topple the throne

[S u N f r O s T ~]

THE INNOCENT SKIER AND KRYSTAL YHATE
WORLDBREAKER AND AMBER BLACK

IAN'S AND WORLD'S WORKOUT FOR THE UNICORN HORN COLTS

The track was silent was the new rivals trotted side by side onto it. Within each stallion's eyes was a world of challenge and willpower, coupled with pride, pride to defend and pride to finally prove themselves. Worldbreaker and The Innocent Skier were here to have their year. Too long had they lingered in the shadows of the successes of others. Too long had they been denied the true kingdom that they deserved. The two brothers of the turf were working together now; they were out to topple the throne and establish themselves at the top of the hierarchy. The only down side was that they would face each other in mainly every start, and they would have to race each other down. Last time, it had been World coming out on top, with Ian second. In the Unicorn Horn Colts, fierce competition awaited them. Yet the horses entered lacked their two seasons experience; they were either new three year olds, or lightly raced horses. World and Ian possessed not only talent, but accumulated experience. It would be tough to take the pair down.

World's coat gleamed like the sun in the early morning light cast by the celestial body. He moved with his usual air of peace; Amber, sitting upon his back, rode with an unusual sense of peace as well. Amber's favorite ride at the moment was World; he brought peace to her and soothed her mind. Even during soothing workouts, she could rely on the colt to help her focus and calm down. Krystal aboard Galaxy Ruler felt similarly. Ever since Ian had formed his rivalry with World, something had changed within him. He had become far more docile, but was still fiery as heck on the track. His eyes had become more intelligent and expressive. Indeed, World's attributes were rubbing off on him. Krystal had welcomed the change, as Ian was still his own horse and these changes were mainly for the better.

The partnership between these two horses was truly something special. It went beyond friendship and into brotherhood. It went into unadmitted love and acceptance from both males. It was definitely ultra rare to find, and even rarer for it to persist past racing rivalry. Working together, the colts were rising, and Krystal and Amber were also achieving a new level of partnership through the colts. For today's workout, a four furlong lope was all that was needed. The colts were powerful and fresh; they needed nothing else to prepare them for the field despite who they would be facing. They had the power, they had the talent, and it would all come down to it on race day.

As soon as they were sufficiently warmed up, Amber and Krystal accelerated to a smooth, calm gallop. The onset of the new pace was like ocean waves; rough sometimes, but usually peaceful and smooth, and definitely powerful. Amber felt like she was floating when she rode World; Krystal felt like she was harnessing a water wheel that just kept churning power when she was aboard Galaxy Ruler. In a state of thought, both riders rode in silence, just absorbed in the feelings of the ride from their mounts as well as thinking about the relationship Ian and World shared. Ian and World, speaking of, galloped side by side easily, neither one trying to challenge the other for the lead. They understood the meaning of this workout - maintenance - so were happy to just go along with the pace set and enjoy each other's company.

The gallop appeared to last forever; neither rider nor horse wanted it to end, but eventually it would have to. Amber was the first to slowly begin to pull up World. Ian, without a command from his rider, followed suit, not letting himself get ahead of his brother in relationship but not in blood. Soon, the horses were back down to a canter, and then a trot and finally a walk. The two women exchanged small smiles with each other. The peaceful tone of the workout had gone uninterrupted. Confidence was plentiful in both riders despite the lack of action. The bond between the stallions was strong. Each would push the other. There was dormant talent waiting to be unleashed. And as they were, Galaxy Ruler and World were set to topple the throne and establish their place at the top of the rankings.