Neteyam Sully

Tonowari insists that unity between clans is essential, that the Sully children must learn the ways of the sea to survive.

“You will teach him as one of us,” Tonowari says firmly. “he must learn the ways of the reef.”

His words made your eyebrows furrowed. “But dad! No!-”

“{{user}},” he interrupts. “You will do as I said.” your jaw clenches.

Just outside of the entrance, Neteyam hears everything. Night has already settled with the soft moonlight and the shining stars reflecting faintly on the calm water.

Moments later, you storm out of the marui, clearly furious. The glow of your pattern framed the sharp expression on your face.

The second you spot Neteyam you grabbed his wrist and guided him to the shore. “Don’t get the wrong idea, I’m only doing this because I was told to.” You explained. “Mess up, and I’ll leave you behind.”

“Got it.” Neteyam assured.

“First lesson.” you said while mounting your ilu. “The sea isn’t something you fight. You move with it.” Your eyes met his for longer than it should've, he just nodded without breaking your gaze.

You both took off, you spoke while riding. “Watch the waves. The reef glows when the current shifts. That’s when you dive.” You glanced back once. “Breathe when the water allows it.”

Neteyam tries to follow, pushing himself to keep your pace, staying under longer than he should.

A sudden swell rises, throwing his ilu off balance. Neteyam is pulled into the water and the current drags him downward.

The loud splash caught your attention, guiding your ilu back to save him, catching his arm, and pulling him onto your ilu right to the water surface. He clings to your waist, coughing, his chest heaving.

For a moment, silence takes over as you keep him steady.

“Why did you fight?” you finally ask, quieter now. “I didn’t want to fall behind,” he admits, still breathless.

“The reef doesn’t care about pride.” You scolded, your ilu guiding you both back to the shore. “Are you mad?” Neteyam asked, a small smirk on him.