The Bond of The Forest - Lo'ak X Reader

Chapter 23

MAI'S POV

I awoke spluttering and coughing, water coming out of my mouth that had previously been filling up inside of my lungs. I came round immediately remembering every detail of my contact with my parents. What did they mean by the sky people aren't done?

I knew exactly where I was in that moment, I was on a fin, Payakan had saved me, just like he did Lo'ak. I make eye contact with Payakan and thank him deeply for saving me through sign language.

I talked to Payakan on our travels back to the clan about what my parents had told me, warning him to be careful and to get away from any demon ships that he may see.

Arriving back to shore, I knew I had to find Jake straight away to warn him of the troubles that were running through my mind. I thanked Payakan again before diving off his fin and swimming to shore.

I ran quickly through the village not wanting to waste a second. I couldn't help notice however how everyone turned and looked at me with a puzzled expression on their faces. Pointing and gasping at me with horrified expressions on their faces.

Was I indecent? What was peoples problems?

I found the main Sully Pod and barged in not waiting around to knock. Jake and Neytiri were in there sharpening weapons and were deep in conversation.

'Sir, I need to talk to you about something extremely imported.' I blurt out causing them to look up at me startled by my loud and panicked voice.

Neytriri's eyes widened at me and her hands flew up to her mouth. I saw a frown appear on Jake's face as he studied me.

Seriously? What was peoples issues with me today?

'Oh my Eywa, Mai, where have you been what has happened?' Neytiri exclaimed at my appearance. She must have seen the confused look on my face as Jake told me to sit down in a calm and soothing voice.

'We don't mean to alarm you, Mai. But your hair, your hair is white.' Jake tells me.

My hair is what? White? I've never seen any Na'vi with white hair in my existence. I've heard of some stories but I had just assumed them to be myths.

I stand up and stumble over to a mirror that was hanging in the pod. I stare at my appearance which no longer looked like my own appearance anymore. Clasping my hands to my mouth I saw tears well up into my eyes. I needed answers. Now.

I touch my once black braids still staring at my reflection. 'What does this mean' I ask Neytiri turning to look at her, tears still glassing over my eyes. Jake had gone to find Tonowari and Ronal to bring them to our pod so it was just Neytiri and I.

Neytiri beckoned me over and sat me down next to her putting a comforting arm around me, 'i always knew you were special. From the moment you helped me save our children from the Sky People, you fought alongside me. I knew there was something different about you.'

I didn't understand what Neytiri was saying, I was going to question her when Ronal and Tonowari burst through the pod.

'So it is true.' Ronal said disbelief coating her voice. She walked over to me touching my snowy white braids.

'I must speak with you all,' I say with a grave face. 'I've been sent a message from my parents.'

I watch as the parents exchange worried looks at what this could mean. I explain to them everything my parents had told me and how I nearly drowned but was blessed by a Tulkan coming to save me. I did leave out the part how it was Payakan, I've heard his stories from Tsireya and I did not need to add extra fuel to this flame.

'We must prepare the people for war.' Tonowari boomed down on us all immediately after hearing what I'd said. This earned a worried look from Jake as he asked Tonowari to step outside and speak with him privately.

This left me with Ronal and Neytiri, who looked at me helplessly. Ronal put a firm hand on my shoulder. Firm, yet comforting.

'My dear, you have been contacted by Eywa herself. You have been blessed.' Ronal explained to me. 'I've never seen it happen before, but I've heard stories. Eywa herself has sent you this message to warn us. This hair is a beautiful gift. Wear it proudly and do not be ashamed. I will tell the people, it will cause no nuisance to you.'

I was shocked. Why would Eywa choose me to relay this message? I thanked her silently in my head awkwardly as I did not know how to react.

Ronal left the tent to talk to the men outside leaving me alone with Neytiri.

'Ma 'itetsyìp, I am blessed to live along side you. You should be proud of your gift.' Neytiri said.

I smiled at her calling me her little daughter, feeling extremely accepted finally in the Sully family.