Inspired song (Through the Never by Metallica)
We didn't immediately approach Jake about the conversation that Neteyam and I had with the Chief and his wife. Lo'ak had something important to show us. Only Ao'nung, Rotxo, Tsireya, Neteyam and I were invited. Kiri was still recovering, so Tuk stayed behind. We headed to the beach, mounting out Ilus, and followed Lo'ak beyond the reef, maintaining a safe distance as instructed by Lo'ak.
Submerging beneath the water's surface, we swam among the long stands of underwater plants. Ao'nung, Tsireya and Rotxo swam closely in front of us. We came to a stop, hiding among the tall underwater flora. In the distance, Lo'ak swam towards the Tulkun, particularly one they referred to as Payakan, the outcast. The purpose of this interaction remained unclear until Lo'ak ventured inside the whale's mouth. Glancing at Neteyam, our confusion mirrored the collective curiosity of our group. All we could do was wait and observe.
Suddenly, the whale sealed its mouth shut, trapping Lo'ak inside. Tsireya signalled Neteyam and me to stay back, and I gently pulled him away, urging patience.
"Give him a minute."
Tsireya signed.
After some time, the whale reponed its mouth, and Lo'ak emerged, swimming to the surface. We followed from a distance, witnessing the unique connection he had with the Tulkun. It was unlike any bond we had seen before.
Returning to the village, we got caught and approached by the chief about our encounter with the Tulkun. Ronal was displeased, aware of Lo'ak's bond with an outcast.
"Sit down!"
Tonowari commanded as we all squatted obediently.
Tonowari began sharing the stories of how the tulkun fought among themselves for territory and revenge, leading to Payakan being labelled as a killer and an outcast. Lo'ak tried to justify his actions, but Neytiri intervened.
"Lo'ak!"
She hissed.
"I know what I know."
Lo'ak argued, prompting a snarl from Ronal. Jake then intervened firmly.
"That's enough."
He growled into Lo'ak's ear.
"I'll deal with this one."
With a stern look, Jake pulled Lo'ak away from the group, and the tension hung in the air. Tysirea wore a sad expression as we were dismissed, and we headed back to the pod with our tails between our legs.
Neytiri began preparing dinner, and I volunteered to assist her. Netayam, found a moment of contemplation as he sat on the netted pathway, gazing out at the vast ocean. Tuk was occupied with her activities, while Kiri worked diligently weaving a net she had been focusing on for the past couple of days.
Sitting beside Neytiri, I efficiently completed the task of cutting up the ingredients and placing them carefully into the cooking pot. The intense argument between Jake and Lo'ak continued to fill the air. The tension in the room was clean, and it escalated until Lo'ak finally stormed off, taking Tsireya with him as they made their way to the beach.
Jake, appearing weary of the argument didn't want to engage any further. We all felt the tension in the air and made an effort to let it go.
Once again Neytiri and Jake were interrupted when Tonowari approached us with urgency in his voice.
"Jake, we must go. There's been an attack."
He informed, his tone demanding their attention.
Without hesitation, they left together with the chief and his wife as they mounted their Ilus and left with a rush.
—
Hearing the news about the Tulkun whales sent a shiver down my spine. When Jake and the others returned, Ronal was furious, her face was contorted with anger, and beneath that anger, I could sense a profound sadness. Jake handed Neteyam the tracking device. And they all proceeded to the meeting circle. I followed closely behind as the chief called for all the villagers to gather.
"My spirit sister and her baby have been murdered by the sky people."
Ronal shouted with fury, her voice filled with anger and grief.
"This war has come."
Tonowari declared, and the villagers yelped in agreement.
Beside me, I saw Tsireya crying, and Kiri looked scared. Lo'ak appeared lost in his thoughts, not making eye contact with anyone. Rotxo and Ao'nung stuck out their tongues and raised their spears in agreement with the chief.
Jake attempted to reason with the villagers.
"You have to understand how the sky people think. They don't care about the great balance."
But it seemed like nobody was willing to listen. Neteyam, standing beside me, spoke up, his ears pierced back in frustration.
"Listen to him."
"Sky people are not going to stop."
Jake explained.
"Tell your Tulkun to leave."
He pointed out to the sea.
Ronal stepped in, irritation clear in her tone.
"Leave!"
She spoke as though she was offended.
"You're one of us!"
She reminded Jake.
Other villagers joined in with yelps and nods of agreement, their spears raised in the air.
"If you attack, if you fight, then they will destroy you!"
Jake's voice carried a note of frustration as he reminded the villagers that they would lose everything they loved. Yet the villagers remained impatient and held onto their spears.
"Listen to him."
Neteyam tried to calm the villagers.
Without hesitation, Jake snatched the tracking device from Neteyam's hand, holding it high above him for all to see. The room grew silent, some villagers sneering at the device.
Once more, Jake addressed them,
"Tell the Tulkun if they get hit by one of these, they're marked for death."
He scanned the room, looking at each villager.
"Saving lives, that's what matters, right?"
Reluctantly, the villagers agreed to take action, urging the Tulkun to swim far away, out of harm's reach.
YOU ARE READING
In the Stars
FanfictionI was born on Pandora. I never knew that I was going to grow up with the love of my life. Especially considering he was the firstborn of the Sully's. Now I write every day... waiting for his return. Knowing that one day our star will shine brightly...
