The Bond of The Forest - Lo'ak X Reader

Chapter 33

It was time to go home.

The words played on a loop in my head as I packed my little items up the next morning.

We were returning to the forest as Jake had explained to us the Sky People were not a threat anymore. He explained how the forest is our home after all. They wanted to leave as soon as Neteyam passed but thought they would give us all time to grieve our loss.

'So? How do you feel?' I hear Lo'ak approaching behind me whilst I was slinging my satchel over my shoulder.

'Weird. We've been here for what is it now like a year? I love it here. I'll miss the water, but maybe this place holds too much darkness too. I'm excited to return home.' I hesitate before saying the rest, 'he'd be happy we were going home.'

Lo'ak looks at me with a sad smile but a glimmer in his eye.

'Let's go to our tree, one last time. Race you there.' Lo'ak sped off to the beach leaving me laughing running after him.

We sat and chatted for a while reminiscing on our moments sat under the tree. We were both thinking the same thing though we daren't bring it up.

'Kids. Let's go come on.' Jake beckons us over before turning to shake hands with Tonowari probably thanking him for keeping us.

We make our way over to the gathered community of the Metkayina clan. We sad our goodbyes. I hugged Tsireya extra tight but made sure to walk straight past Ao'nung. Asshole.

We mounted our Ikran's. I flew with Lo'ak a year ago on the way here, but I flew back on Neteyam's.

We arrived back at the forest with a warm welcome from the clan. They understood why Jake had to leave and understood that it was for the greater good. However they were relieved when we saw all of us return. Almost all of us.

The Sully's headed up to their base high in the trees whilst I made my way through The People to my old section of the tree. It all felt too familiar, it felt like retuning back home after a long vacation away.

I sat down and looked at my old belongings that had beginning collecting dust. I felt alone for the first time in a long time. Breathing in the forest air felt odd rather than breathing in the salty sea air. I was happy though. Disappointed I was an Ikran ride away from Lo'ak and the Sully's rather than a couple of footsteps however.

Evening drew closer as the sun started setting below the trees and I knew exactly where I wanted to go. I call my Ikran, Meelo, who had greeted me back home with utter happiness. I will her to the top of the treetops where I used to go all the time, where I introduced Lo'ak to the first time we met.

I see Lo'ak sitting on the branch watching the sunset, he smiles at me,

'Was wondering when you'd show up. I've been waiting.'

'The sunset is so pretty tonight. I couldn't resist.' I smile outwardly at the purple and orange light peeking over the trees.

'I miss you already, not being so close to me,' I sigh.

'Yeah well about that, pretty sure I heard dad mention something about moving you up to our treetop.' Lo'ak cautiously looks at me unsure of what reaction I was about to give.

'Lo'ak are you kidding me? Oh my Eywa I would love to. When? Now? Tomorrow? No I should give you a couple days to settle in right?' I say excitedly.

Lo'ak just laughs at me, 'don't get too gassed. It's probably just because you're useful with Kiri and help put Tuk to bed sometimes.'

I smack him on his arm knowing he's just trying to wind me up.

'I'm so glad we are home. I loved the sea and the reef. But this just feels right y'know?' I say to which Lo'ak nods in agreement.

'I can't wait to continue my life with you here ma Mai.'