Pain, that was all he felt.  He didn’t think he’d ever been in as much pain as he was in at that moment.  It surrounded him and filled him.  He felt himself slipping away.
………………………
     Scamp bent over his chosen, gently nudging his cheek, until dark eyes opened and met his blue.  <<Hello Chosen.  I’m Scamp.  And I will always be with you.  I’ll never leave you alone.>>
……………………….
     Ryoga could have lost himself in the pair of blue eyes he was looking into.  <<I’m Ryoga.>>
     The white horse seemed to smile.  <<I know, I’m your Companion.>>
     Swallowing hard he shoved the pain to the back of his mind and forced himself to sit up with an effort.
     <<Don’t try to move too much.  You’re hurt very badly.  Help is on it’s way.>>
     Ryoga was startled at the concern and love he felt coming from Scamp.  He found himself staring at the white Companion in uncertainty.  He’d never been on the receiving end of such feelings before.  More comfortable dealing with pain he got to his feet despite Scamp’s warning and grunted at the burning in his chest, his face breaking out in a sweat from the effort to not cry out.  He felt something move up next to him, supporting his trembling body.
     Blinking he gave scamp a wry smile, “Sorry but I’m…”
     Scamp’s ‘voice’ held a light teasing note that dimmed his obvious concern.  <<You’re as stubborn as a mule.>>
     “Ryoga!”
     He glanced up to see Keisha running towards them, most of the others he’d met following her.
     He knew he had to look horrible.  Blood caked his cloths and skin, he was pretty sure he was black and blue, and he was so tired, so very tired….
………………………
     Keisha saw Ryoga pitch forward but the Companion by his side cushioned his fall and she was surprised to see him only sink to his knees.  The injuries she could see would have been enough to have put even the most hardened warrior out cold.
     For some reason she wasn’t surprised to find Silverfox next to her as she reached the boy’s side.
     Ryoga’s dark green eyes met her own and he swallowed hard, as if fighting to stay awake.  “I’m sorry… I didn’t know he’d follow me…”  His body tilted forward and the companion was once more by his side, gently rubbing his nose against Ryoga’s arm.
     It didn’t take genius to realize that the boy had ended up bonded to the great white beast.  But Keisha pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind as she set about her work.
………………………….
     He felt warm and safe.  His eyes were closed but the darkness wasn’t bad, it was comforting and he wanted to stay where he was but something tugged at his mind, pulling him away…
     His mind nearly recoiled from the on slot of pain that flooded his senses, but a light touch somewhere inside his head made it ease and ever so slowly he blinked his eyes open, letting his surroundings come into sharper focus.  He was lying on a mat of some kind, covered in blankets and leaning on… Scamp… he frowned slightly and turned his head, only to meet bright blue eyes.
     <<Morning Chosen.  Or should I say afternoon?>>
     Despite the aching in his body he sat up, casting another look around the room he was in, a room that looked as if it had been made especially for a highly intelligent horse.
     <<It was Ryoga.  But we’re not horses, we’re Companions, being referred to as a horse is offensive to most of us.  We’re FAR beyond that.>>
     “I can tell.  But you look like a horse and that’s what I’m used to soooo, it may be a while till I ‘think’ you’re not a horse.”
     He felt Scamp laugh and pulled away, struggling to stand.  But he was tugged back down, eyeing his Companion he noticed that Scamp had the material of his shirt between his teeth.
     <<You’re supposed to be resting.>>
 Ryoga gently pulled his shirt back.  “I’ve already rested enough.  Besides it isn’t THAT bad.”
     <<You’ve also been unconscious for the last five days.>>
     That statement threw him slightly, and he paused a moment, “I’ve been hurt that bad before and if I stay still too long I’ll get out of shape.”  His stomach growled rather loudly, and he blushed slightly.  “And some food would be nice.”
     Scamp chuckled horsily and Ryoga found himself smiling in return.
………………………..
     Despite Scamp’s reservations, Ryoga walked away from their ‘home’ instead of waiting for the hertasi to bring him food or allowing his Companion to accompany him.  It was all happening too fast for him.  He’d had no one and now he had someone who was always with him.  It was a little strange, different.
     He neared the eating area and literally walked into Silverfox, who smiled and shook his head.
     “Keisha won’t be happy that you’re up.  Especially with how severe your injuries were.”
     Ryoga felt himself blush, “I’m fine.  I just let my guard down, that’s all.  Besides, there’s no real reason why she should be worried about me.”
     Silverfox smiled placing a light hand on his shoulder, “Everyone was worried about you Ryoga.  Not just Keisha but Scamp, Shandi, Darian, Snowfire, Firesong… me.”
     Ryoga felt overwhelmed by that statement.  “UH, thanks, I guess…”  His stomach growled again and he smiled sheepishly.  “Um, I was kind of hunting down food…”
     Silverfox laughed, “No problem.  Ashyen will be more than happy to feed you.  Follow me.”