Work Text:
Jake had to take the kids to play by the little river near their home that morning so they could take their attention off everything. As much as he wanted to be by Neytiri’s side at that moment, he knew Mo’at needed to make preparations, and the kids were too excited about the possibility of their new sibling’s birth today.
Kiri was over the moon.
There was no need to announce it to her; from the very beginning, she simply knew she would have a little sister. This was the first time she would witness the birth of one of her siblings, because even though she was older than Lo'ak, she was still very young when he was born.
The same was true for Neteyam. He couldn’t contain his excitement at being the big brother once again. But even though he was the oldest of the three (soon to be four), he hadn’t witnessed any of the births. He was practically a newborn himself when Kiri was born. And with Lo’ak, his only memories were of sitting beside his mother, spending hours gazing at the baby.
Lo'ak, on the other hand, was a little apprehensive about what this meant with the arrival of the new member. He was extremely excited about the possibility of being a big brother and having someone look up to him the way he looked up to his brother. But at the same time, he wasn’t sure how he should feel about the arrival of someone younger than him.
Lo'ak was used to having his siblings' attention and concern always focused on him. Even though there was little age difference between them, Neteyam and Kiri were always there for whatever Lo'ak had in mind. And now, with the arrival of a new sibling, he was afraid of being left out and no longer having them by his side.
“What will the baby look like?,” Lo'ak asked. They had spent time with younger children born into the clan in recent years, but they had never been this close to babies.
“Just like you, only really tiny,” Jake replied, crouching down in front of him as he ruffled Lo’ak’s short hair.
Lo'ak looked a little suspicious, but he quickly accepted the answer and went back to playing.
“I cannot wait to play with her,” Kiri said dreamily, and then immediately ran across the river rocks, smiling.
Jake watches his three children playing in the water with immense pride. He could never have imagined that a marine would find a home six years away from where he was born. But as he crouches on the riverbank, he can barely remember the life he had before his family. If he could even call it a life.
Watching his children play together, he couldn’t help but think of his brother and how he could never thank him enough for the life he had built for himself because of him. It was like a constant reminder that even after his death, his brother continued to watch over him.
Jake’s thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of Tarsem, a young and promising Omatikaya warrior. Without standing up, Jake turns his head in his direction.
“JakeSully. Mo’at is requesting your return.” Tarsem speaks calmly.
All of Jake’s momentary peace vanishes at the thought that the birth of his new child is really happening. Even though he was better prepared this time, the anxiety remained the same.
Nothing could match the anxiety Jake felt about the birth and Neteyam. It was all still very new to him; he had no idea what was going to happen. He thought Neytiri was going to hit him, given how much he was making her angry and nervous about the birth.
Mo'at had to send him away and only allowed him to return after Neteyam was already sleeping peacefully in her mother's arms. That day he cried like he hadn't cried in a long time. It all seemed so unreal, like a dream, and he was afraid of waking up.
With Lo'ak, he was better prepared, but just as nervous. This time, he wasn't kicked out by Mo'at or made Neytiri anxious. And it was one of the most important moments of his life.
“Hey kids, time to go.” Jake stands up and walks over to his children. For a second, they look disappointed that they have to stop playing, but it doesn’t last even a second once they remember why they have to leave so early.
Inside the tent, Neytiri was standing there, breathing rapidly, while Mo’at prepared for the birth with some herbal mixtures. Traditionally, births in the clan are always attended by the Tsahìk; in this case, Mo'at was present both as a mother and as a leader.
Mo'at was making her way to stand beside Neytiri when Jake entered the tent, striding toward Neytiri with long strides.
“Ma Jake,” Neytiri calls out to him, her voice barely a whisper.
“It's time, JakeSully,” Mo'at says without turning to him as she helps Neytiri get into a slightly crouched position.
Jake positions himself on the opposite side of Mo'at, supporting Neytiri's other arm. Just like the last time, Neytiri's screams echo through the tent.
The birth of her daughter was easier than the last two deliveries she’d had, perhaps because it was her third, perhaps because this time she was more comfortable and well-rested. But at that moment, nothing else mattered.
Her mother, Mo’at, cradles her new granddaughter in her arms while Neytiri leans back. A few seconds pass before her little daughter is placed in her lap, and she feels the bond forming. The first tsaheylu formed in life was with the mother. It’s as if she’s breathing for the first time, but through someone else’s lungs. Everything feels so pure and peaceful, and time simply stands still. The sounds fade away as Neytiri gazes at her daughter. Her Tuktirey. Her little Tuk.
She didn’t want to break the connection; the moment seemed too brief, but she knew time was still passing, and outside the tent were three little children eager to meet their new little sister.
Jake’s arms were tightly wrapped around Neytiri and their daughter. His eyes were fixed on the tiny baby in Neytiri’s arms. A proud look played across Jake’s face. Gently, his hands moved to touch the little baby’s face as a smile spread across his face.
Her tiny hands were clenched into little fists, her three fingers curled as if she were about to get into a fight. A soft chuckle escaped as he imagined her as a mini Neytiri, ready to fight for those she loves.
A new sense of pride and fulfillment filled Jake’s heart as he gazed at his daughter. Each of his children had always brought a new feeling, and he was still surprised at how it continued to happen even after all these years.
With Neteyam, it was a mixture of fear and love he had never felt before. It was a new sense of protection for him. Kiri brought with her a tenderness and peace that had seemed impossible to feel before. With Lo'ak, it was a feeling so warm that it radiated joy.
A small cry began when Mo’at broke the connection, and that was the cue for the three children to rush into the tent as fast as they could toward their parents. The grandmother made a failed attempt to restrain her grandchildren, and Jake had to stop them before they threw themselves on the baby.
“Hey, easy, easy,” Jake said calmly, gesturing with his hands for them to approach slowly.
Walking slowly, the three of them crouch down around their mother. Neytiri, with a smile on her face, moves so her children can get a better look at their new sister.
Kiri was the first to touch her sister. Gently, she touched Tuktirey’s hands, and her finger was quickly wrapped by her sister’s tiny fingers.
“Hi, little sister. I’m your big sister, Kiri.” Kiri’s voice conveyed a sense of peace and reached her parents at the same moment. Jake and Neytiri look at each other with emotion as they witness their little girls’ first interaction.
Neteyam also approaches, and her little hands reach toward the baby’s face as her fingers touch her cheek. Tuk’s lips part slightly, forming a small pout, while her eyes follow her brother. Neteyam’s smile appears almost simultaneously.
Jake notices that Lo'ak is a little hesitant to approach, so he gently pulls him into a half-hug, making him feel welcome as he draws closer.
“She is so tiny,” Lo'ak says, looking at his father as his hands reach out toward Tuk's other hand. “She has three fingers.”
The last part came out as a whisper that Jake heard. He knew Lo'ak was wondering why he and his brother didn’t have the same hands. Even though he and Kiri shared these traits, Lo'ak was a sensitive child and observed everything around him.
“She does.” Jake confirms, speaking softly to Lo'ak. “Now Neteyam will not be alone anymore; you and Kiri are a team. We could not leave your brother alone, could we?” The embrace tightens as Jake tries to joke around to distract Lo'ak from his insecurities. At least for now.
“When she is older, I will teach her how to climb the trees.” Lo’ak finally speaks, changing the subject naturally.
“I am sure she will follow you everywhere.” Neytiri laughs, knowing that in a few years she’ll have four kids running wild across Pandora, causing her a lot of worry.
“Can I hold the baby?” Neteyam leans on her mother’s arms, looking at her expectantly.
“Come here.” Neytiri gestures toward her side, making sure Neteyam’s little arms are ready to cradle the baby in his lap.
Tuk seems enormous as she is placed in her brother’s arms. With almost no effort, the older brother holds his sister firmly against his body.
“I will always protect you, little sister. It is my job as your older brother, you know?” Neteyam’s warm voice fills his parents’ hearts with joy. Neytiri’s hands touch her chest as she hears her eldest son’s words.
Mo’at’s voice pulls them out of the little bubble they had created for a moment.
“I should let the clan know.” She walks toward the tent’s exit.
For today, the family could enjoy that moment, just the six of them together. Tomorrow was another day, and the whole clan would meet Tuktirey te Suli Neytiri'ite.
The next morning was a delightful experience. Jake and Neytiri woke up to the sound of Lo’ak’s calm voice talking to Tuk.
“Good morning, little sister. Today is a very special day, you know? Everyone is going to meet you and see how amazing you are. And I will get to tell everyone that I am your big brother.” Lo’ak’s conversation went on for a while, and his parents waited so as not to interrupt that beautiful moment. Tuk was very quiet, just looking at her brother with those big eyes full of curiosity.
“Good morning, big brother. How are you this morning?” Jake is the first to break the moment, which briefly startles Lo'ak.
“I was just telling her about today’s news...” Lo’ak replied, feeling a little awkward about being caught talking to the baby.
“And I’m sure she’s very grateful for that.” Neytiri approaches and kisses her youngest son on the head. “Why don't you go get your siblings?
The morning went smoothly, they ate breakfast and listened to the children’s excitement about the day ahead. They had attended a few welcome ceremonies before, but there weren’t usually this many young children, so it wasn’t something they were used to. And this time it was special, because it was their sister.
After a while Jake reluctantly had to leave to help Mo’at with the ceremony. This was one of the responsibilities that being the Olo’eyktan demanded of him.
Neytiri takes advantage to fasten the fabric of the prrsmung on her back, leaving a narrow space made of leather and fur so she can cradle the little tuk resting in her lap. Even with all the hustle and bustle around her, the newest member of the family quickly falls asleep.
Seizing the moment, Neytiri takes her songcord to weave a new verse into her life. The cord, now a little longer, would gain a new stone in its song.
The children gather around her as Neytiri calmly weaves a new strand into her cord. They decide to choose stones to mark the birth of their little sister and compose their song.
Neytiri’s hands cannot help but wander over the last beads on the cord. As she rests her hand on the small piece of amber stained with a drop of blood, the verses flow naturally.
Lie si oe Neteyamur | I experience Neteyam
Nawma Sa'nokur mìfa oeyä | Great Mother, within me
Atanti ngal molunge | You brought light
Mipa tìreyti, mipa 'itanti | New life, a new son
Lawnol a mì te'lan | Joy within my heart
Lawnol a mì te'lan | Joy within my heart
Her eyes lock with Neteyam’s as her hand brushes across his face, caressing her son’s cheek as she heads toward the chorus.
Her gaze shifts to Kiri as her hands wrap around a strand of his hair. The next verse flows from her in a cheerful voice, reflecting the smile on her face.
Zola'u nìprrte' ma Kiri | Welcome, Kiri
Ngati oel munge soaiane | I bring you to the family
Lie si oe atanur | I experience the light
Pähem parul, tì'ongokx a oeta | A miracle arrives, an unexpected birth
Lawnol a mì te'lan | Joy within my heart
Lawnol a mì te'lan | Joy within my heart
Her hands move from Kiri to Lo'ak, ruffling his hair and making him laugh, and then he rests his head on his mother's shoulders.
Oe ftxozä si Lo'akur | I celebrate Lo'ak
Ma yawne, maitan | My love, my son
Pähem ne awngayä soaia | Arrives to our family
Txura txe'lan, na tsawke | Strong heart, shining like the sun
Lawnol a mì te'lan | Joy within my heart
Lawnol a mì te'lan | Joy within my heart
Neytiri begins braiding again, securing the new piece of amber to the cord. As soon as the final knot is tied, forever preserving that memory in verse, Neytiri’s voice sets the song in motion.
The three children, seated around their mother, look at her, waiting for the next words. Words new to everyone’s ears. With her eyes fixed on Tuktirey, the song flows forth.
Way si oe Tuktireyur | I sing to Tuktirey
Ma mite, nìtxan yawne | My daughter, dearly loved
Hì'ia tskxe, awngayä tìprrte' | Little star, our joy
Tìyem siltsan, txe'lan tstew | Pure smile, brave heart
Lawnol a mì te'lan | Joy within my heart
Lawnol a mì te'lan | Joy within my heart
Jake was watching the whole interaction from the entrance, already dressed in the Olo'eyktan attire. He had returned after making sure that everything for his daughter’s introduction was in order. Not that Mo’at would let anything go wrong.
Jake wasn’t someone who blindly followed the faith of Eywa, but hearing Neytiri’s words about the arrival of each of his children, he couldn’t deny how grateful he was to have them in his life.
“Is it time?” Neytiri asks. Jake snaps back to reality as he looks at her, who is staring at him, waiting for his answer.
“What?” Jake replied, a bit confused, which brought a smile to Neytiri’s lips.
“Is it time to introduce her?” Neytiri repeated as she wrapped her songcord around her wrist and prepared to stand up, setting aside the baby carrier and holding Tuk in her arms.
The children also stand up and run out the entrance of the tent, eager for Tuk’s introduction to the clan.
“Yes, it is.” Jake replies, approaching Neytiri and kissing her on the forehead. His hand brushes his daughter’s face one last time before his fingers intertwine with Neytiri’s as they take each other’s hands and walk out of the tent, accompanied by their children.
The six Sullys walk toward the circle the clan has already formed to welcome the new member. The area was packed with all the members of the Omatikaya clan and a few humans, such as Norm and Spider, who stood further back. The children head over to their grandmother’s side while Jake and Neytiri join the center.
The song echoes through the air as those present link arms, forming a great web that connects them all as one. Jake gently takes Tuk from Neytiri’s arms and lifts her slightly into the center of the circle.
“Tuktirey.” Jake’s voice rings out loud and clear, announcing the new member of the family.
“Tuktirey.” The chorus of voices repeats, officially welcoming the little one among their people.
The smiles around the children's faces were as bright as Neytiri. She was an Omatikaya now and her clan would protect her as much as her family. And this would be official in a couple of days when before Eywa in the Tree of Souls she would become one with the people.
For the next few days, the dynamic of the family changed and the children spent more and more time fussing over the baby, introducing her to every little thing they could think of.
It didn't take long for Spider to join them. Jake thought that it was funny to see a human child next to a na’vi baby. Even though Tuk was so little for him, beside Spider she was enormous.
The day of the first connection with Eywa arrived sooner than it seemed. The whole clan marched to the Tree of Souls.
At Neytiri’s arms, tuk was held facing her mother. Jake was beside her with a hand on her shoulder. The three children are next to their parents.
Mo’at as tsarik were the one conducting the connection. With a gentle touch, she moved the little kuru to one of the branches forming the greatest bond of a na’vi.
As the kuru tangled with the tree, tuk’s eyes opened a little more, like she could understand she was part of the world now. She would be forever remembered by the people. She existed in the view of Eywa and always will.