The River Tree (Neteyam x Metkayina OC)

Chapter 8: The Blue Hunter

"Kaia!" Rimlo shouted as he swam towards me with his Ilu to the rock. I quickly stood up and adjusted my loin-cloth.

Rimlo was the eldest out of our generation and the first to become a warrior, as well as head hunter. He had just been given his first tattoo which was a spiked pattern across his face with his long flowing curly hair. He was one of the most respected young men in the clan and he took the best warriors out beyond the reef.

I had just been admitted into his squadron, an honor that usually goes to warriors with at least two years of experience and I had not even been named yet. Not even Announg himself had been taken beyond the reef.

I straightened my back and made the "I see you" motion to him.

"Oeal Ngati Kameia, Rimlo." I asserted.

He nodded his head and motioned back in return.

"Kaia, I was hoping you'd accompany me beyond the reef. I'm sure you know the triakil are in our area currently." He began brandishing his harpoon spear.

I gritted my teeth and sighed "Plentiful meat but..."

"...great in speed." We both finished simultaneously.

"I need a sharp eye if we're going to bring in any today. The rest of my men are aiding in the young boys training today. Will you accompany me?" He firmly asked.

"Of course." I agreed.

I dove into the water and as I swam back up, I clicked my tongue for my Ilu. The pudgy creature quickly rushed to me and I swiftly made the Tseheylu.

"Hey, Kaia!" Neteyam called out.

Oh I forgot about him.

Turning the corner swimming, was Neteyam trying to keep his head above the surface of the water.

"Oh hello, Rimlo. I haven't spoken to you in sometime."

Rimloa respectfully dipped his head "Ometicayan brother, hello. I apologize if I am interrupting a lesson but I need your teacher for a hunting mission."

Neteyam waved his hand from the water reassuringly "No,no it's ok, sir. We just finished. You really have a great huntress on your hands. Kaia is very skilled."

I suddenly held my breath. The sound of that made me feel strange.

Rimlo raised a brow and pondered "She is. And you Neteyam...were you a warrior back at home?"

Neteyam lifted himself onto a lower ledge of the rock and turned to face Rimlo and I slightly bobbing in the water.

"Yes, sir." Neteyam commenced "Ometicayan warriors are named at thirteen or fifteen and then sent for hunting and other adult activities. I was named at thirteen."

I hummed in surprise "I didn't know that."

"Maybe if you would stop shoving me into the water you'd know more about me." Neteyam starkly replied. There was a playfulness to his voice but also a dash of seriousness.

It dawned on me that I really never tried to get to know this kid.

"Impressive." Rimlo pondered "So within the compounds of you own village, you are an adult?"

Neteyam hesitated "...yes sir. Nothing compared to the grand likes of you but I try my best."

Something, sudden then happened. Something that would change the course of my life forever.

Rimlo gave a slight smile "Call your Ilu."

I did a double take "Hm?"

There was a nasty feeling bubbling within me.