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Chapter 39

When Fire Meets Fate

"The fate is hitting heavy on my shoulders
The rain is coming down it's getting colder
Feels like I'm gonna run out of time"

– Still Fighting For It by Zayde Wolf

"Bolder! Wait a minute!" Spirit sprang into a gallop, swiftly gaining up on the blood-bay and cutting him off, he jumped in front to face him. "You've got this all wrong!"

Bolder came to an abrupt halt, yelping at the sudden pain his injured right foreleg produced. Although it was slowly healing, he still couldn't put entire weight on it without undergoing enormous ache. He snorted, puffing and blowing through his nose in belligerence, his ears moved all the way back to his neck and his eyes narrowed into a glare.

Noticing his defensive hostility, Spirit stepped away, giving the blood-bay space and at the same time, showing him that he was not there to engage in a fight.

"Look, I don't give a single damn about your life." The stallion of the Cimarron admitted, quite honestly and bluntly. "Don't mistake me for your family. I don't pity you even for a second. You wanna be a lone horse? Great, do you. You wanna create a harem? That's great too. Hell! You wanna get with Rain? Fine by ME!" He shouted, spitting out the words in such anger, that it clearly proved otherwise. "I couldn't care less about your miserable, pathetic existence!" Now that, was more or less, true.

Bolder did not say anything in response, he simply stared at Spirit with furrowed brows, waiting for him to continue. It was his turn to get confused. What could he possibly want from him, then?

"For your information, I don't require satellites! I'm perfectly capable of protecting my own herd myself!" Spirit clarified, his pride hurting at the mere suggestion. To think! He needed a lousy satellite to join the band! Pfft! "The only reason I offered you this position is because I came up with a plan."

"A plan?" Bolder tilted his head.

"Yeah, a perfect plan that will rid us from the cursed bear once and for all." Spirit expounded. "Weren't you the one that asked me to stop your sire, Azogar and Cloud? Well, guess what? I did stop their futile mission."

Bolder winced, suddenly feeling like a total imbecile. Idiot! He cursed under his breath, groaning inwardly at his own stupid misconception. He really must look like a complete jackass to Spirit. "Ohhh...I'm so sorry." He cringed. "I don't know what got into me."

"That's fine, I get it." Spirit waved it off. "Your sire and uncle are a bane."

"My father is overprotective and my uncle is just overbearing." Bolder explained quietly, lowering his eyes with a guilty expression. "Forget what I said, I was being a jerk." Now he was mad at himself. He should've listened to what Spirit had to say first, before leaping into silly conclusions.

"That's okay."

"So, what's the plan? You need a satellite for it?" Bolder proceeded to question him eagerly.

"Well, I'm gonna lure the bear to us with the help of Cloud, Azogar and Flint." Spirit explicated his idea. "Then we're going to initiate a chase where the three stallions will run back home, while I deal with the bear."

"What are you going to do?"

"Put a bullet in his head." Spirit smirked victoriously.

Bolder's jaw hung open, his eyes grew wider than the landscapes of the West as he rasped out. "You can't be serious. How are you even–"

"Leave that up to me." The golden horse interrupted. "I have my ways. You'll be left to guard our bands while we leave and take care of this cursed predator business."

"Then say no more." Bolder announced confidently, not even bothering to pause and reflect on the matter. "I mean, if you want you can say hello to your new satellite." He added with a cheeky grin.

"Perfect! Thank you!" Spirit smiled in relief and satisfaction. What a strange world this was! He would've never imagined that he'd be entrusting Bolder, the Lone Stallion with his herd, yet here he was offering the very horse he despised, to become his temporary satellite and he had accepted it. Strange world indeed.

"I know you're injured and guarding four bands in springtime is no easy task even for a healthy stallion, but my cousins and Cloud's sons are old enough and quite strong. If it weren't for this situation, they'd be bachelors by now. So, no worries, they will have your back. And besides, you won't have to do this for long. Cloud, your sire and uncle will all return before you know it."

Bolder nodded in understanding, heeding his every word. "That's fine. Uhh...but what about you, Spirit?" He stared at him. "What's gonna happen to you?"

Spirit glanced away, forcing an uncomfortable chuckle on his face. "Why's everybody asking me that? I'll take care of myself." He rolled his eyes.

Bolder raised one eyebrow, cocking his head to the side. "I see..." He was no fool. Even though he did not know the details of Spirit's scheme, he was aware of the extreme dangers involved in it.

"Enough chit-chat." Spirit told him and cleared his throat. "We leave tonight."

"Tonight?"

"The sooner the better."

The mountain brows, the rocks, the peaks and plateaus were sleeping. Uplands, rolling hills and gorges were in a hush, while the moorland lay in still silence. The sky was different...it had a different charm that night. It was so clear and dark blue, sparkling with million dotted stars. The moon glowed and illuminated the valley of Cimarron in a calming light. One could feel the peace and trust within, even if the thoughts of every herd member was racing, even if the emotions ran deep. Each band stallion was presently engrossed in saying 'goodbye' to their families and leaving final instructions to them. At the moment, Cloud was firmly directing his older sons to be on the lookout for the herd. Even if Bolder was in charge of watching out for all of them, he would certainly require extra assistance. Flint was also telling similar things to his able-bodied offspring and Spirit's younger cousins were more than willing to help out as soon as they heard their leader's request. Azogar's foals, however, were still very young, so their band stallion mostly gloated in front of his little herd about how brave he was for joining such a dangerous mission.

Once Spirit was done explaining their duty to his cousins, his attention shifted toward the youngest member of the Cimarron herd: His two day old colt, Desert Dust. His son was tranquilly sleeping in the soft grass, exhausted from playing and zooming around Cloud's new little foals, who were no more older than he. Spirit smiled warmly. He sure was glad that his colt had playmates his age to have fun with, unlike his son with Rain, who was the only foal in the Lakota Village. At that thought, Spirit couldn't stop the sadness that washed over him. If only there was a way for both of his sons to grow up together. The future was so uncertain, particularly now. He didn't know what was going to become of him, but he could only pray for a sound, happy life for his family. They were all that mattered to him and he was prepared to risk everything for them. Absolutely everything...even his own life.

Spirit moved closer to his restful colt, lowered his soft muzzle to him and breathed in his sweet scent. He glanced up at Misty for a brief second, who was standing next to the foal, keeping a watchful eye on him. She stepped aside, once she noticed that Spirit had neared them, giving him slight privacy with their son.

Spirit's gaze settled back on the sleeping innocence as he whispered gently in his tiny ears. "Dear son, I want you to know, day after day as you grow, lose your fears, but not your confidence. Make meaning of your existence, be in charge of your own destiny, say goodbye to all your worries. Live long and live free, untouched by mankind, yet touched by the wind. These are words that may be few, but to live well, they'll guide you. I love you."

The colt fluttered his lashes open, as his great sire blew softly through his nostrils. He was so little and couldn't express himself, but he could feel the love and warmth. He stared up at Spirit and nickered at him in a baby voice, brushing his tiny nose against him.

"I tried teaching him to say dada," Misty spoke up, unable to stay silent any longer. Something had changed in her cool, indifferent attitude. Her cold heart was melting and she didn't know why. The sweet sight she witnessed played a considerable impact on her. She had never seen stallions display so much love and affection towards their foals. "but his only vocal sound was a pitchy squeak...I'm sure he'll catch on though." She said with a giggle.

Spirit raised his head and looked at Misty, quite surprised. "I thought you wanted his first word to be mama?"

"I'm allowed to change my mind." The black mare remarked.

Faint smile of amusement danced around on Spirit's lips. He knew this was Misty's way of showing that she cared about him, despite their bitterness and long history of complications. This mare was full of surprises, that was certain.

"Misty, you will take good care of our son, won't you?" Spirit spoke after a moment of silence. "I know your mother wasn't there for you and you never got to experience parental love, but please...let that be a lesson for you to treat your own son the way you always desired to be treated and loved. I know you can do it. I believe in you." Spirit admitted, his voice was soothing and comforting. "Please, don't let me down."

Misty stared at the golden-dun stallion dumbfounded, quite touched and confused at the same time. "Why are you telling me all this?" She finally managed to open her mouth and speak.

Spirit paused before answering, contemplating on it for a second. "Well, because...I may not always be around and I want everyone that I care about to remain safe, happy and free."

For some strange, unexplainable reason, Misty felt her heart almost sinking at his response. "Don't say that. You be careful and come back to us, you hear me?" The mare said in a demanding tone. "My son needs his father just as much as his mother." She added, puzzling Spirit with her last sentence.

"I never thought I'd hear these words from you." Confessed the stallion, not even attempting to conceal a bright grin from his countenance. "Weren't you the one that was impatiently waiting for my death?"

Misty shrugged, tossing the forelock from her eyes and regarded Spirit. "I guess, I'm starting to really like my band stallion. He's a great protector and a wonderful father. And he also saved me from a monstrous beast...I owe him...a lot..." The rippling, dark mare had been collected until she reached that last part and suddenly choked on her words. "Gosh...I was so awful to him. I'm so sorry." Tears threatened to escape her eyes as she looked at Spirit. "I'm sorry for ruining your relationship with Rain. I wish I could take it back. I may not like that spoiled mare personally, but you deserved to be happy." Misty's upper lip trembled as she fought hard against her tears. She was NOT going to cry!

"Take it back?" Spirit gasped in shock. "Don't say that. I agree, the situation wasn't ideal, but if we hadn't done it, we wouldn't have this beautiful colt right now. It's all in the past and I'm sure whatever happened, happened for the best." The stallion assured with an encouraging smile.

"Yeah, you're right. I wouldn't take it back either." Misty nodded in agreement, her melancholy immediately disappearing. "It was so much fun too." She added, winking with a teasing smirk.

Spirit chuckled, shaking his head. Classic Misty! "I'll take that as a compliment." He winked right back at her.

"Don't let that go to your head." Misty playfully pushed him.

"Too late. It just did."

Misty rolled her eyes and laughed. "Studs..."

"One last thing..." Spirit turned to her, before leaving her presence. "Try to dial down the crazy with our Satellite over there." He gestured his head toward the distanced Bolder. "He's bit skittish in that area."

"You think I went overboard?" Misty asked hesitantly.

"Jumping on a stallion and pushing him in the water with you? Yep, definitely crazy." Spirit said, looking very entertained. "It was like a kelpie drowning her victim."

"Don't exaggerate!" Snorted Misty in displeasure. "And since when do you care about my 'non-existent love life'?"

"What can I say? I'm nice like that." Beamed Spirit with a mischievous expression.

Oh sure! Misty was not falling for it, not even for an instant. "No, you aren't nice. You are an evil mastermind."

"Again, I'll be taking that as a compliment." Spirit chuckled once more and walked off to where the daughter of Raven was standing.

The golden-dun stallion nosed the filly in a greeting. "I've come to say hello and goodbye at the same time."

Nova's hopeful eyes gazed into him. "I wish I was allowed to come. I can help." She insisted eagerly. "You know I can."

The stallion smiled at her fearless zealousness. "Nova, you're needed here." Spirit nickered gently. "I want you to stay back and assist Bolder. You'll act as his sentinel. He'll require all the help he can get, for he is hurt."

Nova couldn't argue with that statement, even if more than anything, she wished to accompany Spirit. "What about you? I don't like not knowing what the plan is. I once thought you had died in front of my eyes and it was the worst feeling ever." She spoke quietly, lowering her eyes to the ground. "Please, don't make me go through it again."

"I'll try to be safe." He promised.

Nova snapped her head back up. "What if that won't be enough?" She questioned dreadingly.

Spirit took a deep breath. He couldn't lie to the young mare. It truly was going to be the riskiest thing he'd ever attempted. That was one of the main reasons he decided not to tell anyone the details of the plan. They would just try and stop him, yet Spirit could not afford that. The scheme was simply too promising to let go.

"No matter what happens, you'll have to be strong." He told her, his brown eyes searching her lovely features. "If I won't return, then you'll need to take more courage...my mother will desperately need emotional support. I can trust you with that, can't I?"

Nova couldn't stop herself from whimpering at his request, as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Yes, you can. But please, do everything in your power to come back to us safe and sound." She desperately begged and pulled him into a fond embrace. "I love you, Spirit."

Spirit...

It was a soft and hushed thought from a mare standing near the flank of the herd. Her creamy hide was glowing with the pale gleam of the gigantic silver ball we call moon. Her gentle, honey-colored eyes were focused on the young stallion, weaving in and out among the other horses. As if overnight, her son transformed from a lanky, trouble-making colt into a magnificent stallion, willing to lay his own life for the well-being of his family. So much like his courageous father... She watched the being, who seemed not horse, but hawk as he interacted with the herd, patrolling them and making sure they were alright before he'd leave. There was pride in the lead mare of Cimarron and despite the ache, she forced a smile on her maw. She remembered the day he was born. It had been six months after her beloved mate – Strider – had passed on. She had to give life to the colt all on her own without her precious stallion by her side. But even if he wasn't there, Esperanza recalled that day as one of the happiest of her existence. Whenever she closed her eyes and the wind danced around her, she could feel Strider. She could see him in their son...he had his spirit, after all.

Oh, but the pain of his absence! Her heart was rent in twain when her adventurous son had grown and disappeared like his sire, caught by those awful bipeds. Her strength was needed to keep the herd protected – she owed that much to Strider – but the hurt ran deep. That terrifying sensation of never seeing her son as she witnessed him being brought down to his knees by the horrid two-leggeds, was once again tugging at her heart. Her glorious son, who was thunder and lightening, had been surrounded by lassos that to the lead mare resembled bunch of snakes. It almost tore her to pieces to see him in such a state...it was as though she was watching Strider being ripped away from her all over again.

Now the poor mother was once more subjected to that same feeling of agony. As soon as she heard Spirit speak about the new plan, she realized right then and there that this may be it. Tonight could possibly be the last time she'd ever see her golden colt, who was colt no more. The young stallion did not give efficient details about what his scheme was, but the intuitive mother comprehended the great dangers of it right away. She did not need to hear direct words from him to understand what he was doing. There was no lying to a mother's heart, which was currently splitting into half, but she did not dare to stop him. How could she? Everything he was doing was for their protection and safety. Yet another part of her wanted nothing more than to shield her son from the vicious threats that he was about to face. To her, he would always be that fun-loving foal that sprayed snow all over her and his aunts one winter morning.

The palomino beauty let out a soft snort and shook her sun-kissed pelt. Her tender eyes lit up when she spotted Spirit jogging up to her.

"Mother." The stallion murmured gently, pressing his forehead against hers.

"My son." She nuzzled him, nibbling at his dark forelock. She was one of the few that were permitted to touch his wild mane. "I love you." She nickered and nestled him once more. What else could she say? As much as she wished to lecture him about safety, she was wise enough to know that Spirit was only trying to rid them from the curse with the most effective solution he could think of. Still, it hurt so much. The thought of losing her only son was unbearably torturous.

"I will do my best to come back to you." Spirit spoke in a low voice, his eyes burning brighter than the stars. "But if something happens, please... don't be upset with me. I'll always be with you even if you may not be able to see me."

Exact words of Strider! Esperanza brushed her nose against him affectionately. "How can I be upset with you, my son? You are endangering your life so that the rest of us can have a secure existence." She let a small tear escape her one eye. "I'm proud of you."

Spirit sensed her pain and his heart went out to her. He didn't say anything in response, but he didn't have to. Neither of them had to. They both knew exactly what the other was feeling. It truly was saddening to see his mother so wounded, but the willful stallion had no other choice. Whatever fate had predestined for him, he would accept it.

A young stallion, positioned on the Cimarron hill that overlooked the territory, curiously observed the golden mare and her son's sweet exchange. He let out a sigh, his thick, curly mane glittering in auburn colors from the moon's powerful influence. He was responsible for keeping the herds safe now and that fact made him slightly anxious. He had never been an official satellite before...and of four bands at the same time? Yes, it was indeed very nerve-wrecking experience, but he was certain that he could handle it. He had been through so much lately...it seemed to him that there was nothing he couldn't handle. While he watched the mother and son, for a short, puzzling second, the blood-bay could discern that behind the two horses towered a black shadow. He blinked, his pulse throbbing as he opened his eyes once more and realized that the silhouette of an otherworldly creature had vanished. Either his mind was once again playing tricks on him, or it truly was that same ghost from the night before.

"Son, will you be alright?" The blood-bay turned his regal head and saw his sire walking up to him, his ears flinching forward.

"I'll be fine, father. Don't worry." Calmly spoke Bolder.

Flint nodded, powerless to hide a proud smile that tucked at the corners of his muzzle. "Of course, you will." He regarded him in admiration. "I must admit, you are the strangest offspring I have, but you are my first born nevertheless, and you are the bravest of all my children. Stay prudent."

Bolder bowed his head to the noble stallion gratefully. "Thank you. I will."

"Good luck." Flint told him as he descended the hill and rejoined Cloud, Flint and Spirit, who were all ready to depart from the lands.

Spirit's eyes locked with Bolder's for a moment and he nodded at his satellite stallion, demonstrating respect and trust. Bolder acknowledged him, dipping his neck in reverence. Whatever resentment existed between the two stallions, faded away and was temporarily replaced by mutual reliance on one another. There was no other option. The band stallion and his satellite needed to have trust in each other to keep the herds safe.

"Hey, Spirit..." Cloud began, as the four stallions set off at an easy lope towards the Grayling Creek, where the cursed bear was last seen by the Bald Eagle. "Don't you think it'll be wise for you to see Rain and the colt?" He suggested, his tone transferring uneasiness. "You know...in case something happens." His voice dropped.

Spirit slowed down to a trot and looked at the pale palomino for a moment. Even if no one knew what exactly this new plan included, almost all herd members could sense that it was extremely hazardous for the son of Esperanza. So much so, that some of them believed that they were seeing him for the last time. "I...don't know." Spirit answered hesitantly. While the golden stallion wasn't the one to give up easily or let negativity overwhelm his decisions, he was not ignorant of the situation either. He knew that challenging two of the most menacing predators simultaneously, – all on his own – could very well result into his downfall. And that was exactly what Cloud had implied. Perhaps, it would be better if he saw his son and Rain before something unfortunate were to happen to him? For all he knew, his luck may soon run out, and therefore, he had to be ready.

"I think you should go to the camp." Cloud spoke firmly and pierced him with his gaze. "Flint, Azogar and I will meet up with you at the Grayling Creek."

Spirit halted into a standstill and stared at the three stallions in silence.

"It's your decision, son of Strider...just don't have any regrets." Flint shared his own opinion as well. "Life is short; one moment we're alive and in a blink of an eye, our life can come to a rapid end. Don't worry about us, we will wait for you at the Grayling."

The reluctant Spirit nodded, realizing that the older stallions were speaking the absolute truth. Visiting Rain and their foal did cross his mind couple of times, but he had pushed it away, fearing that it would appear selfish and unreasonable on his part. After all, the threat of the mad wolf's curse needed to disappear from their lands as soon as possible and him slowing down the process because of his personal life, would come off as very self-serving. However, what if...the plan did not go as he had imagined? What if – just like his sire – he would be forced to sacrifice his life for this cause? He had to say proper 'goodbye' to both Rain and their son just in case things did not go accordingly.

"I'll be fast, I promise." Spirit agreed and the four stallions parted ways. The one swiftly spun to the direction of the Lakota settlement, and the others continued their initial journey a little slower.

"Meet you at the Grayling Creek!" Called Azogar.

"I'll see you there!" Neighed Spirit his answer as he galloped. "Stay safe!"

I apologize for the inconsistency in my updates. The truth is, I post new chapters whenever I'm available and lately I'm all over the place, hence the irregular updates. Please bear with me while I figure out a new uploading schedule that will benefit my time. For now, I cannot give my 'Guest' readers a specific day of updates. For those who have accounts, make sure you're 'following' the story to receive alerts. Just 'favouriting' won't do the trick.

On a different note, I know that some of you were wondering about the main characters' ages, so because the equine years can be confusing for non-horse people, I decided to make a list that shows an equivalent of their age to human age. Hope this helps and clarifies the confusion.

Spirit – 7 (28 in human years)

Rain – 4 (24 in human years)

Bolder – 5 (26 in human years)

Misty – 6 (27 in human years)

Nova – 3 (19 in human years)

Great Conquest – 6 (27 in human years)

Esperanza – 12 (38 in human years)

Cloud – 15 (45 in human years)

Scarlet – 7 (28 in human years)

Azogar – 9 (30 in human years)

Flint – 13 (42 in human years)

Raven – 12 (38 in human years)

This is the list of the equine characters that have been mentioned the most in my story. It's not 100% accurate, considering we humans are different from horses and there is no way we can compare our years to theirs, but this should give you a basic idea. I didn't include side characters, but if you are curious about specific individuals, let me know and I'll try to mention them in the next chapter. Thank you so much for all the love and support!