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

A/N: Ive been saying this a lot recently but just a small reminder; don't forget to comment :,) Don't be ghost readers, I love reading and replyinh to your guys' comments and they make me so happy 🤍 I hope you guys like this chapter! I promise things will start to pick up from here on out.
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After making it back to the Omaticayan fortress, Jake redirected the kids towards the base camp where Norm and Max were. He needed to be alone for a few minutes so he could compose himself and think about a few things. Norm and Max could supervise the kids while he did so and he wouldn't have to worry.

The way back to the fortress was really sullen for Jake. He had made a few realizations that left him completely disassociated with his surroundings. The kids had been sharing Ikrans on the way back, always checking in on each other; Neteyam and Tuk in one, with Kiri and Lo'ak in another one, while Jake rode alone on his. They made it back, thankfully.

After Jake told the kids to head to the lab and look for Norm, they all looked at their father with suspicion and confusion, but complied nonetheless and made their way over with no complaints or comments. Jake walked back to the family tent, and the moment he step foot inside, he ended up collapsing to his knees.

Jake tangled his hand into his dreads as he ran his fingers through them, sighing and closing his eyes. He dragged his hand down his face and exhaled deeply. There were many things to consider right now that were running through his mind. He had already made a decision, as hard as it was, but how could he bring himself to tell the kids. How could he tell them that he was going to take them away from everything they've ever known? The home they grew up in.

Quaritch walked right into the forest unsuspected, right under Eywa's nose. Jake's home, the kids' home, was under peril right now, and it would worsen with any wrong move. It felt like daggers in his heart knowing that they had no choice but to leave it behind. The fear that he would lose all of his kids to Quaritch today was more than enough to make his fear and terror skyrocket. Even if Jake could fight, his little one's lives were in so much danger here in the forest. The presence of the Sky People was already dangerous enough, but with Quaritch back, Jake just didn't want to take any chances on this.

This was a necessary decision. If Jake didn't do something about this now, his children's lives would be exposed to the dangers of Quaritch like Neytiri and him were years ago when they first met. The Sky People wouldn't rest until they got what they want. It's always been that way and there is no way to avoid it. It pained Jake to leave the people who've opened their home to him and welcomed him as one of their own, despite his mistakes. Jake hoped that Mo'at would understand and that she could see where he was coming from. She saved him in the attack of Hometree, and he wanted her to look over the people. If Jake and the kids stayed, the Omaticaya will die in the process.

He's hunting them. Quaritch is hunting down his family. He's targeting him and his family, with the goal of killing Jake once and for all, but Jake wouldn't let himself die. Not before he's given it his all to protect those he loves. Neytiri asked him go live on, and he would honor those words until the very end. If Quaritch was targeting his family, he would fight for them without thinking it twice. Jake hated thinking that he was escaping and leaving the problem behind. But he just wanted to keep his family safe. That was all.

Jake couldn't get the image out of his head. Quaritch had his children. He had them under his knife. He knew that the memory of seeing his children like that would haunt him forever. He never wanted them to go through that ever again. They were so young, all of them, and they didn't deserve to live the lives that Neytiri and Jake had. Full of terror for their lives. His mind was riddled with a million thoughts that he had no idea how to process all at once. It was so overwhelming Jake could barely think straight. This was all too much and there was only so much that he could take.

He was always known as Toruk Makto, the fearless warrior, but now he really felt like that title was mocking him. He couldn't feel like he lived up to that standard anymore. This situation was robbing him of his dignity and self-respect. Would Toruk Makto really leave his problems behind and escape this way? It truly was baffling how a such a decision could take a toll on his life like this. He felt denial course through him, not really believing just yet that this was truly the past he was taking. Jake's ears tipped back with anguish and ache as he shut his eyes closed, letting out a shuddering and shaky sigh.

No. This would protect the people. This would protect his family. If Quaritch has Spider, the chances of the Sky People finding out where they are hidden become greater every single day. If the people harbored Jake and his family, they will die. With Quaritch back, their lives are more at risk than ever. Although, it was hard to ignore how clear it is that the more they escaped, the bigger actions that Quaritch would take to find Jake, as well as use his children as leverage and pawns against him. Knowing that, even if Jake wanted a different outcome, there was just no escaping this problem, but it was possible to delay the inevitable and giving Jake time to prepare.

He had no plan right now, and he couldn't lie and say he did. He was afraid to admit that. Jake had always been seen as a man who always knew what to do and had a plan for any situation, someone who's a brave and courageous figurehead for the Omaticaya as Toruk Makto. Even so, he knew he could protect this family, and he believed he could. No matter where his family went, the family itself was their fortress. Their biggest weakness, but also their greatest strength. Jake had come to a decision, now, it was just a matter of telling the kids and he knew that it wouldn't be an easy conversation to have.

Soon, Jake called back his kids from the lab and had them all come to the tent where he was. Jake sat on the ground and had the kids sit around him in a circle, preparing in his head what he was about to say. Kiri sat next to Lo'ak, Lo'ak sat next to Neteyam, and Neteyam sat next to Tuk. They were all looking at their dad expectantly, worried about how upset Jake looked. He appeared so conflicted, it worried the kids. What was causing him so much inner turmoil? The kids worried about how silent he was too, as if he struggled to find the words, which he was, but he didn't say it out loud.

"Kids, I've been thinking..." Jake started, clearing his throat before looking up and making eye contact with each of them. "After what happened today, I thought about it a lot and I've come to a decision," He continued, seeing how suddenly the kids tensed up at his tone. "Trust me, this isn't easy for me, but i'll accept whatever you have to say because you kids have the right to it. I'm not taking that away from you" Jake continued, afraid of actually delivering the news in fear of the kids' reaction. Kiri must've sensed how nervous her dad was and she placed a hand over his.

"Dad, you can tell us. Don't beat around the bush. We can take it, and we'll understand" Kiri said calmly, and Jake visibly released a breath that he didn't know he was holding in. He nodded gently and then inhaled deeply before gathering up the right words in his mind. The kids were much stronger than he gave them credit for. Even after losing so much, they were still standing tall and facing anything that came their way.

"Kids...we have to leave the forest," Jake finally said, and the kids' eyes widened at the same time. Before they could ask anything, Jake spoke up again. "I don't know for how long, but after today, I decided it was the best course of action. Not only for the safety of you kids, but the Omaticaya are in danger too. I hope you can understand that I'm doing this for your own safety, but i'll also understand if you're upset. You have the right to it. I'm sorry..." Jake concluded, his gaze landing straight on the ground and he would be ready to address any concerns and recieve complaints, but all he got in response was complete silence.

The kids all exchanged glances with one another, as if having a conversation with just their eyes. They were just that close, to the point where they could wordlessly agree on things and be on board with it. They really understood where this was coming from, and they didn't blame their dad for even considering leaving the forest, but after the year its been with the Sky People terrorizing their home, the kids somehow knew this conversation and decision would come. As much as they hated the idea of leaving their home and it broke their hearts, they knew that there was no other way and the 4 of them have had conversations about this in the past.

After a few seconds of silence and eye contact between each other, the kids looked at one another and nodded wordlessly. "Okay," They all said at the same time, and at that response, Jake's head snapped upwards with surprise to look at his children; puzzled beyond belief. He had expected them to fight him a little more on this, but he had clearly underestimated them. They were much more understanding than he ever knew, and he couldn't be more grateful for that. Even if he had been prepared for their complaints, hearing them and the hurt in their voices would send him over the edge. He didn't know if his vulnerable heart would've taken it.

"Thank you, kids..." Jake whispered shakily, nit expecting for this to hit him as hard it has. The kids all frowned as their eyes softened, simultaneously getting in their knees and crowding their dad. The 4 of the them embraced Jake from every angle, hugging him and letting them know that it was okay, and that none of this was his fault. The kids knew that he didn't want to leave either, but situations like today reminded them that any of these days could be their last. Jake was just trying to be a good father, trying to protect them, and the kids never, ever, doubted him.

"We love you, dad" Lo'ak said, and that Jake smiled as he closed his eyes shut and wrapped his arms around his children, cradling their heads close to him. "Yeah, we love you" Kiri whispered with a smile as Neteyam and Tuk made sure to remind their dad too how much they cared about him. Raising 4 kids on his own can't be easy, and they knew that. All they could do was stick together and make sure to be there for one another. That was what family was for, wasn't it? Jake deserved a break, comprehension, and people that he could lean on when he needed it the most. He was glad that he had raised such amazing kids like his, grateful for their morals and values that they've adopted. He couldn't be prouder of them than he was right now. He didn't know what he would do without the kids in his life.

"Tuk. Lo'ak. Kiri. Neteyam. I love you kids, so much, thank you" Jake muttered with very noticeable relief at his children's response to the news that he was convinced they would respond to negatively. "I promise i'll find a way to make our lives better. I won't let you down" Jake swore, not daring to let go of the embrace that his kids had around him. Little did they know that all 4 children thought the same thing. Jake could never let them down. Just the fact that he was still here, fighting every day for the lives of the Omaticaya, of his kids, and his own, was enough proof of how strong he was.

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A few days later, a ceremony was being held at the base of the Tree of Souls. All of the Na'vi were gathered together as Jake was stepping down and a new Olo'eyktan was going to be named. Mo'at was removing Jake's clan leader accessories, and lifting them in the air, proceeding to put them on the man and warrior standing next to Jake that was set to be the next clan leader for the Omaticaya. This was a man that Jake had seen grow up for the past 15 years, not doubting that he would make a great leader for The People when the time came. Eventually, all things came to an end.

This is like stones in my heart. Tarsem is young and wise for his years. He will become a strong Olo'eyktan.

Jake kept a stoic face, no matter how much it hurt him inside to do this, as Mo'at placed the shoulder accessory that every clan leader wore onto Tarsem, who looked towards his people with determination and assertiveness. He was young but already had so much promise to look over the Omaticaya fearlessly. The People could not be in better hands with Tarsem in charge to guide them through tough times.

The leader must die, so the leader can be born.

Jake stood in front of Tarsem, as the warrior looked at him sullenly, raising his dagger up in the air and then yelling out a battle cry as he brought it down so that the handle hits Jake's chest. When the warrior lifted the knife, the tip drew blood from Jake, which meant that now he was no longer the leader of the Omaticaya. A pained face came across his features, realizing that he was truly letting go, leaving all of this behind until who knows when. None of this was fair, but it had to be done.

Toruk Makto will disappear. The people will be safer this way.

Jake stepped down from the base of the tree, and grabbed Tuk's hand, pulling his daughter with him through the crowd. The Omaticaya all had saddened expressions on their faces seeing the Sully family go. Jake held Tuk's hand while Kiri, Neteyam, and Lo'ak walked behind him. Walking amongst the people opened up a gate for the waterworks to open up. Tears streamed down Tuk's face as Jake tightened his hand around his daughters as a silent sign of comfort, giving her the most comfort he could at that moment. The youngest Sully was already strong enough for bearing through this change alone since such a young age. Jake couldn't be prouder of how strong Tuk's been.

After rounding up your Ikrans, it was finally time to leave, and before Jake knew it, the Sully's were flying away from the forest and towards the infinite depths of the ocean in the never ending horizon. Tuk was flying with Jake sitting in front of him while Neteyam, Lo'ak, and Kiri all flew with their own banshees.

Everything they needed was packed up and ready to go, and stuffed into saddles on the sides of the Ikrans. Jake had stored all of his weapons and belongings safely inside his bags, keeping it away from possibly flying off. They had packed everything they could ever need, but not leaving anything behind, since it was uncertain when the family would come back.

As the family flew away farther away from the forest and passed the cliffs of the mountains, since Jake was at the front, he yipped while signaling where to go so that his family knew which direction to turn to. Neteyam and Lo'ak, yipped back, flying after Jake as he Tuk close to him. The little girl looked straight ahead, hoping to get a glimpse of where they were heading. She knew that if she turned back, she would start to feel regret seep into her.

Knowing this would be the last time in a while Jake would see the forest, he turned back and looked at what has been his home for the last 15 years. Tuk and Lo'ak turned around as well, knowing that they were leaving behind everything they'd ever known and going into uncharted territory. It was a scary change, but if they had each other, they could get through anything. As Jake always said, 'Sully's stick together'. It gave them courage they need.

Jake turned to look at his children, seeing Neteyam and Kiri looking at their home with aching eyes. Trying to remind himself that this was for the best, Jake looked forward again and repeated in his mind like a mantra that doing this is what kept his family safe. He couldn't turn back now. They were well on their ways to a new beginning somewhere else, in a place where they'd be safe at last.

A father protects. It's what gives him meaning. One life ends, another begins.

Jake looked forward again and Tuk did the same, only focusing on the journey ahead of them from now on. The through the oceans was treacherous, given that the family had to fly through storms and harsh weather conditions. The water was crashing against the rocks, creating massive waves, showing how unruly the ocean was. Even so, Jake was able to guide his family the way through it all. As long as they kept sight of one another, everything would be just fine and they would arrive at their destination soon enough.

"Tuk..." Jake whispered, feeling his youngest daughter tremble and shiver in his grasp from the cold water landing on him even while being up in the air. The waves crashing were just that big. Jake put a blanket over Tuk to keep the water away from her and hopefully keep her warm during the rest of the trip, or at least until they passed through the storm. Jake was wearing a poncho that protected him from the crashing water, so he brought a spare for Tuk.

Eventually, after about an 8-hour journey, the family made it through the harsh storm and were now flying over crystal clear waters. The reefs were just below them and even from above, fascinating marine species could be seen. They were absolutely majestic and surreal to look at. The Ikrans screeched as they spotted civilization and a couple villages nearby, not the village they were heading to, but passing a few others on the way.

The sea clans were a world into themselves. As if they were a world of their own. Thousands of islands. An unknown territory where we can just vanish without a trace.

As sunset was beginning to show on the horizon, Tuk was starting to fall asleep on Jake's shoulder, but quickly woke up again all of a sudden when she realized that she was dozing off. Jake smiled fondly at his daughter's antics, adjusting the blanket over her so that she wouldn't be cold and it doesn't fall off.

"Are we there yet?" Tuk asked tiredly, and Jake nodded his head, assuring his youngest daughter that they were very close to their desired destination. "We'll be there soon, Tuk," Jake reassured, and his daughter nodded, looking forward again into the horizon.

At last, the Ikrans were flying over the reefs of Awa'atlu, a village of the Metkayina. Their prescence and the Ikrans flying overhead sparked the curiosity of many villagers who were hanging out in the water. Ikrans weren't native species of this region, so it sparked curiosity around the villagers. They all yipped, hurrying over to the water to get to see the newcomers that arrived to their home.

Jake let a soft smile appear on his lips at the beauty of this village. Behind the huts, there was this huge tree with various roots sprouting out behind the tents, or Marui, creating shelter for the Metkayina. As the Sully's got closer to the village, a horn was rung from a seashell, giving everyone a warning about their arrival.

People were rushing to their canoes, jumping into the water, and all so that they could get to see who these people were. After trying to get to closer ground by flying over the village, Jake lead his family to land their Ikrans on an area of sand that lead to the entrance. The water was crystal clear and the sand was soft, smooth, and pristinely white.

Jake's and the children's Ikrans landed safely, screeching and howling as they did. People were starting to crowd the area, feeling a bit startled by the banshees, but quickly realized they were no threat. Jake got down from his Ikran, helping Tuk down, all the while Neteyam, Lo'ak, and Kiri all got down from theirs, looking around nervously to the crowd.

While Tuk curiously looked forward, ahe immediately started walking forward toward the incoming villagers that were closing in on themz Jake exhaled and patted his Ikran on the side as a message that transmits to it that it did a good job bringing them all the way here.

"Follow me," Jake said to his kids, adjusting his loincloth around his hips and holding his arms out, showing that he meant no harm or threat to the Metkayina. Neteyam copied his dad's actions, walking just behind him with his arms extended as well. The villagers approached the Sully's warily and carefully, being cautious around them, inspecting their every move.

"Tuk," Jake said to his daughter, seeing that she was straying off just a bit. She immediately complied and skipped over to her dad, taking his hand in hers and walking by Jake's side. "Be nice," Jake said as he turned around to his older children, and they nodded, keeping to themselves, making sure they don't make themselves come off as threats of any kind.

Jake raised his hands higher in the air, seeing more and more villagers approach. "Hey," He said simply, hearing them all yip and hoot at the sight of the forest Na'vi. These Na'vi had a turquoise blue tone to their skin and had a different body composition than the forest Na'vi. People were coming to surround them but giving them space as well. Feeling a bit awkward after so much staring, Kiri pulled her blanket around her shoulders more, refusing to make eye contact with anyone. She felt judged.

Through the crowd suddenly came two boys around the same age as Neteyam and Lo'ak. One had his hair into braids and pulled back into a bun, and the other one had curly hair that was let loose with no braids. The two Metkayina boys walked by Neteyam and Lo'ak, and the two Sully brothers did an 'I see you' gesture to both of them. The boys inspected one another cautiously, both of them being wary about each other's presence.

The Metyakina boys came behind Neteyam and Lo'ak, catching sight of their tails, which are very different compared to the ones of ocean Na'vi. They both started snickering. "Look, what is that? Is that supposed to be a tail?" One of the boys said, prompting the other ones to start laughing. Hearing this, Jake discreetly looked behind him and fought off a glare. This is the opposite of what he wanted, even if he knew that it wouldn't be easy, it wasn't the best to see your children be ridiculed because of something that they had no control over.

"Take it easy. Just be cool," Jake said, trying to keep a calm tone and demeanor toward everyone. Lo'ak and Neteyam tried their best to ignore the laughs at their tails and appearance, but it was a bit distracting. The boys really tried their best to seem welcoming and look like less of a threat to the tribe before them.

All of a sudden, something, or rather someone, caught Lo'ak's attention. The youngest Sully brother turned his gaze to the side to see a Metkayina girl coming out of the water. She was very pretty, but he wouldn't say that out loud. Still, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

She had braids up until the middle of her scalp, but the rest was let loose in curly waves. As she came out of the water and tucked her hair out of her face, Lo'ak couldn't help but stare at her with wonder as he felt his heart race. He truly felt like his heart would beat out of his chest. When he realized he was staring too long, Lo'ak decided to look away, embarrassed.

Unbeknownst to him, Lo'ak had no idea that Neteyam had noticed him practically making heart eyes at the girl. The oldest Sully smirked smugly at his brother, aware that he probably had a crush on that girl now, but Lo'ak would deny it if anybody asked him. The way he bashfully looked away almost made Neteyam laugh out loud, but for the sake of staying respectful, he stayed quiet as best as he could.

"It is too small! How are they supposed to swim?" One of the Metkayina boys continued to laugh, but the girl from before came up to them and slapped their hands from Neteyam and Lo'ak's tails. "Do not. Rotxo. Ao'nung," The girl warned, even with her soft and gentle voice, she wanted them to stop. Even if they were newcomerss, they were Na'vi too and had to be treated with respect all the same.

The two boys, who went by Ao'nung and Rotxo, effectively stopped laughing and the girl turned to make eye contact with Lo'ak. "Hey," The Sully brother said, trying to appear nonchalant and cool, and with this simple gesture, the girl looked down and giggled softly at Lo'ak's gesture. She could already feel butterflies growling and fluttering inside of her, and she felt her face heat up bashfully.

All of a sudden, there were two giant winged fish that were being ridden right toward where the Sully family had arrived. As they flew over them, the family ducked out of instinct, seeing the winged fish land on the water across from them. It was safe to assume this was Tonowari, the Olo'eyktan of this Metkayina village. On the other Skimwing riding alongside Tonowari, you were riding it expertly and soon prepared to land next to the Olo'eyktan. You were too far away from the crowd to see the newcomers, but you could see that they weren't from around here. It seems like they were forest Na'vi.

You and Tonowari hopped off the Skimwings, letting them both swim away. You patted Pua's head as the creature swam away, walking next the Olo'eyktan who has been your father figure since you were little. You were holding onto your warrior spear. You were known in the village as one of the best fighters and warriors, trained by Tonowari himself since you were young. The Olo'eyktan started walking towards the shore, with you following behind him. The clan leader started making his way toward Jake and his family, standing in front of him with his Olo'eyktan spear in his hand. People made way for you and Tonowari as you both walked over to the family across the beach.

You hadn't turned around just yet to lay eyes on the family, but someone already had their sights set on you. The moment you came into his eyeline, Jake's eyes locked on you and he felt like his breath left his body. He didn't know why but the moment he saw you, he started to feel his heart practically beat out of his chest and he swallowed a lump in his throat. You had black hair that touched your back, turquoise skin, and big doe eyes that looked straight back at him with curiosity. He tried not too make it too obvious how much he was staring at you, so he looked away and looked at Tonowari who was looking at Jake cautiously.

Jake has not felt like this in years, not until Neytiri. And he thought he would never feel like this again, but what differed you from the other women that Mo'at introduced him to? He'd be lying if he said he wasn't intrigued by you, but he couldn't. There was no time for any of that. He couldn't afford to care about anyone else when he already had his kids' lives on the line.

Tonowari was the chief of the Metkayina. The reef people.

"I see you, Tonowari," Jake greeted as he gestured with his hand, earning one in return from the clan leader as well. You stood next to Tonowari, silently watching the exchange and doing your best to avoid eye-contact with the forest Na'vi man in front of you. "Jake Sully," Tonowari said, smiling at the family warmly. Lo'ak, Neteyam, Kiri, all gestured respectfully as well, greeting politely and courteously.

I knew him as a tough leader. But it wasn't Tonowari that worried me.

A woman suddenly came from behind Tonowari. It seemed that she was very far ahead in pregnancy, and she approached the Sully's with a wary and suspicious look on her face. Jake did not hesitate to greet her, knowing how tough this woman could be. The woman came to stand next to you and moved to loop her arm with yours, keeping you close by. Jake took notice of this, and suddenly felt nervous. You must be important then.

"I see you, Ronal. Tsahik of the Metkayina," Jake greeted, and gesturing to the Tsahik. He wanted to greet you too but he didn't know your name. Before he could do anything, you used your other hand to gesture to Jake. "I see you, Jake Sully..." You said, and Jake's breath got caught in his throat after hearing how gentle and sweet your voice sounded. He quickly got ahold of his bearings and gestured back to you. "I see you," Jake said, and you nodded silently at his greeting, turning your gaze away from his and looking at the children.

It wasn't long before the Olo'eyktan started speaking again. "Why do you come to us, Jake Sully?" Tonowari asked, genuinely curious as to why he came all the way to the reef clans all of a sudden. Jake looked around nervously, choosing his next few words carefully, letting his eyes briefly land on you for a second. "We seek Uturu," He said, extending his arms out.

Your eyes widened at Jake's words, turning your head to look at Tonowari. Ronal looked at Jake with disbelief, not believing what she was hearing. "Uturu?" She asked with incredulity. She looked at her husband, wanting to know what he thought. This request seemed too sudden for the Tsahik and Olo'eyktan.

"Yes, sanctuary for my family," Jake explained, looking back at his family, and then back at the clam leader, Tsahik, and you who were looking at the Sully's with pondering looks. You kept a straight face but your heart clenched at Jake's words. They needed help and somewhere to stay for safety. The kids looked so young too for them to go through such a big change.

"We are reef people, you are forest people. Your skills will mean nothing here," Tonowari said, all the while Ronal let go of your arm and was starting to walk and circle around Jake's children to inspect them. Ronal was very skeptical about their sudden arrival, wanting to know their true intentions from the get go. This was the first time you'd ever seem these people before but you didn't want to turn them away and send them back to the place, where clearly, they weren't safe. You hoped they could stay.

"So, we will learn your ways, right?" Jake said, turning to the kids, and they immediately nodded. "Yes," Kiri and Neteyam answered, and the older Sully sister suddenly felt a hand on her tail, so Kiri turned around to see that Ronal grabbed it. She grabbed it out of her hand as the Tsahik continued to walk.

Kiri glared at Ronal when she saw her grab Tuk's arm. Out of fright, Tuk pulled her arm away and scurried over to Jake. "Dad..." She whimpered with fear, hiding behind her dad's leg. Jake was quick to hold his daughter close to him as the Tsahik started walking around the older kids. Your heart warmed at the sight, and you could tell this man loved his children a lot. "Their arms are thin. Their tails are weak. You will be slow in the water" Ronal said, grabbing Kiri's tail again. She suddenly took Kiri's hands in hers and raised them, showing that the girl had five fingers, making all of the villagers gasp and chatter amongst each other.

You were shocked, but not in a negative way. You had never seen a Na'vi half-breed before, so you found it interesting. These kids were special, and you could tell that right away.

What Ronal said next pushed you made yoi frown. Your adoptive mother could really be harsh sometimes. "These children are not even true Na'vi!" The woman said, and with that, within a second. "Yes, we are!" Kiri said, tugging her hands away from Ronal as the woman started to make her way over to Neteyam and Lo'ak. Anyone from a mile away could tell that these kids were embarrassed and they didn't deserve that. They shouldn't feel alienated because of their background.

Jake watched Ronal's every move with caution as she made her way over to Lo'ak, grabbing his hands too and lifting them as well. "They have demon blood!" Ronal said, and everyone continued to gasp and hiss in surprise. Lo'ak hung his head down in shame. Your heart sank at the words of the Tsahik, seeing that this situation was getting a bit out of hand. Even if you've never met them before, Im sure nobody would like to be put on display like that.

Jake couldn't let this go on any longer, so he stepped in. "Look. Look! I was born of the Sky People and now I am Na'vi. Alright, you can adapt. We will adapt. Okay? " Jake said, waving his hand around that had 5 fingers as well, turning back to face Tonowari. Your eyes were suddenly trained on Jake's hands, and the man himself locked eyes with you for a second before turning back around. You looked away bashfully, hoping nobody noticed that. You swallowed and kept a stoic face on again.

Getting your bearings again, you got the courage to step forward and try to make sense of what was happening. "You were Toruk Makto, weren't you, Jake Sully? Lead the clans to victory against the Sky People. Didn't you?" You asked, stepping closer to him, and as you stood before him, he towered over you. He visibly tensed at your words, and you noticed, which meant that he probably didn't like to be addressed like that and you respected it.

You wouldn't bring it up anymore unless he brought it up himself. The last thing this family needed was to be put through more anguish and pressure than they already have. "Yes. But it's not who I am anymore" Jake said, and you nodded understandingly at his words.

Ronal wanted to scoff as she came around the corner and and she looked at you, then at Jake in disbelief. "This you call victory? Hiding among strangers?" The Tsahik said, and you looked at Ronal in disbelief because of how blunt and harsh she was being. Ronal stepped closer to Jake, preparing to say a few things. But it was all instinct. Ronal was saying these things out of distrust and threatening feelings.

"It seems Eywa has turned her back on you. Chosen one-" Ronal said to Jake, but before she could finish, you placed a hand on your adoptive mother's shoulders, prompting for her to look at you. You gave her a stern look, communicating to her to give them a break. You were the one who brought it up, not Jake, so if anybody was to be blamed, it was you. Ronal narrowed her eyes and grabbed your hand to tug you back, placing you behind her to stand next to Tonowari like you were before.

Getting past the moment, Tonowari stepped up, raising his spear in the air. "Toruk Makto is a great war leader. All Na'vi people know his story. But we Metkayina, are not at war. We cannot let you bring your war here," The clan leader started, but before any uncertainties or misunderstandings were lost in the air, Jake decided to clear some things up. Your mood changed and you suddenly felt saddened that they might not stay. You didn't know why, though. This was a strange feeling. Why did you want them to stay so badly? You had so manu unanswered questions.

Jake picked up Tuk and set her on his hip. The girl tucked her head in his neck. "Dad," Tuk whispered, feeling scared that they'll have to leave again. "Look, I'm done with war. Okay? I just want to keep my family safe," Jake explained, holding Tuk close to him. You understood that, and you thought it was really noble what he was trying to do. It seems that he was raising the kids on his own and that alone was an amazing feat. They needed help.

Tonowari and Ronal looked at each other, trying to decide what to do. It was clear that the Sully's needed help, and what kind of people would they be if they denied them of that. Tonowari and Ronal both turned to look at you, and the look on your face gave them the answer that they needed. "Uturu has been asked," Jake said, hoping they'd say yes, having Tuk by his side as the little girl leaned into him.

Tonowari turned around and looked at Ronal. They seemed to be having a whole conversation with just their eyes. Tonowari was starting to feel more open about sheltering them, but Ronal was a bit more hesitant. Eventually, the Tsahik nodded and she gave in. You sighed in relief, smiling softly at what Tonowari and Ronal decided. The family could stay after all.

"Do we have to go?" Tuk asked sadly, and Jake put his hand on her head. "Shh..it'll be okay," He reassured her, not knowing what the outcome of this situation will be. Your heart warmed at the sight, already noticing how good of a father he was. They hadn't been told the good news, so they thought that could be told that they have to go, which means they have to look for somewhere else to live.

"Toruk Makto and his family will stay with us. Treat them as our brothers and sisters," Tonowari said to the Metkayina villagers. Jake let out a breath of relief that he didn't know he was holding onto when Tonowari said those words. They would be safe now.

Jake gently let Tuk down onto the ground, but still held onto her hand. "But they do not know the sea. So they will be like babies taking their first breath," Tonowari said, and you turned to look at your adoptive father, watching as he directed his words to the villagers of Awa'atlu.

"Teach them our ways, so they do not suffer the shame of being useless," Tonowari said, turning to look at Jake and his family. Jake exhaled with relief and turned to his kids.

"What do we say?" He asked, prompting his kids to thank Tonowari for letting them stay. "Thank you," Tuk smiled. Neteyam and Lo'ak thanked the chief as well, but Kiri rolled her eyes and did the same. "Thank you," The girl murmured, gazing downwards, kicking some sand and boredly kicking pebbles with her feet.

Tonowari turned to Ao'nung and the girl from before and introduced them. "My son Ao'nung and my daughter Tsireya will show your children what to do," He said, and the Metkayina boy immediately began to protest.

"Father, why?" Ao'nung said, moving over to stand in front of his father. "It is decided," Tonowari said, his tone stern and strict, making Ao'nung eventually stop trying to fight his father about his decision. Ao'nung wasn't looking forward to this at all. He didn't want to get stuck babysitting, but on the other hand, Tsireya was more than excited to help.

"Jake Sully," Tonowari said, and the ex-marine turned to look at the Olo'eyktan at the call of his name. "Y/n will show you around, and teach you everything you need to know," He said, and when Tonowari gestured to you, Jake looked back and forth a few times between you and the Olo'eykyan before swallowing a lump in his throat and smiling nervously. Since Tsireya and Ao'nung were showing the Sully kids what to do, your job was to show Jake the ropes of how things worked around here.

"Okay," Jake nodded. Y/n He thought. So that was your name. It was fitting for the aura you radiated from the moment you came into view.

The girl, which you now know is Tsireya, stepped in from behind his brother with a warm smile and sweet eyes. "Come. I will show you our village," She said, beginning to guide the family to where they'd be staying. You followed after Tsireya and soon started walking by her side. She has been a sisterly figure to you for years. You remember the day she was born, as well as Ao'nung, and you had known them ever since. You were closer with Tsireya, though, and were happy to share the role of showing around the Sully family.

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This is the longest chapter that the book has so far, so I officially finished it at around 4 AM lmao anyway, I hope you guys liked it! The MC and Jake finally met! Yay! Things will start to pick up from here I swear shsj

I really felt like this chapter got sort of messy towards the end so let me know what you thought of the first meeting of the MC and Jake! Maybe I can change a few things here and there in the future!

I said this before but now that I have Avatar The Way of Water in HD and with subtitles, I can see more clearly those tiny details in the movie I never noticed before.

Also, because of the digital version being out, I can start revising both 'Barricades' books! I'll start on both of them when Im more ahead on this story but i'll let you guys know when it happens.

There's not much I have to say now, but as always, I'll add other news in future chapters if there are any at all, Anyway, I'll see you all in the next one! 🤍 Have a good rest of your week everyone!

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