Third Person POV
The next morning Margie woke up to sunlight streaming through her window and shining into her closed eyes. She fought the desire to turn over and keep sleeping. Instead she slowly pulled the covers back and stepped onto the carpeted flooring in her room. Her mind ran through her conversation with Mr. Gifford over and over again, yet she still could not believe it. Lauren was dead. No question about it. Mr. Gifford had said he walked into her room around nine o' clock to find her peacefully laying on her bed with her hands clasped over her tiny stomach. Margie held back an overwhelming sense of sorrow. She slipped into her working clothes and silently stepped down the stairs one at a time. She hoped Co-co would brighten her spirits; if she couldn't nothing could. To keep her mind off of Lauren's death Margie thought of the previous day's race. Against the odds Co-co had broken through her strife and won the race, though it meant naught as it was only a beginners' race. Co-co was far from a beginner; she was a champion. Even better, she was an expectant champion. The thought of the unborn foal also helped to cheer Margie up.
Margie closed the house door behind her and ran for the barn. Co-co was chewing peacefully in her stall. She seemed to have gotten over her depression. She tossed her head up and nickered with the old spark returned in her eyes.
Co-co's POV
Margie wasn't herself today. I sensed that something was wrong immediately. Though I couldn't figure out what was so upsetting to her, I offered my comfort. Margie stroked my muzzle softly which put me in a feeling of peace and relaxation. After a minute or two she ceased her stroking and opened my stall door. After clipping the lead onto my halter she led me out of the barn. I pricked my ears as my pasture came into view. I heard a rabbit hop through the fencing and disappear into the underbrush close-by. A bird took off when it saw our approach. A let out my breath slowly and opened up to the usual sounds that I recognized and was accustomed to. Margie unclipped my halter and turned me loose into the familiar pasture. I dropped my head and sniffed the ground. The aroma of sweet juicy grass entered my nostrils and I began chomping the blades. I didn't notice Margie walk off.
Margie's POV
I left Co-co alone out in her pasture. I had planned on working in the stables but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Instead I walked towards the track and sat on the top railing. The dirt was fresh and had been plowed, leaving no evidence behind that any horse had ever set a hoof on it. The perfect rows dirt looked so welcoming and the memory of many work-outs with Co-co returned. Just then I heard Dad calling me. I turned and he was smiling, what could be so good now? I walked towards the house door and Dad still wore his beaming smile. "What?" I asked, beginning to become frustrated. I wondered what it could be. "Well it seems Mr. Gifford discovered a note Lauren left behind." Lauren left a note? Then that must mean she had known she was dying. I would hate to know I was dying yet be able to do nothing about it. "Wh…What did it say?" I asked after a moment of pause. "She has left Warrior to you." I could hardly believe my ears. Lauren had given Warrior to me? Had she left him to me because of our friendship or merely because she knew Warrior would want to be with Co-co? I would never know for sure. Dad continued, "He is being trailered here right now; he should be here in about forty-five minutes at the most." So soon? Did Mr. Gifford really want to rid himself of the champion so soon after all he had done for Lauren and the entire Gifford Stables? Without Warrior the stables would never have the many riches it did. A thought came to my mind. If Warrior had made the Giffords rich, then he could make us rich as well. We could have more than just two horses on the farm. We could have more than just one puny track, more than one barn with only three stalls. Dad seemed to be thinking the same thoughts. "He has been pre-entered in a big race tomorrow. I believe you will be fine riding him." Mr. Gifford must have had anther stakes race set for the stallion. I was indeed ready to ride him. "Yes, I will." After that I turned and walked back out to the pasture. Co-co was standing at the gates, waiting patiently for me to return with a carrot or something. I leaned over the gates and she nickered. "We can get you more fields too…" I was still pondering all the luxuries Warrior would bring to us. "Co-co, Warrior is coming back." Co-co tossed her head and for a second I believed she could understand me.
The trailer pulled into the drive thirty minutes later and I rushed towards it. Co-co neighed after me but I ignored her and stopped beside the trailer as it stopped abruptly. Warrior's neigh sounded from inside. Without waiting for the driver to unload him, I unbolted the latches and Warrior's black coat greeted me. He turned his head and the glow in his eyes looked striking. A smile crossed my face and I let the beautiful stallion out. I grabbed his lead rope as he bolted backwards, yanking my arm. "Whoa boy." I soothed. He cocked his ears and let another piercing neigh escape. I heard Co-co's answering neigh as she cantered along the pasture's fencing excitedly. Without warning Warrior reared up and flailed his legs about, yanking the rope out of my grasp. Then he took off towards the pasture at break-neck speed. I prayed he wouldn't trip over his legs as he approached the fencing. As if answering my hopes he launched himself over the fence and landed safely on the other side. He danced around, bucking and rearing, and then Co-co skidded in front of him. The two touched noses and took off into the field. I laughed and ran after them. I finally got to them, they had cantered out to the back of the pasture where the tree and stream were, and unclipped Warrior's lead. Then I left the two love-birds to be together after so long.
The track was soggy the next day. I patted Warrior's head as we were boxed into the starting gate. I was sure the muddy track wouldn't effect Warrior's performance. If he won he would win us $50,000. Warrior's ears were pricked forward as he looked at the opponents surrounding us. I pulled the reins so that he was looking straight forward again. If the race started and he wasn't prepared it would cost us. The line-up here was tough. We were up against the great ones, though Warrior was well feared. One horse had dropped out of the race when finding out who they were up against. That gave me confidence. I knew Warrior would be great no matter what. The mud would probably slow down the competition, giving us an advantage assuming it would not affect Warrior. I cleared my mind, as always, and couldn't hear a thing. Warrior flicked an ear back towards me and I let my breath out, showing him I was relaxed. The gates flew open and Warrior soared out and took the lead. Behind us Metal Gun, Catch This, and Explosive were closing in. The only one I was worried about was Explosive. If any horse here would give Warrior a run for his money it would be him. The ¼ mile post was just ahead. Warrior was already breaking into his well-known speed gear, I pulled him back. It was way too early to turn him loose. Again I looked back to see Explosive falling behind, as long as Metal Gun, but Catch This hadn't changed his position. Warrior was straining against my grasp trying to break free, but I held him back firmly. Over the roar of the wind I commanded, "No!" Warrior flicked both his ears back and stopped fighting. So he was trained to listen to words, not hand commands. Then the ½ mile post flew past us and Warrior automatically began fighting again. I realized he knew exactly when to turn it up. I allowed him to go a little faster by moving my hands up his neck and saying faster over the wind. Behind us Catch This had fallen behind and Fire Duel was coming up. Suddenly Explosive surged past Warrior. I turned my head back and realized he had waited for the moment I looked back to let Explosive loose. Warrior strained again but I knew, that even with his speed, letting my go all out just yet would be a huge mistake. I would let Explosive think he had us until the ¾ post. The jockey riding Explosive looked back with a smug look on his face. I snickered back knowing he would get what was coming soon enough. Fire Duel was pulling towards Warrior's right side, attempting to pass as well. Warrior was straining very hard to be let loose, as Explosive continued to get farther ahead of us. Finally my cue, the ¾ post, flew past us and I let Warrior loose. His powerful legs gained on Explosive until they were neck and neck. The jockey looked over and snarled. Warrior looked Explosive eye for eye and then he turned on his full out gallop gear. He soared past and took the lead easily. We crossed the finish line 6 paces ahead of Explosive. When the inspiring colt finished in 2nd his chestnut coat gleamed with sweat. I admired his courage in taking on Warrior, yet I did not admire his sore jockey. Warrior tossed his head and the officials led us into the Winner's Circle. They placed the blanket of yellow roses over his neck and cameras snapped. Finally I was able to guide Warrior through the crowd and back to his stall. There Dad was waiting and we quickly untacked Warrior and got him ready for the ride home. A man walked towards me and smiled. "Your prize." He said, grabbing my hand and laying a check in my palm. It has $50,000 written on it. Pride overwhelmed me. The man walked off and Dad took the check for safekeeping. Finally we were on the road to glory and starting anew with our two champions.
A/N: Another chappie to satisfy my reviewers! I actually had two reviews this time. XD
Skitty 2004: As you have read, Co-co does get to see Warrior again. Hope you enjoy this chappie as well! (you must review!)
Horse Spirit: Thank you, thank you! You need naught wait any longer for this chappie! Hope you enjoy it just as much, ;)
Okay, thanx reviewers! Now, everyone review!
