Part 1
I was not particularly surprised when Smokesong returned in a panic yesterday.
Out of all of us, Smoke is the most paranoid, always cautious, always thinking things through before she acts. Sometimes I wonder how she and Wolf even became friends. Occasionally, Wolf manages to drag Smoke out on some kind of adventure, and these adventures usually end with Smoke bolting back, freaking out about one thing or another, for me, Hunter and Spell to deal with. Like yesterday, when I had to thoroughly insist that there was no ghost in the Castle. But while Smoke is overly cautious, the three of us are sensible. Well, at least me and Spell are. Hunter is more reckless, but not as much as Onyx and Brave, who are always disappearing off somewhere. Yes, there's a difference between cautious and sensible. Us three do go out when we can, though nowhere near as much as Onyx or Brave, the two loners, who, while they both have ended up as well, loners is the only way to put it, it's for different reasons. Brave is the snarky loner who seems to be a loner purely because he wants to be, while I've gotten the sense that Onyx is alone because she feels like she has no choice. I've tried to speak to her but she pushes me away. I don't know what to do about it.
"You in there, Prince?" Spell inquires, nudging me with her nose.
"Yes, I am. I was just thinking." I reply, dipping my head a little in acknowledgment.
"I was just wondering where Hunter's gotten to." She says, tipping her head a little, before looking around, most likely looking for Hunter.
"You never know with Hunter. He didn't tell me anything."
She dips her head. "I didn't think so, but I had to check. One day, he'll get into trouble doing that. Especially now that She's riding him."
'She' is Elsa. Our owner, rider, carer... However you want to phrase it. And it's true that She's riding Hunter more now. I don't know why.
There's 2 groups in our stable; there's Brave, Onyx, Smoke, Hunter, Spell and I, and there's the others. The others are the ones that haven't been ridden in a long time, for some unknown reason. I don't even remember most of their names, except for Midnight, the kind mare who actually tries to talk to us.
"And you're not listening again, are you, Prince?" Spell sighs. "Sometimes I wonder why I even—oh hey there's Hunter. Hunter!" Spell calls out, half-rearing in greeting. "Hey Hunter. Wait is something wrong?" Spell's right; Hunter looks slightly worried, and his steps are slower than usual.
Hunter dips his head in greeting. "Spell, Prince. I know I'm probably being paranoid, but it's been a while since I saw Onyx. Like, a day or two. Has anyone else seen her?"
I haven't. Suddenly, I feel uneasy, but I try to calm Hunter. "She's probably out. You know she does that."
"Yeah I know, but she has to come back some time, right?"
"Not necessarily" Spell chips in unhelpfully. "She could always run away."
I snort, tossing my mane a bit. "Run away? That would be stupid. Not only would she suddenly be without shelter or comfort, she'd be risking discovering. I really don't think that's likely."
"Onyx's food is still there." A new voice speaks up. Brave. I turn to look at him, and he meets my eyes. "I'm telling the truth. Go look if you want. Her food is still there."
"That doesn't mean anything." I argue, swishing my tail restlessly.
"Keep telling yourself that. You'll be saying I'm right when she doesn't come back." He replies irritably, lashing his tail too.
"Prince." Spell says softly. "What if she is gone?"
I shake my head again. "She wouldn't"
Hunter shifts his weight nervously. "Has anything happened?"
"Not that I know of" I reply, feeling increasing unease growing.
"Are you talking about Onyx?" I hear Smoke's voice. Like this conversation isn't crowded enough already.
"Obviously." Snarks Brave, tossing his mane in a gesture very typical of him.
"Have you seen her?" Pipes up Spell hopefully.
"No?"
"Who are you looking for?" Yet another voice joins the conversation, Midnight's this time.
"Onyx. Onyxflame." Spell replies. I notice Brave give a snort of disgust at the appearance of the lower-class horse. Unworthy of attention, in his mind. I narrow my eyes in disapproval. Characteristically, he ignores me.
Midnight looks surprised. "I saw her yesterday. I didn't speak to her, but she was there. Up on that rock overlooking the hay fields outside of the village." Of course. We should have asked her immediately, the observant mare. At least I know for next time. Because there will always be a next time.
"Alright what have you done?" Brave sighs, and I have no clue who he's talking to until I notice the guilty expression on Smoke's face. "C'mon spill. If you know something, you better share it." He threatens. I sigh to myself, wishing that something—anything would get through to him and make realise that he can't keep threatening the others, especially sensitive Smoke. But nothing will; I've tried, Spell's tried, even Hunter tried. Hunter doesn't intervene until things are bad. And when he does, others normally listen.
"I don't know where she is!" Protests Smoke. "Only... When me and Wolf were at the hayfields yesterday... I may have said something bad about Onyx. If she was on the rock at the time she could've maybe heard..."
I resist the urge to groan. "You are aware that she's sensitive, and she gets enough hate already. And can I point out she has done absolutely nothing to you, Smoke. I'm disappointed. And now that we know there's a cause, we need to look for her. But this isn't the end of this conversation"
"We'll speak with her later, Prince. We have to focus on Onyx right now." Spell warns.
"Yes I know that I wasn't planning on continuing right now. I did mean later."
Hunter groans. "You are entirely off topic. We need to find Onyx!"
"I'll look for her." Brave says, giving me a challenging look.
Hunter protests. "We all need to look for her."
"He's right" Spell chips in.
Brave looks irritated for a second. "Fine. Either Prince or Spell needs to take Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur though. You two are cold-resistant."
"So is Lemon." Midnight mumbles.
"Nobody cares about your nobody friend." He shoots back.
"How dare you!"
"Guys stop!" Hunter snarls, rearing up. "Onyx is missing, we don't have time for you to brawl. I'll take Firgrove, and north Harvest Counties, Prince can take Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur, Spell can take Valedale and Goldenhill Valley, Brave can take Silverglade village and surrounding areas, Smoke can take Moorland and Fort Pinta, Midnight, if you're helping you can take Epona."
"You don't dictate what I do, Cow." Brave snaps.
"Suck it up for once, Brave!" Yells Spell.
Midnight speaks up again. "Our group can help you."
Brave opens his mouth, probably about to say something cutting when I cut him off.
"That'd be great, thanks Midnight."
Brave glowers, but stays silent, to my relief.
"Okay!" Gasps out Hunter. "Let's go. And don't argue, Brave. Finding Onyx is the important thing, not your stupid prejudices against Midnight's group. I don't care what you make of that. Just go."
He does, taking off with his tail in the air, defiant. I sigh, turning towards Valedale, where the entrance to Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur is. "Off I go then." I sigh, taking off, first at a canter, then at a gallop.
Where could Onyxflame be? Could she really have run away? Instinct says no, while Onyx is reckless, she wouldn't dare run away...
Would she?
When I finally reach Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur, I welcome the snow. The hot Jorvik sun has been bearing down my back the ride here, enough to wish I'd remembered to take the direct route through the woods, instead of forgetting, and ending up under the sun for longer than wanted, at the sun's peak time no less.
So when my hoof sank into the foot-deep snow by the entrance, I almost sighed in relief. I change my gait to tolt, picking up my hooves as I pushed through the deep snow. Now my least favourite part of the journey; the part where I have to trust the rickety old elevator built by humans centuries ago. I feel my stomach swirl with nerves as it lowers down, welcoming every meter closer to the ground I get.
When I do reach the ground, I sniff at the air, trying to pick up any trace of Onyx. If there was anything, it's gone now, squashed by the snowfall.
"You could've taken the long wait you know."
I turn in surprise. A grey mare, possibly Andalusian, is standing a few meters away, looking cool and content. She's one of the lower group's horses, I know that much, but I've forgotten her name. Apparently, she knows that too.
"My name is Stormrebel. Rebel. And you're Nightprince."
"Yes, I'm Prince. You knew my name already?"
She snorts. "I only knew it was you because you look like a stuck-up royal. Thats what Crush told me. Though the lot of you act like you're Epona's gift to Jorvik anyway, I'm surprised I could tell the difference."
A bit put off by that, I'm unable to form a response, so I just stare at Rebel, until she rolls her eyes. "Uppers." she gripes. "Can't deal with 'em without losing your mind. You pity us, don't you? You shouldn't. We certainly pity you. You obviously had nobody to set you a good example, so you're following a bad one instead. Doesn't excuse you though."
I stare at her, puzzled. So the lowers hate us? That doesn't sit well with me. But I don't have time to argue with this mare. "Sorry, I need to go."
"Of course you do." She says. Before I can argue that I actually do, she speaks again. "Go on then. Guess you better catch up to your friend."
"Onyx?" I say, confused for a second. If she's not here to try and find Onyx, why is she here?
"No, not the lost one. How do you lose a shire anyway? They're certainly not small, especially not that Shi—"
"Don't finish that sentence." I snarl. Why are they all so against Onyx? Surely the taunting hasn't started occurring in the lower group too?
No, actually. I think she'd probably have said it even if it was someone else. For some reason, she truely seems to hate us. But something else in her sentence catches my attention.
"Not Onyx? Who then?" I ask, puzzled.
"Another one of yours. I don't know his name. Why would I want to?" Rebel sniffs.
"Are you sure it was one of ours?"
"My nose and eyes still work just fine! I've seen him before and he smells like the rest of you. Happy now?" She snaps.
"What does he look like?" I ask.
"Bay, a little on the darker side. White bridle and saddle pad, black saddle. Looked irritated, but don't you all? What's the matter I wonder? Food not quite up to your standard?"
I scowl, but not at her insult. "Brave? What on earth is he doing here?" The answer is probably that he wanted to be. There's very little you can do to stop Brave when he doesn't want to be stopped. "Now I really have to go. Stop him from doing something ridiculous."
"You're all ridiculous. Go then." Rebel sniffs.
I do. If I didn't have to find Brave & Onyx, I'd stay and try to convince her that we are not posh snobs. But those two are more important right now.
I run along the ice, jumping the gaps, hoping like hope that I wont fall in. I don't like my chances getting out of there.
"Braverunner!" I holler, hoping he'll actually come out if he hears the call.
"Fog too much for your eyes?" Brave quips from behind me. I jump, turning.
"Why on earth are you here?" I scowl.
He sighs. "For once it's not to aggravate you. I actually have a better idea of where Onyx would be. I also know that she's most likely here if anywhere. Spell's in here too, by the way. "
I close my eyes, trying to push my frustration back. "Brave, what have you done?"
"Most likely helped."
"Most likely?"
"Well there's a small chance I've messed something up but that hasn't happened before and I don't intend to start. Nor to I intend for you to be the saving hero of Onyxflame. Your head is big enough already."
There's no end of it from him, I swear to Epona. I shake my head in exasperation. "Fine. Where do you think Onyx is?"
"Near the dinosaur. She's told me she likes it there."
"You've talked to her?" I'm surprised, and it's obviously clear on my face because he snorts. "She's pretty cool actually. Better than you lot."
I try not to take that personally.
"Then let's go!"
He makes a slight sound of agreement, and off we go again.
She's not at the dinosaur. Brave seems a little put off for once.
"Well now what, genius?"
"For Epona's sake, everyone makes mistakes, Prince. I—"
His words were cut off by a loud scream.
We both look at each other and take off towards the sound.
"Onyx!" Brave is the one that yells, fear laced through his voice. I don't think I've seen any emotion except content and irritation from him before, so I'm actually somewhat surprised to think he actually cares what happens to us. That thought immediately makes me feel horrible.
"Brave run!" Onyx's reply is screeched, terrified.
"Not on her life" Brave grumbles. "Well come on, bit-brain. Wasn't I right?"
Bit-brain? Bit-brain is an insult that implies there's nothing in your head; only controlled by the bit. I'm actually insulted this time. But I don't have time to protest. We charge closer to the sound, and I see a cave.
"Dammit." Brave curses. "The witch cave. She's crazy." The witch cave? That doesn't sound good.
Brave vaults over the fang-like icicles, and I have no choice but to follow. Onyx's voice is certainly coming from inside the cave.
"It's dark in here. Stuff on the ground." Brave warns.
"Wow really? It's dark? I hadn't noticed." Inside the cave was almost pitch-black. I step forward and immediately smack my hoof on something. I hiss under my breath from the unexpected impact and I can hear Brave trying not to laugh. "Oh yeah, watch the step."
"You cruel stallion." I scowl. I try to go on the step again, and actually get my hoof onto it this time. It's a pretty huge step, I'm surprised I don't have to jump onto it.
"Single file, TubbyPrince." Brave snaps as I bump into him accidentally.
"TubbyPrince?" I snap back.
Brave sighs. "You know what? For this one journey, let's try not to kill each other. Onyx is more important."
"Fine. For once, you're right."
"What did I just say? Seriously, Prince." Brave huffs.
"Yeah sorry. You're right."
"I see light." Brave reports.
"All I see is the back of you."
"Funny that."
But I can see the light. That's how I could see the back of him. We stumble into the light and I hear Brave gasp. I look up, and I see Onyx, tied in every way possible. Legs, flank, head... She looks terrified, and simultaneously Brave and I rush over and immediately try to break the ropes.
"I will rip my teeth out if that's what it takes to break the ropes." snarls Brave.
"A bit intense." I comment. But I would too. We don't leave each other.
One of the ropes snaps, the one around her face, and she shudders. "Thank you, Brave, Prince. I didn't expect... anyone to find me."
"But you told me to run."
"I'd do it again. Nobody else is getting caught because of me."
I grunt. "Nobody is getting caught. You're safe, Onyx."
"Not yet." Brave warns.
"Are you ever helpful?"
"Hey I found her didn't I?"
I can't argue with that logic. I rip the rope tying her body to the wall, and Onyx thrusts her back hoof out, and the rope makes a ripping noise, but doesn't break fully.
There's a snapping noise as the rope on her front hooves break thanks to Brave, and I loop my own hoof around the rope on Onyx's back legs, and I pull. Pain shoots through my leg, but I hear the rope snap.
"Come on!" I gasp.
That's when I hear footsteps that aren't ours.
"Who's there?" A rough human voice drawls. As we look, a man comes through a corridor and gives us a mean smile. "What's this? More prisoners? Tried to rescue your friend, did you?"
"Run!" yells Brave. Like I need to be told twice.
We evacuate hastily, shoving through the tunnel. I'm at the back and I push through the pain in my leg to keep going. We burst out of the narrow tunnel, leaping over the icicles. We barrel along the ice, and barely pause enough to yell 'run!' when we see Spell, who thankfully does. It feels like a long journey back to the stable, but we finally make it. I gently lower myself to the ground, wanting--needing to get the weight off my hoof. Brave looks at me. "You're hurt?"
"Why Brave, you almost sound concerned."
"I'd feel a bit bad if it's because I let you hit your hoof on the step."
"No, it wasn't from that. Broke the rope with my hoof. Hurt a lot. But it's no ripping your teeth out."
Spell lowered her head to look at my leg. "I've hurt my leg on rope before. It'll heal, Prince. But what happened out there?"
Onyx looks at us. "I can tell you."
Out of all of us, Smoke is the most paranoid, always cautious, always thinking things through before she acts. Sometimes I wonder how she and Wolf even became friends. Occasionally, Wolf manages to drag Smoke out on some kind of adventure, and these adventures usually end with Smoke bolting back, freaking out about one thing or another, for me, Hunter and Spell to deal with. Like yesterday, when I had to thoroughly insist that there was no ghost in the Castle. But while Smoke is overly cautious, the three of us are sensible. Well, at least me and Spell are. Hunter is more reckless, but not as much as Onyx and Brave, who are always disappearing off somewhere. Yes, there's a difference between cautious and sensible. Us three do go out when we can, though nowhere near as much as Onyx or Brave, the two loners, who, while they both have ended up as well, loners is the only way to put it, it's for different reasons. Brave is the snarky loner who seems to be a loner purely because he wants to be, while I've gotten the sense that Onyx is alone because she feels like she has no choice. I've tried to speak to her but she pushes me away. I don't know what to do about it.
"You in there, Prince?" Spell inquires, nudging me with her nose.
"Yes, I am. I was just thinking." I reply, dipping my head a little in acknowledgment.
"I was just wondering where Hunter's gotten to." She says, tipping her head a little, before looking around, most likely looking for Hunter.
"You never know with Hunter. He didn't tell me anything."
She dips her head. "I didn't think so, but I had to check. One day, he'll get into trouble doing that. Especially now that She's riding him."
'She' is Elsa. Our owner, rider, carer... However you want to phrase it. And it's true that She's riding Hunter more now. I don't know why.
There's 2 groups in our stable; there's Brave, Onyx, Smoke, Hunter, Spell and I, and there's the others. The others are the ones that haven't been ridden in a long time, for some unknown reason. I don't even remember most of their names, except for Midnight, the kind mare who actually tries to talk to us.
"And you're not listening again, are you, Prince?" Spell sighs. "Sometimes I wonder why I even—oh hey there's Hunter. Hunter!" Spell calls out, half-rearing in greeting. "Hey Hunter. Wait is something wrong?" Spell's right; Hunter looks slightly worried, and his steps are slower than usual.
Hunter dips his head in greeting. "Spell, Prince. I know I'm probably being paranoid, but it's been a while since I saw Onyx. Like, a day or two. Has anyone else seen her?"
I haven't. Suddenly, I feel uneasy, but I try to calm Hunter. "She's probably out. You know she does that."
"Yeah I know, but she has to come back some time, right?"
"Not necessarily" Spell chips in unhelpfully. "She could always run away."
I snort, tossing my mane a bit. "Run away? That would be stupid. Not only would she suddenly be without shelter or comfort, she'd be risking discovering. I really don't think that's likely."
"Onyx's food is still there." A new voice speaks up. Brave. I turn to look at him, and he meets my eyes. "I'm telling the truth. Go look if you want. Her food is still there."
"That doesn't mean anything." I argue, swishing my tail restlessly.
"Keep telling yourself that. You'll be saying I'm right when she doesn't come back." He replies irritably, lashing his tail too.
"Prince." Spell says softly. "What if she is gone?"
I shake my head again. "She wouldn't"
Hunter shifts his weight nervously. "Has anything happened?"
"Not that I know of" I reply, feeling increasing unease growing.
"Are you talking about Onyx?" I hear Smoke's voice. Like this conversation isn't crowded enough already.
"Obviously." Snarks Brave, tossing his mane in a gesture very typical of him.
"Have you seen her?" Pipes up Spell hopefully.
"No?"
"Who are you looking for?" Yet another voice joins the conversation, Midnight's this time.
"Onyx. Onyxflame." Spell replies. I notice Brave give a snort of disgust at the appearance of the lower-class horse. Unworthy of attention, in his mind. I narrow my eyes in disapproval. Characteristically, he ignores me.
Midnight looks surprised. "I saw her yesterday. I didn't speak to her, but she was there. Up on that rock overlooking the hay fields outside of the village." Of course. We should have asked her immediately, the observant mare. At least I know for next time. Because there will always be a next time.
"Alright what have you done?" Brave sighs, and I have no clue who he's talking to until I notice the guilty expression on Smoke's face. "C'mon spill. If you know something, you better share it." He threatens. I sigh to myself, wishing that something—anything would get through to him and make realise that he can't keep threatening the others, especially sensitive Smoke. But nothing will; I've tried, Spell's tried, even Hunter tried. Hunter doesn't intervene until things are bad. And when he does, others normally listen.
"I don't know where she is!" Protests Smoke. "Only... When me and Wolf were at the hayfields yesterday... I may have said something bad about Onyx. If she was on the rock at the time she could've maybe heard..."
I resist the urge to groan. "You are aware that she's sensitive, and she gets enough hate already. And can I point out she has done absolutely nothing to you, Smoke. I'm disappointed. And now that we know there's a cause, we need to look for her. But this isn't the end of this conversation"
"We'll speak with her later, Prince. We have to focus on Onyx right now." Spell warns.
"Yes I know that I wasn't planning on continuing right now. I did mean later."
Hunter groans. "You are entirely off topic. We need to find Onyx!"
"I'll look for her." Brave says, giving me a challenging look.
Hunter protests. "We all need to look for her."
"He's right" Spell chips in.
Brave looks irritated for a second. "Fine. Either Prince or Spell needs to take Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur though. You two are cold-resistant."
"So is Lemon." Midnight mumbles.
"Nobody cares about your nobody friend." He shoots back.
"How dare you!"
"Guys stop!" Hunter snarls, rearing up. "Onyx is missing, we don't have time for you to brawl. I'll take Firgrove, and north Harvest Counties, Prince can take Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur, Spell can take Valedale and Goldenhill Valley, Brave can take Silverglade village and surrounding areas, Smoke can take Moorland and Fort Pinta, Midnight, if you're helping you can take Epona."
"You don't dictate what I do, Cow." Brave snaps.
"Suck it up for once, Brave!" Yells Spell.
Midnight speaks up again. "Our group can help you."
Brave opens his mouth, probably about to say something cutting when I cut him off.
"That'd be great, thanks Midnight."
Brave glowers, but stays silent, to my relief.
"Okay!" Gasps out Hunter. "Let's go. And don't argue, Brave. Finding Onyx is the important thing, not your stupid prejudices against Midnight's group. I don't care what you make of that. Just go."
He does, taking off with his tail in the air, defiant. I sigh, turning towards Valedale, where the entrance to Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur is. "Off I go then." I sigh, taking off, first at a canter, then at a gallop.
Where could Onyxflame be? Could she really have run away? Instinct says no, while Onyx is reckless, she wouldn't dare run away...
Would she?
When I finally reach Valley of the Hidden Dinosaur, I welcome the snow. The hot Jorvik sun has been bearing down my back the ride here, enough to wish I'd remembered to take the direct route through the woods, instead of forgetting, and ending up under the sun for longer than wanted, at the sun's peak time no less.
So when my hoof sank into the foot-deep snow by the entrance, I almost sighed in relief. I change my gait to tolt, picking up my hooves as I pushed through the deep snow. Now my least favourite part of the journey; the part where I have to trust the rickety old elevator built by humans centuries ago. I feel my stomach swirl with nerves as it lowers down, welcoming every meter closer to the ground I get.
When I do reach the ground, I sniff at the air, trying to pick up any trace of Onyx. If there was anything, it's gone now, squashed by the snowfall.
"You could've taken the long wait you know."
I turn in surprise. A grey mare, possibly Andalusian, is standing a few meters away, looking cool and content. She's one of the lower group's horses, I know that much, but I've forgotten her name. Apparently, she knows that too.
"My name is Stormrebel. Rebel. And you're Nightprince."
"Yes, I'm Prince. You knew my name already?"
She snorts. "I only knew it was you because you look like a stuck-up royal. Thats what Crush told me. Though the lot of you act like you're Epona's gift to Jorvik anyway, I'm surprised I could tell the difference."
A bit put off by that, I'm unable to form a response, so I just stare at Rebel, until she rolls her eyes. "Uppers." she gripes. "Can't deal with 'em without losing your mind. You pity us, don't you? You shouldn't. We certainly pity you. You obviously had nobody to set you a good example, so you're following a bad one instead. Doesn't excuse you though."
I stare at her, puzzled. So the lowers hate us? That doesn't sit well with me. But I don't have time to argue with this mare. "Sorry, I need to go."
"Of course you do." She says. Before I can argue that I actually do, she speaks again. "Go on then. Guess you better catch up to your friend."
"Onyx?" I say, confused for a second. If she's not here to try and find Onyx, why is she here?
"No, not the lost one. How do you lose a shire anyway? They're certainly not small, especially not that Shi—"
"Don't finish that sentence." I snarl. Why are they all so against Onyx? Surely the taunting hasn't started occurring in the lower group too?
No, actually. I think she'd probably have said it even if it was someone else. For some reason, she truely seems to hate us. But something else in her sentence catches my attention.
"Not Onyx? Who then?" I ask, puzzled.
"Another one of yours. I don't know his name. Why would I want to?" Rebel sniffs.
"Are you sure it was one of ours?"
"My nose and eyes still work just fine! I've seen him before and he smells like the rest of you. Happy now?" She snaps.
"What does he look like?" I ask.
"Bay, a little on the darker side. White bridle and saddle pad, black saddle. Looked irritated, but don't you all? What's the matter I wonder? Food not quite up to your standard?"
I scowl, but not at her insult. "Brave? What on earth is he doing here?" The answer is probably that he wanted to be. There's very little you can do to stop Brave when he doesn't want to be stopped. "Now I really have to go. Stop him from doing something ridiculous."
"You're all ridiculous. Go then." Rebel sniffs.
I do. If I didn't have to find Brave & Onyx, I'd stay and try to convince her that we are not posh snobs. But those two are more important right now.
I run along the ice, jumping the gaps, hoping like hope that I wont fall in. I don't like my chances getting out of there.
"Braverunner!" I holler, hoping he'll actually come out if he hears the call.
"Fog too much for your eyes?" Brave quips from behind me. I jump, turning.
"Why on earth are you here?" I scowl.
He sighs. "For once it's not to aggravate you. I actually have a better idea of where Onyx would be. I also know that she's most likely here if anywhere. Spell's in here too, by the way. "
I close my eyes, trying to push my frustration back. "Brave, what have you done?"
"Most likely helped."
"Most likely?"
"Well there's a small chance I've messed something up but that hasn't happened before and I don't intend to start. Nor to I intend for you to be the saving hero of Onyxflame. Your head is big enough already."
There's no end of it from him, I swear to Epona. I shake my head in exasperation. "Fine. Where do you think Onyx is?"
"Near the dinosaur. She's told me she likes it there."
"You've talked to her?" I'm surprised, and it's obviously clear on my face because he snorts. "She's pretty cool actually. Better than you lot."
I try not to take that personally.
"Then let's go!"
He makes a slight sound of agreement, and off we go again.
She's not at the dinosaur. Brave seems a little put off for once.
"Well now what, genius?"
"For Epona's sake, everyone makes mistakes, Prince. I—"
His words were cut off by a loud scream.
We both look at each other and take off towards the sound.
"Onyx!" Brave is the one that yells, fear laced through his voice. I don't think I've seen any emotion except content and irritation from him before, so I'm actually somewhat surprised to think he actually cares what happens to us. That thought immediately makes me feel horrible.
"Brave run!" Onyx's reply is screeched, terrified.
"Not on her life" Brave grumbles. "Well come on, bit-brain. Wasn't I right?"
Bit-brain? Bit-brain is an insult that implies there's nothing in your head; only controlled by the bit. I'm actually insulted this time. But I don't have time to protest. We charge closer to the sound, and I see a cave.
"Dammit." Brave curses. "The witch cave. She's crazy." The witch cave? That doesn't sound good.
Brave vaults over the fang-like icicles, and I have no choice but to follow. Onyx's voice is certainly coming from inside the cave.
"It's dark in here. Stuff on the ground." Brave warns.
"Wow really? It's dark? I hadn't noticed." Inside the cave was almost pitch-black. I step forward and immediately smack my hoof on something. I hiss under my breath from the unexpected impact and I can hear Brave trying not to laugh. "Oh yeah, watch the step."
"You cruel stallion." I scowl. I try to go on the step again, and actually get my hoof onto it this time. It's a pretty huge step, I'm surprised I don't have to jump onto it.
"Single file, TubbyPrince." Brave snaps as I bump into him accidentally.
"TubbyPrince?" I snap back.
Brave sighs. "You know what? For this one journey, let's try not to kill each other. Onyx is more important."
"Fine. For once, you're right."
"What did I just say? Seriously, Prince." Brave huffs.
"Yeah sorry. You're right."
"I see light." Brave reports.
"All I see is the back of you."
"Funny that."
But I can see the light. That's how I could see the back of him. We stumble into the light and I hear Brave gasp. I look up, and I see Onyx, tied in every way possible. Legs, flank, head... She looks terrified, and simultaneously Brave and I rush over and immediately try to break the ropes.
"I will rip my teeth out if that's what it takes to break the ropes." snarls Brave.
"A bit intense." I comment. But I would too. We don't leave each other.
One of the ropes snaps, the one around her face, and she shudders. "Thank you, Brave, Prince. I didn't expect... anyone to find me."
"But you told me to run."
"I'd do it again. Nobody else is getting caught because of me."
I grunt. "Nobody is getting caught. You're safe, Onyx."
"Not yet." Brave warns.
"Are you ever helpful?"
"Hey I found her didn't I?"
I can't argue with that logic. I rip the rope tying her body to the wall, and Onyx thrusts her back hoof out, and the rope makes a ripping noise, but doesn't break fully.
There's a snapping noise as the rope on her front hooves break thanks to Brave, and I loop my own hoof around the rope on Onyx's back legs, and I pull. Pain shoots through my leg, but I hear the rope snap.
"Come on!" I gasp.
That's when I hear footsteps that aren't ours.
"Who's there?" A rough human voice drawls. As we look, a man comes through a corridor and gives us a mean smile. "What's this? More prisoners? Tried to rescue your friend, did you?"
"Run!" yells Brave. Like I need to be told twice.
We evacuate hastily, shoving through the tunnel. I'm at the back and I push through the pain in my leg to keep going. We burst out of the narrow tunnel, leaping over the icicles. We barrel along the ice, and barely pause enough to yell 'run!' when we see Spell, who thankfully does. It feels like a long journey back to the stable, but we finally make it. I gently lower myself to the ground, wanting--needing to get the weight off my hoof. Brave looks at me. "You're hurt?"
"Why Brave, you almost sound concerned."
"I'd feel a bit bad if it's because I let you hit your hoof on the step."
"No, it wasn't from that. Broke the rope with my hoof. Hurt a lot. But it's no ripping your teeth out."
Spell lowered her head to look at my leg. "I've hurt my leg on rope before. It'll heal, Prince. But what happened out there?"
Onyx looks at us. "I can tell you."