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Chapter 79

When Stallions Disagree

"So you feel entitled to a sense of control
And make decisions that you think are your own
You are a stranger here, why have you come?
Why have you come, lift me higher, let me look at the sun
Look at the sun and once I hear them clearly, say

Who, who are you really?
And where are you going?"

– Who Are You, Really by Mikky Ekko

Spirit had never truly anticipated that keeping up with his hyper colts would turn out be quite challenging. He originally believed that if mares could do it, so could he. After all, he was their father. How difficult would it be? However, as the band stallion of his herd, he was much more used to being an overseer rather than a personal guardian of a particular individual. Mares stuck to their young throughout the whole day, sometimes not even interacting with other band members, while stallions were required more or less to be social, outgoing and aware of everything that was occurring amidst their territory. They needed to keep track of every single horse in their herd and were needed to stay extremely conscious of their surroundings. They had to keep their senses sharp, alert in order to avoid intruding stallions and hungry predators.

In short, Spirit had underestimated his new responsibility. The foals were energetic...both of them like gushing stream, unable to stop the flow. Most of the time, Wanbli was the initiator of mischief from the two, always coming up with rebellious ideas. Spirit wasn't certain whether it was due to his confident personality or the fact that he was far more comfortable in the Renegade encampment, unlike Dusty who was still getting accustomed to the strange place of the two-legged creatures. The golden stallion couldn't help wondering as he watched his playful sons interact, what would they be like as young adults. He was growing curious to see how Wanbli would adjust to the wild life. Would he be just as bold as he was now or would it be the other way around? Dusty being the more confident one and Wanbli the slightly timid one once they returned to their true homeland? Just an hour ago, he had found the two young ones nosing about where the war stallions grazed. Both of them smelling the colourful paints, pulling on their braided tails that were adorned with fascinating feathers. While Spirit tolerated their youthful peskiness, he knew that the same could not be expected from other horses. Especially the war stallions, who had nothing but upcoming battles in their minds. At the moment, he had firmly instructed his offspring to stop annoying others and play nice right where he could see them. The colts pouted with cute little scowls on their tiny faces, but were compelled to obey their magnificent father.

Long teetering legs wobbled and bounced as they leaped on each other, trying to imitate the wrestling moves that grown stallions often showcased. Spirit couldn't hide a small smile of amusement that tinted his lips. He didn't stop his little sons from play-fighting, as long as they didn't hurt one another. He guessed that if Misty and Rain were there, they would disapprove and break-off their wild horseplay, but Spirit knew the importance of strengthening the muscles of young colts by allowing them to express their energy. The earlier they exhibited courage, swiftness and bravery in fights, the better it would be for them. They would have an easier time being bachelors and claiming their own herds once the time came. At that thought, the stallion's eyes darkened. What if they never got a chance to experience freedom? What if they stuck with humans forever? It's not that he didn't love and appreciate Little Creek, but deep down in his heart, he always knew where he belonged. Mustangs...his own kind...were destined to run free. They belonged in the wild...in the Cimarron homeland.

Oh, what good would these thoughts bring him, anyway? He had to concentrate on the present moment. Mentally kicking himself for letting his mind wander like that, the stallion blew through his nostrils in frustration, sweeping his long, dark silky tail across his flank. For now, all he wished was for Misty and Rain to somehow find common ground and at least start being civil to one another. He decided to soak up the beautiful, departing sun rays of the autumn eve as they burned through his golden coat. Sighing, he took pleasure in observing the caring but mischievous interplay of his sons. It was clear that they loved each other...and their beaming sire could only hope this love would grow as they grew up. Just a mere moment ago, he had demonstrated the proper way of preforming a capriole movement. The colts were both overcome by awe at the elegant, smooth display of their father and attempted to do the same. Spirit appreciated their eagerness, but he knew it would take years for them to master the complex motion. Still, it didn't hurt to start them young. The lively foals darted here and there, on several occasions, bumping their bodies at his tall legs. Spirit chuckled and laughed away. They nourished his brown eyes with their hyper baby sprints. Red, amber and orange shadows danced around the three as the cool breeze stirred the leaves, rustling them in the air.

Half of the stallion's attention was also fixed on the happenings in the encampment. He knew that there would be no end to the strange ways of the two-leggeds as long as he stayed amongst them. But he still found it very bizarre how most of the horses were so quick to abandon the sides of their own kind and chose to hang out with humans instead. All it took the two-leggeds were few clicking sounds and the horses left each other's company to go to them. Spirit wasn't too surprised at the mares, but even stallions were behaving in a similar way! What was up with them? How could they willingly choose scrawny humans over the lovely presence of beautiful mares? And geldings...now those horses...he accepted that he'd never be able to understand them.

The truth was harsh; these two-leggeds were the ones dragging all of them into battle...a war...where they would undoubtedly be killed. Could it be that their bonds were this powerful that they were willing to lay their lives? He had always believed that he and Little Creek shared a special connection, yet nothing to this extent. In his heart he knew he loved the Lakota boy, but he could never choose him over Rain and his herd. Little Creek understood that...he respected that. It was the way of the Mustang. His soul was always meant to soar freely.

The warriors were brushing out the manes of their four-legged companions, some were cleaning their hooves, some were even sharing their food with them and others...well, let's just say if Spirit thought he finally had man and horse figured out he was wrong. He dreadingly suspected that figuring out the odd ways of the domesticated horses would take a lifetime.

"How's fatherhood treating you?"

The stallion's ears shifted backwards as he turned to see Midnight approach with Dream Catcher, Blossom, Blaze and River.

"It's not what I expected..." Spirit answered honestly, dipping his head at them in a greeting.

Blossom and Midnight exchanged cheeky grins. "You know, we heard about what you did to poor Misty and Rain. You are such a sly fox." The dark mare giggled, shaking her head.

Spirit noticed Dream Catcher tensing and narrowing his eyes at him, clearly jealous of how flirty Midnight had gotten with him, but nevertheless, shrugged it off. "They brought it on themselves."

"How long are you gonna keep them there?" Inquired Blossom.

"Until the humans let them out."

"Yeah, it's not like we can bust them out of that high-fenced corral on our own." Pointed out Blaze in agreement.

Spirit nodded, his liquid pools focused on his sons and then drifted back on some of the warriors who were doting over their horses a little too much for his liking. "What exactly are they doing?" He wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"Sheath cleaning." Simply responded River as if it was the most natural thing ever. Spirit's chocolate eyes widened at that in shock, but he never got a chance to open his mouth and make a reply.

"You goddamned lunatic! What the hell are you thinking?" The booming neigh of Great Conquest captured the little group's attention, as the grey stallion angrily stomped over to Spirit, paying no heed to anyone else.

"I beg your–"

Great Conquest shot him a death-stare, his nose almost nudging the dunkskin stallion's muzzle. "What's wrong with you? Are you sick? Are you completely out of your mind?" He spat out demandingly.

"I don't understand..." Spirit said, batting his thick lushes in confusion.

"Locking Rain with Misty in a confined space? Two hostile mares in one pen! You let them out right now, Spirit! I'm not even joking. You get them out of there THIS minute!" The rest of the horses cautiously took a step back, trying to keep out of the furious stallion's way. It seemed as though Conquest was about to rip someone into shreds and neither one wanted to be there to see it, or worse...become the victims of his temper!

A realization crossed the confused features of Spirit as he sighed and shook his head. "Sorry, I can't."

"Why not?!" Great Conquest fumed.

"I don't know how." There was a nonchalant ring in Spirit's voice. But it was evident that he was also messing with him.

The grey stallion blinked twice and stared over at their five, silent spectators right before bursting into a bitter cackle. "No, I don't have the energy to play this game with you. You broke locomotive chains, destroyed the railway construction zone, set ablaze the whole forest and now you want me to believe that you can't bust open a wooden gate? HA!"

"I guess I am." Smirked Spirit, unfazed by Great Conquest's emerging fury.

"Open the gate, Spirit. I know you're able to, so DO IT!"

Still, the stallion nickered with a shrug, not at all bothered. "Yeah, I don't think so."

River, Dream Catcher, Blaze, Blossom and Midnight could see that this unconcerned demeanour of Spirit was pushing the war stallion's buttons even more. The grey war horse was used to getting his way. "Why NOT?!" He shouted at him, causing Dream Catcher to grin as he eagerly awaited for the inevitable showdown between the two, but the rest of the horses recoiled, praying it wouldn't come to that.

"Because I don't want to." Spirit's tone was firmer now, less friendly and much colder.

The grey stallion glared at him incredulously. "You've got some nerves...those two are going to kill each other in there and instead of coming up with a responsible solution you put on this immature play?"

Spirit tried hard not to roll his eyes at him. When would Great Conquest learn to mind his own damn business? "It's not an immature game. I'm trying to help them."

"How exactly?" The war horse demanded. "Last time I checked, it's YOUR fault that they're at each other's throats in the first place. You're the one responsible for their animosity, so you're gonna have to fix it. And by fixing it, I don't mean trapping them in one corral. That's an utterly lazy and reckless decision." He finished with a snort, striking his hoof on the ground.

"You've got this all wrong, Conquest. This has nothing to do with me. They just can't seem to–"

Spirit's explanation was cut short when the grey stallion interrupted rudely. "Excuses, excuses, excuses. Come on, Spirit! This is so low for someone like you. How could you even bring yourself to do such a thing? Misty tried to hurt Rain on numerous occasions because of YOU and instead of solving that issue, you lock them both together so that they can hurt each other again? Are you stupid?"

Spirit's ears began to burn at his insulting, ignorant words, but he tried not to dwell on them for long. He knew Great Conquest meant well; he just wasn't able to express himself in a civilized manner because of his temper. Something he resonated with and understood, which was why he chose to take the higher road by replying calmly. "Their dislike towards one another, particularly Rain's, runs a lot deeper. And I am not the cause of it. Besides, Misty has changed since then and unlike Rain, she is more willing to work things out."

Great Conquest snickered mockingly. "Pfft...Of course, she is. I mean, she only tried to KILL her. Rain has all rights to be upset and unforgiving. You can't force these things on her, give her some time. Confining them against their will isn't the right way to go about it."

Spirit puffed air from his strong lungs, exhaling softly as he went on to admit. "I must confess, I didn't want to settle on this alternative, but they gave me no choice. They were both acting like stubborn yearlings. So, I decided to treat them like stubborn yearlings."

"You're telling me this has nothing to do with you being a selfish prick?" Great Conquest's stare grew icier and Dream Catcher shifted closer in anticipation.

Enough was enough! Spirit narrowed his glare. "Excuse me?"

Midnight and Blossom exchanged a worried look, while River and Blaze could sense the humid tension that seemed to hover over them and began to sweat under their warm hides. "Do you think I'm blind?" Great Conquest continued aggressively. "You are so obvious; you want them both and this is your desperate attempt on making them 'get along' because of your selfish desires."

Last thing Spirit wanted was to get into another fight with the war horse. Maybe if he tried to be nice..."Conquest, that's not fair–" he was cut off once more.

"You know, this may sound pathetic, but I do look up to you and it's so upsetting that you're turning out to be–"

He had to stop the grey stallion right there before he regretted his choice of words. "First of all, your assumptions are inaccurate. And second of all, what's wrong with wanting them both as my family? They are the mothers of my sons and believe it or not, you can love and care for multiple individuals."

Great Conquest smirked resentfully and leaned towards him, whispering "Is that how you reassure yourself when you're being a disloyal bastard to Rain?"

Boiling rage bubbled up Spirit's stomach, his throat seemed to tightened around him. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"There is no denying that some of your qualities are not only admirable, but also inspiring." Spoke up Great Conquest unashamedly, ignoring the low mumbles of Blaze and River; both of them clumsily trying to defuse the fire. "However, make no mistake, I will call you out when necessary. And right now, you seem to be in need of it since you're acting on your selfish desires and hurting Rain in the process."

"Selfish desires? Hurting Rain? You're one to talk." Scoffed Spirit, shaking his neck.

Uh-oh! Anyone who knew Great Conquest would tell you to never ever bring up his atrocious past behaviour. River and Blaze cursed inwardly, while Dream Catcher couldn't stop himself from laughing. It was getting so close now. This remark, as expected, caused the grey horse to fly into a fit of rage. The Mustang had surfaced up a very sensitive subject. "Oh, wow! Congratulations, Spirit! How original! Every time we'll have a disagreement, you'll mention that one mistake again and again? How pathetic when you're the one who emotionally damaged her and wounded her heart for so long. And now you're parading your little colt with Misty in front of her very eyes as if nothing happened. Shame on you!" He lectured, almost spitting in his face.

The golden stallion shut his eyes for a moment, struggling hard to keep his own temper at bay. "Be careful Conquest, my patience has limits." He settled on a warning instead.

"Open that gate." The war horse instructed. This time, however, he sounded a lot more collected.

Spirit let out a deep breath, turning towards his colts. "No. If you want, you do it."

"You know I can't do that."

"Why not? Too much of a chicken?" Spirit asked, unable to resist teasing him.

Instead of getting provoked by his stingy comment, Great Conquest's previous infuriation seemed to abate. "I cannot tarnish my reputation amongst humans. They think of me as an exemplary war stallion...just imagine what they'll think when they'll see me charging at that gate like a lunatic."

"Ah, we can't have that." Spirit cocked his head to the side.

"But for you, it's simple. You're already known as the crazy Mustang with no manners and therefore have nothing to lose. Why do I have to do it anyhow? It was your idea and they are your mares."

"Oh, so now they are my mares?" Spirit suddenly swung back at him, his voice rising in anger. "Listening to your flawed, contradictory arguments is giving me a headache."

"What does that supposed to mean?" Growled out Conquest.

Tension seemed to creep up on them again...so thick one could not breathe, it surrounded them like humidity in damp air that wraps around body, swallowing the lungs. It appeared as though a fight would break out any second.

But Spirit was not planning on granting anyone that satisfaction. If he could, he would try to avoid a physical confrontation at all costs. Rain would be heartbroken if she found out that he and Conquest had started another one of their immature brawls over her. "It means I'm done talking about this. Rain and Misty will stay in that pen until the end of the Council Meeting." As he said this, he rotated and made to leave.

Unfortunately, Great Conquest was not of Spirit's opinion. "What happened to Nova? Last time I inquired, you two were quite the pair!" He called out, stopping the Mustang in his tracks.

"Conquest...no..." River pleaded quietly.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Spirit sighed, as he hung his head. He really didn't feel like fighting, but it appeared that Great Conquest was not planning on giving up until he received few blows here and there.

The war stallion stared over at Dream Catcher, Blaze, and River, right before nearing Spirit again. "I'm just tryin' to figure out what sort of a stallion you are." He stated as matter-of-factly. "On one end, you can be selfless, daring, courageous and ready to sacrifice yourself for all and on another end, you are selfish, careless, reckless and unfeeling towards the sentiments of others. So, which one is it?"

Spirit eyed him carefully for a moment, trying to remind himself not to engage in an aggressive exchange. Especially not when his colts where few feet away from the scene. He needed to be an exemplary father to them, no matter how hard or difficult it proved to be. Besides, in spite of everything, Great Conquest was still a friend. "Well, that's a different question for another time. What I don't appreciate is you meddling in my personal and private affairs."

"Rain is not a private affair! I've sworn to protect her-"

"As have I!"

All of a sudden, Midnight lunged, placing herself between the two stallions. "Enough! Cut it out you two!" She shot them both a dirty look, glaring at them disapprovingly. "While stallions challenging one another can be quite entertaining in the spring months, no one cares about it in the fall. So, just stop."

"This isn't for your amusement, Midnight." Snorted the grey stallion.

The mare's ears lay flat. "We get it already. You both care about Rain."

Midnight's confidence and determination to stop them from harming one another, encouraged River, who joined in. "Why are you fighting when you both share a common goal?"

"He trapped Rain with that unpredictable mare!" The grey stallion insisted.

"Rain and Misty are the mothers of his foals." Blossom spoke up, coming to the Mustang's defence. "Spirit loves Rain and he cares for Misty. Do you really think he would endanger them both when the lives of his offspring depend on them?" Her meaningful eyes pierced Great Conquest.

"And Conquest has been Rain's fierce protector ever since she rejoined our group. He wants to keep her safe." Blaze turned to Spirit, attempting to make him see the grey stallion's perspective. After all, they both wanted one and the same thing. This disagreement was so pointless and unnecessary.

Spirit had comprehended that from the beginning, but the insolent way with which the grey horse had treated him throughout the whole argument, had fuelled his anger as well. He too had pride, after all. However, now that others were explaining Conquest's noble intentions in a relaxed fashion, he softened up. "She'll be fine, Conquest. I would rather die than see any harm come to her or anyone I care about."

"So would I." A gentle nicker scraped out of the war horse's throat.

"There you go!" Grinned Midnight triumphantly. "That's more like it."

"See?...common goals." River commented, looking quite pleased.

"What'd you got to worry about, anyhow?" Dream Catcher could not remain silent any longer as he addressed both of the stallions. "That Rain's a real patchy twat. She'll handle herself."

Spirit frowned, staring at the pinto with an unamused expression. He certainly did not appreciate how demeaningly this horse had referred to his love.

Dream Catcher seemed to sense Spirit's feelings as he went on to elaborate. "You should've seen the hell she put me through for becoming her owner's new horse. She's a devil's spawn, I tell ya."

"I'm sure Misty can hold her own too." River chimed. "Spirit said that she even puts mythical, menacing creatures like kelpies to shame."

This accurate remark caused everyone to laugh out loud in agreement, Great Conquest and Spirit included. Both of them appeared to have piped down and had softened at one another. The atmosphere returned back to its peaceful state.

Later that evening, as Spirit watched over his sleeping colts, who had snuggled up together on the soft, warm grassy spot that their father had located for them, Great Conquest decided to personally apologize.

"I tend to overreact a lot...particularly when it comes to Rain." He looked at the golden horse with a remorseful countenance. "I'm sorry, Spirit...I guess I was just upset and jealous."

"Jealous?" Spirit knitted his brows, confusion washing over him once more as he tried hard to read Great Conquest's humbled body language. "You still have feelings for Rain?" He deduced, his voice barely a whisper.

"No, no. I mean, I love her, but I'm no longer in love with her." The grey horse shook his head fiercely. "I was talking about Nova...I like her."

Spirit chuckled at that, surprised, and decided to poke fun at him light-heartedly. "You like every mare."

"What's wrong with that?" Laughed Conquest.

"Nothin'"

"Well, that's all I wanted to say." Great Conquest cleared his throat afterwards. "I hope you can forgive me for how I've treated you when you returned to the village. You don't deserve that...you saved us all and have watched our backs more than once."

"No harm done." Spirit waved his tail. "It's in the past now. And I'll be sure not to bring up the past again. I also tend to overreact at times." His brown eyes flushed assuredly, his voice was genuine, his expression steady. "I never thanked you for looking out for Rain when she was carrying my foal. I want you to know how much I appreciate it."

"Of course." Smiled Conquest. "She's family...so are you, you know." He added, causing a small smile to animate Spirit's features. "I'm glad I know you."

"As am I."

Previous tense air had drastically changed between them. Doubt and disdain were swiftly replaced with mutual respect and trust. "I hope Rain and Misty will learn to get along." Great Conquest said, his gaze briefly settled on the restful forms of the two colts.

"They'll be fine." Spirit said, sounding so sure as though he had seen the future. "If we learned to get along, so will they." He winked.

"Right." Chuckled Conquest softly. "After so many fights, it was bound to happen, don't you think?"

"I guess so." Spirit agreed with a grin.

Great Conquest had a momentary far-off look in his eyes as he spoke up. "It's funny...my mother always told me that when stallions disagree...they do it with their eyes. And so must I."

"That's a myth." Spirit stated, entertained at the mere idea. With their eyes? If only..."When stallions disagree, we do it with our teeth and hooves. And if we want to be civil in our disagreements, then maybe, we'll perform some acts of bravado instead...or there is also that other thing that's quite important, but which I won't get into now." Chortled Spirit at the last sentence, positively certain that Great Conquest knew what he meant by that.

However, the grey horse merely stared at him in blank confusion. "What other thing?" He asked.

Spirit blinked in surprise, staring right back at him speechlessly. How could he not know? There was an awkward pause of silence – crickets could be heard – until Spirit raised his one eyebrow suggestively and Great Conquest cackled, finally comprehending what he had meant. In seconds, both of the stallions exploded into fits of laughter.

It was about time these two had a heart to heart! XD

EXCITING NEWS: A couple of weeks ago, I had a marvellous opportunity to chat with John Fusco – the screenwriter of SSOTC himself! Imagine my complete surprise when he told me that originally he had included a Tatanka Ska (white buffalo) in the story and had written a special song for it. On top of it, he confirmed that Little Creek was truly going to be the historical warrior – Crazy Horse! It makes me so happy that the screenwriter himself had similar ideas that I have inputted in my fic. That means I'm not straying off too far and am truly paying a nice homage to this wonderful masterpiece. Anyway, I thought I'd share this amazing, awesome news with you all. I was so shocked and happy to hear that...I still can't believe it.

And yes, I have officially changed my username. The original one (Countrylover99) was a basic thing my sister came up with when I had zero inspiration for a username (I'm just so bad at those things). At the time, I was into country music, but all in all, I listen to all genres and quite frankly, this username had nothing to do with my stories or who I am. It didn't represent anything. So, I decided to use something little more personal and meaningful. "Wild At Heart" is a slogan of two determined and very fierce mustang/wild horse advocates who are making docuseries about the plight of these animals and not only do I strongly believe and stand by their message, but I used to have a similar nickname as a child too. Not to mention, most of my stories are about embracing freedom that's buried inside our hearts. The number 7 not only symbolizes perfection and completeness, but is also quite special to me on a personal level. So there you have it!

Happy Easter!