Chapter Text
Jake dozed in and out of sleep for several hours, recovering from giving birth just as much as not sleeping the night before. He knew that as soon as he recovered enough they had to leave, to get to Awa’atlu. Too much needed to be done before the battle in four days for them to stay with the Omaticaya for long. Tsu’tey roused him from his sleep around mid afternoon, an apologetic look on his face.
“If we want to be back in Awa’atlu before the battle we must leave now.” He murmurs, brushing his hand through Jake’s braids. Jake nods slowly, blinking his eyes heavily. He adjusts his new baby girl in his arms as he sits up, grimacing at the leftover soreness from the birth. Flying back to Awa’atlu was going to be a nightmare. Tsu’tey helps him to his feet, placing a steadying hand on his lower back.
“Come on. We have to get Spider, then head back. We’ve already spent too much time here.” Jake says, turning to where he can hear Neytiri and Mo’at talking. The women stand in the doorway of the healing hut, discussing the upcoming battle from the looks of Mo’at’s expression. Her expression twists with concern, her frown getting deeper with every word Neytiri speaks. He wanders over to them with Tsu’tey, flexing his hand over Eylona’s body. She squirms for a moment before settling again, not waking from her-thankfully deep- slumber.
“Mother, we really must go now.” Neytiri says softly. Mo’at turns her gaze to Jake, staring at him for a long, silent moment. He shifts in place, giving a weak smile to reassure the woman. Her frown lightens a touch, turning more to exasperation than upset now.
“If you must.” The tsahik responds shortly, clearly unhappy with the circumstances of their departure. “Tsyeyk, you must rest frequently on the ride back to Awa’atlu. Your body has been through much strain these past few months, especially within the last few days. Be safe you three. I want to see you home once more.” She tacks on, reaching out to Eylona with a gentle expression. The trio nod quickly in agreement, they too want to make it home. This time with their whole family, not just the three of them and Spider. Neytiri helps him wrap Eylona close to his chest with a prrsmung he hadn’t even seen her grab.
The group leaves Kelutral quickly, flying back to High Ground for Spider. The trio plans to head to the Tayrangi clan from there, hoping to get their support in the war before they return to Awa’atlu. The less they have to gather clans the more prepared they’ll be. Toruk is waiting in High Ground when they get back, staring Jake down grumpily from his perch on the edge of the cave system. Neytiri and Tsu’tey disembark from their ikrans, sending him humored looks after they catch sight of Toruk.
“Hey, buddy.” Jake greets the great beast, shifting his daughter in his grip. Toruk huffs mightily at him, the hot air blowing his hair back. Eylona whines in her carrier, her little fists balling up tightly against his chest. “Shh. I know you’re mad, but don’t wake the baby.” He hisses, turning away from Toruk. The beast settles, lowering his head almost apologetically. Jake breathes a small laugh, petting down Toruk’s head toward the kuru, intending to connect.
“Jake!” An entirely too recognizable voice calls out from further into camp. Tommy. Jake sighs, pulling away from Toruk with a soft pat in apology. Toruk huffs once more, turning his head away from him. “I’m so glad I caught you before you left again.” Tommy says from behind Jake, his hand landing on Jake’s shoulder.
“Can’t say I feel the same.” He mutters under his breath, turning to face his brother. Tommy’s face is split with a wide grin, his eyes sparkling under the low lighting of the cave. Jake gives a half-hearted smile back uncomfortably, watching his brother’s eyes drop to Eylona. “What do you need, Tommy? I really need to get back to Awa’atlu.” He asks, shifting his weight. His muscles are screaming in protest from standing so long, all he wants to do is sit down. Not talk to his brother. Though from the looks of it Tommy has something important to say.
“Is this…?” Tommy gestures to Eylona, narrowing his eyes in thought. He shakes his head. “Sorry, not important. I just wanted to catch you before you left. I’m sorry. Really, truly sorry. This isn’t a heat of the moment apology because you’re here either. I’ve thought long and hard the last five months, about what I did. What my mates and I did when we left Awa’atlu. How we didn’t listen to you and thought we knew better than you because so much had changed. It was wrong of us. Of… of me. To do that. You are just as smart as we are, and you know more because of the whole time travel thing. We- I should have trusted you. So, I’m sorry. I won’t do that again and I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you.” He said, tears dripping down his cheeks. He laughs tremulously, wiping the tears away with the back of his hand. Jake smiles a genuine smile and pulls his brother into a tight hug.
“I forgive you, Tommy.” Jake murmurs into his brother’s ear. Eylona squirms some more, letting out a cry from being squished between the two brothers. Jake pulls back, wiping his own eyes quickly and lifting his newborn daughter a little higher in her carrier. “This is Eylona. She was born this morning.” He introduces the baby to Tommy, his smile widening to a grin. Tommy gapes at the baby, his mouth dropping open just slightly.
“She’s beautiful, Jakey.” His brother breathes, brushing a finger down the crying baby’s cheek. “This morning? Eywa, you must be exhausted. Should you be traveling right now? I mean, surely it could wait…” He trails off, his brows furrowing tightly. Jake sighs heavily, shaking his head.
“No, unfortunately it can’t wait. The Battle at the Cove of Ancestors is in four days. We have to get back to Awa’atlu and prepare for that.” He explains. “This little one just decided to be impatient and be born today instead of after the battle like her brothers.” He jokes weakly. Tommy hums in understanding, taking a step back from him.
“Fly quickly then. And please, come home safe? I don’t want to have to bury you twice. Once was bad enough.” He said, clapping Jake on the shoulder. Jake snorts, shaking his head. Before he can respond, his brother walks away leaving him alone with Toruk. The great beast headbutts his shoulder, nearly knocking him over.
“Yeah, I know. It’s time to go.” He murmurs, petting down Toruk’s head. Neytiri and Tsu’tey appear as if they heard him, with Spider in tow.
They take off from High Ground right as midday slides into afternoon. The flight is long and hard, with Jake’s entire body aching before they make it even halfway to the Tayrangi of the Eastern sea. Somehow he makes it, and has enough energy to speak to Ikeyni. She ribs him for having another baby to take care of after Iney, but agrees to join the fight without any issues. Not that he expected any less, she had formed a strong alliance with the Omaticaya and himself during the last war.
From the Tayrangi clan they flew to Awa’atlu, only stopping when they had to. Jake hates to think of the scolding he would have gotten from Mo’at for doing that, and shivers in fear for the one he’ll likely get from Ronal, but it needed to happen. War was upon them and they had no time to stop and rest for long periods of time. He was honestly just thankful Eylona was young enough to sleep most of the trip, Iney had been a much worse flight companion.
As they closed in on Awa’atlu two days later, he saw the warriors of the village gathered on the rocky outcroppings around the Cove of the Ancestors. Tonowari and Ronal must have moved them there, knowing the incoming threat to the place. He readjusts his course with his mates and the Tayrangi following closely behind him. Toruk, being the dramatic little shit he is, shrieks as they come in for a landing on the rocks. Tonowari raises his spear into the air with all the authority of an Olo’eyktan, the evening sun shining brightly over the clearing. The way the light danced over the villagers and the rocks almost made the man look majestic in his stance.
“Toruk Makto!” The man announces, dropping to a knee with his spear held just below it. Ronal is kneeling beside him, her head bowed in respect to Jake. Neytiri and Tsu’tey snicker from their positions on either side of him, sending him knowing smirks. The rest of the clan in front of them drop to their knees and bow as well. He grimaces slightly, having still not gotten used to the reverence that came with the title.
“No, no, no. Just… Please stand. Stand up, please.” He sighs, dropping his chin to his chest. Tonowari rises slowly, and with him everyone else follows. The look in the Olo’eyktan’s eyes is knowing, and sad. They know why they’re here. Why he brought the Tayrangi. “Go now. To all the clans within a day’s ride and tell’em Toruk Makto calls to them. The day has come.” Jake tells him strongly, keeping eye contact with Tonowari.
“It will be done.” The Olo’eyktan acknowledges, turning to the closest warriors. “Go, travel to the closest clans and give them the message.” He commands, looking every inch the powerful man he is. The warriors yip in understanding, spreading the message through the rest of the ones gathered. Tonowari followed after his warriors to go to the clans and give the message of Toruk Makto. Ronal steps forward, taking her mate’s spot and eyes the baby in the carrier on Jake’s chest.
“I hope she was not born in the skypeople village.” She asks, practically spitting out the word skypeople. Jake shakes his head softly, adjusting the sleeping baby.
“I was fortunate enough to be rescued by my mates as I went into labor. She was born at Kelutral, like all of our children were. Well, except Spider who was reborn at Vitraya Ramunong.” He shrugs his shoulders, sending his eldest son a soft smile. Spider shrugs, wandering off to explore his new surroundings. “Where is Pril?” He asks, glancing back at Ronal. The Metkayina tsahik melts a little at the mention of her daughter, a small smile spilling across her face.
“At home, being attended to by Tsireya for now. A close friend of mine just had a child as well and will be sitting out of the fight. She will be watching Pril for me during that time.” She explained, drifting closer to Eylona and Jake. “I’m sure she would be happy to take on Eylona for that time as well. There are many people staying back, so she would not be alone in taking care of the three babies.” The tsahik added. Jake thought about it for a long moment, indecision warring with knowledge in his mind. He doesn’t want to leave his newborn daughter in the hands of a stranger, but he definitely won’t be taking her into battle.
“That would be wonderful.” He concedes, shifting his daughter unconsciously. They talk for another moment before she’s called away by a clan member, and he turns to his mates. They need to get to the girls and Iney. His mates nod as if reading his mind, mounting their ikrans once more. “Spider! We’re going back to the village.” He calls to his son, who was poking a hole in the ground with a stick. Spider jumps up, running to Seze with Neytiri and they take off back to the village. He trusted Ronal to help the incoming clans with their placement and where to stay, this was her home after all.
When they got back to the village the three girls and Iney were thrilled to see them, greeting them exuberantly and practically dragging Jake back to their marui. The family spent the night catching up with each other, with Jake introducing the girls and Iney to Eylona. The girls all cheered when they found out it was another girl, and now in the face of her being born they were just as happy. Iney also thought it was great, but being two didn’t really care to interact past saying hi then snuggling up to Neytiri. The only thing that really brought the evening down was the fact that Lo’ak and Neteyam weren’t back yet.
The morning came too quickly, the sun rising high over the ocean with its blinding light. Jake woke early to speak to Ronal’s friend about watching Eylona for the time they were gone, thanking her profusely when she agreed. Tey’ra had already stated she would watch Iney and keep an eye on her younger sisters the night before, her eyes gaining a hollowed out look when she thought about the upcoming battle. Spider was the only other problem, he was adamant that he was a warrior and could fight with them.
“Spider, would you please stay here? I know you’re a recognized warrior, I know.” Jake pleaded, gripping his eldest child’s hands in his. “But, I can’t fight in this battle knowing you’re out there fighting too. Or that your brothers are out there. Please.” He begged, almost dropping to his knees with the severity of his request. Tsu’tey and Neytiri were nodding along with him, their war paint drying on their skin already. Spider set his shoulders, staring the trio down with a stubborn expression on his face.
“I can’t mom.” He stated, his fingers flexing around the wood of his bow. “You saved this bow from the fallen Tlalim ship, and I will fight with it until I have no breath in my body to fight with. For the safety of you, of sa’nok, of sempul, of our family. Of my people.” His eyes were lit with a righteous fury, his words hitting Jake in the chest like an arrow. He had raised his children too well. They would die fighting for the people they loved, whether he wanted them to or not. He sighs heavily, pulling his eldest into a tight hug.
“Then be careful. Don’t take unnecessary risks, watch your brother’s backs, because you know that when they return they will fight too.” He whispers into Spider’s hair, holding him as close as he can. He pulls back after a long moment, cradling his son’s face in his hands. “I am so proud of you and the man you have grown to be. I love you.” He nuzzles his son’s cheek, then releases him. Spider stares at Jake for a long moment, teary eyed and trembling, before he calls his ikran and disappears into the sky.
“You know they would get involved whether we wanted them to or not, yawntu.” Tsu’tey reminds, pulling Jake’s trembling form into him. Jake nods slowly, turning into the hold. Neytiri joins in and they stand there basking in each other until Ronal calls that it’s time to leave. He eyes the handprints he placed on his mates, feeling the drying paint on his own skin.
“This is the last time I place my hand on you as war paint.” He mutters, tracing the white digits coloring his mates’ skin. “The next time I put my painted hand on you, it’ll be in celebration.” He swears, setting his jaw defiantly. His mates dip their heads in acceptance, understanding shining between the three. This is the last battle they will fight in. Not because the skypeople will win, or they will die. But, because they will win and the skypeople will never return to Pandora. They were sure of it.
Jake stayed silent the entire trip back to the cave systems above the Cove of the Ancestors. He had speeches to give today, speeches he prayed he’d never have to give again. The skypeople had been a blight on the Na’vi people for long enough. Their time on Pandora was swiftly coming to an end. He just had to rally these people into making it so it was for good.
The rocky outcroppings were covered in Na’vi when they arrived. Some from clans Jake recognized from his first lifetime, some he had probably forgotten. He greeted every Olo’eyktan and Tsahik the same though. Forgotten from memory or not, they deserved his respect just as much as he deserved theirs. Ikeyni even managed to sneak in for another greeting, her cheeky smile easing the tension in his chest. She had become a good friend over the years from the last war to now, even if she wasn’t one he talked with frequently due to the distance they had to travel to see her.
Jake waited until the clans were gathered in front of him and Toruk before he started speaking. There was no reason for him to repeat his speech more than once, not if they could help it. The clans slowly quieted down under his watchful gaze, their eyes darting between him, Toruk, and his belly. He nearly smirked when he saw the concern in many of their gazes when they saw his belly. It wasn’t obvious he had given birth yet, and that was something he was going to use to his advantage against Quaritch.
“The skypeople have been a blight on Pandora for many years. One many of us have had the unfortunate chance to interact with. They have caused death and destruction across our home. From the losses of the first and second war, to the losses of the tulkun brothers and sisters of the reef and ocean clans.” Jake started, leaving a long pause for the lives lost to the skypeople. For the homes that were destroyed by their callousness. “The skypeople have sought to separate our clans and single us out to systematically destroy us. They have sought to do to us what they have done to themselves. What they have done instead is brought us together, for we are stronger together. As individuals we may snap and break like a lone arrow. When we rally together we are stronger. Many arrows together cannot be broken. We cannot be broken!” He exclaims, holding up the tightly wrapped bundle of arrows he had made.
The gathered clans cheered, raising their weapons in solidarity with him. Every clan cheered and called together. Their voices rise in a cacophonous harmony above the rocky outcroppings. He couldn’t make out a single voice from the shouts, all of them blending together to drive home his analogy. Even Spider stood among the masses of the clans, lending his voice to the call of Pandora. The calls of Eywa’s children joining together to end the plague on her home, on their home. Satisfaction settled deep in his chest, watching the reef people come together with the ikran and forest people. Filling the gap that had been created between the clans originally, from either time or distance he wasn’t sure.
The clans split not long after his speech, separating to finish up preparations for the upcoming battle. Tonowari and Ronal send him a quick look, tilting their heads toward the entrance to the Cove of the Ancestors. Jake understands instantly, nodding his head once to show them he did. They had gotten a meeting with the Matriarch and the elders of the tulkun. It was time for the tulkun to break their pact of non-violence. Thanks to Lo’ak, Payakan, and Ta’nok, the tulkun elders would rethink their decision on non-violence. Without the tulkun, he knew they would never have won this battle. Or had any tulkun left to save.
He turned to his mates, catching their eyes with a meaningful look. Neytiri’s hand tightens its grip on Spider’s shoulder for a moment then releases. She says something to him softly, pushing him toward the gathered Metkayina warriors. Spider gives her a disgruntled glance before relenting and joining said warriors. With their son suitably distracted, his mates make their way to him. Jake smiles at them warmly, feeling the tension in his shoulders tighten for half a second before releasing once more. The battle was too close for comfort.
“The tulkun Matriarch and elders have agreed to meet with us.” He tells them, reaching out to grab their hands. Tsu’tey squeezes his hand once, then drops it.
“I’m going to stay here with Spider. I think the two of you can handle this by yourselves just fine.” He says, smiling slightly. Jake and Neytiri trade a glance, worry spilling across their expressions. Was there something Tsu’tey wasn’t telling them? “Ma Yawnes, I am needed here. Spider needs me here, the gathered clans need me here.” He soothes, waving off their concern. They nod slowly, searching his face for anything that tells them he isn’t being honest with them. They find nothing and leave without a further word, hugging him close to them briefly as they go.
The trip to the deeper oceans is both quick and nerve wracking. Jake guides his tsurak forward as fast as he dares with Neytiri sitting behind him, thoughts plagued with fear. What if the tulkun don’t agree to fight? What if Lo’ak and Neteyam don’t make it back? There are too many ‘what if’s’ for his mind to keep track of as they make the journey. Ronal and Tonowari come to a stop in front of them, halting his turbulent thoughts. A lone rock sits vacant in the open water, almost like an invitation for him and Neytiri to rest upon it.
He guides his tsurak to the edge of the rock, dismounting and helping Neytiri off of it carefully. Tonowari and Ronal stay on their tsuraks, a quiet trepidation settling over the four of them. The waters are quiet around them, undisturbed by anything breaching the surface for a long moment. Then the rushing of water sounds from all around them as the Matriarch and elder tulkun rise out of the water. Their massive forms large enough to blot out the midmorning sun. Jake trembles slightly as he crouches in front of the Matriarch, fear and determination warring within him.
“Great Matriarch, wise elders, the sky people are coming. Here, today. Right now. To kill our tulkun families. I beg you, fight with us.” He pleads, looking between Tonowari and the Matriarch. Tonowari is translating his words into the sign language he had never been able to quite grasp, concern swamping all other emotions on the man’s face. Jake’s eyes flit between them, pressing a hand to his belly then removing it. Eylona wasn’t there anymore, she was back in the village with the other children and non-warriors. He watches the Matriarch’s eye widen and contract as she looks him over. She starts speaking after a long moment, her loud, rumbling calls vibrating the water as she speaks.
“She says, ‘We respect Toruk Makto, but our ways are ancient, young Eywa touched.’” Tonowari translates, watching Jake solemnly. They all knew what the tulkun Matriarch and elders would say. This was no different than their last life in that way. Eywa touched or not, the tulkun were set in their ways. For good reason, of course, but their ways need to change. He couldn’t bear to have the death of an entire race on his conscience, not without trying something to help them. “‘We believe that killing will only bring more killing, in an endless expanding spiral.” The Olo’eyktan finishes translating, his head dipping slightly. Jake grits his teeth, regret and anger simmering under the surface. He hates bringing this to their door, but there was no other way.
“Hear my words. The skypeople will never stop. Not until the last of the tulkun are hunted.” He tells them, standing slowly. His voice is undercut with steel, despite the anguish he feels. They need to really, truly understand what they are refusing to do. They are refusing to protect themselves from their own extinction event at the hands of the skypeople. He knows that without Lo’ak, Payakan, and Ta’nok, he has no hope of convincing them to fight, but he wants to try. To make them understand what they are doing to themselves.
Tonowari finishes his translation into sign language when the Matriarch and elders start slamming their fins on the water. Jake feels the water splashing up over his feet, hears the water moving from behind him. His shoulders relax from the tension that had built up over the morning as he turned to see who was coming into the meeting. Lo’ak and Neteyam stood on Payakan with their friends following behind them on their own tulkun siblings. Poor Aonung looked bereft, standing with Tsireya on her tulkun sister. The kid had lost more to this war than anyone deserved, let alone him.
Jake never thought he could feel more pride for his children, but was continuously proven wrong. Watching his twin boys stand proudly on Payakan, entering into a meeting they knew they were not welcome in. They stood fearless in the face of the angry tulkun around them when even Jake felt afraid for them. Payakan spoke to the congregation of tulkun, his much younger voice making less of an impact than the Matriarchs had. The Matriarch responded in kind, though her words were clearly angry.
“Stop.” Lo’ak called, raising his hands to sign what he was saying. His voice was strong, easily heard over the noise the tulkun were making. Jake moved over to the edge of the rock, closer to his son. Neytiri grabbed his arm as he passed, her expression a mix of pride and relief. Their boys were back safe and sound, it was better than they could have hoped for honestly. “Stop.” Lo’ak called again, his eyes on the elders and Matriarch. Neteyam stood behind him, a hand resting on his twin's shoulder in solidarity.
“Lo’ak, what are you doing? You can’t be here.” Jake said softly, gaze drifting over his sons. Categorizing the sunburn they had and the lack of other wounds on their person. He wouldn’t stop his son from speaking, not here. Not now. This was Lo’ak’s right more than it was his. He had no tulkun brother, but Lo’ak had Payakan. And Lo’ak knew of the damage and destruction the skypeople could wreck upon the tulkun. He had seen it for himself. Payakan had seen it. Aonung had felt the damage from it when he lost his tulkun brother. They had more right to speak at this meeting than any of them did.
“Mom, wait.” Lo’ak commanded, turning to Jake with his hands still raised. Jake smiled proudly, returning to his previous position on the rock. He dipped his head in recognition of the man his son had become, giving the floor to him. So to speak at least. “I am brother of tulkun. I have the right to speak.” Lo’ak announced, his hands flowing through the signs with ease. He was truly growing into a warrior that his parents were more than proud of. The other two tulkun came to a stop just behind the rock, far enough back to give Payakan standing over them in the meeting.
“Loak speaks the truth. You must listen.” Tsireya said strongly, her signing much harsher than Lo’ak’s. Jake figures that has more to do with the fact she grew up using it underwater than her actually being harsher with it to prove a point. Her expression was drawn with terrified sincerity though, every piece of her screaming that she is here to do the right thing. Not to do what she is told, but to do what she must. He wonders briefly if Ronal and Tonowari are as proud of their children as Jake is with his.
“Tsireya.” Tonowari scolds sharply, turning to his daughter. The Matriarch starts speaking before he can truly scold his daughter, her vocalizations rough. Jake can see the quiet pride shining in Ronal and Tonowari’s gazes, even if they can’t say anything. In front of the tulkun elders they must make a good show of being on their side, even when they know the future and the outcome of this meeting. “She says, ‘His brother is outcast.’ You have no standing here.” Tonowari translated for the Matriarch once more, gesturing to Lo’ak with a sharp motion. Jake raises a brow at the man, wondering how far he is willing to push. Payakan makes a sad note in response, looking down into the water. Lo’ak puffs up angrily.
“If he is outcast, then I am outcast.” Lo’ak states, his expression set stubbornly. Neteyam’s hand tightens visibly on his brother’s shoulder, even as he stays quiet. The two had never really been apart for long periods of time, if Lo’ak was cast out of the Metkayina it could mean months before they saw each other again. Jake takes a slow breath, willing his heart rate to calm. This needs to happen for things to move forward, he can’t say anything right now.
“And I am outcast.” Tsireya adds, her movements sharp with defiance. Ronal inhaled sharply, her eyes wet with tears. Jake watches them silently, watching the children become the warriors and defenders they need to be. His heart aches at the knowledge they’re becoming adults at such a young age, their wisdom reaching far beyond their years.
“Daughter, silence.” Ronal demands, her ears flat to her head.
“No. You will never see me again.” Tsireya snaps back, turning to her mother. She resembles her parents starkly in this moment, her eyes spitting fire as her new tattoo frames one side of her face. Ronal raises a hand to her chest, as if her daughter’s words were physical blows to her skin.
“And I am outcast. My brother was already lost to the demon ship, in protection of my mother’s sister, Ro’a. So, I will be outcast in his place.” Aonung adds, a sad kind of defiance on his face. He shifts restlessly on Tsireya’s tulkun sister. It’s clearer in this moment than ever before that he misses his tulkun brother deeply. That the loss of his brother cuts deeper than they had even realized. Neteyam’s expression crumpled in sorrow with his friend, evening back out a split second later.
“Aonung.” Tonowari scolded, pride flaring in the man’s eyes along with sorrow for the loss his child feels deeply. The sun shines brightly behind the Matriarch, as if blessing the words of the children. Not one of them is backing down from their position, despite the clear upset their parents feel. Jake reaches over to Neytiri, gripping her hand tightly. This will get through to the Matriarch, just like last time. It had to.
“And we are also outcast.” Rotxo says, joining the others. All of them together paint a unified picture of defiance and strength. Silence reigns over the gathering for a long, drawn out moment. Then the Matriarch speaks, almost softly for such an intimidating creature.
“She says, ‘You may speak.’” Tonowari translates, crouching back down on his tsurak. Neytiri’s grip on his hand nearly hurts with the strength behind it, her nails digging into the back of it. Jake grips back just as tightly though, understanding why she is doing so. Lo’ak dips his head to Tonowari, offering the first piece of deference since he arrived at the meeting. He turns to the Matriarch, straightening up.
“Hear my words.” He starts, his hands flowing through the signs like it’s second nature. “My Brother returned to his birth clan to defend them, but his clan was wiped out by the demon ships. Only Ta’nok survived, because she fought back. Come forward.” He motions to a tulkun Jake hadn’t noticed arriving. The scarred, blinded tulkun from Payakan’s birth clan. Watching her come forward, he feels such deep sorrow.
The skypeople had done so much damage to her, tried so hard to kill her. They left her for dead. He can feel Eywa’s sorrow, her grief for the tulkun in front of him, and can’t help but cry. Next to him Tonowari and Ronal grip each other’s hands, tears running down their faces at the sight. No matter that they were prepared for her, or remembered her. It still broke all their hearts to see such cruelty done to anything, done to Ta’nok for nothing more than being alive.
“Ta’nok says, ‘I speak for the dead mothers and the dead calves. I speak for my people and all our Songs. Gone. Forever.’” Tonowari translates once more, blinking back tears from his eyes. Jake longs to reach out and comfort his brother in arms, but resists. This needs to be done, the tulkun needs to share her story. Her sorrows and her pains, to bring to light what must happen. To show the Matriarch and the elders what they are signing up for if they refuse to fight back. “She says, ‘I am the last. The blind witness to our end.’” The Olo’eyktan sniffs softly, adjusting his position on his tsurak. “Ta’nok says, ‘The tulkun way must change. Payakan shows us our path. We must fight.’” He whispers the last part, anger and acceptance warring within his tone.
“We must fight!” Lo’ak adds proudly, defiance and stubbornness shining in every part of him. Neteyam and their friends straighten up, standing behind him strongly. They had chosen him as their guide in this. They had chosen to do the right thing and try to get the tulkun to understand what exactly they were doing. Jake bit his lip as pride in his children overwhelmed him once more.
The Matriarch spoke a few words, then lowered herself into the water. The elders followed behind her silently. Though they seemed to do a lot of things silently. He was never sure if the elders chose not to speak or if they couldn’t. The sudden disappearance of the tulkun left the water looking almost empty, and barren instead of vast and full of life. He turns to Ronal and Tonowari, hoping that she said this time what she had said last time.
“What did she say?” He asks softly.
“They will decide.” Ronal tells him, tears in her eyes. He nods once, stepping back from the edge of the rock. Neytiri lets go of his hand, letting him pass her toward Payakan and their sons. Neteyam and Lo’ak’s expressions have gone from defiance to contrition, eyeing him like he’s a prowling palulukan. He smiles warmly at them, motioning them closer to him. Payakan moves as close to the rock as he can, chuffing slightly when Lo’ak calls him a traitor under his breath.
“I am so proud of the men you have become.” Jake breathes, yanking them both into his arms. They protest half heartedly, squirming in his hold. He holds them closer, breathing in their unique scents. “Eywa, I was so afraid I’d never see you again.” He nearly whimpers, shutting his eyes tightly. Between them leaving Awa’atlu and him being taken by Quaritch, the thought had crossed his mind too many times.
“Mom…” Neteyam groans, leaning into the hug now. “We were always gonna come back. We had our friends and our weapons.” He explains with a slight whine to his tone. Jake huffs a small laugh, letting his boys go. They step back, shuffling in place.
“That may be true, but much has happened since you left.” Jake retorts, sliding onto his tsurak. Neytiri slips onto it behind him, wrapping her arms around his middle gently. “Let’s get back to Awa’atlu. We have a story to tell you, just like I’m sure you have a story to tell us. Besides, don’t you want to meet your new little sister?” He shoots his sons a smug grin, guiding his tsurak to head back to the village.
“Wait…” Lo’ak’s muttered right as the tsurak started moving. “You had the baby already?!” He shouted, outrage clear in his tone. Jake and Neytiri laughed brightly, relief filling their chests. The time for fear and worry would come, but for now they were just happy their family was alright.