Just as expected, what looked like practically the entire clan was huddled closely so they could get a good look of the spectacle.
The useful ones were on their creatures as they scanned the area, the moon illuminating brightly was an aid to all of them.
Now that she was closer, Vareya was able to make out what they were repeatedly calling out.
" Lo'ak!" One familiar voice boomed louder than the others. A voice that for some reason had her dipping deeper into the shadows despite there being no way of him ever seeing her.
Jake Sully was in the air on his skimwing when he passed by her, riding effortlessly on one of the toughest creatures to master. Already looking like a true Metkayina.
Inside she felt bitterness start to present itself, but there was no time for that. When the conch was blown again, everyone began to move even closer to each other as Lo'ak made his way towards shore. He was coming from outside the reef.
Hm. She didn't think Aonung truly had it in him. Nor did she think the youngest monkey boy would be that much of a skxawng.
Finding a spot to stay hidden yet still be in good earshot and view of the scene before her was easy. Usually when she goes spying around, her bright white hair would alert anyone on Pandora. So she made herself a cloak with a hood so that she would be able to blend into the shadows of the island.
Become one with the darkness as it concealed and protected her from watchful eyes...much like her own.
She arrived to her spot behind one of the giant mangrove roots then heard the clans hushed murmurs, a mix of, " The boy has returned!", " It is the Sully boy!", and " They found the boy! They found him!".
Lo'ak thanked the Na'vi for her help, paying his respects before turning his attention to the crowd around him. But it seemed his eyes were focused on a certain someone.
Vareya watched expectantly, fully ready to watch a brawl take place since she missed the first one. And from the look on the monkey boys face, he seemed fully ready for it too. In fact, Lo'ak didn't even care that Olo'eyktan Tonowari and Tsahìk Ronal were standing right beside him.
Disappointingly, his cousin did not receive any punches thanks to Jake cutting in.
" Hey, hey!" he rushed forward, stepping in front of his son before he would do anything that could possibly ruin their chances of staying. " Let's have a look at you." he said while examining his son, but Lo'ak kept his glare on Aonung.
" He's fine, he's fine." Vareya was trying to figure out if he was reassuring the clan or himself, " -yeah, just a few scratches."
" Lo'ak!" Neytiri called breathlessly as she darted through the crowd and straight for her son, Neteyam following closely behind.
Neytiri went further though as she herself examined him before hissing lowly, " I pray for the strength that I will not pluck the eyes out of my youngest son." was all she said, finishing with a snarl.
Her Uncle was next to speak, " No. My son knows better than to take him outside the reef." In an easy motion, he had her pitifully dejected looking cousin on his knee. " The blame is his."
With a quick nod, Jake began to usher his family away. He probably didn't want to cause more of a drama than it had already become." Okay, let's go-"
" No." Lo'ak cut him off, " This is not Aounung's fault. This was my idea. Aonung tried to talk me out of it. Really."
Tstew. Tìtstew indeed.
His parents were quick to believe his lie it seemed. Despite Vareya not knowing their son at all, even she could pick up on just how ridiculous an idea such as that is. No matter how rebellious they picture him to be.
" Come on." Jake said firmly before turning to Tonowari one last time and whispering something she couldn't hear. Thankfully, she's used to observing from afar and learnt to pick up a skill or two. One being lip reading. " I got this."
As fun as it would be to watch her cousin get ridiculed by his parents, she only caught a glimpse of that before dashing to a hidden spot closer to the Sully family.
" Dad, you told me to make friends with these kids. That's all I was trying to do-"
" I don't want to hear it." he said, not even bothering to listen to his sons side.
" Dad-"
" You brought shame to this family." he sighed tiredly, as if he was the one who was tricked, left alone outside the reef, then took the blame fully knowing the consequences.
" Can I go now?"
" Any more trouble, I jerk a knot in your tail. You read me?"
" Yes, sir. Lima Charlie."
Although she didn't know what that last phrase meant, from the look on Jakes face she presumed Lo'ak got the exact reaction he wanted. " Go on." was the last thing he said before his youngest son walked away.
With him gone, Vareyas attention was now entirely focused on Neteyam. His mother appeared to do the same.
" Where were you?" Neytiri questioned.
" Yeah." his father pitched in, " What happened to 'keep an eye on your brother'?"
Vareya watched and waited for him to say something. Waited and hoped for the boy whom she spent so much time with these past few weeks picked up on some of her attitude. That the talks, and fights, and tests, and trainings, and brawls had toughened him up. Not physically but mentally.
That he can now stand up for himself. Tell them how he feels and wake them up from this fantasy reality of theirs where they believe their eldest son is in charge of their children.
But those expectations were ended abruptly when Neteyam played his expected part perfectly. Nodding his head like a good soldier and answering with a simple, " Sorry, sir."
Letting out a breath, Vareya turned to make her way back to her hut before she was discovered. Not soon after she entered the forest, a familiar voice called out to her.
" Vareya wait!" Neteyam called out breathlessly as he caught up to her. " Wow, you move fast. I've been trying to reach you for a while now." he smiled gently.
Yet for some reason, Vareya couldn't bring herself to do the same. Couldn't bring herself to do any kind of expression. Not a snarl, not a frown, nor a hiss. So all she did was look at him with a stoned face.
Neteyam noticed her expression and cleared his throat, feeling uncomfortable suddenly. " You were coming from the village. You were there?"
" I heard the commotion and got curious."
" Oh. So, do you know-"
" Yes. I heard everything."
Neteyam wanted to evaluate what exactly she meant by everything, but just by how she's acting he got a pretty good idea of what she overheard without him knowing.
" Good, then I can keep this short." He wasn't used to this Vareya anymore. Now her cold, short remarks struck a nerve. " My brother got into trouble thanks to Aonung, just as you had suspected."
" I know."
" So everything is.... everything?"
" Yes, I heard and saw every interaction you had. So just spit out whatever it is you want to tell me so I can be on my way." she spat impatiently.
Neteyam clenched his jaw, " Fine. What I wanted to tell you is that I'm going to have to postpone our meetings for a while. I wasn't watching over my brother like I was supposed to because I kept getting distracted with you-"
" Careful with your words flea." she hissed, " I am not the one to blame for this ordeal. And neither are you..."
" I'm not blaming anyone, least of all you. What I'm trying to say is that when I needed to be there for my family I wasn't. I can't let something like this happen again. So please, just wait until I feel like it's safe to meet again?"
Vareya had so many words she wanted to say. So many things she wanted to admit, like one being that she hates waiting. That she never waits on anyone. But feeling exhausted, she merely answered with a simple...
" Frawzo."
She turned on her heels to leave but was soon stopped when Neteyam ran to get in front of her, blocking her path. " OK? That's all you have to say, OK?"
" What do you want me to say?"
Neteyam growled, " Don't make me feel stupid and act all innocent. I don't know why you're holding it back but I know everything you're thinking. I know that what you want to say is how can I be so weak, right? That how can I just stand there, stay silent, and nod my head after all that you told me? After everything you pestered me about? I know you're dying to ridicule me and make me feel less than you just because I have a family that relies on me!
Yeah fine, we may not be perfect and happy all the time, but we love and care for each other so no matter how many times you say it, this is my job! This is my duty and this is what I have to do alright? So go ahead and tell me all these things because you know who's OK? Me, I'm okay with all of this alright?! I'm perfectly fine and happy. OK?"
When he finished yelling, he was practically panting as he stared into the eyes of Vareya. He waited for a reaction. Wanted one so bad. But she kept that stoic look the entire time he rambled on.
Vareya lifted her head slightly, allowing herself a better look at him. Her intense eyes made him flinch, but what hurt more was that the darkness from the hood made it seem as if they portrayed something like pity.
Finally, after what felt like a century later...she spoke.
" I'm glad your brother is safe."
Vareya said it calmly, quietly, and composed. The exact opposite of how Neteyam was acting just moments ago. He was embarrassed as they stood there in silence, the only noise coming from the melody of the forest at night. A small gush of wind ruffled her ripped and damaged cloak, and it seemed to break her out of the trance.
Without another word, she silently walked around him and left Neteyam standing there alone.
Both of them completely unaware of two spying eyes...
______
" I wish I'd been there. The ocean blessed you with a gift, brother." Kiri commented, smiling widely at Lo'ak.
The group sat in a circle as they had just finished hearing Lo'aks story of his time outside the reef. And while Neteyam was listening, at the same time he wasn't. He would have to focus carefully whenever his brother talked, if not his voice would just become a background noise to everything else going on in his head.
It also doesn't help that he hardly slept a wink last night. Neteyam spent most of his time twisting and turning the entirety of his 'resting time'. As much as he tried to block it out, his mind was too busy and crowded for him to rest peacefully.
Replays of his fight with Vareya, or really one sided fight, kept running through his head over and over and over.
He kept thinking of how he yelled at her, how he rambled on like a child while she stayed calm the entire time. It left him feeling a rush of emotions- annoyed, embarrassed, upset, and shame all at once.
It was a heavy tidal wave that repeatedly kept crashing into him, leaving him more exhausted and drained than he had the night before.
" The Tulkun have not returned yet." Aonung spoke, and Neteyam couldn't help but roll his eyes at him. He was in no mood to listen to this kid. " And besides, no Tulkun is ever alone."
Neteyam rubbed his head. Gah, by Eywa, was it throbbing.
" Well this one was." Lo'ak responded, pointing to his arm. " He had a missing fin. Like a stump on the left side."
" Poor Tulkun." Tuk said lowly.
What caught his attention though was Tsireyas reaction to Lo'aks description of the creature. She seemed surprised and worried as she glanced between his brother and Aonung.
" Payakan. It's Payakan."
" Who's Payakan?" Kiri asked, leaning closer to hear more.
" She's an 'eve who went rogue. She's an outcast. Alone. And she has striking white hair and violet eyes."
Neteyams head shot up. What the-
" A young bull who went rogue. He's outcast, alone. And he has a missing fin." Was what Roxto actually said, Neteyam realized.
" They say he is a killer." Tsireya added, and while he didn't want to call her a liar, it was hard to believe her since they had said similar things about Vareya which later turned out to be... partly false.
" No, no-" Lo'ak countered, shaking his head.
" He killed Na'vi and other Tulkun." Aonung debated,
" Not here, but far to the South."
" No, he's no killer." Lo'ak continued to insist.
" Lo'ak, you are lucky to be alive." Taireya
" I'm telling you guys. She saved his life. Vareya is his friend. In the beginning she acted that way because she had every right not to trust him. But now, all she wanted to do was help my brother. And Neteyam wasn't mad at her because she was wrong, he was mad at her because she was right. He was upset because Vareya had been the only one to see right through him and know his true feelings. Then Neteyam got scared, he didn't want to admit it, and now he most likely ruined the best friendship, and possibly the only one, he's ever had..."
Tsahey. He put his head down, shaking it in irritation. He needed to get out of here before he drove himself insane.
" I'm telling you guys. He saved my life. He's my friend." Lo'ak answered.
And although Neteyam believed his brother, he found it the perfect opportunity to mess with him. He could already tell by Lo'aks tone of voice that he was getting annoyed, all he needed was one more push..." My baby bro! Mighty warrior who faced the killer Tulkun, and lived to tell about it, huh?"
Neteyam cajoled, standing up to grab onto his brothers shoulders and give them a soft shake. Then just as he predicted, Lo'ak himself grunted and stood angrily.
" You guys aren't listening." was all he said before turning to walk away.
" Lo'ak I'm listening ." Tuk said, attempting to stop her brother from leaving.
" Lo'ak, come back!" Kiri yelled after him, but the damage was done. " You skxawngs." was the only thing she muttered before taking Tuk's hand and leaving themselves.
Before they could though, Tsireya announced, " Hold on, I want to take you to the Cove of Ancestors to see our spirit tree. I thought it would be a nice change from the usual lessons. What do you guys think?"
Kiri's sour face immediately changed, " Yes, that sounds wonderful."
" Good, I'll go inform my parents of our plans and then we can head out. Let's all meet at the docks in a little while." Tsireya smiled softly before skipping off.
Neteyam decided to take this opportunity and close his eyes, leaning his head back against the tree trunk. The sun still wasn't at its peak, so there wasn't much shade provided for him. He groaned as he used a hand to block the bright planet beaming down on him, and then groaned again when he started to feel hot.
" What's with all the groaning brother?" Kiri quipped.
"I thought you left." he said, arm still laying on his face to provide coverage for his eyes.
"You didn't answer my question." although he couldn't see, he could practically hear her eye roll.
"I'm tired. Couldn't sleep."
"Why Teyam? Are you missing home again." the softer lighter voice from Tuk was what made Neteyam sit up and look at his youngest sister who was standing beside Kiri. With a wave he gestured her over.
Rubbing her head softly with a smile, he replied, " No Tuk, not home."
"It's okay if you do because..." she looked back at her sister before stepping closer and bending down to whisper in his ear, "I do too."
He couldn't help but laugh softly when she confessed her 'secret'. " That's good Tuk, make sure to always keep a special place for home right here." he affirmed, tapping her chest gently.
She herself giggled before another voice interrupted them, "What's the forest crew up to?"
"Móna !" Tuk screamed excitedly, rushing to hug the legs of the Na'vi that helped her so much. " Where have you been?!"
" Sorry little one, l've been busy helping my Father. I should be more free from now on though."
Tuk squealed, " Does that mean you can see the spirit tree today?! Tsireya is taking us!"
" She's right, you should come." Kiri added, and that was all Móna needed to agree.
"Sure, I'll tag along." she looked at Neteyam, and he gave her a smile. Embarrassed, she looked back down at Tuk and said, " Actually, I came over so I could speak to your brother. Is that alright?"
She hummed her approval before skipping to Kiri, who had called her over, and grabbed a hold of her hand. " We'll leave you two alone." Was the last thing she said, not forgetting to give Neteyam a mischievous smile and wink before walking away.
" Uh- may I?" Móna asked while pointing to a rock in front of him, hinting she wanted to take a seat.
" Go ahead." once she sat down, he decided the least he could do was exchange pleasantries. Despite it being the last thing he wanted to do. " How have you been?"
" I've been alright thank you. I would ask how you've been but after the scare with your brother last night I suppose not the best? Also you look..."
He couldn't help but chuckle as she struggled to find the word, " If tired is what you mean then yes, I am tired. And with the whole thing about my brother, while it was a scare he was bound to get himself into some kind of trouble. I'm honestly surprised it took him so long."
" It must be so nice having their brother to rely on. Especially your parents, to know they have someone so responsible looking out for their children must be such a relief. You're so kind."
You mean it's better to shut up and listen so you get a pat on the head and be called a good flea by daddy?
Neteyam slapped the side of his head as if Vareyas voice was a bug he could just shoo away. But he can't, and instead all he did was receive a confused glance from Móna.
" Sorry, thought I felt something on me." he stopped talking after that. He didn't want to sound rude for not responding to what she said, but he couldn't answer because he didn't have one. Kind is not the word he'd use.
Weak? Scared? Stop being a good soldier boy for once and stand up for yourself.
" You said you needed to speak to me?" Neteyam asked quickly, trying to do anything to get Vareyas voice and words out of his mind.
Flustered and surprised at his change of subject and straight forward talk, it took her a while to compose herself but when she did, she said something he never would've guessed.
" Before I do tell you, you need to know one thing. I wasn't trying to spy on you, okay? I saw you leave after talking to your parents and just wanted to make sure you were alright. But then I saw something, or you with... someone."
Oh shit.
" I saw you and Vareya last night, after your brothers accident." She clarified, even though that someone she saw him with was pretty obvious.
Neteyam had no words. He tried to think of ways to get out of this but there was none. " Uh- I can explain-"
" I promise you I won't tell anyone, I didn't come here to hold this against you. All I wanted to do was to warn you."
He froze," Warn me?"
Móna noddded, leaning closer to him. This was the first time he's ever seen such a stern look on her face.
"She's dangerous Neteyam. I don't know why or how you got involved with her but my advice is that you stay away. She can hurt you. She's manipulative. She will say things, and act a certain way to convince you that everything's fine, but when the time comes, she'll probably betray you and... well, she's not all up there. You know what I mean, I'm sure you've noticed. I know that isn't her fault, but something bad happened to her when she was younger. Something that destroyed her completely. That's why the clan stays away from her. Not even her own Uncle can stand to be near her."
Neteyam was stunned. Utterly and completely stunned. Not from what he was hearing but who he was he was hearing it from. He didn't understand what was happening. He wasn't even quite sure if this was real. Neteyam was wondering if he was much more exhausted than he thought and was imagining this whole interaction. But when Móna spoke again, he knew that possibility was too good to be true.
" Then again, I can't tell you who and who not to see, I just wanted to give you this...advice. That's all. All I wanted was to warn you." Then almost as if a thought
had suddenly flown into her head, her eyes widened as she exclaimed, " Oh goodness, I didn't even think about that possibility! Neteyam you can be entirely honest with me, is she threatening you in any way?"
He cut her off immediately, " No no no, trust me that's not the case at all." He needed to figure out a way to reassure her enough so that she'll hopefully forget this.
" The thing is, we ran into each other. But that's all. Just a one time cross of paths."
This is so stupid stupid stupid-
" That didn't look like a coincidental first time meeting?" Móna questioned suspiciously.
" I- uh- I meant that t-technically, it was our... second time meeting." He stuttered nervously.
" Second time?"
" Yes, our second time."
" Then when did you guys first meet? I mean I couldn't hear what you guys were saying yesterday but it looked intense!"
" I-intense is a bit drastic." He said laughing, oh someone kill him now. " It was something closer to small talk?"
" Small talk?"
" Yeah you know, simple conversation. One of those days that I had wandered off into the forest we accidentally ran into each other. No biggie. So yesterday she had said that she wanted to see what all the commotion was about and as I filled her in, I let my emotions get the better of me and just started ranting on and on about how much work Lo'ak gives me! Isn't that hilarious?"
Móna looked concerned but she seemed to be believing him. How exactly? Beats him. " Neteyam, you have to be careful. She's not someone you want to open up to."
" I know. Silly, silly me." he muttered through gritted teeth.
" I think I understand better now. I mean, if you guys had some kind of relationship I couldn't force you to stay away from her, but I will have to admit that I'm relieved to hear that you don't." Móna admitted softly, leaning closer.
He doesn't know when he got so good at lying to peoples faces. Wiya.
" Móna. I need you to promise me you won't say a word about this. To anyone." His voice was serious enough that she instantly sat straight again.
" Of course. But-why? If you don't mind me asking that is? I mean it's not like there's anything there."
" I know, I know. But you know she's considered an outcast, and just me talking to her at all might cause attention that my family doesn't need right now. So please, if you can just keep quiet about this?" He grabbed hold of her hands so she would understand just how desperate he is. " Please."
He wasn't expecting her to hold eye contact, but he's glad she saw just how important her keeping this a secret was to him. Neteyam doesn't truly know her, but he's hoping to trust his and Tsireyas judgement of her. Móna seems kind, she seems trustworthy. It's not like he has or had much of a choice anyway.
" I promise Neteyam, I won't tell a soul." she said, cheeks becoming red. " Like I said, I was just worried that you had gotten involved with the wrong person. Just stick by us and you'll be fine, trust me."
Biting his tongue, he only nodded. He wanted to know if Móna was telling him this stuff from experience or if she was basing it from rumors that she's heard. Something about this entire situation was making his blood chill, but this wasn't the time to think about it.
" Alright. Thanks for worrying but I can take care of myself." She seemed taken aback at his tone, but thankfully neither of them had a chance to dwell on it since Kiri interrupted them.
" Sorry to break apart your little moment but Tsireya said we're ready to go, cmon."
He's never been more grateful to see his sister than he was right now, " Perfect, let's go."
Standing, he offered a hand to Móna whom accepted it with a small smile. But when Neteyam went to walk away, she kept hold of his hand." Are we...good?"
Not wanting to act suspicious, he attempted to give her his best reassuring smile. " Of course. Now let's go, we don't want to keep everyone waiting."
_____
Vareya layed in her hammock, rocking softly as she relaxed with her eyes closed. She wasn't able to sleep at all last night. Her entire body was filled with so much frustration and anger, it drove her mad. It made her want to throw stuff, to yell, and at one point, she had to stop herself from going to find Neteyam and shake him until he understood where she was coming from.
Vareya didn't even care about who would see her or about his family. In fact, the only thing that stopped her was the fact that she didn't want to give Neteyam the pleasure of her reaching out first. So instead, with fire still in her veins, she decided to cool off by hunting in the dead of night. It was rough and luckily left her exhausted enough that by the time she got back to her hut, she actually managed to doze off for a while.
Yet that seemed like a mistake because her dreams were invaded by Neteyam. She dreamt of their fight last night, except she had actually spoken. She told him the truth of what she thought about his relationship and "responsibilities" he had from his parents.
She doesn't understand how, but after they had talked it out in her dreams, it took a turn in a completely different direction....
Neteyam stalked towards her, his voice rough and low as he said, " Is that what you think of me? Weak?"
Vareya couldn't help but slowly back away, still facing Neteyam as he showed no sign of stopping. " You never stand up for yourself. What else am I supposed to think of you?"
Just as she finished saying that, her back hit a tree trunk, not letting her move anymore. She was trapped. Neteyam didn't pay no mind, he instead took advantage of the situation and leaned an arm over her head, looking down at Vareya thanks to their height difference.
She remembers his hot breath on her face, remembers the way his eyes were so strong, and his action so controlling. It made her feel small. And feeling small for once made her feel something she never thought she could.
" Very well then," he removed the hood from her face and grabbed a chunk of hair from the side of her head, tugging slightly so that she was looking up at him. Vareya breathed heavily as she stared up at him, lips parted.
" I guess I'll have to show you just how weak I can be."
The rest... she'll rather forget. So ever since that nightmare that will never happen, she's only been laying down. Too tired to stand yet too energized to sleep.
Besides, this was good. Now she can figure out what her plan is now that she'll have some time free from that monkey boy. She could practice on her own, go hunting, learn new recipes, train her ability-
Vareya bolted up. Her ears high as they waited to pick up the sound again. She almost hoped they didn't, hoped that it was apart of another nightmare, but when do things ever go her way?
With her heart in her throat she frantically rushed to the opening of her hut, even tripping over her own feet as she scrambled to see it. She had to see it. It couldn't be true.
No no no no no no no no. This was too soon. It was too fast. She couldn't take this.
Memories flashed through her head as that sound brought back that fateful day. A steady thrum of that horrid loud and overbearing noise.
And when she looked beyond the trees, there it was. Something she had hoped she would never have to see again or if she did, she would be prepared.
Demons.
~~~~~~~
A/N
Ahhhhh this feels like a long one !! So sorry to the people that I told I would post earlier and didn't!! As you can see I was working A LOT on this one! And I still don't like it😭
Thank you guys so much for almost 12K reads and 2k ON THE FIRST CHAPTER " Trauma" that's amazing ahhhh!!
Makes me so happy to see and hear about how much you guys are enjoying it because this is sooo fun for me! As you can see I was having a brainstorming phase while writing this I actually had to stop y from writing more!!
Can't wait to hear your opinions about this one so on that note please don't be afraid to comment ANYTHING you want, makes my day honestly!!
Alright lovelies, see ya next time!!!
Love, _watuluv_9
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