Conclusion [Sunset—Rancho Heche Gravesite]

Dusk burned in multicolored fire across the sky. Chill blew harder across grass, flower and passersby alike. Storm amassed in dark curtain over the Pacific. Natura itself stood ready to stage her own protest. A few birds congregated in the trees to the grave's left; their warble a requiem of sorts for those struck down before their time.

Alejandro struggled to deal with everything. He remained numb from Diego's and Victoria's respective deaths that morning. His neighbors' assistance brightened things. Then Felipe's revelation and the cave underneath the hacienda overwhelmed him. Sadness burdened him over the destruction of the chemistry set and tools. After that, they'd packed a few choice possessions. The servants prepared a grand dinner and food for the upcoming journey.

Ruins all….

Toronado grunted at him.

"Si. Gracias, Toronado." Alejandro glanced back toward Felipe and Mendoza. He dismounted with slow and deliberate fashion. He walked over to the grave. "Buenas Tardes. I still cannot believe you are gone…all of you. Diego, Felipe showed me the cave. I now see the double life you led. I now understand why you did those science experiments. How I wish you could have shared your reasons with me. I would have understood. Still, I suppose you were protecting me as your father as much as I would you as my son. Your mother I am sure enjoys your company once more. Victoria, you're now with him. Much as with Mercedes, you are always part of our familia. Mercedita, please watch over them. They cared for you as I do." He kissed his fingers and touched the cross. "I will return when I can. For now, there will be justice."

Toronado whinnied.

"Si." Alejandro nodded. "We must go to Monterrey. There words will be said. Measures will be taken. Diego, we will welcome Felipe into our family. Victoria, you will accorded due status as Doña." He placed a bouquet of roses on the grave. "From those blooms that you nurtured, Diego. Gracias." He bowed his head. A whispered prayer escaped his lips. Then he walked back toward his companions. He climbed back onto Toronado's back. "Are we set?"

"I said a prayer while you were at the grave, Don Alejandro," Mendoza informed him.

"Then we should ride. We have a long way to go." Alejandro urged Toronado onward. He led the others back toward the main road. Once there, they galloped north up the coast and toward the territorial capital where Rehabilitation and Justice would hopefully await….

As the hoofbeats' echoes faded in the distance, Light brightened the trees to the grave's left. An orb floated into view. It wove and bobbed through the field. Then it stopped beside the recently covered place. It shifted and took on human form.

Mercedes shook her head. "You did what you both had to, Diego and Victoria. Today was not your time. Nor should Alejandro have to endure what is coming either. Gracias for you help. The children's joy brightens my way." She glanced toward the sky.

Lightning sparked across the sky. Thunder boomed. Storm howled. Rain and Hail pelted the landscape.

"Si." She nodded. She patted the grave. "I go now to set things back to their destined course. Know that your cause is respected and carried on by others. It is they that I shall seek out now. ¡Por mi amor por Alejandro, esto no aguantará!" She glanced toward the northwest. "Vaya con Dios, mi Amor." Then she disappeared into Nocturne's deepening shadow.

Tragedy held its sway. Still Promise beckoned Hope to the field. Whereas Past had played its hand and Present had tarried from its path, Future would need to intervene.

A special circumstance indeed….

TO BE CONTINUED

(**Author's Note: Things look pretty grim don't they? It seems that Riscendo's getting everything he wants. Alejandro and Mendoza are on their way to get help. Our hero and his lady are gone. Seems to be the end. Right?

Not so fast…

As I told one reviewer, this is only Part 1. Part 2 "Ripples" will start shortly. Please keep an eye over in the High Chaparral fandom. The story will pick up there in the future (Arizona in the 1870s). The Cannons and Montoyas have a role to play in this story. Remember the flashbacks in "A Love Remembered"? Everyone, get ready to meet Manolito Montoya and Mercedes Vega de Montoya, the original characters from them. Part 3 "Strangers" will bring everyone back to Los Angeles and settle matters. (It may be just Part 3 or possibly a Part 4 too. I don't know yet.

Don't underestimate Amor and Duty, Folks. They won't be denied….**)