.:.ELECTRIC.:.

[[esperanza]]

Afternoon was swiftly turning into night as a storm broke across the plains. Lightning forked across the horizon, illuminating the tall dark clouds that heralded change, and the low grumble of thunder followed soon after. Every being on the plains could feel the storm in the very marrow of their bones. A certain bay stallion broke into a gallop as he headed into the heart of Darksun territory, tossing his head as the sharp, fresh air flooded his nostrils. Even Alasdi, the cold hearted leader of the Darksun Herd, could enjoy an adrenaline rush every now and then.

He slowed to a prancing trot as he reached the territory's namesake: a large, dark boulder shaped conspicuously like the sun. Stamping a hind hoof to get out the rest of his nerves, he glanced behind him to see if anyone else had followed. Eyes as green as poison scanned the land, looking for any nearby horses. Rain began to blur the distant horizon.

Alasdi half-reared, tossed his head back, and let out a loud, clear bugle that would surely be heard across the territory; he was calling the herd together. What purpose stirred in his dark mind wasn't difficult to guess: Alasdi was ready for war. He tossed his head once more before he calmed, only his ears and eyes flicking to and fro, with the occasional movement of his head as he waited to see who would answer his call.

[[R].ebel]

Danuwa had not faltered in following his leader; true to his word, the paint colt stayed by his side, ears pricked forward with the electrified air around him seeming to charge his innards. He would be here, ahead of the herd; a young colt above all the others. What jealousy would rise amongst those commoners? Danuwa could only imagine. As his leader called out for the herd, Danuwa stood patiently, ready and willing to do anything directed.


They never failed.

The two brothers, trademarked in thier design and beings, thundered across the plains for thier leader. The larger stallion, Thor, ran ahead of his brother as usual, but Thunder seemed to lack the spunk and drive of keeping up with his brother that he normally had. It seemed in those now sensless and emotionless eyes that the young stallion had lost himself somewhere along the way of growing up. Thor ran with a purpose; Thunder just ran. He did not even realize that Alasdi had called until Thor took off to a run, in which Thunder's legs mechanically followed. Sliding to an impressive halt, Thor straightened himself before his leader before bowing his head respectfully, although even he could not cut suspicous eyes as to why a young colt was at the right hand of Alasdi.

Thunder as well pulled himself to a stop, but only half heartedly bowed his head, a deep blank nothingness glimmering in his eyes. It was is if he was nothing but a hollow shell; a puppet for the master to control. Thunder met the eyes of his leader, deep, blank nothings just watching the outside world. He did not even notice Danuwa standing there with a smirking pride.

Had it been this long since Misty had conversed with her fellow herd members? She certainly felt that way. Misty had spent many a time over the last few seasons alone. She felt distanced from the herd. The dappled gray even wondered if anyone would remember her. Running swiftly across her homeland, she answered the call of her leader, hoping to mend her distanced relationship with the herd. She couldn't help but be excited about having a meeting. She would see her fellow herd members and be able to reconnect with them. "Geez... I sound like I've been away from the herd for years..." Sliding to a halt, Misty took her place with her herd members, waiting for what Alasdi had to say.

ooc notes///
danuwa = #406492
thor = #B8BBD3
thunder = #0116B0
misty =#FFFFFF

[Swifthoof]

The quiet of the day was interrupted by the pounding of hooves as a well muscled white stallion ran across the plains, his ears pinned flat to his head and his teeth were bared in rage. Near the end of spring, he had stumbled upon on an intruding Cimarron horse and just when he was sure he was about to capture him, the stallion had gotten away. If it was anything Kavik hated, it was failure but at least he had managed to cause the intruder some damage.

Tossing his head, he slowed to a stop while his ears suddenly pricked forward to hear the sound of a familiar bugle. His leader was calling. A snort escaped his nostrils before he turned his body in the direction of the fort and took off for it, his mane and tail flying backward.

Dark, chocolate orbs soon settled on four horses up ahead. He recognized all of them, but who was that colt next to Alasdi? Briefly, Kavik recalled of having seen him around the Darksun lands but he didn't recall his name. The stallion shrugged inwardly; he would find out eventually. Coming to a trot he nodded to Thunder, Thor and Misy in greeting before stopping next to the mare as his white tail flicked patiently for Alasdi to speak.

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[[esperanza]]

Alasdi caught the site of galloping forms heading in his direction and he smirked.

Beside him was Danuwa, practically beaming with pride. Alasdi turned to him, contemplating him with a critical eye. The colt was young and impressionable, yet already showed a love for battle and a willingness to please him: the perfect puppet. The bay stallion nodded at the paint, then lowered his head to whisper into his ear in what could almost be called a fatherly tone. "How does it feel, being powerful?"

Speaking of puppets...

He raised his head as Thor and Thunder galloped up, nodding his head at them in greeting and approval. His eye's caught Thunder's. Alasdi stared at the emptiness there for a long moment before baring his teeth in a grin. "Thor, Thunder, I'm pleased with your promptness."

He caught sight of the two others galloping up, and nodded to them each in turn, his gaze lingering on Kavik. Snowy pelt, dark eyes. What about that weakling that had ran off from the herd almost a year ago? They looked similar. Could they possibly be related? The bay stallion frowned as he looked Kavik over. So far, the white stallion had done nothing to indicate disloyalty, but there was still something in Alasdi's heart that told him not to trust him.

Not that he really trusted anyone, actually.

He studied the group once more, dissatisfied that more horses hadn't shown up. A cold realization siezed his heart: they weren't ready for this. Not yet, at least. Maybe they would be, in a month or two. That would give them time to train, not to mention filling in the absent herd members.

A few drops of rain fell on his back as thunder rumbled again. He waited for the sky to finish its monologue before speaking up. "How was the grazing this year?" he started, almost casually, though there was a point to this. "I thought it was rather dry, myself."

[[R].ebel]

How does it feel, being powerful?

The paint colt only grinned to himself in reply, a completely satisfied and dark gaze coating his eyes. He felt the question was more rhetorical, but he soaked it in and allowed the entire essence of the question to envelope him.

Thor, Thunder, I'm pleased with your promptness.

"For you, mah lord."

The gruff words of the stallion were followed by a respectful nod of his head. He glanced at Thunder, expecting the same reaction but got nothing. Eyes narrowed in anger at his younger brother's sudden change, and he stamped a hoof to let his anger be known.

Thunder did nothing. Thor could not control how he felt... but how did he feel? Thunder didn't even know anymore. No changes in his stance, the stallion stared into Alasdi's eyes... almost as if trying to pick through him, to figure him out. For one fleeting moment, just a small moment, a defiant streak ran through the young stallion's eyes. But then it was gone. Even Thunder did not realize it had happened... it just did.

Thor heard another approach and turned to see Kavik. He nodded his head in greeting to the fellow member, as the darksun had done and then turned all ears to his leader.

How was the grazing this year? I thought it was rather dry, myself.

Misty listened, wondering what this was leading up to. She figured he must just be looking out for the herd, although that really didn't seem like him. A bit confused, she glanced around to see who would respond. Of course... he never failed.

"As good as it normally is, my lord. No better, no worse."

[Swifthoof]

White head raised to meet his leader's eyes and he wondered why Alasdi's green gaze was lingering on him. Did he do something? Kavik was sure he didn't do anything..well, besides failing to capture the silver Cimarron stallion, but that couldn't be it could it? Pushing that aside, his ears soon flicked forward to the bay's words.

How was the grazing this year? I thought it was rather dry myself

Kavik couldn't help but give his head a slight tilt in curiosity, wondering if there was a point to this. It wasn't like his leader to ask these things, but then he guessed it would lead up to something good. His eyes then flicked to Thor who had responded like an obedient puppet. Kiss his hooves why don't you.. he thought, auds flicking backward slightly in annoyance.

Gaze went back to the colt standing next to the bay and he could immediately tell there was something different about him. Something sinister almost. How interesting.. he thought, feeling some drops of rain fall onto his back.

[/size]

[[esperanza]]

His eyes met Thunder's, and he caught the fleeting defiant light hidden in them. To tell the truth, it caught Alasdi by suprise. A flash of anger burned in his chest, but he did little to show it physically: his eyes widened slightly at the surprise and narrowed slightly at the anger. So, Thunder's loyaly was questionable. That would have to be amended. He studied the group of horses, thinking and planning, his gaze lingering a second on Misty.

"As good as it normally is, my lord. No better, no worse."

He turned his head toward Thor's answer. Perfect, that was perfect: more fuel for the fire. As another flash of lightning flickered on the horizon, a gust of wind lifted his ebon mane. The bay stallion sighed and lowered his head, feigning deep sorrow. "It pains me," he said, "to see that my herd has to fight to survive on these barren lands, while the cowardly, cruel Cimarron horses grow fat on their hoarded land." He began to walk, stepping in front of the large blackened stone. "Did any of us ask for this hard life?" he asked, lifting his head wearily. "I didn't ask for this," his voice now a quiet whisper.

It was true that for years he had gazed with envy at the Cimarron lands, though that envy had festered and burned into hatred. It was true that the Darksun territory was considerably drier; more than enough to sustain his herd, but drier all the same. What Alasdi was saying was true; and the truth woven in with his subtle forms of deceit would make his speech even stronger.

Continuing with his act, he glanced in the direction of the Cimarron border, still keeping up his weary facade, though his ears tilted back slightly. "Tell me," he said, turning back to the gathered horses, his voice stronger, rousing, "what right do they have to that land? I've heard of foals, hungry, starving foals that wondered onto Cimarron territory, just for one meager clump of grass, who were driven away in cold blood. Why?" He looked each of the gathered horses in the eye, waiting for a answer, a flicker of movement, any hint that his speech was having the desired affect.

[[R].ebel]

"It pains me to see that my herd has to fight to survive on these barren lands, while the cowardly, cruel Cimarron horses grow fat on their hoarded land. Did any of us ask for this hard life? I didn't ask for this."

Danuwa stayed silent up on his podium, listening to his leader intently. It seemed he was sad for the herd. Danuwa had to admit things where rough around here... of course, he spend most of his time playing games with the local predators.

Thor stood listening, ears pricked to Alasdi's words in wonder as to where this was going. He glanced to Thunder, who seemed not at all interested in anything going on. Thunder had a distant look in his eyes, as if he was lost to the world. Thor sighed to himself a bit angry and returned his gaze to Alasdi to listen.

Tell me, what right do they have to that land? I've heard of foals, hungry, starving foals that wondered onto Cimarron territory, just for one meager clump of grass, who were driven away in cold blood. Why?

Even Thor had a hard time answering this one. Being true to the herd, not even he could be tempted to the Cimarron by a fresh blade of grass, but a foal could easily be detoured to do so. Thor couldn't help but question when this had happened, but also how to answer. In the end, Thor had no answer and reamained silent.

Misty listened with curiosity and a bit of pain to hear his final sentence. It did seem that the boundries between the herds where heavily defended, by both sides though. Still, why couldn't they share? It tugged at her mind curiously but she remained silent not really having an answer.

"Cause they think we're not good enough..."

The colt answered in a leader-like tone, perfectly content with that answer. He really didn't know if should answer or not, but it seemed like a logical answer to him.

[Swifthoof]

It pains me to see that my herd has to fight to survive on these barren lands, while the cowardly, cruel Cimarron horses grow fat on their hoarded land. Did any of us ask for this hard life? I didn't ask for this

Kavik's ears flicked forward as his leader's words echoed in his head. It was true that their land was dry while their rivals in the Cimarron grew fat. With a flash of anger, he remembered how the trespassing stallion looked despite his injuries: well fed while he had seen some wandering foals look emaciated from lack of food.

Tell me, what right do they have to that land? I've heard of foals, hungry, starving foals that wondered onto Cimarron territory, just for one meager clump of grass, who were driven away in cold blood. Why?


Auds pinned flat to his head as his lip curled in jealousy. They needed to be taught a lesson and fast and the white stallion would be glad to give it to them. Alasdi just needed to give the order and he would charge straight to the neighboring territory to tear into the nearest Cimarron. It would prove to be justice.

Cause they think we're not good enough..

[/color]

At the colt's words, Kavik couldn't help but nod in agreement, flicking his tail angrily while a fore hoof pawed the ground irritably. [/blockquote][/size]

[[esperanza]]

"Cause they think we're not good enough..."

Alasdi paused to look over his shoulder at Danuwa. The colt had spoken simply and honestly. The edges of the bay's mouth twitched in a smirk before he turned back to his pacing.

"Do you know what I think? I think we're better than them...wouldn't you agree?" He paused for effect before resuming his speech. "There's a law more ancient and powerful than the boundary that keeps us locked here. That law, friends, is the simple law of the land: the strong survive, the strong prevail, the strong conquer. Are we not strong? Are we not more powerful than them?"

While the general gist of his speech had been premeditated, a lot of it was still made up on the spot. Still, he chose each word carefully, knowing that each one carried a different kind of weight: trust, anger, battlelust.

The rain broke from a drizzle into a hard shower.

The bay stallion stopped pacing and stood still right in front of the rock. His hooves had worn a muddy track into the grass. He glanced from Kavik to Misty, ideas forming in his twisted head. How loyal were these horses? He needed to know that they would follow any order of his, no matter the cost. He also needed to know that certain members --ones he had never seen in combat before-- would be able to defend themselves during a sudden attack,

He could easily hit two birds with one stone.

"Kavik," he said, his voice taking a sudden turn that was both quiet and authoritative, "kill her." He nodded gently towards the dapple gray mare.

[[R].ebel]

Do you know what I think? I think we're better than them...wouldn't you agree? There's a law more ancient and powerful than the boundary that keeps us locked here. That law, friends, is the simple law of the land: the strong survive, the strong prevail, the strong conquer. Are we not strong? Are we not more powerful than them

Thor listened with great intensity, showing a strong belief in the words of his leader. He knew the law. Having been born of war, Thor knew that only the strong where fit to live and those who could not fight, must die. That was the law of the warriors, and that was the law of the strong. That was the law of Thor.

The words crossed Thunder, hitting a nerve as the stallion spoke. But why? Thunder, no matter how hard he tried, could not answer this question. All his life he had been directed in this direction, and here he was about to fight and... And what? What did he feel about it? Thunder did not know, and it frustrated him. Pulled this way, dragged that. It made no difference now what he felt, he had been lead everywhere during his life.


xx.C h i s h i o

She was late, but she didn't care, and it showed in her easily defiant eyes. The dark blue roan looked nearly black as the heavy rain poured over her coat, she trotting up towards the back of the herd, not hearing the conversation that had taken place. Chishio looked from one member to the other, studying them and wondering what was going on, but she remained silent, allowing her eyes to asess what was going on.

Kavik, kill her.

Chishio's ears pinned. Had she heard that right? No... it couldn't be... could it? The roan wasn't sure... but she figured she'd soon find out.

The dappled gray stood stock still, watching Alasdi with wide and threatening eyes, although she wasn't sure why at the moment. She hadn't exactly heard what was said, but by the look in the bay's eyes and the tone and tension, something was up and it was dangerous. Misty watched Alasdi and Kavik carefully, tail swishing with aniticaption that something was about to happen.

Danuwa stood in the rain watching, learning. He was curious as to how this particular game would play... it was very interesting and it would be one thing he would use in the future: pitting one member against another. This would prove to be a most wonderous game, and Danuwa smiled to himself at the thought.

[Swifthoof]

Do you know what I think? I think we're better than them...wouldn't you agree? There's a law more ancient and powerful than the boundary that keeps us locked here. That law, friends, is the simple law of the land: the strong survive, the strong prevail, the strong conquer. Are we not strong? Are we not more powerful than them?

Kavik let out a snort in agreement as he watched his leader leave a muddy track in his wake from his pacing. It did make sense. The law of survival of the fittest had been around for centuries and he knew that there was no room in this world for weaklings. Thunder growled in the sky as the rain began coming down. It was marvelous, the rain since he believed it divided the strong from the weak. The white stallion had heard of stories how the elders and the young foals had slipped in a mud bank and had died from starvation. Life was indeed cruel, but it was just the way he liked it.

Kavik, kill her.

Kavik had to process the words the bay had directed at him twice as he took a heartbeat's pause to see if Alasdi was serious. By the tone of his voice and the look in his eyes, he was. Dark, brown orbs flicked toward Misty and without a moment's hesitation, he turned and aimed to push her to the ground. A small feeling of resentment flickered in his mind, but he quickly pushed it aside. There was no room in this world for regrets.

[/size]

[[esperanza]]

The bay stood still as the chilling rain poured onto his back, smirking slightly at the widened eyes of the horses. He turned his head towards the blue roan that had recently joined them. "Chishio. You're late," he said simply, but disappointment was evident in his voice. As if any excuse she might have wasn't worth his time, he turned back to watch Kavik and Misty, waiting to see how the fight would play out.

[[R].ebel]

As soon as the gray mare's eyes met Kavik's she knew her instincts had been right, and as soon as he moved, Misty wheeled away with a flying kick for his head. She pushed aside the confusion of why this had happened and replaced it with the tenacity to fight and surivive, the evidence burning in her eyes.

Danuwa wanted a piece of this. It was so very evident in his blood-thirsty eyes. He craved it, hungered the taste of blood and battle, and yet standing there, the colt was so well composed and under control. His lust for battle did not override his senses. Instead of focusing on the desire to join the battle, Danuwa focused on watching every move made and plotting what would happen next... thier every mistake focused on and pointed out in his head. He was learning from them... Danuwa didn't even have to go fighting to learn how to. Like it or not, they were teaching him...

Both Thor and Thunder spun around to face the fight, even Thor showing a bit of surprise at what was happening. Thunder however, felt threat and danger surging through him, and the need to protect, but he refrained from doing so just to see what would play out. As of now, Thunder wasn't even sure where he stood and he didn't want to throw up any flags of his second thoughts until he was sure he knew what it was he actually wanted.

Chishio had been right to suggest something was amiss, ears pinning as she watched. The roan was relatively new to the herd, but she wasn't going to dare act submissive to anybody... Chishio. You're late, The blue roan snorted, ears flattened. She didn't like his tone, and more so, he turned away from her before she could reply. Chishio's blood began to boil as she snapped back at him with defiance,

"So. I'm here now, aren't I?"

[Swifthoof]

The stallion let out a small snort as he dug his hooves in the ground and jumped back to avoid her hooves. Tossing his head, his eyes briefly flicked around at the others to see that they were watching. He was still curious as to see what the point of this was, but orders were orders and he had to follow them. Kavik gritted his teeth and charged at Misty before skidding to the side and aiming his teeth for her back.

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