A couple more days pass, it's been almost a month since the Poteks arrived at this island. The Avits and the Poteks hang out on the beach, which becomes their usual hangout spot now. While some of them chat, others swim. Niko, Ori, and Teyluk just sat on the sand. Niko's eyes follow the others swimming as a small smile appears on her face. Teyluk and Ori are having a very serious debate about riding serpents. They turn to ask Niko, but her head is somewhere else, so much so, Teyluk has to wave his hand in front of her face to get her attention. When her train of thought is interrupted, she turns to look at them. Ori looks at her worried, and when Niko makes eye contact, she discreetly nods to him assuring that she is fine.
“What?” she asks as her gaze shifts between Ori and Teyluk, trying to remember what they asked her about.
“Which is better?” Ori asks, teasing her knowing that she isn't listening.
Niko looks at him confused, when Teyluk smiles and adds. “When riding serpents, Which is better? Keeping your back straight or lying down.”
“Oh, definitely lying down.” Niko responds confidently, as if it is common knowledge.
“Hah, told you so.” Ori mocks Teyluk as he is right.
Niko smiles when she notices that Teyluk gets shy after he finds that he is wrong. She then turns her gaze back to the others as they have fun, playing, in the water. When Anu appears from behind them, they don't notice he is there until Dhati calls him from afar. Niko, as well as Ori and Teyluk, turn around surprised to find the Chief standing behind them. they all stand up and wait for him to speak, until Ori speaks first.
“Did you need something dad?” He asks as he smiles gently.
“If you'll excuse me, I need to speak with Niko.” He speaks softly but firmly.
They all stand there silently, while Niko straightens her back, until Anu adds. “Privately.”
They all hurry away, stumbling as they go, while Anu chuckles as he watches them. Then he returns to Niko with a serious expression on his face, remembering why he has come. He comes to talk to Niko as a soldier, not his daughter.
“Have you been on a lookout this week yet?” He asks curiously.
“Not yet sir. I am planning on going tomorrow.” She replies as she holds her hands behind her back.
“Well, be prepared. I'm going over there with you tomorrow.” Niko raises her eyebrows, not expecting such a request. He adds, “I need to see them. I need to see if they have made any improvements.”
“Yes, sir. Once I get ready tomorrow, I'll come and inform you that we're ready to head out.” Niko says nodding.
He tells her that he wants to go with her this time to check out the weapons they now have, as well as to see Joe and Mitchel for the first time. Anu has a feeling that danger, whether from Joe and Mitchel or other Earthers, is on its way to their village.
The next day arrives faster than Niko thought, The chief of the village goes on a lookout to the Earthers’ village to gather information on any recent developments. As they approach the outskirts of the village, they can see that there have been some significant changes. There are more guards patrolling the perimeter than before. Anu and Niko watch from a distance, taking note of everything they see and hear. Despite the danger, they stay calm and focused, carefully analyzing the situation to figure out their next move.
After they return, she and the chief go their separate ways, with Anu returning to his house but Niko landing on the beach. As she takes the harness off Ash, she sees from afar that Dhati and Nevan are hanging out. Thinking the others are with them, she walks towards them. only to find Nevan and Dhati sitting alone on the beach, a date it seems. When they see her walking towards them, they both stand up fast and take a couple of steps away from each other, shuffled. Niko finally reaches them, making Nevan excuse himself awkwardly, but smiles to Dhati gently before he leaves. Dhati is watching his back and when she turns back to Niko she finds her crossing her arms smirking at Dhati.
“What?” she asks awkwardly, as she gets shy.
“Sorry I ruined your date.” Niko says, teasing her sister.
“It was going well too.” Dhati says under her breath, but loud enough for Niko to hear and notice she doesn't deny it being a date.
“So it was a date!” Niko says louder trying to embarrass her, as Dhati tries to stop her.
“Stop!” Dhati says as she tries to put her hand on Niko's mouth to shut her up.
Dhati continues to struggle to cover Niko's mouth, and they both fall to the ground laughing as they sigh. They stay lying on the ground, staring up at the sky. Their breaths steady when Niko turns to look at her sister as she smiles looking at the star full sky.
“You like him, don't you?” Niko asks softly, already knowing the answer.
Dhati turns to her, smiles gently, and nods. “Yeah.”
Niko turns her gaze back at the sky, as she lets out another sigh. Dhati then switches the interrogation towards Niko.
“What about you, huh? Do you like Teyluk?” Dhati then asks softly thinking Niko will deny at once. Niko starts getting nervous, which is something Dhati rarely sees on Niko.
“I think there is something there for him.” She responds by placing her hand on her chest.
As they lay there, Niko can't help but think about how she has been treating Teyluk. She remembers snapping at him earlier on that island, the fight where he almost blew her head off and realizes that she has been too harsh even if she apologizes. Now, she worries that he won't like her because of how mean she has been. She replays the situation over and over in her head. But it is too late now, and all she can do is wonder if he will ever feel the same way about her again.
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