Calm Before The Storm, Jake Sully

051, Goodbyes Aren't Forever.

♯┆calm before the storm .ᐟ
━━━━━━━━━━

     Farewells are not forever. Denahi washed the blood from Neteyam's body. She covered his damned wound with multiple colourful petals and wraps of purple fabric. No mother should have to be cleaning the deceased figure of their child. Her fingertips shook as she removed his neckpiece, placing it around her own neck for the memories.

Malhua bent down to the ground, arms enclosing Neteyam's waist. Multiple tears streaming down her face as she held her favourite brother against her flesh. She then moved the arm around her back, wanting him to hug her back. To comfort her.

But, Neteyam didn't. He was gone. The night had reached Awa'atlu, the time to place Neteyam's body to rest. He looked peaceful as he floated down to the ground, Eywa holding him within her heart. This was the last time she would see his body in physical form— the last time. He didn't deserve this. Neteyam would have had a great life ahead of him. One full of strength and power. Eywa holds all of her children in her heart.
Nothing is ever lost.

And when she reached the surface, not realising how long she had been down there. Jake was there. Holding his arms out to embrace her into a long cuddle.

The next hour was full with sorrow, Denahi couldn't handle not being able to see her son. The two of them swam to the Spirit Tree. One beneath water and beautiful tendrils swam beyond their faces. This is the only way Denahi would see her son once again.

Home. A place that wasn't surrounded by the deep ocean, but instead dark trees. Neteyam sat in the river, holding a thrashing fish within his hands, "Dad! Look what I caught!" Jake smiled before kneeling down to Neteyam's level in the lake.

"Wow... That's a big one," He told Neteyam. Neteyam smiled brightly at the fond praise coming from his father. Denahi watched from the sidelines, a bright smile covering her face at the interaction. "He was in the pool, by the rocks. Right where you said," Neteyam pointed to the pool. Jake nodded his head before the tears slipped.

Neteyam looked up at his father. He didn't know. How would he know? "What is it, dad, why are you crying?" His voice. One that would never be heard on the living Planet again. Jake leaned forwards before placing his hand on Neteyam's cheek, the boy absentmindedly leaning into his father's touch with a happy smile to his lips.

"I'm just happy to see you, son..." Jake whispered to Neteyam. He blinked up at his dad, "I'm happy to see you too." Denahi took this as her chance to walk in. She stood, holding onto Jake's shoulder before squatting down to their height. "Mom! Look what I got!" Neteyam said, proud.

Denahi clapped her hands together, his enthusiasm towards catching the fish was a beautiful sight to see. "That is a good one, my sweet," Denahi then told him. Jake nodded and leaned his head into Denahi's chest, attempting to hide his quiet cries. "Do you want to show me how you caught it?" She knew, of course she knew. But, when Neteyam looked up at her with beaming eyes, she couldn't deny the fact of the truth.

"Dad is better than I am..." Neteyam said before Denahi shook her head at him. "Do not tell yourself that, Teyam. You are both mighty men," She reminded him. Neteyam chuckled as she tickled his sides.

Jake stood straight, "Leave any for me?" He asked as he fixed the arrow into the bow. Neteyam shrugged, "Hm, maybe!" The two erupted into laughter. Denahi smiling fondly at the sight of the two— something she will never get to see again. Memories they will never get to make again. "Yeah! Check that out! See?" Jake asked Neteyam.

Neteyam nodded as he rested his head against his mothers thigh, leaning close into her gentle touch. She was happy to hold her son in her arms once again. To see his happiness across his face. Something that she will miss for the rest of her life.