In the Stars

Chapter 9

Inspired song: (Hold the Line by Toto)

The first swim wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Unlike Neteyam and Lo'ak, I struggled a bit with coordinating my movements. Neither of us could hold our breath as long as Tsireya and Ao'nung. I found myself trying to keep up with a group, but I took a moment to steady my pace. Running my hands along the smooth surface, I felt the water's gentle flow against my fingertips. As I lay on my back, the water buoyed me up, keeping me afloat. Staring up at the clear blue sky, my eyelids grew heavy, and I closed them, letting the muffled sounds of the water fill my ears.

All of a sudden, a force tugged me under the water's surface. Confused, the bubbles gradually cleared, and I could make out the figure—it was Neteyam. He smiled at me before taking my hand, pulling me along with him to swim alongside the rest of the group. Tsireya seemed delighted to see me and whisked me away from Neteyam. With her signal, a few moments later, a large, plesiosaur-like sea creature. She moved me closer to the creature, guiding my hand to interact with it. The creature seemed friendly, nuzzling its head into my hand, and making joyful sounds as it twirled around in the water.

As Tsireya guided me closer to the Ilu and assisted me in mounting the majestic creature, I couldn't help but smile at the unique experience. Hesitantly, I took her hand, and we took off in seconds, immersing into the depths of the coral reef. Rocks covered in marine life of varying shapes and colours surrounded us. Creatures of different sizes and shades of colour darted all around. It was an awe-inspiring underwater experience, unlike anything I'd ever imagined. The Metkeynia people's way of life flowed naturally, making this place vibrant and alive.

Swimming above the water, everyone gathered except Kiri.

"Where's Kiri."

I asked, looking at the boys, but they just shrugged.

"I'll go find her."

Tsireya said, offering a reassuring smile. Moving away from the Ilu, I swam towards Neteyam. He reached out his hand, and I took it, letting him draw me in inches away from his face.

"Hi."

He said, a cheeky smile lighting up his face.

"Hi."

I replied nervously.

"Do you want to head back?"

He nodded towards the shore.

"Yeah... I'm kinda exhausted."

I tilted my head back into the water, and as I emerged with our hair, I caught Neteyam looking at me. His golden eyes were fixed on me. Without saying anything, I found myself mirroring his focus. Feeling at ease, I noticed myself inching closer to him. We were mere inches apart, and at that moment, I wished I didn't have a mask. I wanted to kiss him as if there was no tomorrow, but then I pulled my face away.

"Did I do something wrong?"

I said, feeling disappointed.

"No, of course not."

He responded, sounding remorseful, placing a hand on the side of my face.

"I just need to get Tuk and Kiri. I'll meet you back at the shore."

Moving away from his touch, I felt a gulp of humiliation rising within me.

"Okay."

I said, without looking at him.

Sighing, he made a clicking sound, and his Ilu appeared. He swiftly took took off.

Swimming my way back to shore, I noticed Lo'ak lying on the beach. We didn't see eye to eye, so I didn't feel like talking to him. Keeping my distance, I stood there, arms crossed around my wet body.

"What's wrong with you."

He asked, sitting up on his elbows.

"Nothing."

I said, digging my toes into the sand.

"Whatever it is, I'm sure you will get over it."

He replied, lying back down with his hands behind his head.

"Lo'ak, why do you hate me so much?"

I turned to face him. He takes a moment before responding.

"I don't hate you."

He said in annoyance.

"I just-"

He sighed.

"You don't know how lucky you are."

I was offended. How dare he say that!

"At least you blend in with the crowd. Everyone else just stares at me like I'm some kind of freak! Or demon that's fallen from the sky."

I said, waving my hands in the air.

"Yeah... I'm so lucky."

I retorted sarcastically.

Sighing, I sat down beside him on the shore, pulling my knees close to my chest.

"I'm sorry."

He said softly. We paused for a moment before we spoke again.

"Just so you know, I hate this place."

He said, nudging me.

"Why is that?"

I say looking at him.

"Well, we can't exactly swim as fast as they can, and what's with this sign language they do."

Lo'ak says mimicking their actions.

"Be patient."

I say before turning my head towards the tall figure appearing from the water. It's Neteyam, along with Tuk and Kiri appearing from behind him.

"Hey... can we talk?"

Neteyam said in a low tone. Reaching down for my hand I look at Lo'ak.

"I'll see you later?"

I said unsure. Lo'ak nodded at my response before turning back to Neteyam.

Taking his hand, he helped me up onto my feet. We began walking alongside the ocean's shore, moving further away from the others. We walked in silence as the waves crashed against the shoreline.

"I'm sorry."

Neteyam said, stopping in his tracks. He moved a little forward more and then stopped me with a gentle touch to the shoulder. I turned around and saw him, his golden eyes glistening off the sun's glare, bringing a soft yellow glow.

"Don't apologies... I- I just got the wrong impression."

I said with a fake smile before looking down at my hands, picking at my fingernails.

"No, no, no you didn't."

He said, placing both hands on my upper arms.

I sighed.

"Neteyam... What are we even doing?"

I asked with a weak tone, chewing on the inside of my cheek and looking into his soft yellow eyes.

"I don't know..."

He trailed off,

"But I know I want to be with you."