.Somewhere..I..Belong..

[[R].ebel]

[When this began]

[And I get lost in the nothingness inside of me]

A pure coal-black stallion stood in the sweltering heat of the desert, the walls of the fort trapping him in this hell of no fire. His body glistened with sweat, his chest heaving slowly as nostrils flared for long gasps of air. His head was low and seemingly beaten, but there was a fire burning in his eyes that could send any man running. He wanted out.

[And I let it all out to find]
[That I’m not the only person with these things in mind ]

Duke snorted, the dust on the ground swirling up. He shook his mane, pawing the ground, trying to think of a way out, but more tugged at his mind. His mind was racked with thoughts of his son... and the loss of his mate. He was so alone and so lost without her or his son. With out his family, Duke was nothing.

[Inside of me]
[But all the vacancy the words revealed ]
[Is the only real thing that I’ve got left to feel ]

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[endless]

<sup>Sturdy frame galloped over the loam, steps sure and quick. sinewy legs beat the ground fast, yet lightly. a body draped in the darkest obsidian, yet that somehow appeared to have had a can of alabaster paint poured on. ah, yes. a tobiano. her mother had been a prized Indian charger, prized for spectacular warrior coloring. her sire had been free, yet infamous. but more on that later

Saddle was empty, for her rider had been foolish enough to wear spurs. she wasn't his usual mount, so he didn't know better. still, you would think someone would have warned him. as soon as those sharp pricks touched her hide, a series of swift and powerful bucks left him in the sand. and feeling rather fresh, she had galloped away from the starting point. you would think she would have fled to a home, at least one better than this. but she was all tacked up; escape would have been foolish. she did not want to live out her days with such a monster atop her back, nor such a tasteless bit stuck between teeth. so she galloped to her temporary home, at least one where there was fresh water to drink and food supplied. she did not care how displeased the humans would be with her; the colonel had a strange fondness for this one, and so her life would be spared. besides, she was far too valuable as an overall mount, and anyone with any horse sense could see that.

A snort was produced as appendages brought her upon the fort. gait was slowed to a deep, rocking-chair lope. the entrance was open, for they were expecting a hunting party to return soon. ha; think of her as the vanguard. a half-rear was achieved as cranium directed herself within the clutches of the human walls. but once inside, her freedom diminished. a foreign hand clutched at the reins, and before she realized it there were soldiers surrounding her lithe frame. nearly dragged to a fence -she did not approve of being told where to place her own feet-, she stood still as the saddle was removed from her back. everything was removed, save for the bit. it was rarely taken out; she refused to move an inch with a meager halter on. it took the metal to make her move, and every time it was placed within jaws she gave such a fight it resulted in it rarely being taken out. so, as halter was slipped up nose and knotted, she was tied with the trailing rope to a fence. at first torso tried to escape, moving around to test the limits of her restraints. but soon enough, gaze fell on what was within the fence she was bound to.

Midnight coat was covered in sweat. perhaps were they breaking in a new colt? it was always the youngsters who worked themselves up to such a lather. but no, upon closer inspection it seemed a full grown male, for he was too filled out to be young. then why such a fighter? why such a rebel? at first this was how Risque had been, but the heat had taken its toll. tolerating a rider was just easier, however much she hated to admit it. a wicker wished to produce itself, but personality wouldn't allow it. but eyes gleamed with curiosity, alongside the defiant blaze that was always resident</sup>

[[R].ebel]

[Nothing to lose]
[Just stuck/ hollow and alone]
[And the fault is my own, and the fault is my own]

The black stallion's eyes stared forward at the ground, eyes burning with such fiery hatred for this hell-pit, it was beyond explanations. His legs actually began to shake out of anger, though most was for anger for himself... it was his fault his family was split... and his mate killed... if he'd a been there when it happened... he'd be free with his family.

[Erase all the pain till it’s gone]

Duke reared, letting out a niegh of anger, regret and sorrow. He hurt so much... he just wanted his son back... he just wanted to wake up from this nightmare he lived in. The black stallion slammed his hooves into the ground, running for the fence that held him in. Dust kicked up behind him as eyes of fiery burning tears burned for freedom. Duke slammed into the fence, it cracking under his weight but doing more damage to him than to the fence...

Duke stepped back, his body shaking, white lather dripping off his chest as he stared out of the fence, freedom so far away... It wasn't so much freedom.. it was his son he wanted to see and wanted to protect... He let his head hang, not allowing himself to fall over, though he was exhausted. The black stallion didn't even realize he was being watched by a fae on the otherside of the fence.

[Somewhere I belong]

[endless]

<sup>Mocha eyes widened as the stallion seemed to be infuriated with his entire situation. fighting the system didn't work; he would learn that, unless he died in the proces. just like biting the hand that feeds you. perhaps nip or disobey, but not bite. one shouldn't purely fight the system, for manipulation was the way to go. but Risque wasn't exactly a helping hand, so would let him figure it out on his own. the look in those foreign eyes... they were hauntingly similar to what hers had reflected. but she had learned, wisened up. he could either do the same, or die. tough life.

Since he had been kind enough to simply ignore her and overlook her obviously position, she was fully contented to do the same to him. perhaps work this rope with teeth until knot came loose, or frayed enough so she could break it. she had done it before and could do it again. but that took so long... and seemed rather boring under this blazing heat. so head lowered, and a hind was relaxed. but ears remained positioned to the charcoal beast.

Head raised enough and in time to take a step back, so the near vibrating fence did not touch her. ears pinned themselves now, and body tried to fling itself over the fence. that was out right rude and pissed her off. but the rope held, and only half of her front end managed to make it over the well-built railing. still, enamels snapped at the air menacingly. regaining composure -the stallion seemed to have given up!- facade took on a more attentive posture. a small whicker was let fly, before vocals leaked out with a rather harsh undertone

Trying to stand here

But however mean the underbelly of it seemed, she was an equine by heart -naturally- and the surface of it seemed tainted by both concern and a touch of friendliness.</sup>[/sup]

[[R].ebel]

[And I’ve got nothing to say]

Ears pricked to the sound of another but he made no move to face her. He heard her words, letting them sink into his head... his eyes suddenly blazing with a fierce anger. His "owner" Trent Whitney walked up tot he far side of the fence watching Duke with wide eyes.

[Looking everywhere only to find]
[That it’s not the way I had imagined it all in my mind]

The black stallion snorted, lifting his head to look at the mare with burning eyes, angered. Through clenched teeth, he spoke with a threatening voice.

"Your words... mean little to me... You don't know what hell I've gone through... and what hell I will go through... before you judge me....know who I am...and what I've been through..."

[So what am I]
[What do I have but negativity]
[’Cause I can’t justify the way, everyone is looking at me]

Duke snorted and turned his head back to the fence where he had cracked it.

"Besides... I'm not finished yet..."

The black stallion pawed the ground and reared, hooves smashing into the wooden fence, the sound of splintering wood echoeing through the fort. All fortsmen's heads were brought up to the sight of the black stallion, knowing already it was him for he was thier most fierce stallion who could not be broken. Trent only stood and watched, eyes wide in disbelief, with only one thought cleary on his mind.

[Nothing to lose]
[Just stuck/ hollow and alone]
[And the fault is my own, and the fault is my own]

What keeps that stallion fighting?

[endless]

<sup>Ears were once again pinned, for it was natural instinct to take offense to being flat out insulted. but such an aggressive posture was not retained for long, for she found his antics rather entertaining to watch. this brute only thought with his heart. he needed to use his brain; especially in the situation he had gotten himself into. really, he needed to better understand the art of manipulation.

But at his words, eyes were coated with flame and anger; how dare he say such things! assuming she was judging him, when he had not taken into consideration who she was.

Brute, I have already been in your position; have already suffered through it; at least I see no bull whips yet. You must learn to play smart, or suffer the consequences... and being a stallion, you have much to lose

A small lifting of cranium insinuated what she meant by this

Or be shot

And then poll tossed itself; such insane heat! really, how much he needed to start thinking with the brain that was surely within his skull, however thick it was

And really, you should try to befriend one who knows the tricks of the trade and the ways of the humans, not make a foe of her

It was true; she could untie knots, undo latches, open gates, etc. the main reason she was tied out in the open so everyone could keep an eye on her. besides, in the cool stable she tended to create chaos. long bangs were given a last toss, as if dismissing his unbridled behavior. he would not last much longer here. why should the soldiers remain keen on one so unruly when there were other, less stubborn, colts to attend to? it was either learn or be shot here. out of spite she wished a two legs would pull out a rifle or pistol, to see a different fear in his eyes. or in the very least rid the source of all the roused dust. she said nothing more; if he got smart and realized she could help him, then he was smart enough to help himself and just calm his stubborn a$$ down</sup>[/sup]

[[R].ebel]

Duke did not react to her words, in fact he acted as if she hadn’t said a word. He continued his beating to the fence, it actually being quite successful. Trent watched for a while, then with a sigh and a shake of his head, pulled a rope off of one of the fence posts. The man walked around the corral to his horse. When Duke spotted him, he dropped to the ground, ears pricking to him, the fire still burning in his eyes. Trent stopped in front of the black stallion, watching him for a long moment. Duke’s chest heaved slowly as he stared into his capture’s eyes.

“Easy boy… easy…”

Trent through the rope softly for Duke, it landing over his neck, but Duke did not react to it, he only kept his eyes on Trent. Then Trent began to walk around the fence again, the rope tugging at Duke’s neck… Duke stood still for a moment, but something felt different about the way Trent was leading him… what was it? Duke actually followed, and he realized Trent was leading him to the gate of the corral. Trent opened it and allowed Duke to trot out, but the rope was pulled tight again, forcing him to stop.

“Easy… easy…”

Trent was acting very different from the time before, which was much more harsh and demanding. What was with him? Head turned to look at the fae with burning eyes… Then he felt a weight on his back. Duke reared, something pulling around his neck… it was Trent! The black stallion bucked wildly, thundering through the fort, wildly kicking to throw off his ‘master’.

[endless]

click

<sup>Listeners perked at all the unfolding action, yet there was not an ounce of surprise within chambers. she had paid the human no mind before, but once he had taken down the 'snake' -as she preferred to call them- and proceeded to the charcoal stallion, the two legged's face was implanted upon mind. and before the hellion had even cast a glance her way, she knew what was to befall him. but expression held no emotion, and only until the frenzy began did long obsidian banner flick idly. she had seen many of these before; the two and half long years spent here had brought her much experience. in fact, she was one of the 'regulars'. often the younger ones died off because of the work, or were shot, or pulled up lame. in general, it was the leader's prized chargers and the hardy mustangs who had adapted well to this lifestyle that survived. he was different; being so old -well, not young-, and given what reaction he made to the human suggested he had been here awhile. a wonder she hadn't met him before... still, he must be of tough breeding to withstand this for so long and still put up a fight.

Seizing the moment -many of the passersby too absorbed with the ongoing rodeo to pay her much mind- teeth immediately went to work at the rope that held her. one lobe was focused on the stallion, the other before her. a weak moment. in fact, she was preparing haunches for the task of sitting down to break the thread when a human rushed up and grabbed what was left of the rope. a hind with cat-like grace was immediately sent his direction in a kick, which he successfully dodged. tossing forelock aside she recognized her 'owner'; he was the only one who stood a chance at escaping her blows, for he was quick as well. a hand reached up to sooth her, and jaws sought it out. ha; got him. wasn't quick enough that time. but it was only a small triumph, for soon there were three other guards upon her and once she was hobbled and tied in numerous places to the fence, a rider again sat astride her broad back. as all but one rope was undone -the man always kept an extra one tied up there somewhere-, her entire frame vibrated with energy. already, even in this heat, she had recovered from her short run a while ago. another reason they hadn't shot her; she very rarely got plum tuckered out. but as soon as the hobbles came off, she sent a flying kick in the direction of the nearest soldier and heard a satisfying thud. and soon enough she was doing the same as the stallion. throwing in some mighty powerful bucks which would have unseated many -Levi had grown used to her-, soon just succumbed to a couple crow hops. and even sooner she was 'settled' -well, still radiating with action and the want to do something, just a tornado contained-. reins guided, however demeaning she felt it, her over closer to where the stallion still refused to cave, and nostrils snorted quite loudly

Hazel eyes watched him, and a for limb was arched in a paw, before lowering and scarring what was left of mother earth in her impatience. oh, how lucky him. or rather, lucky her. she would get to break him today</sup>

**[ooc; I was a wondering {say yes or no, I don't mind} if like, they would tie him to her -much like thoroughbreds walked out to the track-. you know, like she would 'pony' him until he settled down. many ranches do this to calm, or at least try to calm, a nervous horse that is in the process of of being broken. you know, to decrease the bucking and to promote the whole following method. only if you want... I thought it could be interesting 0.o]**

[/sup]

[[R].ebel]

OOC: That sounds good. In fact, Little Creek did something very similar to that in the movie. But [like in the movie] I don’t think it’ll do any good to help get a rider on him.

BIC:

[You Can’t Take Me]
[Yeah!]

The black stallion’s fiery eyes, shaking from the heat and anger burning inside his body and from the earth shaking beneath his thundering hooves, caught sight of a similar action going on from the mare. But it was soon drawn to a stop by her rider, only pushing Duke into a far more dangerous and fiery bucking frenzy to lose the weight on his back. Trent wouldn’t shake. He’d had his far share of buckings and knew just where to hold on to, especially bareback, and he wasn’t about to allow himself to be thrown off. The black stallion snorted, his chest heaving as he thrust more energy to his legs, pumping them wildly across the ground. There were no threats of weapons, though some had them in their hands ready, because Trent had made it clear he didn’t want this stallion dead, no matter what the Colonel said. He was bound and determined to break this stallion, even if it killed him. The black form reared up and slammed his hooves into the ground, head low and eyes wildly burning with anger. How could such a kind soul give such an evil glare but it could not be matched, not even by his demonic brother how lived to kill and out of pure hatred. His legs shook, white lather dripping off his chest and legs, every muscle trembling as he stood, seemingly defeated.

[Got to fight another fight - I gotta run another night]
[Get it out - check it out]
[I'm on my way and I don't feel right]

Trent sat up, having griped Duke’s mane, his own hands shaking from the ride before. He could feel Duke’s body shaking underneath him and heaving with every breath he took, but Trent wasn’t about to let his guard down. He had no bit in the stallion’s mouth, which meant little to now control. He could only control the stallion with the halter, which was set up like a Hackamore bridle, which wasn’t meant for newly broken stallions. Trent sat steady, Duke still catching his breath, neither moving. In fact, it seemed the entire fort had stopped moving just to see what would happen to the two. Finally, Trent made the first move, lightly putting pressure on the stallion’s sides to get him to move.

[It's OK - I'll find a way]
[You ain't gonna take me down no way ]

Duke reared first, Trent completely unexpecting it, eyes wide as he was thrown backwards, landing on the ground, gasping for breath as it was knocked out of him. The black stallion pawed the air, letting out a triumphant neigh, only to find a rope thrown around his neck by another two-legged. He snorted, dropping to the ground, the earth catching his hooves. He tossed his black mane, staring at the one who threw the rope on him. Trent stood up, dusting himself off angrily and cursing under his breath. He noticed that Levi was upon his horse and quite nearby, so he approached him, careful not to get too close to his mare.

“Care to help out? That stallion won’t break… Would it be a’ight if we used your mare to calm’im?”

Duke watched, ears pinned as they seemed to be planning something but his eyes said everything to any who looked in them…

[Don't judge a thing until you know what's inside it]
[Dont' push me - I'll fight it]
[Never gonna give in - never gonna give it up no]
[If you can't catch a wave then your'e never gonna ride]
[You can't come uninvited]
[Never gonna give in - never gonna give up no]
[You can't take me I'm free]

“You can’t take me…” The stallion mumbled under his breath, eyes burning with pure hatred.