Episode 3: Back in the Saddle Again
"Hello there. Welcome to Horseland. Where there's something always going on." Uncle Shep said as he walked out of the barn.
"Yeah." Aunt Angora said as she yawned. "So much activity that a cat can't even take a nap in peace."
"Lighten up Angora, it's beautiful outside." Uncle Shep said.
"What's so beautiful about a big mud puddle right in my way?" Aunt Angora said when she walked up to the mud puddle. "So go through it." Uncle Shep said.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Aunt Angora exclaimed.
"It's just a little mud. Come on Fraidy cat. Give it a try." Uncle Shep said and winked at her. "You think I can't? Watch this." Aunt Angora said. Aunt Angora jumped over the mud puddle. "Hmph! Showed you!"
"Hi, Shep. Nice day, isn't it? Ew that looks messy." Teeny said when she noticed the mud puddle in her way. "It's just mud Teeny, what are you afraid of?" Uncle Shep said.
"I'm not afraid of mud. I just don't like it much. Nope not my kind of thing." Teeny said.
"I don't want to get my fur all dirty either," I said.
"Oh come on Lana. It's just mud." Uncle Shep said.
"Do you know how Scourge and Fiona will react if they see me all dirty? Just watch this Uncle Shep." I said. I got in a running stance and sped across the mud while jumping over it at the same time. Uncle Shep just shakes his head. "Nothing wrong with having fears. Everyone faces challenges at some point in their life." Uncle Shep said. Uncle Shep walks through the puddle of mud as Teeny pushes down a board into the mud.
"It's how you handle it that counts." Uncle Shep said. Teeny walks across the plank while stopping in the middle to jump on it a couple of times then finishes walking across it. "Reminds me of a time Molly and Silver had to face their fears." Uncle Shep said.
Everyone was busy helping set up the jumps. "You got it, Molly?" Sarah called.
"Yeah almost there," Molly says as she puts a pole down.
"Jumps are almost ready," Will said.
"Got it," Alma said.
"That's the last pole," Bailey said as he finished putting down the last pole. "There's still one more thing we have to get. Typical. Chloe and Zoey sitting out on all the hard work." Bailey said. Aunt Chloe and Aunt Zoey were sitting on the railing while doing their make-up. Fiona was there with them too. Sometimes I wish they could help instead of just sitting around.
"What's up, Shep? What's all the commotion? The place is really jumping today." Teeny said.
"You think it's jumping now? Just wait till later. The kids are getting ready for a jumping competition." Uncle Shep said.
"If they're not careful, it's gonna be a falling competition." Aunt Angora said. Aunt Angora laughed. "Angora, don't be so catty." Uncle Shep said.
"Listen, you know it and I know it. Where there's jumping, there's falling." Aunt Angora said. Back in the barn, the horses were neighing excitedly as Bailey, Sarah, and Shadow were pushing one of the jumps out of the barn. "Sounds like the horses know something's up," Bailey said.
"I'll say. They're being extra noisy than usual." Shadow said.
"I love jumping competitions! Going over the hurdles. Feeling the wind in your mane. It's a real rush, I can't wait!" Aztec said excitedly.
"Sounds like you love jumping a lot, Dad," I said.
"Oh, I do! It's the best thing ever!" Aztec said.
"Don't get too carried away, Aztec. If anybody will win the competition, it's gonna be me." Chili said.
"Oh yeah? I think I'll beat you in the competition." I said.
"Get real Lana. Aunt Chloe and I beat you in the last one." Chili said.
"Nothing wrong with Chili's self-confidence." Button said.
"Yeah Button, but I wish I could say the same for Molly. We haven't done much jumping together. I think she may be afraid... And that frightens me." Calypso said with worry in her voice.
"Oh Calypso, she'll do fine. Right, Scarlet?" Button said. Scarlet groaned in pain and turns her head away. "Ooh. I just hope I don't let Sarah down." Scarlet said. I could tell there was something wrong with Scarlet. I am also worried for Uncle Silver because he hasn't jumped in a long while. My ear twitches when I hear my friends and the rest of the family walking in the barn. "Who wants to go first?" Bailey asked.
"Not me," Molly said.
"Not me either." Uncle Silver said.
"Come on Silver, it's just jumping, nothing to be afraid of. You've done it before." Mephiles said.
"I'm not afraid of jumping, it's just that I haven't done it in a while." Uncle Silver said.
"I'll go," Sonic said.
"Hey, Scarlet! How's my girl! Ready to do some jumping?" Sarah asked as she petted Scarlet. After we got our horses saddled, we all lined up in the arena where Will was giving the lessons as usual. "Listen up everyone. These are all the different types of obstacles you'll be asked to jump at the competition. We've got a gate, a fence, some parallel bars, and an oxer. Which is the combination of a hedge and a railing." Will explained.
"Uh in case you've forgotten we helped set them up." Molly pointed out.
"And you did a fine job. Now let's learn how to jump over them. Bailey, why don't you go first?" Will said. Bailey nods and walks Aztec over to the first jump. "Way to go Bailey," Sarah said.
"You got this, Bailey." Tails said.
"Let's see you jump Aztec over this low fence here," Will said. Bailey bumps his heels on Aztec's side and takes off at a canter. Bailey and Aztec jumped over the fence. We clapped and cheered when he cleared the jump. "Alright, Bailey!" Sarah said.
"Nice one, Bail!" Sonic said.
"Bravo Bailey," I said.
"Big deal. Even I could jump that." Aunt Angora said when she walked up to Uncle Shep. "With Bailey on your back?" Uncle Shep said.
"That's not the point." Aunt Angora said.
"Chloe, were you watching Bailey?" Will asked.
"Always." Aunt Chloe said as she blew Bailey a kiss. Aunt Zoey and I laughed. Bailey just blushed as he walked over to us. "Okay, fine. Can you tell me anything about his jumping technique?" Will asked.
"Can I tell, Will?" I asked as I raised my hand.
"I love your enthusiasm, Lana but why don't we let Chloe explain?" Will said.
"Well..." Aunt Chloe said. She put a finger on her chin and lifted her head as if thinking about something. Aunt Chloe continued to explain. "He approached the fence at a Canter. When it was time to jump, he kept his heels down, and he leaned forward just a little bit, and pushed back so his back matched the angle of Aztec's back. A flawless jump."
"That was great, Chloe. You were absolutely right. So Chloe was watching Bailey, but where was Bailey looking?" Will asked us.
"Where was he looking?" Molly asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Fiona said.
"Hmm. At the fence." Sarah said.
"That's right. He looked straight ahead, between Aztec's ears. At the fence and beyond it, to where he wanted to land." Will explained. We all nodded. "Everybody got that so far? Okay, so why don't we all take turns? Who wants to go first?" Will asked. Aunt Zoey raises her hand. "I'll go. You think he did a good job? Wait'll you see me!" Aunt Zoey said with confidence.
"Okay, boredom setting in. Anybody want to go bat a ball of yarn around?" Aunt Angora asked.
"Naw. I want to watch the kids jump." Uncle Shep said.
"Yeah, me too," Teeny said.
"Fine see if I care." Aunt Angora said. Aunt Angora starts grooming herself. Aunt Zoey and Pepper canters towards the jump. Aunt Zoey clears the jump. "Great job, Zoey." Knuckles said.
"Told ya." Aunt Zoey said proudly as she brushes her hair. "Okay, Alma do you want to take a turn?" Will asked.
"Uh, si. I mean, I guess I do." Alma said. Alma bumps the bridal on Button to make her walk forward. "You'll be great," Molly said, giving a thumbs up.
"You can do this, Alma," Rouge said. Alma stops Button when she comes close to the jump. Alma bumps her heels on Button, and Button takes off at a canter. Once they came to the jump, Button and Alma flew over it, clearing the jump. "Great job, Alma," Sarah said.
"Excellent!" Sonic said.
"You did it, girlfriend!" Molly said.
"That was the best yet! You and Button really work well together." Will said.
"I agree." Knuckles said.
"The best yet? I don't think so." Aunt Zoey said.
"Don't worry, sis. I'll get the family honor back." Aunt Chloe said. Aunt Chloe raises her hand. "Hey, Will! Me next." Aunt Chloe said.
"Go for it," Will said. Aunt Chloe walks up to the jump as Chili scrapes his foot on the ground. Aunt Chloe and Chili took off at a canter. They did the jump but they knocked down the rail. Chili gasped with a startle. Scarlet groaned in pain. I looked at her with worry. "Mom? What's wrong?" I asked.
"It's nothing, I'm okay," Scarlet said.
"You okay, girl?" Sarah asked. Will puts the jump back in place. "So that was a point deduction for Chloe right there. Anybody know what Chloe did wrong?" Will said.
"I know! She-" Tails started but was cut off by Aunt Zoey.
"She didn't look straight ahead." Aunt Zoey said.
"Zoey's right. When Chloe looked down, it shifted her weight forward, which then it moved Chili's weight forward too. That's something we all need to remember. Jumping is about working together with your horse. Lana, do you want to go next?" Will asked. My eyes widened but I said, "Yeah, sure."
"Come on Skyler, let's show them what we can do. Mom, Dad, watch me." I said.
"We're watching, Lana," Sonic said. When Skyler and I got to the jump, we took off at a canter. I made sure to look ahead when it was time to jump. Skyler and I cleared the jump without knocking down the rail. I smiled as I made my way back to my family. "Nice job hun," Rouge said as she gave me a kiss. I blushed. "Thanks," I said.
"Molly, you want to go next?" Will asked. Molly nodded.
"Can I go next too?" Uncle Silver asked.
"Silv, are you sure?" Mephiles said.
"Yes." Uncle Silver said. Molly and Uncle Silver walked up to the jump. "We can do this, girl. We can do it!" Molly said with confidence.
"You got this, Uncle Silver!" I said. Uncle Silver smiled at me. Uncle Silver and Molly glared at the jump, then they took off at a canter. Wait, why were two people jumping at the same time? Isn't that dangerous? "Wait, Molly! Uncle Silver!" I called.
"Don't distract them Lana, they'll be fine," Shadow said. I was worried as Uncle Silver and Molly continued to canter toward the jump.
Silver's POV:
I continued to canter toward the jump. As Molly and I got closer, my vision started to get blurry. I gasped with a startle as Molly fell off Calypso, screaming. I too got startled and fell off of Saya, landing hard on the ground, on my back getting the wind knocked out of me. Everyone gasped. "Molly!" Will cried.
"Silver!" I heard my husband screaming my name. That was the last thing I heard before I passed out.
Lana's POV:
Everyone rushed towards Uncle Silver and Molly. "At least I did better than that." Aunt Chloe said.
"And I can do better than that too," Scourge said with a smirk.
"Did I call it when I said it would be a falling competition?" Aunt Angora said with a smirk. We got off our horses and walked over to Molly and Uncle Silver as they were passed out. "Molly, you okay?" Will asked.
"Molly!" Sarah yelled and ran over to Molly.
"Silver!" Mephiles yelled.
"Guys, don't move her. Molly, are you all right?" Will said.
Silver's POV:
I groaned in pain as I started to wake up. What happened to me? "Silv? Come on, speak to me." I heard Mephiles say.
"Uncle Silver. Are you okay?" Lana asked.
"Give him some room, sweetie," Shadow said. Mephiles and Sonic helped me up. Molly and I coughed a bit. "I just got the breath knocked out of me," Molly said.
"Me too," I said.
"Molly, Silver, do you want to try it again?" Will asked. I said nothing and shook my head but Molly spoke up. "The others can go. You and Scarlet haven't tried, Sarah."
"Sure. We'll go." Sarah said. I tried to walk but tripped a little. I was still dizzy from the fall. Mephiles picked me up and carried me bridal style. Everyone got back on their horses. Molly tied up Calypso and Saya. I turned my head to watch Sarah and Scarlet do the jump. I was getting worried about Scarlet as she looked like she was in pain. "Something's wrong with Scarlet," Calypso said to herself. Yes, since we were hedgehogs, we can understand what the horses were saying too.
Mephiles set me down on a chair. "You gonna be okay over here?" Mephiles asked me.
"Yeah, I'm fine Meph. I just need to rest for a bit." I said.
"Alright. I'll be jumping with everyone else, you can come get me if you need anything, okay?" Mephiles said as he gave me a kiss. I just smiled at my husband as I watched him leave. Later, everyone continued their practice their jumping. Mephiles would come check on me every once in a while. I still wouldn't ride Saya because I am scared of falling off of her again like I did before.
I heard Shep walking up to us. "Howdy Angora, Teeny, I see there still working on their jumps. Everyone except for Molly, Calypso, Silver, and Saya. Saddles them up. But won't get on to ride them." Shep said.
"But why not?" Teeny asked.
"They're scared, I guess," Shep said.
"Humans call it fear of falling. Unlike cats." Angora said. I am scared to ride again, I just didn't want to admit it. "Right. I wonder how Calypso and Saya are taking it." Shep said. My ears twitched when I heard Sarah and Sonic walking up to us with their horses. They tied their horses to the fence. Calypso put her head down in shame. "It was my fault. I know it was. She got scared, and then I got scared and-"
"I am guilty of it too," Saya said.
"It wasn't you, Calypso and Saya. Sometimes your rider falls. You just have to ooh-" Scarlet groaned in pain again. What was wrong with her? "Scarlet? What's wrong with you?" Calypso asked worriedly.
"It's nothing - ooh - really," Scarlet said. Sonic and Sarah walk in front of us. "Hey, Silver," Sonic said.
"Hey," I said in a depressed voice.
"Hey, Sarah. You're looking really good out there. You'll do great in the competition. I just know it." Molly said.
"I think you'll do great in the competition too, Sonic," I said.
"Thanks," Sonic said.
"Molly, Silver, you guys still got a day to practice. You could-" Molly cut Sarah off. I got angry when she said that too because I am also not entertaining in the competition. "I'm not entertaining! You got that?" Molly yelled.
"I'm not entertaining either!" I also yelled.
"Fine. I'm sorry." Sarah apologized. Molly's face went from angry to sad as she looked like she was about to cry. "In fact... I might never enter a competition again." Molly said in between sobs. Molly began to cry. "Molly, I'm sorry. Molly, I didn't mean-" Sarah apologized again. But Molly ignored her and ran off, crying.
"Silver, you thinking about entering the competition too?" Sonic asked me.
"No! I'm not entering and don't even think about talking me out of it!" I yelled. I stormed off. I was pissed and agitated. I am never going to ride again.
No POV:
The next day, everyone was getting ready to go. Chloe and Zoey were arguing as usual. "I'm your big sister. My horse should get the best spot." Zoey said.
"Yeah, well, you stole Chili's best bridal," Zoey said.
"Did not," Chloe argued.
"Did too," Zoey argued back.
"I'm not even getting in the middle of that," Bailey said.
"Me too, they can deal with it themselves," Shadow said.
"So?" Chloe said.
"That's what you get," Zoey said. Meanwhile, Teeny, Shep, and Angora were observing from the sides. "Bicker, bicker. Chloe and Zoey sure love to bicker." Teeny said.
"Oh, Teeny. Arguments are the spice of life, just think. Why if everyone got along, it would be boring." Angora said.
"Frankly, I'd rather be bored," Shep said. Everyone was waiting impatiently for Chloe and Zoey to pick their spot. "Ugh, those two need to hurry up," Shadow said as he looked at his watch.
"Yeah, if those two don't hurry up, we're all going to be late. Take a number, Sarah. The squabble sisters are at it again." Bailey said as Sarah and Sonic walked up to everyone. "Sarah, where's your beautiful horse?" Alma asked.
"Yeah Sonic, aren't you ready to go?" Shadow asked.
"Yeah, that's what we wanted to tell you guys. We are not going." Sarah said. Sonic nodded to confirm. "What?" Shadow said.
"Are you kidding?" Bailey said.
"Sarah, you're not going?" Alma said.
"Really?" Chloe said with a smile.
"Cool," Zoey said. Alma and Shadow glared at them. "Shut up," Shadow said. Shadow then looked at Sonic with concern. "What's wrong love? Why aren't you going? Is it because of Scourge?" Shadow questioned.
"No Shads, it's just, I-" Sonic paused for a moment trying to collect his thoughts.
"Sarah. Por Que? You don't feel well?" Alma said.
"No, I just... Sonic and I have decided to get Molly and Silver riding again." Sarah said.
"Yep," Sonic said.
"Wow!" Bailey said.
"Good luck with that. Silver has been refusing to ride his horse today, I couldn't even reconvince him to go to the competition today." Mephiles said.
"Caramba. Do you want me to stay too?" Alma offered.
"That's okay. I think I can handle it." Sarah said.
"Same here," Sonic said.
Silver's POV:
No matter how many times Mephiles had tried to get me to go to the competition, I refused because I am afraid to ride again after what happened yesterday. So Molly and I were stuck in the barn, cleaning out the horse's stalls. I stayed quiet while Molly was ranting to herself. "I may not be able to ride anymore, but I can still muck out a stall with the best -" Molly stopped her rant when we heard a truck pulling out of the driveway. We looked out the window.
"Good. They've left. No chance of me going now." Molly said.
"Thank God," I said. Now I can get some peace and quiet around here. As I was helping Molly take out the muck, Molly and I looked up and we were surprised to see who was standing in front of us. It was Sarah and Sonic. But why didn't they go to the competition? "Huh? Sarah, why didn't you go to the competition?" Molly asked.
"Yeah Sonic, why didn't you go?" I asked.
"Cause Sonic and I would rather go for a ride with you," Sarah said as she walked closer to Molly with Scarlet. Molly and I glared at them. "Yeah? Well, it's not gonna happen." Molly said angrily.
"Sonic, no matter how many times you try to convince me I won't ride. So just leave me alone." I snapped. As Molly and I were storming off, Sarah and Sonic ran after us. "Molly, Silver, wait!" Sarah called.
"You think they can talk Molly and Silver into going?" Calypso asked Scarlet.
"I hope so- ooh!" Scarlet groaned in pain again. Lady, Sonic's horse was also in a lot of pain. "Scarlet, what is going on with you? Where does it hurt?" Calypso asked.
"I don't want to talk about it. And I don't want Sarah to know." Scarlet said.
"Molly, Silver?" Sarah said. Molly slammed the wagon down on the floor. We glared at Sarah and Sonic. "What?" Molly snapped.
"I really don't think you should give up so easily," Sarah said.
"Yeah, Silv. I agree, you shouldn't give up." Sonic said.
"I told you Sonic, I am not riding again. So save your breath. Falling off a horse, it's scary." I said. Sonic looked at me with concern. Sonic held out his hands to me. "Come on, I know you're scared but-"
I smacked his hands away. "No! You just don't get it, do you!?" I yelled.
"Have you guys ever fallen off your horse? And landed so hard you couldn't breath? It's really scary." Molly said. I nodded in agreement. "It is. That's why I am not riding anymore. I don't want to go through that again." I said.
"I know, but... I just think you two need to face your fears." Sarah said.
"Oh, what do you know about it? Have you ever been really scared of anything?" Molly asked angrily.
"As a matter of fact, I have," Sarah said.
Flashback:
"I was always late for school because I was so afraid of this one dog. I didn't want to walk past his house- Not even on the other side of the street. But my teacher said one more tardy and I'd be in big trouble. If I kept being late, I knew I'd have to take our limo to school. I didn't want the other kids to think I was a snob so I decided to I had to face my fears."
Young Sarah takes a deep breath as she was about to walk past the house with the dog. "It's okay Sarah. I'm right here if you need me." Sarah's dad said.
"Thanks, Dad. I'm going to do it." Young Sarah said.
"I walked past that rattling gate and got my courage up. And that big vicious dog turned out to be a little white poodle with an enormous bark."
End of Flashback:
"Great story. I'll remember that next time I'm scared by a puppy. Let's go Silver before they talk us into riding." Molly said.
"Right," I said. I followed Molly but Sarah and Sonic stopped us again. "Look, I'll I'm saying is... You can't overcome your fears if you don't face them. How about we just walk our horses in the pasture? If you don't want to ride, you don't have to." Sarah said.
"Yeah Silver, I won't make you ride if you don't want. I just want to take a walk with you, that's all." Sonic said. Molly and I thought for a moment. Should I do this? At least it's just a walk and we don't have to ride. "Okay. But just a walk." Molly said.
"Alright. Like Molly said, just a walk. If you make me ride, I will kill you." I threatened.
Sonic just chuckled. "Okay, Silver."
We got our horses saddled and started making our way out to the pasture. I was walking my horse, Saya. The others were walking Calypso, Scarlet, and Lady. "It's pretty out here," Sarah commented after a while.
"Uh-huh." Molly agreed.
"So, ready to give it a try, Molly and Silver?" Sarah asked us.
"Huh?" I said.
"Not yet," Molly said.
"Really? We've been walking for a long time." Sarah said.
"My feet are starting to hurt," Sonic said.
"Don't you want to ride for a while? It's easy, remember?" Sarah said as she got on Scarlet. Scarlet neighed frantically. Lady also neighed. Sarah quickly got off her horse. "What is it, girl? What hurts?" Sarah asked.
"Lady? What's wrong?" Sonic asked as he petted his horse. Lady neighed again. Sarah bends down to Scarlet and hears her stomach which gave out a loud gurgle. "Oh, dear. It sounds like colic. An obstruction in her abdomen." Sarah explains.
"Do you think Lady has colic too?" Sonic asked worriedly. Sarah leans into Lady's stomach to listen. Sarah nodded. "Yes."
"Oh no," Sonic said.
"That can be really serious. Should we start back?" Molly asked.
"I can't ride like this. I don't even think I should walk her that far. Molly, Silver, you're Scarlet and Lady's only hope. You've got to get the vet and fast. You've got to ride!" Sarah said even more worried. Mine and Molly's eyes widened when she said that. Well, fuck. "Me ride? Is this some kind of joke?" Molly said.
"Nice joke, Sarah," I said and laughed.
"Silver, this is serious!" Sonic yelled.
"This is no joke, Molly. You know what colic can do. Look at her." Sarah said. Scarlet was in a lot of pain, so was Lady. The horses gave out a loud neigh and Scarlet and Lady collapsed on the ground. "Lady!" Sonic cried as he bends down. Sarah and Sonic were even more worried for their horses now. "Oh, Scarlet! She might even need an operation. Scarlet and Lady have to see a vet now! Oh, Scarlet. Molly, Silver, please. I'm... I'm so afraid for her." Sarah said. Sarah broke down into tears.
"Silver, please. Help Lady." Sonic said as he began to cry as well. "I don't want to lose her."
Molly and I looked at each other. We nodded. "Guess we don't have much of a choice, huh?" I said.
"Nope. Okay, I'll go. I mean, we'll go." Molly said.
"You will? Oh, thank you!" Sarah said, still sobbing.
"Try not to worry. It's going to be okay. Calypso, Silver, and I will make sure of it." Molly said as she mounted Calypso. I took a deep breath and mounted Saya. Okay, I'm on my horse. "Okay, here goes nothing," Molly said.
"Please hurry Silver," Sonic said in between sobs.
"Don't worry, we'll be back in a flash. You owe me big time for this." I said.
"Dr. Martin is due east from here," Sarah said, pointing in the direction. "I know, Sarah. We'll get him. You can count on us." Molly assures her.
"I know we can," Sarah said. With that, Molly and I left to go get the vet. "Helps on the way girl." I heard Sarah say to Scarlet as she kissed her.
"Don't worry Lady, everything will be okay," Sonic said. Meanwhile, Molly and I were galloping through the meadow. I held on tightly to the bridal. "Okay, girl. We've got to face our fears." Molly said. Molly and I took a deep breath. "Face our fears," Molly said again.
"Face our fears," Calypso said.
Sonic's POV:
After Silver and Molly left to get the vet, Sarah and I stayed in the pasture with our horses. I laid down next to Lady and petted her ears. I took my gloves off and ran my fingers through her mane to comfort her. I would call Shadow to tell him what happened but I don't have service out here. I am scared for Lady. I really hoped Silver and Molly will get here in time. "Sarah? Do you think Silver and Molly will get here in time?" I asked.
"I know they will," Sarah said with an assuring smile. Sarah then turns her attention back to Scarlet and continues talking to her. "Shh, girl. Just relax. Does that feel good? This message is supposed to keep you from going into shock. That's it. The vet's on the way." Sarah said. Scarlet's eyes widened as she neighed nervously. Sarah gasped.
"Scarlet? Are you afraid of the vet? There's nothing to be afraid of, girl. It's going to be okay." Sarah assured.
Silver's POV:
Molly and I continued galloping on our horses as fast as we could. I was still scared but we had to do this. I gasped when we came to a fence. Molly and I stopped our horses. "Well, girl. No sign of a gate. Guess we don't have much of a choice, do we?" Molly said as she petted Calypso.
"We can do this," Molly said.
"I got this," I said and took a deep breath.
"Look straight ahead. Heels down. Lean forward. Seat back. Ready Silver?" Molly asked.
"Ready," I said. I held on tightly as we started galloping towards the fence. I began to feel scared again but I had to stay focused. I put my heels down when it was time to jump. Molly and I flew over the fence on our horses. We both made a clear landing without falling! We stopped our horses to admire our accomplishments. I smiled proudly. "We did it, girl! We really did it!" Molly shouted with excitement. Calypso and Saya neighed as they reared up.
"Hell yeah!" I shouted. Molly and I high-fived. "Now to get Dr. Martin," Molly said. With that, Molly and I continued making our way to the vet. Once we got to the vet, we dismounted our horses and tied them to the fence. "Good job girl. Thanks for the ride." Molly said as she petted Calypso.
"Thanks for the ride, Saya," I said and hugged her.
"And thanks for bearing with me," Molly said. Molly and I left to go get the vet. Calypso and Saya neighed happily. I couldn't wait to tell Mephiles about my ride today.
Sonic's POV:
I was getting more worried as it was taking a long time for Silver and Molly to get here. I broke down in tears as I cried into Lady's mane. Sarah placed her hand on my back to comfort me. My ears perked up when I heard the sound of a horn honking. "She did it. Molly and Silver did it. Here comes the vet." Sarah said excitedly.
"Yay!" I said and put my hands up in the air. Scarlet neighed frantically again when we mentioned the vet. "Shh. Hush now, Scarlet. It's time for me to face your fears. Just like I told Molly- You can do it. You can let the vet help you." Sarah said. Sarah and I stood up and waved the vet down as they were coming closer to us. We are able to save our horses.
Back at Horseland, Lana's POV:
"And then Molly and Calypso got the vet. And he brought Scarlet back here in his van! You guys sure missed out on all the excitement." Uncle Shep said. I smiled as I was listening to the story Uncle Shep was telling us. "You're the one who missed out on all the excitement, dog breath. We ruled at the competition. More ribbons for Horseland." Chili said.
"Well excuse me!" Uncle Shep said.
"Oh Daddy, stop bragging. It's not like you won the blue ribbon." I said.
"I guess winning a couple of ribbons is more important than Scarlet almost dying." Uncle Shep said.
"Oh! Oh! Oh! Calypso was really heroic! She saved Scarlet. She was a hero, she saved her life." Teeny sang.
"No, I didn't. The vet did." Calypso said.
"Yes. But the vet wouldn't have gotten there in time if it hadn't been for you." Uncle Shep said.
"Thank you, Calypso. I never should have tried to keep my pain a secret from everyone. All I did was suffer more. And I ended up having to see the vet anyway." Scarlet said.
"I'm just glad your okay, Mom," I said. I hugged Scarlet.
"Me too sweetie. Me too." Scarlet said.
"Enough about Scarlet and Calypso! Did they win ribbons? No." Chili said.
"Will you two give it a rest? It's not like you took the blue ribbon. Aztec did." Button said.
"That's great!" Calypso said.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Scarlet asked.
"It's not a big deal. If you ask me, Calypso, Molly, Silver, and Saya are the heroes of the day." Aztec said. We all cheered for Calypso and Saya. If it weren't for them, Scarlet would be dead. And I have them to thank for saving Scarlet's life. Later, I was outside with my friends and family. Sarah and Sonic were telling us how Molly and Uncle Silver were able to face their fears. "I'm telling you! These two were amazing! Thanks, Molly and Silver, your the best." Sarah said as she scratched Teeny.
"Thank you too, Silver," Sonic said.
"Sarah, you're the one who helped us face our fears. I know that I'll be frightened of other things too, but maybe next time I'll be able to handle it better." Molly said.
"Same here." Uncle Silver said.
"I'm proud of you, Silver," Mephiles said as he kissed him. Uncle Silver just blushed. "Yeah. Very touching." Aunt Zoey said.
"I'm so touched it makes me want to face one of my fears." Aunt Chloe said.
"Uh, okay," Molly said.
"It's good to hear you positive again, Molly," Sarah said. As Teeny was trying to get Sarah's attention for more pets, Teeny accidentally stepped on Aunt Angora's tail which made her scream. Aunt Chloe got started and fell into the bucket of water. "Hey, Chloe was that one of your fears?" Alma asked. We all burst out, laughing.
The next day, it was time for practice again. Molly and Uncle Silver were getting better at jumping. "Great job," Will said when Molly and Uncle Silver cleared the jump.
"Yeah, all right," Sarah said.
"You're getting better, Molly!" Will said.
"That was excellent, Molly!" I said.
"Bravo, Molly," Alma said.
"Molly sure has learned to jump, hasn't she?" Teeny said.
"She's learned more than that. Now she knows what to do when she's afraid." Uncle Shep said.
"Oh, that's great. Me too, me too! From now on, I'm gonna face my fears." Teeny said.
"Good thinking, so am I." Aunt Angora said.
"You mean- you agree with something I said?" Teeny said.
"Yep. Because the one thing I fear most is you stepping on my tail again. But as long as I face you, you can't do it." Aunt Angora said. Little did she know, Jimber was walking behind her and stepped on her tail with his hoof. Aunt Angora screamed. "Youch! Looks like she's gonna have to face both ways at once. Right, Angora?" Uncle Shep said.
"Very funny. I'm outta here." Aunt Angora said. With that, she stormed off before anyone else could step on her tail again.