The next morning, Maybell walked alongside Kiri, Spider, and Lo'ak as they made their way through the camp, heading toward the buildings where the Avatars stayed. 

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft glow over the camp, and the sound of quiet chatter filled the air as they walked, their footsteps blending with the ambient noises of the forest. It was a peaceful morning, but there was an underlying weight to the day. Grace's avatar body, which was kept in an amino tank, was a place Kiri visited often. Grace had been Kiri's mother, but she had tragically died in battle. Although Kiri was too young to remember much about her mother, the recordings and the presence of Grace's avatar helped her feel close to the woman she barely knew. Maybell, who had known Kiri for years, often went with her to comfort her during these visits. Today, however, Spider and Lo'ak decided to join them, offering their own brand of support in their unique ways.

"So, you think Neteyam and Zeyrala will end up together?" Spider asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Oh, definitely." Maybell nods. "I've seen the way they look at each other." Her eyes glinted with amusement, knowing exactly how deep the unspoken connection between the two was.

"I agree." Kiri chimed in with a soft smile, her voice casual, but there was something knowing in the way she said it. She had witnessed their interactions countless times, and it was clear that the two were more than just friends.

"Took the words right out of my mouth." Lo'ak chuckled, shaking his head, clearly amused by the ongoing dynamic between Zeyrala and Neteyam.

"I hope they get together soon." Maybell added with a sigh, her tone half playful and half exasperated. The teasing between Neteyam and Zeyrala was sweet, but the tension was palpable. She was ready for them to stop dancing around each other.

"Oh, same." Spider agrees with a grin. "It's kind of getting annoying seeing them flirt and be all lovey dovey without actually being together."  

"Yeah, but it's still sweet." Maybell smiled fondly, thinking of the way they would steal glances at each other and exchange soft smiles. Despite the frustration, it was hard not to find it endearing. The two had no idea, however, that Kiri and Lo'ak had shared a knowing look behind them. They had been observing Maybell and Spider for a while now and shared the same thoughts. Both of them could see the connection between the two, even if Maybell and Spider couldn't.

"Do you think they will though?" Kiri asked once Maybell and Spider had walked a few paces ahead, their voices becoming softer as they moved further away.

"Definitely. I just don't think either of them will say anything. They'll just keep dancing around each other." Lo'ak explains with a smirk, looking at Kiri as if they were in on some kind of inside joke.

"Agreed. Those two are hopeless." Kiri chuckled softly, rolling her eyes, but her smile never left her face.

"And dumb." Lo'ak added with a playful grin, drawing a laugh from Kiri.

"They'll get there eventually, though." Kiri shrugged with a sigh, walking forward to join the others. Inside the building, the smell of Earth air hit them as soon as they stepped in. Spider immediately removed his oxygen mask, his breath filling his lungs with the foreign air, but he winced at the discomfort. 

Spider takes his oxygen mask off once they were inside. "You know what really sucks though? Is you can breathe Earth air for hours and I can only breathe your air for, like, ten seconds." He glances at his best friend with a pout. "And you don't even need a mask which I still don't really understand and is totally not fair." 

Maybell chuckles and shrugs. "I dunno exactly why I can easily breathe air on Pandora. But Uncle Jake said my parents had made this kind of drug to help make breathing on Pandora easier for humans, especially for those who had spent a lot of time there. It might have something to do with that. They were working on it for years before I was born, though Uncle Jake said it got lost in the battle." She shrugs and continues, "I guess the whole thing just kind of got lost in the chaos, but I'm lucky it worked out for me." Her voice is light, trying to keep the conversation easy despite the sadness that sometimes lingers in her thoughts about her parents' absence.

Spider, always curious, frowns slightly. "That's crazy. So, it's, like, a permanent thing for you? Like, you'll never have to wear one of these stupid masks?"

"Pretty much," Maybell nods with a smile, "But it's not something I asked for. I didn't even know about it until I was old enough to understand. I just...I don't know, it's normal for me."

Spider grins but his eyes still show a little hint of jealousy. "Must be nice." He glances at where the masks were put up on the wall. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that thing."

Kiri, overhearing the conversation, gives Spider a sympathetic look. "Yeah, it's kind of unfair, but it's not like you can do anything about it. I mean, we all have our challenges."

Maybell moves to stand closer to Spider, her hand reaching out to touch his arm, wanting to offer comfort. "It sucks, but you know if there was anything I could do about it, I would."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." Spider says dismissively, waving his hand to show he understood. "Don't worry about it. I'll be fine." He gives Maybell a small smile. "Thanks."

Maybell smiles back and nods, her hand moving away. "No problem." 

After grabbing a mask for herself, she waves at Max, who was nearby with Norm. "Hey, Max." The Na'vi had to grab masks whenever they would go in the buildings since the buildings had Earth air. While the Na'vi can breathe Earth air, they still need the masks so they don't have trouble breathing.

"Hey, kids." Max greeted with a smile.

Spider then greeted Max and Norm as well, fist bumping them both. "Hi, guys."

Maybell looked over at Kiri when she noticed the girl heading over to where the tank where her mom's avatar body is stored. The shift in atmosphere is palpable. The playful tension of their conversation fades, replaced with a quiet reverence. Kiri slows her pace as they approach, her footsteps growing softer, and Maybell followed her, offering her silent support.

Kiri's eyes are locked on the tank as she stops in front of it, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "Hi, ma." She mumbled, her voice tender and thick with emotion. She stepped closer to the tank, gently resting her hand against the glass, as if she could feel her mother on the other side. And maybe she could. Maybell always admired Kiri's connection to Grace, even though Kiri had only the faintest memories of her mother. The bond seemed to transcend time and physical space, anchored in the love and stories Grace had left behind. It was a beautiful, bittersweet thing to witness, and Maybell felt a deep sense of respect as she stood quietly beside Kiri, letting the moment unfold.

Maybell stood beside Kiri, her heart heavy with the sadness that Kiri carries. She watched her friend in silence, wishing she could offer more than just presence. Despite knowing Kiri's connection to Grace was distant, seeing her like this, so vulnerable, always struck her in a deep way. Maybell felt a lump form in her throat as she watched Kiri standing in front of the tank, her hand pressed gently against the glass. The connection Kiri shared with Grace was something Maybell could never fully understand, but it was impossible not to feel the weight of it. Kiri had never truly known her mother, and yet, in these quiet moments, it was clear that she was still searching for something—some trace of the woman who had given her life, who had fought for the world they now called home.

****

Maybell stood beside Kiri, her eyes fixed on the recording of Grace, feeling a quiet sense of respect and wonder. She was alive when Grace was alive, but she had been so young at the time that most of her memories were blurry. The things she did remember, however, were enough to know that Grace had been an incredible woman—strong, wise, and loving. Kiri, though, had known Grace much more intimately, even if she didn't have the chance to form many memories herself. Maybell admired Kiri's connection to her mother and how, despite the distance, Kiri had held onto it so tightly.

Spider leaned against the tank beside them, watching the recording of Grace with a pensive expression. His elbow rested against the cool surface, but his attention was more on the interaction between Kiri and her mother than the images on the screen. The soft glow of the tank illuminated her face, and her eyes were distant as if she were lost in the past. Maybell could feel the heaviness in the air, but she didn't want to say anything that might disrupt the moment. She simply stood with her friend, offering silent support.

"So who do you think knocked her up?" Lo'ak suddenly asked, walking over to the teens.

Spider couldn't help but chuckle. "Pretty sure it was Norm." He said, nudging Maybell lightly with his elbow as if sharing an inside joke.

Maybell let out a small laugh. "Wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't." Maybell admits. "They seemed close in the videos."

"Totally." Lo'ak agreed.

Kiri sends a glare to them, turning to look at them. "You do not deserve to live." She she said with mock severity, turning to face them fully.

"No, no, no. Think about it, right? I mean, he's the teacher's pet. He's out at the lab with her all the time." Lo'ak pointed out.

"I would kill myself." Kiri said with a dramatic sigh, but the playful edge to her voice made it clear she was only half serious. "I would drink acid."

Maybell raises an eyebrow, leaning in slightly toward Kiri. "It wouldn't be that bad if Norm was your father, would it? He seems like a nice guy." She spoke with a playful smile, her tone lighthearted, though she couldn't help but notice how Kiri seemed to soften slightly at the thought.

Kiri's face shifts, and she shrugged nonchalantly. "I guess not," She admits with a hint of a smile, clearly not as opposed to the idea as she had made it seem. "Norm's okay." She added, rolling her eyes in an exaggerated way.

Spider, who had been watching the exchange with a grin, piped in. "Bro, you're right. He's, like, in every shot." Spider points out, causing the others to look back at the recording. Maybell noticed he was right. In almost every shot, Norm is either in the background working or talking to Grace. "Bro, look, he's sending her looks." Spider chuckled.

Kiri sends him a glare. "Hey."

"See, I'm thinkin' their two avatars were out in the woods all alone..."

"Gross!" Kiri interrupted Lo'ak, shoving him playfully and Lo'ak laughed. Maybell chuckled and shook her head.

"Guys, I mean, sometimes it's not so great to know who your father was." Spider's voice cut through the lighthearted banter, and the atmosphere around them shifted instantly. His tone was quieter now, heavier. The others fell silent, turning their attention to him, sensing the seriousness of his words.

They all exchanged glances, and Maybell's heart tightened. She knew what he was referring to—his father had never been a kind man. She couldn't imagine the burden Spider must carry, knowing the man who was supposed to guide and protect him had been cruel and absent. Her eyes softened as she stepped closer, silently offering her presence.

Spider sighs, his shoulders sagging as he pushed himself off the tank. He rubs the back of his neck, eyes focused on the ground as he avoided their gazes. "Whatever." He said, getting off the tank. "Don't even remember him." He turned away, leaning against the tank.

Maybell watched him, her brow furrowing. She hated seeing him like this, so closed off, hiding behind his usual bravado. Without thinking, she stepped toward him, gently pulling him into a hug. Spider stiffened for a moment, surprised, but then his arms wrapped around her in return, pulling her close. She could feel his breath on her neck, hot and shaky, and she heard him exhale, as if he had been holding it in for far too long. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his grip on her tightening as if he needed the closeness to ground himself.

"Spidey." Maybell sighs, frowning at him. When he didn't speak to her, she steps forward and hugs him. Spider returns the hug, holding her close. "I'm sorry." Now that he didn't have his mask on, he was able to bury his face in the crook of her neck easier. 

"It's okay." Maybell whispers, her voice a quiet sigh as she rubbed his back. Her fingers traced light circles along his spine, offering what comfort she could, but her heart ached for him.

When he didn't speak and tries to bury his face in her neck more, she gently pushes him back to get him to look at her. She cups his face in her hands, lifting his gaze to meet hers. "You're not him, alright? You're a great person, and you're nothing like him. Don't ever think you are."

Spider's eyes softens, a fragile vulnerability showing through the usual walls he built up around himself. He leaned into her touch, his shoulders relaxing slightly as if the weight of everything he carried could ease, just for a moment. His breath was still uneven, but the tension in his body had shifted, a subtle release as he allowed himself to feel something other than the pain of his past.

"Thanks, Maybell." He whispered, his voice barely audible, but the sincerity in it was unmistakable.

Maybell gently wipes away the small tear that had escaped his eye, her thumb brushing over his cheek. "You don't have to carry this alone, Spider. You never have to."

Spider's grip on her tightened again, his arms wrapping around her like he never wanted to let go. He buried his face in her shoulder once more, taking comfort in the warmth and presence of someone who saw him for who he truly was, not the shadows of his father's legacy. His breathing slowed, becoming steadier, though the vulnerability remained, like a crack in the armor he'd worn for so long.

Maybell holds him tighter, her own heart aching but also filled with an overwhelming sense of tenderness. "You're not broken, Spidey. You're not alone, and you're certainly not broken. You're stronger than you know." Her voice is soft but firm, a gentle reminder that no matter what, she would always be there to hold him up.

Spider let out a shaky exhale, the kind of breath that seemed to carry years of hurt with it. For a long moment, they simply stood there, holding each other in silence. The rest of the group had fallen into a quiet understanding, sensing the shift in the air. There were no words to offer, no casual banter or jokes that could undo the depth of Spider's pain—but in this moment, the quiet understanding between them was enough.

Spider finally pulls back just a little, his face still close to hers. His eyes, once guarded and cold, now looked softer, as if he was seeing her for the first time in a way he hadn't allowed himself to before. "I didn't know I needed to hear that, but I did." He admitted, his voice rough. 

Maybell smiles gently, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "Everyone needs someone, Spider. Even you."

For the first time in a long while, Spider allowed himself to believe it. He let go of the heavy burden, if just for a moment, and allowed himself to lean on someone who cared. And in that moment, Maybell knew that despite all the darkness Spider had faced, there was still light left in him. He just had to let it in.

"Thank you," He murmurs softly, his voice filled with gratitude that spoke volumes. "For being here."

Maybell nods, her smile unwavering. "Always."

****

Later that day, the group set off into the forest, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and vibrant greenery. The forest was alive with the sounds of nature—birds calling from the canopy, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot. Maybell, Spider, Kiri, Lo'ak, and Tuk moved with a natural fluidity, the bond between them palpable as they navigated the terrain. They had been exploring for hours, the journey a welcome escape from the confines of camp. Kiri was leading the way, her eyes scanning the ground and the trees for anything interesting. Tuk, as usual, had been distracted, lingering behind to examine a bright purple flower she had spotted by the edge of the path. Her curiosity was always endless, especially when it came to nature.

"Bro, why'd you bring her anyway?" Spider inquired.

"She's such a cry baby. She's all, 'I'm telling. You're not supposed to go to the battlefield. I'll tell mom if you don't let me come.'" Lo'ak mocked at they stopped in a clearing.

Tuk, who had just caught up, stuck her tongue out at Lo'ak in a defiant gesture, earning a soft chuckle from Maybell. "Don't pick on her." Kiri called out, her voice lighthearted but firm, sending a small glare to her brother.

"Come on!" Lo'ak encouraged as they all climbed a tree.

"Oh, sick!" Spider exclaimed as his eyes landed on something hanging from the branches, vines twisting and curling like natural ropes. The vines swayed gently in the breeze, and they could make out the outline of a strange object—something that didn't belong.

"Are there any dead bodies up there?" Tuk asked, her voice tinged with morbid curiosity as she peered upward.

Maybell couldn't help but laugh softly. "Tuk, why do you wanna know that?"

Tuk shrugs innocently, curioisity sparkling in her eyes. "It's just a question." She said, her voice light and playful as she adjusted her position to get a better look at the strange object hanging in the tree.

Eventually, the group made their way down from the tree, the sun dipping lower on the horizon, the light turning golden as evening settled in. They followed the winding path through the thick underbrush, the air cooler now, the forest growing quieter as they ventured deeper into unfamiliar territory.

"What is it?" Kiri asked when Lo'ak and Spider suddenly jumped down off the branch to look at something that got their attention.

"We're always supposed to be home by eclipse." Tuk reminded everyone, following the others who had knelt down on the ground after climbing down from the branch. Maybell watched as Lo'ak, Spider, and Kiri touched their hand on the ground, most likely to feel if someone or something was coming.

"It's way too big for a human." Kiri noted.

"Avatars?" Spider suggested.

"Maybe, but they're for sure not ours." Lo'ak responded.

Maybell followed the boys as they started tracking footsteps they found in the dirt. Kiri and Tuk followed them as well. Soon they have come across an old science facility that was covered in vines. Maybell's stomach tightened with unease, a sense of foreboding filling the air. "We should turn back." She whispered, but the others were already moving forward.

"We are never supposed to come here." Kiri warns quietly. They all hid behind some bushes after noticing someone at the building. "Dad is going to ground you." Kiri whispered to Lo'ak.

"Ssh." Lo'ak shushes. "Can you stop?"

"For life." Kiri added.

Lo'ak ignores her comment and glances at Spider with a grin. "Bro, we have got to check this out."

"Let's go." Spider agreed, moving forward carefully with Lo'ak. Maybell's heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of excitement and caution. She wanted to warn them, to say that this wasn't worth the risk, but something about Lo'ak's determination—and Spider's trusting gaze—made her hesitate. They were already deep into this, and she wasn't going to let them face whatever was ahead without her.

"Come on, Webs." Spider whispered, his hand reaching out to her. He knew she was nervous, but his voice was steady and reassuring, and despite her hesitation, Maybell found herself taking his hand.

"Okay." She agreed, nodding, her heart racing as she followed them toward the building. The group moved quietly, ducking behind some bushes to hide as they caught sight of figures moving in and out of the building. Maybell's breath caught in her throat when she recognized one of them—Quaritch, standing tall and imposing, his familiar form sending a shock through her.

"That's where your dad and my dad fought." Spider realized, looking at Lo'ak.

"That's your dad's actual suit." Lo'ak commented in surprise and Spider chuckled in disbelief.

Maybell's stomach churns. "I thought he was dead..." She whispered in shock, staring at the sight of Quaritch, alive and well, standing among the ruins. Her mind raced. She had seen her uncle in that final battle, and she had assumed Quaritch was gone, but this—this was something else entirely.

"Us too," Lo'ak said quietly, his voice tense. "I need to call this in."

"No, bro, we're gonna get in trouble." Spider said worriedly, but Lo'ak had already moved to walk away.

"Let's go." Lo'ak whispered to them. Spider shared a worried look with Maybell before they followed Lo'ak back to where Kiri and Tuk were. Soon Lo'ak contacted his dad with the communication device he had. It was around his neck and whenever he pressed a button, he could talk and whoever had one on the other end could hear him.

After Lo'ak finished the call with his father, they started heading back, the air thick with tension. "You're going to get in so much trouble for this!" Kiri hissed as they all moved swiftly through the trees.

"Shh! Kiri, stop." Lo'ak shushed her to try to get her to stay quiet so they don't get caught. 

"Guys, come on." Spider encouraged.

"It's almost eclipse, come on." Tuk added, her voice laced with worry as she glanced at the sky.

"Don't worry, Tuk, we'll make it back in time." Maybell reassured her, though she couldn't shake the uneasy feeling settling in her chest. They had uncovered something huge—something dangerous—and they weren't out of the woods yet. But they had to make it back to camp, and fast.

But then suddenly one of the things that looked like avatars by the old building stepped out of the trees and grabbed Tuk, causing her to shriek and the others stopped in their tracks. "Tuk!" Kiri said worriedly.

Both Lo'ak and Spider immediately raise their bow n arrows at the guy holding Tuk captive. Maybell's eyes widened as more men in armor and with guns appeared from the trees, one shouting at them to put the arrows down. Lo'ak is the first to reluctantly put his bow n arrow down, telling Spider in the Na'vi language to put his down. He doesn't at first, but after getting a look from Maybell, he listened and dropped his bow n arrow.

Maybell yelped as one of the men grabbed her, holding her against him and pointing his gun at her. He's holding her tightly, her arms pinned to her side. Spider looked ready to attack the man, but before he could another grabbed him. One grabbed Lo'ak and another grabbed Kiri as well. Kiri kept trying to tell Tuk to calm down in Na'vi, hoping that could help her be calm. Maybell glared at the man holding her and tried to get out of his grasp. The man just tightened his grip, causing her to wince. Spider looked at her worriedly and maybe a bit angrily, wanting nothing more than to free her. Maybell tried to tell him with her eyes that she was fine, but he wasn't so sure. He hated seeing her get hurt and he didn't like how the man was holding her.

"What have we here?" Quaritch asked, stepping forward. Everyone looked at him as he stood in the center of the circle that had been formed.

"Kiri!" Maybell worriedly spoke when one of the men by Kiri grabbed her arm, holding up her hand to Quaritch. Lo'ak shouted for Kiri in Na'vi, looking at his sister worriedly.

"Hey, Colonel, check it out. Four fingers. We got a half breed." The man grabbed her hair with his other hand, keeping Kiri in place as Quaritch looked at her.

Quaritch turns to Lo'ak. "Show me your fingers." Lo'ak acted as though he was going to, but then he gave him the middle finger with both hands. Maybell would've snickered if she wasn't so panicked and worried now.

Quaritch chuckles. "You're his, aren't you?" Lo'ak glares, snarling at him in response. "You're his, alright." He then glances at Maybell, raising his eyebrows. "And you, you're interesting. You're human yet you don't need a mask."

Maybell didn't say anything, glaring at him and staying silent. She didn't like this man and she didn't trust him. Quaritch then looks like he's realizing something. "You're his niece, right?" Maybell stays silent and glared at him in response. "Where is he?" He questioned.

"Like I would ever tell you that." She sassily replied. She had no intention of giving him the answers he wanted.

Quaritch smirks. "So, you've got some attitude. You're definitely a Sully."

As Quaritch turns to Lo'ak, he grabs Lo'ak hair tightly with a glare. "Where is he?"

In Na'vi, Lo'ak replies with, "Sorry, I don't speak English...To buttholes." Maybell would've snicker if she wasn't so anxious and worried.

"Where is your father?" Quaritch asked again, but this time in Na'vi which surprised Maybell. She didn't know he knew the language. Her eyes widen in concerned as Quaritch gripped Lo'ak hair tighter, causing him to grimace and glare at Quaritch. "Really? You wanna play it this way?"

Quaritch grabs a knife out, shoving him down. Maybell's heart raced as he turns to face her. "Hey! Hey, don't touch her!" Spider shouted. Lo'ak shouted for Quaritch to stop as well and tried to move over to her, but the man who had held him before grabbed him again.

"No, May!" Tuk exclaimed worriedly.

"Stop that!" Kiri also shouted with a glare.

"Let me go!" Maybell growled, struggling to get out of the man's grasp.

"Don't touch her!" Spider yelled again, anger and fear evident in his voice as he fought against the grip of the man holding him back. His eyes were locked on Maybell, and he was doing everything he could to break free, but the soldier's hold was too strong.

Quaritch pauses when he heard Spider and he turns to him. He then walks over to Spider with raised eyebrows. "What's your name, kid?"

"Spider Socorro." Spider reluctantly answered. He was worried for Maybell, but he was also concerned about himself now. Maybell watches anxiously as Quaritch gestures for the man holding Spider to let him go. Quaritch kneels in front of Spider, looking almost surprised. "Miles?"

"Nobody calls me that." Spider replied, continuing to glare at him.

"Well, I'll be da****d." Quaritch said with surprise. "Well, I figured they sent you back to Earth."

"They can't put babies in cryo, dips***t." Spider remarks. "Now, leave her alone." He demanded, pointing at Maybell. 

Quaritch chuckles, amused. He glances at Maybell and smirks, seeing her glaring. Then he looks back at Spider. "Why? You like her?" He inquired. He knew Spider liked her. It was obvious. He just wanted to hear it from the boy. But Spider didn't respond. 

"I'm gonna tell you something." He starts, putting a hand on Spider's shoulder. "You're too good for her." He then stands up, glancing at Maybell before looking back at Spider. "Just like her uncle and the rest of her family, she's no good." He stated, walking away. Maybell glared at him, her blood boiling at his words. She wanted to argue with him and say a comeback, but she held her tongue. Now wasn't the time.

Quaritch gestures for the man to hold him again, standing up. "What are we doin' boss?" The man holding Spider questioned.

Quaritch then used his communication device. "Iron Sky, Blue One, Actual. We are standing by for extract over. Be advised, we are bringin' in high value prisoners."

The soldiers moved quickly, each one approaching with a sense of purpose as they forced the kids into sitting positions. Maybell's heart sank as she felt the cold, unforgiving metal of the cuffs clamp around her wrists, the pressure sharp as they tightened them. She didn't make a sound, but the weight of the situation pressed down on her, more than any physical restraint could.

Kiri's voice broke the silence. "Let us go!" she demanded, her voice shaking with a mixture of anger and fear. Her eyes were wide, her breathing ragged as she struggled against the man who held her in place. The soldier holding her barked a harsh command. "Shut up!" He shoved her forward, his grip unyielding, and Kiri let out a soft gasp as she was forced to move.

Maybell's eyes darted to the others—Spider, Lo'ak, and Tuk. They were all struggling in their own ways, the fear and anger reflected in their faces. But they were together, and that gave her a sliver of hope.

Quaritch stood off to the side, watching them with cold satisfaction as the soldiers began securing them further. His eyes scanned the group, taking in the way they held themselves, the way they looked at him with defiance. He was enjoying this—enjoying their fear, enjoying the control he thought he had.

But Maybell wasn't about to let him win. They would find a way out of this.