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02

CHAPTER TWO: She Has A Name.

Neytiri followed Jake at a slow pace through the crowd of their people, her tail swaying happily as the Na'vi made way for her and her newborn daughter. The soft hum of the gathering tribe filled the air, but Neytiri's world was entirely focused on the tiny bundle nestled in her arms. The baby's wide, curious eyes blinked up at Neytiri, her small fingers curling and uncurling as she nestled closer to her mother's warmth.

Neytiri barely noticed the murmurs of the people around her, her gaze fixed on her daughter's delicate features. Every little coo the baby made felt like a melody, a new song that Neytiri never wanted to stop hearing. The baby's little head rested on her mama's shoulder, her eyes flicking towards her siblings, who followed close behind.

Not too far behind walked Neteyam, carrying Tuk on his hip, while Lo'ak and Kiri trailed behind. Tuk, who was nestled comfortably against Neteyam's shoulder, kept stealing glances at her newest sister, her tiny mouth curving into a smile every time the baby gurgled or made a soft sound.

Earlier that evening, the family had all come to an agreement on a name. Jake and Neytiri had the final say, but it was Neteyam who had suggested it, a name that immediately felt right, a name they all fell in love with the moment they heard it.

Kiri, always the playful one, was about to pull another funny face to make her youngest sister giggle, when suddenly—

"Ouch! Lo'ak, you dummy, you stepped on my foot," Kiri whined, slapping her younger brother lightly on the chest.

"Why're you so close to me then?" he shot back with a mischievous grin.

"You're behind me, bro," Kiri retorted, shooting a glare his way. Lo'ak was about to retort with a playful gesture when Neteyam, ever the protective older brother, reached over and gave him a light smack on the back of the head. Tuk let out a small laugh, burying her face into Neteyam's neck as if to hide her amusement.

Lo'ak pouted, crossing his arms over his chest as his tail flicked in mild annoyance, but his eyes were soon drawn forward, where his mother was carefully passing the baby into his father's arms.

It was about to begin.

"Children," Neytiri called softly, her voice a gentle command that pulled them all closer. She had finally looked up from her daughter, her gaze now warm and inviting as she beckoned her children. "Come, stand with me."

Neteyam set Tuk down gently, her tiny hand clasped in his as they moved to stand beside Neytiri. Lo'ak and Kiri quickly joined them on the opposite side, the family forming a close circle as the rest of the tribe gathered around, their voices rising in unison.

The tribe began to sway, their bodies moving as one to the rhythm of their song, the ancient ritual flowing through them like a heartbeat. Jake held the baby up high, his eyes never leaving her as he softly spoke the name they had chosen.

"Na'taya," he declared, his voice filled with pride and tenderness, his eyes shining with a father's love.

Neytiri felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, her heart swelling as she watched Jake hold their child aloft. Her baby, her precious Na'taya, being presented to the tribe. She exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, a wide smile spreading across her face as she blinked away the tears.

No matter how many times she experienced this, it never failed to move her to tears, the emotion of the moment overwhelming in its beauty.

Na'taya, seemingly aware of the attention, let out a soft coo as she was held up by her father, her small tail wagging back and forth in contentment.

"Na'taya," the Na'vi echoed, their voices a chorus of welcome for the newest member of their tribe.

"Bro, where's Mom and Dad?" Lo'ak's voice was frantic as he craned his neck up to the tree branch where Neteyam was perched.

Neteyam raised an eyebrow, looking down at his brother with a hint of amusement. "Why?"

Lo'ak sighed, tugging at his ears in frustration. "Why do you have to be so difficult? I'm serious, bro. Where are they?"

Neteyam's tail twitched, catching the urgency in his brother's voice. He shifted slightly, letting his feet dangle from the branch. "They're out riding ikrans," he replied casually, though his eyes narrowed as he studied Lo'ak. "What aren't you telling me, little brother?"

"Na'taya, she—" Lo'ak began, his voice trailing off in excitement, unable to contain his grin. "She crawled! All by herself!"

Neteyam's mouth fell open in shock, his eyes widening. "No way."

"Yes way! Tuk and Kiri are with her, but we wanted Mom and Dad to see it as soon as possible, you know?"

Neteyam hummed in response, his thoughts racing. He felt a pang of disappointment that he hadn't been there to witness such a significant moment in his sister's life. All of his siblings — minus Spider — had witnessed one of Na'taya's milestones, and he had missed it. He silently vowed that he would never miss another one, no matter how big or small.

"Well," Neteyam said, standing up on the branch and leaping down gracefully to stand beside Lo'ak. "They left about two hours ago, so they should be back soon."

"Oh, alright," Lo'ak said, still buzzing with excitement. "You want to come see her, bro? She's so cute."

Neteyam deadpanned, "Did you really just ask me that?"

Lo'ak playfully rolled his eyes. "Right, my bad," he said, grabbing Neteyam's hand and tugging him along as they began running toward their home.

The forest blurred around them as they ran, the familiar paths leading them to their family's 'nest.' The sound of laughter reached their ears before they even arrived, the joyful noise drawing them closer.

Kiri and Tuk were sitting on the ground, their laughter filling the air as they watched Na'taya. Kiri glanced up, her eyes lighting up with recognition when she saw her brothers.

"She's so cute," Kiri said softly, her voice filled with adoration as she turned back to Na'taya, shifting slightly so that her brothers could see their sister.

"'Taya, baby, look who's here," Kiri cooed, her voice soft and melodic, drawing Na'taya's attention immediately.

Na'taya's head swiveled toward the sound of her sister's voice, her tiny ears perking up as she babbled excitedly. Her eyes lit up when she spotted Neteyam and Lo'ak, her tail swishing behind her in delight. A toothless smile spread across her face as she began to crawl toward them, her little arms and legs moving as quickly as they could manage.

Neteyam felt his heart swell with pride and love as he watched his baby sister make her way toward him. He bent down, spreading his arms wide in welcome, and Na'taya responded by quickening her pace, her movements slightly unsteady but full of determination.

When she was close enough, Neteyam scooped her up, holding her close to his chest. Na'taya immediately nuzzled into him, her small form curling up against his warmth. Her tiny hand reached up, grasping at one of his braids as her eyes drooped, the excitement of the day finally catching up to her.

"Good job," Neteyam whispered to her, his voice filled with awe and affection. He stood up, feeling the weight of her tiny body relax against him, her hand loosening its grip on his braid as she drifted off to sleep.

He looked up from his sister's peaceful face to see the rest of his siblings watching them, their smiles reflecting the love and joy they all felt in that moment.

Neteyam smiled back, his heart full, knowing that no matter what, he would always be there for his family, for every moment that mattered.