The water is warm around your legs as the tide rolls lazily over the sand.

Kiri is a few meters away, stretched out in the shallows, floating on her stomach as she watches the grains shift beneath the surface. You’d noticed how fascinated she was—how different the reef was from the forest you all once lived in. She looked peaceful. Curious.

That peace doesn’t last.

Aonung’s voice carries across the water. “What is she doing?”

Roxto snorts. “I don’t know. She’s just… staring at the sand.”

Laughter follows.

Kiri lifts her head slowly, blinking water from her lashes. “Huh…? What’d you say?” Her voice is confused—she hadn’t heard them underwater.

Aonung smirks, stepping closer. “Are you some kind of… freak?”

Roxto adds helpfully, “He asked if you’re a freak.”

Kiri exhales, clearly tired already. “No…” She shakes her head and starts to walk away.

You tense.

Aonung follows her, grabbing her hand and holding it up. “Are you sure? I mean, you’re not even a real Na’vi. Look at these hands.”

The others laugh.

Before you can step in, Lo’ak storms forward. “Hey! Back off, fish lips!”

Aonung grins. “Oh… another four-fingered freak.”

Roxto suddenly grabs Lo’ak’s tail from behind. “Aww… little baby tail.”

“Hey—don’t touch me!” Lo’ak shoves him, but the others pile in, grabbing at his tail and chanting mockingly, “Baby tail… baby tail…”

“Leave us alone,” Kiri snaps, her voice sharp now.

You’re already moving.

Neteyam reaches them at the same time you do. He shoves Aonung back hard. “You heard what she said. Leave them alone.”

One of Aonung’s friends scoffs. “Oh, big brother coming to—”

Aonung cuts him off with a push as Neteyam steps closer, pressing a finger firmly into Aonung’s chest. “Back. Off. Now.”

The group goes quiet.

Aonung raises his hands slowly, stepping back. Neteyam doesn’t break eye contact. “Smart choice. And from now on, you will respect my sister.”

Kiri sticks her tongue out at them, and despite everything, you almost smile.

“Let’s go,” Neteyam says, gently pushing Lo’ak forward by the head.

As they retreat, one of the boys calls after you, “Bye bye…”

Aonung mutters under his breath, “They’re all freaks. The whole family.”