𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒

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I apologize for the delay; I've been swamped with exams over the past few weeks and have been doing my best to carve out time to work on this chapter. I hope you find it enjoyable!

Toku had observed that Kiri appeared a bit off; it seemed that the effects of yesterday had taken a toll on her.

The two sat in her family's home once again. Toku had finished his morning duties and decided to visit Kiri. Despite his presence seeming to lift her spirits, he sensed that she still held onto some sorrow in her heart.

"Kiri," Toku said, gently brushing his hand through her hair, "What's been bothering you?" Kiri shook her head.

"It's just... my father told me I'll never be allowed to connect with the spirit tree," her voice cracked slightly at the thought of never being able to connect with her ancestors. Toku took her hand in his as she leaned into his shoulder.

"Kiri, my love, I'm so sorry," Toku murmured.

"It's not your fault," Kiri spoke softly.

Toku held Kiri close, his words filled with a mixture of vulnerability and affection. "You know, seeing you in pain, Kiri, it was like a part of me was being torn apart. I realized how much you mean to me, how deeply I care for you."

Kiri's gaze softened as she looked up at him, her hand resting against his cheek. "Toku, I'm sorry I scared you like that but know I'd never leave you. I love you."

Toku's heart swelled at her words, and he leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. It was a kiss filled with unspoken promises, a silent affirmation of their feelings for each other.

Toku and Kiri's sweet moment was soon disrupted by the loud call of a conch shell. They quickly stood up, rushing outside to find Kiri's family appearing puzzled.

Nevertheless, an instant smile spread across Toku's face as his sister proclaimed, "Everyone, our sisters and brothers have returned!" in a joyful tone.

"What is it?" Kiri inquired, her grip still firm on Toku's hand.

"The tulkun," Toku replied, a smile gracing his face.

"Come on!" he exclaimed, urging his Ilu forward and helping Kiri onto its back. With enthusiasm, they swam out to meet his soul brother.

Toku's entire clan had gathered in the water, each communicating with their own spirit brother or sister. Among them, Toku immediately recognized his own soul brother as he surged through the waves, leaving his own parents behind.

Toku's spirit brother, Mayanki, shared many similarities with him. As the eldest in his family, Mayanki was also poised to become a strong tulkun leader of his pack. With excitement in his heart, Toku enthusiastically waved towards Mayanki, a broad smile illuminating his face. Kiri joined in with a light giggle as Toku's Ilu increased its pace to meet the larger tulkun.

Toku looked back at Kiri, sensing her reluctance to get close to Mayanki. "It's okay, Kiri. Trust me," he reassured her with a smile. Mirroring his expression, she returned the smile, mustering the courage to join Toku as he leapt from his Ilu, swimming as fast as he could towards Mayanki.

Toku signed with eagerness, "Mayanki, my friend, it's wonderful to see you!" Mayanki responded with equal enthusiasm, a heartfelt connection shared between them.

Toku's hands moved gracefully, forming the intricate gestures of sign language as he communicated with Mayanki, his tulkun spirit brother.

"Mayanki, I want you to meet someone very special," he signed, his fingers expressing his words with a mixture of excitement and affection. "This is Kiri."

Mayanki, the majestic tulkun, responded with an unmistakable presence, his large body gliding smoothly through the water. The playfulness of his movements conveyed a sense of understanding, and his eyes seemed to sparkle with a knowing intelligence.

Meanwhile, Kiri was having a delightful time on the back of the tulkun. She laughed merrily as the creature splashed water playfully, its giant tail creating waves that danced around her. Her laughter carried through the air, a symphony of happiness that blended harmoniously with the sounds of the ocean.

Kiri's playful spirit extended to the water, and she took a daring leap, diving into the inviting embrace of the sea. As she resurfaced, water glistening on her skin, she seemed to embody the very essence of the ocean's freedom and vitality.

Toku's gaze followed Kiri's graceful movements, his heart swelling with an admiration that went beyond words. In that moment, as sunlight kissed her wet skin and her laughter echoed like a melodious tune, Toku realized just how lucky he was. Kiri was and always would be the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Her presence alone made him quiver.

As his thoughts drifted, Mayanki decided to intervene. The tulkun surged forward with an energetic splash, sending water cascading over Toku. Startled, Toku shook his head, returning to the present moment with a sheepish smile.

Mayanki's presence was undeniable, his intentions clear despite his inability to articulate in the same way the Na'vi did. His splash was both a playful reminder and a gentle nudge to refocus Toku's attention.

With a chuckle, Toku signed to Mayanki, "You're right, my friend. It's all about the here and now."

Mayanki's cheerful agreement resonated in musical tones that danced in the air. "But she is very beautiful, is she not?" Toku signed, his fingers moving gracefully to convey his thoughts. Mayanki's response was a good-natured eye roll, followed by a playful splash that gently grazed Toku, eliciting a hearty laugh from him.

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