A/N: And here's the fourth chapter! I'm not completely sure when I'll be updating these, if they'll be every week or every other day. Maybe comment on what I should do?
Disclaimer: All recongnisable characters belong to Disney/Pixar. I don't own them sadly.
Later that day, around one in the afternoon, she saw Doc leading the colt down the road towards Flo's. She felt giddiness rise as she realized Doc might be finally introducing him to the rest of the town. That, and she took notice of his clean coat. As she had seen earlier, he was a dull red and looked like he had a star on his forehead and a stocking on his left front. However she wasn't sure, it could be just dirt or a lighter patch of fur.
As Doc and Lightning got closer, Talia realized more of the town started looking their way. Doc paid no mind to them until he and Lightning stopped outside of the Cafe.
He looked behind him at Lightning, who was nervously looking around as everyone started gathering around them. That's when Doc finally turned his attention to everyone else.
"This is Lightning McQueen. He's a rescue, and I'm glad I rescued him. He would've ended horribly if I hadn't."
Flashback:
Walking down the street, going back to his hotel, he heard a commotion from the allyway to his left. He stopped, pricking his ears as he looked over. He couldn't see what was going on, but he could hear squeals - pained, angry and scared squeals - and shouting. He heard a gun go off, what sounded like a thud, and instantly bolted in that direction.
He whipped around a corner in time to see a colt being brought to the ground by three older stallions. He was in mid rear when they yanked him backwards. He screamed as he tipped over, landing hard on his back before trying to scramble back up.
However, two of the three stallions held him to the ground as another moved closer to him with a gun.
"Just hold still dangit!"
The colt thrashed, struggling to break free. He looked in extremely bad shape, Doc could tell. He wasn't strong enough to get up on his own.
Doc pinned his ears, arched his neck and reared for a split second. He took off towards the stallion holding the gun, and slammed into him.
Knocking him to the ground, the gun fell out of his grip. Doc turned his attention to the other two, pinning his ears to his neck as he charged them.
They quickly moved out of his way, eyes wide. Doc turned sharply and chased the bigger of the two out of the allyway before turning back around. He saw the stallion that had been holding the gun get up and make a move for it.
He charged him, and when the other stallion heard him coming, he quickly aimed the gun at him. Doc pinned his ears and slid a bit before jumping sideways.
He heard the gun go off, but paid no mind to where it had hit. It didn't hit him, and it hadn't hit the colt. Doc once again slammed into the stallion, but he was better prepared for it this time.
The other stallion stumbled back, but fixed himself quickly, rearing to balance himself. Without thinking, Doc reared as well, striking at him. The stallion went to bite Doc's chest, but he quickly jumped sideways, whirling around and kicking at him.
The stallion threw his head up, trying to avoid the powerful kick. Doc whipped around again, rearing and shoving all his weight forward, biting at the stallions neck. He squealed before losing his footing, and falling over backwards, with Doc jumping out of the way.
The stallion stood back up, and for a moment, the two stared at each other, sizing each other up. Doc took one look at the stallion and could tell he was mostly fat, with a little bit of muscle. By the looks on the other stallions face, he could tell that Doc was all muscle, and was not to be messed with.
The stallion glared before turning around and walking away without a word. Doc watched him leave before facing the colt.
He softened his expression, pricking his ears. He didn't like the fact that he was still laying on the ground, breathing hard. And having a better chance to look at him, he really hated how he looked.
Scrawny, bony, malnourished and undernourished, probably had pneumonia and was in a lot of pain, he could tell. He could see almost every bone in his body, and he was at least five months old. He had blood dripping out of his nostrils and many other wounds covering his body. By the looks of it, someone had been trying to ride him as well.
He didn't see the point of riding a horse so young, even if he was a bit on the taller side. It was just plain abuse. They could always wait another year and a half, it would be better off for everyone if they did.
He put his head down, nudging the colt. "Hey kid, get up."
He violently flinched away at his soft touch, jerking to his feet. Doc watched as he staggered forward, almost falling before fixing himself again.
He was to tired and weak to run away, and Doc knew if he could, that's what he'd be doing. It was easy to catch him, and he brought himself around the colt, guiding him in the direction of his hotel.
"Let's get you to your new home."
End flashback
Everyone was silent for a few minutes after Doc had finished talking. Talia was the first to speak up.
"That's... horrible."
"I know," Doc looked back at Lightning, who was sniffing at some grass behind him. Talia could see the pained look in his eyes, and for a fleeting second, thought that he may have had another reason for saving the colt, but it was gone as soon as it had come.
"Wait, so how old is he?"
"Five months."
That caused many of the older residents to pin their ears and bare their teeth.
"Five months?"
"He honestly looks more like seven."
"How does he look that bad when he's only been alive for five months!?"
"I'll have them arrested for child abuse if they ever come through here!"
"Guys! Shut up for two seconds!"
Talia's voice cut through the chatter. Everyone went silent, looking at her. She pointed to Lightning, "Can't you see he's getting nervous!"
Lightning had his head down, ears flat, eyes wide. Talia knew from experience that that was the first sign of an anxious horse.
Everyone looked at each other, but Doc just smirked. "That's exactly why I want your help, Talia."
A/N: Cliffhanger!! Hope it isn't to bad;) Lol hope you enjoyed and please review!! It's encouraging and helps motivate me to continue!!
A few terms if anyone didn't know what they were. Rearing - When a horse stands on its two hind legs. Striking - when a horse uses a foreleg (or both) and basically 'hits' you. Squeal - A high pitched sound a horse makes. If you want to, look the terms up if you want to know more about them:)
