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Chapter 92

Home

"I can't stand the distance
I can't dream alone
I can't wait to see you
'Cause I'm on my way home...

...I've seen every sunset
And with all that I've learned, oh
It's to you I will always, always return"

– I Will Always Return by Bryan Adams

How deathly quiet was the morning in the hills...the stealthy shadows of the spring clouds, trail through the canon, and the mountain stream sounded his sonorous music far below in the deep-wooded wind-enchanted cove. The pearly pale morning cast grey shadows in the entrance of a large cave, where a bright pelt of a young mare gleamed into the rising sunlight. She stood at its opening, her flaxen mane draped as the veil over the side of her delicate face. Her beautiful blue eyes were swimming in pools of tears as she glanced behind where the two colts lay beside one another. Rain's heart squeezed tight within her chest every time she gazed upon the motherless Dusty. The poor colt had cried for his dead mother until he gave to exhaustion and fell asleep. Wanbli had remained by his side and had not even shifted to find solace in his own mother. No. He had been determined to remain with his brother and share this great sorrow. Rain could only do so much to abstain from her own sobs. The urge was far too great but she could not break down...not when she needed to remain strong. The young colts looked to her now and not just them...the entire herd regarded her as their leader. Misty was gone, Bolder's situation was unclear and Esperanza...

It took all her willpower not to scream at the injustices. Spirit's mother had been captured right before her own eyes. From the outside, Rain willed herself to be as hard and strong as a statue of marble but inside, she was screaming and throwing a tantrum. Why? Why? Why? The question would not leave her...in fact, it haunted her. Why were these individuals taken away from her? She didn't think she was strong enough to deal with so much loss. And yet, she must. Wanbli and now Dusty needed her, not to mention the herd of Cimarron relied on her as the lead mare. She knew not how to proceed.

The mares were all huddled together. Strider's wise sisters, Willow and Goonda, seemed to have aged faster in these short, few days...thanks to all the stress and lack of sleep. They were both currently flanking Nova, who had just come to a realization that she was with foal...with Bolder's foal. That explained why she had been feeling so lethargic, weak and overly-sensitive lately. But Rain's gut wrenched each time she thought about the possibility that Bolder may not return, that poor Nova may be left alone to care for the coming foal. As a habit, her crystal eyes darted toward the blue sky. Perhaps, she would spot Spirit's companion up there, soaring through the wind. Perhaps, he would bring her the tales of her beloved stallion and her human friend. But nothing. There was no sign of the Bald Eagle and consequently, no news of Spirit and Little Creek.

The situation appeared hopeless. They were vulnerable mares without a stallion, hiding in the shadows of a cavern. And while she was grateful for this spot – the same area that had provided shelter for her mother's herd as well – Rain knew that they couldn't keep here for long. They had to find good grazing grounds, they had to move out into the lush pastures and maybe discover what had become of their friends. They needed to return to the valleys of Cimarron, where they belonged. She would not feel sorry for herself. She did not have time for it. All her training with Esperanza and even back in her own village with Little Creek, had prepared her for this. She had to rise up and become a worthy leader...the leader that Spirit believed she was destined to be. How can I do this without you, my love? She always pictured them working side by side and yet...there was no Spirit to assure her of his love for her, no warm eyes of Esperanza to encourage her along the way, no Bolder to show her a positive light, not even Misty to tease and poke fun only to end up giving her valuable advice from her own past afterwards. Oh, how she missed them. All of them. Most of all, she wished to reunite with Spirit. Without him, her heart was completely and utterly desolate. Empty. She needed him to get through these difficult times. The colts needed their father, especially poor Dusty. And of course, the herd needed a lead stallion, their true, lead stallion...the son of Strider.

Home. He was her home. Without him, it did not matter where she was and what became of her. The sense of belonging was only when she was reunited with the other half of her heart.

Come back to me, beloved. Come back. Somehow, someway...may we be reunited again.

Hanging her head low, she turned to plod back into the cover of the cave, deciding to wait few more hours before she brought up the subject of "moving out" to the herd. Besides, Nova, Willow and Goonda, along with the two colts, had just finally fallen asleep, and she did not have the heart to wake them. As she was turning, a sound of hoofbeats trotting against the damp ground reached her ears. Immediately, she stiffened, her ears perking forward as she swung round to face whoever was headed towards her. Uttering a small prayer, Rain hoped that the wranglers had finished their mustang hunt and were indeed gone, but she was not sure if that were the case. The spring breeze carried the scent of the approaching stranger which tickled her pink nostrils. Just as suddenly, her defensive stance relaxed. It was Cloud! Forcing a genuine smile to appear on her face, Rain walked forward to greet him, but it was not the sight of the pale-gleaming stallion that made her blue eyes go wide with shock.

"Esperanza!" She gasped in surprise once she beheld the palomino mare trailing silently behind Cloud. "How can this be? You were captured!" And before her own eyes too. While she had miraculously managed to jump over the fence, Esperanza had been stuck in the corral.

Spirit's mother met Rain's fierce embrace as she lunged toward her without a second thought and nuzzled her cheeks. " Rain, my dear." She murmured softly, pulling her close. "It was Azogar. If he had not broken down the barriers with all his might, we would've been entrapped and taken."

Only then, did Rain's puzzled countenance shift towards the grullo stallion, who was standing few feet away from them, his own herd not far behind him. She couldn't believe her ears. Azogar was the hero for once in his life? Not knowing what to say, she simply gaped at him, which caused the stallion to smile in amusement.

"Greetings, Rain." He grinned, the corner of his mouth lifting.

"Azogar, we owe you, my friend." Cloud agreed, for he too had made it out of the entrapment only after the fence had been smashed.

"You owe me nothing. I only did what your stallion taught me to do, Rain." He looked at the paint mare with a glint of sadness in his eyes as he thought of Spirit. "Once, we teamed up to save a trapped herd of mustangs in the exact same way. If Spirit had not stubbornly insisted that I aid him, I would have failed today."

By now the whole herd had stirred as they came out of the cavern to behold their visitors. Esperanza was met with squeals of happiness and excitement, even the little colts happily pranced around her. Dusty's sorrow momentarily vanished. "Oh grandmama! You're back! You're back!"

"Yes, my loves. I am here." For Esperanza it was a blessing to breathe in the sweet scents of her grand-foals again. To touch them again, to nuzzle their tiny, cute faces and hold them in a fond embrace. Couple of hours ago, she believed that the fate had condemned her to a cruel life where there would come not rescue. Yet in all the hopeless darkness, brightness always seemed to surge through and prevail. In spite of tragedies, kindness and love always emerged victorious.

"At least you returned to us, Esperanza." Goonda began mournfully. "So many losses in such a short time. I am so thankful that you managed to get away from those foul creatures."

"Everyone was not as lucky as we." Azogar nodded at her statement, he grew sober as he thought of the countless other mustangs, who had been captured by those men.

"Which is precisely why we are so grateful." Spoke up Willow, her devastated expression unmistakeable. "We've lost Misty, we know not what has become of Bolder or Spirit, for that matter. These are tough times."

Esperanza's warm, brown eyes were filled with watery liquid. "Oh goodness..." Her heart sank so low as she held the motherless Dusty close to her. With her eyes, she searched for answers from Rain and as soon as their tearful gazes met, she knew that the black mare had gone defending her niece and colts.

"Rain...I am so sorry." She whispered, feeling the pain and grief that seemed to be overflowing from the paint mare.

"What of my nephew?" Azogar announced suddenly, his inquiring gaze darting from Rain to Nova. "We cannot possible abandon him either. We must continue the search."

Nova lowered her head, her forelock shielding her entire face, her pretty eyes fixated on her stomach. Rain did not respond either, unable to find the right words. She had no idea where to begin the search for Bolder for she knew not what had befallen him or where he had been taken for that matter. He knew that he had been chased by wranglers separately but that was all.

Cloud, however did not suffer from silence. "Azogar, you have a herd that needs your protection now more than ever. As do I. Bolder has always been a strong, independent stallion, who lived out most of his adult life as a loner. If anyone can take care of himself, it is him. On top of that, we do not know where to look and the two-leggeds are still scattered in our own territories, trying to gather whatever mustangs they can find. We must all go into hiding at least for few months."

Go into hiding...away from Cimarron. Rain paced back and forth as she considered his words. "Where are we to go, Cloud? In case you didn't notice, we have very few options available at present."

"We must move far north. That is where your brother has gone, Azogar, as has your father, Nova." He looked at the two relatives of the said individuals. "Staying here has become too dangerous. I propose we all stick together and head north as soon as possible. In fact, if we do not want to be spotted by the two-legged spies, we will need to start moving by the light of the moon...that is, at night."

There was truth and urgency in Cloud's warning. No one knew how long the two-leggeds were planning on staying in their homeland. It could've been the whole summer season for that matter. Rain did not mean to sigh. It was just how her breath emerged through a tired throat as she stood protectively over her son and Dusty, who she already regarded as her own son. "I suppose that is our only solution for the moment." Even as she said the words of agreement, her heart was twisting with ache. If they left, then there was a very slim chance of ever seeing Spirit again or Bolder.

Nova seemed to be of the same opinion. "Wait a minute. What about Bolder? Shouldn't we wait for him to return before we leave? We cannot desert him. I will not!" Her whinny came out tormented from her throat.

"Nova's right." Azogar nickered his agreement, glaring at Cloud with disapproval. "I won't move a muscle until I find out what happened to my nephew." Rain had to marvel at the bold pronouncement of the grullo stallion. This horse was once so bitter, angry and jealous of his nephew but life had such a funny way of altering those negative emotions.

Cloud let out a deep exhale in resignation. "I understand. And we shall give him two more days, but if he won't return until then...we will have to proceed without him." Even though, it hurt to even consider such a possibility, everyone, including Nova and Azogar knew that he was right.

Rain dropped her neck with defeat. Obviously, the thought of Spirit did not enter anyone's mind. Except maybe Esperanza's. But in the mind of everyone else, he was gone for good. Maybe he really was and she should have given up hope by now. Yet something continued to linger in her heart. Something she couldn't quite distinguish.

With each stride, he could feel the rider on his back growing weaker, the blood oozing from his wound stained the defined muscled shoulder of the stallion. It was one thing to gallop away and break free from their enemies, but it was another to find shelter. Spirit had no idea where he was flying to. For a long moment, he just gave his legs to the wind and extended his stride, setting the swift pace he loved most, feeling the freedom as he got closer and closer to his homeland. But where was he to take Little Creek? The young Lakota was not in charge...he was not directing his movements. And Spirit couldn't possibly bring him to his herd. Little Creek needed to go to his people where they would take care of him...where he could continue to fight for his own freedom. Spirit forced himself to slow his speed and go back to a trot when he felt Little Creek's head sagging on his neck, powerless to support himself upward. It was as though he was being draped over him like a sack, his eyes glossy and delirious. Groaning just a bit, Spirit felt him shifting to adjust himself on his back, but he had a hard time balancing his body, so the stallion had no other choice but to come to a stop. Otherwise, his human friend might have fallen off.

"Spirit, hear, this!" The call of the Eagle brought his head up towards the sky. "The cavalry has retreated!" He had not seen his winged companion since the day before, when he had flown down like the bird of the prey that he was and almost scratched the eyes out of Granite, the Colonel's mount. Who knows? Perhaps, he really did.

"Are you certain?" The stallion neighed his response in disbelief. Custer Snake was not the man to give up easily.

"They know they are vulnerable here, after all...we are approaching the sacred grounds of the Lakota warriors. Have you forgotten? The encampment of Red Cloud and his rebels is only few miles from here. The massacre of your friend's men have reached their ears. They are currently on the move. I am guessing to ascertain that the infamous Crazy Horse is still alive and well."

It was as though Spirit's silent pleas and prayers had been answered. "Why, that is a relief! Little Creek needs assistance. I'm afraid he cannot journey much further on his own. We must take him to his kind this minute."

"My young friend," Began the Eagle as he flapped his majestic wings to hover closer to the stallion. "I know this human creature means a lot to you, but please remember that you too must return to your own kind. Your presence is needed now more than ever."

The brows of the golden horse knitted, frown appearing on his expression. "Is everything alright?" With all the human conflict, battles and wars he had been dealing with as of late, Spirit had not realized that his herd may be struggling without him.

"Two-leggeds that are set on capturing your kind have gathered around your homeland. I know not how your herd is fairing at the moment, but I was instructed by Bolder to find you and bring you home."

Home...how close and at the same time, how far it seemed.

At the mention of his cousin, Spirit's jaw twitched, his heart leapt and a very familiar feeling dashed back like a wave: Dread. Bolder would not have sent the Bald Eagle to him had he not considered the situation threatening and dire. Suddenly, the son of Strider found himself swarmed with conflicting emotions. He knew he couldn't abandon Little Creek, not when he was wounded and bleeding on his back. But he also knew that great trouble was brewing for his herd. The wranglers...that obsessed mustanger, he would most certainly be back to either reclaim him or catch whatever "Ghost" he had been searching for. The man was absolutely demented and insane. He would not give up until he caught what he was looking for. What if Bolder somehow fell into that trap? He didn't know why but suddenly, a very bad sensation gripped at his heart. He must get Little Creek to his people right away so that he could gallop back to Rain, his colts, his mother and the herd. No doubt, they needed him.

"Please, guide me to where Red Cloud and his warriors are. We must deliver Little Creek to them." Spirit asked his friend, worry and anxiety overwhelming his entire being.

"Follow me!" The Eagle floated above him and flew ahead, while Spirit loped with an easy stride, desperately attempting keep his unconscious human friend from sliding off.

It was around evening when Spirit decided to steady his pace again, the setting sun burned into his golden coat as Little Creek slowly but surely, regained a bit of his former strength.

"Where are you taking me, my friend?" He murmured with a strained voice, looking down at Spirit with dizziness. The stallion's nostrils had picked up a scent of humans. He inspected the hoof prints outlined on the ground, and realized that it would not be long till they reunited with Red Cloud and his war party.

Little Creek's eyes followed Spirit's, trying not to hiss at the painful gash in his thigh, he grunted. "Thanks be to the Creator...that could very well be Red Cloud's warriors." He spoke as he too eyed the trail left by the horsemen.

Spirit nickered in agreement; he was glad that his human had come to his senses but was worried for him. What if the wound caused some sort of an infection? What if his leg had to be amputated. He had heard from Rain and Great Conquest that sometimes humans did that to one another when an injury was too great. He prayed that would not be the case with his friend. As though reading his thoughts, Little Creek leaned toward him and petted his neck.

"Worry not, dear friend. I shall be alright. It is but a scratch." Scratch...yeah, right. Half of his blood covered Spirit's left side. The cry of the Bald Eagle snapped both of their attentions.

"Why, that is the sign of Great Spirit himself." Little Creek said with wonder, his eyes glowing as he beheld the magical being. "We will be alright." He assured his four-legged companion. And while Spirit really wanted to believe his words, the nagging feeling in his heart, the sickness in his stomach would not leave him. He must return to his herd! He must make sure they were alright! He must be with Rain, the colts, his mother and the herd again. But first, he had to find Red Cloud and make sure Little Creek was safe. He must succeed in one thing in order to triumph in the second.

He was just about to resume his lope, to reach the Lakota renegades, who were somewhere near, when Little Creek "woah"ed him to a halt and climbed down from his back with great effort. Pressing his hand on his nasty slash, Little Creek stared into the deep, intelligent brown eyes of the stallion.

"No, Spirit...I will proceed alone from here."

The furrowed brows of the stallion and the concerned look on his countenance were enough to make Little Creek place his hand on Spirit's forehead. "I know you do not want to abandon me but I have kept you from your family long enough. Well, no more of it. I am so sorry. I got carried away by my own ambitions and completely forgot that you were always meant to be free, Spirit...Who-Could-Not-Be-Broken. And whatever you are doing right now is..." He sighed, shaking his head as he sniffed, melancholy colouring his face."...it is not fair to you, my friend. So many great horses and men were lost in that attack. I do not want the same fate to befall on you. I am ready to accept whatever may come my way, but I am not ready to jeopardize your life in order to achieve my goals. I cannot...I love you too much." Little Creek released another heavy breath and rested his own forehead against Spirit's muzzle.

"Be free, Child of the West. Go to my Rain...protect your colts, watch out for them and take care of them." Little Creek rasped, his voice came out shaky, for he knew that he would most likely never see the wild stallion again. His true friend...his rock, his companion, his partner, his spirit horse. They were so similar...both birds of the feather.

Little Creek slowly stepped away from the magnificent stallion, looking at him admiringly. "It has been a privilege knowing you...I am honoured you showed me your heart, Spirit."

Understanding this scrawny two-legged was never too hard for Spirit. Especially these past few months, they had become so in tune with one another. He nodded at him, respect, love and friendship swam in the deep, depths of his orbs. "I will miss you, my friend." Nickered the stallion in response. He didn't realize that having to say goodbye to him twice would be this difficult. The first one had been hard enough and now this...

Spirit's heart crumpled into strange knots, his eyes never leaving his friend's.

Little Creek smiled in return, tears filling his own dark pools. "I will miss you too. Send my love to Rain and Enchanted Wings." The name he had given to Wanbli. Neither one of them shifted from their rooted spots as they regarded each other for moments long. Parting was always so difficult...particularly, when one parted with a best friend. Wanting to set the first example, Little Creek turned as the sound of the approaching horsemen entered their eardrums. Red Cloud and his warriors were cantering towards them, there shapes illuminated by the sunset.

"Go! Run free!" Little Creek ordered, looking at his four-legged friend one last time before he rotated and started to limp to his own kind.

"I will!" Spirit reared up, his long dark mane flowing against his golden neck like a beautiful banner in the setting, reddish sun. Neighing with a triumphant glee as a final goodbye, Little Creek whooped along with him as he often had done. They had given each other strength, companionship and help when they needed the most. Friendships like this never died...they both knew it. No matter where they went and what they did, they would always remember each other.

Swinging round, Spirit broke into a swift gallop, making his way towards his homeland, towards his own kind. Yet his thoughts remained with Little Creek, who had stopped half-way to watch the breathtaking Mustang race into freedom. Would he ever get tried of such a marvellous sight? So many adventures they had together. So many trials. So many cherishing moments. The most magical would forever be imprinted on both of their minds...that time when they flew on the golden wings...when they were the same. Just the same. When magic happened.

"Follow your heart, little child of the west wind...follow the voice, that's calling you home." Little Creek's words were a mere whisper in the breeze. "Follow your dreams...but always remember me, for I am your brother under the sun." For who could ever be parted from the spirit of their own brother?

Spirit stretched his long legs, his swift speed, giving him the illusion of flying across the land. He knew Little Creek was watching him. He knew he was there. He knew he was whispering the words on the breeze, wishing him all the best in life. He would never forget Little Creek, known as Crazy Horse, and he knew that he too would forever remain in the young human's heart for the rest of his life. Not just him...Rain also and their colt. But both he and Little Creek belonged in different worlds and they must return to their own kind as nature had intended. That, however, did not signify that the human brother of his would ever be forgotten. He would continue to forever live in his heart.

He hoped that his message was carried on the breeze as well...carried straight to his human. "Whenever you hear the wind in the canyon, Little Creek...whenever you see the buffalo run, wherever you go...my spirit will be beside you, for you are my brother under the sun."

"Two days have passed and there is still no sign of Bolder." Cloud announced gravely as he overlooked the clustered group of horses that included Cimarron herd as well as his own herd and Azogar's. "We cannot wait any longer. We must leave these lands before the humans discover us. I have questioned every forest animal about his whereabouts and no one knows what became of him."

"Perhaps the crows have seen him?" Azogar's voice rang in desperation rather than hope. It appeared he too was losing faith that his nephew would return to them any time soon. Rain searched Nova's downcast eyes, trying to send her a silent plea that she should not give up hope and that no matter what others said, her stallion would return. He had to! This was the horse who moved like a spectre, after all. He could get away from those foolish two-leggeds. Oh, he must!

"If they have, then they have failed to report any news of him." Cloud replied, lost in thought as he debated whether to extend the waiting timeline. Rain knew that he could not...even if he wanted to, both Cloud and Azogar were responsible for their own herds' safety. And as for the herd of Cimarron, they needed the protection of a band stallion. They could not possibly stay without a strong defender. "I am sorry, Nova..." He eyed the filly of Raven with regret. "...but we will head out tonight."

No one objected to this. How could they when Cloud was only trying to spare them from the vicious two-leggeds? They were still roaming about their territories, hoping to catch few more mustangs...in fact, as many as they could still find. They had to leave the lands if they wanted to remain free. Rain knew that, but knowledge did not stop the pain inside her heart. No doubt, Nova was feeling the same way, but she remained tight-lipped and dared not to argue. She was expecting a foal...her priority was now to keep her coming, unborn offspring as safe and sound as possible. And neither one of them were safe as long as they remained within the reach of those biped creatures.

"What do you think, Rain?" Esperanza asked as she came up to her, surprising her with her question.

Rain's mouth almost fell open. "My opinion should not matter."

"Perhaps not if the matter only concerned Cloud and Azogar's families." Began the sage palomino mare. "But this also concerns the Cimarron herd."

Again, Rain's blue eyes widened with an inquiring gaze, which caused Esperanza to smile slightly. "Rain, you are the lead mare now. We want to know what you think. If you wish to wait for Bolder, we shall oblige."

"I...a lead mare?" Rain almost stuttered. "I do not think that title should be carried by me." Not when her mate, the lead stallion of the Cimarron, was so far away. It was not right.

"Why is that?" Esperanza's voice was gentle as usual. Filled with motherly warmth and love.

"Because...the lead stallion, who believed in me is not here." Rain's blue eyes were filled with sudden tears. And who knows? He could very well never be by her side again.

Esperanza nuzzled the side of Rain's face. "With that logic, I should've stopped being a lead mare of this herd a long time ago. We need you, Rain. I want you to take your rightful place here."

"Oh, Esperanza...I want both of them to return but...it seems so unlikely and I...I don't think I can survive without Spirit. He is my everything...my home." The paint mare admitted woefully.

"Dear child, all will be well. We must retain hope and if we won't be reunited with our loved ones in this life...we will in the next." There was so much calmness and peace in the older's mare tone, as if she had finally accepted that whatever storm would come their way, they would be equipped with enough strength to withstand it. Her serenity was so inspiring that for a moment, Rain felt the same sort of peace reigning in her own heart.

"You are right." Even if Spirit was not by her side, even if Bolder had vanished without a trace, with Misty gone and Little Creek far away, Rain was profoundly grateful to have the mother of her beloved back. Her support was always so very much needed.

Esperanza beamed. "Well, then...what is your answer? Should we move out as Cloud suggests and return when it is safe to do so?"

Becoming a lead mare meant that her personal desires, her selfishness and own wishes had to be placed aside in favour of the herd members she was charged to care for.

Taking a deep breath in order to steady her broken heart, Rain spoke with resolution. "We will move out at sunset."

The rays of the low sun were long like the wings as they glistening in the beams, brightening the mountain tops with its ethereal golden hues. Rain walked by the crystal valley-stream, before she had to return to the cavern to round up the herd and follow after Cloud and Azogar. She wished to wander amid the mild and mellow light, to lose her herself for minutes more before the reality hit her. She just wished for one lonely hour to hymn the setting day. She paused, her blue eyes fixed on the leaking, shallow water as the blue water lilies floated limply on its surface. She knew that the decision she had made was right and yet her heart tore at the thought of leaving her home. This is where they belonged. She belonged with him and life without him seemed too impossible. Would she be forced to live out her days like Esperanza had? Would both she and Nova go through the same agony every single day? She didn't think she was strong enough. A couple of hours ago, when she had told the herd that they would join Cloud and Azogar, Wanbli had stared up at her with his round, blue eyes and asked. "What of father, mama? Why won't we wait for him? Surely he will come with us."

It was then Rain realized that she needed to be alone for a little while or else she'd dissolve into tears and embarrass herself. She knew Spirit was with Little Creek. They were both putting their lives at stake for others. Maybe she should forget him. Maybe by thinking of him so often, she was just making herself miserable. Maybe she was being selfish yet again. Maybe...she should open her heart to some other stallion, if he came along, asking for her love. But No. It was unthinkable! Not while Spirit lived! She kept walking in a leisurely way, not really knowing her destination...just walking to get some fresh air. Staying in the cavern most of the time was too much for her. She was not used to being cooped up, neither were the other horses, but it seemed to irk her the most. Perhaps, it was because her mind had been so preoccupied lately. The sun was gently sinking back into the earth...she knew she must return to the cave, where the herds awaited her, and yet...she lingered. The breeze gathered her flaxen mane, making the strands dance around her face and over the side of her neck. Overhead the branches of the blooming trees leaned forward and touched each other, forming a tunnel of dappled light. A path trod by small forest animals had formed near the brook and disappeared into the trees. She should go back...

A stirring of bushes and the sound of twigs snapping made her jerk to look at the path. Startled, she saw a lone figure come into view...tall, beautiful and golden, wonderfully illuminated against the gorgeous rays of the setting sun. The beauty of the golden stallion was unmistakeable. His dark mane and tail were swaying in the cool, spring evening. A far off cry of the eagle caught in her ears, but she could not pay attention to anything else besides the nearing horse. "Spirit!"

He stopped, his chocolatey eyes meeting her sapphire ones. He let himself go for a moment and stepped toward the little stream and halted as though affronted by its lack of depth. Rain stared at Spirit as though she had laid her gaze at him for the first time. In a way...it was true. A certain hard look of mistrust towards humans had gone and his eyes were no longer clouds of stubbornness or bitterness, for that matter. Serving in battle alongside war horses made their mark on his dun-skin body, more scars seemed to appear and he looked older than the coltish stud she recalled falling in love with. Throughout these long, hard months, he had gained more wisdom and experience. No longer was there the same old cocky, mischievous glint of pride in him, that came with pure reckless self confidence. Instead, his presence exuded magnificence, nobility, intelligence and quiet, calm sort of confidence that only came with great experience...with age. He looked like a true leader...a proud king. The new look in his brown eyes held her absolutely spellbound. Was she dreaming?

He took another step forward and all at once, all the self control between them shattered and they rushed at each other. Spirit drew her against him and bending a little, enveloped her with his strong neck. "Rain," he said, half-chocking from the constriction in his throat. "My dearest love."

He caressed her, as her nose pressed against his hard shoulder. She couldn't believe he was really here. This surely must be a dream. How could her wishes and prayers be answered so soon? And yet his body was warm against hers and she felt his lips nibbling on her forelock. She smelled the foresty scent on him, heard the swift thudding of his heart and rustling of leaves, the twittering of birds in the spring sunset. No, it was all too real to be a dream.

She lifted her head and he nuzzled her, gently, with hard-won restraint. At last it was she who pulled away and stood looking up at him, trembling. What did this mean? She backed up against a tree and braced herself against it.

"How...did you find me? How is it that you have returned?" Her words were but a soft whisper.

Spirit's eyes were intense and penetrating, his muscles taut, his own voice full of emotion. "Did you really think I would abandon you? That we would be apart forever? Little Creek and I have done what we needed to accomplish together. I care for him but he has his own destiny to follow...and I have mine. The Eagle informed me that I was needed here and he acted as my guide. I am here now beloved...here to stay."

His words pierced right through her soul as her blue eyes filled up with tears of joy again. "But...wh-why?" Her bottom lip quivered.

"Why?" Spirit hesitated for a moment, watching her expression closely. "Because...this is where I belong. This is where we belong. You are my home, Rain. We were meant to be together."

Rain was looking at him in bewilderment, overwhelmed with happiness and swirling emotions that she could not analyze in that second. "Oh...this is like a dream. Better than a dream." After all the horrors she had witnessed, this seemed like something too sweet, too beautiful and dear.

Spirit saw in her eyes the great happiness she felt and couldn't stop smiling himself. He reached out and touched her lips gently with his own. "My flaxen beauty..."

"Oh Spirit." Rain let out an exasperated breath and all her emotions burst as she embraced him, unbridled tears flowing from her blue pools. "My love, my love. So many things have h-happened and I–"

"Shhh..." Spirit held her close, pressing his forehead against hers. "I know...but we will be alright. You and I...we can withstand anything together."

And in that moment, as she gazed into his warm, brown eyes – so much like his mother's – she knew that he was right. "We must go into hiding. You see, the two-leggeds have–"

"Everything will be alright, my love." Spirit assured.

Rain knew it was true...after all, he had returned. Yes, everything would finally be alright now. "Come, everyone will be so happy to see you, especially Wanbli and Dusty."

"How I missed my colts." Brightest grin appeared on Spirit's handsome face and Rain's heart squeezed as she remembered that Misty was no longer there to share in their happiness.

"Dusty will need your love more than ever. Misty...she died protecting the foals and I."

He had a feeling something like that would happen. The strange dreams...the dreadful sensations all these months. It made sense now. A single tear spilled forth from his orb, his countenance sorrowful and yet filled with optimism and triumph. "I always believed there was great kindness hidden in her heart...she did not disappoint." Spirit smiled with sadness as he continued. "My poor Dusty. I know you will care for him and love him as a mother should."

Rain nestled her nose against his throat. "I made a promise to Misty and I intend to keep it. Come, my love. Let us go to them." She beckoned him gently.

Before Spirit could follow, he grabbed her flaxen mane and pulled her close again. Some of his previous mischief and playfulness returning to him. "And what of the promise you made to me, my flaxen beauty?"

"What do you mean?" Rain raised her brows, unable to stop a smile from animating her face.

"A filly, just as gorgeous as her mother."

Rain could not help but giggle as she shook her head, laughter also bubbling up from Spirit. In spite of so many tragedies, they still found happiness in each other.

They were all together. All three herds had their lead stallions stationed at the rear, all of the mares were gathered together in the middle, their young ones kept in a single file line. The lead mares stood at the front as was customary, waiting for directions from their stallions. The great joy that accompanied Spirit's return was mixed with grief and devastation as the families of Azogar, Cloud and the entire Cimarron band listened to the Bald Eagle's alarming news concerning the Lone Stallion...Bolder.

"It was unbelievable, Spirit..." The great bird said as he told the brave tale that had started to circulate in the land. "Crows say that he had given them quite an astonishing chase. Those two-leggeds looked as though they had been dragged to hell and back when they retreated empty handed. But what an ending...it was as though mighty Strider had come back to re-enact his leap. This ghost of a horse, the phantom stallion...our own Bolder just heads for the cliffs and takes off into space. Rather be dead than captured."

Spirit struggled to control his own trembling voice as Rain ran in his embrace and wept softly. Oh, it was too terrible to even consider it! Esperanza, Scarlet, Willow, Goonda and the rest of the mares were openly crying as well. The palomino mare reliving the doom of her beloved Strider. Even Azogar and Cloud could not manage to hold back their own tears. "Th-there is no way, he might've..." Spirit stammered and Azogar suddenly regarded the Eagle with hopeful eyes. Oh please, let there be some way...

"No. Not from the perspective of the two-leggeds, at least." Responded the lord of the sky. "In truth, I've inspected the place. There was nowhere to land except the bottom...although stranger things have happened." He added very quietly with a rueful smile, knowing full well no one heard his last words.

There was a rustling sound as delicate hooves beat against the hard ground. Spirit and Rain looked only to spot Nova rushing out, bolting towards the woods where she would not have to listen to the tragic end of her mate. Sharing a meaningful glance with one another, both Spirit and Rain went after her. She should not be alone while going through this...especially not now when she was to have a foal of her own.

Nova had stopped by a small glade where the full moon shone upon her back and lit her mane and tail as if they were the glittering stars. Spirit and Rain exchanged a sorrowful look and both of them cautiously walked toward her. Unlike everyone else, Spirit and Rain were surprised to find peace glowing on Nova's beautiful countenance. There was calm, sweet, tranquility about the way she gazed upon the clear, night's sky. Rain's blue eyes were filled with watery liquid and they kept rolling down her cheeks, stinging her face. She took her side by the serene Nova and barely restrained a sob. "Oh, I am so sorry." She hung her head as burning tears kept streaming down her features.

Spirit took his place on the other side of Nova, his brown gaze glossy and dim, deprived of its previous light. He didn't say anything, but he didn't need to. He dipped his head as the moon glinted off his golden body and lit Rain's flaxen mane in a silvery sheen. Nova leaned against her friends, taking comfort in their presence and yet no tears, no sadness seemed to flow from her. Only serenity and peace, a poised acceptance that reminded Rain of Esperanza's demeanour earlier in the day.

Silence was strange and overwhelming...so overwhelming... until a familiar yet mystical neigh of a horse...a stallion, made both Rain and Spirit's heads snap up. The call had been very distant, far-off when it first sounded but the second cry seemed much closer. Why was it so recognizable? They had heard that ringing voice before...that call before. The call of the Lone Stallion, who roamed these woods on his own...who used to bathe in the light of the moon and the stars. And there, far ahead in the rolling hills, as they squinted their eyes, a silhouette was framed against the soft, pale glows of the full moon...a rearing horse appearing and vanishing again.

Nova regarded her two friends with a bright smile painting her lips. Her eyes twinkling more than the stars above them, her face shining with a strange, peaceful beauty, which was impossible to miss.

"Why do you cry when he lives?" She said.

Rain could do nothing but stare in shock, her burning tears freezing half-way down her cheeks, while Spirit's dim eyes lit, comprehension crossing him all at once. Otherworldly call of the stallion reached their ears yet again...this time it appeared as though it were two of them out there, somewhere...their voices echoing in the woods, merging in a perfect rhythm, vibrating in the trees as the wind stirred the branches. All of a sudden, Spirit leapt on to his hind legs and responded with a thunderous neigh of his own.

"This is where we belong!" The mysterious stallion had declared and the three horses could not help but agree whole heartedly. Indeed, this was where they belonged. No matter what happened, how many humans came to drove them out, they would always belong here...their free spirits would forever roam in these untamed lands. Not even death could put a halt to something so powerfully profound. The heartbeats of their ancestors, present generation and their descendants, would always beat as one in the very place they called Home.

So, thus ends the Spirit of The West Saga.

I apologize for making you wait for the conclusion of the story for almost month and a half. I rewrote this chapter several times. Originally, my plan was to release the last chapter and an epilogue behind it, but I ended up integrating the epilogue parts in this chapter, hence why it is so big. lol. I personally am quite satisfied with the conclusion. However, I realize that some of you may still feel as though I did not answer all questions or perhaps, you wanted more clearness on the fate of certain characters. That is fine, you are free to have your own opinion on the matter. But I specifically decided to give this an ambiguous ending, since this last chapter contains two, very important messages that I wanted to get across and it could only be done with an open ending.

I am planning to add a "bonus" chapter which will be Author's Notes about the characters and my personal feelings about all of them and what I wanted to bring with this story. If any of you have questions about the story, the writing process or the characters, feel free to message me in private or leave them in reviews and I will be sure to answer them in the bonus chapter.

Now, I would like to give HUGE THANKS to my loyal readers, who kept me motivated and encouraged throughout this journey. Some of you have been with me since Loyalty and Love (my very first fanfic of Spirit back in 2018) which quite literally inspired This Is Where We Belong.

Here are the honourable mentions of the three special people, who have been loyal to this story till the very end.

Shout Out to Jenny aka EclipseCat14, who has been with me for four years as I got through the Spirit saga. At one point, she was my first and only reader and I cannot forget that. If it weren't for her, none of this would've been possible. I probably would have given up by now. But no, her motivating reviews and genuine interest in my silly stories kept me going. Thank you so much, my girl. You are the best!

Shout Out to RBD235 aka David, who not only loyally followed the Spirit saga, but to this day, never fails to check out my other stories and share his genuine thoughts with me. I am glad to call you a friend and I really appreciate you and your wonderful messages! Sorry for thinking you were a girl in the beginning XD!

Shout Out to Owen O'Henry, the history buff, who never failed to make me smile with his quirky comments and motivating words. Sometimes you even made me blush with so many compliments, but I also really appreciate your assistance on the historical aspects of the story, especially about the Colonel and the US cavalry.

Obviously, there were many more wonderful reviewers and readers along the way, most of them mysterious guests, but those that never failed to share their thoughts. I cherish all of your comments, reviews, messages, constructive criticism, love and support throughout this entire process. I am so lucky to have had this experience as an aspiring writer.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!