In the Stars

Chapter 6

Inspired song (We're Going Home by Vance Joy )

Neteyam was taken by surprise by my response. He pulled me away from the tent and tried to answer me discreetly, ensuring we weren't overheard.

"I won't let them leave without you. I promise. I'll try to convince Norm about you leaving. In the meantime, try to convince my parents. Give them a reason. Just think, you'll be leaving the only home you've ever known,"

He said with a sense of urgency.

I took a moment to ponder all the reasons why I should leave. Uncle Norm wouldn't approve of my departure considering I'm not a Na'vi or an avatar. A new clan might not accept a new species on their lands. But I wasn't afraid. I felt secure with the Sullys. There was so much more to explore on Pandora, to learn about their species, language, and lifestyle. Besides, Uncle Norm was always occupied in the lab. Whatever he was working on, I wasn't supposed to see until I turned 18. Staying here held little purpose for me. With all my friends leaving, I was unsure how I'd cope. The clan already held resentment toward me and my species. The Sullys and my Uncle Norm were the only ones I felt safe around. It would be a place where I could freely express my feelings for Neteyam. I only hoped he felt the same way about me.

"If you guys leave, what will we do without a strong leader to defend us against the sky people?"

I asked, trying to convey my concerns.

"No, the sky people are after OUR family. They will follow us wherever we go. You would be safer here. But... I don't want to be separated from you either."

He confessed, holding both of my hands in his.

I felt the weight of all eyes now on us. Lo'ak, Tuk, and Spider shared a surprised look, but Kiri had already sensed that something was happening between us. I couldn't help blushing after his last sentence. Maybe he did feel the same way as I did.

As Neytiri and Jake exited the tent, Neteyam and I walked back to the group. The Sully children were informed about their new plans to leave the Omatikaya clan. They were instructed to pack all their belongings and get ready for the journey ahead. I hadn't realized their departure was so imminent. They would be leaving on the same day Jake stepped down as chief of the Omatikaya clan. I had just a few hours before they took off. With my heart racing in my chest, I approached Jake.

"Jake, I wanted to talk to you about me coming with you. I know you don't want me to, but Uncle Norm is here. He thinks it's risky for my safety, but I know with your family, you'll keep me safe. I've only ever had you guys and Uncle Norm since I arrived here on Pandora. I can't bear to watch you leave. I can't be away from Neteyam, Lo'ak, Kiri, and Tuk."

Jake was taken aback by my directness. Crouching down to my eye level, he gently placed his hand on my shoulder.

"This is a risk you're willing to take, y/n. Does Norm know about this?"

"As I said, he isn't happy about it, but he trusts you. He knows that you will keep me safe. Please let me come with you guys."

Jake still seemed hesitant, but Neteyam noticed us from a distance and decided to intervene and share his opinion.

"Dad, let her come with us. I promised her that we would take her with us. We've known each other since we were children and we've grown close. Don't tear her away from me and the rest of the family."

The thought of losing what I considered a second family distressed me. I couldn't leave without the Sullys. Jake looked to his eldest son, the two sharing a glance, communicating without words.

"Fine. But you are in charge of looking after her. We leave tomorrow after the ritual is complete. Use tonight to say goodbye."

Watching Jake walk away, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Neteyam looked at me with excitement in his eyes. He reached around my waist, lifted me around his torso, and twirled me around. I couldn't help but giggle at his excitement. As he gently placed me down, he leaned his forehead against my mask. The sparks between us were palpable. Smiling into each other's eyes, it felt like an endless exchange of joy. Our moment was cut short by the sight of Uncle Norm sitting a few meters away from us. I turned to see him in his avatar form, looking disappointed with his arms crossed over his chest. Creating distance between us, I turned toward Uncle Norm.

"Y/n, walk with me."

He said, breaking the silence.

I said goodbye to Neteyam and began to walk beside Uncle Norm. As we walked in silence toward the lab, I tried to explain,

"I know you're upset with me but—"

Uncle Norm interrupted me by placing his hand gently on my shoulder.

"Y/n," he said in a soft tone,

"You don't need to explain yourself."

I was confused by his unexpected response. I had anticipated more resistance from him, but somehow, he seemed okay with letting me go.

"Just know that... I'm proud of the woman you have become,"

He said as he knelt to hug me. Embracing his slender frame, I felt a sense of reassurance. He no longer saw me as a child but as a woman capable of making her own decisions.

"I love you, Uncle Norm."

I murmured into his shoulder. Saying that made him hug me tighter before reciprocating,

"I love you."

Pulling away from our hug, we walked side by side, continuing toward the lab.