Quality Time Together

Sylwa walked by Tsireya along the beach; she was a little quiet. Tsireya glimpsed at her with concern. They passed by some of the kids they played with the other night. They waved. Sylwa waved back but saw their parents behind them, glaring at her. She turned her head away.

Tsireya coughed gently and they all turned their heads away; the princess did not appreciate their treatment.

Once they were a good distance away, Sylwa decided to speak again. "I'm sorry I stalked off like that. It's not because I think you're a bad teacher,"

"It's okay. My brother's just making things harder than they need to be,"

"Thanks for coming to get me,"

"No problem," she said.

"I do think you're teaching well…it's just…we're not like you guys,"

"You can adapt. Just like your father said. I'm sorry about those parents back there. I don't know what came over them,"

"I went flying on Skeera this morning. The kids came over again and I offered to let them fly her but…" she sighed. "My dad caught us. And your mother and the kids' parents weren't happy. And now I can't fly Skeera again during our stay here,"

"Not nice having too many rules is it," Tsireya said.

"You don't know the half of it. Are you sure you're okay teaching us by yourself?"

"I can handle it. I've always wanted to teach other Navi aside from sea people about our ways of life,"

"Well, looks like your dream came true. Maybe I could teach you some things about our way of life back home,"

"That would be lovely," she said. "I do not doubt that you'll make a great diver. I can't wait to teach you more about the Way of Water,"

"Would it happen to be your people's philosophy?"

Tsireya giggled and so did she.

On the other side of the island, Jake was having a lesson of his own. He wanted to ride a Skimwing. Tonowari and three other sea soldiers were handling the flying fish creature. Soxato just stood by, not helping at all.

"This is a warrior's mount. Not easy to master," the sea chief warned. "Perhaps, you should start with an ilu, it's much easier to handle,"

"I'm up for it," Jake thought if he could take the mightiest flying in the sky, he could tame this beast. How hard could it be?

He mounted it, made the bond, and clung on tightly to the handles.

Soxato watched him very carefully. He had become very distrustful of the Sullys since their arrival. "Only a matter of time before you slip," he muttered to himself.

"You do well to watch your tongue," hissed a voice behind him. He turned around and saw it was Neytiri approaching him. She had a scowl on her face; she did not approve of his attitude towards her mate.

"Tell me how this alien came to be your mate?"

"Did I not say watch your tongue?" Neytiri hissed. He hissed back.

"I've got this," Jake was ready to give it a shot. Tonowari and his soldiers let go and the Skimwing went shoot across the water flapping its wings. It roared. Neytiri smiled as she watched her mate keep his balance.

Good Jake. She said.

Soxato wasn't appeased.

The creature dived underwater. Seconds later, Neytiri saw her mate pop up from the surface. He had slipped off. She saw Tonowari wince whilst his men laughed. Soxato laughed too. Neytiri growled at him. "It took time for him to adapt to the ways of the forest. It will take him time to adapt to the water,"

"She is right," Tonowari approached them. "That is why we are training them. You will teach him how to ride a Skimwing," the general was shocked. He didn't want to. But he couldn't refuse. He bowed his head in acknowledgement.

Jake came over to them, rubbing his sore hand. "Maybe not as easy as I thought,"

Neytiri held his hand, rubbing it softly to comfort him.

"You showed good effort Toruk Makto," said the chief. "My general will give you lessons. In the meantime, my mate will teach you how to live in harmony with the sea Neytiri,"

"Thank you,"

Tsireya led Sylwa to the rock pools near the beach. They saw the brothers and Kiri waiting for them. Tuk had gone off to play with some other kids.

They all sat down together in a circle. Sylwa sat between Tsireya and her twin.

"You okay?" Lo'ak asked.

Sylwa nodded.

"So, how do you guys stay underwater for so long?" Neteyam asked Tsireya.

"You have to take deep soothing breaths. And the trick is not to panic otherwise you lose more oxygen. We're going to practice it now. Breathe in," she inhaled deeply and everyone tried copying her. "Imagine flickering a flame in your chest. And slow down your heartbeat,"

The teens tried copying her, trying to flicker the amount of oxygen in their chests like flames. Seeing that Sylwa was having trouble, Tsireya shuffled over and pressed her fingertips against her stomach. "Breath from down here,"

Sylwa tried taking in a deep breath, but as she did, she started giggling.

"Sylwa, your heartbeat is fast,"

"Sorry," she still chuckled. "I'm a bit ticklish,"

"Try to focus,"

"Okay," she tried again.

Oblivious to the girls, Neteyam and Lo'ak shared goofy grins. Kiri noticed and rolled her eyes. Boys will be boys.

For the next hour, they practised breathing until they could hold their breaths longing than normal but they still needed to try practising underwater. Tsireya led the group into the water and they traded water to and fro between their fingers, keeping them afloat.

"Now let's try underwater," said Tsireya. "Remember deep breath," she took a deep breath in and sank underwater. The others followed her example and sank underwater, trying to hold their breath for as long as they could. They managed at least 40 seconds but they came back up.

"You're improving," she said.

"It's still a bit hard," said Sylwa, coughing a bit.

"You need to remain calm underwater. We'll try again,"

The next time they lasted 50 seconds.

"I think I'm done for today," panted Lo'ak.

"We'll keep practising," promised Tsireya. "Perhaps you would like to see more of the island,"

"That would be lovely," approved Sylwa.

They followed Tsireya around the island and she showed more of the lagoons, the rock pools, and the cliffs….they saw people rowing in canoes, riding Skimwings and ilus, and fishing…it truly felt like a whole new world.

"It's so amazing here," admired Sylwa.

"Look there's dad!" Neteyam pointed into the distance and they saw their dad still struggling to ride a Skimwing. Soxato was on his Skimwing, still not impressed.

"Quite a difficult creature to tame," said Tsireya.

Lo'ak dangerously eyed the general; he hated him to the guts.

"Hey Lo'ak," said a certain voice. He turned around and saw Atuiko walking towards him, quite a bit away from the water.

"Hey kid," he greeted again. "Wondering when I'd see you again,"

"Haven't seen you since yesterday," said Kiri.

"Hello," Sylwa waved.

"You must be Lo'ak's twin. Sylwa," he greeted. "And you must be Neteyam," he greeted the older brother.

"Nice to meet you," Neteyam shook his head.

"How's the training coming along?" he asked.

"They're amazing students," Tsireya complimented, looking at Sylwa, proud of her success so far. "We might go for a swim later. Wanna join us?"

"I think I'd better not," said the kid, much to the surprise of the teens.

"Why don't we go for some guy time?" offered Lo'ak.

"I would love to," said the kid.

"See you guys later," Lo'ak waved and the two walked off together.

They walked off into the forest of palm trees. "Come on," Atuiko pulled Lo'ak's hand. "I wanna show you something cool,"

"Let's go and feed the ilus," said Tsireya to the others. "Your sister should be there,"

They came over to the pools near the village and they saw Tuk amongst the other kids. She rushed over to join them. Tsireya brought out baskets of fish and then called the ilus. The teens fed the ilus.

Tsireya and Sylwa were with Tuk as she fed one. It squeaked and she laughed and cupped its face. "I love her already,"

"Enjoyed your time with the kids?" asked Sylwa.

"They were so friendly,"

"Lucky you,"

Tsireya looked at her apologetically, sympathising with her for the mean scowls all those parents had given her.

Lo'ak followed Atuiko up the cliffs and then when they reached the top, they saw an amazing view of the island, the lagoon, and the reef. "This is where I come to be alone sometimes," Atuiko sat at the edge, dangling his legs over the ledge. Lo'ak copied him.

"You must love it here," said Lo'ak admirably.

"I've always wanted to see the forest,"

"My twin does drawings and she has loads of pictures of forests. Maybe she could show you,"

"She draws?" asked Atuiko.

"Yes. Do you draw too?"

"I do. But nobody knows,"

"Not even your dad and brother?"

"Nope. I'm really sorry about the way he spoke to you last night,"

"It's okay kid. I saw you and him the other night," Atuiko turned his head to him shocked. "I wasn't trying to spy on you. I was just wondering where you were. I'm sorry,"

"It's okay,"

"Why was he like that to you?"

"He just didn't like that I was talking to you. But I don't do everything he says. Roxto's more of the one who does everything he says. But I'm more of a rebel,"

"You and me both kid," said Lo'ak. "I don't always do everything my dad says,"

"He can be a bit strict with me sometimes,"

"That's just him being harsh. And he shouldn't talk to you like that. Why is he like that anyway?"

"He wasn't always like this. That's all I'd like to say,"

"You know my family haven't met your mother yet. I would love to meet her," when he spoke, he saw Atuiko's eyes ball up in tears. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…"

"It's okay," Atuiko sniffled. "Ever since she went missing, he just…hasn't been the same,"

Lo'ak shuffled over and offered him which he returned affectionately.

"Anyway, that's enough about me. What about you? How are you finding it?"

"Trickier than I thought. It's so hard riding an ilu. And Aonung just makes things harder,"

"He's such a bully,"

"Learning the ways of your people is harder than I thought,"

"I bet it would be just as hard for us to learn your ways as it would be for ours,"

"How would like to go on a flight?" offered Lo'ak.

Atuiko raised his head. "Really?". His answer was a cheesy smile. "I've always wanted to fly. It's always been my favourite dream. My dad won't ever let me near a Skimwing,"

"Then let's go," said Lo'ak. He stood up and whistled loudly. His blue Ikran came flying towards him. Atuiko looked at it with wonder. When the ikran saw him, it growled. "Don't look at him in the eye," warned its rider.

Atuiko avoided eye contact.

"This is Betze," he said. "Nearly lost my life taming him. Once you make your bond with him, you're bonded to him for life," he mounted him. He offered his hand and Atuiko took it, Lo'ak pulled him on, in front of him. "Hang on tight,"

"Okay," Atuiko was a little nervous. But he was determined to fly more than ever.

Betze roared and he flapped his wings. Atuiko nearly screamed but with Lo'ak's arms wrapped around his waist, he didn't feel afraid. Lo'ak's ikran took near to the far side of the island where there wasn't a lot of Navi. Hopefully, they wouldn't get into trouble. They circled the sea stacks and pools. They flew close to the water. With Lo'ak clinging onto him tight, Atuiko leaned over the side and felt his fingertips touch the seawater.

"This is amazing," said Atuiko, enjoying the wind in his hair. "Thank you, Lo'ak. Does that mean we're friends?"

"Course we are," smiled Lo'ak.

Atuiko was happy to hear that. "Thank you. I've never had any friends before,"

Lo'ak was surprised. "Really? Why?"

"I don't wanna talk about it," Atuiko looked ahead and saw that, they were flying towards a lagoon where their dads were. "Oh, dear. Best we head back. If my dad finds out, we're cooked,"

"My dad would kill me first," said Lo'ak grimly. "Don't worry. We'll do it again,"

"I would love that," said Atuiko gladly.

Lo'ak steered Betze in the opposite direction and they flew out of sight before any of their strict dads could spot them.

Down below on the beach, Neteyam and Kiri were doing a bit more swimming practice whilst Sylwa chose to chill out on the sand. She watched the sun setting across the sea.

She heard snickering. She turned around and saw a bunch of teen girls mocking her. "What's so funny?"

"You look like a freak," one said.

"Our girl shouldn't be hanging around you," another mocked.

"That is enough," said Tsireya marching onto the scene, silencing them. 'I will not see you all treat Sylwa like that,"

"Come on Tsireya. Come and hang with us. Haven't you spent enough time with those freaks?"

"I will spend as much time with them as I please," she said. "Come on Sylwa," she offered a hand and the touched teen girl took it again. She led her away.

The boys had landed back on the cliff with Betze where they were and sat down together again, staring into the distance. It felt great just being alone with the two of them. Lo'ak enjoyed spending time with Atuiko. He was such a sweet kid.

"Aside from your father and brother, is there anyone else in your family?"

"No. It's just us. But you're lucky. At least you've got three lovely sisters and a nice brother. I guess the good thing about leaving home is…as long as you're all together, everything works out,"

"My dad has this saying, 'Sullys stick together',"

"Is that a family name?"

"It's a surname. He was born with it. When he was born of the sky people,"

"Do you have any other family who are…sky people?"

"Well, my dad had a brother. Tom. They were twins,"

"Like you and Sylwa,"

"You could say that. They looked very much alike. You couldn't tell one from the other,"

"Can I ask you something Lo'ak?"

"Sure," Lo'ak pulled up a knee for him to lay his hand on.

"Have you ever felt like…I dunno…you live in your brother's shadow and there are times when…you feel like your dad doesn't understand you?"

Lo'ak was quite surprised by the question. "Yes," he answered after a silent moment. "Is that how you feel?"

"It's…complicated,"

"Whatever it is, you can tell me,"

Before Atuiko could speak, they heard voices and they turned around to see Sylwa and Tsireya approaching.

"Hello," Sylwa said. "Didn't expect to see you guys up here,"

"Mind if we join you?" asked Tsireya.

"Be our guest," Lo'ak patted the spot beside him. His twin sat next to him and Tsireya sat next to her.

"Enjoying the view I see," said Tsireya, as they observed the sunset.

"This is really extraordinary," observed Sylwa.

"Is it true you can draw?" asked Atuiko ecstatically.

Sylwa was surprised. "I can," she sent a glance at Lo'ak and he shrugged. "Can you as well?"

"Yes. What do you like drawing?"

"All sorts of things,"

Sylwa was surprised to hear that. "Well, I'll remind myself to bring my sketchbook and show you,"

"I hope you two have enjoyed today," asked Tsireya kindly.

"It's been decent," said Lo'ak. "Thank you,"

"Yes. Thank you," Sylwa said gratefully. "We should probably be heading back,"

"I'll escort you back," said Tsireya. They stood up and walked from the nice view spot back towards the beach and walked along the soft sand as the sunset sent flashes of different colours across the seawater.

The boys walked ahead in front of the girls. And Lo'ak noticed that every time the tide came in, Atuiko seemed to step away quickly. "You okay kid?"

"Yeah, I'm fine,"

"Have you ever been called Atu before?"

"No why.

"I thought it could be a nickname for you,"

"I love it,"

"Thank you for showing me that view,"

"Thank you for that flight,"

"Maybe I could take you on another one,"

"We'd have to make sure our dads don't find out," the kid chuckled and Lo'ak chuckled too.

Behind them, the girls smiled at the sight. "They seem to be getting on so well," said Tsireya.

"He is a lovely kid. Thank you for everything you've taught us so far,"

Tsireya could sense some uncertainty with Sylwa. "I think I can easily help you get better. But you've made excellent progress today,"

"I still can't ride an ilu,"

"I can help with that," Tsireya sent Sylwa a look that made Sylwa quite curious about her offer.

They walked along the platforms towards the Sully's family hut. They approached and saw Kiri, Neteyam and Tuk. "See you guys tomorrow," said Tsireya.

"Bye," Atuiko waved. They walked away from the hut after waving to the twins. They entered inside and sat down with the fire. Their parents had yet to arrive.

"Been wondering where you two were," said Neteyam; he was not happy with Sylwa disappearing.

"We've just been hanging out with Atuiko and Tsireya," his sister answered.

"You seem to have grown close to that lady friend of yours," Lo'ak teased earning a shove.

"We're just friends. Would you stop saying 'lady friend'?" Sylwa's irritation grew more seeing her eldest brother's smirk. "Stop looking at me like that,"

"Is there something going on?" he teased.

"Just stop," said Kiri, smacking him on the head.

"Ow!"

"You had fun Tuki?" asked Sylwa to her younger sister.

"It was so fun. I had so much fun with the kids,"

"How was Atuiko?" asked Kiri to Lo'ak.

"He was good. His dad is quite strict with him," Lo'ak wanted to vent out his dislike for the mean general. Like dad is to me.

"Lo'ak," hissed Neteyam.

"What?"

Jake and Neytiri were making their way back. Jake's hands had burn marks from the straps. "This is gonna be a lot harder than I thought. I hope the children have had better luck. How'd it go with Ronal?"

"Good, I guess. She gave me a few breathing lessons," she said.

"I hope she's more bearable than Soxato. He really doesn't like me,"

"And Ronal doesn't like me that much," they came to their hut. And sat down with everyone. "How was breathing?" she asked the children.

"It's getting better," said Sylwa. "I still don't know how anyone can hold their breath for so long,"

"Ronal told me she held her breath for over seven minutes,"

The children were surprised. "You're not serious," Neteyam refused to believe it.

"I'm not joking,"

"How were your lessons?" Tuk asked excitedly.

"Taming a Skimwing is not like taming a banshee," vented Jake showing his sore hand making the children flinch. "Well not bad for a first day everyone. But we're gonna get there,"

"That is if Aonung doesn't mess things up," mumbled Sylwa, a bit too loudly.

"You speak of the chief's son," Jake hissed at her. "Think first,"

"He scorned her and made fun of us when we tried to ride ilus," defended Lo'ak.

"What did I say about causing trouble?" their dad harshly asked.

"Tsireya stepped in," Sylwa interjected quickly. "And she took over teaching for the rest of the day. That boy is a one-grade jerk," she crossed her arms.

"Sylwa," snapped Neteyam. "Do you want someone to hear?"

She huffed and rolled her eyes. Lo'ak scooted over to comfort her. "You speak as if it's okay to be teased or bullied,"

"Look, I know how hard this is," their dad spoke, trying to ease the tension. "But if we want to stay here, we need to tolerate everybody. I've had to put in with the general,"

"The mean one who's strict on his own son?" Lo'ak's response made Jake glare at him and he backed down.

"If I can handle him, you can all handle Aonung and his goons. Just please don't get into any fights," he implored desperately. No one said anything.

Dinner was made. Then eaten. The twins decided to sit outside and dangle their feet into the water. They saw the algae glowing deep underwater and all the colourful fish swimming around.

Sylwa had her wrap around her shoulders again. She lay against her brother's shoulder and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "You had fun with Atuiko?"

"I did. I couldn't help but notice that he seemed uncomfortable being near the water," he looked back and made sure no one was eavesdropping on them. "Don't tell dad but…I took Atuiko on a flight on Betze," he whispered into her ear.

"You sly dog," she congratulated quietly, fist-bumping him. They looked out again. "Do you think we'll ever see Spider again?"

Lo'ak couldn't answer. But he didn't want to hurt. "I hope so. I hope we see the forest again someday. It feels strange adapting to a way of life we weren't born into,"

"Mum told me that Dad had trouble fitting on. She talked about Aunt Sylwa for the first time. And her betrothed Tsu'tey. He was much like Aonung,"

"Well let's hope we don't have to put him for long," he yawned. "Come on. We should get some sleep," he stood up. "You coming?"

"I'm gonna stay out here for a bit longer,"

Respecting her decision, Lo'ak went inside leaving her to have some space to look out into the distance at the beautiful night sky. And there she stayed for a while.

That's another chapter done. What did you all think? And about Lo'ak and Sylwa's growing relationships with Atuiko and Tsireya? Thank you all so much for your support. See you all soon