bound - avatar oc x oc

part 3

When Akaia awoke, the first thing she did was visit Mo'at, just as she had promised.

The Tsahìk inspected the wound thoroughly, performing tedious tests to ensure Akaia was healing properly. After nearly an hour of being poked and prodded, her grandmother finally sat back with a thoughtful hum.

"You're healing better than I expected," she said.

Akaia's eyes lit up. "Does that mean I can ride Sar'zoo now?"

Mo'at rolled her eyes. "No. Not yet. I have tasks for you."

Akaia sighed and stood from the ground. "What do you need, Grandmother?"

Mo'at turned and tossed her a woven satchel.

"I need you to collect Yarra root—for my ointments," she said, turning back to her table full of herbs.

"But Grandmother, Yarra root grows near the old battlefield. You know Dad doesn't let us go there."

Mo'at chuckled, her back still turned. "Then I suppose it will be our little secret."

⸻

Akaia had only been to the battlefield once before—back when she and Neteyam had stumbled upon it by accident while exploring. They'd been lectured for an entire day afterward.

Now, she leapt skillfully from branch to branch, moving with urgency. She needed to be back before eclipse. As she neared the old battlefield, she tried to remember where the Yarra trees had grown—until she heard something.

"Kiri!" a voice called.

Akaia froze.

That was Tuk's voice. But Tuk shouldn't be anywhere near here.

"Kiri!" another voice. Lo'ak.

Akaia hissed through her teeth and dropped silently from the branch. She began weaving her way through the roots and trees, tracking the sound of voices.

But then they grew hushed, harder to follow.

She growled softly in frustration and pressed on.

A rustle to her left drew her attention. She peered through the foliage and spotted Tuk crouched beside Kiri.

With an annoyed tut, Akaia climbed down and made her way toward them. Kiri spotted her first and rushed over, pressing a finger to her lips.

Akaia frowned in confusion but obeyed, crouching beside Tuk, who immediately wrapped her arms around her sister's waist. Kiri pointed silently to a clearing.

Akaia followed her gaze—and her breath caught.

Dreamwalkers.

Six of them, rummaging through the wreckage of a battle suit. But they weren't researchers. They were military—dressed in camo and armed with rifles and body armor.

Panic flooded Akaia's chest. She scanned the area frantically.

"Where's Lo'ak?" she whispered. "We need to go."

Kiri winced. "He and Spider went up ahead to get a closer look."

Akaia hissed through her teeth, tension gripping her spine.

A sudden rustle behind her made her spin, knife drawn and ready.

"Woah! Chill, sis—it's just me and Spider!" Lo'ak held his hands up.

Akaia exhaled sharply and yanked both boys closer. "We need to leave now, Lo'ak. I'm not playing around. This is serious."

"I know, I know. I just need to call it in to Dad first," he said, pulling his arm away.

"Okay, I get it," Akaia said, forcing herself to stay calm. "But let's move to a safer spot first—"

"We're fine here," he cut her off, already reaching for his com.

Akaia rolled her eyes in exasperation and leaned closer—she'd left her own com in the Tsahìk's tent.

"Devil Dog, this is Eagle Eye, over," Lo'ak whispered into the device.

"Eagle Eye, send your traffic."

"I've got eyes on some guys—they look like avatars but they're in full camo and carrying ARs. There are six of them. Over."

Akaia's heartbeat thudded in her ears. She could barely stay still. Every shadow looked like danger.

"What's your pos, over?"

Lo'ak inhaled. "We're at the old shack."

There was a pause.

"Who's we?"

"Me, Spider, Kiri, Akaia, and..." He hesitated. "And Tuk."

Akaia felt Tuk press tighter against her, hiding her face in her stomach. Akaia gently stroked her sister's hair, trying to steady her own nerves.

Jake's voice came through the com, low and intense.

"Son, you listen to me very carefully. Pull back right now and do not make a sound. Just get the hell out of there. Move. Copy?"

No one said a word—they didn't have to.

They all started moving in silence, one step at a time, hearts pounding in sync.

"Yes sir," Lo'ak finally replied, voice low. "Moving out."

————

a/n

Sorry to end it here but the chapter was already so long so i just thought that i would split it up.

Let me know what you think of this chapter or even just the book in general id love some advice or even some constructive criticism.

869 words