Work Text:
Heart of the Plains, The Great Games Camp
So'lek had just been inches from Tamtey when it all happened. He could have easily protected her but yet, he failed and this was the price he was to pay for that failure. Just like his failure to protect his clan, protect his ikran, the price was to wander alone. To walk the Path of the Promiser. To be the last of the Trr'ong.
When he met the Sarentu. When he met Tamtey. He had made a promise to himself that the Sarentu would not be lost to the same fate as the rest of their fallen clan. That they would not be lost to the sky people like the Trr'ong were. They would travel Pandora again. They would share stories, bring joy and wonder wherever they went.
Of course, the sky people had different plans and they now walked a different path. Forced to become warriors.
Just like So'lek had been.
Tamtey had stepped up, becoming a warrior to ensure the rest of her little clan did not need to be. She took that burden onto her own shoulders, letting her clanmates follow their own paths. Paths she would protect with her life.
That is when So'lek became certain that he would protect hers. He would watch out for her the same way she did for the other Sarentu. Where she guided them, he would guide her. When she protected them, he would protect her. Where she became their rock to lean on, he would become hers. Where she would put her life on the line for them, he would put his life on the line for her.
So why had he failed?
Again.
''Get down!'' Tamtey screamed, practically throwing herself at Anufi as the Valkyrie spiralled downwards, crashing into the centre of the camp. So'lek was mere inches from Tamtey, the shock of the impact sending him flying back, knocking Ri'nela down with him.
The smell of smoke and death flooded his senses. He could hear the sounds of anguish in the air. People screaming, sobbing, pleading as fire ravaged the tents. He could hear the sobbing of children as they screamed for their parents. People running, calling out for loved ones.
He felt hands on him, pulling him up. ''...'lek!...So'lek!'' Ri'nela's shouting made the ringing in his ears worse.
She helped him to his feet, catching him when he stumbled. ''Ri'nela? What is happening?'' He asked but she was already gone. His eyes watered, burning from the smoke. He was unsteady on his feet, almost falling back into the grass again until he spotted her.
Tamtey staggered, struggling to stay on her feet just ahead of him, Right where she had been when the ship had collided with the camp. He could see Anufi next to her, clearly dazed. Though, not as dazed as Tamtey appeared to be. She looked around, her eyes wide and full of terror, her tail tucked between her legs. She pressed a hand to her head. They made eye contact, just for a second but she seemed to just stare right through him, as if she didn't even realise he was right in front of her. She floundered, turning away from him and stumbled forward.
So'lek lost sight of her amongst the smoke and flames.
''Tamtey!'' He called out, teetering after her. He ignored the hand that brushed over his shoulder, trying to stop him. ''Tamtey?'' He tried again. His feet stung as he stepped through the burning grass, his lungs ached from the smoke, desperate for clean, fresher air.
An explosion going off just ahead had him tumbling back, the ringing in his ears now even louder. His head pounded, nausea churning in his stomach. He coughed, chest heaving as he struggled back to his feet. ''Tamtey?'' He tried again. His heart hammered in his chest when he finally caught sight of her again.
She lay face down in the grass just a few feet away, looking like a puppet that just had its strings cut. She was silent, still. Too still. So'lek went rigid, he couldn't even hear the terror around him, couldn't see the way people staggered around him, disappearing into the smoke a moment later. A choked sound escaped his throat. Not quite a scream but not quite a gasp. The nausea in his stomach had disappeared, replaced with something worse. Dread crawled up his spine, paralysing him. He couldn't seem to get his body to listen, his feet remained rooted in the burning ground beneath him. At some point, his mind had managed to force his body forward and he collapsed next to her, fire licked at her, travelling closer.
So'lek's entire body trembled as he gently moved her onto her back. Her face was drenched with so much ash he couldn't even see her Sarentu mark anymore. Blood ran down the side of her head, soaking her hair and coating So'lek's hand as he cupped her face. Bruises had already began to bloom on her body from how hard she had hit the ground both times.
He tugged her closer, cradling her in his lap as if she were something delicate and not one half of the mighty Death on Wings that struck fear into the heart of the RDA. There was no resistance from her, even as he held her head to his chest when it lolled to the side. He curled his body around her, using himself as her shield against the flames that crept closer. ''Tamtey?'' His voice cracked with emotion as he tried to rouse her, gently stroking her hair from her face, it was wet with blood, sticking to her skin. ''Tamtey, can you hear me?'' He tried again, resting her body against the inside of his thigh and cupping her face with both hands. He brushed his thumb over her face, wiping away the ash that covered her Sarentu mark. She still didn't stir. He started to pray to the Great Mother that this was either just a horrible nightmare or this was just another one of her 'pranks' as she called them. ''Ma'yawntu?'' He tried one more time, his eyes travelling over her body, only now just remembering the need to check for any serious injuries other than the deep cut on her forehead. He only found bruises along with some cuts and burns but nothing serious. Even then, he couldn't find himself calming even just slightly over the fact that she didn't look seriously injured.
''Ri'nela!'' He howled, hooking one arm under Tamtey's knees and the other under her back. His legs shook, threatening to give in and send them both tumbling into the dirt again but So'lek wouldn't let them. He hoisted her up and turned, heading back toward the tent they had all been gathered in right befoe this nightmare began. Tamtey's head fell against his shoulder, the blood seeping from the cut on her forehead now running down So'lek's shoulder. ''Ri'nela!'' He screamed again, voice growing more and more desperate. He could barely see for all the smoke and ash, his feet stung and burned from stepping on sharp rocks and burnt grass.
He didn't care. He couldn't care right now. Not until he was sure Tamtey would be fine.
So'lek didn't find Ri'nela. But he did find Anufi.
Anufi who was clearly still not in the right headspace but right now, he probably would not find anyone that was. There were already multiple other injured Na'vi in the tent when Anufi ushered So'lek inside, showing him where to set Tamtey down. She was speaking to him but So'lek couldn't hear a single thing she was saying, all he could see were her lips moving as she began to check Tamtey over. Someone placed a hand on his arm but he couldn't tear his eyes away from Tamtey.
''She will be alright now, So'lek.'' A voice finally managed to fight through the ringing in his ears.
He lifted his head to find Alma standing next to him, her small hand on his shoulder. Next to her stood Mokasa, an unreadable expression in his eyes.
''She will be alright now.'' He echoed, his voice hoarse as he stood back up, his body protesting every movement.
''Yes.'' Anufi spoke up, turning her attention with from Tamtey for just a moment. Something in So'lek wanted to scream at her to focus on Tamtey, tell her that he didn't matter right now. That he just needed to know Tamtey would be fine then he would be too.
He swayed as he stood up, staggering back on shuddering legs. ''Good.'' He whispered, arms dropping to his sides. ''That is good.'' He nodded.
''So'lek. You need to sit down.'' Alma's voice sounded so far away. As if she wasn't even standing right next to him.
His legs finally gave out and he plummeted backwards. He heard shouting, felt his back colliding with someone's chest before he was slowly lowered to the ground. His eyes rolling in his skull as he fought to stay conscious, his vision swimming as he tried to make out the disorted faces above him before his mind followed his body and it went dark.
When So'lek woke, light peeked through the tent, the sun no longer blocked out by thick clouds of ash. The smell of smoke still persisted but it did not burn his lungs like it had. His body felt weak, sore, as if he had just escaped a quarrel with a pa'li after being thrown from its back.
The world spun around him, making him dizzy as he attempted to sit up. He could hear the sound of people talking in hushed voices, mixed with crying and pain filled groans and winces.
''Look who is awake.'' Someone commented from his side, a hand now on his back, helping him sit up. It remained there, as if it were the only thing keeping him steady. His head pounded as he turned and was met with Ri'nela. ''How are you feeling?'' Ri'nela asked. So'lek now realised it had been her who had spoken and it was her hand on his back.
''I am fine.'' He replied, trying to sound firm. Instead, his voice came out hoarse, broken, his throat dry.
He ignored the chuckle that followed. Ri'nela's hand disappeared then suddenly, there was a bowl of water being thrusted into his hands. His hands that were still shaking. ''Drink.'' The Sarentu woman instructed when So'lek didn't move to take the bowl from her. She rolled her eyes at the way he grumbled something under his breath and took the bowl from her. ''Do you remember anything?'' She asked as he drank, taking the bowl back once it was empty.
So'lek was silent for a moment. She watched the way his gaze wandered around the camp, taking in the injured people around them along with the people who tended to them. ''I remember leaving the tent.'' He started, his tail swishing. ''I remember the shah-tell crashing into the camp and then Tamtey...'' She heard his breath hitch, his shoulders tensed and his tail lashed. ''Where is she?'' His tone turned desperate, no longer caring about putting up a tough act in front of her.
Ri'nela gestured to the body next to him that Teylan hovered over, worry etched into his features. Tamtey still lay where So'lek had placed her for Anufi to check over her. The deep cut on her head seemed to have been stitched shut and wrapped carefully. The ash and blood washed off of her skin, making the dark bruising that bloom on her skin easier to see. She opened her mouth to protest how quickly So'lek moved to check on the other Sarentu woman.
''She still has not woken up.'' Teylan muttered, tail curled around his ankles as he watched and waited for Tamtey to wake.
''Why?'' So'lek's hand stopped just inches from her face. Prepared to caress it the way he had when trying to wake her before but he held back, pulling his hand away from her.
Ri'nela sighed and shuffled over, crouching next to So'lek. She watched the way his body still seemed to tremble, his eyes heavy with exhaustion and worry. ''It was a very bad head injury. That is most likely why she has yet to wake.'' She said quietly. ''But she will wake. In time. She is not the only one to be left in this state after the crash. Many have been wounded or lost.''
So'lek stood up with a quiet hiss, his ears flicking. Ri'nela watched the worry in his eyes be replaced with something darker, something angrier. ''Then I will make sure they pay for this.'' He growled, stepping around Ri'nela. She was quick to follow, grabbing his arm to stop him. Teylan watched them nervously, moving ever so slightly closer to Tamtey, as if she would be able to protect him even if she was not even conscious.
''You should stay here, So'lek! Nesim is already out scouting. They will answer for this but first, you must rest!'' She tried plead.
The rage in his eyes did not settle. ''I will rest once we are safe.'' He hissed, tugging his arm from her grip and storming away.
Ri'nela shook her head when she heard the sound of So'lek calling for Ìley echo in from outside. A moment later the sound of an ikran's cries rang out. She glanced back at Teylan who still watched her nervously. ''I should go help with the other wounded.'' She told him, walking off without another word.
Heart of the Plains
The last thing So'lek remembered when he spotted the small RDA patrol stalking its way through the plains was rage. Ìley had responded in kind, letting out a deafening shrill as they dived down towards the patrol. So'lek made quick work of the soldiers, slaughtering them before turning his attention to the two AMP suits that stood, caught off guard by the sudden attack.
The RDA had made the sky fall down on the The Great Games, leaving pain and sorrow in their wake. They had murdered na'vi in cold blood with their cowardly tactics. Not to mention the zakru that had also been caught in the attack. They had ripped apart families, tore through the celebrations like a fire, leaving nothing but ash and anguish. They had ripped away any hope the clans had regained. The Great Games were a symbol of new hope, of happiness. A symbol of a future that they thought they had finally taken back. The clans had rejoiced in the RDA's feat, gathering together to celebrate as one. That had been their greatest mistake. A mistake that shouldn't have even been made because they thought they had finally rid the Western Frontier of the sky people.
This was just a reminder.
A reminder that they would never truly be free of them.
So'lek was going to make them regret it.
He had finally found a home again. Found people to cherish and protect. He thought that maybe he was becoming a part of a clan again. To see that clan almost be ripped out of his hands the way the Trr'ong had been. It made his blood boil. It made his pounding headache even worse. A surge of adrenaline coursed through him. His hands no longer shook with terror but with resentment.
He screamed as he shattered the glass of the first AMP suit, ripping the soldier out by the throat and tossing them into the dirt. He ignored the sickening crunch that followed when he slammed his foot down on the soldier's back, snapping their spine and ensuring their death. His attention immediately turned to the other AMP suit, thirsty for vengeance.
He went at it for hours or maybe days. He had lost track of time, too busy ripping apart any patrol he came across. Ìley seemed to share his rage, attacking AMP suits while So'lek ripped apart the rest of the soldiers. The sight of Tamtey unmoving and injured remained in his head the entire time. Filling his rage back up whenever he seemed to calm ever so slightly, motivating his next attack on whatever unlucky RDA patrol he came across.
''So'lek?''
He completely froze, dropping the soldier he had been relentlessly stabbing to death over and over again. His pleads for mercy had died in his throat a long time ago, leaving him to silently endure So'lek rage. Splatters of blood decorated So'lek's face, the crimson liquid dripping from his knife as he pulled it out of the soldier and dropped him.
So'lek had lost his voice to screaming a while ago. How long ago exactly? He wasn't sure.
''Tamtey?'' His voice was reduced to a raw, scratchy whisper, his throat aching from overuse. He swallowed the lump that had gathered in his throat. Relief flooding him at the sound of her voice.
''Hey.'' He could practically hear the smile. ''Ri'nela told me you've been out scouting?''
Thank you, Ma'Eywa. He thought to himself. Either Ri'nela didn't know what he was really doing out here, showing that Nesim had kept her promise when they had crossed paths. Nesim didn't seem entirely bothered as she watched him ruthlessly tear down a squad of soldiers and she had only nodded when So'lek asked her to keep what she had seen to herself.
Or
Nesim had gotten word back to Ri'nela at some point about what So'lek was up to and Ri'nela had lied to Tamtey to keep her from worrying.
Either way, he was grateful.
''Yes.'' He replied, trying to keep his answers short as he headed over to Ìley, the ikran climbing off of the AMP suit he had attacked.
''It's good to hear your voice.'' She hummed. ''Are you okay?''
He cleared his throat, trying to make it sound clearer, louder. ''Better than you. You slept for some time.''
Truthfully, So'lek had no idea how long she had been asleep for. He had lost all track of time a while ago. ''The sky people have set up new sites. They think to finish us off on the ground.'' He continued, wincing when his voice cracked.
''We won't give them the chance.'' Tamtey stated with a hiss. ''Where are you?''
''I am on my way back to camp.'' He made tsaheylu with Ìley and took off into the sky. He would have to wash the blood away before Tamtey would see him.
Heart of the Plains, The Great Games Camp
Tamtey was stood next to Nimun when So'lek spotted her. She showered her ikran with affection, offering her treats and pets. He chuckled at the way Ìley grew excited to see Tamtey and Nimun and to hopefully get his own treat from the Sarentu woman.
Ìley trilled, shrieking to catch their attention.
''So'lek!'' Tamtey called up to them with a wave and a smile while Nimun called back to them in reply to Ìley.
They circled around in a slow glide before landing a few feet away from them. So'lek jumped from Ìley's back, leaving his ikran to greet Tamtey's while he approached said woman.
She looked much better than she did the last time So'lek saw her. The dressings on the wound on her forehead had been removed, the stitches still remained but it appeared to be healing nicely. The dark brusies that littered her skin had also faded a little.
''How do you feel?'' He asked before she even had the chance to properly say hello.
Tamtey snorted, rolling her eyes. ''I feel okay. Aching a little but I guess that's normal...considering what happened.'' She shrugged. ''How have you been? Ri'nela says you haven't been back here for days.''
So'lek paused. Had it really been days since the crash? Since he had left? Is that how long he had been hunting down RDA patrols?
''I have been busy.'' He settled on, deciding it probably would not end well if he told her how he had lost track of time.
''Busy.'' She repeated, her brow raised. A manner she had picked up from him. ''Too busy to take care of yourself? You look...'' She hesitated when he narrowed his eyes. ''...tired.''
He scowled. ''I am fine. I must go back out. There are some RDA sites that have recently come back on online.'' He turned, heading back toward Ìley.
Tamtey grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop. ''Hey.'' She stepped in front of him, blocking his path to his ikran. Her hand now pressed against his chest as if that would keep him in place. ''You should eat something and get some rest first. It's obvious you haven't been taking care of yourself.'' She huffed, ignoring his glare. ''Come on, I'll make you something to eat and you can nap in my tent.'' She took his hand and tugged him along. ''Your voice sounds like it could use some rest as well.''
Any argument he had died in his throat at that last comment. He glanced back at Ìley and Nimun, scoffing when his ikran made a point of turning and flying off, as if to tell him to listen to Tamtey. Nimun quickly followed after him.
''Sit.'' Tamtey ordered as soon as they entered her tent. She placed her hands on his shoulders, pushing him to sit down. She reached for his knife, bow and gun, pulling them off his back before he could stop her.
''What are you-'' Her tail lashed as she sat them next to her own weapons.
''You do not need weapons to eat or sleep.'' She stated as she got to work.
So'lek rolled his eyes, turning his attention to the rest of her tent. A smile threatened to spread across his face at the sight of the wooden ikran carving he had made her. It sat next to a collect of feathers and beads that she would occasionally braid into her hair. Next to them were her weapons and now his. Her hammock hung on the opposite side of the small tent, behind So'lek who sat at the small fire in the centre of the tent.
''Eat.'' A fruit salad was shoved into his hands a few minutes later. Tamtey had been quick to prepare it...or maybe So'lek had just lost track of time, again.
He opened his mouth to argue, immediately closing it again when he noticed the look on her face as she settled down next to him. He felt a little self conscious with the way she watched him while he ate. Occasionally, they would make eye contact but So'lek was always the first to break it, going back to focusing on the fruit salad. Tamtey didn't let him even think about moving until he had finished it all. He hadn't realised just how hungry he was until he bit into the first piece of fruit so he hadn't had a problem with finishing the rest.
When he was done, Tamtey got to her feet and stepped toward the hammock, patting it. ''Come on. You should get some sleep.''
''I can sleep in my own tent, Sarentu.'' He stood up, ears going back when she glared.
''Or you can just sleep here.'' She patted the hammock again. ''You're already here anyway.''
So'lek sighed. ''Fine, but I will not be resting for long. The sky people will not wait around for me.''
''You mean for us.'' She shot him an unimpressed look, arms crossed.
''Of course.'' He shrugged, blinking in surprise when she slapped his shoulder.
''Skxawng!'' Tamtey hissed. ''You are going to rest then we will both go scouting together.'' She reached up and began to fiddle with the straps of his vest.
So'lek stared, feeling his face grow warm. ''What are you doing?''
She had already undone the first strap and moved on to the second one. ''You can't sleep with this on. It'll be uncomfortable.'' She pointed out as if it were obvious. Her own face growing warm. She wasn't exactly sure where this new bout of confidence had come from. Maybe it was from her frustration over So'lek not taking proper care of himself or maybe all she needed all along was a few days of sleep to finally be more upfront about her feelings for So'lek. What exactly those feelings were? She still wasn't entirely sure.
''Oh.'' Was all So'lek's brain could muster as a reply as Tamtey pulled the vest off and set it to the side.
She gasped at the sight of his skin that had been hidden underneath the vest. It was red, raw looking from where the vest had been rubbing, agitating his skin. ''So'lek!'' She scolded, stepping around him to inspect his back that looked similar to his chest. ''Couldn't you feel that?''
He looked over his shoulder at her. ''No.''
She hissed, shoving him into the hammock. ''Don't go to sleep yet. I'm going to go get Ri'nela. She'll be able to help with this.'' Tamtey walked out the tent before So'lek could attempt to argue with her.
He sighed, shuffling to get comfortable and settled his hands over his stomach.
It didn't take long for his eyes to grow heavy, exhaustion seeping in, pulling him into sleep. It was the first time in days he felt calm enough, safe enough. To relax enough for his body to finally give into its own needs and let sleep take him.
Tamtey let out a exasperated but fond sigh when she returned with Ri'nela in tow to find him fast asleep. ''I told him to stay awake.''
Ri'nela chuckled, handing her the bowl of salve she had prepared. ''Tell him to apply this to the areas where the vest has been agitating the skin. Should help it heal and also act as a protective layer for when he puts the vest back on.'' She explained quietly, stepping back out of the tent to leave So'lek sleep in peace.
''Skxawng.'' Tamtey whispered to So'lek as she set the salve to side for him to apply when he woke up. She stood for a moment, watching the rise and fall of his chest before she too, stepped out of the tent to let him sleep in peace.