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Chapter 36

To Catch A Ghost

"Ain't backin' down, no
We goin' big
Ain't stoppin' now
We get after it"

– Light That Fire by Oh The Larceny

As pretty as a lovely painting from an artist's chamber, the beautiful, young mare galloped through the fields full of life and bold spirit. Her graceful stride so far apart with her head held high, as the sweet, spring breeze flowed her mane of gold and silver. She was so happy with her thoughts in the blue sky, across the emerald meadow she pranced with her darling foal by her side. Their skips were playful and airy, as the tiny, blue-eyed colt kept beside his mother, staying close with her every stride. He looked to her, imitating her every move with delightful eagerness. The foal was barely a week old, and yet his soul was filled with nothing but mischievous energy. His mother, although young and inexperienced, seemed to know his nature well and therefore, took him out for a lively gallop through the fields, so that the hyper colt could stretch his wobbly legs. He looked to her every step of the way and as he ran, the tiny creature lost his footing. Down he went, stumbling onto his little belly with hardly any weight. His attentive mother came to an instant halt, standing over him with a proud smile on her lips. He had his first fall! Not even a week old and already embracing and experiencing the big, new world extending ahead of him. The little warrior...

Lowering her soft, velvety muzzle to the dainty colt, she helped him to his feet again and demonstrating her moves, taught him the proper way to balance on four legs and glide across the fields. The tiny foal of few days old, the mare's pride and joy, watched his beautiful mother setting the pace with wide-eyed stare and immediately proceeded to emulate her steps. The young dam felt the happiness of having her first baby boy and her heart soared upon gazing at the spirited, active, little creature.

Finally the mother and son finished stretching their legs and it was now time to take her tiny colt back to the ones she held dear...back to the bustling camp. As they rejoined the village horses, the bold colt pranced over to his favourite human friend, not at all nervous of leaving his mother's side.

Rain shook her head, not knowing whether independence and adventurous nature her colt showed was a positive or a negative trait. She grazed alongside Silver Moon, Aranda and couple of other mares from the tribe. Unable to stop herself, she grinned at the sight of her excited colt and happy Little Creek interacting with each other. The young Lakota was presently scratching the withers of the tiny foal and giving him all the love and affection. He pretended to sound upset at the small rascal for sneaking into his teepee that early morning and giving his mother a momentary scare, but he couldn't pretend for long. He had found the whole thing quite amusing, unlike Rain, who had woken up only to find her colt gone from her side. Luckily, the new mother didn't have time to worry too much, Little Creek had led the mischievous foal back to her fairly soon. The energetic colt couldn't help it. He was just too darn curious for his own good and since his mother had been staying close to a particular teepee tent, that looked like an enormous earth-cloud to the tiny creature, he decided to investigate. Finding his human friend inside was an unexpected, but pleasant surprise!

Now that Rain thought back about the eventful early morning they had, she snorted with an entertained expression. "Not even a week old and already a handful." She remarked, observing Little Creek and her colt's cute exchange. "I fear, my human will grey out ahead of time."

"Oh dear... taking after his sire, I presume?" Giggled Silver Moon, finding it hard to not laugh at the silly antics of the youngster.

"Most probably." Rain muttered under her breath, realizing that he would grow even more adventurous and mischievous as the time passed. "I really don't want him to take after his father in that aspect." She admitted to the dapple-grey mare. "I suppose having a wild streak is natural, but I just don't want it to turn into a habit where he disrupts our way of life. He's not in the wild."

"Well, you can discipline him by teaching him what's appropriate and expected of him and what's not acceptable." The experienced mare explained to her casually. "That's what I did with all my foals and look what nice companions they made to the humans."

"Isn't he still too young for discipline?" Wondered Rain, unsureness evident in her voice. She didn't know anything about raising foals with a proper care and even though, it was normal to feel uncertain as a first time mother, Rain had hoped that she wouldn't be doing this alone... not without a loving mate by her side.

"It's better to start them early." Said Silver Moon. "I know your human intends to train him once he grows up into a yearling, but before that, you must give him guidance about our social rules. It falls upon mothers to teach their foals good manners."

Rain glanced at her frisky colt with a sad smile. "I'm so inexperienced. I don't want to make any mistakes." She chewed on her bottom lip, staring down at her hooves.

"Don't worry, Rain. It's your first time. You should've seen me with my first foal." Encouraged Silver Moon. "I think I know someone who can help you achieve your goal."

"Really?" The paint mare's sparkling blue eyes were filled with hopeful expression. "Who is it?"

"We call her Lady, or at least that's how she wants to be addressed."

"The older, white mare that our village acquired after I left with Spirit?"

"Yes."

Rain looked surprised at that revelation. "Huh...I didn't know she had so much knowledge about the subject. Wasn't she stolen from the pale-faces?"

"Yes, she used to be a breeding show horse for her masters. She had like million foals, and preformed this fancy thing called...dressage or something. Basically, she's everything you need. She knows all about discipline, proper manners and an acceptable behaviour in foals. Not only will she help your colt get rid of that unwanted wildness, but she'll turn him into an acceptable village horse with charming manners."

Silver Moon's confident, assuring tone as well as her enthusiasm, was contagious. "I will speak to her." Rain decided with a bright grin. "She sounds like exactly what I need."

"She really is. Although, not very friendly with strangers." Silver Moon cautioned.

"Right. Can you blame her?" Rain shrugged plainly. It was strange that this elderly mare 'Lady' had been living in the camp for quite a while now and Rain never had an opportunity to actually meet her. But then again, so many exciting things had befallen her that she didn't find time up until now.

"I can't believe I've never introduced myself to her."

"Oh, she's very distant even with us." Silver Moon told her. "I think she misses her old pampered life. I've mostly seen her hanging around humans. I suppose our manners aren't refined enough for a fancy show horse."

"Maybe you could speak to her first since she already knows you? And if she agrees, I can meet with her after." Rain replied, once more overwhelmed with uncertain thoughts, as she hesitated in her steps.

"We could do that." Silver Moon accorded almost immediately and plodded over to the fields. "I'll catch you later, Rain!"

Rain nodded at her friend and then threw up her head, nickering at her foal to finally come to her side. Little Creek was busy with his chores and shouldn't be distracted for so long. "Come here, sweetheart!" She called, as the colt left the human and wobbled back to his mother.

"That rascal still needs a name." Long Knife said to his ecstatic friend.

"I know...I'm working on it." He responded, his eyes still glued on the lovely mother and son pair.

"Give him a fierce calling that's perfect for battle. You intend on making him a war stallion, right?"

Little Creek frowned at that, pausing for a moment. "We'll see..."

Rain nuzzled the tiny face of her sweet colt as he hid himself under her stomach, eagerly shifting onward to get a drink. It was then her sapphire eyes noticed the distant, old Aranda watching them with a saddened countenance. Rain remembered that for the past few days, the gentle mare was not herself. It seemed to her that there was something ailing the elderly mare. But what exactly? Rain had no answer.

"Are you alright?" Rain at last chose to confront her, shuffling her legs to the silent mare once the colt was done suckling.

"I'm fine, dear." Aranda lied with an ease.

"Are you sure?"

The elderly mare regarded the beautiful little colt for a second and then forced a smile on her muzzle. "I'm sure." She looked up at Rain again.

Sighing, Rain decided that she'd give the mare the benefit of the doubt. "Alright, we'll see you later, then." She was about to direct her foal away, when Aranda spoke.

"Rain," Her voice was soft and nurturing, like that of a loving grandmother. And in a way, she really had become the young paint's grand-dam.

"Yes, Aranda?"

"Remember my child to listen to the wind...for it talks. Listen to the silence, it speaks...and most importantly, listen to the heart... it knows."

Rain remained quietly dumbstruck when she heard the pondering words of the wise, old mare. Her stillness allowed Aranda to continue. "Also, keep in mind my dear, that some wild spirits can never be tamed no matter what technique or whose help you use." And with that, the old mare left Rain's presence.

"Da...da..." Spirit repeated for the fiftieth time, not daring to give up on the very challenging task of teaching his newborn son his very first word. "Can you say...da da?"

Yet again, the relentless, hopeful father, - to his chagrin - was met by nothing but dead silence. And maybe few chirping sounds of birds.

The dark, burly colt, as he lay reclining at the feet of his mother, gawked at the magnificent stallion with a lost look, his big round eyes conveyed the emotions of awe and slight confusion. He snorted, whinnying lazily in response, unsure of why this tall horse was so close to him and kept saying the same word over and over again.

"Oh, come on, Dusty." Huffed the disappointed Spirit, blowing through his nostrils. "Please, say 'dada' for daddy." He implored once more.

Grunting with agitation, Misty rolled her eyes in her sockets, letting out another irritated groan. "Ugh! You're soooo pathetic."

"What's wrong with wanting to teach my son his first word?" Snapped Spirit in frustration.

"Apart from you looking really stupid, our son's not even a day old. Cut him some slack. No need to get all control-freaky. Besides, his first word is going to be 'mama', so you're struggling in vain." She emphasized the last sentence with an evil smirk appearing on her lips.

"Like hell it will!"

"I'm his MOTHER!" Spat out the black mare, assuming an arrogant bearing. "I carried him in my womb for eleven months. I gave birth to him...I was in pain for him. What the heck did you do? Uhh... nothing! Do you see why I deserve to be the first one he calls?" She raised her brows with a prevailed grin.

"Yeah, and none of it would've been possible if it weren't for me." Winked Spirit triumphantly. "So, I guess we're back to dada."

Misty scoffed and scowled at him. "Producing a sperm is not the same as producing a foal, which I did."

"That's just the most moronic excuse I've ever–"

"Oh my..." The quarrelling parents heard an intrigued – perhaps even amused, nicker of their silver grullo neighbour. "Don't you think it's a little early to be teaching him how reproduction works?" Azogar chuckled, teasing grin spreading across his face. "Although, some say, earlier the better. I personally like to demonstrate it, instead of blubbering about it for half an hour. You give them a live show and they learn fast." He neared the two horses and the little colt with a swaggering walk.

"Why is this weirdo here?" Misty muttered, glancing at Spirit questionably. "Aren't you supposed to be on your side of the pasture?" She turned to Azogar with a demanding tone.

"Okay, first of all, I'm your guest. Be courteous." Replied Azogar, clearly feeling insulted the way the black mare addressed him. "And second of all, I'm here because your bossy mate called in a meeting."

"I'm not her mate and the meeting doesn't start until afternoon. It's still an early morning and most of the herd is resting." Spirit spoke up.

Azogar shrugged. "Oh well...they say, early bird gets the worm."

Misty curled her upper lip in utter disgust. "You happen to like worms?"

"No, it's a figure of speech, my dear." Corrected the grullo. He arched his neck and postured closer to Misty, trying to impress her by flexing his muscles. After all, it was springtime and she would been in season soon. It was only nature. Spirit rolled his eyes at that, but didn't say anything. In full honesty, he couldn't care less.

"Well, well, would you look at that beauty..." A flirtatious smile flashed on Misty's countenance and her eyes suddenly brightened with a coquettish expression. "Get out of my way." She ordered the strutting peacock in front of her.

"What?" Azogar frowned, confused at her reaction. He thought she had become impressed by his extreme handsomeness, but unfortunately, he couldn't have been more wrong.

"You're blocking the view, dummy." Misty strained her eyes to catch a glimpse behind the grullo.

"I AM the view." Huffed the boastful Azogar.

Spirit was unable to suppress a chuckle. "Confidence...How sexy!" He ridiculed subtly, knowing that Azogar was too foolish to realize that he was actually mocking him.

"Thank you, Spirit. See? He appreciates true beauty." Azogar looked back at Misty with a smug smirk.

"I sure do." Came the sarcastic response from the dun.

"And you'd probably find me irresistibly attractive if you were a mare, right?" Inquired the pretentious grullo.

Now Spirit stared at him, looking quite frightened and disturbed. That was too much even for a joke. "Okay. I think we're getting into a weird area here."

"Gosh, you two are idiots." Misty remarked.

It was then, both Spirit and Azogar glanced over their shoulder and realized that the object of the black mare's interest was a certain young, blood-bay stallion, standing at the edge of the Cimarron valley in complete solitude. The sun embellished his coat in a rippling, rich, burgundy colour and swayed his wavy mane in the gentle wind. In spite of his bruises, he was so enchanting to look at.

Spirit settled on rolling his eyes distastefully and lowered his head to the colt again, while Azogar hung his neck, feeling rather humiliated. Being preferred over Spirit was something he got used to a while ago, but being rejected for his lone nephew?! That was simply too insulting!

"So, what's his story?" Curiously leaned forward the fascinated Misty.

"Whose? My dull nephew's?" Grumbled the displeased Azogar.

"Yes."

"He has no story." He snorted, having a hard time concealing his envy.

"Everyone has their story to tell." Misty drawled, her gaze was still focused on the far-off stallion.

Azogar dug his hooves in the ground, swishing his tail so angrily that his own smack hurt him. "It's short and sad actually. Lonely, creepy, pathetic, cowardly, and um, he's... what's the other word for needy and desperate, Spirit?" He asked the quiet dun.

"Hmm...a thirsty stalker?" Spirit suggested with an entertained snicker.

"Thirsty stalker! That's it!" Exclaimed Azogar excitedly. "I mean, I would know...I was one myself. Sometimes still am, just ask Velvet or any one of my mares."

The unimpressed stares he received from both Spirit and Misty made the grullo a little embarrassed. "I shouldn't have said that out loud." He coughed awkwardly.

"Anyyywayyy..." Misty shifted her attention on Spirit, more than ready to forget the crap that came out of Azogar's mouth. "Why does everyone call him the Lone Stallion?"

"Because he's a lone stallion. Duh!"

"But why not Bolder? Isn't that his actual name?" Misty tilted her head to the side. "I do like Moonshine better though." She quickly added, murmuring under her breath, her eyes traveling back to the distanced blood-bay.

"Who cares?" Scoffed the disdainful uncle. "If it were up to me, I'd call him a Pathetic Virgin. But no one asked me to christen him so..."

"No one's gonna judge you for it either." Spirit interposed with a laugh.

"Then, I know who to invite at the naming ceremony." Chortled on the grullo horse, causing Spirit to chuckle again.

"Wow...I sense bitterness and jealousy." The black mare came to an accurate conclusion. "While I'm not surprised at his uncle, I am however, surprised at you." She shot Spirit a piercing glare. "What's going on? There is some kind of unexplainable, tension between you two, it was obvious even when we were having that discussion about the curse yesterday. I noted the way you glowered at each other. Am I missing something? You know what? Don't tell me. I'll figure it out myself." She took a deep inhale and exhale, nudging her restful son up on his feet. "I personally find it interesting how I happen to know more about Moonshine than both of you combined. Oh and..." The black mare had begun to walk away when something halted her.

She spun round, facing the two stallions with a seductive smirk. "...I wouldn't hurry with changing his name. You never know what might happen." She gave Azogar a quick side-eye. "Come along, Dusty. Let's survey our herd as the upcoming lead stallion and lead mare."

"Over my dead body!" Spirit exclaimed fiercely, his hot-temper rising. How dare she imply that she was going to be a lead mare?! Who the hell gave her that right? So what if she gave birth to a colt? That signified nothing. Absolutely nothing! Who could ever be insane enough to trust Misty with such an important title and role?

"Yeah, that's what I said." The black mare replied with an innocent blink of her lashes. "It'll happen after your death...and considering your reckless nature, combined with the fact how you can't resist the thrill of danger, I'm assuming I won't have to wait for long." Saying this, she trotted off, leading her colt back to the main grazing grounds where the herd roamed. She was excited and so impatient to show off her handsome son and queen it over everyone that she had produced a future band stallion.

"The mother of my foal..." Spirit sighed, snorting through his nose with a shake of his neck. "Ain't she charming?" He turned to Azogar with a sarcastic jeer as Cloud joined their company, greeting them good morning.

"Morning, Cloud."

"Top of the morning to you, noble Cloud." Azogar acknowledged the superior, older stallion with a bow and then regarded Spirit, resuming their original conversation. "She's easy on the eyes, but after that terrible experience with crazy, fickle-minded Nova and that domesticated filly, I really don't want to get involved with any of your mares. No offence, but they're kinda on the crazy side."

"Hmm...I see a pattern here." Mused the very intrigued Cloud, as he carefully analyzed the words of the grullo.

"Pattern?" Spirit repeated questionably. "What pattern?"

"Remember how we discussed certain 'types' in one of my courting classes?"

"Yeah?"

"And remember how you said that you didn't have a type?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Well, I think I just figured out your type..." Cloud spoke with enthusiasm, his smile wider, as though solving a difficult mystery. "You have a thing for crazy mares!" He unraveled and let out a hearty laugh.

"What? No, I don't." Spirit protested with a dismissive scoff.

"Darn right you do!" Persistently spoke Cloud. "First the alluring, beautiful Rain, more in love with the two-leggeds than her own kind. Not to mention, over dramatic, impulsively stubborn as she abandoned you and travelled back to humans all alone and even now, she chose to raise your colt with them rather than you. Then we have the so-called shy, but pretty daughter of Raven. Immature, creepy, stalker that relentlessly followed you until you accepted her in the band and from time to time, has hysterical outbursts caused by insane jealousy. And finally, let's not even talk about the She-Devil. I think we all know that if there's a queen of craziness, it's definitely Misty. So there you have it, all crazy mares of Spirit in a nutshell."

Desperately searching for a comeback, Spirit stammered to find an excuse, or a justification. Something! Anything! "Nuh-aah... What about...uh.. wait! What about Scarlet? She's not crazy! HA!"

"Jokes on you, she's with me! Which proves that you only stick with crazy mares. Muhahaha!"

"Yeah, because he is just as crazy as them!" Threw in the gleeful Azogar, enjoying the entire exchange.

Now that Cloud had ended his speech of discovery, and also had defeated Spirit with a great comeback, he and Azogar were free to let out a roaring laughter, almost exploding into tears, which they did do quite happily.

"That was amazing!" Howled the cackling Azogar.

"Ha ha..." The golden stallion narrowed his eyes, looking extremely unamused. "Humour based on my complicated life. Let's laugh at Spirit's expense, shall we? Isn't his life so hilarious?" With that, he rolled his eyes and strode away.

"Come on, it was merely a joke!" Cloud called after him, making sure to add in a low voice. "A truthful joke...but a joke nonetheless!"

That very afternoon Spirit informed Flint, Cloud and Azogar that he had decided to listen to Bolder's proposition and was going to acquire the assistance of the mysterious, black stallion. The problem with that announcement was that it confused the other three, causing quite a stir among them. Uncertain questions such as 'what if he doesn't exist?' or 'what if it's all in Bolder's head?' followed his pronouncement. And even though, Spirit tried his best to assure them that for now, this was the only option they possessed, Flint's inquiry made him wonder whether he had chosen a wise path.

"What if he refuses to help us?" Bolder's sire had asked bluntly. "If he is indeed real, and hasn't shown himself to us by now, who is to say he should be trusted at all? What games is he playing with us? He's a lurker like a predator." Flint deduced, his tone bearing doubt and suspicion.

"Well, if what you say is true..." Commenced Spirit, determination blazing in his eyes. "that means, he has messed with the wrong stallions, cause we'll catch him tonight and his hide and seek game will be terminated."

"Why tonight? How do you know he'll appear?" Cloud asked.

This time, it was Bolder that responded tranquilly. "Because all three sightings of him was by the light of the moon."

"The full moon will be up in an hour or so, I want you all to take your positions as we discussed earlier and keep your eyes open." Spirit instructed, reminding them of the plan they had devised. "Bolder will come with me, the two of us will guard the rear and Azogar you'll be stationed at the Cimarron hill. Flint, Cloud, you two know your places, right?" He looked at the older, experienced stallions with a trusting expression.

"I'll patrol the left border of the valley." Flint nodded.

"And I'll be positioned by the right border. Cloud told him.

"Perfect." Spirit inhaled happily, glad that everyone was involved in the scheme and there wasn't any arguments. "Now our herds will remain in the centre of the valley. The lead mares will keep an extra eye out if anything out of ordinary occurs. I already directed my mother to alert us if she sees something suspicious. I can only hope your lead mares are aware of the situation and will follow the drill as well."

"They will, son of Strider. They will." Assured Flint confidently.

"One more thing, the first one to spot the strange horse has to signal the rest of us." Spirit continued to explain further. "And if you see him escaping, what do we do?"

"We get after him." Came the simultaneous reply from the four other stallions.

"That's right. We give chase." Spirit confirmed. "He won't be able to run from the five of us."

"Do we pounce on him after?" Azogar inquired curiously.

"Yes, that should be the final solution." Cloud expanded with a nod. "If nothing stops him, we'll just have to bring him to his knees."

"Hopefully that won't be necessary." Quietly interposed Bolder, who was still having difficulty walking, let alone galloping and chasing someone.

"Alright." Spirit released a deep air from his lungs, observing his comrades with a proud gleam in his eyes. "Everything's clear? Let's take our positions now and let us be ready for him."

Once the young stallion of the Cimarron had finished speaking, the five horses split into different directions, each of them gave one another a quick nod of 'good luck' and marched over to their designated spots.

It was going to be a long night, but they were prepared for it.

The moon rose over the dark, starry sky with warmth and light, fiery yet wise. It seemed as though the entire territory of Cimarron was beholding its magic. It gazed over all, illuminating the landscapes with loving energy of gentle glow. The silent Bolder stood next to Spirit, his mind was racing back and forth with anxious thoughts. He forced himself to believe that what his sire, Spirit, Cloud and uncle were saying about the 'ghost' was true. There was no such thing as phantoms, or supernatural elements of a mystical being. There was no ghost. This strange horse was probably a lone stallion just like him, and tonight they were going to catch him at last. He assured himself of rational reasonings, yet deep inside his soul something whisked and fluttered. The blood-bay didn't realize how consumed he had become in his own contemplations until Spirit broke the stillness with a soft nicker.

"Hey, you okay?"

Bolder jumped in a skittish manner, not expecting to be jerked away from his compulsive reflections so suddenly. "Ah...yeah, I'm fine." He pretended.

Spirit raised an eyebrow at his rather pathetic attempt on lying. "I see..." In full honesty, he didn't wish to spend his time alongside Bolder, but the blood-bay was hurt and it was not prudent to leave him stationed all on his own. Besides, if this so-called 'ghost' appeared to the loner, Spirit wanted to be there and make sure he didn't get away. "I wanted to ask you about what happened back at the cabin...the man's fence was broken down." Spirit started with a certain amount of reluctance in his voice. "Did you... fight with one of his horses?"

"His stallion fought me."

"Did he win?"

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Said Bolder knowingly.

"Not necessarily."

That caused Bolder to smirk a little. "He was winning until that bear showed up." He admitted, not at all concerned if this would paint him in a 'weak' light.

"How can a domesticated horse prevail against a wild one?" Spirit was stunned. He had fought Bolder couple of times, and even though he hated to confess it, he knew more than anyone how strong Flint's son could be. It was downright impressive. "You're no weakling."

Bolder wasn't used to being complimented or admired by other stallions, especially by his literal rival – Spirit. But he sure was glad to hear that small sentence of praise from the golden stallion. "Thanks...he was really athletic though." The blood-bay told him. "Very lithe, his nose was strangely shaped and he was quick as lightening. I don't think I've seen such a breed amongst mustang herds."

"Interesting." Spirit furrowed his brows, wondering what sort of horse could the man have bought for himself. He had only see his brown, fast gelding. Had the cunning man acquired a new steed in hopes of capturing him faster?

"The cursed bear scared him away." Carried on the blood-bay. "I still don't know if he got attacked or not."

"And afterwards, the mysterious black horse showed up?"

"Yeah."

Spirit let out a subdued laugh and shook his head.

"What?" Questioned Bolder.

"Nothing...I guess, you were right when you called it a 'hell of a story'."

"I don't lie." Winked the blood-bay with self-assuring confidence, earning an eye roll from Spirit.

As the hours dragged on rather slowly, the damp darkness befall the land and the grey fog settled in. Misty clouds floated across the full moon, and the hearts of the awaiting mustangs leaped within their chests. Far away howling of wolves pierced the smoggy air and involuntarily, the centered mares, colts and fillies huddled closer together, pressing their bodies for warmth and comfort. There was something so strange about this night and no one could find a suitable reason as to why it was that way. Odd whispers echoed through the black, eerie night with scrapings and rustlings, yet nothing in sight.

As another hour of strange silence passed, the herd started to doze off, with Misty and her colt being one of the firsts to fall asleep. One by one, everyone gave to a peacefully restful state. Even the alert lead mares couldn't fight the drowsiness of the late night. Esperanza tried hard to prevail over her exhaustion, but after a moment or two, her eyes closed tight. The foolish Azogar went as far as to lie down on his side and snored quite blissfully, content that he was being 'protected' by so many stallions. There was no need for him to keep guard when four other males were more than eager to stay up all night and watch over their herds as well as each other. Cloud and Flint were both in a rather relaxed mood. They weren't asleep, but were in a leisure state as well. Spirit's eyelids became heavy with weariness, he hung his head in a reposeful manner, yet his senses were still strained with awareness.

Only Bolder remained fully wide awake, his nostrils flared in anxiousness. He couldn't relax as the others...how could he? A quiver went through him, goosebumps rising on his back. He felt so faint, as if in a dream, but he knew that this was no dream. The foggy wind carried a familiar whisper. "One with the Ghost...He Who Stands Alone...Is One...With The Ghost..." Bolder threw his head up, noticing that Spirit had not stirred from his place. Was he the only one that could hear these eerie calls? The young blood-bay took a deep inhale, trying to regulate his racing heart. When he lifted his gaze from the ground, however, his focus was drawn by ghostly eyes flowing in the distant bushes. Bolder stared in a frozen state, unable to utter a single syllable. It seemed to him that it was getting closer and closer in an instant. The silhouette of a dark shadow was gliding through them. Stiff and confused, Bolder shut his eyes tight, holding his breath with all his might. Could it be that this was all a hallucination? Was he really losing his mind? Perhaps, Azogar was right when he had called him 'mad'. He heard a swishing past in the chilly breeze, which caused the young stallion to open one eye and suddenly exhale in relief. There was nothing.

"The Black Stallion!" A ringing neigh of Cloud from the other side of the pasture, snapped Spirit out of his calm demeanour, his ears now lay forward in tense alertness.

"Did he see him?" Bolder glanced back at Spirit. So, he wasn't the only one, after all!

"He's running away!" Another cry of desperation could be heard from the pale palomino. "We have to get after him, boys!"

"On it!" Spirit shouted on top of his lungs, rudely awakening the sleeping Azogar, as he raced past him and through the night towards Cloud.

"Get him now! Now!" Exclaimed Flint. He and Azogar immediately left their positions and swiftly rushed after the galloping Spirit. Bolder, however, was not as fast as the rest of the stallions because of his injury. He could barely walk, but nevertheless, he too limped onwards to catch up with them. He was so relieved and glad that he hadn't been the only one to spot the phantom horse. The truth would soon come out!

Nova was one of the first mares to be jolted out of her peaceful sleep, as the frantic screams of the stallions echoed across the valley, causing her to harden into stone and listen.

"Don't let him get away!" Neighed what sounded to her like the voice of Cloud.

"Jump on him, Spirit! Pounce!" That was certainly the foolhardy Azogar.

"Hey, stop! Stop!" The cry of the golden stallion reached her next.

Before the puzzled Nova could understand what on earth was transpiring, she noticed Esperanza and couple of other mares, including Misty with her foal, detaching themselves from the herd and hurrying towards the scuffling noises. Esperanza halted, snapping back at the black mare. Her ears were pinned against her skull, as she warned her to stay with the band where she and the colt would be protected. Misty scowled, but thankfully, decided to heed the lead mare's order.

All of a sudden, there was a loud thud as though someone had been crushed on the ground. This only caused Nova and Esperanza to increase their speed as they galloped over to the very edge of the Cimarron territory. Even from the distance, they could make out that there was a fierce tussle going on. All except the lamed Bolder, were wrestling on the ground with someone. They were shouting on top of each other. Nothing could be heard in a clear way.

"LET GO OF ME YOU PSYCHOS!" Was the only exclamation that rang out in a furious neigh.

The chaotic struggle instantly ceased, and the stallions leaped away, backing up with mortified gasps. There, in the middle, a black stallion rose to his feet, looking disheveled, shocked and utterly scandalized.

"Papa!" Nova squealed upon recognition, trotting towards her great sire and embraced him with a tight hug. "What were you doing to my father?" She turned to the embarrassed stallions in horror.

Nervous, clumsy and embarrassed fragments of explanation followed that question.

"We were just trying-" The terrified Azogar started.

"You see...we uh...we were only-" Flint searched for appropriate words, yet found nothing. Never in his experienced, respectful life had he done anything so remotely unbecoming and outrageous.

"This can be explained!" Said the ashamed Cloud, not believing his very own eyes. "Oh, Raven. We apologize..."

"This was a misunderstanding." Gulped Spirit, a huge desire to crawl in a hole and never show his face again sprang in his mind.

"Are you a pack of wolves that you'd attack me likes this?!" The enraged Raven demanded, glowering at them with his enflamed eyes. "What happened to a thing called 'respect', damn it?! Is this the way you treat your guests, the son of Strider!?"

"No, no...uh." Spirit's voice got lost somewhere in his dry throat.

Raven glared at the older stallions. "Flint, Cloud? Really? Is this the kind of greeting I deserve for wanting to come here and inform you about the mad wolf's curse?" He spoke to them in disbelief and disappointed. "I've never been treated so insultingly in my entire life! And by my own kind too!"

Every utterance of his stern, but well-deserved rebukes was like a stingy blow in the chest. The guilty stallions winced at his every single word, cringing at their own stupidity. This would definitely go down in history as the worst attempt on catching someone.

"Please, forgive our imprudence, noble Raven." Cloud cleared his throat, trying to assume an easy-going air. "You know how these young ones are! Always so mischievous and reckless." He let out an uncomfortable laugh. "Oh, the fool colts." He shook his head, snorting at the blood-bay and the golden-dun with a disapproving expression. "Silly Bolder was convinced we were being haunted by a ghost and impulsive Spirit decided to catch it. Can you believe them? Children! Bunch of immature children, I say! Ignore them." He forced another awkward smile on his face.

Raven remained unimpressed. "You were the first one to jump me."

"I was?" Choked the uncomfortable Cloud, staring helplessly at the others. "My bad..."

"Thanks a lot, Cloud." Spirit glared at him, not at all pleased that the older horse had been so quick to blame everything on them in order to save his own face.

"And YOU!" Spat out the sire of Nova, his attention fully fixed on Spirit. "How many times must you disrespect me? First you take my daughter away from me and that's fine, then you try to steal my mares, that WASN'T fine and now THIS? Have you no shame at all? Are you still drugged? Did he made you all eat those herbs?" He turned to the rest of the stallions. "What the hell is going on here?!"

"Well, that's one way to impress your future father-in-law, you drug addict." Cackled Azogar, probably the only horse who found amusement in this rather mortifying situation.

"Raven, please, we can explain-" Spirit attempted to straighten things out, but with no success.

"Silence! I've heard enough!" Exclaimed the angry stallion as he protectively pulled the confused Nova closer to him. "Is this how you treat my daughter as well? You vicious beasts! All of you! No respect for the sire or his offspring?" Being the filly of his favourite mare, Nova always held a special place in the black stallion's heart. He wouldn't allow anyone to mess with his little girl.

"Nahh, your daughter is a mighty fine thing." Azogar blubbered carelessly, with no filter or consideration what-so-ever. "We respect her, alright. Hell, if it were up to me, I'd be respecting her all night long." He chortled at his own, crude joke, glancing over at the other stallions, hoping to earn a laugh of agreement from at least one of them. Instead, however, all the grullo was met with was their extremely terrified expressions. They gaped at him questionably, each one of them wondering if Azogar had gotten bored of living. Was he asking for death?!

"What did you say, you freaking pervert?" Raven slowly released Nova from his embrace, and stepped forward to face Azogar in a dangerously threatening body language.

Sweat formed on the frightened grullo's forehead, as he swallowed hard, tucking the tail between his legs in nervousness, he took a step back. "Hey, hey, don't get upset. I'm just talking here, he's the one that actually gets hot action with your daughter!" He quickly motioned toward the horrified Spirit, mercilessly throwing him in the fire.

How this extremely painful situation would've turned out will forever remain a mystery, because the wise, palomino lead mare, suddenly broke her peace as she chimed with a polite bow and changed the course of the flow. "Hail, O, Raven! Please, accept my sincerest apologies on behalf of these ruffians. The Cimarron herd is always honoured with your visits. In fact, please allow me to offer you our delightful grazing pasture. The newly grown grass is delicious and oh, so sweet. I would be honoured if you grazed with us. I shall explain these unusual circumstances to you over the fresh bite of greenery." She smiled at him, her eyes shining beautifully in the night, as she demonstrated her perfect skills in tactfulness and diplomacy. Something the boastful band stallions could definitely learn from her.

It was very difficult to resist the charming elegance the attractive lead mare displayed. The furious Raven immediately softened and a genuine smile of contentment spread across his features. "It's always such a pleasure to be in your company, Esperanza. I shall accept your offer and you must clarify this rather humiliating treatment I've endured." He said, as he followed after the lovely palomino mare, who led him towards the herd. "I hope a good explanation can be found for it."

"Of course, everything will be clear in few minutes, I assure you." Responded Esperanza, while Raven beckoned his daughter to go with them as well.

"Come with us, Nova. I've missed you, my girl."

The filly grinned brightly and trotted over to her sire in order to keep him company. "So did I, father."

The stiffened stallions were finally allowed to breathe, as they slowly shuffled their legs forward. "Phew...that gave me a momentary heart attack." Said Cloud, his eyes fixated at the withdrawing Esperanza and Raven. "Come along, boys. It's all good." He told the others and trailed after the lead mare, Raven and the dark filly.

Before Azogar could move, Flint grabbed on to his mane and jerked him back. "Ouch!"

"Not so fast, little brother." Whispered the very irritated Flint. "If you'll ever embarrass me in front of our hosts and visitors again, I promise you, I will rip out your vile tongue!" He threatened, hissing through his teeth angrily.

"Good, cause if you don't, I will!" Interjected Spirit, throwing daggers with his fiery glare.

"Gee, you just say one thing and everyone's at your throat." Huffed Azogar as the three stallions quickened their stride to catch up with the others.

Only the lone blood-bay had lingered behind, his body tensed, his heart trembled and once again, all fur rose on his back when he felt that same, eerie presence from before. His eyes widened as soon as he viewed an unearthly vision of the black stallion standing on the Cimarron hill. He was right in front of all of them! And it certainly was no Raven. The mysterious stranger reared on his hind legs and produced a thrilling cry that chilled the blood. It was loud and clear enough for all to hear! Surely, everyone would be able to see as well as hear him now! The black stallion was illuminated by the glow of the moon right before their very noses. He was stationed at Spirit rightful place!

So you can imagine the pure shock and trepidation of Bolder, when instead of the petrified disarray he hoped the mystical stranger would create in the others, he perceived that no one had paid attention to their mysterious visitor or noticed anything unusual. They all blindly, including the generally attentive Spirit, passed the hill in utter ignorance and continued chattering amongst each other as though they had seen nothing. Absolutely nothing at all! White with unexplainable sensation of fear, Bolder at last came to a dreadful realization that the horse he was looking at was truly a phantom that only he could see, and no one else. He blinked, submerged with alarming thoughts and opening his eyes, noted that the black spectre on the hill was no longer in sight. Bolder was quivering all over. Was he losing his damn mind? Perhaps, roaming in solitude really drove him to madness?

The soft wind brought by a dim light of the moon, just like a will-o'-the-wisp, swayed and stirred around in the young stallion's ears.

"He Who Stands Alone, Is One With The Ghost."

I hope the humorous chapters are balancing out the darker elements of this story. Drama and action is still on the way though.

Question of the day: Would you rather have a friend like Misty or Azogar? XD

Response to Starstabelgal: Bolder is a blood-bay with dark mane and tail. The sunlight and moonlight give off the impression that his locks are auburn. So I guess, in a way that's bit unrealistic. But then again, have you ever heard of a stallion in the wild choosing to live all alone?

Anyways, share your thoughts!