In the Stars

Chapter 8

Inspired song: (No Promises by Cheat Codes)

Neteyam dismounted his Ikran and then turned towards me. Moving my legs over the Ikran's body, Neteyam moved towards my body, placing his hands on my waist to help me down from the Ikran. Swinging my backpack around my shoulders, we faced towards the village. Walking side by side, we followed Jake and Neytiri as they stepped in front of us, getting closer to the village. I noticed that the Metkayina people started to circle us, and we came to a stop.

I noticed something to my right and looked to see what looked like a banshee but was a skimwing. I had never seen one in person, but its skin was grey with large fins that elevated itself out of the water like a Terran flying fish. Its wings were extended with splashes of orange and dark markings, almost resembling a Terran gharial. Although Uncle Norm had read about these creatures, they weren't described as beautiful as they looked. A tall male figure climbed off the skimwing, dressed similarly to what Jake wore as chief. He must be the Metaynia chief, showing off the looming eyes of his people. Neteyam looked at me before pressing two fingers to his head, moving them in a respectful gesture to the new clan. Keeping myself equal to them, I formally greeted them with the same respectful gesture, "We see you." The chief seemed pleased to see the Sullys as they talked through things smoothly—until Tsahik made her way through the crowd to inspect us as the new arrivals.

As the only human against a large number of Na'vi, I didn't want to become an enemy. The stares were intense, but Neteyam held me closer. They started to sneer at me, and I moved closer to Neteyam. He noticed and sneered back at the strangers. Looking down at me, he whispered,

"Are you okay?"

I nodded with a slight smile.

One of the boys from the crowd said,

"What is this?" 

Neteyam stepped in front of me defensively, 

"She's with us."

He said defensively. 

"That's enough Ao'nung."

A girl about the same age as Lo'ak came up from behind them. 

"Hi, I'm Tsireya." 

To my surprise, Tsireya was a lot more welcoming than anyone else. When the conversation finally settled, the chief promised us protection and refuge for our time there. In the meantime, we were left to move our belongings into our new home.

Following Neteyam on the outskirts of the village, we came across netted pathways that allowed us to walk over the light blue water underneath us. When we reached the end of the path, we were introduced to our new home.

"This will do. Thank you, Tonowari."

Jake said as he firmly shook Tonowari's hand.

Jake said as he firmly shook Tonowari's hand. 

Walking around Jake, Neteyam and I walked into the new place that we call 'home.' 

"Wow,"

I said as I looked around the room, turning to see Neteyam laughing at me. Punching him lightly on the arm, I responded to Kiri's call. 

I moved my stuff alongside Kiri, while Neteyam and Lo'ak shared one side of the room. 

"This bedding is hard."

Lo'ak whined from across the room.  

"Well, get used to it, brother."

Kirir said, leading Loa'k to scoff in response.