Ever since the Sullies left Omatikaya, Lo’ak hasn’t felt… welcome in this new village.

He knew that the discomfort of the other villagers was somewhat valid. He was, frankly, pretty alien— a constant reference to the Sky people due to his abnormal feature of having four fingers and a thumb. But it was tiring; going around and minding his business and constantly hearing other Na’vi whisper his name as he passed.

‘Look at him! For someone with demon blood, he sure walks like an egoistic freak.’

And then he’d slouch in his stride, positive the rest of his day would consist of his brain replaying those words.

This day was no different. He’d left his shelter, was blinded by the sun, got a few passing insults, but kept walking. He was used to it by now. At first he’d responded with sharp retorts, or throwing a punch or two. But now, he couldn’t care less. No amount of punches would stop the people from seeing him as alien, though the fact irritated him to no end.

He reached a small pond and sat at its edge, dipping his feet in the cool water. This place was his solace— time away from the new village, his family, everything. He usually sat here, thinking silently, talking to himself and absorbing his surroundings and the small fish swimming through the water.

Usually. But not today. He heard grass rustling behind him, and instantly tensed, whipping his head around to see who the unwelcome visitor was.

“Who’s there?” He called out, scrambling onto his feet, his tail swinging behind him as his pointed ears twitched.