~~~Superstes~~~UNDERGOING MAJOR EDITING

Waking up

Norm had been opposed to stay in the village until Neteyam woke up. He was persistent on having someone that possessed doctor-ish knowledge and experience, not to mention he was the one who injected an IV into Neteyam's vain and he stitched the bullet wound closed. It was easier for him to stay rather than Dr. Max. Since Norm had an Avatar, Dr. Max was watching over his human form back in Omaticya. Whenever Neteyam decided to wake up, Norm would go back to the Omaticaya. 

Ronal and Tonowari had been immensely helpful as well--Ronal would tend to Neteyam till' the sun goes down if she was asked. She had opened up hugely in this time. She said that she understands what we're going through and was there for the Sully's, and increased Jake's surprise when she and Neytiri became closer. 

Turns out, they had a lot in common. 

The rest of the Metkiyana had been very kind too, and families would rotate nights on when they'll bring the Sully's food, gift baskets, and 99% of the children have made bracelets for Neteyam to wear when he wakes up, there was so many Jake had to put them in an individual box. 

Tsireya and Aonung had come to visit Neteyam, weaving their own jewelry for him. It had been such a blessing seeing a foreign clan come together to help in this trying time, even after the Omaticaya brought their war upon them. Jake was only thankful. 

When the sun was perched in its glory high in the sky, beating down on the village in warm rays, Jake spent the time casting fishing nets into the crystal, shallow waters. His back and shoulders were burning, and the cool spray of water was refreshing. He dug his feet into the sand beneath, grounding himself before he threw the net into the waves. 

Tonowari joined Jake at his left, casting his own net into the shallows. It amazed Jake how he moved so comfortably in the water, wading in it so freely, meanwhile Jake was stepping on sharp shells and clams everywhere he went. Back in the Omaticya village his feet became calloused and rough from running across the forest floor, constantly stepping on sticks and twigs so that he became numb to the pain. Here, in the reef, Jake supposed he'd have to adapt all over again.

Jake nodded at the chief respectfully, and the man returned the gesture.

"Jake Sully, Ronal has informed me your son has moved slightly. That is good news indeed, he is strong." Tonowari says. 

Jake reeled the net back and cast it into the clear waters again, giving no response to his comment. What was he supposed to say? Yeah, that was three weeks ago, and he hasn't moved since. He wasn't going to set himself up for that kind of disappointment. But then again, what kind of father would he be if he's just assuming the worse? "Yes, he is strong." Jake responded, and the words feel like stones in his throat. He is strong, he'll wake up. 

Tonowari smiled thoughtfully. "That is the only way to think, Jake. You must not give in to hopelessness, when there is indeed hope." 

Jake smiled back at him, but he didn't the emotions you'd normally feel when smiling. 

In the deeper waters, Lo'ak, Tuk, Spider, Aonung and Tsireya waded around a chirping Ilu, feeding it silver slivers of fish. Tsireya placed the fillet on its long, pink tongue gently, and it swallows it down happily, clicking and whistling. She petted its patterned face while the other kids stroke it's back and neck, talking to it. 

Tsireya reached inside its mouth as she fed it another treat, and Jake watched as her features furrow in concentration. Then, the Ilu clicked after she retracted her arm, a blackened tooth in her hand. 

Tonowari held his arm out towards the Ilu, "That is Oiolo. She has had a dying tooth for a while, but she wouldn't let us take it out." 

The kids holler and cheer, clasping hands in celebration. Oiolo lets out another trilling sound that collabs with the kids whooping, creating a high-pitched noise that echoes around the reef. She smacks her fins together almost as if she's clapping. Tsireya praised her for her bravery, speaking to her in a kind voice.