Triton's Destiny

Part Twenty

Ika swam excited circles around Maki as they headed for the reef which comprised the public center of Njora. The closer they got to the towering pillars of coral, the more colorful their surroundings became, a rainbow of anemones, sponges, and invertebrates bursting through the tendrils of kelp and swaying sea grass. The free-floating sea life was just as vibrant, with schools of fish, turtles, and even sharks meandering about, the constant movement a part of the daily life of the tritons out running errands and completing their usual activities. Maki found the hectic bustle to be quite overwhelming, which was why he preferred his serene habitat at the edge of the community, but today was one of those times when he needed to just suck it up and deal with the chaos. Anaru lived in the reef and Maki needed to see him as soon as possible.

Hi, Maki! someone called as he passed by, waving from the round window of their coral home.

With a smile, he waved back, not stopping to talk. Ika did a little flip and waved her fin too, blowing happy bubbles as the other triton laughed. Everyone who encountered Ika seemed to think she was the cutest fish in Njora, and she reveled in the attention. Maki was glad she was happy in her new home.

Swimming under the coral arch to the center of the city, Maki waved and smiled at many more tritons as he and Ika made their way around to where Anaru lived and conducted his practice. Maki didn't usually visit him at his office, since they saw each other almost every day out in the kelp forest, but then Maki didn't usually have a problem pressing enough that it couldn't wait until their next meeting. Today was different. Today, Maki needed answers. And he didn't want to wait until Anaru showed up to get them.

A smile broke across Maki's face when he saw Anaru's office door open and no other tritons waiting outside to see him. It seemed that luck was on his side that day and he wouldn't have to wait to speak with his mentor. Pushing through the kelp curtain to the reception area, he smiled at Airini, the assistant behind the welcome desk.

Good morning, Maki! she said with a bright smile. Did Anaru miss one of your meetings again? She glanced down at the appointment book on the desk in front of her.

No, no! He waved his hands and gave her a sheepish smile. I just need to speak with him and was wondering if he had time for me.

Yes! She nodded her head after another quick appraisal of her book. He doesn't have many appointments today and the next one isn't for a few hours. He'll be glad to see you. She lifted off her stool. I'll tell him you're here.

Thank you. He waited only a minute before she was back again, offering up a welcoming smile.

He said to come on back. He's waiting for you in his office.

Maki smiled back at her. Thanks, Airini. I appreciate it. He ushered Ika toward the door and parted the kelp so she could swim through.

Oh! Airini clasped her hands and grinned when she saw the excited wagging of Ika's tail. How cute! Is she yours?

He shrugged and gave her a lopsided smile. Yeah, she seems to have adopted me. This is Ika. She's an ikarata I rescued from a barracuda.

Ika swam over to Airini and nuzzled against her outstretched hand.

She's adorable! The girl stroked her fingers over Ika's dorsal fin. Hi, Ika. You've made friends with the nicest triton in all of Njora, so you stick close to him, all right?

Blowing more bubbles, Ika zipped around Airini's head in an enthusiastic show of apparent agreement.

The girl laughed, spinning around on her stool, dancing with Ika. Oh my gods, Ika. You're so much fun!