Cowboys of Remnant

A RWBY Fic by AndrewJTalon

DISCLAIMER: This is a fan based work of prose. RWBY is the property of Rooster Teeth and WB Animation. Please support the official release.

Cowboys of Remnant: When Jauney Met Orly.

Written by Insomnius.

She knew that she was perfect. She was the strongest, the swiftest, the most beautiful horse in all the herds of the Great Green Plains, a direct descendant of Epona and Shadowfax, Queen and King of All Horses. Her chestnut coat was glossy and full, her hooves shiny and sharp. She had slain Elder Grimm with one almighty kick of her back legs! With the power of her soul enhancing her, she could outrace any other creature on land, run on water, and even speed through the air if she so choosed!

That was why she couldn't believe she could not buck this human off her back. She'd seen the massive cloud of dust on the horizon and had grown curious. Against the warnings of her sire and dam, she'd galloped towards it and found the massive herd of cows guarded by humans riding her inferior brethren. She had nothing but disdain for the horses who allowed themselves to be ridden and had approached them to mock them. That was when the lasso had passed over her neck and the human had jumped on. That was when their battle of wills had begun.

The yellow-haired ape clung to her with tenacity and grit that she had never experienced from its kind before. Many a human had tried to capture and break her over the two years she'd strode the world but she had resisted them all, throwing them to the earth and escaping into the wind. A free and wild horse such as herself would never accept a rider.

But the human on her back was tenacious, egged on by his companions as they shouted encouragement to him. His silly legs, completely lacking in hooves, clamped tightly around her midsection and his rope wound around her neck. She could feel his soul scratch against hers, as he empowered himself enough to resist her twisting and jumping. She could feel his fear and hope and determination as their souls collided again and again. But strangely, no greed or avarice, like so many of the other humans who had tried to break her. Regardless of his motives though, she WOULD NOT allow herself to be chained to a disgusting little ape. Her life belonged to her and only her.

And so, she ran.

She ran away from the massive herd of cows and the other humans and horses. She galloped faster and faster across the plains, daring the ape on her back to stay there as she picked up speed.

And he still remained, despite the fear swelling in his chest.

In the distance, she saw the steep cliffs of a plateau rising up above her, and angled towards them. She felt the human's fear spike as she ran straight at the cliff face, before he was filled with disbelief as she ran right up the wall. As though this would be a challenge. With the light of her soul empowering her, she could run anywhere, on anything.

And yet, the human remained, his rope forgotten as he wrapped his arms around her neck and held on for dear life.

Well, if that wouldn't get rid of him, then she just needed to try a little harder. She still had plenty of energy left.

In the distance, she spied a lake and rushed headlong towards it. Once again, the human's soul filled with fear but also... trust? Trust in her. She ignored the strange feelings that realization woke in her chest and galloped ever faster. She expected him to leap from her back as soon as he saw where she was taking him, but he still he clung to her, even as the lake grew closer and closer. She tore through the sandy shore and leapt into the surf, moving so fast and so lightly that the water was all but solid to her hooves.

And yet, he remained, still fearful but full of wonder and exhilaration as well.

She couldn't allow this! He didn't own her! She would never accept a rider! She was tiring but her determination brought out deep wells of strength and she ran on.

In the distance, she spied her last hope, the great waterfalls where the lake poured off of the edge of the plateau. She sped up even further, the wind tearing at her as much as she tore through it. She could feel the exact moment the human saw the falls, as his fear spiked even higher than before. But then, it was pushed aside. His fear was resisted by his courage, which in turn was bolstered by his confidence and trust. In her. He believed wholeheartedly that the both of them would be fine. The air screamed as she leapt over the edge of the falls and the human screamed with it. His cries changed to a whoops of disbelief and amazement as she began running on the wind.

Her rider remained mounted on her back, arms thrown wide and howling with joy and freedom. And she, despite all her efforts, was exhausted

She descended back to the earth, slowing down to a canter, then a trot, then a walk, before coming to a stop at the banks of the river that flowed out from the falls. Her sides shuddered with exhaustion and lather poured from her mouth as she lowered her head to drink.

Her rider dismounted and stumbled away, eventually falling on his rear before collapsing onto his back, panting as though he'd been the one doing the running. She snorted in amusement at him. Strangely, she felt no desire to escape from him. He'd won, after all.

The human laughed an exhausted laugh, staring up at the brilliant blue sky. "Looks like I tuckered you out, eh girl?"

She snorted again and gave him a sidelong glare but didn't contest him. He'd absolutely tired her out.

He rested a bit longer before slowly getting to his feet and staggering over towards her, hand outstretched. She raised her head from the river as he approached, letting him run his fingers through her luxurious mane and up her neck to her head. He scratched behind her ears before moving down to rub her face. It was a most pleasing sensation, so she allowed it.

"Gonna need a name for you, girl," He murmured. "Howabout... Brownie?"

She bit him.

"Ow! Damn! Okay okay, not Brownie. Maybe... Chestnut?"

She bit him again.

"Ow! Breaker's balls that hurts!" He scowled while shaking out his hand before returning to rub her face. "Okay, what about... Cliffjumper?"

She shook her head.

"Hmm, Wavestrider?"

Another shake.

"Uh, Windrunner?"

Another shake.

"Widowmaker?"

A pause for consideration, before a reluctant shake.

"Uhhhhh... Sue?"

She chomped him extra hard for that one.

He took a moment to massage his aching hand and really think. "What do you think about Orleans? Orly for short?"

She paused, considering it, before finally nodding.

Her rider's grin put the sun to shame.

"Pleased to meet you Orleans. My name's Jaune. I'm honored to be your rider."

Orleans tilted her head at him before nuzzling his face. She... was strangely happy to have him.

Now, what was she supposed to tell her sire and dam?