The Bond of The Forest - Lo'ak X Reader

Chapter 3

My bow was drawn pointed at one of the sky people peeking out from through the trees. He had Lo'ak in a tight grip with one hand and little Tuk in the other. I was furious.

My bow had been drawn for a long time now that my arm had start to ache but I daren't relax unless something happened.

A bead of sweat trickled down my forehead as I wait in angst for the Sully's to arrive. I focus my attention on Lo'ak and notice how angry he looked; his eyes were dark as he darted his eyes looking at his siblings making sure they were okay.

I caught myself smiling and wiped it off my face immediately - now was not the time to be smitten over a boy whose family is in severe danger.

The truth is, I'd grown to like Lo'ak a lot, maybe even more than a lot. I liked his sarcastic comments and eye rolls, but also his soft side which he has shown to me, like the first night we met on top of the tree. A couple of days ago he had started to open up about him feeling like he was always in Neteyam's shadow but had quickly shut up when he saw his brother come over to us. I was desperate to continue that conversation, I liked how he felt like he could talk to me.

My body filled with rage all of a sudden at the thought of these Sky People hurting this family, my arm tensed as if I was about to let go of my mothers arrows and let it fly straight into the demons faces.

'Mai'

Neytiri was shaking me glancing at me with wide eyes as if she'd be talking to me for a while whilst in my daze. I relaxed my arm immediately letting the bow fall to my side, without thinking I wrapped my arms around her telling her how relieved I am to see her.
It felt nice, to have a motherly figure encase her arms around me once again.

'You must go now Mai, Neteyam is back over there where you will be safe, you must go and find him right this second' Neytiri's words only made me want to stay and fight more.

'No, I must stay and fight, your children are my family now and I must protect my family at all costs'

I respond causing her eyes to soften at my fondness of her sons and daughters. She closed her eyes in a slow fashion telling me she will allow me to fight beside her. Neytiri presses her back against the tree and let's put a call.

To the Na'vi ears she was telling us she is here; therefore to get ready. However to the human ears, the bellow would blend in with the sounds of the forest.

The rain stars to beat down upon us as I see Lo'ak's ears perk up and shoot a knowing look towards his sisters, they knew we were here.

In a flash, bows were flying and gun shots were booming. The flash of light from the demons machines startled me however I scrambled to get to my friends. I reach out and grab them whilst the Sky People were busy shooting towards Jake and Neytiri. Lo'ak's eyes widened as he locked his eyes onto mine wondering why in the hell I was saving them right now.

'What in the hell are you doing here idiot!' He exclaims but I ignore him and pull my knife out cutting their cuffs with a swift swipe. My ears prick up.

'Get DOWN'

I yelled, Tuk and Kiri ran off into the glistened wet leaves as I draw my bow and let her fly through the sky and into a Sky People's neck. His body thudded to the ground. It was at this moment I felt Lo'ak's hands resting on my shoulders. He spun me round so I was facing him, I looked at him my mouth agape. I'd never taken someone's life before.

'He was going to kill us right' I yelped in exasperation for validation that my actions were okay. Lo'ak stroked my shoulders with reassurance and gave me a soft smile, 'you're okay, come on let's go' he glided his hand down my arm, touching my long braid on the way down and took my hand in his gently.

We sped through the forest quickly whilst he was still holding my hand almost pulling me with him. I was still clutching my mothers bow that was now stained with guilt in the other hand.

'Oh thank Eywa you're safe, you fucking shit heads' Neteyam exclaimed as we ran into him and the rest of the group in the forest. He took me under one arm and Lo'ak under the other making Lo'ak and I basically touch foreheads.

He lets go and looks down at our still clasped hands and shot Lo'ak a look with a smirk as if to say

I'll be asking about this later.

We finally made it back to the Sully base and Kiri and Mo'at checked us all for cuts and wounds. I noticed Jake and Neytiri in the corner of the tent talking in hushed but concerned voices. I could tell something bad was happening. Tuk clutches at my arm for safety and I pull her close reassuring her that everything's going to be okay.

'You lot have a lot of explaining to do, what in the name of Eywa are Sky People doing here and why do they want you?' I quizzed the boys who hung their heads giving each other glances. I reached over and took both Neteyam and Lo'ak's hands.

'What's going on?'

I spoke again but softer this time. A dark cloud appeared over Lo'ak's face as he snatched his hand back away from me and stormed out of the tent.

I averted my eyes to Neteyam in confusion yet his eyes wouldn't meet mine.

What are they hiding from me?