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Chapter 38

Whatever It Takes

"I can feel the weight
Yeah, I can feel the weight of the world
I can feel the pressure
Yeah, I know the pain and the hurt"

- King by Zayde Wolf

Spirit let out a high pitched squeal of joy, throwing his head up at the flying Eagle over him. "Race with me!" He exclaimed and turned to the pretty paint.

"You're about to witness how a stallion outmatches the speedy Bold Eagle - the king of the sky." He boasted with a playful smile as the large bird accepted the challenge again.

"This should be interesting." Winked Rain, with a girlish little giggle as she slowed her canter, her sparkling eyes waiting for the race to commence.

"It's on." Said Spirit, who reared up and spun around with a sense of dignity and pride. The paint mare had no time to blink, when suddenly both horse and eagle burst and started their extremely speedy race. The stallion galloped forward, his hindquarters bunching and relaxing with each long stride. The unbelievable speed with which the two majestic creatures moved was incredible. Rain watched in puzzlement, her jaw almost dropped. She couldn't tell which one of them was flying. Was it the mighty Eagle? Or was it the flaming young stallion, who looked as if he had grown a pair of wings himself?

In minutes it was over, and Rain couldn't help but cheer loudly and happily for her strong stallion. Spirit met his companion at the edge of the river bank and sprang up, standing on his hind legs and thanked the Eagle for participating in the race. Rain caught up to them just in time to hear the Eagle mutter something and call Spirit a show-off and then he flew away, promising to return again.

Spirit's blazing eyes shifted from the majestic bird to his pretty mare. His heart soared when she met his gaze. He still couldn't believe that she was in his wild, untamed world.

"What do you think?" He asked, knowing exactly how impressively he had won. He puffed out some air from his chest and arched his thick neck, waiting to receive praises from his favourite mare.

"It was alright, I guess." Joked Rain with a teasing glare, and couldn't help but laugh when she noticed the shocked expression of Spirit.

"Alright? That's all you can say?" The stallion blinked his eyes in disbelief. Didn't she see his incredible display of sheer speed, power and strength?

Rain giggled, shaking her head and took delicate steps towards him. "I've never seen anything like that." She admitted gently, almost a whisper. Her head cocked with a girlish charm she had, the blonde forelock sweeping her beautiful countenance. Her gaze burned into those deep brown eyes that warmed her soul. With a batter of her blue eyes, she turned towards the water, standing as the sun brightened over her lovely form. The reflection twinkled with the light, bouncing white rays of sunlight on her chest and legs.

Spirit chuckled, his long nose wrinkling with amusement. "Now that's more like it." He smiled softly, pulling on the tuft of her mane with his glistening teeth. The water's flowing reflection danced upon his pelt, and all at once he felt electricity surge through his bulging veins. Spirit's legs were on fire, and still gripping her mane he danced upon his back legs, arching his powerful back. He was like the blazing sun himself.

Along a clear lake's shore, the wind gently swayed the trees and moved the water in calm ripples, as the band stallion of the Cimarron stood, gazing into the crystal liquid's stillness, peering over its edge and into the dark, quiet place. He was in solitude, adrift in his deep contemplations and lowering his head to the clear stream, Spirit's eyes held the reflection of his face. Many thoughts could be seen among the water's ripples that made the young horse feel serene. It was as if one could look and view one's life history. Is there joy and happiness that this brings or does one see sorrow and pain inside? Did it bring out a simple smile or a tear that reflected up into the sunshine? Sighing, the stallion drank lazily from the river, trying hard to push away his melancholy thoughts and reflections. He snorted, shutting his eyes for a moment, powerless to shake away the feeling of shame that washed over him. Instead of coming up with a plan to rid his homeland from the mad wolf's curse, he was once again, reminiscing about the blissful past. A cracking sound of a stick, made the golden horse jerk his head, water still dribbling from his mouth.

Damn it. So much for wanting to stay alone. Here comes the kelpie!

Groaning inwardly, he forced himself to speak. "So, you're stalking me now?"

"What's wrong with admiring one's lover?" The black mare advanced into visibility, kittenish smirk spreading on her lips.

"It's creepy."

"It's romantic." Misty corrected with a provocative gleam in her eyes.

Kill me now! Spirit grunted distastefully, shaking his head in utter repugnance. "Ew, no. Stop."

Misty drew near, unable to conceal her entertained expression upon noticing that Spirit had recoiled in caution, as if seeing a rattlesnake crawling in his path.

Her ridiculous behaviour was driving him mad. "What games are you playing? You're acting insane!" He burst frustrated, but that didn't frighten away the black beauty.

"Hmph...do you want to play along?" She purred teasingly.

"No!" Spirit snapped. "Why aren't you with Dusty? Go take care of your own responsibilities and let me handle mine."

Misty rolled her eyes. Oh boy! Still so tense and defensive. "Relax. I just fed him and he's spending time with his grandmother and aunties. I don't want him attached to me like a mama's boy. If he is to become a future lead stallion of the Cimarron herd, he needs to learn independence from an early age." She explained simply, very exhausted with Spirit's same old, boring remarks. "You used to be so much fun... what happened?" Misty reached out to grab his forelock in a playful manner, but Spirit instantly jolted backwards.

"Whoa! Don't touch my mane. Don't ever touch my mane." He warned dangerously.

At that, the mare backed off immediately. "Right, sorry." There were only handful of individuals allowed to tug, pull and play with Spirit's wild mane and Misty definitely was NOT one of them. Otherwise, you'd end up badly injured by those razor-sharp teeth of the furious stallion.

Misty stared at Spirit's empty expression, she could see in his fiery eyes that he was sad and for some strange reason, it made her sympathize with him. "Look, I know you're upset about those three idiots dumping on your stud pile, but honestly...let them worry about that stupid bear and let us enjoy this moment."

"What moment?" Spirit blinked, stunned at Misty's overbearing persistence. "There's NOTHING going on between us and quite frankly, I don't enjoy your company, I endure it."

"Aww, come on..." Pouted Misty, furrowing her brows. "I'm not that bad." She pretended to appear hurt by his rudeness.

"This conversation is over." Spirit announced. "Be gone!"

Whether Misty would've at last obeyed his command or still stubbornly continued to irritate Spirit, will forever remain unanswered because suddenly, the black mare – as though spotting something frightening – skittishly reared and lunged at the unsuspecting stallion. "Oh crap! Get down!" She shoved him in panic, knocking Spirit backwards, which resulted into both of them losing their balance and off they went, landing in the shallow water with a big SPLASH!

"What the fuck?!" Cried Spirit, as he slammed down, Misty falling right on top of him. "Ouch! I think you broke my back!" He lifted his head from the waves they created, gasping for breath.

"Are you two alright?" The concerned nicker of a certain stallion reached their ears. Bolder had jogged up to them and presently was standing at the edge of the lake, gaping at the bizarre scene in confusion.

"It's not what it looks like!" Spirit shouted automatically.

"No, no! He's lying!" Misty threw in right away, not even shifting from the awkward position. "It's EXACTLY what it looks like."

Bolder was lost. He lifted his brows, cocking his head to the side. "Um...what should this look like again?" He questioned in unsureness and perplexity.

"Get off me!" Spirit vigorously pushed the mare away and swiftly rose to his feet, shaking the dripping water from his dark mane. "It's nothing."

"It's not 'nothing'." Misty stood coquettishly, swaying her tail. "Spirit just likes dominant mares, that's all." She told Bolder with a flirty wink.

"Oh!" The confusion finally dissolved from the blood-bay's face and was instead replaced by embarrassment.

"He does?" Spirit hissed at Misty.

"Obviously." The black mare nodded, motioning something with her mouth and nudged Spirit in the shoulder.

"Well, I just learned a new thing about me."

Bolder cleared his throat in nervous awkwardness. "I'm sorry for intruding. I uh...I thought you...never mind." He blushed. "I guess I'm just... old-fashioned." And with that, he rapidly left their presence, presumably to gouge out his eyeballs.

The black mare's pools followed the departing blood-bay with a longing gaze, while Spirit stared at her in shock. "What the hell was that? Dominant mares? What does that even mean?"

Misty sighed dreamily, turning her attention back on Spirit. "Isn't he gorgeous?"

"What?!"

"Shhh..." The mare whispered, anxiously glancing over her shoulder.

"You better explain yourself right now! What was all this craziness about?!" Spirit ordered, stomping his forelegs and digging his hooves in the moist earth angrily. "Why are you acting like a lunatic?"

"It's a secret." Lowly nickered Misty.

Spirit was never known for his patience. "I don't care! Spit it out! What's going on?!" He demanded.

"Fine, fine, just keep your voice down." Pleaded the mare and neared Spirit, for the first time, appearing somewhat shy. "I think I...might have..."

"What?"

Misty looked away for a moment, embarrassed and hesitant. This was harder than she originally thought. "I think I have a tiny infatuation with Moonshine." She said very quickly and very quietly.

"Who?" Spirit perked his ears forward. "Speak up!"

Rolling her eyes, Misty took a deep inhale and then exhaled slowly. "A crush on Bolder."

"Crush on Bolder?!" Spirit exclaimed in alarm, quite taken by surprise.

"Why don't you scream louder? I don't think your little paint heard you all the way in the human settlement."

"Sorry." Spirit whispered, realizing that his exclamation had been too loud.

"Let's not make a big deal out of this." Started Misty, attempting to come off normal and natural. "It's a mere infatuation and it's purely physical. It's gonna go away."

"You're the one making a big deal out of this and acting like an immature, lovesick yearling."

"Am not!" Dismissed Misty with an unconvincing scoff.

"Are too!" Spirit argued and then rolled his eyes. "Honestly, I don't care about your relationships. What I want to know is, why am I in the middle of all these childish stunts?"

Misty shuffled her legs, before speaking up to explain further. "Listen, for the first time in my life, a stallion hasn't paid any attention to me. Which is absurd, considering I'm everyone's type! But Moonshine's not even looking in my direction, let alone anything else. At first, I thought it was because I was in foal, yet now that I've given birth, nothing has changed. I mean it's Springtime, damn it! It's the season for flirting, but he acts like I don't exist. That has never happened to me, not counting you, of course." Misty added bitterly and continued. "I mean, I saved his life and yeah, he did thank me for it, but that was it. He'd much rather spend time with that silly, air-headed daughter of Raven."

"Wow..."

"So then I thought, maybe I could get through to him by making him feel jealous."

"That's why you've been acting all weird around me?" Spirit asked, not bothering to retain an amused smile from his face. Well, whatta ya know.

Misty nodded. "I wanted to make him jealous."

"And how's that working out for ya?" Spirit chuckled with a shake of his head.

"It would've been a success if you had cooperated." Misty told him sharply.

Spirit couldn't help but laugh at that. "Pfft! I have much more important things to worry about than your non-existent love life."

"It's not love!" Misty's ears lay flat, her teeth gnashed in agitation.

"Fine, sex life. Whatever! The point remains the same."

"Wait, Spirit–"

"You're wasting your time! Trust me... he's not interested in you." Spirit said the last sentence in a low, but indignant tone. "He's in love with someone else."

"You know that as well?" Misty's eyes widened.

"How do you know that?"

"He told me."

"Do you know who it is?" Spirit asked, twitching his muscles in tenseness. His previous nonchalant demeanour had suddenly changed; it intensified.

Misty shrugged with indifference. "Some dumb filly no doubt. What kind of an idiot rejects that innocent sweetheart?"

Spirit's jaw tightened, his body all stiff, his ears were back and his expressions conveyed extreme displeasure and...was it also jealousy? Misty narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What's wrong?"

Spirit did not respond to that question, he coughed and shifted his brown eyes from the mare. "Either way, I don't want to participate in your sick games. As much as I want him out of my way, I-"

"Out of your way?" Misty repeated, her mind racing back to the heated exchange between Bolder and Spirit. The resentful looks they shot each other, the envious, snarky comments from Spirit.

"He said he was in an unrequited love...and you just told me you want him out of your way..." The black mare analyzed slowly, her confused features were gradually replaced with a shocked glare. "Oh no." She concluded dreadingly.

"Oh yes."

"No, no, no, NO!"

"Yes, yes, yes and YES!"

"Are you fucking kidding me?!" Squealed the enraged mare, throwing a vicious temper tantrum. "It's Rain! He's also in love with that pampered pet?!"

"Shhh, keep your voice down." Spirit told her urgently.

"Why are you so calm about this? Shouldn't you be mad?! Do something!" Misty gritted her teeth, nostrils flaring.

"What do you want me to do? Forbid him to love her?!"

Misty kicked at the dirt in raving fury. "Damn it all to hell! Even from so far away, she manages to ruin my life! She took everything from me!" Instant images of her sister, Sierra flashed before the eyes of the wrathful mare. This infuriating Rain looked so much like her and just like her bratty sister, who had taken all the attention away from the little Misty, as well as stolen her mother's love from her, Rain too was also stealing everything Misty desired. "I have nothing! While she gets everything! Your love, Esperanza's admiration, the lead mare's role and now even Bolder?! Grahhh! I HATE her!" She exploded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I can't stand so much humiliation! My entire foal-hood has been a living nightmare, yet SHE was spoiled from head to toe and gets everything she wants. She doesn't even have to try, everyone and everything falls at her feet, while I try SO hard and I'm never enough!" Misty wept bitterly, hanging her head, overwhelmed with utter dejection and loathing.

"Don't say that." Spirit nickered, his heart sinking at the miserable state of the black mare. "You are enough." He assured with a compassionate tone and reluctantly pulled her in an embrace. "I know your life wasn't easy, but you're letting it define you and look what that brought you. Nothing but ugly hate and jealousy. You are better than this." Spirit gazed in her eyes and brushed his nose against her muzzle. "As for Rain, her life isn't all sunshine and rainbows either."

"Boo-hoo, cry me a river. She never went through what I went through." Misty spat, sounding as though she was disappointed about that fact.

"True, but let's not forget that you tried to kill her. She grew up without parents, she battled for her life from a severe gunshot, she-"

"A gunshot?" The terminology was foreign to the black mare.

"She was shot by a human." Spirit elaborated, shiver of terror running down his spine upon the horrific memory. "A gun is a metal weapon that the two-leggeds use to kill one another. It's fast as the wind and can destroy any creature within a second."

Misty shuddered, listening to him with a petrified countenance. She had never heard of anything so scary and terrorizing. Spirit paused for a brief moment, something in his own sentence caught his attention. "Gun...she was shot...by a human...with a gun." He mumbled. "Why, of course!" He cried out all of a sudden triumphantly. "I know how to get rid of that bear!" He flew up on his hind legs.

"What?" Misty blinked, astounded at the strangeness Spirit displayed.

"Thank you, Misty!" The stallion grinned and pulled her in another quick hug. "It's the second time your vent has opened my eyes!" Swinging round, Spirit galloped off towards his herd's main grazing grounds, while Misty jogged after him in confusion.

"Mind explaining what just happened?!" She called.

The Lakota horses were enjoying the lovely sunshine in the lush green pastures, their tails swayed in the warm breeze, their ears flinched occasionally whenever a ringing voice of cheery humans echoed through the camp. Silver Moon, a dapple-grey mare and the mother of Takoda, raised her head in alertness when she noticed Rain and her unnamed colt joining them in the fields.

"So? How did it go?" She jogged over to the blue-eyed paint, curious to find out her opinion. "How do you like Lady?"

"She's...intense, to say the least." Confessed Rain, as her foal excitedly pranced towards the coming three-year old son of Silver Moon. Takoda was the youngest horse in the village, and even though considerably older than the week-old colt, he still loved to play with a frisky baby.

"Intense?" Great Conquest tilted his head. "To me she always appeared boring."

"And dull." River added with a nod.

"Yes...she..." Rain glanced around the village with an anxious sigh. "...she's got strict ideas about discipline."

Her herd mates remained silent, their ears perked up and they waited for her to continue with inquisitive looks. "She told me that if I want her as my mentor, I should cut all ties with Spirit." Rain spoke up, after a short pause.

"What?" Her stunned audience exclaimed simultaneously.

"She thinks Spirit will be a bad influence and that he'll conflict my foal with his 'wild' mindset."

"Oh no, I'm sorry it didn't work out, dear." Silver Moon scowled sadly. "I'm sure you can educate him on your own just fine." She encouraged.

"No...I still agreed to her terms."

"You did what?!" Gasped the shocked mare.

"You didn't!" River snorted in disbelief.

"But it's okay, it's okay, it's okay!" Rain reassured at once, mostly trying to convince herself rather than anyone else. "You see, Spirit won't be visiting very frequently and Lady can't possibly follow my every move. I figured neither of them have to know about this at all. Spirit will come see his son for a while, then he'll leave and everything will go back to normal. Lady doesn't have to know anything. As far as she's concerned, I've cut all ties with Spirit." Rain finished, sounding very proud of her own scheme.

Unfortunately, the universe seemed to be playing a cruel joke on the young mother. Ironically, as soon as Rain ceased speaking, the elder, cremello mare, trotted toward her in the meadows with an eager whinny. "Rain, honey! Since I've at last found horses that suit my good breeding and high class, I thought I'd become your herd mate. That way I'll keep an eye on you and your youngster all day long and will guide you properly on his education." She beamed in excitement, dismaying Rain in the process.

"Oh!" The paint squealed, her heart lurching within her chest. "That's...perfect." A fake grin spread across her features, as she vulnerably stared at her friends.

"Isn't that simply amazing, darling? I think we're very much alike." Lady professed, before being led away by a young girl to get her daily grooming session. "See you soon, dearie!"

"See you!" Rain smiled after her, but once the arrogant mare was out of sight, Rain helplessly turned to face the others. "Oh my goodness!"

"You're screwed." Red smirked in amusement.

"What am I going to do? What am I going to do now?!" The alarmed Rain cried hysterically. "This is a disaster!"

"Calm down, I'm sure we can think of something." Blossom interposed with an encouraging nicker.

"The only thing you have to do is make a decision." Great Conquest inserted, his voice firm. "Either you listen to Lady and ditch Spirit, or you ditch Lady and keep Spirit."

Rain felt her legs weakening, her heart dropping and anxiousness overtaking her entire frame. "What do you guys think I should do?"

"Get rid of Spirit." Red grunted in disgust. "He's not necessary."

"How can you say that?" Snapped Silver Moon. "He is the father! He loves his son and it will completely crush him if Rain forbids him to come for a visit."

"Well, he can find solace in other mares." Red shrugged with disinterest. "He has many, I'm sure."

"Agreed!" Great Conquest interjected, hostile tone emitting his forceful exclamation. "It's no big deal for him. He has Misty and Nova–" Unexplainable rage rose to his face upon saying Raven's daughter's name. "I say, you ditch him. Your colt is our future leading war stallion. He is the Medicine Hat horse. Don't let his crazy, wild sire mess with his mind and confuse the little guy. His future is here in our tribe, not with Spirit. Spirit's out of the picture. End of story."

"B-but...I promised him he could see his colt." Rain trembled, her blue eyes filling up with tears. "He trusts my word. I can't break his trust...and I don't think I can wound him so deeply."

"He broke your trust the moment he decided to treat you like a toy!" Furiously said Great Conquest. "All this mess, is his fault. None of it would've happened if he had kept it in his sheath–"

"Conquest!" Silver Moon nipped at his shoulder angrily.

"Make him taste his own medicine!" The grey stallion insisted, his glare throwing fierce daggers.

"Great Conquest said everything I was thinking." Red nodded in agreement.

Rain dropped her head, feeling extremely desolated and torn. "What do you think, Aranda?" Her sapphires finally focused on the quietest mare in the field.

"My opinion doesn't matter."

"I could really use an advice right now!" Rain burst, irritated that once again, the older mare was being difficult.

"What's the point? You don't listen to sound reasonings, my child." Aranda spoke, her eyes regarding Rain with sorrow. "You, young ones never heed anyone until you get a kick in the flank." She took a deep breath and stared at Rain with a piercing gaze. "You really want to know what I think? I think you don't belong here and neither does your colt, but that's not something you want to hear." Aranda shook her head and walked away.

"Do what's best for your colt." Great Conquest said afterwards, as Rain glanced at her playful son and nodded at him.

"You're right. He's all that matters to me right now." Despite the pressure, despite the horrid sensation of hurt and pain, Rain made up her mind. Whatever it took her, she was going to make a decision that her little colt could benefit from and no one else.

To Spirit's surprise, he found the three band stallions in a very disorderly state. Cloud was anxiously marching back and forth, Azogar was ranting in an obnoxious way – that was so typical of him – and Flint stood frozen, his body language exhibiting distress and agitation. What was going on? Spirit furrowed his brows, quickly scanning their surroundings to see whether one of the herd members was the cause of their dismay. Everything appeared to be normal from what he could tell. All bands were calm, healthy and peacefully grazed on the fresh grass. He arched his neck and strutted over to the three pacing males, making sure his entrance was distinct and pronounced enough to get them to stop whatever they were doing and focus on the him. Heck! Every stallion liked to show-off from time to time. It's who they are, no matter their personality.

"What seems to be the problem, noble leaders?" Spirit asked, once he had their full attention on himself.

Flint, Cloud and Azogar swapped tense looks amongst each other. "We have an obstacle in our way." Flint was the first to answer.

"What happened?"

Cloud released a frustrated exhale, blowing through his nostrils and striking his leg on the ground, creating dust. "Raven's band has been tag teamed by the bachelors. He is forced to concentrate on defending his herd, which means that he can no longer help us."

"He was supposed to round up other lead stallions, so that we could go against that cursed predator." Flint added. "I'm afraid, that's not an option anymore."

"Well, perhaps, I could get them together?" Cloud wondered, staring at the brown stallion meaningfully.

Spirit was probably the only horse relieved to hear the news about Raven. Being targeted by the desperate bachelors was a natural occurrence, especially in the spring and summer months. He was positive that despite how annoying and sometimes stressful that circumstance was for the lead stallions, Raven would be able to handle himself. He was strong, athletic and experienced. He could certainly take care of himself as well as his band and teach those young upstarts a good lesson.

"Listen to me, please." Spirit addressed the three anxious stallions. "There's no need to go around and spread panic. We can do this on our own, I have a plan."

"Spirit, we've already talked about this." Cloud sighed, too exhausted to argue with him.

"Yeah, butt out." Azogar growled at him. "Why must you always stick your nose where it doesn't belong?"

"I'm sorry, but last time I checked, you three are guests on MY territory." Spirit commenced, not at all bothered with Azogar's grumblings. "The curse of the mad wolf was discovered in the Cimarron lands and according to our law, it's MY job to fix this issue."

Flint, Azogar and Cloud remained silent, they knew all too well that there was absolute truth in Spirit's words. They could not simply kick him out of the party, when he was the one responsible to find a solution in the first place.

"I know I was an incompetent leader yesterday." Spirit admitted, when neither of three spoke up. "You trusted me and followed my orders, yet I failed you. Instead of correcting the problem, I blamed it on all of us. That's not how leaders behave and I'm sorry for disappointing you. The truth is, I myself didn't know what I was doing...I just went with the flow... I was winging it. Please, give me another chance to prove myself. I finally thought of a real plan that will solve this plaguing issue once and for all. And I'm giving you my word, not a single one of you will get hurt. I won't fail this time."

The sheer determination, the strong-willed attitude and the confidence the golden-dun stallion demonstrated made it impossible not to believe him.

Without saying anything, the three stallions nodded, accepting his words. "What's the plan?" Cloud questioned, after a short interval.

"I can't share too much, but you'll be required to lure the bear and I'll do the rest."

"What?!" Azogar shouted frightfully. "You want to use US as bait? Are you crazy?"

"Trust me, neither of you will get hurt." Spirit guaranteed. "The reason I'm doing this is because I want everyone to stay safe. You and your families will be safe and sound. I promise." He persuaded, his eyes flashed with intense ferocity. Cloud could clearly read just how dead-set he was on the matter and it made him slightly nervous. In fact, it made him fear for Spirit's life.

"What about you?" The pale palomino asked suddenly. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Don't worry about me." Spirit dismissed right away. "I'm old enough to watch out for myself."

But there was no lying to the experienced stallion, who could notice even the subtlest of body language. "Spirit," He stared in his eyes. "how far are you planning to go?"

"All the way."

Unlike the anxious Cloud, Flint was more than satisfied to hear these assertive words. Now, that's more like it. Speaks like a true leader. "Alright, son of Strider. I'm with you."

"If my brother's coming, then so am I." Cut in Azogar. "And you better keep your promise. I'm too young and too pretty to die." He quickly added.

Spirit chuckled, very pleased that he had finally managed to get through the two of them. "You'll be safe." He shifted his gaze on the silent Cloud now, eagerly waiting for his decision.

"I'm in." Cloud said at last, and continued. "But I'm concerned about you, Spirit. We need you alive, you hear me? Don't do anything stupid."

"While your concern is greatly appreciated," The younger horse spoke up. "I think no matter what happens, the goal is to keep our homeland and our bands safe. If one horse is needed to make a sacrifice for them, well that's the risk I'm willing to take."

"What about your mother? And your little sons?" Cloud questioned, his heart racing at the thought of something horrible befalling Spirit.

"Cloud, if I don't do this, we're all gonna die. That herb you're relying on is useless. We have to kill the bear to stop the curse." Spirit told him firmly. "Besides, let's not think of the worst case scenario just yet. We don't know what might happen, but I'm ready for anything for my family and friends."

"We'll do everything you'll tell us to do." Flint said, while Cloud meekly lowered his head in agreement, still worried about Spirit.

"Wait, if we're killing the bear, then who the hell is going to watch our herds?" Azogar brought up a principal subject.

"That too has been decided, my friend."

The river slept beneath the sky, clasping the shadows to its breast, the crescent moon switched places with the sun. And in the late radiant west, the gold was fading into grey, burning the dimming light into the shiny blood-bay coat of Bolder. The young stallion was once again, stationed at the edge of the Cimarron homeland, seeking no one's company. He seemed rather upset and perturbed about something. His disturbance doubled when he spotted Spirit cantering over to him, tossing his mane in an easy-going fashion. All day Bolder had been unnerved because of the mysterious ghost, and to add to his troubled mind, his own sire and uncle had completely exasperated him. Great! Now it's Spirit's turn to annoy me! He bitterly thought to himself as the golden stallion neared him.

"Bolder," Spirit nodded.

"Spirit," Bolder acknowledged him, in spite of the distasteful feeling.

The stallion of the Cimarron was not beating around the bush. He had come to him for a reason and it didn't take long for him to blurt it out.

"Will you be my satellite?"

As soon as Bolder heard Spirit's proposal, he became even more vexed than he already was. Of course! Same selfish offering! Heat rose to his cheeks in anger, he was fuming from head to toe. "You're the third horse to ask me that." He rasped out, narrowing his eyes.

"Oh really?" Spirit said nonchalantly.

"Yeah!" Snapped the frustrated blood-bay. "In the morning it was my father pitying me, then my lazy uncle, who wants to frolic with mares all day and leave all the hard work to me and now YOU?! Go to hell, you selfish prick!"

Spirit was instantly confused. This was uncalled for. "I don't think I understand–"

"I don't need a pity party! I want to be a lone horse! It's my choice and I'm sticking to it." Bolder exclaimed, lashing out in fury. "Satellite...yeah right!" He snorted resentfully. "As if I have nothing better to do than orbit around you like the earth orbits the sun. Guard your own ass and leave me alone, damn it!"

"Wait a second, Bolder, listen–" Spirit started, utterly puzzled at the unprecedented reaction of the blood-bay.

"No! This time, you listen!" He interrupted with a snarl. "Just because I chose a different life, doesn't make it okay for you to treat me like dump. You guys figured, oh, poor Bolder is too foolish to gather his own herd, so why don't we use him to our advantage? I get it, my father is worried about me, but you and Azogar can screw off!"

"This isn't about that–"

"I don't want to be anyone's satellite stallion, least of all yours!" Saying this, Bolder spun and loped away from him as well as he was able to, considering he was still in great pain.

"Okay...that went well." The extremely astounded Spirit commented.

Thank you to those that always share their opinions!

Big shout out to RBD235 for being awesome and creating beautiful drawings for this story. Spirit and Rain's colt turned out exactly how I imagined him. Thank you! Anyone interested, please check out his Deviant art page.