~~~Superstes~~~UNDERGOING MAJOR EDITING

The unlikely adventures of

Neteyam's hair was much shorter in length compared to Fey'atsi's, whose hair grew all the way down to the end of her shoulder blades. Not to mention her fishtail braid had various loose strands in the front that dangled off her face, and the ribbon and beads that were adorned all throughout her luscious tresses were different than the beads and accessories in Neteyam's hair. His braid started at the crown of his head, down his cranium and ended just between his shoulders, tied with a small brown band. There were vibrant colored beads woven into the strands of the braid, and Feya had stuck two feathers behind his ear. 

"That's not true!" Lo'ak quickly retorted, "I'll let you, but last time you tried to make me look like Aonung." 

Tsireya giggled while Aonung gasped audibly and gave the younger boy a scowl. "What's wrong with how I look?" 

"Everything." Lo'ak muttered.

Fey'atsi came swimming up to where Neteyam's feet swirled in the water and looked up at him, grinning. "I had no idea you made jewelry." 

The corners of his mouth twitched. "I don't make jewelry often. I leave that to my sisters and my mother." Out of nowhere, his heart began to ache a bit at the notion of his mom. He craned his neck over his shoulder, trying to spot her, but no luck. Neteyam was fully aware that she was nearby, but the sensation that she wasn't in eyesight made him slightly nervous.

"Us Omaticayans are known for our crafting skills." Feya reached up and touched his knee, and after a moment, curiosity creeped into her expression. "What's wrong?" 

Neteyam looked back at her, his heart beating a little faster now. He could only stare at her, before he stuffed his belongings back into the strap of his loincloth and feebly climbed to his feet, pain shooting through his bones. "I'll be right back." 

Without another word, Neteyam hobbled off to locate wherever his mother was. His walk was quite pathetic, with him heavily limping in every step he took, but he didn't care in the moment. There was enough drugs pumping through his veins to keep him distracted from the agony of his wounds. He trudged across the mangrove pathways, brushing past villagers who did nothing but glance at him, until he smacked into a leanly built figure. 

Iwa stumbled back urgently as Neteyam regained his posture and fought back a loud groan, clutching his sides with his one semi-healed arm. White spots clouded his panicky vision. "Sorry."

 Iwa shook his head before he straightened and held out his arm to steady Neteyam, a concerned look written across his features. "What's wrong, kid? Where are you off to in such a hurry?" 

Neteyam's eyes darted around the village but he couldn't quite concentrate on a single thing. He didn't know what was happening or why this confusion was emerging so suddenly, but he paid no mind to it. "Do you know where my mother is?" 

Iwa drug out his words as if he were confused too, but not in the same way the younger boy was. "Uhh, I think she's over there. With your dad." He pointed across the sand a little ways away. 

"Thank you." 

Neteyam stumbled off in the direction of where the young man was pointing, clamping his teeth down in pain. The sunlight was getting in his eyes now, and it was no longer a pleasant warmth, but instead a muggy, hot air that made him sweat profusely. He hopped off the walkways and continued his path in the blowing sand towards where his parents stood, seemingly in a deep conversation. 

Once he reached them, Neteyam practically melted in relief. They turned to see him, surprise taking over their faces, but not before he could bark out the word, "Mom?"

Neytiri's eyes softened as she blinked expectantly, balancing a basket of clams and fish against her hip. She opened her mouth, but Jake stepped forward and grabbed his shoulders, his brow creased in worry. "Hey, what're you doing out here? You should be asleep."