Another Chance |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

Chapter 8: Heia

Neteyam steps into the water in the dead of night, a soft smile on his face.

Awa'atlu is silent after eclipse; the people retire to their homes to rest, the animals slumber or lounge around. War is a distant memory, one Neteyam is surprised he isn't plagued by. His father will leave for home in the morning, and his brother will arrive in the next few days.

In front of him, there are various sea creatures swimming around languidly, not paying him any attention. Slowly, Neteyam wades into the water, a protective hand on his bump, rubbing up and down slowly.

He's doing something he isn't supposed to be doing — according to Ao'nung anyway. But the tsurak are not like ikran. They won't try to kill him if they chose him. At least, as far as Neteyam knows. He has yet to witness a Metcayina coming of age ceremony.

So, Neteyam decides to gamble.

He wants to do this while his father is here so he can show him.

At five months, his bump is still small — not even half way through with the length of a na'vi pregnancy. It probably won't be in the way. Neteyam promises the child that he'll be careful, but he cannot keep being useless, making baby clothes and learning how to breathe.

The first tsurak to notice him, swims by with a threatening hiss, one that Neteyam ignores. He doesn't want to tame the wildest beast, just a companion, who he can take to battle if needed.

Neteyam sinks under the water fully, kneeling on the soft ocean floor, hair floating around him in dark curtains. He stretches one arm out, palms up, but keeps the other over his stomach protectively, fingers spread out to cover the entire curve.

Heart hammering in his chest, not in fear but in excitement, Neteyam grins when the first creature comes closer, swimming around him before simply leaving. Neteyam waits patiently, until he spots a lonely little creature further away.

The tsurak is smaller than the rest, with a scar running along its belly. Neteyam makes up his mind, curiosity guiding him to swim over. He comes up for air, scanning the beach for any people. When he sees no-one, he sinks back under and continues swimming over to the tsurak.

It watches him, blinking slowly, not making a move.

Neteyam reaches his hands out, palms facing up. He tilts his head down in submission, peeking at the creature through floating braids.

The tsurak gives in, floating closer. It presses its long snoot against Neteyam's hand before curling around him, large head dipping lower, nosing at his stomach.

Neteyam doesn't move; he doesn't want to. He wonders if this is possible — if perhaps he's only dreaming. Ao'nung wouldn't have been so against him taming a tsurak if it was this calm, this simple, this safe.

The creature nudges him, rough skin rubbing against the gentle swell of his bump. Neteyam carefully pets its head, breath steadily running out. He feels a faint burning in his lungs, but ignores it.

He's so close. Eywa knows he won't give up now. He just has to prove himself.

The tsurak swims around him, inspecting him, before simply nudging his queue near the middle.

Neteyam twitches, turning to face the beast, lips parted in surprise. He takes his queue gently in one of his hands and brings it forwards, presenting it to the creature. The tsurak swims by, twirling around for a moment before appearing in front of the omega again, tilting its body to show his own queue.

Neteyam connects them carefully, pupils dilating suddenly at the feeling.

The tsurak startles suddenly, yanking away from his and dashing away. Neteyam furrows his brows, disoriented from the sudden departure.