Someone Had Tae Do It

by Galgus

Chapters

Speaking Up
A Stormy Night
Rest and Preparation
The Front Lines
Red Eyes
Lessons
Visions
Reunion

Speaking Up

Pom crawled on the grass, out of breath from running downwind of her dogs.

They’d barely nibble any food set out for them and wouldn’t even touch most greens: tonight she’d find out why.

She laid down for a breather, but her whole body tensed as a howl rang out, followed by louder and louder barks.

They’re coming here!

She forced herself to lie as flat as possible, hoping the grass would hide her, as a puppy ran straight towards her.

Before she could decide on moving out of the way, the puppy pounced, head diving into the grass and emerging triumphantly with a dead rat; which it dropped in shock as Pom screamed.

Pom thought back to that night as she combed her favorite puppy’s fur clean, wondering how such a sweet runt of a sheepdog could be a killer.

They’re really doing us a favor: keeping those wee pests from eating our food. I ken they need more than greens to live, but…I don’t like thinking of it!

Woof looked up to her with a whine, sensing her tension.

“Och, dinnae worry about it. Just overthinking things again.”

Predators or not, the dogs have always been good to us. They would nae hurt anyone!

She shook off the philosophical conundrum for the finishing touches.

“And done! Ye can go play now, but don’t go rolling in anything!”

Woof dashed away with happy barks: she smiled as she watched her run off the join the others and unstrapped the brush from her hoof.

“What were ye overthinking?”

Pom spun around to see her mentor. As usual, his shaggy white fleece was dyed with faded blue spirals.

“Oh, Woad! Didn’t see ye there.”

He chuckled as he hobbled over.

“My legs might nae be what they were, but my hearing is as good as ever. But tell me, what’s bothering ye?”

Pom looked around, unsure on whether to tell him before making a decision.

“Well, last week ah followed the dogs tae see what they eat, and…”

She trailed off, looking for a gentle way to describe it.

“And ye found out they’re predators.” He finished for her.

“Ye knew?!” Pom’s jaw dropped. “Why didn’t ye tell anyone?”

“Tis an old secret. Everyone who needs tae know, knows. I’m impressed that ye figured it out on your own!”

“But…why keep it a secret?” Pom raised a hoof. “Aren’t we just wasting food?

“Aye, we are.” He nodded. “But thanks tae the dogs we’ve more than we need and excess for trade. It’s worth the waste to not start a panic.”

“Panic?” Pom raised an eye.

He took a breath as he worked out how to put it.

“Some folk may get scared, maybe start mistreatin’ the dogs. And while some outsiders ken, we don’t need our neighbors thinkin’ we’re harboring dangerous creatures.”

“That…makes some sense.” Pom begrudgingly admitted. “But I don’t like the idea of lying! Can’t they see the dogs are harmless tae folks?”

“Sometimes, lass, a lie is more gentle than the truth.”

Pom was about to protest when a pained howl jolted them both to attention: turning to see a ragged sheepdog limp towards them.

“Get him tae the shack! I’ll get the bandages ready!”

Woad started walking there as fast as he could.

“Aye!”

They managed to hoist the dog to the table together and Pom immediately set about cleaning his wounds, frowning at his involuntary snarls and whimpers.

“What could have done this?”

She’d never seen wounds like this: long, parallel cuts and clustered holes, like…

“Was this another dog?!”

Their patient huffed in what sounded like a 'no' as Woad spoke over his bandaging.

“No, that's ridiculous!”

“But then…what did?” Pom bit her lip, thinking back to that night and the rat.

“I don’t know, but that's not important now.”

They both jumped as the alpha dog barged in, towering over them as he barely fit in the room: twice Pom’s height and nearly three times her length.

Big Papa was in a fouler mood than she’d ever seen him with a constant low growl: for a breathless moment she thought he might be the attacker.

But those fears left as he exchanged huffs and barks with their patient: talking in some tongue no one could really understand.

It was over in seconds as Papa smelled his coat, growled again, and ran out of the shack: she could see him pause to sniff the ground before running off over the hill.

Whatever did this, I wouldn’t want tae be them when Papa finds ‘em.

Releasing the breath she’d been holding, she went back to patching the poor sheepdog up.

“Don’t ye worry, you’ll be right as rain!”

With their patient bandaged and resting, Pom made her way back to warn the other sheep.

No need tae worry, Papa’s on the case. The dogs can handle anything, even…no, they'd never!

Her mind was clouded by doubts and speculation, but they were about to be resolved in the worst possible way.

“Pom! POM!”

“Woogums?”

Pom called back as her older brother spotted her and rushed over.

"The predators are back! We've got tae go!”

“The what? Hold on,” Pom’s eyes widened. “Predators, like the scary stories?”

“Worse! It's so bad the Council of Elders actually met! The horses sent a message and they're about to read it, we need tae get to the Commons!”

“Ah'll get Woad, you go ahead!”

It was Pom’s first time in the Commons Chamber, but she didn’t think it was supposed to be this crowded.

Sheeple were filing in like a tide, and she got separated from her mentor as they bumped into her.

Rather than try to find him again she took advantage of her thin frame to weave to the front, spotting Prime Minister Quiff organizing a scroll on the podium.

Her gaze shifted to the back towards a secretary ewe with pen in mouth, ready to write, and then to a horse foal in the corner doing his best to not look exhausted.

Bang Bang!

Quiff's customary head knocks drew her attention alongside all the other sheep.

“Order! Order! The Chamber is now in session.”

Once the flock’s murmurs had settled down enough, he cleared his throat to begin.

“As most of ye have heard, we face a worldwide emergency. The predators have begun tae break the Horned Prophet’s seal, and they are already in Foenum.”

He went on to describe the sightings and known details they had recorded as panicked murmurs and bleats filled the air, and he had to slam his head on the desk several times to quiet them

“Order! Now, the Council of Elders has already met tae discuss the issue, and there is a plan.”

Oh, thank goodness!

“With tae Prophet’s Key, the predators can be sealed back where they belong. Foenum is in need of a champion to find this key an’ face the predators on the very door of the Hold, and they have called for all tribes to choose their own champion for this task.”

Whispers broke out again.

“So, any volunteers?

The room went dead silent.

Sheep hid their faces as he scanned the room, as if merely making eye contact could get them picked.

Not me! Not me! Not me!

A long minute passed before he frowned and spoke again.

“If there are no volunteers, shall we vote on whether we should do nothing, and leave this to others?”

Approving Baahs filled the room as he continued.

“But you must realize that nowhere is truly safe? The predators will be here sooner or later.”

He’s right, they’re as dangerous to us as anyone!

With the topic of choosing a champion tabled, the flock was suddenly more talkative.

“Let someone else be champion!”

“I’ve never seen a predator.”

“We’ve got the dogs to protect us!”

But…who protects them?

Quiff sighed and called for the vote.

“All in favor of not sending a champion, say -”

“UM! Uh, objection?”

Pom covered her mouth and swallowed as all eyes turned to her, shocked by her own voice as the Prime Minister addressed her, specifically.

“I will excuse the informality. What is your objection?”

“Um…uh…” Come on Pom, you’ll look like more of a fool if ya don’t say it! “Th- the predators are already here.”

Chatter drowned out her thoughts as he slammed the desk again.

“Order! I say Order!”

He turned back to her with narrowed eyes, “What do you mean by this, lass? Identify yourself.”

“M-my name is Pom.” Simple enough. “I- I’m a dog tender, work with old Woad, and…and one of them came back hurt. The dogs, I mean - there were claw marks and bites!”

Someone from the crowd raised their voice.

“Have you actually seen a predator?”

Pom stammered as she remembered her discovery.

“N-no, but I’ve never seen anything like this! Big Papa - er, I mean Max - was furious! If we don’t do anything, the dogs will get hurt and we’ll be next, to say nothing of the other folk! Someone has tae do something!”

Quiff stared at her with the room unnervingly quiet, and Pom couldn’t avert her eyes despite desperately wanting to.

“Do you stand by your words?”

Something in Pom screamed at her to stop, run away, and hide, but remembering that poor sheepdog steeled her resolve.

“Yes. I do.”

He turned back to the crowd with a solemn nod.

“All for voting Pom as champion?”

Bleats erupted from the crowd, echoing off the walls as her confidence shattered.

Wai - Wha - I didn’t -

“Then I pronounce you, Champion of the Meadow!”

Relieved cheers almost drowned out her protest as the clerk pulled her to the podium.

“Och, no! I - I didn’t mean - I cannae be -”

“The flock has spoken!” Quiff slammed his head again: something about it sounded alarmingly final.

“Ye were the only one brave enough tae speak against the crowd, and wise enough tae understand our peril. Ye have proven yourself to be worthy, and all sheep follow the will of the flock.”

“But - but I cannae fight!” Pom’s eyes instinctually darted around looking for some place to flee to. “I don’t know anything but medicine and dogs!”

“Then you are all the more suited.” Quiff tried to reassure her with a hoof on her shoulder as she recoiled. “The dogs can handle the fighting, and they are likely to need a sheep who can tend their wounds.”

“Ah - ah mean…” Pom desperately tried to think of a brave fighting sheeple to suggest instead, but drew a blank. “I guess…but -”

“Then it is settled! You will have all the provisions we can provide, and leave tomorrow morning. I will convene a meeting of experts this evening to advise you on your journey. The meeting is adjourned!”

Gossiping sheeple poured out of the Chamber as Pom’s brain shut down and she stood still: barely hearing Quiff trying to reassure her.

“Dinnae worry, lass. You’ll have your pick of the dogs to keep you safe.”

This cannae be happening!

Most of the flock seemed relieved, if a little shocked, but as they thinned she saw three who shared her horror: her family.

“What were ye thinking, speaking up like that!”

Dolby scolded her on the way home.

“I- I don't know! I just, just…”

Someone had tae say it, but -

“I wasn't volunteering!”

“Don't worry,” Bouf stammered, “we'll get you out of this, we'll think of something, right?!”

Somehow her mother sounded more worried than Pom felt: utterly failing to reassure her as she rambled on.

I'm supposed tae be the scared one!

“We will, dinnae you worry.” Her father insisted. “All we need is a real volunteer, and the flock’ll be sure to vote them in!”

Woogums perked up at that.

“Yeah, we'll find one and it'll be like it never happened!”

But the whole flock was there, and no one spoke up.

“That's a great idea!” Pom hid her misgivings.

Dolby and Woogums nodded to each other.

“Don't ye worry, we’ll find someone!”

They ran off in opposite directions to the nearest neighbors, leaving Pom alone with her mother.

“And if they can't find one, maybe you can hide - no, they know where we live. Maybe hide outside the - Oh NO, there's predators!”

Bouf broke down sobbing.

Ah cannae deal with this now!

“Don’t worry, ma: I'll be okay.” Pom patted her on the back. “I - I need tae go clear my head a bit. We'll figure it out when we're calm!”

“Calm. Calm - yes, of course!” Bouf forced a laugh that came out as a sob. “You’re not actually going to be - It will be fine! We'll wake up tomorrow, and it will all be normal, and my baby will be all safe and sound and…”

Pom crept away from her as she walked down the trail to their home, totally lost in her own reassurances.

Okay, ah'm going to have to find something out myself. Just need somewhere I can think.

Pom's breathing steadied a little as she wandered to the field.

The meadow countryside had always been comforting for her, and she'd volunteered to watch the dogs as an excuse to get out. But the thought of leaving it all behind panicked her again.

I've only ever done camping trips, how am I supposed tae go who-knows-where?! Does anyone actually have a plan?

“Woof!”

She jumped at the sudden interruption, but smiled as her favorite pup ran up to her.

“Woof! Oh, I'm glad tae see you!”

She hugged onto the puppy as her siblings, Puff, Ruff, Tuft, followed barking. Soon she was surrounded by them nuzzling her.

“Och, heard of the mess ahm in, eh?

Somehow the dogs always seemed to know how sheeple proceedings went: when it concerned them, at least.

A massive sheepdog walked up with a sympathetic whine as she sat in front of them.

“Hey Momma, don't suppose you have any ideas?”

“Bark!”

“What do you mean? What am ah supposed tae do?”

Pom wasn't really expecting a response, but Big Momma gently bit her wool, picked her up like one of the puppies, and set her in the direction of the path: motioning towards it with her nose.

The lift hardly bothered Pom, but the message terrified her.

“Nae! You've got it all wrong, ah cannae do this! Why me?!”

“Seems like she disagrees.” She spun around to see Woad approaching. “Ye were brave tae speak out like that.”

“But ah'm not brave!” Pom protested. “I only spoke up because someone had to!”

“Aye,” he nodded, “we won't be safe by just pretending we are. An’ the dogs would get the worst of it. That's not fair to them, even if we were safe.”

Seeing Big Momma look to her pups with concern, Pom couldn't bring herself to disagree.

“But I'm still not a champion! Ah've got to be the weakest sheep to pick!”

“The flock picked ye.” Woad replied. “Ye were the clear choice, even if you can't see it now. And trust the dogs: they've got better instincts for facing danger than we ever did.”

“But how can I face the predators -” Pom bit her lip at the word with a sympathetic look from Momma - “How can I protect anyone when I can't fight?”

A deep bark answered her, and she turned to see Big Papa sitting as straight as he could, towering over her.

“You'd come with me?”

Papa barked again with a nod.

Woof barked as well, and Papa looks down and barked back. Woof's ears lowered, but then Momma barked something back to him.

Papa leaned in with a growl and a huff, and all the puppies started yapping back at him.

What are they arguing about?

Papa and Momma started barking at each other before the din, escalating until it ended with Momma barked loud enough to knock Pom on her back: echoing around the hills.

Papa growled briefly, grunted, and lowered his head with a huff.

“What was that about?”

All the dogs surround Pom.

“Wait, yer all comin?!”

A chorus of soft barks surrounds her.

“But what if tha sheeple say nae?”

Big Momma growls.

“Och, point taken.”

Woad chuckled and patted her on the back.

“Looks like you’ll have the strongest sheepdogs in Baaah with ye. Ye might be safer than me!”

Pom tried to smile as he continued.

“Now, in my youth I was a bit of an adventurer. Let me give you some advice before ye go.”

“...Thank ye. Thank all of ye.”

As she walked home, Pom's head was full of survival tips, notes on different tribes, and what self-defense maneuvers Woad could teach someone without horns: though she had no faith in using them.

Ah suppose they'll send for me at home, I should be there.

But her other concerns briefly took a backseat to what her family would say as she saw their roof come into view.

“Pom!” Woogums ran out and shared a much needed hug with her. “Oh, I'm so glad to see you. We've got great news!”

“You found a volunteer?” Pom’s face lit up as she felt her burdens lifting.

“Well, no.” They crashed back down. “But Mom has a plan! You'll be safe and sound.”

She followed him through the door, skeptical but cautiously optimistic.

Bouf rushed over to hug her, with Dolby following shortly after.

“Welcome home, dear!”

“Good to be home.” Pom wondered when she'd see it again.

“Come, sit!” Dolby led them to the table. “We worked out a plan you need to hear before the meeting.”

Sitting on the table cushions with them made things feel more normal, calming Pom as she asked.

“Okay, what's the plan?”

Dolby and Woogums smiled at Bouf as she cleared her throat.

“Okay, it looks like you're stuck as champion, but that doesn't mean you can't be safe! First you'll take the safe road to the port, then you can send the dogs home: maybe tell them to stay away from Baaah 'til you're back.”

Tell the dogs to stay away?

Pom felt a knot in her stomach as Bouf continued.

“Second, you take a ship sailing to Reine, with those big strong walls, and use the salt they'll provide as champion to stay at a tavern!”

Leave the dogs tae fend for themselves while I lay around on other sheeple’s money?!

The others were oblivious to Pom’s misgivings as Bouf finished.

“Then wait there a few days, maybe a few weeks, then come home and say you just couldn't find it, but you lost to some big strong champion who definitely has this under control. What could anyone say to that, you tried!”

Bouf’s smile faded at Pom’s response.

“But…what about the predators?”

“What about them?! Let the stronger folks handle it: sheeple were never built to fight!”

But dogs were.

Guilt filled Pom's heart as she made a decision and put on a false smile.

“That's a great idea! Thanks mom, you're the best!”

“Anything for my little lamb!”

The sheepdogs followed Pom into the Commons Chamber: now eerily empty after the crowd from earlier.

She spotted Woad in the small crowd alongside the brown foal from earlier, the only one wary of the dogs, as Quiff greeted her.

“Champion Pom! Good to see you: we're here to give whatever guidance and assistance we can.”

The title ‘champion’ felt strange to her, though she'd already made up her mind.

They stood waiting for her to speak, and she obliged.

“First, I want to let you know that I'm in. I mean, I was officially champion already, but I accept the responsibility.”

“Good to hear!” Quiff grinned. “I knew ye were brave!”

Didn't see you volunteering.

“Second: Max, Blen, and their puppies volunteered to help, so they're coming with me.”

Big Momma and Papa scanned the sheeple as if warning them not to protest.

“Very well.” Quiff frowned, not happy to lose their best fighters.

“Third…” Pom looked around. “Where do we start? I mean, where do I even look for the Key?”

Woad stepped forward with a notebook.

“My memory may not be what it was, but I recorded my travels back in the day and I've been going over them. Ah found something that just might help.”

He flipped around for a specific page before moving his hoof along a route on the map they’d hung up.

“Here! Past the Tusk Mountains and down the river, there's a wetland where the Tapir live. I met several fellow travelers going there tae find a Seer who supposedly lives there, supposedly a position passed down through generations. Said that they share visions with folks to guide them. So if you can talk to the Seer -”

“She can lead me to the key!” Pom interrupted in her excitement.

That's not so far from here, is it?

“Exactly!” He smiled. “I’d recommend avoiding the direct route through the steppes: just head south hugging the coast 'til you get to the port, then take the path to the mountain, ring around it to the river, follow that, and you're there!”

“Is our plan really to follow a rumor?" Quiff objected. "She should head to Reine first and see if others have heard anything.”

All eyes turned to Pom as she spoke.

“But the wetlands aren't far, and I can always stop by Reine after. If there is a Seer, I could even share what I learned.” She turned to Woad. “How sure are you about this Seer?”

“I can't be certain, to be honest.” He scratched his neck. “But if she weren't real, I doubt so many folks from across Foenum would come to look for her."

“I ken, that's fair.” Pom rubbed her chin in thought. “Any other ideas?”

With none forthcoming she made up her mind.

“Okay, then I'll go to the wetlands first, with Reine as a backup plan.”

She nodded and finally turned to the foal in the room.

“Sorry for waking you, ye can stay here an extra day if ye need to.”

“Why’d you call for me in the first place?” His earlier patience seemed to have frayed. “I can read and deliver messages without being here in person.”

“‘Cause I wanted to ask you something. What’s yer name again?”

“Uh, Reginald.” He blinked.

“Reginald. You seem a little young, at least for a horse - I don’t imagine they’d send you as a messenger if they thought it’d be dangerous.”

“I’ve been trained to fight!” He protested. “...but no, they don’t send squires on dangerous missions.”

“Then how’d you get here without it being dangerous, what with the predators about?”

“Oh.” He walked up to the map and traced his own route from the steppes. “I traveled between villages in days with clear skies, since they can’t survive open sunlight. You’re safe if you avoid shadowy places and make it indoors before nightfall. Is that all?”

“Yes, thank you.” Pom nodded. “Ye can go back to sleep now.”

“We’ll write everything down and go over it tomorrow.” Quiff added. “Feel free to stay an extra day, and I will see to it that you receive some extra salt for your trouble.”

“Thanks.” He held back a yawn. “And good luck.”

“Thank ye.” Pom smiled.

With the messenger gone, they discussed the mundane logistics and supplies for the trip: Pom was oblivious to how assertively she was speaking, and how they started to defer to her as a leader.

As the topic of food came up, Quiff interjected.

“Woad tells me that ye already know of the dogs’...special diet. Ye must keep this a secret for their good and ours, but at least ye know that they will not need your food supplies.”

“So how do they…hunt?” The word felt dirty to say.

Woad opted to explain.

“Ye don't have tae worry about that: they'd never hurt an ungulate, but there's vermin most everywhere. They can also fish in streams: just make sure they get time tae spread out in the wilds, in the day. They already bury the evidence, so no need tae worry about that either.”

They covered more mundane details before every one of them was wrapped up and written down, save one.

“And one more thing,” Pom took a breath, “I'd like to make a special request.”

“Name it.” Quiff said.

“My folks think I'm going to Reine to hide and wait this out. Could you tell them the real plan, just in a few days?”

She swallowed as he raised an eye.

“If I tell them now, it will be even harder to leave, but they deserve to know.”

“Very well. You have my word.”

Sheeple and sheepdogs both crowded around the gate to see Pom off the following morning.

Some seemed to think they wouldn’t see her again, but Big Momma and Papa gave others confidence that she’d be safe.

Her family stood in front, unusually confident in a way that made her feel more guilty.

“You packed your sweater, right?” Bouf looked to the large saddlebags strapped to Momma and Papa. “It’ll be - I mean, it could be cold, you know.”

“Of course I did, ma.” Pom forced another smile. “I’ll be fine.”

“And watch out for the prices in other towns,” Dolby said, “some folks try to rip travelers off.”

“I ken.” Pom gave him his goodbye hug. “No sense wasting salt!”

Woogums took his turn last, but held her in the hug the longest.

“I love you, sis. Just promise you’ll be safe!”

It’s still not too late to tell them! It feels wrong just - no, if I tell them now they’ll panic!

“I love you too. All of you! I promise I’ll come back safe and sound.”

Big Papa barked, adding his own promise to hers.

With the ceremonies and goodbyes finally done, it was time for Pom to walk away as they waved after her.

She forced herself to appear confident for her family’s sake, taking her first steps into the unknown: but smiled as she saw the puppies’ excitement to explore.

If we all work together, maybe we’ll be fine.

Author's Note

The great Pom's Chapter — A Novelization of a Story That Doesn't Yet Exist was a big part of my inspiration to try writing, and attempting a Pom story to compete with while trying to avoid copying it is difficult.

It did so many things right: definitely give it a read.

EPom's Chapter — A Novelization of a Story That Doesn't Yet Exist

An adventure detailing Pom's unwilling journey through Foenum for the Prophet's Key.

Other

AIPomgeon · 45k words · 33 0 · 843 views

Bouffant is a hairstyle, so I thought Bouf would work as the name for Pom's mother.

I was originally going to use Quiff, another hairstyle, for her father, but I decided to give it to the Prime Minister fitting Redahfuhrerking/ Scorn's naming.

I envision Woogums differently, but he has some art of Prime Minister Quiff that seems fitting.

In this continuity, Big Papa and Big Momma were named Max and Blen by the sheeple when they were puppies, but after they had puppies of their own those were affectionate nicknames that stuck.

In case you're wondering what the dogs were saying to each other, this is a rough write-up:

(Papa enters the medical shack)

Papa: Who did this?!

Watch: It looked like a dog, but made of shadow! It ambushed me in a cave by the stream and I barely made it out!

Papa: Whatever it is, I'll find it.

(Papa volunteers to travel with Pom)

Papa: I'll fight.

Woof: I'll come, too!

Papa: No, you won't.

Momma: We'd be safer going together.

Puff, Ruff, Tuft: We can help! We know how to hunt! We'd miss you!

Papa: It's too dangerous.

Momma: More dogs for watch is better.

Papa: They are too young! I can't look out for them and the sheep!

Momma: I will be with you, and they aren't safe here either.

Papa: So you should stay here and guard them!

Momma: I'm coming with you! That is final!

Papa: …fine.

A Stormy Night

The guilt, stress, and excitement of Pom’s departure slowly made way for a mundane realization: her journey would involve a lot of walking.

She envied the dogs as they huffed and barked at each other from time to time, wishing she could join their conversation for some distraction from the monotony. She opted to hum an old song to herself with nothing better to do.

Momma and Papa remained in formation at the back and front of the group, but after an hour of travel, the puppies got restless.

Pom ducked as Puff flew overhead somehow, spinning her tail, apparently trying to tag Ruff as he dashed about.

“Puff, stop that! It’ll tire ye out, and it’s not natural.”

A bark from Papa seconded her, and the puppies fell back in line with a whine.

I know they’re just pups, but any slowdown now will mean an awful hurry later.

Everything had been planned out the previous day, though Pom wasn’t sure how much attention the puppies had been paying.

With the predators—the bad ones, at least—being incompatible with sunlight, they set out to reach the port city of Whitil before dusk fell on the forest around it.

Woad said it would be hard, but possible, and the fear of being out and exposed at night when monsters roamed about kept Pom pushing through her fatigue.

But she knew they needed to rest sometimes, and after a couple more hours of walking, a nearby stream flowing to the ocean gave a welcome respite.

“Okay lads, let's stop for a drink.”

Big Momma and Papa huffed in agreement, and the seven of them laid down, but it was over too soon as Pom checked the sun and led them back to the road.

Not sure if they see me as the leader, or they’re just humoring me.

The puppies didn’t last an hour before they slowed down and Pom called for another break. She collapsed to the ground to give her stiff legs a rest as she looked up to Big Momma and Papa.

“Okay, ah think the pups are tuckered out. Are you two still good?”

“Bark!” “Bark!”

“Good tae hear. Do ye think you could carry the pups in the bags for a bit so we don’t have tae slow down? Would that be okay?”

With some quick barks between them, Momma laid down and let the puppies climb on as Pom reorganized the side pouches to make room for them.

“Are you sure you want tae carry them all? Wouldn’t it be better tae share the weight?”

Big Momma motioned to Papa laying down.

Pom did a double take before grasping the meaning.

“I can walk on my own! Don’t want tae be a burden.”

In response, Momma picked her up by her wool and set her down on him.

“But—”

She steadied herself as they got up to walk. She couldn’t help but notice that they were going faster than they had all day.

“Are you sure I’m not too heavy?”

Papa’s huffs sounded suspiciously like a laugh.

Well, I guess there’s some perks to being a featherweight… Some champion I am.

Pom blushed and looped her legs into the straps, resigning herself to being a backpack.

At first, she looked around to at least be another set of eyes, but then she saw the futility and decided to join the puppies in a nap.

“Thank ye. Wake me up if ye save the world without me.”

“Bark!”

Pom woke up to the sound of whimpering and an annoyed huff from Papa.

She blinked and rubbed her eyes as she balanced sitting up: measuring her progress by comparing the mountains from memorized instruction.

“Halfway there, maybe?” she muttered half to herself, sliding off Papa’s back to walk beside him and check on the puppies.

“There now, what’s wrong? Do ya need a wee break?”

“Bark.” Woof shook her head.

Pom looked between them for a bit before gasping.

“Och! You’re hungry, aren’t ya?”

The puppies barked in affirmation, but whined as Papa barked to quiet them down.

Pom frowned as she did some mental calculations.

“At this rate, we might barely make it before dusk, and that’s if ye can keep gon’ on an empty stomach. Do ye think ye can?”

Papa barked with a nod, but Momma looked at him with a couple of barks before huffing at Pom and tilting her head. Pom made out that she wanted her to go on.

“Och, here’s what I’m thinking: I’ve been chewing cud, but you need to hunt to eat since we didn’t pack… nevermind.”

Pom cleared her throat and shoved those thoughts to the back of her head.

“If ye really push yourselves, we might make it, but you’re getting hungrier and hungrier. Even if we get there, you’ll be exhausted, and it’ll be night—not safe for hunting, and I dinnae think you can do that in the city.”

Papa stopped and sat down with Momma following, giving her their full attention.

“They may not even let sheepdogs in the walls; ah’ll do my best tae make sure they do, but we can’t count on it. So aside going tae sleep hungry, getting there on an empty stomach could be dangerous.”

Papa growled at that, but seconded Momma’s nod at her logic.

“So, maybe we give up getting there before night. Instead, we camp at the safest place we can find, and ye can do some hunting while we’ve still got daylight. Then, it’ll be an easy trip tomorrow!”

Momma and Papa exchanged a few huffs before turning to her and nodding.

“It’s settled, then!”

Pom took a moment to look around before pointing to a hill overlooking the ocean.

“How about there? They’d only be able tae approach from one side, and whoever’s on watch would have a great view.”

Momma and Papa both barked in agreement and followed Pom to it. With the new plan to rest, they all had more spring in their step.

On arriving, Papa unloaded the puppies one by one as Pom unbuckled their harnesses.

Momma touched a paw to Pom’s chest, then the ground with a huff.

“I’ll wait for ye.” Pom nodded, doubting she’d be any help to them hunting and not wanting to be around for it anyway.

She smiled as she saw the family run off barking, but fought back a frown thinking about what they were doing.

They need tae hunt to survive, and they’re not hurting anyone.

…but then, why can’t the predators live like that, too? Do they choose to be murderers?

Pom shuddered at the thought and took to grazing to shake it off, wandering off for some tastier flowers before returning to the hill and laying down facing the ocean.

Her thoughts wandered again as she listened to the waves and watched clouds slowly approach.

Maybe we should pack—no! Ew! They can hunt when they need tae, and what would others say if they saw us carrying… Yeah, that would be a disaster.

She sighed and rested her head on her legs.

Woad’s right, it’s best that stay a secret. Especially with everyone scared of the real predators.

She tried to get some rest to be ready for watch duty, but before she could get to sleep again, she heard the happy barks of puppies returning.

Her smile wavered as she turned to greet them, seeing red stains on their muzzles.

Woof noticed her reaction before the rest and barked at them. They spun around to look at Pom before following Woof to the shore.

They must be washing up for me; they’re good pups.

Shortly after, they swarmed around her, barking.

“Good tae have you back! Are ye full?”

Woof whined and nuzzled Pom as she pet them.

“Och, dinnae worry about me with the hunting. But ye need to keep your faces clean around other folks. Are Momma and Papa still hunting?”

Woof nodded as the others cuddled by Pom for a nap.

“I ken, they must need more tae be full. They’ll be back before dark.”

Pom played a game of tug with Woof, the pup growling adorably as they both bit on a rope, before he tired out and joined the others napping.

She was confident that Big Papa and Momma would get back well before dusk, but still felt responsible for keeping watch until they returned.

So she stood and patrolled around, periodically glancing back at the sea and the puppies. As she watched for the big dogs’ return, she felt rain start to sprinkle on her face and turned to the sea with a scowl.

Looks like we might have tae take shelter. We’ll work out a spot when they return.

Unfortunately, she failed to notice the other effect of the clouds; it was getting dark sooner than they’d expected.

The puppies started digging out a cave in the hillside, led by Tuft’s enthusiasm at an excuse to tunnel, as Pom took watch on the hilltop.

She was starting to worry about the time when she finally saw movement in the distant trees. She almost called out, but stopped herself at the last second.

Wait, something’s not right.

The figure looked like a dog, but it was pacing and sniffing the ground. Why would Momma and Papa—

Pom gasped as she went prone and froze, hoping she hadn’t been spotted yet.

Tha - that’s a wolf!

Should I call Papa and Momma? No, then we’ll be spotted for sure—and I don’t even know where they are!

Her eyes flicked back to the hillside, now painfully aware of the noise Tuft was making with his happy, oblivious barks.

If I call back I’ll only make more noise, and if I move he might spot me!

She looked back at the wolf, but leapt up and screamed as she saw another approaching her, close enough that she could see it licking its lips.

It walked without hurry and stopped several paces from her, looking over her in a way that felt wrong to the core.

It spoke in a rough, strange voice that defied identification.

Greetings, grass-eater. I had hoped my first return meal would be more hearty, but you will do.

“Wh-why?!”

Pom stepped back as it stepped forward.

“There’s other things ye can eat. Why hurt ungulates?”

It responded with a sadistic laugh.

Because we can! Because your meat makes us strong, and because you are delicious…

It licked its lips again as it stepped forward, savoring the sheep’s terror before halting at an interruption.

Woof had put herself between Pom and the monster, growling as fiercely as a puppy could.

Traitors will share the same fate as the prey. But if you join now, I might leave you a bone to gnaw on.

Woof snarled back, hackles raised and tensed to fight.

So be it.

Woof’s courage snapped Pom out of her fear, with her desire to protect her puppy focusing her thoughts as her mind cleared.

It’s too late to hide; we need tae call Papa!

As the wolf coiled to pounce, Pom Barked as loud as she could.

The wolf backpedaled in surprise as it echoed off the hills, not expecting to meet any resistance from the sheep.

At that moment, Woof pounced for its throat.

RAH!

It snarled and raised a paw to swipe her off, but Pom pulled Woof to safety by her tail, unintentionally making the attack more painful.

Insolent WHELP! I will make you watch as I - RAAH!

Puff tackled it from above; she’d used the distraction to fly overhead.

As they went sprawling, Ruff ran to deliver his own bite.

Panicked at the chaos and terrified that a puppy might get hurt, Pom jumped into the fray, flailing her legs without any plan or technique.

But her desperation gave her strength, and the Predator vanished under the flurry of kicks.

Pom panted as she scanned for other threats.

“I… I won?!”

She heard barks approaching, but gasped as she saw another wolf chasing Tuft. He had led it away to buy time, and it recoiled at a faceful of dust as another lunge failed.

It was the last thing it would ever do in Foenum as Momma slammed into it like a tidal wave, bashing it against the hillside to disperse it.

Pom followed Woof’s gaze to a third wolf, but its tail dipped between its legs as a booming, furious bark rang out.

Spittle flew from Big Papa’s mouth as he charged it, snarling. He looked and sounded feral, and, for a moment, Pom feared him despite having hoped he would have arrived sooner.

But she couldn’t look away as the wolf fled and Papa ran him down. There was no fight, only yelps of pain and a broken shadow.

Pom almost felt sorry for the wolf before remembering what they chose to be.

She looked around for other threats well after the pups’ breathing had steadied, until she finally collapsed to the ground from stress and fear, burying her head in her hooves.

Momma nuzzled her with a sympathetic whine, laying down next to her.

“I - I’m sorry I couldn’t keep them safe! They were in danger, and we could have - could have—”

Momma pulled her closer with a paw, and Pom let herself sob into her coat as the puppies surrounded her.

“I’m sorry, I was so scared! I know you trusted me tae—”

Momma cut her off with a lick as she nuzzled her.

Papa kept watch as the puppies also did their best to comfort her. Eventually, her heart rate steadied and she turned away.

“Thank you all so much! I just wish I wasn’t such a helpless lamb...”

“Bark!” Woof protested, mimicking her kicks from earlier on a slightly annoyed Tuft.

“I guess I helped some.”

Momma let out a soft bark before glancing at Papa who barked in affirmation back at her.

“Okay, I can bark louder than a puppy.” Pom laid her back against Momma. “But tonight showed that I can’t always lean on others. I need tae get stronger.”

Papa seemed ashamed at that as he lowered his head and huffed.

“I dinnae mean it like that!” Pom scrambled up. “You were great, and I should have called ye as soon as the storm blew in.”

Papa licked in response, eliciting a giggle from her as she hugged him.

“We’ll get this whole champion thing down, together.”

The rain had let up, but the dogs still dug out a shelter in the hill just in case as Pom set up a tarp.

When they were done, Papa turned to leave with a series of barks.

“I ken, you’re first watch. Just wake me when it’s my turn.”

With that, Pom cuddled up to Momma with the puppies, craving the warmth and safety she felt from being surrounded by them.

They’ve been like family tae me. I need tae be there for them, too.

Author's Note

A shorter chapter this time, but it feels like a natural transition point.

Having Pom interact with characters who she can't hold a real conversation with feels challenging, and as always I'd appreciate feedback.

Here's the rough write-up on what the dogs were saying again:

(Pom scolds the puppies)

Papa: “Listen to her.”

Puff and Ruff: “Aww…”

(Pom calls for a break)

Momma: “May as well.”

Papa: “I'll keep it short.”

(Pom calls for another break)

Papa: “I’m fine.”

Momma: “Are you tired?”

(Pom asks if they can ride in the bags)

Puppies: “Please?” “I’m tired.”

Momma: “Climb on.”
(Pom resting on the walk)

Papa: “Sleep well!”

(Pom talking about resting)

Woof: “No!”

Puppies: “Yes, I’m hungry!”

Papa: “We can’t stop.”
…

Papa: “I can keep going.”

Momma: “It will be hard for both of us to keep this pace. What did you have in mind?”
…

Papa: “She has a point, it would be dangerous either way.”

Momma: “We should be able to keep watch, and we knew we’d be fighting at some point anyway.

….

Papa: “Sure.”

Momma: “That works.”

(They stop at the hill)

Momma: “You stay.”

(The puppies return)

Woof: “We need to wash up, you’re scaring Pom.”
…

Tuft: “All full!”

Ruff: “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe!”

Puff: “Mom and dad said to bark if we see trouble, not fight.”
…

Woof: “I hope we didn’t scare you.”

(The wolf approaches)

Woof: “Never, Monster!”

(Comforting Pom)

Momma: “You were brave, and it was my fault that you were in danger.”
…

Woof: “But you helped!”
…

Papa: “Indeed.”
….

Papa: “We failed you.”
…

Papa: “I’ll watch first. Woof and Tuft, next, then Puff and Ruff, then Momma.”

Rest and Preparation

The sun had only just risen when Pom woke up to Woof nudging her and saw the other pups already in their pouches on Momma.

She yawned and cleared her eyes, quickly realizing that she had gotten more sleep than them.

“Ye dinnae have tae let me sleep that long. I can take a turn on watch.”

Momma nuzzled her in a non-answer as Papa secured Woof in his pouch.

“So I guess you’ve… eaten?”

Papa huffed in affirmation and lowered himself by her.

“If you’re sure you don’t mind. Just let me grab breakfast.”

Pom unceremoniously grazed on a few mouthfuls of grass before securing her legs in the straps again with a yawn.

“Ye know the way, just wake me if there’s trouble.”

Pom woke to the sound of growling and nearly fell off Papa’s back, but her shock turned to confusion as she realized it was still daytime, and the instigators were a group of five whitetail deer, not predators.

“The sheep is alive?!” One guard took a step back.

“Al- Of course I am!” Pom looked down on them. “Were ye bothering my dogs?”

Papa huffed at another deer who tried to explain.

“Well, we thought they might have…gone wild. And they were getting close to the city. Can’t be too careful with the predators about.”

Pom slid off Papa’s back and approached, looking up at him with narrowed eyes.

“They were getting close because they were taking me there. Have ye ever heard of a sheepdog attacking anyone?”

“Well, no. But I’ve never seen so many, and I didn’t see that there was a sheep to control them.”

“‘Control’?” Pom’s confusion colored her voice, and it didn’t reassure them. “Look, they’re good boys and girls; they’d never hurt anyone. But if it makes you feel better, I’ll tell ‘em.”

Pom cleared her throat and turned to the dogs. “You behave, and don’t hurt the deer or anyone, okay?”

Papa faked a yawn to show his teeth as Momma nodded with a huff.

“See? All under control! Now if ye don’t mind, could ye point us to the city?”

After some huffs from Momma, the dogs followed close behind Pom, and as ridiculous as it felt, she played the part of controlling them.

“Halt! Who goes there?”

A guard hailed her from the wall as they approached.

“M-my name is Pom. We need tae rest inside the walls tonight. It's not safe outside in the dark.”

“Why do you have so many dogs?” the doe called down. “Are you sure you can control them?”

“Because… I'm the champion of the meadows.” Pom hardly believed her own words, so they carried little confidence. “They'll listen tae me.”

“You?!”

The doe leaned over the wall, sizing her up.

Och, ye dinnae have tae rub it in!

A bark from Papa restored her lost confidence.

“They do the fighting; they just need a lightweight lamb they can carry.”

Pom wished that were less true.

The guard looked between Papa and Momma.

“I suppose that makes sense for a sheep. We can allow them in the outer gate if you will take responsibility for them, but we only allow one dog per sheep in the city. The others can stay in a pen.”

“What kind of rule is that?!” Pom finally raised her voice. “I'll vouch for all of them.”

“New policy with the predators. We have enough to worry about without more dogs.”

But you'd be safer with them!

Pom puffed herself up to argue the point, but was stopped by a muzzle and huff from Momma.

“Fine, so long as they can sleep behind the wall. Can they stay outside before evening?”

“Of course.” The guard seemed relieved. “Open the gate!”

With that, Woof took her place next to Pom with no objections from the rest of the pack as Pom leaned down to whisper under the noise.

“Aren't you hungry?”

Papa huffed in response as Woof shook her head.

“Well, I'll bring you to the gate whenever you need it.”

Guards nervously watched the pack as Pom petted the puppies and hugged Momma and Papa.

“Now, you need to be back well before sunset—don't want to call this close. And watch out for too much shade! I’ll be out with Woof in a few hours.”

Momma huffed and nuzzled her. Papa seemed irritated by the whole situation.

With a bark, he led Momma and the rest of the puppies as they ran down the path, with the puppies yipping excitedly.

Pom smiled as she watched them go before turning to the city.

“Let's go, Woof.”

The guards let out a sigh of relief as the gate closed behind her.

Pom had enjoyed exploring the countryside, and she’d seen other kinds of ungulates before, but she’d never been surrounded by them as the only sheep in sight.

Are deer big, or are we just small?

She froze up and lowered her head until a bark from Woof snapped her out of it.

“Och! Good tae have you here.” Pom smiled and gave her an ear scratch. “Let’s have a look around before we train.”

Woof gave a confused whine and tilted her head.

“Mostly I need tae train, after they’ve had time tae… run around.”

She couldn’t help but notice Woof sticking closer to her than she ever had in Baaah and scanning the streets.

I guess she’s protecting me. Good girl, didn’t think she was that mature. Well, the guards didn’t know anything, but Woad said to ask for news at a tavern.

The streets were crowded with deer going about their days alongside a few other travelers of different species.

Most steered clear of her with their eyes glancing to Woof, but Pom couldn’t find the courage to stop one to ask for directions.

Eventually, she decided to follow a crowd and found herself at a marketplace full of stands.

“Fruits fresh from the Isles! Pineapples, coconuts, plantains! Only five licks a piece!”

Pom turned to the whitetail merchant and noticed that she didn’t have customers yet.

Perfect!

The doe addressed her as she stepped up.

“Don’t see many sheep make the trip here, especially with the recent news. Have you ever had fruits like these?”

“No, I haven’t.” Pom blinked, momentarily distracted by the strange shapes.

I’ve heard of some of these, but I’ve never actually seen them. Are they not popular with sheeple?

“We eat with our eyes first, but time is salt.” The merchant interrupted as a line started to form.

“Och! Sorry, I’ll take a pineapple, and three of these green things?” Pom pointed.

“Avocado. That’ll be eight licks.”

Pom passed the salt, and the merchant let her take her pick.

With the fruit in her saddlebags and the next customer approaching, Pom suddenly remembered why she had come.

“Oh, if you don’t mind, can you point me tae the tavern?”

“I’d take the one down that road and to your left; it’s popular with visitors.” The merchant pointed. “Look for the signs—can’t miss it. Next!”

Pom set off for it, and as her mind cleared, she internally berated herself.

I only wanted to ask directions—why’d I buy something? They gave me salt, but I need tae ration it.

She glanced at her saddlebags with a pineapple sticking out.

Well, a little treat can’t hurt, but this thing’s heavy.

Spotting the sign, Pom stopped at the tavern door to psych herself up and just ask a question this time before opening the door.

A bell rang as she entered, though the owner seemed to be busy elsewhere.

The patrons sitting around were mostly deer, but she spotted some other faces: three boars stuffing themselves at a side table, a couple of mountain goats, and a dark purple—

A tapir! Maybe she’s heard of the Seer!

Pom cleared her throat and checked her wool before approaching, but the tapir gave the first greeting as her dropped eyes opened with a smile.

“Don’t see many sheep coming this far. What brings you to Whitil?”

The tapir offered her trunk to shake, and Pom fought an awkward feeling at its touch as she shook it and took a seat on the table cushion.

“Just passing through.”

Come on, Pom, you have a question!

“Things are getting dangerous out there.” The tapir leaned in. “What business brings a lamb like you to the wilds?”

“Well…” Come on, at least pretend to be confident! “Believe it or not, I’m the Champion of the Meadows. So I, uh, have some pretty big dogs looking after me outside.”

Really? That’s supposed to convince her? Okay, it’s true, but still!

The tapir surprised her by closing her eyes and nodding. “I believe you.”

“Uh…” Pom spoke before her mind could stop her. “Why? I mean, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“Because you are here.” She glanced at Woof. “Not many sheeple travel this far, especially with predators about, and you’ve shown bravery in doing so. And why else would a sheep wander so far?”

“Fair, I guess.” Pom scratched one leg with another. “I still dinnae feel like a champion, though. More like a diplomat for the dogs.”

“You may be stronger than you think.” The tapir’s relaxed smile hardened into a solemn gaze. “Have faith in yourself, as your dogs have faith in you.”

Pom blinked. “Um, thanks, I guess.”

“Pardon me.” The intensity in her expression left with a chuckle. “Just an old bit of tapir wisdom from a silly cow.”

“It’s fine, ye have a point.” Pom smiled to lighten the mood. “What’s your name, anyway?”

“Svapna. I’m just another traveler on a business trip.” She yawned. “It is good to sleep in a bed after a long day on the road. If you are staying the night, let me pay for your room; a little thanks for your help as champion making the roads safer.”

“But I haven’t—I mean, I’ve barely done anything for that!” Pom shook her head. “I have my own salt, and I don’t need a room.”

“Please.” Svapna put a hoof over Pom’s. “Let me be generous while I have the chance. My kind also says that blessings given will return greater.”

“Well, okay.” Pom smiled. “That’s awful nice of ye. But on tapirs, have ye heard of a Seer?”

“Indeed, I have,” she grinned. “She gives guidance to all who seek it in the Court of Dreams. Not all who come are happy with what is revealed, but you would be wise to hear her guidance and heed it.”

“And do I get there by heading tae the bigger Tusk Mountain, then following the river?”

“You are on the right path.” Svapna nodded.

“Good tae know.”

Svapna yawned and stood up. “Well then, let me have a talk with the keeper about your room.”

“Och, wait!” Pom motioned for her to sit, and she obliged. “Before that—I bought too many fruits at the market, and there’s enough tae share if you’d like.”

“That would be lovely.”

Svapna sat back down and showed Pom how to cut and eat the pineapple and avocados.

“So what do you think of them?” the tapir asked before scooping another bite of avocado with her trunk.

“Kind of strange, but good?” Pom looked up as she chewed. “I dinnae expect a pine-apple to be that sweet or spikey though. Reminds me of jam, a bit.”

“You’ll find many delightful things on your travels as a champion.” Svapna spoke again after swallowing. “You should try curry when you get to the wetlands.”

“Can do.” Pom nodded and offered some pineapple to Woof, which she nibbled, but declined. Pom popped it into her mouth instead and gave her an ear rub.

Svapna looked down at the puppy. “And what is her name?”

“Woof.” Pom swallowed. “She’s a good girl, but the main dogs protecting me are bigger.”

“Do you think she’d mind if I—” Svapna reached a hoof out and Woof happily scurried to it.

“Go ahead, she loves it!” Pom smiled. “Gets along with anyone, really.”

They ate in silence for a while with Svapna happily petting the puppy until Pom thought of something else.

“So, have you talked tae the Seer? What’s she like?”

“Oh, she’s nice enough.” Svapna shrugged. “A little cryptic, but she showed me that my destiny lies beyond the wetlands, and that I would be safe in my travels.”

“So what’d she actually show you?”

“That I need to leave to meet some people, for their sake and mine, and where to find them.” Svapna blinked her eyes and turned back to Pom. “So I’ll be leaving on a ship tomorrow. But it has been good to see some friendly faces.”

“Good tae meet you too! And tae have a little break.” Pom smiled as she finished the rest and stood up. “Well, I’d be happy tae meet here and talk more in the evening, but I have some champion stuff to do now.”

“Destiny awaits!” Svapna waved as she left.

Pom made her way past the gate again and walked till she was out of sight of the guards.

Sun’s still high in the sky, we’ve got time.

She shook her head to ring the bell around her neck, then paused to listen before ringing it again.

As she was thinking about barking to call them, she heard real barks in the distance before seeing the pack running toward her.

“No need tae rush, I’m not in danger!”

Papa sat at attention as Momma and the puppies sniffed her.

“I made a new friend, and she’s a tapir! If you can learn that smell, it might help us later.” With that, Papa joined in the sniffing, eliciting a giggle from Pom as she was surrounded.

“Okay, okay, now that you’ve got the scent, we need tae train!”

The dogs looked up with confused huffs.

“You all were great, but I need tae be better at protecting myself if we run into predators again, if you don’t mind teaching me.”

Momma and Papa shared a look.

“I’m not saying a real fight or anything, just exercises. Maybe just touch or lick or something, and if I can’t keep you off, then we go again. If you, well, don’t mind acting out the predator side. Better to see it in training than the real thing. I mean, not that—“

Papa cut her off with a huff, assuming a position in front of her and nodding.

“Uh, okay. Maybe do what you’d do for a bite, but just nuzzle? On ‘three’. One, two, three!”

Papa seemed uncomfortable with the idea of even pretending to attack Pom, but he thrusted his head forward without opening his mouth. But it was slow, and Pom easily stepped out of the way.

“No, no, that won’t do. They were much faster than that!”

Papa sped up the gesture three times, causing Pom to stumble as she pushed off the third, but being told to intensify each time.

“Okay, how about this: ye go as hard as ye can once, then we dial it down.”

Papa’s head lowered in unease, but a paw on his shoulder and a huff from Momma seemed to reassure him.

“Okay. One, two, thr—“

Papa outpaced Pom’s dodge in a blink and rammed his head into her forelegs as she raised them to block, sending her flying back through the air.

His panicked bark joined the others, but she managed to right herself in the air and spread out her body, floating down like a leaf to alight safely.

“Okay! That was good. Maybe I’ll start with tae puppies first, though.”

Woof volunteered with a bark, and they proceeded with Pom dodging and blocking while Woof pounced—until Pom swatted her away hard and she landed on her back.

“Omygoshimsosorry! Are you okay?!”

Pom rushed over to check on her, but Woof was up in an instant and barking with a nod.

“Bark.” Papa nodded approvingly, demonstrating by swiping a paw at Momma that she blocked and pushed away.

“Ah, guess I need tae do more of that.”

Practicing against Woof alone felt fun as a game, but as it started to get too easy, Pom called for more.

“Tuft, can ye join in?”

Tuft proved to be less capable than Woof, jumping to try to clamp onto Pom’s legs.

“Can ye do the digging thing ye did before, kick up dust? Maybe do that first, and Woof, you try to go in if I flinch from it.”

“Bark!” After being told to not dig often, Tuft was overjoyed. Soon, Pom’s coat was dirty, but the dust hindered Woof as much as it hindered her.

“Woof, try tae circle around. Tuft, go for the dirt in the face first, but if I turn my back, go for a leg.”

Pom didn’t notice, but Momma and Papa shared a smile and a huff as they watched.

The new plan was hard to defend as Pom had to turn and block Woof blind the first time, and the second time, she winced at a nip on her hindleg.

Tuft whimpered, but Pom scratched his ear to cheer him up.

“It’s okay, good for ye to practice that. Now Puff, I can’t believe I’m sayin’ this, but can ye try that flying attack again? Ruff, circle around like Woof.”

Pom couldn’t keep her eyes on all of them as Puff flew overhead and the other three circled, and a spin to check Ruff resulted in more sand in her eye and a dogpiling of licking puppies.

“That was great! All four of you may be too much for me now, though. Papa, can you take Woof to eat something? Momma, you can help coordinate.”

Pom washed her eyes out with her canteen again and took to calling two dogs at a time, refining her defenses and their attack plan each time.

Dozens of drills in with each side getting faster, Pom looked up to Momma and saw her smiling down on her.

“Do sheepdogs do drills like this on their own?”

Momma tilted her head in thought, but barked and nodded.

“Okay, can ye show me? Maybe drill them for a bit. I need a break.”

Pom watched the puppies swarm around Momma at her command, but her smile at them playing narrowed as she thought of the real thing.

Are they really ready to fight? Am I? Momma and Papa can hold their own and then some, but what if that’s not enough?

Soon Woof and Papa returned, with the puppy looking more content.

“All full?”

“Bark!”

“Good. Now, Woof, when we fight, I want you as the last line of defense. I’ll fight with you, but stick with me.”

Woof barked and nuzzled her leg, getting pets in response.

“Ruff, you’re tae best at circling and biting. When we fight, I want you to be an opportunist; look for predators tae drop their guard.”

Ruff stood tall with a proud bark.

“Puff, it’s hard tae keep an eye on ye and the ground at the same time. Stay up there and let others hit them if they try tae go for you, but if you get an opening, hit the back.”

Puff did a flip in the air with her own barks.

“Tuft, that dirt is almost too good at making me look away—ye should maybe just stick with that.”

Tuft got a little growl from Puff as he managed to fling a pebble all the way up to her.

“Momma, Papa, you’re the main fighters. We can pitch in, but you should probably draw most of their attention.”

Momma and Papa both huffed with nods.

“Now, if you don’t mind, maybe you could spar with each other a bit. Show us what a real fight looks like.”

They smiled at that as Momma challenged with a playful growl and bark, which Papa returned.

Pom had seen them play like that together when they were courting as the two biggest dogs in the meadow, and several times after when they weren’t busy with their puppies, but the shoves and nips took on new meaning with the predators in mind.

They’re not hurting each other, but they clearly could if they wanted tae. Never thought about how much sheepdog play is like practice fighting.

Papa won most of the rounds, though Momma was tenacious and managed to slip through his defenses a few times.

After they finally tired out with a break for panting, Papa stood in front of Pom with a huff.

“Eh? You have an idea?”

He nodded with another huff as Momma made a fake paw strike on his chest, then looked to Pom, then back to him.

“Oh! Striking practice. Uh, if you’re sure.”

Papa nodded and stood tall.

Pom’s first strike was more of a bump, getting a growl.

“Okay, I’m a hypocrite! I’ll try my hardest!”

Pom threw all her weight into a punch… and Papa barely moved.

“Well…” She blushed. “I have work tae do.”

“Huff.”

Pom’s attacks grew stronger with her worry about hurting Papa gone, but she got a pained reaction with a poorly aimed hoof striking his jaw.

“Sorry! I—” Papa cut her off with a nuzzle immediately, and tapped his nose and eyes with a woof.

“You’re saying… hit there in a real fight?” Pom guessed, and Papa nodded with a huff before also pointing to his ankle.

“Guess if I can’t hit hard, I should stick tae the sensitive parts.

They kept training with Momma or Papa drilling whichever dogs Pom wasn’t working with until Momma suddenly looked up and growled.

“What is it?” Pom immediately glanced at the sky, but it was still clear and bright out.

Papa approached a bush as Momma took guard behind Pom, but, to their surprise, a young whitetail buck stumbled back and tripped.

“Sorry! I just wanted to— can you call him off?!”

“He’s not going tae hurt ya.” Pom rolled her eyes and approached. “Why are you spyin’ on us?”

“Uh…” His eyes shifted from Papa, to the rest of the dogs circling him, to Pom. “I don’t get to see dogs much, and I was curious.”

He stepped back as Momma leaned in to sniff him, but Pom cut him off. “Stay still, that’s how they get tae know you.”

The buck was clearly nervous, but held his ground as the dogs surrounded him with sniffs before they backed away, seemingly satisfied.

Pom introduced the dogs in turn. “There’s Papa, Momma, Woof, Puff, Ruff, and Tuft. And I’m Pom.”

“I’m Pine. You're the Champion of the Meadows, right?” he added, and she nodded after a pause.

“Yep! Though they do most of the work. Who’s the champion here, anyway?”

Forgot to ask in town. Maybe we could help each other!

“We don’t have one,” Pine said as Pom’s eyes widened. “Well, not yet. Whitetail gather at the Summer Festival, and it’s coming up soon, so we’ll choose someone then.”

“Ah.” Pom scratched her chin. “That makes sense, I guess.”

“It’s mostly a reason to gather for games and feasts.” He shrugged. “But this time, there’ll be a competition to pick the champion.”

“Well, whoever that is, tell them tae look for the Seer down the river—that’s where I’m headed.”

“We’ve heard of her. That's also our only lead.” Pine nodded. “Though no one’s been there in a long time, with the roads being so unsafe. Thank you for risking that.”

“It’s… Well, someone had tae do it.” Pom scratched the back of her neck. “You’re welcome tae watch us train, but why are deer so jumpy around dogs?”

He looked from Pom to Papa, mentally comparing their size.

“Isn’t the real question why sheep are comfortable around them? Don’t they have sharp teeth like the… well, like the predators?”

Papa got him to stumble back as he bared his teeth, huffing in a chuckle as Momma nudged him disapprovingly.

“I suppose, but they’d never hurt anyone.” Pom smiled, but hid her true thoughts.

If they’re this scared of dogs as-is, we really need tae keep their diet secret.

“Okay then, let’s get back tae the drills!”

In Pine’s eyes, Pom’s lack of concern for the nips and pawstrikes made her seem brave, though she only felt frustrated with a newfound competitive urge.

He was content to watch in silence, and, eventually, to pet the puppies who were sitting out for a break, but when Pom was back to striking Papa as a punching bag, he finally spoke up.

“If I can interject, that’s not how you do a hoofstrike.”

“Oh?” Pom turned.

“You have to pivot your body weight into it, like this.” He demonstrated on a small tree, shaking it with the impact. “The guards have been giving free lessons nowadays, just in case.”

Good tae know, but I don’t have much weight tae throw around.

“Thanks!” Pom practiced the motion with him.

Trying his technique, she noticed more of a flinch from Papa.

Guess sheeple never needed tae learn how to fight with all the dogs around.

Pine left after another hour, saying he had business in town, but they kept training until the beginning of a sunset tinted the sky.

“Okay, that’s a good place tae stop!” Pom got up from her latest puppy-piling. “You should all go hunt before it’s too dark, and I should get back to the city. I’ll wait for you at the gate. If they won’t let you in, I’m staying out with you. If we all get in, I’ll sleep in the city with Woof and meet you in the morning.”

Momma and Papa agreed with huffs and nuzzles.

Pom recognized their expression from them watching her treat other dogs—she knew they were proud of her.

Papa called the hunt and the dogs ran off with their customary barks, leaving Pom to sigh with a tired smile and head back.

Pom found a quiet spot away from the bustle of the port, opting to pass the time watching the sunset on the ocean.

She relaxed at the sight of the golden reflected light framing a picturesque green island, content with her progress for the day.

“Beautiful, isn't it?” Svapna broke the silence as she sat beside her. “Reminds me of home, with the sun on the river.”

“It is.” Pom answered without looking away from it. “Haven't seen it often, though.”

“Good to enjoy it while we're here. Are you ready for tomorrow? You can ask the tavern keeper to wake you at first light.”

“Good tae know.” Pom looked at her. “I've never traveled far enough tae stay in a tavern.”

Time passed in silence as Pom looked across the water.

“Are you nervous?” Svapna turned to her.

Pom sighed. “Yes, I suppose. I feel like I'm not ready, and I don't know what tae do.”

“That's more common than you'd think. But you won't be alone, at least.”

“That's true.” Pom nodded. “I'm glad tae have the dogs.”

“Not just them. All of Fœnum is seeking to end this threat; you have more allies than you realize.”

“I hadn't thought of it that way.” Pom turned back to the ocean with a smile.

Pom returned to find the dogs already beyond the gate, accompanying Pine.

Guess he volunteered for it.

The puppies ran to Pom as she approached.

“Good tae see ye getting along with the dogs!”

“Honestly, they're still scary. But I wanted to be sure they were in before they lock the gates.”

“Well, thank you, for all our sakes.” Pom smiled up at him.

After following a guard to an old storage room where the dogs would be staying and wishing them goodnight, Pom was finally ready for an early sleep.

Her body laid asleep in the tavern, but her mind went back to the last night, the one with that awful predator.

She tossed in her sleep as she saw all the ways it could have gone wrong, and the woves somehow multiplied into a sea of teeth and cruel eyes, and— The fear and the scenes vanished from sight and memory as she fell into a deeper sleep than she had ever known.

Svapna swallowed, and her eyes glowed as she opened again.

A soft pink mist surrounded her neck, and when the glow clearedl, her gaze was full of sympathy.

“Rest well, brave lamb. Your path is not an easy one, but I have done all that I can.”

After pulling Pom's covers back over her with her trunk, she turned and phased through the door.

Author's Note

A calmer day for Pom safe in the city, but she'll have a long journey ahead of her.

Very open to feedback on Whitil and other locations that I entirely made up.

Anga mentions the "Whitetail of the Forest", and going off an idea from NotSoDogNinja that whitetail deer being the most common urban ungulate, I had them live in a city surrounded by a forest.

Lumber is a major export, though Whitil isn't as big as Reine - the biggest city in Foenum.

I haven't fleshed them out very much, but that may change in the future - as always it's about what's best for the main cast.

The Front Lines

Knock Knock Knock!

“Wake up call!”

“I’m awake, thank ye!” Pom yawned and stretched as she got up, full of energy for the day ahead.

Svapna was right about sleeping in a bed, I needed that!

Pom wiped her eyes and gathered her saddlebags before stepping out, waving to the innkeeper as he walked to another door.

She had a simple breakfast of fruits and biscuits with the few early risers, but she didn’t spot Svapna among them.

I suppose she’s sleeping in. Maybe we’ll meet again some day?

With that, she made her way down the street with a new spring in her step, taking in the city more clearly with the uncrowded streets.

This was nice. Maybe when I’m done with this Champion thing, I’ll visit again.

Pom sighed.

When I’m done? Who knows when this will end.

The guards opening the inner gate looked like they were eager for their night shift to end so they could sleep, not bothering to ask her business or make conversation.

She found Momma and Papa having just awoken in their room, rousing the puppies.

“Come on, up!” Pom set Woof in Momma’s pouch as comfortably as possible. “The sooner we get going, the sooner you get breakfast.”

“Why not eat here?” Pom flinched at Pine’s voice.

“The dogs are shy.” Pom glanced between the pack as if they could help her. “They, uh, like to eat in private. Don't eat around Sheeple.”

Well, some of that is true.

“Huh.” Pine blinked. “Didn't know that ‘bout ‘em. Anyway, just wanted to see you off before opening shop.”

Tuft ran up to him at that, getting pets as the other pups followed.

“Well, thank ye!” Pom smiled. “They're happy tae see you too.”

A cloaked doe approached as he petted the puppies, keeping her distance and eyeing Momma and Papa suspiciously.

“Morning!” she said.

“Morning.” He got up and shared a quick kiss with her. “Wanna pet a puppy?”

“I’ll pass.” Her eyes flicked from them to Pom. “Pom, ain’t it? I’m Ash. Figured I’d see the Champ on my mornin’ walk.”

“Aye, that’s me!” Pom accepted her hoof shake. “Are ye sure on the puppies? They really don’t mind.”

“Honestly, it’s wicked strange to me. Thanks fo’ the offah’, though.” Ash took a step back as Woof approached, getting a sad look before Pom started petting her.

Is that really weird? Guess they don’t see dogs often.

“Well, we've got tae head out,” Pom rang her bell to call the puppies back, “get as far as we can before the sun goes down.”

“Oh, hold up!” Pine ran back and rummaged through a cart. “I wanted to give you this.”

Pine bit down on several bags and dropped them by her.

“It ain’t much, just some nuts from my stand, but I'd like to do somethin’ to help.”

Haven't really touched our supplies, eating grass. But a change could be nice, and nuts keep well.

“Thank ye, I appreciate it!” Pom smiled. “I can pay ye for it, though. They gave me salt for the trip.”

“Nonsense.” Pine waved a hoof. “You're doin’ the hard work, let me do what I can.”

“Thanks again.” Pom smiled before Ash spoke up.

“Aww, I got ya somethin’ too!” Ash pulled a couple of jars from her saddlebags. “Brought ya some comfrey leaves and roots, part of what I do. Some herbs for a poultice—hope ya don’t need it too often!”

That earned a look from the others as Ash continued. “Just boil ‘em, an’ use the powder for—”

Pom cut her off. “—for cuts, burns, and small bruises where there isn’t much swelling, and use the leaves and cold water tae reduce swelling. I know how tae treat scrapes. Just hope this holds up to the stuff from the Meadow.”

After a brief but tense stare-off between Ash and Pom, ending in Pom looking to the sky and noting the time, they helped Pom pack the bags into Momma and Papa’s saddlebags, and soon they were out the gate and watching the sun rise.

Svapna said I'd have allies in all of Fœnum, I guess she was right.

Once they were well away from Whitil, Pom made the call for them to hunt, waiting on a grassy hilltop with their bags and grazing on flowers.

It must be hard having tae eat like that. We've got it easy just eating grass and whatnot.

Papa insisted on carrying Pom again, and she agreed in the interest of time, riding on his back.

“We may not be able tae stay somewhere safe tonight.” Pom threaded her legs into the straps. “So let’s keep an eye out for places tae break when it gets late.”

Pom dozed off again on their trip with nothing better to do, but she awoke to Momma nuzzling her in the middle of the day.

“Something happen?” Pom yawned as she slid off Papa’s back, petting Woof after running to her side with the puppies already moving around.

Momma made an exaggerated sniff and tapped her nose.

“You smell something.” Pom checked the sun in the sky. “I’m guessing not a predator.”

Momma shook her head.

“Ungulate?”

Momma nodded as Pom recalled the fiasco with the whitetail guards confronting the dogs.

“Don’t worry then! I’ll handle introductions.”

Papa pointed the way with his nose and let Pom take the lead, taking up the rear of the pack behind the puppies with Momma close behind Pom.

They hadn’t taken twenty steps before Pom heard Momma crouch at the ready with a barely audible growl and four heavy swine jumped out of the brush around them.

“State your business!” A large sow demanded. “What’s a sheep and her dog pack doing this far south?”

“Ah - um… I’m Pom, Champion of the Meadow, and I’m looking for the Key.” Pom pulled herself up to stand tall but flinched back as they broke out in snorting laughter.

“You?!” The sow stepped forward to size her up. “You’d be an appetizer for the preds I’ve fought!”

Momma growled, and she looked up to meet her eyes.

“But that’s how it is, ain’t it? Sheeple use their pet predators to do their fighting for them.”

“You know?!” Pom’s eyes widened as she covered her mouth with both hooves, wishing she could take it back.

“Yeah, we know.” A boar tapped his snout. “Can’t fool this nose.”

“But they’d never—” Pom was interrupted by the sow.

“Yeah, yeah, if they made a habit of eating folks, there wouldn’t be Sheeple.” She narrowed her eyes. “But if they make a move here, it’ll be their last.”

“I take full responsibility for them!” Pom stepped in front of Momma staring back. “I trust them with my life, and they deserve better than that!”

They sow held the stare, then broke it with more snorting chuckles.

“You're a spirited one! For a sheep, at least.” She offered a hoof. “Name’s Shale, pleasure to meet ya.”

Pom blinked at the sudden change of demeanor before shaking hooves. “Um, sure.”

Shale shook much harder than Pom expected before asking, “So where are you headed exactly?”

“Tae the wetlands, tae see the Seer.” Pom answered.

“That's a long way, and the trip is dangerous.” A different boar spoke up. “You’d be smarter staying with us and taking the shortcut through the mountain to the river.”

“Can you take me there?” Pom lit up at the thought of a shorter and safer trip.

“That's for elder Granite to decide.” Shale answered. “No harm in taking you to see him, if your dogs behave.”

The caves were unlike anything Pom had ever seen, and she found them surprisingly well lit as she entered through a broad stone door with a swine carving staring down.

Beams of sunlight filtered in through holes in the ceiling, and brightly glowing mushrooms seemed to be everywhere, like lantern posts spaced between pillars of intricately carved stone.

“Wait here.” Shale left her outside with the boars and entered another stone door.

Pom passed the time eyeing the stonework and wall carvings with the dogs.

I've heard that we import stones from them, but I didn't take swine for artists.

“Like what you see?” A gravelly voice made Pom jump, turning to see a graying old boar with decorative tusk braces.

“Leave us.” He turned to the guards and they obliged.

“Y-yes!” Pom nodded. “Never seen anything like it!”

“We take pride in our work.” He grinned. “Name's Granite, Elder of the Stonesplitter Clan.”

“Pom, Champion of the Meadows.” She shook his hoof, speaking with more confidence than she felt and turning to the dogs. “And this is Max, Blen, Woof, Ruff, Puff, and Tuft.”

“Pleasure to meet ya.” He whistled. “Didn't think they grew that big.”

“I’ve fought bigger.” A younger and even larger boar pushed forward, and Pom’s eyes widened at the length of his steel extended tusks. “Churl, Champion of the Mines.”

His shake was rougher than the elder’s.

“Hear you're looking to pass through the mountain, going to see the Seer.” Churl sized Pom up, and she got the impression that he wasn't impressed.

“Those paths aren't safe.” Granite pushed him aside with a shared glare. “And we can't spare anyone to take her.”

Pom tried to think of some appeal when Churl cut in instead.

“Then I've got a proposition for both of you. I guide you through the mountain, then once you've seen this Seer, you come back and tell me everything she said.”

“We need the information.” Granite scratched his chin fur. “I'll allow it.”

“Deal!” Pom narrowed her eyes. “But why are ye still here instead of going for it yourself?”

Pom scuttled back as Churl shoved his snout forward.

“Are you calling me a coward?!”

“N-no!” Pom shook as Papa started to growl.

“Good.” Churl turned away with a snort. “We leave before first light, so get some sleep, fluffball.”

Pom found herself panting as he stormed off.

“Forgive him.” Granite spoke up once he was out of earshot. “He’s had a lot on his mind, looking out for everyone’s safety.”

When Pom didn't respond, Granite sighed.

“Would you like to know why our champion hasn't left?”

“...Yes.”

“Have you heard that the predators can't withstand sunlight?” Granite asked and Pom nodded.

“Well, we don't get sunlight here. It's the perfect place for them to shelter, so we've been fightin’ them since we first caught wind of ‘em. Some of us have gotten hurt, and Churl keeps fighting like he feels responsible every time.”

“Oh.” Pom looked down. “Sorry, I didn't know.”

She looked back up. “Then why not leave?”

“I considered it, once.” Granite smiled. “Then Churl showed us that we can fight back, that we don't have to leave our home to these monsters!”

He grit his teeth at that last word before calming down.

“And besides, if we left it to them, they'd start to amass here—get to be a real threat to us and everyone else. So if we have to be the front line, so be it.”

Momma and Papa bowed in respect, and the pups followed.

“Guess you can relate, eh?” Granite shared an understanding look with them before turning to Pom.

“But for my question, I can see why they chose the dogs. But why… Well, why a champion like you?”

Och, straight tae the point.

“Because I was the only volunteer.”

Sort of. Pom corrected in her head.

“Even after you volunteered?” He recoiled. “There wasn't anyone stronger and brave enough to step up?”

“Well… We're Sheeple.” Pom kicked the ground. “You know what they say: we're all cowards.”

“Not you.” Granite pushed her chin up. “Feel free to rest here until it's time to go. Shale! Show her around.”

Pom was awed by the architecture they'd carved into the caves and built from stone outside it, and by the scale of their mining and metalwork when she visited a smelter, but lunchtime gave her a distinctly different reaction.

“You eat worms?!” Pom gagged in disgust alongside Woof and Puff as the other dogs sniffed them.

“Roasted mealworms!” Shale slurped up a mouthful. “Filling and easy to grow.”

Tuft dug in and with a happy bark at her.

“See? He gets it!” Shale reached out a hoof that Tuft eagerly leaned into for a scratch.

At a huff from Papa, Woof and Puff shared a mournful look before joining the others eating.

Guess no hunting today.

Pom forced herself to walk over and stare at the food.

How often can we both eat the same thing? I'll try it for their sakes.

Pom winced as her tongue touched them, but stared into space as she continued to chew.

Well, that's… strange. Kind of interesting, though.

“If you hate them that much, we've also got grass, potatoes, mushrooms, you name it.”

“Oh, thanks!” Pom looked at the other foods, but snuck another bite of mealworms while Shale wasn't looking, hearing a chuckle from Momma and staring back in panic.

Don't you dare tell!

“Um.” Pom cleared her throat as Shale turned. “About the mealworms. Could ye spare any for supplies? F-for the dogs, of course!”

Shale grinned.

As Shale led them to her sleeping quarters, Pom heard a groan.

“What was that?” She turned to it.

“Infirmary.” Shale frowned. “Some of our warriors got banged up, but they'll recover.”

“Can I help?” Pom quickly reworded things as Shale turned. “I mean, I can help. I've been trained tae treat wounds and administer medicine.”

“That isn't your responsibility, and you should be resting.” Shale’s voice was softer than any Pom had heard from swine.

“But I want to help, and you've already helped me.” Pom insisted as the dogs turned to her.

“Well, we could use another doctor...” Shale paused in thought. “Fine, I won't stand in the way of someone returning a favor.”

She led Pom to the room and announced her. “This sheep has had medical training, and she'd like to help.”

“Come in.” A tired voice replied.

Pom turned to the dogs. “You all can go to sleep and get ready.”

Woof nuzzled her, getting pets before they filed off with Shale.

“I'll be back for you soon.” Shale looked back at her. “You need to rest.”

“Sounds good.” Pom nodded.

Three swine lay in beds of straw, one mostly healed of what looked like a treated wound on his upper back, another with tight wrappings and a splint indicating broken bones, and another with bandages on her side.

Pom set to work mixing poultices, replacing bandages, and delivering food, all while hearing of how it happened.

“Bastards ambushed us! Had us on the ground before Churl sent ‘em back to their hell.” The sow with the claw wound grunted as Pom finished tightening her bandage.

“How many are out there?” Fear and concern mixed in Pom's voice.

“More everyday.” The broken legged boar said. “Have to hunt them to keep their numbers down. We were after a bear when some wolves jumped in.”

That sounds like a losing battle. We— I really need tae find the key quickly.

“Thank you for holding them back.” Pom said as she refilled their water.

“Just repay us by getting that door shut, eh?” The mostly healed boar quipped, getting snorting laughter from the others and a frown that Pom hid.

“I'll do my best!”

After checking on the less urgent patients, the head doctor addressed her.

“That's enough for today, you’ve been a real help, and I won't keep you from your rest longer.”

“You're welcome.” Pom nodded and let him lead her to the guest chamber with the dogs.

Finding them all sleeping peacefully, she cuddled up to Momma and closed her eyes.

“Get up! No sense wasting your daylight.”

Pom blinked as Churl's voice woke her, seeing the dogs yawning as they stirred.

“Right.” Pom yawned.

“We eat a quick breakfast, then we leave.” Churl led the way without discussion.

Pom didn't try to hide her newly acquired taste as she chewed on mealworms, too drowsy to care.

Despite his anger earlier, Pom felt safer with the big boar leading the way alongside the dogs surrounding her.

“Heard you helped at the infirmary.” Churl called back without warning.

“Um, yes.” Pom blinked. “It was nothing.”

“It was honorable, helping when you didn't have to.” He replied. “I respect that.”

“Thanks.” Pom glanced away and smiled. “And thank you for holding the predators back here.”

“Thank me by getting me that clue.” Churl said.

They walked in silence for a while, partly at Churl's warning that excess noise could draw predators, when Pom noticed him sniffing the air and heard her dogs sniff as well.

Papa growled.

“Predators?” Pom gasped.

“Aye.” Churl answered. “But they're far off, not likely to try it. I'd chase them myself on other occasions.”

“We can chase them together.” Pom froze on the spot alongside Churl as he turned, almost as surprised as he was.

“You want to hunt them? I can't ensure your safety.”

All eyes were on Pom as she forced herself to continue.

“We-we've fought them before, and if they’re allowed to build up, they'll be more dangerous to everyone, maybe even follow my scent. If I'm tae be a Champion, I should help.” Pom swallowed as he leaned in and grinned.

“Never thought I'd hear that from a sheep! Stick close; we've got to move fast.”

Pom recognized hunting behavior in how Churl and the dogs ran and stopped to sniff, but she'd never been a part of it.

They seemed more alive somehow, filled with a thrill of anticipation while Pom only felt a growing dread as she ran after them.

“Bark!” Ruff ran down a cave with Churl charging in beside him.

Pom briefly saw a pair of red eyes before the wolf turned and ran.

“End of the road!” Churl shouted and swiped the ground with a tusk, sending a shockwave that knocked the wolf down with a yelp.

Ruff was on it immediately, biting down on a leg to keep it down as Pom ran forward in concern for his safety, tripping on the wolf’s head and flipping it over.

Puff dove on its belly for a bite, and it dispersed into smoke.

But Momma’s growl told Pom it wasn't over.

Red eyes grew in the cave the wolf was fleeing to until they emerged, revealing what Pom assumed to be a bear alongside a long-fanged predator.

“I'll take on all of ya!” Churl let out a battle squeal and charged, but Pom noticed more coming to their side and behind.

“Papa, left!”

He immediately turned at Pom's order, cutting off a side cave with his bulk.

“Momma, Tuft, Puff, behind!”

Pom kept running to Churl as she called.

“Woof, Ruff, come by!”

They joined her as Churl neared the bear and it raised a paw to swipe at him—

“Bite ‘em!”

Woof clamped down on the paw as it roared, but Pom pulled him by the tail to safety as Churl knocked the bear flat with a swipe to the legs.

Ruff’s barking and circling had distracted the snake, and it coiled to lunge at him as Pom jumped in without a plan.

She grabbed onto its neck for dear life as it hissed and failed to dislodge her while Ruff charged in.

“No! Help Churl!” Pom called, and after a moment of hesitation Ruff sunk his teeth into the bear's back leg right as it'd pushed Woof and Churl away to stand.

It roared and flinched, and that was all Churl needed to slay it with a goring run and a barrage of punches and kicks.

Behind them, Tuft kicked dust in a cougar's face as it pounced, missing as Puff slammed down on its back and Tuft turned around to bite again.

Another charged Tuft from behind, but it was sent flying into a wall by a bark from Momma, with her throwing the other cougar to join it shortly after as both dispersed.

Three wolves had tried to get past Papa, but one flinched mid pounce from a bark after trying to circle him.

Papa tackled another wolf and banished them with a bite. The third managed to bite him behind his neck as he snarled, but it vanished with the other remaining wolf as Papa slammed his back into a wall, crushing both of their ghostly forms.

The snake took to banging Pom against the cave wall as they both lost all sense of the fight around them, but her soft wool cushioned the blows so she only felt dizzy and dazed.

Pom’s only thought was hanging on until the snake suddenly vanished, and she landed hard on her rear and then fell on her back, looking up to see Papa leaning over in concern as her head spun.

“I'm fine.” Pom blinked on the ground and tried to reorient herself as she sat up slowly. “Are they gone?”

“Aye, we made short work of ‘em!” Churl grinned, snorting in laughter as she nearly fell over again. “Your technique could use work, but I like your spirit!”

He turned to the dogs and looked up at Papa. “And I’ve not seen many predators with your guts. Good to have you on our side!”

Papa huffed, clearly proud of himself as the puppies yipped to each other on their roles in the fight as their parents weighed.

Once the pups settled down, everyone turned to Pom.

“Ye were great!” Pom scratched her neck. “Sorry I couldn’t do much.”

“Nonsense!” Churl protested as Momma huffed. “I heard you organizing a defense even as you charged in. That’s quick thinking, and sometimes brains are worth more than brawn.”

“Thanks.” Pom smiled back, blushing and not sure what else to say.

Author's Note

Trying to build up Pom's character for something big coming soon.

Hope you enjoyed it!

As always I welcome your thoughts and critique.

I based the Swine civilization on dwarves, basically.

Churl shares the same root as Karl, and Deep Rock Galactic was an inspiration.

It also means a boorish person.

Also wrote a draft of a Book of Lore entry for him just to flesh things out for myself: may post a version of it sometime in the future.

Red Eyes

Late morning light greeted Pom at the end of the cave.

“Eager to get on your way, I see.” Churl chuckled as she rushed by him.

Pom stopped and turned with a shy grin. “Forgot my manners: thank ye for showing the way.”

“You and your friends helped me just as much.” Churl exchanged a nod with Papa as the dogs filed past. “It’s a long way to the Tapirs, but there’s a small cave to the right side of the river that should be close enough for tonight if you don’t dawdle. We didn’t find anything useful there, but it’d be a good place to stay the night.”

“Och, thank ye.” Pom said.

“Just don’t forget to come back with the clue. I’ll have a proper welcome waiting for you then.”

“Ye can count on us!” Pom smiled with the dogs seconding it with barks and huffs.

“That’s the spirit!” Churl stretched. “Well, I’ve got a cave to patrol. See ya then!”

“Thanks!” Pom waved as they went their separate ways.

From the elevation of the exit, she could see the river sparkling off the rising sun as she ran downhill to the riverbank.

She waited for the dogs there as they left for their first hunt, taking in the view of the water and the mountain looming overhead.

Hadn’t thought of all the beauty I’d get tae see. Never had a reason tae leave the Meadows.

With the exertion of the fight earlier, Pom happily accepted Papa’s offer to ride on his back again as they made their way down the river.

But she remembered their old mistake and kept an eye on the sky, frowning as she confirmed that clouds threatened to blow in.

“Looks like a storm is coming, could be dangerous,” Pom called from Papa’s back. “We should pick up the pace to get to that cave. ”

“Huff!”

She couldn't nap with the bouncing of his gait, but she knew they could get there sooner without being slowed by the puppies’ pace or hers.

Still, she felt guilty weighing them down as they stopped to pant throughout the day.
Mercifully, the rain did not come immediately as the clouds blew over, but they all understood the danger of the darkness.

We have tae be getting close now!

As the rain started to fall and the sky darkened with the unseen sun setting, Pom looked up to check for lightning and saw a strange glow she couldn’t identify moving in a line.

Is that a shooting star? That makes no sense! But then what…

Pom gulped as she noticed that it was following them down the river, and rapidly closing… And getting closer to the ground?!

“Something’s tailing us in the sky!”

Momma gave a surprised bark when she turned to check, and, after a glance back Papa broke into a full-on run through the mud.

But the light grew close enough for Pom to clearly identify it as fire: fire around some… thing covered in scales?!

“It’s a predator!” Her breath quickened suddenly as she wished she wasn’t exposed to the sky.

With a final burst of speed, Momma and Papa turned into the empty cave and unloaded their cargo, moving to block the entrance against whatever may be following them.

They did not have to wait long as it struck the ground, sending a wave of fire that made them both flinch before knocking Papa on his side with a spinning kick to the head.

It flipped away just as quickly as Momma snapped in retaliation before its fiery wings appeared again and it kicked her down in the same way with a strange battle cry.

“Eeyaah!”

The puppies charged in to help, but Pom was too frozen with fear to act, cowering from its fierce, slitted red eyes in a corner.

Tuft skidded to a halt as it breathed fire and nearly singed his whole coat, but Ruff clamped on its forelimb as it shouted from the attack.

A flaming swipe from the other forelimb dislodged him, but as it prepared to breathe fire again, Momma caught its hindleg in her jaws and flung it through the air.

It spun and hit a wall hard, but managed to stabilize in the air on its wings above Woof’s attempt to snap with a jump.

Puff flew in to keep up the pressure, but a rising kick caught her with a falling kick taking her out of the fight with a hard landing as they both returned to the ground.

Pom did her best to work up her courage as she watched in horror.

I have tae do something! Maybe if I sneak up.

Papa charged in to bite, but it caught him with a sweeping kick that knocked him in the air, sending him higher up with another strike before slamming him down with a falling kick.

Unfortunately, Tuft did not move out of the way and was knocked out alongside Papa as he landed on him.

Fire trailed its forelimbs as it moved them in a circle together.

“Ran Shao Feng!”

Its wings blazed brighter than ever with an eruption of flame that sent Ruff flying as he tried to bite while Woof circled, getting a shocked bark and snarl from Momma.

Momma growled and coiled as it dashed forward, but it feinted to land and rocketed toward her with a flaming kick.

She tried to block and withstand its assault, but it grew faster as it seemed to attack from all angles: suddenly in the air, kicking from her side after a blink at the flames, and finally taking her out of the fight with a blazing uppercut.

Seeing its back exposed finally snapped Pom out of her panic and she ran to try to subdue it, not seeing Woof running ahead of her.

This may be my only chance!

But it whipped around at the last second with a savage kick, sending Woof flying mid-pounce right in front of Pom.

As Pom looked into its red eyes, driven to desperation and rage by its attack on the dogs, something in her snapped.

“BAAAAAH!”

“Leave them alone Leave Them Alone LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!”

When her vision cleared she somehow was pinning it to the floor with no memory of how that happened, and its eyes were full of shock and—

Wait, that’s not—

“I am so sorry.”

Pom pulled a hoof back as it spoke and her confidence evaporated; that was all it needed to pull free.

Before she could process what happened, it was leaping from the mouth of the cave with its burning wings carrying it into the rainy night.

Papa stumbled up too late to catch it, and took to barking angrily at the sky before Momma stopped him with a whine and a paw on his shoulder.

What was that thing? What just happened?!

Pom shook her head.

Nevermind, they need my help now!

Momma and Papa guarded the entrance until it was their turn as Pom checked on the puppies, applying salves to burns and bandages to scrapes. They were all battered and bruised, but, thankfully, there were no serious injuries.

“I’m sorry!” Pom frowned as Woof whined at the sting of her washing a scrape. “If I wasn’t such a coward, this wouldn’t have happened!”

“Woof.” A gruff sound and a head shake from Papa showed his disapproval, though he kept his back turned to her as he watched the entrance.

“Okay, I did something, but that got close because I was scared!”

Woof rubbed against her with a whine as the other puppies joined.

Momma and Papa huffed something to each other before Momma walked over and pulled her close.

“...Thank ye all, for everything.” Pom took a breath. “I promise I’ll get stronger. I won’t let this happen again!”

From a hill across the bank, the figure stared back at the cave with only the leaves of a tree for shelter from the pouring rain.

I have weakened them and potentially alerted predators. I must ensure that they do not come to harm on my account.

Pom awoke to find that the dogs hadn’t given her a watch shift again, and was torn between relief and guilt from not feeling reliable.

Whatever that was, I hope tae never see it again!

The clouds were clearing as they left the cave, heralding another bright and beautiful morning, though Pom couldn’t help but dwell on last night.

With the safety of the sun, Pom wandered to clear her head as the dogs hunted.

But was that even a predator? It had scales and teeth, but all the others looked like shadows! Are different ones getting through now? But what kind of predator says sorry?

Her thoughts were thankfully interrupted by spotting a small mulberry tree, and she let herself forget her worries as she snacked on the mullberries, enjoying their sweet and tart flavor.

So she didn’t notice the green figure sliding towards her until after it stopped nearby, crouching, flameless, and with a lowered head.

“Honored sheep, I have—”

Pom gasped as she turned to see it and raised her head to shake her neck bell.

“Please, do not be afraid!” Its eyes widened. “I come to make amends! In the rain and dark, I mistook your dogs for a pack of wolves, and my instincts blin-blind-ACHOO!”

It sneezed.

“—blinded me.” It sniffled. “I am at your service until my debt has been repaid.”

Pom stopped and steadied her neck with a soft ring from the bell, but took a step back and pointed with a shaking hoof.

“Wha-what are you?”

It blinked and sniffled again. “I am Tianhuo, Captain of the Guard and Champion of Huoshan, in service to Her Royal Highness, Empress Longestma.”

“I mean, what are you.” Pom hesitated. “Are… Are ye a predator?”

Pom cowered as anger flared on Tianhuo’s face, but it was gone as soon as it came.

“I am a longma, and we stand with our ungulate kin against these invaders.”

Pom blinked with confusion overpowering fear.

“Then how do you have those teeth?”

“From our honored mother.” Tianhuo insisted with a scowl. “We are proud of our heritage, but we do not consume flesh: to call us predators implies a wretched crime.”

“Sorry.” Pom bit her lip. “Um, who is your honored mother?”

Tianhuo looked more offended at that as her tone shifted to an order. “How has word of our kind not reached you?! State your name.”

“Pom, tae champion of tae meadows.” She straightened at Tianhuo’s command, but did not speak with much confidence. “I’ve never seen or heard of anything like you, but I hadn’t really left the Meadow before this week.”

Tianhuo blinked twice. “I have heard that the Meadows are a peaceful place, so why have they chosen one as young as you to be a soldier? Has the danger grown so dire there that they recruit children?”

“Sol—” Pom blinked. “Oh, we don’t have soldiers.”

“Perhaps you call them guards.” Tianhuo raised a hoof as her brow furrowed.

“Well, we have sheep who handle crimes.” Pom scratched her head. “But, really, the dogs do all the fighting.”

Tianhuo made an ‘O’ with her mouth as her head spun. “...So you do not have a military?”

“What’s that?”

The sincerity of Pom’s response caused her mouth to fall open, getting a small wince from Pom as she saw her sharp teeth.

“So you rely entirely on dogs for safety?” Tianhuo spoke slowly, like she suspected she was missing something.

“Pretty much.” Pom nodded.

“Do you even know how to fight?”

“...No, not really.” Pom rubbed her foreleg and looked away.

Tianhuo took a deep breath to gather her thoughts, breathing out fire through her nose. “Then it would be my honor to te-tea-ACHOO!”

Pom’s eyes widened. “Are you sick? Were you out there in the rain all night?!”

Tianhuo licked her nose with a forked tongue. “I have endured worse. Do not concern yourself with it.”

But Pom was already checking her. “Hard tae say if you’ve got a fever with the scales and, well, fire, but that sneeze sure sounds like one. I may not be able tae fight, but I know illness and medicine. Ye need tae rest!”

“I am honor-bound to complete my mission!” Tianhuo stared back. “I have strength enough for the journey.”

Pom forgot her fear as she ordered Tianhuo like a lamb refusing medicine.

“It will only get worse and last longer if ye ignore it, and it’s dangerous tae be sick with the predators about! Let’s get tae the cave so you can rest, then I’ll fetch water.”

Tianhuo blinked three times, taken aback by her sudden demands before bowing.

“I pledged my service until I make amends. So if this is your wish, so be it.”

Pom rummaged through her supplies. “Do blankets actually help, or does the fire…”

“Yes, they help.” Tianhuo sniffled. “Creating fire consumes energy, which can tire the body and delay recovery. Longma usually suppress their flames while sick.”

“Got it.” Pom draped the wool blankets over her patient, before sliding the only pillow she brought to her.

“Comfy?”

“...Yes.” Tianhuo said. “But I am strong and ready to travel. You do not need to stop and look after me.”

“But you’re sick!” Pom protested. “I can’t let a fellow champion risk that. Now, would you like something tae drink?”

Tianhuo looked away for a moment. “...You wouldn’t happen to have tea, would you?”

“Coming right up! Peppermint tea is perfect for a cold.” Pom chirped and went to fetch the kettle.

She is quick to trust what she feared.

Tianhuo thought:

Is this kindness how the sheepdogs came to be? How we came to be?

Though she hid it as best she could, Tianhuo was exhausted.

After flying far and fast to get ahead of the rain grounding her and the strenuous fight, she had spent the night cold and wet.

She had been running on sheer willpower, but, as she finished the tea, she saw little reason to stay awake.

The lamb put her trust in me after I attacked; it is fitting that I do likewise. If I am going to honor her wishes, wasting my energy staying awake now will not help anyone.

With that, she closed her eyes and let herself succumb.

“Would you like anything tae— Oh!”

Pom smiled at Tianhuo sleeping peacefully with even breaths.

“Sleep well.” She whispered, but she couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a closer look at her.

She doesn’t seem so scary now. I guess she didn’t have anyone tae keep watch for her at night. It makes sense tae sleep in the day then.

Pom stepped out to ring her bell twice, showing the dogs where she was, before laying by Tianhuo and snacking on nuts.

She heard the dogs return with happy barks that shifted to growls as they sniffed the air; she ran out to quiet them.

“Shh! She’s sleeping.”

Momma tilted her head with a confused whine.

“She’s a Champion, like me. Just confused you for pr— Well, the bad predators.”

Papa huffed.

“She said sorry! And she’s sick, so we need tae let her sleep.”

Papa gave a confused growl at that, and pointed to the cave and then down the river.

“No, we’re staying the day.” Pom put her hoof down. “I’m going tae make sure she gets better so she doesn’t get hurt out there. It’s the least we could do.”

From his growl and eye roll, it was clear that Papa didn’t approve of losing time and taking risks to help their attacker, but he agreed with a stiff nod.

Momma gave a gentle huff to the puppies and motioned to the cave with a soft whine and a head tilt.

“Och, sure ye can see her. Just don’t wake her up!”

The dogs crept into the cave quietly on their paw pads. Papa took some quick sniffs before laying down as far away from the stranger as possible, but Momma and the puppies swarmed around her.

Momma had to huff at the puppies to back off a few times, but Tianhuo slept through it all.

Tianhuo awoke as the sun was starting to set, spotting Pom biting on a rope, tugging it away from two of the puppies.

As Pom made eye contact from peripheral vision, she released the rope in shock and the puppies went tumbling back.

“Och, you’re awake! Are ye feeling better?”

“Yes.” Tianhuo checked the sky. “Though it would be wise for all of us to wait until next morning to travel.”

Is this how the Champion of the Meadows trains? Playing children’s games with dogs?

“Of course.” Pom nodded. “Let me formally introduce you tae the dogs! This is Woof, he’s Ruff, he’s Tuft, her name is Puff, she’s Blen, though everyone calls her Momma, and he’s Max, but we just call him Papa.”

The dogs took their turns walking up for greeting sniffs, aside from Papa, who huffed in the corner.

Tianhuo stared back at him. “I did not ask to stay here! I told your master that I had the strength to travel, but she insisted on my rest. As I had already pledged my service to atone, I was bound to accept.”

Papa raised his head and huffed again.

“What do you mean she is not your master? Who is in charge of this squad?”

Pom’s eyes widened and darted between them as Papa answered.

“Then if she is in charge, is she not your master? And of course I can understand you! You are speaking the common tongue.”

“What?!” Pom’s exclaimed as the dogs crowded around.

Tianhuo blinked. “What is surprising to you? Do you not consider yourself their master?”

“No, but that’s not what’s surprising.” Pom pointed a hoof. “You can understand them?!”

“Yeess.” Tianhuo spoke slowly again.

“Like, you heard them say words, not just tone of voice and body language?” Pom pressed.

“Of course.” Tianhuo looked at her like she was insane, but her eyes widened as she saw the same shock from the rest of the dogs. “Wait, you really can’t understand each other?!”

“They understand others just fine.” Pom shook her head. “But I’ve never heard of a dog speaking words before, and I only heard huffs and barks there.”

Tianhuo’s mouth hung open as she processed that. “So… You are telling me that the sheeple live amongst the dogs and trust them completely with their safety, but have only ever heard barks and huffs?”

“And whines.” Pom scratched her head. “And some other noises. I’m usually pretty good at sorting it out, but we can’t exactly hold a conversation.”

Tianhuo rested her head on her hooves as she muttered to herself.

“Is this some strange sorcery? Our records on the Meadow are clearly inadequate.”

Woof interrupted her with a bark.

“Translate?” Tianhuo looked from her to Pom. “Very well, we have some time to talk.”

Tianhuo smiled as Woof barked.

“She says she loves you, and thank you for playing tug-of-war.”

“Aw, thank ye!” Pom pulled Woof into a hug. “I love ye too.”

At that, the puppies swarmed Tianhuo with barks as Momma barked at them to calm down.

Tianhuo pushed herself up with her forehooves. “Stop! I cannot hear you all at once.” She pointed. “Form a line, single file!”

They scampered into a line, with Ruff making it in front to bark first.

“He says he'd like to do the training game again.” Tianhuo nodded. “I must agree: I would like to see this game to begin your training.”

“My training?” Pom said.

“Yes. You said that you do not know how to fight, and it would be folly to continue as Champion without learning.”

“Ye don't have tae do that. I'm sure ye have more important things tae do.”

Pom couldn't look away from the resolve in Tianhuo's eyes as she spoke.

“I have many important things to do, but repaying my debt and ensuring the safety and efficacy of a fellow Champion is my most important duty now. And besides, you insisted on me staying with you to recover, and you are risking another night to help me. How could I do less?”

“Och, fair point.” Pom scratched the back of her head as she came up blank on a rebuttal. “And we should do the game, Ruff. It was fun!”

“Bark!”

“He says ‘great!’” Tianhuo translated.

Tuft came next, but he whined before yelping and running off.

“He says he forgot.” Tianhuo sighed.

Puff barked last from the air.

“She asks if you like her flying.” Tianhuo repeated.

“I thought it was strange at first, but it's clever and useful.” Pom looked up at her. “Keep it up!”

Puff smiled at that and landed with a small stumble.

“Perhaps I can give some pointers later.” Tianhuo tilted her head. “Though in all my years, I have seen nothing like it.”

She flinched as Puff licked her, getting a giggle from Pom. “That means she likes ye.”

“Well, I like you too, Puff.” Tianhuo said hesitantly, getting a happy bark as Momma and Papa approached together.

Tianhuo and Papa locked eyes for a moment as he started talking, but her expression grew solemn as she translated.

“You have told us many times that you feel like you are too weak, like you need to do more, but we want you to know that we have always been proud of you, and that we would choose you over anyone else in the world.”

Pom’s eyes shifted from Tianhuo to Papa as if questioning the translation.

“But why me? I'm still just a lamb, and a weak one at that.”

Papa shook his head as they continued.

“There is more than one kind of strength. You are brave, smart, and most of all, you care. We know that you would not allow us to get hurt if there was anything you could do about it, and that demands the same loyalty from us. I swear to defend you with all my strength until the Meadow is safe again.”

Tianhuo nodded in approval as she finished speaking, looking up to Papa with newfound respect.

She translated for Momma next as she sat down and made slower, clearer huffs.

“You've called us Momma and Papa since we had our litter, but I want you to know that you are like family to us, and that we will always be there for you.”

“Thank ye!” Pom sniffed and took her offer for a hug. “You’re all family tae me, too. I wouldn't have made it this far if ye weren't there for me.”

Tianhuo suppressed a round of coughs as she let them have their moment.

One who commands such respect could be a fine leader, and they may need one soon.

Pom and Tianhuo grazed together as the dogs hunted, and through some ancient herd instinct, both felt more at peace with one another.

“Your dogs put great faith in you.” Tianhuo swallowed and broke the silence. “What did you do before becoming champion, if I may ask?”

“Oh, I'm a dog watcher and a doctor, really an apprentice to old Woad, but he says I know most of it.” After a pause to think, she added, “The roles sort of go together: just keeping everyone healthy.”

Tianhuo nodded. “And how did you come to be champion? Did the dogs choose you?”

“No.” Pom shook her head. “Sheeple vote on everything, and the dogs aren't really part of the vote or subject to the votes.”

“So who commands the dogs?” Tianhuo asked.

“We kind of just ask them when we need something.” Pom shrugged and bit off another mouthful. “Though I guess Papa’s their alpha, technically. Biggest dog in generations.”

“A leader who fights on the front lines.” Tianhuo smiled. “I like him.”

“Is Captain a high rank?” Pom asked.

“The highest in our military, short of our Great and Benevolent Daughter of Heaven Empress Longestma, of course.”

“Does she fight?” Pom winced as Tianhuo shot her a look. “Sorry…”

“No,” Tianhuo took a breath. “It was a fair question, one Honored Father would have asked. Her Royal Highness Longestma is immense and powerful, but her body, longest among longma, is not well suited to fighting in the tight caves where predators wish to hide; and even with my absence, the longma soldiers are more than capable of dealing with them. It is not from a lack of concern that she does not fight; none care more deeply about the fate of Huoshan and Fœnum than she does. And she has full confidence in my abilities as champion.”

Tianhuo beamed with pride at that before continuing. “She has intervened in wars in the past, when fighting took place in the open, but such a thing has not happened in my lifetime.”

“Och, that’s fair.” Pom raised a hoof. “How long is she, though?”

“Longer than you would believe if I told you.” Tianhuo gave an unexpected chuckle. “But since you were not voted by the dogs, why did the Sheeple vote you specifically to be their champion?”

“Because I insisted that we needed a Champion.” Pom looked away. “That if we didn't pick one, we'd all be in danger and the dogs would be the first to pay the price.”

Tianhuo put a hoof on her shoulder, and Pom looked up to see a proud smile. “Then I see why the dogs trust you. When I am done with you, you will make a fine Champion.”

Something in her eyes made Pom gulp, getting a laugh from her that was cut off by more coughing.

“Do not worry, I have trained worse recruits into fine soldiers. But come, we should begin.”

Pom blinked and followed her.

Was that supposed to be a compliment?

Tianhuo watched their training routine in silence with an unnerving focus, insisting on Pom demonstrating her current regimen.

She finally spoke up after another round of Pom blocking the circling puppies.

“Allow me to perform the drill with all of them, as their target. I believe a demonstration would help.”

Woof whined as the puppies glanced between each other and Pom.

“I promise not to strike you or fly.” Tianhuo interrupted. “This is a strictly defensive demonstration.”

That calmed the puppies down as they looked to Pom for guidance.

“I trust her,” Pom said, and they formed a ring around Tianhuo to start.

But first, Tianhuo walked around, dragging a hoof.

“If I leave this circle or fly, I lose. Do not hold back.” Tianhuo turned to Pom. “Watch closely and count us down.”

“On three. One, two, three!”

The first difference Pom noticed was how much Tianhuo moved.

She stepped between Woof and Ruff as they circled, then feinted a step back to the center before flipping over Woof and sliding under Puff’s air dive.

The second was how she blocked: instead of covering her head in her arms, she pushed Tuft away as he pounced before flipping over Ruff’s second attempt.

“Five. Time!” Pom called as the puppies grumbled. “That was incredible!”

“You fought well little ones, but you lack coordination. While another leads the opponent, the others must cut off their options.” Tianhuo turned to Pom. “For you, proper defense is not just reaction and standing your ground; it requires prediction and initiative, or you will be locked down until the foe inevitably finds some weakness.”

Tianhuo covered more coughs and laid back down.

“It is getting too late to teach new techniques though, so I will instruct you in this drill.”

“Circle wider!”

“Step to the side or jump, do not just stand there!”

“You must follow up the grab faster, remember how you let me escape!”

“Good, but I know you can do it faster. Again!”

Pom flopped on the ground, exhausted, when dusk finally came, surrounded by panting dogs.

“That will be all for today. You are making good progress!”

“I've never worked that hard in my life,” Pom mumbled.

“Take heart, it will grow easier with time.” Tianhuo patted Pom’s back as she groaned. “Now, we should forage before night falls. Since you have worked hard and I slept much of the day, I will take the first watch.”

Pom was too tired to object.

Author's Note

Tianhuo finally joins the story: getting her relationship with Pom right is crucial to me.

The ideas on the military differences between the Meadow and Huoshan stem from this wonderful story, alongside other parts of their meeting.

EPom's Chapter — A Novelization of a Story That Doesn't Yet Exist

An adventure detailing Pom's unwilling journey through Foenum for the Prophet's Key.

Other

AIPomgeon · 45k words · 33 0 · 843 views

Interested in your thoughts, as always.

Lessons

Pom awoke to Woof’s nudging and rose with a long yawn.

“Morning.” She gave Woof a few scratches behind her ears, noticing that none of them had woken Tianhuo and were staying quieter than usual.

“Ye can go hunt now, I’m sure you’re hungry. I’ll see to our patient.”

Papa nodded with a soft huff and led the dogs out.

Trying not to wake her, Pom gently touched her cheek to Tianhuo’s forehead to check her temperature.

Hard tae tell, but I think her fever’s clearing up.

She tried her best to stay quiet as she piled firewood and stirred water into a premade dry mix.

Tianhuo's eyes opened to see Pom trying to strike sparks from flint and steel strapped to her forehooves.

“Allow me.” Tianhuo stretched her neck and breathed a narrow but long spout of flame, lighting the kindling immediately.

Pom stepped back from the fire with a hoof raised defensively, but she recovered with a smile shortly after. “Thank ye, I thought I'd make pancakes with a guest.”

“Your hospitality is appreciated, though I would advise traveling lighter.” Tianhuo stretched her neck in several directions after she spoke.

“Och, that's not an issue.” Pom smiled. “Papa can carry it like it's nothing.”

Hmm… Some weighted walks may be a good start. Tianhuo thought as she eyed Pom's thin legs.

“Very well, then,” Tianhuo said. “I suppose you do not need to fly with your supplies.”

“What do ye like in yours?” Pom pointed to her supplies by the pan. “I've got nuts, herbs, spices, dried berries, and dried mealworms.”

“Worms?!” Tianhuo recoiled.

“Och, sorry!” Pom flinched back. “Was that, I didn't mean tae—”

“Calm yourself.” Tianhuo interrupted. “You have not offended me. I was merely surprised that sheeple consume them. Some Longma do as well, though I can't stand them.”

“They're… for the dogs!” Pom’s stuttered. “In case they can't hunt. Sheeple don't usually— I mean, we don't eat them.”

Tianhuo raised an eye ridge. “There is no shame in eating them. Sheeple are full of surprises, it seems.”

Tianhuo opted for a mix of nuts as Pom poured mealworms into hers.

“Do you mind if I have a piece of coal?” Tianhuo asked as she received her pancake.

“Uh, sure!” Pom said, not sure what she meant.

Tianhuo promptly licked one into her mouth from the edge of the fire and swallowed without chewing, to Pom’s horror.

“Coal helps fuel us.” Tianhuo washed it down with her cup. “Important for sickness, but we don't need much of it. And I’d prefer to taste your food.”

“Uh, have all ye want of them!” Pom fished more out for her from her supplies, but paused to lick the edge of one. “Bleh!”

“It's an acquired taste, even for us.” Tianhuo gave a sympathetic smile.

Shortly after, Pom hummed in pleasure at the flavor of her pancake. “So, are you feeling better? Your fever seems to have declined.”

Tianhuo's tongue flicked to clean scraps from around her mouth. “Truth be told, I am not yet at my best, but I have more than enough strength to travel.”

“How does one more day resting sound, then?” Pom asked.

“It would help me recover, but we must not waste time.” Tianhuo pointed. “If we are not traveling, then you must be training.”

“Och, fair.” Pom nodded. “So what do you have in mind?”

“First, I would like to scout for a safer camp.” Flaming wings blazed from Tianhuo’s back. “I need to stretch anyway.”

Tianhuo returned shortly with the good news that she'd found a perfect training ground: a large cave hidden behind a scenic waterfall.

The bad news was that climbing to it was the first part of their training.

The puppies practically flew up the cliff, literally in Puff's case.

Big Momma and Papa panted as they searched for stable paths, with their weight working against them on the long climb.

Pom struggled with footing at times, but her light frame made the climb relatively easy, so she scouted in front of Momma and Papa, offering guidance and encouragement.

“Watch out for the rocks there, they seem loose.”

“This root feels sturdy enough for ye.”

“Keep going! Almost there!”

Pom joined the dogs in a cool-down drink from the waterfall, though she opted to not soak herself and shake off with them.

As her breathing calmed, she laid down by Tianhuo, looking out at the high surrounding hills.

“Wow, it's beautiful up here!”

“And it offers a better field of view, with natural defenses.” Tianhuo added. “Note the difficulty that predators without wings would have scouting or assaulting this location.”

Pom blinked. “That's quite a pragmatic view.”

“I am a captain, and tactics are part of your training.” Tianhuo smiled. “But yes, it is beautiful. Enjoy it while you rest; you've earned a break.”

Tianhuo decided to let them ask for the next task when they were ready, watching them silently as they looked out at the landscape.

They must be invested in this for it to work.

To her surprise, Pom was the first to turn and approach.

“So what's next?” Pom asked around her panting.

“Next, I need you to hit me.” Tianhuo said.

“Huh?!” Pom took a step back. “Ah dinnae want tae fight!”

“This is not a fight: I will not hit back.” Tianhuo said. “Ideally I would have you strike a training dummy, but I can simply block your attacks.”

“Are ye sure?” Pom bit her lip. “What if ye get hurt?”

“Then I will tell you to stop, and be happy that you are capable of that.” Tianhuo turned to the dogs. “As for you, I will give you one on one attention later, but for now, I'd like to see laps around the cave. Condition speed and endurance and rest when you must.”

“Fine.” Papa replied.

With the dogs in motion, Tianhuo stepped up to Pom.

“Now, I will let you choose the strike of your choice. When I say ‘ready’, attack as you wish.”

“I ken.”

“Then, Ready!”

Pom tried a simple punch, but Tianhuo caught it with her forehoof.

“Again. I barely felt that.” Tianhuo returned to her standing position.

I know she can do better. Perhaps she is holding back to not harm me.

Pom’s next punch at least nudged Tianhuo’s hoof a bit.

“Pivot when you punch.” Tianhuo turned to the side and demonstrated in the air. “Now, again!”

Pom missed and stumbled forward as she tried to hit as hard as possible.

“Better, just a little off.” Tianhuo said.

Pom’s next strike pushed Tianhuo’s hoof back, and she looked surprised when Tianhuo scolded her.

“Harder! I know you can do more!”

“Harder!”

“Stop holding back!”

“You aren’t hurting me, so hit harder!”

Tianhuo’s drill ramped up into intensity until Pom finally shouted.

“I’m hitting as hard as I can!”

“No, you are not!” Tianhuo said. “Every strike you landed last night was harder, you just have to push!”

“I dinnae even remember that!” Pom sat back panting. “I– I’m sorry. I just can’t!”

Tianhuo leaned in and stared into her eyes. “HIT—”

Pom’s forehooves swung up to cover her head, with the stress overwhelming her, inadvertently smacking Tianhuo on the jaw and sending her reeling with her muzzle pointing behind her.

“Ohmigoshimsosorry!” Pom stood, head down in shock as her eyes darted around.

Tianhuo’s head spun as she felt her jaw. “That was a good hit. Do not worry, you are not in trouble.”

Seeing Pom shaking in front of her, Tianhuo made a decision and raised her voice for the dogs as well. “Let’s take a break.”

She lowered her voice for Pom. “I do not think this approach is healthy for you.”

Pom sat down as her breathing calmed. “Thank ye, but I know I need tae be stronger.”

“And you will be.” Tianhuo sat by her. “Everyone has to start somewhere. Back in Huoshan, I have a rival who can match my strength, in her own way, and she also struggled at first.”

“That’s good tae know.” Pom looked down at her forehooves. “I dinnae know why I can’t do a proper hit when I want to.”

“I think I do.” Tianhuo waved the dogs over. “Come, you should hear this as well.”

Tianhuo thought through how to phrase her words as the dogs sat down with them.

“We need to talk about what Longma call ‘Predator’s Eyes’. More accurately called ‘Killing Instinct.’”

The puppies shuffled uncomfortably at that as Momma and Papa stared, but Pom raised a hoof in protest.

“They’d never kill anyone! I mean, I know they hunt, but sheepdogs never just attack ungulates!”

“I was not implying that.” Tianhuo took a deep breath. “Please be patient; this is a difficult topic for Longma to discuss with others. Killing Instinct exists in all creatures with predator blood, including Longma.”

“Oh.” Pom set her hoof down, not sure how to respond.

“To my shame, I let it blind me when I attacked your pack. Killing Instinct can lend power and focus to Longma warriors as well as full-blooded predators, for good or evil.” Tianhuo nodded to the dogs. “But it brings reckless destruction when left unchecked.”

“We have it under control.” Papa huffed back as Pom glanced between them. “No sheepdog has hunted an ungulate in many generations, and any who did would answer to me.”

“I do not doubt that you have it under control; your long coexistence with the Sheeple proves that.” Tianhuo said. “But my training may help you control it in battle. Even for you.”

Tianhuo pointed to Pom.

“Me?!” Pom glanced from side to side and raised a hoof to her chest.

“Yes, you.” Tianhuo said. “I did not think it was possible in one without predator blood, and certainly not in Sheeple, but it was unmistakable when you struck me, in your eyes and your aggression.”

“I-I don't know what happened there!” Pom but her lip. “I just saw Woof get hurt and I… Well, I was really angry, and I can't remember anything after.”

“Memory loss can be a sign of losing oneself to it,” Tianhuo said. “Has that ever happened before?”

“No!” Pom’s bell rang as she rapidly shook her head. “I never even hit anyone before leaving as champion.”

“Then it must be buried deep.” Tianhuo tilted her head. “I do not know how it is possible that you have the instinct, but perhaps the Sheeple and Sheepdogs both changed each other.”

Tianhuo shrugged. “But that is just conjecture. If you can somehow master the Instinct and learn to call on it at will, it can be a great strength. Some Longma struggle to summon it, but I suspect it will be harder for you.”

“How did you learn it?” Pom asked.

Tianhuo’s eyes darted away. “Honored Mother's blood has always burned hot in me. I was an aggressive menace of a foal, and it came all too easily. I had to learn to restrain it, not to summon it.”

“Oh.” Pom frowned, but she put on a smile and offered a hug. “Well, yer a nice… lady now.”

Tianhuo chuckled and accepted the awkward hug with her fire extinguished. “And you are quick to forgive. The word you are looking for is ‘mare’, though: we traditionally use Honored Father’s terms.”

“Oh.” Pom glanced down. “Those are horse hooves, aren't they?”

“Yes.” Tianhuo said.

“How did that—” Pom paused, “I mean, who were Honored Father and Honored Mother?”

“We’ve already delayed training for too long. I can tell the story later.”

“But now I'm curious!” Pom protested.

“Pleease?” Puff whined.

“Fine.” Tianhuo gave in. “I suppose this is a good time for it while the sun is still high, and it is a story worth telling. All Longma know it by heart.”

Soon Pom and the dogs were leaning in by the campfire, eager for Tianhuo to start.

“This is the story of how the Longma were born,” Tianhuo recited in a practiced tone. “How, against all odds, ungulate and predator came together.”

Tianhuo breathed a cloud of smoke for the customary opening, getting yips from the puppies and an ‘Och!’ from Pom.

“Long, long ago, predators roamed the world freely. It was a time of constant conflict, where ungulates fought for their survival.”

The smoke thinned away as she continued.

“But one village did not need to fight them, for it was the domain of a terrible dragon tyrant.”

Tianhuo’s mane flared.

“No other predator would dare hunt in her territory, but she demanded that those ungulates provide her tribute: the flesh of fish and chickens.”

Pom put a hoof to her mouth as Tianhuo continued.

“She feared nothing, and had all the flesh she wanted without ever needing to hunt. And yet, her life was incomplete; her domination had left her lonely.”

Tianhuo extinguished her mane.

“In those days, ungulates of all sorts lived together. The village had deer, goats, and even sheeple.”

Tianhuo glanced at Pom, smiling at her small gasp.

“But it was also home to ponies, the smallest of equines.”

Tianhuo flared her wings and mane and rose to her full height on her hind hooves.

“The village lived in fear of that dragon, though she promised not to attack them so long as they brought tribute. Every day, they would draw lots to determine who would deliver it.”

Tianhuo crouched and lowered her neck with an extinguished mane.

“One day, a young pony was chosen. But while other tribute bearers cowered in silence, he was filled with righteous anger as the dragon ate.”

Tianhuo crouched lower and tilted her head up, as if she spoke to someone much larger in an indignant voice.

“And he said, ‘Why do you make us hunt for you? If you are so powerful, you can get this yourself!’”

Tianhuo regained her normal posture, then stood and stretched her neck to her maximum height to stare down on her audience, mane and wings blazing with a harsh voice to match.

“Then the dragon said, ‘Few dare to speak in my presence, let alone chastise me. Your bravery amuses me. From now on, you shall bring the tribute.’”

Tianhuo assumed her normal pose and voice.

“Her words shocked him, and he said nothing else to her that day. And so his family despaired as he alone brought the tribute, then his only duty. And so came their next meeting.”

Tianhuo raised herself up again.

“‘I offer you protection, and the mercy of sparing your lives,’ the dragon said. ‘So why do you protest?’”

Tianhuo lowered herself down.

“‘You make ungulates kill for what you could secure easily!’ the pony protested. ‘It is not natural, and you could just leave us alone!’”

Tianhuo assumed her normal pose.

“And so they argued every time he brought the tribute, day after day, week after week. But in time, to their mutual surprise, they began to reach common ground.”

Tianhuo lowered herself with a calmer stallion voice.

“I am grateful for your restraint and protection, but my village fears you and hates fishing and raising chickens to be killed. I know that you require flesh to eat, but surely there must be a better way.”

Tianhuo raised herself with a gentler dragon voice.

“Killing to live is the life of a predator, but I see how it disturbs ungulates. From now on, you will no longer need to bring tribute with you, and your village will no longer need to prepare it; your presence will be enough.”

Tianhuo assumed her normal pose.

“The village rejoiced and hailed the stallion as a hero, but as his visits with the dragon grew longer and longer, they began to grow suspicious.

Tianhuo breathed another puff of smoke, which slowly cleared as she continued.

“The stallion brought her gifts of his accord, and they began to speak of many things as friends.”

Tianhuo extinguished her mane.

“Until, on one fateful day, he opened his heart to her. ‘I love you, and I wish to spend the rest of my life with you, if you will have me.’”

Tianhuo raised herself.

“The dragon realized that she loved him more than anything in the world and wanted nothing more than to be with him. So she returned his love, and from that point on, she shared her home with him.”

Tianhuo assumed her normal pose.

“But despite the stallion's efforts to reason with his village to accept their love and respect her for her protection, they made him an outcast.”

Tianhuo raised herself.

“Furious, but heeding her beloved’s plea to not harm them, the dragon carried him off as they searched for a worthy home, far from those who rejected them.”

Tianhuo breathed a large spout of fire straight up in the air.

“They came at last to a beautiful island of fertile soil and flowing lava, and saw that it reflected them perfectly. They named the island Huoshan, and made their home on a cliff where the stallion could farm safely while the dragon hunted.”

Tianhuo lowered herself as she said ‘stallion’ and raised herself as she said ‘dragon.’

“In time, to their wonder and surprise, their love bore children: the first of the Longma. They loved each other and their children dearly, and their family grew and grew from a household, to a village, to a nation!”

Tianhuo stood taller and taller at each phase.

“And so they became forever known as Honored Mother and Honored Father, whose virtues of strength and courage, honor and duty all Longma strive for.”

Pom stomped her forehooves in applause as the dogs barked their enthusiasm.

“Thank you.” Tianhuo bowed.

“But wait.” Pom blushed. “How did they have that many children?”

Tianhuo returned the blush. “Honored father was… virile, and their love was strong. The first generations of Longma married their siblings, so the family grew to their grandchildren. Longma fertility declined greatly with each generation though, and Huoshan is only slowly growing today.”

“I ken.” Pom glanced away before returning her gaze with enthusiasm. “So what happened next? When did Empress Longestma come in?”

“That, is a story for another time. You have training to do.” Tianhuo rose with a stretch.

Soon, Tianhuo had all of the dogs in drills, seeming completely in her element overseeing all of them at once after tutoring them individually.

“Again, Puff, but at more of an angle!”

Tianhuo stretched her neck down to look at Pom as she lay on her back as an improvised weight.

“Just three more! You can do this!”

“More speed, Blen!”

Pom strained as she stood and squatted down again. “Ye may be too heavy for me.”

“Longma are light.” Tianhuo's head whipped back to stare. “And I am in perfect shape.”

“Sorry! Not what I meant!” The stare shocked Pom into pushing harder to finish.

She lay on her barrel, panting. “Sorry. I just meant ye seem heavy relative tae me.”

“I'll be the judge of that.” Tianhuo pulled Pom up on her hooves with a single forehoof, then dropped her in amazement before repeating the test. “Incredible! I've known foals who weighed more!”

“Och, I get it: I'm a weak little lamb.” Pom looked away as her confidence took another hit.

“You misunderstand. Low weight can be a great strength!” Tianhuo let Pom down and joined her laying on the ground.

“It can?” Pom tilted her head. “Wouldn't more weight be better so I could take a hit and hit harder?”

“There is more than one way to fight, young lamb.” Tianhuo said. “Many species are heavier and stronger than Longma, but we can use our own strengths to best them.”

“Yeah, magical fire and wings.” Pom frowned.

“Those are powerful gifts, but they are not everything.” Tianhuo suddenly spun in a backflip to land several places away. “Being light makes us agile.”

Pom sat up with a gasp. “That was incredible! Ah dinnea if I could do it, though.”

“Maybe, maybe not.” Tianhuo said. “But you won't know if you don't try.”

“Good, Ruff! Kick the dust higher, Tuft!” Tianhuo looked back to Pom. “Enough pushups for today. I’d like to see how you can jump.”

Tianhuo coiled and jumped high in the air, landing gracefully without using her wings.

“Try to stay in the air as long as possible.”

“I don't think I can—”

“Just do it!” Tianhuo interrupted Pom with a tinge of annoyance.

Pom sprung with all her strength and came far short of Tianhuo's jump, but she spread herself out to catch more air and slowly drifted down, staying airborne longer.

“Excellent!” Tianhuo stomped a hoof in approval.

“How’s that gonna help in a fight?” Pom asked.

“Varying your landing time can help you escape and attack.” Tianhuo said. “Now try a standing jump.”

“What's that?”

“Just jump as far forward as you can without a running start.” Tianhuo demonstrated again without her wings.

“Oh, like a skip!” Pom leapt forward and over Tianhuo to alight behind her.

“Very impressive, we can use that,” Tianhuo said before she called the dogs. “Now rest awhile, then give me four laps through the cave!”

“Guess playing ‘dinnae touch tae grass’ paid off.” Pom smiled. “I'm the champ at it! Want me tae show ya?”

My usual regimen may not work for her. Perhaps some competition could help?

Tianhuo thought. “Perhaps we can train with it. Show me.”

“Okay!” Pom smiled. “It's pretty simple really: jump to rocks to avoid touching grass, and whoever makes the fewest jumps wins. But we can use charcoal circles here.”

“May I set up the course, then?”

“Sure!”

Tianhuo finished the last circle before chewing and swallowing what was left of the charcoal.

“Done.”

“That's pretty hard for a dinnae touch tae grass course.” Pom scanned the floor, realizing that she'd have to chart a course around some gaps.

“I am confident in your abilities,” Tianhuo said.

“Six jumps! Beat that!”

Pom set another record on the course, breaking a tie that Tianhuo had only barely secured by two points.

Perhaps I have become too reliant on my wings, Tianhuo thought as she watched Woof finish in twelve.

“Aye, that was a good run.” Pom gave Woof a belly rub before looking at Tianhuo. “Your turn!”

Tianhuo made the first circle easily with a high jump, but as she skipped through the circles only wide enough for one hoof, she tipped over, trying to land from a long leap.

“Ah!” Tianhuo quickly righted herself and looked up to see Pom as she offered a hoof to help her up.

“That was a hard one, ye can have a do-over.”

“No, that will not be necessary.” Tianhuo took her hoof. “You have won. We can draw a different course next time.”

“Are ye sure we have time for it?”

“Of course!” Tianhuo said. “This is part of your training. Watch.”

Tianhuo jumped back through the circles, throwing punches and spinning kicks before each landing.

“A fast and far jump is crucial to an aerial attack.”

“But what’s tae good of that if I can’t hit properly?” Pom raised a hoof.

“One thing at a time.” Tianhuo said.

They repeated the game multiple times, with Pom enjoying defending her ‘Dinnae touch the grass’ championship.

But when the dogs left to hunt and Pom started cooking a simple soup for her and her mentor, doubt started to return.

“Ye know fighting, so be honest with me. Do ye think a sheep like me can be a good fighter? Ah feel like I'm slowing everyone down.”

“I don't think so, I know so.” Tianhuo touched a hoof to her shoulder. “In a moment of surprise, you managed to overwhelm me. There is strength in you, even if it is buried deep down.”

“But I don't even know how I did that. That… ‘Killing instinct,’ you called it.” Pom grimaced as she said the words.

“Perhaps we should stick to ‘Predator Eyes’.” Tianhuo gave a sympathetic smile. “I can train you to fight well without it, though learning to control it would be useful.”

“But that felt awful.” Pom looked at the ground. “Like I just snapped.”

“Like every thought turned to violent focus,” Tianhuo added.

“Ah dinnae want to feel that way again.” Pom shook her head with her belly softly ringing. “I did this tae keep everyone safe, not tae fight.”

“Unfortunately, sometimes peace requires conflict. But the sooner we seal the predators, the sooner we can put this behind us.”

Pom looked up and smiled. “Then I’m happy to have a friend like you helping me, even if I can’t do much.”

“When you doubt yourself, remember this: Honored Father was less powerful than Honored Mother, but his courage changed everything,” Tianhuo recited. “I see potential in you, as do your dogs, and I have trained many soldiers. If you keep training, you will grow strong.”

“Thank ye.” Pom blushed and scooped a bowl for Tianhuo.

They ate together as the dogs returned, grateful for a heartier meal than grass after a day of training.

After some prodding, Tianhuo set down her empty bowl and continued her story.

“Empress Longestma was one of the first Longma, born directly from Honored Father and Honored Mother and raised by them.”

“Were they all extra long?” Pom asked.

“No,” Tianhuo said. “I will get to that. Honored Mother and Honored Father lived happily with their family for many years, but Honored Father aged much faster than them. Eventually, he passed away, and Honored Mother carried on as the sole Empress.”

Pom frowned at that as Tianhuo continued.

“She became more withdrawn then, eventually only holding court once a month, though she continued to protect them. Then, when…”

Tianhuo stopped herself. “Have you heard the story of the Great Prophet?”

“Och, of course!* Pom nodded. “She sealed away the predators! Well, tae bad ones.”

“She did not do it alone,” Tianhuo corrected. “She led the ungulates to fight them together, and Honored Mother and the Longma fought alongside them. In that war, she saw that her children had grown strong and no longer needed her protection. So after years of peace, she chose a successor, blessing our Empress Longestma, Honored Father’s favorite child, with her long life and much of her power. She then poured the rest of her magic into relics known as the Longma Balls and gave them to her most trusted children so that they could still have her assistance when working together.”

“Those sound useful.” Pom interrupted. “Do you have them?”

“No. I am looking for the Seer to find them,” Tianhuo answered.

“But how—”

“Let me finish.” Tianhuo cleared her throat to get back to the story.

“Weakened by these gifts and confident that her children would be safe, Honored Mother then asked the Prophet to open a door to the afterlife, so that she could enter and be with her beloved again. But though she had hoped that separating the Longma Balls would bring peace, warlords began to fight with each other over them. Empress Longestma quelled this by gathering every Longma Ball and wishing that they be scattered across the world, to be found only by the worthy and only when they would be needed. Even she does not know where they reside, beside two that we have recovered so far.”

“It's nice that Honored Mother and Honored Father are together again.” Pom smiled. “If I see one of these Longma Balls, I'll be sure tae get it to you.”

“Perhaps you will,” Tianhuo said. “But now that I have told the story of the Longma, I would like to learn of your history. How did Sheeple and Sheepdogs come to live together?”

“Um.” Pom, Momma, and Papa exchanged glances. “We don't know.”

Author's Note

I loved the Honored Mother and Honored Father story in this fanfic, though mine is quite a bit different, so I definitely wanted to include one.

EPom's Chapter — A Novelization of a Story That Doesn't Yet Exist

An adventure detailing Pom's unwilling journey through Foenum for the Prophet's Key.

Other

AIPomgeon · 45k words · 33 0 · 843 views

Those background stories have been in my head and notes for a long time: happy to have them published now, and eager to hear what you think.

This chapter is pretty big on the fanon, but I prefer to try to answer interesting background questions rather than wave them away.

Visions

BARK!

Tianhuo was sent tumbling away with Papa in close pursuit.

His teeth flashed, but a duck and jab to the jaw deflected the bite.

Tianhuo pivoted for a kick, but was flung away by a shoulder shove as Papa lunged forward.

She slid back on her hooves, ready to launch her next attack as her wings blazed with power, but she caught herself as Pom flailed her legs between them.

“Stop! Stop fighting, we’re on the same team!”

“We are not fighting, we were just sparring,” Tianhuo said, with a woof from Papa confirming it. “He is a worthy warrior, and we both wanted to test our limits in the last watch. We did not mean to wake you.”

Pom let out a sigh. “Well, I’m awake now. Ah ken ye're feelin’ better?”

“Good as ever.” Tianhuo flared her mane for emphasis. “I have not had a rest like this since I got off my ship. Since I am fully recovered, it would be wise for us to continue to the Wetlands.”

“Aye, sounds good,” Pom said. “Ah’d like tae train more, but ah dinnae want tae hold everyone up; ye can go after the Longma Balls once ye get yer clue.”

“I have much to do and little time, but I promised to train you.” Tianhuo rubbed her chin. “Perhaps I can prepare drills. Can you read?”

“Of course!” Pom said.

“Good.” Tianhuo nodded. “I will be sure to write down a regimen before I depart.”

Pom’s eyes flicked away before she raised a hoof. “If ye want, we could come with ye and help.”

“I would appreciate it, but you are not a warrior yet. You have much to learn.” Tianhuo flapped her wings. “And when I travel alone, I can make better time flying.”

“Och, that’s fair.” Pom looked away.

“But take heart!” Tianhuo put a hoof on her shoulder. “You will grow stronger, and I cannot be everywhere at once: perhaps you will find a clue to the Key before me, and we can work together then.”

“Thanks.” Pom smiled and noticed a pancake Tianhuo had already made for her. “And thank ye for cooking.”

“It was no trouble. I will finish the packing while you eat. We should be on our way soon.

“Aye.” Pom laid down and bit off a chunk of it, swallowing before she asked, “So, how'd the sparring go, anyway?”

“You have a good squad, and with some training, Max might even beat me.” Tianhuo snickered at a growl from him. “Our rematch will have to wait. Be ready for me.”

Pom stopped for a last view from the waterfall, watching Tianhuo soar down and roll in the sky, clearly enjoying her flight.

I wonder…

Pom glanced down, stepped back, and jumped off with a running start, hearing shocked barks behind her.

Tianhuo immediately spun around to catch her, but Pom’s fall slowed to a feather drop as she spread herself out, leaning to adjust her angle and only slightly stumbling on landing.

“Well done.” Tianhuo alighted beside her. “But you should have told me so I could spot you.”

“Sorry,” Pom gave a guilty smile. “Just wanted tae know what it's like tae fly… Why are ye looking at me like that?”

“PutmedownputmedownPutMeDown!”

Pom's legs waved in a blur as she soared through the sky, carried by Tianhuo wrapping her forelegs around Pom's barrel.

“As you wish.” Tianhuo flew low over a hilltop and released her several leg lengths over it.

Pom’s legs kept waving as she landed, sending dirt and grass flying before she stumbled and righted herself.

Pom's hooves swiped up to cover her head in a blur as Tianhuo took a step forward. “Dinnae! Ye had yer fun!”

Tianhuo stopped to address her as surprised and cross dogs surrounded them. “I will not fly with you again unless you ask, but I did that as part of your training.”

“Training?” Pom’s eyes widened. “What was I supposed tae learn from that?”

“To face your fears, first of all.” Tianhuo said. “Panic brings out a strength in you that you do not seem able to summon in traditional training, but you cannot rely on it.”

“What do ye mean?” Pom asked.

”When we landed, you made a motion to cover your face.” Tianhuo mimicked the motion. “You struck me with it before by accident. I want you to practice that.”

“But why—” Pom was cut off when Tianhuo jerked her head forward with a puff of flame.

It did not come close to her, but it was enough to shock her into swinging her hooves defensively.

“Because it is a fast strike, and one you seem to do well with your long legs.” Tianhuo swiped her forelegs up and out to cover her head. “Do it again, but stretch your forelegs out further.”

“I ken.” Pom sounded skeptical and performed the swipe slowly at first, but by the third try, she was close to her instinctual response.

“Yes, good!” Tianhuo stomped a hoof. “Now, when you were landing, you flailed your legs quite quickly.”

Tianhuo jumped to mimic the move. “Now, try that again.”

Pom tried to jump for the attack twice, but she couldn't get up to speed on the first try and almost tripped on the second.

Tianhuo stepped up to her. “Perhaps me holding you airborne would help you practice?”

“Um…” Pom bit her lip.

“I promise to stay as stationary as I can,” Tianhuo added.

“Fine,” Pom glanced at the ground before meeting her eyes again. “Actually… More flying sounds fun.”

Tianhuo smiled.

With landing no longer a concern, Pom’s flailing kicks were soon up to speed again.

But instead of panic, she felt exhilaration at the flight.

Water splashed all around them as Tianhuo flew low to let Pom kick at a river, and Pom giggled as they ascended.

Tianhuo grinned and asked, “Perhaps we can practice landings now?”

“Aye, let me go!” Pom flailed her legs before stopping near the ground.

The dogs followed with concern as Tianhuo picked Pom up again to drop her seconds later, with the group traveling down the river as the exercise repeated.

Eventually, Tianhuo tired first, treating herself to another lump of charcoal to refuel. “You've done well. Practice that strike with a jump, and you will have a decent maneuver. I would recommend practicing your hoof strike on bushes and thin branches to start with, to get a feel for resistance.

“Och, thank ye.” Pom smiled. “But those dinnae seem like proper attacks—like yours, I mean.”

“There are many ways to fight,” Tianhuo said. “Your long, thin legs may work better with this unconventional method. But I will leave notes on Longma techniques.”

“Ah’d appreciate it.” Pom walked beside her as she put words together in her head. “And thank ye for training me. Seeing a champion like you have faith in me makes me think I can actually do this.”

“I am certain that you can, because I see that you have the will to grow strong. Strength comes from diligent practice; no warrior is stronger than their will to improve.”

On their way, the dogs seemed to notice something moving in the grass, and Papa darted off to chase it with them.

Momma started to follow, but stopped after a few steps to remain by Pom.

“Ye dinnae have tae watch me now; the sun’s up and the sky’s clear,” Pom said. “Ye can hunt. It'll be better if ye aren't hungry when we get there.”

Pom smiled as she watched them run off, and as they ran out of earshot, Tianhuo spoke up.

“Given how intimidating you seemed to find me, you seem oddly comfortable with their hunting.”

“They have tae!” Pom turned in protest. “Ah cannae judge them for that, and the things they hunt are, well… not like us.”

“I do not judge them either.” Tianhuo’s eyes were hard to read, but she sounded sympathetic. “Honored Mother also needed to kill to live, and we hold her in the highest regard.”

“Och, sorry.” Pom blushed and looked away.

“There is no shame in standing up for others,” Tianhuo said. “I just thought hunting would be more off-putting.”

“Well, ye are pretty scary.”

“Mwaar!” Tianhuo made a ridiculous snarling face with her tongue hanging out.

Pom covered her mouth with a hoof and chuckled at it, continuing after her giggles cleared up.

“I guess it's really that I'm used tae the dogs.” Pom looked up in thought. “Ah cannae think of a time they hurt anyone; they're even gentle scruffing thieves. There may be more violence from Sheeple than Sheepdogs in the Meadow.”

“And I take it that is exceedingly rare,” Tianhuo commented.

“Aye, we’re a gentle lot,” Pom said. “So I know that they have tae… kill, but I also trust that they'd never hurt anyone.”

“They seem worthy of that trust, but hunting would unnerve even many Longma,” Tianhuo said.

“Ye said ye dinnae eat meat.” Pom’s forehoof lifted in thought as Tianhuo nodded slowly. “If ye dinnae mind me asking, why not?”

Tianhuo tilted her head. “I've rarely heard that question outside of Huoshan, and rarer still have I heard it asked in good faith.”

Pom bit her lip, worried she'd crossed a line, but Tianhuo continued without any hint of disapproval.

“Our Esteemed and Honored Empress Longestma banned it as one of her first decrees, aside insects on a technicality.”

Tianhuo grimaced and continued.

“She taught that taking a life and causing suffering needlessly is shameful, even for lesser creatures.”

“I ken.” Pom raised a hoof. “That seems… I mean, I understand, but it seems harsh tae ask everyone tae give that up. But ah ken not killing needlessly.”

Pom recoiled, fearing she’d said too much, but Tianhuo only smiled at her nervousness.

“Our Magnanimous Empress is wise, but there is no shame in questioning her decisions with due respect. After all, she was only born because Honored Father questioned Honored Mother.”

“Aye, I like that story.” Pom gave a shy smile.

“Few outside Huoshan would share your sympathy for giving up meat though, then or now,” Tianhuo said. “Part of her reasoning was to allay fears that the Longma, as half-predators, could not be trusted after the war. The herds were scared, and for peace to reign between us, they would have to accept Longma as fellow ungulates.”

“But that's nae fair!” Pom stomped her hoof, looking more cute than angry to Tianhuo. “Ye fought alongside them!”

“I am old, but only our Empress is that old.” Tianhuo chuckled. “Yes, it was not fair, but we are often greeted with distrust from Honored Mother’s features. We have learned to accommodate it.”

“Och, sorry.” Pom started to glance away, but a hoof on her shoulder stopped that immediately.

“You had every reason to be wary after my attack. I do not blame you; do not blame yourself.”

“...Thank ye. Yer a good friend.”

Tianhuo bowed. “And I am honored to be your friend.”

Her heart is in the right place, even if she is a novice. Someday, I may need friends like her.

They made good time after the hunt break, and as evening fell, they crossed by another river that converged with the far bank.

After scaling another hill, they began to see stilt houses on the horizon.

“We're almost there!” Pom's steps sped up at the sight as the puppies ran forward, slowed by barks from their parents to stay with the group.

Tianhuo chuckled and cantered to keep up.

“Before we get there, you should learn about their culture.”

“You've been there?!” Pom spun around with the dogs following at varying levels of awareness.

“I am over three hundred years old; I've been almost everywhere.” Tianhuo paused at Pom's gasp.

Maybe that was a mistake… She'd never left the Meadow, remember?

“That's… that's… hard tae imagine. Is that a dragon thing?” Pom stuttered.

“It is.” Tianhuo gave a sympathetic smile. “The world is often unfair, but what makes life valuable is how you choose to spend it, not its length.”

“Thanks, I guess…” Pom looked away.

“But cheer up!” Tianhuo tilted her chin back up with a hoof. “You are still young with a bright future ahead of you, and I promise that I will do everything in my power to get these predators out of it.”

“Thanks,” Pom said, eager to change the topic. “So, what do ye mean about the tapirs?”

“Well, it's been over a hundred years since I've been here; some things may have changed,” Tianhuo said. “Their society was peaceful, but there were spiritual leaders blessed with strong Night Magic. I remember them being capable warriors.”

“Night Magic?” Pom tilted her head.

Tianhuo paused to think. “It allows them to manifest a kind of energy for attacks, like an extension of their bodies, among other things.”

Seeing Pom's baffled expression, Tianhuo clarified.

“Think of it like picking up a stick and hitting someone with it, but the stick is made of magic.”

“Ah ken, I think.” Pom nodded.

Tianhuo didn't seem entirely convinced, but she continued.

“It also gives them some stranger powers, such as riding on top of the energy as it carries them. The magic recharges in sleep, and proficient users can be aware and even able to fight in that state.”

“Wow.” Pom’s eyes widened. “Can ye do any Night Magic?”

“Ha! Magic does not work like that.” Tianhuo chuckled and held up a hoof, summoning a flame to rest on it. “Only tapirs have Night Magic, and Longma have Fire Magic.”

“Och, I ken.” Pom looked at her hooves. “Guess you cannae teach me magic, then?”

“No, but magic is no replacement for a sound mind and body,” Tianhuo said. “I've met many great warriors without magic. Even lost to some of them.”

“Ever heard of a sheeple warrior?”

Tianhuo glanced to the side as she tried to think quickly. “I have heard of… some Sheeple warriors, but I have never been tested against any other than you. And tales of the brave Sheepdogs are popular in Huoshan, though few Longma have ever seen the Meadow.”

“Really?” Pom asked as the dogs crowded in to listen.

“Indeed.” Tianhuo smiled at the puppies. “Stories of full-blooded predators who stood with the ungulates show that we are not alone with our predator blood. And I will be glad to report that the sheepdogs are as brave as any Longma.”

Pom giggled at the puppies’ proud barks as Tianhuo continued.

“And that the Meadow has a brave lamb for a champion, one who even managed to pin me.”

“Och.” Pom blushed. “Ye should tell them that ye were outnumbered and that I surprised ye.”

“You should not downplay your accomplishments, but I will tell them everything accurately.”

Don't want Baihe to laugh too hard.

Night fell as they passed through a village that seemed oddly empty, with dark stilt houses rising on either side of the cobbled stone path.

“Do ye think they're asleep?” Pom whispered.

“Perhaps.” Tianhuo led them with light from her natural flames that mingled with the glow of the full moon. “But many were nocturnal, when I last visited. The temple may have answers.”

The temple was a raised circular structure near the town, with a wide stone path that led toward it. They took a moment to stand on a bridge and look out at the beautiful still waters that surrounded it, ringed by a short waterfall too even and circular to be natural.

“Wow…” Pom’s eyes moved from the moon’s reflection to the sky and back. “It's beautiful.”

“It is. It has been too long since I last visited.” Tianhuo looked out with her.

She's gone through much in little time, and our lifespans are not fair. Perhaps I can do something to help.

“I would like to make you an offer: after Foenum, Huoshan, and the Meadow are safe, I would like to show you other beautiful places. Let you see what I have seen.”

“Really?!” Pom turned. “Thank ye!”

Pom's hug was so sudden that Tianhuo almost failed to extinguish her flames in time.

That seems to have cheered her up, at least. Let's hope we make that trip soon.

Tianhuo returned the hug as her surprise wore off.

“It would be my honor to help a fellow Champion; and when we succeed, we will have both earned a break.”

Pom broke the hug off with a giggle. “Not sure when we'll see each other again. But I'm glad I met you.”

“And I never thought I'd meet such a brave lamb,” Tianhuo said.

They spent a while longer watching the water before Tianhuo signaled with a tilt of her head and led the pack to the temple.

The first tapir they found was asleep on the path, resting his black head on an odd blue cloud of light around his neck. He yawned and stretched as they approached.

“Hmm… Fire. We've been expecting you.”

Tianhuo, Pom, and the dogs shared confused glances as he walked away.

“Follow me… Yaaawn… The master will see you now.”

“Are ye a guard?” Pom asked.

“Shhhh.” He looked back at her. “Yes, but keep it down; the others are sleeping.”

They saw what he meant as they crested the steps and heard the snoring.

Sleeping Tapirs were everywhere; they piled on room-sized cushions and rested on their own personal pillows and each other.

“Guess that explains where they went,” Pom whispered, carefully stepping over more Tapirs on their way.

“This is the Slumber Sanctuary,” the tapir whispered back, “a place of rest and meditation. All are welcome to sleep here, safe from the predators.”

“That is wise.” Tianhuo leaned her neck forward to whisper. “Consolidate them in a smaller location to guard.”

They took a winding path through tapirs and around cushions and passed a large tapir statue with carvings that glowed with lavender light.

At the center of the ring, they found a lavender tapir with what looked like a dark purple cloud billowing around her neck, snoring on a bed-sized pillow.

Tianhuo stood at attention, and Pom did her best to mimic the pose.

Momma stopped Tuft from sniffing her with a paw pinning his tail.

They waited patiently for several minutes until the guard cleared his throat.

“Yaaawn.” She stretched and righted herself on her pillow. Light flashed in her eyes as they opened. “I'm awake… I'm awake.”

Her sleepy eyes focused when they saw her guests.

“I've seen you, in my dreams.”

Tianhuo bowed. “Great Seer, I am Tianhuo, Captain of the Guard and Champion of Huoshan, and I have come to ask for your guidance.”

“I'm Pom,” Pom blurted out, regretting she said anything. “I'm, uh, the Champion of the Meadows. But ye should probably help her first.”

The lavender tapir chuckled. “You will also have work to do. I am Nidra, Champion of the Wetlands, and you are probably looking for my sister, the Seer. She's not here.”

Tianhuo's neck jerked back, but Nidra held up a hoof at their dismay. “But do not fear, she left instructions with me.

Nidra glanced at the guard, and after a moment he said, “Oh!” and ran off to fetch something.

Tianhuo raised a hoof in concern. “The Great Seer left? Why? I must speak with her as soon as possible.”

Nidra yawned. “Hasty, aren't we, captain?”

“This is urgent!” Tianhuo stepped forward.

“You do not need to be concerned.” Nidra dropped the snark in her tone. “My sister saw a fiery horse and a lamb walking with a pack of dogs in her dreams and knew you would both arrive. She wrote down instructions for me to give you.”

“Aren't ye worried about her?” Pom asked. “I mean, with the predators out and everything.”

“I trust she knows what she is doing. She's always guided others well, and I seek a vision for my own path,” Nidra said. “It’s probably just a short trip; she should be back any day now. Ah!”

Nidra’s trunk accepted two scrolls passed by her student.

Pom and Tianhuo leaned forward as she unfurled one, but Nidra addressed them before reading it.

“Before you hear what she has instructed, know that her guidance can often seem strange at first, but all who take it to heart prosper. She wishes to guide you down the best possible path.”

“I do not doubt her abilities,” Tianhuo said. “What does she say? Where should I seek the Longma Balls?”

“She said you shouldn't.” Nidra gave Tianhuo a moment as her mouth hung open. “They will be found by those not seeking them, and you are needed elsewhere.”

“Elsewhere?” Tianhuo scowled. “What could possibly be more important? Where would she send me?”

“To the Meadow,” Nidra said, getting a head tilt and a whine from several dogs and a “Huh?!” from Pom.

Tianhuo recoiled at that as her flames started to rise subconsciously. “I have been tasked with finding the Longma Balls and the Prophet’s Key, with the Empress and all of Huoshan counting on me, and I am to go to the Meadow?!”

“Yes.” Nidra smirked.

“Did she bother to explain why?” Tianhuo stared.

“Only that you were needed.” Nidra put a hoof to her chest after Tianhuo nickered. “I’m just the messenger here, but I would advise you to heed her words. She was quite clear that it was urgent.”

Tianhuo ran a hoof across her face in frustration as Pom interjected.

“I dinnae have a clue what that's about, but I could show ye around, maybe get whatever it is done—”

“No.” Nidra shook her head.

“No?” Worry and confusion mixed in Pom’s voice.

“No,” Nidra continued. “She wrote that Huoshan needs you.”

“Her?!” Tianhuo shouted before checking her tone and turning to Pom. “Apologies, I meant no offense.”

“None taken,” Pom replied, barely registering the comment as her head spun. “How can Huoshan need me?”

“They need your dogs as well,” Nidra added. “But she did not say. I would advise that you trust her, though.”

“Perhaps she wrote the instructions wrong?” Tianhuo said hopefully. “Calling me back to Huoshan and her to the Meadow to complete her training?”

“She was quite explicit.” Nidra passed the scroll to Tianhuo, who unrolled it on the ground and almost kicked it away when she was done reading.

Pom skimmed her own scroll. “This isn't saying anything about what I'm supposed tae do there!”

Nidra hopped off the pillow. “You will have to find that yourself: visions show only show a path. But whether or not you accept my sister's guidance, you are welcome to stay here and recuperate.”

Pom and Tianhuo shared a glance, but it was quickly apparent that Pom was looking to Tianhuo to make the decision.

Tianhuo's brow furrowed in thought. “Fine. I will aid the Sheeple and repay my duty to Pom. The Empress herself instructed me to heed the wisdom of the Seer.”

“Then I'll go tae Huoshan.” Pom’s words were echoed by barks from her dogs. “But… Ah dinnae know the way.”

Tianhuo took a breath to clear her thoughts and smiled. “That will be simple enough. I ordered a ship to wait for me in Whitil; it should be in the harbor by now. I will write you a note to give them, and they will sail you to Huoshan.”

“That sounds easy.” Pom nodded.

“The trip may be, but what awaits you there may be challenging.” Tianhuo’s face hardened. “I cannot fathom what would require your presence and not mine, but until it is discovered, report to Baihe to complete your training. She is my second-in-command, and a capable warrior.”

“I ken,” Pom said. “Anything more I should know?”

“Sit down, this may take a while,” Tianhuo said. “Actually, it may be wise to take notes.”

Pom wrote with a carved stick in her mouth and ink, jotting down notes between muffled Mhm-hmm!’s of affirmation. Nidra climbed back onto her pillow and immediately fell asleep as Tianhuo continued.

“And above all else, show respect to the Empress. Do not ask her name, or that of Honored Mother or Honored Father; it is dishonorable to not address them by their rightful title.”

“But why is that?” Pom set the stick in an inkwell to ask.

“It shows a lack of respect for their station,” Tianhuo said. “And please, use tact when asking questions; your behavior as a guest will reflect on me.”

“I'll be on my best behavior!” Pom raised a hoof to her chest.

“Good.” Tianhuo unrolled her own paper. “Now, is there anything I should know about the Meadow? I have admittedly never made a proper visit.”

“Well, for starters, we dinnae care about titles as much, but it's polite tae use them in formal settings. Like saying ‘Sir’ or ‘Prime Minister Quiff’ in official stuff.”

Tianhuo nodded and jotted notes down as Pom continued.

“But really, just try tae be less scary.” Pom looked over Tianhuo, who laughed until she saw it wasn't a joke. “Ah mean it. We tend tae startle easily, and they may need time tae get used tae you. Maybe try tae keep the flames down, hide those sharp teeth, try tae look less… I mean, try tae look more horse-like.”

Tianhuo smiled with her mouth closed and her flames off.

“That'll do! I hope.” Pom bit her lip.

Tianhuo dropped the pose with a scowl as her mane reignited. “If they cannot bear the face of a friendly Longma, then they are certainly not prepared for the dark predators. Perhaps I can toughen them up.”

“Just please be gentle!” Pom frowned. “I know you've been patient with me, but ah dinnae want things tae get off on the wrong hoof. Old Woad may be better though, he's done some traveling and sparring. I've been apprenticing under him.”

“Good to hear one sheep might not flee from my smile,” Tianhuo dryly remarked, noting that Pom did not seem to take it as a joke.

“Oh!” Pom's eyes widened. “I almost forgot: I have a message I'd like ye tae give my family.”

By the end of their exchange, both had notes for the trip stowed and letters to deliver.

Nidra stretched and got off her pillow as they finished.

“Wait, ye were awake the whole time?!” Pom asked.

“Not really,” Nidra chuckled, “but I could hear you. Feel free to sleep anywhere; I can grab some extra pillows.”

“Thank ye, but I've got my own,” Pom said. “Er, but the dogs could use them.”

“I'm sure they've earned a good rest as well.” Nidra yawned, glancing over at Tianhuo pacing in thought.

Tianhuo blinked, jogging her mind for what Nidra said. “Sorry. A pillow would be appreciated, but I must clear my head.”

“Feeling a bit restless, are we?” Nidra smiled. “Care to join me in some stretches first?”

“Actually,” Tianhuo paused, “it has been many years since I sparred with a Master of Night Magic. I would be honored if you would accept my challenge now, when we both have the night to sleep and recover.”

“There are easier ways to burn off energy.” Nidra leaned forward in a stretch. “But if it's a fight you want, I suppose that can be arranged.”

Pom wanted to stay and sleep with her dogs after the long trip, sharing a pillow brought out by the student, but her curiosity got the better of her.

She walked with Nidra and Tianhuo to a smaller temple where the sound of their fight wouldn't disturb others.

“I'll be rooting for ye!” Pom whispered to Tianhuo.

“I will be glad for you to see me fight as an ally,” Tianhuo whispered back.

Nidra glanced at Pom as they walked through the other ring.

“Would you mind counting us down from three?”

“Sure!” Pom sat at the edge and watched them take their positions.

“Three.”

“Two.”

“One!”

“Go!”

At the signal, Tianhuo lept forward with her fetlock blazing for a spinning kick, but it only singed Nidra's trunk as she flipped back to lay flat and duck under it.

Tianhuo steadied her momentum on landing as well as she could, but Nidra was faster as she spun for a kick of her own, covered with a purple glow around her leg that sent Tianhuo tumbling back.

Pom gasped from the sidelines.

“Dream drop!” Nidra threw a purple sphere of some cloud-like energy that seemed to lazily drift toward Tianhuo as her back hit a pillar.

“Huh?!” Pom exclaimed.

As Nidra seemed to fall asleep, Tianhuo raised a hoof to shield herself from the orb, which burst into mist around her as she jumped out of it.

Pom thought it had no effect until she saw Tianhuo wobble in the air with a fiery wing flickering down as her eyes blinked closed.

But Tianhuo shook off her drowsiness and flew high into the air as her wings flared again.

“Impressive.” Nidra stood to step toward her.

Tianhuo flew forward before Nidra could step any further, and Nidra responded by swiping a forehoof up in the air, seeming to throw the cloud around her neck into a pillar reaching towards the sky.

But Tianhuo’s wings had flapped to feint back before Nidra's move.

Nidra sent another dream orb flying to Tianhuo, but she cut it in half with a kick as she dashed forward again.

Seemingly unaffected by the mist, Tianhuo slammed into Nidra with her shoulder before punching her stomach with both hooves.

“Hueyaah!”

Fire exploded out from them as Tianhuo gave a battle cry and Nidra was sent flying out of the temple.

Nidra hit the pool outside with a loud splash, though the barrel-high water did little to soften her landing.

“Not giving up!” Nidra shouted defiantly as Tianhuo sprung after her out of the ring and Pom ran to the edge to watch.

Tianhuo's hind hoof plummeted through the air in a dropkick, sliding off the edge of Nidra's cloud as it formed around her to block.

The cloud thinned from the attack, allowing Tianhuo to reach through and grab her as she lept.

They launched into the air in a blaze of fire, curving up as Tianhuo flew in a circle and accelerating as they arced toward the main Temple's foundation.

THUMP!

Nidra slammed into it, exhaling as the wind was knocked out of her. The impact alongside the heat and wind of Tianhuo soaring through the open temple stirred some confused Tapirs.

Still wheezing, Nidra threw another dream orb toward the smaller temple.

Pom worried that she was targeting her until she noted its trajectory.

Why is she throwing it at a pillar?

Tianhuo zoomed out of the side of the temple to face Nidra again, flying fast and low to the ground.

Instead of blocking, Nidra swept a mist-coated hind leg through the water in a wide kick.

The cloud stretched far beyond her leg, falling short of Tianhuo but also sending a wave of water flying.

Tianhuo’s mane and wings were almost extinguished as she was utterly soaked, but her momentum still carried her into Nidra with an improvised punch with both forehooves held forward.

As Pom shielded her face from the edge of the water, she noticed the dream orb bounce off of the pillar, drifting back to where it came from.

Nidra's head hit the wall again as Tianhuo splashed down.

Both were slow to recover, but Nidra only had time to form a protective cloud as Tianhuo breathed a wave of fire on her.

The cloud thinned under the onslaught, and a spinning kick parted it completely as Nidra staggered at the strain.

But before Tianhuo could right her stance to continue her assault, the dream orb burst on her back.

Tianhuo immediately lost her balance and splashed into the water.

“Follow me!” Nidra’s cloud surrounded Tianhuo, seeming to wrap her in it until only what looked like a large purple flower bud was visible.

“Huh?!” Pom shouted in confusion.

Nidra flew back to the middle of the temple on a purple cloud with the Tianhuo bud in tow, and a thick mist spreading from her soon obscured all vision.

Pom crouched back, scared by what might happen, but she still strained her eyes and ears in Nidra's direction for any clues.

“Pah! That was spicy!” The mist cleared to show Nidra lying on her back and licking her lips with Tianhuo unconscious beside her.

“Wha… What just happened?!” Pom ran over, but stopped as Nidra held up a hoof.

“Shhh, she's asleep, and she has a long journey to rest for.” Nidra smiled. “What happened is a little… complicated, but let's just say I showed her the dream world.”

“Ye can fly and… do whatever that was?!” Pom's eyes widened.

“Flying is harder than it looks,” Nidra said. “I needed some of her energy for that. And if she wasn't so drowsy and wet, I think she'd have broken out of it.”

“So those orb things make ye sleepy?” Pom tilted her head.

“Correct!” Nidra rubbed the back of her head. “I just wish she was fighting with Night Magic; fire and wall slams hurt more!”

“Can ye teach me?” Pom bit her lip.

“No. Not magic.” Nidra’s expression softened. “But I can teach you some stretches, if you'd like. Keeps the mind clear and the body nimble.”

“I, sure, I'd like that.” Pom glanced to the floor.

“Oh, cheer up.” Nidra stepped forward to lift Pom's chin with her trunk. “Magic isn't everything, as you just saw. The first step for you to be a good Champion is to learn to trust in your own abilities.”

“But what can I do?” Pom rubbed one foreleg with the other. “I'm just a wee lamb.”

“You will do great things,” Nidra said. “My sister saw it in her dreams, and her dreams are never wrong.”

“Och, I hope so.” Pom secretly wondered if she really wanted to do ‘great’ things that would likely be dangerous.

Nidra lifted Tianhuo easily on a cloud and gently set her down on a pillow in the temple they fought in before turning to Pom.

“Now follow me. This will help, I promise.”

Pom joined Nidra in a series of odd stretches, mimicking the poses as Nidra made them.

“Good! You have a knack for this!” Nidra said as they stood on their hind legs for a stretch before landing back on all fours. “Feel any better?”

“I guess,” Pom said. “Still having trouble sleeping, though.”

Nidra’s smile curved into a smirk. “Then assume the meditation pose, close your eyes, and count to ten.”

“Ah ken. Ten, nine, eight…” Pom's count grew quieter and slower.

Pom found herself on a large lavender hill, gazing out into the night without a thought or memory of how she got there.

“HELLO!”

Her jaw dropped as Nidra's enormous head rose above her.

“DON'T BE AFRAID!”

Nidra tapped her trunk to Pom's forehead and watched a dream begin to unfurl.

Her mischievous grin narrowed into a pensive stare. “Fascinating… I think she needs this one.”

Pom soared through the air, tilting left and right on her burning wings.

Her legs felt strong and muscular, and she was confident that she could take on anything—she was a Longma.

She circled in the air, breathing a trail of flame just for the fun of it, and turned to smile at the ring of fire she made before gliding to her destination: Huoshan.

Pom knew her friend would be there, waiting for her.

She circled around the volcano to land, seeing soldiers in a line watching her descend and what she guessed was the Empress. Some small part of her conscious mind remarked that the Empress was far too large and long to be realistic.

But those figures were blurry around the center of her attention: Tianhuo, standing proud in the center of the platform with her dogs around her.

Pom stomped as she landed, sending a wave of flame for some extra flair, loving how the power came so effortlessly.

She hugged Tianhuo, and when they stepped away, Tianhuo bowed.

“You have done well. Come, let us go together.”

Pom strode out with her, her head held just as high, but her long neck turned as she heard someone sobbing.

It was Woogums! What was her brother doing there? And he seemed terrified of her!

“Shh, shh, it’ll be okay.” Pom pulled him into a hug. “I’m okay. I can do this.”

Warmth filled Pom’s heart as they embraced, and a gentle sleep overtook her dream.

“Morning! Time tae get up!”

Pom was up before Tianhuo for once, and she wanted to make sure that they'd both get a good early start on their journeys.

That and she didn't want to miss any time with her.

Tianhuo stirred at her words, blinking her eyes open as her neck stretched.

“Thank you, it is quite unlike me to sleep in.” Tianhuo yawned.

“Did ye sleep well?” Pom asked.

“I feel renewed. And you?” Tianhuo asked.

“I had a wonderful dream! I was a Longma, like you, and we met in Huoshan!” Pom beamed with excitement.

Is she insecure about her limits as a sheep, or does she just admire me?

Tianhuo gave her a cryptic look at that, but returned the smile. “That is lovely, and whatever you beheld in your dream, the real Huoshan will be even grander. You will be a guest of honor.”

“I can't wait tae see it!” Pom's smile waned. “But I'll miss ye.”

“Fear not; we will meet again soon,” Tianhuo said. “Whenever this Meadow business is done, I must return to the Empress to make my report.”

“Don't know where I'll go after, or what I'll do in Huoshan.” Pom scratched her neck. “It's kind of exciting, but also scary. Every day was like the last in the Meadow.”

“Whatever comes, you are in good hooves—paws with your dogs to help you.” Tianhuo motioned to them. “And the Longma will not leave a guest without aid or guidance. But we should eat and get ready; we both have long journeys.”

“Right.” Pom nodded.

At Nidra’s insistence, they joined the tapirs for a morning meal: serving rice with a bright, colorful sauce on top of it.

“What’s this stuff?” Pom sniffed her bowl.

Woof sniffed it as well, then took a lick and recoiled, rolling around on the ground.

Tianhuo chuckled. “It’s curry. You can also find it in Huoshan, though it’s really native here.”

“Ah! Svapna said I should try it.” Pom’s smile fell as tapirs immediately turned their heads, with Tianhuo’s following.

“Svapna?!” Nidra ran up with a haste Pom hadn’t seen in their fight. “You’ve met my sister? What color was she?”

“Uh… purple.” Pom blinked as Nidra’s trunk curled in excitement. “She said that the seer gave her instructions to meet people.”

“That sounds like her.” Nidra seemed to calm down. “Where was she?”

“In Whitil,” Pom said. “She seemed nice, paid for my room and helped calm me down a bit.”

“A port, then…” Nidra seemed distracted, but shook her head to refocus on Pom. “That also sounds like her. If you see her again, please tell her that her sister hopes she’ll return soon. But I must seek my own vision.”

“Och, sure thing,” Pom said. “I’d like tae meet her again.”

With the commotion over, Pom took a lick of her breakfast, staggered back, and fell over.

“H-Ha-HOT!” Pom panted, looking frantically around for any water.

Tianhuo swallowed and slid her water bowl over to Pom, giggling with a flicker of fire as Pom splashed her face into it. “I thought you might need that.”

“Apologies,” Nidra said. “We can make you a milder batch.”

Once the burning on her tongue wore off Pom took a bite of curry that she could actually taste, sitting across from Tianhuo.

“Hmm, that is actually pretty good.” Pom swallowed. “Guess Longma like spicy food?”

“I should have warned you about that,” Tianhuo said. “Be sure to ask for milder spicing in Huoshan.”

They enjoyed the meal together with the dogs off for their morning hunt, and the conversation turned to the events of last night.

“So, what happened in that fight, at the end?” Pom asked. “Ah couldnae see anything.”

“Well, I remember a wave of drowsiness stopping my attack.” Tianhuo put a hoof to her chin. “But after that, nothing.”

“She put ye in a purple flower-bud thing,” Pom said, getting a gasp from Tianhuo.

“Ah, the dream world technique. I should have known.” Tianhuo nodded. “She must have sent me to sleep while I was incapacitated.”

“It was a close fight though, right?” Pom said. “Ah mean, without that water, you’d have won.”

“Perhaps.” Tianhuo leaned over for a drink. “But being able to admit defeat is part of growing stronger. Though I will have to challenge her to a rematch if our paths cross again, of course.”

“Right.” Pom nodded.

They ate in silence for a while, and when their bowls were almost empty, Pom worked up the courage to ask.

“Do ye think we can play dinnae touch the grass one more time? Tae train, I mean.”

We have urgent duties to attend, but a game to leave her on a happy note would be nice.

“Of course.” Tianhuo nodded. “And I hope you will keep up with your training while I am away.”

“Ye can count on me!” Pom saluted.

Author's Note

The story is branching again with Pom and Tianhuo going their separate ways for now, with Pom needing to grow without Tianhuo's mentoring for awhile.

I hope I got their dynamic right.

Nidra and her sister will appear in the future, though I have a lot to refine and chart out for the different parts of the story.

Reunion

Pom fastened the strap as loosely as possible with her mouth and stepped back to examine her work.

“How's that? Too tight?”

Tianhuo's face was hard to read as always, but she seemed to blush as she tapped the bell around her neck.

“It is fine. But is this really necessary?”

“Wearing my bell will show that we’re friends, and it'll help ye fit in.” Pom smiled. “And besides, it looks good on ye.”

“It seems a little… cutesy.” Tianhuo rang the bell again.

“That’s part of the idea!” Pom nodded. “Ye look less intimidating this way.”

“I suppose that is a good thing.” Tianhuo said reluctantly. “In that case, I would be honored to wear it. But I do not want to deprive you of it.”

“That's fine, you'll give it back when we meet again.” Pom’s voice pitched up.

“Of course.” Tianhuo smiled. “And I look forward to seeing you in Huoshan.”

“Me too.” Pom’s smile wobbled. “I’ll miss ye.”

Tianhuo offered a hug that Pom eagerly accepted. “Focus on your trip. You have many wonderful new things ahead of you.”

“Goodbye!” Pom waved to Tianhuo.

Tianhuo turned in the air for one last wave before she sped away, fading into a small spark in the sky.

Pom watched her fly away until Nidra tapped her on her shoulder with her trunk.

“Do not worry, you will see her again.”

“I suppose.” Pom finally looked away. “But ah dinnae when, or what's gon’ tae happen.”

“Life is full of surprises. Even visions don't change that.”

Pom walked alongside her pack, heeding Tianhuo's advice that exercise would strengthen her legs.

The trip was oddly quiet, partly due to Pom's missing bell, but also because the dogs sensed her mood and did not wish to disturb her.

Eventually, Pom tired and let herself be carried to make their stop by nightfall, strapping herself on top of Big Papa again.

“Ye miss her too, don't ya?”

“Huff.”

“I think she likes ye. Seems like a good rival.”

“Huff.”

Pom smiled at what sounded like grumpy agreement.

“Huoshan should be nice for ye—plenty of proper warriors who can understand what yer sayin’. They’ll probably get ye better than us Sheeple.”

“Huff!” Papa protested.

Pom giggled as Momma licked her leg. “Stop that! I ken, we like ye too.”

Pom woke up when Papa sat down near the waterfall.

She unstrapped herself to rub her eyes, noting the setting sun.

“Ye dinnae have tae carry me that far.”

“Boof.”

“It's hard tae win an argument with ye.”

Momma and Papa led the pack to check for predators, and after an all-clear bark, they all set to gathering wood for a fire.

“That'll do!” Pom gave Woof an ear scratch after she dropped off a last bundle of small sticks for kindling.

Woof leaned into it and nuzzled her as the other puppies stretched from their nap, but they all turned in attention to Papa's huff.

Momma motioned to the puppies for Pom's benefit and took a step away.

“Watch the pups, got it!”

“Huff.” Momma thanked her and left with Papa to hunt.

“So, what do ye wanna do now?” Pom smiled at the puppies.

Tuft trudged over and laid down in front of her, turning over for belly rubs with a yip.

“Och, fine.” Pom indulged him, but she was soon busy massaging Woof as well after she got jealous.

Puff and Ruff were off scuffling again, but Pom let them be until she heard a sharp yelp.

“Hey, break it up!” Pom stormed over.

From Puff’s doubtlessly overdramatic whimpering and pawing, it looked like Ruff had nipped her ear.

Pom guessed that Ruff’s grumbling meant something like, “Come on, I didn't bite that hard!”

Not for the first time she wished she could understand them properly.

“Keep it tae wrestling with no nips, or I'm telling Momma and she can sort it out.”

That got a yelp out of both puppies as their ears fell back.

“We can also find other ways tae burn that energy.” Pom retrieved their rope from the stash. “Tug of war?”

Puff and Ruff found common cause pulling against Pom as she yanked them back and let them yank her sometimes to keep it interesting.

Her struggle stopped being fake when Woof decided to enter and Pom had to dig her hooves in to try to hold her ground.

Then the excitement convinced Tuft to try it.

Uh oh.

Momma laughed as she found her puppies sliding Pom around in circles.

Pom tumbled on her back as they let go before she scrambled up, blushing as she faced Momma.

“They, uh, helped me train.”

Momma chuckled and licked her before barking at the puppies.

They ran out of the cave with her to what Pom knew must be their dinner.

Pom sighed and decided to treat herself to another pancake, reflecting as she fiddled with her flint and steel hoof straps.

It's not that I'm weak, they're just getting stronger… right?

An ember finally started smoking after minutes of clanging, and she gently blew on it to stoke a fire.

She smiled as she remembered her longma dream, imagining herself effortlessly starting a fire with a breath.

But melancholy set in as she began to cook the pancake and remembered serving one to Tianhuo, with the smell of fire only reinforcing it.

I guess Huoshan will have that odd burning smell everywhere. It’s not a bad smell.

With her trip on her mind as she ate, her eyes shifted to Tianhuo's training scroll.

Maybe some practice would help.

Pom rolled it open and perused Longma techniques described in surprisingly detailed illustrations.

“Hmm.” Pom swallowed and got up, checking the scroll again.

“Okay, back hooves here, front hooves here…”

Pom jumped into a spinning kick, springing twice as high as the pictures, tilting off-balance, and landing softly on her side.

“Ach!” Pom rubbed her thigh, though the fall had only bruised her pride. “Och, maybe save that one for later.”

The dogs returned to see Pom swinging her hooves through the air, mixing the improvised style Tianhuo instructed her in and techniques that resembled Tianhuo's own style.

They were content to watch her as she trained, though the puppies lost interest and started to play tag and tug of war with each other.

After giving them time to burn off energy, Momma barked, and the puppies gathered to her with yawns.

“I can take a turn at watch,” Pom said around heavy breathing from her routine.

Papa shook his head.

“But I can do it!” Pom made herself as big as possible, but still fell short of his eye level. “I dinnae want tae be the helpless little lamb all the time, I want tae help.”

Papa responded by roughly mimicking the training routine and huffing at the scroll.

“Och, fine.” Pom said. “I guess training helps more with that.”

This'll all change once I figure this out, just got tae get ready for Huoshan.

Momma took first watch, laying down with her puppies sleeping, cuddled up to her.

Without enough light to check the scroll again, Pom retired to join them after repeating the same drills until the sun set and she couldn't see the floor clearly.

Pom looked out at the river while practicing the stretches that Nidra taught until she was interrupted by Puff flying up.

“Barkbark Bark!”

“What is it, girl?”

Puff landed with a stumble and yapped in the direction of the entrance.

“Barkbark!”

“Okay, I'll follow ye!”

Pom ran after Puff as she took off and jumped down the hillside, floating after the flying puppy.

The sun's out; what could have gone wrong on their hunt?!

Did someone fall into something or run into a cave?

Pom caught sight of Momma and Papa first as she landed and ran to them, feeling relieved but confused.

“What's the problem? Why'd ye call me?”

In response, Momma pointed her nose at a bush of leafy vines, and Pom gasped as she saw a hoof sticking out.

“Is… is it?” Pom crept up to the leg and eyed it carefully as Woof sniffed it.

She was about to start pushing the vines aside when Woof licked the leg.

Several things happened at once.

A vine whipped out and sent Woof flying with a panicked shout from the bush.

Ruff yelped as another vine whipped him away, but Pom jumped over it with her legs flailing as she jumped in without thinking.

“GAH!”

Pom's hooves slammed against something repeatedly, and she turned to see an angry doe staring back.

She smacked it on the muzzle with her hooves covering her head instinctually, but she froze as she recognized the face.

“Wait, AaaaAAA!” Pom yelped as vines squeezed her barrel and pulled her high in the air.

But the vines’ grip loosened as the doe recognized her. “Pom?!”

Papa circled with a low growl as Momma protested and tried to keep the puppies away.

“It's okay, lads!” Pom did her best to look at the dogs with her body held still over them. “She's a friend. Ash, ye remember her! Give her some space.”

Papa took a breath and huffed, and the dogs stepped back to leave them on their own.

Ash's eyes darted between the dogs as the vines turned and followed her, effortlessly holding Pom as she did not struggle.

“It's okay, they're nice,” Pom coaxed Ash to lock eyes with her. “Sorry for hittin’ ya. If ye put me down, we can all calm down.”

Ash's hyperventilation steadied as she gently set Pom on the ground. Her vines seemed to shrink and vanish into a bundle around her neck and back.

“C-can ya make them go away?” Ash’s voice hardened. “Least ya could do after waking me up randomly and hittin’ me!”

“Och, sorry.” Pom glanced away before calling to the dogs. “Ye heard her, she needs space. But can ye fetch my things and some water?”

Papa huffed and left for the cave as Momma led the puppies away.

Ash rubbed her head. “Yeesh, you hit hard—for a lamb, at least.”

Pom fought back a smile. “Sorry. Here, let me take a look at that.”

“I'm fine.” Ash slumped down and let Pom inspect her, but she stiffened as Pom gasped.

“You’re covered in scratches, and was that a bite?!” Pom exclaimed as she leaned closer. “You look exhausted!”

“Yeah, that one hurt.” Ash winced at the memory. “But I'm fine, really.”

In response, Pom tapped one of her scratches.

“OUCH!”

“Now, tell me where you’re hurt and what happened,” Pom said.

“YEOWCH! Where'd you learn medicine, wool shearing school?!”

“Oh, hush!” Pom pushed her back down and finished cleaning the wound.
“Ah told ye it'd sting a wee bit. Ready!”

Ash grumbled some curse under her breath as a thin vine wrapped around the poultice and detached on its own before Pom bit the extra length off.

“What were ye thinking going through the caves alone with no fighting experience? Magic is no replacement for a sound mind and body,” Pom quoted.

“Whadaya mean by that, stick legs?! I fought through predators to get here!” Ash raised her head to glare at her. “And what's so smart about you runnin’ through a death cave?!”

“Ah– ah dinnae mean it like that.” Pom looked away. “It's just something a friend told me. I'm sorry, wasn't thinking.”

“Whatever,” Ash grumbled and closed her eyes in her prone position.

As Pom finished her treatment, Ash raised her head.

“Who is this friend, anyway? What do Sheeple know about magic and fighting?”

“We don't know much, honestly,” Pom said. “But she's not a Sheeple, she's a Longma!”

“Huh.” Ash blinked. “Guessin’ that's Tianhuo. She was the talk of the town when she passed through, but when I challenged her, she said I wasn't ready. Probably just scared.”

Pom rolled her eyes as Ash flexed her vines. “Och, no. But she told me something similar when I offered tae go with her. Gave me some drills tae train on. Wanna see?”

“I'm good.” Ash scratched at her neck with a vine. “Thanks for patching me up, though.”

“Just glad I could help.” Pom smiled. “But if you dinnae mind me asking, what are those… things on your back? Are ye sure they’re safe?”

“Oh, they're called choker vines.” Ash held up a hoof and extended one over it to show it off. “At least that's one thing they called them. Rediscovered them myself. They’re safe, though—probably saved my life yesterday.”

“You just found them, then you can use magic?” Pom leaned in.

“Not that simple,” Ash said. “I studied old records to find really old seeds and got lucky.”

“Seems handy against the predators,” Pom said.

“That's the idea,” Ash replied.

Pom glanced away before asking. “Ever heard of a magic sheeple?”

“Uh, no. Read all sorts of superstitions on dogs, though.” Ash pointed to Puff hovering where the dogs waited out of earshot. “How’s that one flying, anyway?”

“I… dinnae know.” Pom glanced back. “Never heard of anything like it.”

“Huh.” Ash blinked. “Well, I'll let someone else figure that out. Did you or Tianhuo evah find that Seer? Because she’s the lead I’m looking for, and I'd really like to get outta here.”

“Uh, about that.” Pom scratched her head. “The Seer was in Whitil when I got there, didnae know it was her. She left instructions telling me tae go tae Huoshan and her tae go tae the Meadow. Ah dinnae know why.”

“Anything about me, then?” Ash leaned in. “Or the Key?”

“Um, nothing about the Key.” Pom bit her lip. “Or anyone but me and Tianhuo.”

Ash's eye twitched. “You mean to tell me that I went through all that for nothin’, and that that trunk pig coulda told me back at home?!”

“Well…” Pom averted her eyes. “Yeah, I guess.”

Ash took a breath and got up. “Give me a moment.”

She walked off into the trees.

“AAAAAAAAH! STUPID Fat Mudbrained little—”

Pom covered her ears as the swears got worse.

“Sorry.” Ash panted as she returned. “Had to get that outta my system.”

Pom blinked. “Well, if it makes ye feel better, we're headed back tae Whitil. Want tae go with us when you’re feeling better?”

Ash's eyes flicked towards the dogs and back. “Sure, strength in numbers and all that.”

Pom made a candied hazelnut pancake for Ash out in the open beside her, wanting to brighten her mood without interrupting her rest with a climb up the hill.

But to her surprise, Ash was already full of energy as she ate.

“This is wicked good! Glad my boyfriend shared his stock with you.”

“You're welcome.” Pom smiled. “You seem like you're recovering well.”

“Good as new! Shouldn't’a doubted you.” Ash stretched her hind legs. “But I told ya these vines weren't a problem.”

“I used tae only hear about magic in stories, now I've seen three kinds in a few days.” Pom muttered.

“I like those stories, wouldn't have found these without ‘em.” Ash raised a vine. “Anyway, now that you've doctored me up, how’s about we get through the cave tonight? I'd like to get back home sooner rather than later.”

Pom looked around and got huffs of affirmation from the dogs. “Sounds good tae me. Got any other leads to go on when ye get back?”

Ash looked up in thought. “Well, not really, but I’d like to go over my notes on the prophet again, maybe find that stupid seer if she’s still there.”

“You’ve been studying the Prophet?” Pom perked up. “Got any idea where the Key is?”

“Well, not where it is, but some places it might be,” Ash explained. “I've been going over everything I can find on where she went after the Sealing.”

Ash’s vine fished a couple of books out of her saddlebags. “Brought some reference materials, even.”

“Would ye mind sharing notes?” Pom raised a hoof. “I promise I’ll share anything I find, one champion to another.”

“Sure! It's the least I could do.” Ash said. “We're all on the same team, right? No sense keeping secrets.”

“Right!” Pom nodded. “I was worried you’d want to fight over it or something.”

“I've had enough fighting.” Ash's vines retracted into loops around her neck and back, which she covered with her cape as she secured her saddlebags. “Anyway, the Prophet made plenty of stops for ceremonies and celebrations and all that, but I'm betting she kept it close to home. She did go to Huoshan once though, so it wouldn’t hurt to check there. Paid a visit to the old dragon behind the longma to send her off.”

“Honored Mother,” Pom corrected. “Tianhuo told me the story.”

“Right, they call her that,” Ash said. “Whole thing’s wicked strange to me. Anyway, the accounts I’ve seen are pretty light on details. There was a feast and a ceremony going for several days apparently, and the coronation of their Empress, but not a lot on the Prophet herself. I'll let ya see the rest of my notes once we get to Whitil.”

“Thanks,” Pom said. “Where else do ye think it could be?”

“Well, after that she went…”

Ash had been talkative on the way to the cave, but she cut her lecture short as they neared the entrance, and her gait stiffened.

“I'll stick by you,” Ash said. “Hope your dogs can see in there.”

“Better than we can, I ken.” Pom replied, but it didn't seem to reassure her. “Hey, I know it's scary, but we'll be fine.”

“Speak for yourself, I'm not scared!” Ash spun around.

“There’s nothing wrong with being scared,” Pom said.

“Well, I'm not.” Ash turned away. “Nothing wrong with you being scared, though.”

“Boof.” Papa’s protest made Ash jump.

“And what's that supposed ta mean?!” Ash’s head jerked to Papa.

“Ye know what he meant, but I'm not offended.” Pom said. “I am scared, I’m just brave because I have tae be. And I’m glad tae have a brave doe with me.”

Ash paused mid-step for a moment before carrying on. “Uh, thanks. You’ll be safe with me.”

When they made it to the cave, Ash walked alongside Pom in the middle of the pack as Papa led the way and Momma trailed behind with the puppies guarding their flanks.

Glowing mushrooms marked their path and provided some dim light to travel by as everyone listened for danger and Pom noticed Ash’s gaze darting around.

“Dinnae worry, the—”

“Shh!” Ash's head jerked to her with a whisper. “They might hear you!”

Pom tried a smile as she whispered back. “We'll be fine.”

Fortunately, they did not encounter any predators, though Pom wondered if that was because they knew to avoid a large group.

“I know that smell, come in!”

The group sped up at a familiar gruff voice, and hurried to the end of the tunnel to see Churl ready to greet them.

“Oh. I see you've brought the ‘Champion of the Woodlands.’ Good to see you made it through without a guide.”

Ash looked away from the entrance, vines waving above her head at the ready. "Uh- huh? Oh! Sorry, just makin' sure those stupid things didn't follow." She quickly turned and composed herself. "No problem for me. Got through... mostly fine, thanks for that."

Pom noticed Churl narrow his eyes and tense slightly, and decided to change the subject.

“We've got some news.”

“What'd the Seer say?” Churl turned to her.

“Well, she didn't say anything about the Key.” Pom’s voice sped up at Churl's scowl. “Really, she wasn’t there at all, but she said I was needed somewhere. In Huoshan. In a note she left. Nothing about you, sorry.”

“Well, that's interesting.” Churl snorted. “Guess you saved me a trip either way. But you might be needed here; we found where the predators are coming from.”

“Really?!” Pom leaned in.

“I've heard they can show up anywhere in the dark,” Ash remarked.

“Yeah, I know that.” Churl stared back at Ash. “But they're coming from one place in particular: some sort of shrine with a portal down here that they're pouring out of.”

“Wha…” Pom blinked. “Why would that exist? Who made it?”

“Don't know, don't care,” Churl answered, ignoring a snort from Ash. “I just know it needs some dismantling.”

“If ya found it, why didn't ya knock it down?” Ash said.

“We almost did,” Churl growled. “There were too many of those damn predators though. Had to retreat to make sure no one would be left behind. Thinned ‘em out good though, and I was planning on another attack as soon as everyone recovered, but with you lot here…”

“We'd be happy tae help.” Pom stomped a hoof and received barks of affirmation from the dogs.

“Knew I could count on ye, lass.” Churl grinned.

“Well, ah,” Ash fidgeted, “I'd love tah help, but I also just got done thrashing a load of those predators and I need some recovery myself. At least I got ta knock lots of ‘em out for ya.”

“Really?” Churl grunted. “I've pulled double guard shifts with more dings than that. Just like a whitetail to be too delicate for the real work.”

“WHAT did ya just say?!” Ash's vines stabbed into the ground and bristled above her as she shoved her face in Churl's.

“Hey, we're on the same team!” Pom tried and failed to push them apart. “We don't know what she's been through.”

“Can't be worse than what we went through.” Churl stared back at Ash. “This'll be a good story: the Sheeple champion is braver than Whitil’s finest!”

“Fine! I'll come!” Ash spat back. “Bet I can outfight ya even with an injury!”

“Wanna prove that now?” Churl hoofed the ground.

“STOP!” Pom shouted as they both snapped out of it and turned to her. “We’re here to fight predators, not bicker around and hurt each other. So learn tae work together for a wee bit, or I'll do this myself!”

Pom cowered as she realized what she’d said. Churl and Ash both blinked.

“Er, I meant me and my dogs. But I'd really, really, really like your help.”

“Well, I'm not staying back,” Churl said. “Fine. I won't call anyone a coward who puts themselves on the front lines.”

“And I won't call you a—” Ash got a look from Pom and cleared her throat. “Let's just do this thing.”

“Eyes open, I smell them,” Churl whispered back, leading from the front.

“I've got a plan.” Pom called for a huddle. “Bet they're gonna try to cut us off. You two hide, I'll bait them out.”

“Sic ‘em, lads!” Pom yelled as her dogs charged forward with scattered barks.

Three wolves and a bear had been guarding the shrine. Two of the wolves were bowled over by Momma and Papa and kept down by the puppies pouncing on them.

Momma grabbed one of the others who tried to flee the sudden assault and threw it against a wall.

The bear swiped at Papa, scoring a glancing blow to his head as he failed to evade, and Papa retaliated with a swipe of his own.

The two tackled each other and rolled on the floor with growls and snarls.

Two bears and a cougar ran in to try to cut the ungulates off at the sound, eager to attack the exposed sheep trembling in front of them.

A shockwave from Churl hiding behind a stalagmite tripped the cougar and one of the bears as they ran ahead, while the other bear skidded to a halt.

The tripped bear fell on its side, but the cougar tumbled out of control toward Pom with its faster momentum.

Pom braced herself for the impact, but vines snapped down and wrapped around it.

“Where ya think you're goin’?!” Ash yelled as her vines held her to the ceiling.

The cougar yelped as it was yanked back, flung through the air where it burst into smoke on the far wall.

But the bear that did not trip was quick to respond, slamming the wall with both forepaws and sending stalactites crashing down alongside a panicked doe.

Churl seized the opening to charge it, knocking it on its side and pursuing to keep it on the ground.

But Ash fell into a tangled heap of vines and stone and was slow to stand. When she did, she met the eyes of a growling bear.

It raised a paw to slash, but Ash only stood still, frozen in place.

Oh no! Pom gasped and ran as fast as she could.

Pom spun in front of her, swinging her hooves over her head and smacking it hard on the jaw.

The bear flinched back as its paw swiped over Ash’s head, and before it could strike again, Momma bit down on its leg and yanked it out from under it.

It managed to free its paw, but before it could scramble up, Ash wrapped its torso in vines which grew thicker and more numerous as she rooted herself to the ground.

“Stay down!” The vines lifted the bear into the air as they spun, slamming the bear’s back into the shrine.

It pushed off with a frenzied growl but flinched again as Pom struck it with a jump kick, but she failed to land properly and wound up sprawled on the floor.

The bear loomed over her as the dogs rushed in, but a pair of long vine whips finished it off and ended the fight.

Churl rejoined them with a cheer echoed by the victorious howls of the dogs.

But Ash remained still with her gaze fixed forward.

“Hey.” Pom raised a hoof to Ash’s shoulder, startling her out of it as her vines shuddered. “Are ye okay?”

“S-sure. Neva better.” Ash stammered.

“Ye did good there. We've got tae look out for each other.” Pom smiled.

“Yeah, guess we're even.” Her voice and breathing steadied, but she still lacked her usual confidence.

“Rotten luck on that fall.” Churl offered a hoof, which Ash shook after some hesitation. “You still owe me a sparring match. You might even manage to make it interesting.”

“Sure.” Ash shook her head to get her thoughts together. “So, what are we waitin’ for? Let's smash that portal and get outta here.”

“I've been looking forward to this.” Churl chuckled and approached it on a walk that turned into a charge.

He slammed into it with his tusks, but they only chipped it even as he flew into a frenzy, pounding and scraping it.

Eventually, he gouged the ground under it, titling the shrine as its foundation destabilized.

“Wait, do that one again!” Ash said. “Let's just bury it.”

Pom and her dogs stood and watched as the shrine sank further and further from Churl's digging, until it fell in with vines woven tightly around it.

Once the broken earth was packed in to the best of their ability, Pom spoke for the group.

“Let's call it a day.”

“I'm gonna rest easier with that thing in the ground, for sure. Folks in Whitil and Baaah are tougher than they look!”

Pigs cheered as Churl recounted the battle at the victory feast, not mentioning how Ash had frozen up.

Pom suspected he had not noticed.

She sat next to Ash in a place of honor with Elder Granite on her other side.

“They know this isn't over, right?” Ash remarked. “It's not like predators won't show up in the caves.”

“Aye, but they'll be safer, at least.” Pom said. “It's up tae us tae find the key and seal them for good. And you've already done research!”

“Yeah. I should share that with ‘em.” Ash glanced away briefly. “Really, I'd like to get back to the library for more research. Maybe I can help more there than I managed here.”

“Ah, dinnae downplay yourself.” Pom gave her a playful nudge. “You were great back there! If I can manage this, I'm sure ye can!”

“Yeah… I guess you're right.”

“Information is good,” Granite cut into the conversation, “But we appreciate you fighting to keep our home safe. You’re the first whitetail to respond to our call for aid, and the second champion.”

Ash’s brow furrowed. “Aren’t the mines a perfect place for predators to gather?”

“Indeed.” Granite nodded.

“And you already asked Whitil as the leader of this group?” Ash asked.

“Yes,” Granite said. “If the mines fall, it will be a danger to us all, but your captain of the guard did not see it that way.”

"We can’t risk having a huge cave system crawling with predators right next door." Ash scowled. "That’d be the biggest threat to Whitil!”

“Finally, some deer is making sense!” Churl snorted. “We tried to reason with ‘em, but they’re content to have us do all the fighting for them.”

“Maybe they’ll listen to their champion, then,” Ash grumbled. “I need to teach that stuck-up captain another lesson.”

“Give him a whack for me!” Churl snorted out a chuckle.

Granite noticed Pom as she glanced away at the table as the talk went on, and he leaned in to whisper.

“Something bothering you, lass?”

“Um, well.” Pom took a breath to compose her thoughts. “I never thought being champion could mean being a diplomat or a leader or whatnot. Thought one of us would just find the Key, use it, and be done.”

“That’s all you really need to focus on,” Granite said. “Though it wouldn’t hurt for us all to work together more.”

“Och, dinnae count on the sheeple.” Pom shook her head. “Ah dinnae think anyone would be happy tae send dogs off tae protect others, if they’d even accept the dogs, and I cannae think of a single proper sheep fighter.”

“Well, you’ve proved that it’s possible.” Granite smiled. “And you might surprise yourself; I think leadership suits you.”

“Really?” Pom asked.

“You’re already a leader.” Granite motioned to the dogs as they ate their mealworms. “And if things get rough, who do you think the sheeple are going to want as their leader? Some desk warmer, or someone who’s actually been in a fight?”

“I…” Pom stammered. “But I’m just a lamb.”

“There’s more to growing up than age,” Granite replied. “And time passes quickly. If you’re old enough for them to make you champion, you’re old enough for them to listen to you.”

Pom volunteered to help at the infirmary after she checked on the dogs in the guest chamber.

To her surprise she found Ash already there, talking to the head doctor.

“Ah, Pom!” he turned to address her. “Good to see you in one piece. We’ve got everyone patched up though, so you should get some sleep.”

“Och, good tae hear.” Pom nodded. “Good night, then!”

“Good night.” The doctor waved her off as Ash followed her out.

“Were ye volunteering?” Pom asked.

“Not exactly,” Ash said. “Figured they could use more medical supplies, so I dropped off my stuff and told them about my shop. I can just restock in Whitil.”

“That’s really kind of ye.” Pom smiled.

“Yeah, I guess. But it’s an easy way to help.” Ash lowered her voice. “And thank you, for everything.”

“Thank you too, ye were great out there!” Pom said.

“Cut it way closer than I’d have liked.” Ash’s eyes glanced away for a moment. “So I was thinkin’, maybe we can try some of those drills you mentioned together before bed.”

“Of course! I’m sure they won’t mind us using the training room.”

Pom tried to appear confident as they walked, but her mind raced.

How can I teach her anything when I’ve barely had any training?! What would Tianhuo do here?

Pom recalled how they’d practiced the same strike over and over.

Right. She’d start with the basics.

Their pace slowed as they heard squeals up ahead.

“Why are they so loud?” Ash grumbled.

They entered to find Shale rushing towards a vaguely quadruped training dummy of straw and wood that stood slightly taller than her. A crash rang through the room as she slammed it into the wall.

“Oh, hey!” She turned to greet them. “Come to get some practice in?”

“Just a bit.” Pom shared a glance with Ash. “I was thinking we'd try some hoof strikes.”

“Be my guest.” Shale tilted her head to a line of other dummies. “Don't mind me, just going through some drills.”

Shale returned to her practice with booming thuds every time she hit the wall as Pom and Ash approached a dummy.

“We can work on whatever you'd like,” Pom said, “but I thought hoofstrikes would help if anything gets too close. Your vines look amazing, but it'd be a nice plan B tae have.”

“Fair enough,” Ash said. “So, we just hit it?” Ash swung her hoof, lightly grazing the dummy on its front as it glanced off. She grimaced.

“Basically, but ye have tae turn and put your weight into it. Pine actually showed me how.” Pom demonstrated by pivoting into a punch, shaking the dummy slightly.

“But I don't have much weight tae throw around.” Pom glanced away.

“That was fine.” Shale’s comment got both of them to turn their heads. “You’ve got to think like you're going to punch through it, though, or you'll hold yourself back.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Ash said. “My go again?”

“Sure!” Pom stepped aside.

Ash mimicked the pivot with a tap on the dummy to practice, then she turned and punched it with a thud as she lost her footing for a moment.

“Good!” Pom cheered. “Just got tae practice your balance.”

Pom and Ash took turns letting their forehooves rest as they trained with Pom's encouragement and the occasional comment from Shale.

Pom was about to call it a day when Shale spoke again.

“I think you've got the form down well enough. How about some sparring with each other to practice it? That's how I usually train guards.”

Pom and Ash shared a glance.

“Ah dinnae,” Pom started, “I'd be fine with it if it'd help, but she might be hurt.”

“I'm fine!” Ash said a bit too loudly. “I’ll even hold off of the vines to make it fair.”

“Um...” One of Pom's forehooves lifted from nerves.

“Just some light sparring,” Shale said. “How about best of three rounds, first knockdown wins each round.”

“That sounds okay.” Pom nodded. “Just us one on one, no dogs or vines.”

“Got to train your fundamentals.” Shale led them to a mat. “I'll count you down and be the ref.”

Pom and Ash took their positions.

“On three!”

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three!”

Ash caught Pom off-guard lunging with a punch immediately. Pom could only think to scamper back and make distance.

“You lose if you leave the mat!” Shale shouted.

Pom looked down to see that she was already on the edge and back up to see Ash lunging again.

In a panic, she threw her hooves up to cover her head.

Smack! “Ow!”

“Pom wins round one!” Shale called.

Pom opened her eyes to see Ash getting up from laying on her rump.

“Close one, I got lucky.” Pom leaned down to help her up.

“Guess your legs are pretty long. Ready,” Ash grumbled in reply.

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three!”

Pom jumped forward with her legs flailing, trying the move she'd practiced yesterday, but Ash stood on her hindlegs to match her height and punched her in the cheek, knocking her out of the air and on her side.

“Ash takes round two!”

Pom felt her face with a hoof before giving an ‘eep!’ as a vine pulled her to her feet.

“That was incredible!” Pom said. “How did ye do that?”

“Ah, lots of whitetails can.” Ash grinned as she fell back to all fours. “I just do it more at work. I've got a knack for it. I can show ya later.”

“One!”

“Two!”

“Three!”

Pom lunged forward to punch as Ash stood and backed up, causing Pom's punch to miss.

“Ouch!”

Ash stomped down with her hooves on Pom's back, but was not able to put much momentum into the strike as Pom braced herself.

Crouching from the strike but not down, Pom acted instinctively again and ran forward as fast as possible, inadvertently tripping Ash as she pushed Ash's hindlegs out from under her.

“And the winner is Pom!”

“I… I won?!” Pom turned to see Ash sprawled out on her barrel. “That was just lucky, we can do another.”

“It wasn't all luck,” Shale corrected, “and every fight has some luck. Just another thing to adapt to. But you both had some good moves there to refine.”

“Thanks,” Pom said as she helped Ash up. “But I'd have definitely lost against her vines.”

“That wasn't the point of this,” Ash replied, and Pom thought she saw her wipe her eyes. “You won it, I messed up. Good night.”

“Ash?” Pom sprinted after her as she cantered away. “Are ye okay? We can do something else if ye want, ye can use the vines!”

“I'm fine.” Ash tried to compose her voice. “Just need to sleep. Night.”

Pom took a step to follow but was stopped by Shale’s hoof and whisper.

“Best let her be, she needs time.”

“Ah dinnae ken,” Pom said. “What's wrong?”

“Well…” Shale glanced away before locking eyes with Pom. “No offense, but she just lost to a lamb who was not the greatest fighter.”

“Oh.”

“Sorry, should have said that better.” Shale winced.

“No, you're fine.” Pom looked down. “You're right. I just dinnae mean tae hurt her feelings.”

“You did nothing wrong. You wouldn't have won here without training, and she also has training to do.” Shale reassured her. “And trust me, I've seen a lot of bruised egos. She'll get over it.”

“Good tae know.” Pom frowned.

As she often had when she felt upset, Pom went straight to Big Momma when she returned to her guest quarters.

“Aroo?” Momma tilted her head at her approach.

“I feel like I messed up trying to help Ash.”

Momma gave a gentle whine, prompting her to continue.

“I wanted her tae feel better, but I beat her by accident.”

“Huff.” Momma shook her head with a smile.

“But ah dinnae want this tae happen, and now I'm not sure what tae do.”

In response, Momma reached a paw to touch Pom’s chest, then her head.

“Trust my heart and my head?” Pom repeated the old saying.

“Boof.”

Pom let Momma pull her into a hug and nuzzle her.

“You're always a good listener. Thank ye.”

Momma licked her in response, and, soon, they joined the others in sleep.

Author's Note

Ash is NotSoDogNinja's OC, though her version here is special one we developed together to fit. In this story she first appeared in chapter 4, The Front Lines.

Aside just liking her as a character, I thought she could serve an important role here: always a bit nervous about making sure OCs elevate the main cast though.

I retconned last chapter slightly to not have the vision instructions say anything about finding a deer or something in the caves: it was making it too clunky as a plot device.