Return to North of North

[Kai]

Rules:

1: No cursing is allowed.

2: Try to keep battles (if any) clean and not bloody and gruesome.

3: No fights, and if there are any, please settle it off this topic, better yet drop it.

4: If you feel left out in the MPS, please just ask to pause it. Last time we had many issues with this, and it got hard to keep up with. So we will follow a pause rule.

5: Just keep it friendly and clean, and don't do anything that you feel is wrong.

6: Last but not least, try to stay on topic. We got off topic a lot last time and filled up pages and pages of nonsense.



Stormy fiddled with the lock, anxiously glancing back at the sleeping guard every few seconds. She bit her bottom lip, hoping she would make it out. She had been in this prison long enough, and she wasn't going to wait another 20 years till her day came to be set free. She delicately pushed down on one of the metal wires while twisting the other one. After staring at the keys that hung on the guards belts for over two months, she had a pretty good idea what shape she needed to create to fit in the lock. She had finally resorted to this plan after many failed attempts to grab the guard's keys. She was lucky enough to have gotten out of the way each time before a guard had seen her, but she wasn't going to risk another 10 years in this dirt hole. She pushed slightly on both wires, and heard a mild click come from the lock. She threw her head to the side to see if she had woken up the guard. He stirred a little, mumbling in his sleep, but didn't wake. Stormy breathed a silent sigh of relief and steeled herself for what was next. She opened the creaky door of the cell just enough for her slim frame to slide through, and then slipped past the guard and into the hall. She grunted in disgust to see her "guard" slumped in his much-to-small chair, asleep, as usual, fat and happy. She still had to wonder where he got the skills to pop up so quickly when he heard voices, but his day would come when he wouldn't get up quickly enough. She walked down the hallway as light-footed as a mouse, and glanced over at the the other cells to make sure nobody was watching. It was in the middle of the night, so most of everyone was probably still asleep. She exited the prison's back door and quietly sneaked around the corner. She could see the paddock that General was kept in, but not the guards. Being as risky as she dared, she dashed across the grass towards her horse, silently begging that the guards wouldn't see her. She stopped at the paddock gate and bent down. She could see to curious eyes gleaming at her from the shadows of the shed, and knew that General was aware of her presence. She lifted her head just above the fence and motioned for him to come over. He sent her a mental picture in his mind of him and her running away from the prison, and she had to smile. Her day had finally come to be free of the crime she had been imprisoned for for 4 years. General cautiously walked over to her, his ears pricked, twitching to catch the slightest sound. She rubbed his nose from through the fence, and grinned broadly at her pal. Maybe she had deserved to be locked up, but General had nothing to do with what had happened, and he didn't deserve it. She walked to the back of the shed and pulled the keys for the paddock off the wall. She had run through the plan a million times in her head that hour when waiting for the guard to fall asleep, but now that she was doing it, she felt as if she had lost every little detail of what she had come up with, and was following some as-you-go-along little play that could slip up at any second. She gently twisted the key in the lock and held open the gate for General. He walked through it, still cautious, but a little more jumpy. She could tell by the gleam in his eyes he was every bit as exited as she was. And, if all came to all, and she was found, she would be sure he got away. She hopped on him, a special reassurance coming from being where she belonged, on the back of her horse, and grabbed his mane.

"Run, General, we are free" General darted off across the large field ahead of them, heading east, to the one place Stormy knew they stood a chance, to Trails End. She clutched her friend's mane tightly, a grin tugging at her lips, and breathed in his familiar scent, feeling compelled to ride harder.

"The sky, General, the sky." She gasped in awe as General took off into the air. For all those years he could have left, just flown over the fence, yet he stayed because of her. She owed him for that, and she would give him a better life. She shouted with joy as she opened her eyes to the site of clouds glowing in the Starlight. No matter what happened, Her and General would stay together, forever. She held on to that thought as she and General flew off into the night, free, for the first time in years.

The land swirled around Urutus as Genefit, her mare, galloped beneath her, taking long, ground-covering strides. The mare knew exactly what was going on - escape. You see, Urutus was imprisoned for a while, something when she was younger happened....and whoopy doo! She was thrown in prison. Genefit was constantly a pest, always trying to get to Urutus, so the guards finally threw the mare in with the girl.

Currently, they were trying to get as far away as possible from their imprisonment. A mental image flashed into Uratus's mind as Genefit pictured Trail's End; Genefit's idea of a good hiding area. And so, their long journey has begun.

Kehrilo slunk through the shadows, hoping and praying she would not be seen. She crept to a tree and stood in it's shadow as she watched a man walk across her feild of vision. Don't move, stay still Kehrilo. She mentally told her self, She had only a couple more feet to go, then she would have freedom.

She slipped to the gate and wiggled through the slots. That gate may stop soldiers but it sure can't stop me! Kehrilo ran quietly into the woods and after running for a while she whistled, a high pitched, careening noise.

Kehrilo heard a branch snap under a weight, she whirled around and saw splotches of white some how seemingly floating in the air.

"Cora!" Kehrilo whispered, and she stroked the soft dark hair. She then scrambled aboard and kicked Cora into a gallop. Kehrilo looked over her shoulder at the castle and smiled.

Forsythia pranced along in a meadow, playing with her friends Cindra, Zig, and Zag. Suddenly, there was a big explosion. "Hey, what's that?" Cindra asked. "I'll go check," said Forsythia, and flew off.

As Winter and Halt rode into North of North after a year and a half of being banished by her Aunt and Uncle, the only family she had left after that fateful day. She had long white hair in a braid and bright green eyes, on her back was a staff. She used it to fight with, calling it Staff Fighting. Halt nickered bringing Winter back into reality. They had just passed the Bella and Bello monuments and was now on their way to Trails End. Winter wondered how long the monuments have been there watching over North of North and welcoming new arrivals to the world of horses.

Stormy and General walked into town, keeping watch for any danger that would suggest being found out. Stormy's eyes flicked between the members of the bustling street, getting an idea of how to act normally. She looked up into the sky, figuring it was about noon, and turned to General.

"We should get some supplies first, then find shelter." She whispered into his ear. He nickered in reply and rubbed his muzzle affectionately against her shoulder. Stormy patted his neck and grabbed hold of his mane, leading him through the ever-growing sea of people.

Kehrilo smiled as Cora trotted into a bustling town. Kehrilo looked around, her blue eyes cold and sharp, looking for anything out of place, anything that signaled danger. Cora, I'm going to vanish, keep trotting and look for someplace for us to stay the night. I'll get some food. Meet me at the town square, I'll try to keep you in sight. Kehrilo thought to the horse, Cora nickered in reply.

Kehrilo slipped off of the trotting horse and seemingly melded into the crowd, Kehrilo watched how the towns people walked, loose and relaxed, seemingly almost bored. She imitated them as she headed towards Bagettala Row, no one looked at her.

Kehrilo then saw a map store, she silently opened the door the bells on the inside making only soft dings. No one heard her enter, she slipped through the store looking at the maps. She selected a medium sized map and slipped it under her shirt.

"May I help you?" A young male voice asked. Kehrilo gasped and whirled around.

"Oh, uh... No, I was just looking, these maps are quite nice!" Kehrilo relaxed her features and smiled at the dark haired teenager.

"Alright." The boy said and went back to organizing the maps. Kehrilo slipped out the door, as silently as she came in. Kehrilo then slipped through the crowds, seemingly fitting in.

As she passed a stand Kehrilo slipped a couple of apples into her pocket. Wow, the security is quite laxe... you would think with this town so close to Rolandsgaard Castle, and with Ivenna in her murdeous mood they would have guards. Kehrilo mused to herself.

Winter and Halt landed just outside of trails end and she got off. She held the reins as they both entered Trails End where it was crowded with people and horses. Winter pulled her hood up around her face hoping no one would notice her. She hated being noticed when someone sees her staff that is hanging on her back. She headed towards the castle where her new job awaited her and Halt.

Rain shouldered her knapsack, spotting her horse, Abauro, from afar. Abauro, she hissed telepathically. The paint mare turned her head and nickered happily. Not too loud, Rain warned, peeking hesitantly at the stocky guard. Alright, alright, Abuaro responded impatiently. With one last glance at the guard, whom appeared to be sleeping, Rain beckoned her horse over.

Within seconds, they reunited. Rain stroked her mare's stygian mane happily, kissing her muzzle. "Quick!" Rain exclaimed, mounting her horse as they set off hurriedly. "We did it! North of North, here we come!" Abuaro nickered in agreement as they shot off toward their hometown.

They arrived in North of North, grinning triumphantly. "I can't believe we're actually here!" Rain exclaimed, glancing around. Abauro neighed in agreement. "It hasn't changed much since we were last here," Rain observed, "but it certainly needs getting used to."

The pair trotted around the land until they reached the busy town of Canter Hollow. People were bustled in hordes, blocking their way. "Coming through!" Rain hollered exasperatedly. It is exactly as I remember it - busy, Abuaro pointed out jokingly.

"HEY YOU LITTLE RUNT! GET BACK HERE!!!" The angry, fat man roared as Urutus scampered off, a soft leather shirt with matching pants tucked under her arms; She scurried through the crowds, and over in front of an abandoned cottage, where Genefit waited, a bag of carrots and a bag of apples in resting on the ground in front of her. "Good job, girl." Urutus muttered, grabbed a bag, in which, she found a smaller bag of jerky. "How did you carry all this?" The girl asked. "I got expert mouth maneuver." Genefit responded. Urutus picked up another bag, and walked into the cottage; Genefit snatched up the last bag, and then followed.

Rain dismounted Abauro and glanced around. What's that? Abuaro said in her mind, referring to an old, unfamiliar shop in front of them. It appeared damaged and cobwebbed, like it hadn't been visited for years. They wondered why nobody had ever visited this mysterious shop when it was so apparent.

Rain approached it with caution, but Abauro nibbled at her collar, holding her back. I don't think you should do this, she warned. I know what I'm doing, Rain insisted, proceeding toward the shop. Abauro followed grudgingly.

The inside of the shop looked similar to the outside - it was old and cobwebbed. Varieties of odd items cluttered the shelves, a sweet, yet sickly scent wafting around the room. This seems suspicious, Abuaro mused.

Just then, a small figure crept out of the maintenance room. She appeared short, yet she was pretty; her black hair was tied back in a bun, her skin was fair, and she had silver eyes. She dragged a stool up and stood upon it, seemingly not noticing Rain and Abuaro at first. "Hello," Rain said quietly, spooking the shopkeeper. She looked up, squinting at the pair, until she concluded, "Do I behold a pair of customers?" Her voice was warm and comforting, yet shaky. Rain nodded.

The trio sat in silence for a moment, until the shopkeeper squeaked, "Is what I see true?" She hopped off her stool, becoming shorter as she approached Rain and Abauro. Abauro narrowed her eyes catiously, hissing, I think this is a rash idea! Rain ignored her as the shopkeeper stared up at them with her silver eyes. Her gaze was warm and motherly.

"Why are you so surprised at our arrival?" It was obvious, but Rain did not want to be rude. "You see, child, I have not had any customers in years," she sighed, glancing around at the unkempt shop, "but with your sudden arrival," she continued, "I might just have the chance to open it up, again!" It didn't seem like a bright idea, but Rain decided to keep that to herself. "Now, would you care for anything?" the shopkeeper announced, stepping onto her stool at her desk. "We have many items in store." She gestured around at all of the items and unkempt jars, but they did not seem too appealing. No, thank you, lady, Abauro snorted. Rain jabbed her in the chest, hesitated, and then glanced at all of her surroundings. Finally finding something useful, she stepped up to the front desk and resquested an old, dusty compass in the corner. The woman pondered about her shelves until she came upon what Rain was beholding.

"Wise choice, young one," the woman cocluded, recovering a ladder as the shelf was too high for her. "Would you like me to get it for you?" Rain offered, but the woman had already thrown it into her hands. "There you are," she concluded, stepping down from the ladder and putting it away.

"Is that all you'd like?" the shopkeeper asked gleefully, suddenly business-like. Rain turned to Abauro, who nodded hurriedly. "Yes," Rain replied. "Do I have to pay for this?" she added, referring to the compass. The woman shook her head and said, "Why, you're my first customer in a long time, and it would be wrong to make you pay. You shall take it for free!" she insisted.

"Thanks," Rain smiled, mounting Abuaro. Abauro began to leave, but Rain turned and asked, "Wait, what's your name?" But, to her dismay, the woman was gone. Rain, let's go, Abauro urged, trotting out of the shop. Rain gazed down at her compass, blew the dust off of it, and read the words The Verdant.


Kehrilo wrinkled her nose in disgust. Cora. So. Not. Funny. Cora nickered, What do you mean? You asked for a place to spend the night what better place then this?

Kehrilo sighed exasperated. This, Kehrilo gestured to the field of corn, has no shelter. What would protect us from the elements? Idiot.

Cora snorted, Speak for yourself! At least I'm not as weak as you! With that Cora shoved Kehrilo roughly with her muzzle.

"HEY! Cora! No!" Kehrilo shouted.

Hmmp, serves you right! Cora pawed the ground. Let me show you a REAL place to spend the night. Kehrilo headed towards the town, Cora behind her as she pushed through people in the maze of roads and buildings.

This is a decent place! Kehrilo gestured to a boarded up building. She went around the building and found a door that went into a muddy alleyway, She then pulled the rotting wood off of the door frame, and went in. See! This is a place we can spend the night!

Then Kehrilo saw something black scuttle on the ground, "AH!!!!! SPIDER!!!"

Kehrilo proceeded to stomp on the spider, efficiently flatting it.

Winter and Halt had just reached the castle when the guards blocked her way.

"Halt you goes there?" one of them asked

"I'm Winter and this is Halt, we're here for the job offer." Winter said casually.

"Ah your the Staff Fighter people are talking about. You may go on ahead miss." the gaurd replied as they got out of her way. Winter nodded and with Halt following she went inside.

Kehrilo stretched and blinked against the ray of the sun lite up the dust mites floating in the air. She then screeched.

"GAH! ANOTHER SPIDER! KILL IT CORA! KILL IT!!!!!!" Cora looked at Kehrilo and blinked.

What's the big idea? it's nothing but an arachnid.

Kehrilo groaned, Just dispose of it, please?

Cora shook her head and shoved the spider out the door.

Stormy set down her bag of food at the bottom of a tree. She swung herself onto the first branch, feeling the rough bark beneath her hard hands, and pushed Her feet against the trunk to balance herself.

"Be back in a minute." She said to General, who was sidestepping to avoid the falling remains of bark that fell from beneath her boots. She continued to climb the tall tree, scrambling up the branches, braking dead limbs that were in Her way, and going up to the smallest, most tender of the branches to stand on. She looked out over the land, finding Canter Hollow first to see if there were any suitable places that She and General could stay. There were many rundown houses in the outskirts from which she could see, that were rather close to town.

"I think I found one!" She called down to General. He sent her a mental image of Him, with Her on his back, up higher then the tree.

"I told you, don't you think we'd look a little out of place floating mid-air, scanning the area?" She put her hand to her head to block out the sun, resting her eyes once more on the house she had chosen.

"I'm coming down!" She fiddled down the tree, hardly touching anything for more then a second before jumping down to another branch. She hopped down onto the ground and pointed in the general direction they needed to go to her horse.

"It's perfect. A nice stable roof, a steady door, some boards on the windows, and plenty of grass from what I could see. Plus it's less then a mile away from town." She piped excitedly while picking up the bag. General neighed and shook his mane, spreading out his thick black hair. He nudged Stormy, telling her to get on. She complied and jumped on his back.

"Let's go!"

Kehrilo sighed in relief as the spider scuttled into the grass. Thanks Cora, I owe you one.

Cora tossed her head, a wild light springing up in her eyes, You owe me one? Then let us enjoy ourselves! Get on!

Kehrilo blinked, ran and launched herself on to Cora's back. What are we doing? Kehrilo was not gifted by an answer. HOLD ON TIGHT!

Kehrilo gripped with her legs, wrapping them around Cora's barrel and clung to her mane. Then suddenly Cora leaped into the air and surged forward into a gallop, with bucks and twists randomly added. Cora suddenly went upward at a diaganol and suddenly did a nose dive towards the ground, Kehrilo screamed, the wind tearing the sound away before she could realize she has screamed, then Cora went into a a smooth soft rocking horse canter.

Stormy looked over General's head and squinted into the distance, watching a horse run into Canter Hollow. General neighed questioningly.

"I heard a scream." Stormy replied starring after the figure as they blurred into the crowd. She shrugged and pressed her knees against her horse's side, holding on tight as he cut a sharp turn to avoid a cloud.

Someone is approaching, Abauro informed Rain, pricking her ears. Indeed, a pair of travelers had arrived. "We should go check them out," Rain suggested, kicking her horse into a gallop.

They stopped at a respectable distance from the two newcomers. The eyed them from afar, wondering where they had come from. "They can be anyone," Rain pointed out, seeing as there were many unfamiliar faces in Canter Hollow. No, Abauro insisted, they're different.

"Where do we start first?" Stormy asked uncertainly. General tossed his head, nickering softly in reply. Stormy frowned at him.

"Your no help." She slid off his back and glanced across the street. She grinned in anticipation when she layed eyes on her target. She walked casually over to a small stand, which held knick-knacks of all sorts, and glanced at the sells man, then at a particular map that had all of North Of North printed on it. Stormy peaked over her shoulder, then at the man again, who was animatedly talking with a customer, and slid her fingers around the thick paper. She clutched it tightly and slipped it into her jacket. Her eyes rested on a bag of money laying exposed on the table. Her heart began to beat faster, and she looked back and forth between the bag and the crowd of people behind her. She silently slid her hand out of her pocket, preparing to grab it, when she heard a



"Bye! Come again soon Sir!" She quickly yanked her hand back, grasping the bag of money, and walked away as if nothing had happened. She let out a heavy sigh when she saw the man resume his position by the stand, taking no notice of the robbery. Stormy sulked into a shadow and counted the coins which now lay in her palms.



"Not bad." She remarked before heading back to General. "We did good." She smiled and softly stroked his sun-lit fur.

Rain glanced at her compass, which was now pointing in the direction of the girl and her horse. Abauro, she hissed, look at this. Abauro did so, fixing her eyes upon it for a moment, until concluding, You know what we must do. Rain, puzzled, responded, What? Abauro sighed and proceeded toward the girl and her horse.

No, Rain exclaimed, we do not even know them! Abauro ignored her and stopped in front of the pair of companions. Rain gazed at the blue-eyed stranger and gulped. Dismount, Abauro instructed, before I buck you off.

Rain did so, grudgingly, and held out a hand. "Hi," she began hesitantly, "I'm Rain."

Stormy rode General through the crowd of people, being careful to act as natural as possible. She stopped in the town square and slid off General's back.

"That's enough for today." She said taking a seat on the edge of the horse fountain. She gazed at in, wondering when it was carved and by who, when she was suddenly thrown into the ice cold water. She flailed her arms out in a moment of shear terror before realizing what had happened. She lifted her head above the water and took a large gulp of air before stumbling over the stone. She looked up to find two boys pointing at her, laughing hysterically. She pressed her lips together as anger heated her veins, pulsing through her whole body, giving it strength. She fixed her eyes on what appeared to be the older boy, and charged at him, bringing out a pocket knife she had gotten earlier. She jumped on him and pounded his stunned face with several blows before he could even realize what was going on. He struggled under her weight, although he was about as helpless as a wolf at Thunder's mercy with the way Stormy pinned him. A sudden jerk reminded her that he was not alone, and she kicked back, without looking, to hit the other kid square in the face. Stormy concealed her pocket knife, realizing it wasn't needed, and hit the guy's stomach.

"Don't you ever do that again!" She spat at him before letting go of her grip. He popped up and starred at her wide-eyed before running away. A sudden knot of dread churned in Stormy's gut when she saw that a crowd had gathered. She waved her hand at them.

"Nothing, to see here." Though she knew that they had seen the whole thing, and that it was a cheesy choice of words. She would be lucky to get away before the officials came. She reached up to scratch her head, and sighed in relief when she found that the hood of her jacket was covering her face. It must have come over her head when she fell in the water. Knowing that there was still a chance of getting away without being found out, she headed the opposite direction of General. Good thing she got some extra clothes today.

Urutus stared blankly to the horizon; her eyes filmed over, her mind thought not a single thing, and her body motionless except for her breathing. Currently, she sat cross-legged on the roof of some cottage. Genefit was somewhere else, probably stealing some more dinner or something. Suddenly, Urutus was jerked back to the present when she heard a bunch of shouting, down by the market square. Two rascals, young teenage boys, probably around thirteen or fourteen, scampered through the crowd, shoving people to the side; the shouting came from a women, whose young son, maybe six, burst into tears; Urutus looked at the boys who obviously took something, squinted, and saw they had taken the boy's toy horse figure; It looked carved ever so perfectly. Anger swiftly flooded into her, and she though, "I'm being such a hypocrite. Oh well." ; All of this happened in only a few seconds, and Urutus noticed the boys were running down the street her current cottage was on. Sighing, she let out an ear-piercing whistle, and then slid from the roof, onto an old broken wagon, then hopped to the ground; she slinked onto the street, in front of the boys; They continued running, and tried to shove past her; She snatched the arm of the one with the stolen object, her hunting knife already at his throat.

Genefit halted dead in her steps as she heard the distinct whistle of her best friend and leader. She instantly wheeled around, losing all thoughts on stealing another bag of something, and whipped around corners and streets, soon snipping down the street Urutus was on. "Get that boy." Urutus spoke, nodding to the other brat who was making a more desperate run for it. Genefit barely slowed, and soon sped up at full speed; she turned off one street, took a whole block, then jumped out into the road she just had come off of; right in front of the other boy. She reared up, pawing the air. She bared her teeth at the boy.

Rain lowered her hand as the girl gazed at her solemnly. She turned to Abauro in bewilderment and shrugged, walking back to her. She mounted her best friend and glanced back at the mysterious girl and her horse. It's not worth it, Abauro insisted, speeding off into the streets.

"That was odd," Rain murmured exasperatedly, Abauro neighing in agreement. It is worth investigating, Abauro said, but we must not ponder it, at the moment. "Why?" Rain asked, but instantly, she understood why. A young boy sprinted hurriedly into the streets, carrying a suspicious sack. Rain glanced at Abauro and nodded as they pursued the thief at full speed.

Rain unsheathed her dagger, flung herself over her horse's neck, and landed on the boy's back. She pinned him down, holding the dagger to his throat. The boy gulped in fear, but kept a firm grasp on the sack. "What's in the bag?" she demanded, Abauro overseeing the situation behind them. The boy shook his head in defiance, clutching the bag tighter. "If you don't let go if that bag in three seconds-"

But the boy dropped the sack at her feet and squirmed free, running away with tears in his eyes. Rain stared after him in confusion, wondering why he had fled so easily. She shrugged and picked up the sack, attempting to open it when Abauro nudged her shoulder. Don't you dare, she warned. "I need an idea of what's in it," Rain began aloud, "so that I can return it." Abauro agreed grudgingly as Rain opened the sack.

It was full of old, dusty items - those of The Verdant. Rain turned to Abauro. She remounted as they set off for the small shop.

Winter and Halt were patrolling the town as part of her job when she noticed the little fight between a girl and some boys. She followed the girl quietly leaving Halt to patrol the town without her. She's pretty good at self-defense. Winter thought without any expression on her face.

Stormy and General met back up right behind an old run down store. 'That was extremely close. Now, give me those clothes so I don't freeze to death!' General nickered what sounded like a laugh, and tossed a small little sack at her.

"Thanks, now, go around the corner." General blinked at her, a glint of humor in his eyes, and walked away while she changed. Stormy fiddled with the button of a jacket and slid the hood over her head. She didn't want people seeing her wet hair. Just when she was about to call General back, he sent her an image of two girls and a horse conversing in the shop. Stormy peaked around the corner at General, considering what to do. She needed more things, but with two people and a horse that would be a hard crowd to hide in. General tossed his head towards the door, obviously suggesting what he wanted. Stormy sighed in defeat and followed her horse in. The door bell gave a soft ding as she pushed it open.

Urutus sighed, snatched the horse, and this scornfuly told the boy, who was already trying to catch some grip and run, "Now git you stupid idiot." The boy, and his companion who Genefit let go away, ran off at full speed.
Urutus sighed, and walked up to Genefit. "Got any clue if this thing is worth anything?" She held up the hand-carved wooden horse; the only reason she knew it was hand-carved was because her parents used to own a carving shop, where they made things with their hands. Urutus had the eye to notice if things were carved with human hands or with machines.
"It is definitely really pretty. It must be worth something since," And she nodded to the man, who obviously was the woman's husband, tromping down the street. "Well, I say we get our butts outta here and try to make something off of this thing." And then Urutus hopped on Genefit, and the mare spinned around, and shot out of there.

Winter watched the girl go into the store and decided to wait out front in the shadows with her hood down so she wouldnt scare the crowd. Winter sent an image to Halt of him watching the back of the store just to make sure the girl didnt go out the back. Halt sent back an image of him next to her. She smiled and shook her head. Halt hardly left her side and when he did he'd complain with sending images to her. She ignored the images so Halt would do what she needed him to do and that worked everytime.

The woman in the antique shop observed the carved horse. She poked it with a needle, and Urutus raised an eyebrow. Then the lady probed it with an aged arrowhead that was extremely dull. Urutus could only imagine the lady was seeing how tough the wood was - and apparently it was as tough as metal, because now the lady got out a saw and tried to saw it in half; to no avail.

Stormy walked into the center of the store. She raised her brow at the two girls, who were starring at her, unmoving, unblinking. Several awkward moments past until Stormy heard a loud neigh. She turned to find General and the other horse nipping fiercely at each other, nearly bumping into shelves as they backed up and sidestepped.

"General, no!" Stormy yelled and ran over to him. She yanking his mane and looked him square in the eye. 'Don't you dare make this worse for me" General looked down, and Stormy let go of his hair.

"Sorry miss, we'll leave now."

Say, Cora? Asked Kehrilo as Cora flew in a tight circle.

Yes? Cora responded with a buck.

Why don't we go get some food before I pass out? Kehrilo asked, which got a neigh of laughter from Cora.

Alright, you crazy land girl. With that Cora cantered to the ground and they melded into the crowd as Kehrilo slipped things from pockets and purses into her own pockets.

Urutus snorted as the lady then threw the horse against a wall and and muttered unhappily as the horse bounced back and smacked the lady in the cheek, like a punch. Urutus burst into tons of laughter as the lady started cursing at the horse, which lay innocently(as it technically was only an object of innocence)on the ground, in some unknown language. "WHAT!?" The lady said sharply, her eyes narrowingly glaring at Urutus. "Hmmm, let's see, you threw my wooden horse against a wall, and it hurled back and smacked you in the face, and now you're cursing at it. Hmmmm...." And the lady sighed. "People do not understand these days," She said sadly, shaking her head. "I think we do; an object can only come back and hurt you from the same energy you put into it to move." The lady stared up at Urutus blankly. "What?" The lady said, confused. Urutus gave up, and asked, "What is your name?"
"WHAT IS MY NAME!?!?!? WHY, MY NAME IS MISS LOUDMOUTH! MY NAME IS MISS CONFUSING!!!! MY NAME IS WHATEVER I WANT IT TO BE!!" She said with a loud outburst, her eyes red, litterly glowing red with fury. Urutus blinked, not getting a clue of how the lady's brain worked. "Can your name be whatever I want it to be?"
"Sure."

"Mrs. Lady With Brain Issues." And then Urutus walked out the door after snatching up the horse.
Kehrilo slipped through the crowds, Cora at a descrite distance behind her. Kehrilo as she slipped her index and middle fingers into a pocket suddenly froze. Cora, get OUT OF HERE!

"Well, that didn't sound too good. First my sensitive ears picked up on a tiny ting, then I heard a thud, then I heard a sawing sensation-"

"Sensation??" Urutus asked, not in mind, just in a way that meant, "HOW THE STINKIN' HECK CAN YOU HEAR A SENSATION??!!!!!?".

"My ears can pick up the vibrations of a saw." Genefit muttered as though she would be muttering aloud. "Oh."

"Well, what happened!?" Genefit demanded. "Freaky lady. I almost expected her to started chewing on it........." Genefit nicker-snickered in response. "Let's go see if any other shops will buy this thing with a....uh, appropriate sense of finding the value of a wooden horse." Urutus and Genefit then set out to find sensible shop owners.



Winter watched as the girl ran out of the shop to stop her horse from attacking another one. She soon decided to leave Stormy alone since she had to get back to the Castle and report in to her supervisor. She sent an image to Halt of them being back togethor and Halt sent a happy aurora to Winter. They left the crowded area back to the Castle.



"So nothing happened in town?" her supervisor asked. "No sir, nothing at all." Winter said stifling a yawn. She was tired and wanted to get some sleep but she had to wait until her Supervisor said her shift was over. "Must be beginners luck. Your relived of your shift today, get some sleep in the servants quarters." he said pointing the way. Winter shook her head. "Thanks but I'll sleep with Halt, he hates to be separated when i sleep." she said before leaving towards the stables to get some sleep.



Urutus' widened her eyes as the next shop-keeper she met was.....a monkey. But that wasn't what caused this reaction;

"What is it, ma am?" The big, red, hairy Orangutan asked in a barely interested voice. "Well, let's see, first I meet a lady who I named "Mrs. Lady Who Has Brain Issues, and now I meet a monkey who....who...." And Urutus spread her hands to the monkey, basically saying, "LOOK AT YOURSELF! HEAR YOURSELF! HECK, FEEL YOURSELF!" "Okay, maybe that last line, "HECK, FEEL YOURSELF!" was a bit off...." Urutus thought....
"Ah yes, that sounds like the normal human's brain would react to this situation..." The monkey said in a bored-out-of-its-mind voice.



Rain spotted a bell on the front desk and rung it, awaiting the shopkeeper to appear. She plopped the sack full of mysterious items on the desk, glancing around at the small, unnoticed shop.

Finally, the shopkeeper wobbled out of the maintenance room and hopped upon her stool, fixing her silver eyes upon the sack. She stared up at Rain and Abauro and asked, "What is this?"

The pair glanced at each other in confusion, Abauro rolling her eyes. "We believe it is yours," Rain explained. "We caught someone stealing it." She peeked inside, and laughed airily, startling Rain and Abauro. "Child, I needn't this useless bag of junk! I threw it out many years ago!"

Indeed, the items within the bag looked unimportant, alike the shop itself. "Why?" Rain questioned stupidly. "These items are either broken or unkempt. Nobody wanted them, and nobody ever will," the shopkeeper explained simply. "But why keep them in a bag when the atmosphere is so similar-" Rain refrained from saying the rest, but it was too late. Genius, Abauro taunted. Rain shot her a glare and turned back to the shopkeeper, but to her dismay, she wasn't there.

"Why does she always disappear like this?" Rain muttered tiredly, preparing to mount Abauro when someone said behind her, Indeed, I am here. Rain turned to meet a lion - rather, a Verdant Liona. She had a slender body; her golden fur was sleek; leaves striped her backside; the odd fact was that she had silver eyes, like those of the shopkeeper.

Rain and Abauro jumped back, spooked. The Verdant Liona chuckled, approaching them. "You're...the shopkeeper?" Rain guessed. The Verdant nodded, Abauro stomping her hoof in disbelief. I don't believe this, Abauro proclaimed, It's impossible.

Not quite, Abauro, the shopkeeper responded. She turned to Rain and grinned, revealing her sharp fangs. Rain cowered, hiding behind her horse. Abauro glared at the Verdant defensively. Don't worry, the Verdant said, I am harmless, Rain. Rain stepped up slowly, her voice shaky as she said, "How do you know our names?" Why, I am a Verdant Liona, she remarked, a creature of North of North. Surely, you have seen at least one of my brethren before, for we are common. "That doesn't answer my question!" Rain exclaimed angrily. The Verdant sighed and lied down, licking her paws. She glanced up at Rain, rolled her eyes, and explained, We have met before, Rain. Rain gazed at her, confused, but Abauro gasped. We have to get out of here! "Why?" Rain asked quietly. Mount! Abauro ordered impatiently. Rain sighed and mounted as they whipped out of the shop.

"What's wrong with you?" Rain asked. Abauro was silent for a moment, before finally answering, Do not you remember? She is Grene! "Who is that?" Rain questioned in bewilderment. Abauro ignored her as they galloped through the town.



Forsythia found nothing, so she went back to her friends. Cindra suggested that they go to the market. They all agreed, so they got their money and flew off to the market. At the market, they wandered the aisles looking for anything that might catch their eye, while shopping for fruits, vegetables, and a new chair for Zag, who had accidentally broken it somehow. They heard some shouting and a scuffle. Curious, Forsythia, Cindra, Zig, and Zag hurried toward the noise, where a big group had gathered.

A girl had a boy pinned to the ground and was threatening him. "What's happening?" asked Zig. Cindra shrugged. The girl looked up and got off of the boy. She said, "There's nothing to see here," and hurried off with a horse. "Strange," said Forsythia, and they resumed browsing.



Stormy and General trotted through the dying crowd and headed towards the town square. General sent her an image of the cottage they slept in last night. 'No, I want to stay in town tonight, we go to the castle tomorrow' She responded tilting over to the side as a lady with feed bags passed. She sighed and glanced ruefully back at the shop they had just left. 'We should not have gone in there, it was a bad idea.' General snorted in agreement and turned into an ally.

"You think we'll find a place back here?" Stormy questioned aloud. General ignored her and continued at a steady pace down the long road. Stormy turned her head side to side, admiring the old buildings and looking for anything forgotten that might be useful. General then came to a sudden halt, nearly throwing Stormy over his neck. 'What the heck?!' She screamed in her head. She looked ahead to see the girl and horse from the store racing past the ally. General nickered and turned his head to the side, confused. He felt tense underneath her, pricking his ears and staying at a stand-still as if ready to bolt any second.

"Dude, relax." Stormy laughed. She slid down off his back and walked up to the back of a broken window.

"I think this will do. It shouldn't be cold tonight, so I think I'll stay out here. But if anybody comes, I want you to run while I hide in here. Got it?" General tossed his head reared up, showing off his powerful hind legs and shoulder strength. Stormy raised her brows at him and huffed. 'Just go to bed Hercules'

Urutus sighed, shook her head, and then glared at the monkey. "Ah, finally, an interesting object from the last decade!" It exclaimed; It had put the horse under a machine used for sewing, then turned the machine on. The machine's needle broke immediately. "Okay, I have a question." Urutus said, with a tone that said: "Okay. You. You right there. Answer this stupid question before I put my hunting knife in replacement of that needle and put you where that wooden horse is." The looked up, pushed its glasses into place, which for some odd reason irritated the crud out of Urutus, and stared up at her impatiently while its hands moved, replacing the needle with something...strange....

"Mrs.Lady With the Brain Issues-"

"I thought you said her name was Mrs.Lady Who Has Brain Issues?"

"WHATEVER. As I was saying, Mrs.Lady Who Has Brain Issues stabbed the stupid horse with a needle, and then an arrowhead, then she tried raking a saw across it, and then she threw it act a stupid wall! What are YOU doing?" And the monkey sighed, as though Urutus knew not a clue about the world. "I don't know what sort of person Mrs.Lady Who Has Brain Issues is, nor how intelligent she is, nor what sort of needles she used, but my needles tell me many things. For instance, my needle just told me your wooden horse is tougher than iron; my needle was made out of iron. I have never heard nor seen nor thought nor felt wood like this." The monkey explained quickly.

"Oh." Urutus said, blankly. "Yes. Now," The monkey replaced the broken needle with a black blade, "This blade is made of a special metal. If your wood breaks this, well, we'll see." And indeed, the blade snapped, and the monkey's jaw fell open. Urutus's raised her eyebrows. "I will give you anything you want in my shop!" The monkey exclaimed, and threw its hands in a way that meant, "Any of this, I will trade you for." Urutus looked around, and she saw many horsey items, from the most magnificant bridle to the grandest saddle, but she shook her head. "I need not that. Do you have enough money to actually buy this?" She questioned, or more insulted than anything, the monkey. "I do not." And then Urutus snatched up the horse, and mounted upon the real one.

After getting all they need, Forsythia and her friends decided to stay at a nearby inn. The innkeeper was a nice round lady who gave Zig and Zag flapuppy treats and Cindra and Forsythia sugar cubes. Her name was Mrs. Puffsmith. They settled down in the straw with Zig and Zag on comfy old blankets. "Very nice," Zag remarked, striding along a blanket. "I call dibs on this one." They went to sleep.

Kehrilo narrowed her eyes at a girl with reddish blonde hair walking next to a bay, she let a slow grin show on her face before her expression went cold as ice again. Kehrilo slipped through the people and horses moving towards the girl and she slipped her fingers into the girls pocket.

Stormy jumped with a start when she felt a hand slip into her pocket. She whirled around to find a girl that looked about slightly older then her reaching out to try and pickpocket. Stormy put her hand around the girls neck and held her up against the wall, catching her by surprise.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Bad things happen to our kind." She whispered harshly before letting go.

Kehrilo glared at the girl, "So you say."

Stormy glared back. So you say? How the heck would she know what kind of bad things happen?

"You know nothing of the sort. Now, run along before you get caught." Stormy considered leaving, but when the girl did nothing but stare, she realized that she was not going to leave no matter what.

"Run along?!" Kehrilo spat out, "run along?! I can't believe it. Who are you to say I know nothing of the sort?"

"Because you haven't been through it!" Stormy yelled. She ground her teeth and held her hands in fist. She was just seconds away from hitting this brat.

"Oh! I haven't been through it? Well, please excuse me your majesty! I didn't not mean to bother you!" Kehrilo narrowed her eyes, her entire body tense.

Stormy was so tense that the only thing she was doing was taking quick, fast breaths. She couldn't leave now, she had to show she was stronger.

"If your such a great pickpocket, and have places to go" She spat "Then why are staying here acting like a brat?"

"Why don't I leave? Because you're in my way." Kehrilo smiled sickeningly sweet.

"Well then I guess you'll just have to get past me." Stormy smirked, challenging this strange girl.

Rain and Abauro spotted two girls arguing and watched them from afar. Should we do something about it? Abauro questioned, but Rain had already dismounted and was walking toward the pair of girls.

Urutus examined the wooden horse. How was it carved if it was so hard?

"I got a question." Genefit stated. "Yes?" Answered Urutus, looking up. "Why are we still here? Any day now, the guards could sweep through here and find us."

"I don't know why we are still here, Genefit, but...." Urutus trailed off. "I say we leave."

"To where?"

"I don't know...."

"Well, i don't think you want to do live in a dark, damp, forest, do you?" Urutus questioned. "True..."

"What are you guys doing?" Rain boomed, stepping between the two.
"What does it look like?!" Kehrilo glared at the new comer.

"None of your business so just stay out of it!" Stormy shouted. She glared right back at her, copying the other girl.

Kehrilo darted a glance to the girl she had just been fighting with. CORA! Make a distraction! Suddenly a horse crashed into a stand creating a loud clatter, drawing everyone's attention to the other side of the street.

Stormy twisted her head to the side and stared at the strange horse for a second, but quickly turned back. 'Watch my back and give me cover!' Stormy said to General. He walked forward and protectively stood behind her.

Urutus's eyes shot up, and she hopped to her feet as the horse started galloping around wildly, running over one person; "genefit, stop that horse!" Genefit leaped off into a straight pout gallop; She sped between the people, and leaped high over a barrel in her way.She saw the horse taking a street, and Genefit twisted around a corner, onto a street parallel of the horse. She galloped with all her speed; Her strides quickened and lengthened at the same time. Looking to where the horse was, she saw the horse falling behind; She then leaped onto another street, right in front of the horse.

Kehrilo took a couple of steps back stepping into shadows.

Cora paused in mid-stride, the veered around the strange horse, continuing her mad, destructive gallop.

Rain ignored the horse, her cheeks turning scarlet; her hands balled into fists; and her knuckles white. "I don't care if it's none of my business!" she hollered, glaring at them.

Abauro glanced at the horse whom knocked over the stand and narrowed her eyes, galloping after to her. And what do you think you're doing? Abauro asked suspiciously, eyeing her sternly.

Cora eyed the two strange horses chasing her and she slowed to a canter.

Genefit whipped around, shot off, and managed to cut the horse off again; but this time, if the horse veered to the side, she blocked the horse's path by doing a roll away-like action. "This is hurting people, strange horse." Genefit hissed, snapping her head at the hurt person.

Stormy stayed where she was, ignoring the chaos around her. She eyed the new girl and fought to keep a grin off her face. The girl was turning red, and Stormy found it a little more then funny. She let out a slow breath and retained herself.

"Well why are you here then? To get a front row seat? Or to just annoy us?"

"Both," Rain remarked.

Stormy narrowed her eyes, anger flaring inside of her, heating her veins.

"Well then what are you gonna do? Stop this fight? Or join it? 'Cause in a few seconds you won't have a choice." She grinded her teeth, clenching her fists tighter.

Rain glared at the girl. "You really think you're this tough?" Rain laughed disgustedly. "Prove it. I'm up for a fight." Rain, Abauro warned, don't! Rain ignored her.

Urutus furrowed her eyebrows as she peeped around a corner and saw three girls in some weird fight. "Okay, what is up with this? I thought this town was a cheery and happy place! And now, fights and stealing around every corner?" She thought.

Rain advanced on the girl, but Abauro appeared in front of her, guarding her. Back off, Abauro warned the girls, or you'll receive a hoof in the face! She glanced at Rain disappointedly and shook her head, saying, Rain, do not stoop to her level. "I have to teach her a lesson!" You're not teaching her anything. Abauro nudged Rain's shoulder, Rain mounting grudgingly. "This isn't over," Rain hissed as they trotted away.

"You can't teach something you don't know!" She hissed. She glared at her for a moment before mounting General.

"You, don't get caught." She spat to the other girl.

"I know how not to get caught." Kehrilo smirked.



*****

Cora stopped and pawed the ground. What do you know of hurt? Can hurt be physical? Yeah, but what about other kinds of hurt? Now let me aside, I have a job to do.

"Come on, talk to me." Stormy begged General. They trotted silently towards the castle, a far distance between their minds.

"What did I do?" General sent her a picture of her fighting with the other girls almost as soon as the words left her mouth. She rolled her eyes and huffed. 'I had to do something'

"Come on, we need more stuff." She grinned, anxious to get her mind on something besides what had happened.

Cora! To me! To me! Kehrilo called to her horse, then panicked when there was no reply.

"I mean hurt by saying that you just trampled someone. Hurt can be in many ways, as you said; physical, or mythical. By mythical, it can be a myth of mystery of where it is, though you can usually feel where it is. Like, if someone just "broke your heart" as they say, you feel like an arrow just got shot through your heart. Although, back to the mythical part, sometimes it is a myth of where the pain came from......Anyways, bye. Try not to hurt anyone." And Genefit trotted away.

What were you trying to prove back there? Abauro questioned as they trotted throughout the town. "I don't really know," Rain mumbled, gritting her teeth, "That girl just annoyed me so much!" And that gives you the right to pick fights in North of North? Rain ignored her.

ora snorted and shook her head at the annoying buzz in her head, asking where she was, Oh, Shut up Kehrilo, not now.

Kehrilo recoiled against the wall at the force of the words.Fine then, have it your way! With that Kehrilo stormed around town kicking rocks, and stomping and pulverizing mushrooms.

Urutus snatched a loaf of bread and went to a nearby stream; Genefit was already there. Genefit grazed after her fill of water, while Urutus ate her bread and drank.

Kehrilo slipped through the crowd anger causing her to push people aside and occasionally stomping on feet that didn't get out of the way fast enough.

A man shook his fist at Kehrilo and cursed at her.A man shook his fist at Kehrilo and cursed at her.

"I'm hungry," Rain groaned, her stomach grumbling. She recovered some mushrooms from her knapsack and took some cabbage out of her saddlebag for Abauro to eat. They took a break at small, quiet pond, ate, and drank.

Kehrilo looked at the man and smirked. Then continued on her not-so-merry way.

Stormy nibbled on a piece of bread as she and General approached Rolandsgaard castle. A nervous knot twisted in her stomach, making it hard to swallow. She didn't know what to expect when she went in, and maybe she should just look around, act natural, only Rolandsgaard castle had some of the best treasures in all of North of North. She supposed that if she took one and tried to sell it she would be found out, only in this town, in other towns they would consider it a beautiful trade, not a steal. She didn't plan on staying here much longer, mainly because people always kept a skeptic eye on her, leery when walking around her, every since she beat up that boy. She put her bread back in her pouch and slid gracefully off General's back. She grabbed his mane and walked as casually towards the castle doors as possible, acting as much like a citizen would. Good thing the castle was open to the public, only the bedrooms and important places would locked off. She sighed silently with relief when the guards did nothing and aloud her to walk through the door. 'Now, time to get down to business'' She grinned sickly at General, who curled his lip upward in response.

Winter watched as Stormy wallked in to the castle and decided to go talk to her. Halt followed Winter sending an image of them and the girl and her horse fighting. Winter ignored the image since she had no intention to fight.

"Hello I'm Winter, I've seen you around before. You did pretty good on fighting those boys too." Winter said to Stormy.



Kehrilo looked at the massive castle. "I wonder where the Library is..." She mused aloud.

"The library is down Hascall Ave. Miss." A voice replied. Kehrilo turned around and smiled.

"Thank you!" She exclaimed.

"No problem." The older man grinned. And Kehrilo went in search of Hascall Ave.

Stormy jumped in surprise and turned around to find a young girl smiling at her. She nervously bit her lip, unsure how to talk normal, especially since this girl was referring to the fight.

"Uh, thanks. You, um, saw that huh?" She glanced at the badge that rested on the girls shirt, and had to fight hard to keep her composer steady.

Urutus and Genefit walked through the castle gates casually. The guards didn't seem to care as one munched on a doughnut. She immediately started looking around for a place to sell this wooden horse of hers.

Kehrilo followed the road, and saw that Hascall Ave. was one of the roads that lead to the castle.

Urutus scampered across the street to the new looking, fancy antique shop. Walking inside, a tall fellow in a draping cloak met her. "Welcome to my shop. Do you need any help?" A husky voice asked. "Yes. Would this be any interest to you?" Urutus showed the figure the wooden horse. "That would be....quite an interest to me, yes. Come have a seat. Your horse must stay outside." Genefit snorted; she had half her body in the shop, and so she backed up and waited outside.

Rain and Abauro head to Rolandsgaard.

Kehrilo headed towards the castle, looking for the library.

Urutus smiled darkly as she walked out the antique shop. A leather bag she stuffed in her pocket; in it were golden coins that were etched with silver. The wooden horse was worth a good bit.

Kehrilo continued on her way then suddenly she was at the gates to the castle. She shrugged and went in, looking at the huge rock walls. She smiled to herself, this, this was a true fortress.

Urutus walked along the sidewalk when she saw a postboard. Glancing at it, a page with six faces on it was pinned up; One of those face's was Urutus's. Her eyes widened, then dug her nose down into her jacket. Threee other faces she recognized: They were named Kehrilo, Rain, and Stormy; the poster was being fancy and had everyone's names in alphabetical order.



"Ready to make an entrance?" Rain asked her horse. Abauro nodded encouragingly as they proceeded toward the fortress.

They busted through the twin doors. "Rain and Abauro have arrived!" A stupid thing to do, really, as the two horse guards lashed out their tails in protest, blocking them. Abauro rolled her eyes. Why are you two making such an entrance, we would like to know, one said, holding up his head proudly. The other, however, clopped his hooves and complimented, I actually think that was theatre-worthy! Great job. Rain dismounted and bowed, as she never would curtsy. "Thanks," she sighed happily. Ugh, you are so wolf-headed! You're not supposed to compliment a pair of...intruding strangers who intend to bust open our doors each and every time they enter this castle, Porkpie! the other said, stomping his hoof disapprovingly. Well, that was just my opinion, Blackjack, the one named Porkpie insisted. Newbies, Blackjack grumbled, finally noticing our arrival.

Well, what's your business, here? he questioned sternly. The pair of guards stared at Rain and Abauro for a second until Abauro blurted out, We're tourists. We're not from Trail's End. We used to live in the Outskirts, but obviously, our house was destroyed by..."Some Wolf Riders, recently. I thought you two would know, being some of the most trusted guards in North of North?" Rain summed up, smirking. She has a point, we should've known! Porkpie complained. Blackjack blew his forelock out of his eyes and sighed, Proceed.

"Yeah it was interesting. And funny come to think of it. Not many girls can put up a fight like what i saw." Winter said smiling.

Kehrilo saw a girl looking at a poster on the wall, and she glanced at it, then her jaw nearly dropped. Her mind raced a mile a minute to figure out where she had messed up. Of course, she groaned, That blasted escape. I can't believe word got here already! Kehrilo slipped on through the crowds mentally calling Cora.

"I think I hear something..." Genefit said unsurely.

"Uh huh. Thanks. Your um, a castle Guard?" Stormy asked carefully.

Finally Kehrilo saw Cora, she ran and swung on the horse then suddenly Cora bucked and Kehrilo flew through the air. She yelped and landed with a thud.

"I'm no guard. I'm what they call a staff fighter from outside of North of North. I just patrol the town and the outskirts for wolf riders that is all i get payed for." Winter said as Halt came up from behind her.

"Oh. Ok, well, I'm sorry, but I really have to go." Stormy said as she tried to keep the panic from her voice. General was snorting and tossing his head, repeatedly sending her a picture of a poster, with her face and name on it, saying "WANTED".

Kehrilo leapt to her feet and marched up to Cora who had turned her rear to Kehrilo. Come'on you dummy! Doncha see? With that Kehrilo sent a picture of the poster to Cora. Cora snorted and kicked out. CORA! Do. You. Want. To. DIE?! No. So, let me on and lets blow this joint! Cora sighed resignly and allowed Kehrilo to get on, they then trotted slowly as to not arouse unwanted attention.

Stormy turned on heel and jumped on General's back without waiting for a reply. She ran off and out the castle, hoping to escape through an alley.

Winter watched Stormy go and Halt sent a picture of wanted posters with Stormy on one of them. "Wow who knew i would find an escaped prisoner here in North of North." Winter muttered to herself as a smile appeared on her face. Halt nickered agreeing with Winter.

Stormy and General trotted casually through town, making their way to an alley that would lead them to the outskirts. She sighed with relief to see that there were no posters in this part of town. Her moment of peace didn't last long though, because she saw a group of five guards talking to two ladies not far from here. One of the guards held the poster, while the others seemed to be explaining something. One women nodded her head briskly, while the other held her hand to her mouth, seemingly in shock. Stormy wasn't sure who they were talking about exactly, because she could see three other familiar faces on the poster.

[Kai]

Two of them she had fought with, another she had seen walking around in town. So that's why that girl was so mad when I said she didn't know the punishment... Stormy thought, her eyes glazing as she recalled the memory. She was brought back to reality when one of the girls pointed in her direction, yelling at the guards to come and get her.

Kehrilo's eyes darted about veiwing as much as she could. She almost yelled when she saw the girl she fought with earlier watching some guards speaking to a couple of ladies. She stared as the guards saw the girl. Kehrilo before the gaurds saw her as well, kicked Cora and cantered towards the nearest gate.

Stormy kicked her heels hard into General and leaned down.

"RUN!" She yelled in his ear. He took off full sprint down the street, neighing and tossing his head as people screamed and jumped out of the way. Stormy looked back behind her and saw the guards following in close pursuit on white steeds. She leaned in harder on General and prayed that she would make it, she was not going back to prison. She looked over head, there were clothes lines above head, so she couldn't fly until she got out of the town.

"You! Stop!" The guards yelled at her. Faster General, faster. She silently begged to her horse. He replied with a soft nicker, although it was hard to hear as the wind whipped past Stormy's ears. General turned down a narrow alley, floating just above the ground so he wouldn't make noise. But it was no use, because the guards were already on there way. Up! General touched back to the ground and slowed his pace. With one large leap into the air, they broke through the close lines and out into the sky. Stormy screamed in fear as they went straight up. She squeezed her eyes shut as nausea hit her, and held on for deer life to General's neck. The fields, if we can get to the trees we might be able to loose them, we don't wan them to know where we're going. General landed abruptly on the soft grass of the outskirts and ran towards the trees. Stormy could see the guards, who were just breaking through the crowd of people, running towards them with seemingly unbound energy. They were made for this.

Urutus walked out of the castle, casually, not wanting to bring about attention; her hood covered her face.

Abauro, Rain said telepathically, the woods. Abauro snorted, taken aback. The woods? No, not the woods, thank you very much, Abauro proclaimed, stomping her hoof. Rain rolled her eyes and stroked her horses mane in persuasion. The woods, Rain said, pointing at a dark thicket of trees, aren't that bad. Abauro snorted in protest, arguing, Remember what happened to us last time?

And then, Rain remembered: before their banning, they entered Darkcomb Forest in pursuit of some fresh winter fruit for Herd Valeryk. They succeeded, but soon encountered some type of creature that Rain could not remember. "What happened to us, though?" Rain questioned aloud, scratching her head. We encountered Grene, Abauro explained, the shopkeeper who is really a Verdant Liona, and she chased us to Styginmoor Castle! She is the reason we got banned in the first place! That's why I'm afraid of forests - this one in particular - and the Verdant Liona, Abauro finished, shivering.

"Oh," Rain mumbled stupidly, taking in every bit of information slowly. "I know this is a big discovery for me and all, but I doubt that will happen again," she added proclaimingly, urging Abauro foward. You'll regret this, Abauro grumbled as they headed into the thicket of trees.

Kehrilo slowed as she realized the gaurds didn't chase her. Stay close, but act like you aren't with me, okay Cora? Kehrilo said to the horse as she slipped off.

Stormy and General bounded into the forest, the guards hot on their heels. Stormy twisted her head from side to side, up and down, trying to see through the thick limbs that weaved into a net overhead. She turned back to look in front of her, just in time to see the branch. She screamed as she was thrown off of General's back, and landed harshly on the forest floor. She moaned in agony and vaguely wondered why she was still conscious. The sound of horses hoofs quickly brought her to her senses and she climbed to feet painfully, withdrawing a dagger that she had stolen. She wiped away the warm blood that was slowly trickling down her head, and prepared to fight her way to freedom.

Abauro skidded to a halt in surprise. What? Rain hissed, but she knew in a second. Standing a respectable distance away from them was a bloody girl holding a dagger - the same one that she had argued with just a few days before. It's her, Rain said, dismounting. Abauro bit at her collar in protest, but Rain stopped her. I got this, Rain proclaimed, approaching the girl without any weapons. Rain, don't, Abauro protested, but Rain was already standing right in front of the girl.

"What are you doing?!?" Stormy yelled in panic as the sound of hoofs grew louder. She glanced at the girls face and gasped in shock to see who it was. Not only had she argued with this girl, but this girl was one of the wanted.

"They are after us, both of us, and two others." She tried to explain in the seconds she had before the guards came. Maybe if she could get it all out, this girl would help her, and she was quite sure two would be better against five then one.

"We're on a WANTED poster, and guards are going to burst through the trees any second, so if you don't want to be thrown in jail then I sugge--" She stopped and stepped back as the guards emerged from the thickets of thorns.

General I need you!!!!

"Run!"

Kehrilo slipped through the crowds like a ghost. Watching as people with cheerful joy bustled about greeting people they new and even saying hi to people they didn't. Kehrilo watched wistfully, then the cheerful atmosphere shattered.

"HEY! That's one of them!" A sharp voice yelled over the sound. And all sound stopped and everyone turned and stared at Kehrilo. Err, Cora? Help, now please? Cora reared and trotted to Kehrilo, Kehrilo graspe Cora's mane and leapt on, before Kehrilo was entirely on, they where galloping away madly towards the nearest way out.

Rain didn't hesitate. She turned and sprinted away. Abauro was too far away to notice, but Rain shouted, Abauro! The horse turned her head and galloped to her rider's side at once. Rain mounted her horse as they shot off into the distance. What about that girl? We can't just leave her! Rain insisted, tugging on the reins. Her horse is coming, Abauro confirmed. We must get to a nearby blacksmith. We cannot remain weaponless any longer.

She said something about us being 'wanted', and how she needs our help. Does that have anything to do with-

I'll explain later, Abauro interrupted urgently as they bustled out of the Darkcomb Forest, on their way to the nearest blacksmith, the galloping of hooves behind them becoming distant.

Kehrilo let a small smile upturn her lips as she made it out the of the town. She looked over her shoulder at the men and horses chasing after her.

General bursted into the clearing and skidded to a halt beside Stormy. He reared up and neighed as a guard reached out for him. General backed up and allowed Stormy to get on, then kicked out at the guards one more time. He took off back into the woods, bucking and kicking wildly, making it hard for Stormy to stay on. She could see a trail ahead of her, presumably from the horse and the girl. Follow it.

Kehrilo looked back infront of her and jerked on Cora's reins. Cora reared up her hocks nearly touching the ground. What was that for?! Cora looked behind her. Sorry but look at what's coming near us. Cora looked and saw a girl and a horse. So? Kehrilo sighed.She was on the poster!

Winter watched the many scenes from above on Halt. "Criminals have all the fun Halt. Too bad I'm not one of them." Winter said in an amusing voice. Halt sent a picture that made Winter quickly shake her head just to get rid of the image. "Halt! you're suppose to be on my side! I didnt do that and you know it!" Winter yelled angrily as tears went down her cheeks. Halt sent anonther image and Winter laughed so hard she nearly fell off of Halt. "Yes we will find him and once we find him he'll wish he never even did it." Winter said as she sent an image of both her and Halt living peacefully with her Aunt and Uncle. Halt nickered and they both went back to watching the many scenes before them.

"Good thinking." Stormy mused to her self.

Stormy pulled on the reins in front of what appeared to be a blacksmith, and where the trail ended.General sent her a mixture of feelings, confusion, anger, inpatients, but above all worry.

"No worries, I need more weapons anyways, and I'm just going to talk to the girl before the guards come." She patted him reassuringly and walked hurriedly to the door. Chances were that this guy would know her face. The one good thing about blacksmiths, they don't care who you are, they're always up for a bargain.

Urutus, her hood still over her face, examined the recurve bow in the little shop close to the gates of the castle. It was made out of an Ewe tree; the wood was beautifully carved, and at the tips, had a greenish tint; the bow's detailings were also carved in a way that would help the bow blend into the forest. "Hurry. If the guards come, they are sure to recognize me at least, and I cannot just climb those steps, go through that narrow door, and rescue you." Genfit said, in a very stressful voice. "I must be very careful with the bow I pick; this one seems perfect for our needs though." Urutus replied, and testingly, with her right hand, pulled the string back to her cheeck bone; the bow was of a very strong strength, and might could take down an elephant with a very, very accurate shot; Urutus struggled a little to pull the string back though, and not but two seconds later had to bring her right hand back forward(for you cannot just let go of the string when there is no arrow at ready).

The salesperson, who sorta looked like a young teenage robin hood, observed her from the desk where people would purchase their items. He seemed a bit impressed she could pull back the bow. Urutus now snatched a few items she would need with the bow: Arrows(which were also wooden with a dark green feather feltching), quiver(which was plain leather), and a specially crafted glove(that would only cover the fingers, and was held on by a strap around the wrist). Urutus then purchased the items and walked out, and was met by Genefit.

Kehrilo then looked over her shoulder, back at the girl and horse and galloped madly into the woods, sticking close and low to Cora's neck.

"Aw now i have to go ridin through the forest to keep an eye on them Halt." Winter whined loudly. Halt sent an warm feeling to Winter. "Oh fine you like ground better than sky." Winter muttered as Halt landed onto the ground and galloped into the forest.

Stormy opened the door to the blacksmith, holding a small bag of money in her hand. She saw the girl, standing at the counter, presumably talking. Stormy laid her eyes on the swords at once. How long had it been? 6, 7 years since she held one in her hand? She cleared her throat loudly and fixed her eyes on the girl.

Urutus, still as a statue, watched the young buck carefully walk along the earthen floor; Urutus crouched, hidden by bushes, downwind of the deer. Closer, closer, it got; finally, it was in range. Urutus waited for the perfect shot to the heart. She wondered if she was still good enough to hit a deer; she had practiced,and she was still fairly well. The deer turned ever so slightly, and the spot to the heart was open. Urutus quickly pulled the string back, only enough noise for the buck to stand still and look towards her, and then released the string; the arrow flew straight, but the mark it hit only slightly got to the heart; the buck sprang forward with a kick, and bounded away; Urutus immediately went to find the blood trail.

Rain dismounted Abauro and stepped toward the blacksmith, soon figuring out that the mysterious girl was behind her. Once I have a weapon, Rain thought, clearing her throat, I'll be able to talk to this chick. She strutted towards the blacksmith and slapped her hands down onto the hard, wooden counter.

He looked up at Rain, sending a chill through her body as his golden eyes met hers. "What do you prefer?" he asked pleasantly, despite his appearance. "Swords, shields-"

"A longbow," Rain proclaims, slamming as many Horseshoes as she could muster down onto the counter, "and quick." The blacksmith stared suspiciously at Rain for a moment, but scooped the Horseshoes up nevertheless and crept into the maitenance room, giving Rain enough time to talk to the girl.

"They're on they're way here." Stormy stated blankly, picking up a light sword from the wall.

Halt galloped on through the forest with Winter holding on tightly to her staff. The guards were on her tail thinking she was one of the other girls and she knew better than to stop when the gaurds were shooting arrows at her. "Well time to find an opening and see if I can get behind them without them knowing Halt." Winter shouted into the horse's ear as she stood up on top of Halt. She quickly grabbed a tree branch and swung up onto it. Halt kept going but he knew Winter was off his back, he was trained for the staff fighters and the staff fighter only. Winter jumped off the branch to the ground hoping to stop the gaurds. Luckily it worked and all three guards stopped.

"Winter! What are you doing here?" one of the guards asked surprised.

"Well let's see i was taking Halt for his daily ride through the forest and you idiots started attacking me!" Winter answered a bit angry.

"Sorry about that thought you were one of the wanted girls." another said.

"Really let's see these wanted posters then." Winter said hopig to get a glimpse of the girls' faces. The gaurd gave the wanted posters to Winter and she looked at each of them. Soon her jaw dropped as she recongized a tall male. She looked at the name and it read: Nightmare.

"Well I'll take Nigtmare since I know where he's hiding. You take the girls." Winter said as Halt came up from behind. The Guards left to find te girls and Winter had Halt gallop out of the forest.

Kehrilo ducked under branches as Cora continued her nearly crazed gallop. Then suddenly the thud of hooves gave way to even louder thuds of water. Kehrilo yelped as the cold subtance hit her and Cora stopped, Kehrilo barely staying on. Kehrilo sat up and looked forward and suddenly a buck with an arrow sticking out of it came bounding through the trees. When it saw Kehrilo and Cora it stopped and stared at them then laberiously bounded another direction.

Urutus carefully eyed every leaf, twig, flower, grass strand.....she found the next splotch of the deer's blood, a few feet away; she walked forward and began looking for the next splotch.

Genefit, meanwhile, searched by scent; and she was not happy, because she did not like the scent of blood. But, anything to make the process go faster.

Kehrilo stared in the direction the deer had gone as she slipped off of Cora, her boots lightly splashing. Cora looked at her rider. Take a quick break, that deer will startle the gaurds and probably pause them and the person who injured the buck is probably still a few minutes away. Cora nodded her head and rolled in the water, nearly clipping Kehrilo on the shoulder. Hey! Watch it! Kehrilo grumbled as she headed upstream for a drink of water.

"I smell another horse up ahead." Genefit said. "Let me get on you, then we can peak in on the horse and see if it has a rider, or is just one of the many horses in North of North." Urutus replied; she stodd still, and waited for Genefit, who was soon by her side; Urutus hopped on, and they walked to a thicket by the river. "I've seen this horse before. She has an owner; in fact, her owner is on the wanted page." Genefit said. "Maybe her owner would be willing to travel together. Two is better than one in some cases."

"And others not so much."

"Worth a try." Genefit sighed, and walked out into the open.

Kehrilo jerked up from her crouched position as she dropped her handful of water. Cora! To me, quickly! Cora scrambled to her hooves, slipping on the rounded stream rocks. Kehrilo watched the interlopers as they approached.

Genefit, who was easily able to befriend another being, greeted the two newcomers. "Hello."

Cora looked at the horse and then at Kehrilo. Kehrilo jerked back startled as the strangers horse greeted her and Cora, she nodded her head in reply as Cora nickered arching her neck forward to bump noses with the horse.

"Hello. I notice you are one of the wanted." Urutus stated, her face still concealed behind her hood.

The blacksmith strolled out of the maintenance room and steadily handed Rain her new longbow, and boy, how gorgeous it was! It was sleek, smooth, and long, obviously; light in Rain's grip, it was easily portable; and the wood was the best shade of ivory, Rain could not imagine losing it. "It's beautiful," Rain commented, smiling. The blacksmith nodded and resumes his business.

Rain finally turned to the girl and beckoned her over to a corner. "What do you mean, 'they're coming'?" she hissed, but soon, Rain knew by the distant galloping of hooves. "Oh."

Kehrilo stiffened and looked at the girl supisiously. "What do you mean?" She quickly asked, masking any emotion with seeming indiference.

"I do not have the poster. but we are both on it, and we are both wanted indivuduals. Have you seen the poster in town?" Urutus said, quite quickly and in a "hard" voice.

Kehrilo gulped and nodded.

"Humph," Rain muttered, examining her bow, "I need some items." She trudged back over to the blacksmith and asked, "Do you sell any supplies that can go with your weapons, by any chance?" The blacksmith laughed and put on a cap, saying, "Why, in fact, I do! It's all in the back, miss." He jerked his thumb in the direction of the maintenance room. Rain nodded and entered the maintenance room.

Surprisingly, it was quite big, for somewhat of a small business. Weapons and such lined the walls. Everything seemed to be where it should. And then, Rain caught sight of them. There were arrows - wooden ones with silver feathers - and a quiver. She beamed up at them, snatched them, and strutted up to the blacksmith, reaching for more Horseshoes in her pocket. "No need, miss," the blacksmith said, grabbing her wrist. Rain narrowed her eyes, longing to say, Get your meaty hands off of me, but instead, the blacksmith said, "You have paid enough for your new weapon, and I believe that payment is enough for the whole package. Next time, however-" He wagged a fat finger at Rain, "-I expect some coins."
"Two are better than one. Travel buddies?" Urutus asked.

Stormy picked up a cutthroat cutlass sword, one that was commonly used by pirates, and one that she was used to. She stared in awe at the dragon engraved designs that graced the short blade. She would need a throwing dagger, but this was already better then she could have hoped for. She grabbed a few other knifes and a scabbard for her sword. She put a bag of money on the counter and walked to the door. She creased her brow in thought, considering her next words, although the approching hoof beats didn't suggest she had a lot longer.

"Listen, the guards are going any second. We don't really stand a chance apart... What do you say? Partners?" She clenched her teeth, not knowing what to expect, and waited.

"Sure," Rain said without hesitation, "Partners."

Kehrilo looked at the girl, evaluating her. "Yes. I am Kehrilo, this is Cora, you are?"

"Ok." Stormy looked towards the woods, where she could just see the metal glint of the guards armor.

"We should get going." She hopped on General and watched as the girl mounted her horse.

"I'm Stormy by the way, and this is General."

Urutus nodded. "Urutus. Name is Urutus. This is Genefit."

Kehrilo nodded, "Please to meet you, and I recommend either we go now or go after the deer and finish it off."

Urutus nodded, and began searching for the blood trail on the other side of the river.

"Rain," Rain said, introducing herself, "and Abauro." She patted her horse on the neck as they whipped around and sped off, careful to keep Stormy and General by them.

"Nice to meet you." Stormy yelled through the wind. She cluched General's mane and looked ahead at the long, wavering feild infront of them.

"Can your horse fly?" She asked, trying to figure out what to do.

"Well," Rain began, "sometimes it seems as if she can, but sadly, I think she is unable to, at the moment."

Stormy puzzled over what she meant by that.

"Would you be better shooting from the sky or ground, that is if you can shoot on a running horse?" She looked back behind her at the dark salutes in the distance. "Because the guards are catching, and we have to do something."

"If General can fly," Rain started, recovering her longbow and quiver full of arrows, "you best shoot from above. That way, if they try to ambush us from the sky, you can take care of it. I'll stay here on the ground, and fend off these ones." she notched her longbow, concentrated, and fired a long, slender, silver-feathered arrow straight at one's chest, sending him flying off his horse. "...Unless you'd like to help me."



"Alright." Stormy leaned forward and gently whispered in General's ear. He neighed enthusiastically and shot up into the air. Stormy pulled a plain bow from off her back and notched an arrow. Carefully, slowly, she turned around till she was sitting backwards on General.

"This is what I'm meant for." She whispered pulling the string back. She closed her left eye and focused on the tiny slit in the armor between the arm and chest plates. She released and quickly drew another. The arrow hit the man's chest, then bounced off pathetically. Stormy furrowed her brow in frustration, then pulled back again.

"Bye bye." She released again, and she could not help but feel satisfied when the guard grudgingly pulled the arrow from his shoulder.

The edges of Rain's mouth twitched up slightly as she heard Stormy take a shot. A guard tried to ram at them, but Abauro whipped around and kicked out her hooves, startling the guard's horse as well as himself. His horse reared and whipped around, speeding off into the distance with the guard barely hanging on. Good job, Rain chuckled telepathically, preparing for the next row of guards.

Kehrilo watched Urutus with somewhat envy.

Soon, Urutus came upon the deer, who was now still. She immediately pulled the arrow out, wiped it across her pants to get the blood off, and put it back in her quiver. She then got her knife out and sliced some of the best parts of the deer off.



Stormy released five more arrows, three hitting, before deciding to join Rain on the ground. General flew down to meet them and let Stormy off.

"I'm staying down here. I can get a few with a bow, but I can do better with a sword. General can manage himself, what about your horse?" Stormy questioned briskly.

Kehrilo blanched at the bloody sight then moved up to Urutus, "Nice animal you killed."

I looked down at Abauro. She snorted, Are you kidding? I could take out these chumps with my eyes closed! With that happy thought, Rain nodded and dismounted her horse. She notched her longbow and nodded at Stormy.

The corner of Stormy's lips twitched ever so lightly, she was glad that she had a partner. She pulled out her sword and held it to her side. Time to see if I'm out of practice. She thought to General. He watched her, waiting for a command. She nodded and charged forward with General by her side towards the five guards remaining.

The sun was setting, so after traveling a little ways from where the remains of the deer lay, Urutus set camp, and with a piece of flint, started a fire and started roasting deers chunks.

Rain jumped upon a tree branch, careful not to be seen, nor heard. Her bow blended in easily with the colors of the tree as she ran her fingers across her new weapon, feeling the power of it all. She stretched out her arm and fired an arrow, nailing a guard in the shoulder.

In the distance, the sun began to set peacefully. Urutus sighed a relief of the fact that it was so peaceful.

Stormy ran at the first guard, wielding her sword overhead for a strike. She plunged it down at her enemy, mustering all of the strength she could, taking out every bit of anger she had held in for all of the years. The guard jumped back in surprise, but not quick enough to avoid a vicious blow to his shoulder. He let out a strangled cry and fell to the ground, already getting paler. Stormy moved of and continued to knock out two guards, just to let them live. First, because she didn't want to kill, second because she wanted a challenge, to see if the army really could catch the assassin that had been kept up for so long, and was now free, to take revenge on those who denied her.

After shooting at the last two guards, Rain jumped down from her branch and settled her longbow back in its quiver. "I think that's the last of them," Rain began, wiping sweat off her forehead. She held out a hand in gratitude.

Stormy hesitated for e moment before gradually shaking her hand. She offered a small smiled before letting go.

"We should go. They will be here soon." She turned away and hopped on General, who was still hyped up on an adrenaline rush. You better be easy on me or your going to get a smack on the butt! Stormy thought to him when he reared up, preraring to buck.

Abauro, Rain hissed. Her horse soon emerged from the undergrowth, carrying a bruised, moaning guard on her back. That was fun, Abauro laughed, her eyes wide. Can we do that, again? Rain shook her head and laughed, gradually pushing off the guard and mounting Abauro. The guard groaned in pain has he landed with a thud on the ground, Rain, Abauro, Stormy, and General leaving him and his fellow guards in the dust.

Winter walked up to a small house just outside the forest. She had known Nightmare since she was young and when she saw he was wanted that didnt pleased her a bit. She knocked on the door and waited for Nightmare to answer it. But when he didnt answer she decided to enter and find him. He could be hiding since he is wanted. Winter thought entering the house.

As a guard snuck up behind Rain a small dagger whistled through the air and had hit the guard killing him. "Have to be smarter than those guards kid." a male said coming out of the shadows. He had black hair and bright blue eyes. He had a scar running down the left side of his face and wearing an eyepatch over his left eye.

Stormy turned around hearing a strange voice. A man stood behind Rain, and was looking at both of them. A casual, almost bored, expression marred his face, as if he was waiting for the moment of expected shock to pass.

"Who are you?" Stormy asked.

"I'm Nightmare, so what did you do to be wanted?" Nightmare asked. Suddenly a staff went down on his head making him turn and rub his head. "What did you do to get wanted?" Winter asked angrily. "Kazul! it's been a while! how you've been?" Nightmare said smiling at Winter. Instead of being hugged like he thought Winter gave hm another bash on the head. "DO NOT CALL ME THAT AGAIN! it's Winter! now then shall we find the other two? i've gotten rid of the other guards for you." Winter said smiling sweetly. Nightmare grumbled but didnt say anything else. A black stallion came up from behind Nightmare and nickered. "Oh be quiet Commodore!" Winter said to the stallion who went quiet real fast.

Stormy watched the two, leery.

"Rain, let's get out of here." She whispered, seeing a chance to escape as the two newcomers grumbled at each other.

Rain nodded, glancing back at the argument behind her, before kicking Abauro into a steady trot, soon revolving into a gallop. "Nightmare," Rain sneered, "and Kazul, or Winter, or whatever her name is."

Stormy snorted in digust. Why would that guy be wanted? How did he know she was wanted? And what kind of advice did he think he was giving?! Stormy searched through her mind, trying to recall the faces on the poster. She only had known four of them, because she had only seen four.

"NIGHTMARE! you scared them off! great now i have to go look for them again. Watching those two and another two is quite interesting. Come on Halt let's go." Winter said getting on Halt. "When did you return Winter? And do your aunt and uncle know your back?" Nightmare asked using Winter instead of Kazul. "No they dont know and i'd like to keep it that way too. I came back a few days ago now then if you excuse me i have to go find those four kids." Winter said as she and Hat trotted off. Nightmare followed them knowing he'd have to keep an eye on her. "I might as well join you, for a bit anyway." he said sighing.

Kehrilo looked at the girl across the fire. "So...um, what are you doing in this area?" Kehrilo finally asked.

"Just traveling through. See where the road takes me. You?" Urutus said.

"Eh, " Kehrilo fell briefly silent as she pondered the question, "looking for someplace safe I guess..." She looked into the dancing flames, her blue eyes caculating yet in turmoil.

The moon rose high, and Urutus curled up into a ball and fell asleep on the cold ground, as which cause she had no blankets.

Winter and Nightmare followed a trail by moonlight and soon came across a clearing. "Might as well camp for the night. We'll have to take turns standing guard so no guards find me with you Nightmare." Winter said getting down from Halt. Nightmare rolled his eyes. Kazul has changed a lot since that day. he thought shaking his head.

Kehrilo stared into the fire, listening to the mocking laugh it made as it ate up the wood. She looked over at her sleeping travel companion.And then her gaze darted over to Cora. Whatcha think Cora? Cora yawned and laid her neck down by Kehrilo. They seem nice. Cora then sighed and fell asleep.

Genefit stood guard over Urutus; the two had decided that they would take turns guarding.

"Let's go set up camp," Rain suggested, finding a nice clearing in the distance.

"We should stop here and make camp." Stormy remarked looking up at the moon. She guessed it was midnight. She slid off General's back, moaning inwardly when she put her saddle sore, stiff legs to work. She tried her best to walk normally, but couldn't help but seem a little stocky. She laid out all of her items, once sitting down, in front of her, pondering what to do with each of them. She was grateful she had at least one blanket.

"I think we should skip a fire tonight, we don't want to be caught, especially by those two lunatics. It's not that cold anyway." She lifted her hand to the air, considering the mild breeze as it blew at her face.

"It's accttually kinda nice." General walked over to her and nuzzled her shoulder, sending her a picture of an apple.

"I don't have many Gen, can we wait till we find more food?" She rubbed her horses nose, and smiled softly at him. He shook his head, but walked a few feet away towards the other horse.

Rain nodded to Abauro and dismounted her. "Well, we best search for some supplies," Rain suggested. She recovered all that she could muster out of her knapsack and saddlebag, but they still needed more.

General, right? Abauro asked, smirking, as she saw General approaching. I'm Abauro.

"Yeah, while the moon is still high anyways." Stormy grunted and got up. "We'll be back in a bit General." She waved to her horse, then turned to Rain. "Want to leave your horse here?"

General nodded his head and nickered in greeting. Nice to meet you, Abauro. He shook his mane, trying to shake off the bits of dew that were forming on the thick strands of hair. Do you like the cold?



Rain turned to Abauro, who nodded hurriedly, and turned back to Stormy. "I guess we'll have to travel on foot," she sighed, getting up and walking off with Stormy.

Yes, Abauro nickered. In fact, one of my favorite landmarks in North of North are the Midwinter Mountains.

General watched as the two girls walked away, then turned back to Abauro. I love it there. Have you ever been to Valeryk Castle? It's bueatiful inside. They have skating rink and a wonderious ice library. He stared at her, curious, and avoided the question that was the most important.

Yes, I have, Abuaro chuckled. Her eyes suddenly became distant as she added, Though, I have not been there in a long time.

Halt wandered through the forest with Commodore talking telepathically. Well what have you been up to Halt? Commodore asked as they walked. Not much, just trying to stay by Winter at all times but not ding very well. Halt replied talking for the first time in a long time. Well what do wehave here Halt? Two horses and two girls. Should we tell Winter and Nightmare? Commodore asked looking at him. They're on their way Commodore. Sent image to Winter. Halt said before eating te fresh forest grass. Commodore did the same thing and with that they waited for their friends.

After gathering all her supplies, Rain nodded to Stormy and headed back to camp.

Interesting, Abauro muttered, nodding.

General nodded and turned to face her. Do you think the guards will catch us? I mean maybe not today, but ever?

Maybe, Abuaro answered after pondering it for a moment. She winked at him and chuckled, I don't think they'll catch us soon, though. We're too fast for them.

Kehrilo looked up and saw two shadowy figures moving about. Cora, wake up! Cora flicked an ear to show that she was awake. Tell me what are they? Cora smelled the air. Two horses.

General laughed. They were pretty bad when trying to "catch" us. He looked towards the woods, where two outlines were emerging from the shadows of the trees. That was fast. We better sleep.

Winter and Nightmare finally made it to where their horse friends were. "Jeez Commodore do you really have to walk this far from camp? You cold have been caught by those guards!" Nightmare whispered quietly. Winter walked to the clearing with Halt behind her Nightmare followed shaking his head. "YOU GUYS AWAKE?" Winter shouted happily. Nightmare had to stop the urge from slapping Winter across the face for being so loud.

Kehrilo jerked as the voice echoed through the woods. She quickly tossed some green vegitation on the fire sending smoke through the clearing. She coughed as she inhaled some smoke.

"Hey, Forsythia," said Cindra. "I just got a letter from my grandmother who wants me to visit her right now along with Zig and Zag. So Zig, Zag, and I will be gone with for a few days." "Okay, but can't I come along with you?" asked Forsythia. "I don't think so," said Cindra. "My grandmother likes things just the way she wants them, so she'll be pretty ticked off if I bring anyone else along." "All right then," said Forsythia. "I always did want to take a trip to the woods on my own." The next day, the bags were packed and the goodbyes were said, and then Cindra, Zag, and Zig left.

Forsythia went into the house where she got the neccessary stuff for her trip and then headed to the woods in Darkcomb Forest. It took about a day to reach it. She spent the next day hiking all over the paths and areas where there were no paths and watching the animals and stuff. As evening drew closer, she looked for a good place to set camp.

While she was walking, she heard some talking and movements. Wary, she stopped with ears perked up. There was talk that Wolf Riders were starting to show up again, and she was going to be on her guard, rumor or not. Forsythia walked forward a few steps. There was a fire burning with smoke rising. Through the haze she saw two human figures along with two horses. They were not Wolf Riders. "What do I do now?" Forsythia thought. "Stay back and go away, or make myself known?" She decided that she would introduce herself. And if the introduction turned to the worse, she was not going to go down without a fight.

Forsythia took a deep, confident breath, and then stepped into the clearing.

"WAKE UP!!!" Genefit whinnied into Urutus's head, also sending an image of the smoke and two riders plus two horses. Urutus immediately was up and on Genefit's back. The mare backed into the forest, hidden, concealed, then whispered into the the two horses' minds, "Greetings. What is thy business here?"

Kehrilo swung on Cora and backed into the woods also. Her head whipped around as a branch cracked under someones foot to the opposite direction of the strangers. Kehrilo stared at a horse. Cora we have company.... Tell Genefit. Cora nodded. Genefit, to your right, another horse.

I'm Commodore and this is Halt. Those two are WInter and Nightmare our friends. Who might you guys be? Commodore asked the horse.

Winter sighed as the smoke surrounded the clearing. She didnt want to use her staff but she would have to just to get rid of the smoke. She got out her staff and started twirling it like a fan would twirl and soon the smoke was gone. "Why is it whenever i try and make new friends they always want to run away?" Winter asked herself outloud while frowning at the two girls.

I'm Commodore and this is Halt. Those two are WInter and Nightmare our friends. Who might you guys be? Commodore asked the horse.

Stormy laid down her supplies along with her variety of fruits she had gathered with Rain.

"I could really use a smoked apple right now." She sighed longingly, then wrapped everything up in a bundle and set it on top of a rock. General suddenly started snorting and throwing his head around, he trotted up to Stormy and stared at her, fixing his terrified, imoble eyes on her.

"What is it?" She asked. General threw his head up to the sky, and then Stormy saw. There was a white, puffy cloud of smoke gathering around the treetops about three miles from where Rain and Stormy were.

"Rain, look." She pointed to the sky. "Should we go check it out? It could be the guards, or the other two weirdos." She looked back towards the sky, where the cloud continued to grow. She squinted her eyes at it, and gasped in shock when the entire cloud just disappeared.

"We should go."

In the clearing, Forsythia saw two girls and two horses. One girl was pale with brown hair and blue eyes, the other was tall with brown hair and purple eyes. The horses were a blue roan and a dark bay. Forsythia only stepped out halfway, the rest of her was still concealed in the bushes. Then she stopped and looked at them, waiting for them to make the next move.

"Good idea," Rain commented, throwing her stuff over her shoulder. "Abauro," she called aloud. What? We're having a conversation here! Rain jabbed her thumb in the direction of the sky as Abauro zoomed to her side. She mounted as they whipped around.

Stormy jumped on General and charged up to meet Rain.

"I'm going up to get a better look." General leaped into the air, a swirl of starlight dust shooting out of his hoofs as he became airborne. They flew up to the base of the clouds, where Stormy was able to see a fire blazing in a little clearing. There were several black smudges, a few she recognized to be horses, but she couldn't make anything else out. She and General returned to the ground to report what they saw.

"There's a fire and a few horses, I think there are people there, but it was hard to see."

Rain nodded as they watched Stormy and General ascend. "Well then, we have to do something about it." Abauro sniffed the smoke and shot foward toward the fire.

Stormy and General land beside Rain and gallop into the clearing together. There appeared to be an abandoned fire, with no smoke, and no one, around it. General sent Stormy a picture of several horses and humans in the shadows. She looked over to Rain to confirm that she got the same image, but something caught her eye before she had the chance.

"We are not going to hurt any of you, we just want to know what's going on." Stormy called out bravely. She didn't know why everybody was hiding, but she sure didn't like it. She turned to Rain and jutted her chin towards the bow that lay on her partner's back, telling her to bring it out incase. She rested her hand on her own weapon herself, being sure to be prepared for the worst.

Rain nodded and recovered her longbow in preparation.

With her bow at her side, Rain kicked Abauro into a trot. Hey, don't do that! I'll go when I please, Abauro protested, almost rearing. "Whoa," Rain sighed. She stroked her horse's mane in persuasion, and whispered, "Abauro isn't chicken, is she?" That straightened her up. With a fierce 'humph', Abauro proceeded recklessly into the forest.

Kehrilo watched the strange horses and riders approaching.

What do you think Cora?

Cora pawed the ground They're the same ones you argued with...

Kehrilo thought about this So they are wanted too?

Cora nodded, and with that Cora and Kehrilo stepped out of the woods towards the girls and there horses.

Stormy General followed Rain and Abauro into the clearing. A female and a horse suddenly appeared from the shadows, and Stormy gasped in shock when she saw who it was. She had to smile inwardly. So I guess she what the punishment was after all. She bit her tongue, trying to keep herself from verbalizing the words.

"Who else is here?" She asked instead, with the strange feeling that this person was not a threat.

Kehrilo gulped, and darted her gaze over to where Urutas and Genefit where.

"I won't speak for others." She quickly said meeting Stormy's gaze.

"Then will the others speak?" Stormy asked, growing restless.

"I don't know." Kehrilo replied feeling awkward.

Urutus furrowed her eyebrows. She didn't want to travel in too large a band, and the more friends she made, the more betrayals. But if she abandoned them all now.....that she made friends...oh well. Take chances and see what happens. "Hello." and Genefit stepped out.

Rain studied the two girls and their horses with precaution.

Stormy watched as another person and horse stepped out. She had seen her and her horse in town, but hadn't talked to them.

"May I ask what was going on? And are there any others here?" Stormy questioned slowly, shifting her gaze between the two newcomers.

"Going on? Err, just us trying to get some rest! Which was so rudely interupted by them" Kehrilo pointed at Kazul and Shadow, then turned back to Stormy, "Which is why we, where back there. And they will someday get payback, I count my rest as sacred, see? So don't interupt it!"

"I see." Stormy nods her head slowly, eying her as if she were crazy. She turned her head to the two referred to as "Kazul and Shadow". She widened her eyes, taken aback to see that it was the same girl she had talked to just earlier that day.

"Fancy seeing you here." She smiled to her and then turne

d to the male. "Any others?"

Kehrilo smirked as she saw Stormy's response. She turned around and looked around. "So, um. I'm Kehrilo! You are?"

Stormy turned back to the girl, getting rather annoyed that her question had still not been answered.

"Stormy." She replied sharply through gritted teeth. "Is anybody else here?" She asked again, straining her words.

"You really shouldn't be surprised I'm around," Winter answered yawning. Nightmare looked around before replying: "nope there's no one else around unless you count the horses and wildlife."

"Err," Kehrilo was taken back, "I dunno..." She blinked and slipped off of Cora her knees bending as she hit the ground.

Rain sighed.

Urutus eyed them all. "I'm already lost with confusion of what all of you just said. So, who is who exactly?"

Stormy rolled her eyes and sighed exasperatedly.

"I'm Stormy, and this is Rain." She pointed to Rain, who seemed just as irritated.

"I can speak for myself, thanks," Rain proclaimed, dismounting Abauro, "And Abauro." I can speak for myself, thanks, Abauro mimicked, nudging Rain aside.

Urutus nodded.

Stormy sighed and slid off of General's back.

"And this is General."

Kehrilo chewed her lower lip, "This is Cora... " She said gesturing to the horse.

Forsythia stepped out of the trees. "I'm here."

"And another!" Stormy through her arms up in the air. "Please tell me that's all?"

"I dunno!" Kehrilo cried out.

I'm Winter and this is Halt." Winter said as Halt walked up beside her. "I'm Nightmare and this is Commodore." Nightmare said looking past Stormy and General, "I think we have company Winter." Winter looked towards the place where Nightmare was looking and she scream. There standing underneath a tree was a female who was suppose to be dead years ago.

Kehrilo looked at the lady then looked at Winter. "Uh... lemme guess you two, aren't on the best of terms?"



Stormy and General turned simultaneously towards what Nightmare and Winter were looking at. A female stood in the shadows of a tree, glaring at them through bright yellow eyes.

"Who are you?" Stormy asked cautiously, once again putting her hand on her sword's hilt.

Kehrilo sighed feeling annoyed and her head was satarting to hurt, then suddenly her body convulsed and she let out a loud hiccup. "That wasn't me!" She quickly said then hiccuped again.

"No we're not on the best of terms are we Winter?" the female said glaring. "YOUR SUPPOSE TO BE DEAD! HE KILLED YOU! and why are your eyes yellow, Kat?" Winter asked looking closely at the female's eyes. Nigtmare couldnt help but grin at Winter's sudden mood change. Still have those sudden mood swings huh Winter? he thought to himself. "Well i survived and i followed you here to this weird place. I shouldnt be surprised that you lived here. After all you are a weirdo." Kat said taking out her staff. Winter did the same and with that they fought.

Kehrilo blinked and looked at the two females. She sighed then opened her mouth. "STOP"-hiccup-"IT! BOTH OF YOU!"

"Wow, you guys sure are loud," said Forsythia,.

"err, Hi!" Kehrilo said turning towards the horse.

As Winter and Kat fought Nightmare watch silently. She's quite good with that staff of hers. But they are loud and that could give us away. he thought. He took out a throwing knife, aimed and threw it. The throwing knife went straight towards it's target the tree between the two females. Winter jumped back as well as Kat. "I'll get you when your friends arent around Winter." Kat said as she ran off.

Stormy took her hand off her sword and turned to glare at Winter.

"What were you thinking???!!!?!? The guards are already after us, and with how loud that little fiasco was they're bound to be on there way!" She sighed angrily and put her hand on her head.

"We have to go, now! Let's just figure out what to do, like do we go together or stay apart at we were, but, the guards are going to come in thicker strands, it might be best to join." Stormy couldn't believe what was coming out of her mouth, she hated groups! It caused for slow progress and betrayal, but what choice did they have? She could already hear the distant hoofs of the guard's horses.

"She's right Winter, did you forget all that your father tought you?" Nightmare whispered into Winter's ear. Winter smacked Nightmare on the head with her staff. "You ever talk about my father, I'll hand you over to the guards!" Winter screamed angrily. Halt trotted up to Winter and tried to comfort her. "Come on Halt, I have to find that guy before it's too late. See you later guys." Winter said as she mounted and galloped off. "Remind me the next time we see her, Commodore, to keep my big mouth shut." Nightmare said rubbing his head.

Stormy watched in silence as she rode off. She is an emotional wreck, it's better that she is gone. She turned to Nightmare and thought.

"You still up for it? Or are you going to go chase your physco friend?" She jumped onto General's back and waited for him to reply.

"I'm better off with you guys. Winter has been through too much for the past two and a half years, so she'll be a bit psyco. But one thing is for sure, you wont find her it'll be her that finds you." Nightmare added mounting Commodore. Commodore nickered an agreement, Winter wasnt on to anger and he knew that.

Stormy glanced at Rain, silently asking her if they should join.
Kehrilo looked around, "wow. how impressive. I shall now go back to sleep, the gaurds are coming at the worng angle to see us, how sad." She then retreated a bit further into the woods

"Wait!" Stormy sighed, unbelieving of the words that were about to come out of her mouth. "Will you and, Urutus, join Rain and I?"

"Err..." Kehrilo looked at Urutus. "Excuse us for a moment." She gestered to Urutus to go further back a bit away from everyone.

"Whoa Genefit.." The mare slid to a halt. They were barely in sight of the other. Urutus waved her hand, signaling them to hurry the crud up, because at that moment, the guards were coming forth; and they were coming not in a large group, but in spread out small groups of two; immediately they saw the whole group, and even Kehrilo and Genefit.

"Ooh, boy." Kehrilo groaned. "They must of seperated, they obviously heard us and thus plan on circling us. So I recommend that we head in different directions." Kehrilo barked out as she swung on Cora.

Urutus nodded, and then Genefit galloped off, like a streak.

"Come on!" Stormy called to Rain, pressing her knees against General's side and kicking. They flew off into the woods, running away blindly. The only thing Stormy was focusing on was making sure Rain was close. They whipped and weaved through the trees, jumping over fallen longs with only a blur of they're legs. Stormy would take off into the air, only the guards might shoot, and she might loose Rain, which, she didn't want to do since she had such skill with a bow, Stormy needed her for that very reason.

Rain mounted Abauro and kicked her into a gallop. Abauro immediately responded, shooting off after Stormy and General like lightning. Every once and awhile, Rain would glance here and there for any guards, but none of them could attack, nor catch up, at this speed. Rain kept her eyes on Stormy, determined to keep her within eyeshot.

Kehrilo blinked, slightly dazed. She then kicked Cora into a flatout gallop heading straight towards the guards. She laughed insanely then just as she was about to ram into a guard and his horse Cora veered into the underbrush and vanished leading the gaurds away from everyone else.

Urutus looked behind her; she saw Stormy and Rain, but where was Kehrilo? "Genefit, I say we group up with Kehrilo." Genefit easily veered to the left(which unseated Urutus a bit), and shot through the forest, her nostrils looking for the scent of Cora.

Stormy and General continued running through the forest, going towards what Stormy believed was East. She raised her head, trying to get a visual on anything ahead, when she was suddenly yanked off General's back. She landed harshy on the ground, and felt a searing pain in her ribs. She knew it was not broken, but what she was worried about was what had caused her to fall off. She stood up, moaning, and watched helplessly as General dashed away into the darkness. He'll figure it out in a minute. She turned around and scanned the shadows around her. What yanked me off? A russle in the leaves to her left caught her attention, and she twisted around, alert to whatever it might be.

"I thought one of you would try this." Came a deep voice from deep in a bush. She pulled out her sword, and watched, terrified, as two huge guards came out of the shadows.

Abauro skidded to a halt, making Rain slide back a bit in the saddle. To her dismay, she saw Stormy lying on the ground in pain, next to two guards. Rain narrowed her eyes and led Abauro by a nearby tree, boiling up a plan.

What are we doing? Abauro pondered curiously as Rain swooped into a tree. You'll see, Rain assured her.

Kehrilo looked over her shoulder, 18 guards, were where the other two? Cora since Kehrilo was turning Cora started to turn also. "Cora!" Kehrilo yelped. The guards started to gain ground. "argh" Kehrilo muttered to herself. If there where 4 I could grab a branch and swing off of Cora... Cora! to the right! Go under the lowest branches you can without knocking me off! Kehrilo looked over her shoulder at the guards stringed out behind her. Suddenly Cora veered, Kehrilo wrapped her arms around Cora's neck and flattened her back. She felt a rough scrap on her back. Then she heard neighs of pain and shouts, as the gaurds rammed into each other. Ah, stupidity, what a wonderful tool to use against your enemies, make them think your an idiot then lead them away and show that they where the idiots. Kehrilo laughed then nudged Cora on, heading in the general direction she saw her new companions heading. "Lets see... Stormy and Rain headed at about 40 degrees west according to the sun, and Urutus headed...about 45 degrees South.. giving the probables of the slight changes of trees, I have no idea where they are." Kehrilo sighed.

Do you have to do that outloud? It's annoying. Cora grumbled.

Huh? oh sorry! You do want to be able to find them, right? Kehrilo snapped back.

ah duh.

Genefit halted on the top of an icy slope. She looked around. "I canno figure out where they- ah ha!" She canter-slid down the slope, as she had caught scent of the two in a breeze.

Stormy backed up, sizing up her new enemies. Let's see, armor all around. If I could get it in between the shoulder plate and helmet, Only they're so muscular, and I'm injured. Stormy concluding with defeat. She but her lower lip, preparing for the battle and possibly last to come.

Kehrilo and Cora galloped along, Kehrilo giggling at the stupidity of the guards. When suddenly she caught sight of Urutus and Genefit

Genefit trotted up to Cora. "How did you and your rider fair?" She asked the other mare.

Cora replied Quite well, all things considering. Kehrilo is insane! Kehrilo sighed and turned to Urutus, "So, shall we find the others?"

urutus nodded, "let's ride.'

"Aren't all humans crazy?" Genefit nicker-snickered.

Cora tossed her head in agreement.

"Alright. We'll have to find there tracks." Kehrilo said.

"Yes. And Cora and Genefit might be able to smell the other horses too!"

"True, Shall we go?" With out waiting for a reply Kehrilo nudged Cora forward into a trot.

Genefit kept right in tune with the other mare's trot.

Distraction, Rain proclaimed, notching her bow. Abauro nodded and began hollering, Hey, knuckleheads, look over here! Rain smiled as her horse danced frantically, catching the attention of one guard. The other one stood posted by Stormy, but got sidetracked by Abauro, giving Rain enough time to shoot him in the chest. He collapsed to the ground, clutching his chest before perishing. The good news was that his partner hadn't noticed his death; the bad news was that he realized Rain up in a tree. "Hey, you - little-" Unable to finish his sentence because of Abauro, Rain fired an arrow at him, but narrowly missed and instead hit a tree near Stormy. "Oops," Rain said distastefully.

Forsythia swung her head in the direction of the guards. "Oh, no, you guys have guards attached? I hope you and them aren't part of the same package." She pawed the ground. "Well, I'm not a fugitive like you guys seem to be, but since those guards to seem to be likely to reason and listen to explanations right now, it's disappearing time." Slowly, the palomino seemed to melt away.

"Whoa," Rain mumbled as she watched the strange horse disappear instantly.

Kehrilo and Cora cantered through the woods, Kehrilo near to Coras neck, then she sat up, moving with the motion, Kehrilo took a quick glance around then frantically tried to duck as she noticed a large branch right at nose level coming swiftly at her. She failed, hit her brow on the branch and landed with a thump on the ground behind Cora.

"Ow." She slowly got up as Cora came trotting up to her.



Stormy's eyes followed the arrow as it hit the tree behind her.

"Watch it!" She shouted at Rain. Seeing her chance while the guard was distracted, Stormy lunged forward, driving the blade of her sword straight through the armor of the guard, killing him instantly. That's the good thing about these swords, they're straight and narrow, perfect for that. Stormy grinned to herself, then turned to Rain.

"Thanks." She said, watching as the girl swung down from the branches.

Halt and Winter cantered back to the castle. Winter needed to warn the Guards of Kat, before Kat attacked someone other than Winter. "Captain! there's another staff fighting in the area. You might want to warn your other guards cause she's not a good guy. She'll be all over North of North since she's not welcomed back at the Staff Fighters School anymore." Winter said before turning back towards the outskirts of town and galloped off.

Genefit halted, and waited for the others. When they caught up, genefit started trotting again. "Are you alright?" Urutus asked.

"Eh, yeah. Although my head hurts." Kehrilo rubbed a bruise on her forehead.
"Ditto," Rain breathed, swooping down from the branches and putting her weapon back behind her. She wipde the sweat off her forehead and chuckled, "Y'know, I didn't really mean to...almost hit you," She turned around and giggled quietly, "Perhaps."

"Good." Genefit whickered suddenly, and picked up a quick-beated canter. She dove inbetween a thicket of trees, then slid to a halt, and nickered triumphly a they had found Stormy and Rain and their steeds. "Nice job, Genefit." Urutus took in the surroundings, "Well, those guards learned a lesson."

Forsythia reappeared. "Are they gone now? Okay, if they are, good! I have a question. Why in the world were they after you?"

Abauro flicked her tail and nickered, Look who's here!

Rain looked up to see Urutus and Genefit and smiled, beckoning them over. She then turned to Forsythia and said, "Because..." Rain sighed, unable to finish the sentence. She glanced at Urutus, and then turned back to Stormy. Kneeling, she asked, "I heard something..." She trailed off, referring to Stormy's injury. She then resumed, "What happened?"

Abauro glanced at Stormy with moderate concern. Despite this, she trotted over to Genefit and nickered, I don't think we've officially met. My name's Abauro. Genefit, right?

"Because?" Forsythia prompted. She flicked her white tail and waited.

Rain slowly turned back to the mysterious horse, studying her steely eyes. She turned to Urutus and Stormy as if asking permission to tell her, but instead proclaimed, "It's none of your business." She sighed and added, "Who are you, anyway? And why did you even...become somewhat invisible if not intending to help us?"

Kehrilo swung on Cora, grumbling about her head and followed after Urutus and Genefit. "Hey Rain, Stormy."

"Well, those guards didn't look very friendly," Forsythia said, shrugging her shoulders. "I was just taking a short 'vacation' in the woods as my friends Cindra, Zig, and Zag are visiting Cindra's grandmother and I don't have anything else to do. And I'm not going to say anything unless you tell what that guard incident was all about. Are you bad guys or thieves or something?"

Kehrilo nearlychoked on her sylvia. "If we where bad guys, you would be, like... gone!"

"Pleased to meet you, Abauro." Genefit repleid.
Urutus pat the mare's neck.

"I'm not sure exactly.." Stormy said as General came rushing up beside her. "One moment I was on him, and then something yanked me off and I was on the ground next to those two chumps." She jutted her chin towards the still forms in front of them, now wondering if it was one of them who had pulled her off, or something else?

Rain nodded slowly, pondering what it could be. "The guards themselves, maybe?" Rain pointed out.

[ponyiowa]

Forsythia replied, "I would not be gone! I'm tougher than I look!" She pawed the ground to emphasize her point.

[Kai]

Kehrilo blinked. "Okay! Okay! Calm down! But really, if we where b-aaaaa-d you wouldn't be talking to us." Kehrilo petted Cora as she snorted to Forthysia.

[ponyiowa]

"Why not?" Forsythia asked.

[Kai]

Kehrilo sighed. "Because we would've.... um.... disposed of you, and we wouldn't be speaking! Because if we where bad... we would've made sure, you wouldn't tell anyone about... us" Kehrilo thought about what she had just said and turned bright red.

[ponyiowa]

"Nuh-uh!" Forsythia retorted.

[Kai]

Kehrilo sighed, "We do out number you. Ten to one aren't really the most desirable odds if we where bad."

[ponyiowa]

"True, but I bet I still would be able to beat you guys," Forsythia replied huffily.

[Kai]

"Okay, Okay! no need to get mad!" Kehrilo attempted to calm Forsythia.

[ponyiowa]

Forsythia calmed down. "All right, what are we going to do? Are you guys planning to do something?"

[Kai]

Kehrilo thought it over. "Uh... I honestly have to say I don't know..."

[ponyiowa]

"Okay.... Let's say we start thinking up a plan, all right?" Forsythia tilted her head to one side as she concentrated. (Hey Rain, Stormy, Kazul? We need you here in this MPS!!!)

[Rain]

(Heh, well, for one, I don't think Kazul has joined yet.)

[Caitey]

(I'd join but I have no idea what's happening and how this works)