Author's Note: Sorry for the very long wait! I hope you continue to enjoy!
Well, the time has come, that following morning bright and early with the sun, to undo the damage done by the Vvet crabs to their home.
It's a long, arduous process, but a necessary one. They have to remove everything from the marui until it is completely empty. Then they clean off all the food and herbs and what can be safely eaten is fed to the ilu and skimwing as a rare treat. Neteyam had to feed Shixo away from the others as he is grossly possessive, of Neteyam and food, and will scare away the others - skimwing and ilu alike - in order to gorge himself. And admittedly, Neteyam wanted a little bit of time to himself, as his parents were still doting on him from his sour attitude from the day before.
He had barely gotten any sleep, fluctuating between being angry at himself for his incompetance, and neglectfulness, and regretful for having let something like that happen to his mama. He should have been paying closer attention. He should have known that she was acting strange. He can see visions of disasters islands away and yet he can't seem to protect the woman who raised him within the same marui as him?
It's egregious.
As if sensing Neteyam's sour mood, Shixo keeps splashing him and snarling whenever he takes too long to pass out the food. Then rumbles a purr and runs along Neteyam's side or nibbles lovingly at his face - despite both of them knowing that Tao'su utterly hates that Neteyam lets Shixo do that. But he tries to make Neteyam feel better, the forest boy can tell with the way those wise eyes watch him closely between each nibble or splash. And how pleased he is when Neteyam smiles or laughs, no matter how small or tentative.
Neteyam's grumpy old man. He loved Shixo with all of his heart.
Then with everything else, all of Neteyam and his family's worldly possessions, needed to be removed from the marui and thoroughly cleaned to ensure no more spores remained on any of it. Neteyam, his brother, his friends, the Sully siblings, Ha'lir, Rhalwari and Ronal set to work on cleaning literally everything off on the beach away from the work being done on the marui, even the baskets used for transport. Everything had to be purged of the spores to prevent them from coming back. It's only with thorough care that Neteyam was able to finally notice the true damage that was being done unknowingly to their things. Wearing everything down prematurely.
They really were lucky that the spores didn't chew through structural support for the marui and the whole thing just collapse while the family was inside. Or at night when no one would notice right away or until morning. A terrifying thought.
While everything within the marui is being thoroughly disinfected, the adults that can be spared from regular clan duties are set to work on tearing down the marui behind them. Jake, Neytiri and Tsu'tey offered to join, so that they can learn how to break down and construct the marui in case they ever need to make minor repairs to their own, which Neteyam though was a great idea. He sent them off to join his dad with his blessings. Sorry for taking up the time they should be using for their lessons, but thankful that they are being so understanding about all of this.
Neteyam sits between Ao'nung and Lo'ak, cleaning all of his and Rowee's clothes and accessories before even considering seeing to his own. He's careful and meticulous with each item, not wanting to risk any of the spores remaining. He cleans in silence while Ronal and Rhalwari talk on the other side of the group, Kiri and Tsireya occasionally interjecting into whatever it was that they were talking about. Even Ha'lir is joining in, smiling and laughing softly alongside the other females. Rotxo and Ao'nung talk on one side of Neteyam while Lo'ak and Tuk are talking on his other side.
Ha'lir had tried to sit next to Ao'nung, who had already sat next to Neteyam, and the forest boy almost started to cry, feeling worse than he has in a long time and trying desperately not to show it. And so, when she moved to sit by Ao'nung, he about lost it, but Rotxo, as if not noticing, slid between them, laughing and shoving Ao'nung to cover for it. He was so excited, so animated, that had he not flashed a knowing look to Neteyam, he might have thought it was all an accident.
He tries so hard not to let his mountain sized insecurities show, and he hates that he was obvious enough for Rotxo to notice, but he's thankful that he did. It shouldn't bother him, he knows that, but it does. It bothers him so much. And he just doesn't want to think about it right now. He's already upset, already exhausted, and just wants this to be over with.
He got through all of Rowee's things, silently, before Lo'ak nudges his knee with his own. "You alright?"
Neteyam glances over at him, nodding. "I'm fine."
Lo'ak tilts his head, creases forming between his eyes. Those strange patches of hair squeezing together in a way that is endearing to Neteyam. "I know that this really sucks, but you seem pretty upset still. Is this about yesterday? About your mom?"
Neteyam shrugs, still in a sour mood. He hardly got any sleep the night before, his mind just whirling about all the horrible possibilities that could have happened had just one thing been different. How long his mama could have been there without anyone knowing? What would have happened had he found her sooner? What would have happened had Neytiri not been there to help guide him? Or Jake and Tsu'tey to help alleviate the pressure on her leg, or Lo'ak going to get his dad and Ronal? So many things, all leaving him feeling more worthless as a tsakarem because of his inability to keep a level head with his mama and the situation that she was in.
His mind is tired from whirling so much throughout the night, and his body for tossing and turning. He tried to leave the embrace of his brother and mom, but they held to him tight, feigning sleep. But he knows. And that makes him feel more guilty.
It was a good thing that he didn't have to worry about his hair in the new braids that Tsu'tey, Neytiri and Jake put in, so that no one would be suspicious about his inability to at least pretend to care about his appearance or maintaining them in all manners. If Rotxo hadn't handed him a new tweng and some accessories, Neteyam's not sure he would have thought to change out of the ones he was wearing - even his betrothal shell, which he hasn't gone a day without since he first received it - ran the risk of not being worn today.
Which would have been a very telling sign that he was out of it. Not that it seems like everyone couldn't already tell, meaning he isn't really doing a good job hiding it anyway. He's not really trying to hide it, he supposes, but he's not trying to broadcast it either. He knows that he's very sensitive and his friends and family are just acutely aware that he is. Which, once again, makes him feel bad.
Instead of answering Lo'ak's well-meaning questions, he lays out the rest of Rowee's accessories onto one of the blankets that they are using to lay out everything for it to dry out without getting all sandy. He takes longer than perhaps was necessary to organize everything, just to buy him a few additional seconds to just find the words to keep this from appearing like the pity party that it definitely was.
Once he sits back down between Lo'ak and Ao'nung, he finally says, "I'm sorry." Which definitely feels like the right course of action starting out. Taking responsibility for his actions tends to be for the best. Even he knows that he's being ridiculous about all of this, but he can't help still feeling bad. Feeling responsible for his own inadequacies. He knows that he's not perfect, but he should have at least had better control of the situation. He should at least be better than what he is. And the fact that he feels like he works hard and yet is still so disappointing is a stinging, aching pain he can't easily ignore.
"Sorry?" Lo'ak asks, frowning. "For what? Being upset because your mom was hurt? Bro, that's normal." It's then that Rhalwari shifts, too engrossed in her conversation with Ronal to hear their own, and tentatively props up her thigh, now freshly cared for by Neteyam and Ronal just after they settled down for the day to work on cleaning everything.
Neteyam sighs, looking away, knowing that Lo'ak might not be able to understand. "I am Tsakarem, Lo'ak. If I am to be Tsahik one day, I must learn how to be able to handle things like that without panicking. My clan relies on me to be able to support Ronal and to one day be able to take her place and oversee their care. How can they have any faith in me if I am not able to hold my composure?"
Lo'ak presses his lips together while Ao'nung and Rotxo both send him disapproving looks at his words. Tuk, now preoccupied with the girls and their conversation with the mothers, thankfully doesn't join in with their side of the conversation. But Ha'lir turns to look at him, despite how soft his words are, and her soft, pitying look cuts like a knife to his chest.
"I mean, I get that, I guess. But it's your mom, bro. No one can blame you for being a little shaken up by that," Lo'ak says, shrugging. "Besides, it wasn't that serious. I mean, it was bad, yeah, but my parents were there to help you and your mom's okay, and it was a good learning experience, right? Just take it as something to improve from and you should be fine."
Neteyam rubs a hand up and down his arm, knowing, logically, that Lo'ak is right. That he isn't expected by anyone other than himself to be perfect, but that's because he's the only one who has to prove that he's worthy to be here. Realistically, Lo'ak and the rest of the Sully family can understand now, as they are in the same position. They have to prove themselves every day too. Lo'ak is still young, thankfully, and doesn't fully grasp it, which is good. It's not really something for kids like him to have to deal with, so Neteyam isn't interested in explaining that part, wishing to spare Lo'ak from that worry for as long as possible.
But even then, if it doesn't work out and the Sully's have to leave, they will at least still have each other. Neteyam will be all alone.
"I should be better than that," Neteyam finally decides on, knowing he had to say something.
"No one blames you, 'Teyam," Rotxo says, leaning around Ao'nung to meet his eyes. "You found her. It was an accident. You're no more at fault than I am. Or dad. Even mama. It was an accident."
"Okay," Neteyam says, letting out a little sigh. He doesn't want to argue it. He knows he's being irrational. "I'm sorry. I just... I feel like I should have known. That I should have seen the signs. I knew something was going on, but it hadn't even occurred to me. I feel bad that she got hurt when I could have done something to prevent it. Had I been more alert or more mindful. I know it's irrational and I'm sorry for bringing everyone down."
Ao'nung's hand slides up his spine as he leans in close to press his forehead into Neteyam's temple, murmuring softly enough for just his ears, "It's okay, Neteyam. No one is upset. It's just a horrible situation. It's okay."
Neteyam nods slightly, not wanting to dislodge Ao'nung's forehead, and instead leans back into him. He does feel a little better, relishing in the proximity of his betrothed. He tries not to see the small droop in Ha'lir's shoulders at their closeness. Ao'nung runs a hand up his back and Neteyam shifts his hips a bit so that his tail can reach out and twirl around the Metkayina heir's. Neteyam's tail is a lot more tactile than Ao'nung's but his betrothed shifts his tail closer to make it easier for the forest boy.
"I'm sorry for being over-dramatic," Neteyam admits, shifting closer to Ao'nung for comfort. "But I'm okay. I promise." He looks over at Lo'ak, then Rotxo, still leaning into Ao'nung, and offers them both a soft smile. Then, to be polite, looks to Ha'lir and dips his chin towards his chest in acknowledgement too. She smiles softly in return. "Thank you all for worrying about me. I'm sorry for making a big deal about this."
"You're okay, bro," Lo'ak says, smiling back and leaning a bit closer. Ao'nung huffs softly against Neteyam's cheek, shaking his head a bit before pulling away.
"We were all worried," Rotxo says, glancing over at their mama, who was laughing at something Tuk was telling her, blue eyes twinkling as the little girl makes exaggerated hand gestures to further emphasize what she was talking about. Ronal listens politely, while Kiri and Tsireya both lean in close to each other and motion out towards the water, Tsireya's eyes bright at whatever she was telling the slack-jawed, amazed Kiri.
"I know, I just felt responsible," Neteyam admits, looking back over at his brother.
Rotxo nods. "I completely get that." A flash of vulnerability crosses his face. "I feel the exact same way."
Neteyam nods, realistically knowing this wasn't just on him. But it's still hard not to feel the weight of responsibility bearing down on his shoulders. He knows that it's not completely on him, but he can't help that he feels that way.
"I know," Neteyam says softly to Rotxo. "I'm sorry, Roxto."
Rotxo places his hand over his heart then signs, "All is forgiven."
Neteyam smiles a little more securely at that. He places his hand over his chest and mimics the sign as Ao'nung places a hand on his thigh, curling possessively around it. Neteyam's tail trembles around Ao'nung's, and he sends his betrothed a look, which he pointedly ignores. He squeezes the meat of Neteyam's thigh before pulling his hand away. Neteyam flushes a bit before rolling his eyes as they get back to work. He feels better enough to join in on the light banter around him, but not enough to fully let go of the dark cloud hanging over him.
By late evening and the sky darkening, the entirety of the marui had been torn down and the pieces are being transported into the forest to be cleaned and broken down to be used for other things. Pretty much all of his worldly possessions had been cleaned and were separated out between a few days of immediate things, and everything else was moved to a storage marui temporarily.
It is strange for Neteyam. He remembers the old marui that he and his parents used to live in - now occupied by a young couple that took it over when they moved - but the marui on the beach had been his home for so long now, longer than any other had before, that it was strange to see it gone. Torn down to its very foundation so that they can get started with a fresh slate in the morning.
Neteyam is a little sad to see it gone, but he knows that it has to be done. That this was for the health and safety of his family, and he is never going to complain about something for their benefit.
It was thankfully after that, Tonowari mercifully decided that everyone can call it a day as they had all been at it nonstop since the wee early hours of the morning and they'll set out to collect materials the following day and begin construction after sanitizing the side of the mountain before they can even consider rebuilding. It's a lot of work that they are going to cram into a very short amount of time to get it done, so everyone is going to need their rest, so no one protested calling it a day and heading to their own marui for the night.
Neteyam made sure to thank everyone for their help, even sparing a moment to hug his students, softly thanking them a second time. Neytiri was sweet enough to kiss his cheek but before she could pull away, he whispered into her ear, "Thank you for helping me yesterday. I'm sorry I panicked. Thank you for everything that you did for my mama."
Neytiri squeezed him tightly, kissing his cheek again before pulling back and smiling sweetly. "Anything for you, tiyawn," she had said, then left it at that. Tsu'tey and Jake following after with their kids at their heels.
Tao'su carried Rhalwari to the Olo'eyktan and Tsahik's marui while Neteyam, Rotxo, Tsireya and Ao'nung went to pick Rowee up from his friend's marui, who he stayed with the night before and went back to after lessons were over. He was excited to see them, jumping into Neteyam's arms, who hefted him up to rest on his hip. Together, the four teens thanked Rowee's friend and his parents before heading back to their temporary residence for the next few days. Rowee excitedly chats the whole way while Neteyam listens, holding his little brother close.
"Are you okay with staying in our marui for a few days, Rowee?" Tsireya asks, smiling at the little boy when there was a natural break in his steady stream of talking.
His eyes brighten as he holds tightly around Neteyam's neck. "Really? All of us? Neteyam and Rotxo too?" He looks between his brothers, both of which nod.
"Yeah!" Rotxo says, grinning at the younger boy. "It's going to be so fun!"
Rowee grins in excitement, squeezing tighter around Neteyam's neck which serves to loosen the remnants of the dark cloud that had been following Neteyam around since yesterday. Finally, with something else to focus on that isn't his own thoughts, Neteyam pours love and attention into his little brother.
"You must be respectful of the Tsahik and Olo'eyktan's marui, though, Rowee. You must respect their rules and their items. Don't forget that, okay?" Neteyam murmurs, hefting the little boy higher onto his hip. He's getting to be way too heavy for Neteyam to be carrying around. He's going to be heavier and taller than Neteyam soon at this rate.
"Okay!" Rowee exclaims, too excited to be dissuaded by Neteyam's gentle warning.
Getting to the marui, Neteyam, Rotxo and the siblings move to one side to occupy Rowee while the adults focus on dinner. It's their first meal of the day, and everyone is famished. Tsireya gently offers that they make breakfast for the adults in the morning, which had the three older boys nodding in agreement. Rowee had gone to Rhalwari, worried about how her leg was all wrapped up but took only a bit of convincing before he went to play with the two sets of siblings. They keep him occupied making up their bed for the night and then pile around the firepit in the middle of the marui once food is done.
Neteyam keeps Rowee seated on his lap as they eat to keep him contained and to make sure his parents can have a moment to breathe without their hyperactive youngest boy bouncing around them. He cuddles his little brother who happily eats, casually slipping the younger male his favorite foods out of Neteyam's own bowl, grinning playfully when Ao'nung catches him, rolling bright blue eyes while Rowee giggles happily. Neteyam pushes his food around in his bowl, taking a bite or two when he notices the look Ao'nung sends him.
Once dinner was done and Neteyam passed his bowl to Ao'nung to finish for him, ignoring the frown sent his way. Neteyam brings his youngest brother to their parents so that he can hug and kiss them goodnight, Neteyam too, before heading to bed while still holding Rowee. He sits his little brother on his stomach and just keeps listening to his incessant blabbing as everyone gets ready for bed. Once Rotxo was laying down, Neteyam passed Rowee to him before taking off his own accessories and curling up into Ao'nung's arms, tired.
He hadn't slept the night before and feels beyond physically and emotionally fatigued beyond what he feels that he should, but that could very easily have been the stress, which isn't uncommon for him. Ao'nung wraps around him and Neteyam lets out a sigh as tension bleeds from his tired body. As the night marui darkens, the fire between the parents and kids dims into low embers and everyone settles in, Ao'nung nuzzles his nose softly and Neteyam feels a tired smile pull at the corner of his lips, tilting just slightly to press a soft kiss to Ao'nung's lips.
Ao'nung smiles, pressing back chastely, before nuzzling Neteyam's cheek and holding him close. Neteyam curls into the warmth of his betrothed. Despite not having done much physically today, his back, neck and shoulders hurt from being bent over all of his and his family's worldly possessions cleaning them today. It was blazing hot all day, and will be in the days that follow, so that's something to look forward to. He's going to be sore tomorrow, he knows it. But that is something to worry about tomorrow. He tries to mold his body into Ao'nung's relieved that the other teen seems just as agreeable to the idea as he is.
Finally finding a comfortable position, Neteyam sighs softly, letting his eyes droop closed and allowing sleep to finally claim him.
The following few days are a blur. One day they were helping to gather supplies to build the marui. Another they split their time between making meals for everyone - something that they should have done that first day but, well, better late than never and having Neteyam, Rotxo, Ha'lir, Tsireya, Ao'nung and the older two Sully siblings - while Tuk joins Rowee at some lessons - go to restock Neteyam's medical supplies for him. They are careful and meticulous about showing Kiri and Lo'ak where to find each herb and how to safely to extract them from wherever they can be found. A part of Neteyam feels like he should have his own students there to see it but decides that he'll take them later. They are learning a very important skill right now.
It's a relief to be out of the sun and down below the cool water, doing something as menial and mind-numbing as gathering medical herbs. Lo'ak stayed pretty close to Neteyam, which seemed to annoy Ao'nung to no end, but his friends showed up at some point to distract him. Thankfully, after the first solid glare sent their way at their jesting, the boys wizened up enough to give Neteyam and Lo'ak a wide berth. But they couldn't help themselves but poke fun whenever they perceive Neteyam's attention to be elsewhere.
They didn't say anything, but they kept sending Lo'ak looks and laughing as Neteyam was showing him how to extract some algae without getting cut up by the coral protecting it - with minimal success. Lo'ak flinches, pulling his hand back to look at it, bubbles floating up from around his mouth as he inspects his hand for wounds. Some of Ao'nung's friends jeer until Neteyam turned his eyes to his betrothed. He's tired of those boys already and they just got there. Not that Ao'nung was really doing anything to prevent it.
"Ao'nung," Neteyam signs, waving his hand until his betrothed looks at him. "Go away."
Ao'nung frowns at that. "I'm not going anywhere."
"You're being unnecessarily rude. Take your friends and go away."
Ao'nung looks at his friends, who look between the pair, expectantly. Ao'nung's little lackies. The heir looks back over at Neteyam. "They aren't doing anything. Why do they have to go? They're helping."
Neteyam levels him with a look. "No, they aren't. They are here to antagonize Lo'ak. If they want to help, take them somewhere else. You know what I need. I'll stay here and help Lo'ak."
Ao'nung's brow furrows as he swims closer, like Neteyam couldn't see his signs from the few feet that separate them as it was. "I'm sorry. They'll leave him be. But I'm not going to leave you alone."
Neteyam casts a look over his shoulder, past where Lo'ak was attempting again to reach through coral to get to the algae to see Tsireya, Rotxo and Kiri all working diligently to fill their basket. Ha'lir is turned to look at them with beautiful blue eyes, reading their signs with a tilted head.
Neteyam turns to look at Ao'nung, his expression no doubt unpleasant with annoyance. "I'm not alone, Ao'nung. And besides, we have been stuck together for the last three days without a break. I know you want to spend time with your friends too." Which was true. For as much time as they do spend together - which is considerable - sometimes Ao'nung just wants to hang out with his friends and Neteyam can respect that.
"They can help us," Ao'nung argues.
Too tired to argue, Neteyam just nods, rubbing at the back of his head. He turns from his betrothed to focus solely on Lo'ak, ignoring the way Ha'lir just watches them, eyes wide and innocent before she too turns away. Lo'ak pulls out a handful of algae, placing it into the basket that Neteyam, Lo'ak and Ao'nung were working on - moreso the former two than the later - before turning golden eyes to meet Neteyam's own.
Ao'nung's gaze on the back of his head is heavy, while Ao'nung's friends sign in Neteyam's peripheral, no doubt amused by their pair's spat.
They've had enough talks where Neteyam has expressed that he doesn't like Ao'nung's friends when it comes to Lo'ak. They seem hell bent on ostracizing the other forest boy, and Neteyam will have none of it. It's not Neteyam's job to discipline the boys of his clan - although if any of them were ballsy enough to play Mercy with him he might be less than kind - but he is seriously considering it. He's hoping that with his talks with Ao'nung that his betrothed will see that this is a problem that he should see to, as they are his friends and are empowered by his silence, but he either he doesn't understand, or doesn't care to.
Ao'nung isn't actively participating, but doing nothing is basically acquiescence to it.
Neteyam blinks, realizing that Lo'ak was trying to get his attention. In sloppy, tentative sign, the other forest boy asks, "All good?"
Neteyam nods, the threading headache he's had all day is getting worse. Maybe that's the source of his little tolerance today. He's thankfully been sleeping better since that first night, and having a talk with his mom and being able to apologize profusely to her and dad helped him feel better. And despite their attempts to assuage him that he took no blame, Ronal was the one that really helped him out.
She had simply said, "Now that you know the feeling, be better for next time. I'll be there, so lean on me while you have me." Yes, not all that different from what Lo'ak was getting at, but Ronal was just so assured, so even. It didn't bother her, she wasn't upset. She understood and accepted that it happened, but now that it did, she wanted him to take what he learned and keep growing. Neteyam appreciated the clear-cut instructions, instead of being babied for his inadequacies.
The conversation had been that morning, and Neteyam has been fighting this headache for the last two days. It's the stress, no doubt. He's prone to them when he gets too upset and stressed out at the same time. He should ask the Sullys if that's something normal for forest Na'vi or not. it's a good thing that he and Ronal haven't gone to pray in a few days, because he's not sure he's strong enough to handle it right now.
"You sure?" Lo'ak signs, pulling Neteyam's attention back to him. Neteyam nods again.
After a little while, Ao'nung finally directed his friends to do something to help, which Neteyam was thankful for. The heel of Neteyam's palm is running a rut into his temples. The first time in two days he's considering getting some medicine.
Ha'lir waves her hand a bit in Neteyam's peripheral, drawing his eyes up to her. "Are you okay?" She signs.
Neteyam nods. "Headache."
As someone who also is prone to headaches from an injury sustained as a chair, Ha'lir's expression softens in understanding. Her eyes flicker over Neteyam's shoulder before looking back over at him and signing, "Your students are trying to get your attention."
Neteyam blinks, spinning around and looking up towards the surface. Just beyond the dock is Jake and Tsu'tey. Both of them make a motion that Neteyam can only interperate as 'come here'.
Neteyam nods, realizing he still hasn't taught them signs - another thing to get to soon - before looking over at Ha'lir. "Help Lo'ak, please." She nods. He taps Lo'ak's side, and when the teen looks at him, he signs, "I'll be back." And makes a motion towards his parents. Lo'ak squints, locating them, before nodding.
With that, Neteyam swims up towards his students, head aching a bit more at the motion, but his sight underwater isn't as good, so once he reaches the surface, the pressure taken off the strain of his eyes offers more relief.
Taking a breath to fill his lungs as Tsu'tey and Lo'ak surface, Neteyam looks between them, to Neytiri knelt down at the docks. She smiles at him as he sends her a little wave before addressing the three of them, "What can I do for you?"
"Yeah," Jake says, swimming closer. "Sorry to bother you."
"It's no bother," Neteyam says, easily, wiping water from his lashes. "What can I do for you?"
Tsireya, as Neteyam swims up to the surface, makes eye contact with her brother. As if feeling the weight of her stare, he looks over at her, frowning.
"What?"
"Stop being mean," Tsireya signs back, mimicking his frown. "Neteyam is just asking you to keep your friends away from Lo'ak. Why are you being difficult?"
"It's just a bit of fun, no harm done."
Tsireya rolls her eyes, glancing down at the teen between them, making sure that he was focused on the task ahead of him, rather than paying attention to either of them. Ha'lir smiles when Tsireya's eyes meet hers. Tsireya returns the gesture before looking back at her brother. "Harm is done. I don't like it. Neteyam doesn't like it. Most importantly, Lo'ak doesn't like it. So stop."
Ao'nung scowls and Tsireya knows immediately why. Her brother is way too easy to read. "You know how Neteyam is. He just wants you to be kind. It's all he ever wants from you. You were so mean back then, when we were kids. And when you're mean now, you remind him of back then."
The angry scowl is broken with a tangible flinch, and then shame. Tsireya's shoulders loosen of tension, knowing that he finally understands. Will he listen? She hopes so, but at least for now, while Neteyam is obviously frayed from the last few days, he'll lighten up until the tsakarem is ready to handle her brother's nonsense again. And he's saintly for that, Tsireya would have knocked him upside the head a hundred times over for how he's acting. But Neteyam's too nice for that, despite his playful teasing.
"I know," Ao'nung finally signs. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize to me," Tsireya signs. "I'm not the one that you're hurting."
Ao'nung's shoulders droop, and he rolls his eyes at whatever thought flickered across the long, empty expanse of his brain, before he looks over at Tsireya again. "I just don't like Lo'ak."
Tsireya shakes her head, rolling her own eyes. She simply signs, "Get over it." Her eyes catch movement, and she sees Neteyam dip his head under the water to look at her, signing her name.
She swims up and away from her brother and their friends after motioning to Rotxo to keep an eye on Kiri. He nods in understanding.
Neteyam swims a few feet down below the water, squinting to see her, despite how much of the sun's light is still reaching them. His headache must be bothering him still. He's been denying taking any medicine - typical Neteyam - for a few days now. She moves closer so that she's halfway between their friends and him, hoping that it'll help him see her better.
His shoulders relax as he asks her where to find something that her father was looking for. A tool that she had taken from their marui to use to crack open tisux clam shells. They are exceptionally bridle and need a special tool to open them. She thought that she had put it back where she got it from but maybe she hadn't. She has no idea why her father was looking for it, but as she tells Neteyam, she watches his entire body loosen up more and more. The repetitive motion of his kicking feet and swaying tail help keep him stable, but there is something about his expression that immediately puts her on alert.
She stops, mid sign, and waits. She waits for Neteyam to tilt his head in confusion, or to ask her if something was wrong, but he doesn't. He just stares at her.
Panic floods her veins and Tsireya looks around herself, wondering what could have caught his attention, before spotting Kiri behind herself. Like Neteyam, the seeds of Eywa seem to love her. They flow back and forth between the two of them. And right now, they circle her, spinning rhythmically. She smiles at them but continues with what she's doing.
Tsireya spins back around, signing the taller teen's name. No reaction.
In terror, she swims straight up, seeing the kicking feet of the two male forest Na'vi not far from Neteyam, knowing they could reach him faster than she could. As soon as she breaches the surface, she yells out, "Neteyam!"
The Sully matriarch is on the dock, and she joins the two males in looking at Tsireya in alarm and confusion.
"Get Neteyam out of the water! Now!"
Maybe it was the panic in her face or voice, but either way, the two males spring into action, dipping beneath the surface. Tsireya drops her face below, watching as the two males swim to Neteyam. As the taller, leaner male wraps an arm around Neteyam's chest and begins to pull him upward, Neteyam's entire body goes slack, a sure sign of a vision.
Tsireya starts swimming towards the beach, knowing that she has to get her mom, having no idea how long he was having the vision before she even noticed. She lifts her head to look over at the docks as the males breach the surface once more, Neteyam's head lulling back onto Tsu'tey's shoulder, automatically spitting out the water in his lungs and coughing weakly.
Jake moves up onto the dock with Neytiri and together they pull Neteyam up with them. Jake immediately pulls Neteyam to himself, kneeling down with the tsakarem being turned onto his side and gently patted on the back to help him cough up the water with the crook of one arm cradling Neteyam's chest and face so he's not laying down on the dock.
Not able to waste another moment, Tsireya sprints up the beach, waterlogged, towards Neteyam's family hut, knowing at least one of her parents has to be there. Then, as Tsireya races past the start of the dock, she glances back to see Neteyam's entire body stiffen as a seizure claims him.