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Italics: (Na'vi language, Metkayina sign language, and Jake's inner thoughts)

A/N: I hope you guys aren't losing interest in the story and stick around until the end :,) Also, don't forget to comment! I love all of your replies and reading them <3 Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter! 🤍 RubyRoundhouse17 for a resquest made to add to this chapter! <3

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Soon after Ao'nung told Jake the truth, everything turned south. Your husband did not hesitate in rushing to tell you what happened to your son. Your blood ran cold the moment that you heard the news, gaping at Jake with wide and fearful eyes. You prayed to Eywa that Lo'ak was okay and that he came back unscathed Ronal and Tonowari found out as well, reprimanding Ao'nung accordingly.

You and Jake worried even more when Tonowari informed the two of you how reckless it was to be outside the reef. It was dangerous, unprotected, unsafe, and unpredictable. It was uncharted territory that many Metkayina did not dare to cross. You had emotions that were mingled with anger at Lo'ak for making you and Jake worry so much, and anxiousness waiting for his safe return to the village.

Jake organized a search party shortly after, mounting his Skimwing along with some other head warriors of the village. They were now heading out and hoping that Lo'ak was at least in the vicinity of the reef by now. You stayed behind, anxiously waiting for your husband's return, and hopefully, Lo'ak is with him.

Ronal noticed your anxiousness and hesitantly proceeded to place a hand on your shoulder. At her actions, you turned your head to look at her and sent the Tsahik a soft smile. She nodded slowly and wordlessly, giving you the small reassurance that your son would come back.

Just outside the barrier of the reef that protected Awa'atlu, Lo'ak was standing on the Tulkun's fin as the creature brought him back to the village. Since it was nighttime, the bioluminescence was at high levels in the water, so each stroke of the Tulkun's fins created a trail of glowing streaks. Lo'ak noticed how the Tulkun's eyes were gazing straight upwards towards the sky littered with stars.

"Do you like looking at stars?" Lo'ak asked, receiving a small whistle from the Tulkun in return. "You know, my dad came from a star," Lo'ak said with a soft smile, gazing up at the sky, wondering which one of them could be his father's home. It could be any of them. After searching, he pointed up and turned to look at the Tulkun's eyes. "That one, right there," He gestured, feeling himself getting lost in stargazing. It was a beautiful sight.

All of a sudden, coming around the corner and seeing the village in the distance, he could hear yips and calls from the warriors including his father. "Lo'ak!" Jake yelled in the distance, making the boy's eyes widen. "Oh man, I'm in trouble," He said beginning to lower himself down to say a few last things to the Tulkun.

"Go. I will see you again," Lo'ak said, signing along with every word. The Tulkun slowly blinked and then turned its gaze forward, starting to swim further and leaving Lo'ak to swim back to the shore. The boy watched as the sentient creature swam further into the depths of the sea, already missing his new friend. Focusing on the matter at hand, Lo'ak began to swim to an area where he could be spotted.

Soon enough, Jake was able to see Lo'ak in the distance, and relief washed over him. His son was okay. Jake rode his Skimwing all the way over to him, calling other warriors to follow his lead. Upon reaching his son, Jake's first thought was to hug him. He embraced his son, happy that he was safe, but also brewing disappointment for letting this happen. He wouldn't get into that right now, because he realized that you probably wanted to see him.

Jake then led Lo'ak towards one of the warriors Ilu so that his son could ride back to the village while he got on his Skimwing. Upon reaching the village, the warrior who Lo'ak was riding with allowed him to step off and onto the platform of the huts. "The boy has returned!" Someone called out as horns blared and resonated through the village, making many villagers gather around to see. Tonowari, Ronal, Ao'nung, and the Sully siblings were all at the front watching the arrival of Lo'ak.

After stepping onto the platform, Lo'ak turned around and gestured an 'I see you' sign to the warrior he rode with. The boy turned around and was immediately met with the intimidating stare of Tonowari. As soon as Lo'ak's gaze landed on Ao'nung, anger brewed inside him as he started to march forward but was stopped by Jake putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey. Let's have a look at you," Jake sighed, stepping around to check if his son had any bodily injuries, but all Lo'ak could do was glare at Ao'nung silently. Tonowari kneeled on one knee on the edge of the platform. "He's fine. He's fine. It's just a few scratches," Jake said to everyone, and as if on cue, you appeared through the crowd with Ronal close behind.

You walked down to the platform your son was standing on and immediately pulled him into an embrace, holding the back of his head. Relief washed over you as you sighed deeply, seeing Lo'ak in one piece. "You're alright," You muttered, feeling your son hug you back instantly. Soon, that relief was replaced with irritation at your son putting himself in such peril and danger like that. You pulled away from the hug and held onto both of his shoulders and looking at him sternly.

"Lo'ak. How did this happen?" You asked, but he only kept his gaze down in shame, making you groan softly to yourself. He wasn't making any of this easier. "I pray for the strength that I will not pluck the eyeballs out of my youngest son!" You sneered, ears tipping back and hissing slightly, making your son tip his head back in embarrassment. Lo'ak knew that you had every reason to respond that way, making you worry so much after not knowing his whereabouts for so long, so he accepted it and didn't let it phase him too much. You were much more understanding than Jake.

You had too many emotions circling through your heart and mind right now, and you would have an understanding talk with him later. After what you heard from Jake, you knew it wasn't his intention to put himself in that position. He just wanted to be understood.

"No," Tonowari started, making everyone turn to look at him. "It's not his fault. My son knows better than to take him outside the reef," Tonowari said, putting a hand on Ao'nung's shoulders and pushing him down to a kneeled crouching position on the ground. "The blame is his," Tonowari concluded, not wanting Lo'ak to take the blame for his son's actions.

Jake nodded and exhaled, putting a hand on his son's back to bring him back to their hut. "Okay. Let's go," Jake said, and you turned your head to look at Lo'ak. You didn't want to snap earlier, but you knew your son. He felt drained and tired, and this day just spiraled out of control. He turned to look at you and you sent him an understanding smile, knowing that he would have you to talk to afterward.

"No. This is not Ao'nung's fault," Lo'ak began, and your head snapped to look at him with wide eyes. What did he just say? Ao'nung's eyes narrowed with suspicion and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion as to why Lo'ak was taking the blame for this. "It was my idea. Ao'nung tried to talk me out of it. Really," Your son said, making Jake shake his head as he stepped up to the pathway of the huts.

"Lo'ak," You whispered to him sternly, not knowing why he was doing this. Tonowari turned to look at his son, not knowing what to do with Lo'ak's declaration. The chief turned to his wife and she looked at her husband with pitiful eyes, not understanding why the boy has to go through this any longer, especially now that decided to take the blame for this.

"I'm sorry," Lo'ak continued, and soon after, Jake was gesturing with his hand for his son to climb up to the base of the huts. You and Jake started leading Lo'ak back to your home to talk, but not before Jake turned to Tonowari. "I got this one," He said, assuring the Olo'eyktan that he would handle Lo'ak for now.

After the Sullys were on their way to their hut, Tonowari turned to Ao'nung, who was looking down in shame. "Is this true?" Tonowari asked lowly, still not receiving an answer. Ronal was next to speak. She couldn't believe her son had put your son in danger. It's inexcusable. "Ao'nung, what were you thinking?" Ronal whispered, but the prince stayed silent.

When arriving back home, Lo'ak was walking with Jake, you, and Neteyam in tow. Kiri and Tuk were close behind, but they knew this conversation could get ugly so they stayed far ways back from the group. Eventually, Lo'ak stopped walking and looked to face his father as you stopped to stand next to him, with Neteyam behind the two of you.

"Dad. You told me to make friends with these kids. That's all I was trying to do-" Lo'ak started, trying to explain himself but Jake was too angry and irritated to even try and listen.

"I don't want to hear it," Jake pauses in his words, refusing to look his son in the eye. "You've brought shame to this family," Jake said, and your husband's words made your eyes widen. He was being too harsh and needed to look at the bigger picture.

"Jake..." You whispered, placing a hand on his shoulder. Lo'ak shouldn't have to feel like this, because it wasn't his fault he was left stranded. Yes, he did worry you and Jake, but in the end, he was safe and that was all that mattered.

Lo'ak's eyes and facial expressions visibly dropped at his father's words. His ears tipped back and finally spoke up. "Can I go now?" He asked, but Jake was still not happy at all. "Any more trouble and I'm gonna knot your tail. You read me?" Jake said sternly, and you didn't hesitate to put a hand on his shoulders and push it back so that he looked at you instead.

Your expression was filled with a plea for him to stop. Lo'ak got the message already, and today has been bad enough for him as it is. There was no right or wrong here, just more understanding was needed.

"Yes, sir. Lima Charlie," Lo'ak said with attitude, keeping his face stoic. It just meant that he heard his father loud and clear. The boy stood there, looking at his father, who was already gazing at his son with a conflicted look on his face. Part of him knew that he was being harsh, but if that could keep Lo'ak out of trouble, he would do it. Jake knew that Lo'ak was just like him when he was younger, and he wouldn't let him make the same mistakes and lead him towards a wrong path.

As Lo'ak walked away, you looked at your son as he disappeared into the village. With a sigh, you turned to look at Neteyam, who heard the whole conversation and knew his reprimand was coming eventually. "Where were you, Neteyam? How did this happen?" You asked softly, not daring to raise your voice at him but clear enough so that your son knew you were serious and meant business.

"Yeah. What happened to keeping an eye on your brother?" Jake asked, and you sighed, looking at your husband briefly. Making Neteyam feel like he faulted this would not help at all, or make him feel like it was his responsibility to take care of Lo'ak. He was his brother, not some sort of glorified babysitter.

"Sorry, sir," Neteyam muttered, loudly enough for you and Jake to hear. All of a sudden, you pulled Neteyam into a hug, just like you did with Lo'ak. He didn't deserve to feel guilty. Things unraveled and words that weren't meant to be said came to light. Jake stood by, watching this happen, and exhaled. He didn't like being as tough as he has been with his sons, but as always, he was acting out of the fear he felt when he thought something had happened to Lo'ak. He couldn't bare it. He was a scared father trying to look out for them.

When Lo'ak walked away, he felt like he needed some time alone. What he didn't know is that Ao'nung was trailing behind him trying to catch up. When walking up to Lo'ak ignoring the way that the Sully brother scowled at his presence, Ao'nung walked by his side.

"Why did you speak for me?" Ao'nung asked, genuinely confused as to why Lo'ak decided to let all the blame fall on him completely.

The prince was already expecting to take the punishment for what he did, and now, he didn't have to. Lo'ak shook his head with a dry laugh, looking downwards. "Because I know what it's like to be one big disappointment," Lo'ak replied, not caring about how much it hurt to admit that. Ao'nung stopped walking after he heard that, watching Lo'ak continue on his way down the beach quizzically.

Later that night, you, Jake, and your kids were getting ready to sleep. Jake had taken it upon himself to help Neteyam, Kiri, and Tuk, while you sat with Lo'ak outside. You were both sitting on a platform, with your feet dipped in the water. It was close enough to be near the hut, but far enough so that you and Lo'ak could talk without anybody hearing.

You were going to talk to Jake tomorrow after he's cooled off. He was too clouded by anger and irritation right now that he couldn't see the bigger picture of what had happened. For now, you wanted your son to sleep a bit more peacefully and not with guilt racking his thoughts. You and Jake knew very much what that was like, and he didn't deserve it.

"Lo'ak," You started, prompting your son to look up from the water, and look at you with sadness. It's clear as day that he had been putting up a front, but after time had passed and everything sunk in, you could tell he felt worse about how today transpired. "You scared me and your father today. But no matter what your dad says, you need to know that we're both just glad you're safe," You smiled gently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Mom. You believe me, right?" Lo'ak asked, and it saddened you to think that he would think otherwise. "Of course I do. If you were the one who told Ao'nung to go outside the reef, then things wouldn't line up. You were trying to make friends, and you're not in the wrong for that," You said, tucking a loose braid behind his ear while he stayed silent.

"Your father and I worry a lot because you remind him a lot of how he used to be when he was younger. Believe it or not, he was reckless and sometimes didn't think things through all the way. He just doesn't want you to make the same mistakes he did and wants to protect you and your siblings from the consequences that come with it. Lo'ak, please know that we'll always love you, no matter what happens," You said, and Lo'ak nodded, swishing his feet in the water below his feet.

"Thanks, Mom," Lo'ak spoke up, and you smiled softly. This time, he was the one to lean in and wrap his arms around you. You placed a hand on the back of his head and another one around his back. "Anytime, my precious boy," You whispered, feeling him hug you tighter.

After he pulled away, you placed both of your hands on his shoulders. "Would you be willing to talk to your dad and soothe things over? You could help him understand. He doesn't see the world the same way you do, and maybe telling him would help," You suggested, but Lo'ak immediately shook his head. He knew it would be pointless to even try.

"No, Mom. He won't understand. He never has. What could I possibly say that will help him see my perspective?" Lo'ak asked, and your expression softened. There was so little communication between your son and his father that it hurt. Things should not be like this. Maybe when you talk to Jake tomorrow, you could talk to him and incline him toward being the one to take the first step. Lo'ak has already tried, but Jake hasn't all that much. So, you'd try the next day to give him tips as to how to make his relationship with Lo'ak better.

"Okay. I won't force you to be the one to do it first. I could talk to him for you if you'd like when he's cooled off. He is too frustrated right now to listen, but I'll do my best. Both of you have to talk and work to make things right," You suggested, and Lo'ak nodded. He was so tired of trying and honestly couldn't remember the last time he had an honest conversation with his father.

"I swear, I didn't- I didn't mean for this to happen," Lo'ak said, and you nodded, placing a hand against his cheek lovingly. "I know, trust me. Your dad will know too, just give him some time. He's scared, he won't admit it, but he is," You said, and Lo'ak nodded. It soon grew to comfortable silence as you and your son sat side by side on the platform.

"Hey. Do you remember when you were little and your dad used to take you Ikran-watching? Taking you up to the mountains and you'd spend all day together just admiring Ikran's flying in their natural habitat. Then, you came back home and you'd tell me all the different patterns of colors you saw on the Ikrans. You looked so happy," You said, raising a hand to run your fingers through his braids.

Lo'ak chuckled at the memory. It seemed like ages ago, and that was an activity Jake only had with Lo'ak. So it was very special. Something they did together, just them. He didn't seem to recall when all the time went by.

"I remember that. What I can't remember is the last time we did that together. I miss it," Lo'ak said with a bittersweet smile, and your gaze softened. "Things will get better. I know you wish things would've turned out differently, but take it from me and your dad, people make mistakes when they're trying to survive," You said, and your son nodded wordlessly.

"Thanks for this, Mom. I really do feel a lot better," Lo'ak said, and you smiled with a nod. "You can always come to me, and I'll always make time for you. For now, are you ready to head back inside? Do you want more time?" You asked, but Lo'ak shook his head.

"No, I'm okay. I feel a lot better than I was a few minutes ago. I'm actually really tired now that everything that happened today is sinking in," Lo'ak said, and you nodded with gentle understanding. If that's what he said he wanted to do, who were you to impose? Eventually, after staying a few more minutes outside, you and Lo'ak headed inside the hut.

Tuk, Neteyam, and Kiri were deeply asleep. Lo'ak walked by himself to his mat and soon after, he was sleeping too. You headed over to the mat that you and Jake shared, seeing him already asleep too. The thing is, you couldn't help but notice that he wasn't sleeping with a peaceful expression, but rather a troubled one. He had his lips in a slight frown, and his eyebrows furrowed. You sighed and walked over to your side of the mat to cuddle up next to him and maybe convert that look on his face.

As always, you laid on your side of the mat and the moment Jake sensed your presence, even in his sleep, he moved his arms to wrap around your waist as his head tucked into your shoulder and neck. Knowing that three of the most important people in your life were having a tough time, whether it was Jake, Lo'ak, or Neteyam, it was hard to keep a straight face and pretend it didn't break your heart.

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The next morning, while your children were still sleeping soundly and the others too, you took Jake out on a walk to speak with him, just like you had promised Lo'ak the night before. There needs to be some sort of middle ground that will ease the tensions between them, so with a war on the horizon, it only made sense that they tried to see eye-to-eye if anything happened and things were left unresolved, leaving guilt and sorrow to deal with.

You walked hand in hand with your husband down the beach, seeing the sun come up on the horizon. Soft sand between your toes and a gentle breeze soothed both of you over. You didn't know how to start this conversation, and even if you knew that Jake was only trying to keep the kids out of harm's way, his way of going about it wasn't the most effective. Maybe, from this talk, you could agree about how to handle the possibility of your children being subjected to Quaritch's attacks if he were to eventually find your location.

"Ma Jake," You started, and at the sound of your voice, he turned his gaze to look at you. He had a neutral expression on his face, but you knew he had a million thoughts running through his mind. "I wanted to talk to you about what happened yesterday, with Lo'ak. And Neteyam too," You said, and Jake sighed, knowing this conversation was coming. After he had some sleep, he was able to collect and gather his thoughts a bit more.

"I know. I wanted to talk to you about that too," Jake admitted while you tightened your hand around his. "I've been trying to find a solution alone, without having to burden you, but I can't. It's too much," Jake said, and you nodded wordlessly. He's told you about this before, and he cared too much about you to have you shoulder what he has had on his mind. He wouldn't do that to you. He doesn't want to feel like he's failing his family.

"You don't have to say it, but I know how hard it has been for you to carry the responsibilities of our family's safety. But, you know you're not alone. The kids are much stronger than you think, and they'll be there. As for me, you've known me long enough to know I will never let you go through this alone. This family's protection is a collective effort, and you know you can count on me," You said, making Jake turn to look at you with moved and saddened eyes. It seems that was all he needed to hear.

"What I said to Lo'ak and Neteyam is still racking my brain. I shouldn't have, and my worry was speaking for me. Lo'ak is so similar to me that it scares me that his actions might lead to something irreversible. I can't stop thinking about it. If being harsh keeps him away from making my same mistakes, then that's what I'll do," Jake said, and you completely understood where he was coming from. Jake didn't want to be this way, but he was willing to sacrifice the image of how his kids see him to protect their lives.

"It's so clear to me that you always have their best interest in mind first, and I love that you're such a good father to our children, but there are ways that you can protect them without being so strict all the time. Quaritch will find us eventually, and the best we can do is prepare them for it, teach them to have a strong heart," You said, recalling the words you said to Jake when you first met him.

"How can I do that?" Jake asked, looking downward and then turning his head to face you. "Lo'ak and Neteyam want to live up to your expectations. They just want to know that you believe in them, just as much as they believe in you. Don't get me wrong, I know that you have such strong hopes for them and believe that they can do anything that they work hard for, but they don't know how you feel. If talking to them right away after last night seems rushed, then let your actions speak for you," You started, and Jake stayed silent as he began to take in everything you were saying.

"Trust them, Jake. Trust that they'll make the right choices. You and I both know that Lo'ak wasn't the one to head out by the reef of his own volition. He just wanted to make friends with Ao'nung and patch things up as you asked him to. Surely that's enough to prove how much they respect your judgment," You continued, and Jake took note of everything you were saying. Your opinions meant a lot to him and he always kept them in mind.

Your husband was silent for a few seconds as he recalled everything you said in his head. You're right, because, of course, you were. Maybe it was time that he showed how much he cared about his sons with actions, rather than with harsh words like he's done this entire time. He doesn't know how just yet, but he needed his sons to know that he couldn't be prouder of both of them and he didn't know what he would do without them in his life.

His way of showing how much he wanted to take care of them might not have been the healthiest, but now he wanted to redeem himself, and if Quaritch found your family, you would all hit back with everything you've got. Even if it wasn't ideal, it felt too good to be true that your family would be hidden away from danger forever, and it felt like the inevitable was about to strike at any moment.

"Thank you, Y/n. I should probably say it more but I keep everything you say close to my heart. You've been nothing short of a blessing ever since you came into my life. If it weren't for you  I don't know where I would be" Jake admitted, and your heart swelled at his words.

You didn't say anything else except reach up to cup his cheek and kiss him. It was sweet, soft, and slow, and it took all of Jake's troubles away even if it was just for a moment. He gently put a hand on your waist as you kissed for a couple more minutes, with both of you putting all of your love and care for one another into it. He had no idea how much his words made your heart swell and feel like you were falling in love all over again.

This family is a fortress, and you'll be damned before you or Jake let anybody harm it or try to separate you. You wouldn't let it happen. Sure, things like yesterday tended to happen, but they could have a chance of being amended too. That's what makes your family so special. Sully's stick together, just like Jake always said.

After a while, you smiled into the fading kiss, and Jake did the same, slowly pulling away. Before separating from your face completely, he leaned in and rubbed his nose gently against yours before pressing a loving kiss on it. You giggled at the tickling feeling, and it is so clear how Jake was starting to get his courage and strength back just by talking to you. That was all he needed. Somebody to listen to what he had to say and what he thought.

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When it transitioned into the early morning, and the kids had woken up, you and Jake had gotten back to the hut and met with Tonowari and Ronal. Near the barriers of the reef, the Metkayina kids and the Sully siblings were gathered together on a little island, with other fishermen out in the distance starting their day with their usual activities and routines.

After yesterday, Lo'ak and Ao'nung had somehow gotten to an understanding and were on the path to becoming friends. On the island, the kids were all sitting together in a circle. It included Neteyam, Ao'nung, Kiri, Rotxo, Tuk, Tsireya, and Lo'ak.

Tsireya was sitting next to Lo'ak, who was holding onto the girl's arm just as she was holding onto his hand. The youngest Sully brother was telling them all his experience with the Tulkun he met outside the reef. Upon hearing all of this, Kiri was nothing short of amazed and delighted by the story.

"I wish I'd been there. The ocean blessed you with a gift, brother," Kiri smiled, incredibly happy that Lo'ak was creating a bond with the ocean just like she was. Although, Ao'nung didn't have the same reaction, given that he was more skeptical. "The Tulkuns have not returned yet, and anyway, no Tulkun is ever alone," Ao'nung pointed out, moving from his spot leaning against the tree and crouching.

"Well, this one was. He had a missing fin, like a stump on the left side," Lo'ak pointed out, looking directly at Tsireya. "Poor Tulkun," Tuk said with a small frown. After the Tsireya heard Lo'ak's statement, she immediately made the connection and her eyes widened in fear and worry. "Payakan. It's Payakan," Tsireya said, her ears tipping back at the realization of who that Tulkun was. The girl looked at Rotxo and Ao'nung, who had mirrored the Metkayina princess' expression.

"Who's Payakan?" Kiri asked with sudden curiosity, not knowing what could've caused such a reaction. "A young bull who went rogue. He's outcast, alone, and has a missing fin," Rotxo answered, and Kiri nodded. Lo'ak's eyebrows furrowed with confusion at what Rotxo said, not believing that the sweet Tulkun he met was dangerous and was exiled.

"They say he is a killer," Tsireya said with caution to Lo'ak, who immediately shook his head in denial. "No," The Sully brother said, and then Ao'nung decided to speak. "He killed Na'vi and other Tulkuns. Not here, but far to the south," The prince said, earning a questioning look from Neteyam as he listened.

"No, he's no killer," Lo'ak insisted, but Tsireya sighed, putting a comforting hand on his forearm, looking at the Sully brother with her turquoise eyes. "Lo'ak. You were lucky to be alive," Tsireya said, but Lo'ak shook his head. He didn't believe Payakan is as dangerous as they were making him seem. It couldn't be true.

"I'm telling you guys, he saved my life. He's my friend" Lo'ak continued, putting a hand over Tsireya's that was on his arm. Neteyam suddenly stood up and moved to be behind his brother. "My baby bro. The mighty warrior who faced a killer Tulkun and lived to tell about it," Neteyam teased, but deep down feeling proud of his brother for making such a journey and connecting with a very spiritual animal. It was incredible. But, In annoyance, Lo'ak hissed and pushed his brother's hands away from his shoulders with irritation.

Lo'ak then stood up and looked over everyone. He believed Payakan wasn't what they were describing. That was not the friend he made the day before, and he was going to prove it. Tsireya's eyes softened in sadness at Lo'ak. "You guys aren't listening," He said, beginning to walk backward, and then turned to walk the other way and back to the village.

"Lo'ak, I'm-I'm listening!" Tuk said, reassuring his brother that she believed him. Even as a small 8-year-old, she didn't think it was completely impossible . "Lo'ak, come back!" Kiri called out, but her brother was already too far away to hear by now.

"You skxawng," Ao'nung muttered, but deep down, he did think that what Lo'ak said would be a possibility. It's just hard to believe considering how Payakan was all by himself when Lo'ak found him and that's not normal. Some things weren't adding up.

After that, Lo'ak did not waste any time heading back to the village and calling an Ilu. He wanted to go see Payakan again and find out what happened. There was an explanation further than what he was told, he was certain. Lo'ak immediately headed back to Three Brothers Rocks to find his Tulkun friend.

Upon arriving at the section above the reef, he kneeled on his Ilu, and the creature itself lifted its head from the water as Lo'ak called out for the Tulkun. "Payakan!" The boy called, making the ilu screech out too as if it was calling the Tulkun too because of the bond. "Payakan!" Lo'ak continued to call out as the ilu splashed its fins on the water, making whistling sounds.

A few seconds later, a giant creature that Lo'ak recognized as Payakan emerged from the depths of the reef. Its tusks were the first indication for Lo'ak to know that his Tulkun friend was back. He immediately left his ilu, letting it swim away, and the boy began to make his way through the water to Payakan.

Lo'ak swam up its eye, making direct eye contact and proceeding to sit on its fin that the Tulkun lifted for him. "It's good to see you," Lo'ak said, receiving a low whistle from the creature as if Payakan was saying that he was glad to see Lo'ak too. The boy remembered what he was here to do, and immediately began to ask Payakan what he wanted to know.

"Why are you outcast? What happened?" Lo'ak said, signing to the Tulkun at the same time. Payakan blinked slowly while emitting a high-pitched and airy whistle. "It is very painful," Payakan said through pained vocal sounds. The Tulkun was still affected by what happened even to this day, but he knew he could trust Lo'ak with what truly occurred when he lost his fin and was separated from his pack.

"I trust you. You can trust me," Lo'ak said while signing along to his words. Payakan watched through his peripheral vision, smiling with his eyes as Lo'ak placed a hand on top of its head, rubbing the plated skin softly. From that moment on, Payakan did not hesitate to trust Lo'ak, and without being bonded, he could already consider him his brother.

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Hi! I really liked how this chapter turned out because Ive begun to develop the relationship between Lo'ak, Neteyam, and Jake a bit more.

I wanted y/n to have a close bond with Lo'ak, a mother-son relationship that he can turn to when he wants someone who he has known for years to listen to him and understand how he feels and can express his worries and emotions to. I also wanted to show how the reader has a soft spot for Lo'ak :,)

Anyway, as i've said before, I have a 4 day weekend so ill try to write and update every day! Im so excited because I cant wait to get to some plotpoints I have all planned from here on out!

My main idea for this chapter was to express the inner turmoil that both Lo'ak and Jake are feeling internally. I hope I delivered shsj

Anyway, I'll see you all in the next one! 🤍 Have a good rest of your week and good weekend everyone!

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