𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒

〶

As the sun descended, casting a warm glow over the ocean that encircled Toku's home, the world around him came alive. The sounds of awakening animals mingled with the gentle lapping of waves as they climbed over the horizon. 

Toku's unruly curls fell across his eyes, catching the sunlight, as he absorbed the serenity of the scene. However, the conversation of his parents drew his attention, prompting him to straighten up, only to be greeted by the sight of his younger siblings peacefully asleep.

"Toku, son, it's time," Tonowari, his father, spoke softly. Understanding the unspoken request, Toku silently slipped away from his slumbering siblings.

Tonowari handed Toku his spear, a symbol of protection and responsibility, and the two set off together,preparing to leave behind their mother who was lost in contemplation, her gaze fixed on her swelling stomach. She broke the silence with her typical bluntness.

"Your hair is a mess," she stated matter-of-factly.

Toku shrugged, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Well, I did just wake up—"

"I'll fix it for you later. There's someone important for you to meet," she interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. With that, Toku bid his mother farewell and joined his father in the forest, where the air was filled with the chorus of early morning creatures.

"If you wish to lead, you must first learn to protect your people," Tonowari emphasized, his voice carrying a hint of irritation as Toku's gaze momentarily wandered to the sight of creatures gracefully swinging through the trees.

"Are you listening to me?" he asked with a sharp look on his face

Toku snapped his attention back to his father, nodding in understanding. "Yes, Father. I apologize," he responded, his focus realigned. Together, they ventured deeper into the forest, searching for an animal that had recently attacked one of the villagers.

"Stay focused, son," Tonowari urged, swiftly maneuvering his spear to strike a leaping viperwolf, sending it crashing against a sturdy tree trunk.

The wounded creature hissed defiantly, but Toku swiftly reacted, matching its aggression with his own. With nimble feet gliding across the damp soil, he launched into the air, delivering a precise strike that instantly ended the viperwolf's threat.

With reverence, Toku and Tonowari ensured that the fallen viperwolf would not go to waste. They knelt beside the lifeless creature, offering a prayer of gratitude to Eywa. Their hands moved with care and purpose, delicately wrapping the body in a cloth, preserving it for sustenance.

Tonowari placed a hand on Toku's shoulder, a proud smile spreading across his face. "Ah, just as I taught you," he commended. "Good work, son." Pride welled within Toku as they made their way out of the forest.

Upon reaching their Marui, Toku was greeted by the sight of his siblings wide awake. Aonung rubbed his eyes as if he had been asleep for an eternity, while Tsireya enjoyed her breakfast alongside their mother.

"Mornin'," Toku greeted them with a nod.

"Did you kill it?" Aonung asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Right through the head," Toku replied with a hearty laugh, shaking Aonung's hand.

"That's so cruel!" Tsireya protested, crossing her arms.

"What do you mean? It was an instant death," Toku reasoned.

"It didn't deserve it, though," Tsireya countered, her expression filled with sadness.

"It attacked Rotxo!" Aonung chimed in, defending their actions.

"Yeah, because he was trying to throw it in the water!" Tsireya retorted. The two siblings began to bicker, their voices filling the air.

Toku shook his head, chuckling at their playful exchange. Their contrasting perspectives always managed to amuse him,

"Toku, come sit," his mother beckoned, gesturing to the floor in front of her.

"But Mama, I'm hungry!" Toku whined, his stomach grumbling in protest.

Ronal simply raised her hand, a silent command that made Toku groan in resignation. He plopped down onto the floor, casting a longing glance towards the untouched food. Tonowari, his father, couldn't help but chuckle, earning a glare from his wife, which only widened his grin as he quickly retreated outside.

Toku could only whimper as his mother's skilled hands tightly braided his hair, securing it with golden bands. He winced, feeling the occasional pull as she worked.

"Ow, that hurts!" he complained, instinctively covering his head with his hands.

"Stop moving!" she scolded, gently swatting his hand away.

Finally, she finished, her touch softening as she admired her handiwork. "There, all done. You look handsome, just like your father," she declared with a tender smile, pride sparkling in her eyes.

Toku couldn't help but crack a small smile, despite his earlier protestations. "Lookin' fresh, man," Aonung remarked, passing his brother a plate of breakfast, causing Toku to laugh.

The siblings chatted away during their meal, discussing any topic that crossed their minds. Aonung's hopeful gaze caught Toku's attention.

"You think you could come fishing with me and my friends later?" Aonung asked, excitement shining in his eyes.

Toku understood that Aonung looked up to him, and he relished the role of being a positive influence on his younger brother and his friends, even if he didn't particularly care for them.

"I can't. Ri'on alreadly asked to hangout," Toku replied, shrugging his shoulders.

"Well, sucks for you because Tama found the coolest spot in the reef," Aonung chimed in, trying to impress his older brother.

Toku couldn't help but chuckle, appreciating his brother's enthusiasm. "Wish I could join. Catch a big one for me, okay?"

Aonung nodded with excitement, and the siblings continued their breakfast.

Later that day, as the sun climbed higher in the sky, Toku found himself being called out of the Marui by his friends. He bid farewell to his family, promising to return soon, and ventured out.

Toku's group of friends had always been a mischievous bunch, known for causing a stir in their tribe. Despite their antics, Aonung and his friends held them in high regard. As they gathered together, Toku's closest friend, Ri'on, couldn't resist poking fun at him.

"So, what's your mother got you doing now, huh?" Ri'on asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Kelturel chimed in with a laugh, "Yeah, new hairstyle and all. Are you becoming the tribe's new heartthrob?"

Toku rolled his eyes, but couldn't help but smile. His friends always knew how to bring laughter to any situation. "Well, she did mention that I have to meet someone today. No details, though."

His friends exchanged knowing glances, struggling to contain their laughter. Dane finally burst into uncontrollable laughter, and the rest of the group joined in.

"What's so funny?" Toku asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"Man, you're clueless!" Hui managed to say between fits of laughter. "Your parents are trying to find you a potential match. They want to court you!"

Toku's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and amusement washing over his face. "Wait, seriously? They want to find me a spouse already?"

The group continued to chuckle, relishing in their friend's reaction. Kelturel grinned mischievously, unable to resist joining the fun. "Well my mother said it's best not to tell you anything so..."

Toku shook his head, a playful smile spreading across his lips. "Oh yeah and you always listen to your mother" Toku said making the group laugh

Kelturel, eager to shift the focus away from himself, interjected, "Let's not forget about Ri'on and Na'ri!"

The mention of Ri'ons secret caused another wave of laughter to fill the air. Toku glanced at his friend, who appeared equal parts embarrassed and amused.

"I thought you promised to keep it a secret," Ri'on whispered to Toku with wide eyes

Toku shrugged, a sheepish grin on his face. "My bad" He said with a laugh

The day was spent mostly of the group swimming around until most of his friends had been called to lunch by their parents and soon on Ri'on and himself were left

"So you're really not gonna tell me who I'm supposed to marry?" Toku questioned his friend

Ri'on simply shook his head "Nope"

Toku sighed, rolling his eyes playfully. "Fine, keep your secrets, I'm sure i'll find out soon enough anyway."

With a final wave to his friend, Toku left the peaceful shore and made his way back to his home, where his mother's voice called out for him.

"You called for me, Mama?" Toku asked, his eyes bright with anticipation.

Ronal smiled warmly, her expression a mix of love and concern. "Yes, my dear son. There is a matter of utmost importance that we must discuss."

Toku's brows furrowed, a sense of foreboding settling in his chest. "What is it?"

His mother motioned for him to sit beside her, their conversation taking on a serious tone. "Toku, you know our tribe has always valued unity and alliances with other clans. It is customary for our leaders to arrange marriages that strengthen these bonds."

Toku's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing with the implications of his mother's words. "Damn it..." He whispered to himself

"Excuse me?" His mother said with an offended look 

"Nothing, nothing continue..."

Ronal nodded, her gaze filled with a mix of sympathy and determination. "It is a delicate matter, but the leaders of the neighboring tribe have proposed a union between our families. They wish for you to marry their daughter, Ayani."

Toku's mind swirled with conflicting emotions. He had always envisioned a love that bloomed naturally, but now the weight of tradition and duty settled upon his shoulders. "Okay, what do I need to do?"

Ronal reached out to hold her son's hands, her voice gentle yet resolute. "Tomorrow, you must meet with the tribe's elders to discuss this matter further. They will provide guidance and seek your consent. Remember, Toku, this decision carries great significance for our people. It is not just about you but the future of our tribe as well."

Toku nodded, his expression a mix of uncertainty of his own future. Was this something he truly wanted?, to be married to a girl he hardly knew

Ronal squeezed his hands, her love evident in her eyes. "I know it is not an easy path, my son, but your father and I know she will love you."

Toku took a deep breath, the weight of responsibility settling upon him. As he bid his mother farewell and contemplated the impending meeting with the tribe's elders

〶