Chapter 6: Metkayina

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We had been flying for days toward the unknown destination Jake was leading us to, and I could feel the exhaustion settling into my body with every passing hour. The constant strain of flight was wearing on me. As I flew closer to Kiri, I asked, "Hey, how are you feeling?"

"I'm okay, just tired and a little sad," Kiri replied, her voice slightly downcast. But then, a small smile crept onto her face. "Though, I am excited to see where we're going to live."

"Same here," I responded, glancing ahead. "I wonder what they look like and how they do things."

Lo'ak joined the conversation with a mischievous grin. "What if they're slimy and weird looking?"

Kiri and I exchanged amused glances before giggling. "Lo'ak, are you serious?" I asked, barely holding in my laughter. "We can't judge them. Even if they do things differently, we'll have to learn their ways. And if they are slimy or weird looking? They'll probably think we're as dry as the desert" I said, grinning.

"Yeah, I think so too especially when they see you, Lo'ak," Kiri teased, smirking at her brother.

Lo'ak scoffed dramatically, placing a hand on his forehead with a mock look of offense. "I am deeply offended," he said, smiling as we laughed at his performance.

Our lighthearted moment was cut short by a stern voice. "Stay focused, and stop fooling around. We need to be ready for what's to come," Neteyam commanded, casting a sharp look at all three of us.

"Whatever you say, mighty warrior," I replied sarcastically, knowing full well it would irritate him. He hated when we called him that. Sure enough, his face darkened as he urged his ikran closer to mine.

"Say that again, and you'll find out what happens next," he threatened, his tone low and dangerous.

"Mighty warri-" I started, but before I could finish, a loud and firm voice interrupted us. "Stop it, now!" Neytiri's warning was sharp, her piercing gaze enough to freeze us in place as she hissed in disapproval.

Jake's voice broke the tension. "I know everyone's tired, but let's try to get along for now, okay?"

Neteyam and I exchanged a brief glance before we both turned our attention back ahead. From behind us, I could hear Kiri and Lo'ak stifling their laughter. I turned to face them, mouthing, "What?" They just shrugged innocently and looked forward again, still snickering.

After what felt like forever, we finally began to see land on the horizon. I exhaled a sigh of relief, but I knew the real challenge was only beginning. The sea stretched out before us, glistening under the sun. It was breathtaking an expansive blue, divided by a large root system that appeared to protect their beautiful home from the dangerous waters beyond. I looked around in awe at the stunning scenery unfolding in front of me. We flew over pods and homes woven into the thick, tree-like structures that jutted out from the water.

 We flew over pods and homes woven into the thick, tree-like structures that jutted out from the water

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