid down in the shallow waters, watching as the rays of light hit the water watching the patterns. She would do this whenever she didn't feel like going too far into the sea but wanted some alone time. Kiri was so mesmerized that she didn't feel the water ripples as someone stood behind her.

"Kiri? Kiri."

Kiri mentally groaned as she realized who it was. "Mom," Kiri sat up and turned, visibly annoyed. "I see you finally decided to come and talk to me after a few weeks?"

"I... thought you didn't want to see me?" Neytiri sighed, remembering what she did to Kiri.

Kiri paused, looking at her adoptive mother. She could see hints of remorse, but the young Na'vi was pretty sure the sentiment wasn't for the one thing she hoped it was. "I don't hate you, Mom. You know that, right?"

Neytiri looked up slightly, showing confusion. "I just wish you will stop hating Spider," Kiri said as she stood up.

"I-"

"No, don't even go about how you were trying to protect me," Kiri scowled. "You were about to kill him, and you know it."

"How long are you going to hold this against me, Kiri?" Neytiri asked, the anger rising in her voice now.

"Well, have you apologized to Spider yet?" Kiri asked before walking away, leaving Neytiri, feeling lost.

Chapter Text

"You think I should tell them?" Spider asked as he rolled over in his bed to face Kiri. This question has weighed on the human's mind since he pulled Quaritch from the water.

"Spider... We talked about this," Kiri sighed as the worry in her voice grew.

"I know, probably not your mom... But Loak deserves to know, right?" Spider asked. "And... Your dad too."

Kiri sighed. Spider was right in a way. They shouldn't be keeping this a secret from others. They will find out eventually, when Quaritch returns with a force even more powerful than before, then the family would not be prepared, and Quaritch would have the upper hand over them. "I know..."

"Maybe I should just tell them, sure, I would get the heat for it, but I deserve it too," Spider sighed.

"No!" Kiri said, frustration in her voice as this wasn't the first time they had this conversation. "Do you have a death wish?"

"Well, how else do we tell them?" asked Spider. "My dad would have been dead, if I didn't go back and save him. Your dad thinks he is dead too-"

"I am not losing you again!" Kiri said, slightly louder this time, her voice breaking. "Skwxang... Why can't you just stop bringing this up..." Kiri mumbled.

"It just doesn't feel right. No, it isn't right... And I think you know it too Kiri," Spider sighed as he moved to hold the Na'vi's shaking hands.

"There has to be a way to tell them without you being banished or worse..." Kiri muttered. "There has to be..."

Spider just took in a deep breath. "How about this? Let's think about it over the next few days... if we can't find a solution... I am telling them," Spider said firmly.

"But..." Kiri stuttered. 

"Look... it has been more than a month, we are lucky that Quaritch haven't returned yet," Spider reasoned. 

"I...get it... okay," Kiri looked down. "But I don't like this..."

"Neither do I..."

Chapter Text

Loak stared at Spider, trying to process what he had just heard. The Na'vi couldn't believe what he was hearing. His father told him that he drowned Quaritch, the man who was the cause of his brother, Neteyam's death, and now, his adoptive brother tells him that he was the one that saved that monster from drowning. Tsireya just held Loak's shoulders, massaging them lightly. She couldn't believe the news either. 

Kiri just sat beside Spider, looking at Loak cautiously, prepared to hold the boy back if she needed to, as the situation was tense. "Loak."

"You knew too?" Loak asked coldly.

"I was the first one he told," Kiri said, looking down. Spider closed his eyes, sighing, preparing himself for the worst. 

"I don't understand," Tsireya said, breaking the silence that followed. "Loak, you said your dad..."

"That is what he told me," Loak said, glaring at Spider. "How could you? Why would you?"

"Loak, hear him out," Kiri urged, worried now.

"No, no!" Loak was angry as he stood up and paced around the cabin. "Neteyam, my brother, our brother, he sacrificed himself to save you, and you saved the man that was not only the cause of his death but also the monster that is hell-bent on ending our lives!"

"Loak, please," Kiri sounded miserable now. "Spider, I told you, we shouldn't have-"

"Oh, so you told him to keep it a secret from us?" Loak glared at Kiri now.

"Loak," Tsireya interrupted calmly. "Hear him out." The Metkayina looked at Spider. She looked betrayed as well.

Loak then turned to Spider, his patience running out. "Well? What you gotta say?" 

"L-Look, you are right. I probably shouldn't have gone back to save him..." Spider sighed.

"Then why would you!?" Loak was frustrated now, rushing forward to push Spider against the wall. "Are you a spy?"

"Loak!" Kiri was angry now, rushing forward to pull her brother away from the human while Tsireya held him back.

"It's complicated... Ok?" Spider sighed.

"Well, you better explain yourself well before I tell Dad and Mom," Loak growled while Tsireya tried desperately to hold him back.

"You are not doing that," Kiri said as she marched towards her brother. "You know how your mom feels about him."

"Well, now I am starting to understand why-" Loak glared at Kiri.

"He cared for me," Spider said, interrupting the two.

"Did we not care for you?" Loak growled. "Did we not treat you like our own? What did he give you that we didn't!?"

"HE SAVED MY LIFE, OK!?" Spider shouted from frustration.

"What do you mean, he saved your life?" Loak said, confused and furious. "What about Neteyam?"

"Your mother, held me at her knifepoint. She was ready to kill me. If my dad didn't let Kiri go, I would have died," Spider said, his voice softer as he pointed towards the line across his chest. "When I saw him underwater, I just thought the fact that he did care about me, leaving him, didn't feel right..."

Loak just glared at the human while Tsireya looked on, concerned. "Mom just wanted to protect Kiri," Loak said.

"You didn't see the anger in her eyes, Loak," Kiri interjected. "Couldn't you tell that your Mom didn't like Spider even before then?"

"And so? You went back to save the man who will continue to rain chaos down on all of us?" Loak's voice was getting angrier now.

"Loak..." Tsireya tried to calm him down, worried.

"Even if Spider didn't save Quaritch, the humans would have kept coming. Don't you realize that?" asked Kiri standing in front of Spider now.

"Doesn't matter," Loak grumbled.

"I am sorry-"

"Doesn't change anything," Loak said coldly.

"Skxawng," Kiri retorted. "Can't you tell that he feels bad about it? If your mother didn't-"

"Damn it! Do you think it is easy for me to find out that the man, who is responsible for my brother's death was saved by someone he went back to save?" Loak shouted. "Also, what is with you talking about Mom as if she didn't raise you?"

"She is technically not my biological mother anyways," Kiri shrugged.

"Ohh~ Yeah right, your mom is still lying brain dead in that tube," Loak retorted angrily. "No wonder you couldn't think straight and decided to keep us all in danger just to keep your little Monkey Boy safe-"

Kiri hissed and lunged forward at Loak, pushing him onto the floor before punching him across the face. Tsireya was shocked as this was the first time she seen Kiri this violent. "Kiri! Loak! Please," Tsireya cried as she tried to seperate the two.

Loak then pushed Kiri off, trying to back down before Kiri tried to land another hit. This time Loak dodged it and pushed Kiri back, causing her to hit the wall.

"Kiri!" Spider rushed towards the Na'vi, who was now panting as she leaned against the wall. Spider stood in front of Kiri, shielding him from Loak, hissing at him.

"Save it Miles," Loak scowled. "You aren't even a Na'vi."

"Loak, please," Tsireya said softly, holding him back. "We all need time... Let's go."

The Na'vi sighed before closing his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Sorry, for this," Loak said, his voice calmer now.

"Skxawng," Kiri cursed, glaring at Loak as Spider let down his defences. "If you tell anyone else-"

"I won't, yet. But you two better tell Mom and Dad yourselves before eclipse tomorrow," Loak said. "If not, I will tell them myself." Loak then turned around to leave the cabin.

Tsireya just sighed as she looked at Kiri, bending down to help her up. "Are you alright?"

"Just, hurt," Kiri grunted as she sat on the bed slowly.

"Give Loak time," Tsireya sighed. "He is, still grieving his brother."

"We all are," Kiri mumbled. 

"You are not mad at us?" Spider asked.

"I... don't know what to feel," Tsireya sighed. "I don't know this Quaritch person as well as your family does. But I think that even if he was gone, the sky demons won't stop."

Spider nodded, before Tsireya turned around to leave, following Loak. Kiri just curled herself up, rocking herself.

"Sorry, Kiri..." Spider said as he sat down beside the Na'vi.

"It is not your fault," Kiri mumbled. 

"But... it is."

Chapter Text

"Loak?" Tsireya finally found Loak sitting at the edge, looking at the waters below.

"Reya," Loak sighed as the Metkayina sat down beside him. "I am sorry you have to see that... And I probably shouldn't have-"

"You don't have to apologize to me, Loak," Tsireya sighed as she moved to hold his hands. "I just... want to understand the situation a bit better."

"How do you mean?"

"Quaritch... he is the one who leads the sky demons, correct?" asked Tsireya, eyeing Loak, who was still looking at the sea.

"One of them, yes," Loak nodded.

"And your father killed him once, as Toruk Makto?" Tsireya continued.

"Yes, but somehow, he returned as an Avatar," Loak sighed. "Still don't understand how that happened either.

"I see... "Tsireya trailed on. "And Spider... He is the son of Quaritch?"

"Yes," Loak nodded.

"Well, then he is very different from his father then, living among us," Tsireya commented. 

"He always did enjoy spending time with us than being in the lab back then," Loak sighed.

"Sorry, what's a lab?" Tsireya asked, confused.

"Oh... I meant... Nevermind. The point is Spider always enjoyed living like us Na'vis," Loak explained. "He ate with us, played with us, sometimes even slept together with us too."

"Yet, your mother doesn't like him?" Tsireya asked.

"I mean, can you blame her? I heard about how the sky demons killed her sister, destroyed her home, killed her father... She lost so much then," Loak sighed. 

"Your father. He is one of the sky people too?" 

"Well... yes, he was," Loak nodded. "But he changed sides, fought for the Na'vi, and became Toruk Makto."

"Yes, I heard the stories," Tsireya said as she massaged Loak's hands gently. "I don't understand something."

"What is it?" asked Loak, his voice calmer now.

"How can your mother love your father but not care for a sky people who did nothing wrong back then?" Tsireya asked. 

Loak sighed. "Maybe because he is Quaritch's son?"

"He isn't his father, Loak," Tsireya reminded.

"Well, he did save him," Loak retorted sharply. "Sorry..."

"He just... cares," Tsireya sighed. "He has a good heart, Loak. Like you and Payakan," the Metkayina now held Loak's hands higher. "Do you remember how you didn't believe us when we told you Payakan was a killer?"

"Yes, but that was different. Quaritch is an actual killer-"

"Loak, let me finish," Tsireya said calmly. "What made you trust Payakan that you would still go back to him after others told you that he was a killer?"

"I mean, he saved me," Loak said, thinking now. "He saved me from the Akula."

Tsireya nodded. "Spider said that Quaritch let Kiri go after your mother was about to... kill him... right?"

"I mean, I wasn't there, I didn't see it, but I suppose that it happened," Loak sighed. 

"That proves that Quaritch did care for his son," Tsireya continued. "Imagine, Spider was stuck with the Sky Demon for so long that he must have spent so much time with him."

"He probably did," Loak mumbled. "He doesn't talk much about those times, at least not with me."

"What I am trying to say is while the situation isn't the same, Spider has a connection with Quaritch, who shown care for his son during his time held captive. How can you expect him to leave someone whom he knows cares for him, dead?"

Loak was quiet for a moment. "I never thought about it like that. But I still... can't... "

Tsireya moved to hug Loak. "Your anger is justifiable, but you must also try to understand Spider's side of things too."

"I'll try..."

Chapter Text

"I just... don't know what to do anymore, Jake," Neytiri sighed as she leaned on her mate's shoulders. "Kiri is still mad at me... I tried talking to her, preparing food for her... It has been weeks..." Jake just hugged Neytiri as she broke down a little. "I just don't want to lose our daughter..."

"What about... Spider...?" Jake asked.

"Him? He is the reason Kiri is like this," Neytiri sighed.

"Is he?" Jake asked.

"You disagree?"

Jake just nodded silently. "Spider has always been a kid who wants to be part of our family. Is that so wrong?"

"He is not-"

"Na'vi, yes, you told me before," Jake sighed. "But that doesn't explain why you seemed to hate him."

"Do you know how hard it is for me to look at the boy?" Neytiri clenched her fist.

"You see his father in him, don't you?" asked Jake.

"Not just his father, the sky demons that killed my sister... my father... that destroyed my home!" Neytiri's voice broke a little. 

"Spider isn't his father... he isn't like the others..." Jake pointed out. "Neytiri... I know what you have been through. I have seen what you have been through. But you can't qualify all the sky people as evil just because of Quaritch and the RDA," Jake said. 

Neytiri stayed silent. "I saw the anger in your eyes... that day... I remember them, as you were about to drive your blade into him... I know you did it to protect Kiri... but does Spider know? You don't have to like the kid... But I think you at least owe him an apology," Jake said as he looked at his mate.

After a long silence between the two, Neytiri finally broke it.

"Perhaps, you are right, MaJake."

Chapter Text

Spider knew when he decided to tell Jake and Neytiri the truth that it wouldn't end well, but this was much worse than how he expected it to go. It all started when he and Kiri got called to the Sullys Marui by Neytiri herself. 

Kiri and Spider were equally surprised when they saw Neytiri standing at the door. Kiri even stood in front of Spider out of distrust for the woman. "Come to our Marui later. Your father and I want to talk to you, both of you," Neytiri said rather expressionlessly before leaving.

"I don't like this," Kiri muttered as she and the human walked along the bouncy path to the Sullys' Marui.

"Well, look on the bright side, she came to call us herself," Spider said, trying to smile, but inside, he was nervous too.

"Like that makes things better," Kiri rolled her eyes. "You think Loak told them?"

"Well, I mean, we are eventually telling them anyways. Plus, I think your mother would be angrier and stabbed me back there if she already knew," Spider's breaths hitched.

"Spider, Baby girl," Jake called out as the two approached the Marui.

"Dad," Kiri nodded while Spider stayed awkwardly silent, as he didn't know what to say.

"Sit down, your mother and I want to talk to the both of you about something," Jake said calmly.

"Are we in trouble, Mr. Sully?" asked Spider nervously as he and Kiri sat down.

"Oh, no trouble at all," Jake said before turning to Neytiri.

"Kiri, I... am sorry," Neytiri said slowly. At first, Kiri just rolled her eyes, not being the genuine emotions behind those words. "You were right... I was letting my hate for the sky people blind me... And I hurt you... and Spider... I am so sorry... I realize now that I shouldn't have pinned your father's sins on you... I am sorry for cutting you, that day."

Spider's heart twisted, this wasn't how it was supposed to go, this shouldn't be how it goes. It was easier to apologize to Jake and Neytiri before this. How were they going to react to the truth now? Kiri couldn't help but smile softly, seeing her mother finally change. "It's okay, mother, we forgive you-"

"I saved Quaritch," Spider interjected, causing the others to turn toward him sharply.

"W-What?" Jake paused, not believing what he heard. "I drowned Quaritch..."

"You... saved your father....?" Neytiri's hands shook in anger.

"Spider! What are you-"

"They deserve to know the truth," Spider sighed, looking down as Neytiri's breaths got uneven.

"Why would you do that?" Jake asked loudly, even though he sounded mad.

"Traitor!" Neytiri screamed at Spider, making both Kiri and Spider flinch backward. Before any of them could react properly the woman unsheathed her blade from her pouch and moved to strike.

"Neytiri!"

Spider closed his eyes. He couldn't escape even if he wanted to, but why should he? He deserves this anyways. However, the blade never pierced his flesh but a piercing scream sounded. As Spider opened his eyes, he saw the Na'vi girl shielding him, blood trickling down her body. 

"K-Kiri?" Spider was still trying to process the situation as he watched her slump down beside him. "Kiri!" Spider rushed to her side, holding her gently.

"Monkey boy," Kiri grunted in pain, tears pouring as she gripped the human's hand.

"Oh... no no no," Jake rushed to his daughter's side examining the wound. 

Neytiri just stared in horror before dropping the blood-covered blade. "Kiri... MaJake... I am so sorry..."

Jake just looked at her mate and turned back to look at Kiri. "Spider, get me the cloth over there, I have to apply pressure."

"Dad? Mom? What happened?" Tuk's innocent voice came as she walked into the Marui before realizing Kiri lying on the floor, blood pooling underneath her. "Kiri! No!"

Loak and Tsireya followed behind the young girl, and they both stood in shock. 

~~~

“Is she going to be okay Norm?" Jake sighed as he watched the humans carry her up on the stretcher. 

"The stab wound is deep," Norm said. "But she will heal. What happened anyways?"

"It's complicated," Jake sighed as he looked at Spider, who was standing by Kiri's side in the Samson. "Keep me updated, and... take care of them," Jake said.

"Will do, Sully."

Chapter Text

"You can see her now," the female scientist said, looking at Spider, who leaned against the wall, waiting. "Are you alright?"

Spider just nodded. "How is she?"

"It is quite a serious wound, but she will live."

"Okay," Spider exchanged nods with her before walking into the room.

Kiri was lying on the bed, her wound patched up and bandaged. The Na'vi was staring at the ceiling before Spider broke the silence. "Hey."

"Spider," Kiri's face lit up a little as she saw the human walk towards her, sitting up before groaning.

"Take it easy, Kiri," Spider looked at the bandaged wound in concern. 

"I am fine," Kiri grunted as she moved.

"Kiri," Spider interrupted as he held her hand. "Just relax."

Kiri paused for a moment before sighing. "Fine, It's just I feel restless. I don't like being indoors. You know that."

"And Doc said you need to stay put unless you want your wound to get worse," Spider reminded calmly, squeezing the Na'vi's hands softly.

Kiri just nodded, sitting back a little. "How is High Camp? Haven't been back here for months," Kiri asked.

"More or else the same, Norm did say that they have been facing quite a few RDA intruders. They have been getting lesser though, stopped not  long after what happened at Three Brothers Rock."

"Well, that is good, for now," Kiri sighed, looking down. "How about you? Are you alright?"

"I feel like I should be the one asking you that question Kiri," Spider said as he felt another pinch of guilt.

"Me? I am alive, I guess," Kiri shrugged.

"Why did you do that?"

"Why what?" 

"Why did you take that stab for me?" Spider asked, his voice shaking, remembering how Kiri fell right in front of him, bleeding. "I should have taken the stab, not you. You did nothing wrong."

"You would have died," Kiri shook her head. 

"Well, then I would have deserved it," Spider retorted.

"Skwxang! Why are you so intent on dying?" Kiri began to raise her voice out of frustration. "Sure, you saved Quaritch right after he saved your life! What about all the other things you did?"

"What do you mean...?" Spider asked.

"The RDA put you through torture. Quaritch tried to manipulate you, but you never gave up the exact location of High Camp. You pleaded to save the lives of Na'vi when Quaritch almost decided to kill them," Kiri's voice strained as her emotions showed.

"Like that helped much," Spider scoffed.

"Spider, don't you see? If you weren't there to talk Quaritch out of it, a lot more Na'vi would have died," Kiri pointed out. "Give yourself some credit. Plus, you helped my dad save me, and Tuk too. We owe you a lot too. Plus, even if Quaritch died, the RDA would continue to come at us."

"Does all of that justify me going back to save him?" Spider asked, looking down. 

Kiri was frustrated to the edge of breaking down. "Maybe it doesn't. That does not matter! Not anymore. Looking back on it isn't going to help. What we can do now is move on."

Spider just kept quiet for a moment, thinking about what Kiri said. "I am sorry. You argued with your mother because of me. You got stabbed because of me too-"

"Don't..." Kiri sighed. "I just... can't bear the thought of losing you again."

"W-Why? Am I worth that much that you are willing to sacrifice your relationship with your mother? Your family?" Spider asked.

"You are," Kiri said, holding the human's hands now. "You think yourself as an outcast, that no one really loves and care about you," the Na'vi girl sighed. "But we do, I do."

"Will they even want me back after what happened? I am sure your mom, dad, and Loak all hate me now," Spider looked down.

"If it means anything, I still love you," Kiri muttered, massaging his palms slowly.

Spider looks at Kiri, whose face is full of emotions, not quite sure what to reply.

"I see you, Spider."

Chapter Text

"Loak...?" Tsireya asked concerned, as she turned to look at the boy as they sat in the shallow waters by the beach. 

Loak had that look again. Tsireya knew all too well at this point. It was a look that always got Tsireya worried. He got something on his mind, something troubling him. "What is on your mind?"

Loak sighed as he leaned back a little. "Sorry, Reya, it's just... so frustrating... Seeing my family fall apart like this..."

Tsireya nodded understandingly before moving in to hug Loak, resting her head on his shoulders. "I understand... I feel helpless too. Tsireya sighed after a moment. "I am useless..."

"What?" Loak sat up a little. "No, you are not useless, Reya. 

"I wanted to help Kiri and Spider, yet I couldn't do anything," the Metkayina sighed.

"Reya, listen to me. You believed in me, when no one else did," Loak said as he moved to hold her hand. "You comforted me after Neteyam's funeral. You looked out for me, Kiri... Spider. You are the kindest person I know, and definitely not useless," Loak assured warmly. "I see you, Tsireya."

Tsireya flushed a little, turning away from Loak. "T-Thank you."

Loak nodded and gave Tsireya a smile before returning the hug. Ripples formed in the water as he moved slightly.

"Do you think Kiri and Spider will be alright?" asked Tsireya after a moment. 

"Their injuries will heal," Loak nodded. "That is for sure. Just... I am not sure how our family can ever heal from this... I mean, Mom stabbed Kiri," Loak frowned as he looked up.

"She did," Tsireya sighed. "Your mother does have some anger issues she needs to work on."

Loak chuckled dryly. "I guess so. But then, she is just protective of us."

"My mother is the same too," Tsireya smiled, after hearing Loak chuckle. 

"Ah, I can tell," Loak noted. "I remember them hissing at each other when we first arrived."

Tsireya smiled a bit. "My mother is fierce. Scary sometimes when she is angry."

"So much like my mom," Loak sighed.

"Well, whatever they do, they do care about us," Tsireya reminded. 

Loak nodded. "And that is why I don't  blame this on her, though, I still feel... mad at her." Loak let out a deep sigh. "Why does it feels so broken? My family."

"Perhaps, it is broken. But you are all still a family," Tsireya said. "Give them time, it will all heal."