Mune Olo'eyktan [NeteyamxAonung]

Part 23

After making it to the Omatikayan forests, after a long and dangerous trip through the ocean on skimwings, Somtra and Yune were lost.

Luckily for them, Neteyam had taught Somtra to climb trees, so he scaled the tallest one, in search of the floating mountains.

One he knew which direction to go in, things weren't much easier, but they managed. Hunting food was done in any lake they came across, and they only slept in trees. Neteyam had instructed him that sleeping on the ground without a village or lookouts was a good way to be found by predators.

With the few teachings he gained from Neteyam, regarding forest survival, Somtra was the one to lead their journey.

They came across a couple of villages, but remained out of sight, by Yune's instruction. Somtra didn't completely understand why Yune was distrusting towards them, until they came across the very group that captured them.

Tuplot, with the impression that they were sent by Jake, took them to be held at their base. Immediately, Somtra was threatened for information; Speak or his friend would be hurt.

There was nothing he could tell, because there was nothing he knew. Plus, Yune isn't a friend of his, merely someone who tagged along. Tuplot thought he was bluffing, and seemed to think he was the tougher of the two.

So, the questioning was directed at Yune instead; Speak, or they'd see how long Somtra would be able to handle their punishment.

Still, there was nothing that could be told, because neither of them knew a thing, but rather than plead his truthful innocence, Yune simply told lies. Those lies of his kept both of them from being hurt for just a few days, until it became obvious he was just buying time.

The moment he was found out Yune was punished harshly.

Now, a couple of days later, he's being punished for his uselessness to them. Somtra was spared the worst of it, because he didn't lie to them, but he was still attacked for no real reason other than the fact that it bothered Yune.

Tuplot lands one last punch on Yune's already bloodied face, making him hit the ground. The man laughs, along with his followers, who have all taken a swing at the green eyed boy.

Somtra scowls at them harshly, for finding fun in their cruelty.

Raf'Ke- Tuplot, what are you all doing here? Father said prepare to move out.

The laughing warriors quickly straighten up and leave to do as instructed.

Tuplot- You really are no fun.

Raf'Ke- This you call fun? He is not a toy. Stop playing around.

Tuplot glares at him, but decides to leave and do as their leader instructed.

Once he's gone, Raf'Ke quickly kneels to Yune's side. He helps him lean up off the ground, then observes the many bruises all over him.

Raf'Ke- I cannot believe this.

Yune- I can. Clearly you're blind to what sort of people you're working with. (coughs)

Raf'Ke- You need to be looked at.

Somtra- Not by one of your people he doesn't.

He looks up at the scowl Somtra is giving him.

Yune- Fine time for you to defend me, but you're rejecting the wrong one.

Somtra- I'm only trying to return the favor.

Yune- Raf'Ke, right?

Raf'Ke- Yes.

Yune- If you don't believe we should be treated this way, then you will help us leave.

Raf'Ke- What? I can't do that. I'd be betraying my people.

Yune- No you wouldn't. We don't know who your enemy is or what he's planning.

Raf'Ke- . . . What would I even do to get you out?

Somtra looks at him in a bit of surprise at how willing he is to help them.

Yune- Untie us, and walk away.

Raf'Ke- That's it? You'll never get away from the guards in that state, even with your friend's help.

Yune- Just do it. I can handle the rest.

Raf'Ke does as he's asked, cutting his captives free with his dagger, then leaving as if nothing happened.

Somtra gives Yune a look of confusion.

Somtra- He had a point, you know. We can't just run out of here, you can hardly stand.

Yune- Just trust me.

Somtra- Enough with that all-seeing shit, please.

Yune's bright green eyes roll, then he tilts his head in the direction of something he sensed after he wasn't being hit.

Yune- Someone has their eyes on us.

Somtra looks in the same direction as him, and spots a very well hidden blue figure watching them.

Somtra- How did you-

Yune- His orb's presence is strong.

Somtra- How are we supposed to make an escape plan?

Yune- They are the escape plan. Whatever they come up with, we'll follow.

Somtra- They?

Yune- Two are with him.

Somtra- What makes you so sure they'll get us out now and not wait until, who knows when?

Yune- His orb. It won't let him leave us behind.

Somtra- That power of yours is really something, even though it's anno-

A fit of coughs interrupts him, and he looks over at Yune doubled over, looking like he's struggling to breathe.

Somtra- Are you-

Yune- No need for concern.

Somtra- Of all the people that could've come with, it just had to be you.

Yune sits up after catching his breath.

Yune- I'm surprised you're disappointed. I'm the reason you're still alive.

Somtra- One moment you're saving my life like you actually know how to care, and the next you're still that same insensitive guy that knows everything about everyone because you have no respect for our privacy.

Yune- I can see that's bothering you, but you should just accept it and move on. Perhaps it would help to tell you that's what Neteyam did. Now you can follow his example.

Somtra- . . . Go to hell.

Yune- It's a good thing I was never fooled by your quiet demeanor, or I would probably be shocked.

Somtra- You do realize this is half the reason nobody likes you, right?

Yune- I do, but I've accepted it and moved on. Why can't you do the same?

Somtra turns away from him and looks up at the spot Neteyam and whoever is with him are hiding. He's more annoyed than ever, and just wants their plan to spring into action as soon as possible.