19Remember when I told you
"No matter where I go
I'll never leave your side
You will never be alone"
Even when we go through changes
Even when we're old
Remember that I told you
I'll find my way back home
Way Back Home - SHAUN, Conor Maynard, Sam Feldt
Note: New Zealand Standard Time is 17 hours ahead of Mexico Standard Time but the events happen at the same time in both countries
03/11/17 Cromwell, New Zealand
"Todd!" a voice called out "A letter arrived for you"
The 17-year old ran up and grabbed it excitedly "Awesome! Thanks, mom" he ran into his room and opened it, it was the latest letter from Miguel. It contained pictures of the exhibits Miguel had made of Hector being the one to write all of De la Cruz's songs as well as writings of all of what Miguel had done to prove Hector was the real songwriter. Todd clapped his hands together "That's what I'm talking about!"
There was a second page it was a song sheet, Miguel's new song! He eyed up his guitar that sat in the corner, he bought it and learned how to play it only a month after returning home. 'I'll play it later' Todd walked out of his room and carefully placed a bundle of marigolds in his backpack 'There's something else to take care of first'. He slipped a helmet and goggles on and mounted his bike before taking off.
02/11/17 Santa Cecilia, Mexico
Meanwhile, in Mexico, a tour guide pointed at the exhibit just outside the Rivera workshop and explained to the group that it was Hector Rivera that wrote some of the best songs in Mexican history. Inside in the Rivera ofrenda room, Miguel excitedly told his baby sister about their ancestors and the importance of remembering them. Miguel's abuelita then walked in and placed a photo of Mama Coco on the ofrenda. Miguel wrapped his arm around her in comfort with a sad smile on his face.
Miguel handed his sister to her and went to his room to prepare for the evening ahead, on his desk were a few letters from Todd, some of which contained the cords for some songs as well as a few postcards: One had a Kiwi bird and the other had a Silver Fern. Miguel quickly got dressed in a red charro suit and grabbed his white skull guitar. Just before he left, he took a cloth and dusted off Todd's old helmet.
Land of the Dead: Meanwhile, Hector waited nervously waited in line. He stood in front of the camera and was gifted with a pleasant ding. The agent bid him a happy visit. Once he crossed over he saw his Coco and both exchanged a loving embrace, Hector then gave her a tender kiss on the cheek. He then pulled Todd's broken goggles out and placed them on his hat, the visor facing forwards, a tribute for Todd who almost gave up his life for him. Hector took his wife's and daughter's hands and walked up to the rest of the Riveras and began to make their way over the bridge.
New Zealand: Todd arrived at a car park of a cemetery. He got off his bike and hung his helmet on the bike's handle before walking over to a headstone reading:
Shane Jack MacLaren
1971 - 2010
Husband to Olivia Knight
Father to Todd and Charlotte
Loved by many more
The headstone also had a silver fern and four-leaf clover engraved on it. "Hey, Dad..." Todd said softly "I brought you something" he reached into his bag and pulled out the Marigold bundle "Some marigolds, bright and colorful, just like you" a tear fell from his eye as he put the marigolds in the vase that sat next to the grave. He looked down at the red ribbon on his wrist, now a permanent part of his uniform, and ran his thumb over it "I love you forever and always" Todd knelt down and put his hand over his heart.
Todd Voiceover: Life, it's a funny thing. I didn't choose to be born, none of us did. But the one thing you can choose is who you are. But your own life is only part of your story,
Mexico: Dante and Papita walked together to the Rivera household where Día De Los Muertos is once again in full swing. Miguel danced around as he placed his guitar. His family both living and dead were all having a blast, the once painful sound of music was now once again cherished by all.
Your family makes up the rest; They can be your biggest supporters and your biggest critics, biggest fans, and biggest rivals. But as long as love is at the core, the connection is stronger than anything in the world.
New Zealand: Todd then drove to the top of a hill and stopped to admire the beautiful view the day was perfect for a ride. After a short while, his phone dinged. He pulled it out and saw a text from his mother.
Olivia: Lunch is ready Todd I made your favorite!
Todd: I'll be over soon, feel free to start without me
Olivia: Wouldn't dream of that, Charlotte and I will wait for you
Todd smiled and put his phone away, Best not to keep them waiting. He cracked his knuckles and revved his engine eyeing up the slope, before taking off. Todd then pulled a wire that set off an orange smoke trail from his bike, in front of him was a jump, he pushed his machine to the limit.
Ever since that little expedition with Miguel into the Land of the Dead, I've completely changed how I live my life. I want to live my life with those I love and to do the things that make me happy. After all, I don't want to live forever,
Todd gained altitude and pumped his fist in the air, Miguel stums the final note of his song.
I just want to make the most of the time I've got.
Coco the Marigold and the Silver Fern
Let everything happen to you.
Beauty and terror.
Just keep going. No feeling is final
- Rainer Maria Rilke
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Meanwhile, a figure was crouched down on an adjacent rooftop just out of sight of anybody. They watched over the Rivera family, both living and dead, his red cape flowing gently in the breeze. A beeping sound came from his earpiece, he tapped it.
"This is Jorge, Go ahead" He whispered
"Hey Jorge, just checking in anything abnormal at your end?" asked a voice from his earpiece.
Jorge looked down at the Riveras more specifically on Miguel, his green eyes scanned over them. "Everything here is fine: no signs of dimensional breaches, How's Todd?"
The voice spoke up again "Same here no sign of anything abnormal from him, he just arrived home act- That's peculiar"
"What's peculiar?" Jorge questioned
"Todd as a small amount of transcendent energy, well I say small, but for a human its higher than normal" The voice on the other line said "But the good news is Todd doesn't seem to notice. However, we may need to keep a close eye on him."
Jorge nodded "Alright, let's report back to the barons and let them know, they'll want to hear our findings"
"Copy that Spawn, see you soon" the earpiece went silent.
Jorge stood up and turned around before disappearing in a plume of smoke...
Hey everyone, Thank you so much for reading my fanfic! Props to you if you read the whole thing! I don't know how I came up with the idea, I guess checking out other people's fanfics on here and on Wattpad all contributed subconsciously. Once again thank you all! I hope you enjoyed it just as much as I did writing it. I should add I never actually expected to finish this story.
Remember to check out the Spotify Playlist! Just search Coco: The Marigold and the Silver Fern on Spotify's search bar.
This is Lego WarMachine signing off!