The Fall of the Dieties - Retracing the Hoof Prints

A single step starts a journey of a thousand miles. It is a phrase that motivates those who are faced with an overwhelmingly difficult task and has given strength to those who lack it. As the pair took their single steps, Labyrinth’s curiosity outweighed that nervousness that should have left her motionless. True, they were about to enter the Isles of Despair, but the coming sights of Apollyon and Rapier did not concern her. Instead, her continuing sideways glances at Rurutia not coming distracted Labyrinth, but got the attention of her companion. A journey of a thousands miles….the question was: How far had Rurutia already traveled?

Craning your neck in such a fashion will only injure it, Rurutia said, her voice deeper and stronger than that of Ayumi.

Labyrinth did not feel like herself. This questioning and almost innocent nature had left her many years before this journey. Rurutia saw this and laughed, tossing the silky black mane that Labyrinth used to know as the flaxen mane of a palomino.

The sound of their steps was like a metronome and as they neared the throne of the Dark Queen, it became the only noise that filled the chilled air. Clouds of vapor formed in front of their mouths and hard bumps rose on their skin. The sun would never shine here for the sun was not welcomed.

Rurutia?

Though her voice was soft at the question, it seemed deafening as it lingered on the air longer than necessary. However, Rurutia did not start. She was almost the opposite of Ayumi.

Yes, Labyrinth?

The waters of the Angak Sea palely reflected the gentle, blue-tinged lines that covered Rurutia’s face as she turned toward Labyrinth. It was a haunting picture, seeing the once dead peer at another through the murky shroud associated with the Isles. They were two black beauties who shared a similar heritage. Most would mistake them as sisters until they saw the depth of Rurutia’s eyes. She was too old to have ever been nearly related to Labyrinth.

Her hoof slipped on a moss-covered stone as they crossed the landbridge that connected the Isles to the rest of Hoof Prince. The sliding stones clunked loudly and, as if in response, a deep howling came from the forests of the Isles. Unhorselike, it started at the low growl before raising to a high-pitched scream that pierced the ears and stabbed the heart. It was an angry cry, a desperate cry; nothing on Earth could compare to it and it was this noise that greeted the pair as their hooves hit the soil of the Isles.

Oh, Rurutia…, Labyrinth whispered as her dark eyes darted quickly from the various trees. This life has dealt me more cards that I would have ever possibly imagined possessing. Please tell me, what is death like?

For a long while, Rurutia seemed to have not heard Labyrinth’s words. The younger female waited patiently while the larger, darker female kept her eyes locked to the forest. Like Labyrinth, her eyes moved, but not in the same fashion. They moved slower, studying the trees instead of merely looking. She seemed to understand this forest more than those who lived there.

Finalley, she sighed, Who says that I ever lived?

Come now and stay close. Whatever monster that made that sound is no friend of the Allies of Flame.



The trees were closing in on them like a pack of wolves selecting a particularly healthy specimen of deerflesh. In the North, the trees seemed to softly sing songs of forgotten lore and dance gently to a non-existent wind. On the Isles, the trees whispered like conniving thieves and hid knives behind their wooden backs. Comfort was not offered, only fear.

Rurutia walked boldly and with purpose, her eyes occasionally glancing toward the area of the forest where the frightened cry had resonated. Labyrinth followed willingly, but stuck close. Her thoughts strayed to The Game and her home in the Dark Caverns. Though her herd had some of the same attributes that the Isles offered, it did not possess such a sinister nature. This kingdom seemed to be placed in a vacuum; nothing was natural.

She longed to speak, but no words escaped her parched lips. Instead, her eyes returned to their minutely survey of the trees around them. Part of her wished that whatever made that sound was long gone, haven caught the scent of something more appetizing, but another part of her became more like the residents of this dreadful place. She wanted it hurt badly. She wanted it dead.

The trees stood like guards the forbade travelers from entering the heart of the forest and Labyrinth was certain that she was not interested enough to explore its secrets, but her curiosity caused her eyes to attempt to focus on what laid behind those trees. Through the darkness, she could make out long ferns and thick trunks. Vines hung haphazardly in random patterns and moss had seemed to have blanketed most of the trees. She was focusing on a particular pattern on a tree when a dark face appeared and then vanished.

She startled, falling into the taller mare at her side who side-stepped and whirled suddenly. Rurutia’s body tensed and her stance became defensive as she stopped long enough to look around her before saying, You cannot move like that while in this kingdom. We must act rationally or be lost.

I saw something in the forest, Labyrinth breathed, but when she looked back, it was gone.

Rurutia sighed, There are many creatures that reside in this forest. We must accept them and not fear them.

Her eyes fell and she nodded, but Labyrinth refused to believe that the face was a normal part of the forest. As their journey continued, she constantly saw the face, always a few steps ahead of her and, though she saw it often, she could never get accustomed to its presence. There was something unnatural about it and she could not bring herself to accept it.

Then again, there were many that did not accept the Son of Rencor.



You must leave me now.

She started for Rurutia had no spoken for well over two hours. At a loss for words, Labyrinth stared unbelievingly at Rurutia as the older mare looked at her with her usual deep expression.

Leave? Labyrinth asked. Why now? Why do you want me to turn around now?

A sudden stirring from a clearing in front of them made Labyrinth look toward the East. The Earth groaned loudly and the trees shook as a red figure bent them like child’s puddy and caused their roots to lose their hold. As several crashed down, the full figure of Gobardon could be seen as he tore hungrily at the sparse grasses.

Labyrinth ducked behind a tree and attempted to bump Rurutia into hiding. That is Gobardon! I cannot leave you alone with him!

Rurutia smiled softly and stepped clearly into his view. You must go. Gobardon and I are old friends. We must discuss some important topics.

Her smile faded as she turned away from Labyrinth and began walking toward The Sinner, never a step faltering and never a trace of fear shown. She weaved expertly through the fallen giants and did not care to keep her steps soft. She wanted his attention and she was getting it.

Labyrinth made to move, but was quickly brought down by a swift blow to the shoulder. As she regained equilibrium, a voice shushed her. In the darkness, his features could not be exactly made out, but the smell of him caused the cogs in her head to stir. He had once given birth.

Are you…Gasoline?

He shushed her again. Labyrinth watched in amazement as the small body in front of her crept closer to the pair of Gobardon and Rurutia. A playful smile grew on his face, I came for dinner and now I am getting a show.

What?

His voice became suddenly serious, Stay down before Big Guns over there knocks you down.