Summary: What happens if Sarah never got over the loss of Mosey? Will someone care enough to help?
AN: I have decided to finally finish this story. Due to years of absence, some heavy rewriting is in order. That's what's currently going on.
Also, to make this story more realistic, I have taken the liberty of making the characters a few years older than in the cartoon.
And please remember that this is a 'what if' story. My favorite episode was the one with Mosey, so I wanted to write something accompanying the episode.
I have finished rewriting the first chapter, and I would love to hear your thoughts.
Chapter 1: Out in the Cold
It was a lovely day at Horseland. The birds were twittering, welcoming the rising winter sun. A few grey clouds obscured the blue sky from view. Snow drifted lazily towards the ground, covering the green grass with a cold white carpet. A single set of small footprints leading from the stable to the paddock were the only sign of life.
Sarah was sitting on the fence, her slender arms wrapped around her chest tightly, frozen fingers clutching the fabric of her red coat tightly. She gazed unseeingly into the trees on the other side of the field. What used to be a lush, green forest was just bare ferns and branches twisting towards the sky, covered in frost and delicate snow crystals. Her blue eyes missed the beauty of the season, her mind too occupied by thoughts of loss and sorrow. Her mind was focusing on something far away, shutting out every sound. Her thoughts raced back exactly one year ago, to that awful day. The worst day in her sixteen years. Tears streamed down her cold cheeks, falling to the ground and making small marks in the white snow. She remembered it like it was yesterday. The best friend she ever had except Scarlet. The first friend she ever made. He was always with her, from the first ride they ever had to the happiest moments on Horseland. However, everything changed in a second of carelessness. If only she had given the old cat more attention. She would have seen that the years had taken its toll on him. She should have taken better care of him. She should have gotten to him faster. That was what it came down to. She wasn't stupid, naïve maybe but not dumb. Mosey was an old cat. He wouldn't have lived much longer. However, he could have liven a little longer. A few months, maybe a year. If only… More tears flowed freely from her ocean blue eyes.
A shadow fell upon her from behind. "Sarah, you alright?"
Her head snapped up. She hadn't heard him approach at all. The snow must have muffled his footsteps. She thought. Turning with a hand covering her beating heart, she looked up at a familiar figure; blue orbs met equally blue depths. "Oh, hi Will. You scared me!" Oh no! Why him? With a quick brush of her numb fingers, she had wiped her eyes. I don't want him to see me like this. Okay, pull yourself together girl!
The blond haired boy shyly rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry 'bout that."
She forced a small smile. "You are forgiven. I was the one who was spacing out."
She suddenly felt his perceptive blue eyes on her. Before he could say anything, she hurriedly jumped from the fence and took a couple of steps away. "I just needed some time to think, you know?" She turned towards him, her fingers entwined behind her back.
"Must be heavy thoughts then." He said, the corner of his mouth lifting up in her favorite crocked smile. A second later, it was gone. "You've been out here for hours. We were beginning to get worried."
She looked at the ground by his feet, finding the pure snow suddenly quite interesting. "Oh…" She didn't know what to say.
"You know you can always talk to me Sarah, I'm all hears."
Her eyes snapped up to meet his once more. There were only kindness in his blue depths. Kindness and concern. A pang of guilt washed through her. I'm making my friends worry…I never meant for that to happen. I need to keep it together. "I know Will." This time her smile was genuine. "It's just that this time I have to deal with my own demons on my own." I won't drag them down in my misery. I don't want to lash out against my own friends, just like with Alma… "I have to get through this alone."
"I understand Sarah, you just come talk to me if you feel like it, okay?" He closed the small distance between. His hand touched her shoulder reassuringly. "You know where to find me."
His hand is so warm. The feeling of safety made her breathless and she had to fight back new tears. Not trusting her voice, she only nodded.
She watched his back grow further and further away until he vanished inside the house. She could still feel the warmth of his touch, and a small smile graced her lips. It was gone the moment her eyes accidentally swept over the road. Oh, Mosey…
She stood there for a few moments, struggling internally. She hurriedly brushed away a few stray tears .Without her noticing it, the wind had picked up, gently caressing her face and playing with her long blond locks. A cold tremor went down her spine and she tucked her arms around herself, trying to keep warm. With the wind blowing, the winter air felt much colder. Letting her eyes wander over the silent fields longingly, she suddenly felt like taking Scarlet for a ride.
Once standing in front of the stable she found herself hesitating. The hand placed on the door slowly fell to her side. What if someone's there? I don't want to see anyone else right now. She knew she could confide in her friends, Will the most, but this time she would spare him the awkwardness. She wanted to prove to him and herself that she had grown stronger. Besides, he has so much resting on his shoulder as it is. I don't want to burden him with my personal dealings. I'm a big girl, I can get through this on my own. Weighing the option between returning to the house with its occupants and their kindness and sympathy against alone time with her horse, the desire for Scarlet's company won, and with a heavy sigh, she pushed open the heavy doors.
Luckily, the stable was empty for humans. Oh, that's right! The others are in town buying supplies for the Christmas party. I'm worrying over nothing. Releasing a breath she didn't know she was holding, she quickly made her way towards the black Arabian.
"Hi girl, miss me?" She tenderly began scratching the Arabian underneath her mane. The heath from Scarlet's fur warmed her freezing fingers and Sarah sighed contently. "Up for a little trip?" Scarlet neighed happily. "Of course you are girl." Sarah gave a little laugh as she went to get Scarlet's saddle.
She placed the saddle and halter over Scarlet's stable door. Picking up a brush, she gently began grooming the purebred Arabian. Her hands wandered over Scarlet's soft, slick fur in an even rhythm. The only sound audible was brush against fur accompanied by small movements from the other horses. She really loved taking care of Scarlet, and she was sure the proud Arabian felt it likewise. Once she was done with the brush, she combed Scarlets mane and tail. Then she bent down and picked up the hoof pic.
A few minutes later, Scarlet was ready. The polished red saddle with matching halter brought out the red highlights in the Arabian's mane beautifully. As a final detail, Sarah placed a deep red blanket over Scarlets back.
An icy gust made her blond locks dance around her head and Sarah gasped at the sudden chill. Just as abruptly as it had come, it was gone as the stable doors closed.
Bailey had just entered the warm stable. The white snow crystals in his hair was a stark contrast against his wild black locks. "Hi Sarah." His eyes widened slightly at the saddled Arabian. "You shouldn't ride alone in this weather."
"Oh, hi Bailey, I thought you were in town with the others."
Sidetracked, Bailey rubbed the back of his neck, brown eyes shifting from Scarlet to Sarah. Must lie in the family. She thought fondly. "Will asked me to stay behind and look after things 'cuz he had something he wanted buy in town."
Just the mention of his name brought her back to her depressing moment this morning. Her smile faltered slightly and it took more effort to hold it in place than it should. She suddenly wanted out. The stable was too small. She couldn't breathe right. Patting Scarlet's muzzle, Sarah sought distraction from her thoughts. She grabbed Scarlet's reins and led her out of the stable, Bailey hot on her tail.
"I really think this is a bad idea Sarah…"
"The weather's fine Bailey." She reassured him, gazing at the snow covered fields and trees in the distance. She tilted her head and covered her forehead with a hand, squinting at the bright sky. Lazy clouds drifted by, covering the sun. She glanced at the black haired teen; he was worrying his bottom lip while looking at the cluster of grey clouds to the west. Just as he was about to open his mouth, she interrupted, "I promise to be careful. I will use the track around the ranch, the one in front of the forest where you can see the house." She gave him a small smile, "Don't worry Bailey. I'll be fine, Scarlet's with me."
She could see the internal struggle in the way the young teen continued to bit his lip, eyes intently focused on the ground, like the pattern there was mindboggling. Finally, after a long minute of silence, he sighed loudly. "I guess that's okay, just keep close to the ranch and don't be out too long, it's pretty cold."
"Thank you Bailey." Relief flooded her voice and before he could say anything else, she was already on her way, leaving the black haired teen alone with his thoughts.
Only when she was a little ways away from the stable did she slow down and look back. She could barely see the ranch. With the promise to Bailey fresh in her mind, she tightened her hold on Scarlets's reins and turned her around. She led the black Arabian onto another trail closer to the wood, but with the house still in view. A promise is a promise after all.
Sarah gave a loud yelp as something cold and wet slid down her back. Snow drifted lazily from the small grey clouds overhead. She watched the delicate flakes landing on her gloved hands. They melted immediately. She was grateful that she had remembered to pick up the white gloves before she left the stable. Her blue gaze shifted toward the sky where thick clouds where obscuring the sun, casting the earth in a dull colorless light. The harsh icy wind from earlier in the day had stilled and the birds chirped happily. The forest beyond the southern field was awfully tempting. The weather isn't bad at all and besides, it's still early. With little urging from Sarah, Scarlet shifted from a light throttle to gallop. They followed the newly shoveled road until breaking away and taking the animal track to the wood. Sarah calmed the Arabian to a walk, and with one last glance back at the far away ranch, they began to trek deeper into the white forest.
She came to an abrupt stop as memories of last year flashed in her mind. Mosey… this is the forest where I lost him for good. Tears filled her eyes and she let them cascade like rivers freely down her red cheeks. Why did I have to come here? The last time Scarlet and she had been here was that dreadful day. Even though she loved this forest, she had avoided it for a year in favor of the other woods around the ranch, fearing the memories of loss and desperation.
Once they had entered the trees, the birds had stopped singing. In the complete silence, it was almost as if she could heat a voice riding the little breeze. It was yelling at her, blaming her for Mosey's death. That it was her own fault for being too late, too egocentric and careless. She urged Scarlet forward as fast she dared, wanting more than anything to get away. She wasn't sure when they stopped, but somewhere along the way she had lost her scarf. She calmed the Arabian and turned around, searching for her red scarf. Nothing. The wind still carried the same blaming howl, which echoed of the bare trees. Her hands instantly dropped the reins in favor of covering her ears. Please stop!
As if having heard her plea, blessed silence descended once more. Sarah let out a heavy sigh, sniffled and brushed away the wetness on her raw cheeks. Still, more came. Giving up, she let the tears fall. Oh Mosey, I miss you. The pain of loss washed over her and she staggered in the saddle. She doubled over, clutching Scarlet's withers. The black Arabian neighed worriedly, turning her head to watch her owner with worried brown eyes.
…
Will was carefully driving up the slippery road to Horseland, mindful of the ice-covered puddles along the dirt road. Bailey's parents had put him in charge of the ranch while they were away on a business trip, which they so often were. He was entrusted the responsibility of every occupant on Horseland's safety, and frankly, he enjoyed it, no, he loved it. Having always wanted a ranch to call his own, he hadn't hesitated a moment when asked if he wanted to live with his cousin. This was the second Christmas the teens would celebrate without parental supervision, and he could tell no one was going to complain.
The snow was falling heavily from the dark clouds overhead. The weather forecast had said snow, but this was ridiculous. Fearing that someone would risk a ride in this weather, he pressed down harder on the gas pedal, driving as fast as the slippery road allowed.
Will immediately knew something was wrong the moment he stepped out of the car and saw Bailey running towards him.
"I'm so sorry Will, I didn't mean to let her out of my sight, but I did and now she's gone!" The black haired teen panted heavily. He bend forward, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath.
The desperate undertone of Bailey voice sent trembles down Will's spine. "Calm down Bailey, and tell me what happened." His words came out harsher than he intended but Bailey didn't seem to mind or didn't notice.
"It's Sarah." Will's heart skipped a beat. Bailey continued before he could say anything. "She wanted to take Scarlet on a ride, and we agreed that she only use the trail around the ranch, the one close to the southern forest…" his voice faded as he watched understanding dawn on his cousin's face "…and now she's disappeared…"
"Shit!"
"I'm sorry Will, the weather wasn't really bad and she seemed desperate to get away, so I let her take Scarlet." He was rambling, the words leaving his mouth before he could stop them. "I know you trusted me to take care of things here and all… I'm so sorry cousin."
As much as Will wanted to yell at Bailey for being irresponsible, he had to remind himself that Bailey was only sixteen. "It's okay Bailey."
Not having heard his cousin, Bailey kept on rambling, "she out there Will, in the snowstorm, alone! What if something happens? I'm so incredible sorry!"
Will placed a comforting hand on the distressed teen's shoulder. "I would have let her go too." His voice trembled slightly, betraying his calm façade.
That caught Bailey's attention. "You would?"
"Yes." Will nodded. "But the most important thing now is finding her." His legs were moving before he was finished speaking. "I will take Jimber and go look for her. You should stay here in case she comes back."
This time it was Bailey who nodded. "Good luck, bring her home safely."
Will entered the stable and hurriedly went into the backroom to pick up Jimber's saddle and bridle. The Palomino stallion was ready in just a few minutes. He led Jimber outside. The snow was still falling heavily, the sky darkening ever so slightly.
Bailey was waiting for him, holding a backpack. "Here cousin." He handed the small pack to Will. "I packed a first-aid-kit, warm water, cacao and some blankets."
"Thanks Bailey." Will then gracefully mounted the Palomino and urged him forward as fast as he dared, leaving Bailey once again behind.
When he finally reached the entrance to the white forest, the wind had picked up and was swirling the cold snow round and round, making it almost impossible to see. With a determined sigh, Will dismounted, took Jimber by the reins and began to make his way through the trees.
…
Sarah breathed in heavily before letting out a tired sigh. She felt utterly exhausted. She patted Scarlet lovingly. "Only a little further girl." She squinted through the haze of white, trying to see the edge of the forest or something familiar. Everything looks different in the snow. She mussed discouraged. During their trek through the silent forest, the sky had begun to darken and the temperature had fallen, signaling the end of yet another winter day. Her hands felt raw and sore, but at the same time numb. The white gloves were soaked through by melting snow.
Sarah, who was currently not paying much attention to the trail ahead, didn't see the tree lying across their path. She didn't catch Scarlet's abrupt halt, and was thrown of, landing hard on the cold forest floor. She cried out, from both shock and pain. She laid still, internally checking for injuries. Her head was spinning fast and black dots danced across her vision. Her left arm felt unnaturally bent. A blooming pain originated from her arm, steadily growing stronger. It began as a painful throb, but was now searing. She bit back a scream. Taking a few deep breath, she struggled to stand.
Once up on two feet, she swayed slightly. Scarlet was suddenly there, steadying her with her neck. She bent down to pick up the reins. Her arm protested and she found herself awkwardly cradling it tight to her chest. The black Arabian mere was neighing, sounding quite distressed. Sarah gently caressed Scarlet's muzzle. "Easy girl, calm down." She whispered, trying to sooth the Arabian. "It's okay, I am fine." Scarlet gently pushed her muzzle into her hand and warm brown orbs met kind blue.
They stayed like that for several minutes before Sarah broke the trance to look around once more. They began to walk again, only slower than before. The heavy snow weighed Sarah's slender legs and she had to plough her way through. Scarlet neighed, pushing against her back. Sarah only shook her head. "I can't girl." She looked down at her cradled arm, "I won't be able to mount without my left arm." Shifted her eyes back to the nearly invisible trail, she let out a frustrated grump, "We'll just have to take it slow."
It didn't take long for her to realize that they were lost. She had known long ago, but didn't want to admit it. "This is so the most stupid thing I have ever done Scarlet." The black Arabian neighed in agreement which made Sarah smile. "We should never have left the trail. I'm really sorry girl. I guess I just lost it…somehow…" She could feel the tears threatening to make themselves known again. She blinked them back and quickly brushed away those who still managed to escape with her stiff fingers.
A black figure a little ways ahead caught her attention. She squinted, trying to make it out. She could just barely see a black trunk. Another fallen tree. She thought disappointedly. She carefully guided Scarlet towards it. On closer inspection, it was more like a log than a tree, but Sarah didn't care. She slumbered down and stretched her tired legs.
…
Something red caught Will's gaze and he hurriedly made his way towards it, Jimber in tow. A scarlet colored scarf lay forgotten by his feet. He recognized it immediately and bent down to pick it up. His heart gave a light throb as his eyes search his surroundings, hoping to catch a glimpse of blond hair or sky blue eyes, or even a set of footprints/hove prints. That would be too much to ask for, wouldn't it? He thought darkly. The snow continued to cover the ground, whisking away any traces of the blond rider and her black horse. With a determined sigh, he unstrapped the yellow backpack and placed the carefully folded scarf inside before re-strapping it and continuing onward. Wait for me Sarah, wait for me until I find you. Don't let anything happen to you!
AN: So, what do you think? Satisfied, dissatisfied, hate it, love it? Please leave a review and tell me your thoughts. It would make this little author very happy.
Until next time ~Taiora freak.