The attack had been swift and violent. Ashitaka had been frozen to the ground in fear as he watched on in horror as the invaders first took down his aging father before turning their bloodlust upon the rest of his herd. Finally the young stallion had broken out of his state of shock and ran for his life. He sped past familiar landmarks and kept going until he reached the sea where he dived in without a second thought. It was probably better to gamble with the ocean waves than face certain death on land. His family had called that little haven home for generations and then within a few hours it had been taken away from them. Possibly forever.

“Mizuki?” He called out to his half sister as he noticed her white figure behind him bobbing in the waves. She was currently pregnant and obviously struggling to swim. Ashitaka treaded water until they could be together. He had failed his father and he wasn’t prepared to fail his sister as well. Uncertain of which direction to go the pair followed the rising sun to the east. Ashitaka was young and strong but even he was starting to tire after a while in the water. Eventually the exhausted duo had no choice but to give in to the current and let fate take its course.

Mizuki was finding it nearly impossible to keep her head above the waves by the time they neared the shore of Tinuvel. Askitaka had to guide her towards the beach while helping to keep her nose out of the water. Trudging up the sandy shoreline their damp coats felt the bite of the cool autumn air, yet the uncomfortable sensation was a welcome one. Mizuki only made it a couple of wobbly steps before she had to lay down. With the side of white her face resting on the ground she panted heavily and whimpered softly with pain.

Ashitaka stood by his sister's side. His ears flicked in all directions listening for the faintest sounds. His eyes were scanning the nearby unfamiliar surroundings and even his nose was alert for any hint of danger. Every now and then he would lower his head to quickly reassure Mizuki with a gentle nudge to her shoulder before returning to his guard duty. “It will be alright,” he mumbled soothingly. Though he knew he couldn’t promise her safety he would try his damn hardest to protect her.

Male. IV. Bay Roan. Hokkaido Horse. 13.3HH. Homeless.