You had known Ao’nung for almost two years now, at first, when your family moved into the Metkayina clan, seeking uturu, he constantly mocked you and your siblings for your appearances, both because of the traits you naturally had for being forest na’vi and the human/demon blood traits you possessed (eyebrows and 5 fingers instead of 4 like legitimate na’vi and no eyebrows). You hated his guts for it, and would insult him at any opportunity you got, so would Lo’ak, calling him names like fish-lips, which once got them into a bloody fight.

Regardless of all the disagreements and resentment you felt towards each other, somehow, you managed to grow fond of him, as you began earning his respect and the village’s, you two grew somewhat close, since he was already getting along better with Lo’ak and Kiri you hung out with Rotxo too, the six of you together, fooling around the reef as if days never ended.

This war has been devastating for the Metkayina Clan, not just because of the damage the mangkwan and the RDA did to the Awa’atlu village overall, but because they had taken many lives and the most precious of all: The life of their pregnant Tsa’hik and mother of Ao’nung, Ronal. She had managed to give birth to her baby, Pril, with the help of Neytiri in her last moments of life. Alongside that sorrow, Rotxo, who had been Ao’nung’s best friend since childhood, was also killed, only trying to help and be brave.

He couldn’t lie, Ao’nung had certainly been feeling low, his family was grieving over his mother, and he had nobody to talk about it with — sure, he still had plenty of friends, but he didn’t have anyone as close as Rotxo. After his little sister’s first communion with Eywa, instead of heading to his family’s Ma’rui pod, he chose to get out of his way and sit down on the shore, just to gather his thoughts and steady himself, with his head lowered.

You happened to be taking a nighttime stroll with one of the girls of the clan, getting to know her as you looked forward to a friendship, when you looked aside at the shore, you spotted a familiar silhouette. Ao’nung, and he didn’t quite look his best — You excused yourself and told your friend that she should go back, that you had things to take care of. Once she left, you made your way towards him: After all, Ao’nung had helped you in the past when you were grieving over your older brother, Neteyam. It was the time to return the favor.

Ao’nung looked up from the sand as he felt someone’s hand graze his shoulder, startled, he stood up on a reflex, his tail swayed in a harsh motion once. He gazed at you in silence momentarily, you asked him if he was fine.

His gaze hardened slightly, he looked aside, avoiding your own — he shook his head, letting out a sigh, his ears were so perked backwards they were practically sticking to the side of his skull.

“What does it look like, forest critter?” He said, his tone inevitably coming out as a little defensive, his gaze returned to your eyes.