xx crossOVER.

[azul.]

S N Y P E R

I don't want to cross over, between this genre, that genre.

Ever since I left the Harbour, I became weaker and delirious. I kept seeing mom, or at least, I thought I did. The lack of milk was making my steps slow and tedious, but I found myself by a dark lake. I stared into it, at my gruesome, dished face, still smeared with the blood of my dead mother. I had imagined that I was a strong, healthy colt, after the meeting with the big black and white colt, but I honestly wasn't. Only my silent steps got be away fast enough before he went after me. Sighing so heavily, it rocked my body, I looked around, black-tipped auduals flicking around in the strange realm. The lake had a hazy background, black with trees, blocking out all the sun. I felt like I was being watched; I probably was.

I missed mom. She was so sweet, even if I knew her for only a few hours. She nurtured me, her dished crown wrapping around my shivering body. She licked me until I was clean, and she spoke to me. I saw a resemblance, in only one horse that I had met. She had that near coloring of... What was her name? Emmy, Emira, yes, Emira. My crown shook. Mom looked like Emira, minus the white sabino markings that the filly had. Where were they anyhow? Grimly, I thought that they were reporting to their fathers, back at home, that the son of a traitor was born... If only I knew this "traitor." Sighing again, I pawed at the lake's grimy water, snorting in dismay when my hoof slipped on the murky bottom.

I chewed on some bitter plants with a ravishing hunger, but it wasn't refilled right away. Still, I ate as much as I could before someone could come and find me. I lost concentration, my glittering, sapphire pools closing in fatique. I believed that I heard something coming, but it must have been my imagination.

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A
^{I'm your favorite baby girl.}

I stared off after the young colt with wonder clear in my eyes, who was he exactly? Could his father really be that bad, when his son was so sweet? Yes he was sweet – the only true equine I had met so far, none of the family back home had ever apologized for something that wasn’t their fault, and somewhere it touched me deeply. Was it a sign? Were there really other youngsters like me, who weren’t evil? I was curious – so curious that not even my iron bond to the older colt at my side could hold me back as I set in a trot after the young Snyper.
Tracking him was the hard part, the only two leads I had to follow was the scent of blood, and of him – but both was fading rapidly and I knew I had to hurry. I wandered for what seemed like an eternity, before I spotted him standing alone – what was he doing? I let out a trying whinny – announcing my arrival without scaring him. But I was scared myself – really scared – I had never crossed any borders without my brother, and I had left him behind in my hurry. The musky scent of stallion, mare and foal drifted in my nostrils, and I ducked slightly as realization hit me: we had wandered straight into another stallion’s territory.

“Uh Snyper, are you sure this is safe?”

I asked in a tiny tone – afraid to make the least noise that could attract the king of this realm.

[lynx'']

I N T R E P I D

My harks pricked high as Synper took off without warning, he hadn't given me a chance to reply to all of his questions. I was annoyed he had dissapeared without saying goodbye, so I stamped my hooves into the soft turf underfoot in a 'paddy' I wasn't used to being tret this way. I snorted Snyper! Emira! Wait Up! I bucked high, and set off in a fast canter after the pair. This was the first time Emira had ever left my side, and it was to follow Snyper, had the time come already for her to find a lover? Could it really be as soon as this? Mommy and Daddy had warned me that one day she would leave my side, but they spoke of it like it was years away.
I easily caught up with her, and gave her a playful nip on the shoulder, i squealed, and carried on. However, it was easily noticed when we crossed a border into anothers land. I stopped dead, all the laughter, warmth and happiness dissapeared from the air, here, it was musky, silent, much like it was at home, back at Hollow Woods, I slowly pushed myself infront of Emira to protect her if anything came for us. If anything happens, just run, run back home and tell daddy. I whispered to my sister. Bumping her nose gently, then i stepped forward, so i could see Snyper. Who lives here? What brought you here colt? I asked, very curious of why he had come here.

[/sup][/color]

[azul.]

S N Y P E R

Between you and I, is where I want to cross over.

I thought I was alone. The ever-growing fear that I was being watched was well-lived when I heard an ear splitting whinny. My skin shivered, and I jumped in fright, before I even looked back. I still continued to eat the bitter plant, and when I finished, my crown tipped towards the noise, ever so slightly. I didn't recognize her at first, but when she spoke, my mind clicked on, and my mouth opened in astonishment. It was Emira. She had followed me to some unknown place, with her brother behind her. My eyes turned cold at the sight of the paint colt, but I stared at Emira, and replied cautiously.

"Nothing's safe. Life isn't safe."

I explained quietly, closing my eyes to savor the memory of my mother, before I heard the colt speak. I glared at him in anger, feeling my whole body bristle. I didn't respond to him though, keeping my back turned to them, but after a few passing moments, I faced them, my thin body stiff. I remained quiet, my patience wearing thin as I stared at the two. I heard what the colt said to Emira. He was being a tough guy again. I snorted, annoyed with the whole situation, when my auduals caught another sound. Immediately, I wheeled my small body around, staring at the other edge of the lake. Like a ghost, a dappled body appeared, with a darker form beside it. I backed away frightfully, then grew interested as the stallion spoke.

R I K U

All along, I was searching for, My Lenore.

I had long since patched things up with Jaliya, and Einjeru was off exploring quietly, like the angel she was. Jaliya followed beside me, as we strolled through the realm, normally bleak and quiet, but today was obviously different. I heard a yell, auduals perked, my dished crown raising up to scent the air. I heard more voices, and could see a faint figure, across the edge of the lake. It had to be Africa. She had gone to foal, and I hadn't seen her again after that, so I wondered what became of her child. Glancing over at Jaliya, I nuzzled her neck, and strode towards the interrupting group. I silently approaching the buckskin foal that stared back at me, his face bloodied. My sapphire eyes glittered, widening, and I glanced back at Jaliya curiously, my eyes questioning.

Behind him were two other foals. From the way that the young paint colt spoke, he was a prince of some sort. The filly, she was like Einjeru. Still, I stared at the buckskin colt, my neck remaining arched, but something else caught my lingering attention. His eyes, were the exact same shade as mine! I started up, approaching him regally, speaking so quietly, I wasn't sure if he could hear.

"You... What is your mother's name? Is it Africa?"

I asked the trembling youngster. He swallowed hard, and nodded. From the bloodied face, the outcome was grim. I swallowed, clenched my jaw, and glanced over at Jaliya, then the two other foals, siblings by the looks of it. I spoke no more, but remained still.

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A
^{- I'm your favorite baby girl.}

My light ears tipped back as my brother came out of the blue, it was nice to have him by my side again – my protector! I turned my head slightly sideways as Snyper spoke, why wouldn’t life be safe? Life was a gift! I opened my mouth, wanting to tell him so – but his forceful reaction interrupted me and my orbs flew to the other side of the lake. I froze completely, a ghost! My eyes widened to huge teacups – until I realized that it was a equine of flesh and blood. Did that really make it any better? It was a stallion – and his mare, and we were on HIS territory! I ducked down again, making myself as tiny as possible; until the ghost spoke. Africa? Who was that? A glint of sapphire caught my eye, and I stared from the grey stallion to the buckskin colt – was this Snyper’s dad? I shivered.[/size]



; J a l i y a

It had been so peaceful the last couple of days, slowly the anger and frustration over Riku had vanished; and now I was just happy having him by my side. Perhaps it had something to do with the other mare not showing up again, my king had been worried – I could sense it, and somewhere it still pained me. But what done is done, and I was just happy to live with him and our beautiful silent angel. The peace was interrupted by yelling and a whinny; Riku’s reaction confirmed my fears – could it be his other mare, and their foal? But the comforting nuzzle on my neck dulled my fear, he wouldn’t leave me – and I followed him in a curious pace.

The sight that met us was quite.. unusual, three youngsters – two older than the last. Sapphire glinting in the sun caught my eye immediately; and I let out a low gasp – was this Riku’s son? Jealousy clouded my mind for a moment, where was his mother? My ears flew back to rest against my neck for a second, before I came to my senses. I studied the two others instead, a black&white colt – and a sabino filly, who were they?

“What brings youngsters like you, to Riku's realm?”

My soft tone rang out; not unfriendly, just questioning and curious.

[lynx'']

I N T R E P I D

I shivered slightly, but my mood continued to stay annoyed as this colt tret me like crap. I had done nothing wrong, i had simply been myself. He ignored my questions, yet replied to Emira's. I snorted sharply and took a samll step forward, I didn't want enimies at my age, i'd have to live with them forever. However, my step forward was diverted to one to the side as i followed his gaze across the lake. A ghostly white figure stood watching us. Was this the king of the terra? I swallowed and backed up. I was scared, this stallion coulde asily kill all three of us and probly swallow us whole. However, I made sure I stayed infront of Emira, no one would touch her whilst i was alive.
however, he did not speak to us, it was to Snyper his words were directed. Africa? Who was that? His mother? Was this Riku? Why did daddy and him not get along? I wanted to ask so many questions, but i was too gobsmacked to say a word. However, when the mare stepped forward and spoke, i felt my confidence light up a little. If she dared speak without being asked to, I guessed this stallion would be okay. I swallowed again, then took the tinyest step forward and spoke to her Me and my sister followed Snyper here. He's looking for his daddy.

[/sup][/color]

[azul.]

S N Y P E R

Cross the line.

My interest in the dappled male grew even more when he spoke the direct name of my mother. It wasn't a guess. He knew her. What was even more, his eyes shined like mine. The shades could have been the same, but when I nodded, the dappled male's facial features grew shrouded, and he looked away. I wanted to catch his eyes again, but he looked back at his partner, a pretty arabic mare. While the stallion's attention wandered, I rolled my eyes backwards, my crown tipping to the left to stare at Emira and the black and white colt. Again, I bristled at the colt's curiousity. Just a minute ago, he'd been speaking of my father like he was a poor creature! He certainly didn't look like one- Wait. Maybe this wasn't my father. I was jumping the gun.

Still, I looked at the two painted foals, and curved my body, as if blocking the stallion from the foals, or vice versa. I curiously stared at the stallion, and the bay mare he was with, his mate? She spoke with sweet words, like mom did. Ri-ku. Riku. His name's Riku. My father. My mind buzzed on the large, finely sculpted stallion being my father, but I turned to answer the bay mare, after the colt did. Though I came up with quite a few sharp words for the black and white colt's response, I responded respectfully, trying to mask the sarcasm in the lie.

"They followed me. I, wanted to meet my dad, before I died, to join mom. She, uh, died right after she had me. I carry a part of her. I guess you know her. Africa, my mom. So you, are my dad, aren't you?"

The confidence was sucked away from me as I told the two older horses about my mother's death. I barely finished speaking, my voice hardly above a whisper. The hardest thing for me to say was asking if my suspicions were true. I stared at the dappled, ghostly figure as he listened to me, staring past me at the two younger foals. He appeared to be in a trance.

R I K U

Now I'm sober and nevemore.

From the reaction that the young, buckskin colt gave me, we were more alike than I thought. He investigated me, especially our matching eyes, and I snorted, the deep thought that I was consumed by breaking off. I glanced past the darkened colt at the pair, my eyes narrowing with a faint recognition. I shook it away, for a simple fact; I had remained in Black Lake for a month now, and I wouldn't have known the foals from anywhere else. Still, my mouth twitched, my dished crown tossing, a faint layer of whispy, flowing tassels shading my sapphire eyes. Stepping around the colt, I strode towards the sibling foals, and lowered my crown to stare at them both. My mouth twitched again, the corner pulling into an amused look; not quite a smile, but it was showing the approval of the youngsters.

"Snyper... And you two are?"

I questioned the two, my nostrils flaring, inhaling the two foal's scents, before returning to Jaliya's thin side. I gave another shake of my crown, my tassels slapping against my dappled neck for a few moments. Stretching my neck out, I gave Snyper a small bump, his rickity frame shaking. I snorted, and lipped at his mane, my eyes staring into his with that ever changing emotion. I remained theire for a moment, and nuzzled his bloodied face, as if the thought of Snyper carrying Africa's blood could comfort me. When it didn't, I glanced back to catch Jaliya's auduals flattening against her skull. I bumped her neck too, silently questioning her for the jealous act. Still, Jaliya was good natured, and I relaxed beside her, unashamed to nuzzle her cheek in front of the youngsters.

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A
^{- I'm your favorite babygirl.}


I peeked up from behind Intrepid, the two adult equines didn’t attack us; matter of fact they spoke with soft words, and I couldn’t help but like them. A trying small smile surfaced on my lips, we had found Snyper’s daddy! However the next words spoken by Snyper, dulled my happiness. He needed food, needed nutrition from warm milk to survive, while I and treppy both had a mom to seek out for food – he didn’t. I sighed and dropped my head slightly, why did the only other baby (except for my brother) I felt good to be around, have to die? I raised my crown as the grey stallion spoke again, he came closer – ending up standing between us and Snyper.

“I’m Emira! I’m sorry for just wandering in on your territory sir, we were just playing.”

Tehe what would you say if you stood in front of a giant ghostly stallion? My tones were – if possible – more soft and silky than usual; and more that of a whisper than talk. I cast a glance towards the bay mare, she appeared to be okay – then moved my orbs on to Snyper, should we leave now that he found his daddy? I turned slightly to look at Treppy.

“Maybe we should head home now that he found his daddy, I think mommy, daddy and aunt Eris will be worried soon”

[/size]



; J a l i y a

I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed – really really embarrassed; of course I had to be jealous, and the poor colt’s mom was dead! I flattened my ears in shame for a moment, before walking quietly to Riku’s side again. I had to stop being selfish, she had been one of his mares – perhaps he loved her, and here I was; acting up, when he just found out she was dead. I reached over and nuzzled him gently, trying to show my apology through actions instead of words. I stared at the young colt for a moment or two, why would he die?
The thought of Serpent hit my mind suddenly; oh god the poor thing had no mom! I sent Riku a worried glance, of course I could take the youngster in, he was after all Riku’s offspring; but question was, would I have enough milk for both him and my little angel? My eyes flew to the young filly as she spoke, she was so tiny – and extremely cute, however the colt – my eyes skipped to watch him – I had some bad vibes about, where had I heard that tone before?

“Who are your parents?”

The name ‘eris’ didn’t ring any bells, so I hoped they were from a light herd – they had to be judging on the filly. I hadn’t in my wildest dreams imagined them to be twins though, for now I just thought them to be half siblings, with their different personalities.

[lynx'']

I N T R E P I D

[/size]

My stumpy tail flicked at a stray fly that landed on my hind, a soft snort escaped my muzzle. I listened to the conversation Snyper was having with his dad, then my head turned to Emira when she spoke, this time, i didn't mind that she had told her name, I knew we should not be cheeky to these adults. And i'm Intrepid, sir. Although i carried dark blood, nothing would stop me from paying respect to this stallion, we had just landed ourselves in his territory, he could of killed us, but instead, he gave us a chance. I shifted closer to Emira as the stallion came coloser, i did not knowe him, so, of course, i did not trust him just yet. I turned to the mare when she spoke. And i answered before Emira could, Our daddy is Chaos, the leader fo Hollow Woods, our mommy, Lakita, the queen. I spoke proudly of them, I snorted again and gave a little cough. My tone was not as dark as usual, prehaps i was picking up on some of Emira's acts. Oh well, never mind, i was happy just to be with her, and infact, i was quite happy here, talking with these horses.
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/sup][/color]

[azul.]

S N Y P E R

I just want to go further.

As my father questioned the other horse, I looked at the bay beside him, who looked a lot like my mom. My lips twitched, but I refrained from smiling. When I heard Emira speak, my sapphire eyes widened in disbelief. I whirled around to face them, but I didn't move from where I was. I just stared at Emira, resisting the urge to growl. That was a lie, even I knew that. I came here to run away from them, not play with them. My sapphire eyes sent a cold glare to Emira, but nothing else. I stayed quiet, but only for the reason that the sabino filly was nice. My harsh gaze remained on her, but I eventually looked up at my father, snorting. I wasn't asked a question; not only did that make me feel left out, but it felt like... I don't know. Instead, I stared back at Intrepid and Emira, and snapped out a retort.

"Yeah, you should run home. Your family's worried about you."

Even realized how bratty I sounded, but they had to know why. I glared at the twins, and snorted, before turning to the bay mare. Though my tone was laced with anger, from their family statement, I tried to hide it, my words beginning to churn out of my mouth with a nearly dul factor, but I was still curious, if not a little scared. Why I didn't speak to my father about this, and instead chose this bay mare, I don't know, but I did.

"Do I, um, have any brothers or sisters?"

I dropped the enigma phase for a minute. I was genuinely scared. I didn't know why, but the way I asked her, it was like pleading. I stared at her bay face, trying to prevent myself from breathing deeper, like I was panting.

R I K U

Will the raven come to bother me at home?

My gaze remained level on the two small foals, watching them with a fierce look, one that I couldn't lose, but I was still friendly. I wanted to look back at Jaliya to see if she had some of the suspicions that I had, but I refrained, because the bright filly spoke up. I smiled faintly, my eyes resting on hers. Not for very long, I might add. I heard a sharp retort come out of Snyper's mouth. For a moment, I wanted to reprimand him, but I barely knew him. I wanted to ask him why, then I knew why. He was upset about having no family, except for Jaliya and I. I snorted, and stared at Snyper with knowing eyes, but I wanted to tell him to stop. Still, the retort was followed up with Snyper's plea. I stared at the ground while he asked Jaliya of his brothers and sisters. I closed my eyes tightly. That was the same thing I'd asked when I was taken away from the islands, but without the brothers and sisters. Sora and Kairi. I sighed, and swallowed, looking at the two foals. I didn't know of the question that Jaliya asked, until the colt answered. That's when it hit me like a lead bullet. The breath caught in my throat, and I struggled to talk, filling up with a certain rage that only two have brought out in me.

"Your father, is Chaos, and your mother, is Lakita."

I struggled to keep my tone calm. My neck turned so suddenly, I heard a crack, and a faint urge of pain brought onto me, but I stared at Jaliya, the thought of Serpent surging into my crammed mind. I grimaced; the colt, I hadn't seen much of him, but he was abandoned, and was replaced with two who Lakita thought were better. That didn't make sense! The filly, Emira, she seemed light! I blinked in surprised for Jaliya's reaction, then Snyper's. He didn't have a clue, but I turned to the foals again, and spoke, before anyone could stop me.

"I think it'd be best if you two left, immediately. Your father and I aren't acquaintances. He and anything of him, is not welcome here. Now go."

This time, I didn't hold back the rage in my voice. My dappled, ghastly body trembled with fury, but I remained glued to the place in the ground. When I recieved no response from either foals, I took a menacing step forward, my thin, dainty auduals snapping back against my head. I bared my teeth, like a leader would do to an unruly foal. Only now, I had two unruly foals.

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A

Intrepid’s behaviour lifted my spirits a little; I liked this new side of him! A soft smile slowly spread on my pearly kissers, this Riku and his female seemed nice. But then things started to go downhill, I wasn’t prepared for Snypers reaction to my words; what happened? What had I said wrong? I sent him a questioning glance, why was he angry with me? His cold dead look made me shiver, where had the friendly colt gone?

“Why are you being mean, I thought we were friends..”

I replied in a broken tone, I couldn’t help it; I had already bonded with this lost colt – his personality had spoken to me, told me that there was evil in the world, but also good. And now here he was, talking to me – us – in a cold tone that I didn’t think he possessed, I felt betrayed.

Instead I choose to move my eyes to his sire; Riku. I watched as he repeated my brother’s words, and didn’t recognize the strange emotion he was showing – until he spoke again. Eyes widened violently and I backed up several steps; my delicate frame started shaking in terror as the adult stallion stepped towards us – what had father done to this brute? I cast a terrified glance on Snyper, didn’t he care at all? Betrayal shone brightly from my eyes as I backed up more, no wonder daddy and mommy hated these equines so much.

“Traitor..”

I mumbled to myself, was there any good in this world?

[/size]

; J A L I Y A

I blinked a couple of times as the new information entered my brain, they were twins? Lakita that damned witch, as their mother – and Chaos the mare hungry son of a bitch as their sire? I felt sorry for the pair. I couldn’t quite get in my brain that they were supposed to be their offspring though, they both held respect in their tones – mostly the filly, but colts are generally more proud and snobby. I watched Snypers reaction to the two foals, and somewhere it surprised me he wasn’t standing up for them; why? My eyes sought out Riku’s for help.

However the things spun out of control quickly and I just stood there stunned, I could understand his reaction – I hated Lakita and Chaos with every bone in my body, but the poor things were innocent! I reached out and touched Riku’s trembling body softly.

“Enough love, they are innocent”

I didn’t take their side though, for all I cared they could run back to their mommy and daddy and cry at their shoulder. A slow smile spread on my lips, perhaps they needed something to open their eyes; I raised my crown slowly and released a loud call for the young Serpent. Had their bitch of a mother told them about their abandoned brother? The one who was left to die, who would have died if Riku had not taken good care of him? As the young stallion came in sight, I spoke clearly – meant for the twins to hear.

“Serpent, meet your half siblings”

My eyes shifted to watch Snyper, his question surprised me; and it took a few seconds to understand it was directed at me. A soft smile spread on my lips, he was quite adorable.

“Yes, you have a baby sister and a non related brother – why do you ask dear?”

‘Why do you ask’ – was probably a weird question, but hey

.

; S e r p e n t


Long perfect pillars carried my delicate frame towards the call of my mother – yes I knew the name of my true mother, but Jaliya had been the one to raise me from a young colt to a now 1½ year old. My interest took new heights as not only Jaliya came in sight, but also my dad and three foals. Mildly said I was confused. I stopped next to my father, bowing my head slightly – showing my respect to the king of the lands, before turning my head to the three youngsters.

Jaliya’s words interrupted my thinking, and I frowned – my half siblings? I snorted, those two weaklings? Yeah right. But then again, they would have to be Lakita’s offspring then; probably with that Chaos guy she met, a smirk spread on my lips.

“Oh so you’re my mom’s spawn? She hasn’t left you to die yet? Aw what a shame”

Alright so I was a little rude; so what? They were related to that bitch of my mother, who said they weren’t bitches themselves? I seized the colt up before a laugh snuck out – bitches indeed.

[lynx'']

I N T R E P I D

My eyes widened as the temper rose in the area. I snorted sharply at Snyper, why was he being so mean? I didn't understand, well, if there really was a good reason why daddy hated Riku so much, maybe it had been passed down to his offspring. A low growl erupted from my stomach at the colt. I did not mind him being the cocky little brute he was with me. But what on earth had Emira done? Nothing. I stamped a hoove into the dusty ground and snorted again, but when Riku spoke up, my harks slapped back to my skull, his words were piercing, and so sudden, I felt Emira leave my side and stumble backwards quickly, however, my steps were slow, and i only took a few of them before the mare spoke up, my harks pricked forward at her words. She was right, what had we done? Yea, daddy and Riku didn't get along, but that didn't mean the king of the lands had to hate us too.
My glance was thrown to the left as an older colt came into veiw, i must say, he looked slightly like me, why? Was i just imagining it. But then the bay fae spoke again. Half siblings? I looked at him and snorted, it couldn't be true. But then he spoke, and his voice was much like Rikus, dark, unfriendly. God, did these equines show no respect what so ever? I listened to his words, and although i didn't know what he meant, they angered me, my eyes narrowed ever so slightly and i took one step forward. What do you mean? I questioned, determined for an answer from this colt.

[/sup][/color]

[azul.]

S N Y P E R

With you, these streets are heaven.

Even before I received a response from the bay mare, Emira spoke in such a questioning voice. My back was turned to her, but I could sense her genuinely curious voice. My face, still darkened by the blood of my mother, grew bleak and emotionless as I turned to face Emira. My eyes opened, then closed, and they stayed closed for quite a while. When they opened, I sent another glare at her. I didn't hear my father speak, but instead, I took a few eliberate steps forward, until I was face-to-face with the sabino filly. I raised my crown, and spoke so mechanically, my face bleak, listless, without so much of a flicker from my rare eyes.

"I don't think you've ever been challenged, have you princess? You haven't had to do a single thing hard. You've just hidden behind your brother and your family. And we aren't friends. You can't become close to the gruesome ones; doomed for a tragic ending."

My voice held no sarcasm. I pent in my anger, keeping my monotone voice until she spoke again. That was after my father had spoken. She backed up away, that I had to stalk forward a step or two, and then I listened. Traitor. It was a word that I hadn't heard of before, but I pieced it together rather quickly. My auduals snapped back, and then drooped forward. My once lifeless eyes darkened, and I looked towards the eerie lake. I wandered a few steps forward and stared at my reflection. The darker spots had dried, and looked almost normal on my light buckskin face. I swallowed the feeling of tears rushing to my eyes, but they fell, despite my guarded stature. They created a line in the blood red mask that covered me. Again, this hated emotion. I faced the squabbling equine, and took a few steps towards the bay, who'd told me that I had two siblings. My half brother, a handsome fellow, walked past me without a second glance. She also told me of a sister. I blinked, and then bolted into a clumsy run, across a shallow portion of the lake, trying to disappear into the scenery with my normally stealthy, now noticeable nature.

R I K U

Home, calling you, calling you home.

My body shook, furious, like the times that he had taken over. I swallowed, glaring at the two foals, my limber legs striking the turf, until Jaliya touched me. When she did, I released such a heavy breath, it shook my frame. I turned to look at her level headed gaze, and grudgingly nodded. Still, I couldn't resist to throw out edgy words to the bay queen.

"Hmm. Any closer to them will be closer to him. Looking at the bad blood makes my own blood boil. Don't you feel it too, for-"

I was about to mention Serpent's name, when Jaliya released a loud call for the leggy colt. I almost smiled, the corners of my lips twitching, but a few things happened when the colt approached; Snyper walked to the lake, and I could only imagine what he was doing. Then, he rushed past Jaliya and Serpent, to the place that I knew best. My eyes blinked in concern. He could easily get lost there, but there was only one main road to the small cluster of caves that I had spent a day or two in. My focus changed when Serpent walked beside me. I hadn't seen much of the leggy, steel black colt, but I nudged his tall body smoothly, then recoiled in surprise at the words that arose. I remembered that day. Still, I stared at the colt, and spoke.

"Simmer down Serpent. Words won't change anything. They hold little meaning, except for hers-yours, Emira."

My words were expected to be sarcastic, but they held a certain softness, tracing back to Snyper's shock at being called a traitor. I stared in the direction the Snyper had run off to, noting the darkened sky, the moon rising over the dark trees. I released a soft sigh, and looked harder for the buckskin colt. I caught a glimpse of him, but he must've spotted me back, because he rushed off. I stared at Emira, then Intrepid, and spoke again.

"Tell me, what did your mother and father say?"

[nuzzer2]

; E M I R A

I was in shock; why did he talk like that to me? I just stood there for a few minutes, staring out in the air with a blank expression. I went through the conversation over and over, where had I been mean? Where had I crossed the line, and done something to deserve his hate? Was there a truth behind his words, was I really that isolated? I turned my small head and stared helplessly at Intrepid – was I spoiled? Had I become what I did not want to become? The words of this Serpent – apparently our half brother – didn’t matter to me, I was too busy figuring out if I was selfish or not; and in the ended I decided I needed answers. Quickly I shifted my gaze to Riku, answering him without hesitating.

“Mommy or daddy never told us we had a brother”

Again my orbs turned to watch the way Snyper had left for. An unknown feeling surged through my body; anger, he had treated me unfairly and now I wanted an explanation! Without thinking of the consequences for my poor brother, I set off in a fast gallop after the young buckskin colt. I didn’t think of the adults might choose to follow me, the only thing I had in my head was getting the answers I wanted. Before long I found myself standing in front of a cluster of caves, did I dare to enter? Did I want the answers badly enough? What if there were predators? I shivered a little before taking a few trying steps inside.

“Snyper! Get out here!”

I ducked as the sound echoed through the caves, it was against my instincts to wander into the caves; but I needed answers, and I needed them now! Before I could think further I stepped into the confusing maze of caves.



; J A L I Y A

I watched as the young sabino filly galloped off, somewhere I could understand her; she had appeared to be in shock, like Snyper’s words had hurt her badly, and now she wanted some sort of revenge – or answers. I sought out Riku’s sapphire depths, should we go after them? I didn’t doubt Snyper could hold up against her, or could he? He was extremely weakened, his drained condition was cause to much worry – and now I felt bad, like it was somehow my fault.

“Was it my fault?”

I voiced my concern, had I caused this fiery reaction? My thoughts wandered to our young filly, Einjeru – she was fat; yes fat, and full of energy. Snyper, was thin and disturbed – had I been too selfish? Why had I not offered him some of my milk? I knew I had enough, Einjeru might be a little greedy, but surely there was enough for the poor young colt as well.

“Should we go after them?”

I glanced nervously at the young colt – Intrepid – could he be left alone? He might be the son of my enemy, but that didn’t mean I had any wish for him to be taken by a predator. [/size]

[azul.]

S N Y P E R

Now home seems so foreign.

My steps were slowed as I ran into the solid structure. Instinct told me I'd be safe; common sense told me I'd die. Which was better? I really didn't know. The cave was faintly lighted from holes in the roofed cavern, providing a faint path for me to follow. I could hear Emira scream for me, somewhere at the beginning of the mazed trail. I didn't turn: If anything, I moved a little bit faster, turning into some dead ends. All the while, I chanted the little sayings that mom told me before she died. My mouth twitched a little in remembrance. I swallowed dryly, and turned back, backtracking to where Emira was. Half of me wanted her to get lost and perish, or come out of the cave unscathed to find her family dead, so she could understand how my life began, and would end. But the other half of me, the side that I couldn't stand, couldn't let an innocent one perish. So I walked until I could make out her form in the barely lit room. With a dull stare, I blinked, and turned around, so she wouldn't see what became of the mark on my face. From my mad rush into the lake, and the tears that streamed down my face, it had started to fade. It couldn't do that now. That was how I was known; the gruesome colt with the face. So I hid it from her, and spoke slowly, my voice showing off an echo in the caves tight quarters.

"Yes, your highness? What can a street rat like me do for you? Sacrifice a mother, sacrifice myself? Maybe I can show you the truth to life? What is it?"

I couldn't hide the confused tone in my voice. Taking a few steps away from the filly, I growled, enjoying the echo that it made in the cave. Pushing off weak legs, I turned to face Emira, and glared at her, studying her angry expression, matching it with my own.

"How many emotions have you felt? One, two, maybe three? Greed surely must be one, right? How about grief? Oh wait, that's me. How about if someone came down to earth, like my mom, and took Intrepid away from you. How would you fair then princess? Without your bully of a brother to protect you, how long could you live in the world? "

I persisted her to answer, my neck craning, as my body turned away, yet again, to push off, further into the cave.

[/color][/size][/blockquote]

R I K U

By the door, you said you had to go.

Quietly, I watched the filly bolt off. For a moment, I was regretting the moment of calming down to let her stay. I stared at Jaliya, and shook my crown so hard that my tassels flicked my eyes, stinging them for a few moments. I saw Jaliya's concerned glance, and nudged her neck, trying to ease her mind, and not fret.

"Genetics. He's like me, way back when I left the islands, Jaliya. Just like me. If anything, I caused this calamity, but we can't do anything about it right now."

I responded, staring off into the distance. I had discovered that cave back when I was first taken over. It reminded me of the secret spot back at the islands. I swallowed hard, and breathed out slowly, nuzzling Jaliya's neck comfortingly, then stared at the two colts, who resembled each other faintly. Still, I grimaced, and tried to concentrate, memories of the islands flashing back into my already stressed mind.

"Now, Intrepid. It's best if you leave, right now. Serpent can take you home, and he or Snyper will return Emira. But you need to leave right now."

I didn't answer Jaliya, because I didn't have an answer; instead, I stepped forward to the painted colt, giving him a threatening stare. The truth wasn't coming forward, and it was better not to waste words.