In the Stars

Chapter 4

Inspired song (Pumped up kicks by Foster of People)

(Authors note: Change of POV, you'll be looking through the eyes of Neteyam.)

"Neteyam, I need you to scout the north side-. We'll regroup at the base."

Dad instructed as we prepared to part ways with Sevani.

Just as Sevani and I were about to go our separate ways, Jake's handheld device beeped with an incoming transmission. He quickly placed two fingers to his throat and listened to the message.

"Where are you?"

Jake inquired into the walkie-talkie.

We all exchanged worried glances, waiting for further guidance from Dad. When the transmission cut short, he turned to address us.

"Lo'ak and the others have been taken by some sky people disguised as avatars. They're near the old shack."

He announced.

Mum looked at Dad in terror.

"What do you mean by the others?"

I asked, curious to know who was involved.

"Sevani, I need you to head back and alert the others."

Dad commanded

"Neteyam it's your sisters, Spider and... y/n."

He said, dropping a bombshell. It hit me hard to hear my siblings' names, especially y/n's. Without showing any panic, I tilted my head to the right, contemplating the situation.

I felt a heavy sensation in my knowing that my siblings and Spider were involved, especially y/n. Without revealing any panic, I shifted my head slightly to the right.

"I know a shortcut, follow me,"

I declared, my determination set on finding and rescuing them, particularly y/n.

As we all maneuvered our Ikran, following my lead in our standard formation, we landed about a hundred meters away from their location. Dismounting our Ikran, Dad took the lead, directing his attention toward me.

"You stay hidden, keep an eye on the sky people, and strike only if necessary. When the others are released, get them out safely. I'm trusting you, son,"

Dad instructed.

—

(Authors note: Change of POV, you'll be looking through the eyes of Y/n.)

Suddenly, rain poured down, and we caught the sound of Neytiri. Moments later, an arrow shot through the trees, taking down one of the avatars who held Kiri and Spider hostage. We seized the opportunity, running amidst gunfire, arrows, and yellow smoke filling the air.

Darting through the jungle at full speed, dodging the bullets whizzing past us, we did our best to keep track of each other. The jungle had never felt this way before, now a hunting ground for an unimaginable enemy. I took a moment to catch my breath, separating from the group to find cover behind a tree. I thought I'd be safer there, but fate had other plans.

Suddenly, I felt a strong grip pull against my hair. I couldn't help but let out a yelp as a sharp, cold knife pressed against my neck. I closed my eyes tightly, trying to hold back the tears. I wasn't prepared to say goodbye yet, so I muttered a plea to Ewya.

"I know you can hear me, and I'm not ready to go. I have so much to offer and so much more to learn."

I whispered to myself.

"Shut up!"

The avatar growled aggressively.

Holding onto the last shred of hope I had, I felt a sudden gust pass by me. The avatar groaned, collapsing backward. Turning, I saw an arrow lodged in his chest. When I looked up, I spotted Neteyam. Everything seemed to freeze. Panic was evident in his eyes, but he was resolute. Without hesitation, he deftly swung his bow and jumped down from the trees, landing on his feet before rushing over to me.

I instinctively leapt into his arms, feeling a sense of relief at seeing him. I held onto him tightly, fearing I might never see him again. I didn't want him to let go, so I clung tighter as he gently kissed the top of my head. He was my anchor, my security. After setting me down, he seized my hand, and we hastened our pace.

Finally reaching a safe spot, we took a moment to catch our breath. Scanning our surroundings, we found no one around. Moments later, they all arrived, except for Spider.

"Where's Spider?"

I asked, turning to Kiri.

"He's been taken."

She said through sobs.

"Neteyam, get them home, right now!"

Jake's orders were clear. We assisted the others onto their Ikran. The journey back was tense; Neteyam was seething with irritation, as if ready to explode. He only relaxed when I drew closer to him.

"Shouldn't we talk about how you saved y/n from that near slice? That was incredible, man!"

Lo'ak finally broke the silence, a bit too cheerfully. Neteyam nudged Lo'ak's Ikran in irritation.

"This isn't a game, and you showed those sky people!"

Lo'ak was too excited.

I could sense the frustration radiating off Neteyam. Holding him tighter, I felt his restlessness affecting his Ikran, which aggressively shook its head and growled low. Placing my hand on his chest, I felt his breathing, and he noticed, gently laying his hand on mine. Taking a deep breath, he slowly expanded his lungs, pausing for a moment before exhaling, releasing his pent-up frustration.

And now they're back at it again.

"You're reckless, clueless about the risks involved."

He uttered sharply.

The bickering continued all the way back, only stopping when we arrived at camp. Jake and Neytiri made it back to base before we did, already hauled up in their tent, what seemed to be a heated argument going on. Tuk swiftly found a hidden spot to eavesdrop on the conversation. I wanted to stop her, but I was caught in the middle of handling Neteya, and Lo'ak. They were still at it, tails flicking widely, ears pinned back, eyes narrowed. Stepping between them, I pulled Neteyam away from the situation.