Toxic Situation [closed - Ventura]

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

The black bay filly's stride was powerful and edgy. This was one attribute he loved about this Requiem daughter, nothing was ever done in half measures. The turf flew in fine fashion and he couldn't help, but smile.

He looked ahead and was surprised to see another horse already on the track. He was about to pass the black horse when suddenly he recognized the backside of none other than Amber Black. His grin widened unmercifully and he pulled the black bay Atropa in.

Atropa's eyes had zeroed in instantly on her rival and had instantly balked at allowing the black menace to be allowed to canter beside her. The only view she ever wanted of this filly was the brief glance she got when passing her. Fire flashed and she instantly tossed her crown in concordance to Nick's desire.

Nick said nothing as he pulled alongside their rivals. His face was as normal and pliant as ever. There was no gleam of boasting in his eyes, only a welcoming glow and excitement to see his friend....well at least that was what was going on on the outside.

He let Nightshade keep pace with the lagging Ventura. Atropa was barely civil as she locked eyes on her worthy foe. In her mindset, there was no one and done when it came to racing. Ever opportunity to meet a rival was seen as a fresh challenge, an aspect that Nick admired in the filly; there was no over-confidence on her part...just a raving powerhouse with fierce determination. She would never back down from a challenge.

As Nick looked over at Amber he had turn an admiring eye....Ventura was looking fierce and in top-form. If he had heard correctly, Nightshade and Ventura would face-off again soon in the Magic Millions Turf. He knew that now was a perfect opportunity to scope the competition. This was one filly and rider he would be sure that wouldn't be underestimated. Well, what a coincidence to see you and Ventura here, Amber. He gave her a smile and he didn't dare look away.

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

He admired Amber's filly. She was a powerhouse too and it was made evident in her buck. A display that was surely meant to up the pace and show her rebellion at not being able to run. Atropa crow-hopped the moment Ventura had bucked, responding in like to her foe's sentiments. Nick reined the black bay filly in and she accomadtated Nick's request to return to the pace of Amber and Ven. She was more than willing to match the black's stride and settled in deadly and quiet next to Ven. Her auds laid half-back as her calculating eyes took in the fullness of Ven. She watched her stride, the way she carried her head...it was as if she was systematically going through every flaw and strength her foe had. Yes...she was content to watch...for the moment, but her fire within began to burn brighter. She tossed her head wildly once more, but Nick pressed the Requiem daughter forward as he returned again his full-attention to the one and only Amber.

He had to admit...he had missed her since their last encounter...He wasn't sure if it was the innocent and fun rivalry they had or if it was something more...but he wasn't going to analyze this if she wasn't going to. As she replied to his comments, he took in every word she said and matched the intensity and intentionality of her gaze. His crystal blue eyes never leaving the haunting gentle green of hers as he processed her question.

He smiled slightly, Things are good...but just got a heck of a lot busier. We took on four horses from ARS....trying to help them out while they recover from their barn fire...unfortunate. He mulled over Kirsten Jade's unfortunate predicament and had stepped up to help, when she'd approached him about helping with some horses...Needless to say four horses was a lot to add to an already booming string, but somehow they would get things taken care off.

I was just taking Nightshade here, out for a training session before she faces off with you and your demon filly. He let the last words come out with a teasing glint and his sapphire eyes glowed with amusement.

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

Were his ears deceiving him or had he just heard Amber Black..independent and fiercely competitive Amber Black... just admit she had missed him?

He tried not to visibly react to her statement, but he couldn't help the warmth the slowly spread through him and touched his features, forming them into a gentle smile. She missed me. The sole thought occupied his mind and he decided then and there, that this friendship of theirs was evolving...evolving into something different, new and exciting...but he turned his head away and broke eye contact. Now wasn't the time to analyze this...but he did make a comment...and it was said softly, unlike his normal bravado...and maybe she wouldn't hear it, but it did have to be said, I missed you too Amber... He toyed with Atropa's mane and reins.

He paused as he let the words sink in and then turned to the dark featured woman beside him a smile on his face, with something more lurking behind it. Well, I've definitely have missed beating your tail and smoking your horses. He chuckled and arched an eyebrow, a dimple showing slightly in his right cheek. What would you say to a quick breeze...I can't think of a better training partner for Atropa here? His smile widened, his mood suddenly brighter and he was pretty sure it had nothing to do with horses and racing.

What do you say? Are you and Ven game?...or are you too scared? He let the challenge hang as the dark duo of fillies continued their warmup around the turf.

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

He saw her usual candor return and he was glad that things still hadn't just radically changed between them. Atropa willfully tugged on the bit, she was done monitoring her foe. No..no...no... you have sadly mistaken chivalry for cowardice...I was simply thinking of Ventura's overall moral...how will she perform her best if poor Atropa crushes her now? He paused and thought briefly...Then again...I'm ok if you win this little sprint. He meant that too. Loosing to Ven now, would only make Nightshade more lethal come race day.

Nightshade who had been complacent to watch Ven was picking up the raw energy that was floating all around them. The anticipation and raw determination between both fillies was palpable. Nick jockeyed into position and looked over at Amber. I'm done talking whenever you are. He teased and drew closer to the filly. Nightshade felt Nick gathering and knew that things were about to go off! She let loose a piercing shrill as she began to go faster and this time she didn't receive a check from her jockey. The flash of fire in her eyes told all that things were about to go off. Ladies first. Nick said and waited for the cannon ball to explode.

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

The black filly shot off and Nightshade followed in response under Nick's guided hand. Ventura had gained a length at most and Nightshade quickly closed the gap, but ran a half length behind. Here was Nightshade's element. The freedom to run and calculate...but she was also good at acting at the right moment to close the deal. The filly's eyes danced dangerously, but held the cold glint of intelligence.

Nick watched Ventura. They were never going to get another opportunity like this. Granted Nick knew Amber would be riding the filly differently on race day, but still this one blow-out could reveal a lot of helpful tips to help crush them on the field come race day.

Nick watched Ventura's stride, it was powerful and sure. This filly would be a huge threat come race day...and then he realized something. This filly was running and adapting quickly to the two horse race....her adaptability while a strength could also be her weakness...if bombarded with too much change in a single moment...the filly would struggle to truly run...trying to adapt to all. Nick smiled and clucked to the patiently running Atropa. She had felt Nick have a light bulb moment and fed off of his excitement.

She'd seen this view before...running behind Ventura and now...she simply wished to return the favor. Two furlongs had quickly flown in quick succession and now on the third, they creeped up on the black. Nightshade's eyes now fixated on the prize finish.

Hooves thundered and turf flew. He hoped that they had grown comfortable in their lead...as he and Nightshade gained ground and finally came alongside the pair at the fourth furlong. One more...and they weren't ceasing their speed as they began their steam roll to the finish... Nick glanced to see their rivals...they would have to time their final move carefully.

[Nightshade] & Nick Landing - Training Session

And then the black rival was there surging ahead and soon by their side on the inside lane. Atropa had the look of a serial killer on her face. She was out for blood and wasn't going to give Ventura an inch. She wanted to beat this filly...and so she dug in the finish was in sight and then Nick pulled the black bay back. She was irate. The inch she had gained on the rival vanished in that one instant as they sweeped by the finish of their sprint.

Nick had his hands full trying to contain the filly, he spun her in a tight circle to keep Atropa from making a go at Ventura and Amber, a possibility well within reason for Nightshade.

The tie was like a defeat to the Frontier daughter. Defeat was unacceptable. Nick tried to contain his smile. He had just used their rivals to train Atropa in one of the most important lessons, to never accept defeat. Come race day, the already alert Atropa would be hyper-vigilant and terrifyingly determined. Nick pointed the filly away from Ven and Amber and he turned to them with a pleased smile.

Well, now that was a successful breeze if I do say so myself. Atropa half-reared and tried to turn to face off and demolish the black, but Nick kept a tight hold on her, his biceps rippling in toned action and finesse. He looked again to Amber a look of regret at what he had to say...I'd love to stay and banter with you, but I'm afraid that Nightshade here wants to rip out Ven's throat...and we can't have that... He gave her a disarming smile and pointed the filly off the track...about to exit, Nick suddenly turned and devious smile on his face as he yelled back to their rivals, Thanks for helping train Nightshade...we're indebted! And with that they exited the track...