Ma Neteyam

6

Neteyam didn't miss the way she sung the last word in sarcasm, " I would greatly appreciate my partner not shooting at me every time we meet. It's not a game."

Vareya once again shrugged, not wanting to talk with him any longer. She began walking away, placing her bow and arrow under a bush, then continuing on south.

Neteyam threw his arms up in exasperation before finding himself once again chasing after her, picking up pace to stay even with her. The both of them once again fell into an awkward silence, or awkward for Neteyam at least.

Vareya seemed to prefer the silence, and at times he even wondered if she forgot he was there. Not once did she look back to check on him.

Wether she assumed, trusted, knew, or simply didn't care if he followed her or not he wasn't sure. But he was sure that she sensed him and was perspective enough to know if anyone was following her.

Vareya cut right quickly, then picked up her pace. She made another cut to her left and he almost slipped on the wet grass turning to follow.

When she made another sharp right turn, she held a large leaf out of the way before letting it go, allowing it to slap his face.

Neteyam hissed as the slightly sharp edges whipped his face, and when he moved it out of the way, Vareya was only a distant figure moving at lightning speed.

That's when he realized she must've thought this another one of her games, taking off without him.

Neteyam broke into a dash, sprinting and slapping leafs out of his face all while trying to keep Vareya in his view.

Luckily her hair seems to shine nevertheless the time of day. Now it seemed to be shining as the sun beamed down on the island, brighter than any pearl.

He saw Vareya take another sharp turn when she began to slow down, but he only picked up his pace until he was beside her and grabbing her wrist softly but firmly.

" Is that really necessary?"  he said slightly out of breath while Vareya glared at him, but other than her hair, she looked pristine.

Snatching her arm away from him she spoke, " What are you talking about? That you are slower than an ilu on land is not my fault."

The minute Vareya finished that sentence her eyes widened in what seemed like pain and she took a step back as if someone had struck her.

Just as he went to ask what had happened, she regained her composure completely. Her eyes went back to clear and she adjusted her posture to straight, the only difference was her jaw was now set tight.

" Vareya-"

" We're here." she said rigidly before moving one final frond out of their way and revealing the wonders before them.

Breathtakingly waterfalls stretched as far as Neteyam can see, all cascading down rocky cliff sides then falling powerfully,  bringing lacy white onto the traveling stream.

An icy cool pool shimmered just a few feet away from him. Similar but smaller sea wall terraces separated the calming waters from the moving one.

In the distance a vibrant rainbow flashed across the sky, adding a magical touch to the paradise.

Exotic flora and fauna he's never witnessed before were largely spread out, varying in colors just like the rainbow that was above them, enveloping an idyllic lagoon and creating a serene landscape.

Small plants were placed along the cove line as small fish could be seen swimming peacefully under the clear waters.

The rich emerald foliage of the trees swayed gently in the balmy breeze, providing a soothing backdrop to this natural wonder.

When Vareya saw the effect the scenery took on the boy beside her, she partially regretted bringing him here herself as his eyes yearned with longing.

A few more seconds passed in soppy silence - then she couldn't take it anymore.

Her face scrunched, " Your making me sick, let's get a move on."

Neteyam snapped out of his admiration from her gruff voice, watching her walk along the sea wall terraces gracefully before jumping on a mini island in the center of this- what feels like hidden- utopia.

He once again followed her path, his feet drowning in the refreshing waters. He had to restrain himself from diving in entirely.

Finally after adjusting to the scenery enough that he doesn't have to examine every detail he passes, he stood beside where Vareya was waiting impatiently for him.

When she realized she ultimately had his full attention, Vareya explained,

" This will give us enough seclusion to train coming this early, but it's a popular spot amongst young Metkayina later during eclipse. I'm sure one of my cousins will bring you eventually."

Vareya gazed down at the pool surrounding them, " A few things before we start. I am not my sweet cousin, I don't have patience and it doesn't get better with people I want to kill. I will be tough and I will not baby you, do not expect any other treatment. If you don't learn at a pace that pleases me, you will have to figure out the rest yourself..."

Neteyam went to cut in but she stopped him, continuing on,

" Here I will teach you breathing techniques until I find you ready to take upon the ocean, I know another private spot that is empty at sunrise. But here is where you will train me to fight like a demon."

Not that he was complaining about training here, he still had to ask, " Why can't we just train entirely at the beach then?"

Vareya looked at him annoyed as if he had just asked a stupid question to an obvious answer, " Because forest boy, this place keeps me sane enough that I won't have the temptation to scratch your eyes out every time I look at you."

" You really hate me, don't you?"

" Don't take it personal flea, I hate everyone. What is personal is that you have demon blood running through your veins... that's the part that makes me want to kill you."

Neteyam slacked, " Your very confusing. Has anyone told you that?"

Vareya did another one of her half shrugs, " I'll give you the credit of being the first to say that, but if you speak again about something that doesn't involve teaching me than I'll leave and the next time I see you, the arrow will strike true I promise that."

Neteyam stared at her, then spoke lowly.

" I would never hurt you Vareya. I can promise you that."

Vareya turned to look at him, head low and eyes wide,

"tsap'alute si, because I cannot say the same."

She indicated the conversation over as she unsheathed her hunting knife and got into fighting position, a deadly smirk plastered on her face.

" let's begin."

**__~~__**

A/N

Hey everyone! Want to start off again by thanking all my new readers for giving this a shot, and all my first readers who are still around! I'm grateful for all of you🫶

Second, I'd want to apologize for this chapters delay as well as the quality. I haven't been happy with my writing the last few days and will do my best to improve it for the upcoming chapters.

If you guys have any complaints, opinions, or catch on to any error I may have missed- PLS DO NOT BE AFRAID TO TELL ME!!

Lastly I would like to say that I am going on vacay for a week starting tomorrow, but don't worry because it's a road trip and I won't be driving so I should be able to do plenty of writing and have chapter 7&8 posted right on time this Saturday and Sunday.

Again, thank you so much because every view I get makes my day! Love ya'll!!

- love, _watuluv_9

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