okaylorrainee - Tumblr blog

okaylorrainee · 9 months

Text

twin flames | L.S. (Avatar: The Way of Water) - Chapter Six

Summary: Let the hunt begin

Lo'ak te Suli Tsyeyk’itan x Ash People Na’vi!Female!Reader (Uses she/her/hers pronouns; No use of Y/N)

Warning: None

Chapter Masterlist

In front of Eywa, I offer you my hand

Today is the day of the hunt. And right at one of Awa’atlu’s lagoons, where na’vi who were already of age were preparing to ride their own tsurak (skimwing). Lo’ak ilu would prove to be useless in hunting akula and right now, his father and other warriors of the clan had been briefing them for the hunt.

For the first week of preparation, Lo’ak had been struggling in taming his tsurak. Just like the first time, he tried to tame an ikran, nothing came easy to him. Maybe Neteyam would've done it on his first try. Complete the task and be the prodigy his father wanted to be.

But his brother is dead.

After the first four days, he finally succeeded in his own predicament. Lo’ak turned around expecting Neteyam to greet him.

‘You did it baby brother!’

When Lo’ak turned around he was alone.

His own thoughts were cut off when he heard someone calling out to him. Jake worriedly looked at his own son who was spacing out. It troubled Jake and his mate deeply to see the once bright-eyed youngest son would always look towards the distance. Jake would see his son do tasks and see him not really there… Lo’ak was living a life where his body is there, yet his mind is lost.

And Jake knew the reason why, and no one is to blame but him. The burden he had placed upon his sons, carried over their shoulders like they were carrying the sky. Jake knew he was hard on his sons and with his mistake, he lost one.

When you arrived, the fire-dwelling na’vi that Lo’ak saved, Jake witnessed something. An emotion, after months of tiptoeing around his son, trying to fix things, your arrival was a catalyst in making his son regain a sense of himself. He had seen two emotions traveling across his son’s face.

Jake had seen the desperation in his son’s eyes, he had seen the way he had clung to your lifeless form. Holding onto the fear that you must live, to save you. A reflection of what Lo’ak once was. Jake couldn’t believe it.

And what followed was the anger, the seethed calculated words that his son spat. Challenging the Tsahik with his own eyes reflected the burning wrath that lay dormant. Those emotions cannot be held down, these are wounds, wounds that cut deep.

That made Jake afraid, he realized the path his son is now would take. And Jake couldn’t do anything, Lo’ak needed to fix this on his own. Although Jake's guidance could only lead to somewhere, its aim does not always hit its mark. And the only thing a father can do is to keep a watchful eye on his son.

When you woke up, Lo’ak spent most of his time with you. A distraction, and for Jake that was enough. As long as his son is preoccupied, he’d learn to heal even if it will take time.

That's how Jake was raised, his marine ways still taking hold of him like a tight leash. Time would heal the wounds away, just walk it off. But this was his son, and even though he is still struggling Jake would at least try anything to get a sense of purpose back to his son. And for Jake, you were that purpose.

“Son, why don’t you go prepare your harpoon? You’ve done enough for today.” Even if Jake’s voice was gentle and his comforting hand was warm to the touch. Lo’ak only hummed and head back to their own marui. Nodding absentmindedly and went on his own way.

Trudging back to the shore; the waves felt heavier, feeling like it was dragging Lo’ak down. His eyes were distant, not even realizing he had bumped into people along the way. His thoughts were drowning him, and suddenly Lo’ak is back to his old ways.

Back to the extreme self-loathing, going back to him basking in the pain and anger in silence. The guilt never left, it was still there slowly eating him alive.

“Lo’ak.”

Someone called out to him, turning to face the voice he looked at you and his sisters who were in their marui. He couldn't avoid the worried glance Kiri sent his way, meanwhile, you only tilted your head. Curious, yet Lo’ak couldn’t read what you were feeling.

“Lo’ak…” Kiri started.

“What are the both of you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to prepare for the start of the celebration?” He asked, trying to distract and change the topic.

“We were getting ready for—” Tuk exclaimed and Kiri immediately butted in, when she realized what her youngest sibling was about to reveal.

“And you? Weren’t you supposed to be with the other warriors?” Kiri asked Lo’ak scanning the room grabbed his own harpoon. Hearing footsteps nearing their marui, the four of you turned to face the new person.

“I was just about to fix my harpoon.”

“I can help you with that.”

“Hey! I was wondering if you saw— there you are!”

Your conversation with Lo’ak was cut short when an intruder came barging in.

“Kiri, that’s him.” Tuk whispered, way too loud that it even reached Lo’ak ears. What about him?

A new voice, someone you had yet to interact with stared at you, he smiled sheepishly. Kiri sniggered when the realization hit in. Even without the intruder talking Kiri already knew what he was bound to say. The older Sully girl felt like she could now be a seer, now that she has a knack for predicting things with the way she can instantly guess what is about to happen in a minute or so.

You see, he is one of the moths to a flame or in simple terms, one of the long list of warriors that certainly had their eyes on you.

Manu, a warrior around the same age as the three of you. He is great at fishing, way too skilled for his young age, after all, the sea is his home. His name would’ve certainly piqued your interest if you had stayed in Awa’atlu for a long time but you didn’t, you were just a newcomer and his name is rather a fleeting dust in the wind.

You really have no idea who he is, and what he requires from you. The intruder looked at you expectantly, and you only stared blankly at him.

“May I talk to you?” Manu asked, eyes darting toward the other two people in the room. Kiri coughed while Lo’ak stared at him intently.

“You are talking right now–then talk.” Lo’ak replied the intruder didn’t expect him to butt in. While you remained indifferent, arms crossed across the chest at the young na’vi who was eager to catch your attention.

“Privately? Please.”

Lo’ak turned to look at you then back at the intruder, eyes darting and scooping out what the heck is going on. That observation didn’t leave Kiri’s eyes, she suppressed the comical laughter that was about to burst out of her chest. Everything was too awkward as stares from every person in the marui were waiting for anything to happen really.

“We will leave.” Kiri announced loudly, almost needing to drag her own brother by his own queue to follow her. Leaving you alone to talk with the moth (Manu).

With one last shout, Lo’ak turned around and said; “You know that is our marui! Not some private meeting quarters for you!” Kiri drags him back towards the sands.

When the three siblings were far away from their own marui the only thing they could do was stare from afar at their own marui. Tuk with the largest curiosity almost ran off towards the two na’vi, wanting to listen. Kiri grabbed her by the arm and took a tight hold on her shoulders.

“But—” Tuk pleaded, pointing towards you.

“What did he need?” Lo’ak asked; Kiri who 100% knew the reason shrugged and left her own brother to ponder it alone. Lo’ak looked at his youngest sister, who was biting her own nails avoiding her older brother’s gaze. Lo’ak realized that Tuk might know more than him.

“Tuk…”

“I swear I don’t know!”

Kiri hid her laughter in her palm. “Maybe, you should’ve listened to Tsireya’s teaching… and realized how important this celebration would be for the young warriors.”

Ever so oblivious, Lo’ak asked. “Why?”

“So clueless… tsk tsk. I bet he’d get the biggest catch for this hunt.” Kiri hinted, adding. “And when he will, I’m sure that he will… he’d fashion a tooth to the person he is courting to craft for their own necklace or armband. What a romantic gesture it would be.”

“And what does that have to do with her?” Lo’ak as dense as a rock blurted, hands across his chest with the confusion painted on his features. Kiri gives him a shrug. As every minute passed by, Lo’ak tapped his foot on the sand, getting

“And why are they taking so long talking in there… it's our marui for Eywa’s sake. He should be the one to leave.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Lo’ak had trudged to walk towards only to be stopped when you and Manu walked out. The latter looked sheepish while you looked indifferent. When L’o’ak had been side-by-side with the young warrior-to-be, he looked at him with a hint of disdain on his lips. Kiri remains to be the onlooker at the scene unfolding in front of her.

As soon as the other warrior was out of earshot Lo’ak asked. “What did he want?”

“Nothing of importance.” You muttered. “Let us go and there are more preparations that need to be done.”

Tuk and Kiri nodded, continuing forward. You stopped in your tracks turning towards Lo’ak. You grabbed his arm as you whispered a trade that warriors from your clan had been doing since the first songs. You knew how important it is for Lo’ak to prove himself, how this celebration is not only the first step to becoming a full-pledge warrior but rather the start.

You knew Lo’ak was impatient, way too quick to pull the string in his own bow to pull a finishing blow. He is like an unrestrained fire, far too dangerous to approach when enraged. A wise person knows how to control and hold back your flickering flames, yet Lo’ak hadn’t mastered his. You knew it all too well, you can see by the way his eyes reflect the anger.

And you have learned to tone down your anger, you learn the way of the waters. As much as you hate to admit it, you had great teachers, Lo’ak who spent most of his time learning each other’s ways; you realized the world has a lot to offer outside the confines of your own home. Back then you didn’t care to learn about the ways of the forest-dwelling clan, reef people, or those who dwell in the ice tundra, you didn't even listen to teachings about the Toruk Makto who once unified clans, yet turn around to betray yours. You were stuck in your own world, stuck in the prejudiced teachings about how your clan is still stuck in the old ways of never accepting change. And when you are faced with a new world, you slowly realize that you have gone back to what you once were, always curious and wandering. Your other teacher came in the form of the daughter of the Tsahik, Tsireya, ever patient to teach you forgiveness, never bearing a grudge against you and your pain. She understood where it came from and with that, she taught you that no matter how high your fire of anger seems it can learn to heal. And last but not least is Kiri, the one who seemed to be one with Eywa, the one who hears the thrum of Eywa’s will. You would not say it out loud but her being open to you led you to slowly unravel yourself, even if you had long abandoned your faith in Eywa. Kiri knows yet she does not force

“What is it?” Lo’ak asked. You stood near the edge of the waves while he remained on the sand. Water trickled your ankles with every bathing breath.

“Be patient.”

“Did you hear what I said? Be patient. Pouakai comes in deadly flocks and we hunt them not aggressively but with precision and right now you are showing no skills of being a great hunter. You show signs of aggression, like the waves of the sea in the storm. Please, my child. Be patient.”

Looking at your own mother, your jaw holding your annoyance back. The Olo'eyktan stared at her own unruly daughter with the intensity of the ice-cold waters that surrounded their homes. Your own mother's eyes reflected worry underneath all the scrutiny of her scolding. You know she was anxious it was your first hunt to become a warrior, and with your rowdy behavior, she fears that it will lead to your own demise.

“One disruptive move and you endanger not only yourself but also your clan. So be patient, a great hunter knows when to wait.”

You uttered your mother’s words right back at the forest-dwelling na’vi. Lo’ak stared at you

“There are many akula that hunt the deep sea. You learn to hunt slowly not quickly, pouakai and akula are similar yet different creatures, they come in groups. The first catch does not guarantee you to be the greatest warrior.” You learn it the hard way, you were greedy with your hunt when that large bird had scoped out your scent. It almost cost you your life and your pride as a warrior to fail. But yet, you persevered. Overcoming the large creature and taking its life for your own.

A tingling feeling settled in the pits of your own stomach, you don’t know how the Omatikaya Clan do their hunts. But yet with every hunt, there is a fear of not coming back. What makes you alive is to have fear, and right now you fear for your own friend’s safety. You couldn’t hold him back, he needed this and he needed to do this alone.

“And…. be safe.” Be safe for me.

Lo’ak looked at your eyes, the eyes that hold almost all the scorn the world had to give go to something he could not fathom. Your eyes almost went soft like molten honey. He nodded.

Walking towards the lagoon were warriors alike prepared their own harpoon for the hunt, he saw his father coaching young warriors alike on how to hunt and even the Metkayina’s Olo’eyktan was guiding the whole group. As soon as his father spotted him, Lo’ak inhaled deeply.

“You look ready? Are you?” His father asked. “Just remember, this hunt is not like ours. This could take days as an akula is much more elusive and they know to blend in these waters. It would be easy for you to become prey.”

“I know. I know. I’ll be patient. A great hunter knows when to wait.” Jake’s eyes went wide. Certainly, his son has been learning, and although it is easier to talk than to act, he believes Lo’ak. Especially when he can see the spark within his son’s eyes.

Suddenly a large horn was blown, startling the onlookers. Metkayina’s Olo’eyktan stood in the middle as the crowd parted for him. Tonowari looked at his own people and directed his line of sight at the future warriors in front of him.

“For a young na’vi wishes to be a warrior, they must face this clan’s Rites of Passage. And we do that by hunting those predators that roam our seas. This would not be an easy hunt, whether you find your target on the first day or for days on end, at the end of the week you must conquer one. Once you succeed, the one who brings home the biggest catch would be used for the celebration. Remember it is not a competition between your fellow warriors but rather your own initiation. Prepare your harpoon and today we ride!” Roars of cheers erupted the crowd as the sound of their own harpoon slamming on the waters was like music to the Olo’eyktan’s ears.

When he saw that warriors alike started approaching their own tsurak, he did the same. Lo’ak turned around towards the form of his sisters and mother waving him good luck and goodbye. He tried to scan the surroundings looking for the fire-dwelling na’vi among the plush of blue-green that colored the skin of the reef people, yet he could not see you or your trusted creature. You didn’t greet him goodbye. He felt his heart drop when he couldn’t see you, but his thoughts slapped him back to reality when he realized that being distracted by you would lead to his failure. He thinks.

You probably hid because you knew what would happen if you showed your face. He would be elated, ready to go back to his own ways of showing off to you. But this is serious, this is his rite to becoming a warrior and he could not afford to fuck it up. He already felt like he was a disgrace when he couldn’t control his ikran and almost ended the trial because of his own failure. This time, he had to show his father that he can be a warrior like his big brother, he could be as strong and as mighty as Neteyam. He promises that he will make Neteyam proud.

He would do this for his brother.

With one last look, a glimmer of hope still hanging on to the idea that you might be in the crowd. And just right in his peripheral vision, he can see just a small glimpse of your figure, away from the crowd while you rode your own tarākona. You didn’t wave but stared at his leaving figure.

Now he commanded his tsurak to ride towards the outside reefs, ready to face the challenge the deep sea waters is about to give to him. In the front, his father, the Olo’eyktan, and the other older warriors lead the charge. The waters soon started to push them harshly. In this part of the sea, you could not see the bright blue reflection nor the sands, here it was dark like the night and the only sense of comfort was the people that surrounded him. The vastness turned his blood run cold and dread crept out to his spine as he stared at his own reflection in the abyss. Among the large island rocks that surrounded them, the older warrior climbed ready to scout and let the young warriors lead. There the older more experienced warriors watch the happenings from below. Lo’ak was sure they could not hear the conversations happening from above as the hammering of his own heartbeat and the occasional splash of water drowned out his own hearing.

Others submerged themselves in the water, going deeper as they tried to make themselves a distraction. One cocky warrior made loud noises, but before Lo’ak could even decide what to do. A large splash was heard, followed by horrified screams as the young warriors scattered away. The warrior that talked to you earlier, Maru? Manu— had been quick to think and followed the sound ready to hunt his first prey. When other warriors realized what was happening they rushed to get the first kill.

“Fuck.” He cursed as Lo’ak followed suit. Chasing the sole akula that decided to show its face in front of the handful of warriors hunting for their rites. When he felt the sole shift of water pushing him away, he watched as Manu chased the akula eagerly. Diving with his ilu, Lo’ak vision blurred for a little bit due to the salty water as it stung right through his eyes, but the other Metkina warriors were more accustomed to these seas, they didn’t need to stop or fix their own vision underwater. Together they chased the creature as it evaded their harpoons, Lo’ak was getting antsy. With every movement and throw, he was far off to the creature’s center as it dodged every harpoon thrown in its way. He decided to rise and catch his breath, slapping his hand on the waves with frustration.

With every passing second the creature was escaping his line of sight, and with every turn, his tsurak could not catch up to the speed of the other warriors. When he recalled your own words ‘Be patient, a great hunter knows when to wait.’

Since Lo’ak was out of his own element, he was not in the forest of the Omatikaya Clan, this was not as close as the Hallelujah Mountains. This was the realm of merciless waters, waters that he does not know. This is a hunt he has not yet witnessed, only prepared. If he were to watch the other warriors, he too could hunt his own prey. There is still time and besides the one they were chasing was not as big as the akula that hunted him back then. Lo’ak craved to hunt the largest one, to make his father proud. To make Neteyam proud. He decided to lay low and climb on the rocky island. Unbeknownst to the young na’vi, his father watched as his own son almost looked to give up. Jake Sully was ready to reprimand his own son when he realized what he was doing.

Lo’ak stayed hidden on the rocky shores, watching as other warriors go aggressive while others wait for their own prey. It was high tide, and these waters were much more viscous than when it is calm. The current pushed and pulled the tsurak of the other warriors.

So Lo’ak waited.

He watched the first warrior to get a kill.

He observed every warrior's aims.

He surveyed the seas, what time the current is at its calmest and its ferocious.

Even the skies he took note of, the wind, and how the trajectory of his own harpoon should be thrown.

He inspected those warriors who became wounded as they were pulled by their strong hunts.

He thoroughly examined each and every detail for days on end.

Waiting for the right moment his perfect prey would arise.

And now he knows he is ready.

It was the final day of the hunt, and the number of warriors was dwindling down as some already had their own catch and are now resting at Awa’atlu while others had given up to heal their own wounds. There were only 4 warriors including Lo’ak and that included Manu who realized that he needed to get the biggest catch. The other two were off to scout the area, while Lo’ak remained on the shores when Manu approached him.

“I believe we are contending for the hand of the Manawa Wera. How about a friendly competition?” Manu asked with his arm stretched forward for Lo’ak to take. Lo’ak stared at the hands of the other warrior, ready to slap it off as he was distracting him from his own concentration.

“Oh… the silent type I see. How come you are quiet, you must’ve been a bore to her.” Manu laughed, as they both walked towards their own ilu. The waves were too calm, Lo’ak noted. No signs of an akula.

Meanwhile, the other warrior rambled. “I never got to talk to her, since she spent most of her time occupied by you. Makes me curious… Did she tell you how she got her bonded creature? Those are from warriors or so I’ve been told… maybe she got it from her father and gave it to hers as protection.”

Lo’ak wasn’t inclined to answer his question, let the young warrior run his brain cells a mile trying to figure you out when you have already told Lo’ak all about your home. He tried hard not to brag about knowing all about you, meanwhile, all Manu knew is where you're from. He wasn’t as connected to you as you were to each other. This bond transcends clans or cultures, this bond that you and he can only understand. And Lo’ak would not tell a soul about it if it meant that it is only for you and him.

“A weak na’vi like her should’ve been with a strong warrior, are you sure you can protect her? Look at your arms and your frame. Ha! I couldn’t even believe forest-dwellers look scrawny next to us.” Then Lo’ak realized what he was doing, trying to set his own buttons. He was enraging him so he will be distracted. Trying to piss off Lo’ak so he will give up, but no. The son of Toruk Makto would not back down and he is there to prove himself.

“Delicate creatures like her—”

“Can you fucking shut up?” Lo’ak turned to face the wide-eyed warrior beside him, harpoon at the base of the other warrior’s throat. “Talk to her as if she is delicate in her face and you’ll see what kind of fragile you want to see.”

Hell, you weren’t delicate, you were everything but that. You are far from weak, from the moment he first saw you he knew you were what defines strong. Lo’ak knew you could protect yourself, even if you never met he was certain that you were as mighty as his brother, and maybe that’s why he was attached to you. You were more than a spark, you were the forest fire that could destroy everything in your path.

Before either of the warriors could talk back all they heard was the frightened screams and soon followed by the large waves pushing their tsurak against each other. The screams of the other warriors alerted the ears of the Olo’eyktan. Within their line of sight, they notice that large shadow below the young warriors, far larger than all the others have captured. As soon as Jake saw someone’s tsurak flying into the air with no rider, he immediately scanned the waters to look for his own son.

Lo’ak knew that as soon as got a glimpse of the tail of the akula, he could see the scars that littered its tail. With years of being hunted, this creature has improved its preying patterns with experience. It knew all the twists and turns that needed to evade being captured, but this is Lo’ak moment. The large akula bumped into the two warriors, causing both of the warriors to almost slip off their own tsurak; it was trying to isolate them away from their bonded creatures. The young forest boy only held on the reins tighter and with the harpoon in hand he took a deep breath and commanded his own tsurak, he followed as the creature dived deep where he was sure that the only reflection he could see was him and his own ride. Behind him Manu followed him, trying his best to be the first to take its aim and Lo’ak let him.

You see even if you did the first shot, the final kill is what would determine if it was your catch. And when the other warrior had thrown his own harpoon, the rope that was tied only made him lose his grip on his own tsurak letting him be dragged widely. And you can’t breathe underwater for that long, especially if you are being dragged into harsh salted waters the adrenaline would die down sooner or later. Manu who has been holding the creature for quite some time was thrown into reefs, making that the final straw for him to let go. The akula was still not done tormenting the other warrior as it tried to chase Manu above the sea, meanwhile, Lo’ak chased the rope that was still holding onto its fin.

Manu called upon his own tsurak, as he swam trying to catch air in his lungs. The creature leapt up ready to chomp its jaws on the unarmed warrior when Lo’ak threw his own harpoon onto the other fin. Both ropes of the harpoon were on his own hand, and with the help of the large waves he pulled the creature in just a nick of time. When the creature dove down Lo’ak chased with his own tsurak, if he could ride the akula under he could use his own knife to carve straight down to its underbelly. Realizing what he must do, he let go of the ropes letting the akula go. But not before he created loud noises with the help of his own tsurak, gathering the attention of the large beast to not lose its attention and ran away. The akula turned around, swimming in tremendous speed towards the Lo’ak with its jaw wide open, in a blink of an eye Lo’ak and his tsurak dove just below to avoid the monster’s jaw and his own trusted hunting knife impaling the underside of the akula in a long straight line.

Red clouded Lo’ak’s vision, as the sea tasted the strong pang of iron from the beast’s belly. The creature groaned in pain, it certainly weakened as Lo’ak guided his tsurak to swim beside the beast as he reached the ropes that were puncturing the fins of the akula. He jumped onto the akula’s back and pulled himself near its head, his own hand burning as the ropes almost made him slip a few times, he decided to tie it tightly within his arm. As the creature still tried to shake him off, the akula decided to leap out of the water. It almost felt like everything went into slow-motion, the momentum left both Lo’ak and the creature hanging in mid-air when he threw his own knife right into its eyes and impaled it deeply. Lo’ak getting hit by one of the fins, was dragged down as he and the akula dropped into the water with a heavy splash.

At Awa’atlu, Neytiri could not help but fret. This was not how her own clan hunted, this was different and Lo’ak had to face it alone. It has been days, other warriors have already brought their catch, and still no sign of his son. Someone from the crowd pointed towards the reefs, it was their warriors back from the hunt as Tonowari led them, followed by one of the largest akula Neytiri has ever seen. Her son was still unseen, and her heart grew heavy as she saw Jake with a large smile on his face. As soon as Tonowari reached the sands, he called upon his people.

“Today, we offer you this beast! The largest of this year’s hunt, by no other than Lo'ak te Suli Tsyeyk’itan!”

Neytiri smiled as she rushed towards her son in a tight embrace, followed by Kiri and Tuk. Lo’ak felt overjoyed by making not only his father and mother proud. He was elated like it was the first flight in his ikran. This was something else. His heart leaped in joy and pride as he was congratulated by the crowd, in his hand was the tooth of the akula, his biggest hunt.

I did it Neteyam. I did it.

Just outside the crowd, Lo’ak could see your frame. Smiling.

Without even thinking he went straight toward you, and in his hand he presented the fang of the akula.

“I got this for you.” Lo’ak paused, grabbing your hands in his as he placed the fang in yours tightly. “To replace the knife I lost when we first met.”

Māori Words Used: Manawa Wera - Manawa (heart), wera (hot) means “being fervent of heart and passionate”. In the case of the story, it is the Clan of the Ash People, the Fire-Dwelling Clan. Mahuika - Māori fire deity. In the case of the story, it is the homeland of the reader Tarākona - Means dragon. The bonded creatures of the reader Pouakai - The pouakai or poukai is a monstrous bird in Māori mythology. Taglist: @okaylorrainee @destinylb @dakotali @kaymarnun @liyahsocorro @midnightliacr @drugs-for-memes @alexandra-001 @loakenthusiast @il0veheartz @eywas-heir

A/N:

Lo’ak is back with the milk. AND FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER, WE MEET NEW PEOPLE AGAIN :))

On a side note: i dont hate sharks, in fact, i love them. I apologize sharks u beautiful creatures. long story short, the author got bitten by her own dog. and is suffering from alopecia which made them spiral downwards into not a nice place. i saw neteyam edit in my tiktok and said, hey I shouldn't forget my roots. this would be a waste of world-building so I promised to finish this series. so welcome back author!! and happy reading everyone.

#lo’ak x reader #avatar #lorrainereblogs

85 notes · View notes

okaylorrainee · 1 year

Text

you slayed this as always 😍‼️ im so curious to how you're going to show us the way of fire

twin flames | L.S. (Avatar: The Way of Water) - Chapter Three

Summary: Would the Tsahik let you stay?

Lo'ak te Suli Tsyeyk’itan x Ash People Na’vi!Female!Reader (Uses she/her/hers pronouns; No use of Y/N)

Warning: None

Chapters: Prologue, Chapter One, Chapter Three

oh how enticing it is to watch, while it dances in the moonlight

oh how comforting it is to feel, while it warms you on the coldest of night

oh, heavenly kiss of fire

would you stay with me on my loneliest nights?

“I don’t know…” You exclaimed.

Lo’ak felt his ears twitch to hide behind him. Both of you stared at each other intently, not backing down away from each other. Your eyes waver for a slight second, and he felt his heart drop.

You looked around you, the unfamiliar surroundings, clear blue waters, and bioluminescence screams everything that you needed to know. You are far away from home.

Mahuika is gone. Your family is gone. Everything is gone.

And the last words your mother whispered: Live.

Looking at the boy in front of you, one who you had seen at one of the lowest points of their life, one who had lost someone dear to him, one who had hidden anger, one who had faced the same pain as yours, one who despised the people from the Sky. A complete stranger whose name you don’t even know.

You can trust him, right? He has proven himself helpful to you when he brought you to safety… and you and him share the same pain. This, whatever you are to him and him to you, is a bond that no Tsaheylu can’t go beyond. This bond is untraversed, unexplained, and unknown. And you were drawn to it like a flame; drawn to him like he is now your lifeline.

“You never told me your name.” You said to him.

Lo’ak who had been looking at you for the past few minutes, stared while you contemplated, leaving him wondering what you would choose.

Would you choose the one thing you have known for your whole life? Or him, a stranger? He asked those thoughts in himself, and tried to place himself in your shoes. And concluded that you’d go as soon as you asked him what his name was then he knew this was your final goodbye.

You know his name, and thank him, and that’s it. Done. And you’d be gone as soon as your tarākona healed.

“I said, what’s your name?” You repeated, waiting for him.

“Lo’ak.” With his heart hammering out of his chest, waiting for the pin to drop and you telling him goodbye.

Lo’ak. Forest boy. You repeated his name like in your mind, afraid that his name would slip away from you.

You muttered something back, your name, the only connection you have to your home and your family; the only thing you have left.

Lo’ak repeated it, cautious.

“It’s nice to meet you.” He whispered, a small smile forming in his face as you looked at him from behind your lashes.

“Let's go back, I'm afraid I opened Naru’s wound more.” You told him, as he followed you diligently. And true to your words your tarākona mewled when it tried to lick the pain from its own wounds. “And then I’ll ask the Olo’eyktan and Tsahik to stay.”

Leading Lo’ak to beam brightly, he couldn’t help but hide his smile. You’d stay.

He didn’t expect you to stay, and yet here you were. Whether it was for your own sake, for your own wounded creature or for him, he was content with it.

When you came back, the Tsahik had been looking at you with a stare that was the same as the first night that you came here. Full on despise as she held her bleeding daughter’s neck, the one you had left bruising a few minutes ago.

“You can not stay here.” Ronal spat the following words, she added. “You are a threat to this clan and to my family.”

And Lo’ak felt his heart drop when Ronal didn’t want you to stay, your stare didn’t waver or falter with the intensity you held as you stood straight. Almost as if protecting yourself you didn’t hide, you make yourself seem tall, strong, and not broken.

“I am fine, mother.” Tsireya pleaded as she softly held her mother’s hand.

You look at the girl in front of you, her soft glance tells you she understands. That it was not your fault, and she bears no hard feelings for what you had done to her earlier.

“And you” Ronal pointed out Lo’ak “You expect that your disrespect towards me held no consequences. You brought this child here, then you must bring her back.”

You stepped forward, standing right in front of Ronal who held her daughter behind her. Lo’ak almost held you back, but you showed no signs of engaging into combat with the way you stood.

“Then I seek Uturu.” Without breaking eye-contact with the Tsahik who held your gaze with the same look, challenging her. “Surely, you would honor that. Or do you not follow Eywa's will?”

You could almost see the fangs in the Tsahik, too conflicted to let you stay and too virtuous to unfollow Eywa’s will. If the water had brought you here then you must play your part, you are now a part of whatever thread Eywa would bind to you.

“Then tell me, child, why do you seek Uturu? If I must agree for you to stay then you must answer and follow our clan’s way.”

You felt a large lump in your throat. Your mouth formed in a frown, holding your tongue to lash out.

Do you tell the truth? Or would you fabricate a lie?

Surely they would understand, right?

“I have no place to call home anymore.”

Ronal furrowed her eyebrows, and the people who surrounded you listened intently to the next words that left your mouth.

You swallow the lump that formed in your own throat; and even if you did the pain could never leave.

“People from the sky had hunted down every breathing tarākona in Mahuika, and burned everyone who tried to hinder them.”

The crowd gasped in fear, you felt tears pricking the corners of your eyes.

“And I’m the only one of my clan left.”

Lo’ak had been far too silent watching everything played out but when the truth came out he knew you were hurting. He knew the pain hidden with the way your nails dig into your own palm, the slight shift of your shoulders as you swallow the ache of revealing that you lost someone out loud.

Lo’ak stepped beside you, his hand side-by-side a sign of comfort, and told him that he was here. Fingers grazing next to each other, telling you that he is there.

Ronal knew your clan well enough to know that its own Olo'eykte wouldn’t go down without burning everything in her path to achieve her goal, but to see the truth in your eyes then she understood that the Manawa Wera had indeed fallen.

When Jake Sully had seen the commotion from afar, he feared for the worst. And when he saw his son right in the middle side-by-side with a young female na’vi from a different clan that he had brought in Awa’atlu, he knew something was wrong.

Jake Sully knew his connection with Eywa and the Sky People, the humans. Even if he now considered a true na’vi deep inside his bones he knew that there is still war unless one truly falls.

Jake, who came with Tonowari, looked at each other and nodded. Metkayina's Olo'eyktan moved closer to his wife. Holding her arm softly.

“Varang is dead.” Ronal whispered, eyes scanning her husband.

It didn’t miss your eyes when Ronal whispered your mother’s name, you felt yourself starting to heave.

The bright lights of your surroundings suddenly turned red and the whispers turned into monsters; you felt like you were thrown back to your home as you can only watch everything burn. You couldn’t move, you felt like you were being pulled underwater.

And in your hazed mind, you didn’t hear the Olo’eyktan approve of your stay.

You were only pulled away from your thoughts when someone whispered your name gently. Lo’ak had been calling to you, his hands wavering inches above your forearms.

You blinked, you can see his face clearly that's when you realized that you had been left alone. The people were gone and the only na’vi left was you, Lo’ak, and the daughter of the tsahik.

Lo’ak repeated your name and you nodded.

You looked at him. “What—”

“They approved of your Uturu.” Lo’ak answered.

“Oh… that’s fine—good.” Still trying to gather your thoughts, you stared at the daughter of the Tsahik.

“My mother can be hard sometimes…but I would like to apologize for her behavior and….. your loss.” She looked sad. “I’m Tsireya.”

“You do not need to apologize, it's been done.” You didn’t care to elaborate, as much as you were certain that Tsireya is nice and polite you cannot handle her pity. You couldn’t give your pain to someone who won't understand, to someone whose family is still alive and well.

Deep inside you, you know what that feeling is called. Jealousy.

Jealousy because she still has her own home.

Jealousy because her family is alive and well.

Jealousy because you can see yourself in her.

And as much as you wanted to be bitter, to be spiteful but Tsireya didn’t deserve it. She has only known you for quite some time and she has given you patience and understanding. And for that you respect her.

“Come, I’ll bring you to your new home.”Tsireya welcomed you, and without missing a beat you nodded at her.

When you reached your own marui, surrounded by water, far from what your home resembled. And in your way, you saw children staring at you while mother’s held their children close to them, wary of the newcomer to the clan.

And just like the first time, Lo’ak could feel all eyes on both of you. Like a sore thumb, you to stick out in a crown full of the Metkayina people. But you didn’t deflate their gaze, you stood tall and straight ahead.

Inside was a beautiful woven marui, with colors far too light and engraved with blue hues. It was a small fit for one person, Naru wouldn’t fit in here. As each step you took in your marui, the weight shifted as your tarākona tried to slithered its way in and only to find out it can only fit half of her body.

With a click of your tongue, you commanded Naru to stay on land. Naru followed through and begrudgingly walked her way back.

“I suppose that is your bonded creature too?” Tsireya asked while she looked at Naru and you hummed in agreement.

“Tarākona are not fickle creatures, you have to earn their trust through the flame. Naru doesn’t let anyone ride her unless I trust them enough and she has seen that you have a fire inside you, therefore do not think about trying to get closer to her or else you’d be paralyzed waist down for three days.” You claimed while you walked around admiring your own marui.

You didn’t mean it to offend her or anyway, but you were certain the water girl would not have what it takes to be burned and forged through flames. It’s just the way of fire is not the same way of water.

“No offense.” You added, turning around to face her.

Lo’ak who had been listening and followed you throughout the whole ordeal, scrunched his nose.

Naru had been following him while you rested, in fact, it had clung onto him and only let him heal her. Does that mean that you trust Lo’ak truly? And what do you mean about a fire inside him?

Fire? Does that mean anger? Did it see the way it burned his soul deep inside him? Is that why it is your bonded creature because you have the very same anger in you too?

Lo’ak who has been chatty his whole life falls into silence when he is around you. A silence far too comfortable, calling to him like a moth to a flame. He craves it and likes it.

His thoughts were cut off when Tsireya brightly said: “Oh! None taken. I’m certain there would be lots of time to be acquainted with Naru.” added, “And I’m sure Lo’ak would be a fine sitter for your bonded creature; he is the only one she can tolerate while you were resting.”

“Oh, is that so?” You side-eyed Lo’ak who shifted his eyes under your gaze.

“Hmm, then I suppose you would teach me the way of water too?” You asked Tsireya.

“Why yes of course. I think it'd be fun to be your guide.” Tsireya beamed.

You hummed, pondering.

“And are you certain, she’d want you to teach me after I had your neck by my claws?” You gave her a tight-lipped smile. “A mother would do everything for her daughter… she’d kill the world to have her children be safe by her side. I’m already seen as a threat.”

“Then I’d teach you instead of Tsireya.”Lo’ak exclaimed. “I’ve known enough of the way of water to be considered one of your people, right?”

Lo’ak hope Tsireya would agree at his propositions, as much as possible he wanted to spend time with you.

“I think that would be perfect. I’d help as soon as I am done with my training as a tsakarem.” Tsireya agreed and you nodded. “And if that’s all then I’d be best on my way.”

Tsireya dragged Lo’ak to go and leave you to your own devices, Before he could even step foot outside you cut him off when you grabbed his arm. Letting the other na’vi go ahead.

If you were to learn the ways of the Metkayina Clan you were afraid to lose your ways too. Everything was happening too fast.

You didn’t want to forget.

Your home, your family, your Mahuika, your people.

“Then it is only fair that I teach you the way of fire too.” Your eyes look at him with hope, wanting for him to agree. Almost pleading to him so that you could not forget, so that you can stay true to your own culture and ways.

“I think that would be perfect.” He gave you a soft smile, touching your hand softly.

Māori Words Used: Manawa Wera - Manawa (heart), wera (hot) means “being fervent of heart and passionate”. In the case of the story, it is the Clan of the Ash People, the Fire-Dwelling Clan. Mahuika - Māori fire deity. In the case of the story, it is the homeland of the reader Tarākona - means dragon. The bonded creatures of the reader Taglist: @okaylorrainee @destinylb @dakotali @kaymarnun @liyahsocorro @midnightliacr, @drugs-for-memes @alexandra-001

A/N

IM BACK, do you think i forgot ABT THIS? NOPE. I WAS JUST WONDERING WHAT TO DO NEXT, cause I'm a dumbass I don't do outline I just go balls deep and write. in fact i just write the first and last chapters, but the in-between chapters that would lead to ending is quite a diff process for me (one of my biggest weakness). and i was reminded to update because you know I'm country it was hot as satan's ass crack, and i told myself wait a damn minute i haven't updated yet. so here HAVE FUN, WE ARE GOING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WAY OF FIRE NEXT.

i realized after three chapters LMAO READER AND LO’AK DONT EVEN KNOW EACH OTHER'S NAMES.

#lorrainereblogs #lo’ak x reader #avatar the way of water

92 notes · View notes