Reciprocity

Chapter 2

In the early morning Jake sits beside Neytiri. He knows that running isn't much of an option anymore, but staying could put the Metkayina in more danger. Plus, bringing Spider along means they'll need supplies for the boy. After 15 years, Jake hopes the scientists have thought to invent long term tech for the humans. Whatever the case he will need such tech to keep his family together.

Stepping out their hut, Jake makes the call to Norm. Neither know how long they'll need, which may be an issue. Spider needs plenty of equipment if he's to survive. More importantly to heal properly.

It's not hard to see the kid's been through some stuff. As tough as he is, Jake has to admit now more than ever, that Spider is just a child. So are his own, they're all just kids. Neteyam was just a boy.

Today may prove difficult for them. After all, Jake and Neytiri did spend the rest of last night packing. All that's left is to get their things on the Ikran. Even that is on hold. At least until Spider's stuff arrives.

As other villagers begin to wake, Jake decides he'll get the children. He should also speak with Olo'eyktan.

Arriving at the hut he doesn't see his children anywhere. Tonowari smiles at him though.

"I see you," he greets. "Suli, we have much to discuss."

"Yes, we do," Jake returns the greeting with the appropriate gesture. "Is there something wrong?"

"Yes, that boy you've brought," Ronal starts. "Is he not a child?"

"No, yeah. He's still just a kid," Jake placates. "Why?"

"We are aware he has been treated for injuries like your other," Tonowari looks away. "However, his appear more severe."

"Oh."

"Oh? What does a child do to have such a warrior's pain?" Ronal hisses.

"Well, it's not his fault... we haven't exactly had the chance to speak about it," Jake sighs. "Spider was taken from us before we came here. I can't say I know what they did exactly, but it's likely he was harmed to get to us."

"That does not explain this any better! Do Sky People treat children this horribly?" Ronal snapped.

"Ronal," Tonowari places his hand on her. "Suli, you know that no Na'vi would ever attack children. Are the Sky People not of the same mind?"

"Well that depends, I suppose. Most would disagree with harm to children. But due to Spider's growth not all Sky People will acknowledge his youth. Since he was the ally to their enemy, to me. Some would overlook that, clearly someone important."

"That is unfortunate," Tonowari hums. "Perhaps we should discuss other things?"

"Yeah, I actually wanted to let you know I called the scientist from before. I need some supplies from them before my family and I leave."

"Leave?"

"Yes, my mate and I do not want to put the Metkayina in any more danger. We shall leave after getting the supplies."

"When will this be?"

"I can't say for sure. Maybe a few days from now."

Ronal and Tonowari share a look.

"Perhaps you should use this time to rest and to heal," Tonowari begins. "I'm sure recent times have been difficult."

"Just until we get what we need. But I'll let you know when my people will arrive," Jake agrees. "So, the children? Where are they?"

"What do you mean, we sent them to return?" Ronal huffs.

"They didn't. I came here to get them."

"They may have taken a different path?" Tonowari suggests.

"We shall see if they have returned?" Ronal says.

"I'll just call ahead," Jake reaches for his mic.

Neytiri answers, but dread fills them instantly.

"They are not with Neytiri," Jake says.

"We must gather a search team," Tonowari stands, marching to the common area.

"Goddamnit!" Jake growls pacing as he switches lines. No replies. "Where the fuck did they go?"

"I shall see Neytiri, go with my mate. Find our children," Ronal is quick to leave.

Jake isn't far behind, he catches up with the Metkayina. Many have already gathered, Tonowari assigns directions, and they scatter. The Olo'eyktan turns to Jake and the pair sprint to their tsurak.

It's not long before they reach Three Brothers Rock. They are slow to approach. Finally, a moment of relief. Aonung sits with Tuk on the beach.

Once Tuk spots them she squeals, waving them down. Glancing out into the waters one last time the fathers approach, dismounting to grab their children. Tonowari's voice is stern, but his hold is much too soft. Not that Jakes any better.

Though he can't quite harden his voice, or even speak above a whisper.

"Tuk, what were you thinking? Where are the others?" he questions.

"Spider needs a mask, Dad. He can barely breathe," Tuk whines.

"Argh, I should've thought of that. Next time, tell someone where you're going, alright?"

"Okay."

"Thank you, sweetie," Jake takes the moment to just look at her. "I gotta call your mother, she won't be happy to hear this."

He barely speaks with Neytiri, when his children breached the surface. The lot of them approached. As they finally came to walk forward, heads bowed, Tonowari stepped closer.

"You have caused us all great worry," he stated. "Did your mother not tell you to get them home."

"Father, Spider needed our help," Tsireya began. "We had to come here."

"It's not his fault," Kiri jumped in. "No one even thought about getting him stuff. He needs them to breathe, he won't survive without them."

"I know, I'm sorry," Jake kneels before Spider. "This will not happen again. But I need you, all of you to remember it's not safe out here. You can't just leave. What if something happened? I can't lose any of you, do you understand?"

The Suli's muttered their agreements.

"Alright did you get everything?" Jake asks.

"No sir," Lo'ak answers.

"Okay. Chief, you should head back. Neytiri knows they're all safe."

"Yes, we shall call off the search." With that Tonowari and his children left.

Alone with his children, Jake gathers them all into a hug. Just taking the moment to feel that they are here, they are safe. Eventually the kids have had enough and wriggle their way out.

Jake offers his help after seeing what they've gotten so far. It's not much, a couple of masks, maybe a handful of canisters. The sunken vessel is massive, which means two things.

One. It should have plenty of supplies remaining, even in the ruins.

And two. They've got a lot of ground to cover.

Without any Metkayina to help this could be a slow process. Hopefully Neytiri gets here soon.

Thank Eywa Spider doesn't have to hold his breath, he can stay under much longer. So, he and Jake enter the water together, leaving the others to wait for Neytiri before they come back in.