Now all grown up and living peacefully (with no more wars to chase after them), the Sully family returns to the reefs of Awa'atlu to visit their Metkayina fellows after three years.
The water clan is delighted to have them back and are determined t...
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—Someone New—
UPON ARRIVAL AT THE ILU PEN, Neteyam noticed a gorgeous woman with long curls past her shoulders, and exotic narrowed eyes that glinted with innocent warmth—the half of her face tattooed with ripple patterns. She was happy to see Ao'nung as she ran into his arms, both Na'vi hugging warmly.
"This is Neteyam," Ao'nung told her upon separating, gesturing to the blue boy that stood still.
"The legend itself," She uttered, bowing her head. She held out her hand and said: "I'm Tanätx, blessed to meet you. 'Nung has told me lots about you."
"Pleased to meet you too," Neteyam replied impassively, his grip firm around the female Na'vi's. Her hand was gentle and smooth, yet damped with water. He pulled away with curiosity gnawing at his mind; what had Ao'nung told her about him?
"You've missed a lot, dude," Rotxo's voice rang, his arm circling his shoulder.
"I couldn't have missed that much," Neteyam smiled.
"Oh, but you did."
"Like what?"
"Like Ao'nung's crowning ceremony tomorrow!"
Neteyam's smile faltered. He looked at Ao'nung, his eyes wide with disbelief, a never felt before joy cramping his stomach. It was happening. A once snarky boy, and claimed disappointment by his Olo'eyktan father, Tonowari, was now going to be crowned Olo'eyktan himself, and rule Awa'atlu.
"Why surprised? You didn't think I'd make it?" Ao'nung asked, smirking mischievously. Neteyam shook out of his trance and grinned; his pearly whites on display.
"I'm happy for you, bro. Rule us well," He said, jokingly. Ao'nung gave him a playful pat on the arm, before announcing to them that they would depart to The Cove of The Ancestors.
...
"I hope you haven't forgotten," Said Ao'nung, his gentle grip on his Ilu, legs treading through the vast warm water. His blue eyes peered at the scorching rays of the bright sun.
Neteyam shook his head, following behind Ao'nung. His eyes wandered, a smile over his lips, recalling the Cove's beautiful nature and striking views. Nothing had changed since then. Neteyam was still amazed.
"I missed this," He said, slightly furrowing his eyes after, a stranger to his voice. He hadn't meant for that to come out. Especially not as earnest and grim as it did.
Ao'nung looked at him, his eyes keen. His mind couldn't cope with the fact that Neteyam had grown a lot. The boy was still the same regardless, his persona hadn't changed—yet there was a strange elegance to him now—it had always been there, but it had only now amplified.
Back then Neteyam was fueled by anger. It had been overlooked by any Na'vi, as how can it be when all Neteyam did was smile and care for Awa'atlu as if it was his forest home? The possibility of anger was far from him.
However, Ao'nung was the only one that saw it. The glare of those golden eyes was directed only at the Metkayina. The skepticism and hatred that lay beneath were overshadowed by his always seemingly cheery demeanor.
Ao'nung saw it when the fifteen-year-old boy shook his head, disappointed that his family had been granted refuge. Any Na'vi in his place would be relieved—but not Neteyam.
Neteyam was different. And only then had Ao'nung realized how precious his forest home had been.
Ao'nung had always watched him close, enchanted by the boy, but also curious. He didn't know when, but he had found himself trying to lift Neteyam's sullen moods. Trying to seep that anger out of him.
Now grown, Ao'nung only burned with shame. He had done a terrible job. Young him always seemed to add to Neteyam's distress to the point where he was untrusting in the other's golden eyes. But it was all fragments of the past.
Ao'nung stared ahead, smiling, entranced by Tanätx as she giggled with Rotxo about whatnot. Her long curls seemed to bounce along her shoulders.
"Lovesick?" Neteyam crooned, his Ilu making its way toward Ao'nung's. Their thighs rubbed, the dampness of the trickling droplets of water, and slight quivers from their frames from the breezy air were somehow comforting.
"Not entirely," Ao'nung grinned, flicking his friend's forehead. Neteyam rolled his eyes, but couldn't suppress his small smile.
"She's cute. I might as well take her," He said, a joking tone brimming his voice.
"But you wouldn't."
"If you're slow I might as well."
"I'm not slow. I'm just unsure."
"Unsure of?"
"Unsure if I want her or not."
Neteyam scratched his head, his lips pursing, "You're a lost cause, man."
"At least I'm courting someone, how about you?" Ao'nung asked, his blue eyes peering at Neteyam, who shifted uncertainly.
"I don't have anyone I'm interested in," He said plainly. "I don't think it's for me."
"You've never been in love?"
Neteyam shrugged. "Attracted but never in love."
Ao'nung hummed. "So you'll die alone?"
"Most certainly. Nothing better than a mighty warrior dying heroically and without a mate, right?" He chuckled, though there was a melancholic tone to his words," I won't leave anyone behind—aside from family. No one that'll be burdened by my missing."
Ao'nung clasped Neteyam's shoulder, his thumb caressing the warm skin—it almost felt like a baby's. "Let yourself be in love, 'Teyam," He said. The nickname rolled off his tongue almost naturally as if it wasn't his first time calling the boy that. Neteyam grinned, amused.
"I'm older. Why are you giving me advice?" He asked. Ao'nung opened his mouth ready to respond but was interrupted by a loud yell from Rotxo, rushing their hurry.
