Valley of Fire - Edited Edition

[Spotty001]

Posted this on PonyPaws, but midaswell put it here as well, so more people can see it. I'll be posting several chapters at once, so no one freak out if it's a lot to read

1. Bluff

“Oh, c’mon Tekai!”
“Now what?”
“I want you to meet someone!”
“No way. The last time you tried to set me up with someone, I was almost killed. You should be thankful Strider was there to save me” Tekai barked at the small and stocky strawberry roan mare beside her.
She could feel the heat of the sun’s rays on her back. A slight breeze rose from the west carrying swirling clouds of dust through the valley and into the town from the surrounding desert. Her mane and tail fluttered in the wind. Her golden palomino coat glistened with sun and sweat. And her bright, ocean blue eyes scanned the surrounding area for any unwelcome guests.
A grey stallion with jet black markings, mane and tail poked his head around the corner of a nearby building. His light green eyes glinting in the afternoon sun.
“You’ve got to be kidding me” she mumbles and glares at Rose as Midnight walks casually toward them.
“I think you’ve been barking up the wrong tree.”
“Speak for yourself, colt.”
He murmurs soothingly. “Well, I was just pointing out that you seem so alone these days” as he places his head on her golden back.
Tekai shouts “Get off of me” and kicks him in the rear. “Let’s go Rose” she barks as they gallop down the street.
“Ouch.” He cranes his neck to lick the wound Tekai’s sharp hoof left on his backside. It was slightly bleeding. “Fine then, I see how it is.” he snorts.
“Nice job.” mutters Omen.
“How long have you been there?” he inquires quickly.
“Long enough to know that you’re never going to stick a claim on her, nor any other filly in this town.”
“What gave you that idea?”
“You already know that, so why bother asking me. And what’s with all the questions? They just make you sound more and more guilty by the minute.” Omen turns around and trots back down the alley.
“Humph.” grunts Midnight in frustration as the grey colt fades into the darkness. His ridiculous flirting normally worked on the fillies. And he was never once embarrassed by that skill either. Not until now at least.

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“I must have that filly for my own. She will soon need to take a mate, and it must be me. Nothing is going to stand in my way. Not other stallions in town, and especially not Axel. There’s a score to be settled with him. And he won’t get in my way again.”
“I will bring the filly to you, sir.” Star Scream assures Wrath.
“It’d better be quick. Who knows how much time is left.” explains Wrath. He leaves the room.
“Unless I take that filly for myself” Star Scream whispers, his slight smirk visible through the gloomy darkness.

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“Hey Tekai, what’s up?” Strider greets her as Tekai and Rose slow to a trot.
“Nothing, other than me trying to escape from Midnight and his insane advances” Tekai pants.
“You needn’t worry about him. He’s inexperienced when it comes to attracting fillies.”
“That’s good to know” Tekai gives a sigh of relief. “But what about the others?”
“Others? Oh for the love of god, how many idiotic, irrational studs would want to be chasing you around?”
“Well no duh, Sherlock. I was referring to Star Scream and Wrath. Oh, and what about that Axel? And thank you for making me feel so much better” she snorts and scowls at him.
“Don’t bother with them. They’re rushing into things they shouldn’t. Plus they all have over-inflated egos, and need a little dose of reality. Either that or a good kick. Or both.”
“Thanks, I owe you.”
“No you don’t. Stop saying that. Ok, so I saved your life once or twice. Big deal.”
“But I will have to confront one or all of them at some point.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’ll all calm down. Eventually.”
“Gee, thanks” she sticks her tongue out at him. “But I hope you’re right.” She trots off down the road.
“Hey! Wait for me!” Shouts Rose as she tries to catch up to Tekai.
“When have I been wrong?” Strider whispers, and stares after them.
Tekai slowed down, and looked at him, a grin slipping across her small muzzle. “Do you really want me to answer that?” She smiled at him, and giggled as her and Rose broke into a gallop down the hillside.


“The time is closer now. I can sense it.” mutters Wrath while watching Tekai from a distance and sniffing the air. “Bring her to me. We haven’t properly introduced ourselves yet.” He smiles menacingly.
“Your wish is my command” replies Star Scream as he turns around and rolls his eyes. He and Wrath trot down the slope to intersect them.
“Hey there, Tekai! We haven’t properly introduced ourselves yet, I’m Star Scream, and this is the leader of our dear SunWind gang, Wrath.” The chestnut stallion said, looking at her intently.
“So glad to meet you, my dear” He interjects and bows. She couldn’t help but gape at his dazzling yellow coat, with the strange moon-shaped markings on his face and limbs, offsetting the shiny brown mane and tail, and icy blue eyes.
“Um, me too,” she replied shyly, glancing at Rose with a puzzled look on her face.
“Aww, isn’t that cute, the filly and the leader of the pack” a wild voice interrupts, hailing them from behind a nearby palm tree. Tekai looked at him with curious eyes. She had only seen him a few times before, but never this close. His body was jet black, which appeared blacker than night in the shade of the tree, except for the glittering spots illuminated by the intense desert sun. He had red markings on his muzzle and legs, which looked like fire, as did his luxurious mane and tail. His blazing green eyes stared at her with a possessive kindness.
“Axel? What are you doing here?” Tekai’s attention snapped back to Wrath.
“Checkin’ up on my girl.”
“Your girl? I beg to differ.” replies Wrath.
“That’s right, my girl. She’s already been marked.”
“By who?”
“Me, of course. Who else, you dummy.”
Wrath snarled, and Star Scream shuddered, looking slightly bewildered, and maybe just a tad scared. “Where? There isn’t a marking. How can you say such a thing when you can’t even prove it?”
“Look again, Wrath.”
“Um, boss, the fillies just left” Star Scream adds, and nods in their general direction, as Tekai and Rose gallop off. “Oops.”
“I didn’t see anything on her. Either that, or you’re bluffing.”
“I don’t bluff…” Axel replies calmly.
Wrath trots off with Star Scream following closely behind as Axel disappears behind a forest of palms.
“That was far too easy.”

[Spotty001]

2. Burn

“What did Axel mean by mark?” Tekai asked herself. “There’s no scar, no scratch, no odd scent...” She walked in circles while talking to herself. “Wait a minute. The burn mark!” She spun her head around, and peered down at her left hind ankle. “I got that when that crazy fire started a year ago.” Tekai pondered as she paced around a palm tree. “I’m sure of it now.”
“What’s wrong Tekai?” Axel said in a concerned tone.
“I was just wondering what you meant by a mark.” She paused. “Then I figured it out. I got burned by a forest fire when I met you. You rescued me.” She remembered that fateful night. Stars glittered above her as she casually strolled through the forest. Back then, there was no worrying about any demented and lusty stallions chasing after her. It was easy. No complications. She heard a crack, and jumped at the sound. Her heart raced. Flames sprung up from a nearby patch of grass. A bush fire? But how? Countless thoughts spun through her mind. How she could possibly escape this sudden wildfire, she did not know. A voice called to her. ‘Tekai, this way. You have to run!’ She couldn’t identify it, but it seemed familiar, almost predestined, like her heart recognized it. Though her thoughts did not. She scanned the horizon for the source of the voice, but saw nothing. She bolted at a sudden pain in her ankle, tripping over a fallen and singed branch. She lay there motionless, unable to move, and hardly able to breathe. Just then a flash of black crossed her sight. A form materialized. A majestic stallion stood before her. In front of her. Guarding her. He pawed the ground and the flames disappeared. And then everything went blank. When she woke up, she was back in her shed, her coat slightly darkened by the smoke, and strands of her mane singed by renegade flames. She slowly opened her eyes wide and turned to look at her wound. She stared at it dumbfounded. It had been perfectly bandaged with a black medical wrap that had a little flame insignia on it. She gaped at it, then slowly rose to her feet.
“About that,” Axel interjected. “That was all my doing. I was just looking for an excuse to get your attention. I’m sorry… I-” he bowed, muzzle nearly touching the ground.
“Don’t worry about it, Axel. You did get my attention.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I just didn’t show it.”
“Wow, you’re good at it”
“I’ve had tons of practice” She giggles sarcastically and rolls her eyes as she walks away. “Playing the game that I can’t possibly lose.” She murmured to herself, hoping that Axel had not heard her.

“I feel a song coming on…” He began singing Dirty Little Secret, highly off-key, and his voice cracked quite a bit.
“Was that moment so uplifting that you had to grace us with your terrible singing?” Axel jumped at the deep voice coming from behind him.
“What are you doing in this part of town, Strider? This isn’t your territory.”
“I was just eavesdropping on you. And for your information, this whole damn valley and surrounding lands are my territory. Besides, my job is to keep a close eye on Tekai.”
“That may be. But if I’m not mistaken, Strider, you seem to have a certain - preference, shall we say? - for her. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you too seem to have an attachment to her that could equal – or maybe even outmatch – my own.”
Strider rolled his eyes, then quickly noticed Axel sniggering, and answered “Why do you care? I’m protecting her from whatever I deem threatening.” He pauses, changing mental gears. “And that just might include you.” he growls.
“Whoa there, no need to get testy, stud. I’m just being careful. You never know who you can trust these days. Who knows…you might be after Tekai for the very same reason as Wrath.”
“ How dare you assume that. You cannot possibly compare me with that imbecile” he scoffs. “Who do think has been protecting Tekai all this time? I’ll tell you one thing – it certainly hasn’t been you, colt.” He fumes.
“Oh, ouch.” He swings his head to the side, pretending to have just been slapped “Chill out old-timer” he laughs. “But I know an attraction when I see one, Strider.”
“I’m protecting her. End of story.”
“Sure you are…”Axel grins widely, trying not to show his jealousy, or his desire to eliminate the competition. “Admit it. You like her!” he chirps, almost falling to the dusty ground in laughter.
“I said it five million times before, Axel. I’m here to protect her. Nothing more. Nothing less.” He replies calmly to Axel’s outburst. “Though if she so wishes to choose me over you…” he pauses for added effect “By all means – Game on.” He smiles, warily aware that Axel’s façade was starting to crack.
“Then so be it” Axel smiles back wryly, trying as hard as he can not to let Strider see through his incompetent challenge. You aren’t going to win her over so easily, bucko. But, then again, a little more competition for her heart and loyalty isn’t exactly a bad thing either, he thinks to himself as he trots off down the path.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Wrath peers around a hedge. So that’s what Axel meant by mark. Nothing a little dirt can’t cover up. “And Strider also likes Tekai. Very interesting indeed…” he whispers to himself, as he turns around and gapes at the striking figure before him in shock.
“Strider!” Wrath gasps. “What on earth are you doing here?”
“Oh, nothing…” Strider flips his forelock around this way and that nonchalantly, acting as if he believed Wrath hadn’t heard any of their oh-so-secretive conversation.
“Uh huh. Okay. Bye!” Wrath bolts off and speeds into the distance.
“Now what could he be up to?” Strider mutters as he walks off in the opposite direction. “I can only imagine…”

[Spotty001]

3. Strider

“I almost blew our cover” Wrath muttered to Star Scream.
“Big deal. They’ll figure it out eventually, but by that time it will be too late.” Star Scream replied calmly.
“You’re right Star Scream. There’s no need to worry. Besides, I don’t make mistakes…” His voice trails off as he walks down the corridor and disappears.
“Yeah right” Star Scream mutters. “Mistakes are the only thing you make” he sniggers as he walks down the opposite hallway.
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Tekai had just turned down the street and headed toward her shed when she heard a voice. “Back off colt, or I will be forced to take action.”
Strider.
She rolled her eyes. He was such a pain sometimes. Who cared if he could lay claim to the valley and any other surrounding territory? The point was he didn’t bother to do such a thing, which in her opinion was absolutely absurd. He came from royalty. The son of a high king and a wind spirit. But he didn’t like their expectations, so he ran away. He spent countless days searching for a place to belong, and far more nights training. Finally, he stumbled upon the Valley, and made his home there. He disliked the local gang, and found the younger stallions running around town quite irritating. But he was always good at keeping his cool, no matter how much he was tempted to do otherwise. After years of being a secret prince, he returned to his birthplace, but still did not claim his throne. His sire had died, yet he still did not take what was his by birth. As he was leaving, he was presented with the armor he would have grown up into. It was fitted for him alone. The crest on its side was his own, and it matched the tattoo on his left shoulder The armor itself was a brilliant silver and gold. And he’s worn the darn thing ever since. . .
She remembered meeting him too. He was charming, if not completely obsessed with his appearance and reputation. Of course, what stallion in these parts wasn’t? But he seemed different somehow, like he had a duty to uphold. He wasn’t the normal, flashy stud all the others were. He was truly different. But in the best possible way. She made friends with him quickly, and he swore he’d protect her until the day he died. She wasn’t entirely sure if that was out of loyalty or love. But at that point, she had already started liking him as more than a friend anyway. So what difference would it make?
Tekai snapped out of her reverie.
“Oh, hey there, Tekai.” Strider came from around the corner of her building.
She jumped at the sound of his voice. “Oh, what are you doing here?” she asked casually, as if she hadn’t been spooked.
“Just keeping that silly gang in line. They act like they rule the town, but they have no idea who they’re dealing with.” He smiled at her, and puffed up, making himself look like a giant brown balloon with hair. And the tattoo on his shoulder took on a new presence.
From somewhere across town, a faint cry could be heard. “Oh for the love of god…” Strider muttered and cantered away. “Catch you later, Tekai.” He winked at her and hurried off.
She moseyed into her shed, and was about to flop onto the soft bedding in the corner when another voice spoke her name. “Tekai, hey, you got a minute?” She recognized the voice. It was Axel’s. But why now? What was so important that he personally had to be here at this exact moment. She snorted.
“What do you want?” she looked at him curiously.
“Just wondering if you were okay.”
“What would make you think otherwise?”
“I don’t know, but you seem kind of down lately. Is something bugging you?”
She looked him straight in the eye. “No.”
“Come take a walk with me.” He disappeared from her view behind the corner of the door. She slowly got up and trudged out the door. At first, she couldn’t find him, but upon scanning the horizon, she found him already at the end of the road. So much for a walk. She trotted to him as he waited for her. Together they left the town and headed toward the woods.
She followed him to the edge of the forest, and slowed down. But Axel didn’t seem to notice.
“Race you!” Axel shouted playfully at her.
“I don’t think so” she panted. “I’m tired. Can we take a break for a little while?”
“I’m sorry. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m just…” Tekai stuttered, limping up the hill. “Tired.”
“You’re not tired, you’re hurt.” He looked at her, genuine concern and guilt flashing in his eyes “Where? Let me see…”
“No Axel!” she jumped back.
“What’s wrong?” Axel inquired.
“It’s nothing…” Tekai exclaimed.
“No, it’s not! I can help you.”
“No Axel. You can’t. I don’t think anyone can” she says as she turns away from him to look at the horizon. “Not at this rate anyway.”
“Then tell me what’s wrong so that I can try.”
“I’m not worth your time. I’m hurting somewhere no one can fix, not even you,” she murmurs hopelessly.
“It’s about Wrath and the others, isn’t it?” Axel enquires.
“Yes, and I’m confused. And I don’t know what to do anymore.” She looks at him, pain flashing through her eyes. The ocean blue of them shining with sadness. “I can’t run forever.”
“Have you talked to your guardian yet?” Tekai could detect the hint of jealousy in his voice. She tried to ignore it.
“Yes, and he wasn’t all that helpful. Of course I don’t exactly want to keep owing him favors either” she scoffed at the thought of owing Strider yet again. He had saved her life a while back, and she couldn’t exactly repay that debt.
“What on earth could you owe him for?” Now Axel sounded downright irritated. This wasn’t just some petty jealousy. It was a flat-out competition.
“He saved my life. What more do you want me to say than that?”
“And what was the asking price for that service?”
“There was none. He saved my life, end of story.”
Axel stared at her, disbelief crossing his features. She blinked and the look was still there. “He’s my friend. And there’s nothing more to it.” She stared at him matter-of-factly, making sure he got the message. He did.
“Whatever” he snorted then turned around. “So what about Dumb, Dumb and Dumber?”
“You mean the butt munches that have been chasing me around everywhere, looking for just one thing?”
“Um, duh,” he smiled at her wryly.
“Yeah, well, those guys are driving me nuts.” She sighed. “And like I said, I can’t run forever…”
“That may be, but nothing’s stopping you from hiding. I know just the place. I’ll come get you later tonight.” Axel’s voice trailed off as he disappeared into the dark forest. Tekai heads back to her shed, taking her time, and thinking about what he said.

[Rye]

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