Chapter 21

Remember The Time?

"Do you remember...How it all began?

It just seemed like heaven so why did it end?" - Michael Jackson


The morning was bright with spring in the air, the happy earth looked at the endless sky yearning for the mild, rain showers that were to nourish the lands. The Eagle soared high above the ridge, crying of the seasonal changes and the beauty that was to come with it. He flew higher and higher, his magnificent wings were spread wide, claiming heavenly heights. The sky belonged to the eagles, even during the storms. Below, the sublime, free-flying creature, galloped a fiery golden stallion, racing against the wind in animated exaltation, throwing up his regal head to his companion every now and then to make sure they were moving together. This was not a challenge or a friendly race, but rather a jointly demonstration of their excitement and happiness of being wild and free in the rugged, untamed country. If the Eagle believed that he owned the glorious sky, the striking stallion on the other hand, felt as though he owned the world. He thundered unbound, his dark mane and tail whisked by the blowing breeze of the early spring weather. How swiftly was this wild horse flying, as if the wings of the mighty Eagle were gifted to him as well. His formidable strides of fortitude were never chained to the ground.

The horse and eagle met each other on the hill of the Cimarron valleys, and just like they had done many times before, paid tribute to one another. Spirit reared high up on his legs and neighed to the King of The Sky, shaking his neck proudly. "I never realized how I had missed my own lands." He admitted, taking a good look at the Cimarron Homeland. Indeed, ever since joining Cloud's herd, the two stallions had kept their bands in western plains, but being back to his valleys which his sire and dam had discovered and claimed as their own, was truly satisfying.

"Child of the west wind, what's this I see?" The amused Eagle, playfully grabbed the stallion's black forelock with his claws. "You've got spring fever. Perhaps, you can go down at the water hole? Lots of beautiful fillies are flocked there, currently." He winked with mischief, knowing full well that it would only irritate Spirit.

"Not you too!" Exclaimed the stallion, grunting in annoyance. "One pregnant mare is enough, don't you think? Or have you decided to play a matchmaker too?" He chuckled.

"All I know is that if I were a handsome, young stallion, I wouldn't be wasting my time in racing a bird." Light-hearted, frisky response came from the wise creature as he flew away in the distance. "I'll see you later, son of freedom!" He bid goodbye to his friend and soared up in the clouds, disappearing from view.

Spirit shook his head with an entertained, little smirk and turned back to his herd. "Good morning, mother. How are you?" He greeted the lovely palomino mare, that stood in the front, ears perked in alertness.

"You're awfully cheerful today." Remarked Esperanza, smiling warmly at her son. "Am I missing something?" Of course, she was more than glad to see her Spirit looking happy. Lately all he had done was brood in silence, which was unlike the spirited colt she knew and loved. In fact, Misty's unexpected return and shocking revelation had created a slight rift between mother and son and Esperanza was hoping for the unpleasantness to finally go away.

"Don't get me wrong," she quickly added. "I love seeing you like this." She nickered and softly nuzzled her only offspring.

"I don't know what it is...maybe it's our Cimarron country that gives me this sort of feeling or perhaps, the Bold Eagle is right and the Spring is getting to me." Mused Spirit.

"Spring is a wonderful time." Agreed Esperanza gently. "It's a little hectic for our kind, but still quite marvellous. I'm so excited for the arrival of your foal."

Spirit grinned. "Yes, I am too. But..." His voice dropped as he hesitated to continue.

"What is it, my son?" Esperanza frowned. "It's Misty, isn't it?"

"Well, not really...I can handle her."

"What then, is troubling you?"

Spirit let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know if I'll make a good father." He confessed in a low tone.

"Why, of course you will! Don't ever doubt that, Spirit!" Insisted Esperanza, rather surprised to hear such passive words from her confident son.

Spirit smiled faintly at her mother's defensive response. "Thanks, mom. I appreciate your faith in me...but–"

"No buts, my boy!" Esperanza exclaimed instantly. "You will make a great father. You are responsible, brave, strong, caring and compassionate. You'll do just fine...I know it."

Spirit dipped his head and nuzzled his dam lovingly. "Mother?..."

"Yes, dear?"

"I know my sire never knew me, but I wonder what kind of father was he to his other foals?"

Vague smile tucked on Esperanza's lips. "He never had any other foals." She replied, puzzling Spirit greatly.

"What? How come?" Gasped the young stallion. "How old was he when he passed away?"

"Around 5 or 6..." Responded the mare with a sad, weak whinny. "You have so much of your father in you. Perhaps, one of the reasons I kept pushing you to be more like Cloud and other band stallions was fear...I was afraid...still am. Your actions, your mind-set...everything you do is so much like Strider and it scares me. I don't want to lose you like I lost him." Esperanza whimpered, tears suddenly threatened to spill from her brown eyes.

"Don't worry, you won't lose me." Promised Spirit, sweetly nuzzling his mother yet again.

"He knew that I was in foal." Esperanza said, after the two split apart their short embrace. "And he was so excited to be a father. In the end, he mostly sacrificed himself for the two of us. He gave us a chance to escape from the two-leggeds." Her voice quivered, as she drew in a deep breath, attempting to push sorrowful thoughts from her. "Anyway, I believe you'll make us both proud. Just try not to fight with the she-devil, alright?"

The last sentence eased up the depressing mood and Spirit couldn't help but chuckle at the snarky remark of his mother. "No promises on that one." He joked with a laugh.

"Come on, Spirit." Esperanza nipped at his forelock.

"Okay. Okay. I'll be nice to her." Playfully spoke the young stallion. "Which reminds me, I gotta go see her now."

"Good luck, my son."

"Thanks, mother."


As predicted, the notorious black mare was sulking by herself, completely isolated from the rest of the herd members. Not only were the other horses cautious of being around her due to exposure of her recent, cruel deeds, but she too was not putting in any kind of effort to win their trust back. Only Willow and Goonda were keeping a close eye on her from few yards. Letting out a frustrated huff, the pregnant mare attempted to dig out forage from the snow. The early spring sunshine had melted most of the snow from the lands, but the white substance was still covering some of the best grazing grounds. And it wasn't as though the grass was any good. It was so dry, patchy, plain and the taste was absolutely terrible.

Fine.

Maybe it wasn't as 'terrible' as she professed, but Misty had high standards and wasn't all too pleased with her breakfast. It only added to her already vexed state. She deserved so much better! She was stuck in Cimarron valleys against her will! Stupid Spirit had appointed 'spies' to watch her every move, her belly was oversized and SO uncomfortable, and no one cared about her feelings! It was too much to bear!

"Morning Misty!" The sudden appearance of the golden dun stallion, snapped the piqued, black mare from her angry contemplations.

Misty gave Spirit a look of complete disgust and snorting to herself, rolled her eyes at him, averting her attention.

"Come, I want to show you something." Beckoned the young horse in a friendly fashion, ignoring her foul mood.

"Screw off!" Misty's ears lay flat against her head. "You called me a bitch and treat me like I'm lower than dirt, so forgive me for not having the nerves to deal with you right now. Not to mention, my bothersome condition is totally your fault!"

Spirit wanted to groan in utter exasperation. How typical! He had anticipated to hear just that from a mare like Misty, but it was still so annoying having to listen to her complains, as if she were an innocent victim.

"Well, you told me to die like a dog, so I guess that makes us even. And last time I checked, it takes two to conceive a foal. Seriously, Misty...just get over it and come with me. If you comply you might actually enjoy it. Come!" He invited and turned round, ready to lead her to where he was headed.

"Ugh, do I have a choice?" Grumbled the displeased mare, slowly dragging her feet to trail after him. "It better be worth it!"

"You won't regret it."

"At least I have a nice view." Commented Misty slyly and teasingly.

"Thanks for the compliment." Smirked Spirit. Her flirtatious nature never seemed to die down.

The stallion and the mare passed the herd and plodded up to the infamous Cimarron hill – Spirit's favourite spot to guard the band, which was also known as the leader's position – and Misty was actually quite taken aback. She always day-dreamed that one day when she'd become a lead mare, she'd take her spot up there alongside Spirit. Could it be that her wishes were about to be granted? What was happening? But then Spirit dumped a bucket of cold water with his next words, rudely awakening her from her fantasies.

"Voila!" He stomped his foot on the ground and sniffed the grass. "I found it this morning. Enjoy."

Misty eyed the lush, greenery that had erupted from the blanket of snow. It looked so fresh! It was very vibrant and smelled so sweet; it was the first spring grass. It was definitely not what she had hoped for, however, it would still manage to lighten up her gloominess. "Ahh! First taste of Summer!" Cried the joyful Misty and prompted to devour her new, delicious breakfast.

"Easy there, don't choke on your food." Spirit said, unable to hold in an amused laughter.

Misty shot him a death glare and continued ripping the springy turf from its roots.

"See? Told you, you'd like it."

"Can you shut up and let me eat in peace?" Inflamed, moody mare snapped angrily.

"Okay. Don't eat me." Spirit took a step back, realizing that maybe messing with a pregnant, hormonal mare, who was also very bad-tempered naturally, was not exactly the smartest decision.

"Wait..." Misty stopped half-way, her mouth still full of grass as she glared at the stallion suspiciously. "...let me guess...your winged friend blurt out to you what I told him the other day, and this is your way to show pity, isn't it? I don't need a pity party, Spirit!" She spat in rage, almost throwing the pieces of food in his face.

"This isn't a pity party. Calm down." Spirit answered simply. "And yes, he did tell me some of the things you said to him, but rest assured, it won't make me pity you. The only one pitying you is you. All you do is seek excuses and justifications for the monstrous actions you've committed. Just grow up!" Harshly ordered Spirit, right before continuing with his speech. "Stop letting your horrible past shape you as an individual. How can you not see that by behaving in such a way, you're actually letting those that hurt you win? You've given up on yourself...on your kindness and have become exactly like those that mistreated and abused you. You tried to kill Rain! How could you dare to do something so malevolent?"

"I don't require lectures from you." Commenced the spiteful Misty. "Stop acting as if you were virtuous. I mean, how many stallions did you try to kill?"

"That's not the same thing and you know it." Spirit rasped out, infernal vexation slowly rising inside him. "Besides, I only fight for self-defence and for the protection of my herd."

Misty snorted. "Hmph... let's just say that I was also defending what was supposed to be mine."

"Rain did nothing to you!" Every time Misty uttered her nonsensical words, Spirit was become more and more furious.

"She stole my place! Just because you found her attractive for your selfish pleasures, doesn't mean that the domesticated, brainless pet would make a good lead mare!"

"Ha! And what?! You... would?" Mocked Spirit in disbelief.

"At least I know that a lead stallion has more than one mare." Misty replied with a prevailed, evil smirk. "Though her hysterical, dramatic outburst is still making me laugh to this day." And saying this, she giggled quite happily.

Spirit shook his head, trying his best to compose himself and take the high road. It was impossible to get along with this witch of the west! No matter how hard he tried, she always managed to infuriate him and drive him to madness. Not today, though. He was not going to give her that satisfaction. No way! He watched her with a solemn expression, patiently waiting for the braying mare to finish her obnoxious cackling.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be laughing." She said at last. "This is supposed to be sad and all, but it's still so damn hilarious!"

"Laughing is the best medicine they say, so laugh away." Spirit hissed through his teeth, enduring the intolerable mare with great perseverance.

All of a sudden, as though the young stallion's desperate prayer had been answered, Misty's carefree, gleeful countenance changed and she let out a loud yelp. "Ouch!" She swiftly gazed down at her oversized, giant-looking belly.

"What's wrong?" Spirit knitted his brows in concern, stepping forward to inspect her.

After a little pause, Misty spoke up. "Oh, it's nothing." She waved away. "The foal is kicking in the womb... it's normal."

A bright grin of excitement and joy spread across Spirit's features. "Wow! Really?"

Misty stared at the stallion, raising one of her eyebrows in confusion and nodded slowly. "Yeah... here, come and place your ear on the left side of my stomach." She motioned him, slightly surprised at Spirit's jovial reaction. She never had a stallion so thrilled and enthusiastic about her foal before. She had to begrudgingly admit that the whole thing was kind of...sweet and touching, actually.

Spirit nosed her stomach with a gentle, soft nuzzle, his ears pricked forward as soon as he noticed the movement. "It kicked again!" He exclaimed, beaming from head to toe. "This is amazing! I love our foal so much already." His eyes were glimmering brilliantly in the sunshine as he continued to brush his nose against Misty's round belly.

The black mare was powerless to stop herself from smiling. She couldn't understand why, but she found this moment so precious. She had been in foal so many times that she had lost count, and they were always miserable, horrific experiences for her...yet this was so different. It actually made her look forward to meeting her little one. No! Their little one. How could someone be so caring and ...perfect? Wait, what?! This was Spirit! The same stupid, annoying freak that was ruining her life. Nevertheless, every negative feeling towards him seemed to vanish in that very hour. Why? She could not explain it.

They were both living in the present, and felt connected now more than ever.

"Looks like the foal is taking after its crazy sire." Remarked Misty, for the first time, a genuine, mild-mannered cheerfulness was conveyed from her face.

"Or after its insane dam." Spirit retorted teasingly. "How fascinating, no? You're carrying a tiny life inside you."

"That's what we, mares were cut out for, I suppose." Hesitantly said Misty as Spirit looked up at her, and the two locked their eyes.

"I know you'll make a good mother, if you set your heart and mind to it." Soothingly encouraged Spirit. "For now, my only wish is for us to somehow get along with each other. Our foal did nothing wrong...we must try and be worthy parents."

"Hate to admit it, but you are right." Accepted Misty.

"Let's try and be friends."

"With benefits?" Seductively provoked Misty, her eyes lit with gleeful spark.

Spirit laughed at that. "First give birth and let's talk about that after." He winked, causing Misty to giggle as well.

How strange it was that a simple thing such as a kick from an unborn, fidgety foal, brought them together again, making both Spirit and Misty reconsider their former, questionable behaviours against each other and finally let go of their resentment, especially on the black mare's part, who was filled with nothing but hatred. How curious it was that she had forgotten all about it.


"All stop!"

Unforeseeable, abrupt halt of Great Conquest almost caused galloping Bolder to awkwardly crash into him, and Nova came very close to bumping into Bolder's rump. The two horses froze, their nostrils flared in alertness, ears couldn't be more forward and eyes were wide, as they expectantly gaped at the grey Lakota stallion.

"This is it. I actually found it." Great Conquest mumbled in pride, hardly believing what he had just pulled off all on his own in a foreign territory without a rider. "This is where Little Creek and I were met with that terrible scene!"

Observant Bolder surveyed the flat; they were high up the ridge, deep into the trees were a small dirt path could be detected. Without further hesitation, he began a detailed investigation of the surroundings, sniffing every part of the area to get any useful clues or hints about the unfortunate occurrence. The branches were broken from the severe winds and storm, some of the trees were uprooted and there were lot of hoofprints on the half-melted snowy ground. In fact, he could also make out couple of footprints of the two-legged creatures.

"A stallion...a gelding, I presume, and three two-leggeds. One Lakota boy, two pale men." Bolder spoke up afterwards, quite sure of his discoveries. "And last but not least... a pregnant mare."

Great Conquest's jaw hung open in shock. "H-how did you gather such an accurate information from just nosing about?"

"If you don't have all of your senses developed, you won't last a day in the wild." The blood-bay stallion responded nonchalantly.

"Just a heads up though, Little Creek was shot with a firearm." Warned Great Conquest. "I'm not even sure if he's alive."

"What's a firearm?" Bolder cocked his head to the side, furrowing his brows in confusion.

"A metal weapon that the humans use to intimidate one another or any other specie for that matter. It can actually end a life...so beware."

"Is that the reason why there's a scent of blood lingering around here?" Strider's nephew analyzed.

"Wait a second," Murmured Nova, gasping from the unexpected news she had received a moment ago. She had barely paid any attention to what the two stallions were discussing, for she had become way too consumed with the grave thoughts of something else. "Bolder..." Her eyes shifted to him questionably. "...did you say pregnant mare? Is Rain... in foal?"

"Yes, which is why we must hurry and save her right away." Great Conquest stated hurriedly, failing to notice the paled expressions of both of the horses. "So please, little filly, cease asking unnecessary questions and let's get a move on!"

"Is Spirit the sire?" Nova drew in her breath, her heart sinking with dread and inner anguish. She kept staring at Bolder, completely ignoring the words of Great Conquest, besides the part where he had confirmed about the paint mare's pregnancy.

"I'm afraid so." Bolder nickered quietly, comprehending and sympathizing with Nova's pain of agony and heartbreak. Just few months ago, he had experienced the exact same shattered devastation upon finding out the truth. He knew exactly of what she was going through and it hurt him to see the pretty filly so crushed. It was as though he was watching himself in the mirror. He slowly walked up to her and embraced her in a tight hug.

"What the heck is going on?!" Great Conquest neighed impatiently. "We're wasting time! Can you two postpone your romance and concentrate for a second?!"

On that note, Nova and Bolder quickly broke apart from their embrace, feeling a little embarrassed at what the war horse had suggested. The blood-bay stallion was about to make a stern reply when the young mare suddenly cut in. "Sorry, you're right. We have an important task to accomplish." Nova assumed a stoic air, pretending not to look or sound effected with the revelation of Rain's condition.

"Look!" Exclaimed the daughter of Raven and Sirius, as she studied the encompassed area. "There are more hoofprints below." She urgently strode down the top of the range and gestured to the two stallions, glancing back at them in eagerness. "See? This is where they came from and their destination lay up North. That's where they were last headed."

Great Conquest's eyes were round and wide. "The village! The pale-faces were returning from our settlement, where they had captured Rain and forcefully dragged her up here just right before running into us! It makes perfect sense now." He spoke in realization, as the wheels in his head began to turn. "This means we aren't far away from my homeland. I can still find my way back and–"

As Bolder silently listened to Great Conquest's loud conclusions, he was all of a sudden, struck with a functional plan. "Do you think you can go to your village and somehow acquire the help of your two-legged friends?" He interrupted the grey stallion.

"We won't be able to save Rain and the human without their assistance. You need to round up a rescue party, while Nova and I go search for the location of those men...even though, I already have an idea as to where they are." He added the last sentence mostly to himself, instant flashes of his and Spirit's travel raced back into his mind, as he remembered their interesting journey. He had no doubt that the men who had taken Rain were the same men that had tried to hunt down and capture him and Spirit.

"That was my original thought. So yes, I most certainly can!" The grey war stallion agreed almost immediately. "My owner is a skilled tracker and hunter. He'll be able to find his friend in no time. We'll make those pale-faced devils regret for crossing us like this." Great Conquest gritted his teeth threateningly, overcome with unexplainable wrath.

No one abducts Rain and gets away with it! No one!


Rain watched as Spirit tipped his ear, and just stared at her. She admired his gorgeous dun pelt, and how it shone like gold in the cool water and sun. His deep brown eyes were so bright and twinkled in the rays of light that beat down upon both of them. He was so majestic and powerful and she wanted him to stop worrying about unimportant things. The brute was gone, the herd was safe, Esperanza was unharmed, and she and Spirit were sharing a beautiful day together. They needed to simply enjoy this time without thinking about unpleasant encounters and bad scenarios.

The stallion paused, almost reading all of her thoughts in understanding. His solemn demeanour changed as he eyed the mare with an evil little grin. Without hesitation he reared, bringing his full weight crashing down into the still, clear water. Just as his eyes disappeared beneath the massive wave he had created, he saw his wake completely drench the unsuspecting Rain.

The paint mare gave a muffled cry of girlish way, as the huge wave of cool water plunged down upon her entire body. Her flaxen mane struck downwards with water, her whole form darkened, but nonetheless, a glimmering sheen over her pelt.

Spirit resurfaced up, gasping for air, he raised an innocent eyebrow, spitting water from his mouth. "Good day for a swim, eh?" He questioned, ignoring the soaked state he had left her in. He paddled around her with his head just above the surface. His hooves scratched the smooth lake rocks with ease, as he tried hard not to chuckle at how doused his sweetheart looked.

"For you, maybe!" Rain gasped, when the water had settled and her vision was no longer blurry. She shook her neck, her sodden mane rattled around as the extra water sprayed around the lake. Rain glanced at the stallion with a cheeky grin and snorted at his innocent expression. "I ought to get you for that." She giggled with a threatening little glare, her muzzle balancing a bead of water on the very tip.

"So come and get me, then." Spirit grinned back mischievously.

The young paint mare jolted, her blue eyes flew open, grey dawn seeped into the sky: only the faintest light filtered through the trees to stir the darkness, and to Rain, more asleep than awake, the dawn seemed to come with tremendous aching sensation in her stomach. Her head felt so heavy that she could not lift it. She was tired, and so very exhausted. Her legs and body were the fallen trunk of a tree and its branches, inert on the ground. A very sharp pain pinched her on the belly again and this time, she forced herself up on her feet. What was happening to her? Why did she feel so abandoned and alone? She was far away from Spirit...Little Creek had been dragged into a small hut and she had no idea what had become of him. He was in there with those monstrous people! And now, as if all this emotional stress was not enough, she was suffering physically too. Sniffling weakly, she allowed herself to stare down at her stomach. "No, no, no." She sobbed quietly, shivering at the sight of her leaking blood. "This can't be happening." She cried.

"Hey, what's wrong?" The brown horse awoke, hurriedly walking up to her with an inquiring gaze. His eyes were about to pop from its shells when he realized that the mare's hind legs were covered in familiar, dreadful red substance. "Dear goodness, are you okay?!" He raced to her side immediately, trying to support the young mare's weight and stop her from collapsing.

"I'm losing my foal..." Rain whimpered, tears streaming down her pretty face. "...my foal...I'm losing my baby."


Spirit slowly turned, hesitating in his step. The mare looked so beautiful silhouetted in purple lavender, he nearly lost his breath. In her sparkling crystal eyes he kept seeing ribbons of colors that all together excited him and made him nervous. And with surprise, the stallion's mind wandered to the perfectly symmetrical foals she would bear, no doubt possessing her mind-blowing beauty.

The soft spring breeze smelled sweetly of the summer grasses, and of Rain's pungent, lovely scent. Tossing his forelock to the either side, he tried to compose himself and steady his quickened heartbeat. Even though he was anxious and nervousness seemed to rush through him, he decided to pull himself together. He was going to ask her, no matter what. "Rain," he muttered breathily, his heart continued thumping heavily against his chest. "how would you feel about becoming a dam?" Spirit's eyes caught her gaze and then he looked away, sensation of slight timidness surfaced up again. Why did this little mare make him so weak on his knees?

Rain was dumbstruck at his heartfelt question. She knew this was something they had both discussed once, when they were back in her homeland, but in a very light-hearted and teasing manner. It was almost like a mischievous pleasantry...nothing serious. This time however, Spirit appeared to mean it. He seemed so earnest and sincere when he had asked her this important question. Her own heart skipped a beat as she sheepishly averted her gaze from him. To be honest, Rain had never really thought of herself as a dam or a mate...perhaps because her previous life had been so different from this new one. She had always longed to be with her human friend and protect her homeland by becoming a worthy war horse as her sire once was. Things had drastically changed for her since then.

The beautiful paint remained silent as she contemplated on what her stallion just asked her. Spirit's deep brown eyes danced in the sunlight, his ears flicking back and forth as he attempted to read her body language. Being honest was always the trait he valued, and he preferred to get it off his chest and tell her everything he felt and desired. What troubled him however, was how she felt about this whole situation. When they had stood on the lakeside, warming their wet coats in the sun, what did she mean when she spoke about the evening? And what if he scared her off for good with his overbearing advances? Rain was still so young...maybe she was not ready to be a dam yet. Would she answer him honestly? Or would she try to come off nice and not hurt his feelings? Either way, he would not be disappointed.

Silence lasted for about a minute or two and then Rain slowly began to turn away from him, walking at a steady pace back towards the trail they had taken to get to Spirit's secret monument place for his father. Rain had remembered the way quite well with her sharp senses. "Truth be told," she nickered with a calm and gentle tone, pausing for a minute, her eyes glanced back at the stallion, who had been waiting for her answer with a pounding heart. "I never thought of myself as a mother." she continued to whisper loud enough for him to hear.

"But...I guess things do change." she smiled with a mischievous little grin, as she shifted her blue gaze back on the trail.

Spirit couldn't help but smile softly at that as his soaring heart calmed down a bit. He had not scared her away! Instantly he set off after her, matching her stride step-for-step with his own. The path was easy enough to follow, he had no qualms about letting Rain, a mare, lead him onward. In fact, he admired the fact that she had quickly learned to navigate in his wild home.


Misty was prattling...AGAIN!

Ever since Spirit and Misty decided to put their past behind them for a certain period of time, the black mare had become somewhat tolerable. She was no longer as cruel and downright horrendous with an unbearable attitude and her screeching voice. She tried to subdue her hostile nature and to Spirit and Esperanza's surprise, attempted to find common ground with the other herd members. And while the young stallion was all for this new change in his baby mamma, he was now slowly realizing that Misty had radically gone from an evil sorceress to an incredibly tiresome, talkative, nosy mare that would not shut her mouth. Granted, she had ceased complaining about having to stay in Spirit's band...she was actually sticking close to the young stallion as though she were part of his tail. But unfortunately, because she talked so much and mostly about utter nonsense, Spirit was regretting his decision about becoming 'friends'. Every minute, every hour, ever DAY! There was no stoping her running mouth as she kept on and on and on and Spirit began to envy the deaf. She spoke of every silly thing she could think of.

"Well, don't you worry, if she keeps this up, you will go deaf." He told himself. Ugh, and she was so loud! Her unnecessary chattering...every creature on earth would be able to hear her. Spirit was convinced that the irritating mare was doing it on purpose to get on his nerves. There was no other logical explanation for it. Maybe he could ask a predator to rip his ears off? That could do it.

The worst part was that Misty had assumed a role of an experienced 'teacher' and she was sharing her so-called 'wisdom' with Spirit's young cousins. Presently, even though, the golden stallion was some distance away from the talkative, annoying black mare, he could still hear her lecturing and enlightening the young mares of the Cimarron herd. Spirit couldn't hold in a laughter, when he comprehended the topic of their discussion. How ironic it was! Misty...the promiscuous, flirtatious Misty, was educating the fillies about safety of mating. Unbelievable! A pregnant mare, lecturing others about safe sex. Just how much more ridiculous could she get?!

"Just ignore her, just ignore her. She could be a whole lot insane...this is good." Spirit tried to convince himself, and yet her overbearing voice kept ringing in his ears.

"Remember, if you want to just fool around, have fun and not end up like me, you have to make sure that you stay away from stallions in spring and summer months. Especially spring...like starting from now." Cautioned Misty. "Trust me, I would know."

"Oh, we trust you, alright." Grumbled Spirit from his spot. "Nobody has doubts about your reputation."

"Shut up Spirit!"

The stallion rolled his eyes and continued nibbling the brownish coloured grass. Even if most of the snow was gone from their territories, the food was still not fresh except few patches that emerged from here and there. The lands longed for the spring rain. It was rain that would awaken the beauty of nature and yet, it was not coming. So, his true love – Rain– left him and now the element itself for whom she was named for, seemed to abandon his country as well? What the actual hell?

"Are you saying that we should hide in spring if we don't want to get pregnant?" Innocently asked Bella, Goonda's oldest daughter.

"Yes, indeed, because if you don't heed my advice and go searching for romancin' instead, you'll end up exactly like me." Guaranteed Misty. "Spring is a horrible season for it...it usually seals the deal. So please, if you fillies still aren't ready to be in foal, simply stay with your mothers."

The last two sentences of Misty made the young stallion freeze and harden into stone, all colour drained from his face as he jerked his head up. "Seals the deal..." Completely overwhelmed with his sudden realization, Spirit bolted towards the small group of mares. "What...did...you just say?" He rasped out in shock.

Misty wrinkled her nose and huffed. "I said a lot of things, Spirit. If you were interested, you should've paid more attention. Jeez!"

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Roared the stallion, as he repeated himself even louder, looking frantic and so pale, it actually stunned Misty.

"Nothing big." Nervously interfered Bella. "She was only cautioning us to stay in the band during the spring months. That is, if we don't want to be in her situation."

"Stop screaming like a freak!" Added the agitated Misty.

"Merciful heavens above..." Spirit slowly backed up, petrified and dumbfounded. "Well...I'll be." He panted, barely able to breathe.

"What is wrong with you? Have you seen a ghost?" Misty glanced behind her shoulder, slightly frightened and astounded at the panicked state of the stallion.

"I've been so stupid! So blind!" Spirit exploded suddenly, and swinging round in a frenzied fire that surged through him, took off.

"Where on earth are you going?!" Screamed the black mare after him, as Esperanza and the rest of the herd members snapped their heads to see what was happening.

"Spirit, what's wrong with you?" The palomino mare darted forward, calling for her son in desperation.

"Make sure Misty stays put in our herd!" Spirit neighed his answer, but did not slow down for a second.

"But where are you going?"

"I have to see Cloud!" Came the anxious response.

Esperanza watched her golden offspring disappear into the morning fog and stared back at Misty, feeling incredibly perplexed. "What just happened?"

"I have absolutely no idea."

"What did you tell him?" The palomino mare demanded angrily.

"Nothing. I wasn't even talking to him." Retorted Misty. "I seriously don't know what got into him."

Esperanza snorted. This was all too crazy. What business did her son have with Cloud? Why was he so unsettled and frantic?

"Fine, just worry about your unborn foal. You have to be a good mother in order to raise him properly."

"If I were you, I'd refrain from giving counsel to others in regards to raising foals, considering your own colt still needs a lot of work." Misty replied disrespectfully and strode away from the lead mare.

Esperanza was far too perturbed about Spirit's unexpected outburst and action to give too much thought to Misty's rude statements. "What could be troubling him?" She wondered to herself.


Any guesses as to what shocked our Spirit?

Share your thoughts!

I hope everyone is staying safe in relation to the recent virus outbreak. We should all take example from the Lone Stallion, Bolder and remain isolated in order to stay safe and healthy. Take precautions.

To Starstablegal: Thanks for the reviews! I appreciate your support, but did you actually read all 20 chapters in ONE day? 0_0

I know I should've asked this a long time ago...but any of you have a favourite character from this story?