Maybell was eight years old when she first encountered the young Palulukan. It was a warm, glowing evening on Pandora, and the jungle buzzed with life. She had wandered deeper than usual, her notebook clutched in her hands as she followed the faint trail of glowing spores drifting lazily in the air. Her boots crunched softly on the mossy ground as she scanned her surroundings, her wide eyes taking in every detail.

A soft, pitiful whimper broke the serene ambiance. Maybell froze, her heart thudding in her chest. Slowly, she turned toward the sound, her curiosity outweighing her fear. Pushing aside a curtain of thick vines, she found a young Palulukan—a Thanator. Its sleek black body was marred by a gash along its side, and its glowing markings pulsed faintly. The massive predator, even as a juvenile, was terrifying, but its golden eyes met hers with a mix of pain and wary curiosity. Maybell's breath hitched, and for a moment, she considered running. But then the creature whimpered again, and she felt her heart ache.

"It's okay," She whispers, her voice trembling. "I won't hurt you." She inched closer, keeping her movements slow and deliberate. The Palulukan watched her, its muscles tense, ready to flee—or attack. From her satchel, she pulled out a small medical kit her mother insisted she carry on her adventures.

"You're hurt," She murmurs softly, crouching low to appear less threatening. "I can help." The Palulukan growled softly, a warning, but it didn't retreat as she extended her hand, palm open. After what felt like an eternity, the creature sniffed her hand and relaxed slightly. Maybell smiled, her fear giving way to awe.

"See? I'm a friend," She said, gently applying a salve to its wound. The Palulukan flinched but didn't lash out, its golden eyes never leaving her face. "I think I'll call you Taytin. It means Titan," Maybell said softly, her voice barely louder than a whisper. "Strong and mighty—just like you." The Palulukan's golden eyes blinked slowly, as if acknowledging her words. His tense posture eased further, and for a moment, the predator and the girl simply regarded each other in silence, the dense forest around them alive with the hum of bioluminescent life. 

"Take care of yourself, Taytin." She murmured, rising slowly to her feet. The creature didn't move as she backed away, watching her retreat with an expression that almost seemed thoughtful. 

****

It wasn't long before Maybell and Taytin crossed paths again. Each time, the encounters became less about cautious observation and more about an unspoken understanding. Taytin began to follow her during her explorations, always keeping a respectful distance. One day, when Maybell was sketching a cluster of glowing plants near a shallow stream, Taytin approached her boldly, his massive form moving with a predatory grace. She froze, her pencil hovering over the page as he stepped closer, his glowing markings shimmering in the twilight.

"Hey, Taytin." She greeted softly, her fear replaced by excitement. Taytin lowered his head, sniffing at the notebook in her lap before nudging it gently with his snout.

"You like it?" She asks with a small laugh. She held up the sketch for him to see. "It's just some plants. Not as cool as you." Taytin huffed, almost as if in agreement, then settled down beside her, his tail curling around his massive body. From that day on, he became her silent companion, his presence both a comfort and a reminder of Pandora's untamed beauty.

****

Maybell was fifteen when her secret was exposed. She had ventured deeper into the forest to meet Taytin, who was now a full-grown Palulukan, his size and power undeniable. They were sitting in a sun-dappled clearing, Taytin sprawled beside her as she ran her fingers through the sleek fur along his neck.

"Maybell!" Her uncle's voice rang out, sharp and urgent. Both she and Taytin froze. Jake emerged from the underbrush, his eyes widening in disbelief as he took in the scene before him. His gaze locked on the massive predator at her side.

"Get away from that thing!" He barked, his hand already moving toward his weapon.

"No!" Maybell shouts in fear, leaping to her feet and positioning herself between Jake and Taytin. "Don't hurt him!" 

Taytin rose to his full height, a low, warning growl rumbling from his chest as he stepped protectively in front of Maybell. His glowing eyes fixed on Jake, who froze mid-step. Maybell didn't care about possibly getting hurt all she cared about was protecting him. Maybell didn't care about the risk to herself; all that mattered was protecting Taytin. She stretched her arms out as if her small frame could shield the massive creature behind her. 

"He's not dangerous!" She cries out, her voice trembling but resolute. "Not to me!"

Jake's eyes flicks between her and Taytin, disbelief and anger battling in his expression. "That's a Palulukan, Maybell. You have no idea what it's capable of!"

"I know exactly what he's capable of!" Maybell shot back, her voice rising. "And he's not an 'it'. His name is Taytin and he's my friend." Taytin's growl deepened, his stance lowering as if ready to strike. The bioluminescent markings along his body flared slightly, a warning to Jake to stay back.

"Maybell, step away," Jake said through gritted teeth, his hand tightening around his weapon. "Now."

"No!" She tells him, her hands outstretched as she remained standing in front of Taytin protectively. "You don't understand! Taytin's not just some wild animal—he's my family too!"

Jake hesitates, his gaze shifting to Taytin. The Palulukan's sharp eyes bore into him, unyielding and unafraid. But Jake also noticed something else: the way Taytin's growl softened ever so slightly when Maybell spoke, the protective way he positioned himself, not as a threat but as a guardian. "Family?" Jake echoes, his voice quiet but strained. "Maybell, this is insane. How long—how long has this been going on?"

"Since I was ten," She admits, her voice steady now. "I found him hurt in the forest, and I helped him. We've been friends ever since."

Jake stares at her with wide eyes, baffled by her admission. "You've kept this from me for five years?!" Taytin growled when Jake had stepped closer with a raised hand but only to run his hand over his face as he sighed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want to keep this a secret but I knew you would forbid me from seeing him. I couldn't let that happen." She places a hand on Taytin's side, stroking the sleek fur in a soothing motion. "He trusts me, Uncle Jake. And I trust him."

Jake takes a step closer, testing the waters. Taytin growls again, his tail lashing behind him. Jake pauses. "Look, kid, I know you're an animal lover and all that, but a Palulukan is not a pet! They're killers!"

"He's not a pet," She sighs heavily. "And he's not like that, not to me." She insists, placing a calming hand on Taytin's side. The great predator's growl softened at her touch, though his piercing gaze never left Jake. "He'd never hurt me. He protected me since I met him."

Jake stares at the pair, his hand hovering near his weapon. "Maybell, you can't just—" He was torn between finishing his thought and the conflicting emotions welling up inside him. On one hand, his instincts screamed danger—this creature, this Palulukan, was a top predator, a menace to anyone who crossed its path. But on the other, the sight before him was undeniable: the bond between Maybell and Taytin was real. It was more than just trust—it was understanding, connection, maybe even love.

"You can't just keep a creature like this hidden and expect me to be okay with it," Jake finally said, his voice softening, though the tension in his body remained. 

"I don't expect you to understand right away. But I need you to trust me, Uncle Jake," She interrupts, her voice steady. "He trusts me. I trust him. Just...Look." She gestured gently toward Taytin, stepping back slightly but keeping one hand on his side to help keep him calm. Taytin lowered his head, his glowing eyes still fixed on Jake, but the growl faded to a soft rumble as he mirrored Maybell's calm demeanor.

Jake studied the massive creature, the bioluminescent patterns along its body pulsing faintly in time with its steady breaths. Despite its immense size and ferocity, Taytin leaned ever so slightly into Maybell's hand, a sign of trust and affection Jake couldn't deny. Jake let out a slow breath, lowering his hand from his weapon. "You're telling me this thing—this apex predator of Pandora—has been...Watching out for you?"

Maybell nods, her voice soft but resolute. "He's more than that, Uncle Jake. Taytin's my friend, my partner. He's saved me more times than I can count, and I've done the same for him. We're a team."  

Taytin, as if sensing the shift in tension, relaxed slightly. His tail stopped lashing, and he sat back on his haunches, still keeping a protective stance between Jake and Maybell. "Look at him, he's like a big puppy." She cooed as she scratched under Taytin's massive chin. The Palulukan rumbled softly, leaning into her touch with a contented huff. His bioluminescent markings pulsed gently, as if reflecting his relaxed state.

Jake raises an eyebrow at her, disbelief written all over his face. "A big puppy? Maybell, that's a Palulukan—one of the most dangerous predators on Pandora. You don't call it a puppy'" But Maybell just grinned, scratching under Taytin's massive jaw. The great beast tilted his head slightly, his glowing eyes narrowing in what looked suspiciously like contentment. 

"See? He's a sweetheart." She said, her tone teasing. "Aren't you, Tay?"

Taytin let out a low rumbling sound that resembled a purr, leaning into her touch. Jake threw his hands in the air, pacing a few steps back. "Unbelievable," He mutters. "The thing purrs. It actually purrs. What next, is he gonna fetch sticks?"

Maybell giggles, shaking her head. "No, but he does love belly rubs." She faces the creature with a grin. "Don't you, buddy?" In response Taytin eagerly moved to roll onto his side, exposing his massive belly to her, a gesture of trust so profound it made Jake freeze mid-step. The sight of the fearsome predator lying there, utterly relaxed, was almost too much for him to process.

"You're kidding me," Jake mutters, staring at the scene in disbelief. "This has to be the craziest thing I've ever seen—and I've seen a lot."

Maybell kneels beside Taytin, her hands brushing gently over his fur as he rumbled contentedly. "He only does this for me," She said proudly, scratching the Palulukan's side. "It took years for him to trust me like this."

Jake folds his arms, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "I guess he's not gonna eat you, but what about everyone else? What happens if someone stumbles on this 'big puppy' of yours and doesn't know how to handle him?"

Maybell looks up at him, her expression serious. "Taytin avoids other people, Uncle Jake. He doesn't really like any other people anyway. But he knows the difference between friend and foe. And he's not dangerous—not unless you make him feel like he has to be."

Jake rubs his temples, his protective instincts warring with the undeniable bond he was witnessing. "May, you're my niece, I can't—" Jake's voice trails off as he looked at her, his jaw tightening. He hesitates, the weight of his words hanging in the air. "Your parents would've never agreed to this. They'd have done everything to keep you safe from something like this."

Maybell's expression softens, her eyes glistening with emotion. "I know, Uncle Jake," She frowns. "I miss them every day. But they taught me to be brave and to trust my heart." She adds softly. "Taytin's not just some dangerous animal. He's my family now, and I think mom and dad would've understood that eventually—if they saw what I see in him."

Finally, he let out a long breath and raises his hands in defeat. "Fine. You win. But if Neytiri finds out, you're explaining this, not me. Got it?"

Maybell's grin returns, bright and victorious. "Got it."

Jake points a finger at Taytin, who tilted his head curiously. "And you," He firmly said, narrowing his eyes. "You keep her safe, or you and I are gonna have a problem." Taytin let out a low chuff, his glowing eyes meeting Jake's. It was almost as if he understood the unspoken agreement between them.

Shaking his head, Jake turns to leave. "Unbelievable," He mutters to himself again. "A pet Palulukan..."

"He's not a pet!" She calls after him, her voice teasing. "He's family!" Jake waved a hand dismissively without turning around, muttering under his breath as he disappeared into the forest.

Maybell turns back to Taytin, her grin softening into something more affectionate. She leans forward, resting her forehead gently against his. "See? I told you he'd come around eventually." Taytin rumbled softly in response, his glowing eyes half-closed in contentment. He nudged her shoulder with his massive head, careful not to use too much force, as if sharing in her victory.

"Now," Maybell said, sitting back and crossing her legs. "How about we go for a run before heading back? Uncle Jake might be cool with us now, but I don't want to push it by bringing you too close to home." At the word "run," Taytin perked up, his tail swishing with enthusiasm. Maybell had taught him many English words. It was tough and she had to figure out ways to communicate with Taytin that felt natural to him, but it was worth it. "Run" was one of his favorites, and his excitement now was proof of that.

Maybell laughs, recognizing the familiar invitation. "You're such a show-off, Tay." She teased, climbing onto his back. Once she was secure, Taytin bounded forward, his powerful legs carrying them effortlessly through the glowing forest.

As they raced through the bioluminescent landscape, the wind rushing past her and Taytin's rhythmic movement beneath her, Maybell felt a surge of pure joy. Pandora was wild and untamable, but in Taytin, she had found a kindred spirit—one who would always have her back, no matter what. And as for what Uncle Jake told her, well, she'd handle Neytiri later. For now, she was content to lose herself in the untamed beauty of her home, with her unlikely protector and closest friend by her side.

****

The next day, Maybell found herself back in the same clearing with Taytin. The morning had been a mix of quiet exploration and playful antics, and now the two of them basked in the serene afternoon glow. The sounds of Pandora's vibrant forest surrounded them—chirping creatures, rustling leaves, and the occasional distant calls of unfamiliar animals. Taytin lay sprawled beside her, his massive body stretched out in a way that made him look even more formidable. Yet, his head rested delicately against her thigh, just enough to touch her without putting his full weight on her leg. He seemed to sense his own strength and was always careful with her, a trait Maybell found endlessly endearing. His bioluminescent patterns glowed faintly in the dimming light, pulsing in rhythm with his steady breaths.

Maybell sits cross-legged, one hand gently brushing through the soft fur along his neck. Her other hand rests on the grass beside her, her fingers idly plucking at the vibrant green blades. "You know," She starts, breaking the peaceful silence, "If anyone saw us like this, they'd probably think I've lost my mind." Taytin's ear twitched at her voice, and he rumbled softly, a sound that could have been agreement—or maybe just his way of reminding her he was listening.

She chuckles. "Yeah, yeah. I know what you're thinking. 'You're the sane one, May. Everyone else just doesn't get it.'" She tilts her head to look at him, her grin softening into a fond smile. "But you really are something, Tay. I mean, look at you. Big, terrifying Palulukan, just lounging here like a giant housecat." Taytin cracked one glowing eye open, his sharp gaze meeting hers. The corner of his mouth twitched in what she could only describe as a smirk. Then he huffed, the warm air brushing against her arm.

"Okay, fine, not a housecat," She admits with a laugh. "You're way more awesome than that." She leans back on her hands, looking up at the sky. The alien sun was beginning to set, painting the horizon in shades of deep purple and brilliant orange. "It's just...I can't imagine life without you now. You're not just my friend, Taytin. You're family. I wish everyone could see you like I do."

Taytin shifts slightly, nuzzling closer to her leg with surprising gentleness for a creature of his size. The gesture warmed her heart, and she reaches out to scratch under his chin, earning another low, contented rumble from the massive predator. "I love you too, buddy." She smiled softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Taytin responded with a deep chuff, his glowing eyes flickering open for just a moment before closing again, utterly relaxed. His trust and affection were unmistakable, a bond forged through years of care and mutual understanding.

As the tranquil moment stretched on, neither Maybell nor Taytin noticed the faint rustling in the underbrush nearby. Spider Socorro was hiding, sneaking through the foliage with his usual playful mischief in mind. He had made a habit of surprising Maybell whenever he could, enjoying the banter and shared laughter that always followed. Today, though, his plans were about to take an unexpected turn. Spider crouched low, his movements silent and precise. He had grown up on Pandora, learning to move with the grace and stealth of the Na'vi. A grin spread across his face as he spotted Maybell sitting in the clearing with Taytin. He planned to leap out and startle her—but then he froze.

His eyes widened as he took in the sight of the massive Palulukan lying beside his best friend, its head resting lightly on her leg. For a moment, Spider felt his breath catch. How is she alive? he thought, his heart racing. Taytin's glowing eyes were closed, his posture utterly relaxed, as if he were nothing more than a loyal pet. Spider's curiosity overwhelmed his initial plan, and he crouched there, watching in stunned silence. As Spider shifted slightly to get a better view, a twig snapped beneath his boot. Taytin's ears flicked, and his eyes shot open, glowing ominously as he raised his head. A deep growl rumbled from his chest as he sniffed the air. Maybell jolted, startled by the sudden change in Taytin's demeanor.

"What is it, Taytin?" She asked, her brow furrowed as she followed his gaze toward the dense foliage. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Spider stepping cautiously into the clearing, his hands raised in mock surrender.

"Whoa, easy there, big guy." Spider said nervously, his grin strained. "I'm friendly."

"Spider?!" Maybell exclaims, her voice a mix of disbelief and exasperation. "Dude, should've given us a warning! And how long have you been spying on us?" Spider smirked, though he kept a wary eye on Taytin, who had risen to his full, imposing height. The Palulukan stood protectively in front of Maybell, his hackles raised, and a low growl emanating from his throat.

"Not spying," Spider said quickly. "I was just—uh—passing through and thought I'd say hi."

"Passing through?" Maybell repeats, crossing her arms and glaring at him. "Yeah, right. You were trying to scare me again, weren't you?"

Spider shrugs, his grin turning sheepish. "Maybe. But I wasn't expecting that." He gestured toward Taytin, whose glowing eyes remained locked on him while continuing to stay on high alert.

"Well, you got more than you bargained for," Maybell said, exhaling as she placed a calming hand on Taytin's side. "Hey, it's okay, Taytin. He's my best friend. He's not going to hurt me."

Taytin rumbles but didn't move, his gaze never leaving Spider. Spider stayed still, looking at the large creature near his best friend. He still couldn't get over the fact Maybell was so close with this beast. Maybell strokes his fur soothingly, her voice soft as she reassured him. "See? He's harmless. You don't need to protect me from him."

Spider chuckles nervously. "Harmless, huh? Don't tell him that. I think he's deciding whether or not I'm worth eating."

Maybell rolls her eyes but smiles. "Don't be so dramatic. He's not going to eat you." She turns to Taytin and added in a teasing tone, "Right, buddy? No eating my friends." The Palulukan huffed, his ears twitching as if in response. Slowly, he lowered himself back down, though his body remained tense, and his gaze stayed on Spider.

"Wow," Spider murmurs, cautiously stepping closer. "I can't believe this. How did you even..." He trails off, shaking his head. "I mean, a Palulukan? Seriously, Maybell? You've always been good with animals, but this is next-level crazy."

Maybell shrugs, a proud smile tugging at her lips. "What can I say? We just...Understand each other."

Spider crouches a safe distance away, studying Taytin with a mix of awe and wariness. "Does he...Like, let you pet him and everything?"

"Of course," Maybell replies, scratching behind Taytin's ear, eliciting a deep purr from the massive creature. "See? He's a big softie once you get to know him. He even loves belly rubs."

Spider raises an eyebrow. "Yeah, I'll take your word for it. So, uh," A curious and hopeful look etched on his face as he tilts his head to the side. "Do you think he'd let me try?"

Maybell hesitates, glancing at Taytin. "I don't know. He's not exactly a fan of new people. Especially guys. I think maybe one hurt him in the past. He's only met Uncle Jake and is still kinda wary with him, but..." She pauses, her hand resting on Taytin's shoulder. "If you're careful, and if Taytin's okay with it, maybe." Spider held his breath as Maybell murmured something soft to Taytin. The Palulukan's glowing eyes flicked to Spider, and he let out a low grunt, his tail flicking behind him.

"I think that's a yes," Maybell grins. "Go ahead. Slowly." Spider reached out cautiously, his hand trembling slightly as he brushed it against Taytin's skin The Palulukan stiffened but didn't growl, his ears twitching as if considering the contact. 

"Whoa," Spider breathes out, his grin widening. "This is...Incredible."

Maybell beams, watching as Taytin gradually relaxed under Spider's touch. "Wow." She said softly, her voice filled with awe and pride. "I didn't think he'd warm up to you this quickly."

Spider chuckles nervously as he continued to pet Taytin, his fingers brushing through the surprisingly soft fur. "Yeah, well, let's not push our luck. He still looks like he's deciding if I'm friend or food." Taytin let out a low huff, his tail swishing lazily behind him. It was as if he understood Spider's words and wanted to reassure him—or maybe he was just tolerating the new human for Maybell's sake.

"See?" Maybell smiles, giving Taytin an affectionate scratch behind his ear. "He's a good judge of character. He can tell you're not a threat."

Spider glances at Taytin nervously. "Or he's just biding his time," He jokes, though his grin was genuine. "But seriously, Bell, this is insane. How did you even make friends with a Palulukan? I mean, they're literally the most dangerous predators on Pandora."

Maybell shrugs, her smile softening. "I don't know. It just...Happened. I think he could tell I wasn't a threat either. And maybe he saw that I needed a friend as much as he did." She chuckles when she spotted Taytin looking upset when Spider suddenly stopped petting him. "Better keep going before he changes his mind about not going after you."

Spider laughs nervously but obliged, continuing to stroke Taytin's fur. "Great. No pressure or anything," He mutters, though the unease in his tone was giving way to genuine amazement. "Hey, uh, how about we have a sleepover here?" Spider suggested suddenly, grinning with a mix of excitement and mischief. "You know, under the stars, with your new giant cuddle buddy keeping us safe?"

Maybell laughs, shaking her head. "A sleepover? With a Palulukan? You really have a death wish, don't you?"

Spider shrugs, his grin widening. "Come on, it could be fun. Plus, who's going to mess with us when we've got Taytin here? He's like the ultimate security system."

Maybell glances at Taytin, who was still watching Spider with a mixture of tolerance and curiosity. "I don't know," She nervously says. "Taytin's okay with me, but he's still figuring you out. I'd rather not wake up to find he's decided you're not worth keeping around."

Spider raises his hands in mock surrender. "Fair point. But seriously, Bell, this place is amazing. I mean, look at us. Hanging out with a Palulukan like it's no big deal. Who else can say that?"

Maybell smiles, her gaze softening as she looked around the clearing. The bioluminescent plants glowed softly, casting an ethereal light over everything. "Yeah," She admits. "It is pretty amazing. I never thought I'd feel this connected to something—or someone—like Taytin."

Spider flops onto the grass with a dramatic sigh, staring up at the sky. "Well, if he's cool with me sticking around, I say we make a night of it. You, me, and Taytin against the world."

Taytin let out a low, rumbling sound, and Maybell laughs. "Sounds like he's already vetoing the idea."

"Aw, come on, big guy," Spider said, sitting up and giving Taytin a hopeful look. "I'm starting to think you don't like me. What do I have to do? Bring you some dinner? Sing you a lullaby?"

Taytin's ears flicks at the sound of Spider's voice, and he let out a low huff that almost sounded like a scoff. Maybell giggles stroking Taytin's fur again. "Looks like he's not convinced yet. You might have to work harder than that, Spider."

Spider flops back down dramatically, his hands covering his face. "Great. I've been rejected by a giant alien panther. My ego will never recover."

Maybell shakes her head, a smile tugging at her lips. "He doesn't hate you; he's just...Cautious. You're lucky he hasn't decided to chase you off. Taytin doesn't trust easily."

Spider peeks through his fingers, his expression softening. "Yeah, I get that. He's been through a lot, hasn't he?"

Maybell nods, her gaze thoughtful as she looked at Taytin. "I think so. He has scars—old ones, like he's fought for his life more than once. But even with all that, he chose to trust me. It's kind of amazing, really."

Spider sat up again, his eyes filled with genuine admiration. "It is. And honestly, Bell, I'm not surprised. You've always had this way with animals. You see them for who they really are, not just what they look like or how dangerous they seem."

Maybell's cheeks flushes slightly, not expecting that comment, and she glances down at Taytin with a shy smile. "Thanks, Spider. That means a lot."

Taytin let out a deep sigh, his glowing eyes closing again as he rested his head near Maybell's leg. She scratches behind his ears, her movements slow and gentle. "See? He's already relaxed again. You just have to give him time."

"So, sleepover?" 

Spider's hopeful tone broke the calm and Maybell rolls her eyes, laughing softly. "You're really not letting this go, are you?"

He grins, lying back in the grass with his hands behind his head. "Come on, Bell. You, me, and your giant not-so-scary friend. It'll be like old times—only way cooler. Plus, who wouldn't want a sleepover in a glowing forest with the ultimate bodyguard?"

Maybell glances at Taytin, who had shifted slightly to get in a more comfortable position, but kept one ear tilted toward their conversation. She hesitates, her fingers idly tracing the patterns of his bioluminescent markings. "I don't know, Spider. Taytin's okay now, but he's still getting used to you. I don't want to push him too far."

Spider props himself up on his elbows, giving her a pleading look. "I promise I'll stay on my best behavior. No sudden moves, no jokes about becoming Palulukan chow. Just two best friends hanging out—plus one giant predator who definitely doesn't think I'm funny."

Maybell couldn't help but laugh at that, shaking her head. "Alright, fine. But only because you asked so nicely. And if Taytin so much as growls at you, you're sleeping in the trees."

Spider pumps his fist in victory. "Yes! Best sleepover ever. I'll even take first watch. You know, just in case some other apex predator decides to crash the party."

"I feel like you don't have to do that with Tay here," Maybell teases, gesturing to the massive predator lounging beside her. "He's pretty much the ultimate security system. Who's gonna wanna mess with us when we have him?" Taytin let out a low rumble, almost as if in agreement, and shifted closer to Maybell, his tail curling slightly around her legs in a protective gesture. She smiled fondly and leaned back against the tree she sat in front of.

Spider laughs nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, noted. But, you know, better safe than sorry right? I mean, it's not like Pandora doesn't have plenty of other things that can eat us in one bite." Maybell rolled her eyes, her hand moving to scratch behind Taytin's ears again. The massive predator closed his eyes, clearly enjoying the attention, his body relaxed yet alert to every sound in the forest.

"Fine, Spider," She said with a smirk. "You can keep watch. But if you wake Taytin with your paranoia, you're on your own."

"Nah, I won't be paranoid, I'll be fine," Spider replies, grinning as he leaned back against a nearby tree. He glances at Taytin, who cracked one glowing eye open at him before huffing softly and settling back down. "I think we're finally bonding. Look, he didn't growl at me this time."

"Don't push your luck, Spidey." Maybell warned, though her tone was lighthearted. But she noticed Spider tried to cautiously pet Taytin again, who didn't growl like she expected him too. Instead Taytin sniffed Spider's hand briefly before huffing again and closing his eyes.

Spider froze, wide-eyed, before glancing at Maybell with a triumphant grin. "Did you see that? He didn't bite my hand off! That's progress!"

Maybell chuckles, smiling as she shakes her head in disbelief. "Yeah, progress. Just don't push it, okay? He might be tolerating you now, but that doesn't mean you're completely out of the woods."

Spider nods, still smiling as he settled back against the tree, his confidence clearly boosted. "Noted. I'll keep the hand-petting to a minimum. For now." Taytin let out a soft rumble, almost as if acknowledging the conversation, before curling his massive body around Maybell protectively. His tail thumped once against the ground, then stilled as he drifted off into a light doze.

Maybell leans back against him, her smile softening as she glanced at Spider. "You know, he's really not as scary as everyone thinks. He's got this...Soft side. You just have to give him a chance."

Spider raises an eyebrow, gesturing toward Taytin's massive claws and razor-sharp teeth he got a glimpse of earlier. "Yeah, 'soft side' is definitely not the first thing I think of when I see that. But hey, I'll take your word for it."

Maybell rolls her eyes, but her laugh was genuine. "You'll see. By the end of the night, he'll probably be your friend, too."

Spider snorts, settling more comfortably against the tree. "If he doesn't eat me first, sure. Friends it is." As the night deepened, the trio sat in a rare moment of tranquility, surrounded by the glowing flora of Pandora. Despite Spider's jokes and lingering nerves, the bond between Maybell and Taytin remained unshakable—a living testament to the unexpected friendships the wild beauty of Pandora could foster.

A/N spider & maybell >>>>