Sorry for the long update. I was getting used to college life (and midterms), so I didn't have much of an opportunity to update any of my stories, let alone this one. Now, though, I have that opportunity. Enjoy!
By the way – the rest of the story is going to take place from Redemption's point of view. I'll let you guys know whose point of view is narrating each chapter.
Chapter 3: The Horsemaster and Me (and why I hate horseshoes)
I wish you could be here to see this, Liam.
It's beautiful here. The Horsemen (I know, they said it's alright for me to call them brothers and sisters, but it doesn't feel right. It's like calling some random guy you find on the streets of New York your brother.) brought me to this massive open field. The grass here isn't anywhere as neat as the grass back home (or what's left of it) – it fits the wild setting this place is throwing off. Remember how you wanted to visit a place that would have made the Grand Canyon jealous? I think I just found it.
A few yards ahead of us, a lone figure sat like he was meditating. His back was to us, so all I could see was a hat that belonged on Clint Eastwood, a red cape that actually resembled one more than War's did, and a line of blond hair sticking out from under the hat.
Getting up, he turned to us. Damn – he did look like he belonged in a Clint Eastwood film! Not the more recent ones, but the old westerns. His face was set in a permanent frown, like someone killed his dog. His face looked like it was shaved a few days ago – a stubble of blonde hair was starting to grow in.
"Welcome back to the Far Fields, Horsemen," the cowboy said. Then he noticed me. He looked surprised to see me. Guess he isn't used to having kids in his place. "And who is this?"
"He is one of us," Death said. The way he said it, he did not want us to discuss it.
Strife, my favorite Horseman so far, ignored the meaning behind Death's words. "He's a Nephilim, Horsemaster, and we want to turn him into the fifth Horseman."
The Horsemaster turned to me, but this time he was really surprised. "What does the Charred Council have to say about this?" He asked.
This time I spoke up. "They're okay with it. If someone tells you that getting power from them is painless, though, don't believe them."
The other Horsemen chuckled, except for Death. I'm starting to get the feeling that companies who make anti-depressants would make a fortune off him. Smiling, the Horsemaster said, "No, I imagine not. What is your name, son?"
"Don't remember my name while I lived on Earth," I said. I felt really bad about that – I feel like I should remember, for you and Tiana if nothing else. "In the meantime, call me Redemption."
"Well, Redemption," the Horsemaster said, "have you ever ridden a horse?"
"Oh, yes," I replied. "My family owned a ranch on Earth. My dad always had me take care of our two horses." I left out the part that I had help from you guys. Liam, you may have taught me a lot, but you kinda took the horses out of my hands.
"Good." The Horsemaster turned to the edge of the canyon. "In that case, your chances just went from hopeless to slim."
Joining him, I saw what he meant. At the floor of the canyon, a herd of horses were grazing. I don't know if you can even call them horses – they looked more like something out of an Ozzy Osborne show. Smoke rose from their hooves, and their eyes looked like they could send every monster made in the last ten years crying for their moms.
"And how am I supposed to do this?" I asked.
"For starters, no weapons," the Horsemaster stated. He must have had this line rehearsed and ready. "These horses will bend only to your will. Nothing else will deter them."
A roar interrupted his lecture. Looking towards the direction of the sound, I saw my first true monster. It looked like a mountain lion, but human bones lined its hide like stripes on a tiger. The tip of the tail ended in a very nasty looking blade, black and thin. Wherever it stepped, the ground crumbled and dissolved. Overall, I prefer the mountain lions at home.
"It's a Reshorza!" Strife swore. The entire time the Horsemaster and I were talking, he must have walked up behind us. "Those things are bad news!"
"Stay up top," the Horsemaster ordered. "Even the Four Horsemen can't stand against a Reshorza for long."
None of us argued. We watched as it circled the horses, who had gathered together in a tight circle. One horse in particular was glaring at the Reshorza, daring it to attack its herd. That cat must have some serious pride issues, because it started returning the horse's glare with one of its own.
With a defiant snort, the horse reared up, its hooves kicking the air between them. He then charged the Reshorza in what was either a moment of bravery or stupidity. Personally, I think that's the most badass horse I've ever seen.
It's official – I hate Reshorza. The stupid cat sidestepped the horse, opening up its side as it passed with its tail. The horse fell over, and even though I couldn't hear it, I knew it was panting heavily. The Reshorza actually smirked, it's whiskers lifting up slightly. Drooling, it started advancing on the poor horse.
"Screw this!" I shouted. Grabbing Forgiveness, I started sliding down the canyon. The other Horsemen and the Horsemaster started yelling after me, ordering me to come back. Sorry, guys, but this cat is really pissing me off. It reminded me too much of when my dad started drinking, followed by the beatings. I'll be damned if another soul gets hurt by some stupid furball!
The moment I reached the floor of the canyon, I whipped Forgiveness towards the cat. I fired, purposely missing by inches. What I didn't expect was how powerful it was – a blue bullet half the size of my pointer finger raged out of the gun and buried itself into the rock, causing a spiderweb of cracks to appear. Damn, Strife – why would you give a kid a gun this powerful?!
The Reshorza turned its head towards me, angry once again. "Hey, ugly!" I shouted. "Mess with someone your own size!" Seriously?! That's the best taunt I could come up with?! I've heard better from Justin Bieber!
Much to my surprise, it actually worked. The Reshorza started charging at me, its leaps carrying it a dozen feet at a time.
I just realized – I don't have much to threaten this thing with. Just a gun with a blade welded onto its side and what passes for my skills. Under my breath, I whispered, "Sorry, Horsemen. Sorry, Liam. Sorry, Tiana."
I aimed at the Reshorza, who was about to close the distance between us. My heart calmed. I raised the gun, but instead of firing, I waited. At the last second, I dropped to my knees, letting the Reshorza sail above me. I left it a parting gift; a stab to the stomach.
The Reshorza crashed with a sickening thud. Holy crap – I might be cut out for this after all! As stupid as it looked, I started doing a victory dance like I was one of the Cal Berkeley football players from The Play.
A weak neigh made me facepalm myself. I had forgotten why I came down here! Rushing towards the injured horse's side, I knelt down. I'm not an expert in medicine or healing, but I don't think this horse has long to last.
"I saw what you did," I whispered, petting the horse's neck. "That was pretty amazing."
The horse turned an eye towards me. It looked pleading.
"You were protecting someone you cared about, didn't you?" I asked gently. "You wanted to do what you could to have them live to roam another day."
The horse's breathing slowed. Dammit – why does this always happen?! The good are punished while the bad guys live the good life. Well, I'm sick of it.
Obeying an instinct I never heard before, I placed both hands above the horse's open side. Closing my eyes, I concentrated as green symbols that would have looked appropriate in Halo floated in my mind's eye. I vaguely heard skin and muscle reattaching themselves as I continued concentrating. By the time I opened my eyes, I saw that the wound had completely closed up. Not only that, but there wasn't a scar or anything! It looked like the wound hadn't even existed!
I helped the horse up, which was a lot tougher than it sounds. Hey, I'm underweight, so don't judge me! Once the horse was up, it looked at me with a sparkle in its eyes. I swear, if a horse could smile, it would right now. Instead, it gestured its head towards the right.
My mouth dropped open. "You want me to ride you?" I asked. The horse nodded. Still in disbelief, I got on the horse's back. This feels nice. I feel like I was meant to have this horse.
"You're full of surprises, Redemption," the Horsemaster said. Huh – he sounded close.
Looking behind me, I saw that he was. The other Horsemen were there as well. War was smiling like this was the best moment in his life. Fury looked so happy, I swear I saw a tear on her cheek. Death was as mysterious as ever, only this time he was staring at me in wonder. I take back what I said earlier – he doesn't need an anti-depressant.
Strife ran up towards me and gripped me in a bear hug. Don't get caught in one of those – he doesn't leave you much room to breathe. Wiggling for breathe, I said, "If you had given the Reshorza one of those, I wouldn't have had to come down here."
Both he and the Horsemaster chuckled at that. "So, Redemption, it seems this horse is yours," the Horsemaster said. "Congratulations."
"Does he have a name?" I asked.
"Only the one you're about to give him," the Horsemaster replied.
Turning its head towards me once more, my horse and me both started thinking. What do I call him? I'm not gonna name him something embarrassing, like Rodney or Bob. Wait, I got it! My horse seemed to agree with me, another sparkle in his eyes.
Getting down off my horse, I put my hand on his side. "His name," I said, "is Shield."
At that, my horse started changing. Metal plating started growing on his body, similar to the way Iron Man's armor was put on in the movies. The steel was a magnificent silver, resembling horse armor from the Medieval Ages. Yellow glass covered Shield's eyes, acting like a one way window – he could see out, but nobody could see in. A saddle grew on his back; however, it was made of grey steel instead of leather. His tail turned into strands of metal. By the time he had finished changing; Shield looked like he fitted his name. Completely armored, even his ears, he looked ready to protect someone.
Getting on top of Shield, I patted his neck, saying, "Ready for some adventures, my friend?" He reared up in response, tossing his mane side to side. "I'll take that as a yes," I smiled.
Grabbing some reins that hadn't been there before, I set off in a gallop. I looked behind me, and I saw that the other Horsemen had summoned their rides and were catching up.
This is amazing. I've made my first friend since the destruction of the town, and the other Horsemen are getting more and more likable. Whatever crap life wants to throw at me, I only have this to say – BRING IT!
Ah, the wonder of having a horse. I'm quite jealous of Redemption. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Please review!