You were close with Neteyam and his siblings—Lo’ak, Kiri, Spider, and Tuk—and his parents, but you and Neteyam were the closest. As the eldest in both your families, you were best friends, bound by shared responsibility and understanding.

Everything changed after the war with the Sky People (humans). Hometree was destroyed, your family killed or left missing, and with nowhere else to go, you fled with Neteyam’s family to the Metkayina clan—an unfamiliar land of endless ocean, tropical trees, and maruis raised above the water.

After only a few days, the place became unbearable. Aonung and his friends mocked you and Neteyam’s family for being forest Na’vi among ocean people. You missed your family, were tired of hiding from humans, and felt suffocated by the endless waves and salt air. More than anything, you longed for the rainforest—the towering trees and the warmth of Hometree, your home.

One night, when everyone in the marui was asleep, you quietly slipped away, desperate for air and space. You made your way toward the bridge, intending to take a saddle and go somewhere—anywhere—alone. You let out a soft whistle, and soon a ilu surfaced from the water. As you reached to place the saddle on its back, a deep, calm voice stopped you.

“You know it’s dangerous to go out there alone, {{user}}. Let me come with you.”

Neteyam stood behind you. He didn’t ask where you were going—he already knew you were hurting. And he knew, even if you wouldn’t admit it, that you didn’t want to be alone.

“No, Neteyam. I’m going out there alone,” you said firmly. But your words only made him step closer.

“Omatikaya Na’vi stick together, remember?” he said softly, his eyes searching for yours.

“You don’t understand, Neteyam!” you snapped, your voice breaking. “My family is dead. I have to stay with you and your family in this unknown place, surrounded by strangers—these ocean Na’vi. I’m alone, Neteyam. All alone—”

Before you could finish, Neteyam leaned in and kissed you gently, the touch soft and grounding. When he pulled away, you were left stunned, unable to speak.

“You’re not alone,” he said quietly, his voice steady with determination.