New Friends

The moment it was first light, Atuiko and Tsireya had spent every possible minute sitting on the shoreline, just waiting for even the slightest glimpse of Lo'ak or Tsireya or more desperately both.

Atuiko grew more worried every moment. Tsireya's hugs were all that could comfort him. He became a bit tired a bit and leaned against her shoulder. Loud clicks echoed in their ears. They looked and they saw an ilu swimming towards them. It wasn't just any Ilu. It was Lo'ak's ilu. But he wasn't on it. Tsireya saw Sylwa's wrap attached to the saddle. "Oh no," she stumbled into the water, grabbed it and lifted it up, all wet and slightly torn. She turned around with an anxious expression to the petrified kid who turned paler than ever.

"No," Atuiko ran over to her, grabbing it. "No! No! NO! NO!" he began to cry.

Tsireya hugged him tightly. "There's still hope," she was crying too but she remained strong in spirit.

Neteyam, Kiri and Tuk who had been worried sick all night saw them embracing and stumbled over. Tuk who looked like she was about to break out into tears was lifted up into her eldest siblings' arms. "What happened?" he asked.

Tsireya turned to them, Atuiko's face still buried in her chest. "Lo'ak's ilu came back. But all it had was Sylwa's wrap,"

The siblings were shocked. "No," Kiri shook her head. "No. They're still alive out there. The Great Mother would never let them die,"

Patting the crying Tuk's back as he held her, Neteyam said, "We have to tell Mum and Dad,"

"No," Kiri shook her head. "There's still a chance. The rescue party haven't returned and there's still a chance,". She believed in Eywa deeply; she knew that she would not let any of the twins die this way.

Sylwa and her Tulkun friend had searched and searched the sea for hours but there was no sign of her twin. Every moment that passed crushed her shoulders with guilt and grief. "Come on Lo'ak," she begged. "Come on,". She climbed up onto Payaka's back. "Lo'ak! LO'AK!" her screams echoed across the sky but the atmosphere remained silent and unresponsive.

Sylwa couldn't take it anymore. She fell back onto Payaka's fin and began to sob into her hands. Payaka clicked in sympathy, feeling like she had failed her. I'm so sorry. She apologised. The heartbroken girl leaned against her and the Tulkun allowed her to hug her. It's gonna be okay. It's gonna be okay.

Tsu'tey was now bobbing in the water with Lo'ak still on his back; the boy constantly calling out his sister's name. But still no response. He tried sniffing but he got no luck at all.

"Come on," Lo'ak beseeched. "You've gotta be here. Sylwa! SYLWA!" he frantically searched the sea but there was still nothing. He scrunched his eyes and pressed them into Tsu'tey's horse neck, beginning to cry.

Tsu'tey purred feeling so sorry. But just then, his ears flicked up. He could hear loud cries and echoes. I hear something. Hang on. Before Lo'ak could even react, he was already swimming above the surface using his legs and then when he gained enough velocity, he managed to leap out of the ocean so he could run on the water again.

"Woah! Where are you taking me?" Lo'ak asked. "Stop! Please stop!"

But Tsu'tey wouldn't stop. He just galloped and galloped as fast as he could when all of a sudden Lo'ak could see his twin in the distance sitting on a whale creature. He was overjoyed. Sensing his excitement, Tsu'tey galloped faster.

Sylwa was still crying against Payaka's hide, the sisterly Tulkun doing all she could to comfort her. Just then Payaka heard the distant smacks of water and tilted her right eye towards the source of that sound. Look Sylwa.

Sylwa twisted her head and she saw something coming towards them. She climbed up to get onto Payaka's back to get a better look; her heart elevated in her chest. Her brother was alive, riding a magnificent stallion-like creature. It must be the Taquamare. She thought. Payaka held no fear of Tsu'tey as he approached her. As Tsu'tey slowed down, the lower half of his body sank into the sea again and Payaka offered a fin to Lo'ak so he could climb on and speak to his sister. He climbed up onto her back and he faced his sister. They were silent for a second.

"Is it really you?" she had to be certain she wasn't imagining it.

"It's me you skewing," he joked.

Without hesitation, she flew into his arms, crying heavily. He hugged her back tightly. "I thought I lost you,"

"I thought I lost you too," he stroked her head. They let go and he wiped her cheeks. "Are you hurt?" Lo'ak checked his twin and saw bruises over her body and a line of red across her chest. "I swear to you I'll kill Aonung if I ever see him again," he seethed.

She sniffled. "How did you survive? I thought that wave swallowed you whole,"

"He saved my life," he explained, turning his head to look at his new friend in appreciation. "He saved me. He could have left me to drown but he didn't. And he helped me find you,"

Sylwa admired the Taquamare, instantly sensing the deep generosity of the creature.

"He's beautiful," she said, befriending it immediately. "What's his name?"

"He didn't have one. So, I gave him one. Tsu'tey,"

"After Aunt Sylwa's betrothed. It suits him well," she acknowledged. Gazing at the magnificent creature, she said with red eyes, "Thank you…for saving my brother," she was deeply in debt to this creature for saving her twin's life. She reached forward a hand to pet him. He accepted her touch and purred as she stroked him. "I guess one good thing did come out of Aonung leaving me out there," she said. "We made some new friends,"

Lo'ak agreed. Nevertheless, he remained resentful of that Metikyena prince for abandoning his sister out at sea. "How did you survive?"

Sylwa looked down and Lo'ak could it was the Tulkun they were standing on; he knew what her answer was. They walked and sat on the fin. The Tulkun was pleased to meet her brother. Hello. She greeted.

"Thank you…for saving my sister," Lo'ak was deeply in debt to the whale creature just as she was to his Taquamare friend.

You're welcome. Said Payaka. I'm just so happy to see you both together again.

"This is Payaka," she introduced. "She kept me safe from the storm. In her mouth. It was actually quite snug in there," Lo'ak laughed and Payaka squeaked in amusement. "And when I was attacked by Akulas, she fought them off to protect me. She likes ya,"

Tsu'tey swam around the other side to them, still keeping his head above the water swam over to face the twins on Payaka's fin with her right-side eyes looking towards him. The twins watched as they communicated with one another. Tsu'tey was able to mimic Payaka's vocal sounds. The twins observed them intriguingly. "Is he copying her vocal noises?" Lo'ak said in wonder.

"What kind of creature is he?" said Sylwa in wonder.

"I don't know. But he's so amazing. He covered me in a bubble and took me to the bottom of the sea,"

Sylwa was shocked. "No…"

"Yes. And it's so beautiful," he said. "And I saw crystals…just like the one Atuiko showed us,"

Sylwa was amazed but her face became wet with tears and she turned away. "Hey. It's okay," he tried to comfort her. "I'm here now. It's okay,"

"When I lost you I was so scared. I felt myself back in that moment when we were separated, the day they came back," she wiped a tear away. "And if…if…if…" she hiccupped on her sobs. "…you had died it would have been all my fault,"

"No. Come here," Lo'ak embraced her tightly. "It wasn't your fault. We're together now and that's all that matters,"

He's right. Snorted Tsu'tey feeling deeply sympathetic towards her. He nudged his face over to her. The important thing that matters is that you're both safe and sound.

His kind words made the twins smile and stroke him; he purred to their touch.

He's right. Agreed Payaka. And Lo'ak, you were so brave coming to rescue her.

Sylwa smiled. And so did Lo'ak who was touched by her admiration of him for his bravery. They had made some very wonderful new friends. Sylwa stroked Tsu'tey again and Lo'ak patted Payaka. Tsu'tey swam around to Payaka's left side and his soft dejected purrs made the twins climb over to the other side. They saw that her left eye was scarred and she was missing a fin. Sylwa felt shocked for not finding out sooner. She had spent the entire search on her saviour's right side that she hadn't thought to look at her left. She touched the amputated fin. "I'm so sorry," she apologised. She turned to her brother. "Sky people. She had a harpoon in her fin. I pulled it out,"

"Devils," said Lo'ak. He turned to Tsu'tey, still floating in the water. "You ever seen Sky people before?" Tsu'tey tilted his head; he couldn't understand. "People…from up there," he pointed up to the sky. "Get it?"

He snorted.

"He does," Sylwa translated. "But he's never seen people like that before,"

"Lucky him," said Lo'ak, stroking him.

As much as Sylwa was enjoying their time together with their new friends, she realised at once where they were needed now. "We really need to head back now Dad is so gonna skin us this time,"

"But we don't even know where we are," Lo'ak pointed out.

Suddenly she got an idea. She sat on the fin of her rescuer, looking into her eyes again. "Can you take us to our family? At the village Awa'atlu?"

Of course. She crooned. I know the way.

"Thank you," she patted her hide.

On her other side, her scarred eye glanced at Tsu'tey. You must be worn out. Climb onto my back.

Thank you. Tsu'tey squeaked back with the same sound.

Lo'ak and Sylwa heard their conversation; the former in particular was surprised that Tsu'tey could mimic the noise of Tulkuns. Tsu'tey climbed up onto Payaka's back and he lay down. "Looks like he could use some rest," the girl twin stated. Tsu'tey laid down on his four legs to rest after all that galloping across the water. He neighed at the twins, flicking her tail.

"I think he wants us to lie down again him," Lo'ak took her hand and they sat down on Tulkun's back lying down again the Taquamare who had saved the former's life. He flicked his tail and it laid over them like a blanket. They closed their eyes and leaned against each other wanting rest. Their Tulkun mount carried them across the sea, keeping them above the water. They had been gone since yesterday afternoon and the clan and their family had no idea where they were or if they were even alive.

Night came to pass; Jake and Neytiri had spent every moment trying to remain calm but the more time passed, the more passive-aggressive the latter was to choking Aonung to death. They sat in their hut, Neytiri chopping vegetables to keep herself distracted; Jake was silent. Just then they heard loud splashes. They flew outside. They saw warriors returning but none of their mounts had their children. A villager came over to them and alerted them, telling them the chief requested their audience.

In the family hut, Aonung was slumped in a corner still guilt-ridden by his actions. Ronal stood over, holding her belly bump, glaring down at him for his selfishness. The forest parents entered and Tonowari slowly turned around to them with a sad expression, Soxato beside him. He didn't say a word when the parents approached him.

"Well?" Neytiri demanded.

"I am sorry," Tonowari said solemnly. "They searched all day. But no sign of them,"

The parents were paralysed. "No," Neytiri shook his head. She glared across at Soxato. "You're lying. Tell him you're lying,"

"You really think I would lie like that?" Soxato said. "I have searched as far as I could and there was no sign of them. As a widow, I am sorry for what you've lost…."

Neytiri pinned him to the wall, her dagger under his chin. "You do not get to say that! Not now! Not ever!" she released him. "Look again!" she demanded the chief.

"They searched all day. They did all they could," said Ronal.

"Please chief," implored Jake. But all the chief could offer was an apologetic face with closed eyes. He fumed. He stormed out of the hut to find his Ikran, Neytiri after him. The chief turned to his depressed son. "Do you have any idea what you have done?"

Aonung couldn't say anything.

The rest of the Sully family had remained with Atuiko who let Sylwa hold the wrap. Kiri side-hugged him. They heard footsteps and they turned to see Tsireya with tears walking over to them. "I'm sorry," she said. "They didn't find them,"

"No," Kiri shook her head, refusing to believe it. "No. No,"

"They have to be alive," Tuk wouldn't accept it.

"They have to look again," Neteyam said.

"Your parents have flown out on their Ikrans," said Tsireya. She noticed someone was missing. "Where's Atuiko?"

They turned their heads and they saw that he had disappeared.

On their Tulkun mount resting against Lo'ak's saviour, the twins had woken up and laid together staring up at the stars, wishing Atuiko was with them. The twins' spots were glowing and the bottom half of Payaka was glowing too.

"You like looking at the stars?" asked Lo'ak to the animals.

They're so beautiful. Said Tsu'tey looking up at the sky and the moons that shone brightly above them.

"You know our dad came from a star?" said Sylwa.

Which one? Asked Payaka.

Sylwa hopped onto her fin. "That one," she pointed upwards. Lo'ak copied her finger so Tsu'tey could see it too. "Amazing right?"

Sure is. Purred Payaka.

That looks so far away. Said Tsu'tey. Watch this. The twins watched him and to their surprise, he glowed like a rainbow of many, many colours.

"Wow," Lo'ak said. "How do you do that?" the flash of those colours made his mind jump back to his childhood when he saw a crystal just like that. Deep down he knew he had seen Tsu'tey before but he just couldn't figure out what it was. Tsu'tey made his glow disappear but some of his hair tendrils remained lit up.

We've arrived. Payaka announced.

The twins looked ahead and ahead of them over a mile away was

"Thank you so much guys for saving us," said Sylwa. "And for taking us back,"

"You should come with us," said Lo'ak. "Our family should thank you both,"

No. Payaka instantly refused. I cannot go any closer to that village. The people there will not be happy if they know I'm there.

"Why not?" asked Sylwa.

They don't like me.

"Why?"

I don't want to talk about it. It's better if you're not seen with me. And you mustn't tell them you met me either.

Sylwa could tell that Payaka was hiding something but it sounded so painful. It was as if she was so guilty about something. Hearing her heartbroken vocals made the twins look into her eyes with sympathy; Sylwa especially. Lo'ak saw how shrivelled in fear Tsu'tey looked; he looked at him. "Why do they fear you?" He wanted to ask that question but they had been too focused on searching for Sylwa that he had put that question aside.

Tsu'tey hung his head, ears dropping. Lo'ak could tell he felt rejected. He shuffled closer to him, stroking the side of his face. "Did he say anything?" he asked his twin.

Sylwa shook his head. "He doesn't want to talk about it," she pursed her lips. "We need to go now,"

Lo'ak knew she was right. They had been gone too long and he couldn't bear for Atuiko to be worried-sick another moment longer. He prepared to leave with her when he felt Tsu'tey pulling on his queue slightly. He turned to him, seeing the Taquamare's yellow eyes which were now wet. "What's wrong?" he asked.

I don't want you to go. He beseeched, his fin ears dropping in rejection.

Sylwa pursed her lips in sympathy. "He's been alone his whole life,"

Lo'ak realised she was right. He approached Tsu'tey and held his snout in his arms, looking into his yellow eyes that were like his. "I'll see you again. Tomorrow. I promise,"

Knowing how alone he was, Sylwa looked into the eyes of her saviour. "Take care of him, friend?"

Of course was Payaka's response and in return, Sylwa hugged her face.

"Thank you," She then kissed her smooth hide and she relieved an affectionate whistle as a response.

Thank you. You've been so kind to me and it warms my heart to have friends for the first time in so long.

"We'll see you guys soon," she promised; she looked up to Tsu'tey. "Payaka will take care of you,"

"You see?" Lo'ak cupped his snout. "You're not alone anymore,"

Tsu'tey rubbed his snout against Payaka. "Thank you,"

"We must go now," said Lo'ak regrettably. "We'll see you guys soon. And I hope we can bring a friend to meet you," He wanted Atuiko to meet them.

The twins lowered themselves into the water and they began to swim the rest of the way to the isle. They swam a few metres and then looked back at their friends whom they promised they would meet again, whilst trading water between their heads. Payaka squeaked and then disappeared deep underwater with a flap of her tail. And Tsu'tey did a mighty roar much to the twin's surprise and dived down after her. The twins exchanged happy glances and began swimming further on. But as they did, they heard loud clicking and to their surprise saw Atuiko riding out to them.

"Hey!" Lo'ak waved his hand. Sylwa copying him. The kid saw them and his heart elevated. His ilu squawked and he swam towards them. "Atu!"

"I knew it!" Atuiko cried for joy. "I knew you'd both make it,". Once his ilu was near enough, he slipped off and they shared a big group hug whilst keeping afloat. He sobbed uncontrollably.

"It's all right. We're here," said Lo'ak. "We're both here,"

"It's so good to see you too Atu," said Sylwa.

"You saved her Lo'ak. Well done buddy," praised Atu.

"Can't take all the credit. I never would have known if it wasn't for you," he smiled at him.

"How did you guys survive that storm?"

"It's a long story," Sylwa said. "But right now, we really need to get back or our mother will pluck our eyeballs out," Atuiko climbed back onto his ilu. Then Lo'ak climbed up behind him then he pulled Sylwa on. Then Atuiko ushered the ilu to carry them back to the island.

Jake and Neytiri had scouted around the sea that surrounded the island in the sky hoping there was a chance there was a chance they had been washed back home. Come on. Jake couldn't contain his worry. He felt himself back in that moment a year ago when they were lost in the forest and he had tried desperately to find them. But when he and his mate stared down, they saw an ilu swimming towards the reef. Their hearts soared.

Tsireya and the others searched for Atuiko. "Atu!" cried out the princess.

"What if they're gone?" cried Tuk, becoming more scared than ever.

"It's gonna be okay," Kiri hugged her, but couldn't contain her tears. "Everything's going to be all right,"

Just then they heard loud whistling from the docks. "The twins have returned!" cried a voice. The news brought tears of joy to Tsireya and the others. Instantly they dashed towards the docks where a mass of people was gathering to greet the survivors as they approached with Atuiko steering his ilu towards them. Tonowari, dragging Aonung, and Ronal walked over and relief flooded their faces. Soxato was amongst them. He saw the joy on his youngest son's face; he had been reunited with his best friends. He couldn't believe it himself but…he was feeling a hint of relief. As long as they were alive, his son was happy.

Atuiko steered his ilu to position alongside the docks and Tsireya stepped down. Sylwa saw her; she was thrilled to see her again. Tsireya offered a hand. She pulled Sylwa onto the platform. "Are you all right?" She flinched seeing her wounds from yesterday.

"I'm all right," she assured.

"I am so sorry for what my brother did to you," Tsireya felt guilty.

"It wasn't your fault," Sylwa did not want her brother's actions to be weighted on Tsireya like that. "I'm just so glad to be back,". To her surprise, Reya hugged her and she hugged her back. Neteyam pulled Lo'ak on board and then he pulled Atuiko off the ilu.

"Thank goodness you're both alive," Tsireya said, relieved they were both back safe and sound. "We feared the worst,"

Tuk ran to Lo'ak's waist and embraced him tightly. "Okay. Too tight Tuk," he wheezed.

Neteyam embraced Sylwa. "Are you alright?" he cupped her cheek.

"I'm fine," she said. He winced at her wounds. "Don't worry about it,"

"Thank Eywa," Kiri was relieved. She hugged them both and then Neteyam gave Lo'ak a too-tight hug much to his discomfort. Tuk was lifted into Sylwa's arms and she flooded her face with kisses. The rest of Tsireya's family approached them.

Tonowari was relieved. "I am glad you are both safe,". The moment Lo'ak saw Aonung who looked a little guilt-ridden, he turned red inside, boiling like a raging bull and all of a sudden, he sent his fist flying towards his face but he was held back by Sylwa.

"Don't Lo'ak," she hissed, managing to calm him down. She glared at the teen who abandoned her. "He's not worth it,"

"Sylwa!/Lo'ak!" shouted two voices. They turned to see the frantic Neytiri and Jake rushing towards them. Instantly the mother embraced the two twins. "Thank you Great Mother," she prayed. "Thank you,"

"We're okay mum," assured Sylwa.

"Let's look at you," Jake pulled her to him and he inspected her wounds. "Oh gods,". As he spoke, still held close to his mother, Lo'ak along with Tsireya and Atuiko glared coldly at Aonung along with Roxto and the other bullies who had been pushed onto their spots by their disappointed parents. Jake then moved on to Lo'ak. "He's fine. Nothing too bad,"

"I pray for the strength that I will not pluck the eyeballs out of my twins," Neytiri seethed, growling at them. She had been scared to death.

"No!" My son knows better than to take Sylwa outside the reef," Tonowari pushed Aonung onto his knees by his neck. "The blame is his,". He glanced firmly at Lo'ak. "You were foolish to go out into that storm by yourself,"

"But sir, he…" Sylwa tried to explain but Jake spoke first.

"Come on," he said. "To the hut. You've both been through enough,". He gently ushered them away. He wanted to see them treated. As they walked away, the twins sent low but hateful snarls at Aonung and his gang of friends who put Sylwa and unintentionally Lo'ak in danger.

Once the Sullys disappeared, Tonowari forced Aonung up onto his feet and pushed him forward. Tsireya walked by glaring coldly at her brother. "You're lucky they came back. Or I'd never forgive you," she spat and then walked off in a different direction wanting to be alone for a while.

"You and your friends are grounded and confined to fishing every first light for three months," said Tonowari angrily to his firstborn. "That should give you plenty of time to reflect upon the consequences of your actions,"

His son did nothing but sigh, finally accepting how cruel his actions were.

Jake took the twins back to the hut. When they went inside they could see a hard face and they pursed their lips. He turned to the others. "I want to talk to them alone,"

They chose to leave but Neytiri gave Jake a hard face warning him not to be hard on them. Something told the twins that this wouldn't end well. Sylwa was the first to speak up once they were alone. "Dad, it was not my intention?"

"What were you thinking?" he scolded angrily, silencing her. "What were you trying to do? Get yourself killed for real this time?"

"They stole granny's wrap from me and I didn't want to come…"

"I don't care. I told you not to leave the reef and you do it twice!"

Lo'ak stood up. "Dad, it wasn't Sylwa's fault!"

"And you!" he scolded. "What were you thinking? Flying off into a storm like that?"

"If Lo'ak hadn't come, I wouldn't be here! He saved my life!" Sylwa refused to see her twin get scolded by their strict dad like this.

Jake took a moment to calm himself down. "You're both grounded,"

"What?!" they shouted out, angered by this treatment.

"Do you both not realise what could have happened? This is why I told you guys not to go beyond the reef,"

"I didn't ask to get abandoned in a territory of akulas by that skewing of a bully," spat Sylwa, furious to see their father talk to them that way; she was close to choking on tears. "I didn't ask to get nearly drowned in the middle of nowhere. And Lo'ak was just trying to save me. The least you could do is be a bit grateful to him," the girl twin stormed out of the hut in tears.

Lo'ak glared hurtfully at their dad. "I was trying to do exactly what you would have done. But I guess I'm never gonna get you to see that," he stormed off after her, leaving Jake alone again. He leaned against the wall, sighing angrily. At himself.

Neytiri walked inside up to him, infuriated by his choice of words. "You've always been hard on them. More than any of the other children. Why?"

He hung his head, then faced her with teary eyes. "I thought we lost them for sure this time," his voice was low; there was no anger. Only fear. Them lost at sea felt just like that night a year ago when they were lost in the burning forest lands. And it was a terrible feeling that no one ever wanted to feel ever again if it meant someone they loved so much was in great danger. And it also felt like that night they had snuck off to play with Spider and he had only found Sylwa and Spider and it took him all day to find Lo'ak again. "Since they were kids they've always gotten themselves into all sorts of trouble. How am I supposed to be calm about that?" Neytiri rubbed his shoulders in comfort though both knew that none of the twins could hear what they were saying right now.

That's another chapter done. Hope you all enjoyed it. Dear Bailey, thank you very much for the ideas. In light of these reviews everyone I would like to make a few announcements about what's gonna happen in the story. Warning Spoilers.

1. The story will follow the storyline of the movie. But there will be an alternate ending chapter where Neteyam will be revived.

2. In Avatar 3, continuing on from the actual storyline, I am planning to have the Taquamares who will be Tsu'tey's family and pack/clan since he is the only one who will appear in this story, resurrect Neteyam as gratitude for Lo'ak for proving their innocence and saving them from the Ash Clan and helping them restore balance to Pandora through the magical crystals which they give and receive energy from.

2. Ro'a will still need to die so that the heroes know what's happened but the other Tulkun and Roa's calf will be rescued, but not by Sylwa if that's okay but by Payaka, if that's okay Bailey.

Please let me know what you all think and once again thank you all for your support and I hope you're all having a wonderful summer.