Unicorns Deformed
Jola’s parents were just as in love with Sheen as Uni was, especially her father. This was the son he had always wanted, to play ball with, to pass on all the things he had been dreaming of for so long, and just like Uni he refused to even see Sheen’s deformity.
From the very start Sheen had the happiest life, he was loved as much as any child could be loved, there was never much money, but there was laughter and fun aplenty, and he and Kasandra were closer than twins.
Uni taught Sheen how to be the leader of the herd, to drive off all attackers, to forage for new fields when the old ones became barren, to heal those wounded or sick, and Sheen responded excellently to these lessons, to protect the herd was as deeply etched into his soul as it was in Uni’s. It was the prime directive of all unicorn stallions.
But it was when Kasandra started school that Sheen began to shine. Each day on her return home she would carefully teach him all she had learned, the songs, the dances, painting, and everything that excited them both so much. Their attachment grew and grew, he became her student, and excelled, for both it was a time of magic.
Jola walked with both of her children to school each morning, and it was always a strain to bring Sheen back home with her, he wanted so much to go to school with Kasandra, but when it was time to walk there again to bring her home, he was always waiting, always ready, even though he did not yet know how to read the time, he was never late.
When Kasandra went up a grade, Sheen’s knowledge started to increase, during the day he pushed Uni to learn more, and at night after Kasandra had taught him all she knew, he asked her to teach him his sums. Uni watched from a small distance, he had never been to school himself, and he felt the loss of it watching his colt and filly, eventually he asked Jola to teach him sums too, and Sheen helped him as well. He was proud of himself, but so much more proud of his herd, it shone from his eyes and from his smile.
Kasandra was in fifth grade before it was time for Sheen to start school, but he was more excited than Jola could remember. He had been studying everything Kasandra and Jola knew for days getting ready for this day, and on the day Jola finally took him through the school gates, instead of turning for home, he smiled so much Jola thought it must have hurt. She watched them both as they walked in to the school hand in hand, and turned back once to wave to her, She knew Kasandra was there to help if he needed it and felt surprisingly at ease as she walked home.
The next day Sheen asked Uni if he would walk to school with them, he was so happy to be at school that he wanted to show it off to his Sire, and so they all walked the short distance together, Uni and Jola both as proud as could be of both of their children.
It was school that the billies started to approach Sheen. Kasandra moved forward to protect him, but he held her back and stepped up to them himself. The first group were only young boys, of a similar age to Sheen, and using his twisted arm as defence, he quickly dropped the two to the ground. Then the bigger boys approached, but this time Uni approached, “You can fight a little boy like cowards, in a group, or alone as men.” He said , still in his quiet voice, and watched as they all turned and walked away.
He winked at both Kasandra and Sheen, and with Jola’s hand tightly in his, they walked home. Uni was so proud of them both, “They have passed their baptism of fire.” He said with a twinkle in his eye.
But Jola asked him something he had never expected, “Uni, would you mind if I called you my boo? It means my one and only love, and I would be so proud to call you that.” she asked shyly.
He picked her up around her waste and kissed her with all the love and pride he felt, and said, “I would be honoured.” you are everything I ever dreamt of, as a friend, a wife, a mother, and a vital part of our herd. To know you still feel that way about me brings tears to my eyes.”
They held that kiss for a very long time before they slowly walked home together, arm in arm.
