Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 102

A ways down the beach, Aonung has found himself a solitary spot where he won't be bothered.

Fortunately for Neteyam, he seems to have some sort of natural homing beacon for the boy, and always manages to find him.

The marine boy is sitting on a rock, with his legs hanging just above the water. Neteyam climbs up onto it, then places himself next to him.

Neteyam- He isn't completely wrong, you know.

Aonung- You think I should act in anger?

Neteyam- No, but, showing a little bit of that could put Na'haji in his place. You don't even so much as glare at the guy.

Aonung- We're visitors here.

Neteyam- So that means we just have to put up with it?

Aonung- It's temporary-

Neteyam- Aonung, how can you let him treat us like that? Treat me like that?

Aonung- I can't just go beat the shit out of him, it'll reflect on my family, and affect the way these people view their future Olo'eyktan.

Neteyam- But-

Aonung- I can't just blow up over trivial matters.

Neteyam- You think this is trivial? Us being treated like we're less than him, less than you, you don't think that's important enough?

Aonung- It's not about what I think. I can't just act out because of a disagreement.

Neteyam- It's not a disagreement, it's mistreatment.

Aonung- He thinks there's nothing wrong with it, but you do. Disagreement.

Neteyam- So you don't?

Aonung- That's not what I'm saying. I don't like it either, but fighting isn't gonna solve anything.

Neteyam rolls his eyes with a scoff.

Neteyam- That's rich, coming from someone who fought my brother to solve a problem that nobody asked him to.

Aonung- I didn't know any better then, but now I do.

Neteyam- You see him treat me the way he does, and all you say is. "Neteyam, ignore it." "Neteyam, you know better." "Neteyam, calm down." Never "Na'haji, back the fuck off."

Aonung- Even if I did tell him that, he wouldn't listen.

Neteyam- Aonung, I would run a blade through anyone that would ever decide to do you any harm. Normally, you act like you'd do the same.

Aonung- Ne-

Neteyam- I wouldn't care how other people would react. I wouldn't care how even my parents would react. The only thing I would care about is defending you.

Aonung- I know, but . . .

Neteyam- But?

Aonung- Would you still do something like that if you were still expected to be the Olo'eyktan of the entire clan?

Neteyam- Of course I would.

Aonung- I don't think that's how Jake was raising you.

Neteyam- Obviously not, but I don't care.

Aonung- Well I do care about the way my father was raising me, and I want to get back on track.

Neteyam- So, you won't scold Na'haji?

Aonung- . . . No.

He sits eyes wide for a moment, and before he can even attempt a response, they're interrupted by Sorfé calling him. He quickly stands and jumps down from the rock, while Aonung remains in his spot, only turning to show he's listening.

Sorfé- There is a way to help you deal with my brother, but Lo'ak told me to discuss it with you first.

Neteyam- I'm all ears. How do we deal with him?

Sorfé- Yune. He is the only one Na'haji will listen to.

Neteyam- Fine, tell him to help us.

Sorfé- You have to do it. Or one of the others. It would probably mean more coming from you, though, since he knows you dislike him most.

He groans a bit, thinking it over, then looks up at the sky.

Neteyam- I'm starting to feel like Eywa just hates me today.

Sorfé- You do not have to, but it would be beneficial.

He looks back down at Sorfé, having made up his mind.

Neteyam- Know where he is?

Sorfé- He may be on the East beach, or the South.

Neteyam- Great, I need a long walk anyway.

As Neteyam dismisses himself, walking off to go find the solution to their problem, Aonung turns his gaze back to the ocean, thinking over something very deeply. Something that's been weighing heavily on his mind for the past few days.