Ao’nung added, “Follow them, then. If they’re that good underwater.”

Lo’ak muttered, “Somebody’s jealous.”

Ao’nung splashed them in the face.

Tsireya lifted a hand. “Enough. We start now.”

The group dove together. The current pressed harder the deeper it went, swirling around coral ridges. Lo’ak and Neteyam surfaced when needed but pushed through with determination. Tsireya guided from ahead, Rotxo helping behind.

You stayed underwater the entire time, keeping even, calm pace.

Tsireya noticed as soon as you rose at the end. “You move well,” they said. “Very well.”

Ao’nung tried to shrug it off. “Fine,” they muttered. “Not bad or whatever.”

Lo’ak grinned. “That was Ao’nung’s version of a compliment.”

Neteyam’s voice was steady. “You did well.”

⸻

Every day after that, the chief’s children stayed with the group—sometimes teaching, sometimes arguing, sometimes pushing everyone harder than before.

Tsireya helped you with breath control even though you didn’t need it. “You should learn the technique anyway,” they said. “It helps with focus.”

Rotxo taught hand signs until they became second nature. “You’re getting faster,” they said.

Ao’nung never stopped complaining. “You’re all slow,” they grumbled. Lo’ak replied, “You say that every day.” “Because it’s true,” Ao’nung snapped. Neteyam added, “Then prove it by leading properly.” Ao’nung actually listened to that.

And piece by piece, the Metkayina ways became part of your everyday life.