Intimate Betrayal (Neteyam X Female OC X Lo'ak)

Lai'ras Sacrifice

Lai'ra's eyes fluttered open, instantly alert to the deafening roar of helicopters slicing through the air above the village. Her heart pounded in her chest, an all-too-familiar sense of panic seizing her. Memories of her traumatic past surged back with force, threatening to drown her in a sea of fear. She took several slow, deliberate breaths, steadying herself as she prepared to confront the unfolding chaos. "Strong heart," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but filled with a resolute determination that fueled her every step.

With a firm resolve etched upon her face, Lai'ra stepped outside, ready to face whatever came her way. However, before she could venture further, Tonowari's strong grip snatched her back, pushing her away from the threshold. His worried eyes met hers, a sense of urgency vibrating in his voice as he spoke.
"Maite, please stay inside. They're scouring the skies for Toruk Makto," Tonowari pleaded, his voice laced with both concern and desperation. Lai'ra looked up at him, her wide eyes reflecting a mix of worry and determination. The weight of the situation bore down upon her, the imminent danger that loomed threatening to crush their peace. She couldn't ignore the pressing call to aid the Sullys.
"But the Sullys, Sempul(father)," she implored, her voice trembling with compassion and unwavering resolve. "They need our help. We can't stand by and do nothing. We must do something, anything."
Tonowari's grip tightened, his hands warm against her skin as he gazed deep into Lai'ra's eyes. Worry mingled with determination flickered across his face, his love for her evident in every line etched upon his brow. His voice softened, a tender mixture of love and protection, as he spoke his truth.
"Maite, your heart is pure and courageous, but we must also consider your safety. I could never forgive myself if they took you from us. I promise, I will do everything within my power to help the Sullys and safeguard our people."
Lai'ra released a deep, wavering sigh, her conflicting desires waging a war within her. Every fiber of her being yearned to face the enemy head-on, to fight alongside those in need, yet the primal instinct for self-preservation pulsed through her veins, urging her to retreat. Meeting Tonowari's steadfast gaze, she nodded. "Yes, Sempul."
Tonowari's lips curved into a gentle smile. Without wasting another moment, he swiftly left her Marui, his footsteps echoing with determination. Alone now, Lai'ra found herself sinking into a sitting position, her eyes fixated on the village's flurry of activities outside. She peered through the small openings, her heart somersaulting with each passing moment.

As she absorbed the scene before her, she was startled by the sound of hurried footsteps echoing through the Marui. Her head instinctively turned, and her eyes widened with a mixture of surprise, relief, and concern as she beheld Tsireya and Ao'nung rushing in.
"Oh, thank Eywa you're safe," Ao'nung breathed out, a wave of relief washing over his features as he closed the distance between them, enveloping Lai'ra in a tight embrace. Lai'ra, despite the lingering hurt and betrayal, allowed herself to be drawn into his familiar presence, the unbreakable bond of their shared past undeniable. "Ao..." Lai'ra squeaked as she held him tight to her.
Tsireya joined them, her presence reinforcing their familial unity. Yet, their moment was abruptly interrupted as their gazes locked onto the marauding Avatars ravaging their Maruis, no doubt in search of Jake.
"It's not safe here. We have to leave," Lai'ra whispered urgently, her voice laced with concern. Ao'nung and Tsireya nodded in unison, understanding the gravity of the situation. With swift and calculated movements, they began to creep out of the Marui, their steps measured and purposeful. Just before leaving, Lai'ra's hand instinctively reached for her bow and arrows, ensuring she was armed for the war that lay ahead. Gripping her weapons tightly, they made a run for it.

As they cautiously advanced, adrenaline coursing through their veins, Lai'ra collided with Lo'ak, and the pair crashed to the ground. A pained groan escaped Lai'ra's lips, but she quickly regained her footing, brushing off the clinging grains of sand that now adorned her body like a second skin.
"What are you doing here, Lo'ak? You guys need to get out of here," Lai'ra hissed through clenched teeth, her voice laced with urgency and frustration.
As Lo'ak was about to respond he was quickly cut off by a low voice. "You..."
A chill surged through Lai'ra's veins, freezing her in her tracks. The voice that echoed in the air bore an unsettling familiarity, triggering a flicker of recognition in her mind. It was one of her captors, the very voice that had haunted her nightmares. Yet, as she fixed her gaze upon the figure, her blood ran cold.