𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒

〶

Toku happily rejoined his group of friends as they rode their ilus through the sparkling waters, playfully splashing each other with every leap and dive. Laughter filled the air, creating a joyful atmosphere.

However, their carefree play was abruptly interrupted by a sight in the sky. Above them, several majestic Ikrans soared gracefully, carrying unfamiliar Na'vi riders on their backs. The group exchanged confused glances, their playful expressions quickly turning into curiosity and intrigue.

Before they could make sense of the spectacle, a resounding horn echoed through the air, its call demanding their attention. The group instinctively knew it was a signal to head towards land.

Toku, towering above most Na'vi his age, couldn't help but be drawn to the group that stood on the sandy shore. Leaving his friends behind, he joined his younger brother, his gaze fixed on the unfamiliar figures before him.

"They're forest Na'vi," Toku whispered, his voice filled with intrigue.

"Look, what is that, is that supposed to be a tail?" Rotxo said with a mischievous smile, causing the group to erupt into laughter.

Toku chuckled along with them, appreciating the light-hearted banter. However, a glare from the unfamiliar girl beside the group made him pause, realizing that their teasing might have crossed a line.

"It's too small," Aonung chimed in, pointing at the boy's tail, maintaining the playful tone.

"How are they supposed to swim?" Rotxo added, raising an eyebrow in jest.

Before Toku could interject, his sister Tsireya joined them, swiftly slapping Rotxo's hand away "Do not. Rotxo, Aonung". She said firmly

The unexpected gesture left the unfamiliar boy momentarily dazed "Hey," the boy said to Tsireya, but his sight was abruptly blocked by Toku.

Toku, standing tall and confident, met the boy's gaze with a blend of amusement and protectiveness. Tsireya, unable to contain her giggles.

His father soon arrived with his spear in hand walking confidently towards the na'vi who Toku assumed was the father of the group

"I see you Tonowari." The man said gesturing towards his father to which he returned the same gesture

"Jake sully" His father said with a smile, the rest of the group also exchanged the greeting as a symbol of respect.

His mother too joined the group parting ways through the villagers, "I see you Ronal" The man now known as Jake sully spoke "Tsahik of the Metkayina" He said gesturing

"I see you, Ronal." The woman beside Jake said

"Why do you come to us, Jake sully?" His father asked

"We seek Uturu" He said reaching out his arms

"Uturu?" His mother questioned looking towards his father

"Yes, sanctuary for my family." Toku thought he sounded desperate and in need of help he was sure his parents would make the right decision.

"We are reef people. You are Forest People, your skills will mean nothing here." he stated

"We will learn your ways, am I right" Jake asked looking towards the women as his mother studied the children that stood behind Jake and his mate

"Their arms are thin." His mother stated

Ronal went to grab a girl's tail making Toku wince as the girl made a noise "Their tails are weak."

"Ow!" the girl said grabbing back her tail

"You will be slow in the water." "these children, are not even true Na'vi" His mother said raising the girls hands

Making Toku gasp along with the crowd

"Yes we are!" The girl said

"They have demon blood!" His mother yelled raising the boys hand from earlier, the crowd could only gasp even more becoming anxious

"Look, look!" Jake said raising his own hand "I was born with the sky people but now I am Na'vi!, you can adapt, we will adapt, okay?"

"My husband was Toruk Makto" The women stated, Toku had heard the stories of the mighty warrior many times and it had become one his favorites growing up

"He led the clans to victory against the Sky People."

"This what you call victory?. Hiding among strangers?" "It seems Eywa has turned her back on you, chosen one" His mother mocked making the lady hiss and snarl at his mother to which she reciprocated the aggression

The couple began to bicker before Ronal walked off "Toruk Makto is a great war leader." "All Na'vi people know his story, but we Metkayina...are not at war."

"We cannot let you bring your war here." His father stated Toku understood his fathers thoughts he had his people to think of

"I'm done with war, okay?" "I just wanna keep my family safe" his parents shared a look

"Uturu has been asked"

His father sighed as the two silently agreed on a choice before his mother nodded "Toruk Makto and his family will stay with us. Treat them as our brothers and sisters."

"For they do not know the sea, so they will be like babies,taking their first breath." "Teach them our ways so they do not suffer the shame of being useless." He said glancing towards the family

"Okay what do we say" Jake said putting his hand on the youngests shoulders

"Thank you" She sighed out

The unknown girl rolled her eyes letting out a sarcastic "Thank you." shaking her head

"My children Toku, Aonung and our daughter Tsireya, will show your children what to do."

Aonoung almost immediately protested "Father, why do..."

"It is decided" He said interrupting him

"Come. I will show you our village" Tsireya said with a happy smile. But Toku lingered on the spot for a moment, his eyes fixed on the unfamiliar girl.

He felt a comforting hand on his shoulder and turned to see Ri'on, his closest friend, with a sympathetic look on his face. "Have fun" Ri'on said before walking away with their group of friends.

Toku let out a sigh and reluctantly joined the back of the group, finding himself standing next to the eldest girl.

He made an effort to contain his curiosity and not treat her as if she were odd, but when his restraint faltered and he turned to steal a glance at her, he found her already looking back at him. Their eyes locked for a brief moment,before they both turned away, their faces tinged with a hint of a blush.

The rest of her family seemed to happily follow his sister whilst she covered herself with her arms as if protecting herself.

They ventured throughout the village, attracting curious stares from the locals. Toku couldn't help but notice a few greetings and glances directed his way from random girls. He was aware of his reputation for being good-looking, and it seemed like the girls in this village hadn't failed to notice.

"So... What is your name?" Toku asked, breaking the silence between him and Kiri, the girl beside him. She appeared surprised by his attempt at conversation.

"I'm Kiri," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of shyness. "And you're Toku, right?"

Toku simply nodded, his mind occupied with thoughts of what to say next. Instead, he found himself stealing glances at her every few minutes, captivated by her beauty. He struggled to find the right words, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness in her presence.

"I like your hair, Kiri," Toku said, mustering up a boldness that surprised even himself. His gaze shifted to the out-of-place strands that were adorned with an assortment of beads, and he couldn't help but find them intriguing.

Her hands instinctively reached for the strands he had mentioned, lightly adjusting them as she smiled. "Thank you," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of appreciation. Their conversation was cut short as they reached the entrance of her family's Marui, where the bustling activity of the village filled the air.

Toku couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment that their interaction had been interrupted so quickly. He glanced at Kiri one last time, hoping to catch her eye before they parted ways, silently wishing for the opportunity to continue their conversation at a later time.

His thoughts were interrupted by "Oh, sweet Kiri, just let me braid your hair!" Hui mocked, his friend groups laughter echoing through the air.

Toku's face flushed with embarrassment as he quickly turned to them, a stern expression on his face.

"Shut up! They might hear you!" Toku hushed them, his voice laced with a mixture of annoyance and concern. He glanced nervously towards Kiri and her family's Marui, hoping that their teasing hadn't reached their ears.

"And don't get me started on what I saw you and Dane doing at the bonfire." Toku retorted. Hui quickly quieted down, the laughter fading into awkward silence

"That's what I thought" He said with a smile "What were you guys doing here anyway?" Toku questioned

"You really thought we were gonna hang out without you?, definitely not when Ri'on saw you making eyes at her!" Kelutrel said with a smile

However, their mention of him "making eyes" at Kiri caused a blush to creep up his cheeks. He quickly regained his composure and shifted his focus back to their original question.

"You like her!" Hui yelled, unable to contain his excitement.

Toku's cheeks reddened as he denied Hui's claim. "I don't! I mean, I hardly know her..."

Before he could further defend himself, Tsireya joined them, her presence bringing a momentary relief as she told him of their mother searching for him. With a sigh, Toku left the group once again, his friends' teasing echoing in his ears, and headed towards his family's Marui.

He stepped inside, finding his mother waiting for him. Her request came as no surprise. "I need you to help out at the bonfire tonight, okay?"

Toku agreed readily, understanding the importance of contributing to the community's gatherings. But his mother's next words carried a note of caution. "And make the Sully kids feel welcome... but keep a close eye on them. I'm not sure if we can trust them yet."

Toku nodded again, recognizing the hesitation and wariness in his mother's tone. It was unusual for forest people to leave their familiar environment and join those from the reef. The arrival of the Sully kids had raised concerns and uncertainties among their tribe.

"I understand, Mum," Toku replied with a sense of responsibility. He knew that his role extended beyond being a gracious host. He would have to observe the Sully children closely, ensuring their actions aligned with the Metkayina values and that their presence did not jeopardize the safety of their tribe.

With his mother's instructions in mind, Toku prepared himself for the bonfire gathering, his thoughts still drifting back to Kiri's mesmerizing presence. As he readied for the evening, he couldn't help but wonder how the arrival of the Sully family would affect his tribe.

〶