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chardou15 · 1 year

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Shattered Memories - Ch. 3

Chapter summary: Miles and Nuyia try to survive in the jungle after falling from the edge of the waterfall, being, again, injured and don't know a territory.

Pairing: Na'vi Quaritch x Na'vi Fem OC

[2,280 words. It's becoming longer and longer 🤣]

pa'li - direhorse

Chapter 2. |

TW: trauma, cursing, mass death, suicide

@missroro @drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed

A/n: This story takes place after the ATWOW so it contains spoilers. I don't have any beta for that fic so I'm sorry if you find mistakes. English is not my native language (I wish). And sorry if you find out any mistakes in Na'vi.

Nuyia was dying. She felt death everywhere, in every cell of her body. She felt Eywa so much stronger than ever. Her chest was heavy, her limbs too. She couldn’t catch a breath because of the liquid in her lungs.

She really wanted to die. Nuyia smiled. Finally. Everything is over.

"... dare to die, woman!" She heard and felt warm, large hands on her chest. Nuyia saw Miles who tried to help her. She felt how water wanted to escape from her body so she twisted herself and vomited on the ground. Miles tapped her back. "I thought you died."

Nuyia looked at him and vomited again then sank on her back, loudly breathing.

"Where... Where are we?" She asked, looking out. They were in a cove.

"In a cove as you see but I dunno where exactly. I don't know that territory. I carried you for a while. You didn't breathe. I had to take us out of that place. When I found that cave I was helping you.

She sat and swallowed.

"You saved me."

"So?"

"It's stupid. You're a demon. Normally we will be enemies."

Miles crossed his arms.

"You can't just say 'thank you, Miles?' It's not that hard, ya know?" He rolled his eyes.

"Thank you. But remember - when I help to save your son, I will kill you." Nuyia stood up and walked slowly to the exit. She knew where are they. They were in the territory of Tipani Clan and it was an eclipse. That was a time of the day when Tipani people were hunting.

"We must leave that cave. Now." Nuyia said. She was weak because of the sinking.

"Why? We have to wait for dawn."

"No. We have to find a way to my house. If Tipani find us... They'll kill us."

She was looking out outside, worried.

"You're an outcast, aren't you?" Miles asked. "Tipani exiled you. You did something. Killed someone, betrayed..."

She looked at him.

"Yes. I did. And I regret it. I lost my clan, family, and life. Everything. Because I was stupid. I trusted the wrong person. And my trust brought death to my village. If ever I step Tipani's territory, they'll find me and kill me. And now I am in their territory. With a demon. You understand now?"

"You're weak. You almost die, Nuyia. If your former clan captures us, I'll talk with them. I explain everything."

She laughed.

"You know nothing, Miles. You don't know the situation. I tried to explain everything what happened but... you know. They exiled me. I promised I redeem myself and my sins. Maybe then... But I don't know how. I'm afraid that only my death has the strength to redeem my sins."

"Then tell me what you’ve done."

"You're not my friend. And even if you were... I still don't want to tell that story. Not you, my partner, anybody. I must live with my fault and that story. Let's go."

He wanted to ask. He saw her concern, fear, and... pain. Miles didn't understand how to lose a home and be exiled. And he didn't understand himself. He was curious and worried about Nuyia. She helped him and saved his life. Nuyia taught him Na'vi way and he enjoyed that. Miles guessed that something happened to her and he was right. He knew that Na'vi at her age normally have a mate, probably children, and live in the village. If someone live outside and alone without any contact with other Na'vi wasn't normal. Nuyia trusted someone and the person betrayed her and the village to the extent to bring death. Probably mass death.

Miles said nothing. They leave the cave. Nuyia was still weak and Miles noticed that. He bit his lip and finally grabbed her arm. She looked at him.

"I wanna help you." He said.

"Okay then. We must leave that ground. Quickly." They went to the water and swam. Nuyia perked her ears and finally heard a specific noise similar to calling. Nuyia cursed because she knew that Tipani found out about their tracks. She speeded out and jumped into the ground. Unfortunately, she felt a blade on her neck.

Shit, they got us.

"Oe ke srefeyam ngaìl fitsenge, Nuyia. I didn’t expect you here, Nuyia".

She turned her head and saw a young man.

"Atxo..." She whispered. He has grown and now he was almost the same height as Miles but less muscular and more slender. "Oe..."

"Tìfnu! Silence!" Atxo said. "Ngepoan lu tupe? Who is he?" Na'vi asked.

"Nì'aw vrrtepìl, Atxo. He's just a demon, Atxo."

Atxo laughed and nodded his head. The other four Na'vi hunters captured Miles who hissed at them.

"Ngaru srung si, kefyak? You help him, right?"

"Ke. No." Nuyia answered.

"Spe'e menga! Tie them up!" Another Na'vi captured Nuyia. Tipani bonded her and Miles and threw them to pa'li - direhorses. Atxo called the rest of the hunters and jumped on his horse. Nuyia swallowed, getting over to her fate.

Her former friends are going to kill them.

They took them to the Hometree. Many Na'vi whispered seeing Nuyia. They've known her story, what she's done three years ago. Cursed at her and wish her death. She saw Beyda'amo - the best warrior in the clan and his mate Marali with the youngest child - a little girl in her arms. Marali hissed at her, Beyda'amo crossed his arms and clenched his jaw. She saw many former friends who became her enemies. Became enemies because of her mistakes. She wanted to start crying.

"Nuyia, you stupid girl!" She heard a familiar voice belonging to Unipey, her mentor. Finally, she saw a healer. Unipey didn't change. She only wore armor on her chest.

"Unipey..." They speak English.

"I told you you don't belong to Tipani anymore. What are you doing here? In our territory?"

"It... It was an accident. Please, set us free. We have been almost killed by palulukan. We had to escape. And..." She looked around. "Where is my mom?"

The last time she saw her was three years ago when Nuyia has been outcasted. Her mother - Rrrta’awä - was completely broken. She was crying all the time as Nuyia remembered.

"You brought another demon to our village. To our Hometree, knowing that you are an outcast. You know that if you cross the border of our territory, you will be killed. You know that very well, Nuyia but still... You are still so stupid. And your mother... You know that you were like my child. You had the potential to be a better healer than me, Nuyia. But you wasted that chance. You became friends with one of the demons and taught him our way. Finally, he became one of Tipani! And he used you, you naive girl, to betray us! You mated with him! And he with Ardmore destroyed our villages!"

Nuyia remembered everything. Daniel García was a scientist who helped Rene Harper and was one of the human doctors. He saw the same potential in Nuyia as Unipey and taught her human healing technics. They both quickly became friends even though García was 20 years older than Nuyia. She was amazed at his wisdom, kindness, and sense of humor. She fell in love with him. And she became his mate. Three months later the villages have been destroyed and García disappeared. Nuyia looked for him, noticing that he was a traitor. Daniel tried to kill her, telling Nuyia everything. He communicated RDA about plans, tactics, and everything about Tipani clan. Every information that he wormed out of Nuyia and other Tipani people.

Miles has been looked at her, finally understanding what exactly happened. He heard about that operation from Ardmore. She told him that RDA used a young girl from Tipani clan. That girl was a woman who saved his life. And now history has repeated. Miles had exactly the same plan - he wanted to use Nuyia by becoming her friend, maybe a temporary lover, to learn Na'vi way and finally kill Sully and his crazy bitch wife.

"I know, Unipey. I know it! And I promise. I promise you all... I'll kill Ardmore, I kill every human and every demon like García. And I'll redeem my sins. Please, Unipey... Where is my mother?"

"You haven't kept that promise." The older healer sighed. "Your mother... took her life. One year ago. I'm sorry."

Nuyia sank to her knees, becoming pale. Her hands were shaking. She killed her own mother. Practically, committing suicide was really rare. She started crying. Miles was quiet. He wanted to say something but he knew that his words made everything worse.

"Nuyia... You know that I don't want to do that, but I must. You betrayed not only our clan but also The People. You crossed the border, and brought to us another demon, another dreamwalker." Unipey took her blades and had Nuyia over a barrel. She felt the blades on her neck, closing her eyes."

Miles was surprised. It seems that Nuyia wasn't afraid of death. She was prepared. He saw blood on the young woman's neck. The healer called Unipey had to make only one movement to decapitate Nuyia.

Quaritch couldn't stand that anymore.

"Stop that fuckin' mess! I understand that Nuyia is a traitor. I know it and I got it. But she was young and she was used by a jarhead..." He noticed that Tipani didn't understand the word 'jarhead'. "Ya know... scientist, doctor. Don't blame her - that dicks are quite intelligent and manipulative. That's the reason why they are scientists."

"Miles... Shut the fuck up" Nuyia said to him but he continued.

"I understand that you hate doctors, etc., but I'm not one of that motherfuckers. Personally, I hate scientists and doctors too" It got even worse but I need that girl and I need Tipani.

"Then who are you, dreamwalker?" Miles heard an old voice and saw a tsahìk. That was Sänume. She came up to Miles and looked into his eyes. He looked at her, clenching his jaw.

"I'm a warrior." A couple of Na'vi giggled. Sänume took her bone needle and stab Miles in his naked arm. She scooped blood out and then licked, mumbling to herself. "A warrior... Yes. Strong heart and soul. But confused. You don't know who you really are. Human or Na'vi. You are enjoying our way but have obligations to Sky People. Tell me your name, dreamwalker."

"Miles. Miles Quaritch." Miles answered. That woman is not normal.

"You are not an ordinary dreamwalker, Milesquaritch. Your blood tastes different than the previous one. Why do you want to learn our way? To hurt or destroy us? Or to understand yourself? Tell me the truth. Your and Nuyia's fate depends on your answer to my questions.

He swallowed.

"I want to be one of The People. I want to learn all your ways. And I must save my son. Ardmore... She tortured him."

She smiled at him.

"Unipey... Untie them. Nuyia and Milesquaritch will be on probation. They will be observed and have guards. Atxo, you and the rest of your team are going to guard Nuyia and Milesquaritch. And finally, Nuyia... You will teach him our way. But remember... The third chance doesn't exist.

Nuyia nodded her head.

"Thank you, Sänume."

"Don't thank me. Thank the dreamwalker. He gave you another, the last chance, and saved your life.

Nuyia stood up and looked at Miles. He wiped out the blood from his arm and massaged his untied wrists. He didn't look at her.

Why did he do that? It doesn't make sense.

"Miles... I have a question" She asked during the dinner. Miles had new clothes that were uncomfortable for him - he all the time touched his loincloth.

"Go on"

"Why... Why did you do that? You know that I wanted to die. I must die. But you saved my life. Again. I don't understand that."

"I didn't have any specific reason. I just wanted to do that."

"But it doesn't make sense, Miles. You 'wanted to'? Do you hear yourself? It's not an argument. I know that you need me to save your son from that bitch Ardmore. Sänume said that you have obligations. And you're confused. You don't know who you are. Na'vi or human. What did she mean? I know that your Na'vi body is just an avatar. Your human body is in another place, right?

"Nuyia... Shut up. It's not your fuckin' business. If you wanna know... I was dead. That's all. But I'm alive. Finito. So... You and that Atxo were... You know. Not mated but almost."

"It's my fucking business now, Miles. They, humans, transferred your mind to that body? And don't change the topic. No, I and Atxo were friends. Once. But that story with García changed everything. He hates me. We were friends and... promised to ourselves. He was supposed to be my mate. Even if I didn't love him. He was like a brother to me. But... why do you care?"

"Yeah, they transferred. So that little dipshit hates you 'cause you turned him down and chose another dipshit? I don’t care."

"Yep. I was stupid and now I'm still stupid."

"We all are dipshits, Nuyia. Me, you. But one dipshit is more stupid than another. The most important thing is we must become aware of our stupidity and do something with that shit."

She giggled.

"You try to be much more intelligent as you really are, aren't you? I didn't know you are such a cheap philosopher, Miles. I'm impressed."

"Shut the fuck up." He swatted Nuyia's head.

"Skxawng. Idiot." For the first time, she smiled at him honestly. "Thank you for saving my life, Miles. Really."

She took his large hand and squizzed still smiling at him.

#avatar 2 #avatar fanfic #avatar quaritch #avatar the way of water #colonel miles quaritch #na'vi quaritch x na'vi oc #recom quaritch #quaritch #fem na'vi #miles quaritch

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booksandwords · 2 years

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Lacuna by N.R. Walker

Read time: 2 Days Rating: 5/5

The quote: “What is it, little fish?” he asked quietly. Tancho shot him a fiery gaze that quickly melted into a half-smile. “I hate that name.” Crow’s smile won out. “I don’t think you do.” “If anyone else called me that, I’d slit their throat.” “If anyone else called you that, I’d slit their throat.” — Crow and Tancho

Lacuna revolves around Crow, the King of the Northland and Tancho, the King of the Westlands. They are not opposites per se but they are not particularly complimentary either. Crow is stoic, mysterious and a strong taction, though Tancho describes him as “a man cut from the mountain stone. Dark and formidable, yet warm and welcoming". Tancho is calm and more academic, Crow describes him as “Elegant, understated, without clutter.” (technically his rooms, both of these from the 53% mark). Tancho has always had a fascination with Crow though they have never met. At their first meeting, they learn they are tied by mystical means, a fate, lacuna. A lacuna creates sheer chaos. Any other feeling they have for each other becomes secondary to a simmering lust for each other. Their reactions to it are fun. Less fun is to highly protective and defensive nature it brings out in them. No one else is allowed to touch the other. One of the most violent moments of this is between Tancho and Soko after Soko (Crow's best friend) touches Crow to prove a point. It's long but as a moment I really like it.

Soko only got one hand on Crow’s shoulder, and in the blink of an eye, Tancho was up on his feet with his two katanas crossed at Soko’s throat. Soko very slowly removed his hand from Crow, looked around Tancho, and gave Asagi a smile. “See?” Wide-eyed, Asagi put his hand to his forehead. “Oh, dear.” Crow would have laughed if it weren’t for the murder in Tancho’s eyes. “Soko, my brother. I would suggest you don’t do that again.” Soko took a step back, away from Tancho’s blades, and gave him an apologetic smile and bowed his head. “Apologies, Tancho. I meant no harm.” Tancho heaved out a breath and lowered his katanas. “Not even to joke, Soko,” he whispered. “My control is not what it should be. I might not know to stop next time, and you’ll find your head at your feet.”

At first, this is fun as well but by this moment it's getting serious. Soko is no risk to Crow and intellectually Tancho knows this but the lacuna gives him no choice. As with most fated/arranged marriage stories watching them come to terms with their emotions for each other is a joy. Oh man as confessions go in such a situation this is one of the best. It's just a good confession generally. I really can't say much more without going heavily into spoiler territory. A note on their sexuality such as it ever matters for paranormal fiction like this, Crow is gay and Tancho is bi. Their interactions range from the sweet to the combative to the will you two just have conversation already. With the alternating perspective, you get a reasonable take on both of them and their feels for each other. Honestly, I like the choice to code them as willing in that manner and to make one of them bi. I want to add another quote because it's a great line. "Tancho stood, fire and rage in his eyes. The golden glow made him look ethereal and really, really pissed off."

The support cast is largely made up of Crow and Tancho's childhood friends and confidants Soku from the Northlands and Kohaku and Karasu from the Westlands as well as the King of the Southland and the Queen of the Eastlands. The support cast is endearing particularly Karasu. I appreciate a book with mm romance that includes a strong woman in a non-maternal role. Kohaku is effective comedic relief. Soko is a very good way to speak for the reader, he knows far too much about Crow and likes to weaponise that knowledge that. He's also comedic relief. Samiel the Queen of the Eastlands is a woman after my own heart. Like Karasu, her role is far from maternal and in the same vein as Soku she is something of a voice for the reader. As a slightly obscure reference, she reminds me of Long Ye from The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity. In a position of equal power to the men, capable like them, not using her body to get ahead only skill and intelligence and surrounding herself with an entourage of women. Elmwood, King of the Southlands is a loud brutal (if slightly simpler) man, he really is a well-written balance to the others.

As much as I adored the characters the highlight of the book in a way is lore and the world-building. I will add the disclaimer that I was reading in a disrupted manner which made the plot harder to follow than I think it was. It is well written. It is character development done in the right way. It's not about change or evolution per se. It's more coming to terms with a change to your personality beyond control. The Lacuna causes a huge personality change in both Crow and Tancho, you fall into their feelings that love/hate, want, need and for Tancho particularly that precious loss of self-control. This is a people-driven book, not plot or smut. I noted the simmering lust? They don't act on it, their Kingly duties to their peoples come first. But when it happens it is satisfying smut. Walker knows her limitations and works well within them, it's not explicit or long. Consent and mutual pleasure is a big thing. The lore explains Lacuna both as a title and as a thing well, or as well as it should in the moment. Walker has taken time to create distinct biomes and cultures for the Northlands, the Westlands, the Southlands and the Eastlands. I won't spoil them here but I appreciate them. The inclusion of the meanings of the characters names and how they tied into the cultures and people and their appearances was a nice touch (also allowing for easy remembering of character).

I don't remember why I bought this. The cover definitely would have caught my attention (Crow with a gold disc behind him) as would the title. But I'm really happy I did. Lacuna is a wonderful story that kept me guessing with characters that I wanted nothing but the best for. But those characters and the story were also a surprise. Lacuna works with some tropes, the grumpy one/ the sunshine one, soulmates/red string of fate, arranged marriage, found family, magic is power, born to power. But they aren't tropes as I would expect to see them, they feel like slightly twisted up versions. I picked up the slight twists as I started reading those twists make things unpredictable. Not least of all the hero of the day. The ending feels kinda odd. Like it is maybe set up for a sequel but not. Due to the way I read this I will likely reread this later let's see if my rating changes. But for now, I am giving it five.

#lacuna #n.r. walker #book review #ktreviews #read 2021

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