Embrace your fears

There is something so calming about the water for young Calico Jack. His life had begun on a black, sandy beach and from there, the ocean sang him lullabies each night. It was the one constant thing that the boy could always count on. Even as his mother had descended into a deep despair, drinking until she was barely coherent, the water had been the only place he had felt safe. Underneath the rolling surface waited a whole another, unknown world just for him. It was in that land that he had learned to swim, from the first moment he had left his den. Now, wherever he found water, you can bet the boy would be in it.

In fact, that is exactly where he is now, underneath the cool surface of a crystal-clear river up in the northern territories. It was a hot and humid day which made for ideal swimming conditions and, since the river is fed by northern snows, it means it is perfect for fighting the heat. Down in the underwater kingdom, Calico Jack simply floats, head tilted back so he can keep his icy blue eyes on the sunlight that filters through the liquid. It is difficult to describe the beauty of the refracted rays and how they seem to make the water sparkle with their light.

The current is not strong and Jack finds that this place is ideal for swimming. His lungs begin to make their protest known as the boy has been underneath the water for a while. Slowly, he exhales, allowing a stream of bubbles to float upward as he kicks out and follows after them. His head breaks the surface with barely a sound and the boy inhales some fresh air. Legs push out against the water keeping the boy afloat and head above the water. Slowly he rotates his body as his eyes scan for someplace new to dive down and check out.

However, he finds something far more interesting in the shallow end of the water in the form of a tall pup. The girl looks uncertain of going out any further, her steps cautious and halting which makes Calico Jack smile knowingly. Happily, the boy calls out, “Hey! Great day for a swim!” Without waiting for an invite, he swims over to her and stands in the shallows close by. Water drips from his form in fat, heavy drops and the soggy wolf smiles warmly at the pup. He does not shake out his coat because he knows he will just be diving back in soon.

Looking to the pup, he curiously asks, “You ever been swimmin’ before?” Head cocks as he waits for an answer, ready and willing to teach another pup how to swim. For a moment, his mind turns to when he taught Rivin the very same thing. A friendly smile is on his lips as he looks to the pup.



WC: 488
Total WC: 790 / 1500


"Calico Jack"