A/N: Hey there guys, Arianni here. Just adding my ficlet to the slew appearing under Avatar. Usually you'll find me lurking about Devil May Cry, Fullmetal Alchemist, #whispers# Twilight - and more. But for now, here's my exploration of a possible major plot hole of Avatar. Enjoy!
Neytiri waved from the foot of a branch, willing Jake to catch up. He broke into a sprint, strong legs carrying him faster than any human. He leapt over a fallen log, clearing it by six feet before landing in the exact spot she had been, only to see her racing up the mossy branch far ahead. He grinned and went after her, enjoying his view.
She was so light when she ran. He kept expecting her to run into the air and keep flying. Her long black braids swept behind her, flashing colours of the feathers she favoured. Neytiri looked back over her shoulder and smiled a dazzling smile that lit her entire face, and spread warmth through Jake's heart.
She leapt across gaps in the giant branch, swung across vines like a gymnast, Jake keeping up a little easier now. He adored watching her run, jump – simply move. If ever the Na'vi developed a dance she would be the greatest.
At length she decided to stop at the branch's widest point that created a sort of clearing, revealing a spectacular sunset, and a deadly drop to the ocean below. Neytiri half-turned, offering her hand, the sun's rays turning her skin to molten sapphire. Jake walked forward to her, meaning to take her hand, when suddenly there was a horrible but unmistakable sound.
Neytirii's body jerked as she spat blood. She staggered back towards the branch edge, her face twisted in pain and surprise. Jake tried to move but found his feet frozen to the ground; tried to scream but no sound came out. Neytiri still reached for him as the sun's light died, and she fell…
"NO!" Jake shot up and beat his head against the wicker hammock. His breath came in heavy pants as he stared wild-eyed at the patterns of the fine wood. Hands smoothed over his shoulders.
"Jake! Mawey, what is it?" Neytiri turned him forcefully to face her, her eyes filled with worry. Jake calmed as he stared into those familiar golden eyes, his breathing slowed.
"Just a dream," he muttered.
Neytiri's gaze narrowed.
"Not 'just a dream.' Never, you know this," she said, but not unkindly. Her voice softened further as she asked, "Was it the same dream again?"
"Yes."
"Then we must go to mother. She will interpret the signs from Eywa-"
"I know what it means, Neytiri!"
Neytiri looked as if she had been slapped, before a snarl formed on her lips.
"You know nothing," she sneered.
Jake sighed. The two sat in a growing silence within their double hammock. At this, Neytiri threw him a disgusted look before laying down on her side, away from him. Jake copied her position but did not touch her. He took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry I yelled. Oe txoa." Forgive me.
Neytiri shifted her weight. Jake continued. "I know it's Mo'at's job to decide, but this…this doesn't need explaining. It's a warning from Eywa. They're coming back."
"You can't know that," said Neytiri in a strange voice. Her body was trembling slightly; Jake realised she was crying. He immediately drew her into a protective shield, wrapping his arms around her, twining their ankles together.
"We'll be alright," he said. He hoped she believed him better than he did. Neytiri twisted in their embrace to face him, sniffing.
"Hey," said Jake, spreading his hand across her cheek. "I love you. Ngenga oe lukne. I love you."
At his words she burrowed into his chest, her sobs quelling, clutching at the few strips of leather he wore. Jake stroked her hair and closed his eyes, seeing her shot, bleed and fall over and over…He held her tighter. They would fight. And this time, they would lose.
The next morning, after Jake and Neytiri hunted breakfast, Jake decided it was time to speak to Yatuwey. Had Neytiri asked where he was going he would have told her, but she did not. Once mated, the Na'vi poured their trust into a relationship – gave themselves fully. No careers or in-laws or unhealthy lifestyles to get in the way. Jake had learned the hard way just how highly the Na'vi valued trust.
Jake had asked around New Hometree where he might find Yatuwey; the general response had been up at the Ikran nests. Outstanding. As if he needed to see the place Neytiri had been gunned down in his nightmares. Luckily Yatuwey wasn't teaching that day, so there would be no flying lessons to interrupt.
Yatuwey was the best Ikran flyer, second only to Jake himself. He ran the Omaticaya's regular patrols, the warrior-Ikran initiation and many other responsibilities. (He also happened to be Tsu-tey's younger brother, but Jake tried not to think about that.) Yatuwey was Jake's good friend and second-in-command. He would understand.
A/N: Short chappie I know but I'm trying to fire off as many fics as possible before Japan tomorrow. Cheers! ^_^