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

A/N: This is the chapter I've been waiting for, for so long. I hope you guys are as excited as I am! As promised in my announcements, I also want to give a few dt's before we get started :,) I love you all! spiderssocorro -tHeCoNfUsEdSiMp  Let me know if any of you guys want one for the next chapter! This is my first time around doing dt's and they're fun! I'm so grateful for all of you :,)

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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"Lo'ak , I don't understand. What are you talking about?" You asked the boy, who was being very vague and cryptic about what he was trying to tell you. He just kept going on and on about how it was important and he couldn't tell you in detail just yet, and that you should trust him in this. Lo'ak was getting really frustrated because he couldn't say too much but he also didn't want you to flat out deny his request the moment he mentioned what it was. A very big part of him started to just give up and decide to tell you everything, and then, he'll do all he possibly could to convince you to come.

"I just can't say what it is yet. Just trust me" He said, and you sighed as you looked at his facial expression and body language to try and figure him out. He saw you were trying to decipher what he wanted to say based on how you were eyeing him, but nothing in your head came close to what he actually wanted to say.

"Lo'ak, you know by now that I am not going to judge you. I'll listen to what you have to say. I don't think I can just go in blindly to this place you want me to accompany you to. You can trust me," You said, leaning over and placing a hand on his shoulder. Lo'ak heard your words and sighed defeatedly, realizing he had run out of excuses for this. He had to tell you about it now or you wouldn't go, and he needed you to come with him to see Payakan.

"Alright, fine. I'll tell you. But please, don't freak out and hear me out, okay?" Lo'ak said, and you nodded hesitantly. It was making you worried how secretive he was being about this. It was freaking you out already and he hadn't even told you yet. You'd support Lo'ak, but there are certain things that you couldn't go alonh with. You hoped this wasn't one of those circumstances or situations, and that you would actually help him with what he had to say. "Okay, I will. How bad could it be?" You inquired, but Lo'ak laughed nervously. You had no idea and you would definitely be surprised the moment he would reveal what's behind his request and why he's asking you all of this.

"Remember yesterday? When I was outside the reef for so long after Ao'nung left me out there?" Lo'ak started, and you quickly nodded. It was honestly hard to forget. You recalled the situation, that truly felt like it was a lot longer ago than just the night before. Knowing you were following to what he was saying, Lo'ak decided to continue. "After they left me, I was out at Three Brothers Rocks-" He continued, but then he got cut off, when you suddenly realized what it meant when he said he was out in that territory, of all places in the ocean region. Ao'nung was aware of what being at Three Brothers Rocks was, too. That was clear hunting grounds for an Akula, so did that mean...? You inhaled sharply and placed a hand over your mouth. If it was true, you really couldn't believe that Lo'ak was in that position.

"Lo'ak. Three Brothers Rocks? Isn't that...?" You inquired, but Lo'ak knew what you meant as you trailed off your sentence. He nodded and your eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. "My ilu and I were attacked by a shark-like creature, and when my ilu escaped, I was left by myself. I tried to escape, but I was about to run out of air. When I decided to leave the corals I was hiding behind and try to get some air and get to the surface, the creature came back and was about to attack me again, but..." Lo'ak said, but paused. Your face had turned and turned into one of pure concern as he explained what he went through out there the day before. He could've died, but he came back.

"A Tulkun saved me," Lo'ak concluded and your eyes widened out of disbelief and shock. What were the chances? An Akula didn't stand a chance against such a sentient creature like a Tulkun (being so much bigger) so Lo'ak was truly lucky to be here. But then you started thinking. A Tulkun? By itself? Usually they're in pods, not alone in places like Three Brothers Rocks. You didn't want to jump to conclusions just yet, so you'd listen to the rest. "Lo'ak, that's incredible. Was it alone?" You asked, not being able to connect the dots yet.

"It was. When I told Tsireya, Ao'nung and Rotxo that it was by itself and had a missing fin, they told me that it was-" Lo'ak started, but after his description. It made sense. You sighed and spoke at the same time as him. "Payakan" You said simultaneously with him, running a hand through your forehead and down your hair. So that's why it was by itself. Payakan was exiled and is now an outcast, and that is the reason he wasn't with his pod. You had heard stories about this 'Killer Tulkun' but it never really made sense to you. Though, what the Na'vi witnessed without the full story have led them to believe that Payakan was dangerous.

The rumors had only started to surface around a year and a half ago, so it's been a long time for people to start making assumptions. You believed in the good in the nature around you, and that there had to be an explanation as to how the rumors surfaced about Payakan. Maybe he did kill Na'vi and other Tulkun, and maybe he didn't, but you never immersed yourself in anything without knowing the full story. Tulkun just weren't known for violence. What you did know is that shunning of Tulkun in a pod only happen if violence is committed, and the reason Payakan was believed to be exiled, is because he is thought to have committed the ultimate crime that any Tulkun could commit: the murder of a fellow Tulkun.

"So, Payakan saved you?" You asked after everything he had explained, and Lo'ak sighed as he nodded with relief. Finally there was someone who believed him, and he knew that you would be one of the few who did. "Yeah, he saved me from that creature. Right as it was about to charge at me, Payakan came out of nowhere from around the corner, knocking it out cold" Lo'ak explained with fascination and wonder in his eyes, remembering the moment that the Tulkun saved him until eventually passing out. That was when he woke up later ik to know that he had been saved by Payakan.

"Wow, that's-" You mused as you ran a hand through your hair, but then another question began nagging in your head. "Do you know why he saved you?" You asked, and Lo'ak started to think back to the moment after he woke up on Payakan's back. He doesn't know why the Tulkun saved him, but what Lo'ak did know is that Payakan probably felt relief and gratitude after he removed that rusted harpoon out of his fin. Maybe Payakan saved Lo'ak to get a favor in return for saving him, or maybe it was just out of sheer kindness from the Tulkun. He'll never know. And maybe Lo'ak was okay with that. A 'Killer Tulkun' wouldn't have done what Payakan did, and Lo'ak was sure of that.

"I'm not sure, but he was the one who actually brought me back to the reef before you found me yesterday. He left right before you came around the corner," Lo'ak explained, and suddenly it made sense why Lo'ak appeared unscatched, safe and sound. The Tulkun had brought him back, whether it was for gratitude of taking out the harpoon, or just because Payakan truly cared about the boy. He owes his life to Payakan, and you understood that.

"I'm glad he did," You smiled at Lo'ak, wishing you had the chance to thank that Tulkun, even if it was strictly prohibited to associate with Payakan. Little did you know that it was exactly what Lo'ak was planning to ask you. "So, what does this have to do with what you asked me?" You inquired, and Lo'ak readjusted his position on the mat was sitting in and began to explain before he backed out. "Well, right after he saved me and began to take me back home, he asked for you" Lo'ak finally said what he came to you to say, and your expression was truly priceless and unmistakable. That's the last thing you would have ever thought he'd ask.

"Payakan wants to see me? Why?" You asked, trying to sort out the confusion in your head. As much as you would like to see this Tulkun and thank him for saving Lo'ak's life, it was out of the question for you. If Tonowari and Ronal found out you'd even left the reef to see the 'outcast Tulkun' they'd lose all trust in you and you'd never hear the end of it. You've never met Payakan before in your life before either, so why would he possibly ask for you?

"I don't know. That's all he asked, but I promised I'd bring you to him" Lo'ak said as he knew exactly what you'd say. He knew that you would say something about making promises he can't keep, but he hoped you could see how much this meant to him. Lo'ak's life was saved by Payakan, so the least he could do was bring you over to him. "Lo'ak..." You started, but the boy sighed and knew this wasn't going to be as easy as he thought it was going to be.

"Please, Y/n. I promised him I would, and I know I shouldn't have, but it won't take long. Trust me, we'll be back before you know it" Lo'ak assured but there was just no way for him to know for sure. "Lo'ak, I would love to meet Payakan and thank him for what he did for you, but it's prohibited. It is forbidden to leave the reef unless its an expedition" You said, hating the way his face turned into one of utter sadness and disappointment that he might not be able to go through with his one promise. You hate to be the cause of that.

"Look, I hate to be the one to say this and I don't believe that rumors that he is a killer either, but you shouldn't be going outside the reef anymore. Your dad is already worried about you enough and If I'm the reason you got hurt out there again, i'd never forgive myself" You admitted placing your hand on top of his head, on his braids, and rubbing them softly. He looked so dejected and you hoped you could go with him. He understood what you were trying to tell him, but of all people, he thought you'd take a chance on what he had to say.

"Please, Y/n. Just once. He said he knew you" Lo'ak said, and you were suddenly filled with confusion, only adding to the sadness you were feeling because you weren't able to fulfill his request. You've never met Payakan before in your life, only heard stories about him. Why did this Tulkun want to see you? Why did he say he knew you when you've never met any other Tulkun aside from the pod that arrives at this village? "Well, I don't know him. I've only heard stories about him" You admitted, and now it was Lo'ak's turn to start to wonder what exactly your connection was with Payakan if you didn't even know him or have met him.

You and Lo'ak stayed silent. 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 for something that might or might not have happened. As for you, your mind was in shambles. There were so many things riding on this if you agreed to go with Lo'ak. Jake would be mad at you for allowing let his son go outside the reef again, and beyond that, agree to go along with him.

Tonowari and Ronal would be infinitely disappointed in you because you were older and knew better, and were aware of the rules around here better than anyone. There was another part that kept telling you it was just a one time thing and that you and Lo'ak would be back before anyone noticed you were gone. That part was beginning to overtake your decision making, despite how reckless it was.

It'd be just a one time thing, wouldn't it? You'd only be fulfilling what Lo'ak had promised, and that would be it. If you agreed to it, you'd go on as if nothing happened. And nothing would happen. Especially to Lo'ak, and if something were to happen, which it won't you'd rely on your skills to protect him. You were a warrior, and if this Tulkun cares about Lo'ak as much as it has already demonstrated, Payakan will do the same. If you were being honest, you were curious as to what Payakan wanted to see you for, and you wanted to find out, but your nature of following the rules overpowered that by a lot. Your mind kept telling you that Jake didn't have to know. Ronal and Tonowari didn't have to know. It would all be just fine.

The way that you sighed and smiled with defeat, Lo'ak already knew he had his answer. He pumped his fist into the air and cheered, then wrapped his arms around you as he embraced you. You hadn't really gotten used to this from the kids, but you returned it anyway and hugged him back. You relished in the moment as he allowed himself to show his gratitude and thankfulness to you.

"Thank you, Y/n. Thank you. I promise we'll be back before you know it" He said as he pulled away, and you gave him a knowing look that told him to stop making promises he couldn't keep or that he wasn't certain of. "I'll go, but you have to assure me that you know what you're doing. You got lucky out there yesterday, so you have to be careful" You said, and Lo'ak nodded assertively, closely assuring you that everything would be fine and that you were worrying too much. You hoped he was right.

"I do, I know what I'm doing. You can trust Payakan, despite what everyone says" Lo'ak assured you, and you nodded with hesitation as he began to stand up and walk out of your hut, expecting you to follow after him. A couple of seconds later, you sighed and stood up, and then began to wonder to yourself what you'd just gotten yourself into. You were now the one responsible that Lo'ak came by safely to his family, unlike last time. If you threw away all the trust and everything else  you've built with this family is suddenly tarnished, you didn't know what you'd do. This is Jake's youngest son, and you'd protect him from anything.

You began to follow after him, and both of you quickly headed over to the shores to call of your ilu's and head out. You'd do this, even if every second, your mind was screaming at you to turn back and bail. But you couldn't do that to Lo'ak. You couldn't deny him something that was so important and obviously entrusted to you over anyone else. When you got to caught up to Lo'ak and you two walked side by side, he turned to look at you and his disappointment had faded away excitement written all over.

"We'll be back before the afternoon, right? Any later than that and people will be suspicious that both of us are gone" You pointed out, and it seemed that Lo'ak had the same idea because he nodded quickly after. "Yeah, it won't take long. From the time we get there, to when you'll meet Payakan, and when we return, it'll be quick" Lo'ak said, and you nodded at what he said, hoping he wasn't just saying that to ease your worries. And that it was true overall.

It wasn't long before you and Lo'ak reached the beach, that had shallow waters on where the ilu's swam. It was usually where they were found if anyone wanted to ride them. When you and Lo'ak waded into the water and the water reached your hips. 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. Each second that passed was spent by your head trying to convince you to back out before its too late to change your mind. You looked over to Lo'ak and he looked completely sure of himself, not a single doubt.

Lo'ak looked over to you as a sign for you to do the honors and call the ilu. You nodded with a smile, beginning to yip and click your tongue, and soon enough, two ilu's appeared from the depths of the reef and began circling you and Lo'ak. "Thanks, Y/n" The boy said, and you nodded once before the two of you quickly mounted your ilu's. The most challenging part about this is leaving the reef and the village with anyone noticing, especially since this time of the time is when most people were outside.

"How do we leave? There's so many people out" Lo'ak said, and looked over to you. You know more about this place than him, so now that there were more eyes on who left the reef, Lo'ak counted on you to help you two get out. You sighed and began to look around, and then suddenly an idea came to mind. You turned back to look at Lo'ak and the look on your face gave him hope. You had had an idea. "Follow me" You said, gesturing with your head and commanding your ilu to go underwater.

Lo'ak smiled and quickly went after you, submerging himself underwater with his ilu and following your lead. You knew about this place that almost nobody knew about, and it was a small opening that lead to the outside. You hoped that nobody had found it yet, and as you and Lo'ak 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, and you woud hold him onto that on the way there and back. If anyone found out, Tonowari's trust isn't the only thing you'd lose, but Jake's too.

Relief suddenly watched over you as the two of you got the edge of the barriers of the reef and in the distance, you could see that the opening was completely deserted. You turned to look at Lo'ak and you pointed at the spot, so the boy followed your gaze and when his eyes landed on it, he nodded with a big smile and began to follow you there. When slowly approaching the spot, you realized it was big enough for the two of you to pass through with no problem.

As you two arrived there, you and Lo'ak passed through the opening and were officially out of the reef and out into the open sea. There was really no turning back now, was it? 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. Even so, you and Lo'ak continued to ride your ilu's out into the big open sea and towards Three Brother's Rocks, and even if you know where that landmark was, Lo'ak seemed to be pretty confident on where it was located since he was seemingly taking the lead. You let him do so, because this was his idea after all. You would be there if anything out of ordinary happened.

After travelling through tough and choppy seas of uncharted waters, every time you and Lo'ak leapt out of the water above the waves, you could see the three rock settlements in the distance. You didn't know exactly why you were so nervous all of a sudden for meeting Payakan, and it wasn't because you believed the rumors about him, but it was more about seeing the Tulkun that Lo'ak had spoken so highly of. He believed that there was an explanation further than what he was told, he was certain. A part of your nerves were also related to what Payakan wanted to tell you.

Upon reaching the area in front of the three rocks that loomed over the two of you and the section above the reef below, you and Lo'ak swam up to the surface and poked your heads out of the water. Your ilu's did the same, lifting their heads as the you and the boy looked around. This was the time for Lo'ak to call Payakan. As you stayed mounted on your ilu, you watched as Lo'ak kneeled on his, and the creature itself lifted its head further up from the water as Lo'ak called out for the Tulkun. Your heart began to race in anticipation, staying alert for any sign of movement.

"Payakan!" The boy called, making the ilu screech out too as if it was calling the Tulkun too because of the bond. You looked around and trained your eyes to the water below you, searching for anything that indicated signs that the Tulkun was approaching, but you couldn't see anything. You were sure that Payakan had already seen you two, but hasn't made its appearance. You looked at Lo'ak and realized that he was still calling for his Tulkun friend.

You decided that maybe it would appear if you helped call for him too. You gulped a bit and raised your voice. "Payakan!" You called out, and Lo'ak looked over to you briefly for a secons, happy that you were helping too. It seems that you were starting to come around. "Payakan!" Lo'ak continued to call out as the ilu splashed its fins on the water, making whistling sounds, as all ilu's do. It seemed like nothing was working, but suddenly, you felt a looming presence below you and Lo'ak. Your eyes widened and you turned over to the boy. "Lo'ak. Look," You said, pointing to the spot below the water where you saw the figure of a Tulkun start to come up to the surface.

A few seconds later, a giant creature that Lo'ak recognized as Payakan emerged from the depths of the reef. Your breath hitched as its tusks came above the surface, which were the first indication for Lo'ak to know that his Tulkun friend was back. You had seen your share of Tulkun before in your life, but for some reason, you were stunned as you watched Lo'ak eagerly leave his ilu, letting it swim away, and make his way to swim up to its eye, making direct eye contact and proceeding to sit on its fin that the Tulkun lifted for him. You stayed on your ilu, and watched as Lo'ak and Payakan reuinted, and if your lifelong experience with this creature told you anything, is that this Tulkun was beyond happy to see Lo'ak.

You watched as Payakan suddenly had his eyes land on you, and wailed in a high pitched tone that resonated through the air arouns Three Brothers Rocks. He really must know who you are, and was also really aware that Lo'ak came through with what he had promised to do. As the Tulkun's eyes squinted, closed, and opened, you could tell that it was trying to say hello. You smiled gently and your fears started to subside. "Hello," You signed, and Payakan wailed happily, very excited to see you, and that you were actually there in front of him.

"It's good to see you. I brought Y/n, like I promised" Lo'ak said, receiving a low whistle from the creature as if Payakan was saying that he was glad to see Lo'ak too, as well as deep thanks for bringing you here. Starting to feel your nerves slip away, you dismounted your ilu and swam up to Payakan, quickly sitting next to Lo'ak on the fin of the sentient Tulkun.

The boy quickly remembered what he was here to do, but before tha, he had a question that he needed answered and immediately began to ask Payakan what he wanted to know. You listened intently, knowing that before Payakan could explain his connection to you, the boy needed some things to be cleared up.

"Why are you outcast? What happened?" Lo'ak said, signing to the Tulkun at the same time. You adjusted yourself in your spot, eager to listen to the answer, too. You never believed Payakan was what people said he was, because it didn't add up. Payakan looked sullen but he blinked slowly while emitting a high-pitched and airy whistle. "It is too painful," Payakan said through pained vocal sounds. Your heart shattered at those words, not even capable of imagining being outcast for something that wasn't his intention or was percieved wrongly. By his response, you knew Payakan had a kind heart and whatever he did, had an explanation.

With you there, Payakan remembered his past and let his eyes trail to you. To this day, you still probably did not know what happened and you were left with unanswered questions that has caused you so much suffering of your own. Just like Lo'ak, you deserved to know the truth. Nobody ever believed him, but you two did and he would explain everything. The Tulkun was still affected by what happened even to this day, but he knew he could trust Lo'ak with what truly occurred when he lost his fin and was painfully separated from his pod long ago.

"We trust you. You can trust us," Lo'ak said while signing along to his words, and not forgetting to mention you in his words. There was nobody else who had this much faith in this Tulkun except you two. Payakan was elated to know that you were on board. You were just as kind as Payakan was told.

He watched your smile that he did not doubt was as beautiful as he was seeing right now, like he had been told. Payakan watched you and Lo'ak through his peripheral vision, smiling with his eyes as Lo'ak placed a hand on top of its head, rubbing the plated skin softly. You watched this fond moment, realizing how much of a connection had been built already between the Sully boy and the outcast Tulkun. Their bond complimented one another, and that is why they have been able to connect from the very beginning. It all made sense now.

From that moment on, Payakan did not hesitate to trust Lo'ak, and without being bonded, he could already consider him his brother. As for you, your support meant to the Tulkun more than you would ever know. You trusted Lo'ak to bring you here, and therefore, put your trust in Payakan himself. You and Lo'ak understood that it would be sometime until the truth would come out, but for now, Lo'ak wanted your purpose of being here to be fulfilled like Payakan had specifically asked for.

Lo'ak pulled away from the hug with Payakan and suddenly turned to you, remembering that the Tulkun had already asked you to be here for a reason, so that's what they'd take care of for now. "Payakan, I brought Y/n here. Is there something you needed to tell her?" The boy said, and Payakan let his eyes trail from the boy, over to you while blinking slowly. That meant 'yes'. "There is something she should know" Payakan said as he wailed, and your eyebrows furrowed. That was the whole thing wasn't it, but what was it about specifically?

"About what?" You signed, and the Tulkun let his eyes trail from you, over to Lo'ak, and then back to you before answering. "About your mate," Payakan replied, and you suddenly felt like your heart had stopped. What did he just say? He wanted to tell you something about Hahona? Your mind was in swirls right now.

You moved away from Payakan's fin and swam up to its eye, making direct eye contact with the creature. Your hands suddenly began to tremble and your face contorted into one of confliction and distress. "What do you know about my husband?" You signed shakily. The Tulkun only wailed and began to slowly submerge itself just below the surface, which prompted you and Lo'ak to follow the Tulkun's movements and go below the surface too. "Head to my other side," The Tulkun wailed, and you were confused but you did so anyway.

You began to swim over to the sentient creature's other side, with Lo'ak following suit and heading over to Payakan's right side. The moment you got to the Tulkun's other side, you saw a big scar right across his eye, and as you had been told, he has a missing fin. You swam closer and gently ran your hand through the stump, prompting the Tulkun to wail quietly, while closing and opening its eyes sullenly. "You are just as kind as he told me," Payakan said, and your eyes softened at his words.

"How did you know him?" You asked while signing every word. The Tulkun used its eyes to express the emotions he couldn't do with signing or actual words. "It is my fault. He died because of me. We met in battle, and was the only one left alive to be there with him" The Tulkun expressed, and when he said that, your heart wrenched with pain. Hahona didn't die alone after all, but people think he did because no one ever acknowledged Payakan because of what he did. You refused to let Payakan think this was his fault, because if he hadn't been there, your mate would have died by himself. You knew this Tulkun had nothing but a heart of gold, and you'd be forever grateful to him.

"It is not your fault, Payakan. You were brave, and I am in debt to you for being there until his last moments" You said with a pain smile, trying to ignore the painful pounding of your heart. You never thought that you would ever know what was behind what took away the love of your life, but you were happy you came here now. It was all worth it. "I tried to save him. But he was too injured. I am sorry" Payakan wailed, full of regret after admitting what had happened. You couldn't believe he was really apologizing because if Hahona's injuries were too great, then there was nothing to be done, but Payakan made sure that he wasn't alone until Hahona's very last and dying breath. "He was the one who pushed me to continue with the other young bulls and warriors when I was hesitant, and told me to keep going forward when no one else wanted to and it became just me and him" Payakan explained, and you nodded with a sullen mood, listening to the entire story. It did sound like Hahona to do something like what Payakan was saying.

There was silence for a few seconds before you had come up with another question that you had been wanting to have answered, even if you knew what the answer was, you'd like to hear the stories of how valiant he was before his life was decided to have been taken away.

"Was he brave?" You signed a bit hesitantly, and Payakan immediately opened and closed his eyes with a wail. "Very. He was the one most eager and determined to help in battle and did not leave my side. He told me all about you," The Tulkun said, and his words only made your gut wrench painfully. You also had another question, but you had a feeling this one would hurt a lot more than any other.

"Did he have any last words?" You asked with furrowed eyebrows and a conflicted expression, but too sure if you wanted to hear the answer to this or not. Payakan took a few seconds to answer, and you started to wonder if your mate had too many injuries that prevented him from having any last words and it was too much. Soon, Payakan wailed and let out clicking sounds that resonated throughout the water, which meant that he said 'yes'. You didn't know if you wanted to hear the answer to this, but you asked anyway. "What were they?" You signed, reluctantly dropping your arms at your sides and looking at Lo'ak who had swam to be positioned right next to Payakan's other fin.

"He said that if I ever met you, that he wanted you to know how much he loved you. That i'd be lucky to meet someone like you. He spoke of you so highly that I hoped I would" Payakan started, and your heart only broke with every word. You placed a hand on top of your mouth to prevent sobs from coming out. "Before he died, he spoke about your beauty, your bravery, and your kindness. About being the most incredible woman inside and out. He wanted me to tell you that he didn't mean for his death to happen and he was looking to come home to you that day," Payakan concluded, and you were left to nothing the moment he finished. You couldn't help but let out a sob muffled by the water, covering your mouth with both of your hands. Payakan looked at you with guilt still beating himself over not doing more. Some of that was lessened when he met you today and was able to tell you a message that was long overdue.

Without another word, you began to swim closer to Payakan and extended your arms, that when being close enough, you were able to extend your arms out and hug the side of Payakan's face. You nuzzled your head next to his eye, and at the sudden display of affection, the Tulkun wailed quietly and closed his eyes. "Please forgive me, Y/n" Payakan made a high pitched noise, and your heart softened at his request. There was nothing to be forgiven for; and the fact that Payakan didn't let Hahona die alone like you thought he did, was more than enough to be eternally grateful for this Tulkun.

You pulled away from the hug and began to sign. "There is nothing to be forgiven. You have already done more than you know" You assured Payakan, and it also seemed that the Tulkun had been waiting a long time to hear that or wasn't used to it, because he let out the highest pitched wail you've ever heard. You and Lo'ak covered your ears as you laughed happily underwater and smiled. Payakan wanted you to know exactly what happened, and he hopes that when he shows Payakan what led up to him being exiled, Lo'ak can tell you you'll finally know what has been hidden from for so long, and what has caused you so much pain without knowing the explanation behind it.

So, did it mean that Hahona was there when Payakan had apparently committed his crime? Was Hahona one of the warriors that the Tulkun rallied to be part of the attack? If that was the case then things were making a lot more sense. Like Hahona had said, according to Payakan, he had not intended to die and wanted to come back home to you. None of it was planned, and even if you don't know the true reason behind the attack that Payakan had organized, it must have been for noble reasons since Hahona was so eager to participate and be a part of something great, to make a change, and that was just the type of person he was.

Everything would lock into place the moment that Payakan showed Lo'ak his memories and prove that the perceptions everyone had about the Tulkun were wrong. Not only will it help you get closure and finally what your mate's role was in that battle, but Lo'ak will see the truth and he can prove to everyone that they're all wrong about his Tulkun friend. By the Tulkun way, Payakan is considered a killer, despite what his intentions might have been, and he still lives with that while being outcast but he shouldn't. You and Lo'ak saw further.

"Thank you, for telling me the truth. I never thought I would have learned what you have told me today. I'm in debt to you" You signed with a much more compassionate and loving expression, showing Payakan that you'd help him and Lo'ak prove his innocence. He has brought you the closure you needed after not knowing anything behind what took away the love of your life, and you owed him the favor of being supportive and hopefully one day, give him the chance to be reunited with his pod. He knows what he did was wrong, lives with guily, and knows he would never take such measures ever again. He was repenting and wants to make amends, that is all that truly mattered.

You looked up at Lo'ak and the look on your face told him that the conversation had began to be wrapped up, for now. Payakan had also already made the promise Lo'ak to show him about his past, and after that, everything would come together and then out in the open. You gestured with your head for the boy come to come closer, and when he did, both of us extended our arms again and hugged Payakan around his eyes once again. Lo'ak was in front of you and you stayed just behind the Tulkun's eyes. At the gesture, Payakan closed his eyes and wailed happily, overwhelmed by the love he was recieving. It made him miss his mom, who was taken away from him far too early when he was just a calf by the Sky People. You and Lo'ak felt like his newfound family now.

After everything settled and secrets came to light at last, you could only watch as Lo'ak's and Payakan's friendship only strengthened. The boy wanted the Tulkun to know that he could take his time to tell you and him what happened and he could trust both of you with it. Payakan assured Lo'ak that the right time will come for the rest of the truth to come out, and that he told you those things today because they had been things that shouldn't have been kept under wraps for so long and that you should have known all of that long ago, but in the meantime, you, Lo'ak, and Payakan had spent the rest of that time swimming and cruising through the waters and reefs of Three Brothers Rocks, leaving their troubles behind.

Payakan was taking you and Lo'ak around every corner of the reed that he knew. As the Tulkun swam, Lo'ak hooked his legs onto the front of his fins as he stretched his arms out to the side. You were next to Lo'ak, but you held onto the Tulkun by hanging onto the edge of Payakan's fin instead, laying on your stomach. You had experienced this before many times with your own spirit sister, which you hoped you'd get to see again soon, but for Lo'ak; The feeling of it was nothing he had experienced in his life before. He felt so free, and he loved it. When turning a corner, Lo'ak moved from his position to laying down on Payakan's fin, just like you were, and holding onto the front as they cruised through the lively reefs.

After getting to an area where the ocean floor was a bit deeper, Payakan stayed close to the surface, away from dangerous territory. Upon encountering a school of fish, the Tulkun opened its three-part jaw and took a big group of them inside his mouth. The fish that steered to the side and weren't caught inside Payakan passed right by yours and Lo'ak's face, and the sensation of it made him beam brightly.

It was ticklish and it made happy expressions come upon your faces. It was a magical and wonderful experience that he never wanted to forget. As for you, you never got used to how amazing it is to interact with Tulkun like this. It was truly unforgettable. He'd seen the reefs back at the village, but the open sea was a whole different story to Lo'ak. And also a bit for you too, since you had only been outside the reef only a handful of times in all your life.

Payakan was feeling relaxed and calm as well, so the Tulkun got closer to the surface and turned upside down in the water, prompting you and Lo'ak to turn around too, so now, the boy could raise his hand to where the outside meets the sea and run his hand through gentle ripples of water. You watched how Lo'ak connected with the sea and the environment you grew up with. You felt so much pride inside you that you couldn't help but smile. Turning back around, Lo'ak hung onto Payakan's fin again and repositioned himself in the spot next to you, continuing their trek through the water.

Later that morning, Payakan came up to the surface to breathe some air, and Lo'ak took this opportunity to hop onto the Tulkun's back and run back and forth while Payakan swam peacefully and with complete calmness. You stayed on Payakan's fin, seated as you watched Lo'ak laugh gleefully as he ran to the back of Tulkun's tail that was paddling back and forth to keep a rhythm and steady pace going. Lo'ak was truly a special boy, and he deserved to be heard. You'd make sure he has a voice.

Lo'ak looked up to the sky, yipping and hooting while hitting his chest with his fists. He had never felt this free before in his life, and there was nothing like it. There were absolutely no responsibilities, expectations, demands, rules, or anything of the sort. It was just him, the ocean, and his new friend, Payakan. You saw his behavior and it was truly endearing. He had so much love and life to give out. He laughed and simply enjoyed this moment, so after all he's been through, it makes you beam at him with so much relief and comfort that he was happy like he should be all the time.

Lo'ak ran back towards the front of Payakan's back, leaping over his blowholes right at the same time as Payakan projected air and water from them. The action of the Tulkun made you laugh as you covered your mouth with your hand at how playful Lo'ak and the Tulkun were being with each other. It was truly a sight to see. Lo'ak laughed at what his friend did and moved to stand close to the Tulkun's head.

"Bro, that's disgusting," Lo'ak chuckled with a smile, and in turn, making you laugh even more too not even able to hide your glee from the sight before you. Lo'ak's words made Payakan himself emit a high-pitched sound that the boy perceived as if the Tulkun was laughing along with him. It was sweet.

Eventually, you and Lo'ak got back into the water as Payakan submerged himself again. You both grabbed onto Payakan's fin again, so the three of you two began to swim together again with the depths of the ocean just below them. Lo'ak was liking the steady peace they were keeping, but he turned to look at you for a second with a mischievous smile that made you nervous as you saw Lo'ak turn to Payakan in the eye with a smile. "Go faster!" Lo'ak signed underwater, and you immediately understood what he had signed to Payakan. As your eyes widened, the Tulkun immediately understood. After that, The Tulkun did as requested and speeded up by moving its frontal and back fins a lot quicker, cruising a lot faster through the reef. It was just so exhilarating and liberating.

No matter how much fun Lo'ak was having, he was completely unaware of how the speed was making his face look weird because of the acceleration, like his eyes squinting and his lips and cheeks moving every which way. You turned to look at Lo'ak and almost burst out laughing underwater. You wished he could know what he looked like. Even so, you and him continued to have fun and hold on to Payakan as he moved through the currents with no care in the world, and completely free.

After stopping their journey through the reef, Lo'ak moved to be on Payakan's tail. You had warned him to be careful and not get hurt, but somehow the boy had convinced you to be a part of what he had asked the Tulkun to do. You two stayed on the fin and waited for Payakan to follow what Lo'ak had asked, and suddenly, the creature lifted its tail above the water. Lo'ak and you were catapulted onto the water with gleeful laughs resounding off of both of you. Lo'ak landed in a cannonball while you landed onto the water like a professional diver would. The two of you came out the water and continued laughing with adrenaline just coursing through the two of you. Payakan was feeling a little more playful now and decided to leap out of the water and then onto his back.

After that, you and Lo'ak asked Payakan to do it again, excitedly like little kids would. The Tulkun agreed and he did this by diving to a sufficient depth and then using his tail to gather speed and propel himself toward the surface with you and Lo'ak. The two of you were launched out of the water and then landed back in a torpedo posture. The more you spent time with Lo'ak, the reminder that he wasn't your son was slowly fading away. There's nothing else you'd want to be now, for him and his siblings altogether. They made your heart so full and you loved them dearly. Maybe someday, but for now, you'd enjoy moments like these with Lo'ak and the kids.

They were spending the entire morning and early noon doing stunt's like that, completely forgetting what Lo'ak had told you about being as quick to going there as going back. Neither of you remembered the time crunch you were in, but you wouldn't disrupt the young boy's happiness now. On top of that, the more you and Lo'ak spent time with the Tulkun, that more that you two were slowly healing the breach in Payakan's heart that had been broken from so long. He'd found his people.

Eventually, by looking up to the position of the sun that Pandora revolved around, you realized that if you and Lo'ak didn't leave now, then you'd be in more trouble since people would start to notice you were gone too long. You hated to be the one to break this up but you were sure this wouldn't be the last time you and Lo'ak saw Payakan. The you from earlier today would have said otherwise, but you'd gladly take Lo'ak to see Payakan now. It seems like the Tulkun understood the boy more than you ever knew. They had so much connections that it was hard to ignore the bond that has been forming since they met the day before.

"Lo'ak, we have to go or people will start to notice we're gone. You can come back and see Payakan soon, I promise" You said as you and Lo'ak sat together on the creature's fin. The boy looked at you for a second and sighed because he knew you were right. You noticed his mood deflate and you placed a hand on top of his head. "This won't be the last time you see him" You assured him gently and saw as Lo'ak and Payakan turned their gazes to look at each other at the same time. Payakan understood, as much as he didn't want Lo'ak or you to leave, things had to be done carefully from here on out. And they couldn't give themselves away.

"Okay," Lo'ak agreed after a few seconds and a ghost of a smile appeared on his face. You smiles and nodded to his confirmation. You looked away from him and began to call and yip for your ilu's who you'd commanded through the bond to stay nearby. Soon, the two creatures appeared from the deep and it was officially time to say goodbye. As you left Payakan's fin and signed a 'thank you' to the Tulkun quietly for everything he's done today, the sentient creature whistled and wailed in return. You hoped he knew how grateful you were for him. As you mounted your ilu, Lo'ak quickly said goodbye to Payakan and got on his own ilu who was stationed in front of him.

"Thank you again, Payakan," You said while signing and smiled with gratitude at the Tulkun. In response, the creature closed and opened his eyes happily while wailing, expressing that he should be the one thanking you. Before the conversation could prolong itself any longer, you and Lo'ak waved at Payakan as you two watched the creature submerged back underwater and to the depths of the ocean. Soon, it was just you and Lo'ak again. You looked at each other and smiled, wordlessly agreeing to start heading back, so you two quickly yipped and starting to head back home, riding on your ilu's side by side.

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Hello! I hope this chapter lives up to what I have been planning since I started thinking and prolonging this arc for the last couple of chapters shsj I really tried to convey emotions as best as I possibly could :,) Not everything was said, but it's because many things will be revealed later on.

Also, I promise we will get back to our regularly scheduled programming of Jake and Y/n in the coming chapters shsj this was just a really special moment that I wanted to highlight because its an arc that will be super important to the story 🤍

Ive been loving y/n and lo'ak's mother/son type relationship so far :,) Ill be trying to create deeper relationships with the other kids too for what's left of the movie and the book!

Also, I am going to begin the editing of my stories on here so far in June before starting 'born to love you' and I can't wait! Revisions will start shortly after this book is done so yeah! <3

Also, very important events in the story are coming up, like party, the tulkun arrival, and kiri at the spirit tree so I cannot wait for those. There's about one hour and a half left in the movie so we still have a long way to go lmao

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 start 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 :,)
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