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01

CHAPTER ONE: Like Mother, Like Daughter.

Neytiri lay on her side, her chest rising and falling with every slow, deep breath she took. She was in a peaceful slumber, so deep that she didn't even stir at the soft commotion happening around her.

Just an arm's length away, Jake stood holding little Tuk in his arms. The three-year-old had her head nestled against his shoulder, her big amber eyes wide with wonder as she took in the scene before her. Her gaze was fixed on the tiny bundle lying beside her mother. Her new baby sister. Tuk's tiny mouth formed an "O" of astonishment. She couldn't believe it. She was no longer the youngest!

Beside Jake stood their other children, forming a semi-circle around Neytiri and the newborn. Neteyam, the oldest, watched with a mixture of pride and curiosity. Lo'ak, always the inquisitive one, tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at the baby. Kiri, with her gentle heart, couldn't contain her excitement and had to step forward to get a better look.

"Dad," Lo'ak whispered, his voice full of wonder, "she's so tiny. Why is she so tiny?"

Before Jake could respond, Neteyam flicked his brother on the forehead. "Skxawang, she was born early. Of course, she's going to be tiny."

Lo'ak winced and rubbed his forehead, shooting a mock glare at his older brother. "Alright, alright, my bad," he muttered, but his eyes quickly returned to the baby, softening as he watched her tiny form.

"She's adorable," Kiri breathed, moving closer until she was standing directly over the sleeping baby. Her eyes sparkled as she noticed the baby's small, delicate fingers. "She looks just like Mama. And look—she has four fingers too!" She laughed softly, the sound filled with pure delight.

The baby, curled up on her stomach, let out a tiny, contented sigh, her little fists curled up near her face. A faint, sweet scent wafted from her, a mix of Neytiri's natural fragrance and the unique scent of a newborn.

Tuk, who had been quietly observing, lifted her head off Jake's shoulder. Her little face scrunched up in concern. "Mama is okay, right, Daddy?" Her voice was so small, almost trembling with the worry she hadn't known how to voice until now.

The room seemed to hold its breath as all eyes shifted to Neytiri, her still form an anchor for the whole family.

Jake felt a pang in his chest. He gently brushed Tuk's hair back, tucking it behind her ear. "Oh, Tuk," he whispered, kissing her forehead, "Mama is just sleeping. She's been through a lot, but she's okay. She just needs some rest."

Kiri, unable to keep quiet any longer, suddenly spoke up. "Dad, I was so scared," she confessed, her voice wavering. "There was blood, and Mama was crying, and she was holding her stomach so tight. I thought—" Her voice cracked, and she looked down, tears welling in her eyes.

Jake's heart clenched as he pulled Kiri into a tight embrace, her small frame trembling against him. "Oh, babygirl," he murmured, rubbing her back in soothing circles. "You were so brave. Eywa knows you were so brave. Because of you, Mama and the baby are both okay. You got your grandmother so quickly, and now everything is fine. Mama is fine. Your baby sister is fine. We're all fine, okay?"

Kiri nodded against his chest, swallowing hard as she blinked away her tears. Tuk, still in Jake's arms, reached out and patted her sister's head, trying to help in the only way she knew how.

"Okay?" Jake asked again, bending down to look Kiri in the eyes, needing to see that she was truly alright.

"Okay," Kiri whispered, her voice steadier now.

Jake sighed, relief washing over him as he stood back up, setting Tuk down gently. "Alright then," he said with a small smile. "Let's let Mama and your sister rest. When they wake up, we'll hold the ceremony, and maybe, just maybe, you all can help name her too."

"Really?" Tuk gasped, her earlier worry forgotten as excitement bubbled up inside her. She bounced on her heels, her bright smile lighting up the room.

Jake chuckled, glancing at Neteyam, who grinned back at him. "She's so happy to be a big sister now," Neteyam said with a soft laugh, though the pride in his voice was unmistakable.

Jake nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude swell in his chest. He had a beautiful family. One he would do anything for.

He walked over to Neytiri, his heart swelling with love as he bent down and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, lingering for a moment with their foreheads pressed together. Then he turned to their new baby, his hand tenderly caressing her soft cheek.

"Daddy, can I touch her?" Tuk's small voice piped up from behind him. She was standing on tiptoes, trying to get a closer look, her little hands twitching with eagerness.

Jake turned, a smile tugging at his lips. "Of course, Tuk. But you have to be very gentle, okay? She's very—"

Before he could finish, the baby let out a soft, gurgling coo, her tiny hand flailing as she stirred from her sleep. Jake's breath caught as those bright yellow eyes—so much like Neytiri's—blinked open, unfocused but curious. The baby let out a little yawn, her small mouth forming a perfect "O" as she looked around at the new faces surrounding her.

Kiri's eyes widened, her smile growing impossibly bigger. "Oh, she's awake! And look at her—she's so beautiful!"

Neteyam nodded in agreement, his usual calm demeanor breaking as he leaned closer. "She really does look just like Mom."

The baby's gaze flitted from face to face, her tiny tail flicking in excitement. She suddenly reached out with a small, chubby hand, her fingers grasping for something. Jake watched with amusement as her hand found Lo'ak's tail, grabbing onto it with surprising strength.

"Baby sister," Lo'ak whispered, his voice filled with awe as he carefully pried her fingers off his tail. He looked up at Jake, silently asking for permission.

Jake nodded, his heart full as he watched his son gently scoop up the newborn. The baby settled into Lo'ak's arms with a contented sigh, her cheek pressing against his shoulder as she babbled softly, her little hands clutching at his hair.

The rest of the family gathered around, their eyes bright with wonder and affection.

"So cute! This is the best ever!" Tuk exclaimed, her joy bubbling over. She hesitated for a moment before reaching out to touch her baby sister's cheek, her fingers barely grazing the soft, warm skin. The baby cooed in response, her tiny hand closing around one of Tuk's fingers, holding on tight.

Tuk's smile was so wide it felt like her cheeks might burst. "I love you, little sister," she whispered, her voice full of wonder and love