The Lie Of Providence-Chapter4 -By Thy Father

The Lie of Providence - Chapter 4 - By Thy Father

word count: 1590

Pairing: Recom Miles Quaritch x Female! Sully! Na'vi Reader A/N: A meaning conversation between Father and Daughter. Hope you like it! Remember to hmu if you'd like to be added to tag list. If I've left you off, it is by accident, so please let me know! As usual apologies for any grammatical errors!

"blue text" is spoken Na'vi. 'Italics' are thoughts.

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Your sleep the next few days are restless. Though you do not return to the dream, the fear and anxiety alone kept slumber at bay. Neytiri is the first to notice your change in behaviour.

A mother is always watching, drinking in the splendour of her offspring. And something is indeed off with you. She decides to broach the topic to her husband.

“Ma Jake,” she catches him alone one evening, you and your siblings already asleep for the night; though not without great difficulty on your part.

“What’s up, babe?” Usually she would giggle to be addressed so in English, playfully hitting him for his silly behaviour, but tonight is not the night for flirting so she brushes it off.

“I fear something is wrong with [Y/N].” Neytiri’s ears pin back as she says this, looking into her beloved’s eyes. He can see the fear there, brewing. His own ears perk up in interest and anticipation, the ever-present flame inside to protect his family roaring to life.

“Tell me.”

“I have been watching and I have seen. These pass few days, she eats less, she smiles less. And when it is time to sleep, she fights to stay awake, like she is afraid. When she thinks no one is looking, her face, you can see sadness. Fear. But when I try to ask, she says she is fine. She smiles but it isn’t real. I do not like this Ma Jake…” her lips tremble slightly and immediately she’s pulled into a hug.

Jake rests his head on top of hers, planting a kiss to her hair. He gently sways back and forth, his arms wrapped tightly around her as she softly weeps.

“It’s okay, everything is gonna be okay…I’ll talk to her tomorrow. I’m sorry I didn’t realise sooner,” he pulls back to wipe the tear stains with his thumbs. He cups her face and kisses her softly. He doesn’t pull away but rests his forehead against hers.

“It’s okay, I know you are busy. You are Olo'eyktan. You have many duties.”

“My duty is first and foremost to this family. And I’ll do whatever it damn well takes to keep you all safe.”

Neytiri smiles at him with an exasperated laugh, placing her hand over his.

“I know.”

---

It’s early morning in Pandora. The sun has only just broken the horizon, the golden yolk cascading across the sky. You left home before daybreak, needing somewhere quiet, somewhere you can be alone with your thoughts.

And so you took the short trek to the Tree of Souls. You round the back of the tree, resting upon its great trunk, curtained by its luminescent tendrils. You pull our knees up to your chest, fold your arms upon your knees, and rest your head therein. Your hair falls around you in golden splendour, damn still with the dewy diamonds of the morning shimmering in the morning glow.

Another dreamless sleep, yet restless all the same. The bags under your eyes are evident of that. You contemplate asking your Tsahik for guidance. Apprehension has stopped you thus far though; what if this was the Will of Eywa? You’re not sure how you’d feel about such an answer. What could you have done to deserve such suffering?

Your thoughts are interrupted by approaching footsteps. You tilt your head up to see your father approach and make himself comfortable beside you.

“Hey kid,” he greets you with a gentle smile, “you’re up early.”

You smile crookedly. “So are you.”

Jake smiles down at you and you put your head back into your arms. His casts downward as he thinks; he’s not sure how to broach this topic with you. But he sees what Neytiri sees; that brief moment of eye contact speaks volumes beyond words.

“Listen, [Y/N], your mother and I…We’re worried about you,” he starts off and puts an arm around you, pulling you into a side embrace. When you don’t say anything, he continues.

“You haven’t been eating properly. You don’t look as happy as you usually do. And you haven’t been sleeping properly either. What’s wrong kiddo? Tell your dear old Dad so he can make it better babygirl.”

You could almost cry from such words. But you are still afraid. Even if you do not dream, you still see those bleeding eyes. Red as blood, blacker than night. Even in your mind’s eye do they bore into your soul. Taking you apart piece by piece.

When you don’t say anything, you feel your father gently move your arms away and lift your head with both hands cradling your face. Glossy vermillion eyes meets that of lliquid gold. There is no judgement there. He is drenched in understanding. Your will shatters and you weep openly.

Instantly you are pulled into his lap, your head resting on his chest listening to rhythmic sound of his heartbeat. A strong heart. He rubs soothing patterns on your back as he holds you; gently shushing you with promised whispers of assurance. Your crying does eventually does subside, the catharsis of it all washing over you.

“Feel better?” You nod in response and move back to sit beside him, wiping the streaks from your face.

“You feeling up to tell me what’s been bothering you? Did something happen? Did…someone do something to you?”

You shake your head.

“No, no. No one did anything…But something did happen. You’ll probably think I’m crazy. Letting a dream—a nightmare make me feel like this.”

“[Y/N] I would never call you crazy, at least not to your face—” the jab is so unexpected he successfully rips a snort from you and you shove him playfully.

“Ha-ha you are so very funnyyyy” you droll at him.

“Heh, it worked didn’t it? Sorry don’t mean to derail. But I’m happy to see you smile, even just a little…I’m serious though [Y/N]; I won’t think you’re crazy. I’m your Dad, I love you unconditionally. And let’s not forget, this isn’t my original body? It’s a mix of Sky People, who I used to be, and Na’vi, which I now inhabit thanks to this here big ol’ magic spirit tree. Now that’s crazy to think about. So I promise sweetheart, you can talk to me about anything, and I won’t think you’re crazy.”

You smile and take a deep calming breath.

You explain to your father about the last dream you had. Something deep in you, rooted in the very core of your being, demands you omit your human companion. You speak of walking through the great forests of Pandora. The song of Eywa guiding you. You talk of coming upon the great Hometree of time passed. How it stood tall and proud, reverent are you to behold its splendour. You speak then, of the hook, the pain. To be pulled around and fall. The screaming till your throat hurts. Then suddenly having no mouth with which to scream.

And the eyes.

So many eyes.

They did not blink. Their gaze did not shift. Ever bleeding, so did they spread, the black sky awash in crimson. You speak of clawing your own skin in the dream, only to find the same marks marring your arms in the wake. You hid these carefully with wrappings, made it look as though you were simply adding to your clothing.

“It…it didn’t feel like a dream, Dad. It felt real. Like I was really there. Trapped. I couldn’t move I was so scared. And I couldn’t scream. All I could do was look back into those terrible eyes...” You wipe away a tear threatening to fall.

Jake is filled with trepidation. Initially he thought maybe you were upset about something simple, like the hardships you know you’ll face if you pursue being a hunter of the clan, or maybe you were just confused about where your place was in the clan. But this, something almost spiritual, he is unprepared for. He exhales a breath he didn’t realise he was holding, and places a comforting hand upon your back.

“I’m so sorry you had to go through that alone, you must have felt so scared.”

You nod at his words.

“Listen, even back on Earth, people had scary dreams, nightmares even. Saw it a lot actually. You remember? I was a soldier, a warrior, back on Earth. And the fighting, the wars, it changes people. Lot of my brothers and sisters in arms spoke of seeing things they couldn’t explain. But it does help, if you talk to someone. Now, you obviously can talk to me, any time any place; just say the word.

Though I gotta be honest kid, I don’t know just how much help I’ll be, but I’ll do my damnest to help.  But if I can give you some advice, I think you should talk to your Grandmother. She is your Tsahik, and I feel like she’d be better suited to this kinda stuff. Maybe Eywa can help? You tried…?” he holds a tendril of The Tree in his hand. You shake your head.

“Okay, let’s go.”

“Hmmno. Was too scared.” He nods and moves to stand. If you were too scared, he won't force you. When he’s up, he turns and holds out his hand to you.

“Alright then. Come on kid, let’s go see Mo’at, yeah?” A beat passes as you stare at the hand in front of you. You look up and when you see the soft expression of your father, you are filled with a determination you didn’t think possible. You take his hand and rise to your feet.

----

Tag list: @mynameisbaby9 @nissilou @d4rno @drinking-tea-and-be-obsessed @perseny

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i was wandering if I could reblog your work?

Of course! I love any sort of engagement I get from fans of my work xoxo

Every time I see this it makes me laugh 🤣

Why so blue

Prologue, one, two, three, four

Chapter 5

We gonna start making friendship bracelets or not?

(probably noticed but i'm the only one proof reading this and I have very little vision left! though considering that i think im doing a pretty good job but sorry for any misspellings or grammatical errors)

also i swear more Quaritch content is coming but this is a slow burn, and we're not even simmering yet

You gave up after five fish. You'd been trying to let Lyle catch at least one before you headed back but the sun was dipping low and he was hopeless.

"We're done." You smiled over at him. He pouted and looked at you with pleading eyes.

"Aww come on I'm this close!"

"This close to stabbing your own foot. We have plenty, thank the water for a feast and move on."

"Whatever" Lyle scowled as he passed you, knocking roughly against your shoulder as he passed. You had forgotten for a moment what he was. This was a recom, a demon soul in false flesh. You felt stupid for letting yourself have fun with him, he didn't respect the life around him. No wonder he'd done so poorly fishing, the water itself knew not to let him succeed,  perhaps it hoped he'd starve. You said you're prayer over the fish, Spider by your side echoing your words. It warmed you to see him like this.

When he'd joined you on his first trip past the camp into the forests to search for medicine plants, he'd been so eager to learn. He followed in your footsteps and took on all the wisdom you offered. He had been upset to find out he'd never connect to the spirit tree like the other children had but you'd shown him the way he could still feel the life of the planet. It was in the food and drink that nourished him, in the shelter the canopies provided and when he died his own flesh would nourish the land in turn. He'd not been as enthusiastic about that last part but seemed to resign himself. On quiet nights he'd even whisper about moments he swore he could feel the breathe of Eywa through the trees.

You headed over to the fire and to Quaritch. He seemed distracted when you presented the fish, passing them off quickly and making some jeer about your ability. You waited a moment but he seemed lost in thought and did not re cuff you, nor did he take your blade. Deciding to let this last as long as possible you moved to sit on Spider's other side, giving yourself space between you and your sons father.

He bothered you a lot. He was clearly a powerful man, a leader and a fighter. He also seemed no stranger to cruelty, though you'd not have guessed that if you had only seen the way he was with Spider. He regarded him fondly, even now absentmindedly leaning gently against him. You didn't like it, you were starting to smell him on your Spider. It felt wrong for his scent to be mixed with Spider's and your own. That kind of thing should be reserved for kin or at least mates.

You were startled out of thought when Zdog sat on your other side. She didn't acknowledge you, too busy picking at a chunk of wood with her knife. It looked like some kind of creature, large body with small ears and big claws, all be it crudely carved so you weren't sure. The knife she used was clearly far to big for such a craft, over half the length of her forearm and with a serrated edge. It was expertly crafted you had to admit, the smooth black material wasn't like anything you'd seen before.

Mansk approached with the cooked fish, Spider took his and you had to catch yours as he scurried away. He looked between you and Quaritch, ears tipped and tail whipping. You wondered why he was so agitated, though Quaritch's dark expression maybe frightened him too. You turned your gaze away from him again, desperate for anything to focus on instead of his burning eyes glowing in the fire light.

Zdog's arms caught your attention. Swirling colourful tattoos traced from her shoulders down onto her hands. Each knuckle even had a small shape etched just bellow it on her fingers. You'd seen elders of your people get them done, for your kind it was a way of preserving memories and stories but they'd always been done in purely black inks.

"You gotta problem?" You looked up to see Zdog scowling at you. You panicked, you didn't want her drawing Quaritch's attention to you and you didn't want to break your word to Spider. Shakily you decided it'd be best to respond.

"They're incredible" you gestured, hoping the compliment would ease her. To your relief it seemed to, her frown lessened and she let out a humorless laugh.

"Thought when I woke up like this I thought I might have finally ridden myself of this one" She lifted her shirt revealing a fish like creature over her belly button. "Though maybe I should be more annoyed that some asshole back home redid my tramp stamp"

She'd lost you at the end there but you just nodded. Hoping to appease her.

"hey let me see that." Before you could protest She'd reached over and unsheathed the knife from its holster on your chest.

"Damn! Been a while since I've seen your kinds handy work up close. Kinda pretty for a blade? Any good?" She held your blade up to the fire, admiring the opalescent blade and carved handle.

"It was my teachers, it's for craft so it's not so durable." You worried as she held it. This was one of the few things of home you had. Lyle still had everything else in your late mothers satchel. Your tail thrashed behind you as you fidgeted. Zdog ran a finger down the side, poking the notch you used to cut thread.

"ahh no good for this then" She tossed you her carving, keeping hold of your blade. You caught it but figured you were unlikely to get your knife back now.

"I don't recognize it, nor the other animals tattooed on you" Zdogs ears perked up and she smiled a toothy grin.

"These are animals from Earth! Long extinct but my Dad took me to the clone zoos to see a real bear" her tone boastful.

She pointed at her carving, something in her expression had softened recalling her own father. It felt to far to intimate for you now, she was not your friend, just another demon. You turned your attention to the fish and began eating. She'd so casually mention that these animals were long gone but still wanted to preserve them? How could they live in such a world were entire species died. Though you thought some must have cared, why else would they try to bring them back. The humans must be a deeply regretful people, perhaps they felt guilty for killing their mother Earth.

Zdog continued your light conversation throughout the meal, seeming undeterred by you short responses, happy to carry the conversation. You discovered that colourful dyes were common amongst their people and that tattoos held different meanings depending on the individual. Her's were done to spite her elders. She'd also tossed your knife back after eating, complaining it was too small and pathetic for her. You gladly returned it to your holster and sighed stretching out. Quaritch approached as the group began to setting for the night. He knelt in front of you, your breathe hitched as he held your gaze. Suddenly he was grabbing your wrists roughly to recuff them.

"incase you get any ideas about wandering off" he'd drawled out focusing intently on your face. You couldn't respond, your throat had become so tight you couldn't even swallow. He turned first, standing and swaggering away. You let out the breathe you didn't realize you'd been holding in. Spider laid a warm hand on your forearm, helping you up and over to where he'd chosen to rest.

Sleep wouldn't come for some hours. You lay near Spider, your back to the mountains and the recoms all in front of you. Quaritch hadn't said a word to you since cuffing you but continued a close watch and choosing to rest on Spider's other side. You'd tried to keep your eyes focused on Spider and his soft snores, then you'd tried to watch the recoms. Zdog snored, Mansk seemed to keep twitching, where as Lyle might have died for how still he seemed. Eventually you decided to just turn over and stare up into the stars. You could still feel his gaze on you but could no longer see him in the peripherals. Out there was his star, Jake had pointed it out years back but you couldn't recall which one. How strange it must be, to be so far from home.

The next morning you were uncuffed. Quaritch had gripped you elbow tightly.

"Stay close"

The group began the assent. Spider nimbly climbing up, shouting mockery down at the recoms bellow. Quaritch had demanded you keep to the middle of the pack. He and Zdog climbed above and Mansk and Lyle bellow.

"Wow, what a view" Lyle spoke bellow you, you'd looked down only to find him staring back up at you. Your face flared and you turned back to climbing. Disgusted you wished you could hit him, but you were playing nice so you were left to stew in your growing hatred for this demon in particular. Maybe you could knock a rock loose above his big bald head.

Your arms began to feel heavy and burned with exertion. You imagined the demons felt worse than you, you were far more experienced at this, this thought amused you. You'd have reached the nests by now if you weren't pacing with them. A few pebbles bounced off your head before you heard a scream. Above you Zdog had pulled on a loose vine and was now tumbling down unable to grab hold of anything. Before she could wiz past you, you extended your arms out, locking your knees around the vines and managed to grip her wrists. Your arms felt like they'd pop out the sockets when you stopped her fall, she loosely hung from you. Her hands gripped your forearms tightly as she looked up, pupils like pinpricks she looked terrified. You smiled down at her, hoping to reassure her. You'd kept your legs wrapped around your own vines and using your core you began to swing her.

"Grab the ledge" You shouted down to her. She nodded quickly and helped swing you both using her legs. When her body got close enough she hooked her thighs around the plant life then letting go one hand at a time grabbed onto the rock ledge. You pulled up quickly so the momentum didn't smash you against the cliff side she held onto.

"Jesus Christ!" Lyle exclaimed for bellow. You looked up to Quaritch. His face was pale but his expression unreadable. Spider gave you a thumbs up, looking relieved, before continuing the climb.

Zdog climbed over towards you as soon as she could. Then just above you the rest of the way, looking down to you frequently and very carefully tugging plants before using them to climb further. When you reached the summit she pulled you up and into a tight hug. You froze, unable to fully comprehend what was happening. She pulled back, eyes just a little glassy in the fading light.

"Thanks" She smiled wide, her expression soft and sincere.

"Anytime" you responded, still dazed and confused feeling. She moved quickly away from the edge, lightly pulling you along with her, to be as far from any edge as possible. The top of this floating rock was wide enough not to cause concern for falling but you didn't say anything to Zdog. Quaritch watched you both, you were still unsure of his expression but you'd decided it was somewhere between appreciation and anger. He confused you greatly, his attitude to you made no sense. When he'd captured you he wanted to keep you, but then seemed angry to have you around. You wanted to know what his problem with you was, if you were such a problem why didn't he just kill you or let you go. If he wanted you here, then why? They had Spider's cooperation before you'd turned up, what purpose did he have for you. Part of you didn't want to know, even if it would clear your mind it couldn't be good.

Zdog sat with you the whole evening, hissing at Lyle when he'd made some comment on your figure. You felt at ease with her, she seemed to have decided you were her friend now and you wondered if it was really such a bad thing to befriend these people? Maybe Spider's plan wasn't so foolish, befriend them, show them your worlds beauty and turn an enemy into an ally, After all humans had been made to see the way before.

An open note to readers of fanfic

Sometimes I stare at the computer screen when the words don’t want to come and I think, “Fuck, who am I kidding? This is terrible writing, and this story is shit, and no one cares, anyway.“  And I close the window and go do something else.

But every now and then I get an amazing, heartfelt, beautiful comment from someone who loved something I wrote, and it reminds me that, at least for that one person, I did write something worthwhile. And so I open the window again and I write one sentence, and then another, and then I start to find my way again.

So on behalf of all fanfic writers everywhere, I want to say thank you, thank you so much, to all of the readers who take the time to leave a comment and tell us that something we wrote mattered to you, that it brightened your day or made you laugh or cry or get horny or whatever.

Please don’t think we’re ever bothered by your comment, or that we don’t want to hear it, or that what you have to say isn’t important enough. It means so, so much. And on some days, it’s what keeps us going.

22 Pandora Street - Na'vi! Quaritch x Sully! Reader

Author's Notes: I made this instead of sleeping. Instead of writing XD [Y/N] brings Quaritch to meet her Dad and Grandma. Couldn't use Neytiri cuz she'd have recognized him immediately lmao. Voices were synthed using an AI so sorry if they're a little rough. Kept Mo'at and ZDog using the OG dialogue.

@rsclopez look at the utter nonsense I have created!