Chapter 1 “Caught”
Zodiac a black & white Talbino
Walks forward a rope around his neck pulls him back towards a tree where he is caught in a lasso (he broke free of the man that roped him but the rope got tangled around a tree
He stands there trying to think of what to do to escape the wretched thing that keeps him from his freedom as a loner stallion (he had been run off by a new stallion of the herd)
He didn’t want to neigh for fear of a stallion or a predator hearing his cries for help so
He pawed the ground angrily as he knew his chances of escaping by himself were slim he knew he had to call for help he did a shrill neigh “hello someone please help me!”
Chapter 2 “wolves”
A branch snaps a wolf emerges from the woods with his pack “looks like we found an easy kill how…easy he’ll be to kill his movement is limited by that rope ha-ha surround him!” the wolves fan out in a circle around zodiac as they slowly close in he watches with eyes wide in fear & tries to convince the wolfs not to attack “w-w-wait you don’t want to eat me I’m to gamey I’ve been tied to this tree for days I probably wouldn’t even feed all of you” “as long as I’m fed I could care less!!” the alpha snarls the rest of the pack glare at him “you’ll get your share after I’ve eaten my fill!” he stalks towards zodiac…
Chapter 3 “Miya & Blaze”
Meanwhile a herd not too far away is grazing a young mare named Miya hears Zodiacs neigh echo across the plains she gallops to the lead stallion of the herd Blaze “Blaze I heard a horse calling for help we need to help it!” Blaze turns to her “where did the cry come from?” (Miya) “the forest” (Blaze) “alright we’ll check it out” he neighs to the herd “comeon everyone to the forest now!” as they near the forest they hear whinnies of fear & vicious snarls “hurry!”
Chapter 4 “Attack”
The alpha grabs ahold of Zodiacs neck & struggles to grip the stallion with his hind legs as the slip & cut into the hide of Zodiac he neighs in pain “Aghh!” the alpha weighs him down & makes zodiac fall to the ground “attack!” the other wolves crouch preparing to pounce Zodiac shuts his eyes tight wait for the final blow with a mass of fangs & claws
Chapter 5 “Rescue”
Blaze sees a mass of wolves & hears weak cries of pain he plunges into the mass of wolves & the others rush in to help Blaze “run” howls the leader the wolves run into the forest there lays Zodiac torn & bloody eyes closed the herd looks down sadly at the fallen horse even though he wasn’t a member of their herd it still saddened them to see another horse injured Blaze turns to the herd “go leave us” The herd leaves, Blaze looks down at the young stallion “sorry about this kid” Blaze raises a hoof to put the young stallion out
Chapter 6 “Healing”
of its misery (Zodiac) “w-wait” he whispers & amazingly gets to his feet (Zodiac) “I’m not going to die with this thing around my neck” “ I admire your strength” Blaze cuts the rope with his teeth Zodiac falls unconscious to the ground Blaze calls the herd “surround us so predators don’t see him” Blaze grabs Zodiacs mane & slowly pulls him into their territory ( a few hours later) Zodiac stirs (Miya) “he’s alive!”(Blaze) “calm down Miya”(Miya) “do you think he’ll pull through?”(Blaze) “it’s difficult to say depends on his wounds & if they heal soon” ( one week later) Blaze walks over to the young stallion & drops a bushel of apples for him to eat then nips his left ear Zodiac slowly wakes & shakes his mane (Zodiac) “huh?”(Blaze) “eat”(Zodiac) “thank you…um..?” “Blaze” he sniffs the young stallion (Blaze) “& you are?” “Zodiac” Zodiac stands “ow!” “What hurts?” “nothing I’m just stiff from laying down for so long” “good that means your almost healed”(Zodiac) “I can’t wait I’m sick of doing nothing all day!” (Blaze)“well its nice to finally meet you…little brother” Blaze starts to walk away (Blaze) “hey wait! We’re brothers?”(Blaze) “yeah we’re a couple of years apart”(Zodiac) “whoa talk about sudden” (Blaze) “ha-ha I like your attitude kid”(Zodiac) “hey! Just cause your older doesn’t mean u can call me kid” (Blaze) “yes it does” (Zodiac) “your lucky I can’t walk or I’d kick you” (Blaze) “sure I’ll be back later to check in on you” “hey Blaze how old are you?” “6” “hmm.” ( 3 hours later) Zodiac stands up “I’m sick of laying around” he takes a step “oh! this gonna be a painful long walk” with every step the pain slowly ceased till he could walk normal “yes!” Blaze walks up “you idiot your not fully healed!” “still atleast now I can walk” “yeah but don’t push it ok?” “yeah I’ll take it slow” ( 1 week later) Zodiac was able to trot & then canter & finally gallop
chapter 7 “Surprise”
he wanted to surprise Blaze so he walked up to his brother “hey” “hey” (Zodiac) “what’s up?” he looks at me suspiciously “nothing…Zodiac what did you do?” “nothing” I trot away from him & he follows after me “hold up” “stop following me you stalker! Ha-ha!” Zodiac take off galloping across the plains he look back & see Blaze standing there completely surprised then he tears after him “crap!” Blaze comes up beside me “you can’t outrun me Zodiac” “I know that” he stop suddenly & Blaze grabs my mane & slings him to the ground “ow” “ha” he stands over Zodiac with his head & tail high “surrender” “no” he grabs Zodiacs mane & tugs on it “ow ok!” Zodiac tuck his ears & tail & Blaze lets him up “welcome to the herd little bro” “stop calling me little” Zodiac chase him “seeya! Zodiac ha-ha!” “I’ll get you later!” “sure” Blaze walks off to graze (that night) Zodiac is sleeping when Blaze nips his ear Zodiac slowly wakes & shakes his mane “huh?” he looks around half asleep Zodiac nips his forelock “ ok ok I’m up I’m up” Zodiac stands & looks at Blaze “what” “follow me” (sigh) “what for?” “you’ll see” “fine!” “what’ your problem?” “I’m just tired” “well comeon” Blaze nips his rear “ow!” Zodiac chases after Blaze “I’m gonna get for that!” “yeah if you can catch me! Ha-ha” Zodiac speeds up as fast as he can & nips Blaze on the butt “ow!” “Yeah hurts doesn’t it?!” Blaze turns around & grabs his mane “ow!” “(sigh) “I’m glad I get to pound on you” “well I’m not” Blaze slings him to the ground “ow my neck ha-ha” Zodiac grabs Blazes forelock & pulls him down “ow! Let go!” he nips Zodiac “ow!” Zodiac lets him go & gets up they rear & play fight (next morning)
Chapter 8 “Flame
“Zodiac” (snores) Blaze pulls on his ear “ow! What?!” “wake up” “lay off! Jerk!” I’m sleeping in today!” “sorry!” “chill bro I’m kidding!” “you little!” “Aghh!” Zodiac jumps up & gallops through the fields Blaze runs beside him & calls the herd they all come in different directions & run behind their leader Flame suddenly rams Zodiac and the other herd members halt Zodiac gets up & glares at his rival then he lashes out at him kicking & snapping his teeth Flame whips him in his left eye with his tail “Aghh!” Zodiac rears & snorts Flame dashes towards him Zodiac Blaze blocks his path & Flame halts instantly “I’m tired of you starting fights with my brother one more time & your out of the herd do you understand me Flame?!” Flame puts his head down humiliated “yes Blaze” Blaze walks over to Zodiac “you ok?” “yeah” ( 1 week later)
Chapter 9 “wranglers”
Zodiac is grazing when he sees an eagle he looks up at it & sees wranglers not far away he walks to the top of the hill to get a better look & doesn’t see a wrangler at the bottom of the hill the wrangler throws a lasso around his neck & jerks him to the ground Zodiac neighs “no I won’t go with you! You didn’t catch me before & we won’t take me now!” anther rope is thrown around his neck Zodiac panics & pulls away but the wranglers have 2 horses backing up pulling on him “Blaze!!! Help!! Me!!”
Blaze hears Zodiac cry & calls the herd “comeon Zodiac needs our help!” the herd takes off to the creek & sees Zodiac rearing & pulling he charges with the herd behind him at full speed over the hill & rears at the wranglers “oh my god that stallions huge! Run!” “what about the talbino?” “cut him loose!” “but!” “do it!” the other wrangler takes a knife & gets closer to Zodiac. Zodiac bites his hand “ow! Let go!” Zodiac holds on & slings the human around “Aghh!” the human slams Zodiac on the muzzle he rears & lets the human go then the man cuts the rope from his neck “stupid stallion!” Zodiac looks at the human & neighs at him then Zodiac turns & runs to Blaze & the rest of the herd Blaze sniffs him “you smell like them!” “oh shutup!” Blaze grooms Zodiac to get the scent off him “there now let’s go” Blaze leads the herd to the forest & into the cool shade “how did they catch you?” “ I saw an eagle & walked to the top of the hill to get a better look & there was 1 of them at the bottom of the hill then the other one threw a rope around my neck too” “your lucky we got there in time that was funny when you bit him!” “yeah but it hurt when he hit me” “your bleeding a little” he licks my muzzle “stop being so mushy!” “ its cause I love you” he licks Zodiacs cheek “gross!”
Chapter 10 “the creek”
I’m just messing with you kid” “stop calling me that” Zodiac rears & grabs an apple & Blaze snatches it from him “hey!”
Blaze calls the herd “lets go!” the herd races to a creek where they stop to drink & cool off Blaze goes into the creek to swim Zodiac dips his muzzle in the water & gulps down a few mouthfuls Blaze swims over to him “comeon in it feels great” “nah” Zodiac lays in a soft patch of grass Blaze comes out of the creek & walks over to Zodiac & shakes the water from his coat “Blaze! Stop your getting me soaked!” “sorry.. comeon quit being such a colt” Blaze pulls his mane “let go…fine I’ll come watch” “that’s more like it” Zodiac walks over to the creek & watches the others swim Blaze goes into the water & swims with starlight ( his mate) “your brother seems scared of the water” “yeah I don’t think he can swim I’ll be right back” Blaze swims over to Zodiac “would you get in already everyone else is having a blast” “I don’t swim much” Zodiac dips his muzzle to drink & closes his eyes Blaze grabs his mane & pulls Zodiac in “whoa!” “crash” “Blaze!” “ha-ha sorry I couldn’t help myself” Blaze nuzzles Zodiac then dunks him under (gasps) “you jerk! Why do you always have to bug me?!” “cause that’s what big brothers do to their Kid brothers” “alright that’s it!” Zodiac shoves him under “I’m gonna go see my girl” “you naughty stud ha-ha!” “hey don’t make me kick your butt in front of the whole herd bro” “sorry I had to say something” Starlight comes over “comeon Blaze” “yeah go Blaze go Blaze its your birthday ha-ha” Starlight glares at Zodiac & kicks him down low “oh god!!!!!” “don’t you think that was a little much” “maybe” “maybe?” “ok yes I’m sorry Zodiac!!” “sorrys’ not helping (groans)” Zodiac gets out of the water & falls down on the grass “you ok bro?!” “I will be in like an hour!” “that must’ve been his first time being kicked there” “I feel so bad!” “don’t he deserved it” “Did not!” “you shutup oh my gosh ha-ha” “it is pretty funny!” “no it’s not!” (Blaze & Starlight) “shutup Zodiac” “ok” ( that night) “I hate you” “why?!” “you embarrassed me infront of everybody!” “Aw I’m sorry” Blaze licks Zodiacs’ muzzle “lay off! I’m going to bed” “Can I join you?” “what?!” I’m kidding!” “homo” (gasp) “you need to watch that mouth son” “your not my father!” “oh…yeah …um …night?” “Goodnight”
Chapter 11 “Mare”
(next morning) Zodiac is sleeping when he smells the scent of a mare he jumps up & slams his head on Blazes chin “ow! Zodiac!” “sorry!” Blaze lays his head down “Little brothers (yawn) always in such a hurry” Zodiac rushes towards the scent of the mare he was eager to get a mate & have a close friend he neighs across the fields “hello?” he gets a quick reply “please help me!” “where are you? “in the creek ahead of you a cougar is chasing me please hurry!!” Zodiac gallops as fast as he can he hears snarls as he nears the creek “I’m coming!” Zodiac leaps into the creek & sees a beautiful Grulla mare “are you ok?” “yes (gasp) look out!!”
Chapter 12 “cougar”
the cougar leaps on Zodiacs back “Aghh! Run! Go!” “what about you?!” “I’ll be fine go!” the mare bolts & Zodiac rolls breaking the cougars’ hold then he gets to his feet the cougar circles around Zodiac growling “horse my favorite & your much more muscular than that mare” “ok I’ve never had a predator talk to me before” the cougar leaps slashing Zodiacs’ left shoulder & he falls into the water “Aghh!” (grunts) “yes yell it rouses my appetite” “shutup! I’m not gonna be your lunch!” Zodiac slowly gets up the cougar slashes him on the right side of his face “Aghh!!!!!!!!!!!” Zodiacs’ yell echoes across the land Blaze jumps up “Zodiac!” he races towards the sound & narrowly misses the mare “whoa! Hey! Have you seen a black & white talbino?!” “yeah follow me!” the mare leads him towards the creek(groans) “if you are gonna kill me then kill me already (Zodiac is pinned to the creek bed with the cougar looking down at him “if that’s what you want” the cougar slowly grabs his throat then starts to tighten its grip (gagging) & (gasping)
Blaze & the mare leap into the creek & Blaze grabs the cougar by its neck “Don’t move a muscle if my fangs scratch his throat he’ll bleed to death…wouldn’t want that now would we?” “let him breathe or I’ll snap your neck!” the mare walks behind the cougar & stomps it tail “Rarrgh!” she releases her hold & Blaze slings her he looks down at Zodiac hoping he’ll be ok “can you stand?” “I-I don’t know… maybe” “try” Zodiac starts to stand but his left leg spasms “AGHH! I Can’t” “then I’ll help you” “wait don’t Ahhh!” Blaze puts his head against Zodiacs his shoulder “ brace yourself” Blaze pushes against Zodiac “stand” Zodiax slowly stands & gets to his feet “lets get you back to the herd “thank you um…?”
Chapter 12 “Amaya”
“Amaya” “Amaya thank you” ( 1 hour later) the 3 of them make it back to the herd & Zodiac rests “that was a close call” “yes… it was well… I guess I’ll be going now” “Amaya wait!” “what?” “Zodiac went looking FOR YOU… I think he likes you” “well he is pretty cute & he did save me” “your welcome to stay” “really?! thanks!” ( that night) Zodiac wakes & Amaya & Blaze are laying on him he kisses Amaya & she wakes “Zodiac! Your awake!” “shhh don’t wake Blaze” “too late bro” “aw man!” Blaze starts to clean his shoulder “OW!” “sorry” Amaya nuzzles Zodiac & kisses his cheek “I love you” he nuzzles her back “I love you too” Blaze nudges Zodiacs head down & starts to clean his hurt side “UH! GROSS! BLAZE STOP!” “stop whining” “YOUR licking me!!!” “sissy” “you two are so cute together” (Blaze & Zodiac ) “what?!” “just the way you argue is adorable!” “you should see us fight” ( 1 week later) Zodiac can finally walk again “yes!” “hey baby! I’m so glad you can walk again!” “me too! where’s Blaze?” “behind you” “huh?” Zodiac looks behind him “AGHH! You scared me!” “I can tell I missed teasing you” “Blaze!” Blaze nips his forelock & tugs it a little” “see you two love birds later” “Shutup!”
Chapter 13 “WAR”
(dawn) Flame had wondered away from the herd to meet a large mature white stallion
Flame kneels down “it is as you thought brother the young stallion which you ran off Zodiac has joined this herd some months ago” the older stallion kicks Flame & pins him down to the ground “why didn’t you tell me of this earlier?!!!” “Blaze was suspicious of me” “rrr clearly you don’t understand the urgency of the situation little brother in their veins flows the last of the Aka clan they are the only two stallions strong enough to keep me from claiming the entire
Chapter 13 FIGHT AT NIGHT
(NIGHT) the ghostly white horse leads his herd towards the other herd territory & see them sleeping “we’re down wind approach quietly & we’ll take them by surprise the black & white stallion is mine I’ll finish this once & for all!” the rival herd moves quietly across the grass the white horse stands by Zodiac “so young & weak this is going to be too easy!” Zodiac stirs & looks up “oh my god! Phantom!” “nice to see you too Zodiac” Phantom grabs his neck & tightens his hold “Aghh! Blaze…..help…me” Zodiac passes out & Phantom drags him into the forest “Kill them all!” the herd wakes & is viciously attacked they rear & kick fighting for their very lives Blaze snaps a rouges neck “Zodiac! Where are you?! (He rears & yells) Zodiac answer me please!” the ghostly white stallion steps up behind him “Hello Blaze” Phantom what did you do with him?! Where’s my brother?!” “oh I wouldn’t worry about him in fact I’d be more considered with your own safety” “I’ll rip your throat out!” “that’s the spirit “ the two stallions circle one another then clash in blur of teeth & hooves slashing & biting each other Blaze gets knocked out with a blow to his head “NO!......Zodiac!” Phantom thinks he’s dead & walks into the forest grabbing Zodiacs mane & drags him beside Blaze “you’ll die with your brother” Zodiac wakes slowly “Blaze! Aghh!” Phantom grabs the back of Zodiacs’ neck Zodiac neighs in pain “ARGHH! Phantom don’t….don’t do this” “but then I wouldn’t be having any fun” Phantom slings Zodiac & rears over him preparing to stomp the young stallion when Amaya slams into him but it barely phases him Phantom turns & looks at the mare “oh! that really hurt” he grabs her mane & mounts her “get off me!” Phantom looks at Zodiac “I’m going to breed her & your gonna watch helplessly” Phantom prepares to thrust in her but Blaze slams into him knocking him to the ground Phantom looks up at Blaze “mind your own business let your brother defend his own mare!” Phantom stands & walks towards Zodiac “get up & fight me” Blaze steps between the two “leave Phantom your herd is beaten or have you not noticed?” Phantom turns & sees his comrades all beaten & laying on the ground “No! I won’t leave not until he’s dead Phantom goes around Blaze, Blaze blocks his path “your never hurt Zodiac or Amaya not while I’m here” Blaze paws the ground & lunges at Phantom& grabs his neck & snaps it he turns to Zodiac “can you get up?” (there is no answer) “Zodiac?...Zodiac?!” Blaze lays by him “Zodiac wake up!...please wake up!” Amaya whinnies weakly “Phantom kicked him in the heart girth his heart gave out” “NO! HE CAN’T BE!” “I’m sorry Blaze” Amaya crawls to Zodiac “he kicked me too my heartbeat is fading….don’t blame yourself it wasn’t…your fault.. “ Amaya takes her last breathe & dies beside Zodiac “no!no! no!no!
Chapter 14 nightmare
( the morning after the fight)
Blaze leaps awake “AGHH!” Zodiac wakes up & looks sleepily at him “dude what’s your deal?...keep it down some of us are trying to sleep” “Zodiac?!” “yeah who else would I be?” “did the herd get into a big fight last night?” “yeah against Phantom & his pals but we won” “I must of feel asleep” “yeah you were out like a light” Blaze starts to lick Zodiacs face “Blaze leave me alone I don’t feel like grooming” “sorry I had a nightmare that you died” “hmmm” “wait where’s Amaya?!” “relax she’s grazing & besides you wouldn’t be grooming her anyways” “yeah” “now go back to sleep” “no way me & you are gonna wrestle” “I don’t feel like it” Blaze gets up & nips Zodiacs ear “comeon you lazy get up!” “ow ok fine” Zodiac stands & grabs Blazes mane they rear & play fight (that evening) Amaya comes into heat her & Zodiac mate ( 1 year later)
Chapter 15 Birth
Amaya goes into labor “Zodiac come here!!!!” “I’m coming!” Zodiac gallops across a field & up to Amaya “is it time?” “yes” “ok breathe…& push” Amaya strains & out comes beautiful dark gray paint with black legs & a black face with blue eyes “it’s a girl what will you name her?”
Amaya licks the colt “we’ll name her Promise” “hello daughter hey Blaze you’re an uncle” “what?! I’m too young to be an uncle…” Blaze looks down at his niece “holy horse! I’m gonna kill you!” Zodiac smiles & looks at Blaze “your not joking are you?” “no ……I’d run now” “Crap!” Zodiac takes off & Blaze is hot on his heels then he grabs Zodiacs’ tail & pulls him down “Aghh!”
Chapter 16 bully
Zodiac walks to the top of a hill & joins Blaze “hey Zodiac your up early” “yeah I didn’t get much sleep last night” “I can tell u look exhausted” “I do?” “yeah” Blaze grooms Zodiacs face & Zodiac grooms his Promise comes over “daddy are you gay?” “no!” “then why are you kissing uncle Blaze?” “we’re not kissing we’re grooming” “what’s grooming?” “its where horses clean each other & form a bond” “what’s a bond?” “hmmm….. it’s feelings like love, trust, respect, & loyalty” “wow do I have a bond with anyone?” “yes everyone in the herd shares a bond we are all linked through family & we protect one another…now promise you don’t need to be up this early its not good for you now please go back to your mother & go to sleep” “but dad” “your father’s right Promise” “but I’m not even that tired (yawn)” Zodiac nudges her with his muzzle “go on” “ok night uncle Blaze” “good night” “night daddy” “goodnight Promise” Flame walks over & looks down at promise in disgust “your so ugly you look like your father” “daddy!!! (sobs) he called me ugly!” Zodiac lunges & stands over his daughter protectively “don’t you EVER talk to my daughter like that again!” “well its true” “I’m gonna (grunts)….Promise go to your mother” “(sobs) yes daddy” Promise runs to her mother Amaya hears her crying & wakes immediately “sweety what happened?” “Flame called me ugly…momma am I ugly?” “no baby your beautiful! See look into the puddle” Promise looks into her small puddle of tears & sees her reflection “your right momma I am pretty & now I know it…I’ll be right back”
Chapter 17 “being brave”
Promise marches proudly out to Flame & stands boldly infront of him “I’m NOT ugly you’re the ugly one & I’m not afraid of you!” Promise stomps his leg “ow! Little brat!” Blaze steps forward “leave Flame you dare insult my family like this ?! you are banished from the herd forever!” “like I care!!” Flame gallops off into the rising sun Blaze nudges Promise “ok little pretty warrior time for you to go to bed” “ok” Promise lightly trots “I’m a warrior” she sings “look at her so full of energy she’s got your pattern & your eyes but that’s it” “what?!”
Chapter 18 “coward”
“well when you were little you were a coward” “I was?” yep you ran from a fish one day “ “so” Zodiac blushes “it was a guppy” “AW are you serious?!” “yep I was 2 at the time & I always followed you to make sure you stayed out of trouble but still it was pretty funny” “oh shutup!” “hey don’t blame me you’re the one who was a chicken” “ok fine I’m a chicken now lets drop the subject (laughs)” “ok” Blaze looks at his younger cousin & licks his forelock “Blaze stop being so mushy” “sorry I have to bug you every once in awhile” “yeah more like every 10 minutes” “true” Blaze bumps Zodiac with his rear & makes him fall over “ow” Blaze stands over him & looks down at Zodiac “what?” “nothing just seeing how much you look like grandma” “don’t talk about her” “why not?” “she was in the other herd” “yeah I know” Blaze lets Zodiac up & neighs Zodiacs grandmother gallops over & nuzzles Zodiac & Blaze “my babies!” “grandma?!” “Zodiac you’ve grown so much! Look at you!” Zodiac blushes “trust me that’s not the only difference” Zodiac stomps Blazes leg “ow! You little!” Blaze shoves him over “don’t make me dominate you infront of grandma!” (whispers) “shutup!” “no” “ok you two break it up” “Zodiacs a dad” “I’m gonna kill you!” “you are well lets see the little one” “ok I’ll go get her” Zodiac walks over & wakes Amaya with a soft nicker “hmm…what is it?” “my mothers here she wants to meet you & Amaya” “ok…Promise sweety wake up” “huh? Ok I’m up” “comeon baby” “Where are we going momma ?” “to meet your great grandmother” “yay!” Promise & the others canter over to Zodiacs mother “hello Sasha I’m Amaya Zodiacs mate & this is my daughter Promise” “hello oh my your both very beautiful “ “Thank you” Promise walks up to her great grand mother & rears up & licks her muzzle “your so sweet” Sasha grooms her face & Amaya walks over & gently nuzzles Sasha “welcome to the herd” “thank you” Sasha looks down at her granddaughter “& welcome to the world young one” “thank you”
Chapter 19 “I am a great champion”
“I’m going t tell you a little poem I learn when I was your age” “cool” “memorize it & pass it on to your children” “momma what’s memorize?” (chuckles) “it means remember sweety now listen to your grand mother and repeat what she says” “ok” Promise turns & looks up at Sasha “I am a great champion” “I am a great champion” “when I ran the ground shook” “when I ran the ground shook” “the wind whipped” “the wind whipped” “the trees bent “the trees bent” “the sky opened” “& mere mortals parted” “& mere mortals parted…its beautiful! Thank you great grandma” “now recite the whole thing” “ok…I am a great champion when I ran the ground shook the wind whipped the trees bent the sky opened & mere mortals parted” “very good!” “thanks” “now let us all recite the poem” Blaze calls the herd & they started to run across the plains reciting the poem that all horses know taught to the first horse by Equus “I am a great champion when I ran the ground shook the wind whipped the trees bent the sky opened & mere mortals parted” Promise sings a song the herd halts & listens only 1 in 1000 horses are blessed with the gift
“chapter 20 “blessed”
“I hear the wind call my name it calls me back home again it sparks up the fire a flame that still burns oh its to here I will always return” suddenly a huge roar echoes across the land the herd scatters but Promise remains still frozen in terror a huge animal appears on top of the hill “daddy!!” Zodiac whirls around & looks at the bear standing on its hind paws “NO!!!” Zodiac gallops & shoves Promise out of the way the bear slashes him “AGHH” the herd hears Zodiac yell & gallops towards the bear the bear turns & lumbers off “Daddy I’m sorry! I wasn’t thinking” “& it could’ve cost you your life or a herd members’!” “cuz calm down” “don’t tell me to calm down Blaze! You may be the leader of this herd but I am responsible for my daughter!” “Zodiac calm yourself at once!” “yes grandmother” “Promise come here” “yes great grandma” Promise & Sasha walk off from the herd for some privacy “I sorry dear your father can be very angry when he’s worried you mustn’t blame him now lets get back to the herd” “yes grandma” (that afternoon) Zodiac is sleeping under a tree when Amaya lays by him “(sigh) always so tired lazy withers” “I’m not lazy” “your awake?” “no I’m just talking to you in my sleep…yes sweety I’m awake” “oh honey your so silly” Amaya kisses his muzzle & he kisses her back
Chapter 21 “ Crypt
A large Talbiono stallion named Crypt slams into Zodiac “sorry” “what’s his rush?” Zodiac can’t help but notice the similarities in their coats ‘hmmm odd” Smoke pours out of the forest! “fire!” the herd bolts & Zodiac hears a terrified whinny “dad help!” “promise where are you?!” Zodiac charges into the forest filled with smoke (coughs) “Promise! Where are you?!” “over here!” Zodiac stumbles towards her Promises’ hoof is stuck in a thorn bush “hold your breath!” promise takes a big breath of air & Zodiac snaps at the branches with his teeth Promise gets free & a tree falls on Zodiac “Daddy!” (groans) “Promise go!” “but” “now!” Promise dashes & doesn’t look back Zodiac waits for the tree to crush him when suddenly Crypt shoves the tree off Zodiac “thank you” the stallion dashes off into the forest “hey! Where are you going?!” Zodiac dashes after him “wow he’s fast but not fast enough” Zodiac catches sight of the stallion & gallops full out after him limping badly Crypt suddenly speeds up “holy horse he wasn’t even going full speed!” Crypt slowly gets farther & farther away till Zodiac loses sight of him “wow he can outrun me I need to rest my leg maybe I’ll see him later” (later that evening) Blaze moves the herd away from the forest into a new territory with a creek Zodiac decides to take a nap & dreams of Crypt he tries to catch Crypt but the slightly smaller stallion is too fast Zodiac wakes “who is he” “that’s what I wanna know” “huh?” “that stallion over there …well he’s gonna regret coming into my territory!!” Blaze dashes towards the stallion Zodiac watches & sees it’s the other Talbiono “its him!! Blaze stop!” Blaze ignores him & seizes the young stallions’ neck “Aghh!” “Blaze let him go!” “why?!” “just do it!” Blaze slowly lets go of the other stallions neck “ok I’m going to let you slide kid but don’t try anything understand?” “I’m not deaf!!” “Blaze glares at the younger stallion “you little!!” “Blaze!” “what?!” “quit picking on him!” “he sassed me!!” “so?!” “traitor! I can’t believe your taking his side you don’t even know him!!”” “he saved my life!!” “oh. sorry kid” “don’t call me kid!” “kid” “Blaze!” “sorry!” “let me talk to him” “we’ll talk to him!” “in private” “fine” Blaze trots a few yards away “I just wanted to thank you for saving me earlier” “no problem” “I chased after you but you outran me” “yeah I thought you we’re trying to fight me” “no I wanted to thank you & bring you back to the herd a stallion your age shouldn’t be on your own” “I’m not my moms’ with me” “where is she?” “over there” Crypt turns his head to a distant figure & neighs to her “mom comere” The mare canter over “Zodiac!!!” “mom?!” “oh my goodness you’ve grown SO much!!!” Sonya nuzzles him “I’m so glad to see you again its been years (sigh) this is your little brother Crypt” “Zodiac looks at Crypt “not much younger about a year…moms been busy (chuckles)” “Zodiac” “I’m kidding I’m kidding” Zodiac nuzzles Crypt “nice to meet you little brother” Crypt nips Zodiacs’ forelock “nice to meet you too” “I’ll let you 2 talk” Sonya walks off a little & grazes “so how old are you Zodiac?” “6” “I’m 5” Zodiac nips Crypts mane “hey let go!” “aw! Comeon! Crypt Quit being such a colt” Zodiac tugs on his mane playfully “ok” Crypt grabs Zodiacs’ ear & pulls it Zodiac trips Crypt “whoa! oof!” “ha-ha! Comeon little brother is that all you got?” “no” Crypt stands & Zodiac rears over him Crypt rears & they spar lightly kicking & nipping each other Crypt darts & Zodiac dashes after him “try & keep up big brother” “I’ll do better than that!” Zodiac gallops up beside Crypt “is this all you got?” “not quite” “me either lets go full out ok?” “sure say when” “on 3 1,2…3!!!” the two brothers gallop full out across the plains Zodiac gets a small lead his shoulder even with Crypts’ muzzle “phew ok lets take a break” “yeah” they slow to a trot “wanna go for a swim?” “where?” “there’s a creek nearby here it’ll only take us a minute if we run” “sure I could use a drink” “lets go”
Chapter 22 “ the cougar returns”
Crypt & Zodiac arrive at the creek Zodiac wades into the water “this is where I met my mate” “who Is she?” “her name is Amaya she’s back with the herd looking for new grassland” “hmm” Crypt dips his muzzle in the water “I saved her from a cougar” “really?” “yeah” (growls) Zodiac leaps out of water & stands infront of Crypt “stay close don’t move” (laughs) “ I see you are still afraid Zodiac…of us cougars” “I’m not I’m just protecting my brother “but can you protect yourself?” “what are you talking about?” “I’m not alone….this time” (snarls) “oh great” Another cougar emerges “Is this the one who saved the Grulla my love?” “yes! & slammed my head on the creek bed too I want him killed now!!!” “as you wish” (roar) the cougar leaps in the air Zodiac rears above Crypt & the cougar slams him to the ground Crypt moves just out of the way as his brother falls backwards “Zodiac!” Zodiac stands & whirls kicking the cougar (snarls) the cougar slashes at him but Zodiac rears dodging his claws as they slash a piece of Zodiacs’ mane the female cougar leaps on Crypt & digs in her claws “aghh!!” Zodiac whirls around & kicks the cougar barely missing Crypt “whoa! Hey watch it!” the female cougar lays dead her mate sits beside her “you killed her!!!” “Crypt run” “but” “GO!” Zodiac snaps at his rear & Crypt gallops off the cougar races after him “NO LEAVE HIM ALONE!!” Zodiac dashes & sees the cougar closing in on his’ brother he gallops & slams into Crypt as the cougar leaps he takes the blow & gets slammed to the ground Crypt whirls around & kicks the cougar (snarls) “you’ll pay for that!” “leave him alone I’m the one that killed your mate!!” “& I will avenge her!!” the cougar leaps at Zodiacs throat Zodiac rears & stomps his skull the cougar falls down dead instantly Zodiac falls down his shoulder badly slashed “Zodiac!” Crypt dashes over & lays beside Zodiac “comeon get up!” Zodiac tries but can’t stand “comeon you have to!” “I can’t” “try again!” “go…get the herd” “I’m not leaving you hear like a newborn foal! Now try one more time” “fine one last time” Zodiac sits up & slowly stands his leg starts to buckle but Crypt presses against him as he helps Zodiac stand Zodiac shoves him off not trying to look weak infront of Crypt, Crypt misunderstands thinking Zodiac is angry with him Zodiac walks & Crypt follows ears flattened & tail tucked in submission the entire way home “what’s wrong with you?” Crypt doesn’t answer & lays down Zodiac lays beside him “hey comeon you can tell me…Crypt I’m your brother” “i get it ok your mad at me” “dude why would I be mad at you?!” “then why did you shove me earlier” “oh that I just didn’t want to look weak infront of you” “dude you killed 2 cougars!!! That’s the bravest thing I’ve ever seen any horse do!!!” (chuckles) “thanks” Crypt lays his head on Zodiacs’ knees & Zodiac rests his head on Crypts shoulder “night” (yawn) “night”
Chapter23 “RIVALS”
Zodiac wakes with his brother beside him & his mate & daughter on his left (yawn) Crypt looks up at his brother sleepily (yawn) “morning” “morning” Zodiac stands & stretches Crypt stands beside him & stretches also “I don’t like Blaze” “well he’s family so I guess you’ll just have to get used to it” “are you serious that jerk is kin to me!!” Blaze walks over “ya know your not exactly my favorite stallion either pal!!” Blaze & Crypt get nose to nose & glare at each other Zodiac shoves in between them “break it up you 2 argue like a married couple!!” “yeah right he’s the one who-!” Zodiac looks at Crypt & gives him a warning snort “yeah kid mind your place!!” “Blaze you don’t tell him what to do!!” “I’m leader of this herd Zodiac!!” “he’s my brother & I don’t care if your leader!” “you watch it or I’ll!-“ Zodiac gets nose to nose with Blaze “make my day!” “fine if that’s the only way you’ll respect me” Blaze & Zodiac rear slashing with their hooves they step around everywhere they crash down to the ground in angry stomps Blaze snaps Crypts’ shoulder “leave him out of this!!!” Zodiac slams Blaze to the ground& stands over him with a badly slashed shoulder blood drips down in a puddle Blaze shoves Zodiac but can’t budge him “fine you win” Zodiac slowly lets Blaze up & calls the herd “I am your new leader I have defeated Blaze & will choose the new leadmare & 2nd lead stallion now…the leadmare will be Amaya my mate & the 2nd lead stallion will be my brother Crypt” Crypt looks wide eyed at Zodiac “Zodiac” “what?” “why did you choose me?” “cause I know you respect me & I know we get along well” “yeah but” “relax little bro I’ll be making most of the decisions” “ok if you say so” (that evening) Zodiac & the herd gallop to a river with a gentle current “we’ll stay here tonight enjoy the water.. be sure to drink plenty it’s a long run till the west hills” the herd neighs in approval of Zodiacs’ decision (it has been years since they went to the west hills there would be much grass enough to feed the herd for months) “wanna take a dip Crypt?” Zodiac trots into the water “yeah Crypt dashes on a low overhanging rock “bonsai!!!” Crypt leaps into the water & lands beside Zodiac & splashes him Zodiac smiles & dunks Crypt “wha? Hey!” “got ya (laughs)” Crypt looks at his brother & laughs “dude!!! your mane!! Hahahahahahaha!” “what’s so funny?” Zodiac looks at his mane & sees a large branch in it “oh my god” he pulls out the branch with his mouth then gently hits Crypt on the head with it “hey!” they look at each other & start to spar rearing & lightly kicking each other Zodiac trips Crypt & stands over him “give?” “yeah haha let me up” Zodiac does “I’m gonna graze” “I’ll catch up with ya later”
CJAPTER 24 “courage”
Crypt dips his muzzle & drinks & sees a large black stallion on a hill he walks over to him “leave our territory” “relax I’m just here to get a drink” “this river is ours you’ll have to find water elsewhere” the stallion walks past Crypt “I don’t think so kid” “I’m warning you!” “ha! try & stop me” Crypt boldly kicks the older stallion “you’ve got guts..but you messed with the wrong stallion kid!!” the large stallion kicks Crypt & knocks him to the ground “some leader you are” “I’m not the leader..he is” Zodiac comes charging & slams into the trespasser “leave my territory!!” “now you’ll actually be a challenge” Zodiac rears & the other stallion does too he slashes at Zodiac with a hoof & Zodiac grabs ahold of the other stallions neck “surrender!” “no” “fine Zodiac tightens his hold till the stallion begins to bleed “aghh!! Oh!! Let go!!!” Zodiac does & the black stallion gallops off blood running down his side
CHAPTER 25 “Melody”
A beautiful young palomino mare wanders in th west hills looking for a herd to join her herd had been attacked by a huge Grizzly she whinnies “hello anyone?” Amaya hears the cautious cry & gallops towards it she sees the young mare & slams her with a shoulder “why are you here?!” “my herd has been slaughtered I seek a new home” “wait here” Amaya dashes & gets Crypt & Zodiac “a mare she wants to join the herd come see if you fancy her” the 2 stallions trot over to the palomino circling her & sniffing her Zodiac joins Amaya “she’s strong she’ll be able to keep up with the herd” “yes but how is her attitude?” Amaya trots up with her head & tail high challenging the mare Melody lowers her head signaling she doesn’t wish to fight Amaya nips her & she rolls on the ground in submission Amaya leaves her & returns to Zodiac “she’s …submissive the other mare would walk all over her” “how do you know she’ll react the same way she may respect you because you are the leadmare” “true she can probably sense it” “she can” “do you fancy her?” “she is attractive…but I have a large enough harem as it is lets see if Crypt takes a liking to her” “yeah he doesn’t even have a mate yet” Crypt nickers affectionately to the mare she turns away & suddenly whirls around batting her lashes slowly & licks Crypts muzzle “well will you allow her Amaya?” “yes” “good let us introduce her to the herd the 4 horses walk to the herd the others surround Melody & a mare named Rave snaps at her Amaya stands infront of Melody protectively baring her teeth at Rave Melody walks past Amaya & boldly snorts Rave a challenge Rave answers with a nicker & snaps at Melody, Melody dodges & slams her to the ground & stands over Rave the downed mare tucks in submission Melody turns to Amaya & lowers her head slightly showing she knows Amaya is her leader as is Crypt & Zodiac Amaya whinnies approval & Crypt nuzzles her affectionately “Melody will you be my mate?” “yes Crypt I will”
They nuzzle each other & Crypt kisses Melody, Melody kisses him back
Chapter 26 “a storm is coming”
Storm a dark bay stallion sees a large mass of dark clouds overhead “great this doesn’t look very good better tell Zodiac” (thunder cracking) Storm canters to the herd a few miles away “Zodiac” “yes Storm?” “a few miles from here is a huge mass of dark clouds I think it’s a lightning storm” “thank you Storm tell the herd to move in the underground cave have Crypt help you” “yes leader” Storm dashes to Crypt “Zodiac wants the herd in the cave now!!!” “lets do it” Storm & Crypt gallop to the rear of the herd & neigh rearing “ “don’t panic go to the cave now there’s a dangerous storm coming “ the herd trots as calmly as they can Ice a young colt looks worriedly at the sky Zodiac nudges him along “go on Ice everything is gonna be ok”
(1 hour later) the entire herd is in the underground cave & they hear thunder crashing some neigh in terror but Zodiac calms them “everyone stay calm the storm will pass we must be patient!!!” the herd looks at the sky & gather together for comfort 2 stallions begin a fight snapping with their teeth & slashing with their hooves Crypt jumps between the 2 “stop it!! This isn’t the time to be fighting!!” the 2 stallions pause then resume their fight “I said –aghh!!” 1 of the stallion kicks Crypt & he falls down to the cool stone floor the 2 stallion kicking above him Zodiac leaps into the fray & snaps both stallions with his teeth & bares them angrily “STOP!!!” the 2 stallions freeze & look at their leader ashamed of angering him so badly “Zodiac-“ “I don’t want to hear it separate I will not tolerate this behavior while the herd is in danger understood?!” “yes sir” “now separate & next time Crypt tells you to do something you do it!!” the 2 stallion part opposite ways & Zodiac helps Crypt up “you ok?” “I was about to ask you I’ve never seen you so angry before” “I’ll be ok I just need to cool off” “take a nap I’ll watch the herd I’ll wake you when the storm clears” “yeah maybe some sleep will help me relax” Zodiac walks to a less crowded part of the cave & lays down he falls asleep immediately (3 hours later) the storm clears&
Chapter 27 “serious talk”
Crypt nudges Zodiac “hey Zodiac” (snores) “he’s out like a light..but I have to wake him” Crypt nips Zodiacs ear & tugs somewhat hard Zodiac rolls over on him “hey whoa! Oof!! Zodiac get off” (Grunts) Crypt pulls & tries to squirm free but his brother is too heavy “man you gotta lay off on the clovers!!!” Zodiac wakes slowly & yawns in Crypts face “ughh!!! Morning breathe!!!!” Zodiac slowly stands & lifts a leg for Crypt to move “its about time” Zodiac nips Crypts forelock “that’s all muscle” “ow” "sorry about that i don't usually roll in my sleep" "no prob just lay on the clover i couldn't even budge you" "hey!" Zodiac shoves Crypt to the ground & stands over him Crypt rolls on his back looking up at his brother "what?" "you called me fat!" "well you are (chuckles)" "hate to diassapoint you little bro but thats all muscle" "sure tubby" "your pushing it Crypt" "ok ok sorry i was just kidding" Crypt tucks his tail & ears submissively "can i get up now?" "no..i'm not through talking with you" (sigh) "great another lecture" "no this is about something more urgent" Zodiac steps away from Crypt & seizes his mane "comeon" "ow! hey not so hard! what's your problem!" Zodiac leads Crypt a good distance away from the herd Crypt walks beside his brother "could you let go of my mane now?" Zodiac does & looks seriously at Crypt, Crypt looks nervously at his brother "what?" Zodiac circles Crypt & sniffs his rump Crypt flinches slightly he wasn't sure what Zodiac was doing but he didn't like having his personal space invaded he nicker annoyingly at his brother Zodiac nips one of Crypts rear legs "ow! what?" "lift your leg" "why?" "its a stallion thing just do it" Crypt hesitates but slowly lifts his leg Zodiac sniffs him "whoa!" "sorry had to check your urges" "urges?" Zodiac withdraws & Crypt lowers his leg "to breed" "why?" "because breeding season starts tommorrow" "oh..& that means" "i have to keep a close eye on you so you won't mate Melody only lead stallion is allowed mating rights but since this is your first mating season that you'll be mature enough to actually mate your insticts will drive you to breed i will have to dominate you often to ease the urges but i won't be as nice about it as usual" "great!" "we may fight" "what! i don't wanna fight you!" (chuckles) "relax i will only do that as a last result" "still i don't like this whole situation 1st you dragging me from the herd then you sniff my areas then you tell me we might fight!" "might" a breeze shifts & Melodys' scent is carried on it she has come into season Crypt eyes dialate his nostils flare taking in the scent he nickers eagerly Zodiac immediately stands in his way glaring intimitively "Crypt" (heavy breathing) a wave of instinct takes over Crypt he looks at Zodiac & shakes his head trying to get back control "no! i don't want to fight!" "good fight your urges..this will help" Zodiac knocks Cryot to the ground & stands over him "Crypt"
"what" "close your eyes" Crypt does & Zodiac lowers his muzzle Crypts ear & does a furious neigh "ow!!!! my ear!!!" Crypt suddenly rolls & stands under Zodiac they stand there for a moment puzzled Crypt realizes he's under Zodiac &gets on his knees "that was very disturbing" (Groans) Zodiac falls to the ground his front legs between his rear "CRYPT!! watch what your doing!" "Crypt lays by his brother "dude i'm so sorry!..you just scared me & i jumped up" "oh yeah you jumped alright!!" (groans) "sorry" "its ok..just give me a few minutes" Crypt helps Zodiac stand & walk back to the herd
Chapter 28 “pay back”
“I gonna get you for that” (nervous laughs) Crypt walks backward “well..i’m..gonna..just ..go” he whirls & runs from Zodiac, Zodiac wait a moment then chases after him he easily catches up with him “hi” ”uh-oh” Crypt turns sharply & Zodiac whirls after him still keeping pace (5 minutes later) Zodiac is still easily keeping up with Crypt, Crypt is becoming tired (heavy breathing) Crypt stumbles & falls Zodiac circles Crypt teasingly then stands over him he grabs Crypts mane & pulls on it “lay off Zodiac” “aw comeon squirt we haven’t wrestled in forever!” Zodiac nips one of Crypt ears & tugs it playfully “Zodiac!” “comeon! Lazy withers” no” “fine then” Zodiac nips playfully at Crypts mane “no! don’t!” Zodiac nips up & down his mane (hysterical laughing) “no hahahahahaha!!!..stop that tickles hahahaha” “say it” “no” Crypt closes his eyes & laughs like crazy “ok ok ok! Mercy!” “what was that?” “I said it already!! (laughs)” “didn’t hear you!” “MERCY!!”
Chapter 29 “heat”
Zodiac & Crypt are sleeping beside each other Melody comes & lays by her mate “phew its hot” “yeah it is” “water is getting low in the river” “yeah I think I’ll talk with Zodiac later” “yes but for now let him sleep being a leader is hard work he needs to take a break every once in awhile “ “yeah” Crypt nuzzles Melody they rest their heads beside one another & watch Promise graze “she’s so young” “perhaps someday we’ll have our own foal” “perhaps” Amaya walks over to Amaya & bathes her then Promise nurses Zodiac wakes & stands stretching then walks down to the creek Crypt follows him & watches out for danger as Zodiac drinks a drop of blood drips from Zodiacs’ muzzle Crypt looks at Zodiac worriedly Zodiac finishes drinking & looks at his muzzle Crypt licks at the blood “what wrong with your nose?” “heat like this sometimes gives me nosebleeds” “do they ever get serious” “not bleeding but occasionally I get really dizzy” Zodiac steps & stumbles Crypt catches him on his shoulder “we need to get you in the shade” Sonya looks at her son & neighs for Storm “Crypt needs help Zodiac isn’t well” Storms gallops to his leaders aid & helps Crypt support his weight “Leader are you ok?!” “I will be after a little rest you 2 search for more shade & water” “yes sir” Zodiac is taken into the shade then Crypt gallops to the river Storm canters up beside him “what are you doing? We’re supposed to be looking for more shade & water” “ I know that I am” “explain” “where there’s a river there’s a lake & where there’s a lake there’s trees” “ah very clever” “comeon we follow the flow of the water” “why not where the water is coming from?” “the water there is flowing to the lake & therefore the water upstream is getting lower” “you are a genius maybe you should be leader” “are you saying my brother is a bad leader?!” “no I’m just saying you know a lot” “so does he”
”ok ok sorry” “lets just go the sooner we find shade the sooner Zodiac will be ok & the sooner we find a lake the herd will be too” The 2 stallion gallop down river & a few minutes later find a large lake surrounded by trees “perfect!” Crypt sntches some grass between his lips to show Zodiac “Now lets go get the herd” (a few minutes later) Zodiac stands when he sees Crypt & Storm racing back he neighs a welcome to them they neigh back & lower their heads slightly in respect & Crypt holds out his head with the grass between his lips Zodiac sniffs it & grabs a small amount to taste it “the grass is good to eat did you find water?” “yes & shade” “lets go then” Crypt is worried about the heat & what it’ll do to his brother as 2nd stallion he has the power to question his brother decision or tell him of a slightly wiser way to do things but in the end Zodiac still makes the decision “Zodiac” “yes?” “perhaps we should wait till night so the heat won’t slow the herd..or yourself” Zodiac looks at his brother considering his words “that is a wise thing to do..alright we’ll wait till dawn to move to our new territory” the herd neighs in approval Zodiac nuzzles Crypt affectionately “ wise decision little brother..to question my authority” “I didn’t mean to question just offer” “I know I’m just kidding” Zodiac begins to groom Crypts’ face & Crypt nickers affectionately then joins in & starts to groom Zodiacs face (dawn) the herd has been restibg until dawn to save their energy Crypt walks over to his brother who has also been resting & licks his cheek to wake him Zodiac stirs & looks at Cryot Crypt nickers affectionately ten nudges at Zodiac with a hoof “time t go” (yawn) “it is isn’t it” Zodiac stands & stretches then neighs to the herd “everyone up the time has come to move” the entire herd wake & get to their frrt ready to go “lead the way little brother” Crypt looks at his brother in surprise “huh?” “hey I don’t know the way remember?” “oh yeah ok lets go” for a few minutes Crypt knows how it feels to lead a herd the sound of all the other horses hooves crash like thunder behind their leader a few young foals run up beside Crypt playing tag “comeon Ice!” Ice a blue roan gallops up beside Zodiac “hey Zodiac” “hey Ice wow! Your fast” “thanks you are too” Crypt slows down “we’re here Zodiac” Zodiac walks up beside his little brother & grabs his mane playfully “hey!” Zodiac tugs on his mane slightly “dude (laughs) what?” “I just love bugging you” “ok let go” “nah” Crypt turn his head & nips Zodiac “ow you jerk!” Zodiac rears up on Crypt & weighs him to the ground “holy horse your heavy!!” Crypt goes down on his knees & rolls on his back looking up at his brother “you’ve gotta lay off on the clovers bro (laughs)” “oh is that right?” “yeah you do” “I’m just messing with ya bro” “yeah I know” Zodiac lets him up & nips his ear the herd make their way into the cool shade & warm water Zodiac wades into the water Amaya joins him & they swim side by side Crypt neighs for Melody & joins his brother Melody walks towards the water when suddenly Comet lunges at her “ready for round 2!” “leave me alone Comet!” “aw afraid you’ll lose?” “no I just don’t wanna fight you” Amaya quietly makes her way towards them “your pathetic just like Amaya!” Amaya glares “excuse me!” (gasp) “Amaya how much did you hear?” “plenty & if you think I’m so pathetic then why don’t we see right here right now!” “no I don’t want to” “to bad” Amya lunges & bares her teeth menacingly then slams Comet to the ground Comet tucks her tail & ears in defeat “not as tough as you thought you were huh?” “no” “you are no longer 2nd mare Melody is!” “but” “I don’t wanna hear it atleast she respects me! You ever go behind my back again & you’ll regret it dearly! Understand!” “yes” Amaya slowly lets her up & walks over to Melody “I wish for you to be the 2nd lead mare do you accept” “Amaya I would love to but there are other mares that’ve been here much longer than me please choose another” “you are sure?” Crypt canters up “sweety think about this you may not get another chance for a long time” “he is right “ “ok I’ll do it”
Chapter 30 “Shimada”
a brown & white paint mare lies in the grass badly injured she hears a roar in the distance a cougar attacked her earlier & is following her trail of blood she stands weakly & trots as fast as she can she neighs calling out for help “please someone help me!!!!” in the distance Melody a new mare to the Aka herd hears her cry & gets Zodiac Crypt & Amaya “I heard a neigh it sounded really urgent” “take us in the direction it came from!!” “yes Zodiac follow me” Melody dashes & the others follow right behind her they run up on a hill & sees Storm a dark bay stallion galloping towards a young paint mare the cougar leaps in the air & lands on Shimadas’ back Storm whirls & kicks the cougar knocking it to the ground then Shimada gets behind him Storm rears above the cougar & comes crashing down the cougar twists its head & bites Storms’ leg Storm neighs in pain Shimada screams & stomps the cougars head cracking its skull “stupid cougar!!!” Storm looks at the young mare “thanks” Shimada nuzzles Storm “my hero!!” Zodiac & the others trot down to them “who are they?” “my herd members Zodiac that tall Paint is the leader & his mate Amaya is Lead mare” Shimada walks over to Crypt “hi Zodiac” “ummm I’m Crypt he’s Zodiac” “oh sorry” Shimada turns to the other black & white paint “hi Zodiac” “hi” “may I join your herd?” “that is Amayas’ decision” Shimada turns to the Grulla mare “may I join the herd?” Amaya snorts “well by the looks of it your hurt pretty badly you need to rest for awhile then we’ll see if you are fast enough to keep up with the herd & If you have a respectable attitude” “ok” ( 5 days later) Shimada trots near the herd & neighs to Amaya “my wounds have healed” “good now lets see if you can keep up” Zodiac calls the herd & they gallop full out across the plains Shimada holds back for a moment to see how fast Amaya is then gallops full out just slightly slower then Amaya “well your fast but how’s your attitude?” Comet a black mare with a bald face lashes out at Shimada, Shimada dodges “what the crap is your problem?!!!” “don’t just stand there you donkey” (gasp) “oh no you just didn’t!!!” Shimada & Comet rear slashing with their hooves Comet grabs Shimadas’ neck “AGHH!!!” Shimada rolls on the ground breaking her hold then kicks her, Comet glares & rears Shimada whirls & kicks Comet in the stomach Comet stands over her “do you surrender?” “for now I will beat you Shimada” “we’ll see donkey” Amaya walks over to Shimada “well done Comet is one aggressive mare she tests all the new mares welcome to the herd” “thank you!!” Storm walks onto a nearby hill & sees Shimada he runs to her & nuzzles her Shimada smiles & nuzzles him back “Shimada will you be my mate?” “yes Storm I would be glad to be your mate” the herd neighs in approval & takes to the plains galloping full out Shimada & Storm run side by side Shimada smiles at Storm, Storm smiles back
chapter 31 “mating season”
(breeding season)
Crypt walks over to Amaya “hey” “Crypt stand back” “why?” “Zodiac” “what about him?” “he has really instincts to protect me back away before he sees you” “ok I’ll step off” Zodiac sees Crypt near Amaya & charges towards his teeth bared” “Crypt here he comes!!” “huh?” Crypt turns & sees Zodiac “aghh!” Crypt dashes Zodiac cuts him off & gets nose to nose with Crypt (snort) Crypt steps backwards on a loose rock & falls backwards on his back Zodiac stands over him glaring Crypt tucks his tail & ears in submission “Zodiac take it easy” Zodiac shakes his head getting rid of the overpowering instincts he looks down at his brother “sorry about that the first surge is always the worst I have trouble controlling it but now I can” “can I get up now?” “yeah” Zodiac lets him stand & nuzzles him apologetically Zodiac gallops towards Amaya & begins to court her neighing shrilly & rearing infront of her then he circles her nickering then he steps beside her & thunders a mating call she answers immediately Zodiac walks to her rump & sniffs her she is in heat he rears & mounts her then nips her neck affectionately then he thrusts into her she relaxes & nickers to him Zodiac thrusts Amaya a few more times then holds for a moment as he kisses her cheek then he withdraws & stands by her side a few hours later Zodiac is grazing for a moment when Amaya calls to him he neighs & gallops to her he nickers asking Amaya replies once more they mate Zodiac must guarantee his offspring is passed on
Chapter 32 tragedy
Blaze is grazing when he hears a roar of a bear & a whinny of a terrified colt he gallops towards the sound & sees a Grizzly looming above Ice “run Ice!!!!!!!!!” Blaze leaps infront of the young colt rearing up at the enormous bear Ice dashes as fast as he can the bear slams Blaze with a paw the slams down to the ground stunned (groans) Blaze lifts his head the grizzl holds him down & grabs his neck with his jaws he drags the stallion towards the plains & unknowingly to the herd (moments later the herd sees the grizzly & Blaze in its menacing jaws they cry out in sadness “Blaze!!!” Zodiac sees the horrific sight & charges towards the bear Crypt by his side “stay back!” “but I wanna help” “you heard me Crypt I won’t put you in danger!” Zodiac whirls & kicks the bear stunning it Blaze neighs weakly “is Ice ok?” “Ice? Yes he’s fine Blaze” “I’m glad…let the bear finish me then I won’t recover from these wounds” “no! Blaze!” the bear rears on its hind legs with Blaze hanging in his jaws he whorls his head & slings Blaze about like a rag doll “NO BLAZE!!!” (CRACK!) Blazes’ neck snaps Zodiac stares in disbelief at the lifeless body the bear lands on all 4’s & prepares to feed Zodiac neighs “CHASE HIM AWAY!!!” the entire herd charges at the bear totally surprised it runs the herd surrounds Blaze they hang their heads Starlight faints the herd all rear & neigh mourning Blazes’ death
Chapter 33” Dare & Windwalker”
( a few months after Blazes’ death) Dare & her mate Windwalker leads their herd to a creek inside of Zodiacs’ territory unknowingly trespassing on their turf Crypt spots a large group of distant figures he calls to his brother “Zodiac we got tresspassers” “how many?” Zodiac walks up beside Crypt “whoa there’s only 2 reasons why a herd that size would be in our territory first either they want it for themselves or they didn’t know its ours” “which one do you think it is?” “I don’t know but I intend to find out call the herd we approach with caution”
Windwalker bends his neck & drinks the cool water refreshes him his mateDare canters up beside him & drinks also “it’s a good thing we found this place there’s plenty of grass & water for months” “yes it is” Windwalker tastes the air “there’s a faint scent here but I don’t know what it is” Dare sniffs the air “me either” ( 1 hour later Windwalker begins to graxe when he hears Zodiac neigh he watches a hill that the call comes from & sees another herd trotting towards Windwalker calls his herd to confront the other Zodiac steps away from his herd with Amaya at his side the 4 leaders meet in the middle of the field Zodiac sniffs Windwalker & Windwalker sniffs him in return the 2 mares sniff each other then back off from their mates incase there is a fight Windwalker prepares himself this stallion was just slightly younger but he was heavily muscled & his coat gleamed in the sun he could tell this stallion had won many fights & lost few the same went for himself Zodiac snorted he didn’t like being quiet for too long he didn’t want to fight this stallion but would if necessary “you are trespassing on my territory” “there is no scent markings” “the winds here spread our markers but the scent is faint” he wondered to himself “could that be the scent I smelled earlier?” he sniffs Zodiacs’ rump Zodiac waits patiently for him to finish sadly Windwalker knows he has trespassed & he is greatly embarrassed “I apologize we will leave” Windwalker turns around & walks to his herd “lets go” zodiac trots after him “wait you & your herd can join ours” “you want to unite our herds?” “sure but then there’s the decision of who will be lead stallion” “so we fight” “yes” “& to the winner?” “leadership of the herd & choice of lead mare & 2nd lead stallion & 2nd lead mare” “& if u win?” “my herd will double in size & my leader will stay the same” “you won’t take Dare as a mate?” “no my harem is large enough..but if you win will u do the same & let me keep Amaya as my mate & Melody & Shimada won’t be yours either” “deal” “ready?” “ready”
Chapter 34 “equal fighters”
the 2 stallions dash out into the middle of the field & begin their fight Zodiac snaps with his teeth & grabs Wind walkers shoulder Windwalker kicks Zodiacs’ hip the 2 slam into one another & rear snapping & kicking wildly Wind walker seizes Zodiacs’ mane & slings him to the ground he rears preparing to stomp him Zodiac rolls barely dodging then trips Wind walker the cream stallion falls to the ground & Zodiac rears & wraps his front leg over Windwalker’ back to hold him down then grabs his neck with his teeth his doesn’t use full force YET he waits to see if Wind walker surrenders he wants to harm this stallion as little as possible Windwalker neighs in pain & bites Zodiacs’ left rear leg Zodiac shrills & kicks Windwalkers’ shoulder the cream stallion stand & grabs Zodiacs’ neck the young Zodiac shakes his neck wildly & bucks Windwalker loose & Wind walker falls to the ground Zodiac rears above him then stomps down placing a hoof by each side of Windwalkers’ head missing him purposely but letting him also know he’s serious Windwalker slowly tuck his ears & tail submitting to his new leader Zodiac steps away & helps hin stand “you fought well” “you too” ( few hours later the herds merge all the horses sniff eachother Amaya & dare immediately get along & groom each other Wind walker meets Zodiacs; younger brother Crypt & snorts at him challenging him for his position Crypt knows Windwalker is more than a match for him & submits “I’d rather not get the hoof kicked outta me” “(laughs) no hard feelings right?” “right I understand you just wanna be close to your herd & my brother” “exactly” (that night ) Windwalker the new 2nd lead stallion sleeps by Zodiac he has a feeling they’ll get along well Amaya Promise & Dare sleep side by side Crypt sleeps along side of Windwalker & his mate Melody
chapter 35 “ a swim”
(late morning of the next day) Zodiac still hasn’t wakened up Windwalker nudges him he sighs a breath in reply (the truth is Zodiac was completely exhausted from his fight with his new 2nd lead stallion Windwalker) Windwalker licks Zodiacs’ cheek “comeon Zodiac wake up” Zodiac wakes slowly & yawns “how long was I asleep?” “a few minutes more than the herd” “hmm.. call them & tell them to go to the creek” “ok” Windwalker neighs Zodiacs’ order the herd gallops to the creek Zodiac stretches & Windwalker stands by him & nips his mane playfully “hey! Windwalker!..oof!” Zodiac trips on 1 of Windwalkers legs “ow (laughs)” Zodiac looks up at his friend & smiles “lets go” Zodiac joins the herd & stands by Crypt “hey bro” “hey did you get enough sleep?” “oh hush” “touchy! I’m just kidding” Zodiac grabs Crypts forelock “you little squirt” “hey ow ow ow let go!!” Zodiac does & bumps him with his head comeon kid lets see what you got” “huh?” “lets wrestle you silly” Zodiac & Crypt rear & play Zodiac shoves him down & pins him “pinned ya” Windwalker trots over “aw comeon Zodiac play fair your older than him” Windwalker nips Zodiac the 2 older stallions rear suddenly Crypt helps Windwalker with Zodiac “hey comeon 2 against isn’t fair!” Windwalker shoves Zodiac down & him & Crypt stand over Zodiac “you 2 are crack ups (laughs)” Zodiac stands & calls the herd together “lets run” the herd takes off Zodiac in the lead Windwalker close behind followed by Crypt then Amaya Dare & Melody then Storm & they charge into the creek splashing joyously Windwalker dunks Zodiac “hey- (coughs) “haha got ya!” “oh yeah?!” Zodiac pulls Windwalker under Crypt trots up the 2 older stallions look at him & smile “oh no” Windwalker & Zodiac grab him “aghh let go ow hey no don’t!!! they dunk him (coughs) “you 2 are jerks! Hahaha” Crypt snaps both of them (Windwalker & Zodiac) “ow!” “whoa we said that at the same time” “ok stop” “quit” “enough already!” “shutup!” (Crypt) “both of you shutup” ( both) “he started it”
Chapter 36 “a ghostly reappearance”
suddenly Zodiac slides to a stop the rest of the herd slam the ground with their front legs & slide stop right behind him “I smell another herd” Windwalker sniffs the air “me too” “everyone stay close we don’t want to start a fight but we will defend ourselves” the herd encircles the young ones & heads towards the scent of the herd they climb to the top of a hill & Zodiac is shocked at what he sees a ghostly white horse “n-no it can’t be him Blaze killed him!!” “who” PHANTOM!!!” Zodiac charges towards his enemy teeth bared eyes black with fury his heart pounding with adrenaline he hated Phantom & would kill him if it was the last thing he did Phantom looks at Zodiac & charges towards him the 2 meet without hesitation slamming shoulders then Zodiac rears Phantom kicks him & Zodiac falls he was amazed at his old rivals strength he snapped at Phantoms shoulder & kept hold the older stallion neighed in pain “you’ve gotten stronger Zodiac but so have I!!!” “HOW?! HOW ARE YOU ALIVE?!!!” Zodiac snaps he loses control this stallion this cold blooded horse had caused him so much pain he had killed Zodiacs’ father bred his sister & mother he wouldn’t let him hurt anyone else!! But could he beat Phantom he didn’t know but he wouldn’t give up until there wasn’t an ounce of strength in him
Suddenly Phantom slams him to the ground then stomps his side Zodiac had never felt such pain he neighed in pure agony “AGHHHH!!!” Phantom rears again preparing to stomp Zodiac once more suddenly Windwalker slams Phantom to the ground “Zodiac you ok?!” Zodiac doesn’t answer he feels blood coming from his mouth his eyes begin to close slowly “Zodiac!” “ha! Finally the little nuisance is dead!” “no he isn’t!” Windwalker dashes to Zodiacs; side the rest of the herd encircles him the foals cry the mares neigh in sadness Amaya falls beside her mate mouth agape tears pouring from her eyes “no!!!” Crypt shoves through the other horses & rests his head on Zodiac “no no no!!! comeon get up Zodiac please!!!” Windwalker walks in with ears flattened “he’s gone Crypt” “no he’s not you don’t know him like I do!” Promise stands over her father & cries the blood on his side disappears & Zodiac begins to breathe his eyes open (gasps) Sasha & Sonya look at Promise “she is blessed” “blessed?” “you have the power to heal the injured even when dead” “can I save Blaze?!” “no it is too late for him they can only be dead for a day at the most” “oh if only I knew then” “don’t blame yourself Equus called to Blaze it was his time to go” Zodiac stands “Phantom must pay!!!” Windwalker stands by him “I’ll help you” Crypt joins them “me too!” the 3 stallions charge towards Phantom & slam him towards a cliff “wait please don’t kill me let me live!!!” “you don’t deserve to!!!” Zodiac whirls & kicks Phantom the ghostly white horse falls down into the mist “you will haunt me no more!”
Chapter 37 “trouble”
Zodiac was sleeping when he heard yellin “yah yah lets get em’” he raced up on a hill & saw wranglers galloping towards the, “no! its them!” 1 of the wranglers sees Zodiac “Ben that’s the stallion I told you about the one that bit me a few months ago!” “he’s a big one he’ll make a fantastic horse for the commander he’s our number 1 priority” “gotcha lets get him” 5 wranglers dash after Zodiac he leads them away from the sleeping herd Windwalker hears him gallop a few feet away & wakes he dashes after his leader “Zodiac!” “no! Windwalker don’t let them see you!” but it was too late they saw the 2 large stallion with glossy coats & muscular bodies 1 threw a rope around Zodiacs leg & he fell to the ground when he pulled with his horse Zodiac turned & charged at the human neighing furiously Windwalker also dashed the rider became very intimidated at the sight of 2 stallions charging at him Zodiac leaps into the air at the wrangler who roped him Windwalker leaps with him but suddenly another rope lassos Zodiac it wraps around his neck & a strong pull slams him into Windwalker & bith of them to the ground Zodiac atop of Windwalker (groans) “you ok Windwalker?” “yeah just got the wind knocked outta me” “sorry that 1 yanked me & I wasn’t ready to brace myself” Zodiac gets up & helps Windwalker “what now?” “I don’t know we can’t call the herd we’ll put them in danger” “your right” “but I can leave them a message” Zodiac neighs & rolls Windwalker does as well “now they’ll smell us & the wranglers they’ll know we’ve been captured” a wrangler throws a rope around Windwalkers’ neck he rears & pulls but can’t get loose the wranglers surround the 2 large stallions & drive them forward “might as well go along with it for now I have an idea that could stall us sometime” “what do you have in mind Zodiac “we fight..but not at full force we just make them think it more than likely they’ll watch us & stop the horses so I’m going to trip myself you step on me then we go from there” “ok” Zodiac lowers his head & ears in hopelessness then purposely falls tripping over Windwalkers’ rope the cream stallion doesn’t hesitate he snaps at his leader Zodiac rears & so does he the wranglers halt & watch “I bet the cream whips the others ass 20 dollars says he does” “your on I bet 20 the paint wins” the 2 stallions weren’t even hurting one another besides an occasional bite the kicks only hit there rock hard muscles making a loud pounding sound the humans thought they were serious ( a few minutes later Zodiac slams Windwalker to the ground “surrender.. the herd has smelled us & will know where we are” Windwalker takes heavy breaths pretending to be exhausted “ha you owe me 20 bucks!” the man dismounts from his horse & stomps angrily over to Windwalker “stupid stallion!” he slugs Windwalker in the jaw the stallion lunges forward & grabs his arm with his canines “AGHH!! GET HIM OFF!!” the others dashed to there friends help all but one Jim “Jim get over here!” “I ain’t interfereing he shouldn’t have hit that stallion ”well come calm the horses Mr.whisperer!”Jim had a gift he could calm almost any horse he dismounted & walked over & clicked his tounge the sudden noise he let go 7 looked at this man something was different he wasn’t cruel like the others he stroked Windwalkers head Zodiac became furious & snapped at the man for touching his friend ( several hours later) they arrived at a soldiers camp “commander we got 2 big ones here sir!” “well lets have a look” the man took out a riding whip & held it under Windwalkers’ chin the cream stallion bared his teeth then the man propped his whip under Zodiacs’ chin without warning Zodiac slammed his head against the humans skull “AGHH!!..SO YOU WANNA PLAY ROUGH DO YA WELL THAT’S FINE ME GET MY RIDING SPURS , SADDLE, & BRIDLE WE’LL BREAK HIM 1ST!! the men forced the equipment onto Zodiac strapping on the saddle shoving the bit into his mouth Zodiac reared the cold steel sent a chill through him the commander pulled him down & the other soldiers led Zodiac into a large corral where the commander mounted the stallion &kicked haed into his flanks with his spurs Zodiac sqealed in pain & rage & took off around the arena bucking like a bull whirling & kicking he reared like crazy every instinct told him to get this human off him he slammed the mans leg against the fence & pressed with all his strength the commanders leg snapped “aghh he’s broken my leg!” “sir what would you like us to do?” “release them” “sir?!” “these horses are too wild too loco find another herd I don’t want any other from this herd understand?” “yes sir” they opened the corral & the 2 stallions galloped full out all the way back to the herd Zodiac raised his head & tail high in pride he had proven even to one of the most sworn enemy that his herd was a force to be reckoned with he neighed to his herd they had waken a few hours ago & were grazing they looked up at the 2 leaders of the herd & neighed in joy then dashed to them Dare & Amaya were in the lead & met there mates with teary eyes ( Dare “darling I was SO worried when I smelled your scent with the wranglers!!!” “its ok now dear Zodiac taught them a lesson they won’t soon forget” “I’m glad to hear it” Dare nuzzled her 2 leaders Amaya immediately hugged Zodiac & nuzzled his cheek “I was so scared you wouldn’t come back” “I will never leave you” “I have some news” “yes?” “I’m going to foal” the entire herd neighed in unison Zodiac smiled proudly & Amaya smiled sweetly
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