SWWC Side Story 3: Taking Off the Hat

Saffron had been silent ever since that dance. She was sitting in the corner of the chariot, rubbing her arms and shoulders. An utter chill had run through her bones that she couldn't fade no matter how much she tried. Her body was still shaking with the possibility that old rich stallion could have done to her had he been allowed to continue. And how quickly his face was smashed into the floor.

Hoo'far was watching her the entire time as they drove away. Despite buying her new clothes, he could see the pain and terror in her eyes. It was something that he had seen plenty of times before. Every time a new mare entered his ranks, this was always the result. She was almost broken, unable to process the events. The mission had nearly failed before it could even finished. Yet she survived it, and the reward incredible.

He held up the card and smiled. "We should go pay this company a visit." Hoo'far broke the silence and waited for a response. Studying the fear growing her eyes, his voice soften. "But not today." His hand raised her chin. "Your resolve needs to be strengthened before we proceed."

"What?" Saffron trembled, feeling his eyes digging into her.

"You did your best, and that's all I ask." Hoo'far brushed his fingers along her cheek. "And with time, you will be able to push much further."

"But... but..." She couldn't stop herself from shaking. "I don't know if I can do this again?"

He grabbed her by the arms, hoping to stop her shaking. "You will, just take a moment to accept it. There is no shame in the truth, you did good. Now, relax, and let the events pass." His cool breath washed over her, cooling her emotions only slightly. She shivered, feeling his hands massaging her skin. Saffron's teeth were chattering so badly she couldn't respond. All she could do was fall back against the chair.

he couldn't stop thinking of the facts.

He had to keep her in line until everything was in place. The last thing he needed was his agent to break before the true mission could be completed. The next step would be the hardest of them all. However, he realized if he pushed her off that cliff she might be too broken to be still be useful. So, he turned the chariot over. "Where would you like to go now?"

"Go?" Saffron looked up at him, confused. Why would he suddenly offer her a choice? Was there a regret behind his stern eyes? "What do you mean? Are we continuing the list?"

"No." Hoo'far sighed. "We will do something else for now. Anywhere you want?" He pulled out his wallet. "Anything you desire."

"Anywhere... I want?" She paused for a second, looking over the wallet. "You really mean it?!" Her eyes slowly brightened. "You're not going to force me back into another humiliating situation like that--"

He held up his staff to her, but didn't bash her across the face like she expected. Instead, he tapped her gently on the head. "This mission will continue, but you can't break before we finish." He smiled and leaned forward. Her eyes widened as his face leaned so closer to her own. "I will give you a one-day break, but afterward, things will hit you a lot harder." He reacted and stepped off the chariot.

"Harder..." She blinked at the words, not fully believing it or rather not fully understanding the danger of it. "Okay?" Her voice was low and quiet, as she stepped off the chariot. Her mind was already racing with possibilities of what he meant by that but followed him regardless.

Hoo'far looked around until he spotted a large theme park with a giant ferris wheel in the center. "So, where do you wish to go, Saffron?"

"Huh?" She looked up, noticing the theme park. She couldn't believe her eyes. A smile crossed her lips and the terror faded away. "The carnival!" The mare bounced with excitement. "Oh please, I have never been to a carnival."

"Fine, but we can't stay too long. Just until dusk." He nodded and headed over to the gate, paying for the both of them.

"Thank you." She giggled and bounced into the place. It was like a whole other world compared to what she dealt with in the last few days. Every direction had a different booth or ride. Food and drinks were everywhere, and the scents were unlike anything she could imagine. "Wow... this place is amazing." Her eyes darted back and forth, not knowing what she wanted to do first. There were so many things and yet, they didn't have time to do them all.

Hoo'far watched the joy flow her eyes, glad to have a bit more control over the situation. He knew the carnival would be the best distractionto curve her mental state. The last thing he wanted was for her to crack before the true mission could begin. He followed her to the first stand she came across, which had a game that was shooting water at a target. She watched the young colts shoot the bullseye and won the top prize.

Her eyes brightened as she ran up to the stand, bouncing and wiggling with a new found energy. "Excuse me! Can I play?"

"Sure!" The young stallion at the counter blushed, seeing her round breasts bounce under the white t-shirt. "That will be two bits, miss."

"Here you go..." Hoo'far placed down the money. His mere presence alone stiffed back the young stallion. He gave him a sharp glare before returning his gaze to the young mare.

"Uh... okay..." The worker gave a hard swallowed, trying not to shake as he took the money. "Just pick your gun and pull the trigger."

"Alright..." Saffron took the toy gun and lined it up. Closing one eye, she aimed for the center. With a single pull, she missed the target and the balloon. The mare frowned, seeing the target reset and the water ready to blast the balloons once again. "Well, this is harder than it looks."

"Try moving your arm more." Hoo'far gestured. "Keep your feet a shoulder-width apart and aim just a little higher." He pointed at the target.

"Higher?" Saffron asked, shifting her footing, splashing a bit of water over her white shirt, leaving the worker blushing even brighter.

Hoo'far slapped his hand down to break the worker's glance and urged her to fire. "Now!"

The mare took a deep breath and fired. This time, she was able to nail the target, splashing liquid all over it. The machine lit up and a stuffed animal fell into the chute. "I did it!" She clapped her hands together and ran up, taking the stuffed toy. The mare stopped upon seeing Hoo'far in her way. However, he simply turned around and picked up the toy and gave it to her.

"Nicely done." He smiled and followed after her.

Saffron blushed, holding the large stuffed animal in her arms. The mare didn't even know what it was supposed to be, but it was still cute. So distracted and happy, she almost didn't catch herself leaning against Hoo'far's shoulder as they walked away to the next stand. The worker dropped his sight at the image, practically jealous at the scene.

However, the sweetness was violently ended for the worker as a sharp point tore into her back. Liquid puddled in his mouth as a razor's edge leaned against his throat. A cold voice entered his ears before everything went black. "Sorry, I need to borrow your face." With that the worker was brought down under the stand by a pale figure with green hair.

After a few more splashes of blood, a glow followed and hooded figure stood back up, revealing his face had shapeshifted to match the worker. Once the job was done, his eyes leered onto Hoo'far and Saffron. "You two lovebirds are getting too close to the truth."

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