Still Breathing

Chapter 11. I Ain't Worried

"I'll take it in and let it go." ~ One Republic

The next day, the Sully's were preparing to be trained by Tsireya, Aonung, and Rotxo. Tsireya was going to teach Erica how to swim while Aonung and Rotxo taught Kiri, Lo'ak, and Neteyam to ride an Ilu. Jake was also being trained, by Tonowari, to ride a Skimwing.

Neytiri handed each of the children and her husband a fruit before they all headed out, wishing them luck while her and Ronal spent time together. Ronal was going to teach Neytiri how to connect with Eywa through the Ocean seeing as she was still having a hard time letting go of the forest.

The Sully children all walked to the shoreline where they were met by Tsireya, Aonung and a few of his friends. The five of them were all surrounding the Metkayina as Aonung called to the creatures swimming around them in the water.

"These are Ilu. If you want to live here, you have to ride." Tuk looked over at the creatures, that Aonung had just introduced as Ilu, with a smile on her face. Her arms were wrapped around Neteyam's neck as he held onto her in the water, letting out a slight chuckle at her enthusiasm.

While they were waiting, Tsireya allowed Tuk to feed an Ilu since she was slightly disappointed that she wouldn't get to ride. She let out a slight giggle as the creature took the fish from her hand. "I love her already!"

Erica smiled warmly at her youngest sister, tilting her head in admiration. It brought her comfort to see her sister at peace, especially since she wasn't looking forward to leaving their home. Erica also admired how gentle and patient Tsireya was with Tuk, and it made her feel less tense about their swimming lessons.

Tsireya held onto Erica's hands as she dragged her through the water, instructing her to use her legs to power her movement and encouraging her to dip her head under the water every now and then. Tuk was swimming alongside her sister, encouraging her each time she came up for air.

"You're doing amazing!" Tsireya's smile was wide as she felt pride swelling in her chest. Although Erica still wasn't too sure of herself and felt that Tsireya was just telling her that she was doing a good job to be nice.

Tsireya suggested that the three of them take a break and give Erica a rest. As they relaxed in the shallow water, they decided to watch their siblings and see how they were doing with their Ilu training. Lo'ak was up on his Ilu with Aonung telling him how to ride, of course with slight snark in his voice.

As Lo'ak dove under the water and held onto his Ilu for dear life before he eventually let go. All that was seen was his Ilu resurfacing without him before he emerged from the water, trying desperately to catch his breath. Erica couldn't help but laugh as she called out to her brother from a distance. "Nice job, Skxawng!"

"Shut up, you can't even swim!" He retorted, both annoyance and sarcasm in his voice. Erica cocked her head at his response as she slowly made her way over to him, Lo'ak meeting her half way.

"Take it back!" She shouted as she pulled her youngest brother into a head lock jokingly. Tsireya watched with a giggle as Tuk encouraged Erica to hold onto him while Kiri told Lo'ak to aim for her weak spot. Listening, Lo'ak poked his finger into her side, forcing her to let go of him.

"That's cheating!" She shouted, a smile plastered on her face as she splashed her youngest brother. Lo'ak was laughing, something that was rare to see now a days.

Neteyam couldn't help but watch with a smile before deciding that he should break the two of them up so they could get back to training. Even though this fight was very entertaining to the point where Aonung even looked happy to be around them for once.