Night came and the three of them made a campfire and laid down around it. Taytin had fallen asleep after a while, his side pressed against Maybell's. Maybell and Spider stayed up, talking. Maybell was laying down with her head in Spider's lap. Spider had his back against a tree and was stroking her hair, playing with the dark strands. Maybell sighed softly and closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of his fingers running through her hair. She was getting sleepy, her eyes growing heavy.

"Go to sleep, Webs. You look exhausted." Spider said gently, seeing how tired she was.

"I am, a little. But I'm also enjoying this." Maybell admits, opening her eyes a bit and smiling at him. "I gotta be honest, I like it when you play my hair." She trailed off, her voice soft and drowsy, her smile turning a little shy.

Spider chuckles, his fingers continuing their gentle rhythm through her hair. "Yeah? Good to know I've got a skill you actually like. Guess I'll have to use it more often."

"Don't get cocky," Maybell teases, though her words were barely above a whisper. She let out another content sigh, her body relaxing further against Taytin's warm side and Spider's lap. "But yeah, it's nice. You're good at it."

Spider smirks, though there was a warmth in his expression as he looked down at her. "Well, don't get used to it. Only special occasions, got it?"

"Sure, whatever you say," She murmurs, her smile softening as her eyes fluttered closed. "But I think you secretly like it too."

Spider rolls his eyes but couldn't hide his grin. "Yeah, yeah, keep dreaming, Webs." He did like it though. But he wasn't going to say that out loud. The fire crackled softly between them, casting flickering shadows on the surrounding trees. The forest seemed calmer here, with Taytin's imposing presence keeping the dangers of Pandora at bay.

Spider's hand stills for a moment, and he glanced down at Maybell. "You know," He said quietly, not wanting to disturb the peace, "You're kinda amazing, Maybell. I don't think I'd be half as brave as you, taming a Palulukan and all."

Maybell's lips curvs into a faint smile, though her eyes remained closed. "I didn't tame him, Spider," She murmurs sleepily. "We're just...Connected. He chose me, just like I chose him."

Spider nods, even though she couldn't see him. "Yeah, well, I'm glad he did. You're safer with him than anyone else. But you know," He adds with a grin, "I'm still your best friend, right? No giant predator is taking my place."

Maybell let out a soft laugh, her voice barely audible as sleep overtook her. "No one could take your place." She sleepily murmured, her words trailing off as she drifted into a peaceful slumber. Her breathing evened out, and Spider could feel the weight of her head fully relaxing against his lap.

He smiled softly, his hand resuming its gentle rhythm through her hair, more for himself now than for her. The flickering light of the fire cast a warm glow over her features, highlighting the faint freckles on her cheeks and the curve of her lips. There was something about seeing her like this—so calm and vulnerable—that made his chest tighten. She was beautiful, but it wasn't just her looks. It was everything about her—the bravery, the kindness, the stubbornness that drove her to befriend a creature like Taytin.

Spider shakes his head slightly, a quiet laugh escaping him. "You really are something else, Webs." He murmurs, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "No one could take your place either."

Her breathing evens out, and Spider leans back against the tree, watching her for a while. Taytin let out a soft rumble in his sleep, his massive form rising and falling steadily. "Best sleepover ever." Spider whispered to himself with a small smile, his hand resuming its gentle motions through Maybell's hair as the forest around them glowed softly in the night.

As the fire crackled softly, Maybell's breathing slowed, her head nestled comfortably in Spider's lap. Her face was serene, illuminated by the soft glow of the bioluminescent plants around them. Spider gently combed his fingers through her dark hair, careful not to wake her, but he found himself lingering, his gaze fixed on her peaceful expression.

She looked...Different somehow. More radiant. She always looked beautiful, but for some reason tonight felt different. Maybe it was the way the soft glow of the bioluminescent plants painted her features, or how the flickering firelight danced across her skin, highlighting every curve and detail with a soft, otherworldly warmth. Or perhaps it was simply the quiet moment itself, the stillness and connection they shared in this untamed world. Whatever it was, Spider couldn't look away. 

His chest tightened, and he felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the campfire. He tried to shake it off, but his eyes kept drifting back to her, mesmerized by the way the light danced across her skin. A low rumble interrupted his thoughts. Spider turned his head to find Taytin watching him, his glowing eyes narrowed in what could only be described as scrutiny.

Spider froze, feeling a bit like he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't. "What?" He whispers defensively, trying to keep his voice low so as not to wake Maybell. "I wasn't doing anything!"

Taytin's gaze didn't waver, his tail flicking behind him in a slow, deliberate rhythm. Spider frowned, something clicking in his mind as he studied the Palulukan's expression. It wasn't just judgment he saw there—it was protectiveness, a silent warning.

"I get it," Spider mutters after a moment, his voice quieter now. "You're her guardian, her big scary friend. You're making sure I'm not gonna hurt her." He glances down at Maybell again, his chest tightening all over again. "But you don't have to worry about that. I'd never hurt her."

Taytin let out a soft huff, his ears twitching as if to say, I'm watching you anyway. 
Spider couldn't help but smile, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. You've got her back. But so do I, big guy." He leans down slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "She means a lot to me too, you know." For a moment, Taytin held his gaze, the glow of his eyes steady and unyielding. Then, with a deep sigh, the massive predator settled his head back down on his paws, closing his eyes.

Spider exhales, relieved but also a little shaken by the unspoken exchange. He glanced down at Maybell one more time, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "You've got a pretty intense bodyguard." He murmured softly, his voice fond. Taytin let out a low chuff, as if acknowledging the comment, but didn't lift his head.

Spider chuckles under his breath, leaning back against the tree. "Alright, point taken." He whispered, his gaze drifting back to the fire. But even as he tried to focus on the flames, he couldn't help but feel that Taytin's message had hit home. Maybell wasn't just his best friend—she was someone worth protecting. Someone worth everything.

****

A few hours later, the peaceful stillness of the forest was shattered by the distant sound of explosions and the glow of flames. Maybell jolted awake, disoriented, her heart pounding in her chest. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of smoke billowing in the distance and the eerie orange glow that illuminated the treetops. The campfire they had made earlier was long extinguished, but nearby fires lit up the chaos.

Then the screams reached her ears. Panic shot through her like a jolt of electricity.

"Spider!" She gasps, turning to him. He was still leaning against the tree, dozing. She grabs his shoulder and shakes him roughly to wake him up. "Spider, wake up!"

He grumbles, his eyes fluttering open, disoriented. "What? What's going on?" He asked, his voice heavy with sleep.

"The Sky People!" Maybell exclaims, her tone urgent. "They're back! Look!"

Spider's eyes shot open as he took in the smoke and flames. He curses under his breath, sitting up quickly. "That's not good," He mutters, grabbing his bag. "We have to get out of here and warn the others!"

Taytin had already woken, his keen senses alerting him before either of them noticed the danger. His ears were pinned back, and his glowing eyes darted toward the sounds of distant gunfire and explosions. The Palulukan let out a deep, guttural growl, his entire body tense with readiness.

Maybell rushes to Taytin's side, placing a calming hand on his flank. "Taytin, we need your help," She says, her voice urgent but steady. "We have to get to camp—fast." Taytin met her gaze, his intelligence shining through as he seemed to understand the gravity of the situation. He crouched low, allowing her to climb onto his back.

"Come on, Spider!" Maybell calls out, reaching out a hand to him. Spider hesitated, his wariness of Taytin still evident even in the chaos. But the urgency of the moment won out. He grabbed her hand, letting her pull him up behind her. "Hold on tight!" Maybell told Spider.

Spider obeyed, wrapping his arms around her middle to steady himself as Taytin surged forward. Maybell's cheeks burned at the closeness, but there wasn't time to think about it. Taytin moved with unmatched speed, weaving through the dense forest with precision. He leapt over fallen logs and dodged low-hanging branches with ease, his powerful strides eating up the distance between them and their home.

Maybell's heart pounds as they raced through the forest, her thoughts consumed by worry for her family and friends. "Please let everyone be okay."  She whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of Taytin's paws thundering against the ground.

Spider tightens his hold slightly, his own voice quiet. "They'll be okay, Maybell. They have to be."

Taytin let out a determined roar, his glowing markings intensifying as they neared the source of the chaos. The sight of the Palulukan's strength and resolve gave Maybell a spark of hope. Whatever awaited them at camp, she knew they wouldn't face it alone.

****

Meanwhile moments before the chaos at camp started, a young Na'vi girl in her late teens named Zeyrala moved swiftly through the forest, her ears flicking as she tuned into every sound. The soft hum of Pandora's nocturnal life surrounded her, glowing plants lighting her path. Her tail swished eagerly behind her, betraying her excitement as she approached their hidden alcove. It was their place—untouched and known only to the two of them, where they could just be themselves without the weight of duty and expectations.

As she reached the familiar trail, her sharp eyes caught a glimpse of him. Neteyam was crouched by the stream, his long tail curled lazily around him, flicking slightly as if in thought. His fingers skimmed the water's surface, sending ripples dancing across the pool. His bow was set aside nearby, a rare moment where he let his guard down.

"You're late." He spoke, his ears twitching as he turned his head, smirking without even looking fully at her.

Zeyrala places her hands on her hips, her own ears flicking back in playful annoyance. "Or maybe you're just early, Neteyam."

Finally, he glances up, his amber eyes glowing faintly in the bioluminescent light. His tail swishes lazily before uncurling, a smirk spreading across his face. "Or maybe you just missed me too much to keep track of time."

She scoffs, moving closer and swatting at his arm. "Don't flatter yourself, mighty warrior. I was helping my dad with hunting—doing something useful, unlike someone lounging by a stream."

Neteyam laughs, rising gracefully to his feet. His tail brushed against hers, the subtle contact sending a shiver up her spine. "And yet, here you are, sneaking off to find me. Admit it, Zeze, you can't resist me."

"Maybe I can't." She replies, stepping closer until their chests nearly touched, her ears perking up slightly as her tail playfully looped around his. "And maybe you should be grateful for it."

"Oh, I'm very grateful." He murmured, leaning down until their noses nearly touched. His hands found her waist, his thumbs brushing lightly against her sides. His tail tightened briefly around hers, the affectionate gesture as natural as breathing between them.

Zeyrala's ears flicks slightly as her ears flicked forward and her tail and her tail wrapped loosely around his in response. The gesture was instinctive, a quiet acknowledgment of their bond. She tilts her head, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Grateful enough to not tease me if I happen to be late next time?"

Neteyam laughs softly, his ears swiveling back briefly before perking up again. "Not a chance. Teasing you is one of my favorite things."

Zeyrala sighs, her ears folding back slightly as she leaned into him. "You're impossible." She muttered, though there was no real bite to her words.

"I think you mean loveable." He teased, his tail tightening briefly around hers before letting go.

She rolls her eyes but smiles, tugging his hand to lead him. "Shut up and come sit with me before I change my mind and go find Rukan instead." Zeyrala teased, turning on her heel as if to leave. Her tail swished playfully behind her, but she didn't look back, knowing full well what kind of reaction her words would provoke.

Neteyam's ears shot upright, and his eyes widens briefly before narrowing. "Zeyrala," He calls after her, his tone holding a warning edge as he watched her walk away. "You wouldn't dare."

She glances back over her shoulder, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Wouldn't I? He's probably out hunting, being all strong and impressive. I bet he wouldn't tease me as much as you do."

That did it. Neteyam sprang into action, darting after her as her laughter rang through the air. "Zeyrala, I swear—" Before she could get far, his strong arms wrapped around her waist, lifting her clean off the ground. She yelped, her ears flicking in surprise as her tail whipped around in protest.

"Neteyam!" She squeals, laughing as he hoisted her over his shoulder with ease, his grip firm but careful. Her fists playfully beat against his back. "Put me down, you skxawng!"

"Not a chance," He growls, his ears flicking back as his tail swished behind him in triumph. "If you think I'm letting you anywhere near Rukan, you're more delusional than I thought."

Zeyrala couldn't stop laughing, her fists giving up their mock assault to rest against his back. "You're ridiculous! I was joking!"

"Doesn't matter," Neteyam shot back, carrying her toward their favorite spot. His grip tightens slightly as he adjusted her weight, his tail curling in satisfaction. "You're staying here where you belong—with me."

"Who says I belong to you?" She raises her eyebrows, tilting her head to the side. "I don't belong to anyone."

Neteyam's ears twitches, his gaze locking on hers as his tail flicked with a mix of frustration and amusement. "Oh, really?" He said, his voice low but teasing. "You don't belong to anyone, huh?"

Zeyrala smirks, crossing her arms as best she could while still draped over his shoulder. "That's right. I'm my own person. Not some prize for anyone to guard." Neteyam stopped abruptly, his tail lashing once in a mixture of frustration and determination. Gently, he slid her down from his shoulder, keeping her close as her feet touched the ground. His hands rested firmly on her waist, and his ears flicked forward with purpose.

"You're not a prize, Zeyrala," He said, his voice steady and sincere. "You're strong, fierce, and free. I know that. I didn't mean it like that, I'm sorry. But you mean a lot to me. More than I can even put into words." His golden eyes softens, his tone holding an honesty that made her heart stutter. "I just...I can't help wanting you close, that's all."

Zeyrala blinks, momentarily caught off guard by the shift in his demeanor. Her teasing smirk faltered, replaced by something warmer as she placed a hand on his chest. "Neteyam..." She began, her voice quieter now. "I know. I was just teasing you."

His ears relaxes slightly, though his tail still swayed restlessly behind him. "Sometimes I can't tell if you're serious or just trying to make me lose my mind."

"Maybe it's both," Zeyrala shrugs, her grin widening as her playful spark returned. Her fingers traces idle patterns against his chest, and she tilts her head up to meet his gaze. "But don't act like you don't love it."

Neteyam sighs, though a smirk tugged at his lips. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And yet, here you are," She quips, her tail curling around his in a gentle, teasing gesture. "Still wanting me close, even when I'm driving you crazy."

"Because you're worth it, Zeze." He responds without hesitation, his golden eyes locking onto hers. His tail tightened briefly around hers, a gesture as natural as breathing between them. "Every moment of it."

Zeyrala blinks at his words, her ears flicking slightly in surprise. For a moment, she didn't respond, her teasing demeanor giving way to something softer. Finally, she huffs lightly and tugs at his hand. "Come on, skxawng," She said, turning and leading him toward the nearby stream. "If you're going to say things like that, the least you can do is sit with me while I figure out how to handle you."

Neteyam chuckles, his steps falling in sync with hers. "Handle me? I thought you were the one driving me crazy."

"Exactly," She shot back with a sly grin. "But even chaos needs a break sometimes." Reaching the water's edge, Zeyrala sank down gracefully onto a flat rock, pulling him down beside her. The cool breeze from the stream brushed against them, carrying with it the gentle sound of the flowing water.

Neteyam stretches out his legs, resting his elbows on his knees as he gazed at her. "This is nice," He admits, his tail flicking lazily behind him. "But don't think this means I've forgiven you for threatening to go spend time with Rukan."

Zeyrala laughs, her ears perking up as she leaned back on her hands. "Still stuck on that, huh? You're cute when you're jealous."

"I'm always cute, but I'm not jealous." He said quickly, though the flick of his tail betrayed him.

"Sure, you're not." She teases, nudging him lightly with her shoulder. "But for what it's worth, Neteyam, you don't have anything to worry about. There's no one else who could ever make me feel the way you do."

His ears perks up slightly, and a soft smile curved his lips. "Good," He said simply, his voice warm. "Because I feel the same." They sat in companionable silence for a while, the sounds of the forest blending with the bubbling of the stream. Zeyrala let her hand drift into the water, creating gentle ripples. Finally, she glanced at him with a smirk.

"You know," She began, her voice playful again, "I could still outrun you if I wanted to."

Neteyam raises an eyebrow, his smirk mirroring hers. "Oh, really?"

"Really," She said confidently, flicking water at him before jumping to her feet. "But I'll let you sit there and enjoy this moment instead." Before he could respond, she darted off into the trees, her laughter ringing out behind her. Neteyam sighed, shaking his head fondly as he stood to chase after her.