2.Avatar: The Way of Water
For the past few weeks you had been training the Sullys the way of your people in many ways. At first they were hesitant, heavy shouldered, and vulnerable but, now they are more sure about themselves, relieved of stress, and have expanded. As you indeed teach them your way, you also included meditation and healing practices in your lesson.
One day after lessons you had decided to roam the reefs near the three rocks, as Olo’eykte of the deep sea you had made it apart of your duties to make sure all marine life were thriving. You had been cleaning some debris left behind on the reefs when a huge crash was heard on the other side of the rocks. Going to investigate, you were utterly surprised seeing Lo’ak being chased by an Akula. Staying calm you swam further into the open and called for the Akula as it had cornered Lo’ak into some reef.
Now his sights were on you, you dodged its attacks and smacked it with your tail into the rocks. While momentarily dazed, you took the opportunity to swim over to Lo’ak who looked on the verge of passing out and grabbing him out of the reef. You were almost to the surface when the Akula came heading straight for you both, when suddenly he was being slammed by an even being opponent into the reef.
Feeling the body in your grasp go limp spring you into action and break through the surface. You held him up on your tail as best you could until you felt the Tulkun a fin underneath you both. Glancing it’s way for second before performing CPR, eventually the boy came through coughing up water.
“There, there it alright. Just breathe, you are alright now Lo’ak.” Breathing heavily he takes a moment to gather his bearings while you turn to the Tulkun that had saved you both.
“Payakan…” He watched you warily as you recognized it, but all you did was smile softly and gestures to him as a ‘I see you, my friend’ ‘thank you’. He whines and clicks in response before turning his attention to the boy beside you, Loak.
“You saved my life, thank you Olo’eykte Y/n.” You nod before gesturing the creature you are currently on as he blows water, startling him.
“I am not the only one who saved you..”
“Woah! Uh thank you as well.” He signs choppily to him and asks how they could repay him, it so only then you take notice of the tag sticking out of his fin.
“Oh no..” On the outside you were calm but internally you were furious at the actions done by the sky people. So you and Lo’ak took action and together helped to free the Tulkun from its trap, he clicked in happiness and took Lo’ak on a ride with him.
“Be careful!” You dove down watching as they swam along doing twists and turns, eventual sky stopping in a vertical stance. You smiled a genuine at the scene and knew that Payakan had unintentionally found his person.
After a while, you had heard the calls and felt the vibration of many ilus approaching and knew it was the Metkayina clan. Waving goodbye to Payakan, you both awaited upon one of the rocks as Lo’ak waved to one of the warriors.
“Olo’eykte Y/n..” They were surprised to find you with the boy and immediately bowed gesturing the ‘seeing’ motions. A boarding one of the ilus after reciprocating the gesture you all set off back to the village, shocking the people there as well at your appearance. You stepped up when his parents started to scold him, your presence enough to silence the crowd.
“He lives. Thank, Eywa that he breathes among you still.” Meeting both Neytiri and Jake head on as they come down from their anger and turn to Tonowari, Ronal, and Aonung. You were Aonungs second guardian so hearing that he lead him there despite knowing not to caused a disappointing feeling to settle within you. Lingering even as Lo’ak takes the blame stating he asked them to go there, stopping the Sully family once more.
“Jake Sully.” He turns around as you approach.
“Remember. He is alive and with you still. Do not let your anger-” Eyes shifting to Neytiri letting her know you were speaking to both. “-blind you from this fact.”
“….yes, thank you Olo’eykte Y/n.” You let them go with a nod before turning to Tonowari and his family, the surrounding crowd had already dispersed.
“Aonung.” You gesture for him to come forth, waving away his parents who reluctantly listened at your stern expression. Aonung approached head hung low as he stood before you silence overtook the atmosphere for a moment.
“….” He couldn’t speak nor look at you as you knlet to meet his height not wanting to make him feel smaller than he already felt. Gently you raised his head when his heart beat begun to speed up, to find his eyes misty.
“Because..because their-well not anymore but-I and-they were-”
“Aonung, breathe.” He took deep breathes and slowly calmed down to form his sentence, you sat down on the sand with following.
“I used to think they were freaks because they were not from here.”
“They are not so bad. I was a jerk to them.”
“…I was disappointed in hearing you had been the one to lead him out there.” His head dropped, you didn’t know this but your words of wisdom had always been an huge part of his life he never wanted to disappoint you.
“You will make amends with them.”
“Yes, ma’am” You flick his head.
“What have I told you about calling me that?! Ma’am~ it makes me feel old!” You break your hard exterior for a second to reprimand him resulting in him laughing slightly. You smile at him then pull him up to stand with you and embrace him.
“I’m glad you changed your views and I am proud of you for overcoming this obstacle, my little sea star.” He groans pulling away hiding the fact that your words lifted his spirits.
“Aunt Y/n, I’m too old for that name.”
“I do not care.” Pulling him back into your embrace, laughing with him as you lead him back to his marui wishing him a goodnight before heading back home.
It had been a day later since the incident, you were in a meeting with Ronal discussing some issues. When Tonowari came rushing in and announced that Lo’ak had bonded with the outcast Tulkun, Payakan. You breathed out not really worried about this and let them both stress over the ‘issue’. Not long later the children arrived, you frowned as Tonowari and Ronal declare their disappointment in Tsireya and Aonung for something small. Frowning even further as Tonowari recites their version of what had happened with Payakan, Lo’ak glanced around and met your eyes and you held your head higher giving him a subtle nod.
“I know what I know.” Infuriating Tonowari and Ronal further, Jake swooping to calm the situation and drags his kids away. You sigh standing catching the attention of those in the room and speak up when asked what your thoughts were.
“I am proud of them.” Ronal holds a look of betrayal and disbelief.
“How could you-” With a single look and wave of your hand she hisses turning away.
“You did not see what I saw. It is by the will of Eywa, that this was bound to happen. You may not like it, but what’s done is done.” With that you took your leave, you felt someone following you and knew it was Tonowari before he even spoke.
“Say what you want, brother.” You stopped by the shore to hear him out, he sighed stressed.
“…they remind you of her don’t they.” It was a simple statement but, it brought forth some emotions buried deep within you. He was speaking of your daughter who had passed and is now with Eywa. She was outspoken, so free willed, always speaking up for what was right and defending those who could not defend themselves. You missed her everyday, more so now than ever as the children reminded you of her.
“She would be standing alongside no doubt…” You gaze at the horizon as breathes shakily feeling a warm hand placed upon your shoulder.
“Yes, yes she would.” You both stood there in to let the moment wash over as you reminisce memories of her, your beautiful Gaia.
