Oceans Apart (Aonung x Neteyam)

Metkayina Clan

hello! I write primarily on Ao3, if you'd prefer to read this story there here is the link https://archiveofourown.org/works/44145325/chapters/111007702

Enjoy!

Neteyam jumped from the back of his ikran landing in the soft sand below, digging his feet into it and studying the unfamiliar feeling- nothing like the earthy forest floor of his home that he was used to. His ikran huffed and shook its body, rattling the saddle that sat upon her back. Neteyam saw the distress in her eyes and lifted his hand to pat her head, running his hand over the smooth surface and letting his hand linger there to reassure her that she was safe. The ikran cooed at the motion feeling calmer.

The moment was cut short when commotion began to build around them, the metkayina people had gathered, their distinct hunting spears held high and ready in preparation for any signs of hostility from the newcomers. Metkayinan navi rose from the water at all angles and joined the increasing crowd as the Sully family approached with their arms out in a sign of peace.
Neteyam felt his muscles strain with each step due to the long flight but held his composure against the onslaught of watchful eyes. The crowd split in two, making way for a couple of younger navi boys. Neteyam craned his head up slightly to meet the eyes of the first boy, he instantly noticed the vivid blue colour of the others eyes and how the reflection of the water merged with them seamlessly, snapping back to reality Neteyam hastily made the sign for 'i see you' alongside his brother but was disregarded by the male as he made his way around Neteyam circling him, gaze never breaking from the other.

"Look, what is that? Is that supposed to be a Tail?"

Neteyam could hear the laughs of the two behind him making his fist clench. He wanted to retaliate but a beautiful young navi woman stepped in and hushed them, her movements were elegant and smooth, making her seem almost ethereal. Neteyam saw Lo'ak gawking at her from the corner of his eye and he smirked, he'd laugh and tease his brother if it wasn't for the situation they were currently in.
The crowd falls silent as the Olo'eyktan approaches on his skimwing. The spectacle was impressive and made Neteyam huff in surprise, forgetting his previous anger. The Olo'eyktans build was powerful and strong with unique markings that displayed his life through ink, Neteyam noted that the man was easily one of the tallest Navi he had seen. He introduces himself as Tonowari and they share greetings. Neteyam again found himself lifting his hand from his forehead performing the formal greeting towards the Metkayinas Tsahìk Ronal who emerged from the group soon after, she exuded a fierce presence that commanded attention, inked markings centred around her face down her neck to her stomach framing her pregnant belly.

"Why do you come to us, Jake sully?" Tonowari questioned, expression almost unreadable.

Jake paused, his voice uncertain "we seek uturu"

"uturu?!" Ronals ears pressed back against her head, the sight did not give Neteyam hope as the Tsahik moved around them circling the Sully family, eyes scanning their features.

"We are reef people, you are forest people, your skills will mean nothing here." The Olo'eyktan responded surprised, trying to reason with the man

Ronal moves towards The youngest Sully, grabbing at her arm. "your arms are thin- '' She startles Tuk making her run to her mothers side, grasping at Neytiri's arm for protection.

"-your tail is weak" Ronal states holding Kiris tail in her hand before she slapped away the Tsahiks grip on her. Neteyam felt his throat tighten, he hated standing here watching as his family was insulted and inspected like animals, his tail whipped around in frustration but he did not move from his position, he would not be the one to take this chance away from them.

"These children are not even true navi!'' Ronal exclaims forcefully grabbing Lo'ak by his wrists, displaying his hands to the Metkayina clan, all eyes focused on his fifth digit as murmurs and yells rippled through the crowd. Neteyam could see the resentment build on Lo'aks face as his expression contorted with anger, he prayed his skxawgn brother would not act out in a moment like this.