Chapter Text
They make the ascent slowly. Neteyam places a hand over the smooth skin on his side, feeling the familiar stitch appear there. He has finally managed to convince his grandmother to take the leaves off now that the holes on both sides of his body have sealed closed. The skin there is discolored - and probably always will be - and tender to the touch. His dad took him to see Norm and Max, having them do some internal scans, just to make sure his insides were okay - which they were, thankfully - and once that was all said and done, Neteyam decided that it was now time to start preparing for this leg of their journey.
It's going to test his endurance, no doubt, but he's not anticipating them getting super far in the days that follow, but this is going to be a trial for him as much for them, if only in different manners.
Like with all new and dangerous things, Neteyam had the Metkayina spread out with Omatikaya interspersed between them, keeping watchful the further up they go, knowing that it's only going to get worse as they continue. Neteyam keeps sending quick looks over his shoulder to ensure that Ao'nung is still walking right behind him. He smiles a bit, tail lashing back to tap against the thigh of the taller teen, grinning when those beautiful blue eyes flicker from the increasing height to him, a tentative smile sent his way in return. His hand reaches out and gives the tactile appendage a little tug, playfully.
Neteyam lets out a little laugh, folding his hands behind his back as he maneuvers up the steeper incline before it plateaus out. He listens to the quiet murmuring of the people behind him as he leads them further and further into the forest. He looks around to watch the wildlife moving about the forest both up through the trees and down on the floor beneath them. He can see a pack of nantang racing between the foliage, growling and yipping at one another.
After a while of traveling, Rotxo calls up from about seven or so people back, "Hey Neteyam!"
Neteyam's ears flip back to better hear him. "Yes?"
"How much further is it?" The shorter Metkayina teen boy asks.
Neteyam squints ahead, eyes tracing the thick root as it continues on as far as his sight will allow before disappearing up, up, up into the treetops and completely out of view. His tail does a little twirl at he looks back over his shoulder at the other boy. "We have a long way to go, Rotxo. Remember, this is a test in itself. Getting there is part of it. So, at this pace it's probably going to be all day." He shrugs his shoulders. "Go as far as you can, and then we'll pick up again tomorrow."
"Oh," Rotxo says slowly. "I guess, I just didn't realize that you seriously meant by that. So, just go as far as we can?"
Neteyam nods. "As far as you can. Then aim for a step further the day after. So on and so forth until we make it to the end. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but maybe the day after. We'll see. And we don't all have to do it together, just so long as you get there on your own two feet. It'll be well worth it. Promise." He casts a grin over his shoulder at those trailing behind him.
The root plateaus for a while, before it continues its gradual ascension higher up towards the stars. It's then, once they get achingly closer to the treetops, step by shaky step, that the Metkayina begin to lose their steam. The bushes and foliage down below lose more of its definition the higher up they go. And one by one, the Metkayina have to stop progressing.
First, it's Tsuy'asha. Then Rotxo. Then Tsireya. Then Ao'nung. Then Tonowari. Then, last but not least, was Zestira. Her features hard with fear but stubbornly she pushed on for as far as she dared, before she too, so grossly unaccustomed to the height as the rest of the Metkayina are, had to turn away and start heading back. It was an excellent test to see how their balance as a collective improved as they had to file past one another to get onto the pathway back and ensure that they don't fall or knock someone else off. Despite the days of practice leading up to this, Neteyam is relieved to head back. That ever-persistent stitch in his side pulls hard in vengeance with every step he takes and every breath he breathes.
Ever attentive, as the number of Metkayina dwindles, Tsu'tey makes his way over to Neteyam, putting a loving arm around his shoulders while they wait for the last to give up for the day. And once the last, Zestira, had been worn down by the increasing height and how the other Metkayina had folded before her, they were finally able to turn back. It's a long walk back but it's easier going down the root than to push up it.
Still, Neteyam felt himself slowing, even with Tsu'tey there to guide him.
As they go, Neteyam softly says to his papa, "I'm surprised by how long Zestira remained."
"She is a brave warrior," Tsu'tey says, just as softly, squeezing his shoulder and pressing more into Neteyam. "She is young and strong. She will be mighty indeed and a great asset to the Omatikaya."
Neteyam nods. "She was taken in by the Metkayina when her clan was wiped out, I heard. She was quite young at the time." His eyes trail further ahead, thirty or so paces away, concentrating on her feet as she maneuvers over small vines running along the root as it descends back down to the forest floor. Her posture is stiff, shoulders rolled back with her hands clenching and unclenching at her sides, no doubt chastising herself for a perceived weakness. But not even Neteyam, who lived his whole life in this forest, made it all the way the first time.
"It is a sad story," Tsu'tey murmurs. "We must always remember, even when times are tough for us, that out there, others have had it worse. We have to be thankful for our good fortune while we have it."
Neteyam nods slowly, pressing tightly into Tsu'tey's side, wrapping his arm around the taller male's waist. "Yes, papa."
***
Three days later, after making the trek and getting as far as they can, over and over again, yet still not far enough to breach through the forest and into the treetops, the last of the Metkayina call it quits. They are getting further, and Neteyam couldn't be prouder of them. But they still have a ways left to go before they make it to the end, which is fine, as Neteyam is growing stronger alongside them. He's okay with taking it slow and once they make it back to Hometree and settle in for the day, Ao'nung lowers down at Neteyam's side at dinner. His knee brushes against Neteyam's, making both boys exchange little smiles as Ao'nung lowers his leaf next to Neteyam's and says, "Can you give me a hint?"
Neteyam tilts his head a bit, curiously. "At?"
"What's waiting on the other side of the root?"
Neteyam fights a grin pulling at the corner of his mouth. He leans in closer to the teal skinned teen, meeting bright blue eyes with his own golden ones, "Ao'nung, you wouldn't happen to be trying to cheat, would you?"
One corner of Ao'nung's lips pulls up higher than the other as he leans closer, soft breath brushing against his cheek as he offers a little shrug. "I don't mean to cheat or anything. I'm just wondering if you were willing to give me a hint." He lets out a little laugh. "You know, because we're friends."
Neteyam rolls his eyes, peering at the taller teen through his lashes. "Uh huh."
Ao'nung grins, leaning closer so that their shoulders touch. "Come on. You can trust that my intentions are pure."
Neteyam laughs, rolling his eyes again. "Yeah, okay." He lightly slaps the other boy in the chest with the back of his hand. "Just make it to the end and you'll see. I promise that it'll be well worth it."
Ao'nung pretend pouts, grabbing a nut off of his leaf and eating it, curiously.
Neteyam's smile spreads a bit more as Ao'nung's ears tilt a bit in interest at the nut. The Metkayina's pallet has been almost solely fish with a bit of fruit for most of their lives, so they have been tentative in broadening their horizons, so it makes Neteyam happy to see that Ao'nung is enjoying something different. There was a lot of adjusting for the Metkayina with them. Rarely do the Metkayina come together for meals for the entire clan, as they mostly save that for special occasions, whereas the Omatikaya share most meals together. They will occasionally prepare meals in their own huts but for the most part their clan is very community based. Surprisingly, the Metkayina are far more solitary people. At least in that regard.
But they are adapting well, and Neteyam is quite proud of them.
Slowly but surely. They still need time to adjust, but Neteyam is so proud of how far they have come. He's glad that they are adjusting as best that they can. They still need more time, but they are getting there.
"Shame on you for prying," Neteyam teases, grinning at the taller teen.
Ao'nung laughs. "Can you blame me for trying?"
Neteyam shrugs. "Maybe a little bit."
Ao'nung raspberries his lips but bumps his shoulder again before continuing eating. Neteyam smiles, tail swaying as he looks up at Rotxo dropping down on his other side. The shorter teen smiles at him, which he returns.
Then, Rotxo asks, "Can you give me a hint?"
Neteyam laughs, shaking his head. "Patience, you two."
***
"Great Mother..." Ao'nung gasps behind Neteyam. The Omatikaya heir glances over his shoulder to see Ao'nung at a hard stop, eyes blown wide as he looks out at the wide-open expanse just past the break in the trees.
Finally, after four days of pushing as far as they could, the Metkayina finally made it to the scariest part of this journey. From here, Neteyam could see the tops of the trees down below as the root disappears back into the lower section of the forest. This large root stretched from one section of the upper forest, into a wide-open air, leading down into a lower section with a massive cliff separating them. Neteyam can see massive fruit plants sticking out of the rock, gasping up towards the sun, turning their fruit from green to red, ripening them for harvest in a few weeks.
Neteyam is excited, this fruit was his mom's favorite. Hopefully, he'll be cleared for flight by then so that he can sneak out to get some for her.
Speaking of.
"Good luck, Metkayina," one of the hunters laughs from between Tonowari and Tsu'tey. "Try not to fall. You're just high enough that the leaves down there won't slow down your descent enough not to break all the bones in your body. So don't fall." With that, he yips loudly before jumping off the edge. A few of the other hunters join him, leaping off the sides and falling fast towards the trees down below.
Ikran screech and dive towards the yipping and hollering hunters, ducking under them so that they can grab hold of their saddles and fly off. They circle the root and, in the air, keeping watch over them, just in case someone was to fall off. But now, they are almost there. Once they've made the descent all the way down to the lower half of the forest, then they have a little bit further to go before they make it to their destination.
"Don't be afraid," Neteyam says, turning his attention back to the stunned Metkayina with his family interspersed between them. "We have to keep moving onward."
With his hands carefully folded behind his back, he turns around and pushes onward.
"Don't be big scaredy viperwolves, okay!" Tuk laughs, leaping forward a bit, making Tsireya gasp and cover her eyes in fear.
"Please be careful, Tuk!" she gasps.
Tuk laughs, bouncing around in front of Tsireya. "Don't worry! It's okay! You just have to practice, okay? Use your tail, like Neteyam taught you, okay?" She spins around on her toes and marching forward. She laughs again, jumping up to grab onto their mom's hand.
"You still have to be careful, Tuk Tuk," Neytiri says, smiling down at the youngest Sully child. She grips her hand tightly to help counterbalance her as they proceed. Tsireya looks on wearily, kneading at her stomach like she wants to reach out and grab onto Tuk to pull her from immediate danger. But seeing as she's as safe as she can be in this situation with Neytiri, Tsireya just settles for following after anxiously.
Neteyam looks over at Ao'nung, smiling lightly at the anxious look on the taller teen's face. He tilts his head slightly, tail curling.
"Watch ahead of you," Ao'nung says, pensively. "You don't want to fall..."
"I'll be okay," Neteyam says, keeping is voice low. "But it's okay, Ao'nung. To be scared, I mean. Just go as far as you can, and then go back. And each day we'll keep going farther until we make it to the end."
"I'm not scared," Ao'nung scowls. His hands close into fists at his side, trying to reign in the shaking.
Neteyam's smile is gentle, folding his hands at the small of his back before facing forward once more. His eyes scan around them. The clouds up above, the beast flying about, the ikran and their riders circling to ensure their safety, and off in the distance to the west, Neteyam can see the floating mountains. The waterfalls falling from them glitter in the sunlight. And to the north-west, Neteyam can see where Hometree once was, and he could almost imagine it there against the skyline. How it towered over all the other trees around it. He had never seen his family's Hometree standing upright in person, but he saw some illustrations by the clan and pictures from a distance with the scientists, and both were wonderful to see.
Ao'nung gasps, catching himself as he wobbled a bit, and when Neteyam glanced back at him curiously, wondering if he would insist on being done for the day, he just shook his head stubbornly and pushed onward. Neteyam didn't say anything. He won't push one way or the other. They have to decide themselves how far that they will go. Not that Neteyam isn't excited to see their faces when they reach the end. Plus, it has been a long time since Neteyam has made this journey himself.
He had loved it, spending hours on end with just his papa. He would hold his hand, and they would travel along the root for as long as Neteyam's weak body and little legs could take him. It had been at this point in the journey that Neteyam had to stop because of how scared he was. He was little, and cried, immediately motioning for his papa to pick him up.
Tsu'tey had laughed softly, kissing and nuzzling his cheeks and hair. He had been seven at the time, having overcome a recent sickness and was enjoying spending the one-on-one time with his papa, so he hated to disappoint him with his fear. He had grown accustomed to the great heights of the trees and looking down at the forest floor, but to not be able to see the ground at all, the fact that he felt like he was able to touch the clouds, had just been too much for him to handle right away. He had flown before with his parents, but they had been on the back of an ikran, not walking on their own two feet. He needed more time before he could do it.
He's embarrassed to think back on it now, but it had been overwhelming at the time. His papa wasn't angry or disappointed. He just led Neteyam back home and they set out again the next day, but this time, he knew what awaited him. He had to go home one more time afterward, as the descent down towards the lower level of trees had been too scary for him - thinking that he was going to stumble forward and fall out - and with those thoughts getting the best of him, they had to turn back once more.
But the following day after, Neteyam was ready. And he was able to see the end of the root and the prize that lay on the other side.
When they had first started this day, Neteyam had been convinced that they would need more time before they were able to make it to the bottom, as he had, but as they pushed forward, they began their descent, following the path of the root back towards the lower forest floor and still no one had dropped out. There were a few scares. Some wobbling, some stumbling, but for the most part, everyone made the descent. Terrified out of their minds in their unbudging silence. Neteyam felt really bad for stressing them out, but he's so proud that they are pushing onward without a hint of complaint, despite their apprehensions.
Down, down, down they go.
As they draw closer, Neteyam glances over his shoulder to look at the Metkayina and his family still following after him, saying, "We're almost there, everyone. It won't be too much longer at this rate." Which is true. They are making good time considering they have been out all day. Soon enough, they will be able to make this trek a lot quicker. The destination always the same, but what lies at the end will always be different. Different for everyone.
"Almost where?" Tsuy'asha asks, about five people back. "To the forest once more?" He leans to the side a bit to look at Neteyam past the people between them. Then, tentatively, down at the wide-open space yawning around them, then back to Neteyam, spine stiff.
"No, well, yes," Neteyam admits. He glances ahead to make sure he's not about to walk off the side before glancing back over at the slightly older warrior. "But our destination lies ahead. The root will take us almost entirely to it. We're almost there. It won't be much further now if everyone wants to keep pushing forward."
There are rumbles of tentative agreement behind him, and still they push on.
After a few more minutes, Neteyam feels someone move up beside him. He glances over to see Tsu'tey move up to him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him into his side. Neteyam welcomes it, wrapping an arm around his papa's waist, leaning into him.
"How are you?" Tsu'tey asks, eyes scanning ahead of them.
"I'm okay, papa. How about you?"
Tsu'tey huffs. "I'm alright. How is your side?"
Neteyam blinks, realizing his hand was pressed against the front of his healing wound. He drops his hand down to his side, flushing.
"I'm okay, papa." He ducks his head a bit, hesitating before admitting, "I'm still building up my stamina. It's just a little stitch. It's not bad, I promise."
Tsu'tey hums, giving Neteyam's shoulder a squeeze before draping his arm over him. They walk for a few more minutes in silence, Neteyam relieved that his papa didn't make a big deal about the small ache in his side, when Tsu'tey asks, "Do you remember us taking this journey?"
"I do," Neteyam grins, raising his eyes once more. "I was so scared of this portion of the journey. The wide-open skies. The long drop. Even the descent was scary because of the angle. I kept thinking that I was going to fall off."
Tsu'tey rumbles with a little laugh, squeezing Neteyam's shoulder again. "You were so cute back then, my son. You were shaking so bad in fear but kept your little spine straight and your chin up. You kept such a strong grip on my hand even as your eyes welled up with tears. My sweet, brave little boy."
Neteyam laughs, flushing in embarrassment. "Even back then I didn't want to disappoint you."
"You could never disappoint me, my yawntu," Tsu'tey murmurs, pressing a kiss into his forehead.
Neteyam smiles up at his papa, nuzzling against him. "I know, papa. But it's hard to fight the evil little voice in the back of my head. But I wanted to see what it was that we were going to see. I was so excited. I had just been so badly sick, and you usually don't let me out of First Base so easily. Dad usually had to push you to it, but you wanted me to see it so badly too."
Tsu'tey's eyes drift a bit, no doubt thinking back to that time all those years ago. When they both walked this path for the first time with the two of them. "And well?" Tsu'tey asks, softly, after a long moment of silence. "Was it worth it? The chill gave you another cold after."
Neteyam nods without hesitation, hugging his papa tighter. "Yes, papa. It was well worth it."
Tsu'tey shakes his head, but a smile pulls at the corner of his lips. He kisses Neteyam's forehead again. "I knew you were going to say that."
They continue on in silence for a while, descending into the tops of the trees, then down deeper into the forest, heading for its floor. The Metkayina start to loosen up a bit more as they get closer to the ground. Neteyam keeps his head on a swivel, as they near the bottom of the long root, the last thing they want to do is to be caught off guard by some animals running about on the forest floor.
He doesn't want to get sloppy now. Not while everyone worked so hard to get this far and are looking to him to ensure that they make it to their destination safely. Spider is going to be kicking himself for missing this time. He had to stay with the scientists today because Max and Norm wanted to do a check-up on him. Something that is normal for growing kids. At least, human kids.
Thankfully, the Great Mother is on their side. Nothing attacked from the forest, the sky, and now nothing seems to be around them on the forest floor at the moment either. It's most fortuitous. Neteyam is thankful and hopes that their good luck holds.
There is a tangible sigh of relief from the Metkayina as they reach the end of the root. It sinks into the dirt and vanishes from sight. As they descended into the lower side of the forest, it grew darker around them, this portion of it, shadowed by the mountain and thicker trees above that prevent the sunlight from reaching the lowest parts of it. Neteyam digs his toes into the soft upper layer of the forest floor. He smiles at Metkayina as they too, relish in being back on the ground.
"You all did it," Neteyam says, smiling at the exhausted looks sent his way.
"That was terrifying," Rotxo admits, wrapping his arms around himself. The bioluminescent freckles on his skin light up in a unique pattern purely his own.
Tsireya nods, looking at Tuk with an exasperated look as the little girl bounces around her mom, just as excited at the end of their journey as she had been in the beginning of it. Neytiri pulls her daughter to her side, and softly hushes her, smiling gently. Tsu'tey gives him another little squeeze before stepping aside to give him space.
"But you did it," Neteyam says, folding his hands behind his back as he looks at the weary faces of the Metkayina around him. As shaken as everyone is, only Tonowari and Zestira seem to able to hold their composure. Even Tsuy'asha looks about anxiously, unable to shake how terrifying the last leg of their journey had been. Which makes sense to Neteyam. As Reef People they didn't need to go up so high into the sky, and the fact that they were able to do it first shot just shows their fortitude. Neteyam is so proud of them, and he hopes that it shows in his expression as he looks at each of them in turn.
Ao'nung looks around the forest, his ears pressing back a bit as a from pulls at the corner of his lips. "Is this it? This where you wanted us to go?"
Neteyam smiles, turning towards the darkness beyond the break in the trees. He looks back over at them, looking between each as he says, "No, just beyond the trees behind me is your prize. It has been so long since you all have been granted the single joy that all should be allowed in this world. Your trial thus far; leaving your home, coming to the forest, and working so diligently in becoming one with the Omatikaya, you have been denied one thing." he makes a sweeping gesture with his hand and steps aside. "Go forth and claim your prize."
Shared looks of confusion between the Metkayina.
"What's through there?" Ao'nung asks, stepping closer with a frown on his face. He looks between Neteyam and the darkness beyond the trees.
Neteyam laughs and Lo'ak grins, moving over to stand next to the Omatikaya heir. "You're so suspicious. Have I done something to deserve that? Go. See for yourself."
"Don't be scared," Lo'ak teases. "Go on."
"It'll be worth it," Neteyam promises, meeting Ao'nung's eyes. "I promise."
Tonowari steps forth, placing a hand on Ao'nung's shoulder, nodding at Neteyam. "Very well."
Neteyam turns and heads towards the trees, deciding that he would like to see their faces instead, when they see what awaits them. Tuk, excited as always, pulls from Neytiri to grab hold of Kiri's hand and the two girls follow closely behind him. Jake places his hands on Neytiri's shoulders and nods at Tonowari with a quirk at the corner of his lips.
Neteyam pushes through the trees and turns to watch past Kiri and Tuk as Tonowari and Ao'nung move through the break in the trees and come to a sudden halt. Their eyes widen as the vibrant beautiful purple of the Tree of Voices behind Neteyam paints the blue and teal of their skin a tinge of gentle pink. Zestira steps up after them, then Rotxo, Tsireya and followed lastly by Tsuy'asha.
Neteyam's family piles around them as Tuk excitedly claps her hands together and says, "Welcome to the Tree of Voices!"
All their faces shift through a myriad of expressions. Confusion. Understanding. Awe. Pain. Sadness. Grief. Happiness. And so much more as they came to really take in what was around them. What gift was being offered to them.
"You have been denied connection to the Great Mother for long enough. Go on now, everyone. Claim your reward. I don't know how Na'vi from other lands connect to the Great Mother and their ancestors, but I..." he hesitates, not wanting to speak on something he honestly didn't know. He looks down at his feet, watching his toes dig into the dirt. Then, decidedly, he looks back up to the Metkayina, "And while I don't know, I believe that you will still be able to find your ancestors here, even so far away from the water."
Tonowari hesitates, looking over at Jake, searching his expression. "Is it really alright?"
Jake nods. "It wasn't intentional to keep you all away from the Great Mother. It's not something we get a lot of chances to capitalize on, so take it while you have it."
Not needing any more preamble, the Metkayina move deeper into the bright purple trees, carefully running their hands along the dangling vines, watching as they brighten up at their touch. He's not sure what they look like in the water, but it appears different based on how they are looking at it. How they admire it. Maybe it's just been so long and they are relieved to have access to it again, Neteyam isn't sure.
Tsireya's eyes water a bit as she holds a bunch of the vines to her chest, choked up. Tonowari places a hand on her shoulder, leaning down to murmur something into her ear before pressing a kiss into her hair as she nods.
Neteyam stands between his dad and papa as his mom and siblings head over to the trees, taking a few strands of purple in their hands and forming tsahaylu with the trees. Tuk happily presses into Neytiri's side, closing her eyes and smiling happily, his mom places her hand over her heart, softly murmuring, "Hello, father. Sister."
Lo'ak and Kiri both nudge one another playfully but pull from the same tree and close their eyes.
Jake steps up behind Neteyam, carefully placing his hands on Neteyam's shoulders. Neteyam grabs hold of him and wraps them around him in a pseudo hug. Jake hesitates for a single moment, before holding him closer, placing a kiss to the back of his braids.
"I'm so proud of them," Neteyam says, smiling despite the pain in his chest. The Metkayina are in various states of sadness, pain, and relief. Neteyam prays that they are connecting to their ancestors, even while being so far away, but he supposes that just being able to connect to Great Mother might also be enough for now. Their home is destroyed, their clan scattered to the winds, and their families in tatters, yet their connection to the Great Mother remains. Even after everything that they've been through up until this point, the Great Mother has never left them.
They just... needed a chance to remember it.
"She's always with you," Neteyam murmurs softly to himself. Maybe he needed to remember it to. Maybe they all did. "She's always with me, too."