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Chapter 84

Fool Me Twice, Shame On Me

War is not freedom, over my shoulder
I see a clearer view. All for my family
Reason I'm breathing
Everything to lose

Should I ask myself in the water
What a warrior would do?
Tell me, underneath my armour
Am I loyal, brave and true?
Am I loyal, brave and true?"

– Loyal, Brave, True by Christina Aguilera

"We can't save everyone!" Misty was exasperated as she tried to reason with her headstrong niece. "Sometimes we have to make sacrifices."

Rain's answer was sharp and determined. "Which is exactly why I've decided to make this sacrifice."

The black mare's anger flared in her dark eyes. She was at her wit's end. Misty wished she could grab Rain and just shake some sense into her foolish head. "Look, your love story is very touching." She hissed through her teeth, her expressions and tones conveying that it was anything but 'touching' to her...at least not in that second. "But I'm sick to death of it! Spirit is the stallion. Let him handle war affairs. We are mares, our responsibility is to our foals. Now either do as I say or I'll–" Frustrated she wished to intimidate the younger mare somehow, but was instantly cut off.

"Or what?!" Rain challenged, not least bit frightened.

"I'll tell Spirit!"

Glowering in silent rage, Rain glanced over her shoulder to soothe her overflowing emotions. If she let her stingy tongue get the best of her, she'd ruin all chances to have Misty side with her. And the fact of the matter was simple: If she wished to accomplish what she had carefully crafted in her mind, she needed the black mare – her aunt – to have her back. Pressing her lips together, Rain's icy glare drifted on Misty again. What could she do? She tried to plead with her...tried to make her understand her point of view, but she was unwilling to listen. Was she that cold-hearted? Did Misty really want to abandon Spirit – a wild-born, free mustang with a band of his own – to such a terrible fate as this? Why couldn't they all see that being a war horse was her job. The moment she took her first breath and stepped into the world – her world – she was destined to become a loyal companion to a warrior. A worthy warrior like Little Creek...Crazy Horse. Perhaps, before resolving to ultimate measures, she could once more try to be reasonable with Misty? Exhaling softly, she allowed her gaze to wander over to the foals – their colts. They were cradled together as though they had come into the world as inseparable twins. It was too endearing to watch.

"You truly believe I want to desert the most precious treasure I have?" Rain said as she turned to regard Misty again. "I love him more than life and I want nothing more than to be with him. To watch him grow and become a powerful, noble stallion like his sire." Her nicker was weak and shaky, tears were leaking her blue eyes. "But I also love Spirit and...I can't permit him to take my place. It would be very selfish on my part. He was born wild...he was born in freedom. That's how he must stay. That's how he must gallop. He's suffered enough as it is." She shut her eyes for a moment, hoping to escape the unpleasant memories where she had been the direct source of Spirit's anguish. Unwittingly, by her presence, she had been withholding him from living his life the way he was destined to live. She had retained him from his herd, homeland and freedom. Well, no more of it!

Sensing the inner turmoil in the paint mare, Misty's features softened and she nickered kindly. "Rain...I get what you're attempting to do, but Spirit will never forgive himself if something were to happen to you. He values your life above all else." A slight tinge of envy panged her heart as she stated these words. Must be wonderful to be loved so fervently by a stallion. A stallion who didn't view her as a mere tool for his pleasure. Unfortunately, that's all she had experienced and in her opinion, was not worth anything else. "Let him handle battles...if he is to die, let him die like a warrior."

Rain sighed, lowering her head and shutting her eyes. She was not defeated, but it was obvious that she was not going to get anywhere with Misty unless...unless she did something despicable. Unless she brought up something that would give the black mare no other choice but to obey. She hated herself for it, yet knew that it was the only way. Opening her crystal eyes, she pierced Misty with a coldest glare she could master and spoke demandingly. "You'll do as I say."

Taken aback by her sudden capricious demeanour, Misty scoffed and raised her brows. "What makes you think that? Don't be a spoiled little brat, Rain."

Rain's glower intensified. "You'll do as I say because you owe me."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Oh, how easily you forget." Her lips curved in a wry smirk.

Now Misty was growing angrier by the second. If she still had any doubt about Rain being her niece, all of that evaporated into thin air. "You bitch..." She muttered at her smug expression. "...you're really gonna bring up the past to win this?" Past...it always haunted the black beauty like a dark spectre of death.

"You tried to kill me."

"I didn't try to kill you, I tried to drown you." Misty justified, only to instantly realize it was one and the same.

Rain smiled darkly, almost certain she was going to emerge victorious. "It's all the same. You owe me."

Misty looked away, muttering curses under her breath. If Spirit found out that she had conspired against him, teamed up with this sly mare and moreover, allowed her to stay behind and risk her life for his sake, she wouldn't hear the end of it. She was sure that he would not simply 'try' but would actually succeed in drowning her somewhere or strangle her for fooling him like that. And all because of Rain's extreme stubbornness and undying loyalty that raised all hair on her neck. Swishing her tail with utmost irritation, Misty glared back at the mare, who seemed a lot like her in that second. What did this silly pet have to worry about? Rain wouldn't be the one faced with Spirit's fury, she would be! "Fine. You wanna stay? Stay." She spoke grudgingly. "You wanna play a war horse and go on a suicide mission? Be my guest. You wanna abandon your only colt? Fine by me. But what of Spirit? How will you fool him? Do you think he is that stupid as to fall for your tricks? What the hell do you have in mind? It better be something worth it."

Rain ignored her blunt declarations, but frowned when Misty mentioned her colt. "I'm not abandoning Wanbli. Far from it."

"He will be motherless if you die." Misty's answer sounded flat and emotionless. But inwardly, she was surprised at how much she trembled at the mere idea of it. Oh, God...I lost my mother, father, sister...and even Aranda has passed on. Will I be deprived of the only remaining member of my family? But a sinister voice reminded her: You were ready to kill her yourself out of spite. Her stomach boiled with rage upon the memory. She was disgusted at her own self and guilt seemed to choke her, making it hard for her to breathe. Rain...this mare was annoyingly perfect at times, infuriatingly stubborn, and she could even be amusing, but as a whole, Misty didn't know how to feel about her. Did they get along? Were they friends? She had no idea. However, a small part of her heart – very tiny part, she assured herself – wished to get to know her better. After all, Rain was the only one left connecting her to Sierra and Bonita, both of whom were gone now.

Sensing the restlessness and tumult in Misty's heart, Rain spoke softly, reverting back to her compassionate self. "Please, try to understand. I must do what's right. I love Spirit and I cannot stand aside while he continuously makes sacrifices for us. As for Wanbli..." Her blue pools were filled with water again, hot liquid pouring out of her eyes as she looked at her serene colt. She couldn't believe she was even considering this...let alone saying it out loud. How strange the world was. How drastically had everything had changed. Most importantly, it was she who had changed. "I love him so much." She whimpered and hung her head, before continuing. "I want you to promise me something. Misty, if I don't return...he will need a mare who can nurse him and care for him. Our sons, despite their mothers' dislike for one another, love each other like true brothers should. He is happy with Dusty and I'm certain he will be safe and even happier once reunited with the herd of Cimarron. My colt is just as wild as Spirit. He must gallop free. Promise me he'll be safe." She was openly weeping.

The black mare stood, her mouth agape as she stared at Rain in shock and despair. What? She couldn't believe her ears. Her own eyes burned with tears. Was Rain entrusting her most precious treasure to her? Of all horses, to Misty? Why would she do that? Why would she ask her such a thing? Her heart pounded within her chest and her voice chopped as she attempted to fight the sobs that were erupting from her throat. She gazed at the adorable colts and realized that seasons ago, she considered Wanbli nothing but a rival to her son. And now...oh, how everything had changed! The fact that Rain had let go of her rightful anger and accepted her – and not just accepted, but entrusted her own treasured son to her – melted Misty's once hardened, icy heart.

"Me?" She scraped at last.

Knowing exactly the sort of emotions that were racing inside Misty, Rain nodded. "Perhaps, I'm a fool for asking you, but I don't know...call it a mother's intuition if you want. I just know you won't let me down and you won't let my son down...not anymore. Am I naive for believing this?"

Misty didn't want an ounce of doubt in Rain when it came to her reliability. She had promised herself that she had changed and was different now. "You are not naive." She quickly stated, shaking her head. Rain's confidence in her served as a huge encouragement. Her niece believed in her even after the horrible things she had done to her! Perhaps, she could be redeemed, after all? Although feeling extremely unworthy, Misty's heart soared faster and refusing to hide her emotions, she released a soft sob. "To let Wanbli down is to let my own son down. Dusty loves him very much. You have my word, Rain. Your son won't lack a thing. He is family."

The paint mare let out a breath she'd been holding, looking relieved as tears kept streaming her face. "You were right. We kinda became baby buddies. Thank you." She smiled, while Misty couldn't help but chuckle heartily at her remark.

"Life is full of strange occurrences." The black mare agreed.

"It really is."

And just like that, their cool 'civility' had transformed into something more...something a lot stronger and powerful. "I don't dislike you anymore, Rain." Misty said, after a moment of long silence.

"I don't either." The paint mare admitted with a smile.

Misty smiled too and for the first time in forever, she felt at ease. It became so peaceful. She felt as though she was standing with her mother and sister again. Her former resentment, pent-up grudges and anger at them had lifted like a fog. She was happy.

For few minutes more, they both remained standing together, side by side, watching their two colts snuggled up and sleeping tranquilly.

"So how are you planning on tricking our hot-shot of a stallion?" The black mare questioned, the moonlight shone brighter in the dark sky. "It's not going to be easy to fool him. He's not an idiot. He won't leave this place knowing you're staying behind."

"He won't know." Rain's eyes were fierce, fixed with determination.

"What's the plan? I can't just walk up to him and tell him to lead the colts and follow me back to his homeland. As soon as he realizes you aren't with us, he'll turn and drive you there by force if he must. And you know he'll do it." Misty's countenance was filled with warning. "He will do anything to keep you safe, even if it means dragging you there by your mane."

"He won't if he doesn't know where I am."

The black mare raised her eyebrows. Rain's confident resolution was quite intriguing. "Come again?"

Leaning closer, Rain whispered in a low voice, barely audible. "Midnight told me that tomorrow at early dawn, the warlords will be splitting the warriors in smaller groups and will head out from this place, probably to hide in the eastern mountains for the winter. I will accompany Little Creek there."

"And you think Spirit will meekly stay back and let you do it?" Misty scoffed in disbelief. "You're crazy. It's very likely that he knows about that too and he'll make sure we're gone by then...you know, before you get any ideas."

"Not if I leave first."

"Meaning?" Misty blinked questionably.

"Like I said, I'll go with the Renegades at daybreak, while you and Spirit and the colts will remain here."

The black mare rolled her eyes. She shouldn't have trusted Rain. This was a silly, uncalculated idea that would fail in an instant. "What makes you think you'll be able to sneak away from Spirit's scrutiny? He's been watching us like a hawk all day. You cannot hide from the acute senses of a wild horse. A band stallion at that. And we're talking about Spirit here." She reminded sharply, wanting Rain to drop the insane scheme.

Rain took a deep breath, timidly glancing back at the camp to see where Spirit was. He stood nearby, his head lowered in a resting position, but she knew he was alert, and his attention was focused on them. "I'll make him drop his guard." She whispered. "He won't know I'm gone until it's too late."

"Alright, suppose you succeed by some miracle and manage to sneak away. You don't think Spirit will come after you?"

"He won't know where to look."

"And you think that'll stop him from searching you?" Misty's asked pointedly, shaking her head. Oh, Rain...you are so naive sometimes. Spirit would be willing to go to the ends of the earth in order to find and save her.

"He'll have to cover a lot of miles to uncover with which group Little Creek and I went. Like I said, the warlords of the hostiles are separating the warriors. Each assemble will have to settle on a different territory. Tracking us down won't be easy for Spirit. He is not stupid...he won't risk endangering his colts and you for a lengthy mission like that. He'll have no other choice but to return to his homeland.. at least help you and the colts safely reach the herd first. After that, who knows what he might do? But I have a feeling by that time, he'll wise up and realize that Wanbli cannot remain without either one of his parents. He will do what's right and I have faith that he'll stay with our colt." Rain's heart sank at the thought that she may never see Spirit or Wanbli ever again, but she had come too far. Now was not the time for her doubts and fears. "I'm counting on you too, Misty. You must convince Spirit that coming after me will be a futile undertaking."

The black mare scowled but nodded at her. "I'll do my best, Rain. But tell me this, how exactly will you dull his senses? He's very cautious and vigilant...as a band stallion should be."

"The Medicine Men of the tribe have sedative plants. They use it on wounded warriors to make them fall asleep, so that they don't feel pain when they're being treated." Rain explained.

"And how will you get him to eat those plants?" Misty was growing worried the more she heard about Rain's risky plan.

The paint mare didn't seem worried at all. She pursed her lips, smiling slightly. It was a worldly, seductive smile. And that sly, provocative gleam in her blue eyes transported everything Misty needed to know. "You, of all mares should know how."

A look of understanding crossed Misty's features as she grinned back impressed. "I see." She drawled and said no more. When she had first met Rain, she believed her to be a dull, naive, wide-eyed airhead. However, the more she got to know her, the more she realized how alike they both were in certain aspects. Cunning temptress...sounds like me. She smiled satisfied, not knowing why the notion of having things in common with Rain made her so giddy.

Smell of campfire and smoke were the persistent scents lingering in Spirit's nostrils. He didn't like it one bit. He missed the fresh fragrance of the lush grass of his homeland, the strong mountain air and scent of his own family, the buffalo and deer. Would he ever return to his homeland again? He doubted it. But it didn't matter to him anymore. Important thing was to keep everyone he loved safe and out of harms way. Later that evening, he heard from Great Conquest, Blaze and River that the warriors were planning on departing from the place at dawn. Spirit debated whether to wait till early morning to send Rain, Misty and the colts on their way or do it that night before everything got hectic. I'll give them time to rest first. He decided that few hours of peaceful sleep wouldn't hurt neither his sons nor their mothers. He quietly observed Misty and Rain stand together and watch over the serene colts. They seemed to be getting along perfectly and that made his heart happy. They would be fine. Their journey to his home would be calm and without any commotion. Another part of him paid attention to what the humans were doing. Little Creek had entered Black Buffalo Woman's tent and for a brief second, Spirit became extremely concerned for him. What if Rain was right? What if the woman's mate, – or husband, as she called it – upon finding out that she was unfaithful to him, murdered Little Creek in jealous rage? Thankfully, Little Creek had left the tepee far too quickly, and No Water noticed nothing. However, something deep within Spirit told him that this was not the end of it. It was only the beginning.

Dainty sound of hoofbeats nearing his way, made his head jerk up. Even in the dark, cold, winter weather he could discern the lovely silhouette of Rain. She walked gracefully towards him and each step she took was slow and provocative. He cocked his head to the side, wondering what had gotten into her, but at the same time, his heart beat its way up into his throat. She was so beautiful, and she looked amused. Swaying her hips and waving her tail as though it was spring, Rain greeted Spirit with a nuzzle as he sucked in his breath. She walked around him, every movement drawing his attention to her body. Smiling softly, Rain placed some herbal plants she had been holding with her mouth in front of him. "You haven't eaten anything. Here, have some."

The snow lay, covering the grass and Spirit didn't have the energy to dig through and find food for himself. The whole day had been just way too crazy and tumulus to think about his nutrimental needs. Now that he saw Rain, he remembered hunger...but it wasn't food he craved. He could feel the heat rushing all through his body, most of it ending up in his face. He coughed and felt as though the long mane around his neck was choking him.

"It can wait." He said rustily, not taking his eyes from the enticing mare.

Rain gritted her teeth. Concealing her irritation, she let her gaze drift boldly at him and smiled. She knew the longer she dragged on the charade, the easier it would be for Spirit to guess her motives, hence her rush. But perhaps, she should be honest? After all, this was possibly the last time she would see him. Her heart bled at that thought. I have to think of what's best for Spirit. He deserved a proper goodbye...a final farewell before he slipped into unconsciousness. Oh how she despised herself for fooling him, but what other option was there? This was a necessary evil.

"We should celebrate." She finally spoke.

The stallion looked bemused. "What are we celebrating?"

"Life and freedom," she whispered and brushed her nose against him. She drank in the sight of him, setting every angle of his face and body to memory. She wanted him desperately, loved him so much. Would he ever know how much? She couldn't repeat those words ever again. If she did, he would come looking for her. He would drag her back. Better that he think her carnal and tempting. But she would have this last night to remember. He would be part of her no matter where she was and even if he never knew it. She would carry the sweet memories to her grave.

"Let's go down to the stream. You can relax there and eat. It's been so long since we had some privacy." She motioned towards the plants that lay at his hooves, her voice sultry.

Spirit fought the swift desire to take her up on the clear message she kept sending him. "It's too cold tonight. You should remain by the fire." What was going on with her? Why was she trying to beguile him in the dead of winter?

"It's not that cold."

He could deny her nothing, but there was a strange uneasiness in the pit of his stomach. Something was wrong. Was this her way of giving in and saying goodbye to him? She had told him that she'd return to the herd with Misty earlier. He nodded and led the way as Rain collected the herbs and followed him. Once they reached the spot, seized with a playful spirit, Rain pranced forward, sprinkles of snow flying from her hooves all around her. Spirit watched her with a smile on his face. He would miss her terribly. He now understood what she was doing...she was giving him fond, sweet memories before death and blood became his constant companions.

Flurry powder of snow sprayed up high into the star-studded sky, while the mare loped into a twirl. The pure whiteness of the substance lighting the world all around them. As she eased her canter, the flaxen mane spilled over to the left side of her delicate neck, glimmering like silk in the pale moonlight. Her eyes seemed to be reflecting the skies above and they sparkled brighter than the stars.

Spirit couldn't breathe as he watched her in the moonlight. Every movement drew his gaze to her and made him aware. When he tried to take hold of her, she sprang away again, her countenance lit in invitation. Her silver mane floated about her, and her voice came husky and enticing in the wind. "Dance with me." Despite the seductiveness, there was a tragic air about her. It almost seemed as though tears were glistening in her blue eyes. They really were.

Spirit frowned, sudden feeling of sadness overtook him. "What's going on, my love? You act as though it's spring or summer."

Rain tried to drown out her emotions that were overwhelming her. Not only would she probably never see him and their colt again, but she was also tricking him. She wished there was another way. Why play with his heart? He'd be shattered when he found her gone with Little Creek the next morning. No! She couldn't dwell on these melancholy thoughts. Besides, everything she was feeling was true. She wasn't lying. She really loved him and she was truly saying goodbye. Just not the way he imagined. It's for your own good, beloved.

"There's always spring in my heart when I'm with you." Rain said and he knew she meant it. "Come to me." She beckoned and leaped on her hind legs, spinning around by the frozen stream, the glowing moon illuminating her every motion.

He had almost completely let all his guard down, consumed by his passions and extreme desire to be close to her one last time. But like a bolt of lightening, it suddenly struck him as he observed the alluring mare before him. Something was very wrong. She was saying good-bye, but not because she was leaving with Misty and the colts to his homeland, but because she was planning on sneaking off with Little Creek to take his place. To save him! She was deadening his mind with physical pleasure, so he wouldn't have to think about it.

When she pranced near him again, Spirit caught hold of her. "Why are you doing this?"

"For you," she said and grazed her lips against his.

It took every ounce of willpower he had in his body to restrain his desires. Oh, she wasn't fighting fair! Spirit backed away from her, trying to calm his racing heart and steady his breathing before he'd completely lose it. He saw tears streaming down her face and couldn't stop the flow of his own. "Why are you doing this to me?" He whispered hoarsely.

"Because I love you."

I love you too and I won't let you die for me! Spirit shook his head fiercely, trying to escape her mesmerizing spell. She was enchanting as always and wanted to fool him like the first time they met. He couldn't allow himself to fall for it...he couldn't. Not when it meant giving her up...sacrificing her. No. Never!

His deductions had been accurate, after all. She had fooled him once when she and Little Creek tried to keep him in the village and now she was doing it again. Well, she wouldn't succeed the second time. He had learned from it and knew her well. "You can't fool me twice, Rain." He rasped, sounding hurt and disappointed.

"You haven't eaten anything..." Rain mumbled, still clinging to her charade.

Sneaky, little temptress! Clenching his teeth, Spirit tightened his jaw, fighting against sudden rush of anger that surged his veins. She had been this close. She had almost succeeded in dulling his senses. If it weren't for her tears, he might've just fallen for it like a fool. Oh and how he had wanted to! "What sort of sedative is that?" He demanded, his eyes flashing. He didn't know whether to be furious about her stunt or joyful that she loved him so much that she was willing to do anything to protect him. Anything. He chose to focus on his anger. Love would only revert him back to his passions and he may even allow her to get away with fooling him. Although he knew well that what she was feeling was no manipulation.

Her heart skipped in nervousness. "I don't understand." She pretended to be oblivious.

That only lit his fuse even more. "Numb me with physical pleasure and then seep me into unconsciousness to sweet oblivion. Isn't that what you were doing?" He looked at her, his eyes hot enough to start a fire. When Rain hung her head and didn't respond, he strode over to her, heart beating hard and fast. Shaking with anger, disappointment, physical desire and all mix of emotions that he didn't have time to analyze, he marched passed her. "Come with me!" He barked and Rain was compelled to do as he ordered.

Misty was stirred from her momentary doze at the sound of Dusty. He and Wanbli were restlessly bouncing about as Spirit nuzzled them up from their resting spot. "Dada, where we going?" Wanbli's question was emitted in an innocent nicker.

"Home. To Grandma Esperanza." He smiled, nudging his colts to move forward.

Dusty was thrilled to hear the news. "Mama, we're gonna see Grandma!" He absolutely adored the gentle, palomino lead mare. She had poured her heart and soul into him and the love she had for him was growing mutual. Dusty's excitement transmitted on to his brother as well, even if he had limited experience with the herd members. It sounded like a new adventure to him.

Misty was stunned. She raised her eyebrow and stared at Rain. The paint mare stood rooted in the snowy ground, resembling a filly caught in mischief.

"Let's go." Spirit told them and commenced to lead the way as his sons trotted after him. Their father commanded respect and authority that was impossible not to sense. To the little youngsters waking in the middle of the night and racing off to the wild territory sounded like an amazing fun. They followed him without a second thought, but the mares lingered back. Misty glanced questionably at Rain, who remained silent in this exchange.

Spirit halted and looked back at the frozen mares. "Now!" He exclaimed, powerless to hide his anger. The colts quieted down at the furious outburst of their great sire, while Misty flinched. It was obvious that he was mad and she had a pretty good idea why that was. She glared at Rain, annoyed that her so-called 'plan' had failed miserably. She had done it and had angered Spirit. An angry stallion could be unpredictable and dangerous. Misty knew that more than anyone. This one could do a lot of damage to them without much effort. Swift flashes of her old band stallion swarmed back to her mind and she shivered upon the terrible memories. No! This was Spirit. He was the one who had rescued her from the brute's clutches. He would never do anything to harm them... even when infuriated. Shout and yell...maybe? But hurt? Never! He would much rather die than see anything horrible come to them. In fact, the reason he was so angry now was because he wanted to keep them safe but Rain had to go ahead and be...Rain.

"I'm not getting anywhere with you two, am I?" He spoke up, his tone conveying fury that he so desperately tried to keep at bay. "I thought I made myself clear!" He gritted his teeth and pierced Rain with a look that could slice one in half. "But you decided to play games with me instead!"

Rain did not respond. She looked grief-stricken and anguished. Her eyes were glued on the ground and the flaxen forelock kept veiling the side of her face. Misty found it necessary to stick up for her. "Spirit, don't be upset. She was just trying to keep you safe."

You don't think I know that? Spirit glowered at her. "It's not up to you to protect me. That's my job."

Misty furrowed her brows. So his stallion pride was hurt. Was that it? But as she searched his eyes, she knew there was so much more to it. He loved them...he loved the pinto mare standing next to her more than anything. More than his own life and freedom. There was fear in his eyes...fear for them. Her heart softened, sudden feeling of compassion roused in her.

Controlling the sharp edge in his tone, Spirit motioned his head toward the forest trail. "The Eagle will meet you at Northern Ravines. It's not far from here...about 14 miles. From there, he'll guide you back to the Cimarron valleys."

"Will you come with us, Dad?" Wanbli inquired, his blue eyes brighter than ever. Spirit smiled, his heart sinking. Would he ever see his precious colts again? He nuzzled both Wanbli and Dusty but gave them no answer. "Take care and listen to your mothers." Lifting his head up from the little ones, he firmly addressed the hesitant mares. "Your journey starts now. This is not a request. This is an order from your band stallion and I expect you to obey it." He spat the last word angrily.

Misty didn't need to hear more. She poked Rain on the side and forced her to walk on.

Spirit gave the black mare a meaningful stare. "Do not disappoint me. I am entrusting them to you." Misty was an experienced wild horse...she was a survivor and whenever she put her mind to it, she knew darn well on how to avoid trouble. Spirit relied on her capabilities now more than ever.

"I won't disappoint you, I promise." Misty's heartfelt utterance was all he needed to know that she wasn't bluffing. Her eyes were glossy; she knew that this was the last time she was seeing the son of Strider and Esperanza. "Take care of yourself, Spirit." She added shakily, attempting to put on a brave face for her son.

"You do likewise." The stallion's expressions softened. He lowered his head down to embrace his two, adorable sons one last time and then stepped back. "Godspeed." He said, his eyes mostly searching for Rain's gaze, which was hidden in her thick forelock. She was determined not to even look at him, let alone say anything. Misty dipped her chin and turned the colts, Rain following wordlessly as they started to leave.

Spirit closed his eyes against the fear uncurling in the pit of his stomach. I love them so much it hurts... which is why I have to give them up. Fluttering his lashes open, he watched them slowly depart from his presence.

Rain's heart almost exploded. She thought she could handle it, but she had been so wrong. Swinging round, she desperately charged back and embraced Spirit, covering him with kisses. She nuzzled him all over, water spilling from her blue pools. "Spirit, Spirit...I'm so sorry, my love." she breathed, and he tasted the saltiness of not just hers, but his own tears on her cheeks as well. He caressed her, making the most of the last opportunity he would ever have.

"I love you," he said roughly. "I will always love you."

Rain sniffed, burying her nose in his neck as his mane draped over her wet lashes. Spirit let out a shuddering sigh. When she lifted her face, he saw something in her glistening eyes that made him want to weep. She loved him. She really loved him. And yet, there was something else in her moonlit face. A haunting sadness he couldn't take away, an emptiness that could only be made whole again if they were together. "I love you, Spirit. Hold on to that and never let that go." She whispered as he pulled her closer, encircling his neck around her.

Pressing his forehead against hers, Spirit whispered back. "I can happily die now."

Tears were pouring out of Misty's own eyes as she observed the scene. She cradled the foals and tried to push her sorrow away. Dying in battle so young...this was crazy, but then again, Spirit had always been on the crazy side. The wind stirred softly, but there was only silence. Spirit and Rain remained intertwined for a moment more and then slowly parted ways.

The stallion didn't go back to the camp until his family disappeared over the hill, crunching calmly through the soft snow. "Goodbye." He murmured after them.

At daybreak, the Renegades began to hustle, each one of them preparing for their travels. Little Creek, just like the rest of the warriors, was pulling down his tepee, but his attention was only fixated on No Water and his beautiful wife. They were part of his and Sitting Bull's group and his heart remained at ease. As long as Black Buffalo Woman came with him, it would all be well. He would find a way to marry her somehow. But for now, he needed to focus on finding a good hideout where the cavalry wouldn't be able to locate them...at least until spring. Also, he had to think about finding a good, sturdy and reliable war horse.

The smoke from the previous night's camp-fire was still encompassing Great Conquest and the rest of the war horses. Their riders readied them for the long journey as well, placing saddle bags and weapons over their blankets. The grey stallion was pleased to see no sign of Rain, Wanbli, Misty, Dusty or Spirit anywhere. They must've departed in the late hours of night. The previous evening, he had deliberately searched out Rain and Wanbli to bid them farewell. She had appeared conflicted to him then. It was clear that she didn't want to abandon them, but Great Conquest was insistent as ever.

"Save your son, Rain. Take him far away. You must run free alongside Spirit...where you belong." He had told her with assurance. "Don't worry about me or Little Creek. We are warriors. We'll do what we have to do."

Rain had been teary-eyed, confused and quiet. She reached out and nestled against him. "You've been a great friend, Conquest." Her voice was quivering. "I'll never forget you." She was trying so hard not to cry, yet couldn't help the liquid that erupted from her pretty eyes.

Now as he recalled their final goodbye, Great Conquest was glad to have persisted upon keeping Rain and Wanbli safe. Spirit would defend them, love them and care for them till his last breath. All would be well. He smiled and was about to turn to his owner when River's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "Look!"

Little Creek's eyes widened, his mouth dropped and his heart lurched within him when he beheld a familiar sight of the golden stallion, emerging towards them from the thick, morning mist. The rays of the sun were glittering the background snow and with it, shone the coat of Spirit in a rich, ethereal colour. "My brother..." Little Creek gasped. And he knew right then, that there was nothing he could say or do to make the stubborn Mustang go home. He had come for him and would remain by his side till the very end.

Great Conquest's surprise was immense, yet he was unable to mask the happiness that he felt surging in his core. Spirit was going to fight by their side! Blaze, River, Blossom, Midnight and few more of the tribe horses let out excited whinnies. Spirit rejoining them served as a huge encouragement. Their motivation seemed to double.

"Behold a Warrior with a wild heart." The grey stallion spoke in admiration, dipping his head respectfully at the approaching Mustang.