Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 17

Chapter 3

As the stars decorate the sky, Lo'ak finally finds Rotxo, sitting under a tree on the edge of the village.

He has his knees pulled to his chest, curled up watching the ocean. Lo'ak sits next to him and leans back on his hands, looking out at the ocean as well.

Lo'ak- I noticed you curl up like that every time something's wrong.

Rotxo looks at himself, realizing the position he's in.

Rotxo- Oh . . . It's just an old habit I can't break.

Lo'ak- Why would you?

The smaller boy goes silent and Lo'ak takes that as his cue to leave the subject alone.

Lo'ak- What are you thinking about?

Rotxo sighs and buries his head into his arms.

Lo'ak- Come on, bro, don't leave me here to worry. You never voice what you're feeling, you just curl up and shut down. How am I supposed to help if you do that?

The smaller boy slowly lifts his head and looks at Lo'ak.

Rotxo- I want to apologize to Aonung, but he probably hates me.

Lo'ak- Look, I've hated him since the day we met, but I could still see he was good to you. You're his best friend right?

Rotxo- Yeah. 

Lo'ak- Then if you apologize, he'll accept.

Rotxo lifts his head up a little more, Lo'ak's words giving him some confidence.

Rotxo- He's not a bad guy, you know. Just hard for some people to understand.

Lo'ak- I hate complicated things.

Rotxo- Really? Because you and Tsireya's relationship looks complicated to me.

Lo'ak groans at the mention of his demanding girlfriend, making Rotxo laugh.

Lo'ak- I know she's doing it for my own good, but . . .

Rotxo looks the boy in the eyes, anticipating what he'll say.

Lo'ak- Something about changing myself just doesn't feel right. I feel like I've been kept on a leash too long already.

Rotxo- You want to let your wild side roam.

Lo'ak looks at Rotxo, happily surprised he understands his dilemma.

Lo'ak- Yeah, at least just a little.

Rotxo- Then let's do it.

Lo'ak- Do what?

Rotxo- Go wild, just for a bit.

Lo'ak- You'll do it with me?

The smaller boy nods, and Lo'ak jumps up from his spot.

Lo'ak- Time to break some rules, bro.

Rotxo stands up, feeling a rush of excitement.

Lo'ak- What should we do?

Rotxo- Go for a ride.

Lo'ak- Hell yeah. Where should we go?

Rotxo- Wherever we want.

Lo'ak- Beyond the reef?

Rotxo- Let's do it.

Lo'ak- Yes.

Rotxo- But, we have to get back before daybreak.

Lo'ak nods, then the two boys make their way down to the beach, avoiding the sight of others. They head waist deep into the water, and softly call for their Ilu. The creatures show up shortly after.

With smiles on their faces, they glance at each other, feeling pumped for what they're about to do. But a voice suddenly drops a bomb on their excitement.

Neteyam- And where are you two going?

The younger boys look back and see Aonung standing with his arms crossed, and Neteyam leaning on his shoulder with a smirk on his face.

They exchange a nervous look.

Lo'ak- Uh, just-

Neteyam- Save it. Just get off the Ilu before you get yourselves into some serious trouble.

Aonung clears his throat, and locks eyes with Neteyam, then the forest boy rolls his eyes and leans off of him.

Neteyam- Fine. Why are you sneaking off?

Lo'ak- I need some freedom.

Neteyam- And Rotxo?

Rotxo- I just wanted to do something fun.

The smaller boy looks at Aonung nervously.

Rotxo- I'm sorry, by the way, Aonung. For the way I acted towards you, forgive me.

Aonung approaches them, relaxing his arms.

Aonung- It's okay, bro. I was never mad at you for it.

Neteyam looks at Lo'ak and gestures to Aonung.

Lo'ak- Uh, me too, Aonung. About the teasing, I'm sorry. Kiri is too.

Aonung nods, and exchanges a glance with the older forest boy who's smiling. Rotxo also smiles, happy they seem to be getting along.

Aonung enters the water and softly calls for his Ilu.

Neteyam- What are you doing?

His Ilu swims up to him, and he rubs its snout.

Aonung- Going with, obviously.

Neteyam- Yes, but why is the question.

Aonung- To make sure these two don't do anything too stupid out there.

Rotxo chuckles softly, and Aonung smiles at him, glad their friendship is back to normal.

Neteyam- I just want you all to know, this whole idea is stupid.

Lo'ak- But you're coming anyway.

Neteyam- Damn straight.

Neteyam calls for his Ilu, and when it appears he makes the connection and gets on its back.

They all look at each other from the backs of their Ilu, before deciding to really move forward.