Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 123

Jake sighs again, and Neteyam already knows what's coming.

Neteyam- Look, I can explain-

Jake- I don't need your excuses right now.

Neteyam- But-

Jake- We don't have time for this!

The sudden rise in tone shuts him up before he can say more.

Jake- Ronal wants him to fight with us, so he needs to be ready.

Neteyam- I know that.

Jake- Do you? 'Cause you sure are wasting a lot of time. He didn't come up like you did, he'll get killed the moment he steps out there if you don't hurry up and do something.

Neteyam- I am doing something, but you can't expect him to become a pro in just a few months.

Jake- No, but I can expect him to be better than he is right now. Have you taught him nothing?

Neteyam- He can shoot well.

Jake- And if he's unarmed?

Neteyam- . . . I'll help him.

Jake- Neteyam.

Jake pinches the bridge of his nose for a moment, then crosses his arms, looking down at his son with a knowing expression.

Jake- It's not your job to protect him, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't want you to.

Neteyam- I don't care.

Jake- Neteyam, you-

Neteyam- No!

Neteyam turns away from him, scowling at the ground.

Jake- Not properly training him isn't gonna stop me from putting him on the squad, it's just gonna make him get killed when I do.

He suddenly faces him again, the scowl wiped clean over with worry.

Neteyam- Father, no. I don't want him out there.

Jake- It's not about what you want, it's about what's happening. And he is going out there, whether you like it or not, it isn't up to you.

Neteyam- But-

Jake- Now what is up to you, is whether or not he'll be ready when that time comes.

His son hisses, not at him, but in general frustration.

Jake- You gotta let him go.

Neteyam- I won't.

Jake- Neteyam, the Aonung you know isn't there anymore.

Neteyam- Yes he is, within.

Jake- Well you don't have the time to find him! Not unless you want him to get killed first! Is that what you want?!

Neteyam- . . .

Jake- You have a job to do, boy. You're my best warrior, I need you to act like it.

Neteyam- I will.

Jake- Good. Now train him like you mean it. Stop playing games.

Neteyam- Yes, Sir.

Jake starts to walk off, but stops and turns back around, wearing a softer expression.

Jake- I understand how you feel about him, but it's safer this way.

Neteyam feels calmer hearing that, and nods in response, then watches his father leave to go about his business.

He's right. Neteyam may not have meant to, but he's been hindering the boy's chances at survival. It's true that no matter what he thinks or does, the reality is, Aonung will have to learn to not only fight in this war, but lead in it as well.

The best he can do at this point is teach him everything he'll need to know, and hope they can continue to grow together once he's caught up. Though, that would be assuming Aonung will even find friendship in him again.