the water gives and the water takes
╰ avatar: the way of water

Neteyam went to the only place he knew he could see his mother again. The tree of souls. It wasn't that he couldn't say goodbye just yet, because he could, but Eywa held all her children in the tree of souls, where one day they could be reached. He just hoped that Eywa would grant him what he wanted.

A warm smile enveloped his features as he looked around the forest. It was his home, or what had used to be his home. The trees and the all to familiar pond where he had learnt to fish. The smell of rain and grass filled his nostrils as he gazed towards where the water tricked town a small rock.

"My baby boy."

Odessa stepped out from where she was, her hands reaching out for her son. She made it to him before Neteyam could even react. She held him, her warm figure heating up his heart and soul.

"I'm so proud of you; you've accomplished so much." Odessa smiled as she pulled away, her hand moving and just like that Neteyam held a fish; the very first fish he had ever caught by himself. Then he held a bow and arrow, the ones he had made himself when he was deemed a warrior. Then his encounter with the Ikran. Everything flashed around them until it was only the forest again.

Neteyam felt happy, his overwhelming sadness gone without a trace. He watched his mamma pick flowers from the ground, bundling them up into her grasp. "Thank you mamma. I wouldn't have been able to do any of it without you."

Odessa didn't stop picking flowers as she glanced towards her son. Using one hand she gestured for him to come closer and do what she did. It was peaceful, and helped Odessa pass the time where she was. "I was only there to guide you, my baby boy. You can do anything."

Within a flash, Neteyam frowned. "It is my fault you died, I couldn't protect you."

The flowers Odessa had gathered fell to the forest floor. She had no care for them, as her hands were resting on her sons shoulders. "My baby boy, my son. You are not at fault. I am your mamma, it is my job to protect all my babies. You and your sister. I did what I had always done, protect you. Do not blame yourself, it is not your fault." She pulled him towards her, wrapping her arms around him again. She held her son with no care for the rest of the world.

She pulled away, wiping the tears that fell from her sons eyes. She looked over his shoulder, eyeing the way Kiri and Tuk stood together hand in hand. "My baby girls, come here." Her voice was soft, smooth and welcoming.

The two girls rushed towards their mom, instantly throwing their arms around her. The four held onto each other tightly, afraid to let go.

"Mamma I miss you." Tuk spoke as she pressed her head against her mothers side.

"Oh my sweet Tuk, I miss you too. And Kiri, my sweetheart, I miss you two. I'll miss you all forever and ever. You three are my pride and joy, my happiness and my everything. I will always be with you, no matter what. Right here." She moved her hand from each of her child, hovering over their hearts. "You call me and I will be here, I will never leave your side." Odessa looked up, glancing at her Mate who had joined them in the forest. "I will never leave any of your sides."

Neytiri walked towards her family, opening her arms and wrapping them around the huddled group. Yes, she missed her mate with every part of her being, but Odessa looked peaceful where she was. Somehow, she could feel the happiness in her heart and soul, like the two were still connected. 

"My Dessa."

"My Tiri." Odessa turned her head, placing a kiss to her mates lips. She loved her, so so much. And it pained her heart to have to say goodbye. So she wouldn't say goodbye just yet. "I will always love you."

And Odessa would never break her promise. She would always find a way to protect her family. She found her paradise and she died protecting it.

ODESSA EVERETT ...
... MAY RETURN

hi. yes this is the end of paradise. i know. woah. so odessa had died but who knows what freaky stuff i might be able to pull when the next movie comes out. but here's what their lives would look like afterwards.

— neteyam ended up with ao'noung and they both became clan leaders
— tuk found a great love for the water and ended up becoming a second underneath tsireya when she became the healer
— kiri found peace and happiness, she became someone who would help heal all the creatures of the sea
of course this would change depending on the next movie. but a small what if.

thank you all for joining me on the journey. it means a lot to me and I'm so glad that you all have been here for the ride. thank you so much <3

goodbye for now, rosie.