bound - avatar oc x oc

part 31

Akaia and Neytiri sat near the hearth, slicing and crushing fruits and nuts in comfortable silence. Opposite them, Lo'ak carefully wrapped each portion in large leaves, preserving them for later.

Across the marui, Neteyam was braiding Tuk's hair—much to her dismay.

"You're pulling too hard!" Tuk whined.

Neteyam rolled his eyes. "We're almost done. Just suffer for one more minute."

"I've been suffering for hours," she grumbled dramatically.

Akaia laughed at the exchange, only to be nudged in the ribs by her mother.

"Don't encourage her," Neytiri scolded with a half-smile.

As promised, Neteyam tied off the last braid. Tuk leapt up and flopped down beside her mother and sister with a sigh of relief.

"What do we say to your brother?" Neytiri prompted gently.

Tuk groaned and muttered, "Thanks, Neteyam," in a tone dripping with sarcasm.

Akaia laughed again.

That peaceful moment was broken by hurried footsteps at the entrance.

Jake appeared, looking tense. His eyes found Neytiri as he extended his hand.

"Ronal and Tonowari want to see us. Now."

Without hesitation, Neytiri stood and followed him.

Jake turned to the children. "Stay here. No one leaves, understood?"

They all nodded.

"Where's Kiri?" he asked, scanning the room.

"She's outside," Akaia replied, pointing toward the dock. "Is everything alright?"

Jake hesitated, then nodded. "Just make sure she comes in. You're in charge, Akaia."

Neteyam stood. "I'll go get her."

"Good." Jake gave one last glance at his children before hurrying out the door with Neytiri.

A heavy silence settled as confusion and unease crept in.

Akaia moved toward the doorway, her eyes drifting to the beach where a group of Metkayina villagers were gathering, summoning their ilu and tsurak.

Her gaze locked on her parents, standing beside Ronal and Tonowari—faces grim and tense.

Next to them stood Mak'korro, his expression unreadable but visibly angry.

Her heart dropped.

Whatever had happened, Mak'korro would be facing it first.

Lo'ak joined her at the door. "What's going on?"

"We're supposed to stay here," Kiri said sharply as she entered.

Lo'ak ignored her. "Akaia, you don't actually want to just sit here, do you?"

"We are," she replied firmly, stepping away from the entrance.

Lo'ak groaned, following her. "What if they need help?"

"Drop it, Lo'ak," Kiri said.

"Don't tell me what to do."

"You're so annoying!"

Their argument faded into the background as Akaia stood frozen in thought.

What if it was the Sky People?

What if it was a trap?

She could lose them all—her parents, her mate.

Her hands began to tremble.

Neteyam noticed. He crossed to her side and gently placed a hand on her back. "They'll be okay," he said quietly. "It might be nothing."

"I'm scared," she whispered, her voice cracking.

"I am too," he admitted. "But they'll come back. They always do."

She nodded, offering a small smile. "Thanks, Neteyam."

He gave her a quick squeeze before turning to the others, who were still bickering.

"Do you want Dad to kill you?" he asked flatly. "Because you're doing a great job."

"I'm not listening to you anymore," Lo'ak muttered.

"Can you both shut up?" Tuk shouted. "You're giving me a headache!"

Akaia stepped in. "Enough. I know you want to help, Lo'ak—but we have to do what Dad said."

Lo'ak sighed but finally nodded.

"Good. Let's clean up while we wait."

They busied themselves, letting the small tasks distract from the fear creeping in.

—

An hour passed.

The marui was quiet and clean, tension still heavy in the air.

Akaia sat at the doorway, watching the horizon.

Then—movement in the water.

"They're back!" she shouted, leaping to her feet.

Her siblings crowded behind her. Together, they watched as the returning party dismounted their ilu and tsurak, hurrying onto the beach.

Her eyes scanned the crowd until she found them—her parents. Mak'korro.

Safe.

"Let's go!" Lo'ak yelled, sprinting out the door.

"Lo'ak!" Akaia groaned, running after him.

Neteyam and Kiri shared a look, then grabbed Tuk and followed close behind.

———

a/n

shit is about to go down

im kinda scared ngl 😥😥

also, WE HIT 200k READS!!!!! IM IN SHOCK, THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!! 🫶🫶🫶🫶