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Italics: (Na'vi language, or Metkayina sign language, and Jake's inner thoughts)

I don't know why exactly as to how to start this off, but I hope you guys like it! I feel like this isn't my best chapter but either way, I put a lot of effort into it :,) There will be more of an author's note at the end with everything else in detail but as for anything else, there's not much so enjoy!

As always, don't forget to comment and vote <3 I love reading and replying to all of your comments and they truly make my day 🤍 Without further ado, I hope you guys like it!
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It was only a couple of days later after the fight between you and Jake, and now things were much better between you two. Even that same day, after a couple of hours passed, it was as if none of it ever happened and you two were past it. Still, what never truly left your minds was the fact that Quaritch was getting closer to you, Jake and the kids. Your husband had to explain the type of person that Quaritch really is and that he will never give up until gets what he wants, and what the Colonel wants, is to kill Jake and everyone who's close to him as pure and utter revenge. What Jake said only made your need to fight incentivize more for not only the safety of your people and other reef clans, as well ss against the incoming dangers of the Sky People, and most importantly, your family.

You'd fight alongside of them no matter what, staying by their side and not letting them go through these threats alone. It could happen any day now, so Jake and you made sure to be prepared for when even any miniscule sign of danger appeared. Because Tonowari and Ronal were the only other ones who knew about this, you and Jake spent a lot of time trying to speak with them and see if there was anything to do and be prepared if any surprise attack were to happen. Evacuations, strategies, fighting plans, and anything that could be of help, but deep inside all of you, there was the very evident thought that none of you could be prepared for what Sky People would be capable of, so when something did happen, it'd be when anyone least expects it. There have to be precautions to make sure no lives were lost meaninglessly.

Still, you all had to be smart about it and not give out your location, spread fear amongst villagers and keep the fight as far away from the people. They didn't have anything to do with Jake's past issues with Quaritch and didn't have to deal with the consequences. Eventually, you knew that it all would come down to Jake and Quaritch. It was their battle to settle, and even that managed to scare you more than any surprise attack. That fact that you'd be leaving Jake to fight on his own left a pit in your heart that worried you to no end.

He was more than capable of fighting, but fighting was unpredictable and even if you knew your opponent down to every detail, there was really no way to know what they're thinking or what they're planning. As hard as you tried to not be scared, it was just hard to ignore that you were terrified of losing one more person in battle. Losing someone you care about, someone you loved, while you were yet again unable to see them or talk to them for the last time. Would the world be that cruel as to pull you away from someone you loved so cruelly? Your parents? Hahona? All of those terrible thoughts were quickly overpowered in your head by the confidence and assertiveness that you'd help Jake take care of the Sky People and Quaritch, and in turn, fight for the future of your children and your people, not letting anyone you care about die under your watch. Things would truly be different this time, and you would make sure of it. You wouldn't allow it. Every moment that you spent planning with Jake what to do if Quaritch did get to him, you, and the kids, all you could think about was what the future held. How this battle will end, and what will eventually come out of it.

You've made sure to treasure every waking moment with your family, with Jake, the kids, and Tonowari and Ronal. Things were going to change and as much as you hated to admit it, with how ruthless and dangerous Sky People were, considering how much more advanced in technology, manpower, and fighting they were than the Na'vi, it just meant that any day could mean that innocent people would lose their lives, be victims to the schemes of Quaritch, and your family would get caught in the middle of it eventually. There was no avoiding it and preparing for the worst while also making sure to be prepared for any surprise attack was very crucial in all of this. It hurt yours and Jake's heart deeply to know that the kids would eventually have to endure and witness such painful events and things that would stick with them forever even more than what has already marked their lives forever. However, you knew that they were tough enough to get through it, but they won't be alone. They're so young that whatever they witnessed before, you knew it would return tenfold judging by what Jake has told you about this man. Something you and Jake agreed upon is to not let them be a part of this fight, and take the battle as far away from the kids as possible. Especially Jake, since he does not want the kids to be anywhere near Quaritch, considering the sudden ambush that  happened back at the forest, and the holding hostage of  the kids, before Jake decided that they had to leave their home indefinitely.

In the end, you and Jake decided to not raise the kids' worries by telling them about tha incoming danger prematurely. Worrying them and putting in those grains of fear would not be smart, so letting Neteyam, Kiri, Lo'ak, and Tuk continue to live their days as normally and as they usually do as possible was the goal. That is why, now that it's been a couple days from the argument between you and Jake, things were cooling down and its like nothing happened and as if nothing was going to happen. While Jake was with Tonowari, discussing tribe matters, you stayed inside your family's hut for most of the morning since you woke up.

The kids were all scattered everywhere around the village. Tuk was hanging out with reef kids her age, Kiri was out by the shore of the beach and by the reef, but whose whereabouts you didn't know of were Lo'ak and Neteyam. They left this morning muttering amongst each other, but you didn't think much of it. They were being awfully secretive about something, but it was none of your business anyway so you continued on with your morning like you have done up until now. As you sat with your legs crossed, you were checking over supplies for what to have for lunch and the morning sounds of water crashing up to the beach, cool breezes wafting in from outside and chirping of ilu's was really calming. You simply continued to sift through your bags and pouches, humming a soft tune to yourself, disassociating from anything else going on outside. It was a rather peaceful morning, so while thoughts of making sure you take advantage of days like these before things turn to hell, you truly tried to focus on the now and not what might happen.

What did get your attention and knocked you out of your train of thought was the sound of footsteps approaching the hut. You tore your eyes away from the pouch sitting in your lap, and looked up to see who would come up to the entrance. A couple seconds later, you were surprised to see that it was Lo'ak walking in by himself, and rather hesitantly and with slow steps inside. While you started to move your small pouch away from your lap and noticed how silent he was, his body language told you that something was bothering him. It definitely looked like he was trying to find the right way to say what he wanted to speak about. You didn't hesitate to get on your feet and walk over to stand next to him and put a hand on top of his braided hair, looking at him with sincerity as a silent message so that he knew that he could take all the time he needed to speak up. It seems that he got your message because he looked at you for a couple seconds before he inhaled and exhaled deeply. Lo'ak knew in his heart that you wouldn't like what he was about to tell you. It was already hard enough the first time to get you to agree, so he hoped you could see the reasoning behind what he wants to ask.

"Lo'ak. You're unusually quiet. There's something on your mind, isn't there?" You asked and he looked at you hesitantly and warily but he nodded nonetheless. You sighed, hoping this wasn't very serious. You hoped this wasn't the beginning of the peace you and your family have had these last few days. "I want to tell you, but you're not gonna like it" Lo'ak said, and you turned your head to the side with confusion at his words. What could be so bad that he thought you'd be upset over? As far as you knew, him and the kids didn't know that Quaritch was getting closer to finding Awa'atlu, and you knew that him and Jake haven't had any disagreements lately. What could it be? "I'm sure it's not that bad, Lo'ak. What is it?" You said, and he pursed his lips, looking away for a second but then inhaling deeply and finally mustering up the courage to talk.

"Well, remember when we agreed that visiting Payakan was a one time thing?" Lo'ak said, and you hummed while your confusion only grew. You let it slip through your mind that Lo'ak and Payakan had continued to meet up from time to time, but this time around, not so far out at sea so it was safer. You certainly didn't expect him to have this be the thing he was so hesitant to tell you, but after he continued speaking, you finally understood why. "What would you say if I asked you to come with me one more time?" He asked, his eyes turned to be more hopeful and pleading as soon as he saw you sigh and put your hand on your head.

"Lo'ak, I can't. If your dad found out..." You trailed off, slowly coming to the realization that you had also hidden something from Jake that pretty much rivaled what he hid too. Your stomach dropped at this thought and your anxiety only skyrocketed. You were certain that he will be hurt that you didn't tell him about a secret so big about your son, but also directly contributed. You were too deep in this at this point and this secret between you and Lo'ak began way before you and Jake got together, and not only that, but it is evident that this is not your secret to tell, and even if you were directly involved and helped Lo'ak, the boy was the one with the secret. When the secret began, you figured that it was something that would happen once and that was it, but this would dig you a deeper hole. Even so, you'd gladly stand by him and take the fall alongside of him. In a realistic scenario, Jake would definitely get angry and upset, especially because you had also berated him for hiding something a few days before. This wasn't good. Not good at all.

"He won't find out! I promise this is important. Payakan promised me that he would show me how he lost his fin and how he got outcast, and if that's true, then, you'd also be able to find out how..." Lo'ak trailed off and you were quick to realize what he was talking about. You'd be able to know what exactly happened to Hahona during the battle he died in, and while that was very convincing, doing that meant that to see Payakan's memories, Lo'ak would have to bond to the Tulkun. The outcast Tulkun. What kind of future leader would you be if you allowed that to happen? That went against everything the Metkayina believed and the Tulkun way. You had to decline, this wasn't possible in any way and you would help him in literally any other situation, but going back to Payakan would not end well. Your expression softened and you placed your hands on his shoulders, and it hurt you to deny something so important to him, but it has to be done. "I'm sorry, Lo'ak. It can't happen, and I know how important this is to you, but what kind of mother would I be if I let you go and bond with an outcast Tulkun by yourself?" You said, and the last thing you expected to see is Lo'ak perk up at your words.

"That's the thing, though. I won't be alone. Rotxo, Tsireya, Ao'nung, and Neteyam all agreed to come with me," Lo'ak said and your eyes widened, your words came out almost sputtered out of pure shock. The kids all agreed to go and let this happen? Especially the Metkayina kids you've watched grow since they were young like Tsireya, Rotxo, and Ao'nung who knew how things worked around here? You weren't surprised that Neteyam agreed to go, being how supportive he was of his brother and what he believed in, and you also knew your oldest son would want to see for himself what Lo'ak was been telling them about. "They what?" You said with genuine surprise at how the kids were going too, but it didn't surprise you. They've grown such a special bond as friends that you thought it was noble how they wanted to be there for Lo'ak and stand by him, and you wished you could do the same, but every thought inside of you told you otherwise.

Before you could say anything, and knowing you would protest against what he had said, Lo'ak wanted to say one more thing. The main reason as he wanted you to come with them. "Mom, the reason I want you to be there is so you can finally know what really happened to your past mate. I was hoping it would be the final piece of the puzzle to give you the closure you need," Lo'ak said, and your eyes softened at how noble his reasoning really was. He had such good intentions, and he didn't mean anything bad by what he was doing. All of the consequences that would come with agreeing with Lo'ak constantly nagged at you. Not only would Jake be extremely angry that you hid this from him and that you didn't tell him, but you'd lose all credibility with Tonowari and Ronal if they found out. You wouldn't be able to look at them in the eyes, knowing they held so much disappointment towards you. But was trying to prove the truth of Lo'ak's words and that what he said had value to everyone else really worth it? You were stuck and you didn't know what to do. This could go either way and neither had happy endings. If you denied Lo'ak this, you'd be disappointing him and Payakan, but if you agreed, you'd be disappointing your mate and your adoptive parents who have practically done everything for you and took you in when you needed a home, a family, and nothing but support. Is this how you'd repay them for all that they've done for you?

"Lo'ak, you have no idea how much I appreciate your intentions, but..." You trailed off, not having the courage to tell him again that you couldn't come with him. He trusted your judgement, he knew you had a bigger perspective, but Lo'ak needed to know. Him and Payakan have grown closer together, and if the Tulkun wasn't outcast, you'd be elated. You had a soft spot for Payakan too, but was it worth the consequences? Allowing Lo'ak to bond was a completely different thing than the boy just simply visiting the Tulkun. Lo'ak's ears fell back as he could sense your next few words.

"Mom, please," Lo'ak said with a wavered tone to his voicd, and the more he pleaded, the harder it was for you to deny him. The boy wasn't upset that you said 'no', since he knew the position you were in by him asking you to do this, but he wanted you to know that he'd stand by you through anything. You had done the same with him with no hesitation, so now its time that he repayed the favor to you. Just like the first time he asked you to come and see Payakan, your mind was in complete shambles. There were so many things riding on this if you agreed to go with Lo'ak. Jake would be very angry with you for allowing let your guys' son go outside the reef again, and beyond that, agree to go along with him. Especially for hiding it from him for so long and agreeing to go again, but also letting Lo'ak possibly bond with the outcat Tulkun. The consequences could be seem from further than a mile away. Knowing Tonowari and Ronal would be just infinitely disappointed in you because you were supposed to be older and knew better, and were aware of the rules around the village better than anyone. They'd surely hope you would implement those moras onto him.

Your mind was spiraling. Things like wanting to know how exactly it was that Hahona died, what he said and did moments before his life was ended, standing by Lo'ak during this whole ordeal and continue to support the bond he has with the Tulkun, and just learning the whole truth about what really happened that fateful day that made Payakan be outcast. It was not very common but if the story was mixed up, he could eventually be taken back by his pod. But then there was the consequences that would follow. Would you lose the respect of Ronal and Tonowari? Lose the trust of your mate? Would that all be temporary and something that could be talked through if you simply told them all the truth? Maybe they'd understand, but there was no way to know and you didn't know if you wanted to find out. You were supposed to be the adult here, and tell the kids that this wasn't a good idea, even if you knew that you not only would bring sadness to not only Lo'ak, but to Payakan as well. It was clear how important this was to both of them.

Somehow along the way of your train of thought, with your conscience refusing to think logically, you looked at Lo'ak and his pleading eyes and hopeful expression, making it even harder to say 'no'. His promise, trying to assure you, of nobody finding out suddenly felt like it made sense, and the fact that his brother and the other kids suddenly made it feel like maybe it wasn't so bad, or maybe that you'd finally have the exact answers you've been wanting to know for years, getting more details about what Payakan told you weeks before when you first met the Tulkun. Those reasons somehow were outweighing everything else, because your mind was convincing you that you'd be able to justify it and explain the real truth later on.

You sighed and looked away from Lo'ak while he continued to wait for an answer. You and Lo'ak stayed silent, with only the sounds from the outside filling in the silencd. For him, he was quiet as he watched you mull over your decision, and hoped that you saw far beyond the rules in the village. You didn't know why, but before you regretted it, you just ended up saying; "Okay. I'll go" You said, and Lo'ak immediately beamed, not helping but hugging you with the biggest smile on his face that you have ever seen on him. "Thank you, mom" He said, and you put a hand on the back of his head as you put your chin on his head. "Please don't make me regret this" You laughed softly and Lo'ak pulled away from the hug and stood in front of you with the biggest smile on his face. "No promises. Come on!" He said, and you deadpanned at Lo'ak as he took your hand and began to lead you out of the hut to where Neteyam, Tsireya, Rotxo, and Ao'nung were waiting. In your head, the same thought kept running through your mind. There was no turning back anymore, and you were digging yourself an even bigger hole than before that you reallu didn't know if you'd get out of.

Before you knew it, as you and Lo'ak made your way through the village, as you tried to ignore your conscience continuously telling you to turn back, you and Lo'ak tried to seem as discreet as possible. Jake was with Tonowari, so you hoped that this didn't take very long and that you could be back before he notices. You hated to realize that you were lying to him too, but you were doing all of this for Lo'ak. For your son's happiness, and continuing to be that person that believes in him and never hesitates to take his side when he's misunderstood. That simple fact was one of the only things that kept you level headed while going along with all of this. That part was beginning to overtake your decision making, despite how reckless it was.

Before heading out, you and Lo'ak still had to meet up with the others. So, it seemed like they had all previously decided to meet up at a small and specific place so that they could leave the reef area unsuspected. You were a bit more at ease that Lo'ak at least had more company this time around, instead of him by himself or just with you, but his older brother was a part of this too and the Metkayina kids too. After walking for a bit, you and Lo'ak could faintly see figures standing together and just talking, waiting for you and your son to arrive. You and Lo'ak looked at each other, nodded, speeded up your pace and quickly reached the place where the kids were. When Neteyam was the first to notice your presence, he was quick to stop his conversation with Ao'nung, Tsireya, and Rotxo to turn around to face you, which in turn, made the Metkayina kids turn around as well to face you and Lo'ak approaching. They just assumed that if you agreed to come with Lo'ak, then you wouldn't be upset that they'd be taking part in this too. But you weren't upset. They were being supportive of Lo'ak and probably wanted to see what the boy was talking about with their own eyes, much like you when Lo'ak was persuading you to come and meet Payakan.

"Guys, my mom said yes. We can head out now," Lo'ak said, and the others nodded as they looked at each other. While Lo'ak walked over to Neteyam to talk about how they'd leave, the younger Sully brother spoke to his older brother about the small opening in the reef's barrier that can get them out without being seen. Ao'nung and Rotxo also seemed very interested in what Lo'ak had to say because they came closer and listened to what Lo'ak had in mind. You, in turn, walked over to Tsireya and you both wrapped an arm around each other. You had wrapped your right arm around her shoulders while she wrapped her left arm around your midsection, leaning into you. You smiled down fondly at her, recalling how you've watched this girl grow into the amazing person that she is. You can see how much she cares about Lo'ak and believes in him too, which made you incredibly happy. It is very clear how those two like each other in a way that's not just in a friend way. From what you've seen their relationship was just starting, and even if they're just kids, they had a bright future ahead of them. As the boys talked, you suddenly heard Tsireya's soft voice speak up.

"You're really coming with us?" She asked, and you looked down at her, smiling softly as you nodded to her words. She hummed in response and let her gaze land on Lo'ak, which didn't go unnoticed by you. You smiled slyly and nudged her slightly. "You really care about him, don't you?" You asked, and your question clearly caught her off guard. She started stammering and looking away with a shy smile, but even so, she nodded in the midst of it all. Tsireya knew you'd become Lo'ak's mom, but still, that didn't make her any less wary about orally admitting it. The look on her face that she gave her clearly said 'please, don't tell him' and it was comical to know that you were certain Lo'ak would say the same thing if you asked him. They were just kids after all, they still had a long way to go.

Eventually, the boys finished speaking and walked over to you and Tsireya. Lo'ak was the first one to speak up. "Okay, let's go. Mom, we thought we could take that shortcut you had showed me last time," Lo'ak said, and you had suddenly remembered what he meant. The kids were looking at you expectantly and you simply nodded. You began to wonder to yourself what you'd just gotten yourself into this time. You were now the one responsible that not only Lo'ak came back safely to the village, but also Neteyam, also including Tsireya and Ao'nung, because if anything happened to them, your only other problem wouldn't just be letting Lo'ak bond with Payakan. This also included Rotxo. You knew his parents, and he was a total sweetheart. You were determined to bring the kids back safe and sound. You would not let anything happen to them out on this trip.

Soon, all of you headed out to the shallower parts of the reef, and the kids followed your lead. When standing in the shores, the water reached your waists and now all that was left was to call the ilu's. This is the area where the creatures usually swam in and inhabited. You'd do this, even if every second, your mind was screaming at you to turn back and bail before being out in open sea. But you couldn't do that to Lo'ak, or to any of the kids who wanted to be part of this. You just couldn't deny Lo'ak or any of them something that was so important and obviously entrusted to you over anyone else and also wanted you to be there with them.

Since there were much more of than just you and Lo'ak, it would make more sense each of you took an ilu, but that would mean take care of each other and be stay alert out in open sea and not lose each other. You looked over to Lo'ak and he looked completely sure of himself, not a single doubt, you turned back to look at the kids and there wasn't a shred of doubt in their faces. It suddenly made you feel much more confident yourself. But still, each second that passed was spent by your head trying to convince you to back out before its too late to change your mind. But you couldn't turn back now. You already committed at this point.

Unlike last time, each one of you called your own ilu's. When Tsireya, Ao'nung, and Rotxo called for them, three ilu's suddenly came swimming from the depths of the reef. The Metkayina kids mounted them, and soon it was time for you, Lo'ak, and Neteyam to do the very same thing. The three of you yipped and called for the ilu's and then a couple seconds later, three ilu's came swimming and circling around you, Lo'ak and Neteyam. Once the three of you mounted your ilu's, now all of you were ready to leave. Like last time, now the most difficult and challenging part about this is leaving the reef and the village with anyone really noticing, especially since this time of the time is when most people were outside. But thankfully, you and the others had a way of leaving the reef now and it wouldn't be as difficult as before.

Without another word, you were the first one to submerge yourself underwater and began to lead your ilu through the reef. You looked back behind you and saw that the kids were already following behind you. A few seconds later, they all caught up with you and they were already swimming on their ilu's on either side of you. Like you, Tsireya, Rotxo, and Ao'nung knew this reef like the backs of your hands. Even if Lo'ak had been using this same path, him and Neteyam still have yet to get to know it like you and the Metkayina kids do. This shortcut that you showed him last time is one you knew about that almost nobody knew of, and it was a small opening that lead to the outside the reef. You still hoped that nobody had found it yet or has used it. Even if it was still in the morning, villagers were bustling at this time and as you and the kids rode on your ilu's side by side, your anxiety began to rise out of fear of getting caught. Like Lo'ak said, you two would be back before anyone noticed you were gone like last time, and you woud hold him onto that on the way there and back. But if it worked last time, what were the chances that it'd work this timw around too? Your luck eventually had to run out. If anyone found out, Tonowari's trust isn't the only thing you'd lose, but Jake's too.

That same feeling of pure relief suddenly came back and washed over you as all of you got the edge of the barriers of the reef and in the distance, you could see that the opening was completely deserted and nobody was there. You turned to look at Lo'ak and the others,and you pointed at the spot, so the kids nodded and they followed your gaze. So, when their eyes landed on the opening, they all nodded with big and determined smiles and began to follow you there. When slowly approaching the spot, you realized it wasn't big enough for all of you at once of you to pass through. So, to solve this, you did motions with your hands to the kids behind you and had them align themselves behind you in a straight line. As you all arrived there at the opening, you and the kids passed through the crack in the barrier and were now officially out of the reef, out into the open sea.

There was really no turning back now, was it? This was escalating more and more with every second. The water was much deeper and was a darker shade of almost crystal clear waters of the reef, but rather almost dark blue because the sun's light didn't reach the bottom of the sea's floor. You'd never get used to the beauty of both sides of the sea. It was hard to fathom most of the time you came out here. Even so, you and the kids continued to ride your ilu's out into the big open sea and towards Three Brother's Rocks, and even if you and the other Metkayina kids know where that landmark was, you all seemed to be pretty confident on where it was located, which is why you all rorde side by side and didn't let anyone go further by themselves. Still, as the adult, you would be there if anything out of ordinary happened.

Soon enough, it was midday, around noon, when you and the kids reached Three Brothers Rocks to have Lo'ak and Payakan meet again, and potentially bond if the boy wanted to see the Tulkun's memories. While Lo'ak waited for Payakan, you, Neteyam, Tsireya, Ao'nung, and Ao'nung all stayed in the kelp forest below the surface, hidden. It was clear to you and the others that Lo'ak was doing all of this because he wanted to so desperately prove the fact that Payakan was not the killer everyone thought he was, and that what he did was misunderstood. Tsireya explained that making a bond with the Tulkun might let him look into his memories, and that is exactly what Lo'ak planned to do. This is part made you the most nervous.

While you and the others were hiding in the kelp forest underwater, filled with algae, you all   waited on your ilu's for Lo'ak to get Payakan's approval to tell him about his past. Lo'ak on the other hand, was up on the surface waiting for the Tulkun to arrive. He swam for a bit, and then submerged his head to look at the empty waters around and below him, but that was going to change soon enough. And that was only because after a few seconds, Payakan appeared from the algae with a soft howl as a greeting for Lo'ak and swam up the surface, letting Lo'ak sit and lean on his fin like Lo'ak usually does when he visits Payakan.

After greeting his Tulkun friend, and sitting on his fin, Lo'ak told Payakan that he wanted him to put his trust in him because he knows what he was going through. Lo'ak could understand a thing or two about misunderstandings and being misunderstood because of it. Lo'ak really wanted Payakan to know that he could really be trusted. "I know how you feel," Lo'ak spoke as he signed, taking a pause as he trailed off a bit. "I feel...all alone too. Tell me, why are you outcast?" Lo'ak continued, and to Payakan, his words came out as muffled, while seeing Lo'ak signing every word. After his question, Payakan suddenly felt sullen and looked at the boy, on his fin, blinking slowly, and really not wanting to remember his story again, but if it was for Lo'ak, he'd show the boy about his past, why he was exiled from his herd, and also why it led to him being outcast. Payakan was also hoping that after this, Lo'ak could tell you what he saw regarding Hahona, since Payakan still has that engraved memory in his head and he wanted you to know the truth about it all.

Meanwhile, after Payakan agreed to Lo'ak's request, the boy himself gave you, Neteyam, Tsireya, Ao'nung, and Rotxo the go-ahead to leave your ilu's behind and hide behind some algae so you all could see what happens. This was all under the consent of Payakan, but you were all hidden because this was supposed to be a moment between Lo'ak and the Tulkun alone. The Tulkun had disappeared for a few moments but would appear any second now as Lo'ak waited for him. You and the kids all got to a distance that was discreet, yet just close enough to be able to see clearly the whole thing and ordeal unfold . That was only in the case that you all needed to go in and help Lo'ak if anything were to happen, but you were sure that with Payakan by his side, the boy was safe.

As you all stayed hidden and watched, you all saw as Lo'ak and Payakan eventually went back and submerged themselves into the blue and pristine waters again, positioning themselves in a spot free of algae, so that the boy was just floating in front of the Tulkun. You watched with anxiety, and tightly gripped one of the stems of the algae out of distress and just being nervous for what mighy come out of this. Being able to sense this, Tsireya placed a hand on your shoulder and when you got knocked out of your train of thought, you turned to look at her and she sent you a soft smile. Somehow, that
was able to make your nerves lessen and if she believed that this would go well too, then you can too. You smiled back and turned back to look at Lo'ak and Payakan in front of you and the kids. You closed your eyes momentarily and then tried to focus on the matter at hand.

You all watched as Lo'ak waited for a few more seconds, seeing as Payakan was not moving at all, staying still. Lo'ak raised his hands up in a small questioning gesture, but soon enough after a couple of seconds, the Tulkun finally opened its mouth open and Lo'ak immediately realized and connected the dots that he was now supposed to swim inside. With the Tulkun having its mouth wide open, it just looked pitch black inside with Payakan's gills on the side of its mouth more prominent than ever. He did not know how he was supposed to bond with Payakan, and you could sense from afar that Lo'ak was hesitant about going inside since he didn't know how this worked, but this was truly how Na'vi bonded with their spirit siblings. The boy himself would infinitely trust his sentient friend and would go inside and get his answers.

Lo'ak stayed hesitant for a bit at first, but he eventually summoned up the courage to start swimming inside Payakan's mouth. You were quick to tense up and your nerves quickly returned, even if you knew how this worked. You had turned to look at the others and saw that Neteyam looked at Tsireya quizzically as he watched this happen, skeptical about letting his little brother do this. Tsireya was quick to give him a look that assured him that it was okay and that this was supposed to happen this way. Neteyam turned to you, his mom, for any sort of reassurance that this would work, so you gave your oldest son an assertive nod and a look full of confidence which seemed to make him feel better as he looked at his much more younger brother swimming on his way inside Payakan's mouth. It was unnerving. You really could feel and understand why he was worried, I mean, he just saw his little brother willingly swim into the mouth of Tulkun. Something they've never seen happen. But Payakan would never hurt Lo'ak in any way. All he wanted was for the boy, and for you to learn the truth.

As Lo'ak swam further inside, the darker it was becoming, all the while he held his breath like Tsireya had taught him. He really had no idea where he was supposed to go or what to do from this point on, but he assumed that his Tulkun friend would guide him. Before Lo'ak knew it, all of a sudden, Payakan's mouth began to close shut, startling Lo'ak a bit as the mouth closed and it was now just completely pitch dark. Neteyam's eyebrows furrowed and the oldest Sully did not hesitate in starting to swim over to the Tulkun, but he was stopped by Tsireya and you, reaching for your son. Both you and Tsireya grabbed his arm, looking at him with pleading expressions and Tsireya motioned with her hand as if saying 'Hold on. Wait a second'. She wanted Neteyam to know there was really nothing to worry about there, although it may seem alarming and worrisome how his younger brother, Lo'ak seemingly got trapped inside a giant Tulkun's mouth. Anyone would freak out and worry instantly over a sight like that. But they all had to be patient.

Neteyam looked back at Ao'nung and Rotxo who gave the Sully the same look that Tsireya did. The Metkayine had more knowledge about this than the Sully brother did, but that still did not ease the uneasiness in his stomach, seeing his brother like that. Although, even if Tsireya knew that this really was what was supposed to happen, she couldn't help but look at Payakan worriedly . If he really is as noble as Lo'ak had said, then she and the others should have really nothing to be concerned about. But she was starting to understand what Neteyam had been thinking when he almost lunged forward to get his brother out of there. You shared a look with Tsireya and your expressions were filled with what was hope and worry merged together.

Once Lo'ak was inside Payakan's mouth, he noticed that all of the freckles on his body were lit up and that the Tulkun's entire mouth was littered with those same dots, like a sky full of constellations. It was trully alluring and hard to stop looking at. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. As he followed the trail of glowing dots on the roof of Payakan's mouth, Lo'ak noticed that they led up to some sort of purple and glowing body part, which he assumed was the brain, at the roof of the Tulkun's mouth.

After a few more seconds of marvelling at what was before him, and with curiosity, Lo'ak had turned around, only to be startled once he was able to spot a tentacle-like protrusion from the Tulkun's brain, unraveled in front of the boy. It glowed with purple and yellow tones that only drew Lo'ak closer. He began to swim closer to it but when a giant glowing tendril stretches out completely out of protrusion, he swam back a bit out of surprise but still stayed close. Lo'ak looked at how many tentacles it had, and the fact that it glowed yellow and orange. He looked at it with interest, and rather quizzically and then realized this was probably where the bond was supposed to be made. He'd finally see Payakan's memories, and you'd know what exactly happened to your late husband. Things would fall into place the moment he connected his braid to the tendril of the sentient Tulkun.

Lo'ak slowly began to bring his braid forward from around his back and then, he made the Tsahaylu bond as the tendrils of the tentacle immediately attached to his braid, making the yellow tendrils glow upon contact, as well as the ones on Lo'ak's queue. It didn't take long for Lo'ak to feel a reaction to it. The moment that the bond was made, Lo'aks eyes widened, his pupils dilated, and he gasped. His head was brought back a bit as he closed his eyes, soon beginning to see what was definitely not one of his memories, rather but of Payakan. This was it. This must be what happened that made the Tulkun be exiled, or at least what started it all. It was from Payakan's vision so the memory was blurry and in yellow tones mostly since it was from the Tulkun's perspective. Lo'ak could tell that the Tulkun was just a very young calf here, judging by what was happening.

In the memory, Payakan continued to swim rapidly and hurriedly, as fast as he possibly could and briefly lifted his head from the water to see whaling hunting ships chasing after him and other Tulkuns as well. He ducked his head underwater and looked to his side to see his mother being brutally shot with an anchor on her stomach, while having floatation harpoons impaled on her fins. These attacks made the female Tulkun wail in agony and devastating pain. She didn't want her son to see her like this, with a memory engraved in his head for the rest of his life, but it was inevitable now.

Payakan then looked down to see submarines below her mother, monitoring that she is killed and taken out completely. Through the bond, Lo'ak could feel how much this devastated Payakan, even as a young calf, he lost so much. He watched through Payakan's memories how Payakan's mother wailed, howled and while also taking its last moment of her life, she had also ultimately had to leave behind her son too soon. Watching this memory, Lo'ak eyebrows furrowed a bit and he groaned lightly in place, feeling Payakan's pain and suffering through the vision and the bond. Lo'ak continued to watch the younger Tulkun's memories seeing his mother painfully die at the hands of the Sky People. Everything was all slowly coming into place, and especially even now more than ever after Payakan quickly switched from a memory to another. It was time to see what happened to Hahona and what really caused Payakan to be exiled and outcast from his pod. This is where it would all come together, finally, at last.

The next sequence he saw was Payakan swimming with a herd of other Tulkun, but also Na'vi warriors on their ilu's. This also happen to include Hahona riding on his own Skimwing, right alongside of Payakan, like the Tulkun had previously told you before. While bombs were landing everywhere below the water, Hahona managed to dodge the first few shots, turning to Payakan and signing; "We need a better plan, they're killing us" Hahona said with worry evident on his face as the bomb that was thrown shortly after effectively killed the Tulkuns around Payakan and all the other Na'vi warriors too, who were the spirit brothers and sisters of the Tulkun. Tulkun cries began to resonate in Lo'ak's mind as the sounds just continued to replay over and over in his head through the bond. It was gruesome and cruel. All he could hear were the pain and agony that these sentient creatures were unfairly suffering from, and hearing their cries and calls for each other through echolocating only made Lo'ak feel even more sullen and felt suddenly felt a pit in his stomach that he couldn't shake off.

What Lo'ak saw next was Payakan lifting his head out of the water, as well as Hahona who was kneeling on the back of his Skimwing who came up to the surface to see if he could land any direct shots at the ships. Othe Tulkun also came up to the surface, but unfortunately, both Payakan and other Tulkun had missiles quickly launched at them. The only difference between them is that the missile launched at the other Tulkun killed him instantly, but for Payakan, it made him lose his fin. Lo'ak watched Hahona have a horrified look on his face when he saw Payakan get hit. "Payakan!" He yelled out in utter worry, quickly leading his Skimwing over to Payakan's passed out body. But before he could reach the Tulkun, this was Hahona's end.

Before reaching Payakan, a metal spear was launched from the ship of the Sky People and it imapaled Hahona through his abdomen. The speed almost killed Hahona instantly, but the warrior forced himself to continue to fight to the bitter end alongside of Payakan. The last thoughts on his mind as he lost more and more blood, was you. How he would be leaving you behind. He didn't want to leave you. He had been planning to you on coming home to you that day and telling you all about his intrepid adventures with Payakan, but as of now, he never would, but if the Tulkun somehow met you one day, he hoped Payakn could do him the favor. Hahona couldn't think straight, but he could feel Payakan's fins lifting him, given that Hahona's Skimwing had swam away out of fright of the missiles and the howls and wails.

As Payakan tried to escape with a bloody fin, while also carrying Hahona on his other fin, and the remaining Tulkun and Na'vi riding alongside of him, the RDA continued to make relentless attacks in hopes of at least making some sort of catch on any Tulkun present. The explosions of the bombs were just relentless, and the painful wailing of the Tulkun's didn't stop either. Lo'ak could feel his heart dropping at the next sight of the memory. It was the aftermath of the battle. While Payakan carried a miraculously still alive Hahona on his fin, all that Payakan could see as he swam through the waters of the remains of the battle, all he could see were Na'vi warriors deadand slowly sinking lifelessly to the bottom of the ocean.

The ilu's caught in the fight were no longer alive either, with blood from other dead Tulkuns and Na'vi who were in the vicinity. It was a massacre, and now, Lo'ak at last finally understood the life of guilt and shame that Payakan had to live with for the rest of his life. It all made sense now. Since everyone on that battle died, no one was there to vouch for Payakan, and after being the only one alive amongst dead Metkayina and Tulkun, he was seen as a murderer. A killer. But he wasn't. That wasn't who he was. He was outcat out of a misunderstanding, yet somehow plausible cause of the event that was created out of his very own need for revenge, and just wanting to fight back against those who caused him pain.

Though, the memory wasn't over. When it was all over, Payakan remembered who was barely hanging onto his life on his fin. The Tulkun hurried up to the surface, and once coming up above the wate, Hahona coughed and gasped roughly, with shallow breaths leaving his body. Hearing this, Payakan hurried to bring him over to the nearest rocky surface that portruted out of water, and used his fin to lay him down and then ccomodate Hahona on it. The warrior was clutching his wound, even if blood just continuously left his body and he'd be giving his last breath any moment now. Payakan wailed and cried at the state that the warrior who was so eager to fight by his side was in.

I between his rapid breaths and gasps, Hahona turned to look at Payakan, who was looking at him as well. The Tulkun knew he definitely had something to say, so Payakan stayed attentive. Hahona coughed and took his hand out of his wound, beginning to sign weakly. "Please...tell her I love her," He rasped out as his chest rose up and down from slowly losing oxygen and the basic means to breathe. Payakan wailed and asked "Who?" He asked, and Hahona just smiled weakly at the mere thought of you and how amazing you are. Where could he even begin to explain? He would die any moment now, but now he had to make it very brief.

Hahona's breathing became shallower and more intense with every second that passed, ao he knew he didn't have long. He began to sign and speak out to the Tulkun at the same time. "If you ever have the chance to meet her, her name is Y/n Te Keta Woti'ite. She's my mate. Please, just...tell her I love her. And that I'm sorry that I didn't come back home like I promised. Her eyes, her smile...they're so unmistakable that you won't have trouble recognizing her," Hahona spoke and his eyes slowly becoming more and more half lidded with every word. He couldn't possibly saying everything that he wanted to, but he only had the strength to say one more thing. "Tell her...that I'm sorry," Hahona signed and spoke, his voice becoming weaker and weaker with every breath. When his pupils dilated fully and his breathing stopped altogether, Payakan wailed in sadness at the recognition that he was gone. Payakan tried nudging him with his fin, but it was limp. Lifeless. Unresponsive.

As Payakan's eyes expressed his sadness more than he ever could with any wail or howl that Tulkun's use to communicate, he watched Hahon's imapled body or seemingly mangled, and it looked like an animal attack him. Before Payakan could stay to grieve for the warrior, he began to hear yells of warriors in the distance, alerting Payakan that there were Metkayina warriors who were probably alerted about the incident and had arrived at the scene for search and rescue for any survivors. As much as he hated to leave Hahona, Payakan had forced himself to dive underwater and and go deep into the sea, swimming away as far as possible to not be spotted. The warriors would get the wrong idea if they saw Hahona in that state and the Tulkun being the only one present.

As Payakan got to a further point, he peeked his head out of the water and saw that warriors were beginning to crowd around Hahona's body. Payakan wailed softly to himself and submerged himself underwater, swimming away, filled with guilt and regret. Though, there was a clear thought in the Tulkun's head even with all of those clouding thoughts of sadness and despair. Payakan swore he would deliver Hahona's words to you, no matter how long it took, and he would let you know how important you were to him, even more than you ever knew. He would fulfill his promise to the bitter end, and wouldn't give up on letting you know, someday, how brave he really was in battle, never giving up once or buckling under the pressure. Even after being outcast, Payakan never forgot the promise he made, and that fateful day of meeting you at last, you were just as wonderful as Hahona had described, if not more. That very same promise he made to your mate, is what kept Payakan going, gave him a reason to live, up until he meg Lo'ak, who gave the Tulkun a new sense of purpose and a new reason to stay alive even after everything and fight to solve the misunderstanding that changed his life drastically forever.

It wasn't long before the memory finally ended, and with that, Lo'ak disconnected his queue from Payakan's tendrils with half-lidded eyes after taking in everything that he saw. Soon enough, the Tulkun opened its mouth to let him out. You, Neteyam, Tsireya, Ao'nung, and Rotxo were all relieved to see him come out unscathed and with no trouble swimminh out. You smiled in relief and you all knew Lo'ak probably wanted to talk to Payakan first before anything else, so you all discreetly looked at one another and nodded simultaneously, all agreeing to retur to your own ilu's and waited for the Sully brother to come back to the group.

Meanwhile, when Lo'ak swam back up to the surface while Payakan had already made his way up, and as soon as Lo'ak was above water, he took a big gasp for air and began swimming towards the Tulkun. He had been underwater for too long for his liking, even if he had gotten better at controlling it these last few weeks. He brushed those thoughts and quickly started to swim closer and sit on Payakan's fin. Upon contact, Payakan let out a low rumbling noise as he closed his eyes. Breathing heavily, Lo'ak lifted his hand and placed it just above the Tulkun's eye as he made direct eye contact with the creature. Lo'ak didn't hesitate to express how sorry he really was for everything that happened to him, not imagining how tragic it must have felt to have all that happen to him.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," Lo'ak said and leaned in to hug Payakan, pressing his cheek on the place right above the creature's eye and stretching his arms out to embrace the Tulkun as much as he could. Upon this hug, Payakan closed his eyes and relished in the sweet action from Lo'ak, letting out soft whining sounds. He loved him like his own brother and was glad he saved him all those weeks ago, or he wouldn't have met him otherwise. "It's okay. It's okay," Lo'ak whispered, reassuring his Tulkun friend that it wasn't his fault. None of it was his fault.

He couldn't imagine how much guilt he has carried with him all these years, especially since that happened when he was only a calf. The Tulkun has had to fend and survive for himself all this time, without his herd, and feeling like there wasn't anything worth living for anymore. Lo'ak couldn't help but feel more and more empathy and pity for Payakan, but also feels closer to him than ever before. Lo'ak always feels like the outcast in his family, and even if you have helped to lessen that over the course of your appearance in his family's life, Lo'ak constantly feels like he lives in Neteyam's shadow as the older brother that can do no wrong and him as the reckless and rebellious one. His rebellious tendencies only grew after his first mother, Neytiri, passed. Constantly trying to prove himself worth of protecting his family like Neteyam strives to do. He wants to feel like an equal to those around him, like his family, just like Payakan wants to hopefully go back to his pod and be forgiven for what he did.

After having a much deserved and heartfelt moment with Payakan and the boy promised to tell you what he saw in the memories as per the Tulkun's request, then Lo'ak bid the Tulkun, who was technically his spirit brother now, and once Payakan left and was out of sight, Lo'ak gave you and the others a signal from below the surface that it was okay to come to the surface again. A few seconds later, you, Rotxo, Tsireya, Ao'nung, and Neteyam all came up to the surface on your ilu's sitting on the backs of the creatures. Noticing how out of it Lo'ak looked, you spoke up as Neteyam and the others began to talk amongst each other, just simply waiting until it was officially time to go back. "How did it go?" You smiled softly as you lead your ilu closer to him, all the while Lo'ak called for his own, and soon enough, he was mounted on the creature and had his queue connected to it. For him, it became a bit hard to get the words out because of everything that he saw, and if you came all this way to know, he'd have to tell you.

"It went better than I thought but, Mom...there are a couple things you should know" Lo'ak said and your breath hitched as your eyes widened the most minimal of a fraction. Even so, you nodded and Lo'ak didn't hesitate in explaining everything that he saw. Not sparing a single detail of what Payakan showed him, from beginning to end. And the more he spoke, the more that tears brimmed your eyes and a lump gathered in your throat, hearing such details about the way he was mortally wounded and so fatally, his last words to you, and along wity how brave he was through it all. It didn't go far from what you have always thought that Hahona would do; which wasfighting for what he believed in and for others well-being.

When Lo'ak finished explaining it all, you were at a complete loss for words. You looked back briefly at Neteyam, Tsireya, Rotxo, Ao'nung all talking while waiting on their ilu's. Everything that Lo'ak explained coincided with all of what Payakan said to you weeks before, and to be honest, it was more gruesome than you had originally imagined when you began to think what could have happened. You couldn't wrap your head around it, and you needed to make sure you were hearing right. "Lo'ak, are you certain that this is what you saw?" You asked, and the boy didn't hesitate in nodding in an assertive way, so that was all the confirmation that you needed to believe it. You didn't dare question Payakan or Lo'ak, but this was all just about how at a loss you were. So many feelings like disbelief, confusion, and at the bottom of it all grief that resurfaced. After all, this was truly the very last part of your process of the closure that you needed, and you didn't know it now, but you would later.

You needed some time to process it all, but for now, all you could do was show Lo'ak how grateful and proud of him you were of his efforts and all that he's done until now. With a teary smile, you couldn't help but wrap your arms tightly in an embrace around your son. You had a gentle hand wrapped around the back of his head, and cradling it gently, while another arm was around his midsection, then bringing him closer to you as rogue tears left your eyes, keeping your eyes closed shut while being unable to not let a smile grace your face. Lo'ak was quick to hug you back and press his cheek against your shoulder, both of you each on your own ilu. "Thank you, Lo'ak" You said in a muttered voice that was loud and clear enough for him to hear as a laugh mixed with a gentle sob left your lips and you pressed your cheek against the side of his head lovingly.

"You're welcome, Mom. I'm glad you came," He said, and you nodded against his head with a smile. You and him pulled away from the hug, and then, you raised your hand and cupped his cheeks, aweing to yourself with a cheesy smile and squishing them slightly together and eliciting a smile and a chuckle from him. "Mom, stop. You're embarrassing me," He laughed bashfully, checking briefly if the others were looking, but thankfully they were all immersed in their own conversation. You laughed, knowing that he'd never live it down if Tsireya saw him. You dropped your hands from his cheeks, briefly patting his head and then, wordlessly, gesturing with your head out into the open sea and the others as a way of saying; 'Ready to go?' You smiled as Lo'ak nodded, and side by side, you and him made your way back to the others in cheery spirits.

Eventually after grouping back up with the others, you all collectively agreed to head back to the village. It was mid afternoon by now and things would be suspicious if you and the kids didn't leave in that moment. Since you were all already on your ilu's, almost simultaneously, you all submerged underwater at the same time after yipping for your ilu's to go forward. The way back was just as choppy and rough because of the afternoon currents of the sea getting a lot stronger, but it wasn't anything that any of you couldn't handle. The ride back home wasn't very long, but on the way, those same nerve-wracking thoughts invaded your brain just as you were when firsy departing to come to this in the first place. Would Jake, Ronal or Tonowari have already noticed? Did someone see you leave? Were you all gone from the village for too long and lost track of time.

Eventually, all of your questions were about to be answered when you and the kids could see the village in the distance, and soon enough, were going through the underpass that you left through in the first place. Swimming through the reef, it was evident that there were less and less people at this time which was not such a great sign. If there were less people now, it was easier for Jake or Tonowari to notice you and the kids were gone. You wouldn't even know what to do with that situation. After reaching the more shallower parts of the reef, you all looked at each other once and it was clear you all had the same idea. You disconnected your queue's from your ilu's and began walking up the shore, and heading towards the beach.

It seems that really nobody was around which sent a relieved smile on your face, but that same smile dropped when you all reached the sandy beach, turned a corner, and there they were. Tonowari and Ronal standing in front of you and the kids with almost completely and utterly unreadable expressions. But you could tell they were mainly staring down at you. Did they really know? They probably did, didn't they? And they were looking at you with a look that indicated as to why you, the only adult, could possibly be involved and be a part of something like this. Each one of the looks on their face's directed at you broke you slightly with every second. Tonowari and Ronal sharing the same expression of disappointment and just utter confusion, not believing their own eyes. You couldn't bare the way that your adoptive father was looking at you. You didn't even want to start on that. He had his arms crossed and his expression is one you never wanted him to see you with. It saddened you and made your stomach drop. And that's when he probably doesn't know the whole story and knew only the extent of it. What will he do when he does? You knew this would happen and tried to ignore it, this is where it got you.

"We need to talk. Now" Tonowari said in a stern and low voice, making you and the kids all tense up at his words. As Tonowari and Ronal began to walk away, your father turned away from you, and when you lifted your head to hopefully make eye contact, he turned his head away and turned away from you. Your face dropped and you watched as the kids all watched past you while you stayed in place, frozen. Lo'ak was the last one to walk past you and he stopped briefly, turning his head back to you and sending you a look full of sympathy. You couldn't even smile back. It was only after a few seconds later that you forced your feet to cooperate, so you began to walk forward and tried to catch up with the others to their hut.

Turns out, that somehow along the way of you and the kids coming back home, Ronal and Tonowari found out about the situation with Payakan, and how his own children allowed Lo'ak to bond with the exiled Tulkun. And more specifically, how you were there and willingly went, letting it happen. Now, after you managed to catch up, you were as of now walking behind Lo'ak and Neteyam. They both had their heads down. While Tonowari lead them over to the inside of the hut, Ronal had stopped and watched each of the kids pass her by. Rotxo was the only one who wasn't there since he went back to his family shortly after. When it was your turn, you looked up at your adoptive mother to see she didn't even make eye contact with you either. You frowned and hung your head down again, knowing you were about to walk past Tonowari, too. The look of disappointment and diamay would be too much for you to bare. Jake wasn't here yet, but you were sure the commotion of the whole conversation about to happen would alert him and have him coming to see what happened. By then, you wouldn't be able to face him either.

Ao'nung and Tsirya were walking right behind their father. And Tsireya, poor girl. She was such a rule follower and someone who never disobeyed was facing the blow of what she was a part of. Though, if she was anything like you, you knew what she was thinking. Neteyam and Lo'ak were only close behind the Metkayina kids and then there was you. There was silence and only that on the way there, and once the kids were all inside, you were standing next to Tsireya (with both of your heads hung low) and watching as your adoptive mother walked in, angry and upset. Ronal was quick to start to speak, scolding and reprimand them you all. You felt like the little girl you used to be  when they first took you in. It truly felt shameful.

The order of how you were all lined up was you, Tsireya, Lo'ak, Neteyam, and Ao'nung, with none of you daring to speak. It did startle you when Ronal started speaking with such authority, that it should not affect you as much as an adult. But really, at the bottom of it all, her and Tonowari's words were aimed at you, because you were the responsible adult in this, someone who knows better. "You allowed this! You allowed him to bond with the outcast!" Ronal exclaimed to the kids, but then turned to look at you, not even believing those words were coming out of her mouth. As Ronal stared you down, you began to breath shakily, but still tried to play it off and not make it noticeable. "Y/n...this I can't forgive," Ronal said and your eyes widened as your breath hitched and a lump formed in your throat. Had she really said that? You really hoped you heard wrong, but deep down, you knew you didn't. But you didn't blame them. You saw this happening already before, and didn't go for the safe route.

Ronal walked away and suddenly, you felt as if your legs would give out on you. You felt the kids' gaze burning into the side of your head, but mostly Lo'ak's. You were going through this because of him, because he insisted after you've warned him multiple times, and even if something good came out today, the long teem effect of the damage to a relationship you had already was clearly breaking and breaching. He realized that you didn't do this for you, but for him, and now you were taking the blow. For Ronal, never in her life did she think that her children, or the young girl she and Tonowari took in, would be responsible for something like this. Ronal stepped away, but Tonowari silently stepped into the conversation and looked directly at Tsireya. Your breath was quickening and your anxiety was rising to what he would say to you, knowing you were next, and he still had yet to even make eye-contact with you. The thought alone made you break.

After so long of trying to be the best possible daughter to him and Ronal, to give back for everything that they've done for you, and to return the favor of raising you all of these years, they probably felt betrayed. Hurt that you had participated in something that was clearly against something that was against everything the Metkayina believed in. The word disappointment wasn't able to describe anymore what Tonowari and Ronal were now feeling towards you, Tsireya and even Ao'nung. When Tonowari stopped in front of Tsireya, he took a couple seconds before speaking up at last. "Tsireya," Tonowari started, making the girl look up quickly and inhale sharply as her small ears tipped back. She looked up at her father with her eyes full of sorrow and shame that she couldn't hide even if she wanted to. "You disappoint me, daughter," Tonowari said, making her daughter feel tears start to brim in her eyes at her father's words. She had exhaled shakily before she noticed that her father had turned to face you now. Knowing it was your turn to recieve the words you were about to be told, you tried to stand tall, lifting your head up and clearing rogue tears in your eyes away.

This time, Tonowari looked at you directly in the eyes for the first time since you came back to the village. You tried not to buckle under his gaze, so full of dismay and despondency that those tears you tried to wipe away were slowly resurfacing in the corners of your eyes. Though there was nothing that could have ever possibly prepared you for what he was about to say. You felt your heart clench when those words left his mouth. "Y/n...I can't even look at you," He said before walking over to stand next to Ronal, and you were left locked in place. You felt like you had been punched in the gut, and all air had left your body. You were unable to fathom that you had disappointed one of the most and influential important people in your life, who's probably never trusting you ever again or trust your judgment for anything. You probably lost all of their respect, and you've let them down.

At this point, you couldn't stop the single tear that rolled down your cheek, because you just couldn't hold them any longer, and held your head down. Sobs wanted to erupt from your throat, but holding those cries in was proving to be very difficult, and even more so when the person who you had expected to appear ran up to stand in the entrance. You couldn't even dare to look up, but you knew exactly who it was, and knowing that once he found out what was happening, he probably won't even want to look at you either. Jake ran in up the woven path up to Tonowari and Ronal's hut where you were all in. As you thought, he had heard the commotion and saw his sons from afar, but was even more shocked to find you standing there with tear stained cheeks and a desolate look on your face. What was happening?

From the body language of his kids and his mate, Jake knew it was clear that something had happened and you, the kids were all being reprimanded for it. He could see if the kids were being scolded, but you? What sort of involvement could you have had to be tear-ridden and seemingly absolutely destroyed. He would be lying if he said his heart didn't sink at the sight you were in. It made him want to hold you and tell you that everything would be okay.

But in your perspective, you knew Jake would definitely think the opposite. Jake looked at you, noticing how you were avidly looking away from him, avoiding eye-contact, and with all the confusion, he began to start noticing how Tonowari was looking at Lo'ak with clear discontent, not happy at all with his actions. But Lo'ak would take the punishment. He was used to it, he could take it, and he deserved it, but the people around him didn't. He would defend what he knew and what he believed in until the very end. No matter what it took.

The moment Tonowari turned to look at Lo'ak, the boy didn't flinch once and stayed standing in a position of confidence. "And you, son of a great warrior, who has been taught better," Tonowari scolded as gestured at Jake behind Lo'ak, but the boy did not hesitate to defend himself and everyone around him, especially you. The whole story about what happened to Payakan wasn't what everyone thought, and Jake tried to step for Lo'ak, but he was quick to stop himself, really trying to piece together the situation, and more importantly, what you had to do with it. "Payakan saved my life, sir. You don't know him," Lo'ak said, and you sighed, closing your eyes upon hearing what Lo'ak was saying. He was digging himself a bigger hole he wouldn't be able to get out of. Lo'ak paused for a moment, looked at you briefly. "And you also shouldn't blame y/n. It wasn't her fault to go out there," Lo'ak said with certainty but your eyes widened, watching as not only Tonowari's eyes darted from you and Lo'ak, but something in Jake's mind clicked about this situation. In his head, all he could think about was how you've known about this whole situation and didn't tell him, hiding it something about your guy's son directly from him. He looked at you with an expression that really demanded an explanation, and you wanted to, but you hoped he would still want to talk to you after this.

"No, Lo'ak..." Tsireya pleaded, and the boy heard her but still stood tall in front of the Olo'eyktan who was looking at Lo'ak with so much disbelief at how he was conducting himself. You looked at Lo'ak, grateful he tried to stand up for you, but now, Jake had most likely figured it out and the more that this whole conversation continued, the more that he'd refuse to look at you. Just like Tonowari. This small window would throw that small window of happiness you and him have had going on over the edge. You could tell that Jake was trying to listen, because simply jumping to random conclusions wouldn't help anybody right now, and hearing the whole situation would help him decide how to feel, because right now, all he could feel was disbelief just continuing to bubble up inside of him from you having had hid things from him and not saying anything, even more so after you gave him a lecture about hiding things too. Still, even if they were completely different circumstances, Jake would hear every detail first despite the anger and frustration that was building up.

Tonowari looked at Lo'ak for a few more seconds before speaking up. There was just one small things that Lo'ak needed to know, which was also a story that all Metkayina knew. If that didn't make him understand, then there was nothing Tonowari could do to make him see. "Sit," The chief said in an eerily calm tone, but Lo'ak was too stunned by his calmness to obey. He stared at Tonowari, and you watched the interaction with shivers running up and down your spine, because you knew that when Tonowari was this calm, it was because he was very angry on the inside. "Sit," Tonowari said again, gesturing to the ground with his finger, and this time, Lo'ak has obliged and crouched down just as the Olo'eyktan had asked of him. After Tonowari and Lo'ak lowered themselves to the ground at the same time, sitting down, the chief noticed Neteyam, Ao'nung, Tsireya, and you were all still standing. "Sit down!" Tonowari yelled angrily, immediately making you all sit and drop down to your knees.

You hated this. You felt like a little girl all over again when you didn't know any better, being yelled at like this. This man raised you, and you have been on the receiving end of scoldings like these ones, but still, its been so long. All of the memories weren't pleasant. This was shameful and so humiliating on so many levels. You and Tsireya kept your heads down and had softly whimpered slightly in fear and out of the same tear-ridden emotions you two were facing, but this was not at Tonowari, but at the entire situation that made your nerves peak. The words Tonowari had said to both of you and Tsireya just sent you and Tsireya over the edge.

You knew that Tonowari wasn't doing this to scare you, but to teach you all a very valuable lesson, and he wasn't a bad guy. He was about to tell a story that he had told you many times over, and that you ha heard him tell Tsireya and Ao'nung many times as well. It was to learn. Jake had noticed your wince and heard your whimper, suddenly feeling something snap inside of him. He hated seeing you like this, despite how angry he was with you. You looked so...small, vulnerable and afraid. He couldn't be there for you at all, and he hated that he couldn't. He needed to hear this first.

When everyone was seated there was only silence for a few seconds, and Jake had also taken it upon himself to kneel down on the ground as well. Tonowari exhaled deeply and blew sharply, as Ronal stood behind her husband. "Hear my words, boy," Tonowari started, keeping direct eye contact with Lo'ak and nobody else. His kids and you already knew this story, but this boy needed to know what was behind the story of the Tulkuns. "In the days of the First Songs, the Tulkun fought amongst themselves, for territory, and for revenge" Tonowari started as Ronal continued to pace back and forth behind her husband, holding onto the jewelry on her neck. She was hearing this story as well, even after having heard it many times before in her youth.

Tonowari eventually continued what he had to say. "-But they came to believe that killing, no matter how justified, only brings more killing. So, killing was forbidden. This is the Tulkun way. Payakan is a killer. So, he is outcast," Tonowari concluded, but all of that still did not manage to change Lo'ak's views at all. You believed the same thing that Lo'ak did, that Payakan wasn't a killer, but defying Tonowari even further wasn't the answer. You stayed silent and bit back anything you wanted to say, but Lo'ak was thinking differently, so he spoke.

"I'm sorry, sir. But you're wrong," Lo'ak said, and you sighed as you closed your eyes shut. Jake hung his head down at his son's words. This didn't surprise him. You took a moment to speak up for the first time since you came back to the village and put a hand on Lo'ak's arm, so he turned to you. "Lo'ak, please, don't fight this anymore" You said as you whispered, pleading and asking him in a gentle tone, and as much as he wanted to do what you said, he couldn't leave things as they were. He wouldn't give up on you, on Payakan, or even anyone else who didn't believe him. The truth always comes to light, and Lo'ak knew that from the bottom of his heart. You knew that Lo'ak wanted to give his point of view, and he could, but denying the words of Tonowari was not the way to go. "I know what, I-" Lo'ak said to you, but couldn't finish because Jake decided to intervene this time around. Things were escalating quickly.

"That's enough!" Jake said, making Lo'ak turn to look at Tsireya who was shaking her head at him. It was a message from her, telling him to stop fighting this topic because it wasn't worth it. Lo'ak then turned to look at you, and despite everything he's done to unfairly bring up to this point, you were still smiling him even if you were hurting on the inside. Lo'ak felt like you smiled at him even when he didn't deserve it, and you're like that with everyone. And even if you were involved in the incident, you did it for him, to make him happy as your son, and to know what you've been wanting to discover since you lost one of the most important people in your life. You were logical every time that he even attempted to go on a dangerous trek, but you went with him anyway because you know how important it is to him. He needed to fix this and quickly. Now that his dad knew the truth, an argument between you and him was sure to brew even when you shouldn't be taking the hits. He'll make things right. He had to.

"I know what I know," Lo'ak said, staying true to what he believed in. Ronal hissed, snarling at the boy's words. You closed your eyes and looked away. This was not going well, and now that Jake has pieced everything together, it wasn't long before this would all take a turn for the worse. You watched as Jake stood up from his spot and walked over to stand next to Lo'ak. "That's enough," Jake whispered sternly to his son, who continued to look down and didn't even make eye contact with his father.

Tsireya looked at this exchange between father and son with disbelief, with tears pooling in her eyes. You noticed this, and despite your own pain, you put a hand on her shoulder and then began to run your hand up and down her arm. The girl believed Lo'ak with everything that she had, and would do anything for him, but this was taking a toll on her and even when you put your hand on her shoulder, she had visibly flinched.  She had never disappointed anyone, much less her parents, so this is something that at least you could sympathize with. You know how she must be feeling, and at such a young age, it can really change things. But Tsireya was a strong girl, so you knew she could do it.

Jake turned to look at Tonowari, as a promise that he would straighten out his son. He'd eventually talk to you too, but was something between you and him. Tonowari didn't need to know about it. "I'll deal with this one," Jake assured the Olo'eyktan, while grabbing Lo'ak's arm and pulling him away. The boy had his eyes locked on Tsireya the entire time, and then trailed his eyes over to you apologetically until you, Tsireya and the others were out of his line of sight. Tonowari watched as Jake took his son away, sighing and looking back at Ronal. She was still very much shaken up.

Eventually, after Jake had eventually taken Lo'ak back to the hut to speak with his son, Tonowari had turned to the remaining kids in the hut and told them all that they were finally dismissed. But he said 'kids', so you stayed behind. You eventually stood up and continued to stay planted in the same spot and avoiding eye-contact from them, knowing that you'd break under the pressure again if you looked at Ronal and Tonowari again. You three were the only ones left in the hut and now since the last ones left like Neteyam, Ao'nung and Tsireya had left. This was really just one problem after another, but Im some way, you were proud of Lo'ak for standing his ground like he's always wanted to do, even if it came at a certain price.

When you finally gained the courage to look up, as you expected, it wasn't easy at all. It definitely looks like they wanted you to stay in order to talk to you. Maybe they wanted an explanation? Or talk things through now that the heat of the moment was over, but either way, you'd be okay with either. All you really want is to talk to them, and let them know that nothing has changed, that things aren't the way that they seem, and that hopefully you can gain their trust and respect again. That is if you haven't lost it already. In any case, you were shocked when Tonowari spoke up saying; "I would hope that you have an explanation, y/n" He said, and you inhaled sharply at his tone, intimidating you to know. Still, you were ready to tell them anything they wanted to know.

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Hi! I took ages to update but there were a number of reasons :,) In these last few days, events have snuck up on me, I got really sick (and my allergies suddenly kicked in while writing this chapter lmao) I went through writers block and this chapter itself had me really stressed lmao. I also just became really stumped on many parts of this chapter but I was able to push through it (hopefully shsj) and I was able to finish!

Also, the reason that I didn't expand more on the moment with Lo'ak telling y/n everything, is simply because I figured that since the event was showed and explained already in detail, I guess I just didn't want repetition and what mattered to me the most in the retelling of Lo'ak to y/n was the reaction and not so much the explanation since I had already done it before.

Also, revisions for all of my Avatar books will start right after 'Your Existence' is over, so Im starting with the first book of 'Barricades' and finishing with this one. Ill go over them throughout the summer. If you see any spelling mistakes, don't worry, because they will all be fixed eventually, book by book! I type my stories on my phone so spelling mistakes really go over my head when Im writing :,)

Like I said, though; they'll all be fixed eventually! I would do it like before where I ran my chapters through grammarly but then the app would freeze and that would just stress me out so yeah lmao shsj

As usual, I put these at the end of every chapter, but there's not much else that I have to say now, but as always, I'll add other news in future chapters if there are any at all or if anything changes. Anyway, I'll see you all in the next one! 🤍 Have a good rest of your week everyone! :,)

Also, remember if you want a dt for the next chapter, let me know! I love doing these because I can really express my gratitude to all of you that way :,) I really want to start doing these more!
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