⎯⎯ ୨ 𝐁𝐀𝐃 𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒 ୧ ⎯⎯
˗ˏˋ꒰ 🍒 ꒱
﹌﹌
When the sun rose, Kxari woke from her sleep. In a daze, she looked around her mauri and saw her father already waiting for her. He looked at her and motioned her over with food wrapped in a leaf in hand. Kxari nodded and rubbed her eyes. Getting up from her hammock and walked forward and grabbed the small leaf wrap. She opened it and ate it all. Maufaey was sharpening his spear before they left for their morning patrol.
In the morning Maufaey would take it upon himself to patrol the reef to check if there were any disturbances. Since Kxari was thirteen her father would take her to accompany him. As she finished she threw away the leaf wrap and went back to where her hammock was. Opening her own box that held her belongings in she grabbed a new loin cloth and chest covering. Changing quickly, she also grabbed her skirt that had pouches weaved into them and latched it on. Grabbing her larger pouch she had slung it around her torso.
Before wasting any more time she went towards their stand where they held their weapons. Grabbing her spear she turned to her father and nodded that she was ready. Not sparing her a look Maufaey was already out of the mauri. When Kxari exited the mauri, the sun was yet to come up. It was still dark out and Pandora's skies still held beautiful stars. Taking a minute to admire the skies, she looked forward and saw her father had already gone into the ocean. Kxari huffed but didn't spare a minute to jump into the cold ocean. As she swam a bit she called for her tsurak. It came swimming quickly towards her, it quickly swam under her and she formed tsaheylu.
The water hit her face harshly but it had never bothered her. Kxari was quick to catch up to her father as she raced after him. When they were farther from the village they rose from the waters. The tsurak's beautifully spread their wings and flew above the ocean. A smile broke out on her face as she felt the air on her face. When she turned around to face her father her happy demeanor broke as she saw him glaring at her slightly. Kxari's smile faltered, she stared forward and focused more on her task at hand. Once they had reached the reef they went underwater once again. Once they reached a small island they dismounted their tsurak's, and they both stood on the small island.
Maufaey looked around silently before he was the first to start speaking. "I will check beyond the reef. Kxari, You will check around the reef from the inside. Be here when the sun rises" He didn't spare her a look once again. Maufaey raised a hand and shooed her away.
Kxari pursed her lips harshly but only nodded at her father's words. With a few steps, she dove into the water again. The sea glowed beautifully at night, watching the glowing fish surround her. A huge smile rose up on her face as they circled around her. Watching the scenery before her was mesmerized that is until she remembered that she was here for a reason. Looking around she noticed an ilu swimming not far from her, calling for it, the ilu had gracefully swam towards her.
Strongly grabbing onto the ilu's saddle, she formed tsaheylu with the gentle creature. Then she would swim along the reef's walls looking for any sign of danger all morning. Noticing that there was no trouble she had turned back towards the small island. Arriving she saw her father standing there, when she dismounted the ilu and jumped onto the island she noticed her father's distressed face. With a hint of worry, she approached her father and lightly tapped on his arm.
"Is something wrong, father?" Maufaey's head snapped towards her and he snarled at her.
"Yes, there is. You. The sun rose thirty minutes ago. But you are too stuck in your little mind to ever pay attention. How can you be a proper warrior when you can't even pay attention clearly? Huh?"
Always easily aggravated by the smallest things. That's all everyone saw him as. An angry man. A man with no heart. Kxari only watched him scold her with a blank look on her face. Inside she wanted to talk back to him. But she couldn't, she only stared forward at the angered man.
Ringing filled her ears as she watched him scold her more. When he noticed that she was no longer listening, he shot her a glare that meant she was dismissed. Then again she was back in the water, soaring through the water. Once she had reached the village she was quick to make her way to the eating area.
One of the elders spotted her and waved her over quickly. Kxari made her way through the people, seeing as they had just woken up. Sitting down next to the elder, she made herself comfortable on the hardwood. "What is it that you will be eating today Kxari?"
Kxari turned to her and shook her head slightly. "Not for me. For the forest people. I will take them food." The elder let out a low hum and quickly started preparing the small plate of food. Once the elder was finished she placed it into Kxari's hands.
"The forest people. I can smell trouble from them."
Kxari merely nodded once again as she made her way through the people. Making their way toward the forest people's mauri, spotting Tsireya, Kutaan, Ao'nung, and Rotxo. They were up earlier than they were used to. They had all seemed to notice her as she walked near them. Rotxo was the first to jump to his feet as he scanned the plate of food in her hands. Ao'nung, Tseriya, and Kutaan had already eaten but since Rotxo had woke up late he didn't get the chance to.
With excitement lacing his voice and a huge smile on his face, he spoke. "Is that for us?" That's when she felt bad. Rotxo was a sweet boy and Kxari adored him.
"No. It is for the forest family."
Rotxo sighed loudly before falling back on his butt. Kxari smiled softly at him and made her way towards the entrance of the mauri where she saw them rolling up their sleeping mats and getting their things in order. Neytiri was the first to notice her. A small gasp left her mouth as she approached her.
"This is a lot of food. We could've easily cooked something in here. You did not have to bring food here."
"It was my choice to bring you food. Plus I believe you do not know where we keep our meat located. Or where our eating area is." Kxari smiled softly at Neytiri. With a defeated sigh Neytiri grabbed the plate, with a respectable 'thank you' and made her way back into the mauri. She placed the plate down and told her family to come over to eat.
Uneasiness wavered through her stomach, looking up from Neytiri she had made eye contact with Neteyam. His eyes were piercing through her once again. Kxari cringed back a bit as she looked back into his eyes as well. To Neteyam this eye contact felt intimidating. But Kxari felt uncomfortable. Jake had noticed their stare off and pulled Neteyam so he could go eat. Jake looked over at her with an apologetic look, Kxari put her hand out and waved, dismissing it.
With a soft sigh, she approached the waiting Metkayina teenagers. Kxari sat down next to Rotxo, reaching into her pouch and pulling out a leaf wrap of dried fruit. Handing over the wrap, Rotxo smiled and accepted it gratefully. Kutaan was next to turn to her sister.
"So you will be joining us Kxari?"
Kxari looked up at her younger sister but only shook her head. "No. I can't, I have to train. But I will ask to cut the training short if you really want me there." Kutaan smiled widely as she looked over at her sister.
"Yes. Do that please. Today we will go out for their first swim."
"And we will teach them how to ride an ilu. And breathing lessons, of course." Tseriya butted in with a smile on her face but it quickly faded when Ao'nung scoffed at the idea of teaching them. Kxari merely rolled her eyes and lightly patted his head.
"Suck it up, Ao'nung. It's not going to be the end of the world."
Kxari got up from her sitting position and waved them off, telling them it was her cue to leave. Taking her leave she swerved at running children and busy villagers. As the training grounds came to view she started speed walking, knowing if she were late she would never hear the end of it from her father. Reaching the training grounds Kxari noticed some warriors were already gathered around, sparring.
Her father watched them closely from afar. Stopping some spars so he could give some advice on how to improve. Kxari slowly approached her father and stood by his side, watching them spar as well. Maufaey looked down at her for a little before turning around and calling for a female warrior.
With quick steps, she came forward. "What is it you need, Maufaey?" The older na'vi turned around once again and put a rough hand to her back, pushing her forward towards the other warrior.
"You two will spar."
The two females made eye contact with the female whose name is unknown, glaring right into her eyes. Kxari shifted as the other warrior tried intimidating her. With a swift nod, she accepted the spar. Maufaey had noticed she did not have her spear so he handed his to her and shooed them both away. The warrior turned and started walking toward the middle of the training grounds. Now they were both standing across from each other.
Getting into their fighting stances the other warrior was quick to attack first. The blade of her spear almost cut her stomach but Kxari was quick to dodge. Once again the warrior struck forward with her spear but Kxari dodged once again. Then her third attack, the blade of the spear slightly cut her arm. With a low huff now it was time for Kxari to attack. With a swift move she ran towards the warrior, raising her spear up she was quick to hit her across the face with the stick of the spear. Catching the warrior off guard she stumbled back.
Kxari threw the spear to the ground, running towards the warrior again, she threw a harsh punch to the warrior's face. Now her head was thrown back, not wasting any time Kxari landed another punch to her stomach. Leaving the warrior to fall on her back in a daze. Kxari stood straight and only watched the warrior as she lay there. Looking up from the warrior she made eye contact with her father. No emotion was displayed on his face, just a blank look, looking back at her own blank look. Kxari lifted her hands up and signed out for her father.
'May I cut training early? I have some things to tend to.'
Maufaey only nodded other times he would refuse but he had to train Jakesully for the day. When Kxari turned away, she broke out into a small sprint to go on into the village. Once again swerving around people. Kxari made it out of the busy village and went to one of the training beaches. This is where the older Metkayina would train the children to ride their ilus. Stepping into the shallow water, Kxari noticed the group got a little bigger. Scanning the group, a small frown fell upon her face when she noticed Ao'nungs friends had joined them. One of his friends had turned around and crazily waved his hand, motioning her to come over.
Kxari walked forward standing right next to the group of boys. Each one of the boys nodded a greeting towards which she had returned. When she turned over two of the sully boys were already on their ilu.
Her eyes watched them closely, noticing one of the younger sully's postures was all wrong. But before she could say anything Tsireya sent him off. Lowering her head under water she watched as he started off rocky and was then thrown off of the ilu. Rising her head from under the water a small laugh bubbled from her throat as she covered her mouth. Laughs raised from every one of the Metkayina that watched and Ao'nung looked back at Tseriya and Kxari. The boy whose name she did not know swam up and was splashed by the ilu. Swimming towards the other Metkayina once again.
Kxaris' giggle died down when she felt a harsh stare. Turning her head slightly she was met with Neteyam glaring at her again. Kutaan was beside him and his ilu. Her little sister noticed as she looked at her elder sister, unsure. Kxari cringed again, looking forward again, and spoke towards Tseriya.
"I thought you were trying to teach him Tseriya. Not turn him into some laughing stock." Tseriya's smile dropped and nodded. Kxari gave her a reassuring smile and gave her a small pat on her cheek. "I was only joking."
This time Kxari came forward and called for the ilu that the boy was riding. Waving him over he swam towards her until the sea was shallow enough for him to stand.
"What is your name, forest boy?"
Before he could speak Neteyam came over on his own ilu. He had mastered it before his little brother. Needless to say, she was impressed, she knew he was good at everything he did but even at sea. A truly deserved applause for him. But he wasn't important now. A harsh look covered his handsome face and his wet braids swept over his shoulders. Her lips lifted into a small snarl. 'Fine. Since he wants to be like this. I'll be the same.' Instead of just glaring straight at her, he finally spoke.
"It is Lo'ak. And don't laugh, we are barely learning your ways. You are being rude." Instead of answering him back she only rolled her eyes. Her hand reached for the ilu that Lo'ak once rode on.
"Yes. Yes, Lo'ak, very fitting for a handsome boy. Come now I will teach you properly." Patting the saddle, Lo'ak stared at her astonished by the sudden compliment. He only nodded and mounted the ilu once again. Awaiting her next order, she only stared deeply into the boy's eyes before nodding softly.
"You have a very strong heart Lo'ak. I can feel it. But with that strong heart, you must have a strong mind. So you must be very patient while swimming with an ilu. They are delicate animals not like your ikran. You're too strong for them. So be patient, do not rush. Stay calm but also be strong."
Kxari spoke softly, her face relaxed, no longer holding the glare that was always plastered onto her face. Looking over at Lo'ak for consent to proceed with her next move, with a nod of approval from Lo'ak she moved her right hand onto his strong leg and then tucked it in. "Your leg position is very bad. You have to keep your legs tucked in while you are not in the water. But when you dive back into the water you can let go. But keep a very strong grip. You must know that you will not get this first try. Practice makes perfect. You got it?"
Lo'ak only nodded his head. The beads clinked together as his braids moved. His yellow eyes moved from Kxari to Tseriya who was watching with a smile on her face. Cutting him from his trance, Kxari moved his ilu slightly so he could swim through the deeper ends of the sea. Lo'ak let out a soft breath, focusing.
Kxari watched him and then let go of the ilus saddle when Lo'ak gave her a nod motioning that he was ready. Then he was off. The water hit her softly since he had started off quickly. With a soft sigh, this time she had turned to Neteyam.
When she turned around Neteyam was watching his brother try at riding the ilu but once again failing. But instead of complaining his little brother only mounted the ilu once again. Neteyam was worried for him, he must not overwork himself. The bluer na'vi knew how his brother was. Kxari watched as his lips pressed together in a straight line and his eyebrow muscles furrowed creating creases on his forehead, deep in thought.
Kxari couldn't help but want to smile up at him, but his nasty attitude turned her a bit sour. Reaching a hand upward she patted his leg, taking him out of his trance. "Do not make such an ugly face. You do not look very handsome like that."
Neteyam's head quickly turned to Kxari. He gave her a small look of confusion but huffed. Kxari didn't speak any longer but looked back at Neteyams strong body on the ilu. An unimpressed click left her mouth, she was only trying to crack a joke. To soften his tense attitude. But she guessed he wasn't the type to joke around that way. Kxari shook it off when she noticed his posture was slightly off. Her hand reached over to his leg but only it hovered on top of it. "May I?"
Neteyam gave her a look of astonishment before his lips turned down into a frown. Shaking his head he answered. "No."
His voice was harsh and demanding. Kxaris softened look turned harsh again. Her nose flared a bit feeling anger rise up in the pit of her stomach. Before she could say anything she breathed out and only smiled up at him. "Alright." Kxari retreated her hand and placed it on top of his ilus head. Patting it softly before turning away and walking towards the group of metkayina. They all offered her looks.
Shrugging them off she turned around and watched them all the two omaticaya boys practice on their ilu. Kutaan walked over and grabbed her elder sister's hand, watching them as well. Then the group broke apart when they noticed the omaticaya had grown accustomed to riding an ilu. Now Kxari and Kutaan were swimming there alongside the youngest of the Sullys who they had learned her actual name was Tuktirey. The little girl was super sweet and very compassionate. One would describe her as a very curious child and always eager to learn new things.
Kxari could tell that Tuk would be the first to grow accustomed to the way of the water. While they were gliding through the waters her sister Kiri and Tseriya had come to swim with them. Wide smiles adorned their beautiful faces, and Kxari couldn't help but smile at them as well. It was peaceful, swimming through the beautiful ocean, and coming across the sea animals. After the swim, Tseriya noticed that the Sully children did not know how to properly breathe so she took it upon herself to teach them breathing techniques.
Kutaan and Ao'nung had to leave for training so that left Kxari with the eldest Sully children, Tseriya, and Rotxo. In silence, they all sat in a circle. The waves were the only thing heard hitting the rocks softly. They all sat on a flat rock near the water. Kxari sat in between Kiri and Rotxo with her legs folded under her. Tseriya inhaled loudly to show as an example towards the bluer na'vi.
"Breathe in." now exhaling. "Breathe out." Rotxo towards the two Sully boys in front of him and did the same as Tseriya. Kxari looked at Kiri who was seated to her left. Kiri took notice of her and Kxari lifted her hands to copy what they were doing as well. Breathing the way Tseriya instructed. The short-haired girl nodded before exhaling and did the same as Kxari was doing. Tseriya put her hand out and wiggled her fingers.
"Imagine flickering a flame. You must slow down your heartbeat." Tseriya moved forward and put one hand on his chest and another on his stomach.
"Breathe in." Lo'ak inhaled, a focused look crossed his face but Kxari knew better. An anxious look grew into his yellow eyes. A smirk grew on her face as they made eye contact. Wiggling her eyebrows slightly. Instead of responding to her teasing, he stayed focused.
"Breathe from down here." Tseriya motioned towards his stomach. "Breathe out slowly."
Moving his gaze from Kxari to Tseriya he exhaled slowly. His bright yellow eyes to Tseriya, analyzing her beautiful metkayina features. "Lo'ak your heartbeat is fast." Lo'ak quickly looked down averting her gaze.
"Sorry." His accent was thick as he spoke in a quick tone.
"Try to focus."
Lo'ak nodded and moved his gaze forward. The first thing he saw was Kxari covering her mouth with her clothed hand, a small smile plastered onto her lips. Moving her eyes from Lo'aks she met Neteyams teasing eyes and a smirk plastered onto his lips as well.
Rotxo was about to laugh but Lo'ak looked toward them trying to dismiss their teasing. Tsireya took her hands off his body and looked towards the two in genuine confusion. Kxari looked over at Kiri but the Omaticaya girl only deadpanned at her and rolled her eyes.
Now that their breathing lessons were over they got to practice on their ilu and on their breathing. Rotxo and Kiri had explored the ocean together so which left Tseriya, Kxari, Lo'ak, and Neteyam.
They were racing through the ocean, stopping when they found extravagant animals and plants. Kxari watched as both of the brothers would swim around each other with wide smiles on their faces. Kxari held back with Tseriya as they swam together. Kxari would stop and collect some shells or some plants, placing them in one of her pouches.
When the sun was now setting and it was soon to eclipse Neteyam, Lo'ak, Tseriya, Kutaan, and Kxari met at the surface of the sea. Neteyam shook the water out of his braids as he breathed out. Kxari watched him in awe. Tseriya smiled widely at them.
"You are learning to breathe!" With quick praise toward both of the boys. Kutaan applauded them as well and Kxari only nodded towards them.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
˗ˏˋ꒰ 🍒 ꒱
ᴇᴅɪᴛᴇᴅ