Name: Ryker

Breed: Wild Paint Mustang with Spanish influence

Gender: Stallion / Colt

Age: 6 years

Herd: El Rebaño eltoro

Parents: unknown

Mate/Crush: Rosa (Loren)

His nickname for Rosa is Mi pequeña flora. (my little flower)

Location: El Rebaño eltoro

Bio: Ryker was just months old when his mother died of malnutrition. He never knew his father. After his mother passed he started to roam, mostly looking for food and water. Until one day he came face to face with an old, VERY old, black stallion (Spirit's dad). The old stallion glared at the young colt and sighed. He hadn't seen a foal in a very long time. The first thing he noticed was how skinny this colt was. After erie silent stares between the two, Strider finally, in a gruff voice, asks the foal his name. Ryker had been so involved in finding food and water he had forgotten the name his mother had called him, witch hurt him deeply. So he answered, "I dont have one." Letting his eyes fall to the ground he felt quaky inside. Strider felt a surge of sympathy for the colt. Then all of the sudden he said... "Ryker". The colt looked up. "C'mon Ryker we got to find you some proper grazing." Then he turned around and started walkin off. Ryker, with a new meaning to himself, picked himself up and carried himself proudly behind the old stallion. While walking he said, "Sir, I dont know your name." Over his shoulder the old stallion said, "Strider." Those were the only words spoken on the way there.

Strider brought him to a meadow in thelow mountains. They stayed there until Ryker was bigger and better. Soon they had established a close bond with each other. Rkyker grew upin the small valley with Strider as his teacher and more importantly to Ryker, his serogate father. Ryker had grown to his yearling stance. His legs were long and his head was big, buthewas quickly filling out. Strider trainedhim in defence, speed, strength, and cunning. By his second year with Strider he was in top shape. Strider took pride in his pupil. They both decided it was time to start traveling and put Ryker's knowledge to the test. They headed out of the protection of the mountains. 

One day Ryker suddenly saw a figure about a mile before them, for they were on higher ground. He brought it to Strider's attention, who had already known that the figure was another young stallion. He asked Ryker, "What will you do?" He stood watching his pupil's every move. Ryker stood there alertly for a minute then took off. This stallion was too close for him to be comfortable. He was in Ryker's space and he intended to tell him to back off! He ran to the end of his pedastool and let out a sheer dry. It was a direct challenge to the new stallion. It was solid bay. He was young and strong, but too head-strong as well. He scoffed at Ryker and circled him. Suddenly he bolted toward Ryker. Ryker side-stepped and slashed the bay's quarters. The bay screamed his defiance! Ryker wounded his pride and know he felt for sure he would kill this painted foe. The bay reared up and met Ryker's ready fore-body. Front legs locked the bay threw all his weight on Ryker. Ryker braced his hind legs better and striked for his enemy's neck. The bay barely missed the snake-like strike. The bay lost his balance and fell to his feet, with Ryker coming down on him. Ryker steadily bit the bay's back and crest. The bay was weakening, now he desparately sought a gate-way to life. He felt as thought this painted illusion was going to kill him. The bay fell to his knees and toppled over just in time to see his foe above him. Ryker came crashing down, but he directed his hooves to the side of his apponent's frightened head. He stood snorting, staring at this bay who dared to challenge him. The bay so dazed from his oppenent's act of mercy didnt move. Then Ryker started pawing and tossing his head. The bay suddenly came to his senses and scrambled to his feet and ran off. Having an everlasting impresion of this young stallion.

Ryker shook the dust from his coat and looked toward Strider. The old horse had been on the leadge the whole time, closely examining his pupil. Strider nodded and Ryker made his way up to him. "Very well done. I am very pleased you let him live, but made it to him you wouldn't have. It strikes fear in your enemy's heart." the old stallion said, "Now you have to find a mudhole for your wounds. Preferably a red clay. It will cleanse your wounds and make your stressed body relieved." Ryker put his head to the wind he could smell the bay, still running, and he could smell the canyon. Finally he smelled a mud mire. It was in the canyon and would most likely be red. "Found one." he said and nodded to his teacher to follow him. They soon came upon the mire. it was clay and it was red, just as he had smelled. Ryker wallowed in it for many hours and finally convinced the old stallion to take a break and relax as well. 

After spending the night at the mire they headed off once again. Strider purposely headed toward the Cimmarron Herd. He wanted to get a glimpse of his real son, Spirit. Soon they had the herd in sight. "Now, Ryker. You can't beat this stallion. He is wise and strong. So stay outof his way and head his warnings. You may go off and wander around, meet here whenever. We will most likely stay here for a week." Strider was in himself arguing whether or not to show himself to his son. While Ryker started to wander down to the creek. He reached the creek and started drinking, he felt like he was being watched. He shifted his weight and smelled another horse, but this was a different horse smell. It smelled sweet to his senses, then a twig snapped he twisted around to find 3 young mares with a suprised blank expression on thier faces. He lifted his head and studied them for a minute. The mares were nervious, what would this stallion do to them? Then all the sudden a loud scream was heard. It was Spirit, he had noticed 3 of his teen mares missing. Then he smelled a strange stallion and follwed his scent. Now he was on the hill by the creek, watching, glaring at this threat. He was walking full of confidence toward Ryker. Right when Spirit started running a black figure ran out in front of him. It was Strider! Spirit wheeled around and stopped to get a better angle on this new foe. He reared and started to come plowing down on Strider... Ryker ran up there and braced Spirit's lock. He managed to shove Spirit off and he stood tall and solid and shouted,  "Stop you fool!" Spirit froze at these words, had this young stallion really called him a fool!?! Strider walked up and said, "Spirit." Spirit turned his attention toward the balck stallion. He noticed now that he was very old. But something inside him tugged. He looked more carefully, "Father?" he said with his head cocked. Strider sighed, "Yes, its me, Strider." Spirit was now acting like a yearling again. He was so happy but confused upon his father's return. "How is your mother?" Spirit lowered his head, "She's gone.... she passed last winter. Of old age though." "Im sorry." Strider was hurt that his mate had died, but his most regrert was leaving them behind.

Ryker glanced back at the mares, they were more relaxed now and were silently chatting about  something. As he looked over each one, one stole his attention. She was a blue black paint, but her markings were similar to his. She looked up and met his gaze. Quickly, feeling a little embarassed he turned his head. He heard chuckling and knew they were laughing at him. "Why dont yall stay for a while? It would give the young stallion time to socialize and I could talk to you more." Strider agree, he was eager to spend time with his son. Spirit and Strider walked off. "Come on youngins!" Spirit called back. The mares walked around Ryker with girlish grins on their faces and whispered and giggled some more. Ryker felt wierd around mares, he couldnt get to their thoughts and understand why they acted as they did.

They reached the herd and neighs of joy went all around from the older mares in the herd. They had seen their former leader and were glad to see him again. Spirit called a mare up and talked to her and motioned towards Ryker. The mare came up, "Alrighty you kids follow me." Ryker looked at the mares, surely she didnt mean me! He was a stallion not no colt! The mare turned around sensing his thoughts, "Your still a kid, no matter how knowledgeable you are." She smiled as she watched him reluctantly follow. They came up to a little valley, there were young horses everywhere! Over to the right against the hills were the colts and fillies. Then to his left closer to the woods were the yearlings. Where were his age? "Alright girls, ummm, Joy would you mind being this guy's guide?" "Sure! I guess I could show him around." it was the mare that had caught his eye and now she was his guide!

"Im Joy." she said smiling. "Im Ryker." he said hesitanly. "Follow me. I will take you to our group." So he followed her down to the waterfall he had seen. She went along a ledge behind it and went through a dark tunnel. Soon light flooded them. They were in a hidden field! Ryker just gazed in awe. Soon many other young mares and a few stallions walked up. There were the two mares that were with Joy and 3 more mares. There were 5 stallions. When everyone, except 3 stallions that were in the back, came up she said, "This is Ryker. He came with Spirit's dad. They will be staying for a week or more." Then came a flood of welcoming. Ryker felt a little uncomfortable and unknowingly side-stepped into Joy. "Ohh, sorry. I just, uhhh..." he was felt really pressured. "Alright guys back off and let him breathe!" she said half laughing. "They dont mean to swarm you." "Sorry, about stepping into you..." he trailed off as he looked away. "Its alright, you had reason to, not like the 3 back there." She swung her head toward the 3 stallions in the back. "Who are they and whats their problem?" He said jerking his head high. "Ugghh! They are the bad apples of our bunch, them and the 3 mares over there."

"They think they are the best..." she was interuppted by a sarcastic tone... "So we got a range..." "Dont you dare call him that!" Joy interrupted before he could he say it all. "Well, at least I know what he is!" the dark chestnut said raisning his head higher. "You shouldnt hang around him Joy. Might give you a disease!" "Dase stop! Your the one with a malfunction!" Dase quickly jerked his head toward Joy, "You better watch what you say to me darlin, cuz in a few weeks I'll be a rogue!... and YOU will be on my list!" Dase walked off followed by the other 2 stallions. "If I wasnt a guest..." Ryker started to say then glanced down at Joy. She was smirking, cuz she knew what he was gettin at. Down inside she knew she liked him too. "it didnt matter if he called me a range rat. It not like it would cut me down." he said smiling. It was the first time he had really smiled. That week he spent his days with Joy. She showed him everything and everyone. Many of the older mares liked his calm, respectful attitude and would often comment on him in front of Joy. They knew Joy didnt have anyone and that her friends already had their special someone. they also knew that she despised Dase and his gang as did they. 

Ryker had hardly talked to Strider since they had come into the herd. The old stallion was cathing up on lost time. Rykercouldnt help to be jealous a little bit, for Strider was like a fatherto him and now he hardly spoke to him. Joy began to notice his silentness and finally asked, "Ryker, whats wrong?" "Ohh, its nothing, I guess..." he siad looking off in the direction of Spirit and Strider. "He's like a father to you isnt he?" She said looking deep into his eyes. "Yeah, he's the only thing Ive known for 3 years." "Well, he'll come back to you, Im sure..." "I though I told you he was no good news!" Dase had emerged from the woods beside them. "Dase would you just leave!" "But I gotta make sure you dont get hurt sweetie." "Dont call me sweetie!"  He went between her and Ryker nipping her mane and going up to her forelock. "Dase!...." All the sudden Dase was snatched back by his mane! He wheeled around to see Ryker towering behind him. "What does the range rat want! You want to start something in front of Joy!?!" he said mockingly. Ryker stood firm and eyed Dase. "Leave her alone and skit!" Dase laughed, "Your telling me what to do? Alright you asked..." Dase charged Ryker, letting out a blood-curdling scream! Ryker dodged Dase. Then Dase reared up to Ryker. He locked his front legs in Ryker's and tried to bite him whereever he could. Ryker with lighting speed snapped at Dase slicing his neck and shoulders. There was blood covering both of them, mingling evil with good. 

Finally they fell to the ground and went into a kicking frenzy. By this time Strider and Spirit had heard the ruckus and were galloping toward the young stallions. "He'll kill that youngin!" Strider said worriedly, warning Spirit of how trained Ryker was. The twoyoung stallions werein a lock again when they heard the scream of Spirit, but Dase wouldnt back down, he kept trying to bite Ryker anywhere he could reach. Ryker kicked Dase and threw his weight on him and knocked him back 4 feet. In this moment Spirit slid in front of Dase. "Nock it off! Strider had halted beside Ryker. Lookingat the other young stallion making sure he was injured too bad. "Now why dont ya'll tell me whats goin on! Ya'll are all bloodied up! When neither stallion answered Spirit noticed that Joy stood 15ft away. "Joy! What happened?!?" She lowered her head, "Dase was harrassing me...and Ryker told him to back off. Well, Dase didnt and..." that was enough for Spirit. He knew far well that Dase had stared it. "Get back to your quarters Dase, and clean yourself up! Ill come to you later." "Sorry, Spirit, Ryker didnt mean to cause troule..." "No! its fine. Dase is a trouble maker anyway." then he looked at Ryker, "You got guts, kid. Would you really have killed him as Strider said?" Ryker looked at Strider, the old stallion knew he had never killed an opponent, yet he had felt he would have killed Dase. He was probably was right, though, because Joy was involved. "I might have shown him mercy... for Joy's sake." Spirit glanced over at Joy. She was trembling slightly and was a little blushed.

"I got to go find a clay pit, I will be back in a couple of days." "May I go with him? Spirit, Strider, and Ryker looked at her. Ryker, smiled slightly but not too much. "Joy I dont know... You do know what this fight was over right?" "Yes I do. I am fully aware. Ryker is a honest stallion and wont go against your leadership." Spirit looked at Strider. "No funny stuff... and yall be carefull!" Joy lit up with happiness. Ryker looked at Strider as if telling him, 'Youve abandoned me...' Strider just hung his head and walked after Spirit. Ryker turned to find Joy waiting for his command. "Joy..." he said as he smiled. "What! We better go find that clay of yours!" They walked for the longest time, Ryker was waiting for that familiar smell, when  he felt weight rest against him as they were walking. He looked down and saw Joy was leaning on him. She looked tired. He looked back up at the sky, "If we dont find one in a couple hours, we'll stop for the night." Joy looked up at him, all she did was smile. She was too tired to say anything. Then there was the smell! Ryker threw his head up into the wind and stopped. "Do you smell it?" "Yep and by golly it sure smells invitin! Cmon!" There it was it was in the shade of a big tree at the edge of the canyons. He trotted over and collapsed in the mire. Rolling and getting his blood stained coat soaked with the healing clay. Joy watched and giggled, "You look like a hog in his wallow!" "Well if you were wise, you would be a hog as well and make yourself a wallow!" he remarked back with a grin on his face. He had clay everywhere! Joy walked up and smelled the clay "It smells wierd... Ahh!" Ryker had got out and shook, sending clay flying everywhere! "Ryker! You snake!" He went up behind her a shoved her in. She threw her head up with clay all over, "Ryker!... Ryker I'll..." "Ryker was trotting back toward home. Joy quickly got up and galloped after him, reaching him she nipped his flanks. They laughed until they reached the stream. "Finally I can get this stuff off!" they got into the stream and washed off all the clay. Ryker then walked over to the grass and started to dried himself off. Joy air dried.

After grazing and drinking their fill they prepared for sleep. Ryker laid down and Joy came up and laid beside him. Thier warmth seemed to flow all around them. "Joy. I would like to know you forever." "I would too, Ryker." She fell asleep with his head hung over her whithers.

Forever ended up not being forever... Joy and Ryker ended up being separated. The event practically killed Ryker. His heart was so broken. For a two whole years he was an irritable insane uncontrolable rogue. He left Strider and Spirit in his past. His silence to them upon his departure answered any of their questions. Joy was gone and he would never be able to see her again. He soon picked up a reputation of a blood-thirsty fighter. Any stallion who smelt, saw, or sensed him sent their herds into a panicked flight. 

(to be continued)

(More will come as he grows older!)