Chapter 1
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Ayram alusìng, home of The Kekunan. A clan of daring Na'vi, making their homes on the clif sides of the dangerous yet beautiful floating mountains. Your people wore an array of colors, to symbolize tribute and confidence with the Ikran.
You were proud to be Kekunan, taught to ride and create a bond with an Ikran at the age of 12. You've been taught to ride since you were born, given Ikran toys and taught demonstrations on how to capture the Ikran. You were taught to trust your feet, your body, spirit and the legends told.
As soon as you had created tsaheylu with your Ikran, you spent months training and learning how to communicate with your Ikran, up until you became an extension of them. Your hearts beating in unison, as you soared through the skies.
The shaman of songs often sang of, Taronyu, the first Na'vi to bond with and fly an Ikran. He had invented the Yìmkxa (mouth binder), a colorful rope made of braided Razor Palm leaves.
She also sang the songs of Toruk, the last shadow. Amongst all the stories of your people, the story of Toruk was your favorite. Toruk was Eywa's greatest gift, a beacon of hope. Only those who harbor a pure soul can take flight with Toruk, many Na'vi have tried to link with the great gift and many Na'vi have parished.
There was an old tale that spoke of Toruk saving the tree of souls from a volcanic eruption, many say that a new Toruk Makto will rise when hope seems to fade.
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You couldn't help the smile that formed on your lips as your fingers gently rolled against the familiar song cords, you often came to the main marui to read the song cords. You've sang them so many times they might as well be carved into your brain.
You pulled away, eyes gazing up to the giant skull of Toruk. Your heart yearned greatly for Toruk to show up, ever since the sky people came, things have been so hard. So much has been taken from you and your people, with the loss of your mother and father, to the taking of your sister. You could feel your hope being widdled away, slowly chipping.
You prayed, begging Eywa for a sign, asking for guidance. What was next for you? You have nothing other than the bond of your Ikran and a new brother.
Ma'kento, he was orphaned much like you, his father joined your parents and many other warriors into a battle. Many of the pink skins sky ships were nearing your home, so your family rode out on Ikran.
They managed to stop them, but the price was great. Their lives, for peace.
In great grief, Ma'kento's mother threw herself off a cliff. Leaving only him.
Ma'kento spiralled into a time of great sorrow, he stopped flying and would skip dinners. You moved to grow close with him, feeding him and trying to breath life back into him.
But when your sister visited a neighboring clan with Kay'lua (a Na'vi widowed after the battle, who had taken the three of you, no questions asked) to trade, the sky people came, claiming peace, and excitement to learn. Only to turn around and steal many children and women.
Ma'kento and Kay'lua stayed by your side, pulling you up as best they good.
You may have lost much, but at least you gained a new family.
Pain still rested in your heart, though it slowly faded it was still there. Much like a scar, it was hard to ignore.
Your ears flicked as the screeches of Ikran were heard, their tones being a lot different than their usual wails. It sounded urgent, your stomach flipped as you stepped back from the totem.
You followed the sound, exiting the main marui with wide eyes. Many Ikran flew above, screeching and screaming, something has happened.
Many of the Kekunan people began to bustle about, moving quickly, grabbing weapons and calling for their Ikrans.
You slid your bow off quickly, rushing away from the village and towards the clif side were your Ikran resided.
A hand fell to your shoulder, pulling slightly "sister wait," you whipped your head around, eyes falling onto the gold ones of your brother.
Ma'kento's long curly hair was pulled back into a ponytail, the feathers tied into his hair blowing in the wind.
"What has happened?" You asked, heart picking up as he walked past you motioning you to follow.
"Kay'lua was out with a few other traders, she was headed to the Tipani but had to retreat." He paused, the words seeming to catch in his throat.
You tilted your head, waiting for him to continue. "the sky crafts, they have destroyed the home tree of the Omatikaya."
That same guy wrenching pain twisted in your stomach, ripping through your insides as it was followed by a fire. A fire of anger and resentment, you understood a long time ago that the sky people will never change. And it's not because they couldn't see, it was because they lived for the destruction, they lived to poison whatever was around them. They keep spreading their illness.
" How long ago? What is the plan?" You gritted, fists gripping your bow.
"2 hours ago, Olo'eyktan has demanded we prepare for an arial attack as well, we know not why the Omatikaya have been attacked, but we will ensure our people are safe." He said, letting out a call for his Ikran. A loud wail was heard and his Ikran shot up from the cliff side, swinging around and landing next to him. You made a similar call, your Ikran coming quickly.
You rounded your Ikran, one hand grabbing the antenna and the other grabbing your kuru. You attached the bond with ease, quickly slipping on to your Ikran. Your Ikran bounced, letting out a stressed out screech. You lowered the ionar on your head.
"Eyuwah!" Called Ma'kento, lifting his bow as his Ikran turned and dove off the side of the sheer. You made the same call, your Ikran following close after.
"Stay near the village, I will follow the other hunters further out!" He yelled, flying next to you.
"What no, let me come." You called back, frustration making it's way up your throat. You hated that he treated you like this, like you were something fragile.
"No! Stay back!" He responded, diving away.
You grit your teeth letting out an angry growl followed by a "damn it!" Your Ikran chittered, their body reacting to your anger.
"I'm sorry, I'm calm" you grumbled, gripping the queue harness.
Many of your people took to the skies, swarming and patrolling around your village. Eyes to the sky keeping a look out for anything other worldly, tensions were high. Your Ikran grew nervous, eyes scanning the ground and sky.
"Shh, calm, okay, okay" you cooed, patting the neck your your Ikran. A throaty sound erupted from your Ikrans throat as it's head flicked.
It let out a screech.
You dove, barely missing an ikran that zipped above you.
What the hell was happening? Why are they so freaked out?
2 hours had passed, and you could feel your Ikran becoming tired, hell you felt tired, your back was killing you from the hunched position. You looked to the skies, tail flicking nervously as the sky's became quiet.
The panicked Ikran had disappeared, diving into the foliage.
That's when you saw it, a large shadow lifting straight up to the sky. Your Ikran screeched, and with one big push up glided up to follow.
You watched as many other Ikran followed the giant beast, your heart grew warm and a large smile spread on your face.
Your heart speed up as other Ikran flew around the large beast, screeching their songs.
Toruk Makto.
"Toruk!" Riders yelled, drums sounded, pounding loudly as the village celebrated.
"It is Toruk! Our brother has returned!" Many shouted, cheering in glee
"Thank you great mother, thank you!" You cried, swinging your Ikran to fly and surround the mythic beast.
Tears welling up in your eyes, you swore you hand never seen such a beautiful sight.
To see Toruk in front of you felt so unreal, you have dreamed of this moment forever. And have dreamed of seeing Toruk being ridden when the sky people arrived, it was clear Eywa has heard your prayers.
Eywa has provided.
"Eyuwah!" You called, following your people that trailed behind Toruk Mokto.
The woman ridding on the back of the beast turned, a large smile on her face. She lifted her bow returning your call, your heart nearly stopped, she was a true goddess.
She lifted her bow, making a call again as you made your way down to land.
Your people gathered around Toruk, excitment buzzing through them, as you and the other riders flew around.
Utter joy, and cheers were heard. Many yelling in excitement and even dancing, hell, you wanted to dance. Now that Toruk Makto is back, this must be a sign from your great mother.
Your home will be free of the sky people.
You landed your Ikran on a tree, sliding your Ionar off your face.
The man slid off the large beast, then turned, offering a hand to who you assume was his mate.
She smiled, it was breathtaking. He is one lucky man.
Toruk Makto turned, your Olo'eyktan and Tsahik made their way to him bowing their heads in respect.
Toruk Makto smiled, his tail flicking slightly. You couldn't help but think of how handsome he was, his looked were so foreign, so... Other worldly.
You squinted, leaning over a bit, hand clutching onto the queue harness as your tail flicked wildly behind you.
Oh, you see. He is otherworldly, he's a dreamwalker. But a dreamwalker riding Toruk? That's unheard of, Eywa sure works in mysterious ways.
"Brother, welcome home" your Olo'eyktan said, a large smile on his face. He looked over to Toruk with amazement and hope, Tsahik moved towards the female.
"We are happy you have graced us, what might we do for you." Children of the village squealed, lifting up their wood carvings of Toruk. You smiled sadly, you wish your sister could have seen this.
Toruk Makto smiled softly, looking away from the kids and to the Olo'eyktan.
"They sky people have taken much from all of us" the people nodded, letting out an 'awo' to let him know they listen. "I call upon you, masters of the skies.. in hopes you will fly with me, we togather, and only togather can end this time of sorrow and distruction." He stated, eyes scanning the people.
"My brother." Olo'eyktan started, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We fly by your side"
Your people chanted, cheering and making noises of approval.
You called out as well, your Ikran bellowing out a loud screech. You and many of the hunters flew from your perches, flying around Toruk Makto and his mate.
A smile came to his face, one of relief and hope. He looked to his mate sharing the same smile, she chuckled a grin reaching her face.
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It didn't take long to pack up, mostly battle gear and some personal weapons of yours. You took much off your snokfyan, festive atire as well as war dance atire. You were going into this with high hopes, you believe that this will be, this will be the end of the great suffering.
You exited your Marui, baskets in hand as you called for your Ikran. Your ears twitched, something was bothering you, it was like a small little nagging feeling. You looked to the side, catching the eyes of Toruks mate.
Your heart jumped to your throat, her eyes were piercing, but her gaze was welcoming. It made you feel strange, it's like you were being called to her.
She smiled, you swore your jaw dropped and before you could make a fool of yourself you Ikran landed before you, tail hitting the ground with a muffled thwack.
You brushed off the feeling, moving to your Ikrans side to carefully attach the baskets to the saddle. Your Ikran made a sound of discomfort, you couldn't help but chuckle, the dramatics with them.
"Okay, okay, it's only temporary my love." You said softly, reaching for your Ikran. As if knowing they lowered their head and pressed it to yours, you smiled softly, rubbing the cheek of your long time companion.
"Little sister" a voice called, pulling you away from the tender moment. It was Kay'lua, she wore a deep frown on her face. Worry seemed to haunt her gaze, she put a hand on your shoulder, ghosts of tears kissing her eyes. "Please, return safe"
You smiled, nodding your head. "Who else is to torment you Lua?" She smiled sadly, reaching up to her neckless. She carefully removed it and placed it in your hands, you were shocked, she's never went anywhere without it.
It was a beautiful neckless, given to her by her (now passed) mate. It had lovely twine and some type of metal woven in, and colorful rocks that were braided through.
"I can no-"
"Do not deny this of me." She said, closing your fingers around it "you must promise, you will return it to me."
"Lua.."
"Promise me." She stated, tears cascading.
"I promise." You said confidently, moving your hands away from hers and putting on the gorgeous jewelry.
"Good," she smiled, whipping her tears away "now, go and show them how a
Kekunan warrior fights." She grinned.
You smiled, nodding as you turned to your Ikran, connecting the bond.
"I see you, sister."
"I see you, warrior."
( ✧*。A/N:
I would like to give a special thank you to strwberriiz for the idea, I really adored the idea of a Jake and Neytiri fic with reader. Thank you so much for inspiring me as much as you have I hope to make you proud!)