Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 156

Once Bay'an is out of sight, Neteyam glances back at the deceased girl, then turns to Aonung, who's looking in the direction Bay'an went, but is obviously spaced out.

Neteyam- Aonung.

He lies a gentle hand on his shoulder, bringing him back into reality.

Aonung- Hm?

Neteyam- Don't pay any attention to her. This is just a lot for her to take in, and it'll be like that with the others too.

Aonung- I know.

Neteyam- Okay. And you don't feel responsible for this, right?

Aonung's face turns from just plain to expressionless, holding his gaze in silence for a second.

Aonung- Sure.

Aonung starts his walk on the same route back to the village without another word, and Neteyam follows after him in silence. He knows better than to think Aonung would just tell him exactly how he feels. He isn't sure why he bothered to ask, he should be assuming the blame for Yori's death is weighing heavily on him, because that's how he is.

On their way back, they come across Aonung's group, who were looking for him because he suddenly left to follow the gatherers.

With a scowl on his face, as well as a cut on his cheek, Shore walks ahead of the displeased group to confront them.

Shore- What the hell, Aonung?

Aonung- What happened to your face?

He asks baitingly, with a smirk on his face, making it clear he isn't asking out of concern.

Shore- You'd know if you hadn't run off, but I guess I should've expected as much from you.

Neteyam looks between the two, as do the others. The glares Shore has aimed at Aonung have been obvious, but since the marine boy never acknowledged it, he didn't either. That doesn't mean he hasn't been wondering, though, why they're like that.

Dale- How can he be the future leader of the clan if he can't even lead four guys?

Coona- Cool it, he's still in charge.

Talon- He ran off without telling us anything. You call that being in charge?

Shore- Exactly, but, at least we don't have to wonder what he ran off for anymore.

Shore crosses his arms and points his gaze at Neteyam.

Shore- Looks like one person takes priority over everything else. Good luck running the Clan with that mindset.

Talon- If we ever get back home.

Neteyam- Don't start on that. We will get back home.

Shore- (scoffs) How exactly do you plan to ensure that?

Neteyam- Trust in the Olo'eyktan. He'll put an end to whatever the Sky people have done to cause this.

Shore- Hm. He's not our true leader, but I do recognize his abilities. But, while we wait for him to come to our rescue, don't expect me to feel the same about you two. Temporary or not, you're no leaders of mine.

Na'haji- Then perhaps you'll have no problem listening to me.

The older Paltu boy draws their attention as he approaches with a serious look on his face.