In the Stars

Chapter 17

Inspired song (The night we met by Lord Huron)

(Authors note: Change of POV, going back to the original character, Y/n.)

I woke up in an unfamiliar place, shrouded in utter darkness. It felt like an endless, desolate road, but amid the void, I heard a faint, indistinct sound, a call. The voice, whispering my name.

"Y/n."

It beckoned.

Intrigued and guided by this elusive voice, I ventured into the darkness. The call grew louder, drawing me closer.

"Y/n"

It called again.

With each step, the darkness shifted and transformed, as if I was reaching the end of a tunnel. I ran towards this beckoning light, eager to escape the nightmarish void. At the tunnel's end, a figure stood before me, its face obscured. Without hesitation, I reached out and grasped the offered hand. A profound sense of comfort and love enveloped me. Suddenly, my vision brightened to pure white. My eyes fluttered open, and I perceived only blurred colours, muffled sounds, and gentle sway.

"Y/n"

The voice echoed.

My fingers and toes started to move, and slowly, my sight got better. The many colours turned into a clear picture. Kneeling beside me, Neteyam wore an enormous grin, tears welling in his eyes.

"Y/n,"

Uncle Norm sighs.

"Your body is stabilised for now, but..."

He trails off.

"Your scan came back positive with a brain tumour."

I'm taken aback.

"Y/n."

Neteyam says, placing a hand on my cheek. I'm confused and shocked.

"What does that mean?"

I ask my uncle with worry in my voice.

"Y/n, you were out of oxygen for a long period, which led your brain to shut down."

He informs me.

"We don't know how long your body will be stabilised for."

Neteyam adds, directing my eyes to see his shimmering with concern.

"I want to get up."

I say, avoiding the conversation. Moving to take the sheet off, I noticed my hands were blue, as was the rest of my body when I took the sheet off completely. I feel exposed, but I remember the Omaticaya people's openness, purity, and connection to Eywa. A brown loincloth is nestled between my legs, and seagrass has been woven into a bra, with bands wrapped around my arms and thighs.

"Is this-"

I begin, but Uncle Norm nods before I can finish.

I sit up quickly, causing concern.

"Y/n! Let's take it nice and slow."

Neteyam cautions, gesturing for me to slow down.

"But I feel great!"

I say excitedly.

"Are you sure you're not feeling dizzy?"

Uncle Norm asks, examining my eyes with a small torch.

"I'm one hundred percent sure."

I say with a smile.

"Okay then, let's get you onto your feet."

Uncle Norm instructs.

helping me lower my legs from the pod to the cold floor. When I stood up, I nearly hit my head on the ceiling. It feels odd being so tall, especially next to Uncle Norm, whom I accidentally bop with my tail.

"I'm so sorry,"

I said, holding back a laugh.

"Yeah, right."

He rolled his eyes.

"Come on, we haven't got all day,"

He says, heading to the door for a spare oxygen mask.

Carefully, I make my way to the door without any problems.

"Whatever happens, just be yourself,"

Uncle Norm advises, offering a quick smile. He puts on the mask and opens the door.

A rush of fresh air blows into the pod as he opens the door. I step outside and take a deep breath, feeling the grass sway beneath my feet. Kiri, Tuk, and Lo'ak stand a few meters away, mouths wide open in surprise.

"Who are you and what have you done with y/n?"

Kiri exclaims, shocked but with an amused expression.

They all come forward, and Kiri leaps into my arms for a big hug.

"Kiri, I need to breathe."

I move away, wiping the tears from my cheeks.

"Sorry"

She said with a smile.

"It's good to see you again."

Glancing beyond Kiri, I see Lo'ak speaking.

"Likewise."

I reply, sidestepping Kiri to give Lo'ak a side hug.

"You look different than usual."

Lo'ak jokes. I playfully punch him on the arm, and he lets out a chuckle.

"Y/n!"

Tuk calls out as she runs up to me with open arms. Lifting her, I give her the tightest hug I can manage.

"I'm so glad you're okay."

She says with relief.

"Me too."

I say, feeling relieved. After placing her back on the ground, I take a deep breath, trying to gather the courage to share the difficult news.

"There's something important I need to tell you all."

I say, my voice quivering.

"What is it?"

Kiri asks, concern furrowing her brow.

"I got the results of the scan, and it's not good news."

I continue, looking at each of their faces.

"It's okay Y/n. We know."

Lo'ak speaks up, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"We're here for you."

Kiri says softly.

"Just, don't treat me differently. I'm still me."

I expressed, as they enveloped me in a family hug.

"This is nice guys, but what do we do now?"

I mumbled into the hug.

Moving out of the embrace, I look at everyone.

"Let's head down to the beach."