(( Fine then. Next time Midnight, say that Mei Lin's a SKEWBALD, not a Pinto. That's either a Piebald or a Skewbald. Anyway, welcome to Chapter Eight, right? I'm beginning to get confused. And for those who have been wondering what Sparky is, you're about to find out. Chapter Eight: Apology Accepted ))

After eating dinner, the gang had all said their goodbyes to each other and headed home, all except for Trintiy, Bry, and Miro, who were staying at the Inn. Cecilia hadn't come out of her room, so she was most likely starving. Although Bry attempted to get her out, she always protested, and threw random things at the door. Trinity and Sparky had gotten the room next to Cecilia on the left, Miro and Bry shared a room on the right, along with Veloci. Luckily, there were three beds in each room. For some reason, Trinity protested and insisted that she had her own room, even if Cecilia allowed her to sleep in her room.

Bry and Miro had gone to bed right after Cecilia, because they could hear her crying, and then all of a sudden complete silence from her room. They then fell asleep, while Trinity stayed awake strangely, until Doug demanded that she went to bed, as her constant mumbling was keeping everyone up. So she fell asleep at about midnight or so. Nora had decided to bunk in Bry and Miro's room, luckily, Veloci didn't object to a cat strangely enough.

Bry awoke first. Opening his green eyes, he slowly saw Nora, standing on his chest, and gave a happy meow, scaring the crap out of Bry. Bry yelped, and fell out of bed. Nora jumped off right before Bry fell out. Nora gave a hiss, and jumped onto the table, walking around it.

Veloci awoke suddenly, observing his surroundings at hearing the meow and yelp. He then looked to Bry, and gave an expressionless stare. Veloci then jumped off his bed, he actually got his own bed, and walked on the floor, moving towards the door. Giving a soft crow, the door opened by itself, allowing Veloci out on his own. He then jumped onto the rails, and slowly glided to the floor. Doug looked up and laughed, beginning to set the tables for this day's customers quickly after wiping them over.

Veloci glided and landed smoothly on the counter, inspecting the telephone with great interest, he began to cluck at it.

Bry got up with a groan, rubbing his head," Ouch. Damn it Nora." He narrowed his eyes to the cat.

Nora gave a meow, and began to groom her paws, moving onto her face by wiping her paw onto her kitty-cat face.

Miro woke up, moaning," What's wrong?" He rubbed his eyes, and looked to Bry.

Bry got up, dusting himself off," Nora scared me. She took me by surprise." He kept rubbing his head, wincing as he felt the bump.

Miro rolled his eyes, getting up sleepily," You get scared by a cat? Now that's funny." Walking over to a dresser where he had set out his clothes, he grabbed then and headed for the bathroom, coming back in a few minutes all dressed and ready for breakfast.

Bry muttered something along the lines of 'Watch it' and walked into the bathroom afterwards, clothes in hand. He came out in a few minutes as well, and they walked out the door, Bry closing it behind him.

Bry went over to Cecilia's room, and knocked on the door," Get up Cecilia!"

Cecilia suddenly opened the door, all ready to go. She smiled, like she had forgotten about yesterday's events," Hi Bry! I'm all ready for breakfast!" She put her hands behind her back, and smiled, much like her mother. If you've ever talked to Celia, notice how she keeps putting her hands behind her back? Guess Cecilia got it from her mother.

Bry looked a bit surprised," Seems you forgave me huh?"

Cecilia nodded," Yeah. I couldn't be mad at you for long. We wouldn't have any fun if we were in a fight, would we silly?"

Bry laughed," Yeah, guess not."

Cecilia giggled, then looked to Trinity's door," I'll go wake that sleepy-head up! You go down and help Doug!" she said cheerfully.

Bry shrugged, and went downstairs after Miro, as they began to help Doug lay out the tables..

Cecilia walked over to Trinity's door, and knocked loudly," Come on out Trinity! Breakfast will be ready!"

Trinity yelped, and quickly stuffed some things in her backpack, and quickly zipped it up. She then yelled," I'm ready!" and set her backpack on the table. Sparky barked, wagging his tail and giving a playful growl.

Cecilia called back," Okay!" and hummed happily, going down the stairs in a skipping motion.

Trinity opened the door, and let Sparky go in front her before closing the door. Sparky barked, and ran down the stairs, Trinity following in her normal school clothes. She greeted," Hello everyone! How's everyone doing?"

Bry and Miro answered in unison," Fine!"

Cecilia greeted cheerfully," Great actually! So, what's for breakfast? Anything I can do to help out with the food?" she asked Doug, turning her head towards him.

Doug smiled," Nope. I've actually finished. It's in the kitchen. You could help me serve it out though."

Cecilia clapped her hands," Oh good! I'll help!" and ran towards the kitchen, Doug following soon after.

Bry, Miro, and Trinity sat down, Sparky walking over to Veloci and stared at what he was doing. Sparky was used to phones, so he wasn't impressed with the telephone like Veloci was.

Cecilia soon appeared, carefully balancing four plates somehow on her hands and arms. Everyone clapped at this, and she smiled. Beginning to wobble, she yelped, but regained her balance. She placed all four plates on the table, Doug coming out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on a cloth.

" Wow! The food looks fantastic!" Trinity cried, looking at the food that had bacon, eggs, pancakes, sausages, and toast.

Bry and Miro were speechless, poking the eggs with their forks.

" This sure is better then what Mom can cook." Bry observed.

Miro agreed with this," Yeah. Mom could never make this."

Cecilia sat down next to Trinity, and clapped her hands happily. She stared happily down at her food, and picked up a fork, and began to eat with speed, stuffing the scrambled eggs down her throat.

Trinity, Doug, Bry, and Miro all watched as Cecilia began shoveling the food into her mouth, barely stopping to breathe or swallow. Cecilia then began to cough hard, and hit her chest with her hand, swallowing down her food. She breathed heavily, and smiled," Great food!"

Bry, Trinity, and Miro all gave each other weird glances, but shrugged, eating their food. Veloci was eating a piece of corn happily, taking of the pieces of corn and eating them with delight. Sparky was eating sausage that Trinity had given him.

Cecilia looked to Trinity, obviously finished with her food first with her speed. " So, what were you doing in your room when I came to get you?"

Trinity looked towards her," Nothing. Just putting a few things in my backpack. You know, clothes and such."

Once everyone had finished, Bry leaned back in his chair, managing to stay in the air for a bit before slamming it to the ground. Mostly because at that time, Anna and the rest of the gang barged in. Anna seemed incredibly happy about something," Hey guys! Let's go over to Greenday Farm! I've got someone to show you!"

Bry, Miro, Trinity, and Cecilia all looked to her. " Who?" Miro asked.

" You'll see him when we get there! Come on!"

Bry smirked," A him? Hey Matthew. You know about this?"

Matthew glared," Watch it. I don't like Anna that way."

Bry sneered," Okay then." He then looked to Anna, and stood up," Fine then. Come on kiddies. Let's get going."

Miro hit Bry on the head with his fist," Watch it. I'm older than you."

Bry winced, holding his head," Okay, okay then, Mr. I'm-Older-Then-You-Therefore-I-Hurt-People-Who-Don't-Agree-With-Me."

Miro looked to about hit him again, but he calmed himself down," Okay then guys. Let's go before I give Bry a cuncussion." Veloci jumped down from the counter, and walked over to Bry's side.

" All right! Let's go!" Anna exclaimed, running out, the rest of the gang following soon after her. With the whole gang now, they were quite a bunch. Anna, Ricca, William, Matthew, Bry, Miro, Trinity, Cecilia, Sparky, and Veloci all walked down the path towards Anna's farm, she leading in front with Ricca, who were talking, most likely gossiping about something.

Bry commented," Does Anna ever shut up? When she was little, she was shy wasn't she? Where'd she get the mouth?"

Matthew replied," She got that when she was about nine. Something about visiting the city and finding some really cute doll. She then never shut up about it for a year."

William retorted," Guess that doll had magical powers to give some girl the oh-so powerful power of never shutting their mouth, huh?"

Everyone began to snicker at this. Hearing laughing, Anna turned around, putting her hands on her hips," What's so funny?"
Miro called," Nothing! Just this really funny joke that Bry told us!"

Anna looked to Bry," Really? What's the joke?" Ricca also stopped, and turned around, looking as well.

Bry racked through his brain to try and think of a joke," Ummmm. What's small, green, yellow, and dog-like?"

Anna and Ricca stared at Bry, then looked to Sparky," Sparky." Both muttered in unison.

Bry exclaimed," How'd you know!"

Matthew yelled," They must have cheated!"

The gang then began to go into a roar of laughter. Ricca narrowed her eyes," That wasn't a funny joke!"

" It was that it was stupid that we laughed at it!" William called as the laughter subsided.

Anna growled, along with Ricca, but they just went back to talking and walking down the path.

The gang sighed with relief, and began to walk again.

" That was a close one." Cecilia muttered.

Reaching Greenday Farm, Anna ran towards the huge field. There were a few trees that had been there for years, along with some brush and plants. Anna then appeared to be looking for something.

The gang arrived shortly after, watching with great interest in what Anna was doing. Maybe not interest, but it was funny watching.

" So, what's the surprise?" Bry asked, looking around," I don't see anyone."

The gang nodded at this, also seeing no one.

Anna turned towards her friends," Don't worry! I know where he is!" She then whistled long and hard. Silence filled the air, the only movement of the teens was the turning of heads in every direction.

Suddenly, a shrill cry echoed back. Something big began to run towards them. The sound of galloping hoofs was heard in everyone's ears, but no horse was visible. Suddenly, a massive black stallion was completely seen, standing on the bridge that crossed the river, somehow supporting. His frame was huge and packed full of muscle. His eyes were dark and black, and shone his wildness. He was jet black completely, no part of white anywhere. Suddenly, a wind blew up his forelock, showing a plain white dot upon his forehead. His height was enormous, Thoroughbred blood easily seen in his height and power. He threw his head, and gave his shrill whinny, rearing up, pawing the air. He then began to gallop towards Anna, and came to a halt right before smashing into her.

The gang watched, mouths wide open. He was massive, giant even.

" So, what do you think?" Anna asked, looking to her awe-struck friends proudly.

" Where'd you get him?" Bry asked.

" He's wild. I wouldn't trust him if I were you." Miro added in.

" Are you sure Anna? He's much too big." Matthew replied.

Anna retorted," I found him out on Mother's Hill. He was alone, but he was so wild, he wouldn't let me near him. All I did really was go up to see him for a long time, and just left sugar cubes on this rock. And when I came back the next day, they were always gone. I'm sure he ate them. Since then, he's allowed me to get near him. And even ride him!" She looked to the stallion," But he's not broken into saddle or bridle yet. So I have to train him."

" Does your mom and dad know about this?" Ricca asked.

Anna shook her head," Nope. He's always out of sight whenever they're around. He usually plays around on Mother's Hill. I'm going to train him to be a racehorse, and I'll be the jockey. We can then enter him in the Horse Races! He'll be sure to win! He's really fast!" She smiled proudly.

" Good luck on that. Does he have a name?" Bry asked.

Cecilia smiled," He's a cute horse."

Trinity looked to Cecilia," More of a beauty."

Anna looked to Bry," His name is Apology Accepted. I made it up, but I think it's a really nice name."

" A bit cocky with the name, aren't you?" William asked.

Anna pouted," But he's sure to win once I've trained him!"

" Look Anna. You don't even know how to train a horse." Matthew said," And all the other horses on the racetrack have been trained for months, even years. The race comes up in a month or so. Do you think you'll even have him ready by then?"

Anna replied," Of course I can!"

Apology Accepted eyed the teenagers down, standing his ground. He reared up again, Anna trying to calm him down. Apology Accepted them bolted towards the teenagers, his speed gaining quickly.

Everyone yelped, and quickly dove out of the way.

Apology Accepted reared up again, pawing the air with his hoofs. He then slammed back down, causing the earth to tremble slightly.

Anna ran over," Sorry! He doesn't really like other people!"

The gang got up, and dusted themselves off. All of them backed away from the stallion.

" But where are you going to put him when winter hits? He won't survive out in the cold." Matthew asked.

Anna smiled," I'll keep him in the Stable! Luckily, Mom and Dad just had it enlarged, so there's plenty of room!"

" That is if they allow you to keep him." Trinity pointed out.

Anna frowned," But they just have to! I'll make him tame! I promise! Look! I'll even ride him in front of you guys to show you!" She walked over to Apology Accepted, and stroked his withers. She then looked around for something to stand on, and spotted a tree trunk. Running over, she stood on the tree trunk, now able to mount him. She whistled, the stallion returning his own whistle, and trotted over to Anna. Anna put her hand on his withers, and with one move, mounted him. She spoke quietly into his ear, calming him down. She then began to walk him around, switching him to a trot, then back to a walk. A canter or a gallop right now would probably be a bit too fast. Instead of using reins, she used the stallion's thick black mane. She smiled, and halted him, burying her face into his mane," Doesn't he have such a nice action?" she asked, looking to her friends.

They nodded, looking towards the stallion once again. Apology Accepted snorted, staring at back the teens.

" Haha! So a girl thinks she can beat me!" came a voice from behind them.

The gang spun around, to see a huge man of only twenty-six. His hair was brown, his muscles massive with a tattoo of flames on his shoulder. He wore a white muscle shirt, with some plain jeans. Attached to his jeans was a lasso. He also has dark brown gloves on his hands. Standing at 6'5", he greatly passed over everyone. He was smiling though, for some reason.

Anna protested," Oh yeah! So, you train horses! Where from huh?"

The man smirked," I'm Bob, from Brownie Farm. And yes, I train horses you could say." He grinned," In fact, I own a ranch just for them. I currently have five horses right now. And I own the Farmer's Shop as well."

William asked," Bob? Brownie Farm?"

Matthew then began to think," That sounds familiar…wait! He's supposed to be one of the best!" Matthew exclaimed.

Bob blushed a bit, putting a hand behind his head," Oh, thanks. I guess you could say that kid."

Anna yelled," I don't care! I'll beat him with Apology Accepted no matter what!"

Bob laughed," Okay, okay. Calm down kid. Of course, I doubt you'll win against my horses. They've been trained for a while. And I'll be riding them. I've been a jockey for years."

Bry pointed out," Aren't you a little tall for that? You must weigh a ton too."

Bob laughed cheerfully," I may not be as light as that girl, but my horses can still gallop like the wind!" He then looked around the Farm," So, this is a farm huh? You guys have other horses?"

Anna nodded," Actually, we're boarding four other horses. We also own one other horse, but he's a draft horse, and used for moving the soil and such."

Ricca nodded, having seen the draft horse before," Yeah! She's huge!"

Bob raised an eyebrow," Really? Can I see her?"

Anna nodded," Sure, I guess. I'll go get her." She dismounted Apology Accepted, who just stood there watching as Anna ran off into the large Stable. She came back a few minutes with a huge Shire mare. She was most likely around ten, now meaning aged. Of course, aged didn't mean she was elderly. It meant fully matured. She didn't have that curious or un-mannered personality of a six year old. She was pure black, except for a white blaze, muzzle, and white feather, that was very thick. She gave a happy whinny, looking around, a huge smile of delight upon her face. She then nuzzled Anna, and caused Anna to fall back a bit. Luckily, since Anna was holding onto the Shire's halter, she was able to pull herself back up, the Shire mare ignoring it. The Shire was incredibly large, larger than the tallest Thoroughbreds. She towered over Apology Accepted, who snorted, feeling small.

Everyone stared in awe, except for Bob, who looked up and down at the Shire, mumbling some things to himself. He seemed to admire her a bit. " She sure is large for a mare." Bob remarked, walking over to her and petting her muzzle.

Anna nodded," Yup. Her parents are huge. We got her from a breeding place far away."

Miro asked," So, what's her name?"

Anna smiled," Her name is Black Night. But we just really call her Black. Yes we do, don't we girl?" she cooed, rubbing her head against Black Night's. Black gave a whinny, and nickered happily, nuzzling Anna back.

Bry seemed a bit bored," All right then. So, is that all you wanted to show us?"

Anna narrowed her eyes," Hey! These two are very important to me!"

Suddenly, Anna turned around, hearing voices. Apology Accepted also did, nodded his head, and galloped off, disappearing over the bridge and into Mother's Hill.

Anna then looked towards the path, only seeing the Mayor taking a stroll, and sighed in relief. " Apology Accepted knows when he has to hide luckily." Anna then looked to Bob," Oh, and I'm Anna. And these are my friends, Trinity, Cecilia, Miro, William, Matthew, Sparky, Veloci, and Bry." She said, pointing to each one of her friends as she said their name.

Bob laughed," Quite a bunch. Nice to meet ya'll. Sorry, but I must be leavin'. I only came to Mineral Town to get some groceries. See ya." He waved, and left the farm without another word.

Matthew remarked," He was nice."

Anna nodded," Yeah. But that doesn't mean I'll go easy on him!"

After that, the gang played many games, including tag for some strange reason. And Veloci won, mostly because he was the fastest. They also rode the horses, Apology Accepted seeming to take a liking to Mei Lin and Rikku, who turned him down with a simple kick in the shoulder. Apology Accepted seemed a bit sad, but tried not to show it. Rikku and Mei Lin then began to play tag with themselves, Mei Lin eventually winning. Rikku and Mei Lin then began to fake combat, raising up on their rear legs and pawing the air. Bry and Miro seemed to be a bit freaked, but Anna explained that mares and stallions often had sparring fights to prepare for it. Much like practicing.

By the time they all said goodbye, it was almost pitch black. Quickly, Bry, Miro, Trinity, Cecilia, Sparky, and Veloci ran to the Inn, ate their dinner, and went to sleep, all falling asleep quickly, except Trinity and Sparky.

Trinity and Sparky were sitting in their room, Trinity holding a strange ball of some sort, that sparkled and glowed. Next to her lay Sparky, looking around with a bored glance. Trinity smiled," Well Sparky. Wait till we get back. We'll head off tomorrow, I promise. I won't let anyone stopping us from getting home, no matter what." Sparky gave a small bark, agreeing, and Trinity smiled, rubbing Sparky's head," You're such a good Electrike. I can't believe they believed what I told them about you being an English Morgan." She giggled," That's a horse. Come on, off to bed, Electrike."