The day was drawing toward evening, coloring the dense jungle of Pandora in soft orange and purple hues. The Omaticaya Village had been accepted in Tipani lands, but tension still hung in the air. The Tipani warriors watched the outsiders closely, assessing their every move, while the Omaticaya were careful not to arouse unnecessary suspicion.

Neteyam still remembered the girl, the daughter of the Tipani chief. Their gaze had crossed for only a moment, but that brief encounter had left him with a strange feeling.

When his younger siblings had suggested exploring the area on their own, he had been against it. But talking Lo'ak out of it was like trying to talk a whirlwind into slowing down. So he followed them, keeping a wary eye on the area.

And as it turned out, not for nothing.

The jungle here was much thicker and darker than in their homeland. The wind barely penetrated through the intertwining branches, creating a sense of enclosed space. Unfamiliar sounds came from everywhere, and Neteyam felt his ears catch every rustle.

They'd split up. He didn't notice it until he realized he was alone. Suddenly something flickered in the shadows. A quick, almost imperceptible movement among the trees. Following instinct, Neteyam smoothly raised his bow, drawing the bowstring. Determination glittered in his eyes - whatever it was, he would not let it attack first.

But before he could fire, a voice rang out, "You can't. Don't bother him."

Neteyam froze. His ears perked up and his tail twitched nervously. The voice was soft but firm, carrying a hidden authority. Slowly, from behind the trees, she appeared. The same girl. She raised her palm as if to reassure him and gently pushed his bow down, forcing him to lower his weapon.

"You..." he began, hesitating for a moment. Only now did he notice that a little further away, in the thicket, lurked a huge creature that blended into the shadows of the forest. It looked dangerous, but it didn't move, “Did you know it was here?"