Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 37

Ronal steps out of the hut, gaining their attention. They both stand, eager to hear an update.

Ronal- I removed the foreign object from his body, now he is stable and resting.

The boys exhale in relief, and Lo'ak wipes his face dry.

Aonung- How long will he take to heal?

Ronal- None of his organs were hit, so with proper care, I estimate a few weeks before he can move around freely without reopening the wound.

Lo'ak- When will he wake up?

Ronal- Soon. You may wait beside him if you like.

With a nod, Lo'ak goes into the hut and sits next to his brother, who's now patched up and under a blanket.

Outside, Ronal and her son observe the boy from a distance.

Ronal- The Sullys will be able to visit him whenever they like, but the boy must stay with us so I can overlook his recovery.

Aonung- I'll let them know.

Ronal- You will aid him once he is up and moving. Do not let him do anything stupid.

Aonung nods, holding back a laugh at her last sentence. Suddenly a horn sounds, signaling their warriors' return.

Ronal- They must have done it.

Aonung- They won?

Ronal- Stay here, and prepare to leave.

Ronal walks off to the edge of the clearing going to greet Jake, Neytiri, and Tonowari. She was disappointed she couldn't rejoin the battle and back them up.

Aonung walks into the hut, then sits next to Lo'ak.

Aonung- I think we'll be going back to our village soon.

Lo'ak- That's great. I think I'll miss living in the trees again though.

Lo'ak laughs softly, and Aonung smiles slightly.

Aonung- Neteyam will have to stay with us while he recovers, but your family is free to visit whenever you'd like.

Lo'ak- My parents will be glad to hear that.

The two boys sit in comfortable silence for a bit, waiting for Neteyam to open his eyes.

Tsireya- Brother!

Rotxo- No, Tsireya, not now!

Aonung and Lo'ak turn towards the entrance as Tsireya storms in, her eyes filled with tears. Rotxo runs in behind her, attempting to keep her back, but he fails.

She walks right over to her brother, and he stands up.

Aonung- Tsireya, what is it? What's wrong?

He wipes the fresh tears from her face, and she takes short breaths.

Tsireya- It's father . . .

Aonung- Father? Is he injured? How bad is it?

She shakes her head, slowly beginning to sob.

Tsireya- H-He is with Eywa now.

Aonung- No . . . Eywa no.

Tears flood down her face as she continues to sob, and Aonung begins to take shaky breaths.

Lo'ak stands as he watches the marine boy's breathing grow quicker, before bolting out of the hut.

Tsireya- Aonung! Aonung, come back!

Rotxo- I told you not to tell him now.

Tsireya- Waiting would've done him no good.

Tsireya continues to cry, and Rotxo gives in and hugs her. He glances at Lo'ak and tilts his head towards the entrance. Lo'ak takes the hint and goes after Aonung.

He spots him in the distance, heading into the forest. Eclipse is close, so he follows as quickly as he can.

He only catches up when Aonung stops and leans against a mossy stone wall, hyperventilating.

Lo'ak- Aonung, listen to me. Try to level your breathing.

Lo'ak places a hand on Aonung's chest, and the boy looks into his eyes.

Lo'ak- Follow my lead.

He inhales slowly, and Aonung attempts to mimic him, his breathing still shaky.

After a few slow inhales and exhales, the marine boy's breathing is finally smooth, but still a bit fast.

Lo'ak- I need you to relax.

Aonung slightly shakes his head, clenching his jaw.

Lo'ak- Why can't you do that?

When he looks into his light colored eyes, and sees them watering, he understands.

Lo'ak- It's okay, bro. You don't have to be strong all the time, I won't judge you.

He averts his gaze, turning his head. Lo'ak sighs, then notices the area they're in. It's dark out, but he still recognizes it.

Lo'ak- Wait. Follow me.

Lo'ak pulls Aonung up to the same opening Rotxo showed him before.

He enters it, with Aonung behind him, and when they reach the cave at the end of the tunnel the marine boy visibly relaxes.

He gasps lightly as his tears begin to fall, looking around at the mesmerizing view. When he turns to Lo'ak, the boy is holding his arms out to him.

Lo'ak- I'm no Neteyam, but do you need a hu-

Aonung hugs Lo'ak tightly before he can finish his sentence. He rubs the larger boy's back as he listens to the small sniffles.