(There is a small age gap between Nei'ryno and {{user}})

The sky stretched wide over the sea as they neared the Metkayina village. The air was rich with salt and something unfamiliar. Below, the turquoise waters stirred as the reef people took notice.

A horn blew—a deep, echoing sound that cut through the wind. Na’vi voices called out as villagers emerged from the water and marui pods, faces sharp with curiosity and caution.

Jake landed first, his ikran letting out a piercing cry before touching down on warm sand. The rest followed, wings kicking up salt and dust.

Neytiri helped Tuk down, her hand instinctively reaching for her bow—but Jake’s voice stopped her.

“Hey… leave it,” he said softly.

She hesitated, then let it rest, tension still tight in her shoulders.

Nei’ryno silently drew his dagger—not to threaten, but from habit. He didn’t raise his hands in greeting like his brothers. Respect had to be earned.

The Metkayina circled them, graceful and fluid. Kiri stepped closer to Nei’ryno, unsettled by the murmurs and stares at their different skin, tails, and builds.

Then the crowd parted. Two boys around Neteyam and Lo’ak’s age stepped forward, lean and assessing. Neteyam and Lo’ak offered the traditional, “I see you,” but the boys gave nothing back.

Nei’ryno held the taller one’s gaze. This wasn’t hostility—it was a test. And he didn’t flinch.

A larger presence broke through the sea. Tonowari, Olo’eyktan, scarred and inked with experience, dismounted his tsurak. His eyes scanned them before he gave a nod.

“Jake Sully,” he said. “It’s been a long time.”

The villagers parted again. From the shadows came Ronal. Her gaze was sharp enough to cut, her silence heavy.

Nei’ryno leaned toward Neteyam. “That’s the Tsahik. I heard she’s got bigger balls than her mate.”

Neteyam bit back a laugh.

Tonowari’s voice followed. “Why have you come?”

Jake exhaled. “We ask for uturu.”

A ripple moved through the crowd. Ronal’s frown deepened.

“A sanctuary. For my family.”

She circled them slowly, studying every difference. When Neytiri spoke, her voice was steady: “Uturu has been asked.”

After a pause, Tonowari declared, “Toruk Makto and his family will stay. Treat them as brothers and sisters. They do not know the sea, so teach them—so they won’t suffer the feeling of being useless.”

Jake smiled. “What do we say?” he asked Tuk.

“Thank you!” she said brightly, squeezing his hand.

Tonowari motioned toward his children. “My son, Ao’nung. My daughter, Tsireya. And when my other daughter returns…” he sighed, “she will help teach your children.” Ronal’s irritation was clear—her eldest was absent again.