strong - neteyam x oc

run

Kireyi

Her breaths were short- quick. They had been running for so long, and thats it. Just running. Leaves kissed her skin, as she was told to try and not hit them, to run and run as if it was second nature, to duck, turn, weave, through the trees and forest. And it's exactly what she did, her ears on alert, feet nonstop pushing her forward with the group. Now, every time she had started to lose balance she was told to not use her arms as much, but her tail to balance her body, to make it a strength despite the difference in build.

She let out a short huff in amusement as Lo'ak and Spider let out a war cry, but it was only a split second before she needed to refocus her breathing. Everyone had kept up so well this time, no one falling behind. Her breath hitched as she saw where the Omatikaya were headed, up. The girl followed close, her whole body on alert now as they climbed up the rocks and trees, and though they weren't far up, needing to maneuver effortlessly through what seemed like triple the leaves was difficult.

Through the trees her eyes met Neteyam's, she almost missed them- missed him. His skin and eye color blended into the environment so perfectly, and he was all too quiet to try and keep track of. She could feel her heart skip, but it wasn't in love or affection, his stare had startled her for the split second. Like being watched by a hunter, if she wasn't Na'vi, Kireyi knew it would've been a mark for death. He healed up quickly, and they worked on Direhorses the two days he healed, but now that he was, their lessons went from zero to a hundred very fast.

Her body moved towards the boy, heading to catch up to him, and she could see his eyes squint into a small smile before running off. Kireyi let out a small giggle, jumping and striding on the branches, chasing after Neteyam. She could tell he sped up, and she kept up with his pace, the two sneaking through the trees. As the distance closed in, Kireyi could hear the boy softly laughing when he'd turn back to look at her. The others weren't far away, trailing behind Lo'ak and the other Omatikaya. The trees had continued, but Neteyam had disappeared. Kireyi thanked Eywa for her quick stop, a drop down just another step forward, many vines hanging from the trees.

She watched as he slid down the vine, landing on the ground with ease, and the others now stopped next to her. They chattered beside her, but her heart raced, eyes stuck on Neteyam. He must've realized what she was thinking, his face becoming reassuring- arm motioning for her to come on. Air filled her lungs with a big breath, and her eyes sought out a vine as she jumped. Her heart was thudding out of her chest, not realizing she even caught the vine in her hands, sliding down and finally meeting Neteyam.

The others did the same, "Okay! That's good for today," Kiri announced, the Metkayina sighing in relief.

Neteyam was close to Kireyi, her big eyes latched onto the boy, "Did I do good?" The words came off sweet- curious, though.... she wouldn't realize that.

His hand found her head, in a similar fashion to how he'd pat Lo'ak's, "Yes, it is because you trusted yourself."

"Aghh! I'm so tired," Rotxo's arm was around Kiri, head hanging low as he took deep breaths. The girl's hand tapped his shoulder trying to help him catch his breath. Kireyi chuckled at the sight, Aonung making fun of Rotxo, her attention also turning to her sister. Lo'ak held a leaf to Tsireya's lips, helping her drink the water cusped in its round shape.

Kireyi gave up on herself, dropping to lay on the floor. A familiar voice of judgment rang through her ears, "What are you doing?" Aonung gave her a weird look, and she rolled her eyes in return.

"Shut up."

"I just asked?!" His jaw dropped in an offended shock, and Tsireya pushed her brother aside to lay next to Kireyi.