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Italics: (Na'vi language, Metkayina sign language, and Jake's inner thoughts)
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Ecplise was over a few minutes after the Sully's reunited. The sun was beginning to peek out once again from behind the planet that Pandora orbited. That said, natural light was beginning to return and everything was much clearer. The SeaDragon sank and there was nothing to see on the horizon apart from the three looming and giant rocks on the shores. So many things had changed from the moment before and after the sun had set behind the neighboring planet. It seemed like a fitting metaphor to how things can change from the blink of an eye, from one moment to another.

By the time that the sun came out, Spider had made it out to the surface with Quaritch still on his back slowly regaining consciousness. The boy started to bring the Colonel over to the choppy shores of a rocky surface that Spider had been the closest too. Water crashed back and forth against the rocks while Spider began to bring Quaritch over to the edge. The Colonel had already gained enough strength to start climbing on his own, so the man groaned as he began to make his way up the shore with Spider pulling him by the back of his vest.

When Spider and Quaritch were both on the rocky surface on a stable side of it, they both were breathing heavily with exhaustion. Spider was looking at the Colonel with furrowed eyebrows and a conflicted expression, trying not to let his mind convince him that he messed up by saving this man. Meanwhile Quaritch himself looked at his som with a surprised and puzzled look. Why had Spider saved him? After he said that he was not his son, Spider still came back for him. But why?

Neither of the two said a word to each other, especially when there was really nothing to be said. Spider didn't want to explain himself, and he couldn't. He was still figuring it out himself. All of a sudden, Quaritch's Ikran landed with a screech between the boy and the Colonel still loyal to the Colonel he had bonded with. Quaritch panted for a few seconds as his Ikran screeched in his face as a greeting. The man groaned as he started to get up weakly. "Let's move out," The Colonel muttered, but Spider stayed put and didn't move a single inch. The man was crazy if he thought that Spider would still go along with whatever he said, much less go with him. Not in a million years.

Quaritch limped over to stand by his Ikran's next, preparing to mount the saddle. Spider had taken off his life jacket in order to remove the emergency floatation devices on the sides, and looked into the distance to see if he could see the Sully family anywhere. "Son," Quaritch started, and Spider snapped his head over to look at the man in front of him with widened eyes at what his father just called him.

A few hours ago he had dismissed Spider as nothing close to him, not even as his flesh and blood, but now he was finally acknowledging him? Quaritch extended his hand out to Spider while still breathing heavily, but not as much as before since he was still trying to catch his breath. "Come with me," The Colonel said, holding his out to his son, but Spider's opinion hadn't changed. Even if he couldn't let him die, Spider would never go along with anything that Quaritch said ever again. He wouldn't make the same mistake twice, never, ever again.

Spider didn't say anything else except for scowling at Quaritch, seething at the man with a hiss before dropping his life jacket behind him and jumping into the water. The Colonel's eyes widened at what he witnessed. "Spider!" The man called out to his son, but it was futile because the boy was already submerged. The Colonel panted heavily as he felt more blood trickle down his nose and mouth, so he didn't waste any time in mounting his Ikran.

It was a painful thing given that the man was still injured from not only almost drowning but also the fight with Jake. He hissed in discomfort when adjusting himself onto the saddle and connected his queue and bond to the Ikran. With a gruntled tug on the saddle and a command on his Ikran, Quaritch took off into the skies and left Three Brothers Rocks, leaving the Sullys behind with their fallen son.

Speaking of, the Sullys had been taken by Payakan back to the rock where Neteyam's body layed still. Tsireya had stayed by his side during the entire body, grieving the loss of her friend. When Lo'ak got back with his siblings and his parents close in tow, he immediately took Tsireya into his arms and wrapped an arm around her while she put her head on his shoulder, wrapped her own arms around his torso and began gazing blankly at Neteyam, letting more rogue tears slip down her cheeks.

Tuk was crying with anguish while holding onto her deceased brother's arm, holding it close to her, and pressing the palm of his face to her cheeks. Her future of growing up alongside his oldest brother were tarnished and she, nor Kiri, didn't even get a chance to properly say goodbye. Tuk was only 7 years-old, so she hoped that even if she grew up, the memories she made with her brother never faded and she would always keep them close.

The moment you got off of Payakan, you raced back to Neteyam's body, sitting beside him, and placing him onto your lap while cradling his face. You had taken it upon yourself to close his eyes, no matter how much it shattered your heart. You stared down at him blankly and silently while tears streamed down your face. You closed your eyes shut and let out a choked sob, reaching over with your free hand to join intertwine them with Tuk's. A sudden reminder came to your mind. The Ikran Neteyam had bonded with had probably felt the sacred and deep bond between them break the moment he died, leaving the Ikran without another hunter for the rest of its life. The simple thought of it made your stomach churn.

Across from you, Jake was kneeling in front of Kiri, cutting the cuffs that she still had wrapped around her wrists from the ship. The whole process was done in absolute silence, with nobody saying a word and just grieving silently with nothing else to be said, but rather prayers to Eywa that at least Neteyam was in peace now, like he deserved and so much more.

Spider eventually made it back to the rocky surface that the Sullys were in after rejecting Quaritch's offer to join him again. The human boy swam up to the shore, climbed up until he was sitting on a small rock settlement to take a breather, while his air mask hissed with every breath he took, and panted as waves crashed up on shore onto him. The grieving family was just behind him, and a part of him felt like he shouldn't be there at all, but he dismissed it.

A few seconds later, Spider turned around and stood up, beginning to walk over to the family. Kiri noticed his presence as he came closer and her eyes lit up with relief. She was so glad to see he was okay after everything that went down today. "Monkey boy!" Kiri beamed, and Jake turned his head to look at Spider. Your husband stood up with a sigh, watching as the boy came closer. Lo'ak stood beside his dad, letting go of Tsireya, given that she walked over to be next to Tuk and comfort the little girl.

"Spider," Lo'ak said, walking over to stand beside his best friend, completely oblivious to what Spider had done without their knowledge. Kiri raised her hand and placed it on the boy's shoulder, smiling gently at him. Spider looked down at Kiri fondly, still breathing heavily from trek in the water he had to make, but even so, he refused to break eye-contact with the girl he cared so much about. She looked up at him with so much love and affection that it broke his heart to even imagine what her reaction will be when she finds out what he did. In fact, he feared for the entire family's reaction, but he didn't dwell on that too much right now. Today, it was abour honoring Neteyam's life.

Jake moved to place both of his hands onto Spider's shoulders, forcing the boy to look up at the towering Na'vi man standing before him. "Are you alright?" Jake asked with worry, and Spider nodded, ignoring the feelings of ongoing guilt he was enduring inside. "Yeah," Spider replied simply, and Jake nodded wordlessly.

Withou saying anything else, Jake brought a hand behind Spider's head and another on his shoulder, bringing the human boy closer and embracing him. As Spider hugged Jake back, wrapping an arm around Jake's back, the said man turned to look at Lo'ak and did the same thing. "Come here," Jake said, putting a hand on the back of his son's head, bringing him in a fatherly embrace. Lo'ak rested his head against his father's chest, closing his eyes and relishing in this bittersweet and special moment. Spider closed his eyes shut tight, refusing to look at anyone or anything in his vicinity, knowing that the shame he felt would eat him alive.

A son for a son.

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That night, the Sullys had returned to the Awa'atlu village. Tonowari and Ronal had been devastated to hear what happened to Neteyam. They believed that he had a bright future and he would accomplish great things because of his morals and good character. They thought of him as a role model. Along with the Tsahik and Olo'eyktan, Ao'nung and Rotxo who had gotten very close to your son were absolutely heartbroken and ridden with sadness. They'd all become good friends and when they saw his lifeless body, their only reaction was to look at his body with blank and empty expressions, and tears clouding and blurring their vision.

That same night was the funeral, and no matter how much you protested, Neteyam couldn't be brought back to the forest and be layed to rest in the place he was born in. His body was being buried so far away from the place he used to hold so dearly to his heart. It's where he grew up, and where his life started, so you thought it would be only fair that if his life ended, he could be connected to his roots of the forest.

Before the funeral, Tonowari and Ronal offered to prepare Neteyam's send off into the depths of the sea like the Metkayina did for any fallen man or woman of their tribe. The Sully's were undeniably part of the Metkayina now, so there was no reason why Neteyam couldn't have the honor of going back to his ancestors right here in the ocean, where all things are connected.

Lo'ak, Kiri, and Tuk had spent the rest of the afternoon with Tsireya, Ao'nung and Rotxo. Whether it was recalling and rehashing memories of Neteyam or just simply checking on each other after the battle, the kids from the village comforted your children in the loss of their brother, and shared their pain. Other than that, the Metkayina kids spent time trying to lift up the spirits of the Sully children while also giving them all the time they needed to grieve. They deserved that and a lot more than they were given credit for. Anyone who went through what they did deserved as much.

Now, the funeral was just in a couple hours so you and Jake were preparing for it. Jake had gingerly painted your face with black paint, and then you returned the favor by painting his face with white paint, while covering the many injuries like scratches and bruises that had yet to heal. You had also placed around your neck the neck piece that belonged to Neteyam, honoring his life and who he was.

You also had a black headpiece that had a cloth that covered your hair. All of this was done in agonizing silence, with neither of you saying a word. It wasn't because you didn't want to speak to one another, but the pain was still so great that there was nothing either of you could say to make it any better. The only thing on your minds right now was to put your son's body to rest in a way that he deserved and that he would have wanted, with everlasting peace.

When that was done, there was only one last thing left to do. As Jake lit up a small fire to keep you two warm, you gently grabbed Neteyam's songcord that was attached to his waist loincloth and ran your finger through each of the beads that were attached to them.

You sighed shakily and began to sing as you closed your eyes. "Lie si oe Neteyamur, Nawma Sa'nokur mìfa oeyä. Atanti ngal molunge, Mipa tìreyti, mipa 'itanti. Lawnol a mì te'lan. Lawnol a mì te'lan. Ngaru irayo seiyi ayoe Tonìri tìreyä. Ngaru irayo seiyi ayoe Srrìri tìreyä. Ma Eywa, ma Eywa" (I experience Neteyam, and the Great Mother, within me. You brought light, new life, a new son. Great joy within my heart. Great joy within my heart. We thank you for the nights of our life. We thank you for the days of our lives. Oh, Eywa. Oh, Eywa.) You sang softly while a single tear slipped down your closed eyelids.

Every songcord must have a last bead.

You stood up with shaky legs and wiped your tears away, sighing and opening your eyes. You walked over to Jake, whose eyes were trained on the flickering flames in front of him. You reached for your hair, tangled and messy, not bothering to fix it. From his breathing, you could tell that he was restricting his emotions, whether it was for you, the children, or even for himself because he just didn't want those barricades to come down yet, and you didn't blame him. Your hands eventually moved to cup the sides of his face, forcing him to look at you. You saw how his eyes were bloodshot and glossy, instinctively making your heart wrench in even more pain than it was in before.

You took a step forward to him, and this time, Jake responded by kneeling closer to you, slipping his arms around your waist tightly with grief, and buried his face into your belly. His breath against your skin was becoming more erratic, so you could tell he wanted to cry. Your husband closed his eyes and sighed shakily, which matched your own feelings. You continued to stroke your fingers through his hair as he felt more and more grateful to have your presence right here, with him. Your warmth, your comfort; it gave him strength.

All of a sudden, a sound that you thought that you never had to hear ever again resonated through the space of your family's hut. Jake was crying, which soon evolved into sobs as he stayed kneeled with his head nuzzled against your stomach. Your eyes widened and your breath hitched. You realized that he had no time to grieve before, and when his son died, he had to jump right into action. He wasn't able to be as open with it as you were, and he knew that even killing all of those men on the ship would never be enough to fill the void of grief that the death of Neteyam had left. Jake's tears streamed down his eyes, and you could feel them on your skin, making you shudder with anguish that you had already tried to leave behind, but it was obviously not the solution.

Jake only wished he hadn't been so hard on Neteyam, and Lo'ak too. His biggest and greatest regret was not giving him a chance to really be a kid and not burden him with unnecessary responsibilities. He wished he could take it all back, but now, he knew he wouldn't make the same mistake twice. You knew of the struggles and burdens that Jake put on himself but you wanted to shoulder them with him, and not let him continue to live this way. Realizations like these are ones that he took notice of too little too late. You never know what you have until you it's gone. No parent should ever have to out live their kid.

Soon enough, you and Jake had somehow ended up crying together, wordlessly agreeing to take on this together. As a family, like its always been. You eventually dropped to your knees, and then wrapped your arms around Jake's shoulders and tucked your head into his neck. As for him, he wrapped one arm around your waist and cradled your head with another, and just like you, he tucked his head into your neck as you both cried and refused ignore and to hold onto any emotions from this time forth.

The time of the funeral and burial of Neteyam came much quicker than you and Jake would've wanted. It soon turned dark and the entire village had gathered near the reef of the Spirit Tree in the Cove of the Ancestors with torches, holding hands to commemorate the boy's life. All of your children had their faces painted as well just like you and Jake. While Jake rode in front on his Skimwing on the water, pulling behind him the giant leaf that held Neteyam inside, you and your children surrounded it and helped push it forward. The leaf was filled with pink blossom flowers and native fauna that are vital to the Metkayina, which made Neteyam a true member of the sea and reef clan even after his death.

You and Lo'ak were on either side of the leaf, while Tuk was behind it, helping bring it forward with her family. Spider rode behind Kidi, sitting right behind her on the ilu. Lo'ak had his hand placed onto his brother's body. You also had your free hand placed onto your son's arms, and Tuk had her hands on him too. To them, it was hard to ignore that This would be the last time that they would ever touch their brother, and you your son, and the simple thought of that made all of your stomachs churn with pure agony and sadness that their young and pure hearts could barely take it.

Neteyam's body was curled up with his legs tucked up to his chest and his arms wrapped around himself. You made the mistake of peeking over the leaf, and seeing his lifeless yet peaceful and beautiful face. The day of his birth flashed before your eyes, prompting tears to slip down your cheeks as you shuddered and your eyes looked forward blankly. Your kids continued to cry softly as they kept their eyes on their brother, not ready to say goodbye yet.

Spider and Kiri rode side by side with the leaf Neteyam was in. Kiri held Spider's hand close to hers, and both had unreadable expressions on their faces. Nobody said a word during the ceremony, and that was because there was nothing to be said. Actions spoke louder than a thousand words, and this simple act would honor the Sully brothers' life as it should.

In the crowd of the Metkayina villagers, Ronal and Tonowari stood at the front, holding their hands out in front of them in prayer. Not too far, Ao'nung, Tsireya, and Rotxo all stood silently with sullen yet empty expressions as each of them held a torch made out of seashells. All three Metkayina kids had silent tears streaming down their faces, refusing to believe that their friend had such fate like this.

A father protects. It's what gives him meaning.

Jake rode a bit further on his Skimwing until they arrived at the floor of glowing anemone. He let out a shaky breath before getting off of his creature and swimming behind him to where his family was. Upon reaching them, Tuk and Lo'ak moved to be on either side of the leaf while you moved to be beside Jake and to help him move Neteyam's body. As you and Jake unloaded your som from the leaf, many flowers spilled onto the water and began to spread out and you unintentionally got another glimpse of your son's face. Not having the strength to hold it in anymore, an accidental sob erupted from your lips, refusing to believe this would be the last time you ever saw him.

As you and Jake carefully got him onto the water, Lo'ak had his hand on his brother the entire time. When Neteyam was flipped to be facing upwards and a clear view of his face was in display, Lo'ak's mouth parted and his eyes began to water. The Sully brother placed a hand over his brother's forehead, gently and lovingly pushing back lose braids on his face.

When Neteyam was finally onto the water completely, you and Jake looked at each other with a barely noticeable nod, but it was enough for the two of you to know that it was time. At the same time, you and your husband inhaled deeply and then submerged into the water. The boy had a knitted cloty wrapped around him so he could go down without any inconvenience.

Kiri had also gotten off of her Ilu and gotten below the surface, wanting to see Neteyam one last time. Spider sighed shakily when he was left alone on the ilu, watching everything happen from above on the crystal clear waters. He soon decided that he didn't want to miss this either. Neteyam was one of his closest friends, so he wouldn't miss this for anything. What kind of friend would it be if he sat it out?

The People say that all energy is only borrowed. One day, you have to give it back.

Jake and you slowly began guide and lower Neteyam down, deeper onto the reef where the glowing anemone layed. As you two did so, the kids were all watching from above. Spider and Kiri held hands tightly together as they watched as the boy who they both considered their brother, be layed to rest peacefully. Lo'ak reached a hand down, trying to ultimately reach for Neteyam but realizing that he didn't want to say goodbye, but he had no choice.

You and Jake soon enough had brought your son, the first product of your love and the boy who started your family, down to the anemone and letting him go painfully. Lo'ak continued to mutter muffled pleads under the water. The young brother also caught a glimpse of his older brother's hair tie keeping his braids back, that used to be his own and Lo'ak wanted so badly for Neteyam to have it forever.

The worst part eventually arrived, which was when you and Jake eventually had to let go of your son and let him be engulfed by the tendrils of the glowing anemone below. Jake looked up briefly at you with a heavy heart, seeing your gaze fixated on your son as he was being taken back by the ocean. Lo'ak reached his hand down further, if he could, and began to let out choked sobs that were muffled by the water and bubbles omitted his anguished sobs.

Eywa holds all her children in her heart. Nothing is ever really lost.

As more and more tendrils covered and engulfed Neteyam's, while glowing at the contact they made with the boy, flashes and memories of his birth and welcome to the clan resurfaced in both of yours and Jake's minds. It felt really bittersweet to remember that and then look down to see the state that he was in.

With so much happiness and joy, you beamed at your husband lifting your son in the air. You couldn't help but let your hand come upon your lips, failing to cover the smile you had on your face. This was such a special moment, and you soaked up every second, not wanting to forget this part of your son's life.

"Neteyam!" Jake announced as an introduction of your son to the Omaticaya. Light from the sky and through the tree canopies beamed down on the baby, and after hearing its name, the baby giggled happily.

"Neteyam!" The People chanted back, accepting the baby as the new addition to their clan. They swore that they would all take care of the boy as their own and treat Neteyam as their equal until the end of time.

Nobody raised their heads from the water, refusing to take their eyes of the sight of Neteyam being taken down further into the ocean floor by the sea anemone. The glowing that these plants made was only proof that the boy was layed to rest peacefully, just like everybody around hoped that he would.

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It wasn't long before the ceremony was over and the village returned to their homes. While you stayed with your kids and Spider back at the hut, Jake told you he'd be right back along with a soft kiss on the cheek. He left your family's home and made his way over to Tonowari and Ronal's hut. You and Jake had talked about a few things after the funeral was over and your husband was going right now to express those very decisions to the Olo'eyktan.

At the arrival of Jake, his presence made Ronal and Tonowari stand up warily in front of your husband. Jake prepared for what he had to say, as hard as it was for him to admit, he truly believed it would be what was best. He had caused the sea people enough pain already that it was time to pack up and go. "My family and I...we'll move out tomorrow. Far away from here" Jake spoke up with sincerity, even if eyebags graced his eyes and cuts littered his face. Ronal and Tonowari visibly widened their eyes a fraction at the ex-marine's words.

"Your son lies with our ancestors. You, are Metkayina now," Tonowari reassured, wanting the family to stay. Neteyam was buried here in the sea, and it's only right if the Sully's stayed as well and stayed closed to the roots of where their boy was layed to rest. Tonowari was respectfully identifying Jake and his family as part of the clan, and it was undeniable now. The Olo'eyktan held out his hand, and Jake looked down at his with hesitation. Your husband suddenly felt a big sense of humbleness, internally vowing to protect the clan or let his mistakes repeat themselves.

And there it was. We are sea people now. And this? This is our home.

Jake looked up again at Tonowari, then back down at the man's extended arm. Jake silently extended his own arm, and proceeding to hold onto Tonowari's forearm while the Olo'eyktan held onto his. It was a silent promise and a vow in order to defend Awa'atlu with his life. This was their home now, and he would never leave it behind like they did with the forest. Jake would protect it. The Tulkuns, The People, his family, and everything in between at any cost.

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Later on that day, when it was much darker, The Sully's, Tonowari and Ronal along with their kids, and Spider all gathered in the Spirit Tree in the Cove of the Ancestors. Ranteng Utralti. Payakan was there too, swimming around the tree with cries and wails that were natural to the Tulkun. The tree glowed with every leaf it had, as well as the roofs that surfaced right on the base of it. While the kids stayed with Payakan, you and Jake swam to be right in front of one of the roofed leaves.

You and Jake shared a single look before intertwining your hands together, then looking forward and prepare to connect your queues. When you were both ready, Jake gently caressed your knuckles with his thumb as a message for you to go first. You nodded with a soft smile and grabbed your braid from behind you, lifting it up to the leaf closest to you, and letting the tendrils attach with a gentle glow.

You slowly closed your eyes and relished in the feeling of being seemingly transported through your mind. Shortly after you connected your queue, Jake did the same thing and let the tendrils of his braid attach to the leaf in front of him. He closed his eyes and right off the bat, he felt his entire being transported. It was blurry and bright at first, but when the light cleared, he heard those familiar chattering sounds of the forest that he could recognize anywhere.

When he opened his eyes fully, Jake's gaze landed immediately on the little boy with a bow and arrow on that familiar waterfall stream where he taught his son to fish. The boy in front of him was none other than Neteyam. Jake began to walk forward to catch a glimpse of him again, seeing his boy jump into the water to retrieve what he had caught.

Upon getting closer, Jake saw a small Neteyam trying to keep his composure while holding onto the flapping and wiggling fish impaled on his arrow. When Jake got closer and the boy caught sight of his presence, Neteyam beamed with a smile and lifted what he caught. "Dad! Look what I caught!" Neteyam said proudly as he walked closer to the shore and Jake kneeled in front of him with a sullen smile. "Wow. Wow, that's- that's a big one" Jake said, ignoring the stinging feeling in his chest of his son being completely unaware of his death.

"He was in that pool," Neteyam said, pointing over to the bundle of rocks he spotted the fish in. "It was by the rocks, right where you said," He beamed, pulling out the arrow from the fish and looking up to look at his dad. Without even realizing it, Jake had tears streaming down his face that he tried to blink away. He didn't want Neteyam to see him like this, especially since he didn't want his spirit to worry and he just wanted for him to be at peace forever. Jake blinked for a second, and suddenly younger Neteyam was replaced by his teen self and it only made Jake's insides rip apart even more.

"What is it, Dad? Why are you crying?" Older Neteyam asked, with worry for his dad looming over his features. Jake didn't want him to worry, because after all, he deserved to be at peace more than anyone. Jake didn't want to take that away from him. Jake shook his head with a tired smile and moved his hand to place it on top of Neteyam's that had the arrow.

"I'm just happy to see you, boy..." Jake whispered, moving his hand to place it on top of his son's head with affection. This made a big smile come upon Neteyam's face, happy that his dad wasn't upset, or at least that's what he thought. The boy not being aware of his own death seemed to cruel to be real. "Well, I'm happy to see you too," Neteyam smiled, leaning against his dad's hand on his head. Jake blinked once again and older Neteyam was back to being his younger self, holding out his bow and arrow for his dad to take.

"Here, you try," Little Neteyam said, and Jake did not waste a second to comply. He would never do otherwise. With a small chuckle, Jake took the bow and arrow and stood up again as Neteyam climbed up the shore to stand next to his dad. "Okay," Jake said simply, beginning to notch the arrow into the bow he was given.

"Got any tips for me?" Jake asked, knowing that one of Neteyam's aspirations was to become a warrior and he worked hard to master using bow and arrow just like you did, and Jake as well when he first arrived in the Omaticaya clan. "Mm...maybe," Neteyam joked with a shrug, eliciting a wholehearted laugh out  of Jake as he aimed his arrow at the nearest fish he could see in the water below.

Unknown to the two boys, you had been walking through the forest too and eventually reached a corner to find your husband and son spending time together as if nothing had changed. Watching them together like this was more than enough for you, and it warmed your heart deeply. A soft smile came across your lips as silent tears slipped from your eyes, but they were content and happy ones.

Neteyam had grown up to be a hunter and a warrior. Somehow along the way, you realized that your son had left on his own out into the world, he became a warrior like he wanted, shot people to protect those he loved who were in danger like his parents or his siblings, and in the end, got himself shot. Even if they left the forest, and their home, it took you a while to take notice of the fact that the world is just a bigger forest where everyone is still fighting for their lives, which your kids ended up having to do. Neteyam only died because he wandered in the forest too long, and that was it.

Jake absolutely hated that his burdens, sins, and unresolved problems had fallen and had been forced onto his children, who didn't deserve any of it. He wanted them to live without fear, and running away only brought them more of that. The adults are the ones who need to keep children out of the forest, and it is up them to shoulder the sins of the past, making a better world for the future of the kids and incoming generations who are left to fix the problems of those who started them.

You never thought you'd get the chance to see those two like this again. This opportunity was a blessing from the goddess you'd be eternally grateful for. Memories like these that Eywa allowed the Na'vi to see were truly something to never take for granted, especially because of always being able to come back and reconnect with deceased loved ones that they've lost. It's the greatest gift that Eywa has for her children.

"Yeah! Check that out!" You heard Jake say as he released the arrow and successfully caught a fish. It was like you were in that moment for the very first time, and you loved every minute of it, as you're sure Jake is taking in all of it.

Even from outside of the memory, connected to the Spirit Tree, you were still smiling and beaming with content. Your son would never completely be gone, so you and Jake will make sure his death meant something. Your eyes were closed, but the emotions and feelings were still there. Neteyam was okay and at peace. That was all you could've ever asked for.

While you took in the memory and continued to watch your boys from afar in the memory, outside, Jake still had his eyes closed and was deep inside his mind. Even so, he had a clear goal of what he wanted now. An epiphany struck through him, and came to a realization.

I see now. I can't save my family by running. This is our home. This is our fortress. This is where we make our stand.

Jake opened his eyes again, and this time, he knew exactly what to do. He cannot run away any longer, but fight them head on and protect his family like he should've from the very start.

-

aaand we're done with book 2! I seriously cannot believe we've made it this far. Im so proud of how it turned out and I can't wait to add the 3 hours of deleted scenes that will come out soon.

Also, I didn't run this chapter through grammarly yet like I do with the others in the past, but I figured it was okay since I would spend time revising both books anyway after they're done. Besides, grammarly was glitching and it was really annoying lmao

I hope you guys noticed how I used a philosophy from Sasha in AOT S4 (which I haven't recovered from even 2 years later lmao) but I found it really fitting, so I hoped you guys liked it! I still think about it to this day.

About the alternate ending coming soon, Im still trying to decide what it should be because I have so many scenarios that I want to write out, and others that I want to save for the ending of my next Jake story. Im torn between two ideas so i'll figure it out as I go shsj

The schedule for the next few chapters and book updates will be like this:

Alternate Ending: Thursday
Prologue of 'Your Existence': Friday

There's not much I have to say now, but as always, I'll add other news in future chapters if there are any at all, Anyway, I'll see you all in the next one! 🤍 Have a good rest of your week everyone!

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