;;across the {d e s e r t}

[Swifthoof]

Dark, brown eyes peered at the expanse of sand and shrubs that dotted the wasteland as his ears pricked to the sound of the desert. The only thing that met his ears was the sound of the wind as it moved the sand from place to place. His tail flicked in determination as he started walking northwest, toward the fort. Had it really only been a day since he had seen his daughter get captured? To him, it had felt like a year. He had wanted to help her, but he knew he risked getting them shot if they had guns. Lucian could only watch, simmering in anger as the two-legs took her away.

Now only Tarva knew what they were doing to her. The induction was stressful to any horse as they worked on taking away their pride and reducing them to a toy of the human. He himself had been a victim and had fought tooth and hoof as they cut his mane and tail, shoed him and burned him. His gaze then flicked to the mark on his hindquarter, but his pelt was too dark for him to see it.

Tossing his blond mane, he kept on at a trot, fighting the urge to run. It would only tire him once he got to the fort. His mind then turned to his daughter's mate and he couldn't help but wonder if he knew of her capture. What was his name again? It had started with an S...Ah, well no matter. Lucian never really cared much for him anyway even if he did make Katori happy. Getting back to the present, the stallion then surveyed the horizon, studying the sun as it was starting to reach its peak in the sky. He could already tell that the heat was only beginning to start.

[/size]

[[R].ebel]

xx::By now you'd know that I'd come for you::xx
xx::No one but you, yes I'd come for you::xx
xx::But only if you told me to::xx

The heat of the desert was lost to him. Nothing was to stop him, to slow him. The sandy earth tried its best, shifting beneath every hoof that laid upon the ground, but his muscles protested, hooves thundering onward without falter. Firey eyes blazed with hate and anger, towards the humans that took her and himself for not being there to stop them. But he was bound and determined to get her back, no matter what the cost. The red stallion ran across the desert at full speed, running on the sheer determination to get her; already his chest was lathering, but Shetan had not noticed, Katori being the only thought on his mind and he was running straight for the fort.

xx::And I'd fight for you::xx
xx::I'd lie, it's true::xx
xx::Give my life for you::xx
xx::You know I'd always come for you::xx

Little to Shetan's knowledge, he was not alone on this pursiut, his mind too focused to notice the appearing form in the distance as he raced onward, sand and dust flying up behind him. Shetan didn't even have a plan, but he knew he would do whatever it took to get her out. He would fight the entire world for her and he didn't care who though him a fool for doing so. Even she could call him a fool and Shetan would not turn his back, so devoted to her he was. Thoughts of her swirled so madly in his head, he did not realize whom he was passing until he had done so.

No matter what gets in my way
As long as there's still life in me
No matter what, remember you know I'll always come for you

Lucian?! Shetan slid to a stop, now ahead of the older stallion, whipping his head around with that firey, maddened look in his eyes. Nostrils flaring, chest heaving, and a glare at the stallion of burning hate. Shetan only looked him over for a moment, but looked as if he were to say something or speak. No words came. With an angry snort, the red stallion kicked up the sand and continued his gallop, not willing to ask for help. No, it hadn't even crossed his mind. Now that Katori wasn't here, Shetan could treat the stallion any way he wanted; whether it hardened thier feelings towards one another or not. His focus was Katori and only her, and he was coming for her.

I'd crawl across this world for you
Do anything you want me to
No matter what, remember you know I'll always come for you
You know I'll always come for you

[Swifthoof]

The dark coated stallion tossed his head as he kept his eyes toward the direction of the fort, his ears flicking around for any dangers. He knew what he had to do to get his daughter out. And maybe get some help doing it... he thought as he increased his stride to a faster trot. With his dark coat, the heat and sunlight were a nightmare; burning his skin and coat. By the time I get there, I'll most likely end up cooked....

Snorting, he made to go to a canter when a red blur suddenly passed him. He skidded to a stop, his ears pinning back and teeth beginning to bare when he recognized who it was. Katori's mate. For a heartbeat, he stood there seeing the burning hate and anger in the fiery stallion's eyes before he turned and began running again. Lucian raised an eyebrow before shaking his head. The fool. That stallion was being reckless. A part of him wanted to just let him go get shot by the humans, but he knew if he let that happen, Katori would never forgive him. Guess I have no choice... he thought sourly as he took off after the red stallion.

Narrowing his eyes, he ran at full speed, kicking up sand behind him as he managed to reach the other's flank. Putting on another burst of speed, he leaped forward and ran in front of Shetan before skidding to a stop and turning sideways to hopefully block his path. He snorted angrily, his ears pinning back to his head before he spoke.

We're both heading the same direction for the same reason and if you think you can save Katori in the state you're in, you will fail. You won't even be able to take two steps inside that fort without getting a bullet in your head.

[/color] he growled, pawing the sand before continuing. I don't like it and I know you don't either...but looks like we're going to have to work together if we want to get her back. I'm giving you this chance and this chance only to accept my offer. If you don't...well, you'll end up dead. [/color] flicking his tail, he watched the stallion, his eyes hard as he waited to see what he would say. If he didn't want to then Lucian wasn't going to stop him if he decided to charge on. It was going to be his own fault if he died along the way. [/blockquote][/size]

[[R].ebel]

Driven, burning eyes stayed locked on the horizon which hide the looming walls of the fort, for now. So driven was he, Shetan did not hear the sound of hooves coming upon his flank's side but soon after, he was forced to realize he was no longer alone. Lucian bolted in front of Shetan, sliding to a stop with intent on stopping him. Shetan acted as if he weren't to stop, ears pinning flat to his head, but at the last moment, he anchored his haunches and slid to a stop before Lucian, eyes unchanged as they glared into his, nostrils flaring, chest heaving.

'We're both heading the same direction for the same reason and if you think you can save Katori in the state you're in, you will fail. You won't even be able to take two steps inside that fort without getting a bullet in your head. I don't like it and I know you don't either...but looks like we're going to have to work together if we want to get her back. I'm giving you this chance and this chance only to accept my offer. If you don't...well, you'll end up dead.'

In silence he stood, no change in his features. If it was one thing Shetan hated; it was being underestimated. There were times Shetan over-estimated himself, but never when it came to his loved one, Katori. A long moment passed of nothing, those fiery pits reflecting something evil. Today was a good day to not care of his fathers' spirit and its motives. Today would be a good day to let the torment loose... Teeth bared, Shetan finally replied to the stallion in a voice far from his own.

"You think I'm afraid of anything they can pull on me? Death would be a warm embrace for me, knowing that I wasn't there to stop them. If I die saving her, then so be it. I fully acknowledge that I'm going into a dangerous situation. You underestimate me..."

[Swifthoof]

You think I'm afraid of anything they can pull on me? Death would be a warm embrace for me, knowing that I wasn't there to stop them. If I die saving her, then so be it. I fully acknowledge that I'm going into a dangerous situation. You underestimate me...

Dark eyes narrowed at the stallion's voice and he almost wanted to strike this...colt who could never comprehend what he was up against. Although Lucian had to admit, he had guts. He was a fool, but he had guts. It was almost laughable. A small smirk couldn't help but twitch at the corner's of his mouth and he let out a small chuckle before he turned serious, brown eyes aflame.

What she sees in you, I will never know....but you're nothing, but a selfish colt. So what if you weren't there to stop them? That doesn't matter now, but what does is getting Katori out of there, alive. And if you die trying to save her, she would go on blaming herself for the rest of her life. Is that what you want?

[/color] he hissed, lowering his head as he fought back from lunging at this naivete horse and finishing the fight he had started when they first met. At least this time, his daughter wasn't around to intervene, but he knew that fighting now would be pointless and a waste of time. [/blockquote][/size]

[[R].ebel]

'What she sees in you, I will never know....but you're nothing, but a selfish colt. So what if you weren't there to stop them? That doesn't matter now, but what does is getting Katori out of there, alive. And if you die trying to save her, she would go on blaming herself for the rest of her life. Is that what you want?'

Ears pinned as flat as they could, Shetan clearly angered by his words, but he held back every urge to tear through the stallion, only by the sake that he was Katori's father.

"I know Katori... and would be brave enough to say she would not blame herself. She knows me and knows I'd do anything for her... anything, even give my life. You haven't been around her enough to know her anyway, Lucian... I know her better than you ever could."

Shetan's ears pricked to a sudden, familiar sound... a whistle in the distance. Everything weighing on his mind dropped there and ears pricked to the noise. Sure enough, the rise of the dust proved they were coming; humans. Time was now pressed against them. As much as he hated it, Shetan would have to push everything aside for Katori's sake. Through gritted teeth he swallowed his pride and spoke.

"I hate you, Lucian... there is no hiding that... But it's only for Katori that I'd ever agree to- aid you with anything..."

[Swifthoof]

I know Katori... and would be brave enough to say she would not blame herself. She knows me and knows I'd do anything for her... anything, even give my life. You haven't been around her enough to know her anyway, Lucian... I know her better than you ever could

[/color]

The stallion's words rang in his ears and he could feel his anger coming to a boiling point. He felt his muscles tense, his eyes heating up in rage and a hunger for blood, his blood. An angry snort left his nostrils, but he dug his hooves in the sand to prevent him from leaping forward and tear into Shetan. But he felt a small twinge or resentment and jealousy. The only memories he had of Katori were of when she was a foal and a yearling and that was it although he was sure the fiery stallion in front of him had known her longer and...dare he admit it? Better.

Auds pricked to the sound of a distant whistle and he flicked his eyes toward the source to see dust flying upward which only met one thing: humans. Flicking his tail, his gaze went back to Shetan in time to hear him speak.

I hate you, Lucian... there is no hiding that... But it's only for Katori that I'd ever agree to- aid you with anything...[/color]

The dark hued stallion only gave a stiff nod and raised his head high. Likewise[/color] he answered, his voice coming out through gritted teeth.

Well...if it isn't the Angel of Death.

Lucian turned his head to see a large black stallion standing above a small dune of sand, a smirk upon his ebon muzzle. About time he came thought Lucian, looking at the stallion with a hard gaze. Alucard merely chuckled and turned his gaze toward Shetan, curious as to who he was, but he guessed he would find out later. Now was the time for action and he would enjoy every second of it. He stepped off the dune and turned his head toward the direction of the oncoming calvary.

Let the fun begin... he said, a grin appearing on his features as he let out a small maniacal laugh. [/blockquote][/size]

[[R].ebel]

'Likewise.'

So the two at least had 1 thing in common: they couldn't stand one another, and yet they both loved Katori; in different ways of course. They both wanted to protect her, and so it would need a team effort to get her out; whether they liked it or not. Cooling the fires within for a moment to think clearly, Shetan stepped back a bit, only to hear a voice from behind him.

'Well...if it isn't the Angel of Death'

Eyes narrowed at the sight of the black stallion, Shetan already not trusting him. Now, they seemed to be stuck between a rock and hard place; some strange stallion seeming to pose a threat and the calvary, coming closer. Already, it looked that the calvary was starting to spread out to take on the position of trapping the horses; new blood for thier troops. Shetan snorted, curling his lip in a threatening fashion. A decision needed to be made quickly if they were to get out of this. In a low voice, he spoke to Lucian, leaving all hatred at the back of his head.

"Alright, Lucian... you'd better have a plan or something, cause we don't have much time to be fighting."

[Swifthoof]

Lucian watched as the calvary spread out in hopes of catching the three horses and that was exactly what he wanted. He looked toward Alucard and briefly nodded his head, the black stallion returning the gesture. Eyes narrowing, he kept his eyes on the oncoming humans, Shetan's voice echoing in his ears.

Alright, Lucian... you'd better have a plan or something, cause we don't have much time to be fighting

[/color]

Auds flicked forward as he pawed the ground, letting out a snort. Easy. Get captured and get out as soon as possible.[/color] he answered. Alucard chuckled lowly What a plan, Lucian he sneered, sarcasm evident in his voice. Lucian ignored the comment as he watched the calvary come closer, ropes whirling above their heads. He knew that his plan had risks, but he didn't care. It was their choice to follow it or not. [/blockquote][/size]

[[R].ebel]

Easy. Get captured and get out as soon as possible.

What a plan, Lucian

Shetan's already narrowed eyes would have narrowed further at the black stallion. Who was he, how did he know Lucian, and what was he doing here? All questions he couldn't ask at the moment due to the impending group of calvary men; and in the lead was Ikusa.

"... simple enough..."

"Ah... fresh recruits."

The toned bay said through the bit in his mouth as he looked over each mustang upon coming upon them. All Ikusa had to do was move in the right spots; his rider would take care of the ropes. It was strange to see three stallions together and yet, there they were, standing there as if they were invisible. Ikusa was already starting to wonder if they had some motive or where just plain stupid. No horse had ever just stood there for them to come; it seemed strange to him. However, the riders didn't seem to mind the change. Instead, they made a semi-circle around the group and slung thier ropes for their target as quickly as they arrived, just in case the horses decided to bolt.

It took nearly everything Shetan had not to move as one rope came to him. His instinct to duck nearly made him do so, causing him to flinch as the rope fell over his neck. Automatically, the feeling of capture sank in; there was no turning back now. But he felt that if he just stood there with no struggle, the humans would suspect something... maybe not what they were planning, but it would just seem strange for a horse not to fight for freedom. And so, Shetan neighed fiercly, rearing back against the rope, pulling tension on it as the rider wrapped the opposite end around the horn of his saddle. The red stallion was holding back his fighting, to prevent from actually escaping... although, now feeling the weight of the rope and the pressure cutting into his neck, he knew escape at this point was nearly impossible.

Ikusa seemed to nod his head ever so slightly at the reaction of the red stallion; that was more like it. His eyes scanned the rest of the mustangs, as well as his fellow calvary ones, making sure everyone was in thier place.

[Swifthoof]

Lucian watched as the calvary horses circled them, recognizing a few from his years in the fort although some were new horses. Dark ears flicked forward as he recognized Ikusa leading the pack, still as arrogant and prideful as ever. He wasn't sure if the bay would recognize him, but it was worth a shot and maybe it would be a little humorous to poke at the fort horse.

Looks like you've been promoted, Ikusa. Congratulations, slave

[/color] he snorted as a small smirk crossed his muzzle. Ropes landed around his neck, pulling tight. He tossed his head and half heartedly pulled at the rough vines, but then gave up and hung his head, his brown eyes flicking into the direction of the fort.

His ears pricked to Shetan neigh who was fighting fiercely to 'get away', but he supposed he was putting on an act for the humans. His gaze then went to Alucard who was dodging ropes and catching some with his teeth before snapping the vine in two. He knew that the black stallion would surely be a prize for any human with his size and strength, but breaking him would not be easy. Soon, a rope managed to land around the black stallion's neck followed by a few more until Alucard snorted and gave up. His eyes met Lucian's and one of his orbs blinked in a wink. Lucian nodded his head slightly before looking to the calvary horses for their next move. [/blockquote][/size]

[[R].ebel]

Looks like you've been promoted, Ikusa. Congratulations, slave

Ears pricked to the words of the stallion, head turning to face the captured. Ikusa's ears pinned, then pricked forward again toward the stallion only to pin back once more at the realization to who he was talking to, a smirk upon his crooked face. The bay chuckled, snorting at Lucain's words as he replied.

"Well, if itsn't Lucian. It's been a while since you've been behind the fort walls. Gonna be just like old times, eh? Heh-heh..."

Shetan watched with hidden curiosity. It seemed Lucian had been in thier before; the red stallion would have been foolish not to accept help from him, but for now, he'd leave that behind. His only focus now was Katori. He hoped that she was doing well. But his eye caught something from the black stallion: a wink towards Lucain. Eyes narrowed in suspicion that he was being left out of something vital... 'Maybe they are against you, boy.' 'Shut it, father. I'm handling this as it comes.' 'Hm... We'll see what happens within those walls, boy.' 'We will...' Shetan felt the ropes tighten to pull him behind one of the calvary horses in an effort to move him. The red stallion followed, having to force himself to walk so that he would not look to be so hurried to the fort.

[Swifthoof]

Well, if itsn't Lucian. It's been a while since you've been behind the fort walls. Gonna be just like old times, eh? Heh-heh...

[/color]

Lucian let out a deep chuckle, satisfied that the fort stallion didn't know what he was really planning. Most likely[/color] he answered gruffly as he looked toward Alucard and Shetan to make sure they didn't have too much trouble. Snorting, he tossed his head as his eyes flicked back to Ikusa. Still surprised they haven't gelded you. About time they start. The fort doesn't want any weaklings to be spawned[/color] he said to the bay, his eyes narrowing in mirth.

Alucard watched the horizon as his tail flicked to ward off flies. Dark, brown eyes looked toward Shetan and he guessed that he might find out something about him now that they were on the way to the fort. All he knew was that he was Katori's mate, but nothing else. Like Lucian, he was a protective of the bay mare although he didn't really show it much. Tossing his ebon forelock out of his eyes, he then moved near the fire colored stallion so he could at least make small talk. So you're little Katori's mate. And you're most likely here for the same reasons we are. he said, keeping his voice low so the other calvary horses wouldn't catch up on their plan. [/blockquote][/size]

[[R].ebel]

Most likely. Still surprised they haven't gelded you. About time they start. The fort doesn't want any weaklings to be spawned

An ear pinned slightly at his words, but the bay stallion kept his cool, grinning as he walked on, ahead of the crowd. With a glance at the tethered stallion, Ikusa spat back,

"Perhaps that's why they let you go, Lucian... Afraid of spawning weaklings in the fort."

Ikusa sneered, head held up high and proud as his rider held tightly to one of the horses' ropes, the forts might walls rising up in the distance.

Shetan walked quietly, not listening to anyone around him... not even when a voice was directed to him. He heard it but it did not register in his mind that he was being talked to. Everything around him seem to fade, a distant look in his fiery eyes, an unsettling anger spewing in them. Shetan was thinking of Katori, praying to the Heavens that she was okay, and kicking himself for not being there to protect her.

"Never again... I will not leave her side. I will protect her."
"Protect her? How do you plan to do that when you can't even protect yourself?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Me, boy. Me. You aren't strong enough to fight me. Both you and I know that in the end I will win... and your mate... well, she's as good as dead."
"Just shut up... I'll do anything for Katori... even if that means destroying your very soul."
"What a pathetic little foal. How is it that you are my son? I'll put hell on earth for you before I let you snuff me out like a flickering flame. This is a fight you won't win, boy."
"We'll see, father... we'll see...."

[Swifthoof]

Perhaps that's why they let you go, Lucian... Afraid of spawning weaklings in the fort.

[/color]

The stallion's ears pinned back slightly at the horse's words, but instead of retorting Lucian simply watched the bay walk off in all his haughty glory. Ikusa had won the battle, but the real war would start inside the fort as he would work on getting them all out in one piece. No doubt, it would be dangerous, but he was determined that this would be the last time he would ever be inside that prison. His nostrils flared slightly as he saw the fort's high walls start to appear in the horizon and it took all he had not to bolt forward. He would have to remain calm and start strategizing a way out.

Alucard watched the flame colored stallion as he had a distant look in his eyes and it was obvious that his statement hadn't even made a connection from Shetan's ears to his brain. The ebon colored stallion shrugged and turned back to the direction of the fort to see that the walls were starting to loom on the horizon. His teeth flashed slightly in a small grin of excitement and he could feel the blood roaring in his ears. It all took patience and then he could release the lust for violence that was itching at his hide. Soon, very soon he was sure that the fort's walls would be stained red with blood. Was he demented? Very much so, yes but he was oh so very proud to admit it. [/blockquote][/size]