Not a Soldier Yet |Ao'nung x Neteyam|

32. The Tsurak

This was one of the most important ceremonies in the lives of the ocean people. It was on this day that their sons and daughters officially became adults in the eyes of the clan. They would get their first tattoos on this day if they were to succeed.

"You got this big bro," Lo'ak whooped as Neteyam walked past him towards the area where Ao'nung was waiting with the other Metcayina who were to try out this ritual. He stood next to Ao'nung. As the Olo'eyktan's son, Ao'nung was to complete the ritual first. He was supposed to set an example for the other Metcayina who followed after him.

Neteyam saw his family watching the scenes unfold in front of them. The Olo'eyktan welcomed his people, chest pressed out in pride. Not once did he imply this ritual was any more special than the ones the year before even if his son and possible successor was to complete it that day.
"My people!" He called out, receiving cheers. A warrior next to him slammed a fist into his own chest in exhilaration. "Let the rituals begin."
Neteyam smiled, eyes crinkling in delight. The enthusiastic atmosphere was beginning to psych him up. His leg bounced in anticipation as he watched Tonowari gesture to his son, urging him to begin his trials. Ao'nung's face was painted white with patterns similar to his father's tattoos. Most of the other youth looked the same, their teal skin decorated.
Neteyam's face paint was light blue and black; the colours contrasted with his own features, making his eyes seem like glowing orbs. From the corner of his eye, he saw Ronal watching him rather than her own first born son. She was holding her new baby, swaying from side to side gently.

Ao'nung walked to his father with pride in his steps; Tonowari handed him a brand-new hunting bow and patted his son's shoulder. "Make me proud, my son."

Ao'nung let out a loud war cry and dived into the water, disturbing the many tsurak waiting there, as if they already knew what was going to happen. The beast closest to Ao'nung snapped its jaw in agitation and extended its wings, flying away from him. Ao'nung did not let the blatant disinterest discourage him from swimming on further. He had to let the tsurak choose him. If it was not this one, then he was sure, maybe the next would choose him, or the one after that. Ao'nung was not worried. There were at least a hundred beasts there and only about fifty young Metcayina wanting to succeed this year.

Ao'nung sauntered around comfortably, taking his time. On the shore, he spotted his people watching him in anticipation of his every move. One of the largest out of the tsurak, a fully grown male, hissed at him, charging towards the Metcayina at full speed. Ao'nung stood still, waiting until the last moment to move out of the way and attempt to grab onto the animal with the intention of mounting it; but the beast anticipated this already and began trashing around wildly, shrieking and bucking him off. Ao'nung plummeted into the water, not being able to see where he was for a moment. He broke through the water's surface and inhaled sharply, looking around quickly to try and locate the tsurak that had chosen him.

The Metcayina noticed the creature quite fast and prepared for another vicious attack. The tsurak charged towards him, this time flying above him.
Neteyam watched in wonder, mouth parted open and gasping along with the rest of his peers each time the tsurak bucked Ao'nung off or knocked into the male, sending him flying a few meters sideways. Finally, as the tsurak began to grow tired of swimming around its opponent, Ao'nung reached for its body, grasping the animal tightly. The tsurak began trashing again, diving underwater to try and shake him off; Ao'nung stayed holding on, breathing heavily, hair tangling and starting to come undone. As a last resort, the tsurak shot into the air, flailing wildly before Ao'nung finally made the bond with it.

Neteyam clapped his hands together just as Tonowari and his daughter began cheering loudly.
"That's my boy!"
"Brother!"

Immediately after he successfully bonded the creature, Ao'nung took off to hunt. While he was hunting, the next name was called. It was a na'vi girl with long, unruly hair. While she was fighting to win control of her own chosen tsurak, Neteyam turned to look around, trying to locate his family in the evermoving crowd. He noticed Kiri first, who waved at him and, after saying something to Rotxo and another Metcayina, began walking towards her brother, and excited bounce in her steps.