He should have done this long ago, but between act of nature and his own doubts, Vainamo had put it off. Over the recent months, however, he had grown. His mind and spirit has taken a turn from jokester, playful and care-free, to finally buckling down and taking life seriously. Maybe...some part of him just hadn't wanted to grow up. But now here he was. Taking his first step in to becoming a mature adult...finally.
Vainamo waded into the waters baring even more respect for it after the tsunami. The ocean...was not just a play thing. It could be horrible. Devastating, even.
Further and further Vanamo waded until his feet no longer touched the sand. He swam, often being plunged underwater by waves the crashed upon his head. Eventually Vainamo simply took a breath when he saw one coming, and welcomed the submerge.
He swam under water, pulled along the the current. The water stung his eyes when the tried to open them, but open them he did, none the less, just in time to see a school of fish race past his face. This startled him a bit, and he almost let go of his breath, but he caught himself. Not long after he began to feel a burning in his lungs. he couldn't hold his breath in any longer. Vainamo swam for the surface.
His head popped up out of the water and he slung his wet mane out of his face. he looked back at the shore, and the others gathered there. He'd swam so far... Now it was time to swim back.
It was harder this time. The current and the waves were against him.. He could feel the ache in his muscles, but he was determined. He was one with the water now, and one with the pride. There was a feeling of unity that sprang up in his heart. Before he knew it, his paws were once again touching shad, and he was welcomed into the waiting embrace of his fellow pride members who had come to watch him and others who would perform their rites that day.
And he was more proud of himself than he had ever been. It had been a long time coming.
