Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 38

Back in the clearing, Neytiri and Tsireya comfort Ronal, in a separate hut than her own, to not disturb her resting patient. Kiri, and Tuktirey are by Neteyam's side, while Jake paces around.

Tuktirey- (gasps) Dad, look.

Jake quickly places himself on the other side of Neteyam, as the boy's eyes begin to open. As he slowly looks around, Jake lays a hand on his head, and he speaks softly.

Neteyam- Dad?

Jake- I'm here. You're safe.

Kiri- How're you feeling?

Neteyam- (groans) Like shit.

The girls laugh softly, and a smirk creeps onto Jake's face.

Jake- You'll be alright.

Neteyam- Where is Lo'ak?

Kiri frowns, feeling guilty at the mention of his name.

Tuktirey- Rotxo said he left with Aonung.

Neteyam- And mom?

Jake- She's with Ronal. Look, I don't want you to worry-

Kiri- Tell him, dad.

Jake- (sighs) We were victorious against the invaders, but Tonowari was killed.

The injured boy's eyes widen.

Neteyam- Where is Aonung?

Tuktirey- With Lo'ak, I just told you that.

Jake- He's tired, Tuk.

Kiri- I'm sure they'll be back soon.

The boy attempts to get up, but can't sit up without pain, and it makes him groan once again. Jake and Kiri quickly hold him down.

Jake- You can't move yet, crazy boy.

Tuktirey- You have to keep still.

Neteyam- But-

Jake- No. You need to let your body heal.

Neteyam- (sighs)

Jake- We'll let you get some rest. We're going back to Awa'atlu in the morning, and you'll need your strength to endure the pain of getting moved around.

Kiri and Tuktirey stand, saying goodnight, then leave with Jake to go back to their own hut.

Neteyam barely dwells on anything, because his tired mind and body fall asleep only a short moment after his family leaves.

The next morning, before the sun has fully risen, Lo'ak wakes up and realizes they fell asleep in the cave. Propped up against the wall, Aonung is asleep on his shoulder, and he must've been lying on his head.

Looking at his peacefulness, and remembering the vulnerable side of him he saw the night before, Lo'ak feels much closer to Aonung. He starts to hope their tightened friendship will matter to the marine boy once he breaks up with his sister.

Lo'ak- Aonung . . . Aonung, wake up.

Aonung's eyes open, and he leans up, stretching. Lo'ak rubs the shoulder he slept on. He was heavy.

Aonung- Sorry.

Lo'ak- It's cool, bro. Feeling better?

Aonung- I don't think there's a tear left in my body.

Lo'ak- You feel lighter, don't you?

Aonung- Yeah, it's weird.

Lo'ak- (laughs) Come on.

Lo'ak stands, then offers a hand to Aonung, and he takes it.

They leave the cave and head back to the clearing, where the people have already begun preparations to travel. Lo'ak joins his family, while Aonung immediately goes to his mother.

After preparations are done, they travel back to their village. Unfortunately, without their Olo'eyktan.