The soft hum of the Pandoran night seeped into the modest research station nestled at the edge of the forest. The station, a small dome of reinforced steel and glass, stood as a fragile beacon of human ingenuity amidst the sprawling alien wilderness. Outside, the bioluminescent flora cast a soft glow, their shifting hues creating a dreamlike mosaic of light and shadow. Inside, Dr. Amanda Sully and Dr. Daniel Reed worked tirelessly, their movements methodical yet tinged with urgency.

Amanda, a biologist with sharp, intelligent eyes and a fierce determination, was the sister of Jake Sully, who had long since left behind his human body to embrace the Na'vi way of life and start his own family with his wife Neytiri. Though they had parted ways, Amanda felt a deep connection to Pandora, both through her brother's stories and the breathtaking reality of the world she now called home. Beside her, Daniel, her husband and fellow scientist, adjusted the settings on a complex piece of equipment. His dark hair was disheveled, and his sleeves were rolled up, revealing the tension in his arms. Despite the exhaustion etched into his features, his focus was unshakable.

In the corner of the lab, a small cradle held their newborn daughter, Maybell. Barely a week old, her soft cries blended with the hum of the machines. Amanda paused from her work, crossing the room to check on her. Her face softened as she reached into the cradle, gently brushing a finger along Maybell's tiny cheek. The baby stirred, her small fists curling instinctively.

"She's so small," Amanda murmurs, her voice barely audible over the lab's hum. "She didn't choose to be here, Dan. We have to make sure she can survive—really live—on Pandora."

Daniel approaches, wrapping an arm around Amanda's shoulders and turning to kiss the side of her head. "Baby, she will. But we can't rush this. She deserves more than a life confined to these walls, tethered to an oxygen mask. And just think about it, Mandy, this could change everything for the better." 

They exchanged a determined glance before returning to their project. The two had been working on a groundbreaking initiative for months, spurred by Maybell's impending birth. Drawing from Pandora's rich ecosystem, they had developed an experimental drug—one designed to alter human physiology at the cellular level. If successful, it would allow Maybell's body to process Pandora's atmosphere as if it were her own.

Later that evening, the stillness of the research station was broken by the arrival of Jake Sully. He stepped inside with the quiet ease of someone who had long since become a part of Pandora's natural rhythm. His tall Na'vi frame seemed to fill the room, and his golden eyes softened as they landed on the cradle.

Jake grins, his voice slightly gruff but warm. "So, this is the little miracle."

Amanda looks up, her smile widening at seeing her younger brother. "Meet your niece, Maybell."

Jake crouched by the cradle, his large Na'vi hand surprisingly gentle as he reached out. Maybell opened her eyes briefly, her tiny face scrunching as she let out a soft coo. She grabbed hold on one of his fingers with surprising strength for her small size. Jake chuckled softly, his deep voice resonating like the distant hum of Pandora's forests.

"She's got a good grip, Mands." He said, looking up at Amanda with a teasing smile. "Definitely a Sully. I can already tell we're going to be trouble together."  

Amanda laughs. "If by trouble, you mean spoiling her rotten and letting her climb all over you like a tree, then yes, probably."

Jake tilts his head, his expression mock-serious. "Hey, it's an uncle's job to spoil their niece." He turns to his niece, who was only about a couple days old, and smiles fondly at her. "What do you say, kid? Me and you against the world, huh?" His grin widened when Maybell let out another soft coo, her tiny fingers tightening their hold on his larger one as if she was agreeing with him.  

Amanda watches the interaction, her heart warming at the sight. "Oh no," She teases. "You're already making deals with her, aren't you?"

Jake shrugs, his mock-serious expression returning. "What can I say, Mands? This little one's already got me wrapped around her finger—literally."

Daniel enters the room, drying his hands with a towel. He raises an eyebrow at the sight of Jake crouched by the cradle. "You two plotting something already?" He asked, his tone light.

"Nah, Danny, just establishing our partnership," Jake replies, shooting Daniel a cheeky grin. "Maybell and I, we're gonna be a team. The ultimate duo."

Daniel smirks. "Well, as long as you're not teaching her to fly ikrans before she can walk, I think we're good."

"No promises," He says with a wink. "But don't worry, Danny, I'll make sure she learns the important stuff first—like how to outsmart her old man." Daniel chuckles and rolls his eyes at that. "Can I hold her?" Jake asked hopefully, glancing back at the cradle with a soft, almost reverent expression.

Amanda nods, smiling fondly at him. "Of course, bro, just be gentle. She's still so tiny."

Jake carefully slipped his hands beneath Maybell, his large fingers cradling her delicately. Lifting her close, he marveled at how small and fragile she felt in his grasp. "Hey there, little one," He murmurs, his voice unusually tender. "Uncle Jake's got you."

Maybell stirred, her tiny fists waving weakly in the air before settling against his chest. Jake kneels down to get a better hold on her. It was more difficult to hold her than he thought it would be. It wasn't anything like holding his own son (who was just a couple years older than Maybell currently), but he adjusted quickly, his movements instinctively careful. "You're so little," Jake whispers, his golden eyes soft as he gazed down at her. "I don't think I've held anyone this small since Neteyam was born. And even then he wasn't this small." 

Amanda chuckles, crossing her arms as she leaned against the counter nearby. "You're doing just fine, J. You're a natural."

"Thanks, sis." Jake says, flashing her a small, self-conscious smile. "But, man, it's different when they're this tiny. Feels like I'm holding a little piece of glass."

Daniel steps up beside Amanda, watching with a grin. "Don't let her size fool you. She's tougher than she looks—already strong enough to grab onto her uncle and not let go."

"Yeah, I noticed." Jake glances down at Maybell when she suddenly let go of his finger to tug at his braid, her tiny hand wrapping around a strand with surprising determination. He let out a soft laugh, his golden eyes sparkling with amusement. "Hold on, kid. Kinda hurts, but I'll let it slide because you're adorable." He gently loosens her grip, and lets her hold onto his finger again. "You've got some fight in you already, huh? Just like your parents." He smiles fondly at Maybell. "I just know you're gonna grow up to be something incredible."

Amanda moves closer, resting a hand on Jake's arm as she looked at her daughter. "She already is," She says softly. "And she's got a family who will make sure she knows it every single day."

Jake glances at his sister, his expression serious but full of warmth. "She's got you and Daniel, two of the smartest and most determined people I know. And she's got me and Neytiri. Between all of us, I think she'll turn out just fine."

Daniel chuckles, smiling fondly. "Fine? She's going to be unstoppable. Especially if she inherits your stubborn streak, Jake."

"Determination," Jake corrects with a grin, glancing back at Maybell. "And yeah, she's definitely got that spark. I can feel it already."

Maybell let out a tiny coo, her small fingers curling around Jake's finger once more. He leans down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead, his voice dropping to a gentle whisper. "Don't worry, little one. Uncle Jake's got you. No matter what."

****

As the night deepened, Jake stayed by Maybell's side, his deep voice humming Na'vi lullabies he had learned over the years. The baby's small form relaxed as though comforted by his presence. Neytiri had even brought Neteyam with her so he can meet his younger cousin too. The door to the lab slid open quietly, revealing Neytiri stepping inside with young Neteyam perched on her hip. Her graceful movements were deliberate, her expression curious yet warm. Jake glanced up, a wide smile breaking across his face.

"Hey," He said softly, nodding toward them. "Come meet the newest member of the family."

Neytiri approaches, her golden eyes landing on the small bundle in Jake's arms. She tilts her head, her ears flickering slightly as a mixture of wonder and affection softening her features. "She is...So small." Neytiri murmured, her voice tinged with awe.

"Yeah, but don't let that fool you," Jake replies with a chuckle. "She's already got a grip strong enough to pull my braid." He held Maybell out slightly, inviting Neytiri to come closer.

Neteyam wriggles in his mother's arms, his curiosity evident and it was clear he wanted to get closer to his younger cousin. Neytiri knelt down, settling him on the floor beside her. "Neteyam," She said gently, "This is your little cousin, Maybell."

The toddler stared at the baby with wide eyes, his small fingers reaching out tentatively. Jake adjusted his hold on Maybell, bringing her closer so Neteyam could see. "Careful, bud," Jake warns with a grin. "She's still learning how to deal with us big people. And you gotta be gentle with her too, okay? She's just a little baby," Jake added, his voice soft and reassuring.

Neteyam nodded and his parents shared an amused look at how determined he looked, his tiny face scrunching with concentration as he extended his hand carefully. His small fingers brushed against Maybell's tiny fist. The baby stirred slightly, her delicate fingers uncurling and grasping his hand for a brief moment. Maybell looked up at Neteyam curiously, her tiny eyes blinking as if trying to make sense of the little figure in front of her. Neteyam's face lit up with delight, his small hand gripping hers gently.

"I like her." He mumbled, his voice quiet but full of conviction. His wide eyes never left Maybell's tiny face as if he were committing every detail to memory.

Jake chuckles, his grin widening. "Good to hear, buddy. And hey, you gotta promise me something. You watch out for Maybell, okay? You're her big cousin now. That's a big deal."

Neteyam nods firmly, his small face lighting up with pride. "Promise." He said, his voice full of childlike determination. He turned back to Maybell. "Can I teach her flying?" He eagerly asked.

Jake laughs, shaking his head as he glanced at Neytiri, who was suppressing a smile. "Maybe someday, bud," He replies while looking back at his son. "But for now, I think she'll stick to learning how to eat and sleep. She's got a lot of growing to do first."

Neteyam frowns slightly, his small brows knitting together. "But I can teach her...When she's big?"

"Of course," Neytiri said, resting a gentle hand on her son's shoulder. "You will teach her many things when the time is right," Neytiri continues, her voice soothing. "And she will look up to you as her big cousin, just as you look up to us." 

Neteyam's face brightens at his mother's reassurance, his frown quickly replaced with an excited grin. "Okay! I'll wait until she's big," He said, nodding earnestly. "And then I'll show her everything I know. Flying, hunting, climbing...Everything!" He turns to his younger cousin, his small hand reaching out gently to touch Maybell's tiny fist again. "Did you hear that, Maybell? I'm gonna teach you so much cool stuff when you're big!" He declared, his voice filled with the unrestrained enthusiasm of a child.

Jake chuckles, his heart warming at the sight of Neteyam's earnestness. "That's a good plan, buddy. She's lucky to have you looking out for her." 

 Amanda watched the scene with a soft smile, her eyes glistening as she observed the tender interaction. For a moment, she let herself bask in the joy of seeing her daughter embraced by her new family. Then, as her gaze swept across the room, she realized her husband wasn't by her side anymore.

Turning her head, she spotted Daniel at the other side of the lab, hunched over their workstation. His focus was intense as he meticulously calibrated a piece of equipment, the faint glow of the monitors casting shadows across his face. "Honey?" She called softly, drawing his attention.

He looks up, his expression softening when he noticed Amanda motioning toward their daughter and Neteyam. "It's a sweet moment," He said with a small smile, setting the tool down briefly. "I can tell they're gonna be best friends." 

Amanda walks over to him, her hand lightly brushing his shoulder. "Yeah, for sure, baby." She smiles fondly. "But," She said, glancing at the setup on the workstation, "We're not done yet, are we?"

Daniel shook his head, his smile fading into a look of determination. "Not quite. We're so close, though. After three years of designing this drug... we're finally at the last hurdle."

Amanda nods, rolling up her sleeves as she stepped beside him. "Then let's finish this. Maybell's future depends on it—and everyone else's, too."

The couple worked side by side, their movements synchronized as they adjusted chemical ratios, monitored reactions, and inputted data into the lab's systems. This drug was no ordinary project; it was a revolutionary treatment designed to bridge human and Na'vi physiology, enabling humans to adapt better to Pandora's environment without relying on oxygen masks or exosuits.

For three long years, the two of them had poured their expertise and energy into this endeavor, collaborating late into the night and refining formulas over countless trials. The project wasn't just a professional ambition—it was deeply personal. It represented their hope for a future where both species could coexist more harmoniously, where their daughter could grow up in a world without barriers.

Amanda glances at Daniel as she carefully injected a final compound into the mixture. "You think this batch will be stable enough for testing?" She asked.

Daniel studied the readout on the monitor, his brow furrowed in concentration. Then, a small smile tugs at his lips. "I think it just might be."

As the machine whirred to life, Amanda reaches for his hand, squeezing it gently. "We've got this." She assured him, her voice filled with quiet confidence.

In the background, Jake and Neytiri continued watching over Neteyam and Maybell, their laughter and conversation a soft hum in the lab. It was a moment of warmth and connection, underscored by the quiet determination of two parents working toward a brighter future—not just for their child, but for everyone. 

****

As Maybell grew, so did her curiosity about the world around her. By the time she was old enough to walk, she was often found exploring the edges of the research station, her wide, inquisitive eyes taking in every detail of Pandora's vibrant flora. One day, as Amanda and Daniel worked in the lab, Maybell wandered to the edge of the clearing where she found a young boy who seemed to be around her age (four years old) perched on a log, staring intently at a small lizard that glowed faintly in the twilight and was nestled in a nearby bush. 

"Hi." Maybell said, tilting her head as she approached. She had seen the boy around before, overhearing his name is Spider. She had officially met him too, but they hadn't actually hung out with him yet. She had been trying to work up the courage to talk to him, but now that he was here, sitting so quietly, it felt like the perfect chance.

The boy, Spider, looks up at the sound of footsteps approaching, his face lighting up with a grin when seeing it was her who walked over to him. "Hey. You wanna see something cool?"

From that day forward, Spider became a constant in Maybell's life. Born on Pandora and raised among the Na'vi by grace of proximity, Spider had a wild, adventurous streak that complemented Maybell's quiet curiosity. Together, they explored the forests, raced through glowing fields, and climbed trees so high they could see the horizon.

By the time they were eight, they had countless adventures under their belts. One of their favorite pastimes was racing across the glowing forest floor at night, dodging low-hanging branches and leaping over roots. Spider often teased Maybell about her cautious nature, but she always had a sharp retort ready, proving she could keep up with his antics despite her thoughtful demeanor.

"C'mon, May! You're slowing down!" Spider called one evening, his voice echoing through the bioluminescent forest as he leapt over a tangle of roots.

"I'm not slow, Spider," Maybell shot back, her tone teasing. "I'm just making sure I don't trip like someone did last time!"

Spider laughs, looking over his shoulder to flash her a grin. "Hey, that root came outta nowhere!"

Maybell rolls her eyes but couldn't suppress her own laughter as she followed him. Her keen eyes caught the faint glow of a hidden creature tucked under a fern, and she paused mid-stride. "Wait, Spidey..." She whispered, gesturing for him to stop.

He skids to a halt, crouching beside her. "What is it, Webs?" Maybell pointed at a small, luminous animal nestled in the undergrowth. Its shimmering body pulsed gently with light, casting a soft glow on the forest floor.

"Whoa," Spider breathes out, his voice low with wonder. "That's...I don't think I've seen one of those before."

Maybell nods, her gaze fixed on the creature. "It's beautiful. I think it's a...Wait, let me check my notes!" She pulled a small, weathered notebook from her satchel—a gift from her parents, where she jotted down everything she learned about Pandora.

Spider chuckles, leaning back on his heels. "Of course you brought that. You're such a nerd, Bell." 

"Better a nerd than reckless," Maybell quips, flipping through her pages. "And, for your information, this is a bioluminescent fynray hatchling. They're rare—probably why you've never seen one." Maybell had a notebook from her parents who had drawn images of different creatures, plants and notes about their behaviors and habitats. It was a treasure trove of knowledge, one she carried with her wherever she went, adding her own sketches and observations whenever she made a new discovery.

Spider smirks. "Guess it's a good thing I've got you around to tell me what I'm looking at."

Maybell smiles, closing her notebook. "And it's a good thing I've got you around to scare it off by accident."

He gasps in mock offense, clutching his chest. "Me? Scare it off? Never!"

As the two bickered playfully, the fynray turned its head toward them, its glowing eyes studying the strange pair of children. After a moment, it emitted a soft trill before scurrying deeper into the forest.

"See?" Spider whispers, nudging Maybell. "It likes us."

Maybell laughs softly, shaking her head. "You're impossible, Spider."

"Yeah, but you'd be bored without me." He retorted, standing up and offering her a hand.

She takes it from him and lets him help her stand up, grinning at him. "I'd manage. But I guess I'll keep you around anyway."

Together, they ran off into the night, their laughter mingling with the hum of the Pandoran wilderness. Unbeknownst to them, their bond—like the forest itself—was growing stronger with every shared adventure.

****

At twelve, Maybell and Spider were as adventurous as ever, though their escapades often led them into more dangerous territory than they intended. One particular evening stood out as a harrowing reminder of how untamed Pandora truly was. The sun had set, painting the forest in deep blues and purples, with bioluminescent plants casting an otherworldly glow. The two friends had been following a glowing trail left by a herd of hexapede, their excitement overriding their usual sense of caution.

"Did you see how the leader moved?" Spider whispers, crouching low to examine the faint marks in the mossy ground. "I bet it's heading toward the river."

Maybell nods, scribbling quick notes in her ever-present notebook. "They seem to migrate based on moon cycles. My dad said the river basin is their preferred grazing ground during this time of year."

"Let's see if we can spot them." Spider suggested, his eyes alight with excitement. Without waiting for her response, he darted ahead.

"Spider, wait!" Maybell hisses, hurrying after him. Her heart thuds in her chest as the shadows around them deepened. "We're too far from the station!"

But Spider didn't slow down, his curiosity getting the better of him. They soon found themselves in a dense part of the forest, where the glowing plants dimmed, and the sounds of the forest grew eerily quiet.

"Maybe we should head back..." Maybell mumbled, gripping the strap of her satchel tightly. Her voice carried a note of unease.

"We're fine, Bell." Spider replies reassuringly, though his usual confidence wavered as he glanced around. "I think the trail's just up ahead."

Before either of them could take another step, a deep, guttural growl rumbled from the underbrush. The sound was unmistakable—low, menacing, and entirely too close.

Spider froze, his bravado vanishing in an instant. "Is that—"

"A thanator." Maybell finished in a whisper, her pulse quickening.

The massive predator emerged from the shadows, its glowing eyes fixed on the two children. Its sleek, muscular form moved with terrifying grace, and the bioluminescent markings along its body pulsed faintly in the darkness.

"Try to stay still..." Maybell whispers, her voice barely audible. She reached into her satchel, her fingers fumbling for the small flash bomb her father had given her for emergencies. "Spider," She whispers again, her voice trembling but steady enough to get through to him. "When I throw this, run. Don't look back."

"What about you?" He hissed, his eyes darting between her and the thanator. "I ain't leaving you-"

"Just trust me!" Maybell hissed, pulling the device free.

With a sharp motion, she hurled the flash bomb at the ground between them and the predator. It exploded in a blinding burst of light and sound, causing the thanator to rear back with a deafening roar.

"Run!" Maybell shouted, grabbing Spider's arm and yanking him into motion.

They tore through the forest, weaving around trees and leaping over roots, their breaths ragged and their hearts pounding. The predator's roars echoed behind them, but the blinding light had bought them precious seconds to escape. Finally, they burst into a clearing near the research station, their legs nearly giving out beneath them.

Spider, still panting, turns to Maybell with wide eyes and a grin tugging on his lips. "That was insane! You—you're insane! But that was amazing!"

Maybell doubles over, clutching her knees as she caught her breath. "Next time, let's not follow glowing trails into uncharted territory, okay?" She chuckled, glancing at him with a mixture of exasperation and relief.

Spider laughs shakily, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. "Okay, fine. But come on, Bell, you've gotta admit that was kinda awesome."

"Awesome? We were almost dinner, Spider!" Maybell shot back, her tone sharp but laced with a hint of amusement.

"Yeah, but we weren't," He replies, his grin widening. "Because you're a genius with that flash bomb. Seriously, you saved our butts back there."

Maybell straightens up, the corners of her mouth twitching into a reluctant smile. "Gotta admit though it was kinda awesome." He smirks at that and then she quickly adds, "And well, someone has to be the smart one. Otherwise, you'd be in trouble every day."

"And that's why you're my partner in crime," Spider declares, throwing an arm over her shoulders. "I get us into trouble; you get us out of it. Perfect balance."

She shakes her head, but her smile lingered. "You're impossible, Spider."

"And you're stuck with me." He nudged her, the grin never leaving his face. She chuckled and rolled her eyes at him, nudging him back.  

The two sat in silence for a moment, their usual banter replaced by an unspoken understanding of how close they had come to disaster. The bond between them, already strong, grew even deeper that night—a bond forged not just in shared wonder but in survival.

****

The warm glow of Pandora's bioluminescent flora surrounded the clearing as fifteen-year-old Maybell and Spider crouched in the undergrowth, their breaths steady and synchronized. The years had sharpened their skills, and their bond had only deepened with time.

"Quiet, Spidey." Maybell murmured, her voice barely audible. She adjusted the focus on her handheld scanner, a gift from her parents, its faint hum blending seamlessly with the forest's ambient sounds.

Spider rolls his eyes, though he obeyed, leaning closer to peek at the target ahead: a shimmering swarm of fan lizards darting through the air, their delicate wings glinting with bioluminescent patterns. "They're so close," Spider whispers, his tone filled with awe. "Think we can grab one?"

Maybell shot him a look. "Grab one? They're fragile! Besides, we're here to observe, not traumatize them."

Spider smirks, leaning back on his heels. "Relax, Bell. I'm just joking. Mostly."

She gave him a playful shove, her lips twitching into a smile despite herself. "Shut up, Spidey." Maybell shook her head, turning her attention back to the lizards. She began sketching one in her notebook, its delicate wings spread wide, with notes scribbled beside it.

Spider watches her for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You and that notebook," He said, his tone softer now. "Still glued to it after all these years."

"Some of us like to actually remember the stuff we see." Maybell remarked, though her tone lacked any real bite.

"Hey, I remember things!" Spider protests.  "Like..." He laughs. "That time you tripped over that root and almost face-planted in the mud."

Maybell groans, her face flushing. "That was years ago! Let it go already!"

"Never," Spider grins at her, poking her cheek and chuckling when she swat his hand away. "It's one of my top ten favorite memories."

Before Maybell could retort, a rustling sound came from the nearby bushes. Both teens froze, their senses heightened. Slowly, Spider reached for the hunting knife he always carried, while Maybell carefully packed away her scanner and notebook. The rustling grew louder, and a small, curious hexapede emerged, its delicate antlers glowing softly. It paused, sniffing the air before turning its gaze toward them.

Maybell let out a soft breath, her lips curving into a smile. "It's beautiful."

"Not bad," Spider admits, lowering his knife. "For a herbivore."

Maybell shot him a look, but her expression softened when she saw the wonder in his eyes. They stayed there for a few minutes, watching the creature graze before it bounded away into the forest.

"Well," Spider said, standing up and stretching, "That was cool and all, but we should probably head back before the Sullys send out a search party."

"Agreed," Maybell said, rising to her feet. "But don't think I didn't notice how you were just as awestruck as me."

"Me? Awestruck?" Spider scoffs, though the grin on his face betrayed him. "Please. I'm way too cool for that."

"Sure you are." Maybell teased, nudging him as they walked side by side back toward the research station. The forest buzzed with life around them, but their laughter cut through the noise, a testament to their years of friendship and the unshakable bond they had forged in Pandora's wild and unpredictable world.

A/N changed up some stuff to make it make more sense :) still love maybell & jake's bond so much plus wanted to add her & neteyam's bond