Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Eclipse is when you are supposed to be back, do you understand? I’m getting really tired of you running off and not returning until hours after you’re supposed to be back.” Jake growled through his teeth. “Lo’ak you are the older brother now, it’s up to you to be the role model now”
“But dad, Kiri is older than me, shouldn’t she- “ “She has always been the older sister, she knows what she’s doing. You need to get yourself together or I’ll put a knot in your tail. Do you read me?”

“Lima Charlie. Can I go now?” “You can walk your ass right to bed.”. Lo’ak glared at his father through his eyelashes before turning around and walking towards their hut. “It’s not fucking fair, he’s always hard on me but Kiri and Tuk can get away with anything they want” Lo’ak mumbled to himself. As Lo’ak was walking back his sibling wandered over.

“What did dad say?” Kiri questioned whilst looking over her brother. “The same thing he always says, ‘don’t stay out late, you’re the older brother, you disappoint me, you're a jinx, y’know the same as always,” Lo’ak rolled his eyes as he continued towards the hut. “Maybe he’s just worried?” Spider questioned. “ What is he worried about? Quaritch isn’t even alive anymore. There’s nothing to be worried about. He’s just freaking out over nothing.”. Spider quickly sucked in a breath, he knew he couldn't say anything. What he did still plagues his mind to this day, he still questions if what he did was the right thing.

~

“You’re very hard on him” Neytiri gave an accusing eye to Jake. “He’s mourning, and he’s doing it his own way.” “We are all mourning, but none of us feel the need to run away for days on end. No one knows where he goes.” Jake looks at his wife with strict eyes, “He needs to learn that he at least should tell us where he goes.”

Neytiri shakes her head and sighs, “One of these days what you say to him is going to come back to you Ma Jake.”. Jake looked Neytiri in the eyes and shook his head in disbelief. “There is no way that could be true, I’m protecting him. I have already failed one child. I refuse to fail another one of my kids,” Jake grumbled to his wife. Jake grabbed Neytiri’s hand as they began to walk back to their hut.

Lo’ak had been running off and disappearing a lot recently, for many hours past the eclipse and on the rare occasion he would even stay out for a couple days. It was starting to scare Jake. He understands that his youngest son is mourning but he feels that it could be done differently. It doesn’t help that where he believes his son meets up with Payakan is where the ship had went done. In other words it’s where Neteyam was killed. He wants his son to get through this but going where his older brother was taken can’t possibly be easy on him.

As the couple makes it to the hut where their children are, Neytiri gets ready to fall asleep with her children as Jake takes a minute to gaze at his son. “I’m worried about him, Neytiri.”. Neytiri stopped what she was doing and looked up at her husband with a look urging him to continue his thought. As Jake bent down to caress his son's head he looked to Neytiri “Before everything happened he would spend time with us. Even before we moved to the Metkayina clan. Now he’s always away; he leaves before day and he doesn’t come back until dark. I know he’s struggling. I just wish he would come to us and talk with us about it instead of keeping everything inside.”. Neytiri takes his words into consideration while visually examining her son. She was able to see his sunken cheeks and the harsh bags under his eyes. “He was always closer with Neteyam than he was with his sisters. I imagine it is very difficult for him. Wake early tomorrow and speak with him about it. You aren’t the only one worried, but I know he will listen to you. You are his father, he looks up to you.”. Jake moves over to her with a noise of affirmation as he gets comfortable to sleep.

In the morning Jake is awoken by a hushed voice, “Be quiet you are going to wake everyone up,” that’s Lo’ak “I am being quiet, you are the one being loud, stomping all over. Stay in, don’t go out.” Kiri. “Shut up Kiri, I’m going.” As Lo’ak hissed out to his sister Jake got up looking at a surprised Kiri. “I’ll talk to him, go back to bed,” Kiri nodded as Jake got up to follow his son who was already ahead of him.

“Lo’ak!” Jake called. Lo’ak quickly turned around stunned upon hearing his name being called this early in the morning, let alone the fact that it was his father that had called him. He froze in place as his father approached him, starting to worry about what he could have possibly done wrong already. “Where are you off to?” Jake had questioned as he stood in front of his son. When Jake looked down at his son he couldn’t help but think about how truly small his son is, and just how much he looks like him. Lo’ak really is his son.

“I’m going to see Payakan,” Lo’ak mumbled while avoiding eye contact with his father. “Why so early? You haven’t had breakfast,” Jake cringed at his own attempt at starting a conversation. Lo’ak looked at his father with a questioning look. He can’t believe his father is trying to just talk, it’s so weird to him. “I’m not hungry, and typically when I do get hungry Payakan helps me get some fish,” Lo’ak answered. The older sighed in relief at knowing his son at least is getting some food in his system. “That’s good. Yeah, yeah that’s really good.” Jake nodded. “It still wouldn’t hurt to stay back for a little longer, you were back late, you could sleep in today.” “I really don’t want to, Payakan’s waiting.” Lo’ak pushed. Jake’s eyebrows lifted in surprise at his son's urgency to leave. He reached out and placed his hands on his son's shoulders to partly support him, but partly hold him in place. “You know you can talk to me right? These last few months have been really difficult for all of us and I need you to know that I am here for you. For anything,” Jake watched as Lo’ak’s eyes lit up in disbelief before all emotion faded away. “There’s nothing to talk about.” Lo’ak responded. Jake tilted his head in disbelief.

“There is everything to talk about. What happened to Neteyam has been hard on all of us, and I want to know that you are getting through this in a safe way.” Lo’ak glared at his father as he spoke. “Don’t tell me about how hard this is for you guys, okay. Just-just let me go.” Lo’ak snapped out as he tried to get out of Jakes’ hold on him. “Watch your mouth boy, I’m still your father.” Jake reprimanded. “This is exactly why I won’t talk to you,” Lo’ak growled at his father. “What is that supposed to mean?”. “You never listen to me, and whenever I try to talk you immediately turn me down and get angry. Neteyam actually listened to me, unlike the rest of you. Now that he is gone all I have left is Payakan; because he actually listens. Something you could never do!” Lo’ak spit out, his voice rising as he spoke. "Maybe Neteyam would still be here if you didn't jinx the job," Jake spat. Lo'ak hesitated, he stared into Jake's eyes, tears building in his own. "Let go of me!” Lo’ak all but yelled as he ripped his fathers hands off of himself, turning tail and running.

“LO’AK!” Jake yelled, voice full of fury as he called after his son. He turned back to the hut. His walk portraying his anger he felt towards his son. “I can’t believe he feels he can talk to me like that.” He grumbled as he went.

Once Jake made it back to their hut Neytiri was awake, waiting for her mate to return, preferably with their son. As she saw only her husband return with a crease in his brow she could only assume how the talk had gone. Either way “How did it go?” she asked. “Horrible.” Jake responded. “He spoke like I was not his father and raised his voice at me. He said that I don’t even care for him. Does he not think of how his words sound? The disrespect he shows! I do so much for him, I gave him a safe home, I protect him as best I can! And all he can do is yell?” Jake ranted as he paced in front of Neytiri.

“Give him time Ma Jake, it is early and talking about Neteyam is probably hard. If he struggles to be around us now, talking to us is most likely going to be scary for him. Plus he was always with his brother, it has to be hard on him now.” Neytiri tried to reason with him. “Fine! He needs time, I’ll give him time.” Jake snapped as he took his communicator off and placed it off to the side. “Can we go for a walk before breakfast? I need to cool down,” he said looking at his wife. “Yes, we can.”

~

Lo’ak is freaking out. He just snapped at his father, and oh eywa did Jake sound pissed when he yelled lo’aks’ name. He kept checking his back as he called his ilu to him. Once he heard the ilu approach he jumped into the water like there was no tomorrow making a quick tsaheylu before speeding off to Payakan.

Once Lo’ak reached his soul brother he quickly hopped onto his fin. “I really messed up brother,” he gasped out. 'What do you mean?' “I yelled at my father.” 'That does not seem so bad.' Payakan tried to soothe. “Oh it’s bad. It’s so bad. He’s going to skin me once I return!” Lo’ak felt light headed not realising that he had started hyperventilating. 'Calm your breathing brother, you will pass out if you continue like that.' Lo’ak took a minute to collect his breathe. 'You do not need to return tonight if you fear too much.' “I’m worried that if I don’t return tonight he will be much angrier than he is now.” Lo’ak countered. 'I see your concern, brother. I will respect your decision whatever it may be.' Lo’ak leaned against Payakan as he nodded. “Take me for a swim.” Lo’ak took good hold of Payakans’ fin as they dove under the surface. He looked around at the world under the water as they swam through coral, appreciation for all life and the beauty made Lo’ak’s heart swell. 'Is this helping brother?' Payakan questioned, glancing at his soul brother. ‘Yes, it is very beautiful down here,’ Lo’ak signed in response.

After spending the whole day switching between swimming underneath the water, and laying on Payakans’ back cloud watching and stargazing, and thinking of what he will say to his father. The boy finally decided that it best be time he heads back to face his father. “I will be heading back now brother, I will see you again,” Lo’ak tells Payakan after calling his ilu. I understand, be safe. Lo’ak got settled on his ilu and started heading back to the village as Payakan dove back under the water.

After a minute the boy heard a strange sound that put him on edge. “Devil Dog, this is Eagle Eye. Over,” Lo’ak called over his communicator. The noise started to grow closer, it was making his ilu fidget. “Devil Dog, I may need help, over.” The noise was starting to sound like a rumble; specifically like the rumble of the sky people’s ships. “Devil Dog, I need help over.” Lo’ak was starting to panic. “Dad!! I’m scared!” Lo’ak all but screamed as he saw the metal structure appear from around the rocks. “Dad!!” Lo’ak cried. “Help!”.

The metal structure wasn’t stopping and almost avoided him before a sudden stop. “Hurry! Hurry!” Lo’ak screamed at the ilu trying his damndest to get the hell out of there. As the boy continued his escape he heard a loud splash from behind him, glancing back he confirmed his fears.

He was being chased.

~

After spending the day fishing with Tonowari, Jake finally felt it was time to head back to the hut. Especially now that it was dark. He had been overthinking the conversation he had with his son earlier and wanted to see if he was on his way home. He wants to tell his son that his words this morning were misplaced and he is ready to truly listen.

As he approached the hut he heard a voice coming from the communicator he removed this morning. “Shit, Lo’ak” he breathed as he reached for the piece of tech.

“Five minutes. Do you understand me, Corporal? Five minutes before you never see your son again.”

His blood ran cold. Quaritch. Quaritch is alive. Quaritch has his son. Quaritch has Lo’ak. He has five minutes to get his son. Oh Fuck… He has five minutes to find Lo’ak.

Jake stood there for a second, once his brain caught up to him he ran to find Neytiri. “NEYTIRI! NEYTIRI!” She came rushing to him upon hearing his frantic tone. “What is it Ma Jake?” “Quaritch is alive, he has Lo’ak. We have five minutes. We have to go!” He panted out, grabbing her hand and running to the skimwings. Neytiri paused in horror. “What?” “We have to go!” She quickly called her ikran before mounting it and taking off, Jake close behind on his skimwing. It was now a race against time. A race of what Jake believed to be life or death for his youngest son. His only remaining son. He already failed Neteyam, he can’t fail Lo’ak, not after their talk this morning. That can’t be the last interaction he ever has with Lo’ak, he needs Lo’ak to know that he can be trusted. For fucks sake Lo’ak I’m on my way.

~

Fear raced through Lo’ak as he dived under the water. Racing for a chance to escape, the boat that was after him he remembered was one of the ones that stayed on the surface. He had a chance, he thought to himself as he dismounted his ilu and hid in one of those plants that holds air. Unfortunately for him the sub team had been released the second he dived underwater and had seen him swim up into the plant.

Lo’ak all but screamed as he felt the claws of one of the legged machines grab him and pull. He fought as hard as he could under the surface. Amidst his fear he failed to realise the submarine approaching from behind with a net ready for fire.

He sobbed once he felt the net encase him. He was caught. He was stuck and his dad wasn’t answering him. As he was being lifted he was torn between wanting to call for his father and tearing himself free. When he tried to contact his father earlier he had no response, still he has heard nothing from him. Last time he tried to cut Tsireya and Tuk from a net he wasn’t fast enough. Ultimately, he was screwed. So, he chose the third option. He cried.

Once he felt himself drop on the surface of the large ship he quickly grabbed his knife and took a fighting stance. He needed to know he at least tried to fight. He was shocked still upon seeing a face he never thought would haunt him again. Quaritch. “I remember you.” That voice rattled Lo’ak to his core as he felt more tears slip down his face. Now, not only was he caught by the sky people with no one on the way to help, he was stuck with the one person that would do anything to see his father’s head on a wall. “What do you want with me?” Lo’ak snarled through his teeth. “You know what I want.” Quaritch smirked. A taunting look Lo’ak sees in his nightmares. “Cuff him to the rail.” He didn’t even try to fight as he felt the avatar's hands pin him down and strap him to the rail, all he could do was glare at Quaritch. If looks could kill, Quaritch would have exploded. As Quaritch started to approach the boy he hissed with all his might, silently cringing at the failed attempt. The man unclasped his communicator from his throat and tore his earpiece off. If Lo’ak winced that only for him to know. “He won’t answer you.” The boy whispered, not expecting anyone to have actually heard him. “Then he won’t see his son.” Quaritch eyed up the young Na’vi on the ship. Last time they were in this situation the child did nothing but fight. Now the child did nothing. What changed? Quaritch thought to himself.

“Corporal, I have your son. And I’ll be nice. I’m giving you half an hour to come out here and turn yourself over to me in return for your son’s life.” After a second Quaritch was almost surprised when he heard nothing back. This is nothing like what he was expecting. The man looked down at the child and saw the kid's sad eyes. Was he really being honest, that Jake wouldn’t answer for him? Quaritch almost started to feel pity for the child.

As time went on Quaritch kept giving warnings to Jake. Twenty-five minutes, twenty, fifteen, ten. Finally “I have been nice, Corporal. I gave you plenty of time. You better hope you’re on your way, you have five minutes. Do you understand me, Corporal? Five minutes before you never see your son again.”

“He isn’t coming,” Quaritch looked down, the kid looking up at him through his eye lashes, tears starting to form; and the man believed the words spoken from the kids mouth. “He still has time.” Whether or not he was trying to comfort the child or convince himself that he could finally end Jake’s life. Well, even he didn’t know the answer to that.

~

Jake felt like he was going to throw up. He doesn’t know how long it took him and Neytiri to get to three brother’s rocks, but he could see the large stones in the distance. “Please, great mother. Please!” Jake was begging any god from earth and pandora that he could get there in time to save his son. The blood pumping so hard that’s all he could hear. His breath was painful from the labouring strength it took to rush. As he got closer to the rocks he could hear the distant sounds of engines firing to life. “Oh God, please no!” He was so close. He could hear it.

He raced around the corner and his breathing stopped. The ships were leaving. They were getting father from him. His son is being taken away from him. Oh Shit. His son, his son is on that ship. “Go. Go!” He all but yelled at the skimwing. He’s so close. He can see the ship. He’s here. “Your time is up, Corporal.” It felt like for the millionth time, Jake could. Not. Breath. “No, I’m here!” He begged “Took you long enough, Corporal. But you are still out of time. I gave you half an hour and you chose to show up at the last second.” Jake froze. He thought he was given no time. He was given half an hour. He had half an hour but his stupid anger filled brain had him take off his communicator. If only he kept it on, Lo’ak would still be here.

“Ma Jake what is happening?” Neytiri gasped through the communicator once she saw Jake stop moving. “We are too late,” Jake practically sobbed. He looked to his side and saw a rock peeking through the surface of the water. It took him a second but he came to recognize that rock. It was where Neteyam took his last breath. The father looked towards the ship. That rock marks where he lost both his sons.

Jake climbed on the rock and lay down on his back.

Jake looked up at the stars above him.

Jake screamed.

Chapter Text

“Where is Lo’ak?” Jake felt ashamed to look in Kiri’s eyes after hearing that question. What could he say? I failed your brother because I was selfish. I wasn’t fast enough. He’s gone. Jake looked at his daughter and shook his head before walking passed her. The girl felt her stomach drop. “Mom?” Neytiri looked at her, tears threatening to fall. “Quaritch has him,” she whispered. Neytiri physically could not make her voice louder. The anguish she felt after watching the light fade from her eldest son’s eyes was returning. Both of her sons were gone. Both lost near that damn rock.

“Go back to the hut and sleep. We will talk tomorrow.” Neytiri started to walk back home. She knows where Kiri is, she has to know where Tuk is. She can’t lose another child. Not now.

Upon hearing the news Kiri felt her knees weaken. She spoke to her younger brother this morning. There is no way he is gone now. He is a fighter. He has to come back. He has to be okay. This isn’t fair. Was she supposed to be brotherless from the beginning? Is this why Eywa has taken them both? She felt the wetness on her cheeks as she followed her parents, but she just couldn't seem to wipe the tears.

With Neteyam she was able to say goodbye. She got that closure with her older brother. Her little brother was just gone. She may never see him again. He could be dead. He could be rotting at the bottom of the sea with no one to give him a proper send off. He may never reach Eywa. He is going to b- “Baby girl breath. You’re panicking.” When she looked up she saw her dad holding her and her mother peering over his shoulder. Tuk was holding their mothers hand looking at her, worry in her little eyes.

After a second she felt the lack of air hit her and she gasped. “That’s it. You’re okay. I know what happened is scary, but your brother is strong. He is going to be okay. We’ll find him.” Jake tried to comfort her. He may have been trying to convince himself, but comforting his daughter is his number one priority. “What?” Tuk asked in disbelief, “What’s wrong with Lo’ak?” Jake sighed, slowly turning to his youngest. “The sky people have Lo’ak.” He answered. The little girl started to cry.

Both her brothers are gone. Neteyam and Lo’ak are gone. She couldn’t believe it. Why is everyone standing here, why is no one searching? “We have to go look for him,” Tuk gasped as she tried to push past her family. “He needs us!” Jake picked her up and held her to his chest, “They are already gone, Tuk. He isn’t there anymore.” Tuk looked at her father in disbelief. “We have to look! He would look for us. We have to go! Sully’s stick together!” She cried, why didn’t they understand? “We’ll look in the morning. It’s too late.” Jake tried to console his youngest. The bravest of the family. “For now, try to sleep as best as you can. I will be up early to look. Girls, I want you both to stay home with your mother, and you do not leave her sight, do you understand?” Jake demanded. “I’ve lost enough children I will not lose more,” he mumbled as he placed Tuk down.

Jake couldn’t sleep that night, how could he. His son was out there and he has no idea where to even start his search. “What are you thinking?” Jake flinched at hearing his wife’s quiet voice. “I didn’t think you were awake”. “How could I sleep? I can’t feel tired, I’m worried. But you didn’t answer my question,” Jake considered her words. Of course she can’t sleep. He was foolish to think otherwise. “I’m trying to think of where to start looking tomorrow,” He finally answered. “Did you see which direction the ship went?” That, why didn’t he think of that? “This is why I love you so, I would never have survived without you.” Jake responded in awe. Neytiri managed a small smile at his words.

Kiri could hardly sleep a wink. Her little sister was fast asleep, tears staining her small cheeks. She tries to sleep but she is continuously met with a strange dream. She can’t tell if it is a warning, or what. There is this Na’vi, maybe an avatar, she isn’t sure; but this thing is tall and well built. Not as tall as her father, but close. Very close in height, and in build. They look messy, their shirt doesn’t quite fit them and their pants are barely being held in place by the belt this person has. One of the worst parts is that the person is glaring at her through their hair. The eyes look dead. Not the kind of dead that shows no life, but the kind of dead that shows no emotion. They are carrying two small scythes, strapped in at their waist, a knife holder on their calf and a gun in their hand. The scariest thing about this person is not the amount of weapons they seem to carry; but that they have Lo’aks face.

She couldn’t look at that face, that is what kept her awake. That is why she can’t tell if this dream is a warning or something else. She looked Spider. He still doesn’t know, he was asleep when they had returned. She wonders what he will think upon hearing the news.

~

“I told you he wouldn’t come,” Lo’ak hissed through his teeth as he felt the ship accelerate. “You grabbed the wrong kid to get his attention.” Quaritch studied the kid in front of him. The child had no fight in his system, he just sat there. “You don’t seem very surprised by this, nor do you seem very hurt. Why is that?” Quaritch cocked his head in curiosity. He nearly resembled a large cat. “He doesn’t care.” “He’s your father?” Quaritch didn’t get it. Why would Jake, this kid's father, take so long to look? “He never cared about me, I was just trouble to him. He always called me a Jinx, I jinx every job.” Lo’ak quickly looked up at the man “I don’t even know why I’m telling you this,” he admitted.

“What’s your name kid?” Quaritch got down to the kid's height. Maybe if he can get through the kids head he can use him to get at Jake. “Why should I tell you?” So the kid still has a little fight left. Quaritch raised his brow at the sudden outburst. “You have already told me things you probably shouldn’t have. So what’s stopping you from telling me your name?” The kid sat and glared at him, he almost looked like he was contemplating his options. Good. “I’m Miles Quaritch. There, now you know my name.” “Lo’ak.” Miles was mildly shocked at the sudden change of heart. “Loak?” “No, Lo’AK. Not Lo’ick” The kid growled. “Sorry. Lo’ak?” The kid, no, Lo’ak nodded. “That’s a nice name Lo’ak, I’m assuming your mother chose it?” The boy looked at the man curiously. “I don’t know. Why do you care?” Miles chuckled at the hostility the kid showed. “I’m trying to figure out why Jake betrayed you.” That seemed to strike a nerve. Lo’ak growled at Miles. His eyes full of hatred, “he didn’t betray me!” “Oh really? Then why isn’t he here? Why did he leave you to fend for yourself against a pack of wolves?” The kid immediately stopped and looked down at the floor. “You know, he betrayed me once. I gave him simple orders and he turned around and killed his own men and women. It doesn’t surprise me that he still betrays those that are supposed to be on his side.” Lo’ak looked up at him in disbelief. “He never told us that.” He seemed lost in thought. Poor kid, but how could he know, all Jake ever seems to do is lie. “I can tell you all about it. What I asked him to do, how he hurt us, how he betrayed us.” Miles couldn’t tell if the kid perked up or not at his words. There was definitely something that crossed the boy's face. Curiosity maybe? Realisation? “Why are you telling me this?” Miles was shocked by the suddenness of Lo’aks words, “What do you mean?”. The boy looked him dead in the eye, a serious look locked on his face. “How come you haven’t tried to hurt me? Why are you just talking?” That really made Miles think.

The kid has a point, why hasn’t he tried to kill him yet? Or tried to hurt him. What is compelling him to tell this kid so much about Jake? Why does he feel guilt for the child? Simple. “I see parts of me in you, kid.” Lo’aks eyes went wide as he stared at Miles. “I see a fight left in you. I see courage. That’s something I want on my side. A way to get back at Jake, and someone reliable to do just that.” Somehow, someway Miles thinks he got to the kid. The look he sees isn’t disagreement. It’s curious, it’s calculating, in a way it’s dangerous. “Jake has hurt us both, and I’m offering you a way to get back at him. What do you say?” The look on the kid's face turned dark as he heard Miles' words. “He’s my father, I can’t hurt him!” Shit, Miles is losing him. “You can’t hurt him, but he can hurt you? How does that make sense? It doesn’t seem very fatherly to me.” He got the kid back. He can see it in his eyes. Miles knows he has one chance to get this kid on his side, he has be smart about this. If he messes this up he will lose the chance. “I’ll make you a deal.” So far so good. “I will give you a warm place to sleep, good food, and warm clothes, and” Miles took a breath, here is the hard part. “And I will show you what a real father’s love looks like. All I ask is that you do as I say.”

One breath.

Two breaths.

Bingo.

~

“Come here,” Jake needed to set up some new rules, and fast. He also has to inform Spider of what has happened, he deserves to know. “After last night, some things are really going to change around here. There will be no debate.” Spider looked confused, Jake doesn’t blame the kid.

“Last night Quaritch got in contact with me,” Jake said. That sentence sounds like a threat to anyone else in the hut. But Spider felt his blood run cold. Shit, do they know he did it? Do they know he saved him? “Last night Quaritch, he took Lo’ak.” Spider stopped breathing. Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Ohfuckohfuckohfuck. “I’m going out today to look for him, none of you are to come with me. It is too dangerous. You three are to stay here with your mother, and you do NOT leave her sight. Am I understood?” Jake demanded, Spider could tell her was worried, of course he was, his son is gone and it’s Spiders’ fault. “I have lost enough children in the last six months, I absolutely refuse to lose anymore. If you feel the need to leave Neytiri you are to find an adult and you are not to leave their side.” Spider couldn’t believe it, he saved Miles all those days ago, if he would’ve let him drown Lo’ak would still be here. How could he be stupid. Spider knew Quaritch would come back ,it was simple knowledge, he knew what he did was dangerous. But he thought he had more time. He didn’t think that it was going to be so dire. Lo’ak was supposed to be by his side when Miles returned. He wasn’t supposed to do this alone.

It was sad seeing Spider look so sad. He can only imagine what is going through the kids head. Quaritch is a recom of his father, and he captured Spider first, and Eywa only knows what that man did to the poor kid. Now Quaritch has Lo’ak. Only Eywa knows what Quaritch is doing to his kid. Jake couldn’t think about it. If he does he might make himself throw up. As Jake got up from the rest of his family he couldn’t help but think leaving them would be a terrible idea. Every time he has left his children alone he loses one.

Before going to the skimwings he makes a quick detour towards Tonowari’s hut to inform him about what had gone down the night prior, as well as to ask him a favour. “I see you Tonowari.” Jake greeted as he approached the Olo'eyktan. “I see you JakeSully, you appear distressed. What is the problem?” Shit, it really was that noticeable. “The sky people appeared last night,” Tonowari grit his teeth at the news fixing his posture to appear larger, “And they took my son, Lo’ak.” At this Tonowari’s face went dark at the news. “I have come to inform you of the news, and tell you that I will be going out to look for him. There is one thing I would like to ask,” Tonowari nodded his head allowing Jake to continue. “All I ask is that you watch my family while I am away. I can’t lose another child,” The Olo’eyktan considered his words. “I will look for your son with you. We will bring other warriors with us. Ronal will help Neytiri look after your daughters, as will my children.”

It had been nearly four hours of searching and there was nothing. The Na’vi had gone well past Three Brother’s Rocks in the direction the ship left. There was no land the ship could have docked at. No island in sight. Nothing. Just water. Some young Metkayina warriors had gone home. Other warriors were beginning to lose hope. Tonowari refused to let them go back, he said something along the lines of ‘would you still give up if it was your child?’. The search was draining and disappointing. If Jake teared up or cried at all, that was only for him to know.

Six hours. They had found a camp made by sky people. It was new, the confirmation they were still headed in the right direction. Good part was, there was no blood. Bad part, there was no telling if these are the sky people that took Lo’ak, and telling if his son was still alive. Jake tried the communicator, all he got in return was radio static.

Eclipse was pulling over and so far there was nothing but the camp. They had to turn back, there was not enough food left to push any farther. Once they returned it was determined that the next day Jake and Neytiri would take the ikran and see if they couldn’t get farther. The children would stay with Tonowari and Ronal.

“There was a camp, we will head there and examine the area. Depending on how much time we have left, we will go farther.” Jake had been filling in Neytiri with what they had found on the search, as well as setting a path for the next day. Jake knew the next few days were going to be tiresome and disappointing, but he also knew that he could not give up on his son. What kind of father would he be if he did.

The flight had been just as crushing as the water search. Nothing had been found. The search had been going on for days. Many villagers had no faith in finding him. It had been too long, there was no way the child would still be alive. Jake understood where they were coming from, but he could not stop looking.

After two weeks he began searching for a body. What else would there be to find? Quaritch was a monster, he would stop at nothing to get to Jake. Quaritch’s men had killed his eldest son. What would stop him from killing Lo’ak?

~

There was nothing anyone could offer Quaritch that would make him hurt this kid. There was nothing that could cause this child's blood to be on his hands. That’s all that went through the man's head as he watched the kid sleep. He would be an amazing asset to the team. He would be the ticket to getting revenge on Jake.

Chapter Text

“And I will show you what a real father’s love looks like. All I ask is that you do as I say.”
One breath.
Two breaths.

Bingo.

The kid looked at him and nodded. That was easier than he thought, probably because Jake has already hurt the kid enough. “If I take you off the rail are you going to stay, or are you going to try and run?” Miles asked. “If I do run, will you chase me?” “‘Course we will.” That was all Lo’ak needed to hear. Confirmation that someone would actually look for him if he were to go missing. He found that someone. Quaritch walked over and undid the cuffs, the man grabbed Lo’ak’s arm out of fear the kid would run. “Give me your knife,” Lo’ak looked up at him like he was stupid. “Why?” Lo’ak was confused. He earned this blade, he can’t just give it up. “I earned it, I can’t just give it to you.” Quaritch couldn’t believe it, “We had a deal, I give you everything you could ever want and all you have to do is listen. Is that really so hard for you? I don’t know how your father did it, but I ain’t afraid to give you an old school ass whipping.” Lo’ak withheld a sob, this was supposed to be better than his father not worse. Hesitantly he removed his blade from its holster before handing it over.

Quaritch smiled, “Now that wasn’t so bad now was it? All you had to do was hand over the knife. Nothing happened right? You aren’t being hurt.” Lo’ak nodded, Miles was right, it was simple. Handing over the knife was easy. This is all he had to do to be treated right. He just has to listen. It can’t be that hard. “I wanna hear you say it kid,” Miles pushed. “It wasn’t that hard.” Lo’ak said, head down. “It wasn’t that hard to what, Lo’ak?” Miles grabbed Lo’ak’s chin making him look at Quaritch. “It wasn’t that hard to listen and do as you say, sir” “Good, now we just have to work on cutting that ‘sir’ shit. I don’t know who taught you that, all that does is set you up for a rough relationship.” Lo’ak was ultimately confused, he had believed his whale life that referring to the leader as sir, his father made sure to ingrain that in him at a young age. “Sorry, my father had taught me to refer to the leader as sir, it's a habit.” Miles frowned.

He was shocked, he expected Jake to be a better parent; But then again Jake never showed up, so why was he so surprised. “It’s alright, we have time to break the habit.” The kid nodded silently. The poor thing is so broken. Quaritch doesn’t understand how Jake had never seen it before. For fuck sake this is his son and the kid is basically scared of disobeying his own damn shadow. “Walk with me kid, I’ll introduce you to the team, or uh- who’s remaining of the team,” Quaritch can’t wait until they finish the new recom bodies of his lost friends. It was already a work in progress before they all died, but now it’s down to just Quaritch and Wainfleet for now. “Okay” Lo’ak said following Miles.

“This is Wainfleet, Lyle Wainfleet. He is the only other living recom currently.” As Miles gestured to the corporal Lyle lifted his sunglasses to reveal his face and smile. Lo’ak froze. His blood ran cold as he saw those eyes. The same ones that had taken his brother. “You” Lo’ak couldn’t breath, he couldn’t talk. He needed to not be around him. He needed to get away from this monster. “LO’AK!” Miles yelled after him.

Lo’ak doesn’t know when he took off and ran, all he knows is that he did. Would he be punished for running, probably. But he needed to be gone. He can’t leave the ship, he knows that much. He is already going to be yelled at, he doesn’t need to be killed. The boy had found a small nook under a staircase and hid there. He couldn’t handle being around other people now. Not after seeing that face. It brought back too many memories.

He could hear Neteyam struggling to breathe, he could feel the blood running through his fingers. He could see the light leaving his brother's eyes. He could smell the iron in Neteyam’s blood. He couldn’t breathe. He just can’t.

He hears yelling. It’s his name that he hears. He can’t pinpoint where the yelling is coming from. He can taste blood. Shit. Why can he taste it? This isn’t right. He is not supposed to be able to taste the blood. He could smell it, see it, and feel it. He could never taste it. Is it his blood? Is he bleeding? Fuck! Something is touching him. Help. Please, I'm sorry. It wasn’t my fault. I didn’t know. He wasn’t supposed to die. He’s sorry. He’s sorry. He’s sorry.

After introducing Lo’ak to Wainfleet the kid looked like he had seen a ghost. “Lo’ak? Are you okay?” Miles asked, placing his hand on the kid's shoulder. Lo’ak was struggling to breathe, what the fuck happened? “You,” The kid whispered. Then he ran. “LO’AK!” Quaritch yelled. He took after the kid, but damn was the kid fast. “Lo’ak,” Miles called looking around the deck of the ship. Shit, Quaritch thought, this isn’t good.

Miles hurried over to a random person on the deck of the ship. “The kid we brought onto the ship, have you seen him?” The person shook their head. “Haven’t seen the kid since you took him with you. Why? What happened?” “Not sure, he took off and I want to make sure he didn’t jump off the ship.” Quaritch needs to keep looking; he can't just stand here and talk with this person. Miles turned to Lyle, “You look around the outer part of the ship, I’m going to check the inner deck, see if he isn’t hiding there.”

Quaritch was starting to worry, he didn’t know what had happened. He just wanted to introduce Lo’ak to Lyle and all of a sudden Lo’ak seemed to shut down. As Quaritch kept walking he heard panting. “Lo’ak?” He walked towards the sound slowly, he didn’t want to scare the kid more than he already was. “Lo’ak, where are you?” Quaritch kept his voice gentle as he approached the kid. “Lo’ak what happened?” Once Quaritch saw the kid he froze. The kid was a mess. He was panting, curled into a ball holding himself and mumbling. “Lo’ak it’s okay, you’re okay,” Miles gently placed his hands on Lo’ak’s arm, not quite sure what he should do. The kid had blood on his lip. Most likely from how much the poor thing was chewing on it.

As quaritch went to put his other arm on the kid, Lo’ak passed out. “Shit! Lo’ak? Hey, wake up kid!” The man hurriedly picked up the kid and started to rush to find someone. He didn’t know what was wrong. What had happened. The kid was fine earlier.

“Lyle!” Quaritch had to find him, he needed to help the kid.

~

“MaJake, you need to sleep,” Jake glanced over to his mate. “I know, but I can’t. '' Neytiri stepped over to Jake and wrapped her arms around him, holding him in a back hug. “He is a strong boy, he is going to be okay,” Jake sighed after hearing her words. “It has been two weeks, Neytiri. How do we even know if he is still alive?” Jake was losing hope, his little boy was gone. “How long did Quaritch have Spider? He survived all of that. If Spider can do it, Lo’ak can.” Jake knew she was right. Lo’ak was stronger than Spider, he could handle it. “I know. It’s just” Jake sighed leaning back into Neytiri “I’m thinking of the talk we had. The things I said. Neytiri, I really said things I shouldn't have.” Jake was holding back tears. “I should have been there, if I would have had my communicator he would still be here.”

“MaJake, we didn’t know that that demon was still alive. If we had known this would have gone differently,” Jake knows Neytiri is right. If he would have just known that Quaritch was still alive, Lo’ak would never have left his sight. He would never have taken off his communicator. He would have been there. He turned around to hold his wife. “I miss him Neytiri,” Jake placed his head on her shoulder, after a second he felt her hand come up to run her hands through his hair. “We all do MaJake, we all do,” Neytiri whispered as she ran her hands through his hair. “You need to clear your head and rest my love,” Jake nodded at her words.

The man took a breath as he rested his forehead in the crook of his lover’s neck. As he rested he could feel the stress in his body drag him down. Only now did he realise just how tired he truly is. It has been two weeks and he has been out everyday, dawn to dusk, searching for his son. Two weeks and he keeps coming up empty handed. Kiri has been anxious, she is constantly looking out to the water, searching for her brother where she can. Tuk is getting annoyed having to constantly be under the watch of an adult. Spider, well Spider has been a mess. He isn’t around the girls anymore, he hides himself away from everything. Spider won’t talk to anyone either. Even Jake knows how bad it is to keep things to yourself.

He has done it himself when he was still back on earth, that never ended well for him. He watched Lo’ak do it, and look how that ended. Jake has already lost two sons, he refuses to lose another.

“I need to talk to Spider,” Jake whispered to Neytiri. “It is late MaJake, do it in the morning. The kids are already asleep, it is just us awake.” Jake lifted his head to look his wife in the eye. “I’m worried about him, he is hiding his feelings and I don’t want him to do something stupid,” Neytiri nodded at Jake’s words. She knows he has a point. “I can’t lose him too,” Jake sighed. “I know, MaJake. I know.” Jake started to move towards the sleeping mat with Neytiri in tow, the man all but collapsed when he got there. Neytiri chuckled at him as he rearranged to make himself more comfortable and make room for her.

As morning came Jake got up to wait for Spider. He knows that the kid is struggling; he just has to find out what is hurting him most. As he lay in bed he heard a shuffling coming from the other side of the hut, as Jake looked over he had seen Spider starting to wake up.

“Hey Spider, are you awake?” He asked gently. He heard a small “Mhmm” come from the boy. “Can you come outside, I wanna talk to you,” as Jake had started to get up he saw that Spider looked frightened, stressed even. “Hey kiddo, it’s okay. You’re not in trouble,” Jake whispered as he put a hand on the kid. Spider followed Jake out of the hut towards the beach so they could talk and not worry about waking any of the girls.

“I just wanted to talk about the whole Lo’ak thing. I know that the girls have been upset about it, but they seem to be handling it better than you are. If you ever need to talk just know that I am always here,” Jake had put both his hands on Spider’s shoulders and gotten down on his knees to make himself as eye level as he could for the kid. After he spoke he could feel the kid take a big breath and relax. “I know Jake. It’s just,” Spider sighed as he thought of a way to say this. He knows he can’t just say ‘Oh I saved Quaritch and because of my stupid actions your son is no longer with us!’ if he said that all of the Sully’s would skin him. That’s if they don’t rip his heart out and show it to him first. “It’s just that I know what I had gone through when Quaritch had taken me, I’m worried about what he is going to do to Lo’ak”.

At those words Jake felt himself freeze. That’s right, Spider may have come back alive, but Spider and Quaritch have a familial connection. Lo’ak is Jake’s son, Quaritch wants Jake dead. “Lo’ak is strong. Plus, if Quaritch wants to get at me he has to keep Lo’ak alive. If he kills him then Quaritch has nothing on me.” Whether that was to give confidence to Jake or to Spider is undecided. Nope, it was definitely to give confidence to Jake. “You’re right, Lo’ak will be okay,” Spider agreed with Jake. “Just remember Spider, you aren’t alone here, if you need anyone I am always here,” with Jake pulled Spider into a hug for a minute before getting up and heading back to the hut.

He has to keep looking for his son. He is planning on going for multiple days to cover more ground and he has to get everything together. These next few days are going to be hell, and Jake knows it.

Chapter Text

As Lo’ak started to come to, there were about 4 things that stood out to him. He felt like shit, there was a metal roof above him, he couldn’t remember what had previously happened, and finally, there was someone looming over him.

“There you are kiddo,” The man above him had said. Lo’ak ignored the man as he sat up and struggled to rack his brain for what had happened before he woke up.

He got in a fight with his dad. He had spent the day with Payakan. After he spent the day with Payakan he… Shit, what happened.

Lo’ak held a hand up to his head almost like it would be the answer to all of his unanswered questions. Why his memory was faded remained a mystery.

“Kid?” The man asked again. This time Lo’ak had looked up to the source of the voice and he felt his heart freeze. There, right beside him was Quaritch. In his moment of panic Lo’ak threw himself back to get away from the threat. A hiss ripping from his throat as he reached for his blade to hold the man back.

Only, his blade was gone. Lo’ak must have gotten whiplash with how fast he looked down to where his blade should be resting on his waist. Nothing.

Three things flashed across Lo’ak’s mind: He had no weapon, he was cornered, and he still could not remember what the hell happened.

In his moment of fear he tried as hard as he could to regain some of his memory to try and figure out what the hell was going on.

He got into a fight with his dad, he visited Payakan, he spent the day with the Tulkun, he started to head home, and then….. And then there was a demon ship. Lo’ak’s eyes had gone wide at the realisation. He is on the demon ship.

He was chased, he was captured, he waited for his dad to come and get him; But Jake never came for him. He talked with Quaritch, he gave up his knife(that explains the lack of the aforementioned). Quaritch made a deal with him.

Lo’ak is so stupid, why would he make a deal with the devil?... Jake didn’t come for him. That’s why. Okay, after making a deal Quaritch had wanted to show Lo’ak around and introduce him to someone. Who was it?

Lo’ak racked his brain for who he had met. For some reason this part refuses to come back to him. He sat there staring at Quaritch as he thought about what had happened. The man watched him with curiosity and.. was that concern?

It finally came to him. He saw the guy who killed his brother, everything after that is a complete blur. As that memory came back to him Lo’ak quickly searched the room to make sure that the man wasn’t there.

“Just us?” Lo’ak asked in fear he missed him. “Yeah, it’s just us,” Quaritch confirmed. “Are you okay kid? You had quite the freak out,” Lo’ak didn’t know if he was referring to what had just happened or what had happened before he presumably passed out. “Uhm, I’m good,” he answered unsure.

Quaritch chuckled at him “You don’t sound too sure about that,” he stated the obvious. Lo’ak just shrugged unsure of how to respond. “You were out for quite a few hours, we are almost at Bridgehead. Once we get there you are going to stay close to me. Do I make myself clear?” Quaritch stated. Lo’ak nodded. The kid was unsure of what to do in this situation, he now understands why he is here, but he is not too sure as to why he agreed to be here. There has to be a part of the story that he is missing.

“What are you thinking about kid?” Quaritch asked, having seen the obvious doubt and confusion on the kid's face. “Uhm, nothing really,” Lo’ak tried to reassure Quaritch so he wouldn’t need to talk about what he was thinking. Quaritch sighed.

“Let me make something very clear here, Lo’ak. We made a deal that I would give you all you could possibly ask for. All you have to do is what I ask you to do. Which includes telling me about what you are thinking. I want to know your thoughts, simple as that.” Quaritch had slowly made his way closer to Lo’ak as he spoke. His tone of voice had left no room for discussion so Lo’ak was left to slowly nod. What the hell did he get himself into? “It’s just that for some reason I am having a hard time remembering everything that happened yesterday,” Quaritch’s brow lifted at this.

“See, it wasn’t so hard to tell me what you were thinking.” Lo’ak’s flushed slightly at that “What had happened is that I had seen you all alone in the water so I sent some men out to get you. After we had brought you onto the ship I had told Jake that he had half an hour to get you back. I gave him a warning every five minutes, but he never came. He left you alone. You told me how you weren’t surprised that he didn’t show up so I offered a deal,” As Quaritch spoke he positioned himself to sit beside Lo’ak. As Lo’ak listened he nodded along as what he remembered matched up with what he was told.

“I made a deal to give you everything you could ask for, all I want in return is your absolute loyalty and obedience. You agreed.” Lo’ak’s breath stuttered at that. He still nodded as he remembered making the deal. “After that I had taken you to meet Lyle, and then you freaked out and hid under a staircase. Why was that?”

Lo’ak glanced up at Quaritch at the question, it’s not something he wants to talk about but he knows he doesn’t really have a choice. “Lyle is the person who killed my brother, seeing him reminded me of what had happened,” Lo’ak felt so small as he spoke, his voice doing him no justice.

“I thought you weren’t too fond of your family. So why does the thought of your brother make you weak?” Quaritch had processed the information he was given and had started thinking of ways to kill off this weakness. “My brother was the only one to treat me like an equal. He was the only one who actually Saw me,” Lo’ak didn’t know whether to smile at the thought of his brother or frown.

Quaritch studied the kids facial expression as he spoke next “what do you mean by he saw you?” Lo’ak almost rolled his eyes at that question. “It means that he was the only one who understood me, he understood my soul and cared about me. He only saw me for me, not what I should be.” Lo’ak definitely smiled as he spoke that time. As the kid spoke Quaritch could understand why he cared for his brother, but the man also knew that if this weakness stayed it would screw everything up and he wouldn’t be able to get the kid to do everything he asks. There were also too many things that tied the kid to his roots, too many things that would put a block in between the two of them. He would have to pick at those slowly so as not to push the kid away.

“It sounds like he meant a lot to you,” Lo’ak looked up at Quaritch and nodded. “Yeah, he did,” Lo’ak answered. There was a loud noise that spooked the kid and had the man standing up. “It seems we have already made it back to Bridgehead. Remember to stay close to me, and don’t talk to anyone else. There are lab rats here that are going to want to question you. They will not be nice about it either, that’s why I don’t want you talking to them.” Quaritch said as he started walking to the docks. Lo’ak was surprised by the fact that Quaritch had explained why he couldn’t speak to the others. Typically he is just told no.

Lo’ak quickly followed Quaritch as he made his way off the ship. Once the pair were standing on solid ground Quaritch wrapped an arm around Lo’ak taking him by surprise. Every instinct in his body was telling him to get away from the threat, but he knew that would only backfire. So he took a breath and stayed by the man’s side. As the pair made their way towards the massive structure in the middle of everything Lo’ak could feel the eyes on them. Everyone was staring. He understood why, a recom walking around with a young navi was not something these people would see everyday. Lo’ak was a little nervous by the sheer amount of humans and strange things swarming the place. It was unsettling. As well as how brown everything was. The humans had killed everything in the area. It was a sad sight.

As the pair approached the building a woman with blonde hair made her way towards them. She was standing on a weird metal thing to make her appear taller.

“Colonel, what is this?” The woman had a sharp voice, it put Lo’ak on edge hearing her.

“This is my new recruit,” Quaritch responded. The woman looked Lo’ak up and down.

“Are you sure he isn’t going to try and kill us? The last one was feral,” Lo’ak tried not to roll his eyes.

“Does it look like this one is going to kill us?” Quaritch had a challenging hint in his voice. “Is there a room that I can take him to? Preferably someplace secure. I doubt he will hurt us, but I can’t guarantee he will stay.” The woman considered the man's words before turning around and gesturing for the pair to follow her.

Once they entered the building Quaritch and Lo’ak had been handed masks to help with breathing. Lo’ak really hoped he wasn’t going to be contained in this building, these masks were a pain in the ass.

As they walked through the large structure Lo’ak could not believe his eyes. There were so many floating images of the world around them and monitors with what looked to be more structures that they might be planning to build. There were many corridors as well as different doors as they walked further. As they walked Quaritch and the woman talked about many things that Lo’ak couldn’t be concerned with.

Finally the three had stopped at a random door, “This room is secure and already has a cot set up. It has a two way mirror and cameras. It only locks from the outside so he will not be able to open the door.” Quaritch nodded as Ardmore listed off the perks of the room. She opened the door with a small piece of plastic and Quaritch led him in after being handed said small piece of plastic.

The man turned to Lo’ak before speaking. “This is where you are going to be staying. That large mirror is unbreakable so don’t even try. I will bring you your meals and water. When I have time I will stop by and we can work on the rules of this place. I have to go and take care of some things so you will be left to your own devices until I come back.” After he spoke he turned to exit the door before stopping with his back turned to Lo’ak. “I know that right now the situation at hand sucks, and things are going to be boring and stressful. But I promise that it will get better. Bringing you here was short notice so no one had time to prepare you a proper room. Once one is prepared for you we will immediately move you.” At that the man finally left. The doors closed with a loud hiss followed by an even louder click.

Lo’ak looked around the room and felt himself deflate at the whole situation. He made his way over to the cot on the side of the room before sitting down. He took a breath in before it came out in a sob.

What the hell did he get himself into.

Chapter Text

It is safe to say, Lo’ak is bored.

It has been three days since they arrived in this place, Quaritch says that everything is taking a long time to allow him to get used to the change. He hasn’t even left the damn room
since they got here! The mask is rubbing and his feet hurt from walking on the hard floor.

He has counted all the panels in the room 8 times a day.. 174. He is currently working on recounting the panels across the floor.

“Ninety six, ninety seven ninety-” As Lo’ak whispered the numbers to himself he heard the door open with a hiss. Without even looking up he could tell that it was Quaritch, not only because he is the one who comes the most, but also by his scent.

“How much longer until I can do something else? I’m bored,” Lo’ak drawled. He could hear the man chuckling at his complaining. “We are going to go on a tour of the place and meet some new people.” Lo’ak’s ears perked up at that as he looked at the man, a smile creeping on his face. “You will have to stay by my side and if you try to run there will be severe consequences, do you understand?” Quaritch added.

Lo’ak simultaneously nodded his head and rolled his eyes at the words. He wouldn't admit it, but the thought of sticking with Quaritch made him feel safer.

The kid got up from his cot and walked over to the man by the door. Once he was by Quaritch's side the man placed an arm over Lo'ak's shoulder to keep him close.

The unwanted contact had made Lo'ak uncomfortable but he was too scared of the consequences of he were to tell the man to let him go.

As the two of them left the room Quaritch would point at the doors as they walked giving a brief explanation as to what they all do. Honestly, Lo’ak does not remember a single one. He had allowed himself to zone out as the man beside him continued to ramble on.

At some point the two had come to stop in front of yet another door. “In here is a set of clothes that should fit you, they may run a little big. But now that you are working with us you have to look like us,” The man spoke.

Lo’ak took a moment to process the words before he looked up and made eye contact with Quaritch. “I don’t want to wear ‘human clothes’ they look uncomfortable,” the boy countered.

Quaritch’s brow twitched in frustration at the kid's words. He knows that he cannot get angry at the kid for protesting, the poor kid was forced to live a life in an unloving home for so long. “I’ll give you a choice. You either wear the clothing that we supply or you get locked up in your room until you agree to wear the clothes.”

The kid wanted to snap back, it wasn’t fair to him. They weren’t forcing Quaritch out of his comfort zone immediately, Lo’ak barely had time to adjust to all the changes and just when he figures something out they throw something else at him.

In the back of his mind he knows that he can’t protest this forever. He has seen first hand what Quaritch is capable of, and quite frankly he doesn’t want to be on the receiving end of his anger. Without addressing the man, Lo’ak reached out and opened the door.

Inside was a table with a stack of clothes on it. Behind the table appeared to be a large metal bar holding a sheet of fabric, he assumes that is what he will be changing behind.

“What happens to my loincloth after I change?” Honestly, Lo’ak knew that it was going to be disposed of.

“I think you know what is going to happen, you’re a smart kid,” Lo’ak looked at the man like he was insane. Tsireya had helped him make this one. He wouldn’t have cared if it was his old one but “This one is special to me.” Lo’ak had tried to leave no room for argument in his sentence.

Before the kid could blink he was being held against the wall by his throat.

Lo’ak could not breathe, and when he looked up he was met with the face of a seething Quaritch.

“You’re just as bad as your father. Not even a full week in and you are already going against the simplest of requests. Just how long will it be before you betray me too.”

Even though the sentence was phrased as a question Lo’ak knew that it wasn’t. It was a challenge; and that pissed him off.

But what pissed him off even more was being compared to his father.

“I am not my father!” Lo’ak growled through his teeth. This created a small smile on the larger man's face.

“That’s what I thought, now, change out of the cloth and put on the clothes, you will not be leaving this room until then.” With that the man left the room followed by the loud bang of the door closing and locking.

Lo’ak knew that Quaritch was serious. After taking a deep breath he turned around and looked at the pile of clothes. He slowly picked up a white tank top ,which looked way too big, and set it aside before looking at the pants also provided. They were a deep green with the funky patterns all the recons wear.

Sighing he started to put the shirt on. It was a bit of a struggle but once the fabric was adorned on his slim figure he couldn’t get over how soft it is. With a small hope that the pants were the same as the shirt he removed his loincloth before pulling the pants on. Once again the pants were much too big for him but they were still very comfortable.

After he had changed he slowly pulled himself onto the table to sit and wait for the man to return. The clothes made him heavier and slightly clumsy.

Being sat on the table and looking around the blank room had made Lo’ak miss his old home. Whether that be the one in the Hallelujah mountains or at the Metkayina’s tribe, he wasn’t sure. There was always something to look at there. Here had the same bland tiles everywhere.

He looked at his loincloth piled beside him and started to wonder, was this the right idea? Should he have tried to escape when he had the chance? Even if he had, would he have gone back to his family or stayed away? Is he abandoning them the same way his father left him? If he were to go back would he be abandoning Quaritch? Would he even be accepted back into the tribe?

As Lo’ak sat and stared at the loincloth beside him he saw the braid Neteyam had made for him to use.

Who is he kidding? He would never be accepted back. He is the reason his older brother is dead. If he would have just listened he would still have his best friend by his side. But now? He has someone else. Someone who has promised to be there for him.

“I know you don’t like the new clothes but it’s not that bad. You don’t have to cry,” Lo’ak flinched at the new voice in the room. He looked up at Quaritch and wiped the tears off his face. Tears he never realised he shed.

Quaritch sat beside him and placed an arm over Lo’ak’s shoulders to try to calm him. The kid missing his brother and his family leaned into the man’s embrace. Quaritch pulled him close and started to run his hand over his hair and whispered words Lo’ak had no energy to try and understand.

They stayed like for nearly ten minutes before Lo’ak exhausted himself to sleep.

When Lo’ak had woken up again he was back in his original room. Something felt wrong, and it wasn’t the fact that he was wearing different clothes. Lo’ak went to scratch his head as that was what had felt weird.

As his hand made contact with his head his heart stopped.

His braids were undone.

His beads were gone.

Lo’ak screamed.

Chapter Text

Kiri sat to the side watching her family try to get situated for dinner, it had officially been 3 weeks since Lo'ak's disappearance.

The family was falling apart, anyone could see that.

Jake could barely take his eyes off of the kids and he was always on edge, like if he looked away for more than two seconds he would lose everything. Neytiri no longer held a spark in her eyes. Spider walked around as if all the guilt anyone has ever felt landed on his shoulders. Tuk would dream of losing her brothers again and again, always checking under rocks for a hint as to where Lo'ak has gone. And Kiri had tried to connect with Eywa, tried to get any semblance at all that Lo'ak is still alive. Every question, every request has so far been left unanswered.

Quaritch should have no reason to kill Lo'ak, his hatred is towards Jake. But then again, Kiri didn't think Quaritch would kill any of them when Neteyam was still alive. She was proven oh so wrong then. She just wishes that she could be right this time.

"Kiri, I heard that you went on the hunt with Roxto and Aonung. How did that go?" Jake questioned trying to break the silence that fell upon them.
"It had gone well, we had caught about a dozen fish" Kiri responded with pride," I had caught 5 myself"

Jake looked his daughter in the eye with a ghost of a smile, his pride evident but hidden behind his sorrow. “Impressive, you are really giving those boys a challenge,” Jake tried to sound light hearted, Kiri could tell. She had no desire to shoot that down so she gave her dad a smile and nodded. “You should have seen their faces when they saw how many I caught,” she replied with a chuckle.

The remark had been filled with a painful silence as they waited for Lo’ak to put in his two cents, the poor boy couldn’t handle his sister being a better hunter than him any day. But, of course, the silence was followed by the harsh reminder that for all the family knows they may never be able to hear Lo’ak’s snarky remarks again.

Later that night as the kids were getting to bed Neytiri and Jake had taken a walk to clear their heads. “I would do anything to have heard him complain about not catching fish tonight,” Jake whispered to his partner. “I was always so hard on him, pushing him away when all he wanted was his father, and now I won’t ever be able to mend the wrongs of my past.”.

Neytiri turned to her partner, gently cupping his face in her hands and wiping away the stray tear on his cheek. “Ma Jake, there are many things that we all will come to regret in the past. If he were here he would forgive you, he would know that all of that had come from the fear in your heart and he would tell you that carrying these regrets is only burdening you” Jake looked Neytiri in the eyes and watched the matching tears fall down her face. “That is something Neteyam would say, not Lo’ak.”

Neytiri couldn’t find it in her to respond as she knew that Jake was right, neither of them knew Lo’ak enough to be able to know how he would react to the way they were reacting. “Neteyam would have been able to do a perfect impression of how Lo’ak would complain about all the sorrow in our home.” Jake all but sobbed as he admitted to not only his partner but to the world and to Eywa that he never truly took time to understand his youngest son.

It was no secret to anyone that either parent would do anything to have their sons home where they belong. But it was easier said than done. They knew that Lo’ak was strong and he could take on any obstacle thrown at him in the past. But neither parent wanted to think of what could be happening to their son.

“When is the next search party scheduled?” Neytiri asked. “Tomorrow, we leave at dawn and we are to be out until dusk,” Jake knew that was not nearly enough time to do as thorough of a search as needed, for all they knew Quaritch took Lo’ak out of the ocean and back to the forest. Just that travel alone took multiple days.

He had spoken to Tonowari about this already, but only his family is geared to that kind of search at a second's notice. It would take the village weeks to get the supplies needed, as well as they would then not be able to clear as much ground on foot. It was an impossibility. But Jake was already planning a trip by himself, multiple days on land to see if by chance he could find any proof of Lo’ak being that far. With that proof then he believes he should be able to convince everyone that going to search on land needs to happen.

If that falls through, Jake thought as he and his partner made their way back to their pod, he would be making a trip back to his first home. As Jake lay his head down ready for a nights sleep he was certain of one thing; if he were to go back to the forest people, Mo’at would never be okay in a world where her grandchildren weren’t safe.

Chapter Text

“What did you do!!?” Lo’ak cried holding his loose hair in his hands and tears streaming down his face. Quaritch stood there shocked, he knew that the kid would not take kindly to such a change but he never believed that the reaction would be this intense.

“I am making sure that Jake has no more influence over you. That’s what you wanted is it not?” The boy stared at Quaritch with eyes full of fury. Lo’ak knew that Quaritch was right, he was left behind, he was forgotten. Still, his hair was a part of his culture, it defined him, and “Neteyam loved my hair like that! That's all I had left of him!”

“I understand that losing someone very close to you is hard, I have lost many people that I held close to my heart, but at some point kid, if you want to survive in this world you have to move on. Don’t let Neteyam be a weakness your enemies can use against you,” Quaritch moved across the room to sit on the cot in front of Lo’ak, looking him dead in the eyes. Miles grabbed both of the kids' hands and held them tightly. “Instead, let me be a strength you can use against your enemies. And in turn you be my weakness that I have to protect and keep close.”

Lo’ak gazed through tear stained vision into Mies' eyes at his words, finally understanding what he meant when he promised to treat him better than his father ever could. “Well?” Miles encouraged an answer out of the boy. “How is it fair that I’m your weakness?” Lo’ak questioned in a tired voice. “Simple, you are a child that still needs protection. When you are grown then, and only then will you become my strength. Does that seem fair?” Lo’ak stared at Miles for a second before pulling one of his hands away and wiping his face and nodding. “With words Lo’ak” “Yes, that’s fair” “Good.”

Miles let go of Lo’aks other hand before reaching up and wiping away the last of the boys tears with his thumb. “Come on, they finally got a more suitable room ready for you. It should be cosy than this,” Miles said as he stood from the cot heading towards the door. He turned back towards the kid and held out his arm as an invitation for him to follow. After a second to collect himself Lo’ak got up and slowly made his way towards Miles, his borrowed pants piling at his ankles. “We should be able to get better clothes for you soon,” Miles mentions before placing his arm over Lo’aks’ shoulders and pulling him into his side.

As Miles opened the door Lo’ak peered out trying to take every new detail in. After being in that room for a couple days any new change is definitely welcome. There weren't any of those strange floating images in the corridor they were in, but he was able to see into a window of a room that held the same tanks that Grace’s body was in. He wonders if maybe that is where they had created Miles’ Navi body before his mind was introduced to it. They had passed a couple of humans that Miles nodded to as they walked and lots of closed doors. He wasn’t able to feel a breeze anywhere.

Soon they approached a door that looked more like a door than a vault like his past room. “This will be your own permanent room, mine is that one across the hallway,” Miles said pointing towards a room that was barely down the hall on the opposite side of Lo’aks. “Eventually you’ll have time to personalise it” The man pulled a key from his pocket and unlocked the door as he pulled the two of them into the new place. Lo’ak couldn’t help but look around, there was a window straight across the room from the door, as well as a decent sized bed on the far wall set in the corner with a cabinet looking bedside table pressed beside it and a lamp sitting on top. On the wall opposite of the bed there were two doors, one similar looking to the last room so he assumed that it was a washroom. The other door looked like two thin doors put together with two little knob handles on them. Beside the door to the right there was a dresser with a large mirror attached with little shelves going up the side of the mirror. A couple feet away from the foot of the bed is a desk with a chair pushed in neatly. Finally he noticed the rug in the center of the room taking up most of the floor, it was almost the same light brown colour of a tree trunk.

“Eventually you’ll have to decorate the room and move some things around to your desire, over there is your bathroom and a closet, but for now you have had quite a stressful morning. Take some time to acquaint yourself with the room and rest. I’ll be back in a couple hours with your lunch and then I have a little test for you.” Lo’ak looked up at the man with a quirked eyebrow.

“What do you mean a test?” He asked. “Well, you say that you trust me and that you will do as I ask, but I want to see just how sure you are. Just how loyal you are to me. How much work I have to do to get you to a point where I trust you to do as I say.” Lo’ak didn’t know how to feel at those words, it was a lot of unanswered questions as well as more introduced questions. The man moved his hand from the boy's shoulder to the middle of his back and gently pushed him into the room before turning and closing the door.

Lo’ak let out a sigh and reached up to run a hand through his hair, he held back a sob as he was reminded that his braids were gone. He quickly shook himself off before making his way to the bathroom door and taking a look inside. There was a sink with a large counter space and a mirror cabinet above the sink. On the far wall there was a bath shower hybrid thing with a plain white curtain. Finally there was a toilet on the wall opposite the sink. Lo’ak took a step back and closed the door before going to the other door that Miles had called a ‘closet’. He attempted to open the door like he would any normal door, he almost fell back at how the thing slid to the side at the force. He will not admit to anyone that the door definitely gave him a scare. He tried to slide the other door with success. In the middle of the closet was a thin floor to ceiling shelving unit as well as two bars with hangers on either side, two near the top and two near the bottom.

He slid the doors closed as he turned towards the bed and climbed in it. It was oddly soft, almost like laying in a moss bed. He got himself as comfortable as he could before closing his eyes and letting sleep consume him.

~

Lo’ak was awoken by a loud knock on his door, he sat up rubbing the sleep from his eyes and letting out a loud yawn. He slowly crawled off the mound of bedding before groggily making his way to his door and opening it to see Miles standing there with a tray of food.

“Did you have a good nap?” Miles asked with a smile at the teen. He nodded before turning back and climbing back in bed. The man chuckled at his antics before making his way to the desk and setting the tray down. “Come on, you’re not eating on the bed,” Lo’ak sighed before he slid out of bed and slumped in the chair by the desk. The food in front of him looked to be some sort of white meat with a sauce drizzled on top with a pile of green vegetables on the side and what looks to be a bun that has previously been cut in half. On the side sat a glass of water with ice cubes and small beads of condensation dripping down the side. He looked up at the man who had sat on the edge of his bed with a puzzled look, “What is it?” “It’s some kind of bird and green beans”.

Lo’ak will admit that the food was good, and very filling. It was strange as he has never had anything like it before. When he was finished Miles took the tray and left the glass of water behind before leaving the room with a promise that he’d be back. In the meantime Lo’ak had taken to looking in the drawers of the desk to find a pad of paper and a few charcoal sticks.

He looked up when he heard a knock right before his door opened and Miles stepped through. “Come on,” “What is the test?” Lo’ak asked, still sitting at the desk looking at Miles hesitantly. “It’s something that I could easily do myself, in any other situation I would be the one to deal with it. But I want to see how you deal with it.” “That really answered nothing,” Lo’ak responded with a deadpan look. “Just come on, you’ll see.” Lo’ak stood and made his way to Miles side, of course the man had put his arm around his shoulder as he led his way down the same hallway they had been in earlier in the day. Except this time they turned down a different hallway, this one full of those vault like doors but all much closer together.

As Miles pulled them up towards a door he stopped and turned Lo’ak to fully face him with both his hands on the boy's shoulders holding him still. “In this room there is someone who has lied to us and stolen resources from us to hoard as his own, he is a bad person and we need to deal with him, well, you are going to deal with him.” Lo’aks eyes blew wide before he turned to look at the door, he started trembling as he had an idea what he was being asked to do. Quaritch reached up cupping the boy's chin in his hand before turning his head to face him. With his other hand he reached to his belt and pulled out a gun. The boy’s eyes watched every movement with tears slowly building. “No, I can’t do that,” He muttered as he looked up into the man’s eyes. Quaritch reached past the boy opening the door before taking a step forward pushing them both in the room.

“You will do it, because you won’t be leaving the room until that man is dead.” He put the gun in the boy's hand before turning him around to face the man. He heard the boy start sobbing as he tried to back away from this, Quaritch stood like a wall holding him still. “Shh, it’s okay. Only one bullet and then it will all be done and you can forget this ever happened.” Quaritch whispered near Lo’ak’s ear as he started running his hands up and down the boy’s upper arms to comfort him. “I can’t kill him!” Lo’ak sobbed out leaning close to the man. Quaritch looked down at the boy before wrapping his arms around the boy in a back hug resting his forehead on the top of Lo’ak’s head.

“If you do this, I will wipe the blood clean from your hands, I will wipe this from your conscience. I will wash my hands in the blood instead, I will wipe your conscience clean of any kill in the future. I will bare the sins of your actions and allow you to walk away an innocent man. I will only ever hold myself accountable for any of the men you kill in the future. But you have to kill this man for me.” Quaritch promised as he squeezed the boy for a second before stepping back and closing the boy in the room.

As the man walked away from the room he could hear the boy sobbing, begging to not do it. Before Quaritch couldn't even make it two doors down the hallway before a smile split his face in two at the sound that followed.

The telltale bang of a gun.

Chapter Text

“Ssh, you’re okay, you did such a good job,” Quaritch whispered as he held a sobbing Lo’ak in his arms. If the man were to raise his eyes to look past the crying boy he would see a human strapped to a chair tied down by the ankles and wrists behind his back, a burlap sack over the man’s head with a large hole in the center, dripping deep crimson onto the floor where the man’s head lay limp to the side. But Quaritch didn’t see that as he was too busy consoling the child in his arms. “I already promised you that if you shoot him I will take the blame, you simply pulled the trigger and I made the kill, how does that sound, hmm? You pull the trigger and I take the kill?” Quaricth used one hand to lift the boy's head to look him in the eye, using his thumb to wipe away the tears falling from his eyes.

Lo’ak tried to turn his head to look back at the limp body but Quaritch’s hand held his head still with a tsk at the effort. “You don’t want to see that. Answer my question Lo’ak.” The boy looked to the man before lifting an arm to swipe at his nose nodding his head “I think that’s fair,” The boy whispers as a grin splits the man’s face. “Good, I do too,”. Quaritch Slowly stood up pulling the boy with him and exiting the room, he is going to leave that mess for someone else to clean up.

Lo’ak keeps his head down for the entire walk back to his room, he immediately heads to his bed climbing in and hiding himself away from all of his regrets. He hears the door close followed by the man across the room sighing and making his way over to the bed, the bed dips as the man sits and rests his hand on Lo’ak’s side over the blankets. “I know you’re upset with me because of this, and I know that you probably don’t feel like you can trust me. I just needed you to understand that no matter what you do it isn’t going to fall on you, I am responsible for you now. And I’m going to make sure that you grow into a person that can walk past any burden in your way without falling apart. You did so good today and I am so proud of you being strong for me. Remember, I’ll always be here for you now.”

Lo’ak listens but doesn’t respond to the man’s words, instead he thinks them over and tries to understand why he cares so much over how he is feeling. “Either way kid, get some rest and I’ll be back in a bit to bring your dinner,” With that the man gets up and leaves Lo’ak with his thoughts.

~~~

Jake had taken about a day to pack enough supplies so he would be able to travel back to the mainland and find his son. He knows that not being around is going to be tough on his family, but it is what he needs to do. As he hauls the final pack onto his Ikran he makes his way back into the hut where his family is. “I’m ready to go, I won’t be back for a couple weeks so I need you kids to take good care of your mother for me. I will not be able to reach you at some point via the radio, so if Lo’ak is found or comes back I’ll find out when I come back,” Jake turns so he is mainly facing his wife before continuing, “I will only search for two weeks before I start heading home. I need you all to be prepared for me to come back empty handed or with his body, there is no guarantee that he is even still alive,”. With his last sentence he turned to address the whole family again.

“Please, MaJake, do not get yourself killed looking for him, I can not take another grievance so soon,” Neytiri said before embracing her mate in a bone crushing hug. “I won’t leave you Neytiri, I will come back,” Jake promised before hugging a crying Tuk and Kiri. Finally he made his way to spider, getting down on one knee to be more at his height. “If you need to talk, Neytiri will be there, as well as Kiri, you are going to be okay,” Jake patted Spider’s head before getting up and heading back towards the Ikran.

~~

It had been a couple weeks since Quaritch’s little test, ever since then the man has been coming to the boy’s room multiple times a day and taking him out. Most often to meet more humans that are working there, after a bit he was able to figure out that his room was situated in a branch off to the side of the main building. He got to see the weird floating pictures again and learned that they are called “monitors”. The man had taken him to what he called a “Shooting range” so that he could teach Lo’ak how to hold and shoot different types of guns. The boy really didn’t want to think of the implications of that so he never asked why Quaritch wanted him to know all this.

He had taken to drawing in his free time and even hung the drawings he was most proud of, which happened to be his best try at portraits of his siblings. Quaritch hadn’t even taken them down, he doesn’t seem too happy about them but he doesn’t touch them. Quaritch finally was able to bring him multiple different sets of clothes that fit him better than what he was originally given, they admittedly still run big but it’s better.

Currently he was sitting at the head of his bed, hair pulled up in a loose bun with a pad of paper in his lap and charcoal smeared on his fingers. The finished plate of his lunch lay abandoned on his desk as he waits for Miles to finish whatever it is that he finds himself doing. As he’s halfway through his shading he hears a knock on the door before calling out for Miles to come in.

“There’s something that we need to do,” Miles says as he sits at the edge of the kids bed. Lo’ak looks to Miles a hint of fear in his eyes at the thought of killing another person, Miles must have read his mind as he chuckles “You’re not gonna pull a trigger today kid. You’re gonna get a microchip. All of us have one.” The boy, extremely confused, cocks an eyebrow before setting his paper to the side “What’s a microchip?” Miles shifts slightly so he’s more on the bed and facing Lo’ak, “It’s a little piece of technology that we insert into the back of your neck using a needle. It’s so we can track your location and your vitals. That way you can run around the place unsupervised all the time,” The man chuckled seeing the kid’s face light up at being able to run around.

“It might sting a little for a couple days after you get it installed but it's definitely worth it.” Miles grunts as he stands up and walks towards the door, turning to watch the kid basically bound off the bed to his side when the man places his arm over the kids shoulder.

~~

Jake had been flying for nearly 3 days before he finally saw the mainlands. Now he needed to remember where Bridgehead was to see if his son was there and alive. For now he got his Ikran to land near a bunch of trees so he could collect himself and take a much needed break.

As he landed he couldn’t help but feel like finding Lo’ak and bringing him home was going to be near impossible. He knew he had to do everything in his power to bring his child home. Even if Lo’ak doesn’t want to ever speak to him again, or even look at him he will be okay with that, as long as he knows his son is safe. He shakes his head to clear his thoughts before grabbing his rolled up sleeping pad and setting it before laying down and letting exhaustion pull him to sleep.

As he awoke Jake definitely noticed the kink in his neck from the poor sleep setup. He groaned as he stretched and felt a couple bones pop. He chuckled sadly at the thought of Lo’ak calling him old for that. God, he missed his son so much. He shook his head before cleaning up his makeshift camp and mounting his Ikran. He knew the general direction that Bridgehead was so that’s where he set out.

He had been flying for almost the entire day when he finally was able to see the man made structures approach his vision. He felt the weight lift off his shoulders knowing that he might finally find his son again. Of course that all came crashing down as he got closer and realised he would most likely have to break in just to find his son somewhere in the maze of hallways. This place was so much different than when he was human so he knew that he would not have a single advantage over everyone inside. “Shit” He muttered as he landed his Ikran climbing off to get a better view of the place.

He started scanning the place looking for a way to get in, not before he saw Quaritch exit the building through a large door. He had his arm around something that he kept looking down to almost like he was talking to it. Wait. Not something. Someone.

Jake felt relief flood his body as he saw his son’s face clear as day, alive. He almost sobbed in relief before he really took in the sight, Lo’ak was there, in recom clothes, and his hair was down, well it wasn’t actually down he had it pulled back into a ponytail, but still, his hair is loose, not in braids.

“Oh Great Mother, what has he done to my son?” Jake whispered in disbelief as he saw his boy turn fully to face the man almost like he was talking to a friend, a smile on his face and everything.

~~

“Can I please go for a run through the trees? You literally can track my every movement. And I’ll be back before dinner!” Lo’ak begged for the umpteenth time as the two walked across the open ground. “Why do you think we’re outside?” Miles asked with a smile on his face. “If you need help push this button here,” Miles said, handing a strange device to the boy pointing at a button on the side of said device. “If you find a cool rock, bring it back for me,” Miles added before pushing the beaming boy away, “I promise!” The boy called as he took off towards the trees.

~~

Jake perked up seeing Lo’ak run away from Quaritch towards the trees. Immediately he chased after him. This was his chance to get his son home before Quaritch caught up to the runaway kid. After sprinting the few metres needed to get away from the main building Jake nearly sobbed at the sight ahead of him. His son was there by a water pool bent down digging through the sand, just like he always did.

“Lo’ak” Jake gasped as he took a step forward. He watched as his son’s head shot up and he looked towards him.

Now, Jake had imagined this moment a hundred times as he searched for his son. Lo’ak running to his arms sobbing and holding Jake almost as tightly as he would hold his son; Lo’ak shouting his anger at his father’s hurtful words and demanding an apology that Jake would immediately give a hundred times over; Lo’ak smiling at his father happy that he found him. But never did he think the look on his son’s face would be fearful.

“It’s okay, I’m here now Lo’ak. I’m sorry it took me so long to find you. But I’m finally here!” Jake fell to his knees opening his arms as an invitation for his son to come to him. Jake felt the tears roll down his eyes as his son finally ran towards him, Jake prepared himself to have his son’s weight thrown against him. Only to feel like he was impaled as Lo’ak ran past him. Jake slowly turned his head and felt like he had been stabbed a thousand times at the sight ahead of him.

There stood Quaritch with his arms wrapped around his son, smirking down at the man on his knees. Lo’ak had his arms thrown around Quaritch, his face pressed into the man’s chest turned away from Jake. “Don’t let him take me, please I can’t go back,” Jake heard Lo’ak sob. Jake’s heart shattered as he watched Quaritch run his hand up and down His Son’s back soothing him, Quaritch still held eye contact with Jake with a smirk, “Now what the hell do you think you’re doing here? Trying to hurt My kid?”

Jake couldn’t breathe, this was not how this was supposed to go. His Son was supposed to run to Him, not that monster. He was supposed to bring His Son home.

~

And so Jake returned to the Metkayina tribe, tears flowing down his face, bruises and cuts littered across his body, and his heart shattered.

“MAJAKE!!” Jake could barely lift his head to look his mate in the eyes. “MaJake, where is Lo’ak?” She urged frantically, checking Jake over to see the extent of his injuries.

“He’s gone.”

Chapter Text

It had been nearly 5 years to the day since Lo’ak had gone missing. Life had somewhat gone back to normal, dinners were still stale without Lo’aks quips. No one was allowed to talk about Lo’ak near dad, but no one blamed him, he blamed himself enough for that.

Kiri was deep in her thoughts as she hung around Spider and Tuk. They had run off to some trees near the village to play around. “What are you thinking about?” Spider asked, climbing up to where Kiri was sitting on a large branch. The boy was fully grown now, his body was almost all muscle, he had traces of facial hair lining his jawline and upper lip.

“I don’t think he’s dead,” She answered, looking away from Spider and out towards the sea. Spider sighed before scooching closer to the navi placing his hand on hers, “it’s been 5 years, Kiri, and plus Jake said that he was gone. What makes you think that he’s alive?” Kiri turned her hand over, letting the human’s hand sit in her palm. “If he was dead dad would have said so, saying that he’s gone is so vague and leaves so many questions. There’s also- never mind, it’s stupid,” she answered, turning her head away. “Whatever it is isn’t stupid,” Spider pressed slightly, curious as to what she wasn’t telling him.

“I keep seeing this vision. I saw it a couple times when Lo’ak first disappeared, but now I see it almost every day.” She admitted finally turning back to look at Spider. He had a face of understanding, knowing she gets visions all of the time, “What is it?” He questions. “It's this navi, he’s standing in front of me. He has on one of those white shirts that the avatars wear, and he’s got these baggy pants that are full of different kinds of weapons. He is always holding a gun pointed at me. He’s got long hair and these emotionless dead eyes. The worst part, it’s always Lo’aks face.” She whispers to the boy beside her.

“There’s just something in me telling me that he is out there and that I’m gonna see him and that he’s gonna look like that.” “Well, I doubt he would be holding you at gunpoint, but he could definitely be out there,” Spider says.

“What are you two doing up there?” They hear Tuk call from the ground. She has grown as well, she almost comes up to Kiri’s nose now, and she lost her baby fat that used to keep her cheeks round. A young teenager now. “We were hiding from you,” Spiders calls out in a joking manner before jumping down to meet the young navi. “Shut up!” She laughs pushing the boy playfully before taking off towards the hut, “Last one home has to do the dishes!” The little girl calls as Kiri jumps down from the tree taking after the other two.

Spider did the dishes that night.

~~

“I’m bored,” The 18 year old teen complains for the umpteenth time. He was sitting on Miles lap, lower back pushed into one armrest and his legs hanging over the opposite armrest, his side leaned into Miles chest and his head resting on the man’s shoulder. “Then entertain yourself, I’m trying to work,” the man states with a sigh. “I don’t wannnaaaa!” Jinx drags out the word into a whine. The man sighed, bringing one hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. The man could feel the scare that Jake had left 5 years ago when fighting for his son back. “Why don’t you hunt down Jake and bring me his head?” the man deadpanned already expecting the same answer. “I know where he is and it’s miles away! I’d miss dinner!” The boy threw his arms up to accentuate his point of absurdity. The man all but laughed at his antics.

“Go work on your little project,” the man offers, glancing down at the teen who has started making machine noises moving his hand around in the air like a plane. “I can’t, missing some pieces,” the boy pauses his noises to answer. “Oh, and why’s that?” The boy stopped his fidgeting and looked up at the man and shrugged, “I don’t really know what else I need,”. The man hummed before placing his hand on Jinx’s legs and pushing them down, “Come on, it’s about time to eat. We have to start packing up once we’re done.” Jinx got up stretching and giving the man a confused look, “Why?”. Miles stretched his legs trying to get feeling back in them before he stood and placed a hand on the boy’s shoulders, pulling the boy out of the room.

The boy is definitely taller than when they first met, now coming up just past the man’s chin instead of the chest height he was when he was younger. “We need to check on the Tulkun hunters, make sure that they aren’t stealing any Amrita for themselves,” Jinx’s face fell at that as he groaned, making his displeasure known, “You know I hate those guys,”. “You don’t need to deal with them, you can run around to your heart’s content looking for whatever it is you need to finish your project. How does that sound?”. Jinx seemed to really contemplate the words, of course being around the new hunters was going to suck. He couldn’t help but think of Payakan and how he was doing, it had been a long, long time since he had seen him. Maybe he could go and find his old friend to see how he was doing. “Sure, that’s fine.” he finally said as they finally entered his room.

The walls were no longer bare; instead covered in drawings that Jinx had worked on, there’s a map that he stole from General Ardmore last year. She had been so mad that she couldn’t find it, it was hilarious. He had shelves beside his closet now full of old guns and weapons he had collected over the years as well as a couple gadgets he had worked on. Most were duds from when he was younger, but Miles was proud of each and every one, so of course he had to keep them, he even gave a couple to Miles to keep in his own room. The bed was a mess from last night and his pad of paper and charcoals on top of his sheets, forgotten after he decided to bother Miles earlier. Finally on the floor beside his bed lay his newest project, a large cannon-like gun that he had been working on for the last few months.

“You should really tidy before we leave,” Miles said, looking directly at the abandoned breakfast dishes sitting on the boy's desk. “You’re going back to the kitchen anyway, just take them with you,” the boy snarked, heading to his closet to pull out a pack to start filling with clothes and other necessities for the trip. Miles rolled his eyes as he grabbed the tray and left the boy’s room.

~~

“Spider told me that you think Lo’ak is still alive,” Tuk started as she and her sister were sitting outside the hut watching the glowing fish below them. Kiri looked at her shocked at her sudden topic choice, “I mean yeah,” she finally responded before looking back down. “I believe you,” the younger whispered, “why?” Kiri asked. Tuk sighed, lifting her head to look to the sky. “Any time I go to the tree of souls to see Neteyam, I try looking for Lo’ak. If he was dead then I’d be able to see him there, right? But he’s never there. So that has to mean that he isn’t dead.” She turned back to look at her older sister, tears building in her eyes “Right?” she finished, a single tear falling down her face.

Kiri nodded at her sister’s words. She hasn’t been allowed to look through the tree of souls so she never even considered the fact that he wouldn’t be there. Everything is lining up to Lo’ak still being alive, the visions, not being with Eywa, their dad’s vague answer of ‘he’s gone’, never being able to talk about him to dad but still being allowed to talk about Neteyam.

Why would Jake lie? Why wouldn’t he have told them that their brother was still alive, and why would he stop looking?

What is he hiding?

Chapter Text

It had been a couple days since they had gotten back on the ship, Jinx had already made himself familiar with the layout. Currently he was sitting on his bed with his drawing pad in his lap. He looked across the room at the empty bed that Miles had been using. He knows that he can’t say anything to Miles because checking on these hunters is a big deal, but he has a bad feeling about getting so close to the water tribes. Of course, like always, Miles just so happens to show up exactly when Jinx needs him.

“What are you so worried about Jinx? You’ve got that look to your face,” The man half teases as he walks over to his bed. “What if Jake finds me when we’re there?” the boy quickly admits. “Oh, Jinx,” The man positioned himself to sit against the headboard and opened his arms in invitation for the boy. Jinx quickly puts his drawing pad to the side before making his way across the room and climbing on top of Miles. He was on his knees, his legs on either side of Miles thighs, his arms wrapped loosely around the man’s torso and his head situated under the man’s chin. Miles wrapped his arms around the boy, one hand rubbing his back and the other on the back of his head.

“What about that is worrying you?” the man questions lightly, looking down at the boy in his arms. “What if he takes me and doesn’t let me go? Keeping me locked up or something,” the boy mumbles quietly. “Well, you have your communicator on you at all times, as well as your tracker. If you send out an S.O.S my communicator is programmed to vibrate and let out a loud alarm. I will know if you’re in trouble. And it’s completely up to you how far you go.” The man comforts. He knows that there is no way to keep the kid at his side the entire time. He’s full of energy and will start to get restless if he isn’t allowed to go out. Hell, half the time Miles doesn’t even know where he is until he checks the damn kids tracker.

“You need to be careful of your old family Jinx, they will want to stop at nothing to lock you up and keep you there.” Miles warned. “But you know I wouldn’t let that man touch you right? I can’t let him ruin you, you’re too perfect for that,” Jinx looks up into the man’s eyes at his words. Tears starting to build, “You promise?” Miles leaned forward placing a kiss on Jinx’s forehead, “I promise.”.

~~

“Dad? Can we talk?” Kiri asked as she approached her father. He was sat at the end of the docks staring off in the direction of Three Brother’s Rocks. He turned to his adopted daughter before gesturing to the spot beside him for her to sit. “Of course Kiri. What is it?” She made her way beside him, lowering herself to his level. “It’s about Lo’ak,” she pressed gently. She watched her father tense up and his eyes hardened. “You know that I do not like talking about him,” Jake’s voice was stern as he tensed his jaw. “I know, but you said that if we ever needed to talk, that we could come to you, and I need to talk,”

Jake stood, fists clenched as he looked down at Kiri, “We can talk about anything but him.” Jake demanded, he turned to walk away as Kiri stood up and grabbed his arm. “Why not? What happened? Why are you still pushing him away?!” Kiri was shocked at her own words as she watched her father try to contain his anger as he turned to face her. “I. Am. Not. Still pushing him away. He is gone, Kiri. Get that through your head.” With that Jake pulled his arm out of her hands and stormed off.

To say Kiri was shocked was a major understatement. She knew that this was a sensitive topic for her father but she never expected him to act like that. It almost- well it- he scared her.

After taking a second to breathe she had realised that she was shaking. Actually shaking because of him. She needed to find Spider, and Tuk. She needed time to think over what happened. She immediately made her way down the docks towards the Olo’eyktan’s where she knew she’d find her sister with Tsireys.

“Tuk, we need to talk, let’s go,” Kiri was quick with her words. “Why? What’s wrong? What happened?” Tuk followed her sister after giving a quick goodbye to the chief's daughter. “I asked dad about Lo’ak, we need to talk about it. We need Spider,""Why him?” Tuk was quick to ask as she was pulled down the docks. “I told him that I thought Lo’ak was still alive, he deserves to know if his brother is actually alive or not. Do you know where he is?” Kiri asked, turning back to her sister. “I think he’s in our hut, I’ll grab him and we’ll meet you at our spot,” Tuk said before turning back to their hut.

Kiri nodded as she took off towards the trees, back to where she had told Spider about her visions. She sat fidgeting, going over in her head Jake’s reaction, over and over again. There was no way that Lo’ak was dead. Something happened and she had to try and figure out what.

As she was thinking she heard a rustle deeper in the trees. It couldn’t have been her siblings as they would come from behind her, not in front of her where the noise was. Curious, she jumped down from the trees and crouched slowly making her way towards the noise. She was expecting to see an animal, some predator. She was not expecting to see a recom so close to the village, nor was she expecting to recognize said recom. She couldn’t help the gasp that escaped her.

~~

“Do you understand how to use the jet ski?” Miles asked, eyeing the obviously bored teen. “Yes, I get it! Would you like to go over it a tenth time?” Jinx threw his arms up in exasperation. Miles chuckled, obviously the boy was more than ready to take off and burn some energy. “Alright,” Miles started before handing a life jacket to the boy. “If anything happens at all and you feel like you may need help press your S.O.S. I will be there as fast as I can. If anyone sees you, put this on.” Miles handed Jinx a piece of thick fabric, “What is it?” Jinx asked, examining the fabric. “It’s a mask, it should cover enough of your face that your identity should be hidden. But don’t worry kiddo, I will not let anything happen to you. I promise.” The man had placed both his hands on Jinx’s shoulders looking him in the eyes. “I know,” Jinx responded leaning into the man. “Go have fun, and if you find a cool rock bring it back for me,” Miles winked as the boy climbed onto the jet ski. “I promise,” Jinx promised.

Jinx had taken off in a random direction. Okay, that’s a lie. He took off towards the villages. He will admit that while he hates Jake, he misses his sisters. He wasn’t going to actively look for them but why not make it easier for them to find him?

He steered clear of the villages and headed towards a small forest. He was mainly wandering around looking for anything of interest. Really he couldn’t find anything. A couple bones, some dead logs, fungi, moss blankets, a cool rock, some strange- A really cool rock! “Shit, Miles would love this!” Jinx whispered. He reached down, picking up the rock and examining all sides. It was blue with white stripes, almost like a spider web. It shined as he held it up towards the sun. He turned the rock over in his hands before standing with a satisfied look in his eyes.

Now, when Miles told him that he was impulsive, he could agree in most situations, but as he pulled his gun and turned towards the harsh gasp, he would say it was more defense than a bored impulsive action.

What really took Jinx by surprise was seeing a very familiar face staring at him through the bushes.

Chapter Text

It was just like her visions. There stood a recom, White tank top, baggy pants with pockets full of weapons. A belt holding a gun holster. One fist clenched, the other holding a gun pointed right at her. Hair long and loose falling over his eyes. Eyes that were dead and emotionless staring right at her. Of course, the most haunting part of all, Lo’ak’s face. There stood a few metres in front of her stood her ‘dead’ brother.

She felt as if she was prey, frozen in fear, silently waiting for the predator to pounce. His eyes traced over her face, analysing every tiny difference. All she could do was wait for him to pull the trigger and hope and pray that Spider and Tuk don't get caught up in this.

Slowly he lowered his arm holding the gun, placing it back in its holster, still cocked and ready to fire at any given moment. His eyes carefully relaxed as his shoulders slumped. If she were to be any less focused than she was, she probably would have missed the fact that tears started to well up in his eyes. Not like she could blame him, as she felt her own eyes slowly tear up.

"Lo'ak? Is that really you?" She questioned. Kiri couldn't help herself, she was selfishly moved forward, wanting nothing more than to embrace her younger brother. She watched as a single tear traced down his face as he nodded. Confirming her own suspicions. He really wasn't dead. "You're alive," she was absolutely flabbergasted. Could you blame her? There stood her long lost brother, alive and well.

"Hi, Kiri," he sounded hesitant. As he spoke she finally stood in front of him. Her once shorter brother now stood a good few inches above her, definitely shorter than their father. But he was still young, he'd grow. Slowly she placed one hand on the side of his face, gently caressing his cheek. At that the dam finally broke and Kiri cried. He was alive, she could feel him. With a sob she wrapped her arms around him, fully crying now.

"I can't believe it! You're actually alive!" She heard him sniffle as he wrapped his arms gently around her. "I missed you," he whispered. “I’m so sorry Lo’ak, I wanted to keep looking for you, I couldn’t give up on you. But dad wouldn’t let me,” Kiri explained as best as she could. She needed her brother to know that he was still loved and cared about. "Jake.” She heard him whisper, it must have been to himself. “But it’s okay now, you’re back, we can be siblings again,” Oh Great Mother was Kiri desperate to get her brother home.

“Things changed when I left, I changed,” Lo’ak admitted looking his sister in the eyes. He looked worried, almost like he was afraid that she couldn’t love him anymore. “I know, Lo’ak, I know. You did what you had to do, that’s alright!” Kiri tried her best to get that fearful look off his face. No matter what she would love him. “That doesn’t matter anymore Lo’ak. You’re back now, that’s all that matters,” Just as she said that Lo’ak straightened up and pulled a mask out of his pocket quickly putting it on his face. “Lo’ak?” she asked.

Just then she heard the rustling of her other siblings coming through the bush. Immediately Lo’ak pushed himself back and pulled out his gun aiming it directly where the noise was. “Who’s that?” His question was answered almost as fast as he asked it. Two figures appeared in the bush, a human and another na’vi.

“Kiri, who is that?” Spider asked on edge. “It’s okay, Spider,” Kiri watched as Lo’ak’s eyes hardened, returning to that dead emotionless state. “Miles wasn’t lying, you just wanna lock me up?” Kiri was shocked at her brother’s words and his accusing tone. She couldn’t believe he would think that. At that Spider looked at Kiri as the situation dawned on him. “You’re with a recom? What the hell Kiri, is this why Tuk brought me out here?” Spider felt betrayed, did Kiri find out what Spider did? “Spider just listen, this isn’t what it looks like.” Kiri was panicking. Nothing was going to plan. It was supposed to be a happy reunion, not everyone held at gunpoint accusing each other of heinous crimes.

“I didn’t think dad was serious when he said that sky people were spotted in the area,” Tuk muttered halfway to herself and halfway to Spider. It was why they got in such a rush to meet Kiri, they wanted to let her know about the threat. Apparently the threat found Kiri first. “Kiri? What’s going on?” Tuk asked hesitantly, she was scared, she didn’t want to lose another sibling. Before Kiri had a chance to respond the recom turned to Kiri still pointing his gun at Tuk and Spider. “This is a trick! You’re playing me!” As soon the words left the recom’s mouth he looked panicked and loosened his hold on the gun “Shut up! I’m in no mood,” he looked almost frantic as he yelled out. “We didn’t say anything,” Spider was confused, this recom was nothing like the ones he dealt with all those years ago. “I wasn’t talking to you,” the man spat, pointing his gun directly at Spider’s head.

“Hey, it’s okay, calm down.” Kiri put her hands up slowly, approaching him like he was a scared animal. “Stop saying that, I’m not your brother, he fell down a well. It's Jinx now” The recom hissed as he turned his attention back to Kiri. “No, of course you’re still my brother, nothing could possibly change that!” Kiri responded, desperation laced her words. “Stop talking to me like I’m a child! Is that why you came? To get your stupid baby brother back?” Jinx pointed his gun at her, the end very nearly touching her face. “What? No, I want you, who you are now,” Kiri was quick to defend herself. What was going on? Why was Lo’ak acting like this? “You’re a class act, sister,” He spat. “Sister thought I’d miss her. Bet you wouldn’t miss her,” he teased looking directly at his gun almost as if he was talking to it.

“Lo’ak! I’m here for you and only you! You can fire that thing if you want but I’m not going anywhere! I won’t lose you again!” Kiri pushed the gun to the side, taking a step closer to her brother placing her hand on his arm. She saw that fear in his eyes and his tail was whipping around nervously and Kiri hated it, she still couldn’t wrap her head around what the hell was going on here. He seemed to calm down as he watched her every movement before stepping back and putting his hand on his head as if he had a headache.

“Everyone shut up! I need to think!” He demanded to what seemed like no one. Almost immediately after he straightened back up, gun pointed frantically to the trees. “Do you hear that?” There was another rustling coming from the bushes. Everything seemed to freeze as Lo'ak locked in on where the noise was coming from. As soon as he saw a figure appear from the bushes he fired.

With the gunshot multiple na’vi appeared and swarmed the kids. Lo'ak was quick to try and fire a bullet at each one of them. He didn’t care who they were or who he hit. He just needed to get out of here.

Kiri was so strung up and anxious it didn’t even occur to her or her other siblings who was here, she started swinging alongside her brother. It only took one swing for her to realize that she had hit Rotxo. As soon as he hit the ground Lo’ak turned and got ready to fire at him as Aonung quickly came to defend his friend attempting to punch Lo’ak. Lo’ak quickly ducked out of the way, turning and shooting at a different na’vi that tried to approach him..

Everything was happening so fast Kiri shrieked as she felt a large hand grab her arm and pull her back. She quickly turned to fight before she recognized her father’s face. He had managed at some point to grab her other siblings. Her friends Aonung and Roxto quickly ran to their side when they noticed the entire Sully family was safe. Kiri watched on in horror as the village warriors attempted to grab Lo’ak; only that wasn’t the part that terrified her. What really scared her was watching Lo’ak’s eyes light up with joy as he shot at every single na’vi. Somehow he managed to evade all their blows and keep them back. She swore if she listened past the gunshots and yelling she could hear him laughing.

Finally one na’vi warrior had climbed up a tree out of Lo’ak’s sight and readied his blade to jump and stab Lo’ak. Somehow, her brother knew where that warrior was, as he took a slight step to the side avoiding the blade by mere millimetres. He pointed his gun right at the warrior's head and shot. Only then did Jake finally pull the kids away from the scene. Kiri fought him, she couldn’t leave her brother alone to fight them all, he wouldn’t survive. She just got him back!

As they left the scene the remaining warriors retreated alongside them. Lo’ak continued to fire. Kiri called out to him, her call ignored by everyone as Jake finally pulled her out of the clearing.

Then and only then did Jinx notice the shift of people leaving, and for the one second he wasn’t paying attention, a warrior was able to get a hit on his leg, and fuck did it hurt. Jinx whipped around shooting the na’vi in the head as he zoned in on the fact that his sister was taken from him. He was stressed and wanted to lay down, he couldn’t think straight. His sister was gone, he shot two warriors, there was a mess. There was Spider and another female na’vi that Jinx knew he recognized but couldn’t remember how. He was so stressed and he wanted Miles.

He quickly pulled his communicator out of his pocket to hit the S.O.S button. Only then did it dawn on him, his sister was gone, the other na’vi was Tuktirey, Spider was there, and the pretty rock he grabbed for Miles was gone. He ripped the mask off taking a quick look around but he couldn’t spot the rock. He was so stressed. He tried to take breathes to calm down, but holy fuck he was stressed out.

He heard his com ping but he couldn’t focus on that. His sister was gone and he lost his rock.

“NOOO!”

Chapter Text

"What the hell were you thinking!?" Jake asked, his tail flicking in agitation as he stared down the three kids in front of him. "I told you there were sky people spotted near the islands and you still take off? Especially with that demon so close to the tribe?" Jake was fuming. Admittedly he was more scared than he was mad. That demon was the most out of control recom he had ever seen. Never once have they shot at everyone and everything like that.

"Dad, I didn't know there were sky people around. I wasn't informed. That's where Spider, Tuk, and I hang out. I never once expected to come across someone else there," Kiri desperately tried to calm her father down. He needed to know that that 'demon' was actually his son. "He isn't a recom," Kiri was quick to defend her younger brother. He had already been so hurt by this family and she refused to just sit and listen to their father call him a demon.

"Sure looked like a recom to me." Jake was shocked that Kiri would ever think to defend such a monster. "An insane one at that, he's dangerous and I never want you near those demons again." Jake was firm with his words, leaving no room for debate. Unfortunately for him, he has one stubborn daughter. "He wasn't a recom!" Kiri stood straight, ears pinned as she looked her father directly in his eyes, "it was Lo'ak." Kiri held her breath as her father's eyes widened for a half second and he sucked in a harsh breath. " That was not Lo'ak. Your brother is gone." Jake looked painted at the mere thought of that thing possibly being his son.

At Kiri's confession, Spider and Tuk stared at her. How could Kiri tell with his face half covered? Deep down it made sense, she was trying to protect the reco- Lo'ak. "Are you sure that it was Lo’ak?” Tuk’s voice was quiet as she looked up at her sister, hope in her eyes that her big brother might be alive. Kiri smiled and gave a nod to her sister. She didn’t want their father getting any more upset than he already was. Still his tail whipped side to side in anger, his ears pinning at the girls' exchange. “I knew it!” Tuk whispered to herself.

“No, that was not Lo’ak. Lo’ak is gone. That- that thing was not Lo’ak.” Jake was furious, how dare they say that demon was his son. That out of control, trigger-happy demon. His son was kind, and caring. “It was him, sure he’s different now, but Lo’ak is still in there, I saw him!” Kiri was desperate. “I can reach him, I can get Lo’ak back. He was there, he was talking to me!” Kiri was looking her father in the eye, ears pulled back as she held strong. “Your brother is dead, he is gone. That was not him,” Jake had left no room for arguments. He was done talking about this, he knows that his son is gone. There is no way that Quaritch would let him live, especially after Jake stopped looking. Lo’ak wouldn’t be worth anything to Quaritch anymore.

~~

jinx was stressed. His leg hurt, Miles isn’t here yet. His sister was there, she was talking to him. Spider was there, and he had to fight. He tried to calm his breathing as he reached into his pants pocket near his lower thigh. Miles always made him carry a small first aid kit on him at all times.

He sat down on a log, his hands shaking as he pulled out a needle and thread. Cursing when he failed to thread the needle multiple times. Finally he was able to get the thread together. He lifted his injured leg and winced as his pants pulled at the broken skin. “Fuck!” Jinx pinched the skin together and started a poor attempt at sewing it back together. Who else was there? “I don’t know,” Jinx was too frustrated for this bullshit right now. You know, the little girl “Of course I know who you are talking about, I just don’t know her name,” Jinx grit his teeth as he pulled the needle through the sensitive skin. Oh please, we both know her. We grew up with her. “Tuktirey?” Jinx asked, shocked at how he had seen his baby sister. Bingo! Someone else was there. “It was just Spider, Kiri, and Tuk.” Jinx whispered confused. At the end. The man, the one that took them all away “It was probably just a stupid villager” Jinx gasped as he pulled the thread tight, almost finishing up his stitch job. It wasn’t. We both know it. What is his name? “I don’t know!” Yes you do, think! Jinx sat for a minute knotting the thread ends. “Jake Sully” Jinx started laughing. Jake was still here. It made things so much easier for the RDA. They could finally capture him.

Jinx heard in the distance the sound of heavy engines. He stood, supporting most of his weight on his left leg. The sound of hurried footsteps approached, Jinx pulled his gun from its holster, aiming at the sound. His hand on the trigger, “I know you’re stressed, I can hear your breathing from here. It’s just me, just Miles,” The man was calm as he made his way through the final branches, hands up in a surrender. At the sight Jinx half sobbed as he started hobbling over to the man, dropping the gun on the ground. Miles was quick to meet him halfway. The two fell to their knees as Miles collected Jinx into his arms. “Shh, you’re safe now. I’m here. Let’s go back,” The man reached forwards, grabbing the boy's gun. He pulled them both up, Jinx's arm going around his neck as Miles supported most of his weight as the two of them made their way back to the boat.

~~

“You’re a hundred percent sure that it was Lo’ak?” Tuk and Kiri had made their way towards the Olo’eytkan’s hut to see Tsireya. “I’m sure, he had his mask off when I was there, and we were just chatting. He seemed panicked though when you and Spider started coming through the bush. That’s when he put on that mask.” Kiri answered her sister's question, finally. “Why did he start shooting the warriors?” Tuk asked, her ears tucked at the shy question. “I think he was scared. The warriors started fighting him first, he was just trying to protect himself,” Kiri tried her best. That is what she wanted to believe, she knew that. She really had no other way to explain the sinister laughter. “That makes sense,” Tuk whispered.

“Why are we going to Tsireya?” Tuk asked as they approached the hut. “Tsireya and Lo’ak used to be really close. I think that she’d like to know that her best friend is still alive.” Kiri smiled at her sister, “And hopefully she’ll be able to help bring Lo’ak home. She always knew what to say to him.”.

“Tuk! Kiri! Are you two okay? Aonung told me about the recom over in the forest! He didn’t hurt you two did he?” Tsireya met the Sully girls halfway, checking the two of them over for injuries. “No we’re fine, but it wasn’t a recom!” Tuk was bouncing on her toes, a smile across her face. “It was Lo’ak!” She finished with an excited giggle. Tsireya was shocked. Her eyes wide, ears up and tail still. “What do you mean? I thought he was dead?” Tsireya couldn’t believe it. “No it was him! I spoke to him and saw his face, it was definitely him!” Kiri supported her sister’s claim. “Aonung said that he went crazy? Started shooting everyone,” Tsireya was so confused, she didn’t know how to feel about all of this. “Kiri said that she thinks he got scared, he was just talking with her before a bunch of us showed up throwing punches,” Tuk was quick to fill the confused girl in. “That makes sense,” She agrees.

“There is one thing,” Kiri started, “He does seem different, the Lo’ak that we know is still there, but he’s hidden behind this strange exterior he built around himself,” Kiri said, looking Tsireya in the eyes. “Oh?” She asked. “You used to always know what to say to him when we were younger. You helped him through so much. So I was wondering if you could help me try to bring him back?” Kiri asked. She needed this, she needed Tsireya to want her best friend back as much as she wanted her brother back. “Of course,”.

Chapter Text

“Do you want to talk about it?” It’s been nearly two hours since Miles had picked up Jinx from the beach. “I saw my old family,” Jinx answered quietly. He was currently sitting in between Miles legs, leaning against the man’s chest. Miles had done a better job patching up the cut across Jinx’s inner thigh. Currently the boy is wearing sleep pants with his work pants in his arms trying his best to sew the large hole closed. He does have different pairs of work pants he could wear, but this was his favourite one. They were more broken in then the stiffer extra pairs.

“Did they hurt you?” Miles had a concerned look on his face. “You were right,” Jinx muttered, “All they wanted was to take me back.” Jinx sighed as he put down the pants, half turning to Miles straight on. “Oh Jinx, I’m sorry. I know that you wanted them to accept you as you are now.” Miles ran his hands through Jinx’s hair. “I think we should do something while we’re here. Come on, up you get,” Miles gently pushed Jinx off the bed as he stood. “Get dressed, let’s go,” Miles walked out of the room, followed by the sound of Jinx quickly changing into his work pants. As the man turned around he saw the terrible sew job on the inner thigh, he chuckled as he knew the boy wouldn’t want to wear anything else. “Where are we going?” Jinx asked as he followed the man out of the room. “You’ll see.”.

Jinx had followed Miles off the ship and onto a smaller boat. They had gone back to where Jinx had seen his siblings. “What are we doing here?” The boy asked. Miles just glanced at him before he jumped off the boat and into the water. Miles made his way over to water that came up right above his naval. “Come on Jinx, I think this will help you.” Jinx sighed as he jumped off the boat following the man. The water was almost right up to his ribs.

The man gently grabbed both of Jinx’s arms pulling him close. He looked down at the boy and sighed. “You know that your father and I used to be close, friends even.” The man started. Jinx sighed as Miles started the story. “Yes! I know! You’ve told me a million times!” Miles chuckled, “Just wait Jinx, let me speak,” the boy sighed again slouching as he looked at the man.

“Your father had promised me that he would do as I asked. Anything to help protect the humans and help forward our movement to deal with the natives. I relied on him, placed my trust in him. Still he turned around and betrayed me,” Miles was gentle with his words. He knew that Jinx had heard the tale of how Jake betrayed all of mankind a hundred times. He still had to be delicate with his retelling this time.

“He forced the rest of the humans he didn’t kill back to our failing planet. Had no mercy for us, for our families.” Miles brought one hand up to cup the boy’s cheek. “I see now that he never had any mercy for anyone, still selfish and betraying the people who trusted him. Five years ago, when we had first found your family in the reef clans, have I ever told you that story?” Miles asked. “No, I don’t recall it,” the boy answered.

“Well, it’s because we caught radio waves from a rogue helicopter. That’s right. Your father was so selfish back then that he never considered what bringing that helicopter over would do. He got hundreds killed with that stunt, including your brother.” Jinx had tensed up as he recalled the memory of Norm and Max coming to help Kiri.

“What’s the point of this?” Jinx asked quietly. “The point is that Jake’s son stands in front of me. And I’m worried that Lo'ak is going to go crawling back to Jake.” Miles said, looking Jinx in the eyes. “I’m not going to go crawling back.” Jinx was mad. How dare Miles assume that Jinx ever wanted to go back to that lunatic.

“That is why we are here.” Miles finally answered Jinx’s question. “I want Lo'ak to die,” fear crossed across Jinx’s face. “What do you mean?” Jinx hasn’t felt this small since his and Jake’s fight five years ago. “I need you to let go of Lo'ak and let that side of yourself die. I am not going to kill you. I can’t, my Jinx is perfect. Jake’s Lo’ak is the problem. Let that side of you die. And come back stronger.” the man explained. Jinx nodded, he was trying to make sense of this; currently none of it was fully adding up. “How?” The boy finally asked.

“Simple, you always say that Lo'ak fell down a well. Let’s make that true.” The man slowly moved his hand from Jinx’s cheek to the back of his head, making sure he had a secure hold on the boy. His other hand went from Jinx’s arm to the small of his back. “Do you trust me?” Miles asked. “Yes,” There was no hesitation, Jinx would trust the man in front of him with his life, he would do anything for this man. He has already done so much.

“Relax,” Miles whispered, “Let me guide you.” Miles gently started lowering Jinx closer to the water, he followed the boy as he got closer and closer to the water. As Jinx felt the water start to lick at his head he felt himself truly start to relax, he finally was going to be Miles.

As the water graced the boy’s face he took a breath of air, he kept his eyes open as the water completely took him. After a second of being under the water he closed his eyes. Focusing on the man’s hands around him. He felt like he was being cradled, like he was truly loved and wanted. He let his mind run blank, let himself slowly sink deeper into the man’s hands.

The way of water has no beginning and no end. The sea is around you, and in you. The sea is your home; before your birth and after your death. Our heart’s beat in the womb of the world. Our breath burns in the shadows of the deep. The sea gives and the sea takes. Water connects all things. Life to death. Darkness to light.

Jinx let out the breath he was holding. He let Lo'ak die.

Chapter Text

Jake didn’t know what to do. His daughter is saying that Lo’ak is alive. And yeah, in a way he knew Lo’ak was alive, his son chose that demon over him. Honestly Jake thought that after a while Quaritch would get annoyed with the kid and kill him, it never crossed his mind that there could even be a chance that Quaritch would keep his son alive. Maybe he could talk to Lo’ak, get his son to see that that man is dangerous. Yeah, that’s what he’ll do.

But, if that so-called ‘recom’ in the forest the other day truly was his son, is he even going to be able to reach him? He was just shooting, trying to kill everything. That’s not how he raised his son. It couldn’t be. It’s just a little more work to put in to get Lo’ak to forget the demon, that’s all.

The man kept pacing in the hut, his tail swishing side to side in agitation. He feels bad for getting upset with Kiri, but if what she’s saying is true, then that means that he screwed up in ways that might be unfixable. He is losing his mind, and it isn’t exactly like he can go to Neytiri about this either. What would he say? “Oh yeah, that son that I said was dead actually isn’t and now has gone insane and I need help getting him back!” Yeah, cause that’ll end well for him.

Finally he sunk to the floor letting out a sigh, he felt his whole being slump. He felt lost. The worst part is he didn’t have Grace here to rip him a new one.

“Hey, dad,” Jake glanced up to see his eldest daughter walking through the entrance way. “Yes Kir?” Kiri took a deep breath as she walked over to Jake and took a seat beside him. “I wanted to apologise for bringing up Lo’ak, I know you don’t like talking about him, and I have been so persistent lately,” Jake felt his heart break at his daughter’s words. Had he really made her feel like she had to apologise for talking about her little brother. “No, Kiri, I should be the one apologising, I hadn’t been there for you, or him. If you want to talk about him I’m all ears baby girl,” Jake placed his hand on the side of her head and gave his best attempt at a smile.

“That’s actually kind of the other reason I’m here” Kiri sheepishly started to glance to the side. “I think there is a demon ship near Three Brother’s rock, and if Lo’ak is with Quaritch, then he might be there.” She finished as she looked her father in the eyes. “Alright, let’s go get your brother back.” The man stood offering a hand out for his daughter.

~~

“What are we doing here?” Jinx asked as he saw that the ship was approaching Three Brother’s rock. “Well, I still want Jake dead, now that he knows that you are here, I’m hoping it will draw him out,” Miles answered. The man was sitting on the edge of his bed facing the window near the front of the ship. Jinx was sitting cross legged on the floor in front of him. Miles had both his hands full of hair as he worked carefully to work a couple braids in the boy’s hair.

This was one of the few times that the two of them got alone and they could relax. It was a cherished time by both. Miles had always loved doing hair, it was a distant memory from his time with Paz, before the big fight that ended in both Miles, and Paz’s deaths. He never did anything too extravagant with her, but Jinx had much longer hair, almost past the small of his back. He never wanted to cut it as having longer hair wasn’t allowed, Jake said it would get in his way, which Miles would like to call absolute bull shit on, Jinx was the best fighter he has seen.

Today they didn’t have enough time for Miles to do anything fancy, usually he would have a lattice pattern made of hair on the back of his boy’s head done. Of course Jinx would go around the RDA getting everyone to appreciate his hair. He was doing two braids on either side of his hair. Leaving a fringe out at the front.

“Could I visit Payakan? If he’s here?” Jinx asked, he was fiddling with a small explosive in his hands. Miles would have freaked out and told him to get rid of it, but it was something that Jinx was currently finishing. He always made different small explosives, kept his mind busy. “That depends, who is Payakan?” Miles asked as he finished tying off a braid. “He’s a tulkun. My friend.” Jinx answered easily. “A tulkun?” The man raised his eyebrow, a gesture the boy didn’t catch. Jinx nodded, in turn Miles sighed as the movement messed up the start of his second braid, he would just have to restart. “Sure, don’t stray too far though. You have already managed to get too close to the village for my liking.” “I won’t”

~

“Payakan!” Jinx had called a handful of times, at this point he was starting to get nervous. Had Payakan been killed? Maybe he doesn’t want to see you. You left him after all Jinx sighed, “It wasn’t my choice, he’ll understand.” Maybe, maybe not. You felt betrayed when Jake left you “I have nothing to do with Jake,” Jinx growled. How dare he think that Jake is worth anything to him. “Lo'ak is dead.” Sure “Shut up, I’m not in the mood.” Jinx was pissed, how dare he think that it’s okay to talk to him like that. Stupid Neteyam never knew what was best for him. He got himself killed, that’s all he’s good for, and giving Jinx major headaches.

Just as Jinx was about to head back to the ship and find Miles, he saw a figure in the distance. “Payakan!” Jinx called one final time, getting his hopes up. ‘Brother!’ Payakan called back as he finally raised out of the water. ‘You have been gone for so long, what happened brother?’ Payakan asked as he approached Jinx. “Some things happened. I moved back to the forest.” Jinx was careful with his words. He didn’t want Payakan to try and hurt any of his friends on the ship if he got angry.

‘Why brother? That is so far away.’ “I’m not wanted here,” Jinx’s answer was truthful. 'I want you brother' Payakan let out a sad sound at his brother's answer. How could the people not want such a kind soul in their village? 'Did they force you out?' Payakan had to know, he had to hear it. "Kind of," Jinx sighed "it was more my father forced me out," there wasn't any point in lying.

"I found someone else though, he took me in as his own kid. Treats me right" Jinx felt himself smile at the thought of Miles. He truly made Jinx feel like he had a purpose. 'Is that why you are dressed strangely?' Payakan asked. "I guess, it's how he dresses. It's easier, let's me carry a bunch of stuff at once." Jinx could feel Payakan’s eyes looking him up and down, taking in every difference from the years they spent apart. ‘How come you never came back?’ Jinx shrugged, “I was scared. I was basically chased out, Payakan. I was terrified that I would be chased out again.” Jinx was looking at his feet, he felt ashamed. Payakan had been waiting for him all of these years, and he was too afraid to come and visit.

“Hopefully I should be able to visit more soon. I just have to get something out of the way first.” Jinx looked Payakan in the eyes. ‘What do you need to do brother?’ Payakan wanted to help, he wanted his brother back. It wasn’t fair that his brother felt the need to hide away from him. “This is something that I need to do myself, Payakan.” Payakan could feel the determination and anger coming off of Lo’ak.

Throughout their conversation Jinx had a nagging feeling that something was going to happen. Soon he heard a noise coming from the distance. “Payakan, you need to go, someone is coming. Quick go.” Jinx shooed away the tulkun. He stood tall and looked into the distance to see what was coming. As his eyes focused he saw it. A na’vi coming on a tsurak.

Chapter Text

Jinx couldn’t tell yet who was approaching. The ship was still a distance away so it would take a bit for Miles to reach him if he called for help. It only looked like one, maybe two. He could easily take them if need be. He glanced to the side double checking that Payakan had left, if he needed to fight he didn’t want Payakan to join in, too much of a risk of him getting hurt.

Jinx reached down to feel what weapons he had on him. His gun, a spare gun, his blade, another blade, his first aid kit, small explosives. Not big enough to kill a person, but pretty fucking close. He felt up near his neck to feel for his mask and…shit, where’s his mask. He quickly reached to his side pocket to send an S.O.S to Miles.

He wasn’t afraid of getting in a fight but he would feel so much better if they couldn’t see his face. Especially not this close to the Metkayina village. Only, shit, he forgot that too. Holy fuck, he was screwed. “Shit fuck fuck fuckfuckfuckfuck.” What other choice did he have? Run and have those fuckers chase him, or stand tall and fight.

He squared his shoulders and set his jaw. Placing a hand on the holster on his side, he flicked off the safety and cocked the gun. He needed it ready for anything. One deep breath, two, three. He hardened his face and looked up. There he saw it. Jake Sully in the fucking flesh.

“Great.” He whispered to himself. Behind Jake he saw. Oh that lying bitch. Kiri. “Lo’ak!” He heard the girl call out to him. He narrowed his eyes, pulled his ears back and flicked his tail once, tilting his head barely to the side. He wasn’t giving her anything.

The pair quickly approached the rock and dismounted the tsurak. “Lo’ak? Is it really you?” Jake lowered himself to the ground. Jinx’s eyes followed every movement, “Oh Eywa, it is you” Jake was gentle with his words as he approached the boy. He stopped a few feet ahead of the boy, waiting hoping his son would move towards him. Nothing, not even a flick of his tail. Just hard emotionless eyes staring straight through Jake’s soul. “What did Quaritch do to you?” The question was more to himself, but he saw Lo'ak’s eye twitch at his words.

“Lo’ak, baby. My son. Please, say something,” Jake was desperate, there, right out of arm’s reach stood his son. His perfect, beautiful son. All the man got in return was a half scoff through the boy's nose. Quiet and barely there. But it was something. “Your hair, it’s so long!” Jake was trying, he could see the two thick braids behind his son’s waist. Almost to his hips.

“Come on Lo’ak, don’t be like this, you were so kind to me before,” Kiri said as she approached the boy. Her movements were quick. Within a blink of an eye Lo’ak’s gaze moved from Jake to Kiri, his gun pulled, pointed, and shot. Not at her, close. Enough to scare her. She shrieked and quickly ducked. Not that it would have done anything, he shot up for fucks sake. “Lo’ak!” Jake scolded. Ah, just like old times. “There’s the Jake I know,” Jinx chuckled scornfully “Always mad and scolding. Couldn’t ever let his kids be kids.” Jinx was ruthless with his words. He needed this, this pay back for everything that dreadful man said to him.

“No, I’m sorry. For everything. All the pain I caused, all the things that I said. I’m sorry for all of it. I want to fix it, I want to bring you home and fix us, fix what’s broken!” Jake pleaded. Two minutes and he already fucked up. Jinx laughed, hard and mean. A dark sound, something that would haunt your dreams. “Well!” He gasped, “If it isn’t the boy saviour! Coming to fix all the problems!” It was one big joke to Jinx.

“Lo’ak no! You’re my son, and I want you to know that!” The man was getting desperate, nothing he did got through to his boy, it only seemed to anger him more. “No. Your son is dead.” Jinx’s eyes were quick to harden again. “I killed that pathetic bastard. And it's Jinx now” The boy spit the words out like venom.

“Lo’ak please!” Jake was near tears. There were no words that left his child’s mouth. Slowly he lifted the arm holding his gun and aimed right at Jake’s heart. “Do you remember where Neteyam got shot? Right above the heart, right?” The words were a joke, something the boy laughed at. Or maybe it was the expression that crossed the man’s face at his words. He brought his other hand up to cock the gun, an evil smirk crossing the boy’s face.

“Kiri, go back and get your mother, be quick.” Jake’s words left no room for argument, that was made clear in the hesitant footsteps retreating back to the tsurak behind them. Jake knew what Lo’ak wanted, and maybe if he gave the boy the fight he wanted he’d be able to trick him into coming home. Especially with the help of Neytiri. He just couldn’t have Kiri watch this, there were too many ways it could go wrong.

“Alright, fine. You want to fight? Let’s do it.” Jake stood tall, half a head taller than the boy ahead of him. The boy smiled, true and big. His eyes lit up as he turned to the side, arm straight out and gun pointed right at Jake. A laugh escaped him as he eyed up the man ahead of him. Jake pulled out his knife and hardened his face. None of this was fun, and in hindsight a terrible idea. Jinx stood there staring, no one making the first move. Waiting. Jake needed this moment to end.

He lunged, knife heading straight for the boy. A bullet released, piercing the air as it flew past the man’s head. Jake’s ears ringing immediately as he ducked. Twisting his body he threw his arm’s forwards to disarm the boy. Jinx was quick on his feet, side stepping and bringing the handle of the gun hard against Jake’s shoulder. The man hissed, quickly correcting his stance he grabbed the boy’s shoulder pulling him to the ground. Jinx growled as he reached out, blade pulled from his pocket now in his free hand. A sadistic smile on his face as he felt his blade slice through the skin on the man’s arm. The hold on him released. Jinx jumped back, firing a bullet at the man.

Jake pushed off the ground, stumbling to the side quickly checking his vital spots for a bullet hole. Thankfully he hadn’t been hit. Both parties stood, breathing, deep and hard as they sized each other up. Jinx was the one to make a move this time, lunging at Jake’s side instead of head on. Jake managed to bring a knee up, hitting right under Jinx’s rib cage winding him. Three deep breaths and he deemed himself steady enough to turn. His face was laced with anger. Quickly he pounced at the man, gaining traction to push himself. He brought his knife down, Jake brought his up.

The sound of metal on metal screeching and clashing echoed out across the open air. Jinx was breathing hard, his lips pulled back in a dangerous snarl. Slowly Jake watched his face turn into a smile. He felt the metal of a gun pressed hard against his ribs. With his free arm he grabbed Jinx’s hand and twisted. The gun dislodged from his hold with a deafening bang to sound out the bullet being released. Fists flew. Jake grunted as a hand collided with his cheekbone, hard.

He curled his hands into fists, nailing the boy right on the brow. Another one followed, Jake felt the skin split under his knuckles. He was knocked down right as a hand knocked him in the jaw. He felt his brain rattle at the impact. He reached up grabbing the shirt adorned on the boy’s back pulling him down with the man.

Quickly, Jake pushed Jinx under him, knife brought up to the boy’s throat. Both of them breathing hard. Jake could see a bruise already forming on the boy’s brow, blood dripping from his nose, lip split and blood in his teeth. Jinx’s face slowly turned from emotionless to soft. Jake felt himself falter. All of a sudden he wasn’t pinning down a predator and instead under him lay his young son. A smile laced across his face.

He could hear the sound of a boat approaching in the distance. Before Jake could grab his son and take him home the sound of a pin being pulled was heard. He glanced to the side and his face fell. His son held an armed grenade in his hand, pin pulled and fully engaged.

Jake didn’t think, he threw himself back out of harm's way, he looked to the side to make sure his son was unharmed and far away from the explosive. He was met with empty rock. Horror in his eyes, he didn’t even have time to react, to grab his son and pull him away. He watched as the bomb went off, his son right beside it.

“LO’AK!” Jake couldn’t breathe. A boat pulled up. He didn’t even register Quaritch stepping off. “Well, well, well. What do we have her- oh god. JINX!” Quaritch cut off his own words as he saw the boy laying lifeless. He ran towards him desperately feeling for a pulse. A soft thrumming met his fingers. Quaritch bent down scooping the boy in his arms. He stood staring at Jake for a second.

“What have you done?” Jake had no time to answer the man as he watched him take his son away from him again. Quaritch’s steps were quick as he took Jinx away towards the boat he came on. The sound of heavy wings beating in the wind approached. Jake couldn’t care. Once again, this god forsaken rock had pulled apart his family. This cursed rock. This evil, evil thing.

“Ake! MaJake! Jake!” Slowly Jake glanced up and he was met with the sight of his wife. “Jake what happened?” Neytiri was panicked. Of course she was. She had every reason to be. Jake’s gaze left the woman and returned to the black splotch on the rock where his son had been. “He’s gone.” Jake’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Who, Jake, who is gone?” Neytiri lowered herself to be beside the man. “Lo’ak. He’s actually gone.”

Chapter Text

When Miles had seen the explosion come from the rocks he never expected to see The Jake Sully there. He was smug, he wanted to show off his favourite creation. Only that was quickly cut short. As he looked over to where the small explosion had actually come from his heart dropped. There lay his boy. Jinx. Completely lifeless.

“Jinx!" Miles called as he rushed over to the boy's body. “Please please please please" he begged, slowly lifting Jinx’s head to his chest. He felt broken. Never once did he feel like he could be this hurt. Miles looked out across the water, knowing for a fact that he was going to make all of the na’vi pay, especially if Jinx was dead.

Slowly Miles stood up holding the boy in his arms, his long hair hanging nearly to the ground. Miles turned and hurriedly made his way back to the ship. He had no time to waste, he had to get his boy help, he refused to lose him.

“Move!” He yelled as he made his way through the ship. “He needs help!” Miles called out, he had no idea what to do. Jinx had burn marks across his face, and was completely limp. Going off of the explosion it was obvious what had happened.

Miles felt himself losing hope as he made his way to the ship. Jinx’s arms hung loose, his breath so shallow Miles started to believe he was imagining it. He could feel blood rushing through his ears, the panic overcoming his whole body.

“Help him!” Miles was practically screaming as he climbed on the ship. “Get this ship back to Bridgehead! Now!” He called out, barking commands.

Miles rushes over to the nearest table and gently places Jinx down, he brushes the hair out of Jinx’s face. “Stop standing around and someone save him!” Miles stood over his boy, eyes flashing across the brew on the ship, “Please!”.

Ian walked over cautiously, "Colonel, I don’t think we can save him. His wounds are far too great, and there is no way to know the internal damages done.” Dr. Garvin watched the emotions flash across Miles' face.

“You have to try,” Miles has never felt so vulnerable in his life. His adoptive son lay there, lifeless on the table in front of him, “Please,” he begged, looking down at the doctor. Ian being Jinx’s only hope.

Dr. Garvin looked back at Jinx, he always liked the kid. “Get me a recom mask, first aid kit, and some damn alcohol!” Ian called out. He studied the wounds that covered Jinx’s body as the crew rushed around him trying to save the boy. “When we get back to Bridgehead I’ll be able to help him more. Right now I’ll do as best as I can, but there is no guarantee he’ll make it,”

Miles looked down at Jinx, standing there watching helplessly as Dr. Garvin worked on Jinx. Cleaning his wounds, wiping away soot and stitching up any small cuts across his skin.

“I don’t know how else to help him, let alone when we get back to Bridgehead, I’m at a loss here Colonel," Ian admitted as he stood over the boy. “You have to think of something” Miles was desperate.

“I have an idea but it is radical, and I doubt that it will actually work. It will also set us back by days..” Dr. Garvin trailed off. Miles watched the man carefully, studying his expressions for any sign of an answer.

“What are you thinking about?” Miles asked. Dr. Garvin hesitated, his hand hovering over Jinx’s face where he was previously wiping away soot. “Amrita is supposed to give life to human’s, stop aging pretty much. And Jinx has human DNA in him.” The human’s voice was small as he spoke.

“We don’t know what it does to Na’vi, this might kill him,” the doctor added. He would have never suggested this for anyone else, but Ian is fond of the boy. He may have been brought to the RDA but he still has a great respect for the world around him.

“If you think it will save him, do it.” Miles eyed the doctor. He was scared. There was a chance that this wasn’t going to work and that Miles would lose Jinx forever. The man rubbed his temple and walked away. He loved Jinx, but seeing him like that, it tore him apart inside.

The ship was tense as the crew rushed to Bridgehead. Miles stayed close to watch over Jinx. Dr. Garvin frequently checking Jinx’s vitals. The boy occasionally groaned and his face twisted in pain. This being the few signs of life he shows. Every time Jinx made a sound, Miles would rush over to his side. Of course he never opened his eyes.

Finally the ship entered Bridgehead, Dr. Garvin and Miles rushed the boy off the ship. Miles was carrying the boy, Dr. Garvin close behind him as they made their way into the main building. “I need a gurney! Now!” Miles barked out. Jinx limp in his arms.

The team was quick to react, all fond of the dying boy. There soon was a gurney in front of the man, he lay Jinx down and let Dr. Garvin take the lead. Miles followed behind, pushing the gurney. They made their way to the med bay. Miles lifted Jinx onto one of the beds.

Dr. Garvin ran around the room grabbing an array of medical equipment. “I need you to leave for this Colonel,” the doctor spoke as he rushed around. “I’m staying,” Miles was firm with his words, staring down the human in front of him.

“If this goes wrong, I don’t want you here to witness it. I’m not sure how his body is going to react and I don’t need you doing something drastic,” D. Garvin responded. “I have to be here for him!” Miles begged, he felt like he was watching his own son dying. “If you want to help so bad, go to the lab and grab a vial of Amrita.”.

Miles considered the doctor's words for a minute, his eyes locked on the boy’s body. “The longer you wait, his chances of survival lessen.” With that Miles ran down the hallway. Pushing everyone out of his. He was determined to have Jinx live through this.

The man made it to the lab and he frantically looked around. He didn’t need any of the humans knowing that he needs amrita for his own personal use. After a moment he saw it. The golden vials sitting off to the side. With two long strides he reached out and grabbed one of the vials, quickly stuffing it in his pocket.

He rushed back to the med bay, where his son was waiting for him. Barging in he took a look around to make sure that there wasn’t any one else in the room that could snitch on the men for using amrita.

“Here, now save him,” Miles' words came out just as harsh as they were begging. The doctor quickly grabbed the vial and gestured for the Colonel to leave. With one more quick glance to his son Miles made his way out of the med bay. He heard the telltale thunk of the lock being slid in place to keep him out. The man sank to his knees and cried.

Inside the med bay Dr. Garvin cracked open the vial and got an IV in Jinx’s arm. “I am so sorry, this is going to hurt, but I don’t know how else to save you. He pulled the elixir into a needle and attached the IV line to the end. Slowly he pumped the golden liquid into Jinx’s veins.

Jinx’s face contorted quickly in pain. Groaning and gasping as the foreign substance made its way through him. His arms thrashing about, threatening to dislodge the IV. Dr. Garvin, quick to react, placed down the needle and ran to a cabinet off to the side that contained restraints.

“I’m sorry, I have to,” The doctor spoke mostly to himself as he tied down the boy. He returned to his place beside Jinx and picked up the needle, slowly pumping more amrita through his veins.

Jinx’s eyes shot open, screaming as he felt fire tear through him. He fought against his restraints, begging the doctor to stop. Almost halfway through the vial Dr. Garvin felt tears well in eyes watching Jinx in so much pain. He could see the boy’s veins glowing. His eyes shifting from yellow to a deep golden colour, shining unnaturally.

Jinx’s screams filled the room, his nails clawing into the sheets beneath him. The restraints croaked as he fought. Dr. Garvin looked down at the vial, now pushing in the last drops of amrita. Gold tears made their way down Jinx’s cheeks. His eyes flying around the room, nothing making sense in his pain raddled mind.

As soon as the vial was emptied, the doctor pulled the IV out of the boy’s arm. Jinx lay there, panting, tears streaking his face. His features contorted in pain. Dr. Garvin slowly made his way to the door. He opened it and was met with a frantic looking Miles, who must’ve heard Jinx’s screams.

“It is done,”.

Chapter Text

Miles breathed a sigh of relief. He could hear the screams coming from the room, but there was nothing that he could do. He made his way in, he felt his heart drop at the sight. Jinx lay there, strapped down to the bed, tears streaming down his face, and out cold.

“Is he alive?” Miles asked, hesitant. “Yes, it was rough on his body, and he needs to rest,” Dr. Garvin responded. Miles walked over to Jinx’s side. At a closer inspection he felt his mouth go dry. The veins around Jinx’s eyes were prominent and a soft golden colour. The tears staining his face a matching gold.

He swallowed heavily, reaching down he unclasped the straps around the boy’s wrists and ankles. He slid his arms under Jinx’s shoulders and knees, picking him up off the bed, he didn’t even look back at the human in the room, he no longer needed the man.

Slowly he made his way to Jinx’s room. The hallways felt like they went on forever, encasing him as he walked. The anxiety that he has lost his son is still hammering heavy on his brain. As he made his way into the room he set the boy down on his bed, pulling the covers over his boy.

Miles leaned down and kissed the boy’s hairline, “Please come back to me,” he whispered. “I can’t lose you,” The man stood tall, he placed his hand on Jinx’s forehead, he stayed there and listened for Jinx’s breaths, trying to convince himself that his boy was alive.

Finally, Miles was able to walk away from Jinx. He felt lost, like everything he has worked for is coming down around him. The world passed him by as he made his way towards the main office. There stood General Ardmore, watching the footage passing across the screen.

“You know, I best kill you where you stand, Colonel.” Her voice was sharp, she didn’t even turn to meet the recom’s eyes. “You think I didn’t notice you stealing a vial of Amrita?” The question coming out as a statement.

“Jinx was dying, I needed to save him.” Miles shot back. “That boy isn’t my priority. Paying for the future of humanity is my priority.” She finally turned to face Miles, her face hard as she eyed him up and down. “I need that vial replaced by the end of the week, if not, I’ll have that boy killed.” Miles' eyes hardened at the woman’s words.

“I don’t think that is something you want to try, General, there are a lot of people here that care for Jinx,” Miles shot back, staring the woman down. “And all of those people happen to work for me,” She responded, walking past him. “By the end of the week Colonel, or there will be consequences.”.

Jinx blinked open his eyes. His head pounding. He could feel fire burning through his veins, the voices in his head screaming in agony. He felt crazy, like he had no control over his own body. The only thing that he could focus on is that he needed it to quiet down. The shadows on the walls were swarming around him. Faces distorting as he tried to focus.

He sat up, his eyes whipping around the room, trying to focus on something, anything. Trying to calm down the insanity running through his mind. He stood up from the bed, as his feet hit the floor he thought he was going to die. The feeling felt like he was walking on lava rock.

He hissed and pulled his feet onto the bed. The blankets scratching his skin. Everything is wrong. He was dying, there was no other way to describe what was happening to him. He needed this to stop,

He pushed through the burning in his feet and made his way to the door. He practically fell as he pushed his weight against the door. The sounds of the hallway screaming in his head, the lights blinding him. He has never felt like this before, he always knew that he was different, but now that he feels insane. Actually psycho.

He placed his hand against the wall, keeping his balance, he slowly made his way down the hallway. Every step feeling knives cutting through him, his hand against the wall felt every dent, seam, and screw. He needed Miles. Miles always had the answer.

Jinx slowly enters the main room, the monitors flashing, voices booming. He brings his hands up to cover his ears. Tears start streaming down his face, burning their way down. “Miles?” Jinx whispered out.

Jinx stood there, waiting for Miles to come to him. After a moment he looked up to see where Miles was. Instead he saw blood dripping down the walls, everyone was looking at him, all just standing there staring. Their eyes glowing and unblinking. All their faces melting and deformed.

Jinx started to hyperventilate, everything was wrong, the walls were wrong, the people were wrong. “Miles!” Jinx called out. He was scared. Miles would know what to do, he always had the answer. Someone placed their hand on his shoulder, the touch burned. Jinx gasped and pulled away, fast.

“Jinx? Are you okay?” the voice spoke out. Jinx looked up, he was faced with glowing eyes and nothing else. “Jinx?”. Jinx stood there staring at the void of this person’s face. He covered his eyes and sobbed.

“Move,” Jinx felt hands touching him again. This time they didn’t burn. “Jinx? Look at me,” he shook his head at the new voice. He was terrified to look at the void. “Son, I need you to look at me,”. Another hand grabbed his shoulder. Jinx stood there, hands on either of his shoulders, ears pinned back, eyes closed, head screaming, and somehow, whoever was touching him wasn’t burning.

“Jinx, open your eyes, you’re okay,” Jinx took a breath and opened his eyes. He saw Miles. Just Miles. No melting, no distortion, nothing wrong. Just Miles. Jinx fell into Miles’ arms. “Everything is wrong!” The boy sobbed into the man’s chest. “What’s wrong?” Miles pulled Jinx away from his chest to look the boy in his eyes. “Everything hurts, and there’s blood on the walls, and everyone is looking at me,” Jinx whispered out.

Miles watched the boy’s expressions, all full of fear. As he watched he noticed that the veins under his eyes were more prominent, his eyes were glowing, and his tears.. His eyes are glowing. Miles moved his hand to Jinx’s chin and held his head in place, leaning in closer to get a better look at his eyes, he was able to confirm that the boy’s eyes were in fact glowing.

“Let’s go back to your room, huh? Get away from everything?” Miles gently pushed. He needed to get a closer look at what the amrita did to Jinx, and understand all the side effects.

The two made their way down the hallway, every step looking like it was tearing JInx apart. His ears stayed pinned to the side of his head and his eyes were ripping around the room. As the two made it to Jinx’s room, Miles picked him up and placed him on the bed.

“Can I have a look at you? I want to see if I can figure out what’s going on with you,” Miles’ words were gentle. Jinx nodded his head, knowing that Miles would have the answer. Miles sat on the bed beside Jinx and grabbed the boy’s hands.

He very quickly noticed that Jinx was paler, almost sickly so. His hands were almost hot to the touch. He made sure to note that in his mind to bring up to Dr. Garvin. His eyes moved up Jinx’s arms, he didn’t notice anything of interest. He then focused on Jinx’s face.

He had deep eye bags, golden veins starting from his eyes and slowly fading out as they spread across his face, and finally his eyes were no longer the soft yellow colour they used to be. Now they were a bold golden colour, combined with a gentle glow.

“What happened to me?” Jinx asked, his voice shaking. Miles thought for a moment, trying to think of a way to let Jinx know what was done to him. “Do you remember what happened when we went to check on the Tulkun hunters?” Miles decided on. Jinx nodded, “I saw Payakan, then Jake was there,” he whispered out. Miles nodded at Jinx’s words. “Do you remember what happened after?” He pushed. Jinx thought for a moment, nothing coming to his mind. “No,”.

“You almost died,” Miles watched as Jinx’s eyes widened. “We didn’t know what to do, you were hardly breathing.” Miles was making sure to keep on Jinx as he recounted the day, he didn’t want to scare the boy. “Dr. Garvin had an idea to save you, but he wasn’t sure what the effects it would have on your body.”. Miles took a breath. “I told him to do what he needed, I couldn’t lose you.”. Jinx’s eyes hardened as he listened to Miles. “What did he do?” “He injected you with amrita,” Miles finished. “It was all we could think of.”.

Jinx took a breath. He pulled his hands away from Miles. His face hardened with anger. “I thought you said that death is a mercy?” Jinx looked into Miles’ eyes. “Was I not deserving of that?” Jinx stood off the bed. He was seething. He thought that Miles would be the first person to allow him to die.
“I couldn’t lose you!” Miles stood, how could Jinx ever assume that he could live without him. “You are my reason to live Jinx, don’t ever think I would let go of you that easily. Jinx’s eyes flashed a harsh gold, glowing brighter than before. “So is death a mercy? Or have all the lives I lost been for nothing?” Jinx snapped out. “Or do I not deserve any mercy for my sins?”.

Before Miles had a moment to think he whipped his hand out and slapped Jinx. Jinx stumbled back, bringing his hand to his cheek. His eyes focused on Miles, tears welling up. “Jinx?” Miles was shocked at his own actions. Before he could have a second to fix his wrongs he watched as Jinx disappeared.

Chapter Text

Jake didn’t know what to do. He was laying in his hammock, staring at the roof of their hut. He was lost. He truly believed that he was going to get his son back, be as close to a family as they could possibly be.

He sighed heavily through his nose. This is the third time he has had to mourn his youngest son. Neytiri was milling about, she hadn’t fully believed that Lo’ak was still alive. She has mourned him once, she is not ready to mourn him again.

Kiri wasn’t talking to him, she blames him for Lo’ak disappearing. He doesn’t blame her, he knows that if he had his comms on all those years ago, Lo’ak would still be here.

“MaJake? What is wrong?” Neytiri asked as she approached her husband. Jake ran his hand down his face and sighed. “I’m tired of mourning, baby. I feel like every time I can grow from Lo’ak’s disappearance, he pops up again, and then I lose him as soon as he is in my reach.”.

Neytiri sat beside Jake, “He will come back into our lives when he is ready Jake,” she spoke gently. “I watched a bomb blow up beside his face,” Jake responded, “No one could survive that.”.

Neytiri studied her husband's face. She silently agreed with him, a nod of her head. She too is tired of mourning her family. “He will come back, I feel it,” Jake sighed, sitting up and looking Neytiri in the eyes.

“Im tired of waiting for him to appear, so he can disappear all over again,” he admitted, his ears dipping down to show his grief.

“Eywa has a plan for him, MaJake. He must decide to accept that plan,” tears pricked Neytiri’s eyes as she sat there. She felt just as lost as Jake did. This endless cycle of Lo’ak being alive, for him to disappear, mere seconds later.

She sighed lightly, standing up, she placed her hand on the side of Jake’s face, looking him in the eyes. There was nothing else to say. Jake was right, they were stuck in a cycle around Lo’ak.

She gave Jake a soft smile, letting him know that she was done with the conversation. She turned around and walked out of the hut. She needed to get her mind off of Lo’ak. She knows that she needs to stand her ground and stick to her opinion, but something in her told her that Jake was right.

Neytiri saw the explosion from the back of Sa’ata, Jake was right, the chances of Lo’ak surviving were slim. But she did not want to mourn again.

Neytiri made her way to the forest beside the village. She needed to make dinner for the family. She appreciated having a small forest nearby, she was not used to the food of the metkayina yet.

She felt the weight lift off her shoulders as she entered the trees. The grass under her feet helped her feel grounded to Eywa. She made her way towards the familiar shrubs and ferns.

She let her mind wander, she remembered being back in her forest with all of her children running around. It was a distant feeling that she was starting to forget. She sniffled as she crouched down. Never in her life did she think that she would be so full of grief.

Her ears flicked back as she heard rustling in the trees. She quickly wiped her face and sat on edge as she listened. The rustling was nothing she had heard before. It was erratic, nothing like the sounds that she knows.

She reaches for her knife and shifts up to her toes, ready to fight if it comes to that. She stays crouched so as to not give away the fact that she knows that something is there. Her ears followed the noise as best as she could. Whatever it was sounded like it was jumping insane distances, and fast.

The heavy sound of an uncoordinated animal hitting the ground rippled through the trees. Neytiri stood and turned to face the creature, there she was met with.. “Lo’ak?” She gasped, her knife falling to the ground.

He stood there, watching her. Something about him was off, unnatural. “Lo’ak?” She asked, looking him up and down, she took in his clothes, sky people attire donned his figure, his eyes carried a faint glow, and there was a faint bruised look to his under eyes.

“What did they do to you?” She asked, her arms reaching out to him hesitantly. “Lo’ak is dead,” he seethed out, his eyes hardening. “It’s Jinx now.” Neytiri’s hand retreated. She looked him in his eyes, the unnatural glow unsettling. “No, no my son, you are here,” she whispered.

She crouched low and slowly approached him, he watched her every move, analyzing. As she reached him, she stood slowly, amazed that her little boy now stood as tall as her. “Lo’ak-” Jinx snarled and took a step back “It’s Jinx,” he spit.

Neytiri’s eyes widened as she watched the reaction to his old name. She stood there, hesitating, mulling the word through her mind. “Jinx,” The name sounded foreign coming from her mouth. “What are you doing here,” her voice was soft as she spoke.

“They did something to me, I don’t know what’s happening to me,” Jinx’s voice was panicked. “I don’t even know why I’m here, there is nothing you can do about it,” his face contorted into frustration.

Neytiri listened carefully. Tears welling up in her eyes. Jinx noticed the tears immediately. He leaned in close, “Why are you crying? It’s not happening to you,” he grit his teeth. How dare she mock his pain.

“No, no. I am thinking about how different our lives would be if Jake had gotten to you before that demon took you away,” she spoke, her hand coming up to caress Jinx’s cheek, he flinched at the touch but stood. His eyebrows creased in confusion.

“He never came, he left me.” Jinx corrected. Neytiri paused, Jinx’s words puzzled her. “He was on his way, he hurried as fast as he could to reach you. That demon didn’t give him a chance to reach you.”.

Jinx took a step back from Neytiri. He lied. I told you, you can’t trust him Jinx brought his hands up to cover his ears. “You’re lying,” he spit. The trees started to curl inward, boxing him in where he stood.

“I’m telling the truth, your father searched for you every day. He never gave up,” Neytiri watched as Jinx panicked. She didn’t know how to go about this, his eyes flashed around, the glow brighter than before.

She lies. He lies. They all lie “Shut UP!” Jinx barked out. The woman in front of him was crowding him in. Her face distorted. Jake was coming for you, you never gave him a chance “No, you’re wrong!” Jinx fell to his knees, curling into himself. His forehead pressing against the soft earth beneath him.

Neytiri fell to her knees beside him, she placed her hands on his shoulders. Jinx shot up, snarling at her, pushing her away from him. “Don’t touch me! You’re a Liar!” he spit out.

“No, please, tell me what’s happening. I want to help you, son!” She pleaded, her hands staying in the air as she watched helplessly.

Jinx stood on shaky legs, his hand bracing on the nearest tree, the feeling burning his palm. “No, no no no nonononono,” his free hand reached up and took a handful of his hair, pulling harshly. He needed the voices to stop. He needed the world to make sense. He looked at Neytiri, breathing heavily. His world crumbling around him.

“I need to go,” he whispered. Before Neytiri could respond he was gone. She stood there stunned. Staring at the empty forest surrounding her. The only proof of Lo’ak ever being there was the trampled grass on the ground. Tears welled in her eyes as she stood there, breathing.

She needed Jake. He needed to know that Lo’ak is alive, and is close. SHe bent down, grabbed her knife and took off towards the village. Her herbs left forgotten behind her.

Her feet pounded as she moved. Her lungs gasped for air. As she approached the village she beelined straight for the hut. As she ran her eyes caught on Jake.

“Jake! MaJake!” She called out, panting as he met her in the entrance. “What’s wrong?” he asked, looking over her for any signs of injury. “Lo’ak! He was there! In the trees!” she answered. Jake’s eyes snapped up to the trees. “He’s alive?” His voice came out as a whisper, he couldn’t believe it, he saw the bomb go off practically on top of Lo’ak.

“Something was off about him though, his eyes, they glowed,” she sounded unsure of herself. “Is he still there?” Jake asked, his eyes meeting Neytiri’s. “No, he took off,” she frowned as she spoke. “Let’s eat, I will look for him later. If he took off it would be useless going there now,” he spoke, glancing back towards the trees.

Chapter Text

Who do you believe? Jinx shook his head as he walked, Someone is lying Jinx stopped in his movements. He needed to know what his next step was, he needed to find out who was lying to him. Quaritch will know

Jinx considered what he was hearing, they were right, Miles knew everything, he could tell Jinx and it would be better. He nodded his head and made his way back to the jet ski he stole. He needed to find Miles.

His mind wandered as he made his way to Bridgehead. It had taken him a couple days to make his way back. He snuck his way through the halls. He didn’t want to talk to anyone, he just needed to find Miles.

He hurried down the hall to his room, sliding in, he closed the door behind him and stood, his back against the door. Being in Bridgehead brought back the strange hallucinations, the walls were melting around him, and anytime he looked at someone they still didn’t have a face. He needed Miles.

It’s going to go wrong Jinx squeezed his eyes shut, and placed his hands on his ears, “Shut up,” he muttered. He opened his eyes and saw his gun, pow-pow. grab it kill them Jinx stood and stared at the minigun in front of him.

He moved without thinking, walking over to his closet he grabbed his duffel bag and threw pow-pow in the bag. There was a little room left in the bag, his hand instinctively reached for his handgun at his side, for peace of mind it was staying on his side. He stood and walked around his room, everything in him told him he needed something else.

“Ardmore, I don’t know where he is, he took off,” Jinx’s back straightened as he heard Miles’ voice through his door. “Miles!” He gasped out, moving to the door, Miles would help him. “Colonel, I will only say this one more time.” He heard the General speak, Jinx could picture her looking down her nose at Miles, “You find that boy, and you bring him to me. I will take him off your hands for good, and he will no longer be a problem.”. Jinx stopped, the General’s words playing in his mind. Miles wouldn’t give him up.

“When I find him,” Miles replied. Jinx was stunned, Miles was going to give him up, did he not love him? It’s going wrong Jake looked for you They love you they are using you they don’t love you Jinx felt like he was going to throw up, tears welled at his eyes, the walls started caving in around him. Miles wanted him gone, was Neytiri telling the truth? Was Miles the bad guy?

they lie they all lie Jinx turned around and grabbed his duffel bag, he moved to leave, hesitating for a second, they could still be outside his door don’t be a baby about it, do something Jinx’s eyes hardened. He needed to do something about this. He needed to find out who was lying to him, he needed to know the truth.

He set his bag down and started searching around his room, he grabbed the little toys he made when he was first brought here captured and threw them in the bag. With one final glance around the room, he zipped up the bag, tossed it over his shoulder and made his way to the door. He placed his ear against the door and held his breath to listen.

Silence. He smiled and made his way out of his room, he tiptoed down the hallway, silencing his footsteps as he walked, he couldn’t risk being found hunted right now. He made his way to Miles’ room, as he approached his vision became staticky around the edges. He closed his eyes for a moment and righted himself.

He pushed open the door and slipped inside. There the man was sitting at his desk, his head in his hands, his room a mess. “Miles?” Jinx asked, Miles whipped around at hearing Jinx’s voice. “Oh my god, Jinx!” Miles stood and made his way over to the boy, a smile gracing his features. Jinx took a step back, Miles halting his approach.

“Where have you been?” Miles asked, his eyes looking over Jinx looking for any injuries, despite the distance between them. Jinx let his hand fall down to his handgun, pulling it out of its holster. “We need to talk,” Jinx spoke carefully. Miles tilted his head and raised an eyebrow, allowing Jinx to continue. Jinx took a step towards Miles, acting as if he were to go in for a hug. Once close enough he smiled up at Miles, “I learned something, and I need to know what really happened?” Jinx asked.

“Of course, what is it?” Miles urged Jinx to continue. Once Jinx was directly in front of Miles he looked Miles in the eyes, brought his gun up, and slammed it down hard on Miles’ neck, knocking him out.

--

Kiri had heard her parents talking about finding Lo’ak in the trees, Jake had gone out to search for him, he of course, came back empty handed. Kiri was frustrated, she needed to find her brother herself. She snuck off after dinner to make her way to the trees. She needed to bring her brother back before her father scared him away forever.

As she made her way through the trees she looked for any sign of her brother. She kept her eyes perked listening for any slight change in the forest. There was a small thud behind her, “Hey sis,” before she could react her whole world went black, she could feel herself falling forward as pain bloomed on the back of her head.

Kiri opened her eyes, blinking heavily. The world around her was dark, she recognized the rocks where her brother died. She tried to stand, gasping as she realized she was tied up, on some kind of chair.

“Really thought I buried this place.” She heard a voice carried by her. “But I should have known better.” The voice continued.

“Lo’ak?” She recognized the voice, one that she hasn’t heard in so long. “Nothing ever stays dead,” Lo’ak answered back, ignoring her. “Are we alone?” Kiri asked, not seeing anyone around her, not even Lo’ak.

“For now,” he answered, “Maybe forever,” Kiri gasped at the answer. Mulling the words around her mind trying to figure out what he meant.

“Wanna know a secret?” He asked, Kiri nodded, stunned at the situation she was in. “Miles thinks he made Jinx, with all his rants, and his hard-won lessons,” in a mocking tone Lo'ak continued, “Excise your doubts Jinx, Be what they fear Jinx,”

Kiri listened, processing his words. “Like everything was the same as when Jake left him,” Lo’ak continued, “But he didn’t make Jinx. Our family did.” He finished, Kiri felt tears well up in her eyes, “I’m sorry Lo’ak, I never meant to leave you,” she apologized, hoping her words would get to Lo’ak.

“You never left, I always heard you, shadows in the halls, prickles on the back of my neck. Your voice, pushing me, picking me up when all the colours were black,” Lo’ak paused, letting his words sink in. “You’re the reason I’m still alive,”

The tears in Kiri’s eyes fell, “I spent so many nights looking for you, asking Eywa where you were, going behind dad’s back, all to find you,” Kiri spoke into the darkness, hoping Lo’ak would hear her words. “The only thing that kept me going, was the thought of getting you back,”.

A heavy pause settled around them, “Are we still siblings?” he asked. “Nothing is going to change that,” she answered. All of a sudden Lo’ak was in her face, holding a torch of some kind between them. “I always knew you would find me,” he spoke, his breath hitting her face. He took a step behind her, turning her chair around. “What’s going on?” She asked, startled.

As she was turned she watched Lo’ak throw the torch in his hand, lighting up multiple candles in its path, a table coming into view. There were chairs that held old toys, as she took a closer look at them she recognized them to be dolls of her siblings? One looked like Tuk, it was small, and sitting crooked, a pink toy with blue stripes on the arms, Spider, and the biggest one, a poor replica of Neteyam. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene around her.

Finally she noticed that at the other end of the table sat Quaritch, the demon. His hands were tied together, the same as hers. He also had a mask on the bottom half of his face, he looked dazed as he stared back at her.

Lo’ak walked around the table, ending up in front of Kiri, he looked at Quaritch as he spoke, “He took everything from us, right here, he took our brother from us. Just like he planned to do with me.” His eyes hardened as he glared at the man across the table, “All the time saying our family abandoned me, when he knew the truth. Liar.” He spit out.

Lo’ak’s back straightened, his eyes brightened, “We’re missing someone,” he said, he turned around and walked behind her, his voice carrying on as he moved where she couldn’t see him. “I paid your dad a visit this morning,” His voice got louder as he returned, a metal squeaking with him.

When he came back into view he had Jake tied onto a chair that was rolling, his mouth covered, similarly to Quaritch’s. “Leave him out of this!” Kiri gasped out, seeing her father. Lo’ak placed Jake to the empty spot that he was standing in previously.

“Now?” Lo’ak questioned, “where should I sit?” At his words Kiri looked around the table again, there she found two empty seats, one was bright blue with Lo’ak scribbled across the top, the other was grand, covered in feathers, and had Jinx carved into it. “That’s your choice really,” He finished.

Lo’ak walked over to Kiri, bending down his face practically beside hers, he looked into her eyes, his own pleading, he placed his handgun in Kiri’s hands, “make him go away, please?” Lo’ak begged, Jake grunted at hearing his words. “Send him on his way, and you can have Lo’ak back,” his words sounded almost hopeful as he spoke.

Kiri looked between Lo’ak and her father, she felt hopeless, “I can’t” she admitted. Lo’ak’s body went rigid, he scoffed. He grabbed the gun from Kiri’s hands, stood straight up and pointed the barrel directly at Jake’s head.

“No! Lo’ak listen! We can just go!” She called out, trying to distract her brother, change his mind. “We’ll leave and never come back,” Lo’ak considered her words, “Where would we go?” He asked, as soon as the words left his mouth his head whipped over to the toys, “No, no, no, she’s not saying that!” he pointed his gun at them, he seemed almost scared in his actions. “It’s true, we’ll put this behind us. You’ll never have to see him again, Lo’ak,” She spoke, her head gesturing to Quaritch.

Quaritch mumbled out, Lo’ak looked over to him, “What do you have to say about that?” He asked, walking over and removing the mask off of Quaritch’s face. “His name is Jinx!” Quaritch snapped. “She’s lying! You’ll be with her a day before she realizes you aren’t that boy anymore and turns her back on you,” Quaritch’s words were harsh as he spoke.

Lo’ak looked worried, he brought his gun up to his face, tapping his chin with the barrel, “You aren’t lying?” He asked, turning to face Kiri directly, “you wouldn’t lie to me? Not again.” His words were cautious. “I’m not lying! I’m on your side, I promise!” Kiri gasped out.

Lo’ak shook his head, turning he shot the toy that looked like Spider, “Shut up! We’re talking!” He spat out, his erratic movements knocked over a glass that rolled in front of Jake.

“General Ardmore offered me everything, independence, a seat at the table, all in return for you. They can all burn!” Quaritch spat out. Lo’ak turned to face him. “Everyone betrays Jinx. Jake. Her. They will never understand. It’s only us. You’re my son, I would never forsake you,” Quaritch spoke softly to Lo’ak, getting him to understand the man.

The sound of a chair being pushed back sounded across the rocks “Drop the gun!” Jake’s voice boomed out. Lo’ak turned around to see Jake standing, holding his minigun, where he once sat was the broken glass that Jake used to free himself. “No, please,” Kiri begged, watching her father. Lo’ak looked down at his gun, a smirk playing on his lips.

it’s time to leave them Lo’ak swung his arm up, pointing his gun at Jake, in turn Jake pulled his trigger, firing at Lo’ak. “No! Stop!” Kiri called out. Jake grit his teeth, “Drop the gun,” he ordered. Lo’ak hesitated, Jake pointed the minigun back at Lo’ak. “Wait, he’s family!” Kiri begged. “He’s too far gone, Kiri,” Jake responded.

Lo’ak giggled, taking a step back and placing his gun on the table, he brought his hands up beside his head in a mock surrender. Jake readied his gun again, “no,” Kiri breathed out. Lo’ak snickered and shifted his stance, his golden eyes gained a dark glow and he moved. Faster than Jake had ever seen, Lo’ak practically teleported to him, he pulled the gun out of Jake’s hands, he held the gun up and brought it down hard on Jake’s head, he fell like a ragdoll.

“You see, now finish it,” Miles' voice carried out. “Damn it! Lo’ak, wake up!” Kiri called. “Remember who you are! I know you remember!” She continued. The voices in his head screaming at him.

“Picture Spider! Tuk!”
“Stop!”
Jinx felt small, the walls curling in on him.
“Mom!”
“Shut up! Don’t listen to her!”
Jinx felt weak, his mind driving him crazy, the words being yelled out making no sense to him.
“Neteyam!”
Kiri and Miles started losing their faces, blending into the same person.
“Me!”

“No!” Jinx screamed, firing the minigun wildly, shutting up all the noise ringing in his head. Silence followed, quiet blissful silence. Jinx took a second to breathe. He looked up and saw…

”No,” he whimpered. Dropping his gun he hurried over to Miles’ side, who now sat, covered in bullet wounds. “Oh no, oh no, no, no, no” Jinx muttered, he fell to his knees in front of his father, his hands reaching up to Miles’ face. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry” he stammered out, tears falling from his eyes.

“I never would have given you to her, not for anything,” Miles whispered. Jinx sobbed. “Don’t cry, you’re perfect,” Miles spoke softly, like his words held the meaning of the world. Jinx sniffled as he watched the light leave Miles' eyes. He let the tears fall heavily down his face. Slowly he pulled his hands away from his father’s head, and let them fall in his lap.

After a moment he stood, grabbing his handgun, and wiped his face, removing all signs of his tears. “Lo’ak?” Kiri whispered out. “It’s okay, we’ll be okay,” she tried her best to comfort him. Jinx walked over to the metal chair with his name carved in it. He tapped his gun a couple times against it and pulled the chair out. He stood proudly in front of the chair.

He turned around and sat, his head held high. “I thought, maybe you could love me like you used to,” he breathed out. “Even though I’m different.”. He looked directly into Kiri’s eyes, his own golden, staring straight into her soul. “But you changed too.”.

He stood up, reached down to grab his minigun and started walking away from the table. “So.. Here’s to the new us.” With that, he disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind his grief and sorrow at the table.

Chapter Text

Jake arose from the ground, his head pounding as he lifted his weight with his arms. He quickly picked up on the sobbing filling the room, Kiri. He tried to lift himself to his feet. His mind rushed with what had happened. Lo’ak, he had gone crazy, tried to kill him, he had Quaritch, Kiri, and Jake all tied up. Then it all went black.

As he stood shakily on his feet he took a look around the rocks, Kiri sat still tied up, tears falling from her eyes as she sobbed, the chair Quaritch was in had been turned around with..bullet holes?

He shook his head, a bad idea, his vision darkening as he regained his balance. “Kiri?” he gasped out. “He’s gone, dad. He’s gone” Kiri cried out. Jake shakily made his way to his daughter, he reached for his knife cutting her free. She stayed sat in her chair.

“Why do you keep pushing him away?” Kiri sniffled, finally looking up at her father. Jake’s eyebrows furrowed, “Kiri, your brother is dead, that-that thing is not your brother,” Jake was frustrated, he was done searching this dead end, he had been given enough evidence now to be sure, both of his sons are dead.

Kiri stared, stunned at her father’s words. “My brother is still alive! You’re wrong!” She stood, turning away from Jake, she made her way to the edge of three brother’s rocks and called for an ilu. She doubted one would answer her this far away, but she couldn't help but try.

Jake watched as she stood at the edge of the rocks, he looked back at the chair across the table, he had to know. He stumbled his way over, walking around the chair his breath caught in his throat. There in front of him sat Quaritch’s lifeless body, slumped over sitting above a pool of his own blood, holes piercing through his torso.

Jake felt elated, despite the horrors that had taken place earlier, he felt his lips break into a smile. Quaritch was dead, he is seeing the man’s dead body. He wished nothing more than to take a picture of this, proof that his war was over.

He looked up to Kiri, watching her pace around the edge of the rocks. He knows that she needs someone, he glances back down to Quaritch, with a sigh he makes his way over to his daughter.

As he stood beside her, he watched as an ilu made its way to them. “I almost had him dad,” Kiri sniffled, Jake looked down at her, confusion racking his features. “You said you were going to leave with him. Leave our family behind.” Frustration laced his words as he spoke. “It would have brought him back to us,” she didn’t spare him a glance, keeping her eyes forward as she spoke.

“He could have killed you,” Jake paused, mulling his next words in his head, trying to think of how to word what he wanted to say, “I have mourned the loss of both my sons, I have accepted that I now only have daughters. The thought of losing you-” Jake swallowed heavily as he felt tears build up, “-it terrifies me, I refuse to lose another child to this war,”

Kiri finally looked up to her father, taking in his words, she understood where he was coming from, but she would rather risk her life than lose her brother for good. No words were exchanged as the two of them climbed on the ilu, maintaining silence for the ride home.

--

Jinx felt lost, he needed to get away from that rock, the rocks that took everything from him. He found a small clearing in the trees, there he lay, his mind empty, staring up at the stars above him.

He felt like his life was over, there was no meaning left in existence. He was ready for the world to open up and swallow him whole.

His guns were thrown uselessly to the side, he wanted nothing to do with them, they took everything from him. He thinks of Miles, sitting in that chair, left there with no one left to mourn him.

He sat up, rubbing his eyes, the rims red and sore from his crying. He needed to go back, Miles didn’t deserve to rot in that chair. He stumbled to his feet, the world around him moving and meshing into one, dizzying him as he walked.

He moved over to the guns, looking down on them, his lip twisted in disgust. He turned his back and walked away. He made his way back towards the jetski he left by the shore. He threw his leg over the seat and searched his pocket for the key.

He took off towards Three Brothers Rocks, back to where he left Miles, the silence encapsulating him deafening the world around him. He kept his eyes forward, trying to focus solely on the path ahead of him.

He watched as the rocks formed on the horizon, the table he set up stood there, stark against the natural hues of the ocean. He felt tears well in his eyes, he sniffled and tried to steel himself as he approached the rock.

He slowly stepped off the jetski and made his way over to the table. His hand dragged across the table as he walked, his steps slow as he approached the chair, the back facing him, holes cut straight through the middle. The smell of rot already filling his nose. He stood there, staring, preparing himself for what he was going to see.

He took a step around the chair and came face to face with death. There, slumped over, sat Miles. His eyes sunken in, skin grey and pale. Jinx sobbed as he stared, his world sat dead in front of him ,,Don’t cry, you’re perfect,, his voice echoed in his head. “I’m sorry,” he whispered out on deaf ears.

His hand reached to his belt to retrieve the knife that lived there. He pulled it out and moved to cut the ties around Miles’ body. His body, now stiff, stayed in the slumped over position. Jinx closed his eyes. Needing a moment to himself. Taking deep breaths, he peaked open his eyes, part of him hoping that Miles will be there smiling up at him asking if he’s ready to go home.

As his eyes opened the sight of death sat there, laughing at his hopes. He wiped the tears from his eyes and took a step forward. His arms moving to drag Miles off the chair, he dragged the man towards the water. He made his way deeper into the water, the man in his arms becoming weightless the deeper he went. Miles slowly started dipping beneath the surface, his body, though weightless, dragging Jinx down with him.

“Hold on, please,” Jinx begged, trying to keep his own face above the water as he swam deeper into the water. Struggling, after he finally decided that he was deep enough, the rock still in view, though small, he allowed Miles to pull him beneath the surface. He let the two of them sink into the darkness awaiting them.

As they sank Jinx felt he was ready to let go, he floated there in the water, watching as Miles fell deeper. He felt tears try to escape. He brought his hands to his head and weaved them into the hair at his scalp. The rest of his hair moved through the water wildly, blocking out the sun above him, surrounding Jinx in darkness.

You did this You killed him His life ended because of you You did this His life was cut short You killed him

Jinx screamed.

It’s been days, he was walking through the forest, his minigun slung over his shoulder, his handgun holstered on his thigh. He had set the jetski to crash after he left the rocks, wanting nothing to do with the RDA. His guns were a creation of his own. The voices in his head had been relentless since he laid Miles to rest in the ocean.

He no longer knew where he was, he must’ve been miles away from the ocean. He was walking aimlessly, no end in sight. His feet were throbbing, his lungs tired, and his mind exhausted. He hadn’t slept since he left the water. He licked his lips, his throat parched.

Jinx was ready to walk himself to death, he saw no reason to continue, but every time he stopped something called him to stay on this path. The gun on his back was dragging him down, his feet dragging in the mud.

He fell to his knees, his hands landing in the mud to catch his fall, he gasped for air as he stayed on the ground. He couldn’t muster the courage to stand back up. Pow-pow hit the mud to his side, he glanced over and scowled at the gun. Everything in him was telling him to leave the beacon of death behind, but Miles was so proud of him when he finished building the gun. And he couldn’t throw something Miles was proud of away.

As he stayed there on the ground he heard the heavy beats of wings approaching him. He looked up and watched as an ikran moved towards him, the heavy wings sending gusts of winds in Jinx’s face. A Na’vi jumped down-no…an avatar jumped down off the ikran, the new person rushing towards him.

Jinx looked at his face, the features tugging a familiarity in his mind. He focused hard as the male grew closer, Jinx pushed himself up, sitting back on his calves, his eyes squinting to focus on who was in front of him. The avatar crouched down in front of Jinx, “Why are you here? Where are the rest of your people?” The man asked. Hearing his voice it finally clicked in Jinx’s mind.

“Norm?”

Chapter Text

“Norm?” The boy asked. Norm’s eyes widened as he tried to figure out how this boy, decked out in recom clothes, knew him. He crouched down, getting a closer look at the boy in front of him. He had all the tell tale signs of a recom, eyebrows, five fingers, and his eyes glowed.

Wait..Norm leaned closer, his eyes were glowing? “How do you know me?” Norm questioned, his eyes narrowed as he took in the boy. His clothes were hanging off his thin body, bags under his eyes, his lips beyond chapped, cracking and bloody in the middle.

Upon his question, the boy's eyebrows furrowed, frustration lining his features. The boy’s face did have some sense of familiarity, he glared up at Norm, and that face, Norm knew it like the back of his hand. The same glare that Jake always gave him when Norm was annoying him.

“Lo’ak?” Norm gasped, it all clicked, the eyebrows, the five fingers, it was Lo’ak. He hissed at hearing his old name spoken out loud, pulling away from the older man. “Jake said that you were dead, that the RDA killed you?” Norm was beyond confused. He had mourned the boy in front of him.

“Lo’ak is dead, my name is Jinx now,” he spat out, eyes still glaring at Norm. “No, who told you that?” Norm asked, his mind racing a million miles a second, “Your name is Lo’ak.”.

Jinx seethed, “My name is Jinx, it’s Jinx, I am Jinx,” his words harsh as he spoke. Norm was taken aback by the outburst. “Okay, Jinx,” Norm tried the name, it felt wrong, it wasn’t human or na’vi, almost animalistic. He watched as the boy's posture softened, he was no longer on edge, almost like he felt seen.

“What are you doing out here?” Norm asked, he was unsure of how to deal with this situation. “He’s dead,” Jinx mumbled out. “Who’s dead?” Norm felt his stomach drop. Was it Jake? Spider? Who could be dead. Jinx shook his head and turned away.

“Miles,” he muttered. He lifted his gaze to meet Norm’s, his eyes glassy with tears. Norm was shocked, why did Lo-Jinx seem so upset by Miles’ death, and why was he out here alone.

Norm turned and looked at his ikran. His mind racing of all the consequences of his next actions. “Come with me,” Norm spoke, his voice steeled, hiding his uncertainty.

Jinx’s face hardened, he stared deep into Norm’s eyes, looking for the lie in Norm’s words. “How can I trust you?” Jinx asked, his eyebrows furrowed. Norm’s features softened, “I’m your uncle, kiddo. I will always keep you safe,” he reached out his hand, hoping that Jinx would listen to him.

The boy studied him, looking him up and down, almost looking straight into the man’s soul. With shaky hands, Jinx reached out, his hand meeting Norm’s. The man smiled, giving a small tug to pull Jinx up.

As Jinx stood Norm was able to get a better look at him. His eyes were sunken in, his cheeks hollow, his hair looked like it had been braided beautifully once before, now it looked a matted mess, intricate patterns were strewn throughout. His hair hung low, nearly to his knees, his kuru hidden in the length. He wore a white shirt that now hung loose off his frame, his pants were camo printed, now littered with sewn on patches of all colours and shapes, and he had poorly laced up combat boots on his feet.

Jinx shifted his gun back over his shoulder, he followed Norm towards his ikran. It had been years since Jinx had been on the back of one of these beasts. Norm reached up, making tsaheylu with the ikran. He swung his leg up, mounting his bonded. He turned, a small smile on his face as he reached a hand down to pull Jinx on the back.

Jinx stood there, listening to the beast breath, the heavy sound almost soothing his mind. He brushed Norm’s hand aside, lifting himself onto the ikran’s back. He shifted in the saddle, laying pow-pow across the ikran’s back.

They took off, the ikran’s wings beating heavily, Jinx stiffened as he felt them leave the ground. What are you doing? Jinx shook his head. He had no idea, he was walking straight into a trap. Norm must’ve felt him stiffen, the man turned around, giving Jinx a soft smile as they flew.
As they soared above the clouds, Norm felt Jinx slump against his back. The man does not know what he has been through but the sight of him alone lets on that whatever it was, was not easy.

He mind running as they made their way to the Hallelujah mountains, Jinx was in rough shape, and his eyes glowing, Norm wanted to run some tests, figure out exactly what was going on. That was, of course, if Jinx even let him.

The flight was graceful, Norm could hear the calling and whooping, excited about his arrival. As they landed Norm felt Jinx shift against his back, stiffening as he sat up. “You are safe here,” Norm spoke, keeping his voice soft.

As the na’vi approached their whispers spread throughout the crowd, eyeing up the boy Norm brought back. Tarsem made his way through the crowds, his head held high, eyes set on the new arrival.

“Who is this?” Tarsem asked, his eyes glancing to Norm, “This is Jake’s son, Lo’ak,” Norm spoke. Upon his words, the boy hissed, eyes glaring daggers into Norm. “My name is Jinx. Jake’s son is dead!” the boy spat. Norm sighed, “They do not know Jinx, they know Lo’ak,” Norm whispered back.

Mo’at made her way through the crowd, her hands on her heart, eyes teary as she approached. “Lo’ak?” She whispered out, she slowed in her steps, taking in the state of her grandson. Upon seeing her, Jinx slowly slipped off the ikran, letting his gun drop off his shoulder.

The only person in his life that hasn’t lied to him, always spoke the truth to him. He felt himself fall to his knees, “Grandmother?” His voice came out shaky, his eyes tearing up. “My child, stand,” Mo’at spoke, her arms reaching for the boy.

She lowered herself to her knees, making herself level with Lo’ak. “What has happened to you, my child?” She asked, her voice showing her emotion. “They changed me. I changed.” He sobbed out, “Lo’ak, he doesn’t exist anymore, I want to go by Jinx now. Please,” his voice trembling.

“Who changed you?” She asked, her hands now caressing Jinx’s cheeks. “Everything,” he responded, golden tears flowing from his eyes.

Norm off to the side took note of this, mentally marking it down. He reached down, grabbing Jinx’s discarded gun. Mo’at, I think Jinx might need some rest, he has had a long day,” Mo’at looked up to Norm and nodded. She helped pull her grandson up with her. Jinx stood slightly unsteady on his feet.

“Follow me,” Norm smiled, placing one hand on Jinx’s shoulder, gently pushing him along. The two walked into the heart of the clan, fellow Omatikaya looking on from their huts. The two approached an empty hut, standing on its own.

“You can set up here, I will help you for tonight, get you all set up as you adjust to living among us again,” Norm spoke as he entered the hut, he placed the gun down against the wall. Jinx stepped in, looking around, taking in the nothingness before him.

“I will be here? By myself?” Jinx asked, looking to Norm. “No! Of course not, the whole clan is just outside, if you need anyone you can come find me, or Mo’at,” Norm tried to reassure the boy.

Jinx felt small, he had spent so much time with Miles, in his room, sitting in his lap as Miles braided his hair, simply existing beside Miles, that he no longer knew how to exist by himself. “I don’t know how to be alone,” Jinx whispered. Norm stood there, stunned at Jinx’s words. “You don’t know how to be alone?” Norm echoed.

Jinx shook his head. “I can stay here for tonight, if that makes it easier for you,” Norm suggested. Jinx nodded, looking back at Norm. “I need to get out of my avatar, I have exceeded the limit today, after that I will be back. Does that sound good?” Norm asked. Jinx nodded again. With that Norm made his way out of the hut, towards the link units.