-
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 replying to all of your comments and they make me so happy, and give me so much motivation to continue 🤍 I hope you guys like this chapter! I 'awe'd' so many times while writing this lmao SHSJS
-

You and Tsireya were proceeding to guide the family through the paths of the Awa'atlu village situated just below the mangroves of the huge tree behind their entire civilization.

The Sully's had emptied the saddles of their Ikrans and had all of their things carried in their hands, taking them to where they would be staying. Everyone was pitching in on holding something as they were given a tour of the village. Both you and Tsireya offered to carry some of the items that the Sully's had brought, insisting wanting to help them out in any way they could to make this whole process easier for them. It can't be easy moving from one place to another, so it was your job to make it as hospitable for them as possible.

You and Tsireya continued to lead them through a path that looked like it was weaved together with resources from their unique coastal region, and it was very bouncy and stretchy. It also overlooked the water on the bottom, showing how the sea animals were chirping and yipping as they swam in the water happily. The creatures coexisted with the reef people, keeping a healthy relationship between riders, inhabitants, and sea creatures alike.

Given that you and Tsireya were at the front, leading the family, Jake was behind the two of you with the kids walking behind him. On the way there, he couldn't explain it, but Jake's eyes were trained on you the entire way through. He watched as you smiled and laughed with Tsireya, already displaying this warm and loving energy, while also calm and collected. Jake felt something inside him, and he would say it's too early for butterflies becausehe just met you a few minutes ago. He would like to call it more of a sense of intrigue, but he wasn't fooled by this.

He wouldn't let himself go down this path again. It was too soon, and he wasn't looking for anybody right now. But, even so, having a friend around here might be nice. Settling in that wouldn't feel as daunting. Yeah, a friend.

"This way," Tsireya said. The kids followed behind Jake. First was Tuk, then Kiri right behind her and Neteyam and Lo'ak behind their sister. Out of curiosity, Tuk stopped in her tracks and smiled when she saw an Ilu leaning its head above the woven path, with a rider on its back. The creature started to try and reach something out of the basket Tuk was holding with its mouth, making her giggle as the woman riding the creature smiled. "Tuk, let's go. Come on," Kiri said, gently placing a hand on her shoulder before she fell behind.

"Just up here," Tsireya guided, leading the family to the hut that was situated at the very end of the path. It had been vacant for some time so this is where the family would be staying. Tuk was adorably bouncing and jumping on the weaved path with giggles erupting from the 8-year-old. Kiri smiled fondly at her younger sister. There was no denying that Tuk was precious and brought light into whatever place she was in. Her actions warmed the hearts of her dad and siblings. She was hard not to 'awe' at.

Hearing the laughter of Tuk, you turned your head back a little and watched as the youngest Sully seemed to be having the time of her life, even if she had just arrived. Your heart melted at the sight, mentally capturing this moment. You were excited in getting to know this family, and not just because it was your orders to do so by Tonowari, but they seem like a good group of people. To you, Jake seemed like a good man, and his kids had good hearts. He did too.

Upon reaching the tent that had a beautiful view of the sea in front, Tsireya and you stopped at the entrance and allowed the family to walk in first and bask in the place they would be staying in indefinitely. "This is for you. Your new home," You said with a toothlesss smile, seeing Jake walk in first and then turned to look at his children arrive at the entrance shortly after. His eyes trailed over each and every one of his kids and then somehow let his eyes trail to you for a few unnoticeable seconds before he awkwardly looked away and trailed his gaze around the tent that he and the children would stay in.

"Yeah, this'll work," Jake said, allowing himself to let his eyes roam across the hut. "It's nice, right?" Jake asked with a hopeful smile. Kiri, who was holding a rolled up mat, was the last one to step inside, and when she did, with a huff, the girl dropped the rug she was holding on the ground. Her siblings kids looked at each other and snickered, which didn't go unnoticed by Jake making him send a tired smile her way. She had been in a bad mood for a while, but her attitude it's what makes Kiri who she is.

Eventually, the family got to unpacking. Tsireya had left but you had stayed to help out the kid, and Jake, who agreed to it. The older kids like Neteyam, Lo'ak, and Kiri were all unpacking their own things on their own. The older siblings were much more independent than their younger sister. Tuk, on the other hand, still needed help with many things even if she wanted to be like the bigger kids and be taken seriously. When everyone got to do their own thing, Tuk was really nice and sweetly asked for your help to get her stuff organized and you agreed to it without hesitation.

As you helped Tuk unload things from her travel pouch, since she didn't have many belongings compared to her siblings, she began introduce herself and how old she is, telling you about life in the forest, her favorite toys, and telling you a bit about each of her siblings. Speaking of, the older kids were listening from afar and smiles fondly at Tuk's willingness to be so open already. She was so young still, and already had so much kindness in her heart to share that isn't seen around in the world that often anymore. Tuk was a truly a treasure.

As Jake began to set his stuff up in one corner of the tent, he involuntarily started to overhear you and Tuk talking and laughing together. Jake hadn't spoken to you much, but he was grateful now for you helping his youngest daughter take her mind off of this whole ordeal. All of his kids took the 'moving out of the forest' very hard, but since Tuk was so young, it really hit her the hardest out of the 4 kids. Neteyam, Kiri, and Lo'ak could see further as to why Jake had to do this, but he could see how Tuk has struggled to find a silver lining. She has barely lived and has already gone through so much that no kid as young as her should have. You were making his daughter smile when he thought it'd be impossible to get her to do that for a long time, as well as getting her accustomed to this new way of life.

Jake turned back to what he was doing and let a ghost smile come across his lips as he continued to set up his belongings. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to have you around. After all, how bad can it be to make some friends if his family would end up staying here long term, right? He should've been more open to you, and he'll plan to be. You were being so kind to him and his family that you at least deserved that much. He'd talk to you later.

It wasn't long before everything was settled in inside the tent of the Sully's. Jake and kids all did their part by trying to make this home as comfortable and homey as they could, given that this was where they were staying until further notice, or maybe even permanently. After a while, Jake finally allowed your kids to go explore the village until sundown, and then come back for dinner. He did warn them not to stray off too much since they just arrived and he didn't want them getting lost on the way.

Once Neteyam, Kiri, Lo'ak, and Tuk had all left, it was only you and Jake alone in the tent. It was awkward for a few seconds before you began to step backwards towards the entrance. "If you need anything else, my tent is right next to this one so, I will be there if you have any questions. Tonowari and Ronal have their tent on the other end, by the way," You said, turning around and beginning to walk out, and Jake stayed silent as he nodded at you words.

After Hahona died, you've had to go back to that empty tent by yourself every day. The place filled with memories of you and your past mate, and it was now deserted with everything but you and your own belongings. Even if it's been a year, you had not forgotten his presence there and every possible scenario of how he died haunted you in your dreams. You've never spoken about that to Tonowari or Ronal. They had bigger problems, responsibilities, and bigger fish to fry than something you thought you could handle by all by yourself.

In the end, your tent has been used only by you for the past year. You were considering changing it, but that was up until today when the family of Toruk Makto arrived, so you decided to push your worries away and stay in your old tent just in case they needed anything and you could be right there for them. You had told Tonowari about your decision of changing tents weeks ago, but now, it's clear you have to inform him about your sudden change of mind.

He couldn't just let you walk out. You had already done so much for his family's arrival that it would be rude not to say anything. Your help was really appreciated and he needed to tell you. "Wait," Jake suddenly said, and you turned around at the sound of his voice, already being halfway out the tent. Jake sighed and began walking closer to you.

The moment you turned around and your gaze met his, Jake froze. Everything that he wanted to say got stuck in his throat and his mind went blank. You were looking at him with a simple yet expectant expression, smiling gently, and for him, his mind was in shambles. Your big, doe, turquoise eyes left him at a loss and he didn't know why the words he wanted to say just left his brain. Somehow, he got his bearings back and he was able say something.

"Um, I just wanted to say thank you for helping us out. I mean, for bringing our stuff in, for talking to Tuk and helping her, and just making this easier for us. We needed that" Jake said sincerely and you smiled gently at his words. You could see the genuineness behind his tone. Jake didn't want to be known as Toruk Makto anymore and just wanted to take care of his family. You understood that. Without belittling his past accomplishments, you looked past that and saw him from the minute he came into the village as the father he wants to be for his family. It was very noble.

"It was no problem. I am happy to help, and as I said before, I am here if you need anything at all. I know what it's like to have to start over and it's not easy, so I will do everything I can to make this easier for you and your family" You said, and Jake was suddenly perked with curiosity at you mentioning about knowing what it's like to start over. He was about to ask what you meant, but then he realized he'd be prying too much and he didn't know you that well to ask those kinds of questions. Especially since he just met you today. He'd learn more about you, but all in due time. All in baby steps.

"Okay. Thank you, really" Jake said, and you smiled softly as you nodded, then around to walk to your own tent that was just next door. When Jake was left by himself, he stayed in place for a few seconds as a million thoughts ran wild in his mind. Eventually he snapped out of it and began to head over to further inside the tent to where their dinner supplies were. As always while the kids were out, he made dinner and then called them back when it was ready. He would also have to talk to all 4 of his children about a few things he wants them to keep in mind during their stay here.

-

When entering your hut, that same feeling of emptiness that always appeared when you came into your home enveloped your body. You had gotten a better handle at handling, but it doesn't mean it hurts any less. You stood at the entryway for a few seconds before letting out a shaky sigh and coming into your tent. It was nearing sundown so it was clear that you would have to start getting your own dinner ready and prepare to sleep. As you started to gather your materials, your eyes landed on your rack of weapons across the room.

With the training of Tonowari, he had taught you everything you needed to know about how to fight and be a great warrior and fighter. In fact, you had been training for so long that you were considered one of the best in your village. Your spears sat across the room, as well as your daggers and other weapons. You actually met Hahona in warrior training, and you had gotten close that way, and somehow along the way you fell in love and mated.

Not only that, but aside from all that, Ronal was preparing you to take over as the next Tsahik of the tribe. The search for the future Olo'eyktan was still ongoing, which meant that Tonowari had been trying to find you some suitors to mate with that he thought were right for the position. He had been considerate in taking your consent for it first, but it took you a few months to get even accustomed to the idea until you agreed, even if in your heart, it was already hard to picture yourself with somebody else. You thought that if mating with someone that could be future leader of the tribe was the best for your people, then you would do it.

Anyway, those were the kinds of thoughts that roamed your mind almost every day. They were hard to ignore, so the best you could do was try to distract yourself with other matters. Getting ready for dinner like you were doing now was a great way to set your sights on something else, and it got you thinking about other things. More positive and less deteriorating thoughts for that matter. You were so engrossed in getting your supplies ready that you didn't notice the sudden presence of a certain someone in the entryway of your hut.

"Y/n" Tonowari said, and you snapped your head over to the sound of that voice. His arrival was very sudden so you couldn't help but be startled. Still, you quickly relaxed when you realized it was just him. "Oh, hi" You said simply, dropping your utensils and turning yourself around to face him. You didn't fail to notice the expression he had on his face; so serious. Was there something wrong?

"How are you doing?" Tonowari said as he came into the tent and kneeled next to you, quickly going from looking at you to the flames that were burning below your pot. You were kneeling on your shins, facing your pot as you began to slowly stir the contents inside. "I'm okay" You said, in more of a way that was in dismissal rather than being 100% truthful. Tonowari knew this. He has known you since you were a child, and he was aware of these small details about your behavior.

"Y/n" Tonowari repeated more sternly, and you slowly stopped stirring. Your gaze was fixated on the flames as you let go of your spoon and dropped your hands to your thighs. "I'm fine" You repeated, but Tonowari wasn't buying it. He sighed and realized that no matter how much he pried, he wouldn't be able to get through to you. You became so closed off to anyone who tried to help or get close to you since Hahona passed. Tonowari figured, and was well aware, that it would take a long time for you to open up again and that was okay. He wouldn't rush you. He likes to think of himself as a father figure for you, and he would be play that role for you every day of his life.

"Okay. I just wanted to talk to you about something" Tonowari said, changing the subject. The change of topic made you visibly become less tense, and he took that as a good sign. Tonowari just hoped that you could stay like that for the whole conversation. "You are aware that the search for a mate for you is still happening, right?" Tonowari asked, and you nodded wordlessly, beginning to stir your food again in the pot in front of you.

"Well, I have a close relationship with one of the head warriors in the village and he happens to have a son. He's just around your age and I think you too could get along well. Would you be up to meeting him and getting to know him? My friend asked me to tell you if it was okay, but I won't agree to anything you don't want to" Tonowari explained and you turned your head to meet his face.

You sighed and it took you a few seconds to answer before you nodded and said; "Yes. I will give it a try" You said, and Tonowari smiled, placing a hand on top of your head, rubbing it against your hair with affection. It had been something Tonowari always did since you were a kid. "Thank you, Y/n. This is a big step. You should be proud" He said, and you sent him a weak smile as he stood up and walked out.

When you were left alone once again, your smile quickly dropped and you soon began to get back to your food silently. This wasn't the first time that Tonowari has arranged an outing like this for you, but you refused to say no. This man and Ronal had taken you in since you were a kid, and you were forever in debt to them. It wouldn't hurt to try and find someone, and again, it would be for the good of your people. That was it, and there was nothing else to it. You would take a chance and meet this guy, who's apparently a good option to be the next Olo'eyktan. Who knows, maybe it'll be different this time around compared to all other suitors you've met over the past year. Although, based on past dates, you wouldn't have your expectations too high this time.

-

Eventually, it was sundown and the sun was quickly hiding behind the horizon line in Awa'atlu. The village would be welcoming nighttime soon, but before that, Metkayina fishermen took this beautiful time of the day to throw their nets onto the water and other villagers were cruising through the water on their respective sea creatures. It was a very peaceful and serene ambience.

Like he had said to the kids, Jake had called his children back into their tent after a long day of having themselves acquainted with their new environment. Kiri and Tuk had already arrived and were waiting for their brothers to come. Soon enough, Neteyam walked in with Lo'ak close behind. Many things needed to be addressed, such as the fact that Jake wanted his children to behave the best they could so that they could hopefully prolong their stay.

"Okay, Sully's fall in," Jake said, crouching on the ground in front of the kids. Tuk sat beside her dad on a small stool. Kiri sat beside Neteyam, while Lo'ak sat right next to his brother so the family was huddled together.

"Remember? Family meeting," Neteyam said, sitting down and grabbing onto Lo'ak's forearms to drag him to sit down. The younger Sully brother complied begrudgingly, sitting in front of his dad. "Come on, take a knee, let's go," Jake said, checking that all of his children were present and nobody was missing.

"Kiri," Jake said, noticing how distant his daughter was so he ushered her to settle in her spot. "What?" The teenage girl grumbled as she sat down with her woven blanket still wrapped around her. Even with her attitude, which was normal, Jake gentky reached out and put a hand on her knee with a small smile. It aliviated some of her discomfort, which was visible in the changes of her demeanor.

"I need you, kids, on your best behavior. I mean it. Learn fast, pull your weight," Jake started, then looked at Lo'ak. "Don't cause trouble. Got it?" He said specifically to his youngest son, making sure he understood his words. He wanted Lo'ak to pay attention to what he was saying the most, but mostly his words were directed at all of his children.

"Yes, sir," Lo'ak said, and Neteyam turned to look at his brother with a smile. He put a hand on the back of his little brother's head with a laugh, but Lo'ak hissed at Neteyam to back off.

All of a sudden, Jake heard sniffling, so he and the older sibkibgs immediately turned tueir heads to see Tuk with tears falling down her cheeks. "I want to go home," Tuk said, with more tears flowing from her eyes and onto her cheekbones. The sight broke Jake's heart. She was Jake's youngest and she had already been through so much, all of your children had, and it's not fair to any of them. Jake suddenly wished you were here to help. You really seemed to have a connection with Tuk right away, but he didn't want to burden you.

"Tuk," Jake said gently as his eyes softened at his youngest daughter. Jake proceeded to hold his daughter's hand and pulled her onto his right leg to sit on. "Tuk, this is our home now," He said with comfort, and it was able to cease her sadness a bit at least for the meantime. Understandably, they all felt homesick and Jake didn't blame tham; he did too. Jake was giving them all the time they needed to adjust.

Jake turned back to his older children with a confident and determined expression, masking what he was really feeling inside. He promised himself he would do anything to protect his family at all costs. "We're gonna get through this. I know we can. We're gonna get through this if we have each other's backs," Jake said, turning to every one of his kids, holding Tuk's hand with his own to comfort her.

"Now, what do I always say?" Jake inquired, knowing his children knew the answer. "Sully's stick together," All 4 kids said in unison but almost monotonously. Jake turned his head over and saw Kiri fumbling with one of her braids. Seeing this, Jake reached over and placed a hand on her leg, prompting a small but noticeable smile from his oldest daughter.

"That's right. Sully's stick together. Now, this time with some feeling," Jake said with an encouraging smile. The kids all looked at each other and proceeded to say it a bit more loudly, letting their shyness stray away bit by bit. "Sully's stick together," They all repeated, but with a bit more enthusiasm. When Tuk said it, she mumbled it with a small pout and a sniffle.

Before they all started to stand up, Jake got their attention by raising his hands. "Hey, hold on. Before you go, there's something else." Jake started, and the kids perked up, his words effectively getting their attention. He didnt want this to feel like such a restricted space where they couldn't branch out. He wanted them to have fun and get used to this place.

"I want you guys to bond with the kids of the village. Make friends, try learn their ways. I will do the same, too. Get to know this place, because we will be staying here for a while. Don't forget that," Jake concluded, and all kids nodded in agreement at his words. They'd be lying if they said that they weren't excited to explore, even if they didn't say it out loud.

After the meeting was done, your kids stood up and began making their way out of the tent. Neteyam, Lo'ak, and Kiri all made their way out, but Tuk was the only one who stayed behind. Jake noticed that she had yet to have left like he thought he would, to go with her siblings, but the way she was looking at him expectantly told Jake that there was probably something that she really wanted to say.

"Tuk. What is it?" Jake said as he stood up and began to grab the rolled up mats in the back the of room to roll them out for him and the kids. When she didn't say anything after that, Jake turned his head and saw Tuk standing there nervously, fiddling with her fingers.

"Dad? Can Y/n come over for dinner sometime?" Tuk asked nervously, and Jake perked up at the mere mention of your name. He turned around and moved to kneel in front of his daughter, placing a hand against Tuk's cheek with affection. Jake would be lying if he said he wasn't expecting Tuk to ask something like this. Tuk already adored you and it was sweet how welcoming she was being towards you. "Only if she wants to, Tuk. You can go ahead and ask her, and if she says yes, I don't see why not" Jake said with a soft smile.

Tuk's eyes brightened up at her father's words so she quickly threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. Jake laughed and placed a kiss on the side of Tuk's head. "Thank you, Dad!" Tuk beamed and detached from her father's arms and scrambled out of the tent, skipping happily. Jake probably guessed that Tuk was heading to your tent right away to ask you. Jake didn't have a problem having you over, and it seems that the kids had already taken a liking to you. You were making this easier for them and was really grateful.

It was most likely that dinner with you would come in the next few days and not tonight, just because you were aware of how new the Sully's were to the village and getting settled in these next few days would be ideal. Either way, Jake would be lying if he said that if he wasn't looking forward to it. He didnt know how to explain it, but he was feeling more drawn to you than he would like to let on.

-

The next day, Kiri, Tuk, Neteyam, and Lo'ak, were up bright and early. While Jake was still asleep, Tsireya came with Ao'nung, who was begrudgingly forced to go, to pick them up for their lessons on the ways of the Metkayina. You had lessons with Jake with Tonowari later that day, but the kids were too excited to wait until the afternoon. The sun was beaming and the water looked crystal clear beneath their hut. Tuk was particularly excited, more so than the rest of her siblings. She couldn't wait to get started. She had already seen some creatures that inhabited these waters and she was so excited to get to know them all. Tsireya promised the young Sully that she would show her the reefs for as long as Tuk wanted.

Tsireya, Ao'nung, and Rotxo, who joined them shortly after, stood on the edge of one of the pods by the shore and proceeded to leap in expertly. They've swum in these waters their entire lives, and still, they could never get used to the beauty that lay beneath the surface.

After Tsireya, Rotxo, and Ao'nung jumped in, Lo'ak and Neteyam looked at each other with excited smiles and then went to run the edge. "Come on!" Neteyam said, getting to the edge, leaping with Lo'ak jumping in a cannonball as they yelled with ecstasy. When they opened their eyes underwater once the bubbles of their jump cleared up, they gazed around curiously at the new world that had just opened up to them. It was crazy how this was below their own feet the entire time. The water was concealing something completely different that they knew above the surface.

The only ones left to jump in were Kiri and Tuk. The older Sully sister grabbed Tuk's hand, and they both ran to the edge hand in hand. Kiri laughed as they leaped onto the water while Tuk let out a happy and excited squeal. Soon enough, they were met with the same view as their brothers a few seconds before. The sea was littered with beautiful creatures swimming around in harmony around them.

They watched as fish swam, very peculiar ones at that, but they were still mesmerized and entranced. They had never seen anything like it, not even in the lakes and ponds of the forest. Some reefs and mangroves served as home to many of the sea species they were seeing.

There were called Pincer Fish, known to the Metkayina as the Sloapek. They have two vertical, large, and bone tusks. It had fins that swayed with the water, helping the fish swim. There were also small sardine-like fish all around as well. Lo'ak stared at the creatures with wonder, seeing how they were completely unbothered by the presence of the Na'vi children and seemed completely harmless.

Kiri did not waste any time swimming wherever the currents took her. She used her arms and legs to push herself forward as she swam along a school of fish that didn't even flinch at her closeness. She felt connected with everything around her, just like she did in the forest when it was just her and nature. Kiri turned her head to the side and saw that there was a graceful and translucent jellyfish moving to swim past her. Understanding the animals' intentions, Kiri stopped swimming and let the multiple-finned jellyfish pass by.

Tuk was having the time of her life. Neteyam was by her side, grabbing onto her hand so she wouldn't stray off, but still allowing her to explore as much as she wanted. Just like with Kiri, a school of baby fish swam around Tuk, not bothered by the 8-year-olds presence. The fish were so close that the girl got to have an up-close look at every detail they had.

Kiri was absolutely stunned, she got close enough to the ocean floor of the reef to the point where she could touch the sand. Using her arms to keep her steady and swaying her back and forth, the 15-year-old girl suddenly saw a small squid propel itself to her level and twirl in the water. Kiri smiled softly and reached up a hand to touch it, but never actually did because of how stunned she was.

The squid eventually swam away, and Kiri moved away her hand to keep her steady again like she was doing. In the corner of her eye, she could see a creature that looked an awful lot like a stingray that Norm and Max had told her about from Earth, along with many Pandoran sea creatures that inhabited these waters. Although it was not a stingray, it did look awfully familiar. As the creature swam by Kiri, showing its belly, Kiri reached her hand up and ran her fingers through it as it swam by her.

Meanwhile, the Metkayina kids were swimming further into the reef. They maneuvered their bodies around the water like they'd known to do since they were born. It was second nature to them. Their finned tails and arms helped them move underwater, exploring the ocean floor they loved dearly.

While Ao'nung and Rotxo swam further to catch up with one another, Tsireya slowed down a bit and began to swim backward as she smiled up at the Sully siblings. Her dimples were cutely seen through the crystal clear water as she sent them an inviting wave of a hand to follow them. Her curly hair was swaying with perfect sync against the currents she swam in.

Neteyam and Lo'ak looked at one another before the youngest Sully brother pointed at the Metkayina kids, gesturing with his head to his older brother that they should probably catch up before they lost sight of them. The two brothers started to swim, as best as they could, given that they didn't have the same body structure as the sea Na'vi, but they managed and enjoyed every second of it. Tuk was swimming closely behind her brothers, catching up as fast as her body could take her.

While her siblings swam after Tsireya, Ao'nung, and Rotxo, Kiri was in her own world. She was happy and content exploring by herself. She was so entranced by the beauty of the reef that she didn't even notice that her siblings had swam further into the reef. Kiri swam as her dark hair moved with the water, and she stopped in front of this column of coral that she began to admire with a bright smile.

Once Tsireya noticed that Lo'ak, Neteyam, and Tuk were following, she turned back around to swim with her brother and Rotxo. They continued to swim, passing by various coral reefs and underwater plant life-like anemones they passed by. There was a plant known as Nom's Delight, and it was a disk-shaped coral that is very common to find on the seafloor of the Pandoran ocean environment, which is where they were all swimming right now.

Feeling like they were running out of air, not being used to being underwater for so long, Lo'ak, Neteyam, and Tuk all came up to the surface and gasped for air while the Metkayina kids continued to swim with no problem.

Tsireya was the first to notice that the Sully siblings had swam back up to the surface, most likely to get some air. She stopped swimming and looked up, making Rotxo and Ao'nung turn around to look at them as well. From the surface, Lo'ak took a deep breath and ducked his head underwater to see down below the reef. The Metkayina kids had stopped and were looking up at them with puzzled expressions. But it was understandable since they weren't adapted to the environment quite just yet.

Lo'ak looked at Tsireya and she started to do motions with her hands that looked like sign language. "Swim together with us," She signed with a sweet smile on her face. After Lo'ak and Neteyam looked at each other with confusion, not understanding what she said, Tsireya smiled warmly and waved her hand over for the Sullys to follow them. Neteyam, Lo'ak, and Tuk all raised their heads above water again and inhaled deeply before diving back in.

After they got back into the water fully, they began to follow Tsireya, Ao'nung, and Rotxo again since they started swimming again too. They were completely following the lead of the Metkayina kids, knowing how much experience they have in the area of holding your breath for so long. It was impressive.

The sea kids came across this large coral and split ways for a moment before meeting again on the other side, leading the way for the Sullys. Neteyam and Lo'ak were in front as they helped Tuk not fall behind the group. For support, they came across a column of coral and used it to push themselves forward. Tsireya looked at the group with soft eyes, hoping that they were doing okay.

Once again, Lo'ak, Neteyam, and Tuk felt like they were running out of air again. So the brothers looked at each other and then proceeded to swim upwards to above the surface with Tuk to breathe. Ao'nung and Rotxo looked at the Omaticaya kids with puzzled expressions as they swam up.

"What's wrong with them?" Ao'nung signed, and Tsireya looked at him, hoping he understood that they didn't have the same abilities that the Metkayina did. "They are bad divers. They don't know how to swim underwater," Roxto signed back to Ao'nung.

Looking at this exchange, Tsireya frowned as her eyebrows furrowed. She held a hand up, to signal them to stop for just a second. "Stop. They're learning," She signed to her brother, who rolled his eyes and turned his gaze to look back up at the Sully's above the water.

Speaking of which, Neteyam, Lo'ak, and Tuk inhaled deeply before ducking their heads into the water, still staying afloat and looking down at their newfound friends. They saw how Tsireya was starting to gracefully swim upwards while swaying her body from side to side, with Ao'nung and Rotxo close behind.

Eventually, the 5 of them were above water, since Ao'nung was still swimming up and Tsireya looked at the Sully siblings who looked tired from trying to keep up. "Are you alright?" Tsireya asked sweetly, which was the first thing she said to the Omaticaya kids in front of her. She was worried about them and how they were taking in this whole experience.

"You're too fast! Wait for us," Tuk called out as she dragged out the last word and tried her best to stay afloat. She rubbed her eyes as her ears tipped back, trying to get water out of her face. She really just wanted to be as strong and capable as the big kids were, despite how small she was. She was curious and adventurous.

Tsireya smiled fondly at Tuk before speaking again. "Just breathe. Breathe," The girl said calmly, just as Ao'nung popped his head out of the water, chuckling mockingly at the Sully's.

"You are not good divers," Ao'nung started, and Tsireya rolled her eyes. "You may be good at swinging through trees, but-" He continued with a laugh, but couldn't finish because Tsireya splashed water on his face. "Enough," She said sternly, not liking how her brother was treating the kids who they were supposed to be bonding and creating friendships with.

"Come on, bro," Lo'ak started, annoyed that Ao'nung kept finding ways to talk them down. "We don't speak this finger talk. We don't know what you're saying," Neteyam said with his strong Na'vi accent, raising his hand to gesture the same way Tsireya was doing earlier.

"I will teach you," Tsireya offered without hesitation. She smiled at the Sully siblings, giving them the reassurance they needed to keep going. This was a process but she was certain that they would get there eventually.

Noticing Kiri was gone, Rotxo suddenly spoke up, getting the attention of the others. "Where is Kiri?" He asked, and everyone suddenly started to notice that she wasn't back yet with them. "Kiri?" Tuk asked with concern.

"Who?" Ao'nung asked, not remembering the girl, but the name sounded familiar. "Kiri, where is Kiri?" Rotxo asked again. "Did you see her?" Tsireya asked as Neyetam and Lo'ak turned around to see if she was on the surface somewhere, but when they didn't see her, it must mean she is still down on the ocean floor.

Little did they know that Kiri was just fine. She was more than fine. Having the time of her life. As for staying underwater without going to the surface, Kiri is masterful of this ability right from the moment she jumped into the water, unlike her younger and older siblings She doesn't even seem like she's trying, it feels like it comes naturally to her to stay below the surface for so long. It was clear how quickly she was able to adapt to the ways of water, and the bonds she already has with life underwater with aquatic organisms and plants.

Kiri swam in the currents of the reef effortlessly, gazing and swimming amongst the animals that passed her. She looked in wonder and with a big smile at this big transparent stingray, and also saw tiny fish swim in front of her. There were also squids and many other Sloapeks that were traveling in groups. This was all she ever wanted and felt like this was where she was supposed to be.

-

Hello! As you can see, I'm trying to build up the MC's relationship with each and every one of the Sully kids individually and have them bond.

Her connection with Jake will strengthen slowly but surely I promised. Im trusting the process and that everything I have planned will come together ahsj

I have a lot of stuff prewritten already so chapters might be coming a lot faster now! I have a free week right now so yay! Im really excited! 🤍

I'll also be adding more scenes of my own, as you guys saw in this chapter. I have many more scenes between Jake and the MC that I can't wait to put into writing 🤍

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. It'll probably be at the start of May or so.

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 or if anything changes. Anyway, I'll see you all in the next one! 🤍 Have a good rest of your week everyone!

-