Reciprocity

Chapter 1

As Olo'eyktan, Tonowari has his own role to play in this returning ceremony. But as a father, he cannot imagine the grief of losing one so young. He thinks back to the battle, to his own terror and wrath when he saw his daughter trapped among the Sky People.

And then Jake came forward. Clearly hiding something from them even as he rode to the children. Now they know, like any other parent, Jake was prepared to give his life for his children. Once Tonowari and Ronal were reunited with their own they could not risk further danger. In leaving, they had failed to realize not all had escaped.

In the aftermath, many were injured, some more so than others. A few had also returned to Eywa. Much later, when the Suli returned, they had lost a son, a great boy.

Neteyam.

It's in moments like these one thinks to question Eywa. But what was more surprising was the Sky child they had brought with them.

Here and now, Tonowari doubts Toruk Makto. After all they had lost to the Sky People, the Suli took in one as if their own. Why would they allow this boy to be present in each moment of preparation? Why would he be welcomed amongst their other children after such a life changing moment?

Before Tonowari, he may not see a threat, but he can see the ill potential of any future Sky People. It's hard not to keep this boy in his sights at all times. As his children lead their group back to their hut, he can't help his hardened glare.

All the children seem to notice and Lo'ak defiant as always comes between them. If the Sky child reacted, Tonowari could not tell. Watching the boy wrap the youngest gently and sit beside Kiri, it's as if he refuses to acknowledge anyone else.

That is until Aonung speaks. His son is fast to question this Sky child. However, Aonung's tone holds only curiosity. Tsireya follows her brother's lead, welcoming this boy, Spider, into their home. Though Spider does not answer most of their questions. He is rather quiet if not directly involved with the Suli.

Strange. But not too unordinary. Many children struggle to socialize outside of their familiar ties.

The night is long. Tonowari watches others return to their homes for the night. Even still the children do not retire. Upon closer observation, Tonowari sees a heaviness cling to each of them.

He notices treated wrists, small scraps and cuts. And on the Sky child he notices a variety of color along his body. Not much of it seems ordinary. And its hair bares a messy semblance of Jake's own. Unlike the grown Na'vi, Spider's hair is matted and completely filthy.

The clear signs of neglect are evident. The signs of a warrior though do not fit any child. Especially one hardly taller than the youngest among them.

What would such a child have done to have those?

Tonowari had little knowledge of this boy. Of what Sky People were like as a whole, but their family attitudes especially. All that he knew was this one, Spider, had been seen with the demon kind, who had destroyed his fellow people's entire villages. Even then the mention is just that, a small detail. One that had Jake and his mate exchanging looks.

Clearly, they had not meant what Tonowari had expected. After all they did speak for this one, Jake fought to keep him. His children fought for him. So, there must be more to this than Tonowari would understand.

---

The night is late when Ronal returns with Neytiri and Jake. They all watch their children resting, piled together. It is time to wake them, however, Neytiri stops that with a hiss.

She and Jake will take this opportunity to prepare. Tonowari is about to ask when he sees the mates hold one another. Looking to his mate, they let the tired pair go.

Ronal inspects the pile of children, noticing buried in the center, the Sky child. She turns her glare to Tonowari. He dips his head, stares at her.

"Why have you allowed this?" Ronal growls.

"Which of these children would abandon him?" he whispers. "The child bears signs of a warrior's battle."

"He is no warrior," Ronal huffs.

"We may not know Sky People well but look at this one. He is young, small as the youngest. Then look at his patterns, they are not meant to be there," Tonowari says.

"Hmm?"

Ronal takes her mate's words and does inspect the child. She sees the colors along his form, of treated injuries wrapped around him. He is quite small, but Sky People tend to be and they still pose much danger. Sighing she looks to her mate once more.

"And what would you have done of this?" she asks.

"They need to heal, all of our people need time for this. This family, they are Metkayina. Their boy lies with our ancestors."

"He is with Eywa now," Ronal interjects.

"Yes," he agrees. "Should we not welcome them home?"

Ronal pauses. Looking down at the children.

"They are Metkayina now," she agrees. "Let them stay. But if this one is different, he will not be welcomed."

It's Tonowari's turn to look at the children, to see Spider clung to by his sisters. To see Lo'ak's longer arms stretched across them.

In the morning he will have to speak with Jake. He knows the Sky People well. He should have the answers. Until then he should do his final check.

As he leaves, Ronal catches his arm. It slides down to his hand and they hold for a moment. Smiling to her, Tonowari goes.

Passing each hut, he briefly checks in with his people. Most are resting by this late time. Though a few lay idle. He marched onward, whispering with the night hunters.

Eventually he reaches the Suli hut, going to give his greetings he sees the pair bundle supplies.

"Hello," he starts, ignoring the startled look they give. "Are you well?"

"Hmm," Jake looks ready to answer but Neytiri beats him to it.

"Would you be?" she stares. "We have much to do."

"Neytiri," Jake sighs. "Sorry. What can I do for you?"

"I am merely passing," Tonowari says. "Perhaps we can discuss more in the morning?"

"That might be for the better," Jake agrees. "We'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes, try to rest as well," Tonowari comments.

He doesn't stay to see their reactions, just makes his way back to his family. He can wait for his questions to be answered.