...


Chapter 26

Written In The Stars

"If it takes a day or a hundred years,

Me and my heart are gonna be right here,

to pick love up where we put it down."

– When You Come Around by Deric Ruttan


Rain couldn't sleep that night.

She didn't know whether it was because of the uncomfortable position her foal seemed to be rotating in, or maybe she was still worried about Little Creek's health and Bolder's safety, or perhaps...her mind was once again immersed with thoughts of someone she didn't really wish to think about? Who knew really? It could be all four. After shifting her heavy body here and there, trying to switch up her resting spot, she came to a very irritating realization that she wouldn't be able to find peace that night. Sighing, she slowly left the comfort of the sleeping herd and sneaked off to her absolute favourite place in the Lakota territory. She hoped that maybe whatever ailed her would dissolve from her mind if she visited her special getaway. The apple trees would be in full bloom soon, reminding her once again of her carefree days as a young filly, but without doubt, the beauty of this place would also bring her memories that she was so desperately trying to forget. A gentle breeze swayed her flaxen forelock, as her sparkling eyes were drawn to the dark sky. Most of the clouds were covering the shining stars that night, but she could still discern the bigger, bright ones beaming down at her together with the half moon.

How sublime were these fire balls, so bright, yet so far away. She wondered if her parents watched over her in the form of stars, especially the two glittering ones that were currently showing even in the dark clouds. Rain knew that by morning, they would be gone, but she wished that they would stay. She wouldn't feel so lonely with such marvellous lights shining upon her. After all, no horse can survive in solitude for long. That thought made her remember the Lone Stallion, Bolder...how wonderful he was! How kind, steadfast and loving. He didn't deserve to be abandoned and remain in his forest home all on his own. What if...she and he could? She blushed, shaking her head at that thought. But then again, what was so bad about it? Two lonely souls coming together...they wouldn't have to be alone anymore. What if her destiny lay with him all along? What if she had been too blind and too in love with someone, who didn't suit her at all, to see the truth? Could it be that she and Bolder were meant to be from the start? One, brave young stallion completely devoted to her and she devoted to him? Yes, that was it. It made so much sense to her. So then why couldn't she get the image of a certain golden horse, thundering across the plains, out of her mind?

She felt like gazing at the beautiful stars all night, studying their shape, their size, their stories too, she'd learn them all by heart. For they say that future is in the stars, written with their glowing light on the inky black of empty space, where it echos in the night. Who would she be, Rain wondered? What would the birth of her sweet, little foal bring in her life? Would her life be happier or more complicated? She wasn't sure, but she would try her utmost best to be a worthy mother, even if she didn't know what that was like. Her own mother had been with her for a very short period of time...she was raised by a human. Would she make a good dam at all? She wanted to ask the stars all these questions, but they were much too far away that even if they answered her, she knew she wouldn't hear the words they'd say. But she'd wait and watch them every night for endless spots of time until she learned to read their words and their secrets became hers.

The crack of dawn hit, the smokey mists of night and the stars slowly faded into the new light of an early day. Rain had been so engrossed in her musings that she hardly noticed that an early hour of morning had arrived. The old nightlife needed to be somehow forgotten. She made up her mind that she wouldn't allow anything from the past penetrate the force of the future. It must all remain where it belonged...forgotten.

But how could something so important be lost? She stared down at her round belly, comprehending that the tiny life inside her, consisted of both the past and the future. It was believed in many tribes that dawn would fade the night away. Day would take over and the darkness would subside. But Rain knew that the night is never truly forgotten. Without the beauty of the night, there would be no day...without the night, there would be no beauty of dawn. Who was she kidding? Memories of night can never fade, for the light of day is always met with dusk, and dusk shall once again bring the images of night in all its beauty.

"Dawn may begin," Rain whispered to herself. "but it is not a mean to an end."

Dusk would return the night to the world, old memories once again becoming reality.

And then, as if fate was playing a cruel joke on her, she felt it again...the same presence that she recognized from the night before...out in the cold rain. She didn't want to look back, but her prey instincts were too strong to ignore.

Startled, she spun round, only to be met once again by those familiar burning eyes. "You?!" She cried in shock, even though part of her had already sensed who it was without having to turn.

"Shh...please, stay quiet or else they'll hear you." Pleaded the stallion, as he slowly took a step towards her. He wasn't sure how much longer Nova would be able to keep Great Conquest diverted with her terrible attempts on flirting.

Rain cautiously backed up, as she typically would in front of a dangerous predator. Her subtle action didn't go unnoticed by Spirit, who came to an instant halt, staring at her in sadness. "Are you afraid of me?" He looked so very hurt by the mere idea.

"How-wha -how did-what are you doing here?" Rain stammered, unable to stop herself from gasping, her blue eyes round in surprise. How could he just appear and disappear like a phantom? "What are you, some kind of a ghost?" Perhaps, those pale-faced humans were right to think of him as a spectre?

Spirit chuckled at her reaction. "Thanks for the compliment." He grinned.

"It's not a compliment!" She snorted angrily. "How did you even get past–"

"Your self-appointed bodyguard?" Spirit interjected with a mischievous smirk. "I used your trick. Granted, it was very poorly executed but hey, it worked."

Unbelievable! Rain gawked at him with her mouth almost hanging open. "I thought you left."

Spirit's playful expressions changed, as his tender eyes now conveyed longing and sorrow. "How can I leave when everything I need is right here?"

Rain turned her head towards the trees, incapable to face him. "You shouldn't have come." She mumbled quietly.

Spirit neared her, trying to search her beautiful eyes. "Rain, please, please...look at me." His gaze shifted on her swelled stomach and then back at her.

Still Rain couldn't find courage to face him, as she stared at the ground, her heart racing within her chest. Why did he have to come so close to her? Again, she tried to move off, but Spirit blocked her path, inches away from her now.

"When were you planning to tell me?"

The extreme silence that followed his gentle question, made Spirit very shattered. "I see..." He concluded, fighting back liquid that built up his eyes. She wasn't planning to tell him anything.

It was then, Rain stared up and finally decided to meet his gaze. "I'm sorry, Spirit, but it would only complicate everything even more. We said our goodbye and that was supposed to be it. Why make everything so difficult? You shouldn't have come back." She shut her eyes, averting her gaze from him once more.

"Rain, we share that foal together...we are connected, like it or not."

"You should go!" She suddenly ordered him, not wanting to listen to him, in case he made so much sense that she'd be forced to change her mind on her decision. "Conquest told me that you already found your mare, so now leave before you lose her again."

"What are you talking about?" Spirit became confused.

Rain huffed impatiently, irritation and anger taking hold of her. Ugh, jerk! Leave it to Spirit to act all innocent when mares were concerned. "The wild filly you were looking for...from your herd? What? Did you lose her yet again? I mean, what's holding you here? Just go home."

"Wait, what? You mean Nova?" Spirit blinked.

"Whatever her name is."

It was hard to ignore and not get wounded by Rain's cold tone. "I didn't come here because of her." He spoke softly. "I wasn't even aware that she was present. After bringing Little Creek, my only desire was to–"

"You rescued Little Creek?" The mare stared at him.

Spirit nodded quietly, still very upset that no matter how hard he tried, he was failing at winning her civility, let alone her love and trust.

Rain was silent for a moment, processing the new information she had just received. Of course! Why didn't she think of it sooner? Who else would save her human? Trying to mask her inner emotions that surged her heart, and hoping to come off distant and cool, she assumed a proud, indifferent air. "So what, are you denying your ties with her?" She accused.

For a second, Spirit could've sworn that something had changed in the young mare...as if she had let her guard down. Her piercing eyes had become all warm and loving, but then just as suddenly, she went back to her defensive, annoyed state, resembling a winter ice pellet rather than sweet drop of summer rain.

"I'm not exactly sure what Great Conquest told you." Spirit admitted in a low voice. "But I'm not gonna deny anything. What you heard is true...I couldn't stop thinking about you. I really needed to forget you, at least for one night."

Rain rolled her eyes. Predictable excuses! Don't fall back into his charms! No matter how guilt-ridden and anguished he sounds! Scoffing with a shake of her head, she asked another blunt question. "Aha...and how's our dear Misty doing these days?"

Damn, she was ruthless! Spirit's heart sank. He couldn't get through to her! She was still so mad and shattered, and so unwilling to listen to him. "Misty?"

"Yes, is she in good health? As round as me, I presume?"

Ouch! Spirit nodded, as the waves of dejection crashed over him. He knew right away what she was hinting at. "She's fine." He didn't have to say anything else, Rain could read the subtle words quite clearly as well as his body language.

"Well, she certainly predicted the future!" Rain let out a bitter laugh. "We're baby buddies, I guess."

"Oh, please, Rain! Don't do this to us." Desperately entreated Spirit. "What happened can't be changed, but it can be improved. I love you so much. I've always loved you and I know that deep down, you feel the same way." He gently tried to nuzzle her, but was instantly rebuffed.

"You don't know what I feel!" The mare snapped. "Stop making assumptions!"

Spirit released a deep breath from his lungs. Rather than choosing to concentrate on what he was presently trying to tell her, she was once again fixated on the past. He didn't know if he would be able to compete with that, considering that no matter what he said, Rain would still stubbornly focus on her rage than anything else. Well, least he could do was try again and again. He wasn't going to give up!

"Rain," He commenced tenderly. "this distancing thing isn't working. We both know it. I'm losing my mind–"

"Stop messing with my head!" The paint mare burst, her voice shaking as she became overwhelmed with emotion. "We've been down this path before. Why did you have to come? I was doing fine without you. You need to leave...out of sight and out of mind, as Conquest says." She hung her head, enable to directly meet his eyes. "Please, just... go away." She implored ever-so quietly.

"See?" Spirit nudged her softly, trying to lift her chin so that he could admire her pretty, blue eyes. "You can't stop thinking about me either. We belong together Rain...wild and free, side by side, along with our foal. The foal that's connecting us now forever."

"No!" She said sharply and once again, escaped his passionate gaze. "This is where I belong and so does my foal." She insisted with certain amount of stubbornness.

"Our." The stallion corrected her, slightly insulted and hurt at the fact that she didn't consider him in their offspring's life. She wasn't Misty. She couldn't possibly be so cold-hearted. "You aren't the sole decision-maker in our foal's life. It takes two to conceive, remember?"

"I'm carrying for almost eleven months, so yes I am." She responded sharply, sounding quite outraged at his words. "The foal will be staying here with me and Little Creek, where we'll properly raise the little one in the village."

Spirit was stunned, he felt like an arrow had pierced his entire heart. What heart? Did he even possess one any more? It had been completely and utterly smashed. "You...you can't deprive me from being a father to our foal." He muttered in disbelief, his very soul was being crushed in that moment.

"That obviously is not my intention." Agreed Rain. "But I think I deserve to be a full-time mother to our foal, considering this baby will probably be my only one. And unlike some individuals, I plan to do this just once."

"I'd never dream of taking that role from you." Spirit assured her with a soft tone, his longing gaze settling on her eyes again. "Which is why I'm asking you to come with me, where we can both be–"

"I'm not going anywhere with you!" The young mare shook her head in horror. Last thing she wanted was to look at pregnant Misty all day and become 'baby buddies' with her. She shuddered at that thought.

"Listen, Rain–"

"You'll have plenty of opportunities to sire foals with other mares. I mean, Misty's expecting too and who knows? Maybe your new toy is as well... So please, don't you dare steal this one thing from me! I refuse to be left with nothing!"

Spirit felt so desolated, anguished and so very disappointed in that second. He didn't wish to take anything from her...he wanted to be part of it. How could she not see it? Why had this become a battle of which one of them would win and be entitled to the trophy? He didn't just yearn to share his life and homeland with his coming foal, but also with her. How could she not see and sense that? This wasn't just about their offspring. This was about their love that for Rain apperantly, no longer existed.

Noticing just how upset and heartbroken the stallion had gotten at her harsh statements, Rain spoke up in a friendly manner, hoping to thaw the ice. "You can always come for a visit. I'm not against you getting to know your own foal. Far from it. You are more than welcome to spend time with us. I'm sure Little Creek would be thrilled to have you here, from time to time." She said, a faint smile tinting her lips. "He'd love that."

"Would you?" Spirit asked quietly, looking as if he was about to shed tears.

"Me?" Rain raised her brows questionably.

"Would you love that?"

"Well...of course, I want us to remain good friends."

"Friends?!" That was the moment the stallion lost it. This was simply too much to bear! Was she completely mocking him?

"You can take that lousy friendship and toss it in the river!" He cried unhappily.

"Spirit–" Rain attempted to calm him down, but she was instantly cut off.

"You know what I think of you, Rain?" He snapped at her, sounding altogether furious and distressed.

"No, but why do I get the feeling that you won't hesitate to tell me?" The mare narrowed her eyes at him.

"I think you're a coward!"

Rain gasped. "How dare you?" She said indignantly.

"That's right!" Spirit confirmed, adding insult to her injury. However, at that point, he honestly couldn't care less about her wounded pride. She had teared his own heart into million pieces, squashed and stomped on it so uncaringly, she could deal with her pride being affected.

"You're afraid to fight for what's real and pure. I love you...we're going to have a foal together and yet you much rather let one mistake ruin everything that's so true and powerful! We were meant to be together, how can you not see that? How can you not see that you belong in the wild by my side? Even Little Creek realized it. Call me sentimental, but this was all written in the stars. You've given up on us...you've surrendered so easily..." His brown pools had become glossy. "...but I refuse to lose hope. No matter how long it takes...days, weeks, seasons, years even...it doesn't matter. I'll wait for you. I know you'll come around one day, and when that happens, my beating heart will be right here...ready to pick love up where we put it down. In the meantime, I think of you as nothing but a coward. Plain and simple. You don't seize the opportunity...life is too short to waste in bitterness, but that's all you want to do!" He spat, his voice shaking with emotional anguish.

A small tear escaped Rain's blue eye, as she tried her best to conceal it. "If you have nothing else to say, you should...go now."

Stubborn as a mule! Probably worse than a mule! Spirit shook his head. She was really set in her ways. "Rain, I love you-"

"No! You've said enough. I don't want to hear any of it again! Just leave me alone!"

"Alright..." Spirit nodded, surprising Rain with his sudden obedience. "Look me in the eyes and tell me you feel nothing for me and I will leave you alone." He promised.

"Are you serious?"

"Just say it!"

Rain opened her mouth to object, but then she realized that it would only work against her. "Fine! I feel nothing for you."

Spirit chuckled. "You didn't look me in the eyes."

"I did!" Rain argued, growing more and more irritated.

"No, you didn't."

"You're delusional and you're imagining things."

"Then, say it again." Challenged Spirit. "And this time, make sure you look me in the eyes."

How ridiculous! Scoffing and rolling her eyes, she huffed in frustration. Fixing her piercing gaze at him, she said at last. "I feel nothing for you. Happy?"

Spirit smirked. "You're a bad liar."

"BAD LIAR?! WELL, I SHOULD SAY!" Roared Great Conquest, galloping towards them with purpose, as Nova closely followed him, attempting to catch up. He was swiftly upon them like lightening, raging from head to toe. "I warned you once, and I won't do it again! You're SO done, Mustang!" He gnashed his teeth at Spirit, vigorously pushing him away from Rain as he leaped in between them. "You think I wouldn't be able to uncover your little circus?!"

"Spirit, I'm sorry, I tried but he noticed that I could walk just fine and–" Nova nickered anxiously, trying to explain the situation.

"Yeah, no shit!" Exclaimed the angry war stallion. "Your performance was really crappy!"

"Excuse me?!" Nova stared at him, looking very offended at his words. "For your information, you still bought it. You only realized the truth mere seconds ago." She taunted.

"Shut up!"

"Hey!" Spirit interfered, overcome with anger. "Watch what you say to Nova." He cautioned. "Leave her out of this. It was my idea."

"You're right, I should just kick your ass." Great Conquest agreed, glaring at him in hostility.

"That won't be necessary." Rain chimed, calmly walking up to the grey stallion. "Spirit was already leaving." She shifted her cool gaze on the wild mustang. "Weren't you?"

Spirit stared at her in melancholy, his heart was long sunken, his soul was crushed. She couldn't mean any of that...his beloved Rain...No... Before he knew it, Red, Blaze and River together with Aranda and Silver Moon trotted up to them, curious to see what the commotion was about.

"YOU AGAIN!?" Screamed Red once he recognized the wild stallion. Rearing up and posturing aggressively, he exclaimed in rage. "You didn't quite get our message, did you?!"

"Stop yelling, you're hurting my ears." Spirit said flatly, completely unfazed by the obnoxious stallion. He had far more important things on his mind to give any thought to that upstart.

"When I'm finished with you, your ears will be the least of your worries!" He threatened.

Spirit finally acknowledged his overbearing presence and smirked. "Easy there, stud. The big cats you mentioned the other day, are referred to as panthera leo. They inhabit the African savanna that lies so far away from our world. And believe it or not, I too happen to know few things about their fighting methods, so let's just not even go there."

Immediately Red fell silent, his blood was boiling in wrath when Great Conquest interposed. "That's fine, Red...Spirit was just leaving anyway. There's no need for violence. Oh and Nova," He let his eyes wander towards the young mare. "Your flirting skills need a LOT of work. Honey, you were awful."

"Don't 'honey' me!" Feeling utterly insulted, Nova scoffed in outrage and stared at Spirit, seeking support from him. "Can you believe this domesticated pet?"

"I'm actually with him on this one." The golden stallion confessed with an awkward smile.

"Jerks!" Snorted Nova, stomping her foot in vexation. "Let's see how you'll handle it on your own next time."

"Oh, don't you worry," Rain was unable to remain quiet any longer, as she inserted with a sarcastic tone. "I'm sure Misty would be delighted to give you some tips on how to be extra slutty."

"Misty?" Nova furrowed her eyebrows. "Who's Misty?"

"Wow...so he lies to you too?" Rain remarked with a sly smirk. "Glad to know I'm not the only one."

"Yeah, who's Misty?" Great Conquest wrinkled his nose in confusion.

"Ask Spirit." Rain sneered, shooting him a pointed glare.

The wild stallion didn't say anything in response. He was too hurt with Rain's unfeeling behaviour to utter a syllable. Her sharp-tongue and unforgiving attitude stabbed his very spirit. He truly felt completely defeated.

"Ah, I see!" Great Conquest announced in disgust. "She's probably the one that–"

"There's no point in discussing this." Rain quickly added. "It's in the past now. We're all moving on. Which reminds me, that it's time for you two to get going." She observed, quite pleased with herself. "Although, if I were you Spirit, I'd probably tell her about Misty. That is, if you don't want to lose your new prize or toy... whatever she is." She completed her stingy words, and averted her eyes from the devastated stallion.

"You heard her! Time to disappear!" Great Conquest announced as he shoved Nova and Spirit forward. "Out! Out! Both of you!"

"Don't touch me!" Nova protested, throwing up her heels and trotting onwards. "I'll gladly go if that'll get me out of your ugly company!" She shot back.

Great Conquest rolled his eyes and turned to the silent Spirit. "You too, pal. Enough is enough. Beat it!"

"You know, for someone who criticizes Misty," Spirit spoke up, his attention fixed on Rain. "you sure sounded a lot like her."

"How?" The mare dismissed with a scoff. "I only said the truth."

"Yeah, the so-called 'truth'...with the intention to hurt others. Good for you Rain, you succeeded." Spirit nodded sadly and with a final glance at Rain's direction, who made sure not to look at him, caught up to Nova and rapidly galloped from the settlement, both of them dusting up a storm as they left.

Red was yelling swear words at him as Blaze and River attempted to subdue his fury. While Great Conquest shook his head and stated with a snarky comment. "Wild horses...they're so crazy."

"You can say that again." Rain agreed with a quiet nicker. Only the gentle old, Aranda stood in the background absolutely still, looking very pale and confused. She had heard everything in the heated disagreement, but what caught her attention the most was the mention of a very familiar name.

"Perhaps, you could give Nova few pointers?" Teased Great Conquest suddenly. "I mean, she was so bad."

"Oh, shut up!"

"What?" A naive, innocent smile spread across his face. "You should've seen the pathetic display."

His jokes, however, were flying over Rain's head because she was deeply concentrated on something...something important, it seemed. "Did you know that it was Spirit that rescued Little Creek?" She spoke up after a small pause.

"I...damn...I had no idea." Great Conquest's rasped out in puzzlement. All this time, he believed that the wild stallion had been forced to leave his herd in order to retrieve Nova...and to somehow weasel his way back in Rain's life. This was unprecedented for sure!

"Which makes me so worried now..." The paint mare continued, anxiousness taking over her frame. "If Spirit saved Little Creek, and you and that wild filly helped me get to the village...then...what happened to Bolder?"


I don't know Rain...maybe I'll answer that question in the next week's chapter?

Happy Easter everyone!

Who is making the most sense these days? Is it Spirit? Is it Rain? Is Rain being a bitch due to her pregnancy hormones or could she be falling in love with someone else? *Cough* Bolder... Or perhaps, Spirit just doesn't understand the concept of 'social distancing'. Get on with times, Spirit! Rain's in quarantine! Just kidding! :D