* Day 7 since the battle of the Sea Dragon. Pov Neteyam *
Neteyam watched as the families came and went, bidding farewell to their fallen loved ones. He glanced down at his feet in the water, where his reflection stared back at him.
His lips pressed together, ears flicking back, tail drooping, as he struggled to contain his emotions... He knew… he had to be the one to keep his feelings in check. After all, what did lo'ak say earlier? Oh, that's right, he's the golden child, so naturally he needs to...
A single word kept repeatedly appearing in his mind... Why?
Why didn't he go after him? Why did he obey his father? Why was he so weak? Y/n had always been there for him, yet he wasn't there for Y/n. If only he had stood up to his father and gone with Y/n to rescue his sister. But... he didn't.
What kind of friend does that? A small trickle of blood started to leak from the corner of his mouth as he bit his lip, with his hand clenched into a tight fist. After a few seconds, however, his hand loosened its fist.
He couldn't help but think back to that day; there was just... something off that he couldn't quite explain, especially if he was to believe the words of Spider.
*Flashback, Day 0*
Staring at Y/n with a satisfied smile, he felt reassured by his responses. Then, he raised his fist in front of him, pointing towards Y/n. He looked at his hand for a second before shaking his head and laughing as he raised his own fist, touching fists with each other.
*Image here*
Neteyam: Make sure to stay safe out there, too.
Y/n: .. Yeah, of course
Neteyam stood there, watching Y/n turning away from him and heading over to his mother. His words still linger in his mind about Lo'ak. He glanced over at his troublemaker of a brother, noticing Tsireya walking past him to talk to Y/n as well before he leaves, presumably.
However, that was none of his business, as he was more focused on thinking about what he could say to his brother... regarding their father. Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, he walked over to Lo'ak, who was sitting down on the edge of the rock formation, watching the Metkayina fight the leftover, smaller boats.
He sat down next to him, with noticeable awkwardness between them. Surprisingly, however, Lo'ak was the first to speak up between the two.
Lo'ak: What does the perfect son want?
He could still clearly hear the spite in his voice, still angry about what happened, even though he was clearly trying to hide it by avoiding looking at him.
He always disliked that nickname, and no matter how many times he tried to tell his father not to compare Lo'ak to him, his father always did, which created a rift between them that has only worsened.
Neteyam: Just checking on how my little brother is doing... after Father's another scolding.
Lo'ak: Why? You don't care anyway. It doesn't affect you in the slightest.
Neteyam: So what? You're my little brother, and it's my duty to check in with you.
Lo'ak: Oh, so I'm just some kind of chore, huh? Then leave me alone. Sorry, I'm such a burden for you.
Neteyam: What, no Eywa? Bro, I'm just trying to h-
Neteyam was about to place his hand on Lo'ak's shoulder, but before he could make contact, Lo'ak pulled away, avoiding him. In that quick motion, he noticed the small bruise starting to form on Lo'ak's skin where their father had held onto him.
Lo'ak: Look, I don't need your help. Why don't you go be that stupid, perfect soldier and do what our father asked, which I remind you is to make sure I stay right fucking here.
Neteyam looked at him, surprised that Lo'ak had actually cursed at him, something he never thought Lo'ak would do. A silence settled between them, and he was unsure what to say. Every time he tried to start a conversation, Lo'ak would automatically shut him down.
Neteyam looked down at his hand, fiddling around as he tried to find something to say. Maybe… maybe… ugh, you know it was a long shot, but perhaps it might just be what he needs to say.
Neteyam: You know, I actually really hate being called that.
Lo'ak: What?
Neteyam: You know, being called the perfect son or soldier.
Lo'ak: Hah! Yeah right.
Neteyam: It's true, maybe at first the idea of being the perfect son sounded nice to me, but now… I just really hate it.
Lo'ak: Yeah, well, being called the perfect son is better than being called a disappointment.
Neteyam: Hey, come on, bro, nobody's calling you a disappointment.
Lo'ak: They don't need to. I can see it in how Dad treats me differently from you. Every day, I'm reminded that I'll never meet his expectations. Meanwhile, you never have to worry about something like that.
While Lo'ak was speaking, Neteyam noticed the eclipse was in full swing, with darkness spreading across the area where the sun had been. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Tsireya standing at the edge of the rock floor, watching the seadragon as an explosion erupted around the boat.
For a moment, concern and fear crossed his mind, but knowing his family, he tried to push them to the back of his mind. Turning his attention back to his brother.
Neteyam: Look, little brother, that's where you're wrong. My expectations are much higher because, like you, I have to make sure Kiri and Tuk are safe, but that's not all. I also need to make sure you stay out of trouble. Since I'm older, they always put all the responsibilities on me. Sometimes I… I actually wish I could trade places with you and actually live the kind of life you have.
Lo'ak:...
Neteyam: Ugh, I'm not really good at these kinds of talks.But what I'm trying to get at, Lo'ak.
He once more attempts to place his hand on his shoulder, but this time, instead of Lo'ak pulling away, he allows Neteyam actually to grab him.
Neteyam: Look, little bro, I only joke around with you because, honestly, seeing you live freely without many restraints, unlike me, makes me... a bit jealous of what you have.
Lo'ak: But recently you be-
Neteyam: Talking back to father? I only just started because I couldn't let him treat Y/n that way. He's my... best friend, and I couldn't stand by while he did it. "Coughing while blushing slightly," but that's not the point.
Lo'ak: Where are you trying to go with this?
Neteyam: Honestly, I have no clue. I'm just figuring it out as I go… have you ever thought for a moment that maybe these exceptions in your head aren't fathers but yours?
Lo'ak: Huh?
Neteyam: Are these the exceptions you think Father set for you? Are they really his words or something you made up in your head? Sometimes, we can mix others' words with our own.
Lo'ak: No, I'm definitely sure it's father's. You heard him back there… No matter what I do, I keep making mistakes, and… he's right, someone will eventually die because of me. "Sighs," he will never see me as his son as long as you're around because, well, like I said, you're the perfect child.
Neteyam didn't say anything at first; he simply stared out at the water. Maybe he was right in a way, so long as he was around, Father would keep comparing the two brothers.
His grip on Lo'ak's shoulder was firm but gentle, causing the brother to glance at him. When he did, Neteyam smiled warmly and then stood up with a stretch, feeling every muscle in his body ache, his hands resting on his hips.
Neteyam: There's one thing father is right about, little bro. You make mistakes, and quite a lot of them at that, but deep inside, the reason behind them comes from your mighty heart. Don't lose sight of that, Lo'ak. It's what makes you… you. Perhaps try to learn from your past mistakes so they don't happen again.
Neteyam: One last thing, I'll always be there for you, Lo'ak, no matter what, because you're my brother and that will never change.
He gave a final pat on the back, which Lo'ak allowed before turning his focus toward the Seadragon. Although it was hard to see what was happening, he could still hear the bullets being fired, even if they sounded kind of muffled. Walking over to Tsireya, he couldn't help but get nervous, causing him to bite a little on his nails.
Tsireya stood on the edge of the rocky floor, one arm tucked under her chest and the other hand covering her mouth as she watched the seadragon. It came to a stop right beside her, and it was a little awkward since they didn't really talk to each other, so instead, it stayed silent.
The only sounds that could be heard were the waves splashing against him and himself, from the biting. His gut felt off, and by that, he meant it was similar to the feeling he had when Y/n was going to go on that hunting trip, which only made him more anxious.
Tsireya: D-Do you think he's doing alright?
He wasn't sure how to respond; he could outright lie, but that didn't feel like something he should do.
Neteyam: I'm…
The words just wouldn't come out of his mouth; it was like they were stuck at the back of his throat, just waiting to come out, but they never did.
Tsireya: You noticed it too, right?
Neteyam: noticed what?
Tsireya: He hasn't been acting like himself.
Neteyam: It might be related to his ikran. I'm not certain when, but Y/n mentioned he lost her during the battle.
Tsireya: May she rest with the All Mother, then. But what I'm saying is that he's been acting... odd for the last few days, letting his injured shoulder wound get so bad to the point of near death. I-I'm... scared that he might be searching for peace with the Great Mother.
Her voice became shakier as she spoke, causing him to look at her, noticing tears sliding down her face. She continued to stare out toward the seadragon with her hands clasped together, as if she were praying.
Unsure of what to do, he swallowed some saliva before reaching out his hand and pulling her in a friendly embrace. They may not know each other that well, but it won't stop him from comforting someone if they need it.
Neteyam: I know, I know, I'm worried about him too, but we've both seen him come back from worse. And as for what you said… maybe he's just going through something? I don't know, but I would prefer not to think like that. I don't really think he would ever do something like that.
Listening to his words, she calmed down somewhat, but the thought lingered. It wasn't simply something she could dismiss easily, and her concern was not eased by how Y/n behaved during their small "date." He pushed himself to go, despite knowing he should have gone to her mother for a check-up on his shoulder…
She should have pushed him, too, but she just wanted to see what a date was like.
*BOOM!*
The pair separated from the hug and looked toward the source of the explosion, seeing fire spreading across the water around the ship. Neteyam paused for a moment before shifting his attention as Lo'ak walked past them both, heading to the shallow part of the rocks and whistling.
Neteyam: Where are you going, bro?
Lo'ak: I can't stay here and watch this. They need our help.
Neteyam: But fathe-
Lo'ak: So what? Remember, I'm the disappointment, so I'm going to live up to my title and not follow his order.
Close by, his Ilu popped his head out of the water, looking at him as he walked over and climbed on. But before heading toward the ship, he looked back at his brother with his hand out.
Lo'ak: So, are you going to join me or just play the perfect soldier and stay right here, doing what he told us?
Neteyam ran his hand through his hair, smirked slightly, then walked over and climbed on with him.
Neteyam: Somebody's gotta watch your ass out there. So screw father, and let's help them.
Tsireya: Wait, I want to come and help too.
However, before she could move from her spot, Neteyam raised his hand to signal her to stop.
Neteyam: You need to stay here, Tsireya. We both know we might get in trouble for this, but you're the Tsahìk daughter. If anything happens to you…
Tsireya: Oh…
Her ear slicked back slightly, and her tail drooped.
Neteyam:... Stay here, and when we return, you and Kiri can work together to patch us up. I'm sure some of us would have taken a beating.
Tsireya: Just leave it to me. I'll do what I can for you guys and Lo'ak!
Lo'ak: Y-yeah?
Tsireya: Be safe, alright?
Lo'ak: Don't worry, safe is my middle name.
Tsireya: Huh?
Lo'ak: N-Nothing.
Without wasting a moment, Lo'ak linked his queue to the ilu's, and the two started steering the ilu toward the ship, which appeared to be tilting slightly.
Neteyam: Bro… that was horrible.
Lo'ak: S-Shut up!
He quietly laughs, mostly to hide his anxiety about heading back, but he still has to make sure his family is safe.
Take a few deep breaths and try to "Lock in" in case anything happens, he needs to be ready.
"Splash!"
Neteyam: Huh?
He glanced to his right briefly, noticing an Ilu swimming nearby and heading towards the Seadragon. He watched for a few seconds before shaking his head, trying to stay more focused on the more important thing happening.
Before he knew it, 10-15 minutes had passed before they finally arrived at the sinking ship. As they were riding toward the boat, it started turning and turning until it flipped over and began sinking.
Lo'ak: You see anything, bro?
Neteyam: There's too much fire. We need to find an opening. Try circling the flames to find one.
Lo'ak: On it!
They moved along the fire, eager for any opening, even a small one. Going underwater was out of the question because the water was too oily at the moment, which would blind them, and who knows what else.
Lo'ak: There!
Lo'ak signals slightly away from them towards a large enough opening in the distance where they can pass through. The ilu speeds up rapidly, leaps over the flames, and reaches the other side.
The two boys looked around, hoping to see their family safe and sound, but there was nothing. Neteyam lightly tapped Lo'ak's shoulder, making him look back at him.
Neteyam: Circle around a bit, maybe they are just underwater?
Lo'ak: Alright
They started moving again; this time, the two brothers kept their eyes open, searching for anything. They just hoped that nothing horrible had happened to them. While looking through Neteyam, I noticed a strange coloration within the water.
Neteyam: Hey, do you see that?
Lo'ak: Let's check it out, bro?
Lo'ak nodded as the ilu swam toward the strange blue object underwater. As they drew closer, its shape became clearer. Suddenly, Lo'ak let out a peculiar Na'vi yelp, causing the blue object to shift. Before he knew it, a head surfaced from the water, staring at the two boys.
Neteyam&Lo'ak: Kiri!
Kiri: Lo'ak, Neteyam, thank Eywa you're both safe.
Neteyam: We should have told you that. You worried us, Kiri.
Lo'ak: Kiri, where is everyone else?
Kir: Father and Neytiri, everyone is down there.
Lo'ak: Hold on tight, both of you.
Kiri swam over and held onto Lo'ak's ilu saddle handle. Neteyam smiled slightly, happy to see his sister was safe... or well, one of them was. Now they just had to find everyone else.
The Ilu moved forward slightly, trying to pick up speed before diving toward the sunken SeaDragon. The outside light remained on, though some flickered. The ship was upside down, with the stomach hatch wide open, allowing them to enter inside.
Without warning, Kiri let go of the handle and began swimming toward the Gill Mantle. The two boys exchanged glances before the Ilu entered the ship. As they swam past floating debris, they looked around to see if they could find anyone, but still, no one was in sight.
Neteyam tapped Lo'ak on the shoulder and pointed toward the front of the ship. Lo'ak nodded, and Neteyam pushed himself away from the two of them, then started swimming in the direction he indicated.
He was careful when passing objects, making sure he had enough space. However, out of the corner of his eye, he could have sworn he saw something with fins and... metal moving into one of the corridors. The sea life must have begun to fill the place quickly.
He shook off the moment and kept swimming until he arrived under the ship's front. The seafloor was covered with dead bodies, cargo, bombs, and other debris.
He hoped that Lo'ak or Kiri was having an easier time finding their family and friends. As he explored the area, he kept thinking more about Lo'ak's words, especially the part about him never truly being seen for who he is while he was still around.
Realizing he was running out of air, he returned to the middle of the ship to explore some of the corridors, which were either left open in panic or burst open from the impact of the boat hitting the ground.
Still seeing nothing, he felt a bit frustrated, thinking he was useless. He held the doorway, which led back into the ship's center, and considered his next move. Stay and explore more, or head back up for air; the latter seems more likely.
However, something suddenly caught his attention: the glowing fish began swimming along the floor and through every hallway, room, and area with little to no light.
However, he couldn't stay and watch as the lack of air began to affect him, so he quickly swam toward the spot where Lo'ak had dropped him off, since it was the closest exit from the ship.
Before passing through the stomach hatch, he glanced back again, seeing an Ilu suddenly burst through a hallway. It was strange that, for some reason, the Ilu had a robotic fin attached to its last fin.
But there was something else strange: his eyes narrowed as he tried to get a better view, as if something was lying on top of the creature.
Before he could identify it, it suddenly darted out from in front of the ship. At the same time, he felt his lungs emptying and hastily began swimming upward for air, each arm stroke more frantic than the previous one.
*Time Skip*
10, 20, 30, before he knew it, 30 minutes had passed without finding anyone. He realized he hadn't seen Lo'ak or Kiri since they split up. With no other option, he started swimming back toward the rocks they were at an hour ago.
Finally emerging from the water, he was surprised to see Kiri, Tuk, Lo'ak, Neytiri, and Jake all gathered together. Hearing his exit from the water, Lo'ak glanced over, spotted him, and immediately came over to help him climb out of the water. Right behind him, Jake also followed closely behind.
Lo'ak: Bro, where were you?
Before he could answer, Jake grabbed him and pulled him along with Lo'ak onto solid ground, then pulled his two sons together in a deep hug.
Jake: Geez, boy, you almost gave me a heart attack.
Neteyam: S-Sorry-
Jake: It doesn't matter, as long as you're safe.
Finally, Jake pulled away, his body covered in blood, cuts, and bruises all over.
Lo'ak: So? Where were you?
Neteyam: I was exploring the deeper parts of the ship when I couldn't find anyone in the middle or front sections of the boat.
Kiri: Is Y/n with you?
Kiri spoke up from behind Lo'ak and Jake. She was sitting on the ground but leaning slightly forward with a soft smile, as if she expected Y/n to be right behind him.
Neteyam: No, is he not here?
Kiri: No, I haven't seen him since he jumped after Tuk.
Neteyam glanced over at Tuk, who was clinging to Neytiri and hiding her face against their mother's stomach.
Neteyam: Haven't you asked her?
Neytiri briefly looked up at her son before turning her look back to Tuk, who was rubbing her head.
Neytiri: We haven't been able to get her to say a word. Whatever happened to her scared her too much. But I'm happy she's alright. "Moves her hand to her cheek, still unable to see her face," my precious girl.
"Splashing"
Hearing the sounds of someone climbing out of the water, they saw Spider approaching, looking incredibly bruised and beaten since the last time they talked.
Without wasting a second, Jake hurried over and pulled Spider into a warm embrace.
Jake: It's good to see you safe and sound, kid.
Spider: Y…You to jake
Lo'ak: Damn, what happened to you, bro?
Spider: I... just need a moment to sit down.
He walked over to a nearby raised rocky spot and carefully lowered himself onto it, letting out a slight wince of pain.
Kiri: Spider, where's Y/n? You said you were going after him. Where is he?!
Neteyam could hear the hint of growing concern in Kiri's voice as she spoke.
Spider looked at her for a moment, seemingly struggling to find the right words before finally speaking.
Spider: After I caught up with him, he mentioned seeing Tuk being pulled into a water-filled corridor, so we hurried after her. I made sure to close the door to prevent it from filling, but while exploring the rooms, there was still some… some RDA soldier inside the place.
Spider: They took him by surprise…
Kiri:... W-What are you sa-ying, spider?
Neteyam covered his mouth as the thought of where this was heading struck him. There was no way that could be.
Spider: They... as soon as he entered the doorway, they started firing at him… Killing him.
Hearing those words, Kiri's expression changed from confusion to denial. She instinctively grabbed her hair, holding it tightly as tears welled up in her eyes, overwhelmed by the fact that Y/n had died.
Neteyam quickly turned away and walked over to the edge of the rock floor, flinching slightly as if he were going to throw up, but it never came. His reflection stared back at him, showing his face before a few drops of tears fell into the sea.
Lo'ak, Jake, and Neytiri displayed a slightly unbothered expression on their faces.
Lo'ak: Dam it.
Jake: Fucking kid.
He knew what he said before, but that was just the heat of the moment with their kids in danger. He just said it out of anger, but that didn't mean he actually meant it.
Neytiri covered her mouth and looked down at the ground, her ears slipping back slightly as her tail dropped. She has lost so many people to the sky people and.. Yet another who… she just….
She couldn't help but feel numb to the sensation.
Neteyam: No, there's simply no way I'm going back.
Neteyam turned toward the water and softly hmphed, calling the Ilu, which appeared a few seconds later, its head rising from the water. However, before he could get on, Jake stepped in front of him and placed his hand on Neteyam's chest.
Jake: No, you're staying right here. It's too dangerous for you to go back. We need to leave as soon as possible.
Neteyam: No, there's no way he's dead. He won't die from something like that, not after everything we've been through.
Jake: Neteyam, it happens. We can't change anything.
Neteyam: I still want to see for myself!
Kiri: Me too!
Kiri weakly wiped away her tears, then slowly stood up and began walking toward the two.
Kiri: He promised me that he would come back... he... he wouldn't lie to me!
Jake: That's enough from both of you! He's gone, and it's not worth going back there. It's too dangerous. We need to return with the Metkayina. My word is final. Do I make myself clear?
Neteyam's hand began to form into a fist as he closed his eyes and turned his head, attempting to calm his anger.
Neteyam:... Fine
Kiri: Neteyam!
He could hear her desperate plea in her voice, as she cried out his name, unable to believe he gave up so easily on finding Y/n.
But there was another reason he had to agree; he couldn't risk Kiri getting into danger because of his search for Y/N. There was just no way he would risk one of his siblings getting hurt.
But he wasn't giving up by any means; he just didn't believe Y/n would die like that. Based on what Y/n said about the spider, he thought Y/n might be lying about something, but he couldn't be sure unless he saw for himself that Y/n... really died.
Word count: 4328
Okay, so writing this slightly before I publish, but depending on this week, I might have something else for you all.(not the second part) But still they should have some fun, new, slightly lewd acts.
*old*
Wow, I didn't expect that I still had it in me to write such a significant chapter like this within one week. I don't know what about Avatar makes me so excited to write about it. Came in feeling low about writing, but as soon as I started, I began typing away faster than I have in a while.
The funny part is that I had a project due for my computer class so that it wouldn't have come out on time, but it did.