My mother gets up and walks away and Ao'nung sits down. "I'm sorry truly." the waves were crashing against the rocks." I never wanted to hurt you or jeopardize a friendship I'm truly sorry for my thoughtless actions."

I sighed, my anger slowly dissipating. "I know you didn't mean to harm us, I knew when you left us you were doing it as a joke. But you need to understand because of you did Lo'ak was missing and I was hurt. We could have died Ao'nung."

Ao'nung looked down, his voice filled with remorse. "I understand, Tsa'lu. I've been reflecting, and I realize how I shouldnt have done that. I promise you, I will never do that again."

"Are you sure? Your father told you to behave to be kind to us, look what you have done! You have bullied Kiri and all of us. Calling us freaks." My eyes softened. "I want to believe you, Ao'nung. But trust is something that needs to be earned. It will take time for me to fully trust you again."

Ao'nung nodded, his voice filled with determination. "I understand, Tsa'lu. I will be patient, and I'll show you through my actions that I've changed. I wont bully you guys."

"Ill hold you up to the promise." I looked out on the vast ocean and sighed.

"What is wrong?" Ao'nung asked

"I'm scared, Ao'nung. Scared of the future here. I mean I kinda like it here. But... I miss the Omatikaya Clan."

Ao'nung reached out and gently placed his hand on my shoulder. "I know. I was scared when I started to learn how to be Olo'eyktan but this.. Is nothing like it. You have left your home. Your people.

I turned to face Ao'nung, tears welling up in her eyes. "I need time to process everything that has happened."

Ao'nung nodded, his voice filled with understanding. "Of course, Tsa'lu. Take all the time you need." he gets up and give out his hand. "Would you walk with me on the beach?" I nodded a little bit and took his hand.

We strolled along the sandy shores of the village, the gentle waves lapping over our feet. The sun cast a warm glow, creating a serene atmosphere. As we walked, I looked up at Ao'ning and couldnt help noticing a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Like he is up to something. "What?"

Ao'nung looked at me and smiled. "Oh nothing, I couldnt help but notice your beauty." He sighs. "When you first got here, you looked like a freak. But now.."

I blushed, a mixture of surprise and amusement crossing her face. "Your up to something."

Ao'nung chuckled,  "Who said I'm up to something? Can't a guy appreciate the beauty of a newcomer, a friend without any ulterior motives?"

"Like you said you thought we were freaks. What about now?"

"I think you are beautiful," He turns to me.

I rolled my eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Thank you. Without all of those wounds on your face, your pretty handsome and can be kind when you want to be."

Ao'nung laughed a bit. "Thanks." They start walking again. "Im serious Tsa'lu. You are very beautiful. Any guy would be lucky to have you." I blushed a bit.

Ao'nung, sensing Tsa'lu's emotions, spoke with a gentle tone. "Tsa'lu, I hope you know that my admiration for you goes beyond just your physical beauty. It's your strength, intelligence, and kindness that truly captivate me. I mean when you beat me up on the beach. No other girl would be doing that, they would be all over me asking for friendship. Even after the first they were all over me making sure I was okay."

I laughed a bit, thinking about that, a picture forming in my mind.  They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the sound of the crashing waves providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. The air was filled with a sense of camaraderie and affection. Ao'nung broke the silence, his voice filled with sincerity. "Tsa'lu, I want you to know that I'll always be here for you. Through thick and thin, I'll stand by your side. You can count on me."

I nodded and smiled my trust was lowly started to gain with him. "Thank you." As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the beach, Tsa'lu and Ao'nung walked hand in hand.

They stopped right outside of her pod. They talked for a few more minutes before Ao'nung cupped her face and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Good night." I blushed as he walked away. I think I'm starting to fall in love for this guy.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I walked away from Tsa'lu's family pod before making making my way back to my pod, I turned down a side path but was stopped when my father was standing in my way. "Father." I bowed my head.

"Come we must talk." My father said and started to walk down another path away from the pod.

I walked by his side. There was a few moments of silence. "Soon it will be time for your Olo'eyktan ceremony. I think you are ready."

I look to my father, being 19 was fairly young to become Olo'eyktan. "Really?"

Father nodded. "But, to become Olo'eyktan you will need to find a mate. Your mother has a few in mind for you but what is your thought? Is there someone in mind."

I nodded. "Yes actually. Tsa'lu, Turok Makto's eldest daughter." Father stopped and looked at me.

"Really?" I nodded. "She is strong and fierce, and has beaten me up many times. But."

Father nodded in understanding. "You will have to ask her sooner then later. I will speak to your mother about it. It will be an honor for our family." He put an arm around my shoulder.

"Make me proud son."

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