Triton's Destiny

Part Five

Good morning, Maki. The kelp parted, revealing the long silver hair and black scales of Maki's mentor Anaru. His vibrant amethyst eyes smiled at his young apprentice.

Good morning, Anaru. Maki smiled back from behind a school of excited blue tang who were gathered around his cupped hands, munching on the treats he offered. Lovely day, isn't it?

Indeed, Anaru agreed with a nod. But then, violence does tend to leave blissful calm in its wake.

Maki's smile widened. Anaru fancied himself as some kind of philosopher with a penchant for finding deeper meaning in the mundane. It would have been just as easy to say yesterday's storm left behind the beautiful weather, but that wasn't Anaru's style. The man prided himself on his intellect and everything carried a bit of the profound to him. Maki had learned to deal with it long ago.

Were the fish frightened in the storm? Anaru's eyebrows lifted as he scanned the mingling herds.

Maki shook his head. Not too badly. I thought they deserved a treat anyway, though.

Any injured?

No, I don't think so. At least not among the ones gathered here.

Anaru nodded. Have you called the rest of them in to check them over?

Not yet, Maki said with a shake of his head. I wanted to wait for you so we could do it together.

Very well. Call them in, then.

With a quick nod, Maki scattered the remaining treats in the water and swam above the kelp forest so his call would travel farther. Then he drew a deep breath and sent a set of high-pitched whistles rippling through the water, the cadence and frequency meant to call the fish herds home to the forest. He repeated the call twice more and then returned to Anaru.

The older man nodded in approval. Well done, Maki. Your call is strong. We'll get the fish sorted out in no time.

Maki smiled and nodded and petted the head of a young clownfish nuzzling against his cheek. All manner of creatures seemed to be drawn to him, but he didn't mind. He adored them all, which was why he chose to apprentice as a healer. It gave him great pride to help sick and injured animals. He seemed naturally suited to the vocation. And he truly enjoyed working with his mentor. No one had as much patience and skill as Anaru did.

Come here, little ones. Anaru sent soft whistles and clicks to the gathering schools, scanning the herds with an expert eye and gently separating out the ones who needed attention. Maki...

He nodded and got right to work, cradling the injured fish in his hands and using his energy to heal them before releasing them once more with an affectionate trill. This was the very best part of his job and he considered himself lucky that it came so easily to him. Relieving others' pain and discomfort made him happy.

After he'd sent off his last patient, Anaru motioned him over, speaking softly in his mind. I need your help, son.

When Maki joined him, he gasped and covered his mouth, his heart twinging with sorrow. Anaru held a large parrotfish in his arms and it was barely moving. There were wide, garish wounds all over its flank. Maki reached out to stroke the smooth curve of its head. What happened?

Parrotfish are natural prey to barracuda. I'm guessing this one only barely escaped with its life, though it's fading fast. I need you to lend your energy so we can repair the damage together.

Of course. Maki swam closer and rested his hand on the fish's head. Bending down, he nuzzled his nose to the fish's beak. You'll be all right. We'll take care of you. He sent his energy through his fingers, feeling Anaru's mingle with it.