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Chapter 27

Ray Of Hope

"But I wont give up hopin'

The spell can be broken" -

When You Come Around By Deric Ruttan

"Aaaand...

...one, two, three, four...JUMP!"

As soon as the order was given, the eager colts vertically sprang high in the air, producing a backward kick with the hind legs at the height of their leap, every one of them displaying the mesmerizing motion in synchrony.

"It was a lot better this time." Observed the satisfied Cloud, once the movement was executed. "Remember that capriole isn't just used to demonstrate excellent fighting skills, but it is also an elegant dance to entice fillies. You must keep that in mind when practising your airs above the ground. It has to look graceful yet fierce. It's a balancing act of both of these elements." As Cloud spoke with certain amount of pride in his voice, he noticed that amongst the young, coming stallions, one student was missing.

"Ahem..." He cleared his throat in displeasure and let his eyes wander towards the grazing mares. "Willow," He nickered politely to Strider's sister, who in turn, lifted her head and looked at him expectantly. "Where is your son, Lightening? He cannot be missing final classes."

"He decided to accompany the fillies down to the basin."

Cloud shook his head. "He'll be moving out and joining the bachelor herds in a week, least he can do is get ready."

"Oh, don't worry Cloud," Esperanza chimed with an easy-going smile. "You know how young ones are, always looking for a bit of independence. I think Lightening is learning a lot about the role of a band stallion by providing protection for our fillies."

"Hmm...I suppose so." Reluctantly agreed Cloud. "Although, I'm not too sure if leaving the herd to gallivant around was such a good idea. Spring is near and you know what that means..."

"I'm sure they'll be fine." Assured Esperanza as Scarlet and Willow nodded in approval. "They aren't too far away from our sights either. If something were to happen, we would hear."

"And they'll be returning soon, Cloud." Interjected Goonda. "So, there's no need for troublesome thoughts."

Cloud shrugged his shoulders, huffing to himself. "Well, there's always a reason to worry. They're young and brash and make foolish mistakes."

"Let's give them the benefit of the doubt." Esperanza nickered softly. "Lightening is a coming three year old, it's only natural that he wants to be protective. I remember Spirit was that exact age when he took over the herd duties of a band stallion."

"That young, huh?" Cloud commented with an impressed smirk.

"Oh he couldn't wait much longer. He was so impatient." Beamed the palomino mare upon the memory of her enthusiastic son. "Speaking of impatient," She lifted her brows, unable to hold in a giggle. "look at that little rascal over there."

Cloud shifted his gaze towards where Esperanza was gesturing and found himself surprised when he spotted his three day old little colt, trying to imitate the young stallions from his courting class sessions.

Chuckling heartily, Cloud trotted over to the youngest member of his family and gently nudged him back to his dam. "Wait couple of years Bolt, you're far too young for this, my boy. Go to your mother now."

"Aww, how adorable he is." Sweetly smiled Esperanza, her heart melting at the sight of the newborn foal, who was presently bouncing back to his protective mother. "I love foaling season."

"Who doesn't?" Cloud grinned. "Can't wait to meet all my children. And of course, Spirit's foals are due this Spring too. How exciting!"

Brightness in Esperanza's warm eyes dissolved, she lowered her head sadly. "I hope he'll succeed in convincing Rain to return to our herd. I really want to be able to meet both of my grand-foals."

"Let's remain positive and hope for the best." The stallion told her, an encouraging smile tucking his lips.

The cold winter had passed and now came the beautiful spring, that was brought by the rain showers the day before. The stormy weather of the previous day had faded, the warm sun was shining brightly around the lands, blossoms were slowly budding on the naked branches, soon flowers would open and smell of sweet perfume. The newly hatched baby birds were causing the mother birds to sing their song lovelier than usual. The wind's soft breeze passed through the tall trees and into the sweeping manes and tails of the young mustangs. Life was all around them with beautifully fresh purple flowers on a hill, clumps of wet frost on the ground, soft grass was dancing around their legs as the birds chirped in the woods. Weather was good, melting the cold mountain tops, as the frosty snow quickly ran down. Bright, shiny sky was crystal clear and fresh, crispy scent of life, filled the air.

An upcoming-young stallion with a brown coat and white stockings on his legs, was grazing quietly in the basin meadow, pale purple mist hanging low as he twitched his ears. Despite his relaxed state, his main focus lay on the dancing fillies that were splashing playfully in a small creek. Sparrows and larks sang in pines and tall aspens. The stream hummed of limpid gurgles, every time the delicate legs of the young horses dashed inside, throwing up sprinkles of water all around them. Nearby, elks with locked antlers scrummed among the wildflowers and Lightening couldn't help but notice grasshoppers leaping in the bushy meadows so joyously. Feathery golden wind billowed in the canyon breeze, lively streams were rushing effortlessly onwards. How wonderful it was to be wild and free in the Cimarron valleys!

The colt stared at his band sisters, who were so engrossed in their frisky games, that no longer perceived his presence. "Are you finishing up soon? I'm gonna miss my lesson with Cloud." He whinnied at them, but his words seemed to fall on deaf ears.

Snorting and rolling his eyes to himself, the young horse raised his voice. "Bella! Pearl! Rosebud! Charm!"

The four fillies stopped their playful prancing and spraying of water, and looked over at their band brother. "What now?" Bella huffed.

"Let's go!" Lightening pawed the ground with his leg impatiently. "You've been here for over an hour. I can't miss my last class with Cloud."

"Oh, boohooo...poor Lightening won't be able to win himself a mare." Cloud's cheeky, yearling daughter teased. "My father says that all colts are brainless."

"Shut up, Pearl!" Snapped Lightening. "You're definitely no embodiment of intelligence." He retorted snarkily. "Now be done with it and let's return to the herd."

"Please, Lightening, give us few more minutes." His biological sister, Rosebud implored. "I know you can be a good, patient brother when you want to." She pouted innocently.

"Fine." Grunted the colt. "Just hurry up."

"I agree, colts are brainless." Rosebud whispered in Pearl's ears and the two burst into a giggle, but Lightening had heard them.

"Yeah, keep that attitude up ladies, and no stallion will accept you in their bands." The colt fired back. "I know I won't be looking in your direction at all, Pearl." He snickered, stinging the arrogant filly with his sharp words.

Cloud's yearling daughter scoffed at that comment. "As if I'd want you, a silly colt, as my herd stallion."

Bella chuckled. "No, you have your eyes on our other cousins, don't ya?" She grinned knowingly.

"Well, I'll have you know that Blizzard doesn't like Pearl's snooty attitude either. And Dragonfly once told me that he'd rather poke his eyes out than choose Pearl as his mate. So forget it, missy." Lightening childishly stuck his tongue out at Cloud's daughter and laughed at her outraged expression.

"Pfftt!" Pearl scoffed yet again. "Like I care! Why would I need to attract the attention of dim-witted colts? Once I'm fully grown, I'm going to be joining Spirit's herd, now he is the REAL stallion."

Lightening burst out laughing at that. "What makes you think my oldest cousin would want a spoiled, little brat as his mate?! He considers you as nothing but a foal!"

"You're just jealous. Wait and see...you'll be surprised." Pearl finished with a mischievous wink and assuming a proud air, trotted back in the crystal pool, holding her glistening tail high.

"Race you down the river bank?" Charm, Scarlet's daughter, suggested the fillies with a sudden excitement.

"It's on!" All four of them snapped into an exuberant gallop as they swashed in the water with mad enthusiasm.

"And that will be it for the day!" Lightening neighed after them. "We'll be going home!" He shook his head as the fillies disappeared down the stream and he was once again ignored. Perhaps, choosing to play their protector for the day was harder than he originally imagined? Maybe it would've been better if he stayed back with Cloud and the colts? At least they weren't so unbearable!

Bella was the first one to reach the bank of the small river, but her light-hearted excitement was cut short when she caught sight of a strange stallion, moving rather slowly towards the water. She came to a sudden freeze, as the other three fillies crashed in her flank, halting in their steps. "Back away...carefully. I don't think he saw us." Whispered Bella, nervously glancing at her friends, as they stumbled backwards in caution. The exhausted stranger lifted his head, his hollow eyes settling on the four, frightened fillies. His interest did not lie in the young horses...all he wanted was water. He dragged himself forward, forcing his worn out limbs with a lot of strain and effort to get to the river. Bella realized that the stallion did not represent much danger, for he could barely stand on his feet. He was unable to support himself and walk properly. He could put no weight on his right front leg and his hip was torn as a huge lump set on his quarters. His desperate struggle to get to the water somehow, proved to be futile, his knees gave way to weakness all at once and he collapsed by the bank, crashing with a heavy thud.

"Oh dear!" Gasped Bella in shock, as she sprang towards the strange stallion that appeared to be completely lifeless.

"No! He could be dangerous!" Rosebud warned, conveying panic in her tone. "Get away from him!"

Bella did not heed her friend's caution, and trotted up to the unconscious stallion's side, gently nosing him and taking in his scent.

"Is he dead?" Wondered Pearl, quite hesitant to get close to the outsider.

"No, he's still breathing, but he's in a very bad shape." The filly observed, as her eyes fell on his swollen flank and numerous bite marks and gashes on his body. "Call Lightening!" She quickly turned to her three friends. "We must alert our herd leaders!"

The eyelids of the young stallion fluttered very lazily, his breathing getting heavier and heavier by the passing second. He mumbled something about rain in a muffled voice. "Hold on, we'll get help." The filly assured kindly and swung back towards her band members.

In no time, Lightening was upon them, looking as stunned as ever. "What's going on? Who is that lone horse?"

"He is a stranger to me." Explained Bella. "But he'll die if we won't do something."

"Okay, come with me and lets notify Esperanza and Cloud." The young horses broke into a rapid gallop and made their way back to their herds.

Misty was bored.

Was she the only one fed up with this never-ending pregnancy? She scowled, wrinkling her nose in annoyance when she noticed that Cloud's mares, that were in foal, seemed to be quite at ease with their delicate state. Some were lying on the soft grass, soaking up the lovely sunshine, some were busy with grooming one another and some were happily playing with the newest member of the herd, little Bolt that was born three days ago. The foaling season was upon them and every horse was looking forward to meeting new additions to their family. It seemed as though she was the only one in a foul mood...as usual. Her stomach was oversized, her legs were always tired, she couldn't find a decent spot that made her comfortable, she couldn't scratch her itchy shoulders without pressuring her heavy body, and on top of it all, everything and everyone drove her mad. Even the delicious, freshly grown grass seemed too bland for her taste. She couldn't wait for the foal to be born soon and at last relieve her from the discomfort. The intolerable sensations around her belly would finally go away!

"Get out, get out, get out." She muttered, silently begging her little one to arrive already. Then her mind wandered back to Spirit and the fact that he had gone to somehow win back Rain. Involuntarily Misty's dark expressions brightened up at that. She could see the picture perfect countenance of Rain when she found out about her pregnancy. It would be another scandal to behold! The only thing she regretted was that she wasn't there to admire the show of Rain exploding on Spirit again. But thankfully, these thoughts really did manage to cheer her up, as she continued to giggle. "Poor, stupid Spirit." Misty felt like petting her own self for creating this entire drama. "What can I say? I'm great at messing everyone's lives. It's truly a talent." She marvelled at her accomplishments.

"My, my...is Misty being cheerful for once?" Esperanza remarked with a teasing smirk, as she neared the black mare, looking pleasantly surprised.

"Of course. If it weren't for me, that domesticated pet would still be here." Replied Misty, evil smile appearing on her muzzle. "Damn, I'm good."

Esperanza's face soured at that. "And here I was, thinking that pregnancy had made you somewhat tolerable."

"Wrong! She's still the same demon we all know and hate." Cloud joined in, flashing Misty a devious grin. "I hope the foal won't come out as a scary hybrid of a horse and demon."

The black mare narrowed her eyes at the stallion. "What do you see in him?" She groaned in disgust, her gaze shifting on the quiet Scarlet.

"We'd love to explain, but I'm afraid your vulgar promiscuity wouldn't allow you to understand." Cloud smirked triumphantly and Scarlet was unable to retain a giggle.

"You two are pathetic." Drawled Misty in irritation.

"Not as much as you." Winked Cloud.

"Please, let's remain civil, shall we?" Esperanza began, attempting to keep the peaceful atmosphere.

Just then, sudden sound of approaching hoofbeats, diverted their attention from the present topic. "Lightening? Rosebud?" Willow inquired in confusion, once she noted the alarm of her children.

"We found a lone stallion down by the river bank! I think he's dying!" Panted the colt, trying to regulate his rapid breathing.

"What?" Cloud cantered over towards the young horses. "A strange stallion on our territory?"

"Yes! I think he'll die if we won't do something." Bella added anxiously.

"Wildflower, Scarlet, please watch over the herds while we go check on this stranger." Esperanza asked the two mares.

"Show us the way." Cloud ordered Lightening. "And you fillies, stay back with your mothers."

The stallion's words were ignored, because as soon as Esperanza and Cloud snapped into a gallop and followed after Lightening, the curious fillies and their mothers all ran after them too, not heeding the calls of Cloud's lead mare Wildflower. Scarlet decided to accompany her daughter Charm and the twin, Lucky, also went along with his mother and sister. Even the pregnant Misty decided to tag along.

"Misty, you're in foal!" Snorted Wildflower angrily. "Stay back."

"Are you kidding? Things finally got exciting in this boring herd. I'm most certainly going!"

"Who am I staying here for?" Wondered Wildflower in annoyance, as she watched the black mare trail after the departing 'rescue' party.

Before they all knew it, Lightening had led them to the basin where he and the four fillies had first discovered the lone stranger. It was then Cloud remarked that some of the members of his herd and Cimarron herd had decided to accompany them too. He glanced around in disapproval, as the band horses flocked him and Esperanza. "What is this?" He said, looking very vexed. "Didn't I tell you to remain back?"

"Oh, but we're all so curious." Scarlet answered, half timidly and half confidently.

"Curiosity killed the cat." Cloud snorted, trying to drive them back to the base.

"But the satisfaction brought it back to life." Slyly retorted Misty.

Cloud rolled his eyes, as he came to a very irksome conclusion that convincing all of them to turn to Wildflower and the rest of the remaining herd, would only be a fruitless waste of time.

"He's down by the bank!" Lightening's neigh jolted the stallion from his irritated thoughts and back on the current task. "Okay, everyone, just stay behind me." He instructed as they trotted after the eager son of Willow.

Once they were close enough to discern the collapsed horse, Cloud was the first to exclaim in alarm. "It's the Lone Stallion! Flint's firstborn!"

"Is he still alive?" Esperanza questioned dreadingly, taking cautious steps towards the suffering stallion with Cloud moving by her side.

"He was breathing when we found him." Bella explained with a worried nicker, as she stood shaking next to her mother, Goonda.

Suddenly Cloud decided to use that unfortunate circumstance to educate the youngsters. "And THIS is why no horse can exist alone. We are herd animals and our survival lies in numbers."

"Cloud, not now." Esperanza told him tactfully. The band stallion had picked the wrong moment to lecture the young ones about life!

While everyone else stood frozen in fright upon witnessing such an awful sight, both Esperanza and Cloud did not shy away from walking up to the unconscious young stallion to investigate further. Cloud lowered his head to the blood-bay, nearing him and carefully taking in his scent. He was still alive...for now. Esperanza and Cloud both studied his figure; the young horse's flanks were sunken in, there was an enormous big lump on his hip, he was covered in bloody scars, bruises, and nasty bites. His rippling coat was dirty and stained with sweat and blood. He seemed to be seriously dehydrated, he could scarcely open his eyes and his breathing was so strained. There were instances where Cloud had a difficulty hearing his heart beat, and he began to fear that slowly and torturously the young stallion was meeting his end.

"He's still alive, but I don't know for how much longer." Cloud analyzed, shaking his head with a sorrowful neigh. "Flint will be heartbroken."

"Oh no! Poor Moonshine!" Cried out Misty in recognition, as she detached herself from the group of herd members that were standing few feet away and jogged closer to the dying horse.

"You know him?" Esperanza stared at her, quite surprised.

"He tried to save me once." The black mare said, her gaze never leaving the weak form of the young stallion. "I can't believe he's dying." She sniffed sadly and watched the tormented young horse before her in sympathy.

As the downcast Misty was saying this to the equally upset lead mare of Cimarron, Cloud was still meticulously examining the wounds and the overall condition of the afflicted horse. The Lone Stallion's eyelids opened for a brief second, he was quivering all over and Cloud sensed that his temperature was higher than normal. He was burning up like fire and currently muttering something in a very delirious state. "I...have...to...s-save...r-rain..."

All of a sudden, as if a dreadful realization hitting him, Cloud leaped back like a locust, recoiling from the young horse in utter panic. "Oh shit! Get away from him! Everyone, don't come near! Stay back, stay back, I say!" He snapped, pinning his ears and herding both Esperanza and Misty towards the rest of the group. "Clear out! Out! There's nothing we can do! He's dying and if we don't get out of here, we may catch the same illness!"

"Illness? What's wrong with him?" Esperanza questioned in confusion.

"He's got the curse of the mad wolf."

"Oh no!" Came the simultaneous cry of pure terror from everyone around him.

"I think I should just put him out of his misery before he becomes dangerous to our society." Spoke Cloud, looking very pale and grim.

"No wait, he's too handsome to die." Misty interfered out of nowhere. "He's such a sweetheart. I wish I could adopt him."

"What the hell is wrong with you, you dumb mare?!" The stallion gnashed his teeth at her in rage. "There's no time for your stupid jokes, we're in a severe situation!"

"Are you sure that it's the curse of the mad wolf?" Esperanza asked, her voice trembled in horror.

"He has a predator's bite marks on his neck and shoulders." Confirmed Cloud with a nod. "I'm quite positive. He's showing all the signs too. He is delirious, hot as fire, sweating, and soon he'll start foaming. We have to get out of here right away. Esperanza, lead everyone back to Wildflower and the rest of the herd now!" He turned to the terrified palomino urgently. "I'll join you after I deal with him."

"You can't kill him!" Argued Misty.

"If I don't finish him off, he'll be the end of us all!" Shouted the furious stallion. "Don't bicker with me and get out of here!"

"Come Misty," Gently nickered Scarlet. "You're pregnant. You need to keep your unborn foal safe."

"Did anyone touch him? It's very important to let me know." Cloud turned to the four fillies and Lightening demandingly. "We cannot risk contracting the curse."

"I was the only one who got close to him." Explained Bella, her eyes wide in terror as the other four young horses shook their head. "I only breathed in his scent, that was it." She finished nervously, a tremor of trepidation raced through her.

"Do you think she may still catch it?" Goonda asked, panic slowly rising within the frightened group of horses. "How risky is this situation?"

"It's hard to say for sure." Cloud responded with a sullen stare. "Perhaps, I caught it too? I was fairly close."

"Okay, everyone! Let's get out of here right now!" Esperanza began rounding up the terrorized herd members, attempting to appear collected. If she showed fear, it would only create more disturbance and panic. They were all quite agitated as it was, no need to add fuel to the fire. "Cloud," She shot the stallion a meaningful, pointed look. "You know what to do."

"For goodness sakes!" Misty shrieked all of a sudden, unable to remain silent for long as she refused to follow Esperanza's lead. "You're all being way too dramatic! No one's going to contract the curse, unless one of you decides to stick their tongue down his throat!"

"How do you know?" Cloud raised his brows.

"Trust me, I'm not as clueless as some like to believe."

"Let's put him out of his misery and get out of here." Willow insisted, ignoring the black mare's words.

"I'll finish him off, you all go." Nodded Cloud in agreement, as Esperanza commenced to direct the small group away.

"No!" Stubbornly cried Misty. "There's still hope for him."

"How can you say that?" The lead mare of Cimarron blinked in shock. "He's been cursed. If we don't act fast, he'll become aggressive and extremely dangerous for himself as well as us."

"He'll damn us all!" Interjected the angered Cloud. "I'm done explaining this to you, now get going!" He nipped at her flank to get her to move forward, but Misty snapped back at him.

"He won't! There's a way to heal him."

"What?" Everyone gawked at her in complete puzzlement.

"There's this herb...Touch Of The Teardrop." Misty spoke up confidently. "I know where it is...I just need someone to accompany me. I don't think traveling alone in my last trimester is smart."

"What makes you think we'll trust you?" Cloud rolled his eyes, scoffing at the black mare. He was so done with Misty's upstart outbursts.

"If there's one thing I know well, it's how to nurse injured horses back to life...I owe that all to my abusive band stallion." She added the last sentence quite bitterly.

"What if you're too late and he grows dangerous?" Esperanza asked, part of her wanting to side with Misty, but another part still concerned for the safety of the herd.

"If you continue to hold me with these questions, he WILL become dangerous." Misty said firmly.

Esperanza stared at Cloud, looking lost and conflicted. "What do you say?"

"I say we get rid of him while there's still a chance."

"But what about poor Flint? He will be devastated to hear that his son was killed so mercilessly." Scarlet joined in. "I'll go with Misty. Let's try and save him."

"We're all mothers here." Goonda agreed. "I can't imagine the horror of this young stallion's dam if she were to find out what we did."

"He's doomed as it is! If we don't react right now, he'll finish us off!" Cloud presisted, disbelief written all over his face. Were they seriously trusting Misty's words? MISTY'S?! Of all horses on the prairies?! "And Flint would agree with me!"

"But Misty said–" Scarlet started to talk and was instantly cut off by the displeased stallion.

"Misty tried to kill Rain! How can you trust anything that comes out of her vile mouth?!"

"Let's give her the benefit of the doubt." Esperanza spoke up at last, after a moment of consideration. "The plant she mentioned truly does exist...Strider told me about its miraculous effectiveness when I cut my leg on our first day as band leaders. Misty," She turned to the black mare. "Scarlet and Goonda will accompany you. Find that cure and come back as quick as you can."

"Thank you." The black mare smiled, nodding at her with a grateful bow and hurriedly trotted off.

"Why did you do that?" Cloud told Esperanza, shaking his head in aggravation, as he watched the three mares disappear into the landscape.

"Because it's not every day Misty decides to save someone."

What started out as a swiftest gallop to leave behind the human settlement as quickly as possible, soon transformed into a canter, than an easy lope and currently, it had transitioned down to a trot. How ironic it was that the two beautiful horses were once again back in that exact same clearing where they had first developed a tricky scheme to sneak into the Lakota village only the night before. Spirit had been full with optimistic hopes that day...but now, he felt crushed and so defeated. Nova detected that the stallion was falling behind. In fact, he was not even trotting anymore, but walking and dragging his feet rather sluggishly. Pausing, she turned back to him with an inquiring gaze. "Spirit? Are you coming?" She could sense his inner anguish and dejection.

"Is it okay if I lie down for few minutes?" The golden-dun stallion nickered feebly at her.

"Um...sure." Nova furrowed her brows, overcome with concern. "Ah-are you alright?"

"Yeah..." Spirit nodded, trying to appear unaffected, but he was really tiring from having to be strong all the time. His knees buckled and he crumbled down to the ground with a heavy sigh. "Let's take a short break...I'm exhausted...so exhausted." He admitted quietly, rolling on his side and closing his brown eyes for a moment.

The extreme weariness from the recent events that Spirit experienced had taken quite a toll on him. It smashed him all at once and he started to feel so discouraged and utterly worn out. It had been three full days since he had gotten a drink or a decent amount of rest. He had to race from that obsessively persistent human, was almost strangled to death by his rope, had to help wounded Little Creek get home, not to mention physical and emotional fight with Great Conquest and his cohorts was absolutely draining. And on top of it all, as if all those troubles weren't enough, Rain had added to his torments by ripping his heart out and stomping on it so ruthlessly! He wished for some sort of a miracle to come soon and end it - all of it.

"I don't mind taking a break." Nova told him sweetly. "I actually wanted to stop for breakfast." She said, attempting to keep her tone cheerful and positive. She could see how hurt the young stallion was and didn't want him to dwell on negative thoughts for too long.

Spirit did not respond, as he lay on the cool, hard earth in stillness with his eyes shut. Nova took a bite from the fresh greenery and stared at the silent horse before her. "So I take it...Rain wasn't very open about talking to you." She spoke up hesitantly.

"Oh, she was open alright." A bitter chuckle escaped the reclined stallion.

"What did she say?"

Spirit fluttered his lashes open. "To summarize the whole thing...she told me to fuck off."

"Oh?" Nova's shocked expression caused the stallion to scoff.

"Well, obviously she didn't use those exact words..." He went on to explain. "It was more beating around the bush with careful terminology to come off sensitive and all that nonsense. I would've appreciated the simple but honest 'fuck off' better. It would've saved us a lot of time." He grunted, throwing his head back on the ground.

"I'll keep that in mind for future reference." The young mare jested with a giggle.

"Good." Smirked Spirit in response.

Despite the laughs and jokes, Nova's heart went out to the stallion. That wretched Rain! She didn't deserve so much attention from neither Spirit nor Bolder. She was stuck up, proud, selfish and so self-absorbed. "I'm sorry." Nova said after a moment of interval.

"Don't be." Waved away the stallion, stretching his legs underneath him carelessly. "She'll come around."

"How do you know?"

"Because no one can outrun their destiny. I mean, you can certainly try, but sooner or later, it'll catch up to you."

"And you happen to know what her destiny is?" Nova raised her brows skeptically.

"It's not something you know, but rather something you see...way up high... it's written in the stars." Replied Spirit, his voice calm and very self-assured.

Nova's gaze was instantly drawn to the clear, blue sky as she pondered about what Spirit said for the very first time. Indeed, she had never really given much thought to things such as 'fate' or 'destiny'. Perhaps, she really did have some 'growing up' to do? Once night fell, she'd definitely observe the stars more closely.

Noticing the perplexed and slightly confused look of the filly, the stallion went on to elaborate. "It's like when we first come into this world...under the limitless sky...the first breath we take, the wind calls us and we see right away that we were destined to be free, no matter how hard those two-leggeds try to take that liberty from us. We still know that our spirits were never meant to be broken. On second thought, I guess...it is something one knows and feels. It is predestined to us from the very beginning."

"That's understandable." Agreed Nova with a gentle nod, her lovely forelock swaying in the early afternoon breeze. "It's a lot easier for us to see our own destiny. But in regards to everyone else... that's bit hard. How can you force someone to see what they refuse to see?" She mused, as though asking that question solely to herself. "What if they believe that fate has something else stored for them? In their mind, they may be on a completely different life path from that of ours."

"Very true..." Spirit lifted his head from the grassy meadow. "...in that case, all you can do is hope."

"Hope?"

"Hope that someday when they look up at those twinkling stars...they will see what you see."

"What if they don't?"

"Then, I suppose you'll die hoping." Spirit placed his head on the ground yet again.

"And that sounds like an intelligent alternative?" Nova knitted her brows.

"It's better than giving up." Spirit answered in full confidence. "My mother once told me that to lose hope is to lose yourself...and to lose yourself is far worse than death."

Nova slowly walked up to the stallion, as he lay peacefully on the grassy meadow and towered over him. "Your mother is very wise." She smiled faintly, her longing gaze focused on Spirit's fiery eyes. "Thanks for the advice."

He instantly understood what she meant. Pushing his legs up, the stallion stood from his reclined position and shook the dust off of him. "Listen, Nova..." He commenced, feeling somewhat awkward.

"Nope!" The filly shook her head. "I don't want to hear it. I have the right to hope that someday you'll see... what I see." She flashed him a sassy grin.

"Fair enough." Spirit couldn't stop himself from smiling in amusement. If only it were that easy...she was such a lovely creature. They could be happy together if it weren't for his heart that seemed to be utterly chained by someone else.

"Do you hear that?" Nova's sudden question snapped Spirit out of his momentary contemplation.

"Hoofbeats?" Spirit said in recognition.

"Could it be that horrid man?" Anxiousness overtook the filly.

Spirit's ears perked forward, his nostrils trying to catch scent of whatever threat was coming towards them. "No, his horses are shod."

Without warning, there rang out an echoing neigh that was addressed to Spirit.

"Oh no! It's those domesticated pets again." Nova whinnied with apprehension.

"It's River." Identified Spirit, slightly taken aback. What could he possibly want from him?

"Don't answer him. Let's just go!" Desperately begged Nova, hating the idea of having to deal with those savage horses once more.

"You're right." Quickly nodded Spirit. "Let's get outta here!"

Before they could break into a gallop, however, River's loud neigh blasted yet again. "Spirit! Are you here?! Please, do respond!" He sounded so hopeless and seemed to be in such a dire state.

Powerless to resist, the stallion threw up his noble head and neighed him an answer.

"Here I am!"

"You shouldn't have." Muttered Nova, very dissatisfied.

The pounding sound of hoofbeats got closer and closer. In few seconds, Spirit spotted two horses appearing at the end of the valley, both of them seemed to be out of breath. Evidently they had been galloping full speed.

It was River and Blaze! They halted halfway once they saw that wild Mustangs were still lingering in their area.

"Thank goodness! You're here!" Shouted River with relief.

"Is everything alright?!" Inquired Spirit in confusion.

The two Lakota horses did not waste time in getting closer to them, but rather began to swing back to where they had come from.

Panting and trying to steady their respiration, they cried as loud as possible.

"It's Rain! She's having the foal!"

"What?!" Spirit hardened into stone.

"Well, don't just stand there like a tree!" Exclaimed River. "Come on or you'll miss the whole thing!"

Saying this, the Lakota horses turned and hurriedly hustled back to the village.

"I'm...going to be a father." Perplexed Spirit blinked, staring at the equally shocked Nova. "I'M GOING TO BE A FATHER!" He exploded gleefully, the exciting event suddenly dawning on him all at once, as he flew after the departing River and Blaze.

"Can't believe I'm voluntarily headed back to a human settlement for the THIRD time." Nova shook her head and swiftly followed the ecstatic stallion.

Are we doing a colt dance or a filly dance?

NOTE: In my story, the wild Mustangs refer to rabies as 'the curse of the mad wolf', in case some of you didn't understand.