Luminous Nights [Neteyam x Aonung]

Luminous Days : Part 7

Just outside the reef, off the Main Street decorated with a large bridge, Zanin's house sits in line with many others with the same structure.

Flashing lights shine through his windows, and a bass booms loud enough to be felt.

When Neteyam's skimwing pulls up to the sidewalk in front of the boy's home, one thing is certain; Zanin is having a party.

He and Lo'ak hop onto the sidewalk, and the younger boy follows as his brother storms up to the front door. He doesn't waste his time attempting to knock loud enough to be heard, instead, he jumps straight to kicking the door in.

The moment he lifts his leg, Lo'ak pulls his arm to stop him, but Neteyam isn't having it. He starts kicking the door multiple times until the lock breaks and the door bursts open.

Just inside the entrance, a few wild looking Na'vi suddenly start cheering and saying "Break the door down." once they see him.

After closing the door back, Lo'ak stifles a laugh, and Neteyam rolls his eyes and barges into the loud, crowded home, with his brother close behind him. He makes his way to the densest part of the house, the living room, and scans for the host.

Unfortunately, when they find him, he's passed out on the couch, and Xenji is right there with him. With a disgusted face, he lets out a sigh of frustration. At least he now knows why Aonung was able to just disappear.

Lo'ak- What do we do now?!

His brother yells over the music at him, but before he answers, an arm hangs around his shoulder. He turns rapidly to his side, ready to punch someone's lights out, but is met by a familiar face, which makes him roll his eyes and scoff.

Yar- Nice to see you too!

Neteyam- Ugh.

Lo'ak- Hey, Yar!

Yar- Come with me!

Yar leads them across the room, maneuvering through the mostly wasted crowd, then to the staircase. Upstairs, the bass of the music still reaches, but it's muffled, and most of the guests can't navigate stairs so no one is up here but them.

They head through one of two rooms, then onto a small balcony on the front of the house. Yar takes a seat on a small bench, and gestures for them to do the same on the one across from him. Only Lo'ak complies.

Yar- So, you're the one who broke the lock on the front door. Locking it was the only way we were keeping everyone in, ya'know.

Neteyam- If the doors were locked, how the hell did Aonung get out? Why was he drinking? Why was he even here? He never mentioned this party.

Yar sighs and leans forward onto his knees.

Yar- Well, I can't tell you why he was here, or why he was drinking, because I don't know. He always rejected the offers before, so this is pretty contrary.

Neteyam- Ya think.

Yar- What I do know, is one moment I had eyes on him, the next moment he was gone.

Neteyam- What about Xenji and Zanin? Did they know he was here?

Yar- Yeah, but they were already drunk, I don't think they even comprehended their surroundings.

Neteyam- What about you? You're sober.

Neteyam hovers over Yar, looking down at him with eyes full of skepticism.

Yar- I don't drink. That's why Zanin has me come to his parties.

Neteyam- Then why didn't you stop Aonung?

Yar- I couldn't.

Neteyam- Couldn't you? Or did you just not want to?

Yar- What?

Yar gives him a confused look, and Lo'ak's brows furrow, knowing what his brother is getting at, but not thinking it possible, since Yar is a friend.

Yar- Why the hell wouldn't I want to?

Neteyam- I don't know, you tell me.

Lo'ak- Tey, you know Yar.

Neteyam- Exactly, and I know he's a predator.

Yar- Yeah, but not a damn monster. I may prey on mental weakness, but I'd never take advantage of anyone while they're drunk.

Neteyam- Are you sure about that, or do you just not want me to beat the shit outta you right now?

Yar stands abruptly from his seat, and Neteyam glares in his face, his tail twitching as his anger rises. Lo'ak quickly moves to push them gently apart.

Lo'ak- Hey, let's not go pointing fingers here.

Yar- If you're so worried about him, why weren't you around to look after him yourself?

Lo'ak connects his queue to his brother's before he even gets the chance to lose his temper, then he gives Yar a stern look.

Lo'ak- I really don't think riling him up right now is a good idea for you.

Reluctantly, Yar takes a step back, and Neteyam sighs, feeling a bit calmer.

Neteyam- You knew something was wrong with him, why didn't you do anything?

Yar- He wouldn't let me.

Neteyam- What?

Yar- He threw a fucking bottle at me, it was a clear sign to just back off, so I-

Neteyam- So you did.

Neteyam scoffs and turns away from him, leaning onto the railing and rubbing the sides of his head.

Yar- What else was I supposed to do? Bother him until I got hit?

Neteyam- You could have at least still kept tabs on him.

Yar- Don't you think I tried? What was up with him anyway? Does it have something to do with you?

Neteyam goes silent as he looks off the balcony, and Lo'ak turns to Yar with a glare.

Lo'ak- You're obviously no help, so shut the he-

A surge of joy through his bond suddenly halts his words.

Neteyam- Lo'ak, I found him. I found him!

Neteyam turns and detaches their queues, then bolts back into the house, leaving Yar and Lo'ak looking off the balcony.

Across the large bridge, a little ways down the stream, a marine figure is lying motionless at the end of it, on the other side.

After exchanging a glance, the two head back inside and run downstairs.