bound - avatar oc x oc

part 15

"Mak'korro."
Ronal's voice rang out, calm but firm. Both teens turned to face her.

Akaia immediately dipped her head in respect as she stood. Mak'korro followed her lead, rising from his knees.
"Mother," he greeted with a bow.

Ronal approached, her sharp eyes scanning Akaia's freshly wrapped hand. She reached out gently, inspecting the bandage. With a small nod of approval, she looked to her son.
"Leave us. I want to speak with Akaia."

Mak'korro hesitated, eyes flicking to Akaia. She looked just as confused.
"I'll wait outside," he said softly, stepping out of the tent.

Ronal's gaze returned to Akaia. "What happened to your hand?"

"I cut it. I was trying to carve a new bow," Akaia answered, lifting the bandaged palm.

The Tsahìk nodded and began slowly circling the girl, her eyes scanning her from head to toe. Akaia stood still, uneasy under her gaze.

"You look exhausted," Ronal observed.

"I've had trouble sleeping," Akaia admitted, voice low.

"Mak'korro mentioned nightmares. Is that true?"

Akaia blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected him to tell his mother.
"Yes. Since the attack."

"You should've come to me sooner," Ronal tutted, stopping in front of her. "Tomorrow afternoon, come see me. I'll have something ready for you."

"Thank you, Ronal," Akaia murmured.

Ronal studied her a moment longer, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. "Go. My son is waiting."

Akaia stepped out of the tent and immediately spotted Mak'korro leaning against the marui. He stood when he saw her and walked over, concern etched into his face.

"You all good?" he asked, brushing her cheek gently with his hand.

"Yeah, I'm okay." She smiled at him, and her tail began to sway at the touch.

He slipped his fingers into hers. "Want me to walk you home? It's getting dark."

She sighed, her argument with her father still heavy on her mind. But he was right—she couldn't avoid it forever.
"Sure."

As they neared the marui, they spotted Neteyam dragging Aonung inside by the collar.

"Tell him what you told me!" Neteyam snapped, shoving the boy forward.

Akaia and Mak'korro hurried inside after them.

"What's happening?" Akaia asked.

Neteyam looked at her briefly before glaring at Aonung again. "Tell them!"

Mak'korro stepped forward, shielding Akaia instinctively.
"What did you do?" he asked darkly.

Jake's eyes caught Mak'korro's hand entwined with his daughter's. His face tightened with a subtle glare.

"He took Lo'ak past the reef and left him there," Neteyam said flatly.

Shock rippled through the room. Akaia gasped. Kiri's eyes widened. Jake stiffened.

Mak'korro was on his brother in an instant, grabbing his arm in a steel grip.
"What is wrong with you? You absolute skxawng!" he growled, yanking him toward the exit. "Go find mum and dad. Tell them what you did."

He turned to Jake and Akaia.
"I'm organizing a search party."

He ran.

Jake turned to get Neytiri while Akaia grabbed her visor and bolted for Sar'zoo. She ignored her father's ban. This wasn't about rules anymore.

Mounting for the third time that day, she made tsaheylu. Sar'zoo responded to her urgency, screeching as they launched into the air.

She scanned the water below, every second stretching unbearably. Her hands trembled. The thought of losing Lo'ak tore through her. She should have been there. She should have protected him.

Then—blaring horns. A crowd gathering on the shore.

She turned hard, guiding Sar'zoo into a dive. The villagers stepped back as she landed roughly and jumped off. Her eyes locked on Lo'ak—soaked, tired, but safe—riding a Tsurak alongside Mak'korro.

She ran, tears prickling her eyes. Lo'ak dismounted and thanked Mak'korro. He nodded and stepped away, locking eyes with Akaia. He frowned at how distressed she looked.

Jake approached Lo'ak first, inspecting him.
"He's fine."

Neytiri stormed up behind. "I pray for the strength not to pluck the eyeballs out of my youngest son!" she snapped, clawing the air.

Tonowari stepped forward. "My son knows better than to go beyond the reef. The blame is his." He shoved Aonung down into a squat.

Akaia joined Kiri and Neteyam, squeezing their hands tightly. Her injured palm stung, but she didn't care.

Neteyam noticed. He gently loosened her grip, eyes narrowing at the wrapped wound.
"Are you okay?" he whispered.

She nodded, giving him a soft smile.

Jake called out, "Okay, let's go."

But Lo'ak paused. "Dad, you told me to make friends with these kids. That's all I was trying to—"

"I don't want to hear it."

Akaia moved to Lo'ak's side, placing a hand on his back, rubbing soothing circles.

"Dad—"

"You brought shame to this family."

Akaia sucked in a breath, stunned. Her hand tensed on her brother's back.
"Can I go now?" Lo'ak asked, voice tight.

"Any more trouble, I jerk a knot in your tail. You read me?"

"Lima Charlie," Lo'ak muttered before turning to walk away.

"Where were you two?" Neytiri snapped, eyes narrowing at her older children.

Jake jumped in again. "You're the oldest. Start acting like it."

"Sorry, sir," Neteyam said quietly and walked off.

Jake turned to Akaia, reaching for her hand, but she jerked it away.

"Akaia—"

"You treat him like a soldier, Dad, but he's just a kid. So is Neteyam. They deserve to live as teenagers—not march like pawns."

Jake winced. The rift between him and his daughter had never felt so wide.

"You didn't even ask if he was okay. You just started shouting. All Lo'ak's ever wanted is to be like you, and all you ever do is break his heart."

She looked between them both—saw the shock on Neytiri's face—and turned away, heading home without another word.

—————

a/n

lowkey hate this chapter but oh well, thank you guys for all the love with this story, i love reading all the messages from you all.

i wanna draw akaia or mak'korro but i am so bad at drawing it is not even funny. I am literally the most untalented person ever.

also was thinking of making another fanfic after this one. would yall be interested? if so who should it be about?? lemme know 😃