...

Chapter 34

Getting Together

"Tell them the truth,

But they think it's just made up"

-- Legendary by Welshly Arms

The Eagle flew ahead of the galloping horses, knowing full well that even though the son of Strider was desperate to swiftly get home, he would still have to wait for the lovely filly to catch up. Nova was fast, but definitely not as fast as the golden stallion. He was fleet as the wind and fierce as the fire when he moved. Surely, for Nova's sake, he must travel slower. And so, it was the Bald Eagle's responsibility to fly ahead and alert the awaiting herd that their esteemed protector and leader was coming back. Flaying its glorious wings in full flight, shooting into the heights of unlabored ease and enjoying the kisses of the passing breeze, the majestic bird glided on. Quickly disappearing into the seamless sky, the king of freedom soared over the crags and peaks, displaying many aerial fleet. The regal bird circled, dived and dipped, springing and swaying on the flapping wings. Floating solitarily over the sailing cloud, he soon reached the valley of Cimarron.

"All is well! All is well!" He cried, circling the territory with a high-pitched proclamation. "The band stallion is returning! Fear not, fear not! All will be well!"

Esperanza, Cloud and the entire herd was very relieved and happy to hear the good news of Spirit's return. Due to the recent discovery that the mad wolf's curse was upon their lands, and the uncertainty the whole situation caused, on Cloud's suggestion, Flint decided to temporarily move his herd to the Cimarron valley, in order to remain near his recovering son and also await for Spirit. Azogar, who had been staying close to his older brother, found it wise to follow his suit, and also led his family to Spirit's homeland. They, just like Cloud and the rest of the horses, were quite pleased to hear that the son of Esperanza and Strider would be back soon. It was crucial to get together and have a serious discussion about the cursed bear. And considering how the first 'victim-finding' occurred on the banks of the river that belonged to deceased Strider's territory, it was a requirement that whatever decision was to be made about the tense situation, it had to be done under the supervision of the current lead stallion of the Cimarron.

Just when the sun began to sink back to the earth, slipping out into the waves of watercolour that break themselves upon the shore of the horizon, the golden-dun stallion came into view. His rich, glossy pelt was radiating the metallic sheen of the sun. Behind him cantered a dark, chocolatey young mare, her mane and tail that were half brown and half silvery, shone like stars in the night's sky.

The stallion eased himself into a lope, and joyously tossed his head. Despite everything, he was glad to be back home. After all, this was where he belonged...he'd always belong here...wild and free. As the two approaching horses neared the territory, their eyes widened upon the sight of a large herd. Spirit didn't remember leaving so many band members behind. In that second, his nostrils flared and he detected the scent of more stallions than he had originally left. Esperanza let out a greeting neigh of happiness, and almost immediately, she and Cloud detached themselves from the rest of the group to meet Spirit by the edge of their homeland. Not a moment had gone by when Spirit noticed that behind his mother and Cloud, three other stallions and Misty – still heavily pregnant – trotted towards him...one of the stallions looked to be in uncomfortable pain. It didn't take too long for both Spirit and Nova to identify the males as Flint, Azogar and...Bolder? Why it was truly the lone Bolder! What on earth was he doing here? In fact, what where they all – along with their herds – doing in the Cimarron valley? Momentarily, Spirit had become very, very confused by the unprecedented visitors.

Once they all neared each other, Cloud was the first to speak up. He was in such an urgent hurry, that didn't even allow a formal, customary meeting among the band stallions.

"Spirit! Thank Heavens, you're back!" He exclaimed in relief. "As you can tell, we are in an unusual circumstance." He motioned his head towards Flint, Azogar and Bolder. "The ancient curse of the mad wolf has returned to plague our lands."

"I know, Cloud. The Bald Eagle informed me." Spirit nodded at him, looking grave and thoughtful. "I didn't realize you were aware of the situation and... Bolder? May I ask what you're doing here?" He stared at the silent blood-bay stallion in surprise.

"Greetings, the son of Strider." Flint chimed respectfully, exchanging breath with the younger horse. "My son was attacked by the cursed bear. I hope you won't mind that we have stayed in your territory. Cloud thought it would be prudent for us to wait for you here, and make a decision about it together."

"Not at all, worthy Flint." Spirit responded, politely bowing to him in reverence. "You and your family are welcome to remain here as long as it may be necessary." Even though his words were uttered in a collected, dignified manner, Spirit couldn't help his confusion and shock about Bolder's condition. "Yet, I have to ask... how did you manage to survive if you were bitten by an aggressive bear? I thought the mad wolf's curse was fatal." He gaped at Bolder in a dumbfounded state, while Nova quivered at the sight of the bruised and wounded young loner.

"Oh, what happened to you?" She whispered fearfully.

"There's apparently a herb, which can heal the curse at an early stage." Cloud explained, before Bolder could find it in him to speak up.

"What herb?" Spirit furrowed his brows.

"Touch of the Teardrop." Misty interjected with an amused smirk on her dark features.

"A what?"

"Misty saved him." Cloud clarified quickly, causing Spirit to gasp in puzzlement. Now he had grown even more stupefied! Since when did Misty the shrew start saving lives or care about others' well-being? His head was spinning from these unexpected revelations. What was going on? He had been gone from home for no more than a week, but to Spirit however, it seemed like already a whole year had passed. He was met with so many unforeseen circumstances.

Nova was quite taken aback as well, sudden admiration for the black mare arising in her. She had heard vile things about Misty and yet, the black mare had rescued someone with a mad wolf's curse. Her parents had cautioned Nova about how risky it was to get close to an individual with that frightening illness. But Misty had been so brave, so selfless, and she had helped Bolder, even when she was pregnant! Perhaps, Spirit's hope was coming true and she was changing for the better? Well, she's certainly better than that spoiled, rotten Rain! Nova made a conclusion in her mind.

"My son," Esperanza nickered, stepping forward. "I know we are in trying times, but before we start discussing unpleasantries, please, tell us whether your journey was successful or not." The lead mare didn't have to say more, Spirit comprehended what she meant right away. She was clearly interested about Rain's pregnancy.

"Oh, right..." He muttered, pausing for a suspenseful minute, as he took a deep breath and regarded his eager listeners. "Well, few days ago...Rain gave birth to a healthy colt. I have a son!" He announced, his eyes glowed brilliantly, mirroring the gorgeous sunset.

What followed this pronouncement was a big round of praises and exultation.

"I have a grand-foal!" Esperanza cried out in happiness, nuzzling her son lovingly. "Oh, I'm so excited for you, my darling." Tears of joy filled her gaze, her heart swelled with rapture and love.

"A colt! Congratulations!" Cloud added, grinning at him with pride. "That's amazing!"

"Attaboy!" Whistled Azogar. "Firstborn son!"

"What a blessing!" Joined in Flint. "All the best wishes to you and your growing family."

"Thank you, thank you." Smiled Spirit, nodding at them gratefully as the sensation of elation returned to him.

"First time father! Woohoo!" Continued the prancing Azogar, swaying his neck to and fro. "You finally joined our club!"

"I still can't believe it." Spirit laughed, as the stallions crowded him with over excitement, especially Cloud and Azogar.

"Congrats, Spirit." Quietly nickered the distant Bolder.

Spirit acknowledged him with a faint smile. "Thanks."

While for a minute, nothing but sounds of jubilation could be heard from the ecstatic party, it didn't take long for Spirit to hear a noisy and angry exclamation of a certain mare.

"What? Ugh! Damn it! That sucks!" Misty pounded her legs, kicking up dust as much as her delicate state would allow her. "Stupid brat! When the hell did you manage to knock her up?! And it had to be a colt! Grraah! This sucks! Sucks! Sucks! Damn it all to hell!" She gritted her teeth in fury, not at all aware that she had drawn everyone's attention and they were all currently staring at her with wide eyes.

Spirit cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Thanks for the kind wishes, Misty."

It was then the black mare realized that her inner thoughts had been expressed rather too loudly and she ceased her temper tantrum. "Oh, I mean...ahem...joy to the world! Congratulations to you and Rainy! Love you both." She assumed a fake tone in her voice and sarcastically blew a kiss at Spirit.

The stallion sighed with a roll of his eyes. Classic Misty. He wasn't even surprised at her hissy fit of a reaction.

"Um...my son?" Esperanza changed the topic, as she gazed at her offspring in concern. "Where is Rain and the colt? How come they aren't with you?"

The young stallion's expression darkened at that question, he dropped his head as the shattering memories overtook his longing heart once more. "The colt will live with Rain in the villa–"

Spirit didn't get the chance to finish his sentence because Misty instantly leaped up upon hearing his words, her countenance was bright with nothing but glee. "YES! And we're back in the game! Back right on track! Woohoo!" She triumphantly glanced at her oversized belly.

Again everyone gawked at her as though she were completely insane, and once again she realized that her obnoxious outburst had been really loud. "I mean, uh... that's so sad." She pretended with a fake pout, putting very little effort in hiding her delight.

"Your sadness is evident." Spirit said and shifted his eyes from the black mare. There was only so much of Misty he could take, especially now. Desperate to push his melancholy thoughts about Rain and their little son from his mind, the stallion forced himself to concentrate on the important matter that still needed to be addressed, discussed and ultimately decided.

"Look, I can't seem to wrap my head around this..." He regarded Bolder's numerous injuries for a moment, curling his lip in apprehension. "How did you escape the grasps of a grizzly bear – a cursed – bear, to be precise? How are you alive after such lethal attack? I'm confused."

The only answer he received from the lone horse was "That... is one hell of a story." and then there was an interval of dead silence. Everyone quieted down, some of them exchanging strange looks amongst each other.

The awkward stillness dragged on for few seconds more until Spirit spoke up impatiently. "So, will one of you tell me this 'hell of a story' or...?"

"Well, um..." Cloud debated in his head on how to explain the whole 'ghost rescuer' affair to him.

"Some kinda weird stuff goes in my nephew's mind." Commenced the silver grullo horse. "What can I say? There's no need to repeat the load of bullshit that came out of his mouth!" Scoffed Azogar, blowing through his nostrils.

"Azogar!" Flint glared at him warningly. "Control your tongue!"

"Well, it's true! He spoke nonsense!" The grullo argued back at his brother.

"Like what?" Spirit demanded, unable to conceal his irritation about the fact that no one would convey the information in a clear manner.

"Oh, fine! I'll tell you!" Groaned the annoyed Misty at last, her eyes rolling in their sockets. "So in short, Moonshine here, was – wait...who's this filly?" Misty's focus settled on the daughter of Raven and Sirius as she raised her eyebrows curiously, for the first time noticing the timid young mare.

"Just tell the story." The golden stallion insisted.

"Who are you? Seriously, who the hell is she?" The black mare turned to Spirit, seeking answers from him with a very snooty attitude.

"I'm Nova." The pretty, young mare nickered.

"She's a... friend of mine." Casually stated Spirit. "Now please, go on and tell me what happened."

"You mean the same type of friend I was to you?" Misty drawled with a naughty expression.

"Misty!" Spirit snapped. "Are you telling the damn story or not?!"

"Oh yeah, right." The mare was jerked back to her previous intentions. "Basically, Moonshine claims that the ghost of your father frightened away the bear and then led him here, to Cimarron, in order for him to recover. Oh and then I saved him! The end."

Another moment of deep silence fell over the group. Spirit was blown away with shock, his mouth hung open. "Uhh... what?" He finally rasped out, after he was able to recover from the very unexpected news. "You mean to tell me that somehow my late sire's ghost has been summoned from the after-life and of ALL horses, he made it his mission to haunt you?" He batted his lashes, staring questionably at Bolder.

"I never claimed it was Strider."

"It's my fault." Esperanza threw in, as she proceeded to explain with caution. "I'm afraid, I let my emotions overwhelm me and it led me to wrong conclusions."

"It doesn't matter! None of this matters." Grunted Azogar, his ears lay flat against his skull. "Strider or no Strider, my nephew says that a supernatural phantom horse saved him, which makes me believe that he has officially gone mad!" He finished with a disdainful snort.

"There's no such thing as ghosts or phantoms..." Spirit mumbled in unsureness. Or is there? His mind raced back to that morning talk he had with his beautiful and beloved, Rain. She had told him that both he and his father were labeled as one and the same 'ghost' horse by the pale-faced humans. What did all this mean? He wondered in slight intrigue and confusion.

"The truth is that he was saved by a mysterious element." Esperanza spoke firmly, confident in her conviction. "If it weren't for that mystical horse, this young stallion would've been mauled to death. There's no way he could've survived the brutal attack and we all know it."

"Exactly right." Agreed Bolder with a slight smile tucking his muzzle, thankful that at least one individual was willing to listen and understand him, and not christen him as some sort of a 'deranged' lunatic.

Cloud derided. "No, this is simply too ridiculous. Might as well start believing in the existence of mythical creatures like unicorns, kelpies and pegasus." He shook his head, quite dissatisfied with the whole situation. All this discussion about ghosts was so pointless and not to mention, plain silly!

"I must disagree, O, noble, Cloud!" On cue, the cry of the Bald Eagle reached their ears, as he flew over them and flapping the glorious wings, neared his golden-dun companion. "I believe in the mythical pegasus..."

"I beg your pardon?" The pale horse tilted his head.

"...he just happens to have invisible wings." Added the Eagle, playfully pecking Spirit's long, black mane and winked at him.

"Probably the greatest compliment I've ever received." Spirit said, not bothering to hide the enormous grin that spread over his face. "It's especially flattering coming from you."

"Any time, brother! I speak only the truth!" The ruler of the sky replied as he circled around the son of Strider, while the others just watched their small interaction in fascination. A horse and an eagle? How intriguingly strange! How admirable was their friendship, even the foolish Azogar could not deny it.

"Yes, but you understand the point I'm trying to make, don't you?" Cloud restarted the conversation. "We cannot let ourselves be misguided by superstition when a real dangerous predator is on the loose."

"That is why I remained here, son of Strider." Flint interposed immediately, his eyes traveling to Spirit. "As long as that cursed bear roams alive, we shall never be safe. In fact, I hate to say this, but no creature is safe from this accursed disease. We have to do something about it."

"You are right." Spirit nodded at Bolder's father, lost in contemplation. "The only thing I can think of is...we have to kill it." He spoke up, after a moment of thoughtful stillness.

"What?!" Shrieked Azogar, all hair rose on his back. "How the fuck are we supposed to do that? Are you crazy?! It's seems like ALL of you have gone mad!" He stared at the four stallions in outrage and utter panic. Terror was overtaking him yet again and he didn't know how to calm himself. "Let me remind you, in case you forgot that we are PREY animals! We have evolved as prey, who RUN from danger, not run IN to it!" He spat, almost spitting his saliva at Spirit.

"Yes, but we can also stand and fight." Spirit argued his position.

Azogar let out a mocking chortle. "Right. Yeah, we 'fight' each other for the security of our herd, territory and mares, or breeding rights, but certainly NOT raging, cursed bears that could have us for lunch in a blink of an eye!"

"Well, maybe it's time to change that cowardly attitude." Spirit persisted, not daring to give in to Azogar's fearful, emotional explosions. "Maybe now is the time to band together and fight for our safety and the safety of our loved ones. Most of us are lead stallions and fathers here...we have responsibility to our families."

"So you're proposing suicide as a solution?" Bolder broke his silence. "How responsible." He added with a certain level of sarcasm.

Spirit tensed at the blood-bay's snarky statement, but didn't say anything in response.

"This is madness!" Shouted Azogar. "I'm not letting a cursed grizzly rip me into shreds. No, thank you, Spirit! If you have a death wish, go right ahead! No one is stopping you." He shot him a cold glare. "But don't count me in your twisted plans."

"Let us calm down. Please!" Flint interfered, anxious to thaw the ice that was so rapidly building around them.

"He is right." Cloud agreed. "Screaming and arguing won't solve anything. The truth of the matter is that we must get rid of the source somehow–"

The young, blood-bay son of Flint realized that he had been quiet for too long. "Forgive me, Cloud, but I must speak." Bolder cut in politely, his eyes surveyed the group with solemn demeanour right before he began in a collected tone. "I've been attacked by that cursed bear. Now believe me when I say that there's absolutely no way any of you are strong enough to kill it. He is too large and far too vicious. The curse is driving him faster and faster to savagery...if you, for one second, think that we – prey animals – can take him down, you're sorely mistaken. This will be nothing but a suicide mission." Although his speech was for all to heed, his eyes were only fixed on Spirit when he spoke.

"What's the matter, Lone Stallion?" Spirit smirked. "Frightened that easily, huh?"

"I'm just warning you." Bolder said indifferently. "Recklessness won't get you far, Spirit. Stay cautious."

"I agree with my nephew." Azogar instantly changed his tune. "He speaks with wisdom."

"So what do you suggest we do, then?" Spirit glowered at Bolder, for some reason feeling personally attacked with the mighty and arrogant air the blood-bay had suddenly assumed in Spirit's opinion. "We should simply stand back and wait before it attacks more individuals, like bunch of spineless cowards?"

"I say we find someone who can help us." Bolder replied, as though he had already calculated everything in his head.

"Who could help us?"

"The very horse that saved my life."

"You mean the Ghost?" The shocked Cloud stared at him questionably.

"Son...what are you talking about?" Flint asked him, and at the same time was dreading to hear his answer.

"You say there's no such thing as phantoms, right?" Bolder continued, his gaze once again on no one but Spirit. "Well, fine. That maybe true, but there's no denying that somewhere here is a very powerful stallion, who can scare off even the most ferocious predators. Why don't we find him and acquire his help?"

"How are we gonna do that?" Spirit muttered, growing more and more confused. "You say he's otherworldly. If he indeed exists, he won't just show up because we want him to."

"That's why we have to band together and catch him."

Azogar cackled, scoffing and puffing in annoyance. "Oh for goodness sakes! I've spoken too soon; you're just as crazy as Spirit. You're pretty much sending us on a wild goose chase! And to what? To catch a horse that may or may not exist... A freaking ghost!? Are you kidding me right now?!"

"Oh yeah? And you have a better idea, uncle?" Challenged Bolder.

"Screw off!"

"Stop it!" Esperanza exclaimed, unable to stay meekly silent any longer. "This is outrageous. You can't seem to settle this without an argument. That won't do."

Cloud released a heavy exhale. "All we do is bicker. It won't get us anywhere. Let's try to remain calm and make the most logical decision as possible."

"How are we to make a logical decision when this whole thing has no logic?" Spirit inquired.

"Ahh!" Jumped Azogar suddenly, recoiling back as though he had spotted a literal spectre. "You're leaking!" He screamed at the black mare.

"Excuse me?" The insulted Misty snorted at him in disgust, but in few seconds the realization hit her. "Oh! Oh!" She looked down at her huge stomach. "It's time! My water just broke!"

The stallions, except for Spirit and Bolder, all skittishly leaped away, looking quite disturbed and startled about the uncomfortable nature's miracle that was known as birth.

"Gross, don't do it in front of us!" Requested Cloud, cringing at the sight. "Go find a secluded place."

"I second that." Azogar gulped, trying to fix his eyes on anything and anyone but Misty. "Eww."

Spirit and Esperanza had both rushed by Misty's side as she attempted to catch her breath. "That's fine, I'm fine. I'll...just walk to a spot I picked out– AHH!" The painful contraction gripped her body without any warning and she shuddered in ache. "Damn, this is never... fun." She panted.

"It's okay, Misty. We're right here." The anxious Spirit encouraged, hurriedly leading her back to the main grazing grounds where the rest of the herd awaited. "You're gonna be okay. Breathe, just breathe."

"My head hurts, stop talking!" Snapped the black mare. "I don't need foal-sitters...I can do this on my own!" As she said this, another severe cramping spasm throbbed inside her and she halted, shrinking for a moment while Spirit allowed her to lean her weight on him. As soon as she regained her composure, however, Misty turned and lashed at both Spirit and Esperanza. "Stay away!" Her ears lay flat. "Leave me in peace!"

"She's right, Spirit." Esperanza agreed almost instantly. "Mares need their space when giving birth." She explained to her worried son as Misty left them, solitarily trotting down the basin to deliver her foal in private.

"But...I'm the father." Spirit spoke insistingly and made to race after the heavy Misty, when Cloud, Flint and Azogar sprang in front of him, freezing him in his tracks.

"Do you wanna die earlier than expected?" Azogar questioned in stunned confusion. "Mares are vicious demons around this time. Stay the hell away."

"Yes, let us wait on the hill." Cloud beckoned him to follow, while Flint nodded in agreement.

"No, I have to be there for her, in case something were to happen." Spirit shook his head, very determined to run after the pregnant mare.

"Spirit, it's not ethical." Esperanza reasoned gently. "Remain here with the stallions. She will be fine, me and the mares will keep an eye on her. But in the end, she must have her space." The palomino tried to persuade him with prudent words.

"Yeah, okay mother, whatever you say." The enlivened stallion was not even listening to her, as he urged himself into a canter and galloped to catch up to Misty.

"No, Spirit!"

"Aaand he's gone..." Cloud commented in the background.

"And I thought my son was stubborn." The amused Flint remarked to Esperanza, slight smirk animating his muzzle.

It was not a process that was unfamiliar to Misty, the wild born daughter of the courageous Bonita, but nevertheless it wasn't enjoyable one bit. She lay down by the basin shore, taking great comfort in the soft, dribbling sounds of the calm, rippling water below. Her first unfortunate foal had been delivered in the meadows and the black mare trembled at the horrible memory. She didn't wish to have a single reminder of that dreadful day. No! That's why this time she made sure to stay away from the open grassy areas. This foal would be healthy and she would give birth to it in peace and quiet, without the curious herd members prying their noses in her business. She pushed hard, already panting and puffing from exhaustion, working up quite the sweat. In place of the warm sun now shone the gleaming moon, glowing upon her glossy, dark pelt.

"Misty!" A neigh of a familiar stallion reached her strained ears. "I'm here, what do you need?" Spirit jogged up to her side, desperate to be of some use.

"Which part of 'stay away' don't you understand?" Huffed the black mare, as she threw her head back on the ground, attempting to steady her heavy, constrained breathing.

"Retreat to safety!" Neighed Cloud, from the distance. He, together with Flint and Azogar, stood on the Cimarron hill, watching out for Spirit in concern.

The young stallion rolled his eyes, ignoring the so-called words of caution that escaped Cloud. "Listen, Misty, I could...ah...um, I got it." He said nervously, trying his best to search for anything to do in order to help her. "I could tell you if the foal's coming. Push, there you go." He restlessly paced, moving behind her in excitement.

Misty let out a sharp yelp from the uncomfortable pain and then hissed at Spirit. "You look down there and I'll kick you right in the face!" She screamed.

"Okay, then I'll just...I'll cheer you on from here." Spirit told her, as he too attempted to take deep breaths and relax somehow. He shifted himself to the struggling mare's side and lowered his head to nuzzle her comfortingly.

Misty moaned in utter agitation. "Spirit, I swear, you touch me and I'll kill you!" She snapped, her teeth almost latched on him, but he swiftly jolted backwards, successfully dodging her bite.

"Abort! Abort, before the dragon eats you!" Azogar's ringing exclamation could be heard next.

"Retreat to safety!" Repeated the very concerned Cloud. "Come here, Spirit!" He neighed.

Realizing that he had mistaken Misty's situation with Rain's labour, Spirit decided to heed the words of the worried males. "Okay...aaaannd we're retreating to safety." Muttered Spirit and swung away. "Good luck, Misty! Call me if you need anything!" He still instructed her, before galloping to where the three stallions and their herds, including the Cimarron band, awaited for the wonderful news.

"Screw you! This all your fault!" Shrieked Misty, another unbearable wave of aching sensation pounded her stomach, as the contractions doubled, continuing to torment her.

"Yeah, yeah. My fault..." Spirit grumbled under his breath, trotting up on the Cimarron hill and he rejoined Cloud, Azogar and Flint.

"As if she wasn't the one that came on to me or anything!" Shouted the golden horse, loud and clear enough for Misty to hear.

"Oh, boo freaking hoo, Spirit." Mocked Azogar in fake sympathy. "Mares are throwing themselves at you. Oh no! What a harsh world! I'm handsome, mares and fillies love me, eagles compare me to pegasus and bisons are my friends, and the entire West knows about my heroic deeds!" He prattled with bitter sarcasm. "Oh no! My life sucks! Look at me, I'm the unlucky Spirit! Pity me! Pity me!" He ridiculed angrily.

"You really think I'm handsome?" Laughed Spirit in amusement.

"Oh, shut your trap!"

While Spirit and the three band stallions waited on the hill, Esperanza and the herds remained silent in the valley below, their eyes fixated on the distanced young mare. This was definitely a natural and very normal occurrence for all of them. But they couldn't deny their excitement and anxiousness over Spirit's foal. After all, this would be the very first offspring of their lead stallion that would be delivered in the territory of Cimarron as it should have been, unlike Rain's colt.

Bolder was separated from the rest of the group members, feeling slightly on edge and uncomfortable with this sudden alteration of his solitary life. After all, it had been so long since he had lived in a herd environment. So many roaming horses and their constant chatter were overwhelming him. His mind involuntarily raced back to Rain, as he wondered how she handled her very first labour.

"I feel like I just saw this." Bolder's train of thought came to a pause, when he noticed Nova walking towards him. "I'm having a Deja Vu." The filly admitted.

"You witnessed Rain's foaling too?"

"Yep." She didn't sound very thrilled about it.

"How is she...oh, and the colt?" He quickly added, acknowledging that Rain was now a new mother with new responsibilities.

"She's just great and so is the colt. The whole village is bending over backwards to make the 'pampered queen' feel as comfortable as possible." Tartly spoke Nova, her tone conveying nothing but resentful disdain towards the paint mare.

Bolder frowned upon her stingy, bitter words. But before he could open his mouth to respond, Nova interposed, her eyes concentrated on his injured, right front leg that he held up high, unable to put any weight on it. His body was covered with bites, bruises, nasty gashes and wounds. It made Nova shudder when she imagined a cursed grizzly attacking him so viciously.

"What have you done to yourself?" She whinnied with a mournful gaze. "How many times have you risked your life like this? I'm so sick of seeing you all beat up."

"I'll be fine..." The young loner tried to assure the dismayed mare. "This isn't the first time I survived something like this and it won't be the last."

"That's where you're wrong, Bolder!" Nova stated, frustrated anger surging up her. "I fear your luck may soon run out. You can't cheat death for long and you can't continue living alone. A horse alone will only meet his demise. We are herd animals. Perhaps, you should rethink this crazy decision of yours and either start gathering mares or join the bachelors?" She fretted, letting out a sharp air from her lungs.

Again, Bolder opened his mouth to reply, but Nova cut in, not giving him an opportunity to do so. "I already lost my brother, please don't deprive me of my friend too." She implored, locking eyes with him. Her expressions were sincere and so caring, that it warmed Bolder's heart.

"I won't. I promise." Smiled the young blood-bay. "I don't want to see my best friend's tears ever again." He assured her and gently pulled her in a hug. "I won't be the reason for your heartache, Nova. I give you my word." He whispered in her ear sweetly.

"Best friend?" The filly grinned, immediately her face brightened in delight.

"Of course...I mean, it's not like I have any other friends." Chuckled Bolder, causing Nova to giggle as well.

Just then, their cute little moment was rudely interrupted when the two young horses beheld a strange sight of a panicked black mare, whom they recognized as none other than Misty, bolting far away from the Cimarron surroundings with Spirit desperately chasing after her.

"Misty! You're a mother now! Come back!" He cried in urgency, as he swiftly galloped behind the black mare, both of them rapidly vanishing from view, leaving nothing but dust in the night's air.

Nova and Bolder gaped at each other in confusion. However, they became even more shocked and downright puzzled when they spotted Esperanza, Scarlet and few of the other mares protectively encircling what looked like a newborn foal, barely balancing its tiny body on its longer legs.

What on earth had just happened?

"Ah, I love the Cimarron herd." Azogar glanced over at his older brother. "We should come here often. There's always something dramatic happening."

"Are you serious?" Flint snorted, shaking his strong neck. "I've been here for only two days and already want to kill myself."

Happy Mother's Day, from the mother of the year herself, Misty! :D

It wasn't easy having to work with so many characters interacting into one chapter. They are all very different in personalities, so it was interesting to figure out how their discussion/arguments would turn out. Hopefully, I succeeded in sticking to their characteristics.

Don't forget to share your thoughts and thanks for the support as always!