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

[[R].ebel]

Ikusa walked onward, ahead of the group, being the natural leader. His temporary rider, not the Colonol, as the Colonol had a few important things within the fort to take care of, gave Ikusa his lead, as he knew the bay stallion knew exactly where they were heading. Those looming fort walls were starting to rise in the distance, and Ikusa smiled at their prescence. Home.

Shetan walked in silence, eyes clouded and distanced from the world. The only thoughts on his mind where Katori and nothing would break that one driven thought: to free her. So focused was the red stallion on her, thinking of the two running together, being together, not a care in the world except with each other, he did not realize the fort was before him until the dark bay ahead had halted along with the others of the calvary. Shetan's eyes lifted to see the large double doors of the fort, now closed. Ikusa suddenly made a move forward as the man upon his back said something in a language foriegn to Shetan. More men yelled out, and suddenly a loud thud and series of creaks shuttered through the doors. The large doors cracked and started to swing open, and Shetan's first instinct made him seach every horse, every being in that fort for Katori. Ropes pulled on his neck as the horses started to move into the fort, and Shetan's legs moved by thier force, but he did not notice. He was focused only on finding Katori... but to his dismay, Shetan had yet to see her, no matter how hard he looked. Shetan was not stupid however, and did nothing to call her name out, as that would tip Ikusa off.

Ikusa took in a deep breath as he entered his home, taking in the sense and sounds and allowing the satisfaction of being home to soothe him. He glanced back to the newcomers, seeing the looks on thier faces, although of this group he wasn't expecting much such as others who came in scared out of thier minds. Looking back to the fort, the stallion caught sight of his owner, the Colonol, who seemed busy at the moment. He nodded in contentment that things seemed right so far and, as the doors closed behind him, Ikusa spoke.

"Welcome to your new home, fellas... And welcome back, Lucian."

[Swifthoof]

The dark stallion never took his eyes off the horizon while he tried his best to not look too eager to get to the fort. It would only raise suspicions, especially with Ikusa. Soon, the walls appeared to be getting closer and a few moments later the horses were at the wooden gates. A man said something to another and then there was yelling with the crack of the gates opening following soon after. Anticipation to see if his daughter was alright roared within him although the stallion forced himself to stay put and remain calm.

Alucard watched the scene with mild interest, feeling a little bored as the gates began opening, revealing what was hidden a moment before. The scents and sounds of the fort entered his mind as he looked around, curious.

Welcome to your new home, fellas... And welcome back, Lucian

[/color]

At this the raven hued stallion couldn't help but let out a chuckle. That's what you think, slave he answered, a mocking grin crossing his features. Snorting, he tossed his head, feeling the ropes rub against his pelt.

Lucian said nothing at Ikusa's remark, his main focus the same as Shetan's: finding Katori. The stallion then noticed that they had stopped moving and that the Colonel was making his way toward their little group. The former fort horse waited patiently as it seemed his former rider had recognized him. Wild instinct rose in the horse as the Colonel stopped before him and raised his head upward with the riding crop. His teeth couldn't help but bare in small spark of anger, but he held back from striking out while the Colonel said something to a nearby soldier. The soldier responded with a nod and took the rope that was holding Lucian, beginning to lead him toward the stables.

Ebon head tossed in impatience as Alucard stamped a hoof, wanting to do something to ease the need for violence that was clawing at his belly. His ears pricked forward to the men saying something and then with a pull on the ropes, he saw that he too was being led toward the stables. Come out, come out, little Katori he thought, flicking his eyes around in hopes of catching sight of the mare he had helped raise.[/blockquote][/size]

[[R].ebel]

Ikusa was soon greeted by his owner, the Colonol, given no real loving affection so far as a stroke or a rub, but instead was patted on the neck in a bit of a reward. Ikusa had learned to take such actions as rewards and ask for nothing further. He was kept well fed and fit, so that was more than enough for a reward. Having lived so long with these men, Ikusa had picked up on thier language, knowing what certains words meant. Listening to the Colonol talk, he concluded that Ikusa was now on break and would be led to the pasture to graze for the time being.

Shetan watched as one by one, the group was scattered into the fort, he being the last one. They were heading in more or less the same direction and soon Shetan was having to follow. He saw a young mustang in what he would call a trap, while a large, hefty two-legged worked endlessy on stripping the young stallion of his long, untamed mane. Just a glimpse of what Shetan would face...

"I'd kill myself before I let them lay a hand on me..."
"...or kill them..."

Shetan did not respond to the chilling voice in his head as he walked deeper into the fort.