Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 157

Dawn brings the sunrise, warming the island just the slightest. Within one of the prepared dens, Na'haji is already up, repeatedly looking out from the den as he awaits Neteyam's return.

Near the dying fire, one of his roommates, Tsui, awakens with a yawn. He turns to her as she stands and stretches.

Na'haji- Tsui, would you do me a favor?

Tsui- Sure.

Na'haji- Go retrieve Lo'ak and the other hunters. My brother and I will meet you on the beach in a moment.

Tsui- Alright.

She picks up her cloak from the spot she slept in, and adjusts it around herself as she leaves through the curtains of the entrance. Once she's gone, Na'haji turns to his brother, who is now reviving the fire with the wood he had to thaw out.

With a sigh, and concern evident on his face, he approaches him. Yune can already sense his unrest, and has a feeling he knows exactly what's bothering him, aside from the obvious.

Yune- You have something to say, brother. Out with it.

Na'haji- Tell me the truth. Did you do something to Aonung?

Yune leans back and sits in front of the now larger fire, on top of the cloak he used as a blanket the night before.

Yune- You wouldn't believe me even if I said I didn't.

Na'haji- So you did.

Yune- What other choice did I have?

Na'haji- We are stranded out here, Yune. We need all the help we can get.

Yune- And then what? We somehow end up back in Awa'atlu, then I'm sent home while you're sent to your death.

Na'haji- If that was the way my path would end then I would accept it. I told you I do not like sabotaging someone else to save myself.

Yune- Which is exactly why you're perfect for leadership.

Yune stands and walks over to his brother, who steps back from him.

Yune- You would make a great chief.

Na'haji- Of our village, yes, but I could never run the entire clan. Do you realize what you have done, brother? You could be exiled.

Yune- Not if no one knows it was my fault. You wouldn't out me, would you?

Na'haji's orb projects great conflict. His loyalty to his brother is battling his loyalty to the people. Even Yune can't figure out which side is winning.

Yune- We are brothers. It's just you and I now, we need to have each other's backs.

Na'haji- You killed our future Olo'eyktan, Yune. Not only did you sabotage his life, but the life of the entire clan. Not just anyone can lead the Metkayina, he was chosen for a reason.

Yune- He was chosen because his father was in charge. Seems pretty biased to choose your own son to lead in your place, rather than someone who shows true potential.

Na'haji- Yune-

Yune- Why do you think Toruk Makto is in his place, and not Aonung?

Na'haji- Because he wasn't ready. He is still young, and his training is unfinished.

Yune- He is unfit for the job.

Na'haji- You are deceiving yourself, brother.

Yune- I speak the truth and you know it.