𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 ➤ Lo'ak & Neteyam

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟗

"So, what do you think of Spider and Andy? They make a good first impression?" Neteyam asked as the pair rode back to the Awa'atlu village.

"They seem... alright. At the very least, they didn't appear to have ill intentions." Elli commented. "I like the girl, though! She's kind of funny. And I'd like to talk with Spider more-"

"There you are! What took you two so long!?"

Elli was interrupted by Kiri, who was shouting and waving at them from the pier. She seemed eager to tell them something, so Elli patted her skimwing, telling her to swim faster.

"We ran into some old friends." Neteyam explained, before Elli could say anything. "If it makes you feel any better, Spider and Andy are ok."

"Well... Ok, that does make me happy, but you've gotta go and back Lo'ak and Tuk up!" Kiri exclaimed, already leading them to the Olo'eyktan's marui. "They don't have the full story, so Tonowari won't believe them."

Elli nodded, bursting into the marui as soon as they'd reached it with Kiri and Neteyam close behind. Lo'ak and Tuk seemed relieved by her arrival, as Tonowari simply eyed her cautiously. The woman beside him also seemed wary; amused, almost.

"You have good timing." Tonowari commented. "These two tell me that you somehow saved a tulkun from being hunted by Sky People. Care to explain?"

"Of course, sir. I was just spending some time with my spirit sister when the ships approached; they shot a tracker into one of the tulkun and tried to kill it with harpoons." Elli hurriedly explained. "I was able to draw their attention away so the tulkun could escape, but they're almost certainly going to try again."

The woman at Tonowari's side scoffed. "Pardon me if I find this story unbelievable. One little girl, facing down an entire army of Sky People? Your tall tale is amusing, at best."

"Ronal. That's enough." Tonowari spoke softly, turning his attention back to the children. "I would have phrased it... nicer, but I do agree with her. How do we know we can trust your word?"

"Sir, if it makes a difference, I can vouch for Elli's honesty." Neteyam chimed in, with Kiri, Tuk and Lo'ak nodding in agreeance. "She risked her life to protect the tulkun; shouldn't we make sure it wasn't for nothing?"

"I stand by my decision." Tonowari affirmed. "We will not act on presumptions from a child."

As much as Elli wanted to protest, she knew she had to be respectful, and so she simply bowed. "... Fine. Thank you for hearing us out, sir."

With that, she left the marui, not bothering to meet the curious and confused gazes of the Na'vi that surrounded her. She didn't want to leave just yet, but it seemed like she wouldn't have a choice, storming down to the shore and calling Leoväa. When the skimwing surfaced, Elli found herself hesitant to climb onto her back – why couldn't the Olo'eyktan have just listened to her? What was she supposed to do now?

"Elli! Hey, Elli!"

The Na'vi girl turned around to see Lo'ak racing towards her. He seemed relieved to see her – was he... afraid that she would leave? Did he really want her to stay that much? It seemed that way, at least, as he sat down next to her.

"Phew... Don't you dare tell me you're thinking of leaving again." he remarked, smiling slyly.

"What point is there to me staying?" Elli sighed. "No one wants me here, and I could be out there, protecting people."

"Well, Mom and Dad are actually in Tonowari's marui right now, pleading your case." Lo'ak grinned. "He seemed more convinced when they backed you up; I think he might actually listen to them."