In the Stars

Chapter 26

Inspired song (Rescue by Lauren Daigle)

Amid the chaos, Neteyam lets out a frustrated grunt. My heart races at the determination to help Lo'ak recuse Spider.

"Come one. Let's go."

I say as I move alongside Lo'ak. Turning back, Neteyam shakes his head in disapproval. I reach out my hand for him to take. He sighs before gradually coming closer towards us. I smile as his warm hand intertwines with mine. Pulling him close beside me we began to navigate our way through the ship. The ship is a mess, alarms blaring and guards swarming.

Climbing onto a heavy piece of metal, we carefully crawl across it. Peering down, we spot Spider surrounded by a group of menacing men. We shadow them from above as we navigate a yellow platform, huddle low to stay hidden. Reaching the edge of the platform, Neteyam squats down, clutching his dagger, while Lo'ak keeps his gun at the ready.

As the guards round the corner, Neteyam springs into action, leaping onto one of them and shoving the guard forcefully into the wall. Lo'ak follows suit, a grin on his face as he pushes another guard aside. I leapt down and all of a sudden I was being attacked by a human. Knife in one hand as he tries to slice my arms. I defended myself and used all my strength until I pushed him up against the rail, smashing his hand against the metal as he let out a cry before letting go of the dagger. A punch to the face left the men dazed, and gave Neteyam time to complete the task, sending him over the rail.

Another guard approaches Neteyam, but Spider intervenes, swiftly disarming the man, and pulling off the mask as the guard struggles to breathe in the air. Then, sudden gunfire rings out. I whirl around to find Lo'ak with the gun, his chest heaving.

"Bro, let's go."

Neteyam urges Lo'ak, his voice filled with urgency.

We leap down from a flight of stairs, but Spider halts us in our tracks.

"Thanks, guys."

He expresses his gratitude with a smile. I respond by briefly pulling him into a hug before seeing an Avatar emerge from the shadows, a gun amid at us. Panic grips me as I urgently cry out,

"Look out!"

With instrictive force, I pull Spider down, moving towards the staircase while Lo'ak attempts to fend off the approaching threat. Neteyam quickly approaches Lo'ak.

"Come on!"

Neteyam drags Lo'ak away from the shooting as we continue running. Gunshots ring out, and we find ourselves a refuge behind a wall, catching our breaths.

"Give me that."

Neteyam demands, seizing the gun from Lo'ak's grasp. He fires over his shoulder, almost exposing his body as a distraction for the shooters to shoot at.

"Go, go, go!"

He orders, urging us to make our escape.

Spider guides us, leading the way along with Lo'ak, who leaps into the water.

"Neteyam, let's go."

I plead, reaching out my hand.

"Baby, I'll be right behind you."

Neteyam reassures, hurling the gun at the avatars. Grabbing my hand, we sprint toward the open water, the sound of gunfire still echoing in our ears.

But sorrow quickly turned into agony. A searing pain clenched my chest, matching the agony in Neteyam's eyes. I looked at him, his face filled with pain, clutching his side. Swimming closer, I move alongside him, offering my support as we reach the safety of the other side.