❤︎︎𝑰𝒇 𝑶𝒏𝒍𝒚 ❤︎︎ 𝑳𝒐'𝒂𝒌/𝑵𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒚𝒂𝒎 𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓

Chapter VIII

Jake's eyes widens as he hears the news, while Neteyam wraps a protective arm around me, ignoring the nasty looks from his brother. What's up with them, anyways? They've been acting really weird lately. Anyways, I continue speaking.

  "Mr. Sully, get your family prepared for battle. Tuk can stay with Fah'reya, she's has her own child Tuktirey can play with. Meet outside my fathers hut as soon as you finish preparing, I will tell my father the news."

   As soon as I finish talking, I pat Neteyams arm and race off through the tribe, spreading the word to prepare for battle. I tell my father and mother, and they call a tribe meeting. While they speak, I make my way to the back where my siblings and the Sully children are. Lo'ak pulls me to the side, whispering urgently.

  "We have to find Payakan! He could be in danger!"

  "Paya who?" I ask, confused.

  "My brother! A tulkun, the 'outcast'. The sky people already attacked him once, we have to warn him," he said pleadingly, grabbing my smaller hands with his own. How could I say no to that handso- sad face?

  "Okay, but we'll have to be quick," I say. Taking his hand, we weave through the trees to the shore, avoiding any adults. Just as Lo calls for his ilu, I hear a voice ringing out behind us.

  "And where are you two going? We're preparing for a battle," Neteyam says, a stern look on his face.

  "We'll be back soo-"

  "It's none of your business," Lo'ak says interrupting me, stepping in front of me.

  "Oh, I think it is, the two of you sneaking off doing who knows what-"

  "And so what? Jealous?" Lo'ak asks, snaking an arm around my waist, staring his brother in the face. Neteyam face hardens, and before he could respond, I step in.

  "We're going warn his tulkun," I tell him, sighing. Net turns to his brother, waiting for an explanation.

  "So, instead of helping your own brother and family in battle, you're going help an outcast?"

  "Do not call him that!" Lo'ak hisses, stepping towards Neteyam. "He is my brother!"

  "Oh, and I'm not?"

  "Not everyone can be like you, Neteyam! The perfect, responsible child; never wrong! I'm sorry if I want to help a creature who can't protect itself. Last time I checked, you are perfectly able to take care of yourself! He's not!"

  "This is unbelievable," Neteyam mutters, throwing his hands up. He gives me one last glance before turning swiftly back towards the tribe.

  "Fuck you too!" Lo'ak shouts behind him, sticking up his middle fingers. He grabs my hand and mounts the ilu, I jump on behind him, grabbing his waist. One hand to control the ilu, he places the other on my thigh. I tense my body, holding him tighter.

  "What, nervous princess?" He asks. I can hear the shit-eating grin on his face. He gives my thigh a squeeze and drives the ilu underwater before I get the chance to respond. Damn, he's something else.