Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Ace)

[saberfire]

Thunder cracked in the sky as an orange streak raced through the trees. Beneath the pouring rain, a horse with wings, the color of fire flew desperately through the forest. Upon his back, was the form of an unconscious human. "Natalie, you stupid girl!" the Pegasus snorted, flapping his wings madly and zigzagging through the trees. He'd told her not to wander off alone before! She never listened!

"Natalie! Where are you?!" Wildfire called loudly as he soared the skies above the quiet forest.

Somewhere below, she yelled, "Wildfiiiirrre! Down here!" and then he spotted her. He dove, folding his wings as he landed on the ground beside her.

"We must go. A storm is on its way." he told her.

"Oh, we'll be fine." she waved off his concern. "C'mon! I can hear a river!" she smiled, taking off.

"Natalie!" he followed. Despite all he tried, she would not heed him and continued to explore the woods. They ended up becoming separated and the storm rolled in...

When he next found her, Natalie had fallen into the river as it swelled and raged with the rain. She had injured her leg, and was having trouble staying above the water. Quickly, he fished her out and took off. In moments, she'd passed out.

The hard rain pelted Wildfire and soaked his wings, making it harder for him to fly, but he struggled on. He had to get her out of this rain!

The winged horse gave a cry of desperation and fell, his soaked wings useless. The ground rushed up. He angled himself so the air would fill his wings so at least to soften the fall. As the thunder roared and lightning flashed, horse and girl hit the ground, the rain pouring around them.

[Deleted]

Lurking Just outside the New Orleans history museum was a rough looking mutt, the large wolf stretched some before trotting threw the streets, and his metal chain collar seemed to clang with each and every step he took. This beast was your average long legged wolf. His shaggy white fur was matted up with debris and dirt, he looked more like a street mutt than the ‘oh so astounding’ wild wolf. Needless to say it had been some time sense the canine had last had a bathed, as well as a decent meal. He was struggling just to survive out in this damn human city. This place had nothing to offer, it was constantly hot. Humans yelled at him every time he stepped foot out of his little alley home, and to make matters worse he couldn’t take a crap anywhere without being threatened with a broom. Ah yes, The city was no place for a wolf. But suppose it wasn’t all that bad. After all this wolf could always transform into a human and walk among the humans, but sense it was summer he feared he would get burned by the sun as well as scare people away by his wet dog smell. Well, looks like this was just another day in hell.

Today would be different, however. The beast had decided to visit the forest for once. While he was there he planned on finding food and a new place to live. The city had grown to be too much for the anxious young hound. As the beasts trotted down the side walk, the clouds in the sky above began to grow dark, and increase in number. Great, now it was going to rain. Ace quickened his pace down the alley before he approached the outskirts out town. The wolf then signed as he looked back towards the city. His deep blue eyes, watched the humans go about their daily routine, oblivious to the fact that they were losing a resident. Ace gave the town a silent goodbye as he trotted into the woods.

The skinny beast felt a weight lift form his chest as he entered the forest. The male breathed in the fresh scent of foliage, and grass. It was better than the putrid smell of car exhaust. Just as the beast took another step he heard the sounds of rolling thunder. The while wolf jumped, startled by the noise. As he did so a loud yipe surged from his throat and he made a b-line for the nearest tree. It wasn’t the smartest idea to hide under a tree during a storm but what more could he do? There Ace stood under the protection of the large oak. It took only minutes for the rain to start, it came down hard. The wolf dug a bit into the ground and made himself comfortable. That is until a loud noise startled him again, this time it wasn’t the weather that made this horrible noise.

Ace watched as a large horse fell from the sky. The large beast landed only a few yards from his little hide away. At first Ace ran behind the tree and hid, but curiosity soon got the better of him. Slowly the wolf crawled away from the tree and cautiously trotted over to the down horse beast. “W-what the hell?” He pondered as he looked it over. What on earth was this thing? Wait!- There was something on its back too. Ace leaned in for a closer look, and what his saw made the fur on the back of his neck stand on end. A woman! The beast jumped back with his tail between his legs. What was she going to do to him? Would she hurt him? Anxiety soon shifted to curiosity, the woman was injured, there was no way she could hurt him right? Ace moved a little closer, and examined the woman’s face. She seemed so sad. A pang of sorrow took over the young wolf. He leaned over and began to lick the woman on her cheek. "H-hello miss, a-are you ok?"

[saberfire]

The rain continued to pour, a thick and heavy curtain that shadowed the trees and blinded the eyes.

Wildfire grunted as he struggled on the ground, his wings rustling. Something was coming! His tail whipped as he lifted his head to look, blue eyes rolling wildly. Despite his human intelligence, he still had his natural horse instincts, so when he saw the wolf, he began to panic. However, when it spoke, the winged horse froze. It was a supernatural...like he was. What was it doing out here? Settling down, Wildfire watched the creature with cautious eyes at it approached. When it saw Natalie sprawled across his back, the wolf grew fearful and backed away. Wildfire was puzzled at this. He was afraid of humans? But then the wolf came closer again. It appeared he did not see that Wildfire was a supernatural being like he was.

Upon hearing the white wolf's next words, the horse brought his large head around to look at the wolf. "She fell into the river." he snorted softly, his words worried. "There is not much I can do. I do not have a human form. Can you help?" he was only guessing that the wolf had a human form. It was a shot in the dark. Blind hope. Wildfire refused to give up on his master.

[Deleted]

Ace seemed a bit taken a back when the horse beast began to move. Man this thing was huge! Ace looked up at the larger being in awe. Even as the male spoke, Ace remained silent. He didn’t seem fearful, but excited that the thing could actually communicate with him. The wolf’s tail slowly pulled itself from in-between his legs, and began to wag it like some sort of domesticated dog. This horse beast thing could talk!? best of all it was a male! Ace thanked his lucky stars. He wouldn't know what he would do if the damn thing was a woman too.

Ace cocked his wet head to the side as the opposing male spoke. It seemed that the woman and gotten into a bit of trouble while she was in the forest. The wolf wasn’t sure if the horse already knew the woman, or saved her from the tragic fate. Either way, Ace was willing to help. “Um, yeah I-I can help.” The wolf replied as he tail wagged happily behind him. He would lend a helping paw. The wolf took a step back from the horse. His body began to slowly change. Fur was soon replaced by pale flesh, and paws morphed into human hands. After a moment or two, a short, pale, nude male stood before the large horse beast. Ace cocked his head to the side as he realized he didn’t have any cloths. Well, he would have to worry about that later. Right now this horse needed his help.

Ace pushed his short white hair out of his eyes and looked up at the creature. “What do you need me to do?” He asked with a gentle smile.

[saberfire]

The orange horse watched in wonder as the wolf changed into a human form right in front of him. Amazing! Simply amazing! At his question, he pulled his hooves beneath him and looked up at the wolf-turned human. "I was having a hard time keeping her on my back. A pair of arms to hold her in place would help." he replied promptly, heaving himself to his feet and shaking his dark mane out. He blew softly through his nose and stamped a hoof as he shifted so that his back was closer to the other male. "Hop on. We shall return to my master's home. It's not at all that far. Right around the bend, actually."

Natalie never liked living in the city, and so made a home out here in the forest. She hunted for her own food, too. So she never had to enter the city. As Wildfire awaited the other males response, the young woman stirred, her fingers curling, before she lay still once more.

[Deleted]

This was all so new to Ace. Never before had anyone ever asked for his help, but yet the kind hearted beast felt that lending a helping paw was the right thing to do. Despite being a werewolf, Ace was rather kind, unlike the other murderous beasts that shared the same race. The male looked to the orange steed and continued to smile. This had to be the most interesting thing he had ever come across in his years of living amongst the humans. The white haired male gave a light nod as the horse told him what he needed to do. It was simple enough right? All he had to do was hold onto the woman why he flew her home-Wait fly!? He had to sit on that horse beast while it was in the air? He did say it would be a quick ride. Ace hesitated, his eyes dropped to the ground as he stood there. Tiny streams of water dripped from his snow white hair. Could he really do this? It was storming after all. What if he got struck by that light in the sky, or if the large horse crashed again?

A loud sigh streamed from Ace’s lips. He had already told the horse he was going to help. Ace would be a bad dog if he didn’t. The werewolf gained a little courage as he looked back at the orange steed. “O-Ok.” He replied, his voice seemed a bit shaken. The nude male swallowed hard as he climbed onto the large horse and wrapped his arms around the unconscious woman. It felt so strange to be this close to a female. Usually he steered clear of them, but now it seemed that one needed his help. The wolf was willing to put his fear aside to help her, even if it did seem a little strange. Ace pulled the woman’s body too him before giving the large horse a nod. He could only hope this ride wouldn’t be his last.

[saberfire]

It seemed that the wolf person was not to fond of the idea of flying. Wildfire gave a chuckle and swished his coarse tail. "There will be no need to fly." he said, shifting his weight slightly as the male climbed aboard and secured his arms around his master. He turned his head and pushed his nose against her leg that hung down at his side before facing forward and beginning to walk. With his wings folded at his side, Wildfire took up a quick pace and settled into it, his gate smooth and rolling. That gash on her leg didn't look to good. "Do you know anything of wounds like the one she has on her leg?" he asked the male sitting on his back without looking behind him. They turned a corner and a simple log cabin covered in flowering vines and surrounded by cherry trees, white oaks and weeping willows came into view.

They were at Natalie's home.

[Deleted]

Ace couldn’t help but to breathe a sigh of relief. No flying today! “G-good.” The male replied, a nervous twinge took over his tone. This was both new and strange to the young wolf, never before had he been in a situation like this. As the horse stood, he nudged his master’s leg before trotting forward. Ace cocked his head to the side, what was that all about? Soon enough, the beast spoke up, asking Ace if he knew about the injury on his master’s leg. The pale man leaned over and took a quick look at the woman’s leg. He then shook his head. “I-I’m sorry I don’t. It looks painful though...” He replied with a sorrowful sigh. The ride wasn’t as bad as he thought, in fact Ace sort of enjoyed it-aside from riding this beast bare back, with no clothes on. It was only a minor discomfort though. After all, Ace was fixed.

As the trio neared the lovely little cottage Ace couldn’t help but to smile. The little home looked comfy, and warm. “Wow!” He called as they approached the home. When the horse stopped, Ace took a good look at the outside of the woman’s home. “Nice place. I wish I had a home like this.” He stated before he gave a little laugh. Perhaps he was a little too giddy for his own good. He couldn't believe this horse was trusting him with his master. Maybe he should tell the horse his name at least. “I didn’t introduce myself yet. I’m Ace, what’s your name?”

[saberfire]

Beneath the swarm of trees, the rain wasn't as bad. The weeping willows draped over them, keeping them out of the worst of what the storm had to offer. The winged horse trotted up to the porch of the little house and sank to his knees in the grass with a heavy sigh. He was tired. Flying through the rain was a hard feat. He shook his mane and looked at the male as he spoke. With a soft snort, the horse replied. "My name is Wildfire. My master is Natalie." he raised his nose higher and shook his head again, letting water fly from his ear and muzzle. "She still has much growing up to do." he said afterward, flicking his tail across the grass.

As he spoke, the said girl began to wake again, but only fell back into a restless slumber after making a sound of pain. Wildfire nodded toward the house. "Natalie keeps regular clothes inside that either man or woman can wear. She what you can find before she wakes up." he gave a sort of bemused grin. "I don't think your ears could take her surprised scream if she sees you without attire."

[Deleted]

Ace signed as they approached the cozy little cabin. The werewolf had never seen a building like it. Usually, the building in the city was vegetation-free. This one seemed to be covered in it. Ace couldn’t wait to get inside. He was beginning to get a little cold. As the horse trotted up to the porch, Ace watched as him lowed himself to the ground. “Um..” He whimpered. Ace seemed a little unsure about the situation now that they were right in front of the home. Before he seemed excited, but the reality of it all hit him so suddenly. He was going into a stranger’s home. Soon enough the young horse sighed, and shook his mane before he introduced himself. After looking back at his master he stated her name. “…nice name.” Ace replied with a smile but was quickly silenced as Natalie began to wake up. The werewolf’s body tensed as the woman began to stir against his short frame. The situation was growing more uncomfortable by the second. Finally, after a second or two the woman slipped back into slumber. Ace released a low sigh. But soon, Wildfire spoke again this time he told the hound there were cloths inside the little cottage, ones that he could wear.

Ace wished the woman was awake now. It felt a little strange going into her home and taking her cloths without permission. If he were to pull a stunt like this back in the city he would be shot, or worse! The werewolf swallowed hard as he carefully lowered himself off the winged horse. The beast swallowed hard before he trotted over to the door. He slowly opened the door and peered inside. It was a lovely little home. Unfortunately, Ace couldn’t seem to step foot into it. He slowly turned to Wildfire and sighed. “ I-I shouldn’t..” He whimpered as he took a step away from the door. “W-what if she gets mad at me.” Ace’s nervous nature seemed to be out in full. He began to fidget with his fingers. “I-I’m fine like this…I can turn back into a wolf if-if you want…

[saberfire]

The wolf was clearly uncertain about wanting to enter the little cottage. Of course anyone would be a little uneasy, Wildfire reasoned. This was not his home. "She'll be perfectly fine with it." Wildfire said with a light chuckle.

But it was too late anyway, as Natalie was now awake.

At first, she only blinked at her surroundings, but when she saw their visitor, she shrieked and nearly fell off of Wildfire's back, hands covering her eyes. "Wildfire!" she yelled. And the horse gave a loud whinny of laughter.

"I'm sorry Naddie." he laughed. "I was hoping to get him into some clothes before you awoke."

Natalie's fingers curled in the horses mane to keep her seated. She kept her eyes on the ground. "Well then hurry up and go find something, please!" she exclaimed, waving a hand at the boy as to usher him toward the house. "There's a door beneath the staircase. Check there."

Grinning, Wildfire looked up at the wolf.