IKONGA!

9

"Kulo you can't use a slingshot to fish!"

Another rock splashed in the water scattering the fish just below Kona's feet where he had been standing motionless for minutes waiting for the perfect time to make his move.

"Why? it's faster, the fish won't get time to run away, I mean swim away. They don't run do they?"

Kona glanced at his little brother, giving him a look. "You did a precise job of that already, making them run away. If you were patient enough maybe you would spear more fish."

Kulo was putting another rock in the slingshot pocket. Closing one eye, he focused on a target. When he couldn't find one, he looked up squinting his eyes in confusion

"Where are the fishies?"

Kona shook his head, holding the bridge of his nose and releasing a breath. "Let's just go further downstream, those rocks there perhaps. Waddle as slowly as you can. We don't want to scare them away. The movements in the water caused by your feet should simulate the water currents, that way they won't be frightened."

"Oh, I was thinking of running to them,...no give me that!", he tried reaching out for the slingshot Kona just snatched.

Dangling it by the strips, Kona just looked at the little boy who was busily trying to pry the slingshot of his hands. It was a weak attempt given his towering height and Kulo's relatively shorter one. "I don't trust this with you Kulo"

"No Kona, you can't do that. You're not Kukola!"

Kona chuckled, "What makes you say that?"

"She is the only human who takes my things away. The frogs I put in her pots seem to encourage her instead of doing the job I expected them to do. It's sad really." He was jumping for the slingshot again.

Kona held it higher. "That's why she screeches your name often."

"I know, her throat probably hurts with all that screeching."

"And goes raw too."

"Our ears, don't forget our ears."

"The pain!"

"It's a wonder they aren't damaged."

They all broke in laughter.

"I'm pretty sure we have chased all the fish Kaka, let's just go."

"Wait, do you hear that-". Kona tensed and became more alert.

"Hear what Kaka?"

Kona scanned his surroundings and fixed his on a mass of rocks hidden from view and shadowed by overgrowing tree boughs. He moved closer to them, Kulo whose interest was piqued followed behind with curiosity trying to peak past his brother.

The water tickled his calves and made calm rippling sounds as he cautiously moved closer and closer. Something was nagging him in the back of his mind, telling him not to approach the rocks. There was a sliver of fear too, but he pushed that away immediately. Kulo, on the other hand, was getting fidgety and anxious. The suspense and tension in the air as Kona slowly reached his arm out to push past the foliage was so thick.

He stopped.

There it was again. That sound, it was so low you were sure to miss it if you weren't listening carefully.

Laboured breathing, so faint and weak with uneven intervals.

He parted the foliage and never did he perceive he would meet the sight before him. He froze, a chill running down his spine. Behind him, a gasp was issued by Kulo.