Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 104

Neteyam isn't sure what it was that Yune said or did to change Na'haji's behavior, but he's also not sure how he feels about the outcome. It's now the end of their first week here, and for the past few days, Na'haji has been more kind . . . To everyone except him.

He doesn't know what the boy's problem is with him, since they don't know each other, but he is glad that it doesn't look like he's favoritizing status anymore. If that's what it was. Unfortunately, even when it does irk his nerves to no end, Aonung does nothing about it. He really isn't sure what's going on with his favorite marine boy but he wishes it would stop.

Before, he would've appreciated the will to hold back against things that bothered him, after all, it would've prevented many of their fights. But now he's starting to wish this "maturity" would disappear so Aonung could do the extreme for him again. It is what won him over, though unintentionally, but he'd hate to lose it.

Currently, it's a dreary morning, and the skies are filled with grey clouds but none of them have dropped an ounce of rain. They're out on the beach, and Na'haji is discussing what will take place tomorrow, which will mark the end of this week.

The older boy stands before them speaking with a softer tone, but still neglecting to even smile at them. Though, Neteyam has never seen the boy smile at anyone, and same goes for his brother, Yune, who has been out of sight again. Sorfé is the only one who seems to openly express joy.

Na'haji- Unlike Awa'atlu, we do not hunt freely. We hunt together at the end of each week, to resupply for the village.

Lo'ak- Sounds stressful. You guys should really consider free hunting.

Na'haji- Only a fool would venture into these waters without the help of the full hunting party. We need everyone who can help to even get a decent catch.

Rotxo- Damn.

Na'haji- Indeed. Life without the spoils of a reef, plus raging waters, must be new to you.

Rotxo- I'm no stranger to it.

The memory of nearly succumbing to the raging waters he once tried to hunt in alone suddenly fill his mind. Lo'ak grabs onto his hand, noticing the uncomfortable look on his face.

Na'haji- Today, I will test you. To see who is strong enough to help on the hunt.

Rotxo- Count me out.

Lo'ak- Rotxo, you're a good hunter.

Rotxo- I don't care.

Na'haji- Why do you cower?

Rotxo- I'm not, I just don't wanna-

Na'haji- People from Awa'atlu truly are as pampered as I expected.

Lo'ak glares at him, then begins to rub Rotxo's back to calm him before he gets too riled up. Neteyam groans a bit at the relative peace he thought they had.

Kiri- Being afraid doesn't make him a coward.

Na'haji- One look at you tells me you wouldn't survive.

Kiri- Excuse you? I'll fight your ass.

Lo'ak- Touch her and you're fuckin' dead.

Na'haji- Whiny, scrawny, impulsive, and short tempered. You three will stay behind.

The younger three look at him in confusion and lingering anger. He gives no explanation, so his brother offers one, with an apologetic look.

Sorfé- That was only the beginning of your test, but I guess it was enough for him to decide.

Lo'ak- So he made us mad on purpose?

Na'haji- I was not trying to anger you, it just happened.

Kiri- We aren't going on the hunt then?

Na'haji- No. Though, I would have left you and the small one behind anyway, for the sake of your safety.

Lo'ak- I really can't figure you out, man. Are you actually a jerk or what?

He ignores the question then looks at the two who remained calm and quiet. Neteyam was only quiet because he's mad that Aonung was quiet, otherwise he probably would've laid him out.

Na'haji- You two will come with me, and Sorfé will take the others.

Sorfé- What do you want me to do with them?

Na'haji- Do what pleases you, but let them know not to leave their den tomorrow.

Sorfé- Okay. Come with me.