Legend

Chapter XXVI A Legend's Finale

"We're almost there!" Anastasia running up ahead.

Spike and Motoko walk side by side as they follow Anastasia.

"This is it huh?" Motoko says. "Anastasia is finally about to find out who it is and where she comes from."

Spike has a light smile on his face. "Yeah. This long journey we've been on seems to be ending quite on a high note."

Once Spike and Motoko reach Anastasia, Anastasia stands in front of a large flat area of nothing. Dust rolls around and blows past Anastasia as she stares at the flat area in confusion.

"I dont understand." starts Anastasia. "This is what I saw in my vision. This is it! Where is the kingdom...? Where is my father and mother..."

Spike steps up to the left of Anastasia and puts his hand on her shoulder. "Its all right Anastasia. Many villages and kingdoms were destroyed in the Demon of the West's fury. It is likely he claimed this kingdom as well."

Motoko also walks up to the right of her. "Anastasia I'm sorry it turned out like this."

Anastasia nods her head. "Its all right. It just wasnt meant to be. But now I can finally say who I am and where it is that I come from."

Spike turns his back and stares off into the forest. "I believe it is time we split up here."

Anastasia and Motoko turn their attention to Spike.

"But Spike," whines Anastasia.

Spike's hair and scarf blows in the wind. "Motoko, can I trust you to guide Anastasia back to Handora Kingdom safely?"

Motoko nods her head. "Of course but what are-"

"There's just something I have to do alone." Spike says walking away.

Anastasia and Motoko stare at Spike until he is out of sight. Later Spike finds himself in front of the large Wishing Tree in the depths of the Mystic Forest. He bows down to one knee and looks up at the tree.

"Wishing Tree of the Mystic Forest," says Spike lightly. "I come to wish upon you."

"What is your wish?" comes the voice of the tree.

Spike pauses. "My wish is to resurrect the Forest God who was slain by the Demon of the West."

The Wishing Tree begins to light up. "I shall grant your wish."

"Good," Spike walks away. "Please allow me to sacrafice my own life and go to the eternal realm of the afterlife."

"That is far beyond my reach." replies the Wishing Tree. "I am not capible of reaching of to the eternal realm of the afterlife. However..."

Spike gets a tap on his shoulder. He quickly turns around to see Holly seven years older. Spike stares as he is at a lose of words.

"Hello," Holly says with a smile.

Spike again pauses. "H-Holly...how are you able to-"

"How am I able to communicate with you between realms?" Holly answers. "Well, you may not be able to communicate with me from here but in the other realm, I am given a minimum of three minutes to return to the living realm anytime I want. I've really missed you."

"I've really missed you too." replies Spike. "There's so many things I want to tell-"

Holly stops Spike by putting her finger on his lips. "You dont have to tell me anything. Spike, you cant be with me now because we're in two completely different realms. We'll reunite when your time comes. Until then, I'll be wait for you and you have somebody else here waiting for you. She's heading back to Handora I believe."

Holly's body begins to blink. "Thats my time Spike. Live life to the fullest. Live life...for me..."

Spike and Holly hold hands and look each other in the eyes until Holly fully disappears. Spike's face tightens as he holds back his tears.

"Wishing Tree," starts Spike. "I am gracious to you."

The Wishing Tree doesnt respond. Spike pauses and walks away. Hours later, Motoko and Anastasia stand in front of Handora Kingdom's gates.

"This is where we have to part ways kid." says Motoko.

Anastasia's eyes get teary. "Aw why?"

Motoko shrugs her shoulders. "I've finally found my calling. My purpose in life is the sail the seas. Imagine it! The wind flowing through your hair as you stare at the beautiful blue ocean. Nothing is better than that."

"Well if thats what you want," says Anastasia. "Then who am I to stop you?"

Motoko pats Anastasia on the shoulder. "Later kiddo. Once I've gathered the treasures of the seas, I'll visit you. Stay strong."

Anastasia watches as Motoko walks away until she is completely out of sight. Anastasia sighs and begins to walk toward Handora Kingdom.

"Easy there," comes a familiar voice. "What about me?"

"Spike!" says Anastasia running up to Spike and hugging him. "You're here!"

"Of course." Spike says.

"Spike," begins Anastasia. "Please tell me you'll stay here with me in Handora Kingdom. Please?"

Spike shakes his head. "Sorry but thats a no can do. I'm a dirfter. I want to see the world and everything in it."

Anastasia drops her head but Spike picks it back up.

"But when I'm near I promise to stop by." counters Spike.

Anastasia smiles. "That'll work just fine. Arent you coming in to receive the rest of your reward for slaying the Demon of the West and helping me regain my memory?"

Spike shakes his head. "Thats hardly important. Go ahead. The Queen is waiting to hear of your travels."

Spike and Anastasia until Anastasia quickly runs off into the kingdom and she too is out of sight. Spike's hair and red scarf around his neck blows in the wind as he stands and reflects on his journey to free himself from a curse. He then walks away knowing all that he has done and that he is free.