Submission (#5630) Approved

Sariel and Taiga found themselves in the heart of the dense jungles of Kyendi as their search to obtain the power of breath continued.  Their eyes darted to and fro along the floor and canopy of the trees, filled with curiosity and eager to reach their destination.  The aim of this adventure was to find one of the many waterfalls that dotted the wilds of Kyendi to grow their strength by standing under the streams.  It was with little difficulty that they found a suitable recommendation and detailed directions to one such waterfall that would suit their purposes.

Guided by the beams of sunlight that managed to penetrate through the mist and dense canopy, the kittoms ventured through the lush surroundings.  They kept their ears perked for the sound of other creatures, enjoying the cacophony of the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves underfoot that accompanied their every step.

The thick foliage even obscured their arrival to their desired location: one moment they were walking through vives and dodging twisted branches, and the next they were suddenly there: a small waterfall that cascaded down over mossy rocks just below, feeding its water into a stream.

As they approached, the kittoms were caught by surprise by the waterfall’s thunderous roar despite its relatively small size.  Crystal-clear water plummeted into a small pool that melted into a stream, creating a swirling oasis of mist and spray.  The scent of damp earth and fresh water accentuated the sweet fragrance of wildflowers that permeated the air, creating the illusion of a small and beautiful sanctuary within the forest.

Enchanted by the spectacle, the two kittoms approached the pool in a daze.  The cool mist and droplets from the cascading water proved almost instantly refreshing after their long trek to find the location.  Both kittoms inched closer with a sudden burst of energy.  They marveled out loud at the sight, meeting each other’s eyes with a grin.  Eventually, they collected themselves, exchanging serious looks, mouths tight, eyes flashing with determination.

“You first,” Taiga said with a nod towards the rocks. 

Sariel grinned in response.  Eagerly clambering over the mossy rocks, wary of losing his footing.  He hesitated before the wall of water, closing his eyes and drawing a shaky breath.  Summoning his resolve, he attempted to plunge under the fall.

Only the unexpected force of the water caused his hind leg to slip on the wet smooth rocks beneath him.  With the unexpected stumble, he lost his balance, scraping against rock and moss as he tumbled into the water with a splash.

Beneath the water, his body rolled, serving only to disorientate him.  The sudden fall had knocked the breath from his lungs, and his panic made him slow to move.  With sudden realization, he kicked out as the water threatened to overwhelm him.  Panic surged through his veins, every instinct urging him to fight against the current, but his eyes were unable to locate what direction to go.  He kicked his paws and turned to face what he thought would be the surface – letting the sunlight guide him to his desired destination.

A resounding splash disorientated him further, and it took his panicked senses precious moments to recognize the sleek white coat of his friend.  With determined strokes of his legs, Taiga swam towards him, eyes filled with intense focus.  He reached him swiftly, not hesitating to pull Sariel closer to provide him with the support he so desperately needed.

With the strength of his friend by his side, Sariel clung to Taiga, and together they swam to fight against the relentless current.  Guided by Taiga’s steady guidance, they both made it to the shores of the stream.  Sariel, sputtering water, Taiga frowning in thought.

“Maybe not that,” Sariel managed weakly.  Taiga nodded once and cast his gaze upon the waters.

They rested beneath the shades of a nearby tree while Sariel caught his breath.  He did not speak as the pain in his chest subsided, wary of even glancing in Taiga’s direction.  It wasn’t until careful minutes had passed that he managed a “Thank you.”

Taiga nodded once more but did not reply.  Sariel could see in his eyes that he was chewing on a thought that he was not quite ready to share.  Sariel gave Taiga time to think, and used the time to collect his own thoughts, concerned that the trip would be wasted.

“Let’s practice in the shallows,” Taiga said.

“Practice what?” the answer was thoughtless, automatic.

“Holding our breaths,” the other kittom said.  Sariel was quick to catch on and nodded eagerly in assent.  Surely the ability to hold one’s breath was integral to the ability to breathe out breath?

They followed the line of the steam until they reached calmer waters.  Now more wary than ever, both kittoms helped each other closer to the riverbank, making sure to point at obstacles that could hinder their path.  They practiced holding their breaths above water first, counting each other to determine their baseline abilities.  It wasn’t long before they were plunging just their faces beneath the surface, testing the difference in capabilities, and trying to get accustomed to the feeling of the water pushing against them, the way their heart rates slowed, and how the water bobbed and fell beneath them.

It was upon mutual agreement that they wandered just a little deeper into the water, testing the safety and efficacy of such a skill.  It wasn’t until Taiga rose his face, looking thoughtful, that Sariel prompted, eager again now.

“Well?”

And his friend nodded, “This will do.”