First Born

You're Safe

"Zuleika you better get home now." Jake said over the coms

"You have 3 minutes to be back at this hut or I swear to God you will never see the light of day again."

My eyes shot open and I jumped up in a panic. It was eclipse. The sky was dark and the bioluminescent plants around us were bright. I'm so dead.

"Holy shit Tarsem wake up" I whisper yelled, trying not to attract any unwanted predators.

He rubbed his eyes and blinked confused. "What's wrong Zuzu?"

"We fell asleep idiot. We've gotta hurry up and get back it's past eclipse." I grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet

His eyes widened as he realized the severity of our situation. "Oh my eywa, your dad is going to kill you and then kill me for being with you."

We both called for our ikrans and flew towards home as fast as we could. My mind is racing and my heart is pounding. I'm going to be grounded for life.

In a matter of minutes we reached camp. We gave each other a good luck hug and quickly parted ways.

I tiptoed to my hut praying to the great mother that my family was asleep.

I pulled back the curtain and was met by my family completely awake. Except Tuk who was sound asleep. It seems eywa has decided not to answer my prayers this one time. My siblings have smirks on their faces while my parents look furious.

I entered and sat down without saying a word. I could feel my mother eyes burning into my skull.

"Where were you" She hissed. It's official, I am definitely getting grounded.

"I was...out"  Why did I say that?! Someone please help me.

My father took a deep breath and looked at me "You were out with who?!" He questioned

"I was out with Tarsem." I heard Lo'ak, Kiri, and Neteyam snicker in the corner. If I
manage to make it out of this alive, they are so dead.

"Why weren't you answering your coms Zuleika. We all thought something happened to you." My mother gave me a look that could definitely kill.

"How many times have we told you to be home before eclipse." My father interjected.

"I was fine. All I did was take a nap in the forest and I wasn't alone. This is my first time coming home late so please just give me a break sir." I let out a frustrated huff.

My father looks at me in disbelief. He grabs me, yanking me to my feet and out of the tent.

"You need to set and example for your siblings. You can't sneak out and do whatever you want" My father raised his voice.

I didn't even sneak out?! I almost hissed at him but i kept my composure.

"I'm sorry sir. It won't happen again." My tail swayed violently behind me.

"See sorry isn't enough. No hanging out with Tarsem for 2 months. And no exploring for 3."

My jaw damn near dropped to the floor.

"Jake you can't be serious. Lo'ak almost got me killed during a raid and gets a MONTH of punishment, but I get THREE MONTHS for coming home late?! This is bullshit." I stormed back into the hut. My father close behind me

My mother gave us a worried look but I walked past her and to my things. I grabbed an outfit along with my weapons I need for tomorrows patrol.

"Where the hell do you think you're going." My father whispered trying not to wake tuk.