-Chapter 13-
Sully's stick together.
Today was the funeral for Neteyam it was a few days later and Mother and Father wanted to get it over with. We were all in our family Pod getting painted. I painted Tuk's body in white paint, I made swirls around and ended with a streak down her lips.
Lo'ak then did my body paint.He did it the same way I did Tuk's body paint. Mother and Father were discussing things with Ronal and Tonowari. I kept eyeing the basket that had Neteyam's stuff in it.
"Everything is done. There just waiting on us." Mom announces as she walks into the tent. Lo'ak had just finish painting my body. Everything was ready to go.
We followed Mom and Dad to a nearby cove to get on Ilu's. A leaf carrying Neteyam was attached to an Ilu.
I swam into the water and went by Neteyam. Looking at him peacefully, knowing I would never hear his laugher, see him smile again. We got onto our Ilu's and started heading out.
It was our greatest weakness and our great strength.
We rode out to where Neteyam would be laid to rest with the ancestors. People were crying. Tsireya was, hell, even Ao'nung was bawling his eyes out.
A son for a son.
We got off our Ilu's and Helped Mom and Dad get Neteyam Off the leaf. Lo'ak touching his head one last time. Tuk giving him a hug. Kiri and Spider watching. When they were done I gave him a small hug. "See you on the other side, brother."
Every songcord must have a last bead.
Mom and Dad took a deep breath before diving down. We all put our heads in the water to watch. They slowly put him in the sea grass as it consumes him and disappears. Lo'ak let's put his air in pain. I reach over and out an arm around him.
A father protects. It's what gives him meaning.
Lo'ak cries into my shoulder. As Mom and Dad resurface
The People say that all energy is only borrowed.
And one day you have to give it back.
We got onto our Ilu's Mom and Dad going to visit the tree as we would go back home. Get ready for the night.
Eywa holds all her children in her heart. Nothing is ever lost.
We head into the Pod, I'm holding Tuk's hand as she is crying. We grab rags and water and start getting off the paint. We changed out of our clothes. And we decided to have a big cuddle area.
We all got close together talking. "Tsa'lu can you sing us Neteyam's songcord?" Tuk asks
"Tuk not rig-" I hold up a hand
"It's alright. Go grab his songcord." I say. Tuk runs to grab it and sits in my lap as I start singing. "Lie si oe neteyamur Nawma sa'nokur mìfa oeyä"
Lo'ak leans his head on me. "Atanti ngal molunge Mipa tìreyti, mipa 'itanti Lawnol a mì te'lan Lawnol a mì te'lan Ngaru irayo seiyi ayoe Tonìri tìreyä Ngaru irayo seiyi ayoe Srrìri tìreyä Ma eywa ma eywa"
(A/N I know it's Neytiri's songcord but we don't know Neteyam's songcord so I used hers)
I walked along the beach it was the day after Neteyam's funeral I was collecting my thoughts but couldn't keep my mind off of Neteyam. I slowly started crying. I sat on the beach as someone sits beside me. "Hey."
I whipped my tears "Hi Ao'nung."
He puts an arm around my shoulder. "It will be Okay."
I few tears slipped. "Will it?"
"In moments of loss, the pain can be overwhelming. Neteyam's spirit will forever resonate within our clan's memories."
My eyes reflected sorrow within. I responded with a weary smile. "I find it hard to accept that he's gone. The memories we shared seem too precious to fade away."
Ao'nung nodded in understanding, "Loss is a formidable adversary, we shall carry clan members through the difficult times." As we walked towards the clan's communal area, Ao'nung continued, "Neteyam's journey may have ended, but his legacy lives on in the stories you tell and the values that you uphold."
Kiri then walked up. "Dad wants a family meeting."
"I'll be there in a second." I nodded Kiri left
I got up. "I'll see you later."
He gets up too and grabs my hand. "See you."
The family meeting was about Neteyam's things and what should we do with them. And we decided it would go to each of his siblings. Mom and Dad would get his songcord.
Lo'ak had gotten his knife. Kiri got one of his big necklaces. Tuk got a small necklace And I got his riding gear.
"I'm going to the spirit tree." I said to my Father after we were done discussing a few more things. He nodded.
I got on my Ilu and started to head out towards the spirit tree. Once I was there I dove down and connected myself to the spirit tree and closed my eyes. Transported to our first ever Ikran ride together.
Flashback
We were filled with anticipation, we were embarking on a thrilling adventure that would forever be etched in our memories our first Ikran ride together.
As we approached our Ikran companions, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Are you ready to take flight? Don't worry, your Ikran will take good care of you." Neteyam teased
I was determined to prove myself. I shit back a playful grin. "I'm not afraid. I'll show you just how skilled I can be!"
Neteyam was already mounted on his Ikran, he looked over and winked at me. "Let's see who can fly higher, Tsa'lu. Ready to race?"
I was never one to back down from a challenge, I nodded eagerly, "You're on! Prepare to eat my dust!"
With a powerful beat of our wings we took off to the skies, our Ikrans soaring side by side. I couldn't contain my excitement as the wind rushed through my hair. I shouted to Neteyam. "This is amazing! I feel like I'm flying with the spirits themselves!"
Neteyam, grinning from ear to ear, replied, "I told you, Tsa'lu. There's nothing quite like the freedom of the skies. Just remember, don't let your excitement distract you from the path ahead!"
As they glided through the air, my Ikran playfully nudged Neteyam's, as if challenging him to a race. He was always up for some friendly competition, laughed and shouted, "You think you can beat me, Tsa'lu? We'll see about that!"
With a burst of speed, my Ikran surged ahead, leaving Neteyam momentarily stunned. I couldn't help but let out a triumphant laugh, "Eat my dust! Looks like I'm the one leading the way now!"
Neteyam, was not one to be outdone, spurred his Ikran to catch up, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, you think you're fast, do you? Well, let's see if you can keep up with this!" With a sudden burst of speed, Neteyam's Ikran shot past mine, leaving me in awe.
We kept flying for a while before I got transported back into the real world and swam up to surface. It was night time and I got onto my Ilu and headed home.
Word count: 1219
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