Two Worlds Collide

Chapter Four

The cloud of ash and smoke blew past both Kaden and Stargazer. The rock was great protection, curved at the top so the ash flew right over them. It was like the cloud was there, and then disappeared. Ash littered the once green grass, about a centimeter. Kaden had never seen anything like this. Thinking quickly, he ripped some of his clean shirt, and tied it around his head so.it covered his mouth, and nose. He didn't want to inhale ash in after all.

When they came out, the suns that were rising were a hazy red. All around them ash was either in the air, or thick on the ground. Stargazer was staring oddly at the burnt forest, a confused look on her face.

"Kaden," she started. "That wasn't a meteor, was it?"

"I don't think so Star."

"Get on my back. Now!"

Again! I'm going to hear this so much aren't I? Kaden halfheartrdly joked. It made him feel better about what could possibly happen in the near future. He swung himself up. A knot forming in his stomach. He didn't know what it was, but it felt like it was straining his body. He felt panicked for some reason.

The wind ruffled through Kaden's hair, but this time it felt like it was whispering words that he couldn't quite make out. Fear twisted his stomach and wrung it. Ash flew up around and behind them as she ran. As they got nearer to the trees, Stargazer slowed down to a trot. They entered the once green and lush forest. Stargazer was walking, but in a rushed way.

They came to a clearing. A circle lined the dirt, and hay was everywhere. A blackened figure was lying by a well. Possibly the same well that Kaden had found. The dark brown haired boudoir off of the blue horse, and ran to the fallen figure. He was worried about whoever this was.

He turned the blackened human onto their back. He let out a sharp gasp. No! No, no, no, no! Not Seirra! Tears were pouring down his face as he felt for a pulse, a heartbeat, a breath, ANYTHING! His vision was blurry as he worked. A shallow breath was heard, but Kaden wasn't convinced.

"I'm not really sure how to feel about this. This makes me feel like I can't live without you. I want, no, need you to stay." Kaden whispered, begging her to live. "You're my only friend Seirra. Stay, please don't leave me."

Her eyes flickered open. Barely. At the sound of his desperate words. Seirra coughed, a weak cough. And her eyes flickered shut again. Determined not to let his friend die, he hoisted her into the back of Stargazer, with a new strength. Getting up behind her body, he kicked Stargazer to go unnecessarily, he had forgotten that she wasn't a normal horse.

Stargazer started galloping, faster and more steady, she pushed on. Night rose, and the suns fell, but she kept running. She ran past forests, and slowed to a stop at the foot of a path that ran through mountains.

"We must stop. I can't go any further now. We're at the peaks." Stargazer sat, gently letting Kaden and Seirra slide off. Seirra was still unconscious, but she was breathing much better than when they had started.

Kaden went to a nearby stream. Getting his torn shirt clean again, he made sure to soak up as much water as possible. When he got back to the "makeshift" camp, Stargazer had gathered a pile of sticks. And was striking her hoof against a slate stone.

Kaden went over to his unconscious friend, and lifted her head up. He took the wet cloth, and squeezed the water into her mouth. With a now damp cloth, he wiped off her face, getting some of the ash off. Otherwise just smearing it.

Seirra twitched at the cold water on her face. Kaden sighed, he hoped, no, prayed she would be okay.

"What do you suppose happened at that place?