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04

CHAPTER FOUR: Go Home.

Na'taya glanced around, her tiny eyes wide with wonder and trepidation. This part of the forest was uncharted territory for her—a world of towering trees and thick underbrush that seemed to swallow all light. The trees loomed overhead, their branches interlocking like fingers in a solemn handshake, creating a canopy that barely let any sunlight through. The ground was uneven and covered with a mix of moss and fallen leaves that crunched softly beneath their feet. It was a different world from the familiar paths she knew, and she felt both excited and uneasy.

The forest seemed to whisper secrets as the breeze rustled through the leaves, and Na'taya felt a shiver run down her spine. She squeezed Kiri's hand tighter, her small fingers barely wrapping around her older sister's. Her gaze darted around, trying to take in the strange surroundings while her heart pounded in her chest.

Kiri looked down, noticing the fear in Na'taya's eyes. Without a word, she wrapped her arm around her little sister's small, trembling body, pulling her closer. The warmth of Kiri's embrace was a small comfort in the vast and unfamiliar forest.

"Lo'ak, we are never supposed to come here. How irresponsible do you have to be to bring a five and seven-year-old here?" Kiri scolded, her voice carrying a note of panic as she tried to keep her composure. "Dad is going to ground you."

"Shh, can you stop?" Lo'ak replied, trying to brush off Kiri's concern as he peered deeper into the forest, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"For life!" Kiri's whisper was loud with frustration, a mix of exasperation and fear threading through her words.

"Bro, we have got to check this out. Let's go closer," Lo'ak said to Spider, his voice resolute despite the growing tension.

Na'taya and Tuk exchanged worried glances from either side of Kiri. The bond between them was palpable; even at their young age, they understood the gravity of their situation.

"Kiri," Na'taya tugged on her arm, her voice barely above a whisper, "I'm scared," she sniffled, her voice trembling as she spoke.

Kiri bent down so that they were eye to eye. Her expression softened as she saw the fear in Na'taya's eyes. "I know, 'Taya. I'm sorry, but we can't leave without them. I promise we will go back soon."

"It's okay, 'Taya. You just gotta be brave!" Tuk giggled, trying to lighten the mood. "Besides, we have our older siblings here, we'll be okay."

Na'taya managed a small smile in response, leaning into Kiri's comforting presence. She squeezed Kiri's hand, finding solace in her sister's warmth as they awaited their brother's return.

"I'm calling this in," Lo'ak declared, walking back towards the girls with a serious expression.

"Seriously, man. We're going to get in trouble," Spider pointed out, his concern evident.

"Spider, don't discourage him." Kiri narrowed her eyes at the boy, who responded with a sly smile and shrugged.

"Just trying to save us from certain death."

"Don't be dramatic," Kiri scoffed playfully, though her grip on Na'taya tightened as she pulled Tuk in closer as well.

"Devil Dog. Devil Dog, this is Eagle Eye. Over."

"Eagle Eye. Send your traffic," Jake responded instantly, his voice crackling over the communication device.

Na'taya perked up at the sound of her dad's voice, a familiar smile tugging at her lips despite the tension.

"I got eyes on some guys," Lo'ak reported as he continued to observe the group from a distance. "They look like Avatars, but they're in full camo and carrying ARs. There's... six of them. Over."