Still Breathing

Chapter 15. Marry On A Cross

"Your beauty never ever scared me." ~ Ghost

It was yet another nice day outside as Neteyam sat outside the pod, dipping his feet in the water. Kiri was helping Tuk inside the pod create a bracelet from the shell's she had collected with Tsireya. Neteyam was listening absentmindedly to whatever story Tuk had come up with this time, a smile tugging on the corners of his lips.

Erica was off with Tsireya who was helping her perfect her Ilu riding since she didn't start to learn until a little bit later and still struggled with a few things. Meanwhile, Lo'ak had left a little while ago and Neteyam had no idea where he was.

The sounds of footsteps approaching brought Neteyam out of his daze as he looked over to his side. Aonung was walking towards him, a half smile on his face as he approached. Neteyam returned the smile, nodding his head in greeting.

"Hi." Aonung said once he was close to Neteyam, standing beside him awkwardly.

"Come, sit." Neteyam patted the empty space beside him. Aonung obliged as he took a seat beside Neteyam, trying to leave a comfortable amount of space between the two of them.

They both sat in silence for a moment, Neteyam looking out into the Ocean. However, Aonung couldn't take his eyes off of Neteyam as he felt his heart in his throat. He had been hyping himself up all morning to talk to Neteyam and now that he was here, he was shaking.

"Neteyam." Aonung finally managed to speak up, fighting the purple hues that threatened to overcome his face when Neteyam looked in his direction. His yellow eyes were soft as he looked into Aonung's. He swallowed harshly as the butterflies in his stomach were going crazy.

"Can... can I talk to you about s-something?" Aonung stammered, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously.

"Of course." Neteyam answered, turning his whole body to face Aonung as he crossed his legs.

Aonung didn't expect to get this far. His eyes widened as his ears perked up. Neteyam noticed the change in his demeanour, letting a small smile overcome his face as he stared at Aonung. As he was about to open his mouth to finally confess, he was interrupted.

"Lo'ak's going to find Payakan!" It was Tsireya and Erica both shouting over top of each other, running towards the pod. Tuk and Kiri stepped out of the pod at the sudden commotion, watching in confusion as Erica and Tsireya came to a halt in front of both of their brothers.

"What?" Neteyam asked, both anger and confusion in his voice.

"We saw Lo'ak leaving on his Ilu and we watched him go beyond the reef. We know he's going to Payakan now come on we have to go stop him!" Erica spoke as fast as she could, not taking a single breath until she got her sentence out.

Aonung, Tsireya, and Neteyam all began to call for their Ilu's, not even bothering to grab their harness. "I'll come too." Kiri announced, walking towards the water and preparing to jump in. Erica quickly grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

"You still need to rest and someone needs to stay with Tuk." Erica reasoned, letting go of her sister. Kiri just looked at her feet, her ears dropped as she let out a sigh in defeat. Erica placed a hand on her shoulder as her sister looked up at her.

"We promise we'll bring him home safely." Kiri nodded, pursing her lips together as she watched Erica dive into the water and swim away with the others. She sat down with Tuk as she continued to help her make her shell bracelet, trying to distract herself as much and her sister from the potential danger Lo'ak might be in.

As the group made their way towards the edge of the reef, Rotxo had spotted them. He rode up on his Ilu, smiling and waving at the group.

"Lo'ak's gone to Payakan." Tsireya explained and Rotxo's warm smile quickly faded as worry over took his face. Without another word the five of them dove under the water and begun to make their way out of the reef.