Chapter 17
Star-Crossed Lovers
"Shot through the heart and you're to blame
Darlin', you give love a bad name" - Bon Jovi
Spirit had taken off so swiftly and with such speed that it seemed as though he was being carried by the wind itself...touched by the wings of the mighty Eagle once again. He ran like the blackened silhouette in the distance, glowing by the light of the moon, galloping away and creating music with his feet as they cluttered against the stones or at times, crunched heavily in the snowy ground. This was not one of his enjoyable gallops, but rather a desperate measure to clear his mind that was about to explode from all the horrific revelations that had been thrown at him just a moment ago. He was angry! He was frustrated! He needed time for himself! Spirit pushed his legs harder and harder, almost trying to weary himself out on purpose, bolting forward like lightening flash in the stormy sky.
Why had the sneaky Misty returned to plague his life with such a terrible news? Why was he to be a sire of her monstrous spawn?
She is lying! She must be lying! There was no other logical explanation for it. However, despite his rebuttal, he couldn't deny what had happened between him and the black mare, no matter how hard he wished to forget it. So then, why had his mother remained silent about the whole matter? Everyone lied to him! He felt like an ignorant fool! And again, he couldn't help but realize that all this chaos was once more a product of his own stupid mistakes. Oh, he deserved to be severely punished somehow! If it were physically possible, he'd kick his own behind for such a disgraceful behaviour. Now, more he thought about his troubles, more sick he became and more he resented himself. What were you thinking, you idiot?! He bitterly thought, fuming with uncontrollable rage.
Untamed, unsoiled, and free, the stallion continued to hope, pray, and desire for all this to turn out to be a dreadful nightmare and that soon, he'd wake up from it. The icy wind bit grievously into his face, as if it were thrusting icicles up his nostrils. With perfectly timed movements, Spirit gave off the impression of effortlessly gliding across the wintery plains. Any onlooker would've right away mistaken him for his father...that is, if they had known the magnificence of that great, black stallion. Outwardly, Spirit not only looked breathtaking as he dashed over the wild ranges, but also awe-inspiring. Perhaps even like a beautiful creature from mythical legends. Inwardly, however, the handsome stallion was not in his right state of mind. Not. one. bit.
Overcome with reckless thoughts, the golden Mustang, exposed himself to utter danger, impulsively rushing in a small circle of wolves that had just finished hunting their game. The pack was in the middle of sharing their dinner, devouring the carcass of a deer when Spirit carelessly darted in their midst. The truth of the matter was simple; the young stallion was no longer thinking rationally and all he wanted to do was cause trouble. After all, he happened to be quite good at it!
In fact, he had become determined to get himself 'beaten' at least slightly or challenge himself in some harsh way, for he believed that he was the one that deserved punishment for what had occurred. The wolves scattered around when Spirit rushed through them so rudely and unexpectedly. The two bravest members of the pack attempted to defensively jump on the stallion, and even managed to leave scratches on his shoulders with their claws, but Spirit was quick to fire powerful kicks in their direction. Because the pack consisted of only six members - and three of them were still small pups- it was more than likely that they wouldn't be able to take down a furious, thousand pound animal without getting severely injured. The alpha wolf was not about to risk losing his family so pointlessly and besides, they already had the food they needed. There was absolutely no reason to start up a heated fight with this crazy horse. He quickly stepped between his pack and the fiery stallion, growling angrily.
"What are you doing, insane Mustang? Do you have a death wish? Leave us in peace. We mean no harm to you."
Spirit shook his neck to and fro, showing-off, as he pounded his legs, stomping up the snowy ground fearlessly. Snorting loudly, he bucked and continued galloping away as if the entire exchange had been nonexistent, ignoring the sharp pain that the wolf attack had caused on his shoulders. Suddenly, the stallion's ears caught the familiar cry of the Bald Eagle. It was his friend! And while generally, the symbol of freedom had provided companionship to the young stallion, that night was going to be different.
In that moment, Spirit was not thinking about a friendly race nor companionship, but rather a challenge. Daringly he neighed to the Eagle, inviting him for a race as he tossed his long, black mane in the air. He was going to race the Eagle not because he loved it, but because of his desire to win. He wanted to beat it as easily as he was always able to. At least, that was the only thing he could do right these days. Racing with the Eagle...soaring with the wind...yes, Spirit was finally in his element.
No more Misty! No more mindless talks of foals! No more childish outbursts of Nova! No more fights with irritating Bolder! No more overbearing lectures of Cloud! No more lies from his very own mother! And most importantly, no more longing thoughts of Rain. As far as he was concerned, they could all go to hell!
The Bald Eagle called down to him, accepting the challenge that was flung at him so arrogantly with a slight amusement. But Spirit didn't think that much of it...He felt so furious and enflamed that he truly believed in that very moment, he was capable of taking down ten cougars if he wanted to. And the mere fact that his flying companion had responded to his provocation was enough to ignite fire inside of him.
As he continued to gallop like the wind itself, his speed began to increase, pulling him directly under the Eagle's shadow. Noticing that action of his, the king of the sky put on a burst of speed; in no condition was he ready to lose to his cocky, overconfident, young friend, who seemed to be in a very temperamental mood that night. Spirit had always been respectful towards the mighty bird of the heavens and yet in that hour, it seemed that he had lost all his manners. Which was exactly why he was going to lose!
Spirit imitated the Eagle's sudden burst of speed and lengthened his stride, darting even faster than before, but as soon as he displayed his special little move, his hooves slipped on the icy ground and the stallion stumbled, losing his footing and stability, and found himself falling down hard.
"Ouch!"
An energetic little colt slid on the icy ground, slumping himself in a nearby pile of snow. Almost his entire body ended up buried in the white substance with the exception of his dark tail. Not even a minute had passed, and the determined youngster bounced right back up, trying to balance himself on his long, lanky legs that didn't seem to fit with his overall frame. At least not just yet...for the colt was in that awkward stage of 'growing up' where some of the parts of his body grew faster and the rest still needed to catch up and fill out...a lot. For now, it seemed that his lean, thin but long limbs were always in his way and he never really knew what to do with them.
"Oh dear! Are you alright?" A strange, soft nicker made the yellow colt wince in surprise. His brown, curious eyes widened when he noticed a pretty, flashy-colored filly staring at him concerned. Unlike his awkward, lanky bearing, this filly looked almost fully grown and very beautiful. She was most certainly few years older and maturer than he.
"I'm fine, thanks for asking." Carefree youngster responded, shaking off the white powdery snow from his golden coat. He was about to open his mouth and inquire about the strange filly and where she had come from, when he suddenly froze, as if recalling past events and frowned. "Whoops."
"What is it?" The filly pouted, knitting her brows.
"Nothing. I'm just not supposed to be talking to strangers." Remembered the colt his mother's wise, cautious teachings.
"I don't represent any danger." The filly began to clarify, feeling slightly offended. Ultimately, she was only trying to be friendly. "I'm part of a neighbouring herd that just arrived to these lands. My name is Sierra."
"Oh, I know that. It's my mother that always worries." The happy-go-lucky colt explained.
"Mine's like that too. She's very protective." Understandably nodded the filly, whose calling happened to be Sierra.
"Aren't you a little too old to be treated like a foal?" The yellow colt inquired with a tilt of his head, eyeing the older filly with interest.
"I'll turn two in a month." Announced the bright-coated filly. "So I suppose you could say I'm mature enough to become independent."
"Cool! And I'll be a yearling this Spring!" Cheerfully exclaimed the colt, proud of how 'grown-up' he was. "When I'll become a two year old, I won't take orders from nobody."
"Not even your mother?" Teased the filly with a giggle.
The colt paused, thinking about the tricky question for a little while. "Hmm...well...maybe. But she won't have to control me at that age cause I'll be a lot smarter. Just like your ma should let you go off on your own and explore the world!"
Sierra smiled sadly at that. "I wish she would allow me to at least play with colts and fillies my age but instead, I'm stuck foal-sitting my baby sister."
"Ew!" The golden colt curled his upper lip in disgust. "That sounds awfully boring." He wrinkled his dark nose.
"I was excited at first, but my little sister is kind of a brat."
"You'll have to care for your own offspring anyway once you're all grown up." The yellow colt went on to explain, believing himself very sage. "Why would you want to waste your time with that now? Look around you! The thrilling adventures are boundless and you can experience it all!" He spoke with so much enthusiasm that his eyes were shinning as the rays of the sun. "Which is why I've made up my mind not to settle down and have foals because they'll hold me back from all the wonderful escapades that I'm destined for." He added right away, dancing in place at the idea of the marvellous adventures that awaited him.
Sierra giggled. "You wish to be all alone?"
"Why not? I've seen a lone wolf once and he was fascinating! I could be just like him." Excitedly answered the eager youngster and attempted to imitate the typical howling sound with which the wolves are known for.
"A horse alone cannot exist, silly." Corrected Sierra in an older-sisterly fashion that she was so accustomed to. "And besides, do you mean to tell me that you don't want to run with a herd?"
The colt sighed, pondering on her words with a thoughtful expression. "Well...I don't mind taking my father's place in the Cimarron herd. I just don't want any ugly foals..."
"Not even a mate?" Sierra raised her eyebrow with a smirk.
"Gross! No! That's even worse!"
The colt's hilarious reaction of abhorrence caused the coming two year old to laugh out loud. "You'll change your mind once you're grown. But tell me, what were you doing just now when you fell?"
The youngster's brightened features darkened. "Oh...uhhh... I was attempting to race the Eagle." Sheepishly responded the golden colt.
Sierra gasped. "Why?" This colt did not fail to surprise her on many levels. He was different and so outrageously fun! She had never heard of a horse 'racing' with the eagle before, especially a horse so little.
"I wanna be the fastest of them all and I figured if I could outrun the swiftest and wisest creature of the land, there's nothing I won't achieve in life!" Proclaimed the dun colored youngster as he proudly shoved his nose up in the air.
"That's a lot of ambition for someone so young." Chuckled Sierra, sounding decidedly like a parent. But she couldn't deny that her heart also longed to reach something unattainable... she so desperately desired to venture off and experience the glorious thrill of adventure. She wished to see the strange world around her. It was so big, so wide and so wonderfully exciting and this colt in front of her, was making her yearn for it more and more.
"I want to be the best or nothing. There's no in between for me." Said the little rascal. "Even if the Eagle pays no mind to me now...someday, I'll race him and I'll win." A fierce determination surged through his veins.
His passion for life and adventurous spirit was incredibly contagious for the already desperate filly. "I wish I were that daring."
"You can join me and we can go on fascinating expeditions together." The colt offered, flashing her a friendly, warm grin.
"Maybe someday." Sierra's eyes wandered towards the blue mountains in the distance as she quieted for a moment. "What's your name?" She spoke after a small interval, her ears perked forward as she observed the spitfire colt in front of her.
"SPIRIT!"
An extremely angered neigh rang all the way from the other side of the valley, followed by a very noisy crashing sound. "YOU ARE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE!" As if on cue, the golden colt sprang in alarm at that. "Yikes!"
"What happened?"
"It's my aunt, Willow." The colt – who was apparently called Spirit– scowled.
There came another loud whinny, but a lot softer than the first furious exclamation. "Spirit! You come here this minute!"
"And that's my mom and I'm guessing I'll be grounded for a week if not more." Muttered the colt as he hung his head. It didn't seem as though this was the first time the little trouble-maker had gotten himself in such a pickle.
Sierra stared back at the colt. "Why? What have you done?"
"I tried to make a trap to catch a wolf or a big cat, but I think I've trapped my aunt instead."
This youngster was really something! "Where did you learn to make a trap?" Wide-eyed Sierra gasped, attempting not to laugh out loud.
"Oh, I watched a beaver building things the other day and it looked fairly easy so I figure-"
"Spirit! Don't make me come there!" Esperanza neighed again warningly, her patience running shorter.
"Whoopsie! Gotta go! Was nice talking to you!" Quickly said the colt and galloped off to his herd, leaving the very entertained Sierra gazing after him. It didn't take long for the coming two year old filly to hear the gentle call of her mother's friend, Aranda asking her to come back to the band and stop wandering off. She threw up her head and answered, promptly swinging round towards her family. Even though, this was the first and the last time she would ever see the spirited colt again, something had changed in her after this short exchange. Thanks to the youngster's eagerness and wild sense of adventure, she too had become even more determined to follow her dreams and pursue her racing heart wherever it directed her. Unfortunately, the young, curious filly was not experienced nor wise enough to realize that reckless, impulsive expeditions only brought trouble. And because she lacked so much knowledge, she was bound to run into difficulties...difficulties that would change her life and the life of her family forever.
The early morning light struck the pure white landscapes, revealing the remnants of the previous events in striking patterns. Every trail that was taken the day before, every patches of grass that was dug out from the snow, every hoof-print that was produced during a playful exchange of the youngsters or fierce gallop of a certain stallion. The black mare miserably observed the gorgeous winter's day with her dark eyes, as though the crisp, clear air and lovely shades of the sun were irritating her inner demons. Narrowing her intimidating gaze, her focus settled on the nearing stallion and as soon as their eyes met, a cold, hostile glare animated both of their expressions. Misty surveyed the incoming stallion with a resentful stare. Spirit's usual golden, shiny coat was smeared with dirt and muck, his beautiful long mane was tousled in wind-knots and there were considerable amount of burs stuck in his tail. On top of his disheveled appearance, he had scratches around his shoulders – as if a wolf or a big cat had jumped on him – and a split lip that was still bleeding. Needless to say, he was a mess.
"Yeesh...what the hell happened to you?" Snorted Misty in disgust once the young stallion got into closer range.
"Ditto." Spirit grunted, shooting her the exact same look of revulsion.
"Oh, you really wanna know? You happened!" Screeched Misty as Spirit quickly started to pass her, avoiding her like the plague. It was way too early to listen to this virago. He was tired, exhausted...it had been an eventful night and he wasn't about to stand there and pay any heed to Misty's spewing crap. The morning had just commenced and she was already on his back! UGH!
Spirit's complete lack of interest and his choice to ignore Misty as though she did not exist at all, fueled the mare's anger even more as she screamed at him demandingly.
"Look, I think it's time for you to stop your immature gallivanting! Neglecting your duties as always–" She trotted up to him, deliberately placing herself in his way, appearing as overbearing as possible.
"I'm not neglecting them and get out of my face!" Spirit snapped, baring his teeth at her.
Misty let out a bitter chuckle. "Well, I'll be in your face there for at least five months, if not more. You might wanna get used to it, hot-shot."
"And you better get used to how things work around here. You are in a herd - a family!" Spirit turned to her in rage. This shrewish mare never failed to get on his last nerve. "If you stay, you can't just roll around with your padded ass and irritate everyone else! You gotta contribute to the society!"
"Carrying a foal is a huge contribution, Spirit." Smirked Misty, her eyes flared with an evil glower. "But of course, how would a clueless colt know that? So far the only thing you've accomplished in your miserable life is cause trouble."
Spirit groaned, twitching his jaw angrily. "You'll obey me and follow the rules, or else, I'll send you back where you came from!" He warned menacingly, disregarding her audacious words.
Scoffing, Misty was unable to hide her deep feeling of hatred and despise. "Like hell you will, you cocky bastard. Remember, I'm in foal! If you banish me, you'll be heartlessly kicking out your own offspring. And if you think, even for a second, that I'll take orders from some ignorant, know-it-all prick, you are more stupid than you look!"
Spirit glared at the insolent black mare in utmost fury and disbelief, his blood boiling with intense rage. He had to fight hard against all of his instincts that kept telling him to whop the mare's toosh. "You don't hit mares! You don't hit mares! She's in foal! She's in foal! " He desperately tried to calm himself.
"Stop staring at me like that!" Continued the indignant Misty. "As if this whole thing is my fault. You did this! You are the one that's responsible for this mess in the first place! So I suggest you wipe that glare off your face!"
"You can't be serious!" Spirit cried, bursting enraged. Just when he thought she couldn't get any more infuriating! "How's this all my fault?!"
"That's right." Spat Misty. "If you could learn to control your urges, none of this would've happened!" She accused, her voice shrieking with a high-pitched tone.
"What kind of crap are you spouting, you psycho?! Should I remind you whose genius idea this was?"
"Whose?!"
"Um...Spirit, I want a foal. I want a foal. I want a foal!" Spirit mimicked Misty, making his voice all squeaky and irritating, as he mocked her from head toe. "There you have it!"
"Okay, first of all, I sound nothing like that." The black mare rolled her eyes, quite offended at Spirit's perfectly executed display of her former, annoying actions. "And second of all, you shouldn't listen to everything I say. I say a lot of things I don't mean." She added with a small mutter under her breath.
"You must be joking." Blinked Spirit, shocked at how insanely deluded Misty actually was. "You know what? Instead of blaming everything on me, why don't you put your tail down once in a while?"
"Excuse me?! How dare you?!" Gasped the furious Misty and turned round, attempting to kick at his flanks but Spirit darted on the side, dodging the blows. "Oh yeah? Well maybe, YOU should've kept it in your sheath-"
"Have mercy on us!" Exclaimed the dismayed Cloud as he and Esperanza swiftly cantered over towards the two horses, who were extremely close to ripping one another into shreds.
"For goodness sakes, Spirit!" Esperanza neighed, stomping her legs and shaking her head in stunned disbelief. "I won't be able to survive another minute here if you keep this up. Is this honestly how it'll be from now on? With you two constantly at each other's throats?" The palomino mare stepped in between them, her meaningful gaze darting from Spirit to Misty. "You are to be parents! Please, show at least some class and dignity. What is this petty, immature exchange? You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. The both of you!"
Misty kept glaring coolly at Esperanza, her countenance conveying everything but remorse, while Spirit stared down at the ground in shame.
"I know there's a lot of bad blood between you but we must think of the little one. The foal is innocent. Please, please, try to put your resentment in the past and be civil to one another." Implored Esperanza, her gentle eyes were now solely focused on Spirit. She knew that unlike Misty, Spirit would be able to understand where his mother was coming from and heed her wise advice. "I know it won't be easy at first, but neither of you have much of a choice."
"You're going too far ahead, mother." Began Spirit. "I'm not even sure if she's carrying my foal. This snake could very well be lying like her usual, manipulative, fake, sneaky self" He fired a disdainful glower at the equally vexed Misty.
"Oh, here we go again! Still in denial, are we Spirit?" The black mare responded begrudgingly. "Are you blind or what? I'm nine months pregnant. Now you do the calculation and tell me when the foal was begotten."
Spirit snorted. "How the hell would I know? Your promiscuous reputation precedes you." A wicked smirk animated his features.
"Watch your tongue, or I'll pull it out!"
"You know, he is not wrong." Cloud joined in.
"I didn't ask for your opinion, mister creep." The black mare hissed at him.
"Stop it!" Esperanza barked, shaking her head in disappointment. "That's quite enough." Her brown eyes wandered back to meet Spirit's gaze. "Please, my son, end this animosity."
"She tried to kill Rain." Spirit said, his voice rose in aggravation as he was unwilling to forget just how vile Misty's deeds had been, especially when it came to his beloved mare.
"Wow! You don't have the evidence for it and yet continue to shamelessly indict me!" Misty declared loud and clear.
Esperanza pressed her lips together, staring at no one in particular, looking lost in thought. "She's right, Spirit. We don't have any proof and no one saw her attack Rain." She calmly spoke up afterwards. "It's wrong to make such a blatant accusation."
Spirit silenced, he loathed the fact that his mother was absolutely correct when it came to the entire complex situation. "I guess not." He murmured under his breath, forcing himself to accept that perhaps, Misty was not as cruel and villainous as he had originally imagined. But the questioned still lingered in his mind... Why would Rain claim such a thing if it were not true? Unlike Misty, Rain was not a compulsive liar.
"So, why don't you two put the unpleasant past in the past for at least a certain period and start over?" Kindly proposed Esperanza, ready to give Misty a second chance. After all, she was to be the mother of her grand-foal. "Go back to when you were both happily in love and romantic."
Spirit and Misty's contemptuous glare changed into a surprised gasp. They stared at each other for a moment with a poker face and then, incapable to prevent their true feelings, exploded into an uncontrollable laughter. Their frenzied spasm shocked both Esperanza and Cloud, who were definitely not waiting for such a reaction from either of them.
"In love!" Spirit laughed away.
"She said 'romantic'! " Misty cackled like a hyena. "That's hysterical!"
"Yeah...we're the real star-crossed lovers over here!" Sarcastically spoke Spirit, making Misty laugh even harder as the two of them continued their unhinged fit.
"Oh, that's a good one! Star-crossed lovers!" Misty leaned on Spirit's shoulder giggling without a break.
Spirit thought that in a second, tears would escape his eyes from all the laughter. "Thanks, mother. That really cheered me up." He sniggered, attempting to subdue his chuckling.
"Owie...my stomach hurts from all this laughter." Chortled Misty. "Oh, Esperanza! That was hilarious!" She exclaimed, finally catching her breath.
Esperanza gaped at them dumbfounded, while Cloud looked confused as a little colt. What the heck was going on?
"Now, that's enough of this nonsense or I'll lick the tar outta both of ya." Cloud began sternly. "You two are ridiculous! Listen to what Esperanza says without such absurd exhibitions."
"Her words were absurd." Misty retorted.
"Alright, it doesn't matter." Huffed Esperanza. "Important thing is that you both got the point. Stop your immature arguments and start displaying responsible behaviour."
"You are the ones to talk." Spirit said, fiercely eyeing both his mother and Cloud. "You've known about Misty's supposed pregnancy for almost a year and never bothered to tell me. Didn't I deserve to be in a loop before you independently decided to banish her? Why wasn't I informed that I might be a father?"
Esperanza couldn't shake away the guilty sensation upon hearing those words. "Look, my son...I made a mistake. I simply thought that–" Began the palomino mare but was quickly cut off.
"I trusted you mother. I trusted you both." Spirit's eyes settled on Cloud as well. "And not once did you think that maybe, just maybe, I had a right to know about this. Not once!" His voice fell in sadness and utter disappointment. "I suppose the ones we trust the most, hurt us the most."
"No, Spirit, please don't say that." Beseeched Esperanza, getting rather emotional as tears threatened to spill from her lovely eyes. "I was only trying to–"
"I completely agree with Spirit." Upstart Misty interrupted suddenly. "He deserved to know the truth. It's quite an important matter, don't you think?"
"Stay out of this, Misty!" Snapped the irritated Cloud.
"Don't tell me what to do, creepy, old pervert." Misty fired back.
Letting out a deep, frustrated sigh, Spirit rolled his eyes, ready to move on when Cloud, choosing to ignore Misty, decided to stop him instead. "Spirit, wait! Let's talk about this–"
"You know what, Cloud? I think it's time for us to part our ways. We've been staying together for quite a while now and it's getting a little crowded." Announced Spirit in a cold tone. "I'll be moving my herd back in the Cimarron valleys first thing tomorrow." And with that, he walked away, not even having the grace to wait for the older stallion's answer. As soon as Spirit started to proudly stride on, Misty trailed after him with a snobby air, smirking at both of the palomino horses with a prevailed, malicious expression.
The sky had darkened, another day had passed and the night had arrived in its place once again. The blacker the night got, the brighter the silver moon shone, and the dimmer were the wild, untamed lands. The stallion of the band of Cimarron, stood proudly on a small hill, gazing up at the sky that was lit with strong glows of the little dots known as the stars. The heavens seemed so close and yet so far away in that beautiful moment, the time and the space had altogether ceased to exist. The deep shades made the view even lighter as the moon gleamed over the stallion's golden coat. It was as though future was calling him with a sky's welcoming glow, but the past was also pulling him back with a dazzling fire. The memories...the wonderful images of things that had already happened floated in front of him. The lovely, sweet sounds echoed through the breeze.
"When the Sun and his brother the Moon were born, their mother died. They emerged from her womb and found all that was left was her body. They did not have the chance to know her sweetness, kindness or warmth. But the Sun, in honour and gratitude, gave her body to the Earth from which was to spring all life. Thus her goodness would fill the land, making it rich and bountiful. And the Moon opened her breast, and from her heart drew forth her soul in form of stars, placing them in the night's sky so she would never be forgotten. And so, there stands the monument to those whose lives had been given up to the Giver of Life." - Rain
Spirit drew in a deep breath, his eyes wandering around the semidarkness illuminated above his sight. He liked to stare listlessly at the night's sky for long because he felt that it was the only way he could be embraced by the gentle soul...only way with which he could subdue the frustration, confusion and heartache. He observed in durations of time, as if his gaze would compel the stars to align to breathtaking ends. But no...they were put, scattered in their perfect place as usual. Perhaps the moon preferred her lovely star friends to remain as they were and Spirit realized that he wouldn't have it any other way.
"Ohhh, lover booyyyy!" Screeching crowing of that same, old irritating voice reached Spirit's ears again as he groaned, already finding himself utterly irked. "My star-crossed love-bug! Where are you?" Ridiculed Misty, trotting towards him with a loud cackle.
"And just like that I'm no longer feeling sentimental." Muttered Spirit to himself, before assuming a sarcastic 'lovelorn' look on his countenance. "Why if it isn't the star of my moon or the sun to my cloud or something stupid within those lines that only amorous idiots say." He rolled his eyes.
"You're forgetting that we're a romantic couple." Misty jested as she came up to his side. "Is that all you've got, my charming darling?"
"No, no, there's more." Skeptically went on Spirit. "You set my soul ablaze, your smile is my cure, your beauty blinds me... romantic sigh...something, something...blah, blah, blah...virtual kiss...and I'm bored." He gave up at last.
Misty snorted in amusement. "Not too long ago, you used to be that sentimental moron. So glad that ridiculous phase is finally over now. No offence to Esperanza, but I think her statement was hysterical. I mean we might've not had a dull romance but hey, there was passion. And given a choice, I'll take passion any day." She grinned mischievously.
"You don't believe one can have both in a relationship?"
"Pfft...yeah right!" Giggled Misty. "Why? You think it's possible?"
"I couldn't care less, to be honest." Spirit swished his long tail indifferently.
"Oh? How come?" The black mare raised her eyebrow.
"Hmm...let me think." The stallion started with a bitter sarcasm, pausing for a second. "One shatters your entire heart and the other ends up looking like... this." He stared at Misty in disgust. "So no thanks. I'll pass."
"Ah! You've turned into a cynical skeptic. I like it...suits you way more than that lovesick idiocy." Teased the dark mare.
Spirit grunted in response and then after moment of silence spoke up, sounding quite irritated. "Can we please skip to the part where you tell me what you want?"
"I simply wanted to say 'goodnight'. Relax, no need to be so–"
"Great! So nothing of importance!" Triumphantly cut in Spirit. "Then allow me to have a word."
Misty closed her mouth and eyed the stallion suspiciously. "What is it?"
"Look, despite our ups and downs, I agree with what my mother said this morning. We should try and be civil to one another...at least for a little while." Calmly proposed Spirit.
"Fine by me." That's all Misty said in reply.
"But before we get to it. I think we need to establish ground rules."
"A what now?" The mare became very unimpressed upon hearing Spirit's sentence.
"Three set of principals that you'll abide by."
Misty couldn't help but scoff at Spirit's assertion. The nerve of him! "I have to follow rules?"
"We all do. That's how herds function, Misty. I shouldn't be the one reminding you that."
"Okay. What are these important rules that I have to keep, O, Great Stallion of the Cimarron?" Mocked the vexed mare.
"First things first: You will remain with the herd and stop wandering off wherever you please. Since you claim that you're carrying my foal, I'd like to have you in my eyeshot."
"I get it. You want me to become your property with no personal life outside this tiresome herd." Concluded Misty, her voice quivering in anger.
"Just obey the rules without snarky comments." Spirit told her sternly before continuing. "Second: You will not cause any disturbance here. You'll listen to my mother and aunts without a word and obey them. Understood?"
"Yes." Misty hissed through her teeth.
"Good." Smiled the satisfied Spirit as he went on to instruct her with the final regulation. "And last but not least: No more flirting with every stallion that comes your way. Got it?"
"Excuse me!? That's not fair!" The mare's patience burst right then and there. "It's my life! You can't order me around like that!"
"If you want to remain in my herd, you'll do as I say." Repeated Spirit, refusing to reason with her.
"I can't believe this!" Exclaimed Misty. "I won't let you turn me into your boring, prudish mother."
"Careful! Watch what you say about my mother." Dangerously warned Spirit, his eyes throwing daggers. He was not kidding around anymore. No one speaks of his mother that way, certainly not this witch!
"Look, if you're talking about Cloud, no need to worry. I won't get close to that creep."
"Yeah, not Cloud, not anyone. You are to be a dam, so I expect you to act properly and stop seducing everything that moves."
"Flirting is like my second nature; you can't forbid me to do that. You might as well just tell me to cease existing." Dramatically spoke Misty.
"Yeah...I wish." Mumbled Spirit to himself before speaking up loudly. "Are you even listening to yourself? You're in foal! Settle down, will you?"
"It's when a mare's pregnant that she has the most hormones, you ignorant fool."
"Well, that's your misfortune." Spirit said plainly. "Learn to control your urges."
"Ugh!" Misty rolled her eyes, snorting in fury. "Can I at least flirt with you then?" Hopelessly begged the mare.
"Not if you can help it."
"What if I can't?" Whinnied Misty. "Making you feel uncomfortable is how I thrive."
Was she serious?! "Fine...whatever. Knock yourself out. But don't expect me to do the same, and try to abide by these three basic rules, alright?"
"Alright." Misty huffed in displeasure.
"Great! Now, leave me in peace. It's late and we had a long day." Commenced Spirit, as he began to depart from her presence but suddenly, Misty jumped in front of him, abruptly blocking his way.
"Wait! Spirit!" She exclaimed desperately. "What if I told you that... I still love you?"
What on earth? Was this mare completely unhinged or what? She had obviously taken their previous sarcastic 'lovers game' a little too seriously. Spirit knitted his brows in confusion, clearing his throat. "I'd say you're full of it and then laugh in your face. Nice try though."
"No. Really." Insisted the black mare. "I think we were meant to be together. It's like we're bound to each other, no matter how hard we try to deny it. Fate just keeps bringing us back and into each other's embrace." Misty ardently went on to fortify her position.
What the...? Spirit gawked at her in shock. "Wow...you're really going to make me accomplish the impossible; I'm about to vomit."
"I'm being serious, you oaf!"
Spirit was unable to stop himself from chuckling. "Oh Misty...you never change. I know exactly what you're trying to do and it's not gonna work."
"Spirit...I mean it." The black mare kept on persistently. "We would make a wonderful pair. After all, we're going to have a baby together."
The stallion laughed again. "You don't get it do you?"
Misty stared at him coolly. "Get what?"
"...You give love a hideous name, Misty. And I'll be damned if I ever fall for your bullshit. But like I said...nice try." And with that, their conversation for the night was over.
Very ironic chapter for Valentine's Day !
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