Chapter Text
The water felt cold as Aonung stood behind Tsireya as they both watched the Forest Na’vi that came here months ago drag the body of their Son/Elder brother to the Yellow tinted river where the bodies of fallen soldiers lay to be brought back to Ewya.
Tears rolled down Aonungs face seeing Jake Sully and Neytiri go under water. Dragging the body of Neteyam towards the yellow tendrils that soon take Neteyam down to Ewya
“It will be alright brother.” Tsireya brought her hand to Aonung’s and held on tight.
The Sully parents soon came up from the water and swam back to the tribe. Jake Sully stood in front of Tonowari and Ronalwith tears in his eyes.
“We’ll move on, we’ve burdened you for too long trying to run away from something that will always find us. We’ve brought pain and suffering here.” Jake Sully took the necklace that Tonowari gave him months ago for mastering the Skimwing, something given to all warriors.
Tonowari brought his hand up to Jakes and pushed his hand back into Jake's chest.
“Your son lies with our ancestor’s now. You are Metkayina now. We must stand and fight the ones who threaten our home. You once led men and women against the evils that come from above,
I asked that you now do the same once again with us. Teach us your ways as you taught us so that we can destroy the Sky people and keep them off our home.”Tonowari’s voice was stern as the village yelled in acceptance behind him.
Tsireya came up next to Lo’ak and grabbed his hand. Aonung stood behind the new couple and put a hand on both their shoulders, grounding them. Tuk slowly came over and stood in front of Lo’ak with and held onto his other arm.
“You and your children have already been accepted as one of us, let us come into your world and learn. If we learn from each other, we can take down those demons together. Avenge for our lost loved ones and fight for the freedom that is being taken away from us.” Ronal came forwards and grabbed Neytiri’s hands and brought them close.
“I hope to learn from you how to defend my home from above as you learned how to defend in the water.” Neytiri wiped her eyes with her now freed hands.
“I will do my best to fight alongside you.” Neytiri grabbed Jake's hand and started to walk back to the shore where the rest of the Metkyaina were heading.
“I don’t wanna go back just yet.” Jake and Neytiri looked back towards Tuk who was holding onto both Kiri and Lo’ak.
“I want Neteyam!” Tuk was crying hard now and buried her head in Lo’ak’s hip bone.
“Tuk we should head home. Neteyam isn’t coming back.” Jakes tried to grab Tuk but she ran behind Lo’ak and rammed into Aonung who stumbled a bit.
He looked down at the young child and Knelt beside her. “Tuk, listen to me carefully, okay? Neteyam will always be with you, he will always be in your heart and in your mind. Never forget the love he gave you and never forget the times you shared.” Aonung’s voice was gentle and soft for the first time since the Sully family had come to the Metkayina clan as he talked to
“Why don't we go to our spirit tree Tuk. You might just be able to see Neteyam there.” Tsireya brought a hand onto Tuk’s head and turned to the adults who stayed behind after Tuk’s small outburst.
“Why don’t we all head to the spirit tree. I believe after the events that took place in recent days, we need a bit of a break.” Tonowari called for the ilu’s that were swimming about.
Tonowari was sitting with his mate in front of him, same with Jake and Neytiri. Tuk rode with Kiri while Lo'ak was by himself. Aonung had Tsireya in front of him as he glided through the water towards the spirit tree.
The ilu’s broke through the water and let the Na’vi’s catch their breath as the ilu swam closer to the underwater tree.
Under the water Aonung went near his mother, making sure she was safe while swimming. Seeing a family lose their child had always hit his mother hard, especially now that she is pregnant again.
A loud wail was heard in the distance. All the Na’vi turned to behind them and saw A tulkun, specifically Paykan. All the children swam closer to Paykan, they swam around to his sides and hugged him as best as they could.
Tulkun let out a sad wail, telling the Na’vi, “I am sorry for your loss, I wish I could have done more to help you.”
Tonowari swam forward with the other adults and signed to the Tulkun, “You did more than enough, you are a brave soul for fighting by our side. You saved my daughter with your attack and helped destroy the demons that have hurt us.
I am sorry for trying to separate you from your spirit brother, you will be welcomed amongst our people. I will make sure of it.”
A happy wail escaped Paykan at the words of the Metkayina Chief, “Thank you Chief Tonowari. Come I will bring you closer to the spirit tree.” Everyone hung onto the fins of the Tulkun as he gently swam towards the spirit tree.
Both Na’vi families found their own branch and connected their cues.
Aonung opened his eyes and found himself surrounded by trees. A light of the moon helped bring out the colors that surrounded him, everything was vibrant and colorful. Aonung looked around and soon found a young forest Na’vi holding a bow and arrow, aiming for a medium sized peaceful animal.
Aonung realized this was what Lo’ak called a Hexapede. The Forest Na’vi that has yet to Notice Aonug shot the Hexapede successfully killing it. The Na’vi made its way over slowly and crouched over the now dead animal.
Soft words were spoken as the Na’vi grabbed the arrow and pulled it out. The Na’vi’s hair was covering his face so Aonung didn’t know who it was, but as he got closer certain traits of the Na’vi stood out to Aonung.
The Na’vi had a small band around both arms, one was a dark purple representing the Forest while the other was a light teal, one given to Metkayina warriors. There was also a bracelet on Na'vi's wrist that Aounung realized was the same bracelet he had given Neteyam weeks ago after Neteyam was recognized as a warrior amongst the Metkayina in private.
“N-Neteyam?” Aonung was cautious as he moved closer to who he believed to be Neteyam.
The Na’vi looked up and looked Aonung in the eyes, “Nungie, hey.” Neteyam had a soft smile on his face as he stood up and faced Aonung.
“What are you doing here, my love?” Neteyam brought a hand up to Aonung’s cheek and softly caressed the light blue skin underneath.
Aonung couldn’t hold back the sob that escaped his mouth as he wrapped his hands around Neteyam’s waist.
“Just missed you Ma Nete, I wanted to see you once again.” Aonung brought his hands up Neteyam’s waist and around his back and brought himself closer. He buried his head in Neteyams shoulder and took a deep breathe.
“I’ll always be with you Aonung, Never forget that, okay?” Neteyam’s hand came up and softly stroked Aonung’s head.
“You’re not there now, I want you back, I need you back with me.” Aonung brought his head back up as tears rolled down his eyes. Neteyam still had a smile on his face as his hands gently cupped Aonungs face.
A soft kiss was shared between them. They slowly pulled away from each other, Foreheads touching.
“Ma Nung, If you miss me so much, Come and get me.” Neteyam’s voice was soft as he looked into his lover's eyes.
“W-what?”
“Come and get me. Nga yawne lu oer"
Light obstructed Aonungs visions and the next thing he knew, he was back in front of that spirit tree underwater.