I See Home With You|Aonung

Chapter Four

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First off-holy crap guys! 4.2k views?! Wtaf? Like omg I'm so glad you guys like this! I really didn't think I'd get this many views at all tbh but glad you guys love it! Anyway-here's another chapter as a thank you!
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She couldn't believe they were leaving. She could only watch blankly as her father kneeled before Tarsem. Could only watch blankly as her father gave up his title as Olo'Eyktan, as Toruk Makto. Next to her, Tuk clung to their mother's side as Neytiri cried silently.

She nearly jumped when a rough hand grabbed hers and squeezed, recognizing the hand as Neteyam's. She squeezed it back watching as Tarsem cut a slit on Jake's chest, finalizing his status as Olo'Eyktan.

They were leaving their whole life behind because their father didn't have the guts to kill the SkyPeople years before their birth. Niae couldn't help but to feel slighted; her chance at a peaceful childhood slipping through her fingers. She stared at the ground, stewing in her frustration. If it were me, I would have killed the SkyPeople years ago! She couldn't help but think, clutching her unoccupied hand into a tight fist.

She trailed behind her mother as their friends and family parted to allow them a path. She could see her mother's shoulders slightly shaking in her grief. She couldn't help but feel another wave of bitterness: at her father's decision, at the SkyPeople, at Lo'ak for dragging them into this situation.

"Niae." Neteyam spoke softly, feeling the way her hand tightened and shook in his. And then, grief. Tears welled in her eyes, her chest tightening with the force of holding them back. Her heart beat painfully in her chest, her stomach dropping to her feet and her nose burning. She wanted to scream, wanted to break down and beg to stay. She wanted her grandmother and her familiar trees and dirt. She wanted her slightly crooked hammock with a chain of beds near the head that made songs in the wind. She wanted the harmonious sound of the forest and all her creatures. From the tiny buzzing of the insects to the  loud yelping of the viper wolves.

And then she felt so selfish. She was one of the oldest, and it was her job to think of her younger siblings. What about poor Tuk? Who had to leave all of her friends behind. With a shaky breath she gathered herself, raising her head and pushing her shoulders back. Her nose still burned and her heart still hurt but she could endure. She would endure.

"We will be okay. We are together." Neteyam reassured her, clutching her hand once more before pulling away to mount his Ikran. Niae inhaled and exhaled once more, taking one more glance back at her home as she climbed her Ikran, Pa'it chuffing as they made tsaheylu.

Jake raised a hand and whistled as he threw his arm forward. And with that, they left their home behind them.
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They flew for days, scarcely resting. On the first day, it was a relatively smooth ride. The sun glistened off of the water, as they passed some lingering cliffs. On the second day, a storm. The water was rough and they traveled more carefully. Niae could barely see, the rain and sea water finding home in her eyes and causing them to sting with the salt. She pulled her shawl tighter around her, her skin cold and a shiver in her bones. She could see Tuk clutched tight to their mother's chest, in an effort from Neytiri to protect her from the spray. She glanced to her right to see Lo'ak shaking his head and using his shawl to wipe water from his eyes. She glanced to her left to see Neteyam squinting his eyes, mouth in a straight line. She drifted Pa'it closer to her twin, and they locked eyes in exhaustion. She hoped they landed soon.

And then on the third day, she noticed that the once dark blue sea had began to lighten to a soft turquoise. They had reached Awa'atlu, home of the oceanic Metkayina clan. She couldn't help the twinge of homesickness she felt as she watched some of these Na'vi swim around comfortably, clearly at home.