Chapter Text
╭ ─┉─ ˙ ✩🫧°🪼˖⋆🌊｡˚꩜ ─┉─ ╮
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 02: lessons
╰ ─┉─ ˙ ✩🫧°🪼˖⋆🌊｡˚꩜ ─┉─ ╯
In Awa’atlu, on another clear morning, the reef water shimmered in shades of blue and green as Kali, her siblings, and Rotxo ran across the metal walkway and plunged into the sea almost simultaneously.
The impact was gentle, enveloping; the cool water embraced the little girl's body, and for a moment she opened her eyes wide, letting herself sink just a little before beginning to swim.
Around them, Aonung, Tsireya, and Rotxo were already advancing with ease, using their arms only to steer their bodies while their legs and tails did most of the work, in fluid and precise movements, almost too natural to be conscious.
Kali followed close behind, adjusting her pace, attentively observing each gesture of her siblings as a colorful school of fish crossed her path.
A smaller fish swam so close that she almost felt the movement of the water, which caused her lips to curve into a spontaneous, silent smile, typical of someone still enchanted by every detail of the sea.
She turned slightly to follow the fish with her gaze, before refocusing on the group ahead.
It was then that she noticed a change in the water's flow, a more chaotic movement coming from behind. Looking over her shoulder, she saw the Omatikaya boys entering the sea less gracefully, sinking a little further than they intended, their arms and legs moving almost simultaneously as they tried to orient themselves.
Neteyam quickly found a steady pace, still attentive to his surroundings, while Lo’ak swam with evident curiosity, turning his head from side to side, clearly marveling at the underwater environment of the reefs.
Soon after, Kali noticed Kiri and Tuk descending more slowly, close to each other. Kiri observed everything with that attentive silence, her eyes scanning the light filtered through the water, the shadows projected on the sandy bottom, while Tuk seemed to try to keep up with everything at once, his movements still a little unsteady, but full of enthusiasm. The two looked around with surprise and admiration, as if each meter swum revealed something new.
Further ahead, Tsireya swam leisurely, almost on her back for a few moments, just so she could look at Lo’ak and Neteyam.
There was a soft, gentle, tranquil smile on her face, like someone who enjoys seeing the visitors' curiosity and doesn't mind slowing down a little to keep them close. Kali noticed this and smiled too, feeling a slight sense of comfort in that scene.
Shortly after, the Omatikaya decided to follow the Metkayina group, trying to imitate their movements. They used their arms more to gain momentum, alternating with their legs, but still lagged behind, their bodies less adapted to that type of constant swimming.
In contrast, Kali, Tsireya, Aonung, and Rotxo moved forward with ease, moving their bodies continuously, their thicker tails helping to maintain speed and direction. Their movements resembled the swimming of the fish around them: smooth, coordinated, almost silent.
As they swam, Kali felt the water gliding around her body, the distant, muffled sounds of the world above gradually fading away. She alternated her gaze between the path ahead and the Omatikaya behind, attentive, curious, but unhurried.
That simple moment—swimming together, sharing the same space, observing and being observed—seemed to her a small glimpse of how the two peoples were beginning to blend in that calm sea of Awa’atlu.
Swimming a little further ahead, Kali continued following her brothers, passing between small corals scattered across the shallow bottom. Brightly colored fish crossed her path in quick groups, some so close that she felt the water moving around her face and arms.
The little girl was distracted for a moment by this, turning her body slightly so as not to touch the corals, when she realized that something had changed in the rhythm of the group.
Aonung, Tsireya, and Rotxo had slowed down and were looking back, their bodies almost motionless in the water. Confused, Kali turned around as well, raising her gaze slightly upwards, until she noticed that Lo’ak and Neteyam had surfaced.
It was possible to see the outline of the two above the water, catching their breath, their movements heavier and more evident in contrast to the fluidity of the Metkayina.
To Kali and the others, it seemed strange. They were still comfortable, with no urgency to surface for air, their chests light, their muscles relaxed.
The unexpected pause caused the group to exchange confused glances, as if trying to understand why the forest boys needed to stop swimming so soon.
Shortly after, Lo’ak and Neteyam submerged their faces again, observing the group below them.
The sunlight broke on the surface, slightly distorting their features, but the curiosity in their eyes was still visible. Tsireya, remaining calm, moved a little closer and, with a gentle smile, raised her hands.
His fingers began to move clearly and slowly, forming the signs of underwater language as he communicated, through gestures, "swim together with us."
The two boys were visibly confused. Lo'ak raised his arms slightly, poorly imitating the movements, while Neteyam simply watched, trying to understand the meaning of that silent communication.
Tsireya found the reaction amusing, shaking her head slightly, still patient. Then she repeated, simplifying: she extended her open hand forward, then closed her fingers and pulled it towards her body, indicating for them to follow.
This time, understanding came. The two exchanged a quick glance, rose just enough to take another breath, and then plunged back into the water. The movements were still a little clumsy, but there was genuine effort in keeping up with the Metkayina group's rhythm.
Kali couldn't help but let out a soft laugh, tiny bubbles escaping her mouth and slowly rising to the surface.
Before she could get any more distracted, she felt Aonung's silent call, who made a brief gesture for her to come closer.
She responded with a quick nod and resumed swimming, adjusting her body to the group's flow as they moved together, now all submerged again, advancing through the reefs of Awa'atlu.
They swam in loose formation, cutting through the clear water as they passed beneath a large coral arch, whose branches extended like living fingers, covered in slowly undulating algae.
Tsireya guided the group with calm and precise gestures, her body gliding naturally, her light hair floating behind her in loose strands.
Beside her, Kali almost gave in to curiosity again: a small, luminous sea creature passed too close, and the girl reflexively reached out, her fingers lightly touching the animal's smooth skin before it spun away.
The movement made her smile for a moment, but the smile faded when she realized that her brothers had stopped further ahead.
She slowed the momentum with a short flick of her tail and approached, watching the Omatikaya struggle to keep up.
Lo'ak used coral for support, pushing himself forcefully to gain momentum, his body stretching too far before losing some control.
Neteyam followed closely behind, more restrained, carefully copying the movement, while Tuk, smaller, followed with short, hurried strokes, his dark hair floating in braids that swayed with each change of direction.
Their effort was visible, their movements less fluid, and they were starting to run out of air.
Neteyam was the first to notice the boundary. He reached Lo'ak, lightly touched his brother's arm to get his attention, and pointed firmly upwards, indicating the surface. The gesture was clear, direct, and unambiguous.
Lo'ak made a gesture of displeasure, but nodded, accepting the necessary pause.
The Metkayina watched the scene with confused expressions, exchanging quick glances. Aonung floated a little ways away, his arms outstretched to maintain his balance in the water, his face showing impatience.
He gestured with short, tense movements, his hands cutting through the water in slight irritation, asking, "What's wrong with them?"
Rotxo, more relaxed. His gestures were fluid, as if the water were a natural extension of his body. He explained simply, his hands clearly outlining the idea, "They are bad divers."
Before Aonung could react, Tsireya intervened. She remained standing beside Rotxo, her body aligned, her gaze attentive.
He raised his hand in a firm but calm gesture, asking for a pause, and signaled carefully, each movement imbued with patience, "Stop. They are learning."
The answer was not pleasing. Aonung rolled his eyes, tilting his head back in suppressed irritation, and swung his arms to keep himself afloat, as if he wanted to shake the conversation away. Still, he didn't argue.
Around them, the coral continued to move slowly with the current, small fish crossed the space between the bodies, and, above, the light from the surface flickered, reminding everyone that this pause was not weakness, but part of the learning process.
Soon the Metkayina decided to rise to the surface. Kali and Tsireya were the first to move, their bodies gliding through the water with natural elegance, their spines flexing and their tails guiding each thrust as if they were part of the sea itself.
Kali's braids swayed gently behind her, tiny bubbles escaping her lips as she rose, while Tsireya maintained a calm and steady pace, almost guiding the group without needing to look back.
They broke through the surface first, emerging lightly, water trickling down their shoulders and through their hair, instinctively positioning themselves in front of the Omatikaya boys.
Tsireya turned to them as soon as Lo'ak, Neteyam, and Tuk emerged, panting, their movements less graceful, their heavy breathing betraying the effort. Her gaze swept over each one quickly, attentive, concerned without being intrusive.
“Are you all right?”, asked Tsireya, her voice firm but gentle, contrasting with the soft sound of the waves around her.
Tuk was the first to respond. She rubbed her eyes with her wet hands, trying to get rid of the water that still stung a little, her shoulders rising and falling with quick, tired breaths.
“You’re too fast! Wait for us,” she said, exhausted, her frustration clear in her tone of voice and in the way she remained too close to the surface, showing how unaccustomed she still was to long dives.
Tsireya watched her for a moment without moving, floating with ease. Then she spoke again, more softly, almost as if she wanted only Tuk to hear her, her voice gentle and with an almost maternal care.
“Just breathe. Breathe.”
The words were accompanied by a silent example: Tsireya took a deep breath, slowly, showing with her own body the rhythm that Tuk should follow.
Aonung, who was floating a little ways away, didn't miss the opportunity to tease. He tilted his head slightly, a crooked smile appearing on his face as he watched the Omatikaya still catching their breath.
“You are not good divers,” he said mockingly, before glancing sideways as if amused by his own words. “Maybe good at swinging through trees, but…"
He didn't get to finish. Tsireya approached in a quick, precise movement and gave him a light, yet firm, slap on the back of the head. The sound was discreet, muffled by the water, but enough to attract attention. Aonung turned his face away immediately, clearly irritated by the reprimand, staring at Tsireya with surprise and a hint of indignation.
Before the tension could escalate, Neteyam intervened. He maintained a slight smile on his face, trying to ease the tension. He raised his hand slightly out of the water and awkwardly wiggled his fingers, simply mimicking sign language.
“Come on, bro. We don’t speak this finger talk, guys,” he said in a calm, almost playful tone, before adding, still smiling: “We don’t know what you’re saying.”
Tsireya looked away from Aonung and turned to her brothers, her expression now serious, but full of patience.
“I will teach you,” he said softly, his gaze firm and determined, making it clear that this was not a provocation, but a promise.
It was then that Rotxo realized something was wrong. He looked around, turning slowly in place, his attentive eyes scanning the surface and then the water just below. A slight worry appeared on his face.
"Where is Kiri?", he asked, breaking the moment.
The name echoed like a warning. Tuk's eyes widened and he turned his body from side to side, searching desperately.
"Kiri?", she called, her voice thick with worry, unable to find her sister anywhere.
Aonung frowned, clearly confused, and looked at Rotxo.
"Who?", he asked, not understanding.
“Kiri. Where is Kiri?”, said Rotxo.
Tsireya felt her chest tighten slightly, but she forced herself to remain calm. She looked around more carefully, her body tensing beneath the tranquil surface, and asked in a controlled tone, trying not to spread panic.
“Did you see her?”
Around them, the sea remained too calm for the unease that was beginning to grow among the group.
˙ ✩🫧°🪼˖⋆🌊｡˚꩜
In a shallower, sandier section of the cove, where the water only reached their waists and left the bottom visible under the diffuse glow of the sun, Tsireya, Aonung, and Kali spread out carefully, their feet sinking slightly into the damp sand with each step.
The place was calm, protected by low reefs all around, ideal for calling the ilus and allowing the forest boys to learn to ride and move through the water in a more practical and safe way, feeling the rhythm of the sea without the pressure of the deeper areas.
Aonung walked ahead, his body firm and confident, his arms half-raised above the waterline as his chest expanded with each call.
With his mouth, he produced short, rhythmic sounds, light hisses interspersed with dry clicks of his tongue against the roof of his mouth, accurately imitating the way the ilus communicated.
His eyes followed the surface, alert to any movement, and the dark braids on his head swayed gently as he moved, some beads reflecting small points of light.
A short while ago, Tsireya repeated the same calls, but in a softer and more constant manner, maintaining an almost soothing rhythm.
His gestures were open and patient, his hands drawing small arcs in the water, as if inviting the ilus to approach without haste.
Kali, beside her, imitated the sounds with restrained enthusiasm, emitting shorter squeaks and timid clicks, observing everything with curious and attentive eyes, her body leaning slightly forward, eager to see them emerge.
It wasn't long before elongated shadows began to move beneath the surface. One by one, the ilus appeared, swimming with natural elegance, their four fins beating rhythmically and silently, creating gentle ripples around them.
Some spun their bodies slightly, displaying graceful flexibility as they approached the group, responding to calls with sharper clicks and prolonged chirps, as if recognizing familiar voices.
Kali smiled broadly as one of the ilus approached on its own, gliding towards her without any sign of fear.
The creature rubbed its elongated body against her legs in an almost affectionate gesture, and Kali chuckled softly, bringing her hand to the animal's smooth, wet skin, caressing it gently, feeling the soft texture beneath her fingers.
The ilu responded with a series of soft clicks, tilting its head slightly before elegantly swooping away, circling briefly around her before swimming back through the shallows.
Tsireya watched the scene calmly, exchanging a quick glance with Aonung, both attentive to the reactions of the ilus and the surrounding environment, ready to guide the forest boys when the time came to mount.
“These are ilu.”, Aonung said to the Omatikaya boys, stopping on the firmer part of the sand, his arms slightly raised and hands open, as if presenting something too obvious to need explaining.
His voice came out clear, direct, laden with a restrained impatience, his gaze sweeping over each of them before he finished, almost dryly: “If you want to live here, you have to ride.”
Some of the boys exchanged uncertain glances, watching the creatures swimming around them, their elongated bodies moving fluidly just below the surface, their fins cutting silently through the water.
The soft sound of clicks and hisses filled the space, mixed with the slow ebb and flow of shallow waves.
A little further away, Kali was with Tuk, positioning herself protectively beside the girl, her body leaning slightly towards her.
Tuk's expression was a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, his fingers slowly opening and closing, as if he were still deciding whether he had the courage.
Kali noticed and moved closer, speaking softly, without words, only with calm gestures and a tranquil smile, trying to convey reassurance.
She then emitted some soft hissing sounds, accompanied by small clicking sounds with her tongue, summoning a smaller, still young ilu, the perfect size not to appear threatening to the younger girl.
The animal responded almost immediately, approaching cautiously, head held high and eyes alert, swimming in short circles before finally getting closer.
Kali gently held Tuk's hand, guiding it slowly forward without forcing it, allowing the ilu to approach at its own pace.
The creature tilted its snout, sniffing the girl's hand curiously, emitting low, curious clicks.
Tuk held his breath for a moment, his eyes wide, until he felt the soft, moist touch as the ilu rubbed its snout against his hand, almost begging for affection.
The initial fright turned into laughter, a soft and spontaneous sound, as Tuk relaxed his shoulders and began to gently stroke the animal's face, his fingers gliding over its smooth skin.
Kali watched closely, still holding her hand for a few seconds before slowly letting go, pleased to see the confidence emerge.
It was at that moment that Kali noticed, out of the corner of her eye, that Lo'ak had already obtained an ilu and was advancing at high speed out to sea, overconfident, forcing the creature beyond control.
One slightly abrupt movement was all it took for the ilu to dive quickly, causing Lo'ak to lose his balance and be thrown out amidst a whirlwind of bubbles.
The group of teenagers, along with Aonung's friends, burst into loud laughter.
Kali felt a pang of pity, but couldn't help but smile briefly and chuckle softly before looking away and turning her full attention back to Tuk.
Tsireya approached soon after, gliding easily through the water, her light hair gently waving around her face.
She held a small piece of fish in her hand, extending it to Tuk with a calm and encouraging smile. Tsireya gestured for Tuk to throw the fish forward.
Tuk hesitated for only a second before throwing, watching the ilu approach quickly, capturing the food with precision.
The creature let out short, satisfied squeaks as it chewed, the sound echoing softly through the water. Tuk's eyes widened in surprise, he took an instinctive step back before laughing, finally relaxing.
Carefully, she brought her hands to Ilu's smooth face, caressing it tenderly, her fingers exploring the damp texture as she said, unable to contain her excitement, "I love her already."
Kali smiled broadly upon hearing that, her heart warmed at the realization of the almost immediate connection between Tuk and the ilu.
There was something genuine in that moment, a trust slowly blossoming, and Kali felt proud to have helped with it. Tsireya exchanged a silent, conspiratorial glance with her before suggesting it was time to go a little deeper.
A few minutes later, Kali and Tsireya were already guiding Tuk and Kiri away from the shallow part, leading them to mount the ilus and swim among the reef's corals.
Kali rode her own ilu with ease, her body aligned with the creature's as it moved forward with elegance, its four fins beating in perfect sync.
The ilu emitted rhythmic clicks and soft squeaks, reacting to Kali's movements, who seemed to understand each of the animal's responses.
All around, the corals rose in broad, colorful shapes, smaller fish crossing the path in swift schools.
Kali watched Tuk and Kiri swimming close together, alternating between attentive glances and calm smiles, ready to help if either of them lost their balance. Gradually, the initial tension gave way to playfulness.
Kali leaned forward, prompting her ilu to accelerate, and Tuk responded instinctively, smile as she realized she was being challenged.
The two began a light chase, skirting large coral formations, going up and down in wide curves.
The illus matched the girls' energy, emitting more animated clicks and short squeaks, almost like aquatic laughter, perfectly matching the childlike joy that filled the moment.
Kiri followed closely behind, more quietly, but with a discreet smile, observing everything with attentive eyes, while the water around them seemed to vibrate with that mixture of newfound trust, friendship, and freedom.
Kali and Tuk rode their ilus, gliding through the water among the corals as if it were an old game between them.
The game of tag unfolded naturally, marked by quick changes of direction, laughter muffled by the water, and the animated clicks of the creatures.
The tall corals formed veritable colorful corridors, some wide, others narrow, forcing the two to think quickly as they passed over, under, or between the living formations of the reef.
A little further back, Tsireya and Kiri were swimming much more smoothly, their movements controlled and almost silent.
Their dances maintained an elegant rhythm, effortlessly following the flow of the water, while the two watched the younger ones with tranquil smiles on their faces.
There was no hurry or competition there, only the clear feeling that this shared experience was creating something new and good between them, a friendship that was born without needing to be spoken.
At one point, Kali made a quick signal and guided her ilu behind a large, rounded coral, hiding herself completely.
Tuk slowed down, confused, turning her body over the ilu's saddle while looking around, trying to understand where Kali had gone.
The brief silence was suddenly broken when Kali emerged from behind the coral, making her ilu advance with a swift and unexpected movement.
Tuk was startled for a moment, his body stiffening before letting out a small, surprised sound.
Soon after, the fright turned into laughter, light and spontaneous. She tightened her grip on the saddle and sent her ilu chasing Kali, now completely engrossed in the game.
The two began to chase each other among the corals, sometimes climbing in wide curves above the formations, other times diving underneath, almost touching the light sand of the bottom.
The ilus responded to the girls' energy, emitting animated clicks and squeaks, their fins moving with force and precision.
Kali and Tuk's hair floated freely around their faces, their braids swaying with the movement of the water, reflecting the light that streamed across the surface.
Tsireya and Kiri watched everything from a distance, exchanging silent glances, attentive and pleased to see Tuk so at ease, laughing and moving with confidence, while Kali guided the game with joy and care.
˙ ✩🫧°🪼˖⋆🌊｡˚꩜
Seated on a large, smooth rock, still damp from the reef water, the group enjoyed a rare moment of calm.
The steady sound of the waves breaking gently further on mingled with the distant clicks of the ilus, which swam freely around, rising to the surface and diving again without any hurry.
Sunlight streamed through the clear water and reflected off the nearby coral, casting rippling motions onto the blue skin of the young people.
Tsireya, Lo'ak, Rotxo, Kiri, Neteyam, and Kali were seated in a circle, close enough to feel each other's breath. Rotxo occupied the space between Neteyam and Kiri, maintaining a relaxed posture, while Tsireya sat between Kali and Lo'ak, her body erect and attentive.
Kali kept her legs drawn up, observing everything in curious silence, while Neteyam remained more serious, though visibly interested in what was being taught.
Rotxo and Tsireya began to explain, with simple and clear gestures, the breathing technique used by the Metkayina to control their breath and heart rate before long dives. Tsireya led with a soft voice, firm without being authoritarian.
“Breathe in.”
The group obeyed, taking deep breaths. Rotxo followed the movement, slowly swaying his hand from side to side, patiently marking the rhythm. Tsireya continued, unhurriedly. “And breathe out.”
They all expired together. Kali watched her sister with silent attention, noticing how Tsireya seemed completely at ease in that role, almost serene.
Tsireya then placed one hand on her chest and the other on her stomach, carefully demonstrating the movement as she said, "Imagine flickering a flame." Her voice was calm, almost meditative.
“You must slow down your heartbeat.”
Then she turned to Lo'ak, moving a little closer. She placed one hand on his chest and the other on his stomach, gently guiding him physically. "Breathe in."
Lo'ak obeyed, though his body was slightly tense. The unexpected touch made him visibly nervous, but he tried to concentrate. Tsireya adjusted the pressure of her hands, indicating the right spot. “Breathe from down here.”
He exhaled slowly, as instructed. “Breathe out slowly,” Tsireya reinforced, maintaining a patient tone. However, Lo'ak ended up raising his gaze to her for a moment longer than he should have, and that was enough to make her heart race, completely betraying her attempt at calm.
Tsireya immediately noticed the change under her palm. She frowned slightly, confused but without judgment. "Lo'ak, your heartbeat is fast."
"Sorry." He replied softly, almost murmuring, quickly averting his gaze from her.
“Try to focus,” Tsireya said, still gently, as if this were just a normal part of the process.
“Okay.” Lo’ak agreed, taking another deep breath, now trying harder to slow his heartbeat.
While Tsireya assisted him, the rest of the group watched the scene with growing attention. Rotxo exchanged a quick glance with Neteyam, and both had to suppress a silent smile, clearly finding the situation more amusing than worrying.
Kiri realized everything almost immediately; she discreetly rolled her eyes and shook her head, as if she already understood exactly what was happening there.
Kali, on the other hand, merely observed. Her gaze drifted from Tsireya to Lo'ak and then to the others, confused by their restrained reactions, unable to comprehend the subtle atmosphere that was forming between the two teenagers.
Still, she decided to remain silent, simply absorbing the moment, with that typical curiosity of someone who senses that something is happening, but doesn't yet know exactly what.
˙ ✩🫧°🪼˖⋆🌊｡˚꩜