“Are We Still Friends?”
It had been five years since Jake and Neytiri had last seen their youngest son. Soon after Lo’ak left, Neytiri gave birth to their youngest child, naming her Tuktirey. Though they’ve begun calling her Tuk. The battle between the clans also ended rather soon after, a peace being found between them. However, the Sully family wasn’t out of the woods just yet. The sky people had returned, Quaritch had returned, now as an avatar.
Jake had no other option than to pack up his family and try to find refugee somewhere else. None of them wanted to leave, Neytiri being the most reluctant, but he was able to talk them into it.
After a long, exhausting voyage, they made it to the Metkayina clan. Turns out, they were just wrapping up a war between them and the ash people. Thankfully for the Sully family, the clan allowed them to stay, if they adapted to learn the way of water.
About two weeks into their stay, they’re told the ash people are coming to sign a peace treaty, and they should be arriving that day. The two clans now becoming ally’s.
The whole island was hectic. The Metkayina were trying to get everything in order so the treaty would run as smoothly as possible. Tonowari had asked Jake to help welcome them, thinking the Toruk Makto may be a good buffer for any tension. Of course, Jake agreed.
The Ash people’s ships arrived later that day. It had just started to become dark when they came in on their, what Jake recognized as a dragon and Lion hybrid like creatures.
However something had caught Jake's eye. Out of the sea of red Na’vi, there was a blue one. One that looked like an Omatikaya. It couldn’t be, he thought. Why would an Omatikaya be with the Ash people?
Their Olo'eyktan and Tsahìk, then their family led the way before the soldiers.
And there he was. Up close, it was most definitely an Omatikaya. Why was he with them? Jake wondered.
Tonowari and Neytu greeted each other kindly. It was their mates who made the tension in the air thick. An obvious disdain for each other. Though both stayed quiet.
Tonowari, after the introductions were through, offered to head to one of their huts to sign the treaty officially. Neytu agreed.
Just as Jake went to follow them Tonowari spoke. “Would you mind if I brought my son along, Tonowari?”
Tonowari looked to his wife for approval then looked back, “Yes that’s alright, as long as he doesn’t interrupt.”
Neytu smiled then turned back to the Omatikaya Na’vi, “Come along Lo’ak.” And the blue Na’vi stepped forward.
Every single one of the Sullys froze.
How had they not recognized him? They all wondered. Well, almost all of them, Tuk heard of him but had no idea what he looked like.
Niea called back to two other children whom she and her husband had taken in over the years, “You two stay here.” She commanded, though not in a harsh tone.
Tonowari spoke again, “Tsireya, Aonung, take care of them.” He said to his children, who each nodded and made their way over to the others.
Jake couldn’t pay much attention during the treaty signing. He just kept staring at Lo’ak. Occasionally Lo’ak would glance over and catch him staring which made him look away. During the signing Lo’ak stayed quiet, more quiet than Jake had ever seen him, and very focused on it.
Lo’ak had been conditioned to be a candidate for being the next clan leader. While in other clans there had always already been a next leader lined up, in the fire clan the position as leader was fought for. There would be a battle once the old leader died or chose to give up his title, and the person who won the battle would be the next leader.
Lo’ak had not only been conditioned physically, but mentally as well. Tonowari had been teaching him to pay attention to small details and think about the greater good of the clan.
After the signing, Jake tries to speak to Lo’ak. Unfortunately for him Tonowari always seemed to be there to rush him away. He had no idea if his son even recognized him or not. Maybe Lo’ak didn’t recognize him, he had a new family now. Maybe he had forgotten all about his old family.
Back with the kids, Neteyam, Kiri, and Tuk had all tagged along with Tsireya and Aonung to show the Ash kids around.
The girl was named Eza and the boy was named Tanhí. Eza was about 12 and Tanhí was 5, like Tuk. Tanhí and Tuk somehow seemed to become best friends, their connection being instant. While Tanhí was a very warm, kind soul, Eza came off much harsher. She was like her mother in that way, staying alert and not trusting the other Na’vi.
After the signing of the treaty, Lo’ak had somehow managed to find them. That’s when Eza warms up. Aonung made a stupid comment about it which made her give him the meanest glare he’s ever gotten, but it shut him up so hey, it did it’s job.
“Hey, what’s going on here?” He asked, looking down from the dock at the group who was currently in the water playing with Ilu.
“Lo’ak!” Tanhí yelled out excitedly, “Look at them! The Ilu!”
Lo’ak smiled back, getting into the water himself now. “Yeah, I see them.” He mumbled to Eza, who was back to pouting about being in the water. “At least try not to seem upset?” He asked, so she forced a smile.
Neteyam and Kiri looked at Lo’ak then back at each other, unsure what to say or do. Tsireya noticed how off the pair seemed to be, confused by it she whispered to Neteyam. “What’s wrong? You and Kiri are acting funny.” She said.
Neteyam whispered back, his voice sounding like all the air had been taken out of his lungs, “That's my brother.”