Always There - Neteyam x Aonung

XV

Neteyam lead the stunned Aonung by the hand. They walked deeper into the woods, Where are we going? Aonung could barely keep up with Neteyam, who pulled him through the colorful foliage. Neteyam slowed down, pulling back a large leaf. They emerged in a large clearing.

"We are here," he released Aonung's hand, walking into the middle. Aonung stood where Neteyam left him, watching closely. Neteyam let out a loud pitch chirp, something similar to what he would do to call Eytu. Rustling from above made Aonung's eyes dart upward. A large creature swooped down like a bullet, landing next to Neteyam. Aonung placed his hand on his dagger, ready to run to Neteyam's rescue, until he realized it was the large creature the Sullys rode in on. He cautiously lowered his hand to his side, watching the other boy stroke the thick neck of the Ikran.

"Come meet her, Aonung," Neteyam smiled fondly at the Ikran, placing a hand on its muzzle. Aonung moved to stand with Neteyam next to the large animal. Neteyam took the boy's hand, placing it on the Ikran's neck. "This is Raäea." The Ikran was a green color, with brown stripes down its wings. It was only slightly taller than Neteyam, but her wingspan was massive. The holes on her chest vibrated as she breathed heavily, chest rising and falling rapidly. Neteyam took hold of the Ikran's queue, attaching their tendrils. He leapt up onto her back. Raäea spread her wings upward, letting out a guttural cry. Aonung stepped back instinctively, crouching downward to avoid getting hit by her powerful wings.

Neteyam extended his hand to Aonung, "Let's go for a ride," The Metkayina instantly began shaking his head no, holding his hands up with a smile.

"I'm not the type to like heights," he grinned, scratching his head. Neteyam opened his mouth, and then closed it. "What?"

"Your hair, I didn't realize it was down," Neteyam's face lit up, a dark blue hue illuminating it. Aonung instinctively felt at his head. His curls tumbled down his back, meeting his waist. His face was framed perfectly with small sections of curls. He immediately pulled it back, twisting it up into a bun. He began searching the ground for a stick, or something to keep it up with. "You look handsome like that, don't put it up." Aonung stopped in his tracks when those words escaped Neteyam's lips. He slowly let his hair go, allowing it to return to its down position.

"Okay," Aonung huffed, walking back up to Raäea and Neteyam. The Omatikaya pulled a head piece on. It sat on his brow, shielding his eyes. He extended his hand once more to Aonung, who hesitatingly took it. In one quick motion, he was pulled onto the back of the femal Ikran. He breathed deeply, awkwardly shuffling around. He finally felt comfortable, and relaxed a little bit.

"Are you ready?" Neteyam reached his hand back, placing it on Aonung's thigh. He moved it upward, taking Aonung's forearm and wrapping it around his waist. Aonung latched his hands together, holding on loosely.

"Ready as I will ever be," he tightened his grip.
Neteyam didn't respond, instead he yipped loudly. Raäea began to beat her wings, rising from the ground. She ascended into the dark night sky. As they rose above the trees, Aonung looked around. The Ikran began gliding, allowing the current of wind to push her towards the sea. The forest below was illuminated from the many glowing plants that dotted the ground. In the distance, the lights from Awa'atlu could be seen. Neteyam moved his hand back to Aonung's thigh, leaving it there. Aonung was astonished, he had never seen anything from this high in the air, other than on his newly bonded Tsurak, but even that wasn't this high. Raäea beat her strong wings, angling herself upward once more. She continued to climb the air column as Neteyam's head swiveled around to connect eyes with Aonung.

"Do you like this?" Aonung nodded, making Neteyam smile. "Maybe one day, we can travel back to The Hallelujah Mountains, and you can get your own Ikran." Aonung liked the sound of that, but he just shrugged. Neteyam smiled, turning back to face the front. Aonung loosened his grip as the leveled back out, far above the village now.

They continued to fly for a while, following the same path. They finally veered off over the ocean. Aonung glanced down at the bay, which was protected by the sea wall. Under the water, the coral lit ocean up. It was like a rainbow, and Aonung called it. He turned his gaze to the boy in front of him. He stared intently forward, focused on flying. Aonung smiled, bringing his hands up to Neteyam's chest. He placed his cheek on his shoulder, content. He could stay riding with Neteyam forever if he could.