follow the river {lupa}

He held his breath and closed his mouth just as he hit the water. Though he figured it would be cold there was nothing to prepare him just how cold it was. Completely submerged in water, he felt the cold water sinking to his skin. The cold sunk beneath and reached to his bones. It was going to take a hell of a long time for his pelt to dry. This was why he didn't like water and couldn't understand why RiverClan does.

Kicking with his hind legs Bearclaw swam in the direction he thought was the surface. Here he couldn't use his nose, his hearing was muffled and just about zero. His eyesight was all blurred and he couldn't see much of anything. He could see blurred moving grey figures going passed him he assumed were fish. Below him, it was dark but he could see the grey stone and earth. Above him there was light from the sun. Bearclaw swam towards it, feeling the current pushing him forward.

Bearclaw broke the surface and gasped in air. He felt heavier than usual with the water sinking into his pelt. Thankfully he has built up the muscle to handle it but it was only temporary. He isn't used of swimming and it wouldn't be long when he lost his energy. Bearclaw turned his head, spraying water in the air from the tips of his ears. He looked for Wolfheart but couldn't see her.

"Help!"

He turned to the voice and spotted Wolfheart further downriver than he had thought she would be. Bearclaw kicked off, going as hard as he could towards her. He paid no attention to everything else. His eyes completely on her. Never. Never was he going to let a single one of his Clanmates die! Bearclaw panted swimming as fast as he could. Finally he reached her and grabbed her scruff. She was very heavy with her large heavy set and the water in pelt. Bearclaw was already exhausted but he forced himself to keep kicking. He pulled her higher so her head was over the water and could breathe. Eyes on the bank, Bearclaw tried to swim for it but his strength was starting to fail and the current too strong.

What's he going to do! As they drifted further downstream the stepping stones came into view. That's it! Bearclaw stopped trying to get to the bank but focused on the stones. He reached one of them and dug his claws into it. He hoped Wolfheart was conscious so she could grab onto the stone and pull herself up. Bearclaw doesn't think he has the strength to pull them both up. He would have to let go to pull himself up but if she's unconscious or too tired she won't be able to grab on and continue drifting. Bearclaw couldn't allow that to happen.

"Hey, can you grab on?" he asked. Maybe if she gripped the stone he could pull himself out then her.

tag(s): @lupa
notes: