Alone. That was all he wanted. All he ever needed. At least so the midnight steed had told himself. Over and over those words had slipped through his mind through the long empty years. No one. Nothing. Alone. Why could they not just leave him be? Even as the goliath's cry cut through the air a creeping sensation rippled along his dark pelt. The whisper of a scent. But it was gone as soon as it arrived. If watching eyes peered out from shadows he wished to make his own he held no intent to interrupt them. And beside some of real concern was making its way towards him with little hesitation. He had never sought out fights, yet by the speckling of scars that littered the black’s hid it was evident he had been forced through a number in his time. As it was just then, the stallion had found his presence was far from welcome in some lands. So why did he not simply turn and flee when all he wished for was solitude? All he need do was bow his head, to turn tail and allow himself to be chased back beyond their borders. No. Even a stallion well practised in the arts of war might have balked at the beast charging towards him. Certainly any youngster would have thought twice or even three or four times before engaging him. Without any great need why risk the promise of damage the towering frame bearing down might do. But what did he have to lose? What did he have to gain? He did not consider either as he remained to face the oncoming freight train. Fleeting thoughts were shoved aside under the stallion’s instincts. For once the living shadow came to life as teeth pinched upon his flesh, a harsh snort blowing from his nostrils as his weight shifted to pull from that grasp. Fortunately that movement draw him aside from the strike that came to follow, unfortunately it set his balance off as the immense weight of the other came crashing against his side. A grunt emerged as hooves cut into the earth, limbs stumbling to keep him upright as he wheeled away. He did not flee still. Though limbs had barely steadied his haunches flashed up, heels lashing back at the stallion behind him. Out of sight he might have been, yet that great bulk offered a large enough target. Forwards he moved the instant he landed, thick dark mane shaken out irritably as he turned about to face the brute. Perhaps in some corner of his mind the pain was welcomed. It told him despite everything, despite all his beliefs, he was still alive. Enough to feel that much. In the dark eyes that locked upon his three toned opponent a small gleam shone, inviting him to do his worst, accepting the punishment though still refusing to bow his head to it.