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.