Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 142

A horn suddenly sounds, drawing everyone's attention to the horizon where an airship is approaching, no doubt bringing Spider back. Beneath it, within the water, Jake Sully's squad is returning on their Skimwings, done with securing their scouting route.

Once the ship lands, and his father reaches the shore, Neteyam stands and goes over to greet them, with Aonung close behind. Jake rushes over to greet Norm and a few others, including a Na'vi Neteyam hasn't seen before.

The Omatikayan boy, with dreads and a wide smile, walks right up to him with a familiar greeting, and he almost can't believe his eyes.

Neteyam- Spider?

Spider- In the blue flesh.

Neteyam- Damn! You finally got an avatar.

Spider- Not just an avatar anymore. I went through the same process Jake did. Wasn't certain it would work, but I got my wish.

Neteyam- No fuckin' way!

Aonung- Holy shit.

Spider laughs at the shock on their faces, and does a bit of a spin to let them take in the full sight of his new physique.

Spider- I can finally experience life just like you guys. It feels fucking awesome!

Neteyam- The others are gonna flip.

Aonung- I still can't believe it.

Spider- Let's go show them.

Neteyam- That ride to the Three Brothers isn't sounding so bad right about now.

Aonung- Oh? Feeling happy?

Neteyam- Maybe.

Aonung- Is it because of me, or him?

Spider- Wait, are you guys back together?

Neteyam- As of a few moments ago, yes, and he's not allowed to leave again.

Spider- Better behave, Aonung.

Aonung- What if I feel like wandering off?

Neteyam- Don't make me put you on a fucking leash.

Aonung- (chuckles)

Spider- Come on, let's go. I'm pumped!

Neteyam- One moment.

Not too far from them, Jake is having an important conversation with Norm about the many extra boxes he brought with him. He holds out a tablet for Jake to see as he explains some strange weather conditions.

Norm- See, right here is where it cuts off, so back home things still remain in the same patterns.

Jake- But nothing seems off here, what're you saying?

Norm- This chill seems normal, since it happens every so often, but since flying into these areas here, there's been some rapid change. I'm telling you, it's like nothing we've seen here.

Jake- So what's in the boxes?

Norm- We have the weapons, ammo, coms-

Jake- The extra boxes.

Norm- Cloaks and blankets. I believe Na'vi bodies can produce more heat than a human's, but that doesn't make them invulnerable to cold weather.

Jake observes the many boxes and his brows furrow.

Jake- How cold you think it'll get?

Norm- There's no telling. It's completely new, I can't make any predictions yet. But you should be prepared for anything, the temperature is dropping fast.

Neteyam cautiously walks up to the two, but before he can speak, his father holds a hand up to him for him to stay quiet while he continues.

Jake- We just got back from scoping out that new base. They built something big, maybe it's causing this.

Norm- Wouldn't be the first time human tech caused a reaction from the planet itself, so that is a high possibility, but we're gonna need more intel to find out if that's true and why.

Jake- Not a problem. Neteyam and his squad are heading out in the morning, they'll give a full report. Now . . .

His father looks at him, giving him permission to speak.

Neteyam- We're still free the rest of the day, right?

Jake- Yeah, got plans?

Neteyam- Just going out for a ride with the others.

Jake- That's fine, just don't stay out too late, I need you all in top shape tomorrow. Fully alert, aware, and ready.

Neteyam- Yes, sir.

Jake- Is that all?

Neteyam- Uh, no. About Aonung being on my-

Jake- Don't tell me you're still worrying about him. He's been learning well, from yours truly, he'll be fine.

Neteyam- It's not that, he just seems a little bothered, mentally.

Jake- The brain is a fragile thing, the slightest touch of damage can have a big impact, it'd be strange if he didn't seem bothered.

Neteyam- You still think he should go out there like that?

Jake- It'll pass, Neteyam, he's not dying. Kinda seems like he's coming out of it to me, with you two getting along these days. Just look out for him.

Neteyam- (sighs) Yes, sir.

With that, Neteyam goes back to Spider and Aonung, and tries to leave his worries in the back of his mind. He's happy right now. Aonung is his again, and Spider is back, and has gone full Na'vi just like he's always wanted. Things could potentially go back to the way they were, to those days he missed.