Okay people!
The finale! It's been a LONG time coming! I'm both relieved and sad to see this story come to an end but I'm so thankful for all my readers and your attention to this fanfic! It's been an honor writing for you all!

Disclaimer: I don't own Spirit of the Cimarron!

The sun reflected unmistakably across the golden stallion's flanks, and even in the distance, Breeze would recognize that stallion anywhere. It was Spirit! His black legs, mane and tale, moving like a blur as he stormed down the narrow canyon trails, an indian aboard his back, and a group of ominous dark horses with savage looking riders hot on his tail. What kind of trouble had he gotten himself in to? Breeze wasn't sure, but from where she stood, she could do little to help. All she could do was stand and stare in awe as Spirit sprang from one cliff side to another, narrowly avoiding a series of treacherous falls that could have come with the simplest slip of a hoof. Warm Hand sat stunned upon Breeze's back, watching the spectacle with eyes wide in wonder. How could it be? He actually recognized that indian in the distance, upon the buckskin's back. It was Little Creek, Warm Hand's older brother! Breeze could feel her human tense with worry and as result, she began to dance uncertainly.

Both horse and rider watched as across the canyon gap, Spirit and Little Creek charged their way towards a large cliff face. What were they thinking? Breeze whinnied in distress, but nothing was going to stop Spirit's legs now. He pumped them faster and faster, and then, with one final launch of his hind quarters, the horse and his indian were flying through the air. Little Creek spread his arms, howling to the wind in excitement. Warm Hand just watched, mouth agape, when finally... after what seemed like forever, Spirit and Little Creek reached the other side of the cliff side. They tumbled, rolling over onto the ground, but they were safe from harm. Their dark pursuers had pulled up, not daring to attempt the feat they had just witnessed. After a moment to fully comprehend what they had just seen, the dark group of horses and their riders turned away to trot off. Breeze and Warm Hand, both stared on, not believing the entire scene. Breeze had to catch Spirit! She had to see him! With a sudden rear, she charged onward.

Warm Hand gasped as once again, Breeze was running and had nearly dislodged him from her back. It was a good thing Warm Hand was such an experienced rider, or else he would have fallen off this crazy mare a long time ago. She ran as if her whole life depended on it, ears back, muscles flexing as her legs pumped to her fastest ability. However, the golden stallion ahead, with Little Creek upon his back, was too far ahead. They had a while before they could catch up. Then, for a good while Spirit and Little Creek were completely out of sight. Breeze continued her gallop. She couldn't loose them! Then... over the hill... the indian camp! It was just up ahead! And Spirit... Spirit was there. So was Rain! They seemed to be greeting each other happily. Breeze stopped her galloping to stare and watch what was happening. That was when Spirit and Rain both took off at a run together across the plains. Naturally, Breeze wanted to follow, but this time, Warm Hand took control. Turning her about and directing her towards the village they eventually got there in one piece where Little Creek was waiting.

The two brothers greeted each other warmly. Warm Hand sprang from Breeze's back to hug his older sibling, leaving Breeze to stand and stare in the direction Spirit and Rain had run. It seemed to Breeze they were heading in the direction of the herd... Winter was over, so no doubt the Cimarron Herd had returned to the large valley by now. The grass would be wet with pleasant due, the skies large and blue with white fluffy clouds. Oh how Breeze wished to return! And Rain! She had gone with Spirit, surely Breeze could be allowed to leave as well! She reared up, again and again neighing in the direction her Stallion had gone. Warm Hand, startled and concerned tried to calm her, but the mare would not be appeased.
"Brother...where did you find this mare?" Little Creek spoke now. Warm Hand turned to look at Little Creek with curiosity.
"Free on the planes," Warm Hand replied.
"If the mare's spirit is wild... it should stay that way," Little Creek encouraged gently.

Warm Hand was hesitant, for he had grown very fond of his new mare and had put a lot of work into her. But she was wild, as she had clearly shown him during their ride through the country side. Perhaps it was best for her to stay free...Breeze watched the interaction between the two humans, every once and a while neighing again the direction Spirit had gone. With a heavy sigh, Warm Hand nodded to his brother and removed the blanket, followed by the reins from the mare's body. Breeze, surprised but immensely pleased, burst away. She was free! Free to return to Spirit! To her herd! She was many yards away when she realized Warm Hand had been selfless enough to let her go. Slowing she turned to look back upon the indian camp and her kind friend. Her eyes smiled into the distance. He was good to her, and she would return to visit. With that decision made, she turned to continue her gallop, rearing one last time and bucking with excitement. The wind wiped through her hair and fur coat, causing that same exhilarating sensation that fueled her feet onward. Dusk had just arrived when suddenly a familiar scent caught in her nostrils...

RED! She didn't believe at first she could trust her eyes, but that was him! A small human camp, far different than the indian village, was made in the hills up ahead where the pack mules, Swish and Red were grazing calmly. Breeze whinnied. The red stallion instantly jerked his head up at the sudden call, knowing without a doubt who it was. The moment the two locked eyes onto one another they were racing towards each other. Their greeting was beautiful as they circled about, dancing in the fields before finally calming down enough to touch noses. Breeze was so happy to see him! And he must come with her! Beckoning him with a whiney, Breeze struck out her front hoof, pawing the ground and swinging about to signal Red to follow her. The stallion was reluctant, but after a moment, he figured there would be no harm in humoring her this once. They two sprang into a brisk trot and Breeze led the way from there. The sun was lowering into a beautiful sunset which reflected purples, oranges, pinks and yellows into the clouds. Breeze couldn't have imagined a more beautiful sight. And then, as if nature liked proving her wrong, they came upon the Cimarron Herd...

The sight below was a most welcome one. Breeze hadn't even realized how home sick she'd really been until she saw the familiar warm sight of her family below, grazing contentedly, with Spirit, the head stallion watching devotedly, the paint mare Rain, by his side. Breeze sighed through her nose, a peace filling her heart. Red took in the sight around him with much interest, but noting the golden stallion not far away, decided it wise not to get any closer for fear of appearing as a threat. Red looked at Breeze and after a moment of admiring her happiness, gently gained her attention by nudging her neck. Breeze, brought out from her stupor, turned her head to look at him. With a gentle nicker and a back step, Red made his point clear to her. While Breeze belonged with the herd, he did not. But his humans were near, and they would never be too far from one another. Breeze could come to him whenever she wanted. Sadly, Breeze acknowledged this, and nodded softy to the red stallion. They touched noses once more in a parting goodbye. She would rejoin the herd, for now, until adventure called once more.

Like the wild, untamable wind, Breeze was meant to drift through the plains, travel through the grass, the forests, the creeks, and the canyons... finding excitement and faithful friends wherever she went...

THE END

Thanks again readers for being so faithful and I hope you genuinely were pleased with this story! I liked writing it, and maybe one day in the future, I shall write a sequel to tell about what happens with Breeze next! For now though, I say farewell, and please help yourself to exploring my other stories!

-StokinDembers