~~~Superstes~~~UNDERGOING MAJOR EDITING

Sephora

Slowly the evening sunset evolved into the dark, quiet dome of night. There wasn't a conversation to be exchanged anymore, as the family was too focused on staying awake rather than speaking. Jake seemed pretty accustomed to staying awake for long periods of time, and he didn't look phased at all. Neytiri was tough, so it didn't bother her either. Feya's eyes were droopy, and her posture was slack, but she wasn't giving in to the pressure of sleep.  

Neteyam, however, was having the real problem. He wasn't sure if it was the abundance of medicines that were pumping through his bloodstream that were causing him to be like this, but he was nauseous and exhausted. Every time he tried to focus on his father or his mother, his vision would shake, and it became too blurry for him to see.  

His chest tightened uncomfortably. Before he knew it, his eyes were slipping shut and he was numb to the world around him for just a few minutes. 

"Neteyam, stay awake, kid--you hear me?" 

His eyes popped back open to find his father staring back at him, along with his mom. Fe'ya was watching, too, but she remained silent. Jake gave him an encouraging nod, "We're almost there, so just keep your eyes open a little while longer." 

No matter how humiliated he felt Neteyam didn't think he could. He was eating his words—he'd assumed he was healed in every way, but this was insane. He really was doubting his ability to stay awake for a minute longer. But he nodded anyway, "Mmm-hmm."  

Fey'atsi nodded at her friend encouragingly. "You can do it, skxawng. Just don't close your eyes. Simple as that." 

Neteyam couldn't help but crack a grin and he shook his head. "Oh, okay. I'll keep that in mind."

Somehow, by the grace of Eywa, for the rest of the flight he dissociated enough to remain conscious, although he had to fight to stay that way. Hours later, when he saw the islands and the reef come into view just as the sun was biggening to rise, he regained some awareness. 

The four ikrans landed one-by-one, their claws gripping the sand of the island. There were a couple Metkiyana wading through the water, but they only nodded their heads respectfully, now used to the sight of the banshees. Dad hopped off Bob and came speed-walking towards Neteyam, helping him step onto the ground with a grunt. His knees practically gave out beneath him, but he caught himself and managed to stay upright.

Feya stood with some of her belongings in her arms, her sleepy eyes now mesmerized by her new tropical surroundings. 

The quiet didn't last long, though. 

Running through the network of marui's came Lo'ak, his face showing no sign of slumber despite it being so early. When he came closer, he slowed down a bit, but he came jogging towards Neteyam with evident excitement and stopped before him, inches apart. Lo'ak's ears were perked forward, and his tail was waving as he laughed. "Bro, you're back!" 

That made Neteyam smile ear-to-ear. Lo'ak wrapped his arms around his brother, and they held each other close, both relishing the embrace after so long. Then, he pulled away, his expression turning energetic. "I've missed, you, bro! I thought you were dead! Again."       

"Nah," Neteyam joked, "Who would keep you out of trouble, huh?" he gave his baby brother's head an endearing pat. 

After their awaited interaction, it was Jake and Neytiri's turn to greet their youngest son. Soon after him came Kiri, trotting across the sand bank, who looked much more tired than her brother. But she hugged Neteyam and her parents, saying things like "I've missed you so much" and "I'm glad you're okay." She had a green shawl over her shoulders and torso, and her hair was a mess.