Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In the peaceful forests of the Syngron Clan’s hunting grounds the quiet hunting camp was alive with the laughter of two children. Brother and sister Vax’ildan and Vex’ahlia. They lived here with their mother E’laina, one of their clan’s best weavers. By all accounts they should have been living at the clan’s Hometree. Sometimes Vex thought it was like they were being hidden. She believed it as surely as a five year old could believe anything.
The children did know who their father was, though.
On this day, in particular, Vex and Vax were sitting close to the clay stove. Their mother was making breakfast humming softly as the twins playfully shoved at each other lashing their tails and hissing with smiles on their faces.
Vex was playfully shoving her brother back.
"Vax, stop that."
“Never. You’re as daft if as a talioang.” Vax shoved back.
“Am not!” Vex pouted.
“You are.” Vax laughed.
E’laina tutted and separated them. “You two say prayer before you eat” she smiled at them. “Thank Eywa for this meal.”
They both did so. And it seemed that today would be a pretty good day until their Clan’s Olo’eyktan and their mother’s expression changed entirely.
E’laina coaxed the twins to their shared sleeping area so they would be out of the way.
“Sy’dor… please. Except them... They are yours truly. Vex is an amazing hunter. Vax is silent as shadows.” She pleaded with the man who was meant to be her mate.
"You know the reason I can't do that." Sy’ldor said cooly.
Both twins ran out to the room and hugged their father’s legs before their mother could stop them. Seeing her in distress had spurred them on.
She held them close. “Please… I know I am not Tsahìk of the clan. But they are yours. Vax’ildan and Vex’ahlia are yours. As sure as Eywa watches over all.”
"I will not stop my life for two unattractive children who will only embarrass me and jeopardize my position in this clan. Your children are not talented in any way. The girl is awful with a bow. The boy is barely able to use one at all." Sy’ldor said dismissively, not even looking at the twins.
E’laina hissed softly. “They will be warriors. Hunters. Whoever you choose to succeed you. They will beat..”
"Please. These are not my children. They are worthless and unfortunate mistake." Sy’ldor’s ears were pulled back and his tail twitched in irritation.
“Don’t you dare. None of our great mother’s children are worthless. You know that. We honor the creatures we eat but you won’t honor your own children.“ E’laina’s tail was lashing as she moved the twins to be behind her.
Sy’ldor turned and began to walk away. He had business with the camp’s hunt leader. He didn’t even know why he’d come to see this common weaver.
Vex ran up to her father and pulled at the loose weave of his wrist wrap, "Please... I am doing my best. So is Vax.."
Sy’ldor shrugged her away. “ be gone. Join the weavers. I do not care. You are not mine.”
"Why don't you love me..." Vex gazed up at him. She wanted to see Hometree. She wanted to know her father.
“You are not mine:” he said sternly. “You are part of the clan. I care for the clan as a whole. Be content with that,” he moved to turn away.
She stopped talking but didn't stop pulling on his wrist wrap.
He gently took her off of it. “Mawey, You will serve the clan one day. But for now. You train. Do not miss a shot.”
She took those words to heart as she moved back to her mother.
"E'laina, remember you don't tell anyone about them." Sy’ldor said look at the weaver comforting her small daughter.
“I remember.” She nodded. “That is your truth to tell.” She couldn’t keep the bitterness from her voice.
"Good," and with that, he left.
Vex looked confused and determined. Vax did as well. They would prove themselves. They would be worthy.
E’laina hugged the twins close. “You will be great hunters. Like all of the clan.”
"How do you know?” Vex asked holding tightly onto her mother’s arm.
“Because you are Na’vi. And you are strong. So strong you could lead the clan one day.” E’laina smiled, brushing back Vex’s hair from her face.
"Really? We could lead?“ Vax seemed awed by the idea.
“You could. When you do your trial and hunt your first yerik. Make the bond with your ikran, and sore the endless skies.“ E’laina moved her hands to mimic the soaring of an ikran. The twins both beamed at the thought.
"When do we do that?“ they both asked at once.
“When you are older. Bigger. Even a nantang could eat you up now. When you are stronger and you know, and are able to name all the weak points.” She tapped both their noses with a finger.
Vex nodded," Ok. Can I go out and practice?”
“On the targets. Remember. Don’t shoot something real unless you intend to kill.” E’laina reminded her gently.
"I know." She ran off to practice with her tiny child’s bow leaving her brother which rarely happened.
Vax followed her with his knife. They both had one. But Vax preferred his to a bow.
After a while, Vex looked at him," Vax... is there something wrong with us?“ her voice was quiet.
“No. Of course not. Mother says we’re just little. That why we can’t leave the camp.” He said. Of course that was true. They were very little.
"Right. Father just doesn't like us...” Vex’s ears lowered with her mood.
“He’s Olo'eyktan. He’s busy.” Vax said dismissively. All he needed was his mother and his sister.
"You are right... we should go visit Hometree." Vex suggested.
“Mother said not to.” Vax reminded her.
"Oh.. right..." Vex pulled her ears back against her head and her tail drooped.
“But we can try the forest. A yerik or rungfwam.” Vax said bracingly, giving his twin a smile.
"Yea... let's do that.“ Vex brightened a little.
“Good. I want a real hunt together.” Vax climbed up and crouched on one of the arching roots from the camp tree.
"Me too. Let's go." Vex nodded and they headed out into the dense, towering forest.
The forest was quiet. Soft smells they knew so well. Yerik were easy to track. Their sent was something the twins knew well. Vex had studied tracks from the game trails that their mother had shown them. They were common and of course easier to hunt.
The twins stalked a small group of them as silently as they were able. The forest darkened as the day dragged to dusk. Vex finally had her clear shot and let her small arrow fly. The kill was clean.
“Do you remember the prayer?” Vax asked as they kneeled by their kill.
Vex shook her head but didn’t care. They’d done it and now they just had to get it back to camp. Mother was going to be over the stars.
As they dragged it back across the trail with difficulty they heard their mother calling to them before they saw her.
E’laina ran down the trail to them as fast as she was able. “Vex’ahlia? Vax’ildan? What are you doing out here?” She was panicked.
"We wanted to hunt. We got a Yerik!" Vex showed her the kill proudly.
E’lain sighed in relief and smiled softly. “Very good both of you. We will roast it tonight and you will get first pick of the meat at camp.” She gathered them into her arms. “Did you give thanks?”
“We forget the prayer…”Vex admitted.
“Then we will do it now. Listen closely.” E’laima gathered them close. “ Oel ngati kameie, ma tsmukan, ulte ngaru seiyi irayo. Ngari hu Eywa salew tirea, tokx 'ì'awn slu Na'viyä hapxì. I see you, brother, and I thank you.”
That last part the twins joined in on the prayer.
The forest was eerily quiet now as they sat there letting E’laina tie the legs of the animal so it would be easier to carry.
Their ears all twitched to the west as a strange sound drifted towards them on the wind. E’laina stood up to her full height with her eyes to the darkening sky. The noise only got louder, and louder. And suddenly it was above them with a blinding light and even more noise. E’laina’s blood ran cold at the sound of metal scraping metal filled her ears.
“Sky people…” she breathed as their metal monsters seemed to fall from the sky.
“Mother…?” The twins looked around covering their ears from the noise.
“Stay dehind me.” She said drawing her own bow and shouting back at these things. These small creatures who walked up right just like Na’vi. But they weren’t Na’vi. The twins couldn’t even see their faces properly. And they were shouting words they couldn’t understand.
“Mom! What is going on!” Vex cried, tears streaming down her face.

“I don’t know. Be calm.” She whispered hissing at these strange things. A warning to back off. Her tail lashed as she tried to keep her self between the sky people and her children.
Vex looked at her brother, grabbing his hand tightly. Vax held onto her just as tightly.
Then deafening bangs fill the air along with an acrid burning smell. But that wasn’t all. The twins watched in horror as their mother crumpled and fell to lay still on the grass next to the dead yerik.

Vex was in shock but dropped to her knees. " Mom! No.... please..." She shook her mother’s shoulder as Vax began to sob behind her.
Out of the blinding light stepped a figure who looked Na’vi walked up to them. She spoke in their tongue. “Little ones. Come. It isn’t safe here.” Her voice was kind and soft. She held out her hands to them. They hardly noticed that her hands hand one too many fingers.
"We don't know you." Vex took a step away from the stranger.
“Please. You will be safe.” A hand reached out for them again. Warm and kind.
"Vax?" She looked to her brother for confirmation.
Vax looked scared but nodded. Their mother’s song cord in his hand and held tightly.
"Ok," she nodded and took the hand the strange na’vi was offering. Vax took the other.

It was warm and soft. They were held in that embrace through loud wind and flashing lights.
Vex was scared and never let go of her brother. They were in the sky, not knowing that this was the last look they would get of their home for a very long time.
Time blurred until They were brought to a place of smooth stone and bright white lights.
"too bright..." Vex covered her eyes as Vax did the same.

“I know little ones.” The soft voice said in Na’vi. “Just a little longer.” Their clothes were taken and they were washed in fowl smelling hot water. Vax barely was able to hold onto their mother’s song cord.
They were given new odd smelling clothes to put on after they were dried. It was very disorienting, but having Vax close helped Vex some. They were brought to a room full of other young na’vi children. Some were older than the twins. One was a tiny infant who couldn’t have been older than a year.
The other children were thin with haunted eyes that studied the twins thoughtfully.
The oldest was holding the infant an annoyed look on her face. “Someone take this brat.” She hissed.
Numbly Vex reached out her arms for the baby. The older girl seemed glad to be rid of him as she dropped him squalling into Vex’s arms.
Vax looked around. “What’s his name?” He was hit by one of the humans. Hard.
They heard the name Percival. But that wasn’t a Na’vi name.
Vex was shocked by the sudden hit,"Vax, are you ok?”
He hissed but nodded. He swiped at this human thing but was hit again even harder. They wouldn’t hit Vex
because she was holding the baby.
"Stop it! Leave him alone!" Vex snapped her tail lashing.
They shouted at Vex. But she and the others understood the hand movements. Back up it said.
"Vax! Just get away.” She hissed at her brother.
Vax hissed but backed up with his sister. The infant kept crying because of the noise. He was the only baby it seemed.
"I don't know what to do…” Vex looked down at the tiny na’vi in her arms.
Vax shook his head to clear it. “I… I think you’re supposed to rock them…”
She nodded and tried that The crying softened a little. Pulling back the folds of the rough blanket Vex could see the infant’s ribs. He was pale, Weak and almost starving.
"He's thin.... weak." Vex murmured.
Vax bit his lip. “What is this place?” He muttered to himself.
"I don't know.." Vex spoke quietly, still rocking the infant in her arms.
Vax cursed under his breath. “Whose baby is that?”
"I have no idea.. I've never seen him before.” Vex shook her head helplessly.
“He doesn’t smell like our clan…”

The one who looked Na’vi spoke. “His name is Percival. We’re normally just call him Percy.” She had a kind face and all her hair was like back into a loose braid. She was na’vi but not at the same time.
"I see..." Vex nodded. She was very untrusting of this situation.
“Take us home!” Vax demanded.
"Now!" Vex added
“Mawey. Mawey.” The not quite Na’vi spoke. “You are safe I promise.”
"We want to go home.” Vex demanded again.
“I’m sorry little ones. But your home is gone. There was a Forest fire.” She said softly and then she left the children by themselves in the room.
The infant Percival had cried himself out at some point. The commotion had made him impossible to soothe. Vax was pacing in the room they’d been put in.
Vex was sitting but was watching Vax.
"Brother? What are we supposed to do…”
“The clan will come for us. They must.” He was panicking. “Mother will.” Vax had her song cord clutched tightly in his hands.
"Are they right? Was there a fire?” It was hard to remember the night clearly.
“I don’t know… we weren’t at home tree… we were at the hunting camp.” Vax’s voice was helpless and lost.
“You are right. What did they do with mother?” Vex was afraid of the answer.

“She fell down after that loud bang…, but she has to be okay…” Vax tried to keep his tears at bay. “She’ll come… she always finds us.”
"Right“ vex nodded hoping it was true.
Vax tapped the smooth grey stone of the wall. It didn’t feel right. Smaller rocks and sand mixed together like this.“What are we going to do with the baby?” The odd name they’d been told was hard to say.
"I don't know.” Vex looked down at the weak bundle in her arms.

“Um… Hi…” the twins had forgotten that it wasn’t just them in the room. A na’vi about their age walked up to them. “I’m Keylith… of the Ashari clan…”
The twins watched the other children warily.
“Vex’ahlia…”
“Vax’ildan…”
“From the Syngorn clan.” They said together.
The others introduced themselves and said their clans. Keylith, Pike, Scanlan, Grog, Zarah, Kasha, and Zorin.
“We don’t know where Percy is from. We don’t even know his real name.” Keylith explained. “One of the scientists named him.”
"Oh, that's sad.." Vex looked at the baby.
“When did you get here?” Vax Asked Keylith.
“I don’t know… we can’t see the sun.” She said sadly.
"Do you think it's been a long time?“ Vex asked.
“I don’t know. I’ve only slept four times.” Keylith said helplessly.
"Are the people nice?” Vax asked.
“Some of them… the ones in white… they hurt us sometimes…” Pike was the one who spoke this time.
The twins let that sink in with fear.
“A lot?” Vex asked.
“Sometimes… they poke at us… lots of bright lights.” Grog said shuddering.
The lights were oppressively bright and stung their eyes as they tried to adjust to it.
“None of us like the lights.” Scanlan said. “And Percy is always crying.”
"Oh... why?” Vex held the exhausted infant closer to her chest.
“We can’t ever get him to eat.” Pike said. “He’s always hungry but the food they give us tastes horrible.”
"What do we do about that?” Vax asked.
“We don’t know…” Keylith shook her head.
"Ok... I'm tired…” Vex said looking around the room helplessly.
“We can all curl up here. Like a clan.” Keylith suggested. They all nodded softly and dragged the bedding off the metal frames and to the cold floor where they all settled together. Percy babbled softly, and Vex looked down at him as she tried to get comfortable.
“Who’s gonna hold the baby?” Grog asked.
"I can hold him," vex spoke.
“Are you sure?” Vax asked.
Percy reached out form his blanket weakly for vex.
"Yes," Vex nodded. Percy seemed very calm in her arms.
“Well this is the longest he hasn’t cried since he got here.” Scanlan commented.
"Maybe he just likes to be held a certain way.” Vex suggested adjusting her grip.

“Maybe. But he still won’t eat.” Pike said in worry.
The food the twins saw didn’t look or smell right so they couldn’t blame the infant at all.
“They won’t give us anything else. And that bottle. They say it’s for Percy, but he won’t take it.” Keylith explained quietly.
"I'll try...“ vex said gravely.
Percy looked bad. If they couldn’t get him to eat he would die. They all nodded Vax stayed close to his sister watching her.
Vex took the bottle Keylith had offered and tried to get Percy to take it. He fussed weakly. The stuff inside the bottle smelled like a mother’s milk but wrong somehow.
"Percy try...” Vex spoke to him softly.
It took a few more trying before he latched on to nurse. Once he did he didn’t stop until there was nothing left.
Vex smiled, "there we go“
“I’ll be damned.” Scanlan said. “We thought he’d be joining Ewya soon.”
Vex smiled," he seems to be ok.”
“None of us could get him to eat. Even the older ones couldn’t.” Pike smiled with relief.
Percy babbled sleepily reaching up for vex and she rocked him gently until he fell asleep in her arms.

“Why are we here?” Vax asked once Percy was asleep.
“They want to teach us… I think.” Keylith said. “The way they speak. Stuff like that.”
"Why?” Vex was confused.
“So we can help them talk to the clans.” Scanlan said. “They want to live here too. They came from the sky. I saw it.”
"Oh.... I don't understand…” the twins exchanged frightened looks.
“I don’t either… none of us do. Other than they want us on their side.” Zarah said bitterly.
“Sleep. You’re going to need it.” Kasha added.
Vax pulled Vex close to him like always. He needed to know that she was close. If he had to hold the baby too then so be it. He’d protect Percy too.
“Are you going to hold him all night?” He asked looking at Percy who was asleep on Vex’s chest.
"I guess so.” Vex nodded.
Vax sighed. “Maybe mother will let us take him home when she comes to get us.”
"Maybe. She would take care of him.” Vex nodded.

Vax smiled softly even though he was scared. They’d all thought this couldn’t last. That their clans would come for them. Free them. But it never happened.

Chapter Text

Vax stretched on the uncomfortable bunk bed he and vex shared. The beds here and always been so uncomfortable. Nothing like the soft woven hammocks of their clan’s hunting camp. Vax growled. Remembering the bright lights and loud sounds of the human machines. The screaming. Gun fire. And their mother shielding them behind her in a vain effort to protect them. His tail thumped hard against the mattress. He was on the top bunk. His sister was sleeping below him. At least he hoped she was.
Vex remembered it all, too. It was a day ingrained in her mind. She rarely went a night without dreaming of it. Today was no different. She started muttering under her breath, tossing and turning. At night most of them still cried out in their birth tongue of Na’vi.
Vax frowned and swung down off his bunk and landed lightly onto Vex’s. “Tsmuke.” He whispered in Na’vi. Which they were forbidden to speak.
She just kept tossing and turning mumbling something in Na'vi. It was really hard for her to sleep any night. The beds were monstrously uncomfortable and the room always felt cold.
Vax sighed and curled up there pulling Vex close to him to try and comfort her. She worked with a start at his touch and started to pant in distress.
“I’ve got you.” Again he spoke in their language. Their true tongue.
She nodded, leaning into his grip
"I know," she whispered back just the same. It was comforting to speak it without fear of being punished for it.
“Good… we… we’ll be okay…” he started to sing their mother’s song cord. Which they’d kept hidden all these years. The words were there. Their mother’s life. Her first hunt, her first flight on her own ikran; lost now. Her having them and her love for her rare and precious twins.
That calmed her down quickly," I want to go home.." Vex sobbed in devastation. The number of times they’d all said that were uncountable.
“I know… I do too…” the TAP school they were housed in was a maze of flat cut grey stone. And they were only allowed in certain areas. They couldn’t breathe the human’s air for more than a few minutes. They were told the high oxygen content would literally drown them without the need for a drop of water.
"I hate it here...“ Vex cried as Vax whipped away her tears gently.
“I do too… their lights are too bright.” The lights that always woke them without fail at the same time of day, everyday.
"Yea, and uncomfortable.. and cold.." Vex shivered just to bring it up. Acknowledging it always seemed to make the rooms colder.
Vax hissed again His tail lashing. “We will get out of here… I promise. All of us.” He glanced at the other beds. Their fellow ‘students’. Their tiny, frightened and beaten down clan.
“I don’t want to be here…” Vex cried softly.
“I don’t either. None of us do stubby.”

And poor Percy. Unlike the rest of them he’d been brought in as an infant. The human’s had even named him. And then expected the other children to care for him. He didn’t know anything else but these walls. He barely spoke Na’vi and took comfort in the vailed praise offered by the humans.
"I don't know what to do...” Vex tried to stop crying now. Tears were always met with a punishing blow, it was only a matter of time.
“We’ll find a way to escape.” Vax said for what felt like the millionth time. He didn’t even know if he believed that anymore.
"How...” Vex’s voice was tiny. Too afraid to hope.
“I don’t know… we just will.” Vax insisted. “We’ll run through the forest again. We’ll swim in the warm water. We’ll hunt and even fly our own Ikran. And sing all of the songs mother taught us.”
"I'm scared, Vax...” Vex trembled. The fear never stopped here. Not truly.
“As long as we pretend to follow their rules they won’t hurt us.” Vax insisted. Though… Percy who was better at following all the rules than the rest of them, was still covered in horrible scars. More even than Grog who always caused the most problems with his temper.
"I can't understand half of what they ask…” Vex still didn’t understand the humans. She could speak their language but even that didn’t make her understand how they truly thought.
“Their language is stupid.” Vax agreed.
"Yes... I don't understand it…” words like ‘money’, ‘military’, ‘Earth’ even. They’d all seen the old pictures. Sights and beauties long gone before even their teachers had been alive. The humans had killed their own great mother. And that sickened Vex.
“And Percy barely understands Na’vi.” Vax grumbled. “They took him too young. He doesn’t even have his true name. They’ve taken almost everything… but they can’t change who we are. We are Na’vi.” He said that last part with as much conviction as he could possibly manage.
"I know... all of this work, and I don't understand any of it... they just talk at us...” Vex curled closer to her brother, the tears drying on her cheeks.
"I know... he must be so confused all the time...” Vex shuddered. They were all thin and too pale but Percy… his skin was such a pale blue it was nearly white. His hair, once black as the rest of them had turned white as mountain snow. His eyes were like two pale moons amongst their yellow orbs.
“I hate to think what they do to him in the labs… they’re always taking him there alone.” It was almost time for their wake up call. They spent a lot of days in a classroom. Learning about humans and how they did everything. They were taught math, science, everything. Everything the humans thought were important at least.
They all only understood bits of it. Vax preferred the stories of their history. Of, well, better humans. The ones who didn’t think everything had to change to be better.
“It’s all the directors’ fault. They’re the ones who put us here in the first place.” Vax growled.
Directors Sylas and Delilah Briarwood were a mated human pare as far as they could tell.
"Yea I know.” Vex hissed this time.
“They took our song cords and our clothing.” And either of the couple would hit them when they spoke Na’vi in their hearing. Or else tell an underling to do it.
"I know," Vex winced. The memory hurt. Always hurt.
“I hate her…” Vax intoned.
“Me too…” Vex agreed. They would have drifted off then to get a few more meager hours of sleep, but…
“Vex… Vax?…” Percy’s tiny voice came from the other end of the long room of bunk beds. Percy was just as prone to nightmares as much as vex was.
Vex pulled herself up and moved to him," we're here." She said gently, moving to the younger Na’vi.
“Eywa help us…” vax muttered.
Percy met vex half way. He was in tears. Percy looked different from other Na’vi. His skin was much paler, his hair and tail plume were white and not black, even his eyes were too pale. Dr. Ripley called him an albino. But he hadn’t always looked like this of course.
"Hey. It's alright Percy.“ Bex said kneeling down to where Percy was crouched by his bunk.
“No… it hurts…” Percy almost always spoke English. His Na’vi was broken and childlike.
"What hurts?” Vex held out her hands for him.
Percy sniffled and showed her his own hands. They were cut deeply across his palms.
"Oh.. hell when did they do this?” Vex repressed a snarl. Percy never argued with them and yet he always seemed to have fresh wounds.
“Before lights out… I don’t know what I did wrong….” Tears streamed down Percy’s pale face. Vax had crouched close and began to gently wipe them away.
"You didn't do anything wrong.” Vax told him.
“I must have.” Percy was speaking English. Na’vi was still so hard for him. But he did try.
"No. You did not. It's them," Vex spoke in English. She knew it was easier for Percy. They would try Na’vi when he was calmer.
Percy sniffled again. “N-ngaytxoa…” he tried in Na’vi. The twins couldn’t help but smile a little at that.
"You didn't do anything wrong." Vex spoke softly, she still stuck to English though.
“I feel bad…” Percy said going back to English himself just so he could articulate properly.
“Why?” Vex coaxed gently.
“I don’t know… I don’t like Dr. Ripley to be mad…” Percy shook and Vex took his hands even though they were cut. Percy had a bad habit of pulling at his hair when he was upset.
"I don't like her at all.” Vax said.
“I know…” Percy was scared of Ripley. Because he was so young when he’d been taken he’d been easier to mold. So Ripley paid him special attention. He also excelled at their classes which was what had drawn her eye to him in the first place.
"I know. Just hold on. We will get out of here.“ Vex said this to Percy almost as much as Vax said it to her.
“But… outside is dangerous.” Percy swallowed what the humans told them. But his eyes always lit up when the old children talked about the outside world.
"Not anymore than in here. We'd go home.” Vex continued.
“‘Aw tsawl apxa…?” [the big tree?] Percy was trying so hard to speak Na’vi with her. But he was shortening the word apxangrr which didn’t fit as a word for tree.
"Yes. And more." Vex smiled Encouragingly.
“More?” There was that hopeful glint in Percy’s pale eyes.
"Yes. More freedom, safety.” Vax added.
“Awgan tswayon?” [we fly?] Percy asked. He always used simpler words when he spoke Na’vi. It gave him the speech pattern of a young child still learning.
“Yes. On Ikran.” Vax said smiling now.
Vex gently squeezed Percy’s fingers to get his attention. “Yawntutsyìp.” [darling], “you can speak English. It’s okay.”
It was taking a long time for Percy to string those few words together and he gave her a grateful nod.
“And we get to eat real food?” Percy asked in English this time.
"Yes. Whatever we want.” Vex smiled.
“Whenever we want?” Percy seemed like he couldn’t even imagine that.
"Yes. Whatever we can find and hunt to eat.” Vax added.
“We get to hunt? Like your stories?” Percy had heard the story of them hunting the yerik, minus that being the night they were taken. And he loved it.
" Exactly like that.” Vex smiled again, ignoring the pain in her heart.
“And… the beaded cord?” Percy asked softly. Meaning a song cord.
"A waytelem. Yes. There will be those too.“ [song cord] Vex nodded and Vax smiled.
“Waytelem…” Percy repeated the word so he’d remember them better.
"Yes. They are very important to us.” Vax tightened his grip on their mother’s song cord, now safely tuck away into a pocket.
“Because they’re our life as a song.” Percy nodded. That he understood. Then his face fell. “My song would be sad…” His ears and tail drooped in defeat. That spark in his eyes going out.
Vex nodded softly," now it is. But once we get out, we can add happy things too.“
“Should… I start gathering things for it?” Percy had a bunch of small parts stashed away the twins knew. Though the human’s forbid Percy from combat practice it didn’t stop him from getting a hold of the guns they used. He could take them apart and put them back together better than any of the soldiers they’d met.
"If you'd like to. Just keep it hidden.“ Vax said, and Percy nodded in understanding.
“I will. Everything is under my pillow.” Percy said slyly. He was always several steps ahead.
“Tsìltsan.”[good] The twins said together. This was how percy always learned new Na’vi words.
“Tsìltsan.” Percy repeated, testing the word on his tongue. He seemed completely calm now despite the pain in his hands.
The twins smiled at him in the darkness and just sat there a moment in the calm quiet, with nothing but the hum of the vents to disrupt it.
Percy smiled back. “It’s almost morning…” He said looking at the red glowing analog clock on the wall.
The twins both groaned. “Yeah…” they said together.
“We should get back in bed. Pretend to be asleep.” Percy suggested.
"Yes. Good plan." Vex nodded and moved silently across the floor back to her bunk to do that.
Percy climbed back into his own and vax swung back up into his top bunk. Ten minutes later those cursed florescent lights came on blindingly bright.
The light blinded everyone even with their eyes closed. And the buzz. The constant buzz of these infernal lights.
“Every one up.” It was Professor Anders’ voice. He was an avatar driver, so he could be in their areas without a rebreather.
They all pulled themselves up off the hard mattresses they barely slept on and stood at attention in front of their bunks.
“Good. Make your bunks and head down for breakfast. Then head straight to your classroom. Percy after lunch I’m taking you into the lab.” Anders varied the instructions every morning. Percy didn’t always go to the labs and sometimes they had surprise combat drills in the mornings.
Making their bunks was easy enough. At this point it was just muscle memory. Anders then led them to the coma dart where they were given the rations that rotated in variety every day by the week. The greens were hardly green, and the meat tasted as if it had been dead for years. They all struggled to eat it, other than Percy who didn’t know that food could be any better at all.
Vax spat out a tough bit of meat after trying to chew it for a few minutes.
"I know... it's so gross…” Vex murmured, she'd barely touched hers at all.
“I can’t stand it. It’s so fake. They don’t grow or hunt anything.” Vax growled lashing his tail.
"I know... i can't, either." Both the twins were getting thinner by the day because they refused to eat. Vax would often go on out right hunger strikes when the humans separated him from the others as punishment.
“You’re both so thin…” Keylith murmured. “You have to eat something.”
"I can't, Keylith.. it's awful." Vex spoke.
“The last time one of us stopped eating they made us take IVs.”
TAP was intent on keeping them alive. Percy had been close to death so much because the human’s didn’t have any way to give him what a Na’vi child needed to grow properly.
Vex looked at keylith," I can't eat. I know it's bad, butI can't make myself eat that.” She spat at the food in disgust.
“But the IV hurts. A lot.” Grog said. He’d eaten all his food just to lesson the hunger pains. It was never enough for any of them.
"I know..." Vex looked at her brother.
Vax growled and picked up the food again and tore at it like that would somehow make the taste any better.
This human food was so strange to them. The only one who didn’t mind it so much was Percy who didn’t know anything else. They supposed that was for the best.
Vex looked at him, but she didn't try to make herself eat any of hers
Anders looked at Vex’s plate in disapproval once they were all done.
“They can only send so much food on supply ships. Stop wasting it.” He snapped at her.
Vex didn't say anything. She knew this would likely get her in trouble but she just couldn't.
“We’ve just about had it with the two of you. Behave better. No get to class.” Anders’ voice was always oddly silky, but a silk so fowl no Aranahe weaver would ever waste their time on.
Vex always took criticism so hard and was very clearly upset. but they got to class. Vax took her hand and scowled at the professor wishing his look alone could kill this human walking around in fake Na’vi skin.

Chapter Text

Vex squeezed her brother’s hand trying to keep it together and praying that Vax wouldn’t snap at Anders again. The last time he had they’d put him in solitary confinement for six days. He’d come back weak and covered in lesions from where he’d scratched himself.
Vax couldn’t stand to be separated from his sister and the others. Who would protect them if he wasn’t there?
Vax pulled her away from Anders. In his other hand he had Percy’s hand. Vax looked after the whole group like this. Vex took a breath to try and steady herself. She hated it here so much.
“We’re okay.” Vax whispered in Na’vi so only Vex would hear, “we’re okay.”
Vex nodded, “it’s just hard…” she whispered back softly.
“I hate that guy. And he’s such a creep.” Vax’s tail lashed just thinking of Anders. In his avatar he looked so bizarre. No Na’vi was that wide in the gut.
“He is…” Vex agreed watching Percy’s reactions. He spent a lot of time with the avatars. Anders and Ripley were always taking him back to the labs.

The class room was empty when they entered it. Allura, their avatar driver teacher, wasn't there yet.
Vex was a little concerned," where is she?”
“She’s probably held up. You know those link beds are more temperamental than a nantang.” [viper wolf], Vax said.
"Yea. That's true.” Vex still didn’t relax until she heard the door open again.
Vax had sat at one of the desk. The lesson was already up on the built in screen. They were studying earth history again.
Allura came in. “Good morning everyone. I have a surprise for you.”
Seven sets of ears and tails were pricked in interest at once. Surprised from Allura were nearly always positive. She didn’t hurt them like all the others did.
She held up a bag. Because they had keener senses they were able to smell what was inside. Something they hadn’t smelled in so long. Real fruit from the forest.
Vex’s eyes widened, "Fruit? From home“
“Yes. From the fyìpmaut.” [squid fruit tree], She used the Na’vi word of course. “Keep this hushed all of you.” She’d seen how thin the twins were, how time all of them were from the lack of proper nutrition. Human rations just didn’t have everything growing Na’vi children needed.
Vex nearly started sobbing," Thank you."
“I know it’s hard. I’ll try to bring something else tomorrow when I’m out in the field.” Allura promised as she started to pass out the fruit.
Percy was looking at the fruit strangely, he’d never seen anything like this before. His understanding of fruit were the little cups with the fruit floating in that strange sweet liquid.
Everyone else was practically drooling from the smell.
“Thank you. This is amazing.” Keylith looked close to tears just like Vex was.
Everyone but Percy instantly started to eat the fruit as soon as they had it. Nothing had ever tasted better. It tasted of home and safety. Of mother’s kisses and songs by the fire.
Allura watched them with a sad smile. “I’m sorry I can’t do more…”
“Thank you for this. I only feel safe when you are around…” Vex told her.
“I’m glad. Just keep trying your hardest. I’ll figure some way to get all of you outside.” Allura promised, hoping that she really could. These kids deserved that. “I’m sorry I can’t promise much.” She looked at Percy who still hadn’t touched his fruit.
“Percy they are very good.” Vex prompted gently.
Percy didn’t look sure but he took a bite. The juice got all over his face as the fruit burst from the force of his bite.
"Well. How is it?“ Vex asked him giggling.
“Really good.” He beamed.
Vax smiled. “Don’t bite down so hard next time Hì'i tsmukan.”[little brother]. He helped Percy get cleaned up before anyone saw.
“Everyone finish quickly. As boring as it is we’re returning to our lesson on the American revolution.” Allura smiled.
They were all in much better spirits now that they had full stomachs and the taste of home still on their tongues.
"We were talking about the Stamp Act," Pike spoke up.
“Very good. Now who knows which items were subject to this new tax?”
It went on like that for a long time.
The classes were long but they weren’t even close to the worst part of living in TAP. Math came after history and then they had lunch.
No one even wanted to touch their food this time. Percy didn’t either. After the first bite he knew nothing from here would never taste that good. And he was scared to go back to the lab.
Vax was frustrated. “Why do they always take him?”
"I don't know...” Vex was always scared for the pale Na’vi. He wouldn’t speak for hours after being returned to them. And sometimes they wouldn’t see him for days at a time.
Vax watched the door. Like clockwork there was Anders. He had a breathing mask for Percy so he could go into the human areas.
Percy always looked like he got sleepy when he put it on. He was always so subdued when they brought him back and wouldn’t speak a word to them or tell them what happened back in the labs.

Percy looked up at Anders. “What are we doing today?” He asked softly.
“What I tell you.” Anders said coldly. He hated the fact that this little savage was somehow smarter than him according to all the tests they run on him. And then Ripley had gone and cut open his skull to stimulate his brain and make him even smarter. What was even the point?
“Okay… but… I don’t like the needles…” Percy said in a small voice his ears pulled back in fear.
"I don't care what you like.” Anders smirked when he saw the boy flinch from his tone.
“Why can’t I do target practice with everyone else?” Percy asked this nearly everyday.
"You are more useful here.” Anders sad grudgingly.
“I want to learn to fight as well.” Percy insisted. He was fascinated by the guns. He’d even gotten a hold of one once and took it apart to find out how it worked. Half the small parts he collected were so he could make his own.
“You will learn when I say you will.” Anders was still bitter that Ripley was above him in their work. It was really up to her what happened to this welp. She’d named him after all.
Percy shrank away from him. They reached the lab and Percy put on his breathing mask. The walk was quiet as Percy breathed in the mixed gas.

“Thank you for bringing him Anders.” Dr. Anna Ripley smiled seeing Percy. “How long has he had the mask on?” They mixed sedative with the air Percy was breathing.
"About 5 minutes.” Anders said.
“Not enough yet.” She sighed. “Percival. Organize the printed out boi readings for me.”
Percy moved to do so. He was good at organizing and he liked the quiet work.

Percy fell asleep while working and Ripley smiled. She picked up his neuro queue braid and examined it. “Help me get him on the table.”
They moved Percy so he was face down on the surgical table. Ripley spread out his limbs and tightened the reinforce straps to hold him in place.
Ripley grinned. “Our research on the neural queues has gone far. If you cut of one from an animal here they go crazy. More feral than they already are. I wonder what that would do to a Na’vi.”
“That seems far...” Anders knew how fragile a mind could be. Ripley would push those limits just for fun.
“Not to him of course. He’s too useful. But to another captured one maybe. For now I’m only examining his spinal cord. To see if the connections are similar.” She was setting up her tools as she spoke.
The scalpel glided through skin and flesh with ease when she began. Clamps were applied to hold the sections of exposed bone. The spine was very similar to that of a human just with stronger bones. Na’vi were hard to kill for a lot of very good reasons.
"What are you seeing?“ Anders asked Ripley.
“The system is much more complex than the animals we’ve collected. Almost human. To the untrained eye.” Her gloves were blood covered. “We’ll need to lay him up in here for a week to recover.”
Anders nodded and wrote up a note for the directors so they would know.
“Tell the other children he caught a sickness from one of our pathogen specimens.” Ripley said dismissively. She sent Anders away after that. She really had no need for him at all but the seven year trip back to earth made it more expensive to fire someone than it was just to keep them around.
As she worked she paused to give Percy an injection. It would wake him but keep him from moving. She loved seeing him react to the pain, but still want to please her.
Percy first registered the sheer agony in his back. He whimpered, tears welling in his eyes as his vision of the lab floor blurred before him.
“Shh shh little one. You know how this goes.” Came Ripley’s voice. He felt her hands and the blade of her scalpel cutting deeper into his flesh. He let out a weak little cry.
“That’s it. You’re doing so well Percival.” Ripley cooed, her voice like honey. Percy’s sob caught in his throat which caused her to tut and press the blade even deeper. “Aren’t you a big boy now? You know big boys don’t ever cry.”
She traced his spine with a gloved finger, feeling every vertebrae from his neck to the base of his tail. He whimpered and it was the sweetest sound Ripley knew.
“When I’ve stitched you up I’ll show you something. It’s very interesting. Would you like that?” She expected an answer.
“Y-yes…” his voice was weak from the pain.
“What a good smart boy I have. I knew it was right to save you from those fires.” Ripley smiled at her own lie.
“You were so little for a Na’vi. Laid out all alone to die. That’s what they do out there. When you’re weak they get rid of you. They left you in the jungle to die. To be eaten by all those nasty wild animals.”
“That can’t be true…” The others told him that didn’t happen. They’d know wouldn’t they?
“It is Percival. They’re savages. You are better than they could ever be. I named you after a brave noble knight. Who served his king well and truly. Are you well and true? My Percival?” But Ripley’s voice was so sweet. Soft. Percy just let his tears fall.
“Yes…” he said again. She’d make the pain stop if he agreed.
“Good.” She leaned down close to his ear. “Just remember who saved you. Who saw worth in you. Because it certainly wasn’t your own kind.”
A shiver passed through Percy heightening his pain as his muscles contracted. “I need an answer sweetheart.” Ripley chided. “Say that you’ll keep being my good little helper.”
“Ok…” came Percy’s tiny reply.
“Such at good boy.” She pet his hair. It didn’t feel the same as when the twins touched his hair. Their hands had never brought pain like Ripley’s.
That’s when he felt the needle as Ripley began to stitch him back up. It was ending. A recovery patch would be put on it and the pain would fade. Please stitch faster. Please. Percy would have prayed to Eywa if he knew how… but he didn’t know the words.
Finally he felt the cool touch of the gel patch and he let his eyes fall closed as the pain just ebbed away. That part always felt so good he couldn’t help but sob in relief.
He was exhausted as Ripley moved him to the Na’vi sized wheel chair. Percy could hardly hold his head up as he was wheeled deeper into the dissection lab.
“A few minutes more. I have to show you something.” She tipped his head up so he was facing forward.
When they finally stopped Ripley showed him the one way mirror viewing room. Inside were four viper wolves. Little snarling beasts. But they weren’t right. Won’t how Vex and the others had described. They were pale and scarred. And their neural queues were gone. “Their eyes were sad, haunted, and wild.
You see how savage the outside is? Why we must tame it.” Ripley was saying as Percy watched the animals leap around the room, in rage or panic. Percy couldn’t tell.
"What's wrong with them?” Percy asked fearfully.
“They’re wild. Dangerous, this is what your friends wish to return to.” The program should at least have one success. Ripley would make sure that was Percy.
"Surely they aren't all like this.” He tried to reason.
“They are. All of you are special. You see what you could be.” She had to loop in the others to pacify him. Percy loved the other children despite her best effort.
“Ok…”
“Good boy.” Ripley grinned as she watched his eyes track the movements of the viper wolves. “I’m going to put you in a nice comfy bed and you can go to sleep.”
“Ok…” Percy said again. He was already fading from the exhaustion.
One of the viper wolves was savagely clawing at the stumps of where its kuru were meant to be. As Ripley turned Percy away the others all attracted the one who was bleeding. By the sounds they ere ripping the poor thing to shreds. The pained yelping and cries along with the sounds of tearing flesh nearly broke Percy to hear.
Ripley got him into a recovery bed and gave him another injection. “You’re going to sleep for a while.”
“I want Vex and Vax…” Percy protested. Ripley just stroked his hair.
“They’re busy. You stay here. Now sleep.”
Percy’s vision blacked out and he knew no more.

Chapter Text

The twins watch Percy get lead away and vanish when the hydraulic doors closed.
Vax lashed his tail. “We have to do something.”
“I don’t know what we do… we’re trapped here…” Vex had curled into herself while perched on her chair.
“I don’t either… hell…” vax slammed his fist on the table. “I hate this. We’re a clan. Why can’t we protect one of our own?”
"Because we have no power here.“ Vex said quietly.
“We’re still a clan…” a very small pitiful looking clan. But they were a clan. A family.
"I know.” Vex set her hand over her brother’s to help calm him down.
“If we’re a clan… what are we called?” Keylith asked. She came from one of the many horse clans across the plains. The A’shari.
“I don’t remember…” Grog said miserably. He just remembered living with Pike and her clan.
“No I mean us. Our clan: the seven of us.” Keylith clarified. There’d once been at least twenty of them. The others had all been ‘moved’ to other facilities. That’s what they’d been told at least.
“Oh.. what would you like to call us?” Vax asked her.
“I don’t know… what do we do? A’shari means air. My clan made and flew kites.” Keylith said. And they’d been the best clan at flying ikran.
"What do you think, Vax?“ Pike asked.
“If it’s what we do then we should just call our clan it would be Sänui.”[failure] Vax said bitterly.
“Vax.” His sister scolded smacking his hand.
“What? We aren’t even acting like Na’vi.” Vax stated.
“Agreed.” Scanlan muttered.
"We don't have a choice…” Keylith traced circled onto the table, her voice barely a whisper.
“Then I don’t know.” Vax hissed his tail still lashing back and forth.
“We’re all worried about Percy.” Pike said. “But don’t get angry at us Vax.”
“Of course I’m worried about him!” Vax was terrified. Everyone one else they’d taken away they never saw again. Zarah, Kasha, Zorrin, everyone but the seven of them. Vax didn’t believe for a moment that they’d been taken to other facilities.
“Yeah but don’t take it out on us Vax.” Vex told him.
Vax deflated and slumped in defeat. “Sorry…”
“We’ll find a way to help him… whatever they do to him. That’s what a clan does.” Keylith tried for a smile.
“And what if we never see him again?” Vax asked.
“Don’t say that!” Vex snapped. She was terrified by that. They couldn’t just take Percy away.
“We will figure it out. We are a clan…. We’ll take care of each other.” Pike tried to calm them all down.
“We need to find a way out…” Keylith pulled her knees to her chest.
“We will.” Vax said firmly.
“Good. Now you need to breathe.” Pike told him.
“I’m trying…” Vax muttered.
“Do it for me.” Vex said quietly
They were interrupted. A solider came in and took them to the shooting range for target practice.
They all tried their best because they knew what would happen if they didn’t. They’d all been through enough punishments to know how to at least try to avoid them. Vex was a good shot but the pistols and rifles felt wrong to use. They were breaking one of Eywa’s laws. Not to use the metals of the ground. Most of them were terrible shots. And these lessons always involved yelling from a drill Sargent. Vex never did well with yelling. She was the most depressed out of all of them. Though Vax was probably close behind. Vax wanted to throw this loud fire machine and break it. He could never understand why Percy was so fascinated by these things.

Soon enough, they are aloud back to their rooms. Vex nearly broke down immediately. Though now, if it was quiet. She pulled her thin blanket around her shoulders and sat leaning against the wall. Her knees pulled up to her chest.
Vax went to her at once and held her. “I’ve got you.” She barely reacted to him and his heart clinched. Vax sobbed softly. And started to sing their mother’s song cord again, “Lie si oe Vex’ahliamur.
sa'nokur mìfa oeyä Atanti ngal molunge…”
Vex reacted by leaning into his touch a little more. His crying made her want to comfort him.
“Mipa tìreyti, mipa 'itanti. Lawnol a mì te'lan. Lawnol a mì te'lan…” he was starting to tear up.
"Vax..." Vex’s voice broke as she spoke.
“Yeah…” he broke the song.
“Are you ok?” She asked softly.
“I should be asking you that…” Vax tried for a smile as he held his sister close.
“You're crying…” she wiped his tears as Vax did the same with her.
“So are you.”
“I asked you first.” Vex pressed.
“I hate seeing you like this… I hate this place… I hate everything here. It’s not right!” Vax shook. He hated it here. But he loved their friends and didn’t want to loose them.
“Vax... I'm sorry... I know I make this so much harder for you.” Vex curled closer to him all the same.
“Stop that! Don’t you dare blame yourself for this.” Snapped pulling her closer and holding her tighter.
Vex flinched at his volume, “it’s true though.”
“It’s not. I’d go mad without you. If you’d gotten taken away like the others…” Vax tucked her head under his chin.
Vex shuddered at the thought, “I am just so much work for you...”
“And Percy is a lot of work for both of us. That doesn't matter.” Vax said firmly.
"I guess..." She still had her knees pulled to her chest.
Vax hugged her tight and started again. Both the twins had their own verse on their mother’s song cord. She pressed up against him trying to focus on the song. Remember what their mother’s voice sounded like. How she’d braided her hair… what she’d even looked like at all. It was all fading by the day. It was hard for vax to remember but they carried her song still. Like a clan was meant to do when a member died. She slowly joined him in the song very quietly. They sang it together. Up until the end. They’d never added that final bead. The one that meant the end of a life.
Vex started at the cord for a while. They had actually never seen their mother’s body. At least not that she could remember.
"Vax… do you ever wonder If she's still alive…” she asked quietly.
“I don’t know… wouldn’t she have come for us…” Vax had believed that a long time ago.
“She might not know.” Vex pointed out.
“How could she not? We would be there with her if it weren’t for this.” He gestured at the facility as a whole.
“She might not know where we are.” Vex said again.
“She was there… saw the humans… how many places could they possibly be?” Vax asked shuddering. How many could there be? Not many. Right?
"I don't know...” Vex admitted.
“If she was alive she would find us.” Vax said bitterly.
“Maybe she is.” Vex tried again.
“I don’t know…” Vax had once been so sure. He didn’t know what he believed anymore. “She would be here to save us if she was…”
“I know…”
They lapsed into silence after that for while. No one felt like talking after that.

Vax sighed and closed his eyes for a moment… He froze again: “Hold on… they should have brought Percy back ages ago.”
“Yes... they should have…” Vex sat up to look at the door in worry.
“We should ask where he is.” Keylith said.
They went back to the class room to find Allura. Surely she would know. Allura was sitting at her desk and working on the next days plans.
“Allura.” Pike spoke this time.
The avatar looked up from her work. “Yes Pike? What’s wrong?”
“They took Percy to the lab after lunch. But it’s almost lights out and they haven’t brought him back yet.” It was Keylith who blurted this out, her voice full of worry.
“Oh.” Allura’s blood ran cold. “That is odd.”
“The last time this happened it was Zarah… and we never saw her again…” Vex said nearly in tears again.
"I remember.“ Allura stood intent on confronting Ripley for this.
“Please don’t let them take him too… he’s too young.” Pike begged.
“I'll go see if I can figure out what's happening.” Allura assured them gently. “I promise I’ll bring him back.” She prayed that she could keep that promise.
She herded the worried children back to their room before making her way to the labs. Ripley was there organizing the last of the printed out bio readings when Allura entered.
“You’re scaring the children. Why is Percy still in your lab?” She demanded.
"He's recovering.” Ripley said simply.
“From what?” Worry spiked in Allura. Again? She’d thought the directors had put a stop to these surgeries.
“What kind of procedure? What are you doing to him?” Allura was getting angry. “He’s only a child Ripley. And I’ve seen how you butcher those animals.”
"Don't worry. He's fine.” Ripley waved her hand dismissively.
“You’ve been running tests on him behind my back again. Ripley we’ve been over this. These children aren’t your lab rats.” Allura spat. Outside of their avatars she was taller than Ripley.
“I don't care what you think.” Ripley smirked at her.
“That’s what detector Sylas Briarwood has told you. The children are an investment for him. And you know how he hates when people waste his resources. You’ve been warned before.” Allura knew that was the button. The only two people Ripley would heed were the ones who paid her.
"Oh please.” Ripley rolled her eyes but her shoulders tensed.
“The directors will hear about this Ripley.” Allura turned to make her think that she was going to do just that.
“Ok, ok. Fine.” Ripley glared at her. “He’s in the recovery room.”
“Good. I’ll be taking him back to the others. He can recover with his friends.” Allura turned back to enter that section of the lab.
The sight of Percy broke her heart. The long recovery patch running down from the base of his neck to his tail. Dressed in a hospital gown sized for a Na’vi, even one of Percy’s small size.
Allura checked his pules and sighed. “You poor thing…” she’d never got a good look at Percy before. He was covered in surgical scars. How long had this been going on behind her back? Why hadn’t the other kids told her?
She wheeled the gurney Percy laid on out of the labs and into the barracks. The other children jumped up seeing Percy in such a weak state.
“I’m sorry. If I could see the injury I could help more but those bandages need to stay on.” Allura explained. “Don’t crowd him now.”
Vex gave her a mutinous look. She wanted to hold Percy, even asleep he looked scared and she wanted to help him.
“And keep in the IV. He’s going to be asleep for a while.” Allura said gently. It was so rare for them to see her true human body.
“Ok... why can't you teach like this? How you truly are?” Vex asked as she took Percy’s hand and held it.
“My avatar seems to put you more at ease.” She admitted. Having to look up at the Na’vi teens. “And everything in this part of the facility is tailored to you living here comfortably. It’s much too big for a human.”
"Oh. I guess that makes sense.” Vax said taking in the sight of Allura’s golden hair. No Na’vi had hair like that.
“And my field work is much easier in that body as well.” She smiled. “How would you kids like to have some real meat tomorrow?”
"You can do that?” Vex asked looking up from Percy.
“My wife can while she’s out tonight. She’s one of our ambassadors to a near by clan.“ Allura explained.
“That would bd amazing.” Keylith smiled just thinking about it.
“You all deserve it. Do you have a favorite?” Allura asked them.
“I don't know...it's been so long…” none of them could remember much.
“I’ll ask her to look for yerik.” Her statement brought memories back to the twins. Their first hunt. Their mother’s proud smile and praise.
"Thank you.” Vax and Vex said together.
Allura nodded. “Percy will need to stay in that bed for at least two days. Even with our healing packs. I’ll try to find him something to occupy his mind.”
“Thank you. He will like something to do.” Vex said, having gone back to soothe Percy who looked like he was in pain.
“I know. He’s always tinkering with something.” Allura smiled.
They’d once caught him taking apart a gun. He’d been beaten for that.
“He is…” Vax was on the other side of Percy’s bed.
“I have to go now. But I’ll see you all in the morning. Stay put for now.” Allura was worried that the kids seemed unsurprised by the sight of Percy’s scars.
She left them to tend to their friend.
“Of course.” Allura left and sighed once she was in her’s and Kima’s quarters. “Hell… what are we doing here…”
Kima was trying to make something to snack on. She was so tired she didn't really notice her love.
Allura moved over to help. “Heading out already?“
“Oh hey. Allie." Kima gave her a tired smile and a kiss on the cheek.
“Hey” she kissed Kima’s cheek in turn. “Sorry… it’s been a long day…”
"It's alright. It has been a long day.
Are you doing ok? You look tried." She brushed back some of Allura’s hair.
“It’s the kids… I’m so worried about them… I… I had to wheel Percy out of Ripley’s lab today. She put him through another operation…” Allura explained.
“Oh hell... she does so much to him…” the things Kima had heard made her sick to her stomach.
“I know… he looks so bad… she’s had him under her thumb since he was an infant. She even named him.” Allura shook her head helplessly.
“That poor kid. How are the others doing?” Kima asked.
“As well as they can be. I brought them the fruit this morning… I was hoping you could pick up some meat for them. I can cook it here.” Allura held her wife’s hand for the comfort.
"I'll see what I can do. They are all doing ok?“ Kima pressed again.
“The twins are very upset and on edge… Vax is so angry all the time and I don’t blame him. We have to do something more.” Allura hated to see them all like this.
"So Allie.. let's get them out.” It wasn’t the first time they talked about this exact thing.
“How? The Briarwoods have this place locked down. We don’t even know if the clan near by will accept them.” There were so many things that could go wrong.
“We have to try Allura. This isn’t right.” Kima said straightening up.
“I… I’ll draw up a plan while you’re gone.” Allura promised.
"Yes. The twins. Tell me more about them.“ Kima put a hand on Allura’s back.
“Vax is angry and Vex is scared. And so protective of Percy… of all of them.” Allura said sadly.
"Vex seems to be having a really hard time. More than the others.” Kima pointed out.
She is… she doesn’t like being cooped up in a place like this. She needs to run free.” They all did.
“It is worse than the others isn't it?" Kima asked. Allura just nodded clinching her eyes shut. “What have you seen in her?”
“Twitching…. Clutching at her kuru… I’ve told her of it to play with it so much because of what damaging it can do…” Allura worried about Vex greatly.
“Hell.. is there anything else?” They needed to know these things.
“She told me during her last physical that her ears are starting to ring.” Allura admitted.
“Oh. Wow... that's really bad... she's just a ball of anxiety... she can't last much longer in this place.” Kima knew none of them would really. This wasn’t the place for them.
“Yes… she is… we need to do this soon… HQ is up the detector’s asses. For this program to work… with the kids…” Allura shook her head in disgust.
"Hell, Allie. we have to get them out of here. Did She tell you how bad her ears were ringing?” These poor kids.
“It fades in and out… but that physical was severe weeks ago.” Those notes had been hard to right.
"Maybe you should talk to her again...” Kima suggested.
“I will. I’m going to talk to all of them. We will get them out of here.” Allura had new conviction now after seeing Percy today. “You’re almost late… I’ll work on a plan tonight.”
“Okay.” Kima kissed her goodbye. “I’ll see you in the morning.

Chapter Text

Vax watched the door even after Allura was gone for a few moments before he looked back down at Percy. The open backed hospital gown put his new injury on display. They’d seen this before. They all knew Ripley loved to cut into the smaller, timid Na’vi. The physical stress it put on his body showed in his white hair a bleached blue skin. His cloudy eyes that had once been yellow like the rest of them. Now they resembled two large silvery moons. Vax knew Percy couldn’t see well.
Vex was tracing her fingers through Percy’s hair to help calm his pained whimpers. This was the first time they’d seen him so soon into a surgical recovery. Ripley had always kept him hidden for several days, or a week. Once for a whole month. That time he’d come back with a shaved head and a scar wrapping around the top of his skull. Percy hadn’t spoken a word for a week after that.
“This shouldn’t be happening. If Allura really wants to help us she should free us!” Vax suddenly burst out in a raged hiss that made everyone flinch.
"I know.. I don't know what to do.” Vex said in a quiet voice not taking her eyes off Percy.
“Look at him Vex! That could be all of us soon!” Vax was terrified. They’d already lost so many friends. They’d just vanished day by day with no explanation.
"I know! But what are we suppose to do?“ Vex finally looked up at him with teary eyes. The others all shifted around them nervously.
“We run. All of us. We get out of here or we die to them. Anything is better that living like this.” Vax said simply, his tail lashing. They had to try. They just had to.
"How are we going to get out?“ Keylith spoke up.
“The ventilation system.” Vax suggested.
“Okay. We can try.” Vex said. Everyone who could nodded.
“They’re huge.” Scanlan said. “Even Grog could fit.”
“But what about Percy? He’s in no shape to run.” Pike pointed out.
"We will have to wait until he's healed up.“ Vex said leaving no room for argument. Though Vax thought he caught a disapproving look from Scanlan.
After that the exhaustion from the day was setting in and they moved towards their bunks. Vex stayed close to Percy though, smoothing his hair and holding one of his hands as if to assure him that he wasn’t alone or with Ripley.
“Stubby… he’s not going to wake up if you keep staring at him.” Vax said gently.
"I know...“ she didn’t move though.
Vax sighed and pulled the blanket over Percy. It covered some of his scars. But he still looked pitifully small.
Vex just kept watching him. She was nervous that she couldn't make herself relax. She watched the weak rise and fall of his chest and the twitching of his ears at every little sound.
Vax sat by her side and laid his tail over hers And Vex looked up at him with wide worried eyes.
“He’s going to be okay… if there anything they can do better than us in heal injuries…” Vax said quietly to her.
"I guess that's true...“ Vex winced just to think about the many ways the humans had proven that with injuries they’d inflicted.
“And he’s just as stubborn as all of us. Like a Na’vi should be.” Vax tried for a smile but he didn’t have it in him.
“He's he is.." Vex traced the scar just below Percy’s hair line. They knew this was the one that wrapped all the way around his skull.
“Do you want hold him to know he’s safe?” Vax asked. Even though Allura had told them not to move Percy.
"I don't know…” Vex’s voice broke.
“You did that all the time when we were little.” They both still did. Holding the smaller Na’vi between them.
Vex didn’t answer. She didn’t want to sleep or move. She just wanted to watch Percy afraid he’d vanish from sight if she let go of his hand. They lapsed into silence for a long while before the lights suddenly flashed back to life in all their overly bright horridness.
Then came the blaring alarms. Everyone jumped up in fright tails lashing and eyes wide. Percy let out a pained whine his cloudy eyes cracking open weakly. Vex hissed and used her body to shield him as best she could. They heard the thunder of soliders’ boots coming down the hall. The door opened and Director Sylas Briarwoon stepped in with Dr. Ripley by his side. Three soliders holding rifles flanked them side and behind.
“Time to go children.” Sylas said in his silky tone. “Vex’ahlia, be a good girl and bring Percival over here.”
“No!” Vex hissed. “You can’t have him!”
“What is happening?!” Keylith practically wailed covering her ears.
“It’s time to leave. Now. I won’t ask again.” Sylas said motioning for them to obey. To give them the trembling injured na’vi. Vax hissed as loud as he could stepping between the humans and his family.
“Over my dead body.”
“Very well. We only truly need him.” Sylas nodded to the soldiers to step forward as he and Ripley stepped back from the door. “Do not harm the boy. Bring him to our hellacarier quickly.”
They gave curt nods. As they doors closed they leveled their guns at the children. Grog let out a feral roar and made to leap at them.
Gunshots reverberated through the room but it was the soldiers who fell. In the door Stood Allura in her avatar.
“Children. We need to leave. Come with me. Now.” Her tone left no room for argument. They only had time to exchange a look. They didn’t have another choice. Vex pushed Percy’s gurney as they ran down the hall following Allura, not out, but deeper into the facility. The room they stopped at was full of cryo beds.
“What’s going on?!” Vax damanded of the avatar driver.
“The RDA is evacuating the planet. Another Avatar driver started an uprising. They’re cutting their losses.” Allura explained as she tapped on the computer terminal. The beds hissed and the lids opened. “You’re all going to sleep for a while. This is the best way to hide you from them. Vex help me with Percy.”
“What? But he’s hurt! It could kill him!” Vex protested.
“All of you could die if we don’t hide you. Please. Don’t argue.” Allura was doing her best not to snap but the desperation in her voice spoke volumes.
Vax growled. “Do it Stubby. He’s strong.”
Vex sobbed but obeyed. They laid Percy down into the first bed and she ran her fingers through his hair. His bleary pained eyes gazed up at her in fear.
“V-Vex…? What…?”
“Shh. Yawntutsyìp… you’re going to go to sleep for a while.” Vex couldn’t stop her tears. “It… it’ll be ok. I promise.” Eywa please don’t let this be a lie. She pressed a kiss to his forehead. Let him live. The bed closed over Percival as Vex pulled back.
“Okay. Now the rest of you.” Allura said. “Quickly now. Go.”
They all obeyed, not having a choice. The flash of cold as the lid closed over them was cut off as their worlds went black.

Vax clawed his way back to cold consciousness when he heard his own breathing. Glass separated him from the world and his breathing picked up in slight panic. He cried out and slammed his fists against it. Bang! Bang! Then the sound of pressure releasing as the lib swung open. Vax threw himself from the bed and his knees buckled and he let out a strangled cry. His vision swam and his muscles ached and protested as he fought to stand. The room. The cryo room. It was a mess. Crumbling walls with exposed wires and tubing.
“Wha…” his tongue felt numb and his voice slurred. He fought through the fog of his brain. Vex?! The others?! He looked around to see their beds still active. Still showing vital signs. Even Percy’s though his were weak.
Vax stumbled to the main terminal hoping he could open them up safely. The screen flickered to life. Open. Vax slammed his hand against that option and was greeted by the sounds of multiple air tight seals being broken. He rushed over to Percy’s bed and pressed his fingers against the pale na’vi’s pulse point. It fluttered weakly under his skin. Vax sobbed in relief before rushing to Vex’s side as he heard her whimper as she woke up.
“Vax…?”
“I’m here. I’m here.” He wrapped his twin up into his arms and held her tightly.
“Percy… is… is he…” vex trembled as she clung to him weakly.
“He’s alive. Just… weak.” Vax rubbed her back as he helped her sit up.
Everyone was coming to slowly.
“Ugh… my head…” Grog groaned rubbing it.
“What the hell happened to this place?” Scanlan asked looking around the wrecked room.
“Who cares? We need to get out of here.” Keylith squeaked in fear.
“The vents.” Pike has stumbled to one already on her unsteady feet.
“Grog can you carry Percy?” Vex asked.
“I got him.” With surprising gentleness he hefted Percy onto his back hooking his arms under the smaller Na’vi’s knees to keep him upright. His chin rested against Grog’s shoulder and they adjusted his arms to hang over them as well. Once they were sure he was secure Vax kicked open the vent guard.
They lined up and ducked inside and began to crawl through the tight dark space. Vax had taken the lead keeping his nose up to sniff for any fresh air.

It felt like an eternity before he did. Green. The smell was green, and life and freedom. Vax’s heart leapt into his throat when he saw the light filtering through a grate ahead of them. Vax picked up his pace as much as he could and the other’s followed suit. Percy let out a tiny whimper.
“Grog slow down. Don’t jostle him.” Vex said fearfully.
“Sorry…” the bigger Na’vi gently pressed his cheek to Percy’s to calm him. “I got you Whity. You smell that? It’s outside.”
Percy’s only response was a tiny whimper.
Vax smashed his fists against the great. For a moment he thought it wouldn’t break but suddenly it did and light flooded the vent shaft nearly blinding them. Vax looked down they were just a few feet above the ground and easy jump. One by one they climbed out with Grog needing extra help. Percy whimpered and cried out in pain. His pale eyes fluttered open but he instantly closed them against the light of the sun. He gripped onto Grog weakly.
“Percy?” Vex laid a hand on his shoulder. “Shh. It’s okay. We’re safe. Outside.” She couldn’t help the wide smile and tears. “We’re outside!”
Percy forced himself to look towards her voice. “Outside….?”
“Yes, yawntutsyìp.” She beamed at the tiny smiled that Percy made hearing that, “we’re outside.”
She let Percy laps back into his sleep after that. They needed to move. But there were no sighs of humans anywhere. Vines and other plant life were taking over the TAP facility, boring into the concrete walls and causing cracks to form and widen.
“How… how long were we asleep?” Keylith spoke up with wide eyes.
“Who cares? We need to get away from here.” Scanlan sniffed the air. “I smell water. A rive or lake. That way.” He pointed towards the thick grown trees of the jungle. The sounds of life were all around them. A stark contrast from the life they’d lived for so long. They were free. And they were going into the unknown. But without a word they followed the smell of water, vanishing into the tree cover.

Chapter Text

Vax took the lead this time. Even though Vex had always been better at tracking. Vax just wanted to get out of site of this place. Ripley had been determined to have Percy and didn’t care if the rest of them were killed. Even if the facility had looked empty Vax didn’t trust it. He could still smell fresh human scents on the air and they all froze with fear at the sound of a scorpion copter passed over the trees between them. Humans were still very much a threat.
They’d found a river and were now following that down stream and had been for several hours. At some point the constant jostling of being carried on Grog’s back woke Percy up though he was in no shape to walk. His cloudy eyes darted around and he’d flinch at every sound.
They’d woken up alone. Whatever had happened Allura was probably long gone. They were out on their own now and couldn’t rely on any adult help.
“Hey. I found some tracks.” Vex called over her shoulder kneeling down to try and see what could have made them. Vax had passed them on by.
“Other Na’vi?” Vax asked back tracking to her with the others.
“It looks like it.” Vex confirmed. “At least it’s not something with paws. This mud is making it hard to tell.”
“Well at least we know we’ve got the right river.” Vax stood back up.
“We should keep following it.” Scanlan suggested. “There should be hunting camps if we’re in a clan’s territory.”
“What if they attack us?” Percy asked.
“Then we fight.” Grog grinned which seemed to make Percy even more nervous.
They won’t attack us Percy. We’re children to them.” Vax said.
“We are wearing human clothes though.” Keylith pointed out. The shirts they wore had the TAP logo on them. It wouldn’t be a pleasant sight for other na’vi if they knew what it meant. “And Percy’s still just in a hospital gown.”
"Our use of the language will convince them.” Vex said trying keep the worry from taking hold again.
“I can hardly speak our language…” Percy’s ears drooped in shame. If they’d had any success stripping them of their Na’vi traits it was Percy who’d been effect the most.
"That's ok. We can teach you. Time around will help.” Vex assured him.
And a connection with Eywa.” Pike said. “We need to find a spirit tree. It’s been too long.”
"Yes. Way too long. We find the village and then the tree.” Vax nodded as they set off again.
“We can actually talk to Eywa?” Percy asked after a some more silent walking.
“Yes. In a way.” Pike smiled seeing Percy’s interest.
“How?” Percy leaned closer as if afraid to miss a detail. He’d never bonded to Eywa like all of them had. He’d never had his first communion.
“It's something you have to experience to understand…” Pike wished she could give him more. “I was told it’s different for everyone. It's like finding a part you were missing.”
“It seems like every part of me is missing…” Percy said quietly resting his head back on Grog’s shoulder as the larger na’vi adjust his grip on him.
“The tree with help.” Pike patted Percy’s shoulder reassuring.
“Okay.” Percy nodded then flinched to stare across the river. There were dire horses there drinking on the other bank. Pa’li.
Vex followed his line of sight. She smiled,"Vax look."
“Pa’li.” Vax gasped. It had been so long since they’d seen any of these animals outside of pictures.
"I know... I forgot how amazing they truly are.” They all stood there and watched the creatures curiously.
“There must be a clan close by. They take care of the wild herds.” Keylith was beaming.
“Come on. Let’s keep going.” Vax said once the pa’li walked on by. No one argued. They had to be close to a clan. To help. Pike didn’t want to alarm anyone but she could have sworn Percy felt feverish.

Spirits were very much dampened at first when thunder rumbled above them a few hours later. The first few fat drops coming down through the canopy felt so good on their skin. It was clean and it smelled sweet.
Vex looked up at the sky and just took it in. It felt amazing. “Hell... I've missed this…” she sighed just feeling the rain on her face and soaking into her hair.
“Yeah…” vax cupped his hands and drank the rain that collected there. Vex did the same and so did several others. Grog momentarily forgot he was carrying Percy leaving the Smaller na’vi to cling to and dangle from his shoulders.
“Oops. Sorry Percy.” Grog caught him again when he felt the weak kicks.
Percy made a soft indignant sound and took a few pained breaths.
He wasn’t sure he liked the rain much. It felt cold on his fevered skin and it made the hospital gown stick to him. Everyone else seemed to be very much enjoying themselves though so he kept his mouth shut.

“Ok. We should really find a camp.” Vax said after a long while. When they were all thoroughly soaked.
"Yea... we should it's gonna get cold.“ vex stood from where she’d been sitting on the grass.
They trudged through the now slippery under growth. Percy hanging on for dear life as Grog nearly lost his footings. They were making slow progress when the smell of old ash hit their noses. Even Percy lifted his head to give the air a weak sniff.
They’d found a camp. A large low growing thick trunked tree hung with woven tarps. But it looked completely abandoned. There were no fresh Na’vi scents in the air.
“Oh.. well.. that's not ideal.” Vex sighed looking at the small cook fire at the base of the path leading up to the living area. It reminded her so much of the camp where she and Vax had once lived with their mother. She could see her emotions reflected in his eyes.
“Let’s look for food.” Grog said. “I’m starving.”
“That’s a good plan. But put Percy down first buddies.” Pike was saying. They climbed up into the camp and found the sleeping area quickly enough. The soft mats woven into the floor looked so inviting.
“Everyone take off your clothes before you freeze.” Pike said as she helped Percy get free of the soaked hospital gown.
Keylith had dashed off to find blankets and was now tossing one over Percy as the rest of them stripped out of their TAP clothes. Scanlan managed to get a fire going in the main area and they hung their clothes over it to attempt to dry them. It was strange that there was so much here that had just been left behind but they were all to tired and cold to question it when they wrapped up in soft woven blankets.
But Percy was thinking about it. Why would anyone just leave all of this useful stuff behind? But his back was in agony and all he could do was lie still.
"Percival. Can I look at your back?” Vex asked sitting down next to him.
“Yea…” he pulled off blanket and let it fall to the side so Vex could get at the sodden bandages.
Vex carefully began to peal them off so she could get at his injury. They were soaked in blood. While Grog had done his very best to be gentle the near constant movement had popped so many of his stitches.
"Hell. Pike, do we have anything to fix this?“ Vex called and the shorter na’vi hurried over to look Percy over.
“Not now. I could check near by. The river should have some dapophet palms near by.” Pike said looking worried as Percy shivered before them.
“Ok. Good. Can you go find some? Keylith go with her.” Vex tried to keep the desperate urgency out of her voice. Percy couldn’t die just when they’d been freed.
Pike and Keylith hurried off at once back to the river.
Vex kept her attention on Percy who was doing his best not let his whimpers be heard. He was failing.
"We are going to take care of you.” Vex promised him, surprised how steady her voice was.
“I know…” Percy shivered weakly. Vex smiled fondly and held his hand so he’d know she was there.
Vax had found some dried meat and was passing it out. “Hopefully the clan who uses this camp comes back soon. We can’t survive out here without the tools.”
“I hope so.” Vex chewed on the meat and had to resist the urge to scarf it down.
“I’m going to make sure Percy didn’t leave any blood trail though. We don’t want to attract predators.” Vax rolled her looking at the smaller na’vi with deep worry.
“Good plan.” A pack of hungry viper wolves was the last thing they needed right now.
Vax nodded. “They have some moss here. Maybe that’ll stop his bleeding.” He suggested.
"Ok. Thank you. We can try that.“ Vex nodded.
While Vax went to check that there was no trail Grog and Scanlan were looking for something they could use as bandages. Grog passed Vex the moss and she gently tried the use it the staunch the bleeding. Percy winced and squirmed when she touched the wound. But his movements were weak.
“I’m sorry, I'm trying..” she spoke to him gently, her free hand stroked Percy’s hair. His skin felt like fire and was slick with sweat.
“It hurts…” Vex’s heart clinched as Percy looked up at her. His cloudy eyes were lost and full of pain.
“I know it’s me yawntutsyìp. It’s just Vex. You’re safe.” That seemed to put him more at ease and he stopped squirming.
“We’ve got the stuff!” They heard Pike and Keylith returning as fast as they could on the slippery ground. Keylith slipped coming into the Camp but Pike made it over to where Vex was tending to Percy.
“Thank you…” Vex’s voice wavered in relief.
Pike got to work. Gently rolling Percy over onto his front so she could get at everything. “Vex keep him distracted.”
She nodded and continued to run her fingers through Percy’s short hair.
Percy leaned into her touch. “Vex…?”
“Yes, Percival?” He sounded more coherent now to her great relief.
“Is this home?” He was speaking in his broken Na’vi and that made Vex smile despite herself.
“Yes, this is home. We won't stay in this area forever but for now it's what we have.” She told him softly and she watched the small smile appear on his face.
“Safe…?”
“Yes. We’re safe.” She promised him.
“It’s beautiful…” even with how cloudy his vision was he’d never seen this much color in the world.
“Yes it is.” Vex agreed as Pike gave her a thumbs up. The bleeding had stopped and she was now padding a poultice from the dapophet pods she was using onto his wound.
Pike prayed she remembered how to do this right. They didn’t have the ideal binding fibers for bandages. They padded moss over the poultice and then bound that down with an extra blanket that they tied around Percy’s torso. His weak breaths had finally evened out as the worst of the pain faded. But his skin was still too warm for Pike’s liking.
Vex kept running her hands through his hair, trying to help keep him calm.
“Let’s get a clean blanket and let him sleep.” Pike told her.
“We found some dried fish to eat.” Scanlan said. “And bows to hunt.”
They all nodded and Keylith draped another blanket over Percy. They at least had plenty of blankets for all of them and the exhaustion was setting in now. The warm fire and the sounds of the forest around them still felt too good to be true.
“Let’s eat and rest. We can figure things out in the morning.” Vax said once everything had calmed down.
Sounds good. Someone needs to keep an eye out. We don't want the clan coming back and thinking the worst.” Vex pointed out, her hand still holding one of Percy’s.
“We’re Na’vi. Clearly.” Vax held up his hands. Four fingers. While avatars had five. “Why would they attack us?”
“I don't know, but still... it's best to be safe.” Vex insisted.
“It’s not like we walked right into their Hometree. And Percy is injured. If anything they’d help us.” Keylith said hopefully.
“We should be safe with our own kind. I mean… we are just kids.” Pike added. But the unsure looks were spreading through group.
“We never got to do any of our trials…” Keylith pulled her knees to her chest. “I don’t even know how to get back to my clan…”
She’d been out gathering with her mother when the solders came. They’d killed Keylith’s mother and took her away to the facility. She didn’t even know where to find the A’shari Hometree.
Vax pulled her close," I know..." she held onto him and sobbed into his shoulder. They were all exhausted and emotionally raw. “Shh. We will find them.”
We need to find a spirit tree.” Pike said. “Get reconnected. Help Percy make his first connection. Maybe that can lead us somewhere we can live with other Na’vi.”
“My father will take us.” Keylith sniffled wiping her tears away. “If he’s still alive…” she’d been the daughter of the Olo'eyktan and Tsahìk for her clan. Next in line for either roll she chose.
“That's a good idea. We can go there.” Vex nodded in agreement with the others. Better the A’shari than Sy’ngorn.
“The home tree is on a cliff overlooking the ocean…. I remember that.” Keylith added.
"Ok. That helps.“
“It’s still in the jungle. Just on the coast. You’d love it.” She smiled gratefully at Vax now that she was calm. “And we’re the best at flying ikran. We’ll all be flying soon.”
"That sounds amazing... we will rest tonight and then go looking. If we come across a tree, we will stop. If not, we keep going until we find keylith's home.” Vax nodded and the others didn’t have any objections. Percy was still deeply asleep but they knew he’d agree as well if he could.
“Let's try to get rest.” Vex couldn’t help the yawn that escaped her.
“I’ll take first watch.” Vax said. He was too keyed up to rest so he grabbed one of the knives from the cold cooking stove.
"Alright... Vax. Be careful.“ Vex told her twin.
“I’m not leaving this tree. Just keeping an eye on things. Who wanted second watch?”
They were thinking like soldiers. How they’d been trained by the humans to think if they ever found themselves out here. They couldn’t help it. This was still basically unknown territory to them and they were inexperienced.
"I'll take it." Vex spoke softly.
“Okay.”
“I’ll take third.” Keylith offered.
“I'll take the last," Pike spoke up.
“Great. Everyone sleep well.” Vax smiled and hugged his sister before he started stalking through the branches of the low grown tree. He went right back to being Na’vi. Crouched and his ears pivoting as every small sound. Vex watched him for a bit before starting to relax herself.
The woven mats on the floor were more comfortable than anything the humans ever let them sleep on. The blankets were soft and warm and it was impossible for Vex to not crash almost at once. She felt safe for the first time that she could remember.

Peaceful dreams until Vax shook her gently for her watch. Vex groaned and batted him away. “I’m up. Everything ok?”
“Yeah. Just a few yerik passing by. The colors are beautiful.” Vax was more relaxed than she could ever remember seeing him.
"Wow. It feels insane to think of it.“ Vex smiled though at the colors of the forest peaking through the darkness. The forest was never completely dark.
“Come look.” Vax coaxed her up and they reached the edge of the camp tree.
The forest was alive with color. Greens and blues and pinks. Every color that hadn’t existed in the TAP facility. They were vibrant and pure and beautiful.
"Wow... look at that...” Vex gasped.
Yeah… it’s just like I remember… I thought my mind was exaggerating…” Vax admitted sadly.
"I know the feeling. It's incredible... it's amazing.” Vex felt tears welling up in her eyes.
“Hell…” vax wiped his eyes and tried not to sniffle. “Stubby. Can we sing the song cord again?”
Vex nodded,"yes. Of course." She smiled and unwound their mother’s songcord from around her wrist.
They crouched where they stood out of instinct to keep the song secret. They’d been shocked with prods the last time they’d been caught singing. They stayed close to each other as they sang, as if this was still a secret they had to keep.
They made it through the whole song. Until it cut off where there was no final bead. No more words. No answers for the twins to seek about their mother. Vex broke into sobs and Vax pulled her close just held her as best he could.
She leaned into his arms," Hell.... I miss her...“
“I miss her too… maybe… maybe when we connect to Eway we’ll know if she’s okay…” Vax didn’t have much hope in that. They knew what guns could do even to a na’vi. And they’d certainly been used on that horrible night.
“Maybe.... I need to know.... hell Vax...” she scrubbed her eyes furiously from tears.
“I need to know as well…” Vax told her.
"This is insane.. how long were we even gone? Do you know?” Vex asked.
“We were in those cryo beds for Eywa knows how long.” Vax sighed. “I don’t know stubby. I just don’t…”
“Too long… I was going mad…” Vex said with a sigh.
“I know. We all were… and Percy had never even seen this.” Vax sighed. “Really what were his parents thinking taking him out into the jungle so young?”
“They were just taking him on a walk I'm sure.” Vex said. “Besides… we were hunting when we weren’t supposed to brother.”
“Still… it’s hard to imagine…” Vax still held her close with the blankets between them. Their clothes still weren’t dry yet.“I hate it… we should have always been out here.”
“I know... I'm going to have nightmares about that night forever…” Vex already did. Seeing what had happened to their mother seemed to change every time but it all ended in blood. “Hell Vax... do you think any of them are still alive?”
“It feels like forever ago…” Vax sighed. “You’d just gotten your first bow…”
“Yea.. and I sucked with it too.” Vex couldn’t help but smile at the memory though.
“You were better than me. I’d rather have a blade.” Vax said also smiling.
“I know. And thats perfectly fine. But I’ll still always tease you about it.” She added causing Vax to roll his eyes.
“I know”. Vax smiled softly. “But I remember all the weak spots for clean kills.” There were some paintings at the camp. Of the Animals they hunted. And dire horses and ikran. Vex tried to remember all the proper names for them.
"I know. You did have talent. I just wish we could have that support again...“ Vex said softly.
“I do as well… the clan was kind. Even if father was distant…” Vax muttered.
“Vax… Father was a lot more than distant…” this was not a talk Vex wanted to have. Their father was the one thing she’d never missed once while they were in TAP.
“It’s hard to remember…” Vax told her with an apologetic look.
“I remember...." Vex had gotten a lot of time to process and think about what happened with her father. Vax didn't know how bad their father was to her.
“You do?” Vax was concerned now.
"Yea... I do. I've had a lot of time to figure out what he was really doing." She spoke softly.
“What was it?” She Felt his hand begin to rub up and own her back gently.
Vex took a shaky breath. "Vax, this isn't going to be easy for you to hear. Are you sure you want to."
“Give me the basics… I would like to sleep a little bit tonight… in this wonderful place.“ they were both still exhausted so Vex agreed.
"He wasn't great to mom or me.. it was worse when you weren't around. On more than one occasion, it was more than just verbal insults." Vex’s voice was quiet.
“Vex… why would he do that…? Aren’t we good?” They’d both idealized their culture. Their past. How perfect the Na’vi were. But no one was perfect and they both still knew that.
Vex wiped some tears from her eyes," I wish I had an answer for that. I don't know why.... but it's stuck in my head.... I know I'm not making it up... even if I feel like I am sometimes."
“It’s okay… I know… not everyone can be good….” Vax sighed.
"I'm sorry... Vax. Maybe I'm wrong... just remembering things strangly." Vex spoke softly. She had been telling herself that for years now. That She was too young at the time to remember it correctly and needed to drop it. Stop thinking of it, but she never could.
“We aren’t going back to our clan… I can’t even remember where it is…” Vax said.
"I can't either... Vax. I know this is a lot. I'm sorry to throw this on you right now.." Vex wasn't saying a lot because Vax asked her not to. But it was clear that this had been weighing on her for so long. It was probably some of the reason she had dealt with their captivity the worst out of them all.
“Maybe… maybe it’s just what the briarwoods told us.., they said we were abandoned by our clan.” Vax rationalized.
"Mother wouldn't abandon us." Vex bristled like she did every time some even suggested that.
“I know. She wouldn’t… but father might have... I remember… they call humans… sky people.” Everything from before was so hard to remember.
“They did. But mother wouldn't.... I don't know how much of the Briarwoods story is true." Vex still gripped their mother’s songcord tightly.
“I don’t either… but Percy believed it.., think he still does. But we don’t know what clan he’s even from.” Vax knew the younger na’vi had just been terrified. In pain.
“He was young enough to believe what he was told with minimal effort on their part. We weren't that young.” Vex wished they’d been able to fight back. To give back a little pain to those who’d caused them so much.
“I know. He was so small…” Vax sighed. “We’ll talk later… I promise. But right now we all need rest. And predators do t seem to come here. They must know not to mess with hunters.”
“Of course. Get some rest Vax. I'm glad to know it's safe. I'll keep an eye out anyway." Vex smiled as Vax stood up.
“Okay. I’ll take over with Percy. We should learn his Na’vi name. When we connect to Eywa.” If that’s what Percy wanted.
“Yes. We should. Thank you Vax.” Vex took up the bow and felt the weight of it in her hands.
Vax went and laid down with the others close to Percy to watch over his condition.
Vex smiled and took her place to keep watch. After a while, she let her mind wonder back to her and Vax's childhood and back to the actions of her father.

Chapter Text

It had started innocently enough. Vex had just wanted to see her clan’s Hometree. Mother raised them in one of the hunting camps. The twins played among the hunters working rather than with other children. They were happy.
But Vex still wanted to see the place that was the heart of her clan. Vax had no interest though so for once Vex was going to play at adventure without her brother by her side.
The night was alive with color as she made her way down the well worn trail. She hopped between the pa’li hoof prints embedded in the packed earth. Well she had to do something fun if she didn’t have her brother to talk with on this adventure. But looking up she gasped.
The Hometree was beautiful. And the air was alive with life and new smells. Her clan was all around her. She could smell the remnants of the food they’d had for evening meal. Could see the faint glittering of the decorative stones and gems that they hung from woven cords. Colorful tarps covered the gaps in the wood of the great tree and woven platforms jutted out from the trunk. The sleepy calls of ikran sounding from the very top of the canopy.
“Wow!" Vex gasped under her breath as she walked through the front entrance at the base of the tree. The tunnel arched high over her and she ran her hand across the smooth wood of the wall.
The cook area was open. Stoves still having smoldering embers at the bottom. On the other end of the common area were the instruments. Drums, flutes and strings all set neatly aside. Glow pods grew along the walls giving just the right amount of light for anyone who couldn’t sleep and walk around, or someone who wanted to work the night away.
Vex took it all in with awe, wanting to look at everything at once. It was more than she could have imagined. She was for sure going to drag Vax here the next chance they got to slip away from the watchful eyes of their mother.
She was gazing up at the decorated skull of an ‘angtsìk when she was stopped short. Her back made contact with another na’vi’s legs. Great. Now she’d be in trouble.
Vex looked up into the face of her father. Syldor was looking down at her with an odd expression on his face.
“What are you doing here?” He asked her in that crisp voice that made her want to stand up straight and wonder if she had leaves in her hair.
I... I just wanted to see it.“ Vex said in a small voice, taking a few steps back from him.
Syldor growled softly for the briefest of moments, then straightened, calming. “Then come with me. I have something to show you since you’re so curious.”
“Ok.” Vex couldn’t help the smile or the excitement. Maybe she had done the right thing after all. Maybe now he would let them live at Hometree with them. She couldn’t wait to tell her mother.
She followed Syldor up the carved wooden path that wove up the inside of the tree. Alcoves and crinolines carved deeper into the trunk showed where some members of the clan slept. Some hammocks hung more out in the open.
Syldor took her up to the Ikran Landing. High up on the trunk and jutting out to the open sky. The sky was bright and vibrant with color and twinkling stars. The moons hung low in the sky over them, bathing everything in a soft blue light.
“Wow!” Vex was beaming. “It’s so beautiful!”
“It truly is.” He agreed. For a few brief moments there was peace. Vex’ahlia stood there at her father’s side taking in the sight above her. Then the world turn up on its head.
Syldor hissed and his hand flashed out. and grabbed Vex up only by her tail. She screamed in fright and from the pain of that appendage being forced to take all of her weight. She squirmed and kicked and tried to twist away but it did no good. She watched the platform vanish from below her and she was suddenly looking at the far off ground. Syldor was dangling her out over the edge.
Her heart pounded in her ears and tears streamed from her eyes as her hands flailed out to try and find purchase on something.
“Please...." Vex begged. She had no real reason to think he wouldn't drop her. She could hardly see the ground. They were so high up.
“Never come here again,” Syldor growled his nose a short distance from hers. “You will stay at the outer camp. You will live all your life on the fringes. You are a mistake. Do not disgrace us with your presence.”
Vex sobbed but nodded frantically. Yes. Anything just as long as he didn’t drop her over the side. She felt dizzy.
Syldor did drop her… but back on to the platform. Safe on solid ground. Vex trembled and sobbed and fought to stand and run. To get away as fast as she possibly could.
“Leave. You are not wanted here.” She heard Syldor hiss above her.
Vex scrambled to her feet and ran with tear blurred vision out of the Hometree and down the path she’d come. At least that’s what she hoped. She just wanted to get away.
She didn’t hear that people were calling her name. That the camp had discovered her missing and the hunters and weavers were now out looking for her.
Until she ran right into a weaver.
“Shh. Shh.” It was Ash’la. “I’ve got you little one.” Her arms held Vex fast as the terrified child tried to get away again. But then she realized that it wasn’t her father and her sobs were renewed. She was shaking and wouldn't let go. She was completely inconsolable and terrified. No one had ever seen her like this.
She was scooped up by the weaver and carried back to camp as Vex cried and held on for dear life.
“E’laina. I found her on the path north. She’s not hurt but she’s terrified.” Ash’la was saying once she found Vex’s mother.
“Do you know what happened?” E’laina’s relief was palpable as she took her terrified daughter from the other weaver’s arms.
“I don’t. She won’t speak.”
“Ok. Thank you. Make sure everyone else knows she's safe. I'm going to take her to bed.” She’d barely gotten Vax to agree to wait and not rush out to go look for his sister as well. They hadn’t needed both of them to get lost.
She soothed Vex gently as she walked.
“Shhh. Vex’ahlia. I’ve got you. You’re okay.”
Vax had practically tackled her with a hug when she’d been set down and she’d clung to him just as tightly.
But they could never get her to speak about what had happened.

Even now Vax did not know why. No one knew what their father had almost done. But Vex had never even mentioned Hometree after that. She’d even avoided the trail that led there from the camp.
And then the humans had taken them. It had stopped mattering who their father was and what he’d said and done. But it seemed to matter again now that they were free. That she could be breathing the same air as him again set Vex on edge.
Vex never stopped being scared. She never stopped fearing her father and reliving that night.
In all of this thinking, she had forgotten to wake anyone else up for watches. The sun was rising.

Chapter Text

They all rose close to the time they’d have been woken by the bright lights back on the compound. It was a blessing to not be nearly blinded by them when they opened their eyes. Even Percy woke but he didn’t have the strength to move himself into a sitting position. Keylith was at his side to help with that.
Vex watched it all unfold still largely lost in her own thoughts. She was sitting awake starting off in the sun set when Vax glanced in her direction.
“Stubby? Why are you still on watch?” He yawned walking over to her.
She turned and then realized the time," Oh… I must have lost track of time.”
“I’ll say.” Vax yawned again. “I kinda want to go back to sleep. We never got to do that.” He glanced back at the sleep mats longingly.
"I know brother, but we should probably get moving…” Vex hadn't noticed she'd been crying.
“Vex? Are you ok?” All thoughts of sleep forgotten in the face of any distress his sister might be feeling.
“Of course. Why wouldn't I be?” Vex hastily wiped her eyes.
“You’re crying.” Too late.
“Oh. I didn't even notice.” She tried to wave Vax off but was undeterred.
“What’s wrong?” He was crouching down next to her.
“Nothing. I've just been thinking.” Vex insisted.
“About what?” Vax let the others settle back to sleep. They were all exhausted still and it was very early. Plus Percy would still be find it harder to travel than any of them. The more he rested the better.
“Everything... what we talked about before you went to bed mostly…” Vex murmured pulling her knees up to her chest.
“Oh… how we first got taken for the program…” Vax set his hand on her back gently so she had an anchor.
"Yea... and father...” Vex pulled her ears back as she spoke.
“We aren’t going back to father.” Vax said firmly.
“No. We aren't," Vex spoke softly. She never did tell Vax what happened that night.
“I know he did something to you. But you would never tell mother, or me.” Vax remembered holding fighting to his sobbing sister. She’d gone off on her own in the night, and he’d gone to their mother at once as soon as he’d realized.
"No.. I didn't.. I was scared...” Vex told him quietly.
“Well… he can’t hurt you now.” Vax stated.
"I know. I wouldn't let him even if he tried.“ Vex hissed showing teeth.
“I know. We’re so much stronger than we were. If we tried we could break a human with our bare hands.” Vax said, hoping that was actually true. That prospect seemed to excite vax. He’d never really fought back because he knew the others would have been punished as well. They’d found separating Vax from his sister and the others was a very effective way to punish him. The very thought of separation was not an option for him.
"I know... we are safe now." Vex assured him this time.
“We are stubby. All of us. We just have to stay away from humans. And our old clan. We can have a new clan.” He looked back at their sleeping friends.
"Yes. I know Vax..” She smiled at them as well though.
“Then try not to worry so much sister.” Vax patted her shoulder and stood up.
“I'm trying…” Vex stood as well to follow her brother. At the very least they could prepare to leave when the others were ready.
“I know. We will find a spirit tree and that will help put us all at ease more.” Vax was checking the clothes to see if they were dry.
"Yes, it will.” Vex smiled at the thought.
“But I don’t think we should go back to running right away. Percy’s blood is still all over the floor over there.” Vax was still worried for the smaller Na’vi. It was already a miracle that he was still breathing at all.
"Yea. We should let him rest.” Vex opened a jar to find it full of dried fish. Jackpot.
“We can look around the camp for anything more useful. I remember that camps are for spare unneeded things so it shouldn’t be bad.” Vax was saying.
“Way ahead of you.” Vex took an experimental bite of the dried meat. It was amazing.
“I think our clothes are dry but I don’t want to walk around the forest in human clothes anymore.” Vax looked at the TAP logo in disgust.
"I don't either...“ Vex just hated how they felt on her skin. The blanket she had wrapped around her now was so much better.
Vax sighed. “Do you think Allura left with the other humans… or did none of them leave at all?”
They’d heard the sounds of their aircraft above the trees the day before.
“I don't know...” Vex shuddered to think about facing humans out here when they had no weapons.
Vax sighed. “I’ll put on the pants for now. I don’t really think it’s safe to walk around in nothing either.”
“That's probably true.” Vex agreed pulling the blanket tighter around herself.
“I don’t remember what’s true out here anymore… they told us it was all dangerous… savage.” Vax lashed his tail a little. It was odd not feeling it thump against a wall or floor constantly.
“It was.” Vex pointed out. Beautiful but dangerous.
“It can’t be as deadly to us though. We’re meant to be here. They’re the ones invading.” Vax said defensively.
“I’m not arguing against that.” Vex told him. “We’re meant to be out here.”
“They stole us…” Vax just hissed at the thought.
"They did... they just took what they wanted.” It seemed that’s just what most of these humans did. Vex couldn’t think about that… being that greedy. All she wanted was safety.
“They tried to change us so we’d be like them…” Vax was pulling his uniform pants again.
“Yea... exactly.” Vex looked at her own clothes not sure if she wanted to part with the soft blanket just yet.
“I think… it would have worked with Percy…” Vax was still muttering. Vex privately agreed with him there. But it would have been out of fear. Percy had just not known anything more. He would now.
“No matter where the others go. They might go back to their clans. We’re looking for keylith’s. But Percy stays with us.” Vax declared.
“Of course he will.” Vex smiled softly. "He's happy with us.”
“I’ll teach him my knife tricks.” Vax was smiling now testing the edge of a knife he’d found on the cooking stove.
“He'll love that.” Vex smiled at the thought. Percy’s eyes had always lit up when anyone told him stories of home.
“Do you think he’ll be good with a bow?” Vax asked. Would any of them be good with a bow? It had been so long.
“There’s so much to relearn…” Vex sighed her shoulders slumping slightly at the thought.
Vax flipped the knife he’d swiped into the air experimentally and caught it. “I hope I remember how to hunt.”
“I’m sure you will.” Vex smiled. “Though we have a leg up in that. Seeing as how we’ve already hunted successfully.”
“You’ve got a point there.” Vax shrugged. “We were only four. It was amazing.”
“Well thank you.” Vex couldn’t help the pride that sparked in her chest.
“It’s true.” He smiled. “Come on. Lay down again for a bit.”

They went back to the sleeping area. Pike had gone to check the stove and cooking area. Keylith was gathering near by herbs with Scanlan. Grog was going over the small number of tools they had access to. Percy was still fast asleep where Vex had left him.
Vex smiled, “We should help."
“You can help Grog with the weapons if you want. I still don’t think we should rush off. We didn’t have that sped up healing stuff anymore.” Vax reminded her looking at Percy who was shivering in his blanket.
“We shouldn't," Vex yawned.
Vax nodded. “If we’re lucky he won’t be permanently injured from what happened last night…” they were standing near the huge amount of now dried blood were Percy had laid down when they first reached the camp.
“I know... we need help...” Vex nodded sitting down at Percy’s side.
“The timing was horrible.” Vax muttered.
"Yes.... he needs healing herbs, and it probably needs to be stitched back up.” Vex was looking at the work Pike had done to patch Percy up. It was good, but not at all enough to guarantee survival.
“None of us know how to do that… we need a trained healer. Or a Tsahìk.” Vax looked out into the forest as if willing one of those two to just appear in the trees.
"I know... I am considering having some of us stay here, and some go back to find help.” Vex said gently laying a hand on Percy’s shoulder to try and ease his trembling.
“We can’t go back. There was no one there and things were just falling apart.” Vax stated.
“Not back, back… just out. We need to find help.” Vex amended.
“Okay. Who would stay and who would go?” Vax asked. This was probably their best option. He was afraid to move Percy again.
“Whoever we think is needed where.” Vex said.
“Keylith for sure. She’s the least likely to say something to offend them. And I could go with her. No one is going anywhere alone.” Vax said.
"I don't want anyone going anywhere alone... what if Pike, Grog, and Percy stay here. The rest of us go.” Vex suggested.
“Do you really want to leave him right now?” Vax asked knowing they had a special bond. All of them did of course.
"I.... I don't know.. I don't want to loose anyone…” Vex looked at the pale trembling Na’vi next to her. His skin was fevered and he hadn’t truly woken up since the night before.
“We’ll do everything we can to not loose him stubby. this camp can’t be too far from a hometree. We will find it.” Vax assured her gently.
She nodded, “of course... do you remember how far we were from home tree when we live with Mother?”
“Not too far. We could see home tree from that camp.” Vax nodded.
"Ok... we can talk with the others later." Vex spoke softly. She was exhausted.
“Rest. When the others get back and food is ready we’ll talk..” Vax smiled and let her lay down.
"Will you stay?“ she asked him.
“Of course sister.” Vax smiled. “Did you think I’d just leave?”
“Thank you brother.” Vex just smiled and settled now that she had assurance.
Vax stood up and grabbed a whetstone from the pile of tools Grog had gathered from the camp.
“I can sharpen this knife. It’s hella dull. Watch.” Vax threw the knife at the wall. He’d never stopped practicing tricks. It bounced off and landed softly on the woven floor despite the perfect angle.
“Oh wow... that's awesome” Vex smiled.
“What would be awesome is if it stuck.” Vax retrieved the knife and settled down on the mat on Percy’s other side.
“It was still cool.” Vex told him as he began to run the stone across the blade.
“At least I won’t need to rely on a bow.” Vax shrugged. His aim was true that was for sure. “I’ll stay here. You sleep and I’ll wake you when we have food.”
"Alright.. thank you..” Vex settled further into relaxing her eyes half closed.
“Of course.” Vax smiled. “Want me to braid your hair?”
"Yes. That would be nice.” Vex nodded sleepily.
Vax nodded. He found a comb carved from bone and got started. They were all a mess from last night. As he began Vex started to instantly drift off. She’d never known anything more relaxing than this.

Vex was woken by the most amazing smell she could remember. Her head rose up and she stretched out as she sat up on the mat. Percy was still shivering in his sleep next to her, and she gently dabbed the sweat off his forehead.
“What smells so good?” She called to the others.
“Scanlan got some fresh fish.” Pike explained. “And I got the mushrooms and herbs.”
“That sounds amazing.” Vex’s mouth was already watering.
“Wake Percy. He’ll love this.” Pike beamed.
Vex gently nudged Percy awake. The pale na’vi tried to curl in on himself.
“Shh. Yawntutsyìp.” She murmured to him. “It’s okay. We’re safe. And now we’ve got some hot food. You need to eat.”
“It… it smells good…” before Vex could move to help him he tried to push himself up but fell with a painfully cry.
“Easy.” She gently helped him sit up. He had to lean against the wall on his side. She wasn’t about to prop him up using his back.
At least he could move his legs and tail. Pike had been concerned about nerve damage.
Percy smiled softly. “Thank you.” He tried in Na’vi. He was smart enough to know that if they were being watching by other Na’vi he shouldn’t speak English.
Vex nodded," It's not a problem."
The food smells good Pike.” He smiled when he got some. A clay bowl full of a fishy mushroom stew.
“We should look for Tyalu. They’re ease to catch.” Grog said his mouth full.
“But first we need to find a healer for Percy.” Vax said. “We should make a search group. Some of us go looking in the jungle for gathers or a home tree. Whichever comes first.”
Everyone seemed to agree that was best. Percy was not fit to travel in any way. Another day having to cling to Grog’s back as they walked could very well be the end of him.
Vax nodded. “I’ll take Pike and Keylith. If the smell of blood attracts predators you’ll need the numbers.”

“We should be back soon.” After they were done eating the three searchers stood up to leave.
Vex nodded," Brother. Be careful.”
We will.” He held up the knife now sharp and glinting.
That assured Vex at least. "Good. Come back soon.”
“We will.” He promised. “Come on. We need to go now. While the gathers are out.” Vax took the lead as they set out. He closed his eyes and prayed a moment that they would find someone quickly. He couldn’t loose one of his tiny bedraggled clan. Not Percy. Not anyone.

Chapter Text

They followed the river again. There were always gatherers and fishers out there. At least that’s how they all remembered it. Vax remembered often being scolded when he and Vex played in the river as children, they’d always been underfoot.
“I hope we find someone quick…” Keylith said. “Percy is getting weaker and weaker…”
"I know... we are doing our best.” Vax said trying to not let his own worry show.
“I’m worried about him.” Keylith said softly looking at the ground as they walked. The sound of the river and life around them seemingly trying to calm their emotions. It didn’t do much good.

It was hours of wandering before They heard voices.
Vax looked up his ear swiveling in that direction. “You hear that?”
“Yeah. Let’s make some noise so we don’t sneak up on them. Call out.” Keylith nodded grabbing up a branch from the forest floor to use as a noise maker.
“Good plan." Vax intentionally made a lot of noise before calling out. "Hey. We mean no harm. We need help." They rounded a bend in the river and spotted a group of gathers at the water’s edge.
The gatherers looked up. “Be calm child.” A Na’vi woman smiled softly. “What troubles you?”
“Our friend needs help. We found one of your camps. I hope it's ok that we used it last night.” Vax explained quickly relief flooding him.
“Of course. Which clan do you hail from?” The woman asked handing her basket to one of her companions.
“That doesn’t matter right now.” Vax said his tail twitching at the oddly familiar sent he was picking up from this Na’vi. “He’s hurt and he needs help. Please help us.”
“Was it the sky people who hurt your friend?” She asked them.
"Yes.... all of us." Keylith nodded.
She nodded. “Come. We will take you to hometree and fetch our Tsaìk.”
“Thank you." Vax nodded and followed the woman Keylith trailing behind them.

It was mid day when they reached the massive tree. It was the twin’s hometree. Their father’s. Vax’s blood ran cold. No wonder everything had smelled so familiar. Vax wanted to run right then and there, but he knew he couldn’t. Percy needed healing and this was the closest place they could get it. He had to push through this and pray Syldor didn’t recognize him.
Keylith took his hand. “It’s okay. This is good. We can find a healer for Percy.”
“Kiki.... you are right." He spoke. Even though he hated this, they didn't have a choice. Percy needed help. He squeeze Keylith’s offered hand for the comfort.
They were lead through the tree. The whole clan was up and working. They climbed the inner spiral to the top where the clan leaders made their living and sleeping areas.
“Devana? I found some wondering children. They say their friend was hurt by the sky people and is in a bad way.”
The lady looked up," Oh. I see. Let me look at the injured."
“They’re at one of our empty camps. I will tell Syldor once he returns and watch Velora for you both.” The gatherer explained.
Vax barely hid his anger and fear at the mention of his father's name.
"Very well." Devana nodded and began to gather herbs from the storage nooks carved into the wooden walls of the chamber.
Vax watched this Devana woman closely. Normally the Tsaìk and clan leader were a mated pair. “Is this Velora yours and the Olo’aktan’s child?” He hoped his face was neutral.
“She is. Why do you ask?” Devana asked as she stashed the herbs in a pouch to go.
“This is the Syngorn clan right?” Vax couldn’t keep a little bitterness out of his voice this time.
“Yes. That's right.” Devana nodded.
“I thought he already had a mate. A weaver named E’laina?” He couldn’t help himself now. Anger boiling below the surface.
She looked shocked," I was not aware of this."
“Yeah… well… I’m sorry you had to find out this way… you seem far too nice for him. But… my twin and I are his… regrettably… he hid us away at the weaving camp.” He saw the pure shock on Devana’s face and she almost dropped the herbs she was holding. He felt a twinge of guilt for rocking her world, but more satisfaction in the fact that he’d be rocking his so called father’s world even more.
“Oh.. I had no idea…” Devana composed herself. “I understand now that seeing him might make you uncomfortable. I can not completely keep him out of this but I can do the healing I can before he meets us at the camp."
“Please… my sister. He did something to her when we were children… I still don’t know what but she’s terrified of him.” Vax really didn’t want to see Syldor. And he knew Vex would want that even less.
"She never told you what happened?" Devana spoke softly.
“No. Even mother couldn’t get it out of her… all I know is she went to hometree one night to see it… she ran into him there.” Vax explained.
"That's very strange. I have known Syldor to be a good man, brash but good. But if he makes you uncomfortable, we should get going. I will not have much time to work before he gets there." Devana told him kindly.
Vax nodded.

They were back at the camp and he called to the others.
Percy wasn’t doing well. He’d spiked a high fever while they were gone.
Vex was frantic trying to help Pike how she could, but it wasn't working. They’d gathered water from the river and were trying to use that to bring down the fever.
"Vax! Please tell me you brought help." She stared at her brother wide eyed.
“We did. This is Devana. She… she’s the Tsaìk of the Syngorn clan…” he was nervous over his sister’s reaction that they were so close to their father at the moment. But he knew he had to tell her.
Vex looked up," the Syngorn clan? Are you sure?"
He dosent know we’re here.” Vax assured her.
“I will not tell him.” Devana promised Vex. “But… you both must know that you have a very young half sister,” she got to work kneeling down to where Percy was lying. “You, get me fresh water from the river.” She told Grog. “Quickly.“
Vex stood back to let the Tsaìk work. This was all too much for her, and she got up. Beginning to pace. She did not want to see her father, but she knew it was a matter of time. Percy would need several days to heal.
Devana was horrified by the surgical wound. “What sort of thing did the sky people use?” She worked quickly. It wasn’t lost on her how different Percy looked. All they’d done to him and turned his hair white and permanently turned his skin a shade of blue so pale it was almost white.
We don't know.. .we didn't see it happen." Vex spoke softly.
She nodded. “I need to cut out these threads.” She cut out the sutures and covered the wound in an herbal paste to kill the infection. She handed Vex some leaves. “Help him eat these for his fever.”
Vex nodded and did as asked. The task helped her push down her fear, but it didn't make it go away. Vax could see through her.
“He’s in good hands stubby.” He whispered. “Maybe mother is close.”
“I know.." Vex’s hands were shaking. "You really think mother is here?”
“She must be…” Vax didn’t want to believe anything else.
Devana was about to say something but Percy’s spasmed under her hands.
“Percy.” Vex tried to keep her voice even for his sake. Carting her fingers through his hair. “Please help him. I don't know what to do." This time her voice did break as she appealed to the older na’vi.
“I’m doing the best I can. This wound is torn and infected. I… I was not expecting this to be so severe.” Devana sighed. “I must take him to hometree. I am sorry but if he stays here he will die.”
Vex took shaky breaths but nodded. "OK.”
Vax took her hand and held it. “Just save him. He went through too much just to die after being free for a day.”
She gripped his hand tightly," please... he deserves to be able to enjoy all that he can“
Devana nodded. “I will call my ikran. You may take your time to hometree. I know it will be hard.”
“Thank you. Pike, Keylith, please go with them." Vax said his voice painfully calm.
“I can only take your injured friend in flight.” The ikran was there. Devana picked up Percy easily.
“Right." Vex was nervous to let Percy go without one of them close by but she didn't object. It had to be done.
His head lolled to one side Percy’s ghostly pale eyes met hers but she couldn’t tell if he could actually see her. He looked half dead already. Like that weak infant vex had held onto for a little comfort when she’d first arrived at the compound.
Vex tried to keep it together as she watch the ikran take off and disappear above the trees.
Vex was struggling to get it together. She had fully flashed back to that night with her father and was completely unaware of anything else. Vax lead her through the forest to hometree knowing she was very worried for Percy. And the very likely possibility that they would be faced with their father soon enough.
The place looked so familiar. It hadn't changed much at all and Vex squeezed her brother’s hand tightly.
Once they reached the middle of the common area, Vex was back to herself. Seeing the tree, didn't bring up good memories but her fear had turned to determination. She had to be there for Percy. And she wasn’t alone like she’d been last time.
“Come on. Up top.” Vax was still rushing them.
Vex nodded, focusing on that goal, and they went up.
With all her resources Devana was finally making progress with Percy. She had him laid out on his stomach, the bloody makeshift bandages pealed away completely and lying in a heap off to the side.
Vex paced nervously as she watch the Tasìk work. She tried to focus on Percy’s face and how it seemed to relax like the pain was finally ebbing away.
They all did. As they watched Syldor walked into the healing chamber behind them. “What is the meaning of this?” His voice made the kids all jump and turn around. But the Olo’ektan just strode past them to his mate and Tasìk.
Devana, who had gotten Percy stable, spoke up," they needed help. I'm helping."
“Who are they? They aren’t our clan.” So he didn’t recognize the twins. Vex and Vax relaxed a little.
“They are kids." Devana flicked her tail in annoyance.
“Where did they come from?” He turned his nose up at their clothing. “They dress like sky people.”
“They were hurt by the sky people." Devana spoke easily.
"We were taken by them," Vex spoke up.
“I see. Some of the missing children from the other clans then.” Syldor gave them all an appraising look.
"We are from mutiple clans. All of us different ones. " Scanlan explained. As the eldest of the group he figured he should be the one speaking.
“Well then. We will return you.” Syldor really didn’t recognize them.
“We only need a place for a few days and healing for our friend." Vex was having trouble keeping her tone level.
“Wait you can do that?” Scanlan asked looking interested.
“I can.” Syldor nodded. “But it seems your younger friends have other plans.”
“To a clan that will welcome us.” Vex spoke.
“Yeah. We’re going to find my clan and live with them.” Keylith explained. Scanlan looked like he wanted to contest that.
“Why not this one?” Syldor asked them.
Vax gritted his teeth nearly snarling.
“You really can't figure that one out?" Vex snapped.
Syldor’s gaze sharpened and he was suddenly prowling around the twins looking at them closely. Vax bristled and lashed his tail getting between his father and sister.
Syldor was taken aback then he hissed. “You are both meant to be dead”
“Well, we aren't. I'm so sorry to destroy the perfect little plan of yours," Vex’s voice dripped sarcasm and resentment.
“Leave.” He snarled completely forgetting Devana was there.
Devana was shocked at Syldor’s reaction.
"Dear.. there's no harm in them staying for a few days”
“I won’t have them around Velora.” Syldor spat.
“I fail to see what the problem is.” Devana stood to look her mate in the eyes.
“They’re mistakes.” Syldor said as if that settled the matter.
"Regardless of your feelings. Their friend needs help.” Devana’s tail was lashing as well now. How could this be her mate? Her life bond. How had he hidden so much from her?
“They all reek of the sky people. They’ve all been compromised by their poison. I will not have it in our clan’s home.” Syldor was raised up to his full and considerable height now.
“It's not their fault!” Devana snapped, angered by his cruelty.
Syldor. growled. “Keep them out of my sight. All of them.” He turned to stalk out of the chamber.
Vex let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
Vax griped her hand softly as they both trembled. “Well… at least he listens to someone…” he looked at Devana gratefully.
“Be calm.” De’vana said gently. “You are all under my protection. He will not harm any of you.”
“Thank you…” the twins said together.
“I know. I have never seen this side of him…” she looked deeply troubled like she was seeing her mate for the first time.
“He’s never been kind to us…” Vex explained.
“I’m seeing that… I had no idea… and… I’m afraid I do have bad news for you both…” Devana looked truly sad now. Grief in her eyes.
The twins felt their hearts sink and braced themselves. “What is it?” Vex asked.
“It’s about your mother… we found her dying… saying that the sky people had taken you away… I could not save her… I am so sorry.” Devana meant that. It pained her to crush their hopes. But they deserved the truth.
Vex looked at her brother. Somewhere in them they knew that they had lost their mother that day but it still came as a shock. They had held out hope that she was still alive. And now they knew.
Vax teared up then scrubbed furiously at his eyes stifling a sob.
“While you’re here I’ll show you where we laid her to rest. She is with Eywa.” Devana said gently.
“Please... I think we need some time.” Vex felt her own eyes burn with tears.
“Of course. I’ll move your friend to a sleeping area to recover.” Devana nodded giving the both space for their grief to settle over them.
“Thank you…” Vax gave her a nod.
De’vana nodded back and picked Percy back up. He was peacefully sleeping now wrapped in flax bandages and woven blankets.
Vex silently watched as tears began to slide down her cheeks and clinging to her brother’s arm.
“Come on… I’m not leaving him alone in a place where he’s in charge.” Vax murmured.
“Agreed.” Vex nodded as the group followed Devana to the guest sleeping area.
“We’ll be getting you all proper clothing.” She said laying Percy down on the soft woven floor. He settled there easily and Vex was kneeling down at his side as soon as she was able and everyone else did the same, forming a protective ring around their injured friend. “Are any of you hungry?” Devana asked them taking in the emaciated appearance of these children.
“Yes.” Keylith nodded fervently.
“I’ll see what the cooks have ready then.” The Tasìk nodded before stepping out of the room.
Vex curled in on herself letting her tears of grief fall silently. Deep down… she’d always known their mother was gone.
Vax held onto his sister tightly. “All this time…”
“I know… he’s still a monster… just like the humans. They called us filthy too…” Vex shivered. "I didn't want to ever see him again..."
“I know… but we didn’t have a choice…” Vax wished they were with any other clan right now.
"No we didn't...” Vex just wished she could sink through the floor and vanish.
“It’s not forever. We’re still heading to keylith’s clan.” Vax assured her. “Once Percy is healed up we’re out of here.”
“I know.” Vex nodded finally wiping away her tears.
“Then… let’s try not to think about father… it’s not like he’s ever sought us out for any reason.” Vax muttered.
"I don't know how that's going to be possible.” Vex shook her head.
“We can try.”
Devana returned with steaming bowls of stew for them.
“Thank you.” All of them were grateful for the hot food that wasn’t made from mismatched ingredients.
“Of course. Enjoy.” Devana smiled. There was a bowl for Percy as well when he was awake enough to eat.
And they did very much enjoy it. Now what colors would you like your clothing to be?” She asked once the kids had taken on a more contented mood now that they had got food in them.
Everyone was happy to tell as they all very much wanted out of these rough uniform clothes. Keylith told her what Percy would prefer as he was still peacefully sleeping.
Devana instructed them on what to do when he woke. “While you are here I will teach all of you basic healing. For your journey,”
“That would be helpful.” Pike nodded eagerly.
“It will be done.”
"Thank you. I know our existence must come as a shock.” Vex felt like she needed to apologize.
“Very much… I had know clue,.. as his mate I’m meant to know everything that he is… I don’t know how he managed to hide you from me during bonding…” Devana looked deeply troubled by it. But she wasn’t angry at the twins. It wasn’t their fault.
“He never cared about us enough to think about us." Vex shivered. As much as she tried she couldn’t hide how scared she was of him.
You don’t understand. Even through Tsaheylu I could not know. That connection is meant to be pure. No secrets.” Devana held her kuru for to further the point.
"I don't know.. is there anyway it could have stayed hidden?” Vax asked.
“Him blocking it out perhaps…” Devana looked sad. “I am truly sorry. If I had known..,”
“You couldn't have done anything... just ensure that your daughter is well taken care of.. he was not kind to us.." Vex spoke softly. That was putting it lightly.
Devana winced. “You don’t think he’s hurting her as well?”
"I don't think so. But just make sure.“ Vex told her.
“I will.” She nodded. Then looked at the twins. “Would you like to meet your sister?”
“Yes.” Vex and Vax said together.
“I’ll bring her around. She would love to know see has and big brother and sister.” Devana smiled at them warmly. “No matter what he says this was meant to be your home. He had no right to cast you aside like he did.”
Vex took a breath," Thank you...”
Devana sighed. “The two of you should have been his successors…”
“He hates us both... he scared the hell out of me when I was 4." Vex said quietly.
“What did he do Vex’ahlia…? Please…“ Devana had to know.
“Ok... just so you can understand why I'm worried about your daughter... when I was 4 I wondered into home tree. I was curious and wanted to see it all. I ran into my father.. he took me up to see the sky and a view of the whole place... then he grabbed me by my tail and dangled me over the edge.." Vex spoke softly.
Devana and Vax and everyone had equally horrified looks on their faces. “He threatened to drop you?” Devana was nearly lost for words.
Vex nodded," he told me I was nothing worthless, a mistake, and to never come to him again and leave immediately…”
De’vana lashed her tail and stood. Vax pulled his sister close in a hug. It had taken a lot for her to tell them. She leaned into Vax's touch trying not to cry anymore.
“I’ve got you.” He whispered. Devana had left, needing to confront Syldor about this.
"I know.. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before.” Vex hid her face in his shoulder.
“It’s okay… I understand now… hell stubby I had no idea.” Vax held his sister close and the others let them have their space to process this all. It took a while for Vex to come down from her emotions and fear.
“Come on.” Vax smiled. “Let’s lay down.” It hadn’t been a short walk to hometree and they were all exhausted. Talk and plans could wait. They were safe even from the predators that roamed the forests. For now they just needed to rest.

Chapter Text

Devana made her way up the interior spiral up to her’s And Syldor’s shared Chambers. She needed to confront her mate about this. If she could even call him her mate after this that was. It all depended on if he took responsibility. For all his children, not just the one he’d planned to have.

When she did find him she didn’t want him to have the first word. “How could you?” She went right to shoving him away when he tried to greet her. “You threatened to kill your own daughter for wanting to live in her own home!”

"What are you talking about?” Syldor looked confused and stared at her.

Devana hissed. “Vex’ahlia told me everything.”

“I don’t know what she told you.” Syldor’s voice was level. “But why should you believe her?”

“That you held her over the edge of ikran landing by her tail and threatened to drop her if she ever came back to hometree!” Devana lashed her tail in fury. She watched his eyes widen by a fraction.

”Oh please.” Syldor scoffed. “She’s being dramatic, you know me Devana. Is that something you think I would do?”

“You never told me that you had other children. Even when we make Tsaheylu you hide it. How can I trust you now?” She spat back at him. “How can I trust anything you say?”

"You have no reason not to trust me… this is not an issue.” He tried to gently touch her face and soothe her. 

Devana slapped his hand away. “It is an issue. You had a secret mate and have two more children.” De’vana hissed. “You can forget me lying in bed with you ever again.”

"Devana, be reasonable. Us fighting isn't good for our daughter.” Syldor said cooly.

“Neither is having a father who threatened to kill his own daughter.” Devana snapped back. “The twins should be our successors! You robbed them of their home. You never even searched for them after Elaina died!”

“I wasn't going to drop her.” He didn’t deny the rest of it.

“She was four Sy’ldor. You practically banished them for no reason.” Devana wasn’t going to let him twist his way out of this.

“They were happy with their mother.” Syldor said dismissively.

“They needed their father and clan as well. To live at hometree with other children.” Devana continued not letting him look away from her.

”They were happy there.” He said again. But Devana had heard enough. How could the Olo’ektan of her clan be such a petty coward? Dismissing clearly capable na’vi with his blood in their veins.

“Excuse after excuse. We’re done here.” She turned to leave.

“Devana. See reason.This isn't good for Velora.” She turned and snarled at him causing Syldor to take several steps back.

“Which is why she will be sleeping in my quarters from now on.” Devana squared her shoulders as she turned her back on him again. “You did this to yourself. Goodbye Syldor,”

"I don't want to loose you…” his voice had gone quiet.

“You should have thought twice about that before being so cruel to your own children.” She already had Velora’s things, and she took them up to her private chambers without another word.

Vex was still tense even being here. Just knowing her father was close set her on edge. It was like there was a cliff and she was teetering on the edge with nothing to catch her and no where to go. It was like being stalked by a palulukan[thanator].

“I won’t let him hurt us Vex,” Her brother’s voice made her jump but she relaxed quickly.

"I know that.. it just doesn't feel safe.” Vex pulled her knees up to her chest and curling her tail around herself. The others had all drifted off to sleep now and they would probably be out for a long time.

“Devana seemed truly disgusted by him…” Vax pointed out.

”I believe her, yes.” Vex agreed.

”I do as well… and hey.., we have a sister.” Vax smiled at her.

"Yea. How about that.” They both smiled at that. It was a wonderful feeling. Knowing that they did have blood that hopefully wouldn’t hate them on principle.

“It’s amazing…”
On the mat beside them Percy stirred and whimpered starting to wake up. Vex instantly moved to him to try and make it easier.

“Easy Percy it's ok.” She gently ran her fingers through his hair.

“Wh… where are we…?” Percy’s voice was soft and weak and his eyes were only open a little.

"It's ok. We are safe.” Vax was on Percy’s other side now smiling in relief.

Percy groaned softly and just laid back down fully. “Hell… everything feels numb…”

"It's alright. You need to rest.” Vex told him gently, tucking the blanket back up over his shoulder.

Percy nodded softly. “What smells so good?”

”they brought us some food.” Vax smiled. “Here you need to eat.”

Percy took the bowl. “We don’t use spoons do we…?” He asked them.

”not usually.” Vax shrugged.

Percy nodded. He was too hungry to care so he ate with his hands.

Vex smiled at him, “there's more if you want it.”

Percy just hummed in reply, not wanting to talk with his mouth full. He would have asked for more when he was done but he just felt so tired he only laid back down with the twin’s help.

“So… did we find a home tree like we planned?” He asked.

“Sort of…” Vex sighed.

“Sort of?” Percy looked confused. He knew he couldn’t see well but this place didn’t look like the camp they’d been in. It certainly smelled different.
“Weren’t staying.” Vax explained. “We’re still going to find Keylith’s clan once you’re recovered.”

"Yes. That's what is happening.” Vex nodded. “Here you can eat more.”

”No…” Percy pulled the blanket tighter around him. It felt so soft on his skin. “Too tired…”

Vex smiled softly at him. “Alright. You can rest.”

“Is this place really safe…” Percy asked after a while. Some other Na’vi had passed by the open entry way. The first time Percy had seen other Na’vi outside of their little group.

“Yes. We’re safe.” Vax assured him.

“There are some many new scents…” Percy was trying to squint at the entry way.

”yeah. No terrible cleaning solution.” Vex nodded.

”it smells like you and Vax.” Percy said.

"It was our home," Vex told him sadly.

“Oh… then why aren’t we staying?” Percy asked.

“It’s complicated.” Vax said gently.

“Yes. I'll explain it all to you but not right now.” Vex promised him.

“Okay,” Percy nodded and dropped the subject. He’d always been easy like that; at least with Vex. He was starting to settle back and she saw him fighting to keep his eyes open.

“Did you get my bag…” he asked already falling asleep.

“We did darling.” Vex promised. “And all your little odds and ends are accounted for.”

“Thank you…” Percy’s odds and ends and cobbles together gun was in that bag.

It had been a bit of a shock to find that particular contraption. Percy had been caught taking apart a gun once and had been punished severely for it. Had that one time been enough to learn how to make one all on his own? Vex wasn’t sure if she was more impressed or frightened by that possibility.

“Thank you… I have parts for a song cord…” Percy murmured, his eyes now closed.

Vex smiled," we can work on that."

“I’d love to…” he tried to open his eyes again to look at her again. Percy had never felt so warm and safe.

”Rest Percival.” Vex said gently brushing the hair from his face.

“Will you stay…?” He asked her.

”Of course darling.” And Vex let out a small sigh as she watched him fall asleep.

Vax stayed close as well. “That was too close…” he muttered.

"yea. That.. it was terrifying.” Vex had watched Percy’s decline while Vax had been gone. His skin had felt like fire and he’d babbled in pure delirium. But it had been so much worse when he’d gone quiet and his body had started to seize under her touch.

“It’s Ripley’s fault… she’s the one who put him through all that…” Vax growled. “I’d like to slice her back open. See how she deals with it.”

“I know Vax. Right now we just need to heal and rest.” Gave him one of the blankets and he took it gratefully.

“I know… but he’s like our brother Vex… he doesn’t have anyone else but us.” Vax was very protective of all of them, and he hated being separated from any of their group. “Hell… the timing of our escape couldn’t have been worse…”

"I know... it honestly couldn't. And then we were in those cryo beds for Eywa knows how long…” That was what Vex would have liked to know. How long they’d been asleep.

“Do you think they’re all really gone?”

”no… we heard them above the trees remember?” Vex hated that thought.

“Let’s just get as far away from them as we can.” Vax said. He was done trying to live around humans in any skin.

“What about Allura and Kima?” Pike spoke up. She’d been woken by their voices “They helped us.”

"I don't know Pike... I don't know how we could find them or help them.” Vex shook her head.

“Why should we help them?” Vax snapped. “They hardly did anything for us.”

"Easy Vax. They were good to us.“ Vex tried to soothe but Vax only bristled.

“So? They still stood by and let everything happen. They let us get beaten and shocked. They let Percy become a lab rat.” Vax lashed his tail.

”Yea.. I don't know Vax. I'm just talking.” Vex sighed. She knew nothing that happened to them was okay… but at least there had been some kind people. Allura and Kima had never raised their hands to hurt them. 

“We don’t owe them anything.” Vax said firmly.

”No. we don’t.” Even Pike agreed with that.

But where were they now? Allura had said they only sleep a little while, but it looked like it had been more than that if the deep Lines on Syldor’s face were any indication. How long had they been lost? And what kind of world had they really woken up to?

Chapter Text

They all sat in silence for a while. Just drinking in the scents and sounds of the home tree. The quiet hum of activity was joyful. They heard the laughter of small children and the padding of their bare feat as they ran around. A few of the clan weavers came in just as Vex thought she would drift off thanks to the peaceful buzz. The group included one of the gatherers they’d met before.

“We need to take your measurements.” She smiled. Her long hair was scattered with beaded braids. There was a subtle swell to her belly that Vex noticed.

Vex nodded,"Thank you.“

”Of course.” She smiled and pulled out a knotted measuring cord and began the process. They had to wake Percy up for a moment so he wouldn’t panic about being touched while he slept. He went right back to sleep when they were don’t with him.

"I appreciate your help.“ Vax said.

“It’s no trouble. Children shouldn’t be wondering the jungle alone.” The gatherer said. “I never introduced myself. I am Kira.”

"I'm Vex. This is my brother Vax.”

“I see you Vex. Vax.” She made the gesture, taking her fingers from her forehead and down towards the twins. A sign of understanding the twins had nearly forgotten.

Vex was shocked," I've not seen that for a long time."

“The sky people are cruel, you must relearn what it means to be Na’vi.” Kira’s voice was understanding and kind. She smiled at them. “You can start by dressing like Na’vi.”

Chapter Text

Vex was brushing and rebraiding Percy’s kuru when the smaller clan children were back looking at them all curiously. Because they were just children Percy remained calm but quiet. He knew he couldn’t hold a conversation with one either way.

"You can come in," Vex spoke to them.

They approached smiling. One of them was braver than the others. She made the I see you gesture. “I’m Velora.” She beamed.

Vex smiled and did her best to copy the gesture, " I'm Vex."

Her eyes lit up. “Mother told me to come meet you.”

"Your mother is very nice.“ Vex knew exactly who this girl was but she didn’t want to drop that bomb just yet if she didn’t know. 

But Velora answered that question very quickly. “Are you really my sister?”

”Your half sister.” Vex said gently. “And my twin is your half brother.” Vax had taken her place with Percy helping the younger Na’vi with his kuru braid. He was staying quiet.

”What’s the difference?” Velora asked her.

”we have different mothers.” Vex explained.

”oh…” Velora’s ears and tail drooped sadly.

”not that it mattered of course.” Vex said quickly.

“It doesn’t?” 

“Not at all. You are my sister, regardless of anything.” Vex smiled. Velora rushed forward and hugged Vex tightly, She hugged back a little shocked.

Chapter Text

“Percy?”

”Percy where are you?”

”Percival!”

”Can anyone pick up his scent?” Vax called as they scoured the spirit grove for their friend. Devana was also helping with the search.

”How far could he have gotten?” Vex’s tail lashed in agitated worry.

Vax didn’t answer because there really was no telling. Percy didn’t know the forest. None of them truly did but Percy had no memories of it at all. One stray nantang [viper wolf] could be the end of him.

”His scent!” Vex all but sobbed. “I found it! This way!”

They had to climb down some craggy rocks woven with spirit tree roots. There was a crevice leading to a tiny cave, and Percy’s fear scent was wafting out of it.

”Hell…” Vax murmured letting Vex squeeze into the cave first. His ears finally picked up the harsh and strangled sobs.

They found him hiding at the very back of the cave hands clasped over his ears. Fingers gripping his hair like he would tear it out. Vex crouched in front of him and gently took his hands from his hair.

”Shhh, Percy easy…” she soothed gently her thumbs rubbing in circles across his palms. Percy was babbling madly, in almost perfect Na’vi, rocking back and forth on his heels. “Yawntutsyìp…”

“He’s never spoken fluently Like that before.” Vax marveled in a sort of fascinated horror. Percy’s eyes were heavily dilated like he was still linked up to the tree.

“But what’s causing it?” Vex asked her voice shaking as percy continued to rock and babble and twitch.

Vax started to look around. Percy’s kuru had caught on a spirit tree root. He actually was still connected. Shit. Vax quickly but gently released the connection. Percy went boneless and fell forward his muttering stopping at last. Vex caught and held him rubbing his back and murmuring softly to him.

Percy gasped as if he’d just come up from deep water and he started to tremble.

"Shh. It's alright.” Vex gasped in relief. Both twins were holding him now. Hands in his hair and rubbing up and down his back.

slowly, painfully slowly percy became coherent again. 
“What…. What was that…?”

”What did you see?” Vax asked him.

“Too much… I… I don’t know… they just kept shouting… Tìyawn… Tìyawn…” he was sobbing from all the over whelming memories that weren’t his own. He’d seen a lot of Na’vi. But also the things the trauma had forced him to block out. Being on Ripley’s table. The saw cutting into the top of his skull. Wires in his brain. And fire… gunshots and screaming. A burning white mountain of white stone.

Vex pulled him close,"I'm so sorry. I should have warned you that I can be overwhelming.“

“Why do we do that… that wasn’t comforting… and what is Tìyawn… they kept shouting that at me…” Percy trembled as tears ran down his cheeks.

"I'm not sure what Tìyawn means, but it supposed to be comforting. It's a reminder of your memories. I guess yours were too negative.. I'm not sure…” Vex carefully wiped his tears and held his face pressing her forehead to hers.

“You didn’t see anyone who looked like you? Not family?” Vax pressed.

“No Na’vi look like me…” Percy murmured leaning into Vex’s touch.

Vex sighed," I'm sorry, Percy. We can ask someone who knows more about the tree.”

“Yeah. Let’s get you back.” Vax nodded. “How did you even get this far out?”

“I don’t know…” Percy was unsteady for a moment as they stood.

"It's alright. Let's go." Vex coaxed him out of the cave and into the light. They found Devana first who looked utterly relieved.

“Good you found him.” Devana smiled. “I should have warned you. You must have been so young when you were taken. Normally the first connection is made at one.”

"I didn't think about how it might affect him differently.” Vex said guiltily.

“It has never happened before to my knowledge.” Devana said. “But what did you see Percy?” She asked gently. He only blanched and tried to hide between the twins, screwing his eyes shut.

"He wasn't able to explain. He said they kept screaming Tìyawn.." Vex spoke seeing Percy was still very upset.

Devana nodded. “That sounds like a name young one. Yours perhaps,”

"Are you able to tell what clan he might come from with that name?” Vax asked.

“It means love.” Devana said. “One of the peaceful clans would be more likely.”

"There are so many of those aren't there?“ Vex was still holding Percy close her hand stroking over his hair.

“It depends on the dialect.” Devana said. “Percy. Please tell me exactly how they said this.” She spoke as gently as if he was Velora awoken from a bad dream. Percy explained the best he could through shaking breaths, fresh tears rolling down his cheeks. Devana nodded. “Thank you. That’s all now. Lu mawey.” She looked back to Vex. “North closer to the coast. Farther than the Ashari hometree.”

"Ok. Thank you. We will keep that in mind. It was nice to see my mother again.“ Vex said quietly.

“You can see her at any tree my dear. Everything on our world is connected.” Devana smiled softly.

"I know... it's just been so long...” Vex smiled though.

“I know the feeling… it’s very comforting. They are all still here with us.” Devana put a hand over her heart.

"It is... I can't believe... all of these years we thought she was still alive...” Vax murmured.

“Do you have her song cord?” Devana asked them.

”We do.” Vax unwound it from his wrist and showed it to her. Devana smiled warmly at them.

”We will return to hometree and complete it. As well as getting Percy down for a rest and some warm tea.” She told them.

The walk was slower going but once they were up in the guest chamber Pike and Keylith took over comforting Percy.

Vex was shaking lightly as they followed Devana up to her chambers. Vax took her hand in his. "Vax..." She squeezed his hand Tightly.

Chapter Text

The twins rejoined the others in the guest chambers after they got food for everyone. Vex had managed to convince Vax to not try to balance one of the hot bowls of stew on his head until they had better balance. Grog would not be happy if there wasn’t enough food for everyone.

”Hey guys.” Vex smiled, “supper time.”

“Hey.” Pike smiled handing them fruit as well. “Kira and Velora dropped this off for us.”

”That was nice of them.” Vax smiled, but Vex noticed the concerned look on Pike’s face.

”What’s wrong?”

“Percy is still in some kind of trance…” She looked into the back corner. The white haired Na’vi was pressed up against the wall. Keylith was sitting with him whispering softly.

”Hell…” Vex but her lip.

“Keylith is helping… he just seems… lost.” Pike explained. “he won’t say a word to us… in Na’vi or English. I don’t know how to help him…” she looked at the twins imploringly. “When you’ve eaten try and snap him out of it. He always reacts well with you.”

Vex set the food aside and went to where Percy was sitting and she gently took his hands in hers. “Percy.” He looked up at her with those pale cloudy eyes. "Hey. You are safe. You need to eat.” She told him gently.

“Do I have to do that again…” without even thinking he spoke in perfect Na’vi. He’d always tried to speak it with Vex because it made her smile.

Vex smiled, "not If you don't want too. But It gets less intense. I promise.” She squeezed his hands and felt him squeeze back.

“I don’t want to…” Percy mumbled pulling his ears back. His Na’vi was absolutely flawless now. He’d been speaking like this since disconnecting from the tree.

"That's ok. But Percy. Did you notice you're speaking Na'vi?“ Vex couldn’t and wouldn’t keep the pride from her voice.

Percy blinked a little shocked. “No…”

”You are.” Vex smiled at him gently rubbing his palms with her thumbs.

Percy’s eyes had gone wide with wonder. “The tree…”

”Yes darling.”

“Hell… I can finally understand you…” Percy surged forward and hugged her tightly, she hugged him back just as tight. 
She knew how much it had always frustrated Percy that he couldn’t speak the language of his own people. “I’m so glad…I hadn’t realized,” his voice broke with happy tears.

“You understand it now.” Vex smiled cupping his face in her hands. “And you speak it beautifully.” Percy let out a happy but still overwhelmed sob and Vex pulled him back against her, rubbing slow circles against his back. His tail swished minutely. “It’s going to all be okay now.” She assured him.

“We have to cut the tracker out… I won’t lead them to us… we can’t go back…” Percy said quietly, the guilt creeping back into his voice.

"Yes. We need to do that.. we have to find it first.“ Vex agreed.

“The tree helped with that too…” Percy murmured, pulling back and showing her his left hand. “It’s here…” he pointed to a small scar in the center of his palm.

“Okay. We’ll get it out.” Vex promised him holding his hand. “After we eat.”

“Okay.” Percy nodded. This was something he wished they had tools for. Eating with his hands felt awkward. Even if the food was better than anything he’d ever tasted in his life. He ended up cleaning out the bowl he was given.

”I’m glad you like it.” Vex smiled, she was glad he was eating at all. He was far too thin.

“We’ve been eating garbage our whole lives…“ Percy muttered bitterly.

”I have to agree with you there.” Vax joined them. “Here have some of this.” He handed them for fruity smelling drinks. It tasted good with a slight warmth even though it was chilled.

“Wow this is great.” Vex smiled as Percy just sipped his with an interested look on his face.

“Kira brought it. Said it would help us relax.” Vax said as Keylith joined them as well.

“She said she’s been to the Ashari home tree.” Keylith smiled. “That she can take us there when we leave.”

"That's awesome!“ Vex beamed.

“Yeah. I can’t wait to see my dad again,” Keylith smiled. “He’ll take us all in I just know it.”

Percy caught Vex’s eye uncertainly. He wanted to take out his tracker before they left. He couldn’t lead humans to Keylith’s home.

"Thank you. We need to deal with a small problem before we leave.“ Vex told them now that the who group was gathered close.

“What problem?” Vax asked.

"There's a tracker in Percy's hand.“ Vex explained, watching the smaller Na’vi tilt his face down in shame.

“So… the humans can find us?” Scanlan asked. “Why the hell didn’t you say anything Percy?!” He snapped causing the younger Na’vi to flinch.

"He didn't remember. We can fix it.“ Vex wrapped an arm around Percy lashing her tail.

”They could already be coming for us.” Scanlan hissed.

"Listen. We need to just deal with it. We can't change what's already happened.“ Vax said taking his place on Percy’s other side.

“Fine. Cut the whole hand off then. It’s not like he’ll ever be a hunter. He’s scared of the spirit tree.” Scanlan got up and stormed off.

Percy trembled between the twins and they gently rubbed his back. “Don’t listen to him darling.”

“He might be right…” Percy said quietly. “Maybe I can’t be truly Na’vi…”

“Of course you can. It’s in your blood. It’s all of you.” Vax said. “You speak fluently now. That counts for so much.”

"Vax is right. Let's just deal with the tracker.” Vex said gently watching as percy started to relax. He showed Vax and Pike the scar on his hand that marked the tracker’s location under his skin.“Vax, any idea how to make it hurt a little less?”

“I could ask Kira to bring up something stronger to drink. Or Devana for something to numb it.” Vax said tracing the scar gently with a finger and feeling for the little piece of metal.

"Either. Percy which would you prefer?“ Vex asked.

“I’d rather have a good drink than more smelly herbs caked on my skin.” The herbal paste he still had on his back wound was sticky and uncomfortable to him.

"Alright. Vax, can you do that?“

“Yeah. Apparently Kira makes it. I’ll go talk to her now.” Vax let go of Percy’s hand and stood up. He left the chamber to find the older Na’vi.

Vex still held Percy’s hand. “I just want it gone so we can be free… I don’t care if it hurts vex…” He told her.

"Hey don't listen to Scanlan.” She scolded gently.

“Why not…? He spent more time out here growing up than any of us did…” Percy wouldn’t meet her gaze.

“Because he’s being a jerk. This isn’t your fault.” Vex said firmly.

“He’s scared… and has every right to be… I put us all in danger…” the look on his face broke her heart and she just held him close. “I put this whole clan in danger Vex… your sister…”

"I know but I'm not worried about it.” Vex told him.

“I am… you.. you don’t know what Ripley is capable of…” but Vex could guess by the marks on his skin, in the white of his hair and the cloudiness of his eyes.

”We will get it out and destroy it darling.” Vex assured him touching her forehead to his and feeling him slowly relax. “It’s all ok. It’s not your fault.”

“We’re back.” Vax announced coming into the room with Kira who was holding a large clay jug.

“Thank you, Vax. Here Percy.” Vex watched as Kira handed him a small clay bowl and pour a generous amount of the odd white liquid into it.

“Take it slow.” Kira advised. “Fermented Zakru milk is very strong.”
Percy gave the liquid in the bowl a good sniff. Vex could smell it from here. It was oddly spicy.

Vex smiled at her," Thank you Kira.”

“Half of that jug would knock him right out I’m sure.” Kira said. “Even I only take shots of it. And I can drink the whole clan under a tree.“

”wow.” Vex watched Percy start with slow sips and then he instantly started to gulp down the concoction. "Easy Percy. Slowly.”

Percy lowered the bowl to breathe. “I just want the tracker out.”

"Of course. Let me know when you start feeling it.” She rubbed his back as he continue to drink. Soon he start to sway where he sat and he gave Vex a wobbly nod.

“good job.”  Vax helped him lay down. “Who has the most steady hand to cut it out?” He started feeling Percy’s hand for anything that felt like it shouldn’t be there.

"I'm not sure I have a pretty steady hand.” Vex said holding Percy’s other hand.

“He does trust you the most. I’ll hold his other hand. You take the knife.” Vax handed it to her as they swapped positions. Vex gave him a nod gently feeling for the tracker. She found it. A small round lump under Percy’s skin. Vax helped by holding Percy’s other hand and soothing him. Though he was pretty far gone from the drink by now.

Vex held the knife and as carefully as possible she slit open the scar. Blood welled up dark against Percy’s too pale blue skin. He only let out the tiniest of whimpers leaning into where Vax was holding his head still. Vex had to cut deeper and squeeze the flesh. With a wet sound and a fresh gush of blood the little metal disk slipped free. She smashed it with the hint of the dagger until it stopped blinking.

Pike was already working to bandage up Percy’s hand with Kira’s guidance.

Vax smiled. “It’s over?”

"Yes.” Vex nodded sighing in relief.

Vax sighed and nodded. “Come on Percy. Let’s get you to sleep.” They carefully moved him to his sleep mat.

They got him to sleep easily. Kira gave them a large clay bowl.
“He’ll need this in the morning.” She said.

"Thank you. For everything.” Vex told her.

“I’m happy to help.” Kira’s smile turned sad. “Th sky people killed my mate… I’m just grateful anyone could escape them…”

"I'm sorry to hear that..“ Vex saw the pain in the older na’vi’s eyes. And took in the swell of her belly again.

“He was a brave warrior protecting us… there is no nobler way to die…” Kira smiled at them. “I’m just happy I could help your friend. I can tell he means a great deal to you.”

Vex nodded and Kira left them alone after that. She watched Percy sleep, a peaceful expression on his near constantly worried face. Surely they were completely free now right? They had to be. They were out where they belonged. Among their own kind. And soon they’d depart for the Ashari hometree.

Chapter Text

Pike was working on patching up Percy’s hand gently. The woven bandages were at least soft.

“Thank you, love." Vex smiled moving so Percy’s head was resting in her lap.

Pike smiled. “He’s going to be more scar than skin if this keeps up Vex…”

“I know…” Vex shivered, the reminder that her father was so close.

Chapter Text

When Percy clawed his way back to awareness he wished he hadn’t. His head felt as is it was being split open by Ripley’s bone saw. He tried to stifle the whimper of pain and failed spectacularly.

"Easy Percy it's gonna be ok.” Vex’s gentle voice reached his ears and he felt her fingers in his hair.

“It hurts…” he hated how his voice wavered. How weak he sounded.

”I know.” Vex whispered her hand combing over his hair. “Drink this.” Percy felt a cup get pressed to his lips and he instantly started to sip. It was sweet and earthy and smooth. So good. “Slowly ma yawntutsyìp.” 
Percy obeyed humming softly just focusing on Vex’s slow stroking of his hair and the sweetness of whatever he was drinking.
“Kira made it.” Vex explained her voice still soft. Percy hummed again and did his best to nod. His head still hurt and he didn’t dare open his eyes. “She said it helps her when she’s hungover from too much zangke.” Percy smiled softly but whined when he found that the cup was empty and it was taken from his lips. “Do you want more?” Vex asked gently smiling at him.

“There’s more..?” His voice was soft.

“Yes.” Percy nodded his eyes still closed. He heard the sound of liquid being poured. “what happened last night…”

”Kira gave you some zangke so we could get the tracker out. It’s some very strong stuff.” Vex smiled watching percy sag with relief. 

“Oh.” Percy smiled. Words in any language would have been hard. “Good…”

“Yes, now you can just rest.” Vex pressed the full cup back to his lips and laid him back down properly. “That’s it.” Percy sipped at the herbal tea until the cup was empty again. This time when she pulled it away he just sighed and relaxed his ears drooping and his tail lying limp on the sleep mat.

“I’m sorry I’m so much trouble…” Percy murmured in a small voice.

“You are not trouble.”  Vex tried to stay gentle but firm in this.

“I get hurt all the time… I make you worry… I didn’t tell you about the tracker…” Percy’s voice broke. He’d had a horrible dream… Scanlan shouting he’d put the whole clan in danger. Vex and Vax’s little sister…

“That’s not your fault Percy. You were scared. No one here blames you.” Vex soothed her hand returning to gently stroking his hair. She saw tears leak from his closed eyes.

”Scanlan does…” Vex stiffening told him all he needed to know. It hadn’t been a dream.

”you heard all of that?” She asked still doing her best to continue to sooth him. She’d hoped he hadn’t heard that. He didn’t need to hear it. Not from someone he considered family.

”Most of it… I think…” Percy nodded.

"Hell. I'm sorry. He's just scared.” 

“he’s right though…” Percy went on.

”no. He’s upset and lashing out. That’s all.” Vex said firmly watching as percy forced his eyes open at last. Those wide cloudy eyes, his vision ruined by Ripley’s experiments. A vague silvery blue where they should have been yellow.

“He’s right vex… I put us all in danger… she’s not going to stop… she never stops…” Vex felt him shiver against her. "I know you're scared, and that's ok.“

“She’ll hurt us… I don’t want her to hurt you…” Percy pressed closer to her.

”She won’t get to us Percy.” Vex rubbed his back gently watching as he tucked his tail close as if he was scared to loose it.

“She said she would always find me… that I’m hers…” He leaned into her touch craving that comfort.

”She won’t get you back darling.” Vex promised. “A lab rat like her wouldn’t last a moment out here. I’d like to see her face to face with a thanator outside of her lab. It would eat her alive. And failing that… I’d put an arrow in her chest myself.”

Percy seemed to relax a little at that. “I hate her…”

”We all do. She’s nothing but a monster.”

Percy nodded wiping away his own tears with a shaking hand. “I… vex… I did used to think she loved me… us…”

"I know because she convinced you to think that.” Vex said gently cupping his face in one hand and pressing her forehead to his, breathing in his familiar scent. “You were so little. You didn’t know anything else.”

”I know that now…” Percy murmured leaning into her touch.

”that’s it darling. You’re alright. I’ve got you.” She ran her fingers through his hair her thumb gently rubbing just behind his ear.

“I know… you always have… you’ve never hurt me…” Percy hummed softly still feeling the aftermath of the zangke, vex could tell he was fading back to sleep. It was still very early, most of the clan was still asleep.

”no, and I never will.” Vex promised her. “Just relax. Everyone else is still asleep.”

Vex watched Percy’s eyes fall closed and she continued to gently run her fingers through his short white hair. So soft and fine. Her fingers ghosting over his scalp gently. She paused feeling something odd. A ring of raised skin that wrapped all the way around the top of Percy’s skull. She paused gently tracing it with her thumb causing Percy to shiver and whine.

"Percy? Did she do something to your brain?“ she asked gently seeing he was still awake.

”Yes… a long time ago…” Percy nodded still leaning into her touch. “She did it to make me smarter… it hurt so much…”

”shh… shh.” Vex soothed him feeling Percy shiver again. She held him as close as she possibly. “Rest darling. She’s not here. No more pain.”

She watched as Percy drifted off again safe in her arms… both of them safe with their friends, their family, all around them. Safe in their true home under Eywa’s eye.

A while later as the clan began to wake she heard Vax stir behind her. He looked at them seeing that Vex was awake with Percy tucked close to her. 

“Rough night?” Vax asked as he stretched and yawned. 

"It was alright. He woke up a little panicked and in pain. But Kira’s tea did the trick.” Vex smiled. “It’s alright now.”

“That’s good. He still needs to get use to being outside.” Vax smiled peaking at the smaller na’vi. “It’s going to be hard on his feet at first.”

”Yes… ours too.” Vex sighed. “Those floors were too soft.”

“And too cold Like ice…” Vax shuddered at the memory. The humans had never gotten any of them to wear shoes. They felt far too constricting. Even Percy had preferred to go barefoot.

“I can’t believe they live like that.” Vex muttered.

“There’s nothing real… they don’t see the sun. They can’t even breathe the air here.” Vax said bitterly.

"I really can't understand how they don't crave the sun…” Vex had. The warm golden rays on her skin, dappled by the leaves of the canopy above her.

“We heard them… on our way here. Their flying machines…” Vax knew it had to be said. “Scanlan was right about one thing. They aren’t gone…”

”We’ll figure it out.” Vex pulled percy even closer tucking his head under her chin. “We can’t let them take us again…” she felt Vax wrap his arms around her now.

”They won’t lay a hand on any of us.” He promised. “Not you, not Percy. Never again. I’ll slice Ripley’s back open myself. See how she likes it.”

“Agreed. Then we feed her to a pack of viper wolves.” Vex hissed. She felt percy shift and heard him whimper.

”Hell…” Vax sighed.

“Easy Percy it's alright.” Vex soothed him gently smoothing a hand over his hair and down his kuru braid. He nuzzled into her more and settled again.

“It’s like he can just tell when she’s brought up…” Vax watched Percy’s sleeping face closely.

“He’s scared of her…” Vex knew it was deeper than that though. Percy had a deep primal terror of the human.

“I hate her for what she put him through.. and he could never tell us anything..,” Vax growled his tail lashing back and forth over his back as he crouched close, protectively over his twin. Over his little brother. “He couldn’t ever speak after he spent time in the lab…” Percy had always clammed up after being with Ripley. Going full days without saying a single word.

“I know… she still terrifies him.” Vex was still soothing Percy even as he relaxed.

”He’s smarter than her though.” Vax smiled. “He still has all his little parts. And that gun he built. Do you think it would work?”

”It’s in his bag.” Vex nodded. “But it’s probably not a good idea for him to have it out while we’re here. There’s not telling what father would do if he saw it.”

“That’s a good idea.” Vax smiled watching them as Percy nuzzled against Vex’s neck. “We have all this room to stretch out to sleep and he’d still rather curl up against you.”

Vex chuckled," I suppose so.”

”You have to admit it’s cute.” Vax smiled.

Vex only sighed. “I don't know how I feel about him.”

“You care about him right?” Vax asked her quietly not wanting to wake percy up.

”Of course I do.” Vex almost bristled.

“That dosent have to change vex.” Vax said placating. “You can always care about him.”

"I know that, but you know that's not what, I mean." Vex admitted. Sure she’d bottle fed percy but everyone else did as well. They’d all been very very young. It was a miracle only Grog had ever dropped him twice.

“I know. But… it’s not like we aren’t still kids… we have time.” Vax said bracingly.

”do we really have so much time…” Vex asked. The humans were still here. They knew that now thanks to their journey here and Kira confirming it.

“I’d like to think so…” Vax sighed. “We deserve to be happy.”

“What dose it feel like with him?” Vax asked.

“Safe…” vex mused.

“I know he feels safe with you.“ Vax smiled watching her run slow circles into Percy’s scarred back.  “I’m like his big brother. It’s different with you.”

”I’ve noticed…” Keylith had said Percy thought she was beautiful. She was basically Percy’s best friend. If anyone would know it was her.

“We’re still kids… let’s just do that and worry about the other stuff later.” Vax smiled. “After our Dream Hunts.”

Vex nodded. She could wait for that. They needed to reach the Ashari Hometree before they thought about love and finding mates. They had time even with the humans prowling the skies. If they’d been chased off once they could be chased off again.

Chapter Text

The rest of the clan began to wake and start their day, the noise rousing the rest of their little group. Grog stretched and yawned dislodging Pike from where she’d been sleeping laid across his back.

”Morning buddies…” she yawned rubbing her eyes. 

Scanlan groaned but didn’t say anything. Vex thought that was for the best as she still wanted to throttle him now that she knew Percy had heard what he said the night before. She reflexively tightened his grip on him as everyone started to get up and fold their blankets.
Percy stirred and she watched his eyes flutter open. 
“Hey.” Vex smiled at him.

”Hi…” Percy yawned quietly.

”How are you feeling?” She asked him gently.

”Not good…” Percy admitted holding his stomach with one hand.

“I’ll get the bowl if he needs to throw up.” Vax said from across the room.

“I think I do…” Percy murmured.

“Alright darling let’s sit up.” Vex gently helped Percy move into a sitting position as Vax moved in with the large clay bowl Kira had left for them. 
Percy barely got a grip on it before he doubled over and started heaving and retching. Vex gently rubbed his back. Percy had always been pitiful when he was sick and he wasn’t exactly in good health to begin with.

“I’ll get him some water.” Keylith said.

“Thanks Kiki.” Vax smiled crouching down next to Percy to help sooth him. 
It wasn’t long until there wasn’t anything left in his stomach for Percy to throw up. They took the bowl from him and helped him lay down on his stomach.

”That’s it Perce. You think you can drink some water?” Vax asked seeing Keylith was back with a cup. Percy shook his head and closed his eyes.

”That’s okay darling.” Vex smiled setting the cup close. “You can rest and it’ll be right her for you.”

“I’m never drinking that stuff again…” He murmured his eyes falling closed for a moment but he couldn’t seem to fall asleep. Even when Vex ran her fingers through his hair again.

“Stubby show him the stuff to make a cord.” Vax said deciding Percy needed a distraction.

"Oh yes. Here Percy.” Vex brought over the bowl of beads and the bundle of cord strings.

Percy looked at the assortment of leather and woven cords that would be the base and the box of countless beads. “H… how?” 

"Whatever you want.” Keylith told him.

“Where do I start..,” Percy knew it usually started with a birth bead. A different one depending on the time of day of said birth. But he didn’t know his. No one did.

“wherever you want to start.” Vax told him.

Percy sighed. “So no one knows where I came from?”

"Devana had some ideas about where you came from.” Vex said seeing the conflict in Percy’s eyes. Unlike the rest of them he had no clan identity, no knowledge of where he’d come from.

“What if they’re all gone…” He asked helplessly.

"Then we will go from there.” Pike told him.

”we’re your clan.” Grog smiled at him warmly and Percy gave a weak one in return. 

Percy nodded softly starting to look through the beads. “Are… are there ones that mean orphan?”

“Yes.” Pike nodded helping him look through the bowl for it.

Percy took the little cracked grey bead and wove it onto his cord as the first bead. Vex smiled watching him as he pulled over his own bag and pulled out the smallest of his random little parts trying to see if they would work as beads.

“How many should I use?” He asked.

"Whatever you feel like saying.” Keylith smiled encouragingly.

“Oh… I don’t know how to write a song…” Percy’s hands shook a little.

"That's ok. We can help.” Vex said taking his hand. “You don’t have to decide on the words yet.”

”Okay.” Percy nodded steadying himself and just focusing on choosing beads. He chose a small nut from his bag as the bead to signify their escape.

”That looks good Percy.” Vex smiled.

”it’s beautiful.” Keylith beamed.

Percy looked down at his cord. It was shorter than all the others.

"In time, Percival.“ Vex squeezed his hand gently.

“I know… there’s not much from my life I really care to be remembered…” Percy knew that’s what these cords were for. So their lives would be sung of and remembered. The twins had kept their mother’s memory alive for so long even with an incomplete cord.

“We understand.” Vax smiled rubbing Percy’s shoulder.

Percy smiled at them and wrapped his cord around his wrist like how vex was wearing hers. “Is this how you’re supposed to wear them?”

“There’s no wrong or right way.” Pike assured him.

“Okay.” Percy smiled looking a little proud. This had been more enjoyable than connecting to the spirit tree. He loved working with his hands. He watch led as a Hunter walked past their doorway with his bow and arrows in a quiver on his hip. “Do you think I can learn to make arrows?”

“of course you can.” Vax smiled. Percy was looking exhausted. “Come on. I think you need some more rest.”

“It feels like I woke up from an operation…” Percy murmured letting Vax help him lay back down again.

"That's gonna be part of it for probably the rest of the day.” Vex said rubbing his back as Percy rolled to lay on his stomach. “Just rest.”

”You don’t have to tell me twice.” He said softly closing his eyes. Vex saw that the wound on his back was starting to close up at last.

“Alright kids, Devana asked me to get all of you ready for our journey to the Ashari Hometree. We’ll start with your hunting skills.” Kira said walking into their room.

”Aren’t you pregnant?” Scanlan asked.

”Yes. Why should that matter?” Kira looked at him sternly her tail twitching irritably.

”The humans act like they can’t do anything when they’re pregnant.” Scanlan looked slightly intimidated by the adult na’vi.

”Well those are the humans. We are na’vi. I’m not even that far along.” Kira said. “Now let’s get going. If we’re going to travel over land all of you are going to need to learn to hunt.”

”Percy is still feeling the zangke.” Vex said. Kira nodded kindly.

”Let him rest. I’m sure he can catch up quickly. He is still very much injured and needs to recover.” Kira agreed.

”I’ll stay with him.” Vex said not wanting Percy to wake up all alone.

“He’ll be okay here stubby. No one here is gonna hurt him.” Vax said. “Besides you were great with the little bow you had when we were little.”

“Oh… alright.” Vex sighed standing up after making sure Percy was tucked under a blanket so he wouldn’t be cold.

They followed Kira out to a set of woven targets. They were shaped like animals. Yerik. Kira started handing out bows to the kids. Vax plucked the string of his. Kira went around adjusting everyone’s grips. Vex barely needed any correction which gave her a flash of pride.

Vex was the first to get off a shot into the target.

Kira nodded in approval. “For a stealth hunt that’s good. At your age I wouldn’t be hunting anything larger than a yerik anyway.”

“we've killed a yerik before.” Vax said smiling proudly at his sister.

“You have? We didn’t find anything at the camp that said you hunted anything.” Kira looked impressed all the same.

"We were very young... it was the day we were taken...” Vex explained quietly.

Kira nodded sadly. “I remember now… there was a dead one close by when we found your mother…” Vex took a shaky breath and looked away. “Right… sorry.” Kira pulled back. “Try again.” She extended her arm and Vex saw that she wore two song cords. One that belonged to her and one with a final bead. The one that belonged to her fallen mate.“Good. Remember the weak spot for a clean merciful kill.”

“I think so.” Vex took another shot the arrow hit that specific spot on the target.

“Very good.” Kira nodded moving down the line to help Vax with his bow grip.

“Percy should be out here learning too.” Scanlan muttered under his breath.

"He's sleeping.“ vex snapped at him just as quietly.

”He could still be here to watch even if he’s not actually practicing.” Scanlan pointed out bitterly.

”Scanlan, shut up.” Vex hissed through gritted teeth.

“Not until someone takes me seriously. None of you ever listen to me.” He growled back. “Sometimes you have to be hard on people. All of you should know that. That’s how we survived.”

"Yea. But you are just being terrible. Percy heard you last night and remembers. You really hurt him.” Vex lashed her tail. “You have to stop this.”

“No. Not until one of you-“
Pike smacked the back of his head.

“Enough.” Kira’s voice was fierce. “If you were my child I’d pull on your tail until you cut that out.”

Vex looked over at Kira. "He's been like this for as long as we've known him.”

Kira sighed. “You should treat your clanmates with respect.” She said to Scanlan sternly. “Now, if you’re going to be like that I believe the hunters could use some help cleaning the fish they brought in earlier. Go on.”

Scanlan glared at all of them but obeyed. 

"He needs to atop. We are all already on edge without him adding to it.” Vex muttered.

“Give him time. All of you are still adjusting.” Kira’s voice was gentle. “All of you are still young and I understand the fear of the skypeople.” She sighed. “Even the ones who have helped us are a mystery to me.”

“They all are.” Vex sighed. Allura had put them in the cryo pods for Eywa only knew how long. 

“Your own little clan seems very close.” Kira smiled. “Even the loud mouth skxawng.”

That made Vex laugh softly. “We are. We’ve only really had each other… and we lost a few…” Zarah, Kasha and Grog’s own kin Zanror.

They watched vax fumble an arrow as he lined up to fire. “Perhaps your brother should stick to the blade.” Kira sighed watching Vax trip on the bow itself as he tried to pick up said fumbled arrow.

"He always was better with one.” Vex agreed unable to stop herself laughing at her twin.

By the end of the lesson only Vex and Keylith had made much progress with the skill. But Kira was encouraging all the same.

“All of you have done well. We will find weapons and tools that you can each excel at in time I promise you.” She said with a smile. “Now we can move on to gathering. Identifying the different materials and edible plants that you can find.”

Vex, Keylith and Pike were good at this. Grog and Vax not so much. Even with Vex’s help Vax was getting frustrated.

“Most of them look the same.”  Vax hissed glaring at the leaves like they’d done him a personal wrong.

“That’s not true.” Vex held up a spade shaped leaf and a round one. “Look. See?”

“Well most of them are green.” Vax muttered. “I’ve never been able to memorize anything. I failed every test Allura ever gave us.”

"Vax. A lot of that is your lack of effort.” Vex rolled her eyes.

Vax shot her a look. “Don’t tell me that you can remember what George Washington did.”

"He lead the American revolution. Was the first president and dealt with the all the other people who couldn't get along with each other.” Vex said keeping the details vague to help Vax feel a little better.

Vax rolled his eyes. “You’ve got to be kidding me. How do you remember that?”

“I don’t know I just do.” Vex shrugged.

”you sound like Percy.” Vax sighed. “He remembers everything they ever told us.”

“He did love all those books.” Vex agreed. “Too bad we don’t have any… other than that one full of knight stories he brought with us.

“We’ll find something.” Vax said.

“You two please pay attention.” Kira called. “We’re going over riding pa’li now.” She waved them over.

”we’re coming.” Vax called back.

They walked up to the larger animals. Vex walked up and gently placed her hand on one of them, running her hand across its snout. It leaned into her touch and she smiled.

“Gently at first.” Kira told her helping Vex onto the pa’li’s back. “Feel her breath. Feel her strong legs.”

“I feel it.” Vex said running her hand out the creature’s neck. She touched its kuru and felt it shiver.

“Good. Now try the bond.“ Kira instructed.

Vex nodded and let their kuru connect. She felt the rush of the animal’s mind connecting with her own. It was oddly calming. This pa’li was old. She had taught many, many young na’vi to ride. Vex thought forward and she walked forward. They were bonded if however briefly and Vex felt alive. This was what real na’vi did. And she always wanted to do this. To ride freely.

Chapter Text

“Okay. What’s the plan?” Vax asked as he sat down to eat with the others back in their room. They’d been given a did stuffed mushroom for lunch and it was one of the best things they’d eaten so far.

"Kira said we’re leaving tomorrow if Percy's ready.” Keylith told them.

“He seems to be feeling a lot better. He was asking me to every detail about today.” Vax smiled. The younger na’vi was of course focused on his food right now.

"I don't blame him.” Vex smiled.

“I don’t either. He heard there was more to learn. And Kira had some guy up there teaching him to make arrows.” Vax said looking at the after math of those lessons. A dozen pristine arrows. “He was really into that.”

“You know how much he likes to learn.” Vex said fondly. It really was an impressive first go even when they knew how good Percy was with his hands.

“Scanlan’s an idiot. Percy will do great out here.” Keylith beamed.

“Good. I’m in favor of letting Scanlan burn out his stupid anger.” Vex said leaning back against the wall as they finished up their food. 

“Let’s all pack up then we can go to bed.” Pike suggested, They’d given bags and some basic tools. Like their own daggers. Devana was also there to check on them.

"Thank you for all of this.” Vex told her gratefully.

”Of course. I can’t have you going out there unprepared.”

"I hope we will see you again. Someday.” Vex sighed.

“You will.” Devana assured her. “Velora and I will visit you as much as we can.”

"Thank you. We would love to have you.” Vax beamed.

“We will visit. I promise. Velora will want to a lot. And I need to make sure you’re all okay.” Devana told them gently.

"Amazing. We are leaving in the morning.” Vex said.

“Be safe. You’ll be going past the clouded forest. That place can mess with your senses if you aren’t used to it.” Devana warned. “Kira will keep you on the right paths though.”

"Thank you for the tip.” Vax nodded. “We’ll follow her lead.”

“There’s a plant there you should avoid. Green with purple thorns. It can make you confused if you’re pricked by it.“ Devana explained.

”we’ll keep an eye out.” The twins said together.

“I’m sure you’ll be just fine. Kira is a good guide. She’s been a forester her whole life.” Devana took a certain pride in all the na’vi under her care.

"She's been very kind to us.” Vex reported.

“I’m glad. She’s  Velora’s favorite baby sitter. We’ll be sorry to loose her.”

"We will be back to see you two as well.” Vex told the Tsahìk.

“We’ll be happy to have you.” Devana smiled. “But for now you should rest up for your journey. It will not be a short one on foot.”

”We will.” Vax assured her. “Thank you. For everything.”

”Eywa guide you all.” Devana bowed out of the room.

the twins smiled at each other and finished packing up what little they had into their bags. They left out their blankets so they could have them for the night.

Vex laid down where her and Percy had been sleeping these past few nights. He was sitting up wrapped in a blanket finishing up an arrow.

"Hey. Those look good.“ Vex smiled at him.

“Nor said I’m a natural.,, I don’t know if he’s right though,.,” Percy said sheepishly as he checked the position of the fletching.

"I'd say so. They look good.” Vex told him.

“Thank you.” He blushed. “The ones with the blue feathers are for you.” He added.

"Oh. Thank you Percy that's sweet.” Vex saw he was working on one of those now.

“I know you really like blue.” Percy smiled at her now.

"How exactly did you know that?” Vex knew he was observant but she’d never told him her favorite color.

“I noticed… when they were giving us shirts with the program logo you always picked the blue.” Percy was now attaching the arrow head.

"I did. That's very observant.” Vex smiled her fondness for him growing. She didn’t think that was possible. She already cared for him so much.

“It’s a good color.” Percy smiled.“Well… most of us are blue… So it must be a good color.” He blushed again.

“I can’t argue with that logic.” Vex chuckled.

Percy smiled. “We certainly blend in better here than the humans.”

"That we do.” vex rolled onto her back and continued to watch him work.

“They said it was dangerous out here…” Percy murmured. “But everyone is so happy.”

"Yes. It's a family.“ Vex told him.

“Are we? Kira keeps calling us all clanmates.” Percy observed.

”we are clanmates.” Vex assured him.

”I like that.” Percy whispered softly. “Not family like Ripley talked about…”

“No not like that.” Vex watched him finish the arrow. He just held it staring as if trying to find mistakes.

“Are we stornger than them?” He asked. Even though they were young they still towered over most humans.

“I would say so.” Vex nodded.

“I wish I could have fought back… I was always so tired when I was with her… falling asleep without meaning to…” Percy suffered involuntarily.

"I understand that. It's not your fault.” Vex said sitting up so she could look him into the eyes.

“I don’t know half of what she did to me…” His pale cloudy eyes. “She talked a lot… about how I was different… the only one they would be able to use how they intended.“

"I don't want to think about what that means.” Vex’s heart ached for him. They’d taken him away from them so much and he never spoke about what he’d seen.

“I know… they wanted us to remove our own kind from their homes… so they could strip this planet of everything…” Percy gripped the shaft of the arrow in his hands.

"Hell... that's horrible…” they’d wanted them to betray their own people.

“It is… it’s what they took us for… because the clans weren’t trusting the avatars fast enough.” Percy had never spoken of this before. Vex gasped her eyes going wide. “ they want to use everything here… even make our people more like humans…”

"I hate it.  We are better than humans.“ vex lashed her tail. But gently she took his hands and uncurled his fingers from the arrow. He let go and vex carefully set it aside with the others percy had completed. " And more protective of nature.”

“Of course… I did feel it vex… she really is real…” referring to Eywa of course.

"Yea. She is. It's incredible isn't it?” Vex held his hands now feeling his trembling subside.

“She’s really there…” Percy murmured. “I didn’t believe it before…”

"I know. But you do know, and that's  all that matters.“ Vex squeezed his hands gently hoping to get him to relax and lay down with her.

“I’m glad she’s real…” Success. Percy eased down with her onto the sleep mat and Vex pulled a blanket over them.

”me too, yawntutsyìp.”

“What were the pa’li like? Vax isn’t very good at descriptions…” Percy asked her.

"They are hard to describe. I'll show you tomorrow when we leave.” Vex promised.

“What was it like to bond with one?”
Kira had said Percy would be riding double with someone since bonding was so intense for him.

"It was incredible. Very intense. You can feel every emotion. You are one with them a team." Vex explained.

“That sounds amazing.” Percy breathed. “I wish I was stable enough to bond…”

"It's ok. In time, you will. It's just intense.” Vex assured him.

“Dose that make me weak…”

”No. not at all.” Vex said at once.

“Scanlan says it dose… that I’m too human like to commune with Eywa…” Percy shivered and Vex pulled him close to her.

"Scanlan is an idiot..” She ran her fingers through his hair feeling Percy relax against her.

“He spent more time out here than any of us did…” Percy whispered. “What if he’s right… what if Eywa doesn't want me…”

Vex’s heart broke for him. "She wants you.”

“I’m so different…” Percy’s voice broke and she held him tighter.

“Can’t she tell? She holds all our memories…”

“Shh… shh.” Vex could feel him star to shake again. "She knows you are Na'vi. That's really all that matters.” She felt him calm as she rubbed his back. “That it. Just rest. You’re safe. We’re all safe.”

Vex felt his breath even out and she sighed in relief. She couldn’t wait to leave this place. To see the world proper and show it to Percy.

Vex felt a gentle hand shake her shoulder. Her brother’s face was smiling down at her. “Rise and shine you two.” Percy was pressing himself against Vex as if he was trying to hide from Vax. Vex groaned and nearly just slapped him away. “Come on stubby. You both have to get up.”

"No...“

“Yes. Come on. You’re hugging Percy a little too tight.” Vax coaxed gently. 
Both groaning Vex and Percy sat up and started to roll up their blankets.

Percy was still only half awake as they made their way down and out of hometree. The sun was barely risen in a pink sky.

The twins were both being hugged by Velora. “When I can fly my own ikran I’ll visit you always.”

Vax patted her head gently. “We’ll be happy to see you.”

”always.” Vex agreed.

“But can you come visit before then?” Velora asked them her eyes pleading. 

“as long as it’s okay with your mother.” Vex smiled wiping tears from the little na’vi’s face.

”Okay….” Velora sniffled. “I’ll miss you…”

“We'll miss you too.” Vex said gently.

“A lot?”

“A lot a lot.” Vax ruffled her hair. “But you need to stay with your mother for now.”

Velora nodded and went to stand with Devana. “May Eywa light your paths.”

”and yours.” The twins said together. 
They knew they had to leave so they turned and joined the others where they were standing by the pa’li.
Percy was utterly fascinated by the creatures. He was petting one now. Both hands cupped both sides of the creature’s face.

Vex smiled at Percy. " we should get going soon.”

“How do I ride?” Percy had never learned.

“You need to ride double with someone until you learn.” Kira told him. “Who would like him to ride with?” Percy looked at Vex hopefully but she had turned to wave at Velora one last time. “It’s alright Percy you can ride with me.” Kira told him.

”Alright…” He nodded.

Vex notices the look," Percy? Is everything OK?”

“Yeah…” he didn’t want to make her upset or make everyone think he was weak. Scanlan was looking at him smugly.

"Percy? Are you sure? Would you rather ride with someone else?“ Vex asked him.

Percy glanced at Scanlan and shook his head. “I’m okay.” Those words had really messed with his head. He didn’t want to be a burden.

Vex nodded," Alright. We'll talk later.”

Kira helped Percy up onto the pa’li before she mounted herself. He watched as she connected her kuru to the pa’li’s.

”is everyone ready?” The older Na’vi asked their little group. There were excited replies of assent. “Forward then.” Kira took the lead down the forest trail.

Percy just gazed up into the canopy and the dappled rising sunlight. he felt the warmth on his face and hoped that it would never go away. 

Chapter Text

Kira stopped them at a far off camp when the sun was starting to set. They’d eaten some dried meat for lunch but the smell of cooking from this camp made all their stomachs growl.

"Oh that smells amazing.” Vex said reigning up her pa’li with a hopeful look in her eyes. The prospect of a hot meal had all their mouths watering.

“Yeah. I hope they can spare some for us.” Vax said.

“They will have plenty.” Kira smiled. They were all tired and sore from riding but Percy was nearly asleep his head resting on Kira’s shoulder his eyes only half open. 

"Well let's get going then.” Keylith smiled as Kira lead them to the camp where they were welcomed by the friendly voices of the Sy’ngorn hunters and gatherers.

They tied off their pa’li to a hitching post on long tethers so they could graze freely. Percy yawned hugely which showed off his sharp teeth.

Vex yawned as well, "that was a long time to be riding.”

“My ass is killing me…” grog complained.

“Now we can at least sit on something that’s not moving.” Keylith said. Percy had wrapped himself into one of the smaller sleeping blankets. They’d all gotten a little chilly and had to put on some travel clothes that gave more coverage.

"It got cold.  But yes a seat sounds amazing.” Pike agreed pulling at her waist wrap.

“I’d rather have the food.” Percy admitted, rubbing his tired eyes.

“Let’s go meet them then.” Kira smiled.

"Thank you Kira.“ Vex smiled.

Kira talked to the camp lead and soon they were all eating a very rich meat stew and sipping on juice from a shield palm tree.

Vex sighed," this is amazing.” 

They all nodded in agreement. Grog was wolfing his down. They all felt much better but were so exhausted. It had been a long day’s ride.

“Come on everyone.” Kira said once they were all full and things had died down. “Time for sleep.”

"I agree...” Vex yawned, stretching her arms up even though they left heavy.

They were given the guest side of camp with their own cozy fire. There were plenty of sleep mats and hammocks.

"This is nice.” Pike flopped down on one of the mats and stretched out luxuriously.

“Rest well everyone. We covered a lot of ground today so we won’t rush out in the morning.” Kira told them, sitting down by the wall.

"Great. That sounds incredible.” Vex said taking up a spot by the fire.

Kira nodded. While the kids settled in she went to fill the water jug for anyone who got thirsty in the night. When she got back vex was waiting up for Kira.

“Is something wrong?” Kira asked her.
Percy was curled up at her side. Vax was with Keylith again.

"No. I just wanted to ask you something." Vex spoke as she absent-mindedly ran her hands through Percy's hair.

“Of course. What is it?” Kira crouched down near her.

"You said that Percy and I had feelings for each other, but you seemed to mean a lot more than what you said. What did you mean?“ Vex asked as she felt the soft strands of the younger na’vi’s hair between her fingers.

“I’m talking about love.” Kira smiled softly. She looked at vax and Keylith this way too. Like it made her happy to see other couples happy now that her own mate was gone.

"Oh... love.. that's complicated...” Vex bit her lip, like everything that their little group was wasn’t complicated. It had always been that way because of how they’d grown up.

“I know. And you’re both very young. It doesn’t have to be anything more until far from now.” Kira assured her. “You’re both too young for bonding right now.”

"He's so young...” Vex said, her thumb circling around Percy’s left ear.

“Only three years younger than you. But yes. Wait. You’re both still children. You haven’t passed any of your rites yet.” Kira explained.
The rites of passage. But technically both vex and vax had done one of them. Killing the yerik.

"Vax and I killed a yerik. Does that not count?“ Vex asked her curiously.

Kira’s ear flicked forward in interest. “Oh. I didn’t know. When did this happen?”

Vex took a breath," the night our mother died...” The memory of that night still pained her even with years of more pain heaped onto it.

Kira pulled her ears back. “That young? Hell,” she looked impressed.

"Is that not normal?“ Vex asked her. She had no frame of reference.

“No. I didn’t kill my first until I was ten.” Kira told her.

"Oh.. I didn't know.  Vax and I went out because we wanted to try... prove to father that we were worthy...” that admission made her heart ache.

Kira nodded. “I wanted to try that too…” There was a pain in her eyes that Vex recognized from her own reflection.

"A lot of good it did us.." vex couldn't get that day out of her mind.

“I’m sorry…” Kira said, her voice soft and sympathetic, “but it’s still very impressive nonetheless.”

"Well thank you.” Vex couldn’t help the flare of pride in her chest that those words caused.

“You were four and did your first hunt alone. Yes that does count.” Kira assured her with a smile.

"I'm glad. Does it count for Vax?“ Vex asked. She’d do the test over if it didn’t count for her twin.

“He was there. Of course.” Kira nodded. She noticed how Vex sagged with exhaustion her hand simply resting on Percy’s who’s head was still pillowed on her lap. Kira smiled. “Well we both need sleep. Today was a long one.” She said with a smile.

"Yes we do.“ Vex smiled fondly at the white haired na’vi lying against her. She moved careful not to wake or jostle him too much. Percy wrapped an arm around her in his sleep... she cradled the back of his head in one hand and just let sleep take her.

The next morning was much more relaxed. There wasn’t a scramble to get ready instead they ate a scramble of eggs and mushrooms.

The camp healer seemed intent to fuss over Percy as he was the only one who had such extreme scarring. Kira swooped in to rescue him from her as he did look a bit uncomfortable being touched by a stranger.

“We should be going now” Kira told the group. “We’ll be going through a fortune leaf forest. I’ll show you how to gather shell fruit.”

"That sounds good.” Vax smiled giving his pa’li a few strokes on her muzzle.

“They’re very sweet. Perfect for a long journey.” Kira smiled as she readied her own mount.

Percy was standing near the older na’vi his arms wrapped around himself and his tail tip twitching.

"Percy, would you like to ride with me today?” Vex asked him, remembering his uncomfortable expression the day before.

He brightened. “Yes.” He beamed clearly trying to contain just how happy this made him.

"Alright, let's go.” Vex smiled and helped him mount up before she connected her kuru to the pa’li and heaved herself up onto its back. "Comfortable?“ she asked him.

”Yes.” She saw that his tail was raised happily. Vex guided his arms to wrap around her. And soon they were off.

the trees of this place towered over them, their wide leaves giving a lot of shade on the trail.
A small pack of viper wolves watched them from the top of a massive winding root that elevated above the ground.

Vex looked over. “look up there.” She told Percy pointing out the animals to him.

Percy did so his ears flicking up and then pining back. “Oh… are they hunting us?”

“They won’t bother us. We’re too large of a group.” Kira assured them all.

"They are cool looking.” Grog said brightly.

"They are so cute.” Keylith cooed, as several cubs appeared and began to frisk around the paws of the adults.

“They are…” Percy seemed awed. And Vex wished he could see his expression at seeing a world he should have been a part of all his life… that they all should have been.

They moved on after a few minutes. Percy was trying to take everything in through wide eyes. It was certainly a good way to see everything, on the back of a pa’li at this steady pace.

“Why did they say this place was like hell..?” Percy murmured. “It’s so beautiful.”

"It is..” Vex had to agree with him there.

“They kept us from it…” Percy’s voice was so quiet.

"They did... to brainwash us.” Vex said unable to keep the bitterness from her own voice.

“I wanted to be like them…” It sounded like that admission pained him and Vex felt her heart ache for Percy all over again.

He had no memory of his life before. He’d been far too young. Too young for his first communion with Eywa and too  young to even remember his birth name.

"You didn't know better.” Vex assured him.

“I had you to tell me… I should have listened more….” He sounded so sad.

"It's not your fault.“ Vex told him, finding one of his hands, intwining her fingers with his and squeezing his hand.

“I should be smarter than that… Ripley… she made me say so many things so often… I was believing it…” Percy’s hand shook slightly in her own and she rubbed her thumb across his skin to soothe him.

"That's what she does.…” Vex told him.

“She did… and I hung on every word…” Percy’s voice was oddly distant.

"You didn't know any better.” She said again.

“She hurt me vex… constantly…” his hand did still in hers at least. Small victories. Vex kept up her gentle rubbing.

"I know...“ Vex gentled her voice even more, between her comfort and the gentle swaying of their pa’li under them Percy seemed to be relaxing. "It's really alright now.“ she promised and felt Percy’s chin rest against her light shoulder.

“I know… we’re safe…” Vex told him.
Over head they heard a screech. More like a roar. Above the trees and out of sight. It was the first sound that made Kira look nervous.

Vex looked over, "Kira? What's wrong?” She kept her ears pricked watching everyone sit up straighter and more alert.

“A toruk… we should be fine under the trees. Just stay quiet.” The older na’vi told them in a hushed voice.

"Alright..“ everyone shut their mouths and Vex felt percy press himself closer to her.

Kira nodded. They heard the thing heavily land in some tree but it didn’t seem to see them. They kept quiet for a long while Their hearts pounding in their ears.

Kira sighed. “All clear. Keep your eyes open though.“ she told them all.

“Good.” Kira nodded and continued to lead them down the trail.

This night they found an unused camp. They were so far out into this clan’s hunting grounds this place so so rarely used. 

Vex was tired and laid down pretty quickly. Riding all day had taken a lot out of all of them. Percy put a blanket over her. She smiled and snuggled into it. It was the most peaceful Percy had seen her. Percy smiled and settled close to her not wanting to crowd if she wanted space. Their dinner was more shell fruit. Grog really enjoyed smashing the shell to get to the fruit. 
Vex snuggled closer to Percy in her sleep. Percy wrapped his arm around her slightly shy. 
She seemed happy in her sleep. She hadn't even ate dinner. Percy sighed and left some of the fruit out for her if she woke up hungry. He stayed up a little while just watching the fire crackle.

Vex woke to see Percy dozing at her side and the wooden bowel of fruit that he’d laid out for her. She ate it quietly as the others all slept around her. She noticed that Percy was curled up with his own blanket a little bit apart from her. She pulled the white haired na’vi closer to her and watched him nuzzle against her and sleep on.

The sounds of the forest around them were soothing. The fire keeping anything large at bay. 

Vex was still asleep when Percy woke up which was strange. Percy smiled even if he was confused by it he was happy she was asleep. He definitely hadn't known her to be a good sleeper. Percy looked at the others to see if they were up. 

Everyone was still in the process of waking up except for Kira would always seemed to wake before sunrise.

Keylith was holding onto Vax pretty tightly like normal. It was hard for those two to sleep well apart from each other. Percy smiled happy for them. Even if he missed vax being as close.

Strangly Vax and Keylith got up before Vex and they were the last ones. That gave percy pause. They needed to get ready to leave after all.

"Hey...“ vex cracked open her eyes and looked up at him.

“Hey. Everyone else is up. Are you feeling okay?” Percy asked her, his ears pulled back slightly.

"Oh yes. I was just tired.” Vex told him, sitting up and stretching out her limbs.

“I know. I’ve just never known you to sleep in.” Percy smiled softly.

"I don't normally,” Vex admitted with a shrug.

“I know.” Percy smiled. None of them really had. Not at TAP…

Vex smiled," it was nice.” Nice to sleep in, nice to not be rushed out of bed by blinding lights.

“It is… no stupid too bright lights to wake us up.” Percy murmured.

"I know.” Vex smiled as she watched Percy yawn and stretch out contentedly on the sleep mat. The most na’vi like vex had ever seen him move. "You look so comfortable.”

“It’s so comfortable…” Percy hummed softly. “They have all that tech and still can’t make something this soft…” He ran his fingers across the woven mat they were laying on.

"I think they just choose not to give us something comfortable.” Vex said bitterly.

“The softest thing was the blanket she gave me…” which Percy still had currently draped over him. The na’vi made blanket that Allura had said was gift from a near by clan. 

"That blanket is very nice.” Vex agreed.

“It is. It didn’t feel right to leave it…” Percy wrapped it tighter around his shoulders as he sat back with his legs crossed.

"No it didn't.” Vex had to agree that it wouldn’t have been right to leave it behind.

“What if Allura is looking for us?” Percy asked her causing Vex to blanch.

"I don't know.” Vex didn’t think she’d want to be found by any human. Even Allura.

“Shouldn’t we try…?” Percy asked her.

Before Vex could reply, “Screw Allura. What did she ever do for us?” Scanlan snapped. Percy visibly bristled his tail starting to lash.

"Scanlan. Stay out of this.” Vex rolled her eyes, gently trying to soothe Percy.

“No way are we seeking out a human who only pretends to be one of us.” Scanlan said harshly.

“She was kind to us. She was going to get us out.” Percy snapped back. “She kept us safe in cryo sleep.”

“Oh look who finally learned to speak properly.” Scanlan sneered at Percy speaking na’vi.

Vex sighed, "this has to stop.”

The others were watching this happen unsure of how to step in Kira was out scouting their rout the kids were on their own for now.

“I’ve been speaking since I connected to the tree. Are you so oblivious and thick in the head that you hadn’t noticed?” Percy growled. At least Percy was finally standing up for himself even if Scanlan practically towered over him.

Vex decided to let Percy handle this. Ready to step in if she needed to.

“Thick headed?” Scanlan snapped. “You’re the one who had to plug into a tree just to learn to speak your own language. You get coddled by everyone here. You’re just a little baby who can’t do anything.”

Percy looked as though those words had shot him right through the heart. The tears gathering in his eyes made Vex see red.

"Scanlan. It's not his fault he was taken when he was a baby!”She hissed, lashing her tail once. “It's not his fault! He grew up not knowing any of this life!”

“Stop using that as an excuse you-“ Scanlan didn’t get to finish. Percy leapt at him knocking him to the camp floor before raining punches down on his face.

Vex was shocked but didn't stop him. though she never would have thought Percy would ever take the first strike during an argument. Vax looked proud.

Percy was shouting tears in his eyes. “Do you think I liked being cut open day after day?! Taken apart to be put back together! Over and over and over again! Do you think I want to be stuck with that name she gave me?!”

Vex looked at her brother, asking him silently, asking if she should stop them. Vax looked unsure.

Scanlan used his superior strength to pin the smaller na’vi down. Percy squirmed and writhed in his grip, kicking out his legs and lashing his tail.. “Go on! Cry! Just prove to everyone how useless— fuck! You fucking bit me?!” Scanlan pulled one of his hands back, the shape of Percy’s teeth on his wrist.

Vex was getting a little overwhelmed. They had never seen Scanlan quite like this before. "Scanlan, stop this!” She snapped.

“He bit me!”
Percy was squirming half panicked under the crushing grip. He was so much smaller than Scanlan thanks to lack of proper food and the combat training that the rest of them had gone through.

Vex lunched forward and tried to pull Scanlan off, grabbing for his kuru. Vax rushed in as well grabbing Scanlan by the tail and pulling hoping the pain would make him back off.

It didn't. Instead, Scanlan turned on Vex. “Stop defending him! He lied to us!” Scanlan shouted.

"Scanlan. Shut up!“ Vex shot back. 

“You shut up!” 

Vax had gotten Percy away and he was currently a trembling sobbing mess in her twin’s arms.

"Scanlan. You have to stop this!“ Vex snapped at him as Keylith moved in to help Vax calm Percy down.

“Why do you keep sticking up for him?” Scanlan demanded. “He told the humans everything we did!”

"He didn't have a choice!” Vex shouted. “Scanlan! You don't know the half of the hell He went through!”

“What about my hell?” Scanlan jabbed his thumb back at himself. “I was ten! I remember everything! I was on my first hunt! They killed my mother!”

"They killed mine too, Scanlan!“ tears pricked in Vex’s eyes.

“You barely remember life before. I remember everything. I know what it means to be Na’vi. This traitor,” he snarled at Percy who was sobbing into vax’s chest. “Will never be one of us! He betrayed his own kind!”

"Scanlan! Vax and I remember very little of what it means to be Na'vi.” It pained Vex to admit that. “But I remember them killing my mother. I remember my father.  It's not Percy's fault that he was raised by them! It's not.”

“He didn’t have to listen. We were there. He should have listened to us.” Scanlan was lowering his volume, a tiny amount of regret creeping in as he continued to hear Percy cry.

Vex couldn’t help but remember Percy saying that the night before. "He wishes he would have handled things better too…” she whispered.

“He’s going to get us all killed one day. Or himself, for trusting any of them at all.” Scanlan muttered. “Allura was just going to use us.”

"We don't know that.“ Vex said.

“They all lie vex. All of them. All they do is take.” Scanlan argued, but the fight was going out of him. His nose was bleeding and his face was starting to bruise. 

"Just lay off Percy.“ vex hissed lashing her tail.

“Fine. But I’ll be watching him.” Scanlan hissed back.

Scanlan did look a little regretful as vax’s atempts to soothe Percy were met with more sobs and then Kira’s angry voice.

“What has happened here?!”

Vex nearly jumped at the sound of her tone. She had moved to  help with Percy.

Kira laid into scanlan once the others told her what had happened.
Percy was bruised up from the tussle.

Vex was doing her best to comfort Percy. She wasn't hearing anything Kira was saying. Vax still had him in his arms trying to coax him back into the soft blanket. Vex sighed, glancing at her brother. She hadn't  seen him so upset.

“Oh… they must have strapped him down in the labs… held him in place like that.” Vax realized.

"Yea.... a lot.“ Vex felt her heart ache. She’d thought that they could move past all of this quickly. She’d been so wrong. They hadn’t left their pain behind at TAP. They were still carrying it with them.

“Hell… I didn’t think… why did we let them fight? Scanlan is so much stronger…” Vax looked so guilty as he held Percy close to him.

"I was just happy he stood up for himself.” Vex admitted.

“So was I… and hell he can really throw a good punch.” Vax sounded a little proud at that. “I bet scanlan’s nose is broken.”

"It probably is.” Vex agreed.

“Good.” Vax went back to trying to sooth Percy. He was still trembling his eyes wide and staring but not seeing.

"Shh. Breathe, Percy.“ Vex gently started to help her brother sooth him.

“Please… please stop… it hurts…” Percy’s voice was a tiny broken thing.

"Percy. You are safe.” Vex felt her heart breaking.

“I don’t think he can really hear us stubby…” Vax said quietly.

"I don't Know what to do." vex said helplessly.

“I don’t either… when this happened before he wouldn’t react until he literally passed out from it.” Vax said running his fingers through Percy’s short hair.

"I hate seeing him like this.” Vex said.

“So do I…” they’d never found a way to bring him out of these before.

"I don't know what to do... I wish I could do more.” Vex hated feeling useless.

“I keep trying the blanket. He loves soft things.” Vax said trying to move and reach for it without letting go of percy.

"Yes, he does.“ vex grabbed up the blanket for him.

“He won’t let me move him. He won’t let go of me.” Percy was indeed clinging to Vax like his life depended on it. Which in Percy’s mind it probably did.

"He does that too.” Vex couldn’t help but nearly smile at that.

“Alright. Just help me with this blanket.” Vax said.

Soon they got Percy situated with the soft woven blanket around Percy’s shoulders. “I hate Ripley… he shoulder be this terrified of anything. Let alone a single person.” Vax muttered.

"I agree completely.” Vex said bitterly.

“I don’t know how to feel… none of this should have happened to any of us… but I can’t imagine not having any of them in our life.” Vax was cradling the back of Percy’s head.

Vex had to agree. She didn’t want to be without their friends. Not even Scanlan. Even if he was being a jerk right now he was still their friend.

Thats when Kira came over. “Is Percy hurt as well?” She asked them.

"He's just shaken and bruised." Vex spoke softly.

“Tell me what happened.” Kira said gently.

"Scanlan got onto Percy. He snapped back. They got into a fight.“ Vex explained.

“The others told me that part. His nose is broken.” Kira confirmed and Vax smirked. Kira sighed. “I will make a calming tea for Percy. Perhaps we will just spend the day here.”

”thank you.” vex smiled and watched as Kira began to dig through her pack for herbs. She called Keylith over to help her and the two of them started making a tea.

“You don’t have to worry. I’ll keep an eye on Scanlan. For now have Percy drink this.” She handed vex the clay cup not full of tea.

"Thank you. I'll do that. Once we get him settled I'm going to take a walk.” Vex told her.

Kira nodded in understanding. “Don’t go far from the camp. And take your bow and knife.”

“I will.” Vex promised her. "I can find us something to eat while I'm out.”

“Something small. Yerik or teylu.” Kira told her. “Just be careful.” Kira left them alone.

Percy had gone stone still but at least he’d stopped sobbing.

"Hows he doing?“ Vex scooted back over to them.

“Well… he’s not crying any more. But he’s still stiff as stone.” Vax said his hand rubbing gently up and down Percy’s back.

Vex sighed," Here, Percy. Smell this." She held the cup close to Percy’s face. His nose did twitch a little, sniffing. "That's it, Percy. You need to try to drink this.“ He blinked and reached out a shaking hand for the cup. Vex carefully helped him grab the cup.

“Both hands.” Vax said gently.

Percy nodded and sipped at the tea. It had been sweetened with stagfly honey.

'"There you are, ma’yawntu." Vex spoke softly. The first time she'd ever called him that and it just slipped out. He looked up at her with those pale eyes. So unlike other na’vi but it suited him in a way. Vex smiled back at him, “can you say something for me?”

“Sorry…” he murmured.

Vex’s heart softened. "You didn't do anything wrong.” She assured him.

“I hit him…” Percy whispered.

"He deserved it.” Vex told him.

“I thought he was going to hurt you…” Percy’s voice was still quiet as he sipped at his tea.

"He didn't, though." Vex did admit she thought Scanlan would too.

“He was so mad…” vax was still rubbing Percy’s back. “I didn’t want to tell them anything…”

“I know Percy.” Vex told him, smoothing his hair out of his face.

“We all know.” Vax said. “They forced you. It wasn’t your fault.”

"Scanlan is just upset and not dealing well. He's just looking for someone to blame. If you weren't here he'd find someone else to yell at.” Vex said keeping her voice gentle.

“I just wanted him to shut up…” Percy half sobbed again.

"I know. We all know.” vex watch him just hold the clay cup in his hands.

Vax rubbed Percy’s back coaxing him to drink more of the tea. He did. His tail stopped its agitated twitching. 

"There we go. That's it.” Vex smiled encouragingly.

Percy sighed softly. Everything kinda hurt now. Scanlan had slammed him hard into the floor. Bruises had already started to form on his back. His knuckles were even bleeding. He’d really let scanlan have it for those few moments.

"We need to treat  your hands Percy.” vex said reaching out for them.

“Let him finish the tea first.” Vax said softly. He was more concerned about Percy’s back. Even closed up like it was it had to be in a lot of pain. Vex nodded and waited.

Percy finished the tea, wishing the cup wasn’t so small. He’d never had tea back with the humans, but he’d seen it and loved how even human tea smelled. But this was so much better.

“I’ll go get the pot.” Vax said standing up and letting Vex wrap her arm around Percy.

Percy settled more after a second cup of tea. He was starting to look exhausted. 
"Percy? Would you like to get to sleep?“ Vex asked him.

“Don’t we have to leave?” Percy asked blinking slowly.

"We are going to stay here for the night.” Vax told him. “Kira said so.”

“Again…” Percy felt guilty.

"Percy. It's not your fault. It's Scanlan.” Vex told him.

“I hit him first…” Percy had his ears pulled back.

"Sure but he goaded you into it.” Vax said. 

“I’ve never done that to anyone before…” Percy argued.

"He has been pushing you for days.” Vex said. “You had to defend yourself.”

“What if I hurt someone?”

"Then they probably deserved it.” Vex said simply.

“Oh…” Instantly Vex knew that probably wasn’t the right way to put that.

"Percy. I didn't mean in your case. What happened to you is not your fault. What I meant is that if you personally hurt someone.. you had a good reason to." Vex believed that. Percy had such a good heart. "Scanlan started that. He is completely fine. He hurt you more than you could hurt him.”

“I know but… I don’t really feel it.” Percy’s back was splotched with bruises.

"You are bruised, Percy. You were in the right today.” Vax told him and Vex nodded.

“Okay…” percy finally nodded. He set his empty cup down and gave Vex his hands to look at like she’d asked before.

She smiled and took them gently, “how are they feeling?” She asked him.

“The one hurt  form before really hurts now…” Percy told her.

"Which one is the worst?“ vex asked. Percy held up the one they’d cut the tracker out of, which hand then been torn horribly by sy’ldor. "Oh, Percy... I'll help you feel better.” Vex promised.

Percy nodded his eyes a little pleading. “Please…”

Vex smiled wishing she could just  kiss his forehead like she had when they were both very little. It had always made him giggle. "Anything else?“

“Just my back and the back of my head…” Percy told her.

"Back of your head?“ vex asked.

“Yeah...” Percy touched it where his neural queue connected.

Vex had a look at it and found a small lump right at the base of Percy’s kuru. “It’s just a little bump.” She said knowing it was from when Scanlan had pinned him to the floor.

Carefully her and Vax got Percy laid back down on one of the sleeping mats and wrapped up into a few more blankets where the younger na’vi curled up and fell into and exhausted sleep. 

Chapter Text

Vex was awoken by the smell of Kira cooking breakfast. Percy was still nestled against her, the blanket curled around his body along with his tail. She glanced over and smiled," good morning. Oh I said I was going to hunt. Sorry.“ Vex saw the strips of fatty meat Kira was cooking.

“That’s alright. You both needed extra sleep.” Kira smiled at her as she worked.

"Alright.” Vex crouched down next to the older na’vi.

“Later tonight you can help me dry the meat.” Kira told her. “You can hunt soon.” Vex smiled. Yes, she wanted to hunt very much. A real hunt, the way it was supposed to be. “I can see how much you want it.” Kira said to her.

"I definitely do. I miss what it feels like.” Vex admitted.

“I know the feeling. When I’m farther along I won’t be able to hunt for a while.” Kira placed a hand on her stomach in a protective gesture. “I will enjoy it while I can.”

By the time the others were awake the food was done and everyone could eat before they set off again on their journey. It was good. Everything tasted good after years of eating fake garbage.

"Amazing. This is so good, Kira.” Pike beamed.

“My mother taught me this one…” Kira told them. “she would have been Tsaík if sy’ldor had chosen her. She was gifted healer…”

Vex smiled softly," she sounds lovely.”

”she was.” Kira nodded her eyes sad. “Another one of sy’ldor’s cruelties… he sent her to deal with a thanator that had escaped the sky people… but the poor creature wasn’t… right… it’s didn’t have it’s kuru… it’s crazed… hunting with no end…” Kira took in a sharp breath. “And it killed her…”

"Hell.. I'm so sorry.” Keylith’s hands rose to cover her mouth in horror.

“It took ten hunters to bring that thing down… to give it peace in Eywa… the sky people took its connection and drove it mad…” Kira explained.

Vex remembered Percy talking about ripely’s lab animals. How she’d cut off their kuru. And her interest in testing that on a na’vi. Vex took a shaky breath," Oh hell...”

“Why would they do that? Surely even they can see that creature was suffering…”

Percy pulled his ears back and the tip of his tail twitched back and forth. “Ripley…” he practically snarled the name.

"Easy Percy breathe..” Vex said gently.

“Ripley did that…” he murmured.

Kira looked at him. “Is that the name of the human hurting the animals?”

"Yes.” Vex nodded. “And the one that hurt him.”

Percy nodded.

“Did she leave with the others?”

"As far as we know they all left.“ Vex hoped that they hadn’t returned with the other humans. 

“Good…” Kira gave a grave nod. “the severed animals are still being hunted down… to give them peace.”

"As they should.” Pike said her hand on her chest.

“Yes. They will be safe in Eywa.” Kira agreed, “I only wish we didn’t have to waste the meat.”

"I know... I can't imagine the pain they are in.” Keylith shuddered.

“Neither can I…” Pike agreed.

“She said she wanted to do that to na’vi…” Percy murmured.

"I put that together.." vex spoke softly. Percy gripped his own kuru almost protectively. "Nothing is going to happen to you Percy.” She assured him.

“She’s going to come back…” his voice trembled slightly. “this place is a playground for her…”

"We won't let her hurt you.“ Vax said firmly.

“We won’t.” Kira agreed. “Soon you will have a whole clan. And clans look out for each other. Every one.”

“Like a family?” Percy asked shyly.

"Yes. Like a family.“ Vax said firmly. Percy smiled softly at that.

'We take care of each other.” Grog spoke up, his voice warm.

“I know.” The others had always taken care of Percy. Even Scanlan.
Kira ruffled Percy’s hair, which had already grown out significantly. He froze stone still at the unexpected touch. And Kira had never really touched him before.

"Easy Percy.” Vex said seeing the tension in his body. “It's alright. She's just being friendly.”

Kira pulled her hand back noticing her mistake, but Percy cut off her apology.
“Please ask first before I know you better.” He said very quickly and shyly.

Vex smiled softly. She was proud of him for standing up for his wishes. Afterwards they cleaned up their leftovers. They could eat them cold on the trail for lunch later that day. As they packed up their things to return to their pa’li. Percy checked his little makeshift gun before tucking it away into his bag again.

Scanlan eyed the gun which no one was sure actually worked.

Vex noticed this. "Scanlan please back off.” She said in an undertone.

“You’re not suspicious about that at all?” Scanlan questioned. “It’s a human weapon. We all hated them.”
Percy had never been part of their target practice lessons. Though his ability to take things apart had gotten him into a lot of trouble when he’d been found with a gun anyway.

"He's just creating.” Vex pointed out.

“He’s going to use it.” Scanlan shot back.

"Scanlan. You need to let it go.” Vex hissed, drawing her lips back in a snarl.

“I won’t let it go until I’m sure.” Scanlan said. “He’s too much like them vex. That has to bother you.”

"It's not his fault. It doesn't bother me because he's not like them.” She snapped.

“You’re fucking blind vex.” Scanlan turned to walk away from her.

"He's kind.” Vex said.

Scanlan let out a bitter laugh. “Even kind humans were cruel in their own way.” He muttered. “I can just see it in his eyes. Don’t think I’m going to be the last person he lashes out at.”

"Scanlan you need to relax.” Vax had stepped in now noticing them getting into it again.

“And you all need to listen to your elders.” Like Scanlan wasn’t only a few years older than the rest of them.

"Scalan, all you have been to him is rude and mean. Why would any of us trust your opinion?” Vex demanded.

“Because I’m not biased like the rest of you.” Scanlan pointed an accusing finger at the twins. “I’m careful. I don’t just look at someone once and decide they’re harmless.”

"Come on Scanlan.” Vax rolled his eyes.

“No. You come on. You know I’ve got a point. Hardly a word and one day he just violently explodes on someone. That’s not normal.” Scanlan snapped lashing his tail.

"You've been pushing him for days  Scanlan.” Vex hissed back getting angry now.

“And Ripley pushed him for years. And did far worse than talk. And yet he never ever lashed out at her.” Scanlan pointed out.

"He was terrified of her.” Vax hissed again.

“He was stronger than her though. Taller.” Scanlan tried to reason. “And still nothing even when he saw us stand up for ourselves.”

"He was convinced she would kill him.“ Vex lashed her tail really not wanting this to start again.

“So were the rest of us. He’s not special.” Scanlan said bitterly.

"Scanlan come on.” Vax was nearly pleading with their friend now.

“No. I have a point and you know it.” Scanlan said.

"The last thing we need right now is you trying to cause problems.” Vex spat.

“I’m pointing out very odvious things.” Scanlan gestured with his hands a little wildly. “The rest of you only still up for him because he was a cute baby.”

"He's a part of our family now.” Vax took a deep breath just wanting this argument to be over.

“You don’t have to like your family.” Scanlan pointed out. “You and Vex don’t like your father.”

"No we don't, but we have reason for that.” Vex felt color rise to her cheeks. How dare he compare Percy to her father?

“And I have my reasons. We should all be suspicious of Anything the humans corrupted.” Scanlan said.

"I don't want to keep arguing about this.” Vax sighed.

Scanlan turned on his heal and stalked over to his pa’li not looking back at them. He was gone and Pike took his place. “At least he’s not picking on Percy to his face…”

“I guess,” Vex shrugged.

“I know… I shouldn’t make excuses for him…” Pike pulled her ears back guiltily.

"He's being ridiculous.” Vax grumbled.

“I know.” Pike admitted.

"I don't know what to do…” Vex sighed.

“I don’t either…” pike bit her lip watching Scanlan with a quiet longing in her eyes.

"Pike, you want to share with the rest of us?“ Vex asked.

She blinked. “What?”

"You are just staring at him.” Vex said in a gentle voice.

Pike blushed. “I didn’t realize…” she let out a long breath. “I’m worried about him. Exiles don’t live long out alone…”

"He'll be ok.” Vax assured her.

“What if he decides to leave us?” Pike asked them.

"Then it's his choice.” Vex said.

“Vex. There’d be a hole in us without any of us being here.” Pike reminded her.

"I know. We will try to keep him here.” Vex said. If Scanlan would just drop everything about Percy then it would be perfect.

Pike nodded again.
The others were helping Kira spruce up the camp Incase it would be used again soon.

Vex smiled watching the others work, “we will figure this out.“

“I hope the Ashari aren’t too much further…” Vax sighed.

"Same here.” Vex agreed stretching out her sore limbs.

“Keylith is happier than I’ve ever seen her.” Pike smiled again.

“Vax is too.” Vex agreed she’d seen how Keylith’s happiness rubbed off so easily on her brother.

“Yeah. And Percy is talking more than I’ve ever heard him.” Pike added. “It’s like he’s a different person.”

"It honestly is.“ Vex had to agree.

They were all getting ready to leave now and Vex walked up to Kira, who was watching Percy with the pa’li. He was petting one of them along its long snout.

"How sweet.“ Vex smiled fondly.

“He’s been very interested in the animals.” Kira said.

"I see that.”

“Small children normally are.” Kira said.

"He's not really a child.” Vex said her tail twitching in slight annoyance. 
 
“He didn’t get to grow up properly at all.” Kira pointed out. “Let him act that way for a while at least.”

"That's fair enough.” Vex relaxed again.

Kira nodded. Percy was giving the pa’li some treats now. “You all have so much life to make up for.”

Vex had to privately agree. She couldn’t remember ever feeling like a child in TAP. It had always been a cold existence filled with fear. She walked over to Percy and the pa’li.

Percy was talking to the pa’li. “Sorry… I don’t know how to ride.”

She smiled, “they don't care.” She told him gently.

“She wants me to though.” Percy said quietly.

"Oh. She does?” Vex said interested. Percy nodded. Then vex noticed he’d connected his kuru to the pa’li’s. He’d wanted to see what the bond was like. "I see. Well.. I'll teach you to ride soon.” She promised.

“I’d like that.” Percy smiled softly. He smiled at her and tried to disconnect his kuru but he was stuck.

"Percy?“ Vex asked in concern.

“I’m stuck…” he sounded scared. His emotion affected the pa’li and she started to paw at the earth with a hoof.

"Easy Percy.” Vex held up her hands to gentle his anxiety “Breathe. Stay calm. I'll get Kira."

“Please hurry…” Percy said quietly trying to breathe deeply as she’d said.

"Of course. Keep breathing." Vex went looking for Kira. She found the older na’vi putting out the last embers of their fire. "Kira. I need you to come with me.” She said quickly.

“What’s happened?” Kira stood up.

"Percy needs you.” Vex said starting to lead her back.

Kira nodded and followed her. “Is he still with the pa’li?”

"Yes.“ vex nodded. They went down the steps of the camp to where Percy was standing with the pa’li. Percy had done his best to stay calm but both him and the mare were very agitated when they arrived.

"Percy you need to breathe.” Vex said gently when they reached him.

“I’m trying….” Percy and the pa’li’s eyes were both wide.

"I know.” Vex said soothingly “Kira. He can't break the connection.”

Kira nodded and gently coaxed the bond to let go. The pa’li snorted and trotted away. 
“You need to relax to make the connection break.” She told Percy gently. “Next time you want to try call me. You don’t have the experience yet,”

Vex nodded," I didn't know how to help“

“You’ll all learn.” Kira assured them both. “But you still have a lot to learn before you can have a life long bond with anything.” She looked back at Percy. “That was your first bond? Was it good at first before you go stuck?”

“Yes.” Percy nodded his body slowly relaxing again.

Kira smiled at him. “That’s good. Once we’re with the Ashari you will learn to ride. I promise.”

vex was just glad percy didn’t seem afraid at the idea of bonding again. He’d done it all on his own, trying to connect to an animal without being prompted. Sure it hadn’t gone the best but he hadn’t gotten hurt and neither had the pa’li. It was a very good first step in her opinion.