bound - avatar oc x oc

part 12

Akaia sat awake in her family's marui, the dark sky above her a familiar companion. She hadn't slept all night.

Curled up near the edge of the space, she listened to the soft rhythm of her family's breathing and snores. It soothed her... but not enough to close her eyes.

She was scared. Scared of seeing them again — the faces of the Avatars she had killed to protect her siblings. They haunted her dreams. Every night since the attack.

So Akaia's solution had been simple: don't sleep at all.

Yawning, she stood from her mat and glanced back at her family, double-checking that everyone was still asleep. Then she quietly stepped out into the cool morning air.

The girl walked alone along the beach, her feet sinking slightly into the damp sand as she made her way toward the cliffside where the ikran were kept.

Unbeknownst to her, a pair of ocean-blue eyes followed her from the shadows.

Mak'korro watched, frowning slightly as he saw the forest girl marching down the shore with purpose.

Why is she awake so early again?

He let out a quiet sigh, then leapt down from the dock, jogging after her.

Akaia heard the soft sound of movement behind her just before reaching the ikran nesting grounds. Without hesitation, she spun, drawing her grandfather's knife and pouncing. In a blur, she had her "attacker" pinned in the sand, blade pressed to his throat.

But her eyes widened as she realized who it was.

"Mak'korro?" she gasped, quickly pulling the knife away. "What the hell are you doing?"

The boy beneath her let out a low laugh. "I saw you storming down the beach. Just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I don't storm," she muttered, climbing off him and brushing sand from her legs.

"Oh, you most definitely do," he said with a grin.

She rolled her eyes and extended a hand. He took it, and she helped him to his feet.

He started dusting off his back. "So... what are you doing out here, anyway?"

"I just wanted to see my ikran," she replied, reaching over to help him brush the sand off his shoulders.

He blinked. "This early?"

She hesitated under his gaze — a gaze that flickered to the fading bruises on her neck.

"I have trouble sleeping," she admitted softly.

"Nightmares?" he asked gently.

"Something like that," she said, turning away and continuing toward the ikran nest.

Mak'korro followed. She could hear his steps behind her.

"Why are you still following me?" she called over her shoulder.

"Am I not allowed to?" he asked, amused.

She stopped and turned, locking eyes with him — her arms crossed.

"I mean, you're welcome to... but I don't think it'll be very interesting for a water boy like you."

He scoffed. "Water boy?"

"Or would you prefer fish boy?"

"I prefer Mak'korro," he replied with a crooked smile.

"Hm. Fish boy it is." She turned away again, but not before he caught the blush on her cheeks.

He laughed as he followed her through the brush. The dense greenery opened up to the ikran nesting area. Most of the creatures were still asleep — all except one.

Akaia's.

Mak'korro's jaw dropped slightly. The beast was enormous, sleek and glistening with hues of violet and black. It was... beautiful.

Terrifying — but beautiful.

The ikran stood as Akaia approached, letting out a low purr and rubbing its head against her chest.

Mak'korro would never admit it, but he felt a stab of jealousy. The creature had her full attention. It even looked smug.

When she stepped around the beast again, her face was glowing with joy. The sight of her smile knocked the glare right off Mak'korro's face.

"Mak'korro, meet Sar'zoo. Sar'zoo, meet Mak'korro," she said, gesturing between them.

Sar'zoo huffed dismissively, shoving his head back against Akaia's chest. She rolled her eyes. "Sorry," she mouthed with a smirk.

Mak'korro didn't mind. Her smile was enough.

Then she gave him a mischievous look. "How brave are you, fish boy?"

He tilted his head. "What?"

Akaia was already adjusting the saddle straps.

"Come on," she said, offering her hand from atop the ikran.

His eyes widened. "Um... I don't know, Akaia."

"I wouldn't ask if I didn't think you'd like it. Trust me," she said, rubbing Sar'zoo's neck affectionately.

After a beat, he sighed, reached up, and grabbed her hand. She pulled him up behind her, his chest pressed lightly to her back.

Mak'korro sat stiffly, unsure where to put his hands — until Akaia took them and wrapped them snugly around her waist.

He swallowed hard.

"Hold on tight. Don't let go, okay?" she said.

"Yes, ma'am," he murmured.

Akaia smiled, then connected her queue. Both she and Sar'zoo shivered as the bond was made.

She lowered the visor across her brow, placed one hand on the reins, and gently squeezed Mak'korro's hand with the other.

"Ready?"

He took a breath. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Sar'zoo let out an excited screech before lifting off the ground, wings slicing through the air as they ascended.

Mak'korro instinctively tucked his head into the curve of Akaia's neck, bracing against the rush of wind. Her laugh rang out above the roar.

"Mak'korro! Look!" she nudged him. "Trust me — you won't regret it."

He lifted his head, hesitantly at first... and then his eyes widened.

The village spread out beneath them, bathed in the golden-pink hues of sunrise. Every reef, every marui, every curve of coastline — it was breathtaking.

He loosened his grip, awe washing over him.

Akaia turned to look at him, watching the wonder bloom in his expression.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" she asked.

Mak'korro turned, gaze lingering on her. His heart swelled in his chest.

"The most beautiful thing I've ever seen," he said softly — and he wasn't looking at the village anymore.

—————

a/n

they are both so in love....

i hope nothing bad happens 👹

1069 words