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Chapter 80

Backfired

"They all need something to hold on to
They all mean well
Pay your respects to society giving me hell

You could never feel my story
It's all you know
You could never feel my story
It's all you know"

– Scotland by The Lumineers

Rain was royally pissed.

Then again, an angry mare is a creature never to be crossed. Everyone familiar with her kind knew that and they seemed to respect this inevitable fact. There was a reason why the cavalry regiment specifically acquired geldings and stallions but hardly possessed any mares in their armies. Geldings were docile, more forgiving, while stallions could easily be manipulated by food and sex, but mares...oh, Lord help the unfortunate fool who ended up with a mare! Not only were they demanding of their owners, they were sensitive, sometimes whiny too. And they held grudges! It was as though mares were born thinking that the whole world orbited around them and that everyone, absolutely everyone, must respect, cherish and love them. If they weren't treated right – like princesses or queens – they'd let you know in the nastiest way possible. The Colonel often joked to his men that in many ways, they shared similar traits with human females, which was probably why they understood one another better. It wasn't uncommon to see women riding mares more often than male horses. However, Little Creek had always believed that gentleness, patience and strong leadership skills, were the key to winning any female's heart...naturally, a mare's as well. Perhaps, this was the very reason why Rain had been so fiercely loyal and protective of him. He recognized and appreciated her nature like no other. Their clever, cunning, calculated minds could be either someone's greatest enemy or their saving grace. They never tolerated force. They expected refined manners, emotional control and finesse. But once you won a heart of a mare, you won all of her. In exchange for the best – and nothing less – a mare would give you her hundred percent in return.

Little Creek had admired and understood that aspect of Rain's personality since she were a little filly. And until now...she believed that Spirit understood that too. The very stallion who had won her heart and soul. Yet here she was trapped and fooled by him! How unthinkable! She may have been raised amongst the humans, but never in her life – not once – was she ever subjected to endure such a shame. How dare he lock her up in that pen as though she were an insane, rabid animal? And not to mention, with Misty, of all horses! I love you but damn you, Spirit! Damn you for making me endure this disgrace! He was not going to get away with this! The rash stallion had pushed his luck a bit too much this time around by getting their colts involved in this reckless stunt. Sometimes the son of Esperanza could be so immature, impatient and impulsive. How dare he force her to get along with Misty? Did he mistake her for a silly airhead, unable to make her own decisions? Well, she'd show him! With these fuming thoughts, Rain paced back and forth in the paddock, her blue eyes desperately darting from left to right as she scrutinized the surroundings. There must be some way to get out! With a high pitched neigh, she raised her voice for what appeared to be the fiftieth time, trying to attract the attention of anyone nearby, but as before, it proved useless. The humans were engaged in a deep conversation at their council meeting where they would not only appoint knew shirt wearers, but also determine important battle tactics. And the horses...well, it was already dark. Surely, they had all retired in the lush fields to graze and doze off. No one had any time for her.

Stomping up the ground, Rain stirred up dust as she continued to buck, squeal and trot around the circles, restless to get out of her confinement. Her pride was hurting. Spirit had made a complete fool out of her. The nerve of that cocky Mustang!

"Would you just stop your fruitless prancin' already?" A groan of frustration parted from Misty's lips at last. The black mare, unlike Rain, had positioned herself by the corner of the fence and barely moved since Spirit left them alone. In fact, as the minutes elapsed, the sicker Misty felt in her detention. "Don't you get it, you little idiot?" She panted hard, barely able to catch her breath, her knees were buckling. "No one will hear you. So, do me a favour and shut your trap!"

Rain did find it odd that the black mare had hardly spoken to her up until now. But she narrowed her sparkling eyes at her with an icy stare as soon as she heard her bitter words. "You seem to be enjoying this?" She snorted with a cold glare.

"Enjoying this?!" Cried the black mare, her expressions were paled as though she were ill. "I feel faint. I can't breathe properly and my head's woozy. I'm this close from passing out. Trust me, I'm...ahh...uh...I'm definitely not en-enjoying this." She stumbled backwards and was glad that her body was met by a barrier which supported her to stand on her trembling legs.

Misty was not looking too good. Rain had been so caught up in her own emotions that scarcely noticed how sickly Misty had become. She coped quite unhealthily for a harmless situation like this. Certainly, Rain was angry at Spirit for thinking he could dictate her and forcefully make her do things against her wishes, but Misty's reaction was next level. She really seemed to be growing lightheaded and feverish. "Are you...alright?" The paint mare furrowed her brows, her flaxen forelock veiling the right side of her face.

Misty was covered in cold sweat with her heart pounding against her ribs and a scream locked in her throat. She fought hard to move her trembling legs, but they were numb and frozen. Struggling for air, Misty shook her head. "No, I'm not! We need to get out of here. I feel trapped...I can't breathe." Shivering, she nickered weakly, attempting to steady her pulse. The moonlight streamed through her mane and tail and a fitful little breeze slyly rustled the glass. "I...hate confined sp-spaces."

She couldn't remember clearly why she felt this way. The moment she realized she had been trapped with nowhere to run, something within her had shaken her core. The memories of the past had creeped up on her like predators, haunting every part of her. Blood, fear, panic. Dead foals, beatings, brutal force and pain. It all came rushing back to her. She tried to laugh over it, dropped her head down to her trembling knees, and tried hard to laugh at herself. It came perilously close to a sob.

Rain's sapphire pools widened in shock as she was hit by a dreadful realization that Misty was not making any of this up. She worriedly came to her side, nickering softly at her. "You've been captured by humans before?" Misty looked up at her countenance and was surprised to see concern in her niece's eyes.

"No. Thank goodness for that." She rasped out her response.

"Then...why are you quivering like a newborn foal?"

Misty forced herself to take a step, but her legs threatened to buckle and she had to stop before she'd fall on the ground and embarrass herself even more. Lifting her head, she studied the look in Rain's inquiring gaze. Did she really care about her or was she just curious? Pausing, she took a deep breath, trying to soothe the pain that the past recollections were causing her heart. "Imagine...instead of being surrounded by wooden fences, there are your kind, closing in on you...watching your every move. And each time you take a step to get away...you know, to somehow escape from the hellish nightmare, they alert their leader, who punishes you."

Rain's throat dried out at that, her brows knitted into a frown. She didn't know what to say. This was the last thing she expected to hear from the black mare.

"I'll be fine, Rain." Assured Misty, desperate to not be regarded as a weakling. "I j-just...want to get out of here."

"I'll call Spirit right away!" Rain said urgently.

"He won't be able to hear us and even if he were to hear us, he won't come. He made that clear...not until we make up."

A sudden sensation of helplessness and indignation bubbled up Rain's stomach. "Don't worry, we'll get out." She spoke with determination, trotting up towards the paddock barriers and eyeing them with a strong feeling of resolution. "I can't open the gate from the inside, but I may be able to bust it from the outside if I were to jump over the fence." She stepped back, measuring up the height of the railings.

The last comment caught Misty's attention as she snorted at her skeptically. "Don't take this the wrong way, missy, but you sure your delicate legs can handle so much pressure?"

A scowl animated Rain's features. "My legs are strong!" She snapped at the black mare. "I can handle it. I've fought in battles, you know."

Misty merely rolled her eyes, but couldn't help noting how the snarky exchange with Rain had made her previous panic attack dissolve a little.

"All I need to do is lope into circles to pick up speed and then stretch my legs and BAM! I'm over the other side!" The paint mare announced, almost trying to comfort herself along the way. "And then, I will be able to burst this damn gate open. I mean, if Spirit can do it, so can I." She laughed nervously, causing Misty to raise one of her eyebrows at her, looking unimpressed.

"Have you ever jumped so high before? These fences are tall...even wild mustangs wouldn't risk leaping over it unless their lives were jeopardized."

"Well, I'm not a wild mustang." Rain said confidently.

Misty sighed, rolling her eyes yet again. "Springing over small logs in the fields don't count, Rain."

The paint mare gulped anxiously, aiming to appear unaffected, but all of her muscles were tense. "Listen, inexperienced horses, such as yourself, should not be teaching me anything. Why don't you concentrate on regulating your breathing while I deal with this?" She suggested with a snide smirk.

Misty tried her best to wither her with a death glare. "You know Rain, if you weren't such a snobby, tight-assed know-it-all, I might actually like you."

"And if you weren't such an unbearable, whiny bitch, I might actually call you my family." Rain retorted immediately.

Under other circumstances, Misty would without hesitation, fire another disrespectful comment at the paint. However, something deep inside stopped her. It was the way she had answered her. For the first time, Misty had caught that the younger mare shared resemblance with her, particularly when she was angry. She would never allow herself to admit it out loud, yet this tiny detail gave Misty a small warm glow of satisfaction. This domestic paint really got under her skin and she kind of liked the idea of being Rain's aunt. Wait...what? Where did that come from?

As predicted, Rain's heroic charge at the fence ended up creating more dust than anticipated. Her knees had hit the top railings, disorienting her and she fell flat on the ground.

"Told ya." Misty had to clamp her tongue between her teeth to keep in a braying laughter. By some miracle, the more she interacted and paid close attention to Rain, the more her previous anxiety, sweating and heavy breathing ceased to ail her.

"Shut up." Grunted Rain as she pushed her legs up and stood. "Practise makes perfect." Again and again she tried, but each time was slammed back on the dirt without any success.

"Ouch! You better stop." Misty nickered worryingly, forgetting all her troubles. "You're gonna ruin your pretty face like that."

Now Rain was growing angry. A small voice inside her head told her that it was just her wounded pride, but it was one thing after another and she didn't think she'd be able to take so much humiliation in a single day. Damn you, Spirit, for placing me in this position!

"Look, why don't you call your bodyguard or one of the other stallions here?" Misty proposed, struck with an idea. "I'm certain with our stunning looks, we'll be able to flirt our way out of here. After all, beauty and our feminine charms are our best weapons."

The suggestion was somewhat worth considering, and if she weren't this angry she would've given it a thought, but at the moment Rain was pissed. She hated how helpless and incapable she seemed. In response, she chose to stare at the black mare so intently that Misty almost began to squirm back in slight fear. "I'm not going to prostitute myself!"

"Fine, then go ahead and keep beating yourself up like this. It's fun to watch anyway." Shrugged Misty, swishing her tail at her with an I-don't-care-what-happens-to-you expression...which was more or less an act.

The entrance of the night with its luminous glow of the mysterious moon, brought sacred celebration for the Renegade warriors. A large campfire was lit ablaze, the drums and the songs of praise, the poetry of warriors and dances for the wolf spirit, the deity of hunting and war, commenced in its ritualistic fashion, fascinating the observant golden stallion. Intrigued by the strange practice of the two-leggeds, he had asked questions to Red – unfortunately, he was the only horse standing nearby – hoping that the proud war horse would explain a few things and broaden his perspective upon the customs of Little Creek's people.

It didn't take long for Spirit to regret this decision. The insufferable Red had accepted his inquiry as an invitation to speak as much as he could about his own 'accomplishments' and so, once he opened his big mouth about his war stallion life, no one could get him to shut up. He went on and on about how experienced he was and what an honour it was for him to be elected as one of the warlord's noble steeds. Even though only few years older than Spirit, his speech was condescending and he made sure to mention in every sentence he uttered, how superior he was to him. He talked as though he had lived not three, but ten years more than Spirit had.

The annoyed Mustang fought hard to prevent an eye roll from his countenance and kept listening to him babble, flashing him a polite, yet a very fake grin. When would this horse finish the irritating, pointless, one-sided conversation? And why the hell did he have to question him about the Lakota traditions? This one's your fault, Spirit. He cursed himself under his breath.

"I was born with a natural ability to communicate with my riders. It's like a gift, to be quite honest with you." Red's boasting fragments entered and exited his ears. Crap, this horse is worse than Azogar! As a matter of fact, he was actually making him miss Azogar. When would he seal his lips? He had to go watch over his colts...oh, I could use that excuse! Or not... He and Red never truly got along and Spirit feared if he didn't show him at least some amount of respect, Red would start up unnecessary drama. He was always looking for a pretence to fight him anyway. Therefore, Spirit was left with no other choice but to endure his blathering. Try not to yawn. He kept telling himself.

"I am famous amongst many Lakota clans...many stallions have asked me to tutor them like you just did...the mares wanted me but I chose the path of a warrior..." His irksome voice pressed on the Mustang's nerves.

Bored out of his mind, Spirit stared down at his tangled, feather-adorned mane. Perhaps, if he began to count the individual strands of his dark tresses, time would start moving faster?

Help finally emerged in a form of Great Conquest, who hurriedly made his way towards them. "Spirit, a word." He said in a low tone, beckoning him with his head to follow.

"I could kiss you." A mumbling sigh of relief escaped Spirit as they quickly excused themselves from Red's presence and walked off. "I wish you had come sooner. I think he consumed all my brain cells."

Great Conquest chose to ignore the Mustang's sarcastic comment, for his mind was lost somewhere else and he could barely register what Spirit had said.

Spirit was momentarily confused and taken aback by Great Conquest's odd behaviour. "Um...is everything alright?"

"If my memory serves me right," The grey war horse commenced, glancing side ways before leaning closer to Spirit. "there's only one paddock in this war base."

"You are correct." Spirit blinked.

"Alright, then why is that pen empty when two mares are supposed to be trapped inside?"

"What?"

"They're gone, Spirit. Gone."

The reaction that Great Conquest was awaiting to receive from Spirit proved to be a big disappointment. Instead of looking shocked or frustrated, the Mustang merely grunted at the news, his demeanour remaining unshaken.

"Your plan backfired, genius!" Exclaimed the grey stallion, hoping his raised voice would showcase the gravity of the situation. "Now Rain's going to be mad at me too for not siding with her."

Swinging round, Spirit nonchalantly, but quite briskly, trotted over to where he had left his restful little sons with anxious Great Conquest in tow. The cozy spot was empty and they discovered that the two foals were nowhere to be seen.

"They took them. They're upset and are probably hiding from you. " Great Conquest deduced, while Spirit stayed silent and unfazed by this seemingly unexpected turn of events.

"I can't make out their hoof prints here." Spirit murmured, rotating promptly and walking towards the paddock with purpose. "Was the gate broken?" His brown eyes shifted on the stallion behind him as he slowed and tilted his head.

"It was busted wide open, but it didn't look damaged."

"Good." A slight smile flicked on his muzzle.

The night's sky was furnished with sparkling pearls, which seemed to giggle at the two mares, putting a shine to their flowy manes and tails. Standing by the far end of the Renegade encampment, surrounded by nothing but trees and a silent, rippling stream, Misty and Rain gazed up at the chubby moon, which was white and glistening like milk that their foals were eagerly drinking. Their gentle slurping noises sounded in synch. The silvery moon gave the young mothers and their colts a smile through her lips as rosy pink. Suddenly, Rain spotted a shooting star, as fast as a bullet train. "Look," She pointed out to the black mare as a trail of glittering dust appeared like a long diamond chain.

Misty couldn't stop herself from resonating with the dark sky, which covered the world with its black cape, capturing the stars and the moon so their lovely light could not escape. Her past had put a toll on her emotionally and even physically. Yet standing here, reunited with her cute son and with Rain by her side, she felt unusually calm. All these magnificent objects of nature pacified her racing mind. Her eyelids started drooping and she was grateful for the wonderful, charming moment. Nature had arrived to aid her when she had been hit with an awful panic attack. She, the nature, with her caring palms lulled her colt to slumber, so deep. She glanced at Rain, who was presently nuzzling her own yawning little son. As she took a good look at her niece, Misty realized with a gentle smile that it wasn't the nature that had aided her, but rather Rain. Who would've guessed?

"Thanks for your persistence to get us out." She broke the stillness, feeling out of her element. It felt strange to interact with Rain like this.

"Spirit and Little Creek taught me to never give up." Rain said casually, waving her flaxen tail. "I just did what they taught me."

Misty grinned slyly at that remark. "I bet Spirit will think twice before double-crossing you after this."

"Us." Corrected the paint mare, her blue eyes darting at Wanbli, who had snuggled up to Dusty on the soft grass.

The black mare only smiled and gazed at the foals as well. "They're like twins." Whispered Misty, touched with their sons' sweet display.

"How are you feeling now?" Rain asked after a short interval.

"Better. I can finally breathe." The black mare responded, a beam glowing on her lips.

Rain nodded silently, her blue eyes wandered back to their sleeping sons, her forelegs dug uncomfortably in the ground. "You've been through a lot, haven't you?" She finally summed up her courage to utter these words.

Misty didn't answer, but she didn't need to. Her eyes scorched with pain, which gave her away.

"You must be filled with a lot of bitterness." Rain concluded, stating the obvious. Perhaps, Misty had a good reason for being so hateful, after all? "I didn't know your story...I–"

"Don't even worry about it." The black mare cut in. "I was young and foolish...I had to blame my misfortunes on someone. Only now I'm realizing how wrong it was to channel all my anger and hatred at my sister and mother. They loved me. It wasn't their fault. And it certainly isn't your fault. But I was so mad...so hurt. I didn't understand it then. I condemned my mother for going after Sierra. I was jealous...thinking she loved her more. I felt abandoned when my father was killed and then I was captured. I was so angry that no one found me...that I was left to endure all the horrors in such a young age." Misty didn't notice that hot tears were rolling down her cheeks. "Thank Heavens for Spirit." She sighed, sniffing sorrowfully. "If it weren't for him...I don't know what would become of me."

Rain fought back her own tears as she listened to Misty's shaky voice. Upon hearing her last sentence, she couldn't hide a smile. "He is pretty damn special." She agreed, trying not to blush.

"Yet I was so cruel to him." Misty shook her head, overwhelmed with remorse. "And to you as well..."

"Don't fret..." Rain said, giving her a long, thoughtful look. "It's all in the past."

"Don't you get it?" Great Conquest practically cried out, while watching Spirit enter the empty paddock to investigate, sniffing and analyzing the ground. "If they're hiding from us around the borders of our encampment, it'll be no trouble for neighbouring tribes to capture them."

"They aren't hiding from us." Spirit muttered, scarcely paying any heed to the grey stallion's warning.

"I'm sure they're very upset at you...and rightfully so." He gulped, displeased at the mere idea of having a dispute with angry Rain once again. "I must explain to her that I had nothing to do with this insane plan of yours."

"Conquest, would you calm down?" Spirit attempted to suppress a laughter. "We'll find them. They haven't gone far. It's not like they'll run away."

"You sound so confident." Great Conquest said, still looking quite doubtful. "Suppose you're right...that still doesn't rule out the last part. What if our enemies steal them? It's not uncommon for warriors to steal each other's horses...or even worse, what if they run into pale-faces?" Blood drained from the war horse at that terrible thought.

Spirit seemed unbothered by all of this. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think any warrior would want to capture lactating mares and their young. They're a liability. And pale-faces won't risk hanging around a Renegade camp."

"I hope you're right." Snorted the war stallion. "Just keep in mind...Rain won't be very happy at you. In fact, you're in big trouble, bud."

A mischievous, yet subtle little smirk danced upon Spirit's muzzle. "I can handle her." His response was almost a whisper.

"You know, we need to split up. I'll go search for them on the left side of the border, and you look for them on the right." Great Conquest decided suddenly and not waiting for Spirit's answer, galloped off.

Spirit shook his head, chuckling lightly at Great Conquest's panic mode and stared at the hoof prints of the two mares once more. There was profound silence until...BANG! He jerked his head up, only to witness the gate of the corral slam shut. Whirling round, her saw a black silhouette in the night near him. "How does it feel to be on the other side of the fence, hot-shot?" She was wearing a smug, prevailed grin on her expression.

"Misty..." Spirit breathed, his rusty tone low and quiet.

"Bet you didn't expect for your silly stunt to backfire like this." The black mare giggled victoriously.

Spirit furrowed his eyebrows. "How did you–"

"You are not the only one who can jump fences, Spirit, or burst open gates." Rain came into view, her voice warmed to a purr, and her sparkling eyes slanted up a sly look under thick, spiky lashes. She tried hard to conceal her bruised knees, but Spirit had already noticed it, which only made his admiration grow.

"You got me ladies," He spoke up, sounding a bit too thrilled for someone who had just lost the battle of sexes. "I didn't foresee this one."

"Well, next time, you'll know to not mess with us." Misty said, tossing her long, black mane on the side.

"It's mighty cocky of you to assume you can force us to do whatever you want." Rain added in agreement.

"Now, we know you can spring over this fence no problem." Misty began, edging closer to him tauntingly. "But remember, theoretically, you are the one that must wait for humans to get you out, not us." She drawled with a provoking gleam in her eyes.

"What's the matter, honey?" Rain smiled slowly with a flutter of her lashes, when Spirit didn't respond. "Didn't expect to be outbested by couple of mares?" Her cheeky comment earned a snicker from Misty.

Honey? He liked the sound of that! Recognizing the sassy sarcasm, he slid his gaze down to hers. "I'll have to watch my back from now on, won't I." His dark eyes bore into her.

"Great, so you got the message." Gathered Misty with a conquering chuckle. "Let's leave the loser on his own for a while." She told Rain and they both started to walk away, giggling at him.

Great Conquest met them along the way and his jaw dropped down to his legs once he saw Spirit in confinement. "What the hell happened?" He trotted up to Spirit, who stood calm in the round pen.

"They got me." Spirit smiled softly, his gaze following the two departing mares.

Great Conquest was very confused. He looked from Spirit to the two cunning females in disbelief. "What are you gonna do now?"

Spirit shrugged mindlessly. "I guess I'll wait for Little Creek to open the gate for me in the morning. That's just fair play."

The grey war stallion's eyes almost exploded out of his head as he stared at him in shock. "I hate to say this, but you're losing your touch." He gasped.

Spirit's brown orbs never left Rain and Misty. As he observed them laugh and chatter away like good, old friends, he smirked triumphantly, knowing full well that his plan had been nothing but a beautiful success. Grinning from head to toe, he looked at Conquest and nickered. "You think?"

Last light-hearted chapter till things start getting considerably darker from here. :)