Rivals || Lo'ak Sully

Chapter 23: "Safe"💫

(POV: Lo'ak)

The first thing he felt was soft salty and fresh breeze that flushed his face. Then he heard rustles of the leaves, the same ones they use to decorate newly built houses.

His ears caught sounds of birds and water running.

Home. Calmness.

And that smell.

He knew instantly what it was. And a smile creeped up upon his lips. At that moment nothing mattered - at that moment Ma'i was not a rival. She was his safety net, he felt calm with her. So without even opening his eyes, Lo'ak pulled her body closer, resting his chin on her head, her soft hair brushed his chin and cheeks.

"What are you thinking?" Her soft voice echoed through the small room they were in.

"Nothing."

"Bullshit." Ma'i laughed. "I know you're contemplating something right at this moment."

Then she turned around to face Lo'ak and when her fierce eyes looked up at him, his chest tightened. She was flawless.

His eyes roamed over her face, trying to find one imperfection but all he could think about at that moment was how he wanted to truly just pull her in and never let go.

It was so calm. In his head. In his chest. At this moment.

Until a splash of cold water woke Lo'ak up from whatever fever dream he was having.

He gasped of air, feeling bids of water go through his lungs causing him to cough uncontrollably until all the unwanted water left his body.

"Sully's son is finally awake."

Sound of laughter erupted in the whatever small closed area they were in.

"He's just like Jake."

Another eruption of creaky voices came from behind.

Lo'ak opened his eyes to take a closer look at the men that managed to capture him.

Ma'i. Neteyam.

Are they okay?

His eyes quickly scanned the whole are trying to find them but he felt some sort of calmness rush through his body when he didn't see anything that could indicate they are in danger.

And only them did he take a closer look at the men before him.

"Look at him. You really outdid yourself with the plan, Captain. Luring him in with voices that imitated his family crying for help was truly such a smart way."

They all laughed again.

And Lo'ak turned his head away, his ears going down.

"How stupid was it of him to run helplessly after his family."

Now it was the man before him. He squatted in front of him, looking right at Lo'ak.

Lo'ak had to literally bite his tongue to not spit or freak out on the terrible man in front of him.

"He will be perfect. Load him up."

Lo'ak didn't even managed to understand what was happening when his body was lift up and four leather bandages were cuffed to his ankles and wrists.

He hissed. He tried to bite. But it was hopeless. They were really prepared so that none of his muscles could properly move.

"He was preparing for the final competition. Trained. They said he was the first at their clan. The best."

Scientists starter roaming around him with different types of needles, liquids and test results.

Lo'ak almost chuckled after hearing the statement. He was actually still the second one. After Ma'i.

But then he saw the huge needle with some blue liquid and all the little short-lived happiness vanished.

"What is this?"

He tired to back up but his body was already cuffed strongly to the seat.

The scientists arm did not even stop for a second as if he hasn't heard Lo'ak's question at all. He clicked on the bottle with his fingers and made a small amount of liquid run out of it. It was not fluid but more of a sticky substance that looked like it was fermented for years and years.

"Hey, wait!"

Lo'ak tried to back away. His tail smacking all around, trying to break free and free him but it was pointless, the restrains were too strong, keeping him in place.

"Wait! Stop! What is this?"

Lo'ak did not stop moving around, making other scientists come to help to hold him down even more.

He felt nails dig into his skin and strong hands wrap around his body parts, weakening his body as much as it was possible.

And then he felt it.

Sharp needle stinging from his stomach's side. Some liquid invading his body, spreading its poison through the skin and blood vessels, instantly killing any strength he had left in his body.

"Hope you will have a good sleep."

Another eruption of laughter could he heard from the crowd of men surrounding him as Lo'ak's eyes heaved and he started to drift off.

"Ma'i..."

Her face popped up before his eyes, wondering if she was okay before everything started to blur out and disappear as Lo'ak drifted into another session of his imagination.

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A/N: Giving Lo'ak the biggest hug ever. As if he hasn't suffered enough...