Still Breathing

Chapter 37. Polaroid

A/N

I'm posting the authors note now because I don't want to ruin the impact of the ending with this. But just know that I do plan on posting a second book to continue this story, I'm just struggling to actually finish it. I HAVE started it. 

But I hope you all loved reading this story as much as I loved writing it

"I already really miss you." ~ Trinity Bliss

There were so many funerals the following week. Plenty of Ash Na'vi were buried on the battle ground, seeing as that was part of their tradition, to be buried where they lost their lives so their people never forget the sacrifices they made.

Next was all of the funerals of the Omatikaya. Plenty of Warriors, including Tarsem, had lost their lives during that battle. Jake was asked to take his place yet again as the Olo'eyktan which he humbly accepted on the terms that he could visit the Metkayina whenever.

The Metkayina warriors were all buried next. Tsireya taking her mothers place next to her father as the next Tsahik. 

The final day of funeral's was the hardest of them all.

Slowly, Tonowari, Tsireya, Rotxo, and the Sully's all brought their own family members out into the reef. Tsireya couldn't hold in her tears as she sobbed at the sight of her mother and brother. Their eyes were closed as they were curled up into the fetal position.

They looked so peaceful.

Tsireya, Tonowari, and Rotxo all inhaled deeply as they brought down both Ronal and Aonung simultaneously. Tonowari holding on tight to his wife as he delivered her to the burial ground. Meanwhile, both Rotxo and Tsireya brought Aonung's body to the bottom.

As soon as she let go of her brother, she felt as though a piece of her heart had been broken off and could never be fixed. Feeling the tears as she reached out towards her brother, watching as he slowly faded from view. 

Rotxo grabbed Tsireya by her hand, squeezing it tight as the two of them looked over at each other. Rotxo was crying as well, seeing as he'd just lost his best friend. Aonung was like a brother to him, and now he'd never see him again.

He'd never go out hunting with him, go on crazy adventures with him.

Tsireya was now the oldest. It was her job to protect Roa from the world. It was her job to to protect Roa the same way Aonung had protected her all these years. But no matter how well she did, she could never protect Roa the way Aonung would've.

Tsireya watched as her mother also faded from view, her chest aching. She was now the Tsahik and she had to make her mother proud. It was now her job, but much like Aonung, she felt as if she could never do it the way that her mother did.

Not only that, but her mother wouldn't be able to reassure her ever again. She'd never feel her mother's touch, hear her voice. Ever again.

This was like stones in her heart.

As they resurfaced, Tsireya was clearly crying as Tonowari grabbed his daughters hand and brought her back to shore. The two stood near the front with their arms open, tears streaming down both of their faces as she watched the Sully's approach the burial ground.

Seeing as their son was already buried here, Jake knew that his wife and daughter would want to be buried with him.

Both Neytiri and Tuk looked as beautiful as they did when they were alive. Tuk looked as if she was just curled up tight, sleeping away her problems. While Neytiri looked as if she was hiding from the world.