ʙᴀʀʀɪᴄᴀᴅᴇꜱ: ᴠᴏʟ. 2 | Jake Sully X Reader (Book 2)

| Chapter 1 |

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Italics: (Na'vi language, or Metkayina sign language, and Jake's inner thoughts)

A/N: I made it super long to start off the book strong :,) I hope you guys enjoy it. Don't forget to vote and comment!
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The jungle had an eerie ambiance to it. After a while, it returned to its former glory after the Sky People left back to Earth. It almost felt easy. Too easy. It was as if the gruesome battle to defeat the Sky People had wafted from the Omaticaya's memories and they were living in peace once again. But, truthfully, that event never left people's consciences even months later after its occurrence.

The forest of Pandora holds many dangers. But the most dangerous thing about Pandora, is that you may grow to love her too much.

You were crouching and preying beneath the branches and palm trees of the jungle, camouflaging your body completely as you held your father's bow tightly in your grasp. The grass felt soft beneath your feet, and the sounds that filled the air were mingled with chattering animals, the rustling of leaves, and branches breaking beneath your feet with every single step you took.

When you had your target in sight, you stood up and aimed your arrow directly at the Hexapede you were hunting. It could feed you and Jake for the next few days if you rationed it correctly. Before releasing your arrow, you inhaled and exhaled softly.

Pulling back the bow, ready to release it, your swollen belly that had grown bigger over the last few months made it a bit hard to keep accuracy. Positioning yourself better despite your growing stomach, you released your bow and it landed on the animal. It killed it as you hoped, but the accuracy was lacking.

As soon as the arrow hit the animal, a small headache resurfaced in your head, but it only lasted a few seconds. Your hair also lit up before dimming back to how it usually is. Heading over the animal, you proceeded to pull out your dagger and stab it on its side, praying and thanking Eywa for the food she and the animal itself provided.

Jake didn't know you were out hunting. He had been so busy with Olo'eyktan duties, but even so, he always found time for you. He insisted you stayed in the village and rest since your due date for the baby could be any day now, but you refused. You didn't want to feel useless while he shouldered all of your burdens. You hoped that you could go back to the village unseen, bringing your kill with you.

As you dragged back your kill with you, the village close to the Tree of Souls was coming into sight. While continuing to pull the Hexapede, you suddenly felt a sharp pain in your abdomen, making you stumble slightly and land on your knees. You hissed and panted softly, placing a gentle hand on your belly ignoring the pain, and continuing to walk.

Before you could reach your hut, Neytiri came rushing towards you. She saw how you stumbled from afar, holding your stomach. To her, that could only mean one thing. "Y/n! What are you doing all on your own out there? You're supposed to be resting," Neytiri scolded, moving to stand in front of you with her arms crossed so you couldn't walk further.

"Neytiri, I'm okay. I was hunting," You explain, gesturing to the animal in your grasp. She noticed the slightly pained and uncomfortable expression on your face.

"You shouldn't be moving around so much. The baby should be arriving any day now. You cannot be so reckless. What if you were in labor in the middle of the forest, alone, with no one to help? You need to stay in the village" Neytiri countered, seeing you move to start walking past her. "The baby is okay, Neytiri. And so am I-" You said, but were cut off by an even sharper and more prominent kick of pain.

Your knees buckled and you landed in a crouched position. Neytiri's eyes widened and she was immediately by your side, worried at your look of discomfort mixed with struggle. When you fell, you dropped the Hexapede and held your stomach with both hands, as your breathing started to become labored.