This is like stones in my heart.

Tarsem is wise to his years. He will be a strong Olo'eyktan.

Kamari watches as Tarsem is appointed the new leader of their clan. So many emotions are circling through her mind as Neteyam tries to pinpoint how she's feeling through her eyes.

The leader must die so the leader can be born.

She watches as Tarsem 'kills' Jake. He holds his blade up, shouting as he 'stabs' Jake in the chest. Kamari knows none of it is real, but she still coils back, squeezing her eyes shut as the knife dives into Jake's chest all the same, unable to even watch it play out as a facade. Neteyam battles with himself over if he should grab Kamari's hand or not to comfort her. He doesn't.

When Kamari slowly opens her eyes again her features soften, noticing Neteyam's face fall while he watches the tortured expression on Tarsem's face.

It's not fair. Neteyam was supposed to be next in line to be the leader someday. What he's been training for his entire life... What he's always dreamed of doing. What he's desperately tried to fill his father's shoes for. And Kamari feels a small pang in her chest as she slowly reaches out, almost grazing Neteyam's arm, and feels the overwhelming amount of disappointment and sorrow radiates off his body. 

He would've made for a great leader, perhaps the best. Kamari has always been sure of that since the moment she met him. And now it's being ripped away from him before he can even find out.

Kamari can't even bring herself to look at Jake. The horrid desperation of fear and despair written all over his face and pouring out of his eyes would be enough to send her to her knees. 

She doesn't understand. She's upset, of course, but she also feels... anger. Frustration. 

How could Eywa let this be? How could the all mother allow this to happen? The Sully's, Jake, they are the kindest souls she's ever met. They saved her life in more ways than one. So why are they being punished? Why are they having to uproot their lives like this? Why is Jake having to give up his entire world? And why are they taking her with them?

Toruk Makto will disappear. The people will be safe.

The Sully's and Kamari begin to walk down the path their clan has left for them. Tears stream down Neytiri's face as she has to leave all she has ever known. Her entire life, her whole world. Kamari swallows hard as she holds back her tears, not allowing herself to cry in front of the entire clan. She had finally found a home, a place of comfort and belonging, and now it's being ripped from underneath her, slamming her harshly into the ground of forest. But she would rather go to the ends of Pandora with the Sully's than be left here alone. Of course the clan would be here, but she doesn't truly know them, not like she knows the Sully's. 

She doesn't belong with them.

Who she belongs with is the Sully's. 

And Neteyam made sure they knew that the night of the argument...

✬

"Dad, I need to talk to you." Neteyam voices, entering the tent after the yelling had died down. Jake looks over to his mate who still has tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Now's not a good time Neteyam."

"Please dad, it's important." Neteyam urges so Jake nods for him to continue. "If we're leaving, Kamari must come with us." He insists, though it comes out sounding more like desperate demand.

Jake looks beyond his son to his Neytiri as she meets his eyes. They both know what the other is thinking.

"Neteyam-"

"Dad, please!" Neteyam cries out. "They will come after her too, not just us! They saw her use her powers! They know she's valuable and they want her!" Neteyam raises his voice for the first time ever at his father. "Please dad, they'll take her..." His voice breaks. "They'll hurt her and experiment on her again, and-and I can't lose her dad, I can't-" He begins to hyperventilate as hot tears start streaming down his face thinking about all the vile things 'The Sky People' have done to her in the past, to his Kamari. He can't without leave her. He won't.

"Hey, hey, hey, shhh." Jake rushes over to his son, pulling him into a tight hug. "Son, son, listen to me, it's going to be okay." He glances up to Neytiri for confirmation and she nods. "Kamari will be coming with us- she is coming with us, alright?" Jake stresses, breaking through his son's panic.

"She will?" Neteyam looks up at his dad with teary eyes and begins to breathe again.

"Of course. No Sully is left behind." Jake stares into his son's eyes with determination. Him and Neytiri both know the girl will be apart of their family someday, even more than she already was. They were sure of it. And even though both young teens didn't understand it now, they would someday. For Jake and Neytiri know nothing, and no one, can stand in the way of fate. Not even them. And they wouldn't, ever.

Which is why Neytiri suggested right away that Kamari come with them....

"Then Kamari must come as well." She said to Jake in between sobs after he told her their family is their fortress. 

Jake looked at his mate in surprise, not because he disagrees but because she initiated the idea he already had the moment he knew they had to leave.

"Neteyam needs her, my Jake. And I will not let that young girl suffer at the hands of the demons any longer. She will not pay for what the outsiders have caused." Neytiri growls, harshly defending the innocent girl who she see's a lot of Jake in. That's what she admires so much. The young girls strength, and willingness, to do anything for their family. To protect them, no matter the cost.

✬

Kamari adjusts her arms, wrapping them tighter around Neteyam as the Sully family begins to fly away on their Ikrans. They all look back at their home one last time as it seems to slip further and further into the distance. Kamari tries to relax Neteyam with her powers as he places a hand on her thigh for more support, the other gripping his Ikran harder, both totally oblivious to what lies ahead for them as they leave behind the only place they've ever called home.

A sigh slips off Kamari lips as she sighs, laying her forehead against Neteyam's back, the lump in her throat tugging at her nerves. She's afraid of what awaits for them out there... and what will happen next.

One life ends. Another begins.

✬ ✬ ✬ ✬

Author's Note: Helloooo <3

Sorry I didn't update last week, I had midterms, but hope y'all enjoyed this chapter!

I adore Neytiri and Jake's love for Kamari so
much <3

Also, we arrive at the Metkayina clan next! Eeekkk!