Neteyam allowed himself to sink into the other's grasp for a few more moments before he pulled away.

"My father is expecting my back," he said reluctantly, not wanting to leave the beautiful reef.

Aonung sighed but nodded his head in agreement. "As is mine."

Slowly the two disentangled from each other and stepped aside. Neteyam clutched the armband in his palm, afraid he might drop it.

Neteyam made his way to the pool and called for their ilus. They reappeared, surfacing under the clear water. Aonung joined him and mounted his own creature with ease before slipping beneath the surface. Neteyam allowed himself one last look at the glowing cave before following Aonung back out into the ocean.

It did not cross his mind that he might need air on the way back. By the time they reached the surface, Neteyam felt only slightly out of breath. Perhaps he was adjusting to life on the reef more than he realized.

The water was still warm under the night sky and he dismounted the ilu easily. Pulling away the kuru, he ran his hand along the green creature's speckled back gratefully. It chirped happily before ducking back under the waves and leaving with its friend to go back to the pen until morning.

To his surprise, Aonung offered him his hand as they made their way to the shore. Neteyam took it with a hidden smile and a small part of his brain relished just how wonderful their entwined fingers felt.

By the time they reached the outskirts of the village, most of the torches had already gone out. Only a few lights remained, marking the elevated and woven pathways of the marui pods. The night sky above was stunning and Neteyam allowed himself to admire it. Stars and planets loomed above them in a way that stole his breath. It was so different from nighttime in the jungle. Everything here was still and silent. There was no constant hum of life like back home. The sky was not even blocked out by a canopy of leaves and trees. It simply stared back at him, unblinking. The world here was calm.

Neteyam turned back to the Metkayina and he released the other's hand awkwardly. Aonung was studying him with a soft expression that made Neteyam's heart swell in a way he tried to ignore. "Thank you," he managed. "For showing me the cave."

Aonung ducked his head. "Of course," he replied.

Neteyam stepped forward and before he could second guess himself, leaned up and captured Aonung's lips quickly with his own. The other made a soft sound of surprise but soon hands found their way to Neteyam's hips and he was tugged gently against his body. Aonung kissed him back firmly before finally letting go.

As Neteyam stumbled his way back to his family's pod he tried desperately to get a grip over his own emotions. He had never had feelings like this back at home.

When he reached the hut he could still see his father's form waiting up by the doorway for him. A large blue hand settled affectionately over his head before he was led inside. Satisfied that his son had returned safely, Jake turned back to his mate's sleeping form and plopped himself down next to her. Neteyam reached up and unfastened his knife before settling down on his own sleeping mat.

His body relaxed against the ground and he stared up at the ceiling. His hand still held the jewelry Aonung had given to him. In the dim light of the marui, he let his eyes wander over the band. It did not seem to be modeled after any of the reef adornments he had seen so far. In place of the heavy shells and beads, there was only one item fastened in the center. Surrounded by spiraling woven cords and bands. It did not look Omaticayan either. It was something in of itself and that thought made Neteyam glow as he drifted off to sleep.

By the time morning came, the Sully family was up and moving. Neytiri worked her way around the pod gathering things for the day, while Jake was fashioning himself a new spear, more accommodated for ocean hunting. Neteyam took the time to fasten his normal necklace and belt before hesitating over the armpiece. Nervously he wrapped the band Aonung had given him around his upper arm, settling the pearl against his dark blue skin. Neytiri's eyes immediately fell to it but he pretended not to notice and swiftly moved to get out of her view.

Lo'ak was speaking to Kiri about Payakan when a knock came from the pod's entrance.

His father was the first to get up and to Neteyam's surprise, greeted the chief's son, who stood nervously at the opening.

"Aonung." His father said respectfully. Neteyam could see the reproach that filled his dad's eyes. Aonung seemed to sense this too because he shifted nervously on his feet before opening his mouth.

"My father thought it would be a good idea for your children to teach us your ways just as we have taught you ours. As future Olo'eyktan, he has deemed it to be in my best interest to be as knowledgeable as I can be about our fellow Na'vi tribes."

Lo'ak was grinning from behind Jake.

"That is very wise of him," Jake concluded, arms still crossed over his chest. It seemed the distrust with the chief's son was still present.

Aonung looked hesitantly between Toruk Makto and his mate before lowering his gaze. "I also wish to apologize for my actions with your son. I should not have taken him beyond the reef, I knew better."

Lo'ak looked like he was trying not to laugh but his father's eyes softened. "Hey, mistakes happen," he said, placing a hand good-naturedly on Aonung's shoulder. That seemed to relieve some of the tension within the hut and Aonung relaxed.

"So when do we start," his brother asked with a grin. "I can't wait to show you who the babies are now."

"Lo'ak," his mother hissed. But her son seemed unbothered.

"Hopefully today," Aonung replied, looking back at Neytiri. "Tsireya is already waiting for us down by the beach."

At the chief's daughter's name, his brother's ears immediately twitched and his tail started to swish back and forth behind him. Neteyam couldn't help but snort. His brother was an oblivious fool.

But the second the sound left his throat, Aonung's eyes flew to him. They took in his face before immediately dropping to the bracelet wrapped around his upper arm. The leather bands stood out against the dark blue of his skin in a very complimentary way. The other's breathing visibly faltered but the boy was quick to hide it and look elsewhere.

Neytiri watched from behind her son. Her eyes never missing a thing. She hummed to herself before turning back to her preparations.

"Alright," Jake conceded. "They will meet you down there in a few minutes."

Aonung dipped his head and disappeared from the doorway.

Jake turned his gaze to his two sons. "You guys are gonna be respectful, isn't that right?"

"Yes sir," he and Lo'ak said, nodding.

He seemed satisfied with their answer and motioned for them to get ready.

Neteyam slung his bow over his left shoulder, while Lo'ak rummaged around his space. "Don't tell me you have lost your bow already," Neteyam laughed.

Lo'ak glared at him and stood back up. "No," he said in annoyance. "I am just grabbing something I made for Tsireya."

Neteyam perked up his ears in interest. "Oh? And what is that baby bro?"

"Nothing," Lo'ak grumbled, snatching something from his bag and slinging his bow behind his back. "It is just some shells I thought she might like. I set them in an anklet."

"Awww," Neteyam crooned, ignoring the glare from his brother. "Does my brother have a crush?" he teased.

"Shut up," Lo'ak hissed about to lunge at him before Kiri stepped between the two. Her face was the picture of absolute annoyance.

"I will hunt you both if we do not leave already."

"Sorry Kiri," they mumbled in unison.

The walk to the beach was short. Tuk stayed behind, despite her whining, being too young to know how to hunt. While Kiri complained the whole way there, saying she did not even have a bow. Their sister, ever the pacifist, completed her iknimaya and chose not to carry the weapon.

It seemed that the Sully family had been here long enough that the Metkayina people no longer stared and whispered as they passed. Instead they passed through the village with ease until the woven walkway under his feet gave way to sand. As they jumped down the Sullys picked their way over a few rocks before they spotted Tsireya and Aonung up ahead.

The chief's daughter waved excitedly and motioned for them to join her down the beach. There was a little clearing just off the village that would work great for lessons. Tsireya's hair was parted down the middle with a few scattered braids twisted beneath beaded curls. His brother let out an involuntary breath when he saw her. Rotxo was sitting in the sand beside Tsireya but quickly stood up when he saw Kiri approaching. Neteyam laughed under his breath, wishing the boy luck if he intended to pursue his grumpy sister.

When they were near enough Lo'ak all but jogged over to Tsireya with a goofy grin on his face. Aonung made a huff of annoyance but didn't say anything at the boy's oblivious antics.

Neteyam nodded respectfully to the three but his eyes immediately sought out Aonung. His eyes traced over him happily as he watched the other's blue gaze instantly fall to the pearl band once more. When he looked back up, Neteyam was surprised to see a light blush across his cheeks.

"Can we get started please?" Kiri interrupted, looking around with lackluster.

"Yes, of course," Neteyam said, embarrassed, taking his gaze away from Aonung and beginning. "To the Omaticaya, the art of a clean kill marks a true warrior. To hunt is to survive."

Lo'ak was nodding beside him.

"So today we will start with the bow. Lo'ak will demonstrate."

The other Sully pulled his bow from over his shoulder and knocked an arrow into its hold. He took a few quick steps before drawing back with a sharp inhale and letting it fly. The arrow lodged itself firmly into a nearby tree with a satisfying thunk. Lo'ak let out a proud call.

Neteyam grinned and motioned for his brother to take the stance once more.

"Now watch again. See how his core is strong? You must hold your posture or else the arrow will not strike. Show them again."

Lo'ak drew an arrow but this time held his position so Neteyam could teach. "You see here?" he said, motioning to his brother's back. "Straight and firm."

"Ok release."

Again, Lo'ak's arrow hit the tree dead center, millimeters above the previous one.

"His shoulders do not move as the arrow leaves the string. That is what makes his aim so clear."

His brother grinned smugly and Neteyam gave his arm a little smack. But he was smiling as well. He had missed hunting. When they were young they used to go out all the time.

Neteyam continued to speak while his brother retrieved his arrows from the tree. "It is easier said than done of course. We learn from a very young age because we hunt from above. It is hard to hit a target as you fly."

"But for now we will start on the ground," he concluded good-naturedly once Lo'ak returned.

They spent the next hour going over posture and form. Neteyam and Lo'ak would switch between holding the bow so the others could watch them draw back. All and all they seemed to be fast learners.

Eventually they paired off. Lo'ak with Tsireya, Kiri with Rotxo, and him with Aonung. The groups split up and began to work. Neteyam thought Rotxo might protest about having to trade off with Tsireya using Lo'ak's bow, but it turns out he was rather happy to let a scowling Kiri slap at his posture as they waited.

Neteyam nervously turned to face Aonung and tried not to think too hard about the last time he handed the chief's son his bow.

He decided it would be best to start off by going over the different parts of the bow instead. He explained how they worked individually and what they were called. Aonung was a fast learner, his eyes constantly flicking between Neteyam and the weapon, nodding as he took in the information.

Finally, Neteyam decided he was ready to begin so he handed the bow over and took a step back. "Ok first I want you to draw back without the arrow so I can see what needs correcting," he instructed.

Aonung took the weapon and eyed Neteyam.

"What makes you think I'll need correcting?" he said defensively, his voice annoyed.

Neteyam grinned, apparently the other boy disliked the feeling of uselessness as much as him. He reveled in that feeling for just a moment, remembering how much Aonung mocked them when they first arrived, before taking a step forward.

"Because you have never done this before, skxawng. Do you remember what it was like the first time I tried to ride the ilu. I knew nothing. It is just like that."

His words seemed to settle Aonung which made him want to roll his eyes. But it worked because the other boy drew the bow and aimed it forward.

Neteyam stepped away for a moment, observing his posture before he came closer. "This is better than I expected," he said, eyeing the teal boy's grip. Aonung huffed, but Neteyam could see the puff of pride in his chest.

"Bring your elbow up," he instructed, motioning to one arm, "and keep your shoulders back."

Aonung copied his words and adjusted. Neteyam had him hold it for a moment longer so he could make sure it was correct before he nodded and indicated that he could let go.

They went through the motion a few more times before Neteyam deemed him ready to try with a real arrow.

"Right now the goal is just distance," he said, showing Aonung how to set the arrow. "Don't worry about trying to hit anything."

The chief's son nodded and pulled back firmly letting the arrow fly. The shaft shot forward with a sharp whistle and flew through the air at a high speed before landing in the sand a ways away.

"Good!" Neteyam yelled excitedly, happy with the result.

Aonung smiled broadly and grinned back at him. "Told you I could do it, forest boy," he parroted back but there was no real bite to his tone. It was clear he was pleased with himself.

"Yes, yes," Neteyam replied in mock annoyance. "Go get your arrow, mighty warrior."

Neteyam watched Aonung trot off down the beach until he felt his neck prickle with the sensation of eyes on him. He turned to see Lo'ak staring at him with wide eyes. His brother gave him a look that said: Really? Fishlips?

Neteyam had to try really hard not to laugh at that. But he could not deny that Aonung was doing very well. Tsireya, despite her optimistic approach, was still struggling to draw the bow completely taught. And Rotxo, who had given up with Kiri was now proceeding to badger Lo'ak repetitively about getting to use real arrows. Neteyam grinned at his brother's exasperated look. He was clearly having much more luck.

As the afternoon waves started to creep up the beach, Neteyam moved them a little further into the island. Now out of the sand, he showed the group how to crouch properly while still holding the bow drawn. Demonstrating this, Neteyam tracked forward silently and let his arrow release sharply. It punctured completely through a tree and directly into the one behind it. Even Aonung had the decency to look shocked.

By the time Tsireya had managed to draw the arrows, the group decided to move on to precision. Kiri set up a target and distracted herself by poking Rotxo's arm every which way while he tried to shoot, causing Lo'ak and Tsireya to giggle endlessly.

Aonung on the other hand was having more trouble than he was willing to let on. Each time he drew the arrow, it would shift subtly away from his aim. At first, Neteyam could help but laugh as the chief's son hissed angrily at a simple piece of wood, but when it was clear Aonung was moments away from throwing the bow down, Neteyam intervened.

"You are too tense," the Omaticaya explained, running his hand along Aonung's outstretched arm. The muscles under his skin jumped at the contact. "You are pulling too hard here-" he said, pressing his dark blue hand over Aonung's shoulder, "-and not enough here."

He let his other hand settle across Aonung's flat stomach. "If you want to keep the arrow steady, you must be calm."

Neteyam stepped into his space and lined himself up with Aonung's body and followed his gaze toward where the arrow was pointing. Aonung's breath audibly hitched. With gentle hands, he shifted the other's grip into the correct form before turning his head to meet Aonung's eyes.

"Now release," he said softly.

Those teal fingers let go of the string and the arrow flew into the target with a satisfying thunk.

Tsireya let out a happy squeal and Neteyam stepped back to give him space.

"Well done brother!" she called out.

Aonung grinned at her and gave an arrogant huff. But even his mock bravado could not hide the true pleasure in his eyes of a job well done. Neteyam smiled brightly at him when he turned back to face him. "Guess I'm not so bad a teacher," he joked, pushing into Aonung's shoulder lightly.

Aonung rolled his eyes but smiled back happily. "Don't flatter yourself, forest boy. Perhaps I am just a natural at everything."

"Oh really?" Neteyam threw back, laughing. "You would not last a day in the jungle."

The chief's son twisted his face in mock offense but he took a step forward and lowered his tone so that he spoke directly into the Omaticaya's ear. "You would protect me though, wouldn't you Neteyam?"

The sentence caused his body to shiver. Even despite the warm sun on his skin, he felt goosebumps rise up. His mind couldn't come up with a response so instead he just shoved him again, praying the others wouldn't notice the way his ears flew back shyly. Eywa help him.

Aonung let himself be pushed and laughed as Neteyam blushed before he picked the bow back up again. "Come on, show me again," he conceded, giving Neteyam an out.

The lesson went on for another hour or so. They eventually called it quits when most everyone could hit at least near the target. Tsireya wandered off for a moment before showing back up with a few baskets of food and the group settled down for lunch.

Neteyam sat himself down on the rocks next to Aonung and happily picked up a fruit, biting into it thoughtlessly.

"When does an Omaticaya become a hunter?" Tsireya asked, taking some fish from the basket.

Neteyam glanced up to Lo'ak but his brother was busy stuffing a kelp wrap into his mouth to answer.

"To become a hunter, a young warrior must kill a Yerik and return with its hide. It is how we mark the transition from child to adult. After that he may try for his Ikran, it is the last step of our iknimaya."
Tsireya seemed to contemplate that for a moment. "We have something similar," she concluded. "Now that the tulkuns have returned, many of the tribe's young warriors are preparing for their right of passage."

Neteyam's ears perked up in curiosity. He had never heard of another clan doing iknamaya.

"It is done slightly differently here than with your people I believe," Tsireya explained. "But we are required to spend three days alone at sea with our spirit sibling. No weapons. No company. When you return, you are welcomed back to the clan as a warrior. I believe Aonung is participating this year, is that correct brother?"

Neteyam immediately jerked his head to the side to look at Aonung who nodded like it was the easiest thing in the world. Suddenly the idea of Aonung, being alone outside the reef, made his gut clench. What if something were to happen to him?

"It is easier than it sounds," Tsireya promised with a lighthearted laugh, seeing the shocked expressions of the Sully family. But despite her reassurances, his heart was beating harder.

Rotxo jumped in happily, distracting Neteyam from his fear. "I know I would rather spend three days alone with my spirit brother than try to tame one of your ikran," he joked.

Kiri rolled her eyes but Lo'ak snorted in agreement. At the mention of the banshees, Tsireya clapped her hands together in excitement. "You said that the Omaticaya hunt from the sky. Will we get to meet the ikrans?"

Rotxo's ears also perked up in interest, but Aonung noticeably paled and stayed silent.

Neteyam shrugged, but after seeing Tsireya's reaction, Lo'ak immediately jumped at the idea. "That is a great idea. Bro, let's show them the ikrans tomorrow."

Neteyam bit back a sigh knowing that his brother had just signed them up for another early morning. "Very well, let's do it."

Lo'ak let out an excited yes and turned to Tsireya, eager to tell her the story of his bonding. Neteyam leaned back and listened to his brother's antics, trying to forget about the fact that Aonung would be alone outside the reef soon. Tomorrow they would fly the ikrans.