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AVATAR:
LIFE GOES ON
(Part One)

It had been several days since Neteyam was laid to rest beneath the water, as was the funeral custom of the Metkayina. Spider was happy that Jake Sully had declared him to be his son. There had been a flash of annoyance he had seen in Neytiri's eyes, but she had nodded. Spider knew that she did not trust him because of who his father had been... And still was. But without him, Kiri would likely be dead. That it required him to be a bargaining chip for Neytiri to use against his father to release Kiri, on the threat of having his throat slit by a mother blinded by rage, didn't matter. He understood. And he would gladly lay down his own life for Kiri's sake. He loved her.

Kiri. Named after the seeds of the Sacred Tree, which the People considered to be very pure spirits. That was what drew Spider to her. She was so pure. So sensitive. So in tune with everything he had come to love about Pandora.

He cared about the other Sully children as well. he would stand beside each of them as if he were Na'vi himself. In his heart, he was. But it was Kiri who truly pulled him to the family. Where she was, he felt destined to be. His human guardians believed in the God of the Bible, and he had read that sacred book and found many truths in it. That he was born a sinner was one of them. Born to a father who had committed terrible atrocities against a people that only wanted to live in harmony with each other and the world around them, how could he be anything else? He had also listened to the stories told by Mo'at, and he also found truths in them. Both spiritual teachings did have a common theme: Treat others as you would want to be treated. He supposed that no matter the religion, at the core of one's soul that rule had to apply.

He hated that he had been born human. Because so many things humans had done both on Earth and on Pandora had contradicted that rule. Mo'at called it an insanity, and he had to agree.

I'm no better, he thought as he stood at the dock's railing and looked out at the sea. I saved the life of my brother's killer. But his father had spared Kiri. So, his conscience had told him that he could not leave the man to drown. For her sake, not his. The man had offered to take him with him, but he had hissed like the Na'vi he was in his heart and refused. He had no love for Quaritch. But he could not leave him to die.

No matter how justified he felt he was, it did not lessen the guilt he felt for having saved the man, or the shame he felt for keeping it a secret from his family. He could live with the guilt, but the shame was killing him.

O O O

Kiri floated peacefully beneath the water as she opened her senses to the life all around. She did not grieve for Neteyam the way the others did. She mourned his loss and missed his physical presence, but just as she could feel Eywa, she could feel Neteyam with her. It was like he was still there, just out of sight, but there nevertheless. But the grief of her parents and other siblings was so strong that it felt like sharp rocks digging into her soul. She could feel their pain like it was a physical wound that refused to heal, filled with an infection that was beginning to fester. It was for this reason that she sought solitude.

And then there was Spider. Her "monkey boy" was not the same since he had returned to them. He struggled with the same grief, but there was something else under the surface. Something dark that made her sense of him feel like a man drowning with no hope of coming up for air. Something had happened that went beyond mourning Neteyam's loss. Something was done to him, she concluded. Or he did something. She did not know which it was, but she wanted to find out, so she could help him find himself again.

She turned her thoughts to herself. Why had Eywa ripped Grace, her real mother, away before she could answer her questions. Why did the Great Mother break her link to the Spirit Tree and cause her mind to shut down. She wanted answers. She wanted to return to the Spirit Tree and seek them, but her father had told her that it was linking with the tree that caused her seizure and that she risked having another one that might kill her if she tried again. She had been so angry. Not at him, but at whatever was wrong with her brain that put her in that situation. But then she thought about the events of the battle. How she had willed the sea creatures to help them. Some she had to link with, while others simply responded to her thoughts, and while that was happening, she felt Eywa even more closely. Perhaps it might be better if she just didn't question why. Perhaps simply accepting things would be enough, and what the Great Mother truly wanted.

She just wished that Eywa would guide her on how to help Spider.

O O O

Tonowari followed Lo'ak with no shortage of trepidation. The boy had insisted on the innocence of the outcast tulkun Payakan, whom had long been held responsible for the deaths of other tulkun and Na'vi alike. Yet the outcast had saved lives in the recent battle. He could not deny that. And Lo'ak had brought his daughter home safely, so he felt indebted to the boy for that alone. So, he would follow him to Payakan, and make the bond himself, so he could truly see if what Lo'ak had been saying was true. If it was, he could bond with his own spirit brother and let him see. Tulkun could not bond with each other. They relied only on verbal communication. Payakan had not denied responsibility for the deaths he was accused of, so since he had offered no defense, his guilt was simply assumed. Lo'ak had tried to tell him that Payakan felt responsible because he had failed the ones who had died. Tonowari could understand that. When he was younger, he had led warriors in battle against the Ash People who were raiding villages in the area. He made a poor tactical decision and two of his warriors were killed. He held himself responsible because he thought he could win against a foe that was not fighting conventionally. He didn't kill his warriors, but they followed him and died because of it.

As they approached Three Brothers Rocks, Lo'ak called out for Payakan, who surfaced a few moments later.

This was the closest Tonowari had been to the outcast tulkun, and when he looked into his large eyes, he saw the sorrow and pain. It almost made him weep, which he seldom did.

"I see you, brother," Lo'ak said, gesturing in sign language to Payakan. "I bring Tonowari to witness what you showed me. Will you let him see?"

The tulkun responded in his language "I will show him." He submerged again.

Tonowari dove under the water and swam forward as the tulkun opened his gaping mouth to allow him entry. He swam forward with unease. If Lo'ak was wrong. If Payakan was indeed a killer, then he might not come out. But he was determined to know the truth so the matter could be settled.

As Payakan's mouth closed, there was only darkness for a few moments, before the tulkun's queue unfurled, awaiting the bond. Tonowari brought up his own queue to intertwine with Payakan's, and his mind was assaulted by images from the past. The joy of swimming with his family. The pain of loss. The thirst for revenge that was shared by the tulkun who followed him, and their Na'vi spirit siblings. The fury of the battle at sea. The agony of losing one fin and having the other pierced. and finally, the anguish at the sight of his fellow tulkun and the Na'vi floating dead in the water. Murdered by the Sky People. The isolation of being made outcast and the sense that it was deserved. All of it made undeniably clear in Tonowari's mind. And then there was the unbridled joy and hope that came with the vision of Lo'ak gesturing the sign for "Friends." And then the images ended, and Tonowari broke the bond and swam back towards Payakan's mouth, which opened gently to allow him to leave.

Tonowari returned to the surface to take a breath and turned his attention to Lo'ak. "Forgive me. I understand the truth now," and with those words, he did weep, for the memory of the bond vision was still strong. After recovering his composure, he swam up to Payakan. "I see you, friend," he said as he gestured the signs. "I shall tell my spirit brother that you shall be welcome in these waters, and I will show him what I have seen and felt. With what has happened, I believe he will welcome you back. We cannot let what happened before happen again."

Payakan vocalized his thanks.

Before Lo'ak and Tonowari left to return to the village, the chief laid his hand on Lo'ak's shoulder. "You have my permission to court my daughter,"

Lo'ak's mouth dropped open in confused shock,

Tonowari smiled. "You showed wisdom and courage by holding to your convictions and standing up to me for refusing to listen. At the time I thought it to be arrogance. but now I know it to have been confidence. That is the sign of a leader... Someone worthy of her. I see you."

O O O

Tuc was feeling sad and lonely. Kiri had gone off to be by herself, like she had done so often since her incident at the Spirit Tree. Her parents had gone to the Cove of the Ancestors. Lo'ak had led Tonawari to meet Payakan, and Spider was just not good company right now. Tuc had grown up fast with recent events. Family felt dearer and more important to her than ever before, now that her biggest brother was gone. She had not really understood death before, but now her child's mind had matured, and she felt the pain of the loss as strongly as everyone else. Especially since it had always been Neteyam who cheered her up whenever she had been sad before. Now he couldn't.

She wandered aimlessly along the ramps and bridges of the reef village, unexcited by the wonderous beauty all around her. She simply could not find joy since Neteyam had died. And she didn't think she ever would again. For a long time after coming here, she had wanted to go home to the forest. But now, even that would not feel like home without her family being whole. She was glad that her dad had made Spider part of the family. She always thought of him as at least a cousin, anyway. And he didn't behave like someone trying to replace Neteyam. But he also had become very distant, like it was painful being part of the family. Was he feeling like he was betraying his own father, even though the man was evil? She didn't know what the human boy was going through. But she had matured enough to realize that whatever it was, it was at least as hard for him as dealing with her own issues was for her.

She hadn't really been paying attention to where she was going, so she felt sort of surprised when she found herself in front of the hut that belonged to Tonowari and Ronal. The woman scared her. she had this way of seeming to look into her. To be fair, her grandmother, Mo'at was like that, too. But she had grown up with her, and never felt unwelcome. But Ronal had, from the beginning, always looked at her and her family with a cold and disapproving expression. But Tuc had matured, though, and she realized that even her grandmother would have behaved that way towards a family of outsiders who had not proven themselves as trustworthy. It was part of what being the Tsahik meant. The Olo'eyktan might make proclamations, welcoming strangers, but not without the Tsahik's approval. And Tuc had noticed that Ronal had been more open after the battle.

"Hello, child," came Ronal's voice from behind her.

She jumped and turned around with a startled expression on her face.

Ronal smiled. "Forgive me for scaring you. Were you looking for Tsireya? She has gone to collect seafruit."

"Tuc shook her head shyly. "I was just walking. Thinking."

Ronal closed her eyes. She saw the sadness in the little Ometikaya girl's eyes and understood. Because she was also sad. "As was I. Please, won't you come inside? We can have some tea together."

Tuc realized that she was a bit thirsty. It was a hot day, and she had been walking for what felt like hours. And one did not refuse an invitation from a Tsahik. "Okay," she said, and the two entered the hut together.

Ronal busied herself with preparing the tea as Tuc made herself comfortable on the rug. She looked around, taking in the sparse decorations that, while minimalistic, made the hut seem more comfortable. Presently, she accepted the small cup Ronal had offered her, but waited for the Tsahik to sit down across from her before taking a sip. Ronal, as per the custom of serving a guest had waited to take her first sip until after Tuc had done so.

"I know what you are going through, little one," Ronal said.

Tuc's eyes widened. Had the Tsahik read her mind or something?

Ronal saw the look of confusion on the girl's face. "I know, because I am going through the same thing. Age is not something that matters in terms of loneliness and grief."

Tuc had not been there when her parents had gone out to see what the Sky People had done to the tulkun, but she had overheard them talking about Ronal's loss. "You are grieving for your Spirit Sister," she said.

Ronal sighed. "Yes, child." She forced a smile. "She was wonderful. She completed me in ways no other Metkayina ever could. We shared everything with each other. Our loves. Our hopes. Our joy's and our sorrows. She hurt for me whan I lost my other children before they were born. And she rejoiced with me when I learned of this one," she laid her hand on her large belly. "She had also been trying for a long time to have a calf. And now both she and her son are with Eywa."

Tuc swallowed hard fighting the tears. She understood Ronal, and Ronal understood her. She didn't want to seem forward, but she wanted to put her unease around this woman behind her and try to establish a bond with her as someone who was truly a kindred spirit, regardless of status. "I see you," she said with a solemn tone that sounded wise beyond her years.

Ronal looked up with surprise. Ordinarily, it would have been her place to say those words first to an outsider. But after what the Sullies and the Metkayina had been through together, she realized that they no longer were outsiders. And as she had just said, age doesn't matter in grief and isolation. Neither did status. She smiled warmly. "I see you, child,"

They sipped their tea in silence, enjoying each other's company and the sense of belonging they now shared. Ronal decided that she liked this child and that going forward she would always try to be someone she could come to if she needed to talk to someone other than family. She was Metkayina now. As were the others. There would be no more coldness. No more suspicion. The Way of Water connects us all, she thought.

O O O

The Cove of the Ancestors was as beautiful as the area surrounding the Tree of Souls back home. The same circular rock formations forming rings that reminded the naked eye of ripples in the water, but frozen in place. The same energy was present as well, radiating outward and permeating inward.

This was the first time Jake and Neytiri had come here by day. When they first came to the Spirit Tree, it had been at night, and they had one purpose at that time: to experience Neteyam as he was now, one with Eywa.

Jake was overjoyed by just being able to see his son again. But he was a little skeptical. Was it really Neteyam's soul he was interacting with, or was it just memories he was seeing, given voice by his own desires in his mind?. He wanted to ask Neytiri about it but held his tongue. Her faith in the Great Mother was unshakable, and such musings might be seen as an attempt to cast doubt upon her beliefs.

Does it really matter, he asked himself. Humans had always dreamed of departed loved ones, that they were still alive. And even though painful at the realization that it was just a dream, over time it helped heal the heart. The only difference here was that such encounters could happen at will. All one had to do was connect to a Tree of Souls... Or in the case of the Metkayina, the Spirit Tree.

The smaller Trees of Voices, scattered around the Land also allowed the experiences, but with less intensity. They were no less profound. And there was less control over the ambiance. With a Spirit Tree, a connection brought only specific visions. But a connection to a Tree of Voices brought random impressions and it took focus to isolate specific ones. Jake thought about this and smiled. It must be real. Otherwise, whose voices and songs and laughter doi I hear?

"My Jake?" Neytiri was looking at him with concern, as they treaded water above the Spirit Tree.

Fully back in the moment, Jake smiled. "I was just... reflecting on things. Assuaging doubts"

Neytiri's ears drooped, and her look of concern deepened. "You still doubt? After seeing so many impossible things?"

He reached up and rested his hand gently on her face and smiled as she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. "I've doubted things all my life. Old habits die hard. Becoming Na'vi never changed how my mind works. Just made it more open to all possibilities."

Neytiri smiled. She placed her hand on top of Jake's. "Let's go see our son."

He smiled back and nodded his agreement, and together, they took a deep breath and dove under the water, swimming down to the Spirit Tree, where they promptly connected their queues tothe same branch. Jake had learned that while connecting to different branches allowed two people to share the same experience, only the person connected to the oldest branch could direct it, with the other only being able to observe. But by connecting to the same branch, both were in equal control.

They stood in an open plain of charred rock and a constant rain of ash was falling Jake had never seen this place before but he saw Neytiri looking around with pained recognition. "What is this place," he asked.

"This is the territory of the Ash People, father," Neteyam's voice rang out from behind them before Neytiri could answer.

They turned and saw him standing tall and proud. No longer a teen-ager, but a man grown. But it was clearly him. He was wearing the outfit of the Olo'eyktan of the Ometicaya. And jake had realized that had fate not led them to the Metkayina, and had Neteyam lived, his son would have eventually ascended to that position. So it's not only echoes of the past, but possible futures as well, and the fact that I've never seen this place is proof that it can't just be going on in my mind.

"No, father. It's not just dreams," said Neteyam with authority. "This place is tied to our family's future. I cannot be with you as you meet it, but here I can look ahead and see. You must understand that the Great Mother will not allow me to tell you everything. Knowing one's destiny ahead of time could cause one to alter it, and therefore destroy the balance of what must be. But I can tell you things that will help you decide correctly when the times for decision come.

The scene changed, and they were all standing on the beach near the reef village, at the spot where they had first arrived as a family. Neteyam now appeared as his younger self, but he still maintained a wizened demeanor.

"It's good to see you, son, "Neytiri said.

Neteyam grinned, "Good to see you, too, mother," he turned to Jake. "Sorry for that entrance, father. But the Great Mother sensed the conflict in your mind and needed to show you what you needed to see to end it."

Jake looked to the sky. "Thank you." A sense of peace and well being washed over him.

"What have you to tell us, my son," Asked Neytiri.

"Life goes on," the young man said. "I know our parting is painful for you. But the others are also hurting. Lo'ak carries the weight of responsibility, as I did. He resented me because I seemed to always have your favor and felt he could never be worthy. And you didn't help him."

Jake bowed his head. He had been blind to his second-born's struggles because he had placed so much importance on the concept of the chain of command. Neytiri had been right. He had been leading a squad, not a family.

"But that has changed," Neteyam continued. "He has begun to find his place, and Tonowari now sees in him what you saw in me. And you will soon see it to. And you will be proud."

Jake felt tears welling up. He needed to hear this, as it was helping him to affirm what he still had while honoring what he had lost. Neytiri was on her knees, weeping, and he knelt down and wrapped his arms around her.

"Tuc has been feeling isolated and sad," Neteyam continued. "But she is finding some comfort in a kindred spirit. This will help her grow wise and strong-hearted. While she is still youngest, she is more mature than you may realize, after all that has happened. Do not be afraid to include her in serious matters. She will surprise you."

Jake and Neytiri looked at each other. This was wonderful news. One's youngest child was always the one whose future always felt the most uncertain. Always feeling like the most in need of sheltering, and so the last to develop the strength to cope with serious issues. But it was true. Their little Tuc had seen the horrors of battle, and she was strong. She was ready to learn things that she might otherwise have had to wait a few more years for.

"Kiri has questions that none but the Great Mother can answer," said Neteyam. "She is not ready for them They will overwhelm her. She is to be used mightily by Eywa and will be a beacon of hope. Tell her that she will get her answers, but it just isn't the time for it. This will help her embrace what she is already beginning to rightly accept."

Neytiri began weeping again. She had had the most difficult time with Kiri and her deep need to understand what Eywa wanted of her, and who her father was. Not having the answers made her feel like she was failing as a mother but knowing that Kiri would learn the truth she sought gave great comfort.

"My brother, Spider," Neteyam continued. "He is tormented with what he knows and what he has done, and he fears that it will be a wall around what he feels. This will be made clear to you both soon. It will be a serious matter and must include the whole family." He looked his mother directly in the eye. "His heart is true. I see him. You must as well." He turned to Jake. "I'm glad you made him my brother in truth. Help free him of his burden. Please do not place a bigger one on his shoulders, no matter what you may learn."

Jake felt fear at these words. Clearly Spider knew something or had done something that he was keeping secret. And it was something that when learned would test the loyalty of the family. But Neteyam had laid out what was needed for this coming storm to be weathered and endured as the Great Mother would want.

Neytiri felt fear as well, but also anger. She never trusted Spider. She knew what the boy felt. Love for kiri, and she knew Kiri felt the same. But the boy was the son of a demon. and she feared that his blood would taint him. But Neteyam had said that the boy was being tormented by what he knew and had done. So whatever was being hidden was not something he was taking lightly. And whatever he might have been before, he was now her son. Neteyam had said that he was glad, so that meant it was right. She would not let that fall out of her thoughts when the truth would come out, however horrible it might be.

Neteyam had stepped forward again and placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "Hold onto each other. All of you. Do not despair over what happened to me. I am more than fine, and I will always be here, with Eywa. Life goes on."

With that, Neteyam vanished.

Both Jake and Neytiri opened their eyes at the same time. They looked at each other and nodded, disconnected from the Spirit Tree and returned to the surface.

"Wow," said Jake, fully taking in the scope of the power and wisdom that had manifested itself in the experienced they had just shared.

"Indeed," said Neytiri. "It is much to think about.

They said no more as they swam out of the cove, and returned to where their Ikrans awaited them. They did not speak even as they flew back to the reef village. While they did not know the specifics of what lay ahead, they at least felt a little more equipped to face it when they came to it.

To be continued...

Okay. That's part one. I have no idea how many parts this story will have, but I just know that I'm nowhere near done yet. I wanted to explore how each of the Sullies would be feeling after what happened in "The Way of Water." I also wanted to explore the possibilities that may present themselves in an experience while connected to the Spirit Tree, and how aware Eywa might be of what people are going through, and how she might communicate with those seeking communion. Hopefully I put this together in a way that you found enjoyable. I welcome your feedback. I cannot say when Part 2 will be released. I've got a lot on my plate at the moment. But like I said, this story is just beginning.

Be blessed...