Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 27

As the sky finally clears, Lo'ak looks at the boy next to him, pleased he's helped his friend come out of his shell this past week.

Lo'ak- They can practice all they want, but they'll never get as good as you have.

Rotxo- Oh yeah! I found something.

Lo'ak- Huh?

Rotxo- In the forest, I found something. I forgot to mention it before.

Lo'ak- Where is it? What is it?

Rotxo- Keep up to find out.

Lo'ak- Don't make me chase you again.

Rotxo- Too late.

Rotxo takes off towards the woods and Lo'ak runs after him, lowkey enjoying their game of chase.

Out in the forest, Kiri and Tsireya aren't actually practicing any new skills.

Instead, they're sitting under a tree making light conversation with each other, enjoying their peace without the boys.

Kiri- No way.

Tsireya- Seriously?

Kiri- Don't get me wrong, Rotxo is really cute, but not my type.

Tsireya- What is your type?

Kiri- Well for one, he has to be taller than me.

Both of them laugh, then Kiri directs the topic at Tsireya.

Kiri- What about you? Is Lo'ak everything you wanted?

Tsireya- He's actually not what I used to picture myself with in the future, but I'm not displeased.

Kiri- I think you're good for him.

Tsireya- Really?

Kiri- Of course, you're keeping him out of trouble . . . Well, mostly. It's a big improvement from how he used to be.

Kiri notices the suddenly troubled look on Tsireya's face.

Kiri- Tsireya, do you doubt yourself?

The marine girl gives her a pitiful look, and nods her head.

Kiri- Why?

Tsireya- I don't know. Sometimes I think he gets frustrated with me.

Kiri- Because you're breaking a pretty solid bad habit of his. It's almost like he's addicted to breaking rules, isn't it?

Tsireya- Yeah. Do you think he's mad at me for stopping him?

Kiri- No. He may complain about it, or seem frustrated by it, but deep down I think he knows you're helping him.

A small smile reappears on Tsireya's face, and Kiri smiles back at her, before remembering something.

Kiri- You know, there's something I've been wondering about.

Tsireya- Like what?

Kiri- Your brother.

Tsireya- What about him?

Kiri- I noticed how roughly your father handled him when they returned. Specifically, his bond.

Tsireya- Oh.

Tsireya's smile fades once again.

Kiri- Does he always scold him that way?

Tsireya- (sighs) Unfortunately, he does.

Kiri- Won't that damage it?

Tsireya- No!

Kiri is startled by her loud tone.

Tsireya- He is fine.

Kiri- Are you sure?

Tsireya- Yes!

Looking at the marine girl's angered expression tells Kiri to drop the subject.

Kiri- Okay . . . Um, want to actually learn a new skill now?

Tsireya stands from her spot, and looks down at Kiri, visibly irritated.

Tsireya- I think I would prefer some time to myself now.

Kiri replies with a small "Okay" while Tsireya heads back to the clearing.