Chapter Text
In the distance, I see ikran flying nearer and nearer our village, but atop them are darker Na’vi. Forest Na’vi. I loosen my grip on my bow, which had been drawn and pointed at the intruders. I observe from a safe distance, flying higher and higher to ensure I don’t get spotted. They reach our docks before I can decide on what I should do. By the time I swoop down and jump onto firm ground, Mother is hissing and baring her fangs at another Na’vi female. The sound I make draws attention to me, and I dip my head and present my hand.
“I See you.”
They all return the gesture. Now that I’m closer, I can recognize the strangers.
“Is that Toruk Makto?” I ask, tail flicking behind me. I take notice of how thin their own tails are, how their arms and legs lack the muscles we have to allow us to swim properly. How adorable.
“He is, my daughter,” Mother says.
“This is my youngest,” Father says in turn. “Toruk Makto requests sanctuary.”
My eyes leave my father’s to take in Toruk Makto’s family. His mate is as fierce and beautiful as the stories depict her to be. My tail quivers in excitement. How fun it would be to see her in the midst of battle, killing and covered in blood. Her own mate is nothing to sleep on either. The power had not left his aura since the end of the war, because though the weariness settles in the bags underneath his eyes, there is this wiseness and slow but burning passion deep within his amber eyes. But what truly catches my attention are the sons, more specifically the taller one. There is a glint of rebelliousness in his eyes, but I can tell he keeps it hidden, out of necessity or circumstance, I don’t know. I catch it in my own reflection sometimes.
“Then what seems to be the problem? Grant it to them.”
The family shifts from foot to foot, uncomfortable.
“Toruk Makto is the one who saved us from the humans. He led the clans to victory and if he is now requesting sanctum because he is in danger, a danger he is only vulnerable to because he has helped our people in the past, it is our duty and responsibility to aid and harbor him.”
“Silence, Aveyi,” Mother hisses.
I hiss back. “If we were in the same position, would you want to be turned away? When all you want is to save your family? Eywa has chosen him, and if she has now forsaken him, then we will not. Not in his time of greatest need.”
I catch the exact moment I convince my father. I drown out his words until he says we will be responsible for teaching them. I hiss beneath my breath. I wasn’t volunteering to help them personally. Aonung slaps me with his tail and I yank at it in annoyance.
“Shut it, skxawng.”
I can’t be bothered by this crap. I did my part. I call out for my ilu, and when she shows, I jump atop her.
“Aveyi, where are you going? Get back here!” Mother yells.
I do the sign of “I See you” without saying the words, whoop, and dive into the waters.