A Wish on a Full Moon

Riding for a Fall (Part 2)

I do not own H2O: Just Add Water or any of the characters.

Chapter 83: Riding for a Fall (part 2)

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[Back at the ranch, Emma, Ash, and Elliot walk past the stalls inside the massive stable, the two boys guiding their horses along behind them, the latter rubbing his side while Emma walks alone beside them. The horse's grunt.]

Ash: to Elliot. "You okay, little buddy?" Elliot looks up at him, silent but nods as he continues to rub his side. Looks at Emma.

"Aw man," Will winced. "Oh, Elliot," Lisa put a hand to her mouth, trying to prevent herself from sobbing. "I'm fine, mom," Elliot reassured. "You'll be okay, little fella. You're tougher than you look," Max nodded at him. "Yeah, I'm surprised you're back on your feet and walking already," Ash said, slightly impressed. "But he's clearly hurt," Lisa worried. "You better not get back on," Neil told him. "I think that's enough horse riding for me," Elliot said. "You're not quitting, are you?" Kim asked. "No, but I won't be feeling up to it," Elliot shrugged. "You'll feel something tomorrow," Terry muttered.

"He needs an ice pack," Annette suggested. "No I don't," Elliot argued. "You will. It'll help ease any soreness, swelling, or bruising," Harrison mentioned. Emma thought of what happened to Lewis when he was walking with them after the last full moon incident. He felt aches and pains with every move he made. She felt nothing but regret; no matter what, powers or not, she still hurts the ones they care about. Lewis, her brother. Who was next?

"Where's Shadow?" Kim asked. "We must've handed him over to the other ranch handlers. They'll take good care of him," Ash answered.

Emma: notices his look and snaps. "What? So you're saying it's my fault? I'm sure I tightened that girth." Looks straight ahead, annoyed.

"Clearly. You need to take responsibility for your own actions," Neil scolded. "Just be sure to double-check next time," Ash suggested. "There won't be a next time; you can do it all. You know what you're doing," Emma waved it off, avoiding his sight. "I can teach you if you want," Ash offered. Emma didn't say anything, just continuing to avoid him. But the tension she felt did soften a little. "If she's willing," Lewis mumbled. "Give her a chance," Cleo said.

"Not even worried about your brother's safety," Annette frowned.

"How do you not realize it's your fault?" Zane asked. "Competitive. Overload. She's blinded by it," Rikki shook her head. "You were the one in charge of it," Charlotte pointed out. Lisa continued to look worried about Elliot. "Don't worry, it won't happen when the time comes to it. We know what precautions to take this time," Ash told her. "You're right, it won't. Because he'll be doing it," Emma pouted.

"And this is exactly why you don't play around with animals," Denman announced. Or dissect them, Zane couldn't help but think.

"At least you know what it is. All that studying paid off for something," Will said optimistically. "Not for its purpose," Emma mumbled. "Just next time use it right," Neil sighed.

"He didn't say anything," Bella frowned. "He doesn't have to. The look gave it away," Lisa gestured to the screen, giving Emma the same look in person.

Ash: smiles in amusement. "Forget about it." Stops and holds up the rope that was leading Rebel. "Here. Would you mind taking Rebel out to the yards?" Hands it to Emma and she takes it. "He needs to graze."

Emma: "Sure, I got it." Starts walking toward the yard entrance.

"You sure you can trust her on this? That's a lot of responsibility for her," Lewis teased, Emma looked at him in annoyance. "You did see what happened to Elliot, right?" Charlotte jabbed a thumb in his direction. "I wouldn't hand her the reins if I didn't," Ash said in a serious tone. Emma felt the guilt weighing down even more. After everything she's done, both here and there, and he still trusts her to care for his horse?