Out the Door
By SparklyTree3876
Rating: PG
Genre: General
Pairing: Jake/Neytiri (mentioned) Tonowari/Ronal (mentioned) and Lo'ak/Tsireya (mentioned)
Author's Notes: Hi, readers. I would like to present an Avatar one shot. It is set eight months after "Gone in the Dark" and shows Neytiri reflecting on the Metkayina/Green Spears war and the attack that nearly killed her. I decided to do this one shot after I wondered about Neytiri's thoughts regarding the second war she and her family became involved in. There are not enough fics focusing on this fearless huntress/warrioress, especially from her point of view. It was time for one. I am still undecided on a title for a potential sequel to "Gone in the Dark." I don't have an idea for a plot either. It is recommended you watch Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water as well as read "Gone in the Dark" in order to understand this one shot. I hope you enjoy this one shot. Constructive criticism is welcome.
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I sit on the beach staring at the sun hanging high above the ocean. I put my hand over my eyes as a large cloud moves over it. It moves very slowly. It is as if it is about to stop. It continues until it covers the sun completely. Clouds are such interesting things. They can appear in all shapes and forms. Cirrus clouds look like long lines of smoke. Cumulus clouds appear big and puffy. Mammatus clouds tower very high.
I hear laughter and look over to see Jake tickling Nastelane's stomach while holding him in his lap. I spot Lo'ak holding Skana high above his head. She waves her arms about. She squeals in so much delight. The men are seated on the sand. I can't help but smile. I feel so blessed to have had a second set of twins. I can never forget the premature births of Zeus and Roxanne. They were so tiny. They never stood a chance. Jake and I were so devastated at their deaths. I felt even worse when Mother told me the chances of me having another child were very small. Thank Eywa that she gave us Tuktiery. Tuktiery actually felt a little jealous she was no longer the baby of the family after Nastelane and Skana were born.
I look down at the scar on my left shoulder. I touch it and run my hand down it. I shift my attention to the scars on my legs. I lay my hands over the ones on my thighs. I sigh softly. These scars will always be a reminder of how brutal the Metkayina/Green Spears war got. It doesn't seem so long ago when it was occurring. There was so much death and suffering on both sides. I never thought my family would get involved in such a conflict, especially since we were still dealing with humans causing trouble.
I recall when we came home from a visit to the Omaticaya. We spotted some warriors with bandages on various parts of their bodies. We were shocked. Jake immediately suspected it was humans. We were surprised to learn it was Na'vi who caused their injuries, especially Mother and me. Tonowari revealed the Metkayina had held a longtime rivalry with the Green Spears. He and Ronal took us to their family marui along with Aonung and Tsireya. They explained frequent clashes led to a brutal civil war between the clans many generations ago. This led to the first practicing of the Tulkun Way. Tonowari warned us to be vigilant whenever we went out, especially Lo'ak, who asked if there was a way to stop the tensions before another war started. He admitted he wasn't sure if it was possible, but he hoped it wouldn't come to that.
I held a slight disdain for the Green Spears, but it increased when Jake and I became the targets of an attack carried out by Nekx during a fishing trip. We escaped without injury. I vowed to protect my fellow Metkayina from that day forward. I had no issues fighting any Green Spear that came after me. I still held on to my promise that I would never kill one of my own people. The thought of killing a Na'vi made me feel uneasy. It was like killing a part of myself.
The tensions got worse and exploded into a full-blown war between the clans. Tonowari and Ronal were firm on no one going out alone, punishing those who launched unprovoked attacks on Green Spears, and bringing anyone to the village for medical care. Mother and I assisted Ronal and her healers in administering it. I did not like having to tend to the enemy, but denying them would have made me no better than they were. I loved how eager the children were to pitch in, especially Spider. He may be small, but he is mighty as Kiri would say. Jake showed them how to mend injuries his way. The injuries continued to mount in large numbers, so Jake called Norm for help. It was a relief to see the Avatar Team. They were responsible for saving so many lives during the First Pandoran War. Humanity may have its vices, but it has its greats too.
Jake and I led a search party to find Kuai and her hunting group after they went missing. I spotted a young Green Spear man heading into the forest after I brought an injured Kuai to the beach of the first of three large islands. I feared he would go after Jake, so I followed him. I saw him aiming to kill my mate. If I attacked him, it was likely he would target me. I drew an arrow back on my bow. I asked Eywa to forgive me and let it go. It hit him in the back, killing him instantly. I was relieved, but I was also shaken. I hated I had broken my promise, but I had no choice. That decision will live with me forever. Sometimes, you have to make decisions in the heat of the moment. They may include you doing something you don't want to, but you have to push that away and do it.
Jake and I got into a scuffle with Nekx that left him injured. We took him back to Awa'atlu to get him medical treatment. He wasn't happy about being there at all. I couldn't blame him. I wouldn't have been happy if I had been in Kia. Neither would the other Metkayina. He nearly got into a fight with Rishi while Norm, Maureen, Tonowari, Ronal, Jake, and I were administering medical care to a young Green Spear man and a young Metkayina woman the next day. The warriors were seriously injured. He had pushed her out of the way, so he could be at his comrade's side. It was through the effort of Ronal and me that the arguing stopped. I hated hearing that. The tensions were so high that it seemed they would never lessen.
However, the tensions began to lessen when Nekx revealed he lost his mate, Reva, and his son, Rami, in childbirth fifteen years earlier. He offered to change a Metkayina's bandages. I felt some relief, but I stayed on guard for any signs the Green Spears could stage a revolt. I learned not to trust others so easily after humans killed Sylwanin right in front of me. Betrayal doesn't come from the unfriendly. It comes from those who acted the friendliest.
Jake and I had the best time of our lives in the forest that night. We made love several times at a beautiful waterfall pool. It helped us to rejuvenate our spirits. Caring for the patients and our children had left us little time for ourselves. I was elated when we grabbed the opportunity to head there. I remember our first very venture into the forest. It was so quiet compared to the one on the mainland. I even joked about bringing some of our animals here. Of course, that was not a good idea as it would disrupt the ecosystem.
Keye'txon had been brought in with an infected wound before our venture in the forest. I was horrified at the sight of it. It was the worst I had ever seen in my life. I knew it hadn't been a matter of if we would see such a thing. It had been a matter of when. Lo'ak and Tsireya had returned from seeing Payakan and La at Three Brothers. I was glad to hear Jake was allowing Lo'ak to learn how to insert an IV. My son had been so exceptional in his treating patients that it was time he learned something new.
I sympathized with Lo'ak when he was unable to save a young Metkayina man the next day. The man was brought in severely wounded alongside a young Green Spear woman, who had a not-so-serious wound. I felt sad for every life lost, even for the enemy. No innocent person deserves to lose his or her life. We fight to save every life we can. Sometimes, that person needs more help than what the People can provide. That is where the Avatar Team comes in. I admire the Metkayina for being so fascinated with human medical care. I never blamed them for their confusion over human devices. They had never seen such things, so it was natural they would ask questions. Curiosity is good for the mind.
When Ferris begged me to find Dila for her, my heart went out to her. I wasn't sure about going on a second search party after nearly getting killed looking for Kuai, but my compassion overrode that. I promised her I would find her daughter. Ronal overheard us and told me we needed to go now. I was glad she wanted to help. I was going to take some Metkayina myself, but she had more knowledge of her clan's territory than I did. It was so valuable as we came across two islands quickly. Half of us went to the first island. The other half went to the second one. Ronal and I were part of the first group. We split up. Ronal and I went together. I was a little nervous, but I kept my composure. Panicking is never good in any situation. It causes people to make irrational decisions, including rushing into danger.
I was ambushed by that young Green Spear man right after Ronal and I learned Dila had been found. He stabbed me in the side. I tried to fight him off, but he managed to knock me down. He kept stabbing me as I screamed. I was so scared I was going to die right there. I wondered about my children possibly being left without their mother. I saw Ronal tackle him to the ground. I listened to their fighting. I heard her yell out in pain. I knew she had been stabbed. I prayed to Eywa that she wouldn't be killed. More yelling came. Two Metkayina stabbed my attacker multiple times after they ambushed him. I tried to take a deep breath, but the pain was too intense. It was as if a thousand daggers were hitting every inch of my body. I could feel blood flowing from my wounds. They were like rivers coming from every direction. I wanted to stop it, but I couldn't move.
I gasped as Ronal crawled to me. I heard her beg me to hang on. She ordered our clanmates to build a stretcher for me. She contacted the other Metkayina for help in getting me home. She bandaged my wounds. The journey back home was a long one. I felt as if time were going to stop. I would freeze in place, as would my clanmates. When we arrived, Tonowari and Rotxo were there to meet us. So were eight other Metkayina. They were horrified at my condition. I tried to speak, but I couldn't. Ronal explained what happened. The Metkayina untied my attacker and me from the back of skimwings. They carried us to the village. Tonowari helped Ronal there. Rotxo was right behind us.
Everyone was shouting. It hurt my ears, but I couldn't do anything about it. Ronal, my attacker, and I were brought to a marui, where Jake, Lo'ak, Kiri, Spider, Aonung, Tsireya, and Nekx happened to be. My mate and my children were right at my side after I was set down. I couldn't speak, no matter how hard I tried. I did manage to speak Jake's name after he told the children to get Norm and Maureen. He quieted me and told me he wasn't leaving me. He got to work tending to my wounds after Aonung and Tsireya brought the medical supplies. I heard Maureen talking as Lo'ak and Kiri helped her treat my attacker.
Jake was so careful in treating my wounds. I couldn't blame him as he feared he would irritate them. You try to avoid causing pain, but it doesn't always pan out. It sucks big time. I was so weak that I didn't even notice Norm putting an IV into my right hand. I barely heard Tsireya yelling about how Nekx was to blame for my condition and her boyfriend and parents calling her out over it. I was aware Nekx and Spider were at my side. I wanted Lo'ak and Kiri there too, so I requested them. They came immediately when Jake told them to. I asked them to promise to take care of Tuktiery. I heard Lo'ak and Kiri beg me not to say that, but I insisted. I don't blame them for that. They wanted me to survive, yet I wasn't sure if I would this time. I tried talking to Ronal after her injury was tended to. However, I lost consciousness.
When I opened my eyes, my vision was blurry. I blinked them several times to clear them. I hate when I am met with blurriness after waking up. I want to get up, but I would fall as I can't see. I found Jake sitting next to me, so I called his name. He was so relieved to see me awake. I was glad to hear the children were okay and helping with the patients, except for Tuktiery as she was watching Kiki and Kipling. I admire her for staying so strong throughout this war. I know she had changed just as much as the others had. Unfortunately, he told me Rishi was dead from an attack by Green Spears at Three Brothers and was buried the night before. I was devastated and angry. I wanted to kill Nekx so much that I could taste it.
Jake informed me I was pregnant with twins. I was so shocked that I froze. I couldn't even move my head. I didn't even know I had moved my hand to my womb until I touched it. I felt a swell of happiness rise within me. Eywa had blessed me with more children. I had accepted I couldn't have any more. That meant Jake and I would have nine children with six being alive. Tonowari and Spider came in. I was so happy to see my son. I couldn't help but touch him. My hand is quite big in regards to his head. It could cover that completely. I talked with him and Tonowari for a minute before a young Metkayina woman came running in and babbling about Green Spears coming toward shore.
Jake ordered Spider to stay with me before he and Tonowari left. I was glad he did. We got to talking. Spider explained that Jake stayed by my side throughout the twenty-four hours I was in my coma and wouldn't leave unless to get something to eat or drink. I was not surprised to hear this. I would have done the same if my mate had been in my position. We don't leave each other unless we need to complete different tasks. After a little bit, Spider decided to go to the doorway. I heard splashing and squeaking. I had no doubt that was an ilu. It is such a fascinating creature. I had a hard time learning to ride one as the tsahaylu was much different from what I was used to. I did manage to do that under Ronal's tutelage.
Spider felt he should have gone back to High Camp and stayed until everything was over. I couldn't blame him for that, though Jake and I wouldn't have forced him to go. It would not have been right, especially since he had adapted so well to living here. He loved being with this clan. We were both nervous about the developments. Jake, Norm, Lo'ak, Tsireya, Kiri, Tuktiery, and Mother arrived. Jake announced the war was over as Nekx put a stop to it when Julay tried to carry out a revolt. I was so shocked, as was Spider. I never thought he would do such a thing after the way things had been with him. I commended for this deed after Jake said I should do so. I hated hearing Norm tell me not to hunt during my pregnancy. I understand everyone wanted me to be safe, but it was still annoying. I was proud of my children for hanging in there. Of course, I couldn't forget Mother. She was so brave to surrender her title of tsahik, so she could be with us. Of course, I was a little miffed that she got along with Ronal almost immediately after they first met. We clashed like cats wanting to duke it out during our first meeting.
I was happy to be able to eat some eel broth the next day. I didn't like that stuff until Tonowari suggested I add spices and herbs. That made it taste so much better. It is the perfect food to eat after being sick or waking up from a coma as it is easy on the stomach. I hoped negotiations were going well, as did Jake. He told me about Lo'ak and Tsireya's consummation of their relationship at the Cove of the Ancestors. I wasn't surprised. I had seen it coming for a time. Mother and Tuktiery visited for a little while. I was so happy to learn the clans had reached a deal later on. Even better was they agreed to help each other deal with the RDA's expansion on Pandora as it was likely they would go after the Green Spears someday. After all these months, peace was finally restored. Julay and her allies were exiled from their clan. I was glad as she deserved it. She brought nothing but trouble the second she set foot on the shore.
I found myself getting better faster than I thought after the tube was removed from my nose the next day. I was so relieved because I thought it would take longer. It was another week before I left the marui. Jake guided me home very carefully. Mother was with us. I was grateful to him for that. The pain was still quite strong. I hated that, but I had to deal with it. At least Mother's medicine could help ease it. I was so happy to be back in our family marui. I was even happier to see my children. We learned so much from this war. This included putting differences aside to work with the enemy and people becoming overzealous to the point they did not care about anything but their goals. I knew the sense of normalcy wouldn't return for a long while. It can't be forced to, no matter how hard we try. One thing was clear. Sullys stuck together. It was in our blood. This family was our fortress.
I was happy to see the tulkun celebration later on, though I could not participate. I got to meet Riti and Novik when Ronal brought them to me. Novik was such a mischievous little calf. She spit water on me a few times. I felt tempted to get into the water with her, but Jake would have gotten on my case over it. It was sweet of Ronal to offer to take me to see Rishi in the Spirit Tree once I healed. I was happy to see her within Eywa as I finally got to say goodbye to her. I even started crying.
I was glad my injuries healed within six weeks. I was left with quite a bit of scarring, but I didn't care. I thought of my scars as medals. My family and I forged a friendship with Nekx and Eli. I love how Eli was the most compassionate and least hostile of the Green Spears while he was here. I didn't like my every need was tended to two months after my pregnancy was diagnosed. I was never one for being waited on hand and foot. Ronal, Norm, and Maureen did a great job of monitoring me. Jake and I were relieved Nastelane and Skana were born without any issues whatever. We were so grateful to Eywa for this gift. We vowed to treasure it always.
I watch Jake and Lo'ak get up. They head into the surf and slide Nastelane and Skana across the surface. The twins squeal happily. They wave their arms about as their father and brother raise them high. I intend to savior every moment I have with my family. I don't know if we will ever be involved in another war like the one between the Metkayina and the Green Spears, but I do know one thing. Things can go out the door quickly. We must always be prepared for the unexpected.
THE END
