Felony had withdrawn from the Lagoon once he had been titled the boss. It was only for a short period he knew; the need to stop and think of how to return the once powerful herd a constant question in his mind. The wheels were turning, but the stallion had yet to make traction upon any particular thought. This day was no different and the beast was standing beneath his willow tree when he heard a sound. A scream split the air and Felony's head whipped around and his ears pushed forward. Again the scream sounded; a youth and it was both mixed with fear and pain. Without thinking, the stallion launched himself into an awkward run that still held the same stretch and pull of any horse, but with a slight lurch on the front.


The stallion did not care nor slow even as vines threatened to try an tangle and trip him; the stallion ripped through the vegetation which was the quickest path until he found the source. Laying upon the ground was a blue roan filly and with his sudden approach her tear filled eyes turned up to him; panic clear in her gaze. Blood filled the Felony's senses and the beast lifted his head within the stallion with gnashing teeth and the need to kill. Amber eyes glance over to catch movement within the shadows and a growl filled the air; threatening and desperate. Another filled the stallion's ears and Felony realized that there was another predator off to his right. Stepping forward, the stallion moved to stand completely over the hurt child. Ears buried beneath his ebony mane, he glared at the threats; not daring to attack one when it would leave the child open to another.


Suddenly, one of the wolves rushed forward and tried to lunge up at Felony's throat. Hooves flashed out; one connecting with the wolf's skull and slamming it down to the ground to crush it beneath the force. A yelp cut short echoed around them just as fresh raw pain sheered down Felony's hind leg as the other wolf's teeth connected with the vulnerable flesh just above the hock. Before it could do too much damage, Felony kicked out and managed to send the wolf flying through the air. It rolled across the ground and when it rose it wasn't to attack again. Whirling around, the hurt creature took off and disappeared into the shadows.


When Felony was sure that all the danger had passed, he stepped away from the filly so that he could turn and lower his head to inspect her. She had a bite mark on her hip towards the back of her leg, and a bite mark on the lower part of her neck. Thankfully nothing was fatal and would leave barely a scar. "Get up girl" Felony said gruffly and despite her wobbly legs, the blue roan obeyed. Even if her eyes weren't the same amber color as his own, Felony would have know this was his child from the fact that Zalika's scent hung heavily on her flesh despite the smell of blood that made the beast struggled to get free within.


"Come" he ordered before turning away. Following the path he had taken, Felony returned to his willow tree. Osceola followed along at her father's flank; curious to why his eyes matched that of her brother's. Was this indeed her father? Or another brother she had yet to meet? Regardless, she pressed her quivering body against his flank and remained silent; only the sound of the sucking mud filling her ears as the tredged along. When they reached the willow tree; Felony moved to stand in her usual spot and motioned for her to rest. Osceola walked over and stood beneath his neck for a long time; her side pressing against his chest. When she was sure there was no danger, the blue roan girl folded up her legs and lay at the beast's hooves and closed her eyes.