|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 5:36 pm
 The Next Morning
He dreamed.
The stallion had never had a dream in his life, for reasons unknown it just never happened. He knew what a dream was, yet it never bothered him that he lacked the quality. Someone had told him it was just because he never remembered when he woke up....but as the first one that he remembered fully and it jostled him from slumber....he was scared.
Scared it meant something.
"Abattie.." He breathed, seeing the sun break over the horizon. She was not back yet....back from being with that monster in sheep's clothing. Standing up he wandered out of the thicket, unable to shake the sinking sensation in his entire being that something was not right. He couldn't place a hoof on it...but he just had a terrible feeling that made him almost want to retch. While he had been intent to reveal his thoughts about the whole situation with that stallion thanks to the talks with her father. He'd tell her that he didn't want her to see him again, that he was a fake with horrible intentions....he had no proof...but even if Abattie hated him for the rest of her life....her safety mattered more to him than how much he needed her.
How much he wanted to be with her.
It hadn't been more than several minutes and each ticking second made him more nervous, more restless. Where was she? She was always back by sun up....
Looking to the tracks they left, he felt guilty for what he was about to do next. Yet he'd made a promise to Bairn. He wouldn't allow anything bad to happen to her; even if he had to kill LON to make her see. This was what he was made for, right? Without another moment he bolted off as fast as his hooves could carry him after the pair; following the fading scent and their faint hoof prints in the ground.
--------
It had taken a bit to play catch up, winding off the trail as he pushed through the woods. It was harder to track them once the exposed dirt of the trail was lost to roots and bushes. Yet he did; he could smell Abattie in the air...he was getting close. Finally an opening came into his line of sight and he pushed himself out of the thick forest to see the land before him. It was something, as he spied the waterfall and could see the valley type setting before him. He knew Abattie would have loved this place....it seemed just her type.
Looking down to his feet he could see a strange set of hoof prints, clustered in one area as if something happened; and it made him frown deeply. Looking up but a few feet away he could see skid marks leading down the hilled slope....and his heart skipped a beat for a moment as his slow and cautious steps lead him closer to the edge as he could see more of the decline he couldn't see before. Yet once he was on the edge and looked down...
His heart stopped.
Whatever breath he was taking hitched in his throat and his eyes went wide with something else he had only experienced once in his life.
True Terror.
"ABATTIE!" He screamed out, hurling himself down the hill as he nearly tripped in the process; his heart was beating so hard he was sure it cracked the ribs it thudded against. Yet he didn't care, all he could focus on, all he could see was the still mare laying in a pitiful mess on the ground. Skidding at her side his eyes swept over her fame, seeing the bruises, the cuts, the burn marks. Was she dead?
"Abattie...Abattie speak to me now." He pleaded, his voice filled with the tremor currently in his soul. Leaning down he nudged at her face, trying to get her to wake up; to do anything to let him know she was alive. "Please....say something...." He tried again, too distraught as for a moment he could see himself....see Maria.
Not again. This couldn't be happening.
Yet it was different, he'd not been this frightened with Maria....after her death he'd been consumed with rage. Yet this....this was something different all together. The fear which welled in him seemed to have no end; as he watched in desperation for any movement. "Do something....Abattie....You....can't die!" What would he do without her....what would he say to her father? How could he not see her smiling face when he woke up, or worried about her during her bad choices. It happened before he knew what was really going on; as his sight became blurry and warmth slid down his cheek. He could see a few droplets hit her face, darkening the fur as the droplet soaked in. A few more...
He was crying.
"Abattie....I'm so sorry....this is all my fault..." His voice cracked, dropping to his knees before her as he rested his cheek against hers; eyes shut tight as his shoulders shook.
How could he have let this happen?
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 6:19 pm
She was running. From what or from whom was unknown to her.
Blackness swallowed her surroundings, there was nothing left to be seen - not even her hooves as they clunked on the ground. There was no memory of the place she found herself, nor how or why she had gotten there. All she knew was that she had to run. Run or else. Something, someone was after her, and she wasn't able to stop. Her legs wouldn't let her stop. She had tried to force herself, and it was as if her brain had no access or control over her body. She was running.
What had happened?
The mare searched and searched in the back of her mind for any recollection of the events that led her to here. Yet nothing had come - she was alone in utter darkness, with no way out. Where was the light? Where was the escape? All she felt, all she knew was the ground beneath her hooves.
And then she was falling.
Whatever had been chasing her was closer still, she could feel its presence growing stronger and stronger. It dove past her as she fell - cackling and screaming as it did though. That voice it used - she recognized it. Was it her own? Was she screaming? No...there was no sound coming from it; it was definitely coming from that...thing. Why was it screaming? Why was it using her voice? What was it? Did it bring her here? Was it meant to save her? The thing and Abattie were still falling, endlessly, the rush of air pulling them against gravity.
She was not scared, though, and she did not know why.
Then she could see the ground, it was coming at her faster and quicker than she was falling. This was it - she thought - this was her death. The mare closed her eyes in terror, waiting for the pain to come and end her. But it never came. Instead she was flying. Well, rather...she was on the back of what appeared to be a giant bird. This bird had saved her from sure death, it seemed. They soared into the sky, higher and higher than she could have imagined. Where was it taking her? Where was ----!!!
"ABATTIE!"
It rang out like wildfire - louder and higher than anything she remembered. Yes, that was her name...she was Abattie, the desperate, silly girl who wanted nothing more than to love. The voice that called to her seemed scared and hurt, and she wanted to run to it and tell it that she was here. But she lacked the knowledge on how to get back. Or even where she was. "I'm here!" She mumbled, in attempt to yell out to the voice, "I'm over here!"
It did no good. The voice never responded. Rather, if it did, it was too far away to hear. The mare began to grow in fear. She knew that voice, didn't she? In her memory...of perhaps a past life...it belonged to someone she had liked. A friend, maybe? Yes, that was it. A friend. How many friends had the mare in her lifetime....
Shadow.
Suddenly it all came rushing back to her. Who she was, her childhood, her family, Shadow, her happiness, her sadness, and finally....him. He had attacked her. HE was the reason she was in this black hole. Wherever she was, she realized, was not the end. All she had to do was pull herself out.
And so, the mare began to think. Think of everything she ever loved, and everything she knew she still wanted. With eyes shut tight, she wished
------
A moan. It was barely audible, but it showed a sign of life. Then a feeling. Warmth spread across her cheek, but she had yet to know why. Then a blink. Her eyes, still too weak to stay open, fluttered quickly before closing once more.
Then shooting pain. In every inch of her body, she began to ache. Everywhere. When one part subsided, the rest of her burned hotter and more unbearable than before. And she screamed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 6:41 pm
The emotions which hit the stallion hit him harder than any he had ever experienced before; the pain of losing Maria, as bad as it sounded wasn't as bad as this moment right now. He owed Maria his life for what she had done...but she'd made it clear she wanted him to live. Live like that neither of them could enjoy if it wasn't for one another. While he kept Maria close to his heart wherever he went...he didn't want to do that with Abattie.
Abattie not only desired to see him have a life - she showed him how to live.
How could he continue on without her?
Then it happened. She moaned.
It was like magic that his breath finally found him again, and his heart skipped a painful beat. "Abattie...thats it. Open your eyes..." He ushered, which came out more as a desperate plea before it was engulfed in a scream. Cringing he was left unable to comprehend what was happening, and drawn to the conclusion it must have been something internally.
Adjusting all his legs to get closer to her, he used his head to push her own as tenderly as he could onto his legs so she wouldn't be on the ground; drawing her forehead into his chest. "I'm here!" He choked out, he didn't know what to do.
There was no one he could fight to make it better.
There was nothing in his training which would prepare him for something like this.
How could he save her, when he didn't even know how to save himself?
"Stop....he's gone. I'm here...I will never....ever let you go again, let anyone..hurt you again." He leaned down, holding her head with his cheek into his chest. He hoped she could hear his heart...
"I love you...Abattie. So please...don't leave me." He pleaded, not sure if anything was working. Yet the burning in his eyes and the droplets which continued to flow down his face...the mare before him were the only things keeping him from hunting down LON and destroying everything he was, is, and ever could be.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 7:05 pm
Her body was still working against her; she was unable to move, try as hard as she might. Yet now she knew - or at least, was starting to understand. What she had experienced was not reality, in fact, she was coming back to reality. The mare fought harder and harder to find herself again. The reality in which she knew was still out there, waiting for her to come back.
Slowly her breath came back to her; slowly she was able to control the speed at which it came in and out. Her heartbeat grew and grew, her mind growing stronger with each beat. Yes. Abattie was in that little grove, she remembered, with the beautiful waterfall. How long had it been, since she had been swallowed by darkness? Days? Hours? It felt like an eternity, the way her body ached...
And then she felt herself move. Or rather, get moved. She had no control over her own movement this time - and yet, her head pushed over onto a softer surface.
A body. NO. NO. NO. Not him. NO.
Abattie shrieked in immediate response; her eyes opening and closing in sheer terror. All she could see was black - and he was black. "No." She whispered, trying desperately to shake her head. "No." She would not let him finish her off, no. She couldn't. She had so much left to live for.
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
As her own breath turned rapid, so did the noise that entered her ear drums. It did not come from within; her own heart slowly beating - no, this was an outside source. The kind of heart-beat that screamed terror in the face of danger. The creature that held her, she realized, was just as scared as she. But what for? Love.
Thump, love. Thump, love. The word meant everything she ever wanted to hear, and it was suddenly the only thing she could hear. Over and over again, the voice beside her seemed to repeat it - love, love, love. I love you, Abattie, it had said. Could he still be playing games with her? No, she wouldn't fall for it - not again. Not ever again. And this voice, this owner, seemed different than the beast she remembered. It was softer, sadder, desperate for a response.
Then Abattie remembered the voice that screamed her name while she dreamed. The voice that came to rescue her from her darkest of times, and the voice that was here to comfort her now. It had said the word 'love' and used her own name along side it. Could it be? Could her savior really love her? She had dreamed he would come, but that was only just a dream.
Yes, Abattie had recognized the voice, and although she was unable to comprehend anything on how it had appeared, or if he was really there, she pleaded,
"Shhhhadow," the mare croaked, still unable to move her head to look at him, "please."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 7:38 pm
Wincing as she shrieked again he kept his head down against her, holding her tightly without causing any further harm the best he could. He didn't want her to thrash around and risk any more injury. He wasn't a unicorn, hell, he didn't know how to help. His specialty was to cause this kind of pain, to win battles no matter the cost. It was useless to train a fighter to heal.
Gods, how he wished he did know though.
She was confused, trapped in herself; the muttering of 'No' tipped him off to her inner turmoil. Shadow's eyes hurt, his head hurt...his heart hurt. He was left in his own fears, his own memories of the pain in his life...nothing compared. Not even close. Coming into his own skin, in a way, he realized he loved her...a love which had happened before he even realized it. He loved her for her kindness, her passion, her flaws, her everything. Shadow loved all that was her, for how could she not be what she was if the entire package wasn't complete. He didn't want to be alone, and she...didn't want to be alone.
Together, they had never been alone.
He realized this all now, clear as day, yet it had not brought him any condolence or peace. Not when Abattie was like this....when he looked at her face and could not see anything that was in essence she.
When he heard his name he perhaps held her a little tighter, beathing out as his body continued to shake with fried nerves and choking breaths. "Yes, its me Shadow...." Please? please. What did that mean? "Abattie....what can I do? Tell me what to do....how can I make it better?" He swallowed hard, his voice on the verge of breaking. "I'm sorry...Abattie. How can I save you..."
He had failed Maria. Shadow would not fail Abattie.
Because...if she died....left this earth as the angel he could see that perhaps no one else could - Shadow would be destroyed. What would life be, without the part of his soul which saved him, and the keeper of his heart dead because he couldn't put his feelings into words before she sought it somewhere else?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 8:12 pm
Things were finally clearing up; her memory and her control had finally come back to her. Perhaps not in the strongest of ways - that would take time, but the mare now lay breathing quietly. There was no more confusion....no more torture from the world in which she came. She was here now, with the stallion she had left to find the heart of another.
Abattie only wished she had chosen a different path. If she hadn't been so foolish to see the truth, none of this would have happened. She had been happy, with Shadow, teaching him about life and love. They had fun together. He was the companion she always wanted, but when she finally had it, she tossed it aside for something prettier. How could she have been so selfish? Yes, the real Abattie was still slightly selfish and desperate for attention, but she had always thought she knew better. She could always tell when someone she crushed on did not feel the same way. And yet....LON had captivated her in a way that was out of her control. She had lost herself to him, and had only now found her way back.
Thanks to her only friend. As she lie there, her head resting on his large frame, the memory of their first encounter flowed through her body. It was like he was a stone - an unfeeling, other-worldly stone. Emotions were a foreign thing to him, and yet now, here he was, pleading over her. She could feel his tears flow through him onto her own coat, each of them bringing warmth along with them. She had done that to him. She had taught him what it was like to feel. And now here they were.
"He...he...attacked. Don't let...him come....back," the mares eyes blinked once, driving her head deeper into his chest as if to beg for protection.
Shadow was apologizing to her. For what? For not being there? How could he have known? She had rejected him once LON came around, and yet, he was apologizing. Abattie smiled, a faint...halfhearted smile into his chest. If anything, she should be throwing herself at him for even wanting to come back and save her. If not for him calling out to her, who knows where she'd be right now. He had been the one to bring her back, and she had followed him willingly. SHE should be the one apologizing. Such a foolish, stupid mare. If not for her and her silly decisions, things might have been different. Should have been different.
"Shadow, stay." No. They couldn't stay here - he knew where they were. If he returned, and saw them like this, he'd most likely attack Shadow too. And Abattie knew that although Shadow had been a warrior, the demon-creature was undeniably strong. She could not put her protector in such danger. Then they'd both be swallowed by darkness, with no one to pull them back to reality.
The mare stuck a hoof out, in lame attempt to stand up. But as quickly as it went up, it crashed back down. It was hopeless; her ability to move as swiftly had been taken from her. "We must go. Away from here. Please." She mumbled.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 9:03 pm
Thankfully, before his eyes she was slowly coming back around..the mare he knew and loved. While the images of her bruises and cuts chilled his core; at least the sorrow he felt for not getting here fast enough heavily outweighed the rage boiling underneath. The desire for vengeance was something his soul could not ignore; he wished the same for LON as he did the professor. Such betrayal, such pain at what cost?
When she spoke up before burying her face into his chest, he closed his eyes as his heart pounded faster. The beats resonating against his very bones as the intensity of his heart. He knew what had happened, he could see the evidence all over her sunny pelt; in her voice. What he had done would be something that Shadow would never forget, never allow to fully leave the confines of his conscious. While he knew he would be unable to go out and destroy this sinister demon, for that would mean leaving Abattie....there was little in him that didn't want such a fate with every fiber of his soul.
Yet she was infinitely more important than revenge.
"If he comes back..." He began, trying to keep the unbridled rage from seeping too much into his words. "I will kill him; wipe him away from existence." It was more than assurance, it was a promise.
It shocked him for a moment that she tried to move, immediately his body tensed up as she fell - and he made sure she had a comfortable cushion by leaning his body to catch her as much as he could. "Abattie its too soon, you're hurt." Perhaps not the wisest thing to point out, but it was true. He didn't know what went on, but he could see the bruises; especially the one on her shoulder. "I will not leave you Abattie, not again." Shadow said very sternly as he moved his head to brush his face into his leg to wipe away the tears although his eyes were still red, beyond the red of his irises.
Conflicted as to what to do, he looked around for an idea, any kind of idea. He knew it would be horribly unwise for her to be walking around; putting strain on her injuries. Shadow knew Lon was well gone, but he didn't want to dismiss the seriousness....it also wasn't good for her to emotionally be in this spot right now.
Then it hit him.
"I'm sorry Abattie, bare with me..." He whispered, moving himself to set her head back on the ground. Standing back up he knew it would be a very awkward stunt to pull...but he could think of no other successful way to get her out of here without her walking out. Using the slope to his advantage he pushed her so her legs were resting on the decline; getting back on his knees against her stomach while pushing his head between her two front legs. "Here we go..." It was one swift movement that he pushed his nose under her neck so her head would be on top of his which in turn lifted her shoulder off the ground; pushing up into the slope to ease her body onto his while he was forced to extend his front leg to try and stand. It was wobbly, but luckily Shadow had balance to him and with some effort of shifting his weight to adjust her he got himself into a stable standing position.
He wasn't going to lie to himself, he'd never carried another horse before and it was heavy; but thankfully she wasn't a larger mare and his stature and height gave him some ease. Knowing it would be terribly awkward and uncomfortable he began to walk; slowly but strongly. He would get her to a safer location...and then they would be able to rest and she could begin to heal. The strain on his neck from supporting her chest was intense....but he had no choice.
"Don't move...." He said with strain in his voice; making his way back up the hill and towards the forest once again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 28, 2013 2:00 pm
There was no heart left in her to respond to the stallion before her; everything he said were just noises now. She hadn't comprehended his plan of action in getting the two of them away from that area, nor had she remembered even asking him to move her. But the next thing she knew, she was moving. Up and over him, it seemed, and it ached her head, body and legs as he maneuvered her around to a level spot on his back. She made no attempt to help him; no attempt to retreat. Wherever he was going, she had no choice but to go along. This stallion would help her, she knew, and with that thought, her mind and body relaxed.
Once more, Abattie let the darkness collapse around her, slipping back into her nightmare-like world. And again she ran.
Although this time, Abattie knew the difference between her reality and unreality. She was no longer running from that creature in hopes of saving herself. This time, Abattie ran toward something. However hard she tried to catch a glimpse of it, though, it seemed to pull further and further away from her each time she took a step. She yelled out in frustration. Her legs weren't carrying her fast enough - she'd never reach it in time. Whatever she was chasing would disappear before she ever got the chance to catch it...
It was hopeless; the mare wanted to stop running and wallow in pity and disgust for herself, but something kept her moving. An unrecognizable force was lifting her up, telling her never to quit. It had no voice, yet she could feel it forcing her to continue on. Whatever it was she was supposed to catch, she'd get there eventually.
But she wouldn't, would she? The mare never got anything she wanted; nothing ever seemed to work out. Every time she tried to fall in love, it was smashed back in her face with added ridicule. She was always not pretty enough, not cool enough - not 'mare' enough. Emotionally unstable. Stupid. Over time the mare grew to understand that perhaps she wasn't meant to fall in love, but it never stopped her from trying. All those hurtful words, and yet she never gave up. But after Lord...maybe....maybe that was a sign she needed to give up...
Even all the times she made a friend. No one stuck around - not even her own siblings. They were always too sick and tired of what she had become, and they all left her eventually as well. Except...
Shadow
He had been the first real thing in her life. The first real thing to ever show emotion. And he wasn't even an 'emotion' kind of guy. They had connected on such a higher level then she ever experienced, and she failed to recognize his changing heart. She was too busy wrapped up in herself to look within him, like she was accustomed to...and for that, she had almost lost him. She almost lost him to pain and sadness - surely she'd never see him again if this thing with LON had gone according to plan. She would have tossed Shadow aside, for some stupid fairytale...and that was....unforgivable.
"I'm sorry!" She yelled out to the faceless thing she chased, and suddenly, the world around her changed. Abattie was no longer engulfed in darkness, and she was no longer running. Instead she found herself firmly planted on the ground of the Soquili lands, staring out into the familiar forest. The mare was still in her unreality, but this time, it was happier. Clearer. And this time, she had company....
As the bumpy journey continued along, the mare became more and more aware of what was happening around her. The smell of the forest; the whistling of the wind; the singing of the birds - it came back to her one by one, and she managed a small, but heartfelt smile.
She knew that when they finally did stop, she'd be able to rest peacefully. And after a rest, she'd talk to Shadow - apologize to him - and thank him. Although she had no memory of the words he spoke to her earlier when he pleaded for her not to die, she knew she'd never let herself leave him again. He was her warrior, her protector, and her friend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 28, 2013 5:39 pm
While he walked he could feel her weight increase a little as her head laid rather limp against his neck; she must have fallen back into sleep. He couldn't check though, as if he turned his neck he feared he would drop her and Shadow wasn't about to let that happen. Needless to say he walked, and walked, being very careful to keep his body level as he stepped over roots once they entered the woods and beyond. He'd thought to go back to the thicket but came to a most disappointed conclusion.
Lon knew where that was.
So while she was sleeping he didn't stop, moving through the quiet morning as a sight to be seen if anyone had passed them - but his trail had been desolate.
Soon, after some time of sheer determination they had made it car enough away that he could feel on his back slight movement...she was conscious again. This made him feel more at ease but fortunately they had arrived to a place where he deemed safe. It was a small clearing, a small stream trickled along the middle but there was plenty of space for the two of them. It was off the beaten trail, and most important to him was in the thick of the woods; no one with wings would be able to swoop in from any direction. As he moved to a spot where the grass was a little thicker than the rest of the space he slowly began to drop to his knees; feeling his legs cry out from over exertion but he ignored it.
Almost there. Just a few more moments.
As he settled his body against the ground, feeling his body slowly backing off from overheating his weight shifted to the side on his hips first; easing her rear to the ground while slowly dropping his shoulder and head to the ground behind him - there was perhaps a small impact but considerably less than if she would have fallen herself. Hoisting himself with a little difficulty back onto his legs he looked down to Abattie; breath deep and drawn out as he tried to not let on how tired he was.
From running all the way to find her, to carrying her to safety...he was so done.
The stallion continued to breathe slowly, still eying the bruises on her neck and shoulder. He hoped he hadn't caused her too much pain...but he really saw no other way to get them away from that wretched place where an even more disgusting stallion had been. Deep in his heart he could feel the anger at the stallion, but as well...himself. He could have, should have told her sooner how he felt. Perhaps forcefully drag her father to really separate them sooner.
Yet...that wasn't what happened. Now....Now Shadow was just grateful she was alive and not mortally wounded.
Although in his body he could feel the tensing of alertness evident in his being, his eyes felt heavy and tired. While he was looking his head dipped violently not once...but twice....so he took it in his best interest to perhaps rest his eyes for just a few moments. So, resting his head on the ground before him; telling himself just a few moments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 28, 2013 7:35 pm
The mare was out cold almost as quickly as she woke, only mildly aware of the fact that the pair of them had stopped. It was time for her to rest. She was in good hands.Later That Day
Pound; thump. Pound; thump. Pound; thump. Pound. Thump.
The quick pace of her heart and the sharp ache in her head seemed to be battling each other. With each healthy, strong pump came an pain unlike anything else - and the rest of her insides weren't exactly helping, either. Like an angry mob or an excited crowd, her insides screamed and ached in both pain and desperate need to be stretched.
The mare yawned, apparently awakening from a...nap? She could tell she wasn't necessarily tired, yet that nap felt appropriate. What had happened last night? Why was she in so much pain? It took a few moments, along with a few quick blinks of an eye to investigate her surroundings. The hot beat down on her heavily, yet she was guarded by a wall of trees. The forest? How had she gotten there? The last thing she remembered, to be quite honest, was traveling through the night with Lord, imagining a life for them unlike any life she could have pictured alone. It was the perfect situation.
But as soon as Lord entered her thoughts, her body throbbed in it's entirety, as if to warn her - to tell her she was wrong. What had happened last night? Had they been attacked? Was he alright?
Moving her head around to her left, the mare saw black. And then it all came crashing down on her.
In bits and pieces, Abattie replayed the events of the previous night. She had indeed been out with Lord, but he had been the one to attack her. The physical abuse she had received was nothing compared to what it did to her ego - she recalled - which was why she retreated into herself and gave way during the attack. Just how much physical abuse she took was unknown to her. But those wounds would heal. A few scratches and bruises did not match up to how she felt about herself. How could she have been so stupid? She remembered, albeit vaguely, that he told her she was a broken mare; unlovable. And as she looked at him, she believed every word he said. She was broken. Too damaged, too desperate for anything or anyone to ever care for her. Perhaps it would be best for her to run away and never come back. Take up a life as one of those....crazy mares who babbled on about lost love. Yeah. That would fit her perfectly....she did know how to talk. And talk crazy.
So when she saw the black figure next to her, she screamed. It was an earth-shattering, life-threatening scream that one only hears alongside true terror. None of it had been a dream - and she was still there, next to him. She couldn't escape him, could she? Squirming her body inch by inch away from the dark figure of the stallion she once loved, the mare attempted a kick. Whether or not it made impact was unknown to her, however, as the shooting pain that came with the movement of her leg was way too much to bear.
"Get away!" She cried in desperation and confusion. "Get away!"
But as the figure stirred, Abattie was able to see red. Red? Lord had no red on him...he was as dark and as black as her nightmares. This could not have been him, unless he was able to to change form. So if this wasn't her demon...who was it?
Her screams subsided, almost abruptly. This figure took shape in her mind, and although her face still silently screamed terror, her eyes softened. She knew him; this was her savior. Right? The image of Lord still haunted her memory, and any communication with this figure laying next to her was still a distant blur. The only logical explanation to what had happened was that she was being fooled, once again. Yes....this had to be Lord taking the shape of another - he was a demon in Soquili form, there was no doubt in her mind that he could take the shape of something else. If he could hunt and kill, he could manipulate.
"I hate you," she whispered, "I hate you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 28, 2013 8:07 pm
To say the least, a few moments had turned into hours before the stallion even knew what was going on. His body cried for rest and was holding tight to getting every last blissful moment of silence and rejuvenation stillness. Although he was not completely conscious he was aware of things moving around them but had assumed thanks to the minimal noises it was a squirrel or Abattie turning in her sleep.
That was...until hell broke lose of its chains and smacked Shadow right in the face.
...or side of his head.
"OW!" He snapped, nearly jumping out of his own flesh as her hoof collided with the side of his head during a horrific kind of scream which rang in his ears. Immediately he thought they were under attack so he jumped up in a hurry which didn't work so well when he was laying on his own legs. This resulted in his hind legs pushing up and his chin smacked back down into the earth. Hissing in pain as the throbbing nearly started immediately, he turned his white specked vision around him to see that they were alone...Abattie had moved away and she looked horrified. He'd faintly recognized pleas of get away during the confusion but seconds ago but he had yet to smell or detect anyone else in the near vicinity.
"Abattie! What's wrong- " He stopped, eyes staring into her own as she whispered out with such content in her eyes....in her tone.
I hate you.
It was so simple....like a knife being driven right into his gut. It wasn't elaborate, but hell it did the job. Isn't this what he was afraid of? This very moment playing out in front of him?
No.
As a frown drew across his face in realization as his sight dropped to the ground. He'd told himself that he knew the cost of what he did last night. Shadow was going to make sure no matter the cost that she stayed away from that nightmare - even if she in turn would hate him for the rest of her life. This he had promised himself...and even though his heart broke from the realization his words straight from those shattered pieces was not requited, it had shown him he was capable of love; for the first - and only time.
"Hate me all you desire....my promise will remain true. I will return you safely to Bairn. So long as you do not see that wretch of a demon again, I will not bother you again after if that is your wish Abattie."
Mission complete.....no matter the cost.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 28, 2013 8:29 pm
The scene that unfolded in front of her brought light to her terror, although it did not completely rid her of it. If this was truly Lord in another's flesh, he was clumsy. Maybe that was part of his act, or maybe he just wasn't quite so used to this form. Demons usually traveled in spirit after all, didn't they?
She had been prepared to scream again; to get the attention of any lingering Soquili in the area. As the stallion before he shook himself to stand upright and face her, the look of total devastation filled his face. Sadness. Abattie knew that look all too well. That was real sadness - there was no pretend or falsity in that expression he wore. Demons couldn't do that...
And in response, the mare frowned. Still a bit groggy and confused, her mind hadn't clicked to who it was exactly standing before her. Yet, she felt sad for him; for causing that much pain....demon or not, that expression was too real.
Bairn. Her father's name rang in her ears as the stallion grazed over it, promising to keep her safe and then leave her alone. She barely heard the rest of it - as she was stuck on the name of her father. Yes. Bairn. She was Abattie, the daughter of Bairn and Astia. She had been attacked last night. She had been saved. Not only had she been saved, however, it was this stallion before her who had been her savior.
And this, this was Shadow. Wasn't it? His voice matched the voice she heard in her nightmares the night before; the one that had pulled her out of the darkness. Yeah. He looked and sounded like the stallion she had so dear. The realization of what she just said caused the mare to shoot up from the spot she lay - wobbling back and forth as she got a feel for her hooves on the soft ground. "Oowww, umphf. Wait." Abattie pleaded with him, at both a loss for words, and utter confusion. In all this mess, how could she have forgotten him?
"Shadow," she breathed, trembling, "no. I thought....I thought you were him. Oh. Shadow." And with that, the mare burst into tears. What exactly had been the trigger was debatable, but she let out all her emotion in one giant swing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 28, 2013 9:04 pm
Lifting his sights slowly, he couldn't help but watch over her like he always had since the day they had met. Such a sunny afternoon it had been, his first taste of freedom, and life. The things he had learned by her side astonished him, and it frightened him more than the most dangerous of situations he'd been ordered to be in. So many emotions which played cruel tricks on one's heart, not to mention - the ones which broke it completely. He'd heard amongst others talking Love was like war...
...they were right.
He could feel the monotonous tone return as he had spoke those last final few words; the stoic of his resolve return. Freedom was still something he had, and would not lose. However, without the sun in his life he saw no reason to continue on the path he was with - a drone didn't need emotions; and he would need all his expertise and training to get him through the days as both sentry and to keep an eye out for the stallion he would destroy if he ever caught sight of him again.
Shadow didn't expect her to move....so quickly and for the reason she revealed.
Looking up as she asked him to wait, he could only inwardly flinch at what other kindly words she had to say to him about what he did. A victim to his own reservations he didn't really have an expression on his face as she trembled, hiding the own strain the sight gave to the pieces of his heart. Yet the walls tumbled as quick as they were built as she burst into an emotional mess right before his eyes. Immediately he got up without any hindrance and pushed himself right against her chest so he could make sure she didn't fall or tumble. Chest to chest, his head moved to drape against where her back met her shoulders; closing his eyes for a moment as he tried to keep his composure.
"Shhhh." His voice was quiet, but strong enough to be heard above her sobs. "I understand now." Relieved? Oh yes. It was a bit insulting that she thought he was of any kind of relation to that monster - but he knew it was thanks to all she had been through and although he hated to admit it....the black of both of their fur was a bit uncanny for someone not of full mental strength.
And she was far from it at the moment - so how could he really blame her?
"I prepared myself for the worst, that you would despise me for what I was going to do to break you....and him up. I'd still...Love you even if you hated me for the rest of my life." Yet....he was glad she didn't.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue May 28, 2013 9:33 pm
Sobs heaved in and out of her smaller frame, unable nor unwilling to control herself. There had been so much...at stake, and she was stupid enough to let it all slip away. It was true that her mind was not in it's proper form, but her behavior had been foal-like. She should not have dismissed him so quickly. Both at this moment, and before.
Abattie tightened up at his touch as he approached her, not quite sure how her body would react to contact. Although he carried her for most of the morning, this was the first real time she was able to process information, and so she was weary. Weary that there could still be a chance she'd get hurt.
But the heaving sobs continued as she dug her face into him. She was such a fool. Such a damn, foolish mare. "I'm sorry," Abattie muffled into his neck, "I was so...scared."
"Love?" It was very much like her to pick that single word out of a speech - any length - and expand upon it. She couldn't help herself but want to know more about what it meant, no matter who was saying it. It was everything she ever wanted to hear; everything that meant the absolute world to her. Yes, she tended to throw the word around herself, from stallion to stallion, but prior to Lord, she never heard the word uttered in her direction. Was it real? Abattie stared at him, a disbelieving and somber expression spread across her face. The tears had stopped their waterfall-like state, but still lingered in her eyes and down her cheeks. "He said I was unlovable. I left you - to be with him - how could you love someone like that?"
She would have been lying to herself and to him if she said that the word 'love' associated itself with Shadow in her mind. He was always simply just a...friend. A shoulder, a smiling face...what have you. She was the selfish one who used him for comfort, with no endgame. But as soon as the word left his lips and floated over into her ears, it brought warmth to her aching body. He could have meant it as platonic love - as a brother to a sister, or a friend - but the thought of something more slowly crept its way up into her mind. Love. With Shadow? Could it be? Abattie allowed herself a smile, discreetly so it was barely noticeable. A life with Shadow would be nice - he could protect her, guide her, teach her...
Why had this never crossed her mind before?
It didn't matter to her what he looked like, or how...robotic he had been previously. That was certainly a sign of something changing. She trusted him. She cared for him.
She loved him...? "I could never hate you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 29, 2013 5:02 pm
Shadow's eyes softened as the mare cried, he felt bad, not quite sure what he could say to make her feel any better. He'd never seen anyone cry so hard, so much...and not someone this close to his heart before. Adjusting his neck as to hold her tighter he could feel the tears soak into his fur but he didn't mind...being a rock was part of his training...and one of the things he did best.
"Don't worry about it..." It was truth, and he hoped he she could pick it up in his tone and the serious look on his face. He didn't blame her, not for a moment. While it was her choice...she was fooled, played by the very stallion she trusted - so it was all that demon's fault. She had been but following her instincts, falsified by pretty words from an evil face. She may have been scared, but he had been down right terrified this morning; and anything but that feeling was a gift like smiling into the sun.
When she spoke of that four letter word he felt his cheeks erupt in a blush, was this a test? He'd said it...twice, and felt weird about confirming it again but he knew he had too. It was how he felt no matter how foreign the word on his lips sounded. "Yeah..." He began, before really listening to her words and dwelling on them for a moment. Her expression was serious, so in turn, he too became serious. "Listen to me." Shadow said first, he knew she had a habit of over thinking - but this time he wanted her to really hear him and dwell on each word. "He is a fool, an evil, despicable monster. He lied to you about everything - that included. You are unlovable because he is unable to love, I see a different story." A breath escaped his lips; evident on his face he was struggling to find the words he wanted to say with how he felt.
"I don't love everything you do...How you left with him, how he consumed your thoughts. Yet from what I have learned...love isn't about what someone does. Its about that person in its entirety. Faults and all." Shadow pulled back a little to really look into her eyes. He inhaled, hoping what he was going to say would come out well. "You told me about Love...You said that it was liking someone for personality or attractiveness or both. It was more than toleration....it was liking someone. Then...liking someone can become loving someone. How that feeling for someone could overcome anything like it did with the story of your parents." Looking to the side, he felt his heart flutter...with the damn butterflies again.
"I loved Maria....but I know what I have for you is so different, and so much more than just that." He grinned, a small one, but he was sure it would bring a smile to her face. "Much more than the crush I had before."
Clearing his throat he tilted his head slightly, seeing just barely what looked like a smile. What was she thinking?
"I don't expect you to feel the same...that's not my intention. As long as you don't hate me, that's all I could want. I realized...Love isn't about getting what you want...but its....unconditional. It just happens like how I began to feel about you." Sure, it would be nice to have his feelings returned - a feeling she sought too out in the world. Yet...he couldn't be that 'soulmate' they had discussed; especially after her going after someone like LON. The two paled against one another - a warrior and a pretty boy. Night and day aside from their similar black pelts. "Maybe someday, you might find yourself with the crush too...but till then; I'll be at your side reguardless."
....And he'd kill any loser she may happen to fall for, without hesitation this time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
