The Children of Land and Sea

The Surface

Izel's P.O.V

When I was young, my Mother told stories of a place that was filled with different people. A place that was neither of my homes. My Baba calls it the Surface World, and my Mama calls the people Colonizers.
I've heard the stories, and I've learned the history of those who took other peoples land by force and claimed they were sent by God. I think as lowly as them as my parents do, though I share the same compassion for the few good colonizers my Mama has come in contact with. And I have as well, though I've never been to their world, and I long to see what it's like.

I have relentlessly asked my Mama's friends from the Surface World about it, but they all say the same thing.
"It's not as amazing as this place." Or "Be glad you live here, the world outside is not as forgiving."
And I long to know what those words mean, alas no one will tell me.

My entire life I have grown up between two different worlds. Wakanda and Talokan. The land and the sea. But I wish to explore more of the land. My parents refuse to show me the Surface World until I am older, and I have been patient. But now I will play the most undeniable card, and they will have to take me!
——————
It is morning and I have just woken up. I slowly crawl out of my hammock and wander into the kitchen of the house where my twin brother sits. Our Aunt and Nanny Abha is at the kitchen counter preparing food, but someone else is by her side.
"Máax yaan te'elo'." (Who is there?) I ask.

The woman turns around and I smile. "Jay, Yolotli! Bix anikech?" (Oh, Yolotli! How are you?).

Yolotli smiles at me and replies "I am good. Happy....
K'iin k'aaba'" (Birthday).
She lost the last word, but I admire her effort in English.
"Thank you."
I take a seat next to my brother "Happy...oh wait hang on." I glance at the clock that Mama installed in our home and wait for fifteen seconds.
"Birthday. Sorry I had to wait until the exact time after me you were born before I could say happy birthday." I say with a smirk on my face.

Aphiwe rolls his eyes and shoves me. I laugh but once it dies down I ask Yolotli
"Ba'ax taasik te'ela'." (What brings you here?).

"I came by, to watch you so Abha was not full."

"Oh yeah. Where are our parents? And where's Dacey?" I say as I look around for my 9 year old sister. Abha turns away from the counter and says.

"Táan escoltando ti' le princesa tu najil Kiri yéetel Tec utia'al u máan áak'abe'." (They are escorting the Princess to Kiri and Tec's home for her to spend the night).

"But it's morning." I say, like an idiot. Abha chuckles and says. "She is staying all day."
I nod and make and 'ohh' face.

Me and my brother eat our birthday breakfast but he looks at the clock and says.
"Ukudutyulwa!" (Shit!).

"Aphiwe!" Abha scolds. He apologizes, bit turns to me suddenly frantic.
"We are going to be late for the exchange!"
I peer at the clock and realize the same thing. "Your right, we have to go."

"Abha, can we go alone?!" My brother asks, though I don't think it's necessary. She nods
"Yes, King and Queen will meet you."

Aphiwe quietly cheers and him and I run to our room to get dressed. Just before me and him depart into the waters I grab my specially designed mask, and he puts on the necklace that holds his suit.

We nod at each other and dive into the chilly waters.
——————
The swim to Talokan's city is not long. And from the way me and Aphiwe entered we get to ride the currents all the way there. As we go though the fast stream, we see some Whales pass by, it's always a beautiful sight, no matter how many times I see it.