The Race of a Lifetime I 8432 Capture Attempt

The morning was cold and brisk, a breeze blew through the forest making Clara shiver. Rain had soaked the ground the day before and all that was left was a muddy and dew filled landscape. Slipping Clara trotted up a small deer trail and snorted, breathing in the fresh mountain air. Clara stopped at the top of the trail, letting in some of the cool breeze. Her manes blew swiftly in the wind making her more than excited for the day to start. 

She smelled the crisp air taking it all in. Today felt different, but why? She only shrugged and continued down the path. Today was a good day! The grass was still green and the sun was starting to shine. Clara let out a small neigh as she picked up her pace ready to stretch her legs and release the ever building excitement. She weaved through the trees challenging her nimble but sturdy legs, jumping over brush landing and then taking off again. Her mind filled with happiness and excitement as she raced through the trees, she laughed letting the forest know her excitement. 

Clara soon stopped once she broke from the trees and into another meadow, her jaw dropped a bit as she looked around. This place was strange but familiar, she did not remember it from the multiple times she had explored this forest. “You’d think I’d remember a place like this!” she said in awe as she took in the sights of the strange meadow.

The ground was not muddy nor was it wet. The grass was green, greener than any grass she had seen. Small dew drops clung to the grass blades, creating an ethereal white sheen on the meadow floor. A breeze blew through the strange setting blowing the trees slightly, making them rock to the harmonious rhythm of the hills. Large pine trees stood grandly over the meadows, each towering like a giant watch tower. Clara stood in awe, wondering where the heck she was. She bent down sniffing the grass revealing the amazing and sweet scent, she nipped at a blade revealing its exquisite flavor. She sighed breathing in its wonders. “Maybe I’m lost, but in this paradise I would never want to be found.” She looked around catching a glimpse of something off in the distance, something coming faster and closer. 

Clara stood in a defense position waiting to see what the strange creature had in store for her. She began to realize the strange golden glow began to take the shape of a ballator, she soon relaxed a bit wondering who they were and why they were in such a hurry. The stranger approached rather quickly making Clara a bit uncomfortable, she soon got over it seeing as how she had no respect for bubbles. The stranger didn't say anything for a short while, he just circled Clara looking her up and down, almost checking her out. “Can I help you?” Clara replied. 

“Not particularly,” He spoke. 

Clara spent a minute looking at him, “What kind of ballator are you? I've never seen something quite as different as you.” She sounded a bit judgey but she was still shocked and confused where he had come from. He was gorgeously bright, making him the center of attention. Gold stripes marked his neck and shoulder manes. Small patches of gold marked his hooves and tail shining brighter than the sun. He almost hurt Clara’s eyes. 

“I know, take it all in. I’m magnificent, right?” He stepped higher, raising his head and curved horns making him seem like royalty or greater than Clara.

“More like vain,” Clara muttered under her breath, feeling his selfish and vain vibe drown her like an endless river. “Who are you, and why have I never seen you before?”

“Hmmm, after an insult like that why should I tell you?”

“Hey you’re the one who acted all high and mighty in the first place. Aren't we all equal in the eyes of Aether himself?” She motioned towards him, curiously waiting for his reply.

“You’ve got me there. I will make a deal with you,” He smiled and pawed impatiently at the ground. “If you can prove you are worthy to know my name through a simple race, I will tell you all you want to know.”

Clara only frowned, wondering if she wanted to know this ballators name that badly. What was in it for her? Seemed like an unfair deal to her...She only sighed, “Consider it a challenge! I don't have anything better to do. Plus this place seems to be teeming with life, might as well take advantage of it.” She smiled nudging the stranger, watching him recoil with the sudden touch. She only chuckled wondering if he was ticklish. 

“You see the tree?” He motioned towards a freakishly tall pine tree that towered above the meadow, leaving a giant dark shadow in its wake. “First person to that, wins!” He smirked, having a secret plan in mind. “I’ll count us off…”

Clara only laughed back. “I’m not going to take it easy on you. That would be unfair, you best not take it easy on me,” She said sternly making sure that he knew the rules of the race. “We will start here,” She stated and drew a line in the dirt, establishing the start line. 

“Trust me, I won't take it easy on you! If I win, I get gloating rights. That's what this is truly about,” He laughed obnoxiously, making Clara annoyed. 

“Just start the count off tough guy,” She rolled her eyes and dug her hooves deep within the dirt, getting ready for her take off.

“3…….2…..” He said taking off at two. He got a couple strides in before Clara reacted. “....1!!” he laughed pulling ahead slightly.

“Hey!” Clara jumped into action trusting her strong legs to get her where she wanted to go. Her legs were strong and graceful, and from a young age she was taught how to use them. She took her time, making sure she focused on her breathing as well as her strides. Taking bigger and bigger strides with each step, she felt as if she was flying. Soon she was close, she nipped at his tail. “Cheater!” She smirked and picked up her speed gradually. 

The stallion watched as Clara began to come shoulder to shoulder, ‘Damn she’s fast,’ He thought, watching her gradually get faster. “Its not over yet!” He smirked and pushed himself a bit harder getting back up to Clara’s shoulders. 

Clara only laughed and pushed past the strange ballator. She raced past the pine tree passing the line first. She slowed and turned back facing the stranger. “Now for your part of the deal!”

The stranger stood in denial, ‘Did that just happen? Was she even going her fastest? You forest ballators are agile, I will give you that!” He smiled kindly this time showing a bit more of a personal side. “The names Midas!”

Clara smiled, “Clara.” She nudged him again, this time he seemed less stiff and more comfortable with her. She hated to admit it but she did like this stranger, and she wished to learn more about him. “Why are you here?” She asked.

Midas only stared back at her, “I was born from the hoof steps of the great High lord Aether.”

Clara stood shocked wondering if this ballator was spitting straight nonsense. “Say that again?” She said curiously wondering if her brain was working. 

Midas laughed, “You heard me!” 

Clara smiled and turned, walking a distance away before looking back to him wanting him to join her. “Tell me more!”