Avatar the Way of Water (My Version)

Out Beyond the Reef

Sylwa snuck out of the tent the next morning when it was just first light; everyone except Lo'ak was still asleep. She took with her, her Zune, and earphones. She made her way away from the nice beach towards a nice, lonely beach. She saw nobody close by. Perfect. She flattened the sand with her feet and rolled out a mat. Then she put the earphones in her ear and picked one of her favourite songs.

As the music played and the lyrics echoed in her head, she closed her eyes and became mentally lost in the melody. She twirled and leapt and swerved her arms and legs. Then she did back flips, forward flips, street dance stunts...

She wished she could perform in front of an actual audience. But given her 'daemon blood', it just wasn't possible. And her father would be furious if he found out. She wished her twin and Atuiko could watch but the former was in charge of covering for her and the latter had been forced to stay in his family's hut for a while to prevent yet another confrontation between his dad and the twins. Though Soxato had been warned not to harm them again, this would end his aggravating hatred towards them.

However, there was one particular person watching her. Tsireya observed her from behind a tree. She was dazzled. Her dancing skills were spectacular; she had never seen anything like it.

Her singing voice was so amazing too. She sounded like a siren. As the song came to an end, the graceful dancer did a finishing curtsey. But as she rose up and opened her eyes..."Ah!"

Tsireya felt awkward. Sylwa had come to be alone but she had realised how watching her hand suddenly embarrassed her. "Please. Don't feel embarrassed," she soothed.

"Were you watching me?" Sylwa was beyond pale.

Her friend couldn't lie. "Please don't be ashamed,"

"Please just forget about it," Sylwa started packing up her things but Tsireya approached her gently.

"It thought it was beautiful,"

Sylwa paused. "You did?"

Reya nodded. "Where did you learn to do that?" she invited her to sit down on the soft sand.

"I – uh-..." she exaggerated but Reya's kind eyes assured her she could speak freely. "I taught myself. And I watched dancing videos that the sky people made,"

"I really loved watching," complimented the sea princess. "Have you ever performed before? In front of anyone?"

"Only Lo'ak, Kiri ...and our best human friend Spider. My parents don't know especially my dad,"

"Why not?"

"Because it's not allowed. My dad thinks my twin and I are more human or Sky people than Navi. If he knew about this, he would be extremely mad at me,"

"I'm sure he only has your best interests at heart,"

"I know but...sky people is part of who I am, who our family are. I know in my heart not all of them are bad,"

"Of course. You can't blame all of a race for the actions of a few bad ones. "Still, it's best if no one here knows of our talents," the last thing Tsireya wanted was for Sylwa to be in more trouble, particularly with her family and the general. "Your secret's safe with me,"

"Thanks," Sylwa smiled. "You've been so kind to me and my family. I don't know how we can thank you for all your help".

"No repayment is necessary. I am sorry though about my brother's behaviour,"

"Don't be. You're not responsible for his manners. What's his problem anyway? We didn't ask to get forced to leave our home,"

"He's just immature and mean. And he really hates having so much responsibility on his shoulders. Things were already tough enough for him before your family arrived,"