bound - avatar oc x oc

part 7

Akaia watched through tear-filled eyes as her father stood before the clan, stripped of his position.

Tarsem, one of Akaia's peers, stood beside him, blade in hand.

She couldn't bear to watch anymore.

This shouldn't be happening. They shouldn't have to leave their home because of the Sky People.

Rage swelled inside her.

She kicked at the dirt, trying to distract herself from the storm brewing in her chest. Her eyes snapped up just as her father walked away from Tarsem, a fresh ceremonial cut across his chest. He passed silently through the sea of Na'vi, his family following close behind.

Akaia walked with her head high, though tears streamed down her face. Her chest ached as she passed the students she had once trained. Each one bowed to her. She offered them a trembling smile in return, trying not to collapse under the weight of goodbye.

Ahead, their Ikrans were already packed.

Sar'zoo screeched at her, rubbing his head affectionately into her stomach. She stroked his snout, whispering soothing words.

"Akaia."

She turned. Her grandmother.

Mo'at stepped forward, tears in her eyes. Akaia rushed into her arms.

"I have something for you, my dear."

From behind her, the Tsahìk pulled out a knife—the knife. The one passed down through their line. The one Akaia was meant to receive as Olo'eykte.

Akaia let out a sob, accepting the blade with trembling hands.

Mo'at embraced her again, voice soft and strong. "Do not cry, my girl. You are one of the strongest people I know. You would've made a great Olo'eykte. But I believe Eywa has other plans for you. When we meet again, you will have so many stories to tell."

Akaia rested her forehead against her grandmother's, breathing in the moment.

"Thank you, Grandmother. I'll cherish this forever."

Mo'at smiled through her tears. "Now go. Your destiny is waiting."

With one last look, she turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Akaia wiped her face and climbed onto Sar'zoo. She met her father's gaze and gave him a nod.

They took off.

Flying into the horizon. Toward the ocean.

She didn't look back.

⸻

They flew for nearly a full day—through rough storms and relentless wind.

Akaia, though used to the skies, was sore and exhausted. Sar'zoo wasn't the most comfortable mount, even if he was her favorite place in the world.

Finally, calm waters stretched before them. A new world. The Metkayina village shimmered in the distance.

A horn blew in welcome—or warning.

Jake led the family to a wide stretch of sand.

Akaia dismounted beside Lo'ak, stroking Sar'zoo's head to soothe him. "Calm, Sar'zoo. Calm."

"Akaia, come," Jake called. She jogged over, falling into step beside Neteyam and Lo'ak as they approached the gathering crowd.

The Metkayina looked different—skin lighter, builds stockier, tails thicker and wider, strange markings etched into their skin.