Dododex
ARK: Survival Evolved & Ascended Companion
Night-Mare
Chapter 12
Leo held out his hands and took in a deep breath before releasing it in a sigh of contentment. "This," he replied, "is home. The heart of the dark forest, where no light can survive."
Before Steven could say another word, a soft braying broke the silence. He turned his head towards it slowly. Two glowing orange orbs stared at him through the darkness. They held still only for a second before circling him. As they came closer amd towered over him, Steven could make out the shape of a horse's muzzle.
Steven turned back to Leo, unable to look death in her large, orange eyes. He fumbled for words. "How… why…"
Leo scoffed, amused by Steven's ignorance. "The horseman was going to kill me, so I killed him first and took his place."
"How?! How is that even possible?"
"I was already a horseman," Leo shrugged, "I just had to retake my mantle."
Steven held up a hand. He didn't even acknowledge the Mare anymore. He was too shocked to care about anything else. "What do you mean you were already a horseman?"
Leo's eyebrows raised,"You don't know?" Then the smile across his face widened slowly. "They didn't tell you..."
"Quinn told me you used to be in the Dead Band."
Leo let out a laugh laced with disgust. He shook a finger at Steven, "No, no. You see, I came here the same way as everyone else. Wake up without a memory, without any idea who you are. Only difference between me and everyone else is, I woke with power; the power over life and death on this island."
Steven stood to his feet. "But the Survivor Band, they rescued you! They made you human again, why didn't you go back?"
"They used me!" Leo spat. His happy attitude was replaced by sheer rage. "They kept me around because they thought I could help them survive. They were afraid of what would happen if they let me go; I was the one responsible for so many of their dead. I was never really a person to them. I was a conqured beast, a means to an end. They kept me powerless. Made me fear what I was capable of." Leo reached out and the Mare instinticly went to his side, brushing against his hand.
"Not anymore," Leo said with a grin. "They haven't seen half of what I can do to this island." He walked past Steven to a nearby rock, grabbing something and lifting it up. Steven strained his eyes through the darkness. It was the lantern. The Mare whinnyed and stamped her hooves. Leo ran his hand along her neck. "Easy girl. I promise, we only have to do this one more time."
~CL1