𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 - NETEYAM

| Forest People |

Sand-coated every surface. Running my finger across the rows of saddles and reigns, removing every debris. I noticed a Skimwing swimming past me, and I wondered who Na'vi belonged to.  Being one of the few who had taken the liberty to task themselves with packing was something I regret doing.

I collected stranded belongings and piled them up in the woven baskets. Many of us slept in from the events held last night. I couldn't dream for another second, feeling anxious to return home sooner if possible.

I gazed at the patchwork of sunlight seeping in through the cracks of the cave. Shuffling through the seagrass, waving in the shallow waters. Days like this warmed up my soul and mind. Eywa blessing us with calm ocean waves.

"I will have higher expectations, little warrior." A raspy tone plunged my ear. "You're nothing more than a Metkayina member. Goodbye to your childish ways." They spoke.

"Most Na'vi say congratulations," I replied. Holding back my smirk.

They tsked and slapped the back of my head. Laughing at my foolish response

"I shall say no such thing. Children and the weak-minded deserve a low level of praise." He exclaimed.

We bantered with one another for a while. Picking on his next line of students, Ao'nung is one of them.

"Thank you for seeing more than just a young soul, Tokuro." I held so much respect for the man in front of me. He spoke out for me when I had no voice, and defended me when I held no shield.

" I see you, little warrior." He whispered. Walking back to the group, leaving me be.

I see you Toku

~~~

The time had come when everyone began to head out. Skimwings floating in the water, waiting for their riders to approach them. Excitement had built up inside me, riding on my newfound partner.

Kaipo is a strong name for a strong soul.

I connected my queue with his and felt the same adrenaline kicking in. I am one with him, feeling our heartbeats synchronize.

It hadn't taken me long before adjusting myself into a safer position, before submerging into the water. Building up speed, we soared through the tough current, passing by the others. It had felt as if I knew Kaipo for years, the bond strengthening each minute. We kept the same pace, gazing at the school of fish and sea life. A new sense of happiness poured into me knowing I'll be home before the sun sets.

Maybe then my village will finally see me as one of them. As I ride the Skimwing, I spotted a small crowd of ikrans to the south. It wasn't common to see them travel this far, especially this time of the year. Yet it isn't something to be wary of.

I spared them another glance before focusing on the path in front of me. I was to head south as well. Perhaps I will stumble across the Ikrans again. Seeing their flock once more.

Neteyams POV

We had left our home, leaving our grandmother to spread my family's stories to the forest. I held anger and sorrow for myself, knowing that I could've helped persuade my father's decision to stay.

Yet we ride our Ikran's saying goodbye to our homes, my home. Throughout the journey, we rode through thunderstorms and waves crashing high. The weather was unusual, changing from chaotic storms to calm ocean waves. Those times I'd gaze down beneath me, spotting the crystal-clear waters inhabiting sea life.

The sea clans were woven to themselves. Thousands of islands, unknown territories. To we could just vanish without a trace. That was what my father told us before heading south.