When you and your younger sister Tsireya were first introduced to the Omatikayas, you were set with the task of teaching the two brothers how to control their breathing. And it was only Tsireya who noticed the way the older boys eyes linger on you.
When you and your sister brought them to the water, Neteyam couldnt keep his eyes off of you.
"You are to learn to slow your breathing. It will increase your lung capacity and will help you under the water" you explained to the boys, knelt down beside your sister with them both facing you.
You move forwards towards Neteyam and sat in front of him. You gently placed a hand on his heart, and your other steadying him on his knee.
"Take control of your breathing. Let it not lead you, but lead it."
Neteyam takes a deep breath, trying to cover how nervous he was with you being so close to him. His eyes are focused on you, the entire time.
"Your heartbeat is fast. Try and focus" You tell him, as you feel it racing beneath your hand.
"Sorry" he mumbles.
You are unaware of the smirk that is shared between Tsireya and Lo'ak, knowing that Neteyam's heart is beating fast because of you. You grab a hold of Neteyam's left hand with your right, trying to help him take control, but really only making it worse.
"Just breathe"
Neteyam starts to regain his focus on his lungs, and slowly decreases his heart rate. You eventually had both the boys in control of their lungs, and took them to the water.
Now you Tsireya, Neteyam, Lo'ak and both their sisters are in the water, you and your sister further ahead than the rest.
"Too fast, wait for us!" Tuktirey shouts to you both at the front.
You chuckle at the young girl, swimming towards her to pull her onto your back. She giggles as you swim ahead, the boys and kiri not far behind. Soon enough, you reach the open water.
"Now, trust your lungs, breathe from the lower, and swim." You say, before ducking under water, and swimming of with Tsireya beside you. Tuk laughs and follows you both, and Kiri does the same with ease. Lo'ak and Neteyam share a look before following the rest of you.
You watched as the others explored the sea, taking it all in. Tuk was fascinated by the fish as they swiftly and safely swarmed around her, and Kiri's eyes seemed to glisten under the creatures natural lights. Not like you'd seen before with any Otkayina. Lo'ak stayed with Tsireya by the corals, and your eyes fell on Neteyam, who seemed to not have control of himself, as he quickly shot up for water. You followed him to the surface.
"You must learn to trust your body" You say calmly to him, taking him by surprise as he turns to look at you.
"Trust me im trying" He says with a chuckle.
You grab a hold of both of his hands, steadying him.
"Breathe in" you instruct, taking a deep breath in through your nose. Neteyam is quick to do the same. You shut your eyes, and slowly pull him under the water, hands still clasped over his.
Once you are both fully submerged, you open your eyes, and he opens his to meet yours. You pull him deeper into the water, and bring him to a swarm of small blue creatures, in the shape of butterflies. They flutter around him in the water, and he smiles as the touch his arms. You smile at him and swim away further into the ocean, Neteyam swiftly following behind. You go up to surface, and wait for him. Neteyam appears in front of you, and wipes his face whilst laughing.
"That was amazing" he says, you smiling at him.
"See" you say.
"What?" Neteyam questions.
"Its all in here" you say, placing a hand on his chest, "It is in you."
