Lately, the familiarity of the sun streaming through the mountain's crevices had transformed into a comforting warmth. It was something you missed since hiding in the Hallelujah mountains. The night the sky people came down, a big part of the forest had burned. All of you were no longer safe, so it was decided to take refuge in the mountains. It did help that the mountains interfered with the human radars. That and also the wildlife that would attack the helicopters, or the Samsons as Jake said.
Six months had passed since the human's arrival, yet the unspoken argument between Neteyam and you had lingered. It created an unsettling mood whenever you two were around each other. Your once close bond had turned into distance and silence one. Neither of you were ready to face the conflict. Afraid the other one had found happiness elsewhere, even though the promise of not falling in love was in the background. How could either of you bring someone else to your secret spot together. You both felt betrayed in a way that you didn't think you would.
All of you sat in some sort of a circle talking. You were seated between Lo'ak and Kiri. Tuk was in front of Kiri as she was braiding Tuks hair. Next to Kiri was Neteyam, who was sitting next to Spider. Meaning Spider was in between the two brothers. "What will they bring back this time?" Tuk questioned. "Guns, ammo, supplies. Anything that can be useful, like always." Lo'ak answered. You knew Tuk wasn't asking about any of that stuff. She was too young to understand any of those things. She wanted to know if one of your parents would bring some of the minerals, the humans mined, back. Both of your parents went to one of the human mines. They were going to fight the humans to make sure they couldn't use the mine. This wasn't the first time they left to fight the humans, and it wouldn't be the last either.
"No, Tuk. They won't bring any minerals back." Neteyam stated. It was like he had read you thought as you were about to say the same thing. You glanced at Neteyam for a quick second. He was concentrated on Tuk. "Not even a shiny rock?" Tuk asked. She was looking at Neteyam, who didn't respond to her question. She looked around the group, hoping someone would give her the answer she was hoping for. Kiri had finished Tuks braid, meaning she also got Tuks pleading eyes on her. "They won't bring a shiny rock." You spoke up, which resulted in a sad Tuk. "But if you want you could make me a new hairbead. I'm in need of a new one anyway." Tuk jumped up in excitement with a huge smile. She ran away, yelling she needed to find the perfect material. Not only did this result in a smile from Tuk, but it also brought smiles to everyone around.
Out of the corner of your eye, you caught Neteyam gazing at you with a tender smile. "What is she going to get this time?" Kiri said, still smiling. Spider nodded before answering her. Lo'ak rested his hand on your back. He gave you an approving smile as you turned towards him. "You're so great with her." He said silently as to not interrupt the others. Neteyam couldn't hear what Lo'ak had said to you. But the way you smiled at his brother made him jealous. Only he didn't want to admit this, it would break the promise. All four of you looked questionable at Neteyam. He had gotten up and was about to excuse himself for leaving. "They are here! The warparty is back!" Tuk yelled as she ran towards the group. She grabbed Neteyam's hand and pulled him along. "You have a great intuition, bro." Spider said as the rest of you got up.
As the six of you arrived, the sully kids had run off to their parents. Leaving Spider and you behind as they disappeared into the crowd. You looked around, searching for your parents. Spider helped you look, but due to his smaller height, he wasn't much help. You walked in front of Spider as you two made your way through the crowd. You saw Neytiri with Tuk and decided to walk to her. Her smile dropped as she saw you walking towards her. She had gotten very serious in a second. Neytiri tapped Jake on the shoulder, who was surrounded by the other three, then glanced back at you. Jake briefly looked your way before looking back at his mate. With a nod,he approached you while Neytiri guided their children elsewhere before joining him. You felt your stomach drop at the sight.
Spider almost bumped into you by your sudden stop. He saw your ears pin back as you slowly shook your head. He walked next to you to see what was going on in front of you. He saw the sully kids confused as they walked away. While their parents, on the other hand, walked straight towards you two. You grabbed Spider's hand as a reflex. Spider looked at your hand before looking back up at you. You too, were now looking at Spider. "D-Don't let go, please." You felt your voice crack. You didn't want to believe what you were thinking. Even if it was the case, you didn't want to be alone.
"Spider, please leave. We need to talk to Y/n alone." Jake stated as they had taken you to their hut. Spider had not let go of your hand, just like you requested. But he could see that the longer he refused to leave, the worse you were feeling. Spider let go of your hand. Your eyes looked at him, pleading not to leave you alone in this situation. Even if you both knew it was for the best. Spider was greeted by Lo'ak, who pulled him with him the second he was out of sight. He had pulled him to the back of the hut, where the others were sitting. All of them listened to what was being said in the hut while staying out of sight.
"Maybe you already guessed what we are about to tell you." Neytiri began while she walked closer. Overwhelmed, you nodded, unable to speak. "Your parents didn't make it..." Your head dropped, those words Jake spoke were hard to swallow. You had a feeling eversince you saw Neytiri smile drop. But those words made it a reality you didn't want. "N-no, it can't be." You raised you breaking voice a bit. You felt like your knees were going to give in. Jake told you your father had gotten hit by one of the explosives. Your mother screamed as she ran towards him. The mine collapsed, trapping your mother under the debris. "She entrusted me with to take care of you." Neytiri said, resting her hands on your shoulders. "Her final words and thoughts were for you." You slowly pushed her off as she finished.
"I need some time alone." You whisper, almost too softly to be heard. Jake and Neytiri looked at each other. It was like they were reading each others minds. "We understand. You're free to go." Jake began, casting an understanding glance in your direction. "Just come back when you are ready." Neytiri finished before joining Jake by his side. With a nod, you walked out the hut feeling defeated.
