Out Beyond the Reef
Sylwa snuck out of the tent the next morning when it was just first light; everyone except Lo'ak was still asleep. She took with her, her Zune, and earphones. She made her way away from the nice beach towards a nice, lonely beach. She saw nobody close by. Perfect. She flattened the sand with her feet and rolled out a mat. Then she put the earphones in her ear and picked one of her favourite songs.
As the music played and the lyrics echoed in her head, she closed her eyes and became mentally lost in the melody. She twirled and leapt and swerved her arms and legs. Then she did back flips, forward flips, street dance stunts…
She wished she could perform in front of an actual audience. But given her 'daemon blood', it just wasn't possible. And her father would be furious if he found out. She wished her twin and Atuiko could watch but the former was in charge of covering for her and the latter had been forced to stay in his family's hut for a while to prevent yet another confrontation between his dad and the twins. Though Soxato had been warned not to harm them again, this would end his aggravating hatred towards them.
However, there was one particular person watching her. Tsireya observed her from behind a tree. She was dazzled. Her dancing skills were spectacular; she had never seen anything like it.
Her singing voice was so amazing too. She sounded like a siren. As the song came to an end, the graceful dancer did a finishing curtsey. But as she rose up and opened her eyes…"Ah!"
Tsireya felt awkward. Sylwa had come to be alone but she had realised how watching her hand suddenly embarrassed her. "Please. Don't feel embarrassed," she soothed.
"Were you watching me?" Sylwa was beyond pale.
Her friend couldn't lie. "Please don't be ashamed,"
"Please just forget about it," Sylwa started packing up her things but Tsireya approached her gently.
"It thought it was beautiful,"
Sylwa paused. "You did?"
Reya nodded. "Where did you learn to do that?" she invited her to sit down on the soft sand.
"I – uh-…" she exaggerated but Reya's kind eyes assured her she could speak freely. "I taught myself. And I watched dancing videos that the sky people made,"
"I really loved watching," complimented the sea princess. "Have you ever performed before? In front of anyone?"
"Only Lo'ak, Kiri …and our best human friend Spider. My parents don't know especially my dad,"
"Why not?"
"Because it's not allowed. My dad thinks my twin and I are more human or Sky people than Navi. If he knew about this, he would be extremely mad at me,"
"I'm sure he only has your best interests at heart,"
"I know but…sky people is part of who I am, who our family are. I know in my heart not all of them are bad,"
"Of course. You can't blame all of a race for the actions of a few bad ones. "Still, it's best if no one here knows of our talents," the last thing Tsireya wanted was for Sylwa to be in more trouble, particularly with her family and the general. "Your secret's safe with me,"
"Thanks," Sylwa smiled. "You've been so kind to me and my family. I don't know how we can thank you for all your help".
"No repayment is necessary. I am sorry though about my brother's behaviour,"
"Don't be. You're not responsible for his manners. What's his problem anyway? We didn't ask to get forced to leave our home,"
"He's just immature and mean. And he really hates having so much responsibility on his shoulders. Things were already tough enough for him before your family arrived,"
"What do you mean?"
Tsireya turned away slightly, tears threatening to leak from her eyes.
Sylwa felt regretful. "It's okay. You don't have to talk about it,"
Reya pulled herself together. "I do want to. The reason I was crying earlier was that…whenever I see you and Lo'ak…you remind me so much of me and my twin brother,"
Sylwa was stunned. "You have a twin too?"
"I had a twin brother. His name was Tousal. We were close. Much like you and Lo'ak. One day we went out exploring together beyond the reef, even though our father forbade us. But then, we were attacked on an island we had travelled to. I don't know who or what it was but…" she sniffled. "One moment he was there and the next he was gone. And I couldn't find a way to rescue him," she began to cry.
Sylwa tearful from the tale shuffled close and offered her a side hug. "It wasn't your fault,"
"That's not how I feel. Even though it was his idea for us to go…I feel ashamed that all I returned with was this mark. She showed Sylwa her scar. "Sometimes I feel it should have been me. He shouldn't have had to get killed for me,"
"He did that because he loved you. It's what I know my twin or any of my family would do for me,"
"After what happened, my father insisted that I'd be kept an eye on by Aonung all the time. He hates having so much responsibility over me that it started to make him passive-aggressive towards everyone,"
"That doesn't give him a right to be so mean,"
"Not it doesn't," she agreed. She wiped her tears away. "I would literally do anything to prove to my parents that I'm not the same helpless girl I was a year ago,"
"I know how you feel," comforted Sylwa. "Ever since I got this mark…" she reached behind to her burnt marks… "My dad's had me constantly watched over 24/7. Everyone except for my twin worries about me so much. I just feel so…"
"Trapped," finished her friend. "Like you…can't escape or prove to your family that you're stronger than you seem,"
Sylwa stared around at the great reef surrounding the island like a fortress. "This reef is like your cave. You're just like me," she suddenly stood up and whistled much to Tsireya's confusion. They heard a gentle screech and saw Skeera landing before them, blowing a bit of sand in their faces. She squeaked seeing Sylwa again. She petted her. "I've missed you too girl," she turned to Tsireya. "This is Skeera" she introduced.
Skeera purred, being very friendly to Tsireya who reached out her hand slowly to pet her. She affectionally rubbed her head against her fingers. Tsireya giggled a little. "She's beautiful,"
"Come on. We're going for a ride," Sylwa mounted her Ikran.
"Wait? What?" Tsireya
You need to get out there,"
"No. No. No.," she backed away. "My father will kill me if he found out. And you'll be in big trouble,"
"Don't worry. We'll be back before anyone knows," Reya still wasn't certain. "You'll never forget it. You've shown me how fun it is to ride an ilu so let me show you how it is to fly," she offered out her hand, facially expressing a simple question. Do you trust me?
Tsireya thought for another moment. She realised how much she wanted freedom. "Let's do this," she took Sylwa's offered hand and she pulled her onto her Ikran and she sat behind comfortably. "But just for a while," she implored.
"It'll be fine. Hold on tight,"
Skeera flapped her wings and Tsireya almost screamed when the Ikran took off into the sky carrying them across the sea out past the reef.
Lo'ak and Atuiko went off to have some guy time. The family had noticed Sylwa had vanished again and Lo'ak chose to vanish in case his father got mad at him again. And Atuiko was so glad to sneak away from his family's hut again before his brother could be sent to watch over him. They practised on the ilus, racing each other. The older allowed the younger to win. "I win," Atuiko jeered.
"Only because I let you," Lo'ak burst out laughing making Atuiko burst out laughing. They swam off again and went over to a nice lagoon to chill out by themselves.
Their ilus jumped around and they fed them fish. "I'm so proud of you Atu," said Lo'ak.
"And I'm proud of you Lo'ak. It seems you were born to be one with the way of water after all,"
Lo'ak smiled. "Have you ever thought about trying to make friends with any of the other kids?"
"No. You're the only friend I need," Atuiko noticed that Lo'ak was looking out longingly to the sea. "You okay?"
"I just miss home. And I'm worried about Spider,"
Atuiko knew what he was feeling. "You shouldn't feel guilty,"
"I still feel like it's my fault. I can't bear to imagine what they're doing to him. Especially him,"
"Who's him?" asked Atuiko.
Lo'ak gulped a little. "Will you keep this secret?"
"I promise," Atuiko crossed his heart.
"We came here because a man whom my mother killed wants revenge on us,"
"Wait. How can he want revenge if he was killed?"
"My dad was born of the Sky people as he said. And when he used his current body to interact with my mother and our clan…he worked for a general who killed my grandfather and destroyed our ancestral home, the home tree. My mother killed him. But somehow, that man, Quaritch came back as an avatar. He captured us and…he caused Sylwa so much pain," he sniffled. "My dad knew that he was targeting us so…he brought us here to protect him. And the people we had to leave behind,"
"Your secret is safe with me," promised Atuiko. "You couldn't have known what was going to happen. What exactly does this have to do with your friend?"
He licked his lips. "Because that guy is his father,"
Atuiko was shocked. "Blimey. Did he ever meet this guy?"
"No. His human body was killed when he was young. He was raised alongside us…but my mother hates him,"
"Just because he's human?"
"No. It's more to do with the fact about his heritage,"
"He's not his father,"
"That's what Kiri and Sylwa told him. I even wonder if we'll see him again,"
"Maybe one day you will," comforted Atuiko.
"Lo'ak!" called a voice. They turned their heads to see a fuming Neteyam stomping up to them. "Where is Sylwa?"
"How should he know?" Atu shielded him. "He's not her bodyguard,". To his annoyance, he was ignored.
"She snuck off this morning,"
"Neteyam would you just relax? She's probably having fun with Tsireya," Lo'ak tried to calm him down. "She's allowed to have time to herself,"
"Dad's already mad enough at me as it is. Do you want him to be mad at you too?"
"I think you should calm down," Atuiko pointed a finger at him.
"Stay out of this kid,"
"Leave him be," defended Lo'ak, pulling him towards him protectively. "Why can you just believe in her? As I do," he guided Atuiko away, leaving Neteyam venting to continue searching for Sylwa.
"Where is your sister?" Tonowari vented at Aonung.
"Why do I have to keep an eye on her all the time?" whined the prince.
"Bad enough you laboured all the teaching on her shoulders but now you can't keep an eye on her?"
"Why do I have to have so much responsibility?" the prince continued to vent angrily. "After Tousal…"
Tonowari silenced him with a pointed finger. "Do not speak of your brother that way,". Aonung calmed down. Deep down he was grieved, remembering his beloved brother, his sister's twin, whom he missed so much. "You are the future Olo'eyktan of this tribe and you will learn to take your responsibility seriously. Now…find your sister,"
"Wahoo!" cheered Sylwa. Skeera soared over the sea, carrying the girls with her; her best friend threw her arms in the air. "Do it!" she encouraged the other rider.
Tsireya raised her hands slowly and tried cheering out, motivating Sylwa to cheer along with her. Sylwa suddenly grabbed Tsireya's hand and gently pushed her to the side. "Touch the water,"
Tsireya touched the water from above and she felt her fingers splashing along the water. She began to laugh. Sylwa pulled her back up. "Get ready and hold on tight!"
Skeera rocketed up. Tsireya screamed out loud, throwing her arms around Sylwa's waist. They soared high and up into the clouds until they were high above the sea. Skeera flew straight again and around them, they saw colours of yellow and red and orange and ahead of them they saw the dim sun-halfway ascended.
"It's so beautiful," said Tsireya. "This is the most incredible thing I had ever seen. I've always wanted to see a sunset like this. Thank you Sylwa,"
Sylwa smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. I loved doing this all the time as a child,"
Tsireya reached up to the layer of clouds above them and felt her fingers touching the fluffy masses of vapour. Sylwa did the same. "It's so soft,"
"Yes, it is,"
Skeera purred. Sylwa patted her side. "She's really glad you're enjoying it,"
"Thank you," Tsireya patted Skeera's hide. "How can you so easily understand your Ikran? And don't get me wrong but…I feel like I've seen more of a connection between your Ikran compared to the rest of your family.
Sylwa pursed her lips. "Can I share a secret with you Tsireya?"
"Sure,"
Sylwa took in a deep breath. "I can understand animals,". 'Reya' blinked. "Really? How?"
"Ever since I got this mark and I was healed at the Tree of Souls…I just suddenly started understanding Skeera every time she purred or growled. At first, I thought it was my imagination but then it started happening with other Ikran and other animals too. I could understand what those otter creatures were saying and then the ilus whenever I rode them," she turned her face to meet Tsireya's blank expression. "It's okay. It sounds crazy…"
"No. I believe you," Tsireya said. "It seems Eywa blessed you with that gift. I honestly think it's really cool. You're so lucky. Do any in your family know?"
"Only Lo'ak. I've never been able to tell my parents because dad's always been busy keeping me sheltered away and I didn't want to cause my mother any more worry,"
"We should head back now. I really wish we could stay out longer but I don't want to get into any trouble on account of me,"
Skeera purred sadly. "I know girl," her best friend comforted but we need to head back,". The sad Ikran descended through the clouds and rotated around.
"Come on Sylwa," bemoaned Neteyam, getting more frustrated even more. He turned a corner when he ran into Aonung. "Uh, you. What do you want?"
"You mind telling me where your sister is?"
"Why?" he crossed his arms.
"Because I think she's being a bad influence on my one,"
Neteyam pointed a finger in his face. "You watch your tongue. They've just been having fun together,"
"Thanks to her, all her friends won't hang around her anymore,"
"They were cruel to Sylwa. And you stay away from her," Neteyam gave Aonung a warning glare. "Or else," he marched off.
Sylwa and Tsireya arrived at a sea stack just outside the reef. Skeera clung to the rock and they peered over and saw a lot of people already awake. "I thought we had more time," Sylwa cursed.
"Guess we'll have to swim in," said Tsireya.
"Drop us down girl," Sylwa patted her Ikran.
Got it. Skeera dove down and hovered over the sea. The girls dived in and Skeera flew off. They took deep breaths and dove underwater. Sylwa followed Tsireya through the water, successfully holding her breath in for a long time. They swam through some holes in the coral reef until they were right back in the reef's waters. They swam up for some air and they swam as silently as they could to shore. They walked out.
"That was close," panted Tsireya. "Thank you so much Sylwa. That was so much fun,"
"You're welcome. If ever you want another joyride, just tell me and Skeera will be happy to give you a lift," Skeera landed and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, girl,"
"Tsireya! / Sylwa!" two loud voices boomed together. They turned their heads and they saw their unimpressed fathers marching towards them.
"Where have you two been?" demanded the chief.
"We were just hanging out," Sylwa answered quickly.
"Why did you leave without us knowing?" Jake demanded.
"Toruk…it was my fault," Tsireya said. "I told her we could hang out together on the beach,"
"Why is your Ikran saddled?" Tonowari said strictly to Sylwa.
"I'll tell you what happened," said an unimpressed voice. They looked around to see the general walking toward them. "I saw this Ikran drop them in the sea outside the reef,". Skeera growled at him. "Keep that beast under control!". Sylwa calmed Skeera down, feeling her father's cold glare pressing on her. "Your daughter, Toruk took Tsireya outside the reef when she knows perfectly well she's not allowed as I feel the chief has recalled,"
"Tsireya," hissed Tonowari. "You know you're not allowed outside the reef,"
"Sir…it was just a quick flight," Sylwa tried to explain.
"Father, it was my fault. She didn't know," Tsireya tried to take the blame, not wanting Sylwa to be in more trouble with her dad than she already was.
Sylwa refused to let her take the blame. "Sir, she needed to get out. I understand why you're so protective of her and I'm sorry for what happened…"
Tonowari's fist clenched thinking of Tousal. He raised his hand silencing her. "You know nothing about our family. You do not speak of this,". He grabbed Tsireya and dragged her away; the princess's apologetic eyes looking out to Sylwa's wet ones. The general walked away, feeling glad to have put that daemon in her place.
"Sylwa," hissed Jake, making her stiffen. "You disappoint me, daughter,". Her eyes teared up. "What were you thinking?"
"Dad, she needed to get out. I was just trying to make her feel better,"
"Every time I think you're past this…" he vented. "I told you not to go beyond the reef. Did you not think of the kind of danger you could have been in? Three times you have been nearly killed. And three times you have constantly wandered away without thinking. Sometimes I feel I just wanna…."
"Put me on a leash?" challenged an upset Sylwa. "Keep me locked up? Sometimes I don't even know who you are anymore,"
She turned and left, Skeera knocking Jake down with a flick of her tail. "Hey! Did you tell her to do that?"
It was my idea. Skeera roared. And I know she approves.
Sylwa went over to some rock pools and sat down. Some sea otters swam over to greet over and she petted them. "Hey little guys,". They squeaked. "Do you feel trapped too?". They purred back. "Like you can't be free to do what you want? Be who you are?" They purred affectionately, rubbing their heads against her fingers.
Loud mocks came from some trees. "Would you look at that?" jeered a familiar voice. "The freaky forest girl is talking to the otters,". The otters squeaked in fear and swam off. Sylwa fumed and stood up, wanting to walk away again but another of the girls blocked her.
"No Tsireya to save you this time," she jeered. "We heard all about it. Ronal is never gonna let you see her again. Sucks to be you,"
"Leave me alone,"
"Or else what?" questioned the cruel girl with an arrogant smirk.
Suddenly a large patch of island forest fell onto the girls staining them with juice; they screamed in horror. Sylwa looked up and saw her twin and Atuiko waving to her. Quickly while the girls were distracted by their freak out at being humiliated like that, she dashed off, the boys joining her at the nearest beach.
"You okay?" asked Lo'ak.
"Yes. Thanks, guys," she said relievedly.
"We heard what happened," Atuiko rubbed her forearm. "You okay?"
"Not really. I thought I was helping Tsireya, but I made things worse instead," she slumped on the sand. "I was just trying to make her happy. Now I've messed things up,"
"You were very brave going out beyond the reef," said Lo'ak proudly. "You did her a good deed. How'd it go with Dad?"
"Not good," she wiped her nose.
"It'll be okay," said Atuiko, giving her a hug. "You'll see,"
"The chief's probably not gonna let me hang out with her again,"
"As if that's gonna stop her from wanting to spend time with you. If I can't let my dad try to ruin my friendship with you guys, she won't let her father's rules stop her from having fun with you,"
"Come on," said Lo'ak, holding out his hand. "Let's go for a walk,". He pulled her up and together they walked along the shore.
Another chapter is done. Hope you all enjoyed it a lot. As I'm gonna be cut off from WIFI for a few days, thought I might as well post this chapter. To all who are expecting chapters for the other stories, I apologise profusely, it's just it's been so easy to follow the storyline of this book and the Dragon Prince one that I've been getting no writer's block with their chapters compared to the other ones. But once I'm back from Australia, I will make sure to update them as well as soon as possible. Please send reviews for this chapter and let me know what you all think.
Dear OvikirhonXP0, I have watched Guardians of the Galaxy 3 so if you have any ideas for the Quill Twins Volume 3, feel free to send them over.
Dear Bailey Radcliff, it would be really wonderful to share ideas with each other and you are welcome to use the Taquamare in your story, I would love to read it if you could send me the link for it, please. Also thank you for sharing your story idea with me. Also, a spoiler alert...(which will be revealed in a few chapters time so only read if you want to)...the Taquamare and the creatures that Lo'ak befriended as a child are the same animal.
Thank you all very much for your support. See you all soon.