Mune Olo'eyktan [NeteyamxAonung]

Part 20

Neteyam takes a deep breath just outside of Mo'at's den before going through the curtains. He's immediately met with Tsireya's gaze from her brother's side, which she quickly averts.

Rotxo does the same once he sees him, but instead of ignoring his presence, he pulls Tsireya away from Aonung. They whisper a few things, then Rotxo pulls her past him and out of the den.

He failed them, and their people. Therefore he doesn't blame them for acting this way. Their mother, their Tsahík, is gone.

He was the one trusted to get her and her son home safely, and he failed.

Aonung- I know you're blaming yourself over there.

His thoughts are cut off, and he looks back over to Aonung from the curtains he was staring at. The marine boy motions for him to come over, so he does, placing himself next to him.

Aonung takes his hand, and attempts to look him in the eyes, but he just can't face him. He stares at the floor.

Aonung- It's not your fault.

Neteyam- Yes it is.

Aonung- Neteyam-

Neteyam- I failed you, all of you, as Olo'eyktan.

Aonung- Stop.

The grip on his hand tightens just a bit, and he finally looks up at Aonung.

Aonung- You're the kind of guy that protects no matter what it takes, so I know you didn't just let my mother be killed. I know there was nothing you could do.

Neteyam- But-

Aonung- Tsireya and Rotxo are just hurting, they will come around, and Wari may be young, but I'm sure he knows you protected him.

Neteyam- I doubt that.

Aonung releases his hand to instead caress his face comfortingly.

Neteyam- How does your wound feel?

Aonung- It hurts, but I can handle the pain.

Neteyam- Are you sure? You sounded so . . .

He suddenly notices the dry tears on Aonung's face, looking like he tried to wipe them away.

Aonung- I'm fine.

Neteyam- You promise you aren't lying?

Aonung- Tey-

Neteyam- You've been, I don't know, different. Like there's something you're not saying.

Aonung- I promise you, I'm fine.

Neteyam sighs, and places his hand over Aonung's, holding it onto his face.

Neteyam- Okay. I'm sorry to say we're stuck here, until Tsana and his people are dealt with. I hope Cin'lan continues to handle things for however long we're gone.

Aonung- I'm sure it'll be alright. It's just one group right?

Neteyam- Yes.

He stares down at the bandages around Aonung's torso, and feels guilty.

Neteyam- I'm really sorry.

Aonung- For what?

Neteyam- You were protecting me and ended up like this. If I had just sensed those pe-