As the weeks unfurled, time became a gentle healer for Lai'ra and Neteyam, their friendship as strong as ever. The wounds of their past slowly mended, and the bond between Lo'ak and Neteyam reignited, reaffirming the strength of their brotherly connection. Neteyam felt a glimmer of hope rekindling within him, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, and he started to regain his true self. Lai'ra even distanced herself a bit from Lo'ak after her interaction with him the morning after her and Neteyams last night together. His attitude towards her became a bit obsessed, always getting angry at her for doing things with Neteyam, and she didn't want to go through the whole ordeal again. Luckily whenever she would tell Lo'ak how she felt, he would be understanding and give her space.
However, amidst this rekindled harmony, an unspoken rift lingered between Lai'ra and Ao'nung. Tonowari and Ronal, attuned to the nuances of their children, couldn't help but notice the palpable tension that hung in the air. When questioned about their distance, Lai'ra and Ao'nung would casually dismiss it, using their duties as an excuse.
Lai'ra began training Tsireya, showing her the way of the bow and arrow. Suddenly, Neteyam emerged from the edges of their practice area, wearing a mischievous grin that mirrored his intentions. "Can I steal her for a while?" he asked, a playful tilt to his head, directing his gaze towards Tsireya. Giggling mischievously, Tsireya gave her approval, already aware of the plans Neteyam had for Lai'ra. "Sure, go ahead. I'll go find Ao'nung and use him as my moving target." She teased, winking as she began to walk away.
With Tsireya out of earshot, Lai'ra turned her gaze up to Neteyam, her brows furrowing together inquisitively. "What's up, Teyam?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of uncertainty. Neteyam's eyes danced over her face, his grin growing wider. "I think it's about time you and I went on a hunting expedition in the forest. There's so much I want to show you," he replied, his voice low and captivating, tugging at her hand gently. Lai'ra's eyes widened, a surge of emotions swirling within her. She paused, caught between the echoes of her past and the possibility of a new beginning. Uncertainty clouded her expression as she found herself grappling with conflicting thoughts. "Neteyam... I don't know," she confessed, her gaze shifting downward. A wave of melancholy washed over her, a reminder of the life she had once known but had been tragically snatched away. Sensing her conflicting emotions, Neteyam placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Lai, I want to share our ways with you. I want to teach you everything you missed out on," he whispered softly, his eyes locking with hers.
In that moment, Lai'ra's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions. She felt the weight of her past entwined with the hope of a new beginning. Looking into Neteyam's eyes, she took a deep breath, summoning the courage to articulate her fears. "Neteyam, I appreciate you wanting to show me our world, but the forest... it holds memories that still haunt me. I'm scared of the darkness that lurks within. I hear the word Avatar and I freeze now... I still associate it with being in the forest." Neteyam's expression softened, his gaze unwavering as he absorbed her words. He understood the depth of her fear and the significance of her past.
"Lai, I understand the haunting memories that reside for you in the forest. But trust me, nothing bad will happen to you when you're with me. I would give my life to protect you," he vowed, his voice filled with sincerity. Lai'ra's eyes locked with his, witnessing the depths of his love and unwavering support. Her heart swayed, teetering on the precipice of a decision that held the potential for growth and healing. He reached out, intertwining his fingers with hers, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "You can do this. I'll be with you every step of the way. I believe that by facing your fears, you can find healing and reclaim the forest as a place you love again."
Lai'ra takes a moment to reflect on his words, contemplating the possibilities that lie ahead. Slowly, a spark of determination ignites within her.
"I... I trust you, Neteyam." She finally says, her voice filled with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. "Maktoko."
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Intimate Betrayal (Neteyam X Female OC X Lo'ak)
FanfictionThe Sullys arrive at the Metkayina tribe only to find their childhood friend Lai'ra there living among them. They thought her family had been killed long ago by the Sky People. Now they're all grown up and life takes some interesting turns when they...
