Whatever it Takes
All characters, locations, and story arcs are under the ownership of myself, the author. Any comments or critiques would be greatly appreciated. This one sort of harkens back to what I'm used to when it comes to crafting a story. I sincerely hope you all enjoy it!
©2011 Kira Kitanya
"Jeremy, you're not really going back out there are you?" The man asked as he watched his friend tighten the plates of his armor. Jeremy didn't answer, nor look in his friend's direction. Nothing would stop him from doing this; nothing in the world would keep him from seeing her again.
"You'll never make it. Especially not by yourself." He chirped, trying to sound more serious than he was before. The brown-haired warrior still didn't answer. Jeremy then opened a nearby closet, revealing a long, steel pike within. Slowly he grasped it and felt like he was reunited with a part of himself. If this weapon was stolen or lost he would travel to the ends of the Earth to find it. With his friend still chiming Jeremy wiggled his fingers, checking the articulation of the gauntlets. He would need every bit of smoothness in his hands if it meant using his pike in battle. It had been a few years since he started fighting the Menossians blade to blade, a race of wolfish creatures with an upright form that could raid and attack towns seemingly at will. At times they kidnapped hundreds from nearby kingdoms and branded them as their own slaves, saving the women for a more specific kind of labor. He remembered the sight of his parents dying during one of their first raids on his hometown. Jeremy could do nothing but watch as their heads were severed one by one, while he hid beneath a food cabinet. He was cold and afraid when the Menossian finally left the room. So cold. Now he was a young man in his mid-twenties that ceaselessly carried that memory within his heart.
"I know you love her Jeremy but those bastards are merciless." His friend continued to say, just as Jeremy began to pay attention, "You of all people should know that!" At this point he was set in his ways; even the Lord himself wouldn't be able to stop him.
"Caleb...just be quiet." Jeremy finally spoke, palming his steel hand. "I'm not leaving her behind."
"But it's been nearly a day," Said Caleb, "She's probably dead by now." Always the pessimist, Jeremy thought as he brushed past him towards the door that lead outside. On the way Jeremy glimpsed several pictures of himself and his parents nestled atop a mantle. Each of them depicting a slightly older and taller Jeremy. He scanned over them carefully until he reached the end of the row. There it was, the picture that always made him smile no matter the mood he was in. It showed a young and beautiful fox girl that wore a gentle smile on her face. Her piercing, emerald eyes stared back at him through the frame, making him fall in love with her all over again. Jeremy noticed the white flower in her hair as well, something that he never saw her without. I won't let you go. I will be with you again, whatever it takes. Jeremy told himself. He didn't care what anyone thought about him being in love with someone of her kind, despite the fact that every villager from here to Ishida would crucify those who cared for them. When in reality they helped the humans win the war against the Menossians. Even though the fighting had slowed down considerably in the last few years, both human and Vulpine villages would be attacked at night; albeit sporadically. Since the day he first saw her face staring down at his, patting his bloody and scarred forehead with a cloth, he couldn't ignore the feeling of warmth that was never there before. The war took him to some pretty strange places. He could have never imagined that he'd find himself inside one of the Vulpine's homes, let alone sharing a kiss with one of them. Jeremy smiled and set the picture back on the mantle.
"No. Liana isn't dead." Jeremy said, turning back to Caleb. "She's braver than you think." Caleb started to grow frantic,
"I'm not about to watch you throw your life away for someone you can't even be with!" Said Caleb, shaking his friend's armored shoulders. "The whole town will want your head on a platter if they see you with a Vulpine."
"I don't give a damn what you or anybody else thinks about that. I'd die for her and that's the end of it." Jeremy swatted his friend's hand away and pushed the front door of his small house open. The brisk, morning air caressed his body in greeting, carrying itself across the landscape. A long chain of mountains in the distance marked his destination, his purpose. That's where he saw the caravan take the prisoners when Liana's village was raided. By the time he found out about the attack, it was over. And her grieving parents could only point him in the right direction. Before long Jeremy found himself mounted on top of Kuto, his Auburn Steed, keeping a firm grip on his pike.
"Jeremy please just wait a second!" Caleb pleaded. But in his eyes, every second passed was another moment that she was suffering at their hands. A moment that might get her killed. If this was a death sentence, then he could look back on this and know that he tried his best. His eyes gazed into the distance as he deftly twirled his pike, knowing fully that this was going to be a blood bath.
"Caleb, if I..." Jeremy began with a gulp, "If I don't make it back by tomorrow, go to Commander Sykkios and tell him to send a strikeforce to the camp."
"Why can't you ask him now?"
"You and I both know that they won't bother with kidnapped Vulpines. Yet if they find out a human perished there, then they'll take action." Caleb was stunned by his logic, but it still rang true no matter how selfish it seemed. He sighed a tired sigh and looked back up at his friend,
"I guess nothing I say will change your mind but...good luck, Jeremy. And be careful."
He nodded, "Thanks Caleb. I'll see you in Elysium." Within moments, Jeremy spurred the horse and was sprinting across the grassy landscape, never losing sight of his goal. Faster and faster the creature galloped until everything around him was almost a blur. Raising his pike, Jeremy looked on with furrowed brows at the steadily approaching mountains.
"I promise you Liana, whatever it takes, we'll be together again."
******
The air was warm and humid yet she trembled with an icy fear. Nothing but darkness could be seen as the vixen peeled her eyes. Am I dead? The question was left unanswered. Her memory was clouded with gruesome images and sounds that didn't seem to fit together. They flashed in her mind's eye, one after the other; painting a picture of despair and death. Outside of what she could only assume was a cell, were nothing but terrified screams and voices begging to be released. They grew louder and louder until reaching an ear-shredding peak, seemingly at a particular point in time that remained the same. What scared her even more were the shrieks from the little ones that were brought along. The thought of saying goodbye nearly tore her apart. Amidst the roars from the Menossian soldiers, the vixen shut her eyes and tried to remember everything,
"Liana, run!"
"Hahahahhaaahha!
"No, ugh, please! Let me go!"
"Liana!"
The voices were the only fragments left. Even if she could figure it out, she had no desire to relive it. Yet another thought revisited her, one that gave her a brief glint of hope in her eye. The Human. How broken down and hurt he was when she found him. It was a few years ago; the war with the Menossians had been raging for nearly two decades and villages were being attacked with no end in sight, and we had been aiding the humans during it all. Then one night, when word was received that a Menossian threat wasn't imminent, Liana heard a voice that croaked 'help'. It was a human male, a young one. She couldn't remember much after that, only the look on his face as she treated his wounds. Despite what was happening now Liana found the strength to blush when she remembered how handsome he was; Brown hair, blue eyes; He said his name was Jeremy. Liana sighed and let her mind wander, feeling relieved to escape her cell for a brief moment. Suddenly there was a huge thud, and a door opened in front of her. Liana froze in terror. Standing at the doorway was one of the Menossians; wearing a sharp-toothed grin on its' face. Its eyes studied Liana, as if he was relishing in her helplessness.
"Time to go, my little beauty." The wolf growled with a deathly chill in his voice.
****
Night had fallen upon the mountains, splintering the moon's glow within their towering peaks. Jeremy rode Kuto up to a short hill, the top of which gave him a view of the entire camp. She's in there somewhere. I will find her, he thought. Knowing the Menossians, they never stayed in one place. Soon enough they would gather up the prisoners and set off to the resting ground. What they did there and why was mostly hear-say, yet Jeremy knew that it wouldn't end well for Liana. He had to save her, even if it meant getting himself captured. Jeremy stepped off the Auburn horse and fastened its reins to a nearby tree, still keeping his eyes on the flickering torches of the camp.
"Alright, so charging head-first won't do me any good." Jeremy said, noting the watchtowers near the entrance, "But maybe I should try a different route. They don't seem to have any guards near the boundary. Hmm...yes, that should work out just fine. As long as I'm quiet."
It felt better to talk about something before going through with it, even though no one else listened but himself. Aside from Kuto that is.
"You think it's a good idea?" Jeremy asked the horse. Kuto snorted and went on to eat some grass. The young warrior chuckled as if Kuto actually spoke to him. He patted the horse's head and ran his hand through its silky mane. Goodbye. Jeremy couldn't find the strength to say it. Caleb's words still fluttered around in his head, "You'll never make it. She's probably already dead." He always was the pessimist but he could've at least encouraged him somewhat before leaving. Whatever support, how little it may have been, would've made it seem like less of a total suicide. You're overreacting, he told himself. But what about the others trapped there? He was only prepared to save one. Just one. If there were humans imprisoned as well they would brand him as a traitor if he didn't release them. Jeremy's quickening heartbeat reminded him of lost time, every beat gone and Liana could be hurt or worse. Without a second thought Jeremy took hold of his pike and carefully began to approach the camp. The moans and growls of Menossian soldiers slowly grew louder making Jeremy sweat a chilling cold.
Almost there.
He side-stepped the front gates until catching sight of scaffolding near an adjacent wall. The camp hadn't been standing for too long, Jeremy guessed they had built it no more than a week ago. Remnants of construction were usually left behind because of such haste. Works for me, thought Jeremy. Soon enough he was able to peer over the edge of the wall and had to stop himself from gasping. The sight was horrifying, Menossian soldiers clad in ragged, spiked clothing lumbered every which way throughout the camp. Some toted prisoners with them and kicked the ones that couldn't stand up; others effortlessly stood guard near the outer walls. The air was emblazoned with flickering embers that rose from torches and into the night sky. The foul smell of dead animals and prisoners permeated the camp, forcing Jeremy to stifle a gag. The soldiers seemed to bide their time amongst small tents and campfires, talking in low gravely voices. As if they were sore. Only now could Jeremy even begin to fathom everything that happened in there. All the people they hurt. All the lives they destroyed. He was gripping his pike so tight now that it seemed to be an extension of his own hand, seething with anger and fear all at once. The warrior then identified several, large structures further into the camp that were no more than ten-feet in length. Soon he realized what they were for when a Menossian emerged from one carrying a vulpine. It wore a white flower in its hair.
Liana.
Jeremy leapt from the wooden platform and landed on the guard below, driving the tip of his pike straight through the Menossian's head. It gurgled and twitched but wasn't loud enough to alert the rest of the camp, surprisingly enough. He readjusted himself and caught sight of Liana again. A guard was dragging her by a chain fastened to her neck and yanking hard whenever she faltered. Like she was a mere dog. Their path seemed to take them to another gate, where an open caravan was waiting for them. There was no time to think of a plan now. Jeremy knew where she would go once inside the caravan, he would never see her again. With his heart pumping as fast as bat wings, the young warrior dashed towards the Menossian. There were more of them than he initially anticipated, and he could only keep his focus locked on his prey; not even looking at the other guards who noticed him. They began to shout to their comrades from all sides of the camp, roaring deafeningly at the sight of Jeremy. Human! Human! Do not let him escape! Jeremy pierced through the cacophony and was soon upon the guard with Liana, his pike still dripping with blood.
"LET HER GO!" Jeremy bellowed with all his might and lunged at the Menossian Wolf. It quickly brandished a curved sword and held it out to deflect the blow. But Jeremy anticipated this and swung a low kick at the snarling wolf. The hit knocked the wind out of his quarry and he staggered somewhat, yet the muscular creature still roared in warning to the others in the camp. Jeremy whirled around and the blade of his pike sliced the guard's chest in a satisfying burst of speed. The seemingly resilient sentinel then quickly fell earthward with a pool of blood signaling his swift demise; the observing Menossians thundered with terrifying fervor as they all charged at Jeremy with their weapons unsheathed.
For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Jeremy and Liana both stared at each other until smiles formed on both their faces. He approached, ever slowly, until he could see the glitter in her eyes. The gentleness of her face was so alluring that the imminent danger of everything around them seemed to be a distant memory. They were together again. Nothing could hurt them now.
"Liana?"
"J-Jeremy, Is that you?"
Soon the two were in an embrace. Content to remain there forever. Neither said a word as they shared each other's warmth, feeling like they hadn't seen eye-to-eye since time immemorial. Jeremy knew the Menossians would kill him soon, he didn't expect to walk away from this alive anyway. He looked around and saw them closing in. Their vicious mouths dripped with saliva at another chance to hunt. To feed.
"I'm sorry I took so long." Jeremy whispered. The words left his mouth silently amid the discord of fire and steel, yet the vixen replied with a gentle kiss to his cheek. Getting closer. Their bodies never separated. "I'd die for her and that's the end of it." His own words came back to him now, and a heaviness in his chest was finally lifted. Jeremy closed his eyes and expected a final blow to come...
"Jeremy!" There was a voice, and it wasn't Menossian. From nearby it shouted above primal roars and just barely reached Jeremy's ears. He spared a moment and flashed his eyes back open. The sight made him feel breathless and mute; on a black horse and charging toward them at the greatest of speeds was his friend Caleb. Why did you come? Jeremy wanted to ask him, the words stayed within his mind, unable to say anything. Suddenly the horse took a mighty leap over him and Liana, arcing gracefully through the air until landing with a satisfying clop! in front of them.
"Stay away from them you scum!" yelled Caleb as he reared the dark stallion, releasing a mighty neigh that shook the entire camp, "If you're that hungry for a fight then you'll taste the edge of my spear first!" The dark-haired warrior deftly twirled his weapon in the air and showed off his skill, the Menossians faltered somewhat and growled even louder. He swept his eyes over the crowd of soldiers before turning back to Jeremy, who was still holding Liana in an embrace.
"Hey, am I too late to save your tail, again?" Caleb chortled, never losing his smile.
"Not at all," replied Jeremy, exchanging looks with Liana. He may have been a pessimist, but he sure had a knack for showing up at all the right times. He did as much and more when the war was still fresh with bloodshed and never ceased to remind Jeremy that he'd be nothing without him. Jeremy then took hold of his pike and held it in a battle-ready stance, sweeping his eyes across the troop of soldiers that encircled them.
"Just answer me this," said Jeremy standing guard near Liana, "why did you come? Especially in knowing that you'd never be able to show your face in any human town again."
"I don't think now's a good time, let's just get out of here first." Caleb turned his horse toward the front gates, which he realized were steadily closing. Jeremy looked at Liana who nodded in agreement. Caleb's stallion, Shadow, impatiently clopped his hooves on the ground as he waited to sprint. The rider looked back at Jeremy with a more serious expression,
"Stay close to me and don't fall behind," said Caleb, "I'll clear you two a path." Jeremy wasn't about to argue and took the vixen's soft hand, gripping it tight.
Go.
Within seconds Jeremy was sprinting alongside Caleb, with Liana trailing close behind by the grip of his hand. Menossians bounded towards them from all directions but were immediately cut down by the two warriors. Though swinging a two-handed weapon with only one hand didn't help Jeremy's stamina stay constant, however, so he needed to let Caleb do most of the fighting. This wasn't an unusual situation to him in the slightest, but having to watch over his love and fight at the same time was a bit jarring to his well-honed combat skills. He persevered and soon fell into a steady rhythm of defense: twirl, slash, twirl, slash. The strategy seemed to work and nearly dissuaded some of the straggling Menossians from pursuing any further. Caleb was holding ground and then some with his superior riding. He may not have looked it at first glance, but he was one of the best horsemen in the entire region; next to his effortless skill with a spear. At times Jeremy forgot that he could fight so well because of his negative outlook on everything. But whenever lives were at stake, he would jump into the battlefield and fight with the fierceness of a tiger. The main gates were getting closer now. Jeremy could almost see the long path he had taken up the mountain hidden within the night. Once again he could hear Caleb's voice calling above the chaos,
"Keep going Jeremy," he bellowed, "don't fall behind!" Despite how far they had ran the Menossians were relentless in the chase; before Caleb even finished yelling he had cut down two of the savage wolves at once. Jeremy didn't have to answer. Instead his pike spoke for him, making one final push through the main gate. With an immense surge of determination Jeremy set his eyes on one last Menossian guard that stood ready for them at the camp's exit, wearing a smile on his matted face. Aiming the opposite end of his pike at the guard, Jeremy pierced the flesh of his enemy with the small spike and whirled him around. The warrior let loose a cry that seemed more animal than human and severed the Menossian's head after it was thrown. They were free. For just a few moments more the trio continued to run until their bodies gave out on them. For some reason that Jeremy couldn't quite pinpoint, he felt alive again. As if fighting those that killed so many people rekindled his warrior spirit; which had remained dormant for quite a while.
It took some time for Liana and the two warriors to catch their breath. Thankfully the camp was far behind them now and none of the Menossians were in pursuit. Must've figured it to be a waste of time, thought Jeremy. They were indeed tenacious, but also easily disheartened if caught off guard. Jeremy turned to the lithe vixen, who was sucking up air as if it was mana from the gods.
"Liana, did they hurt you?" Jeremy asked with tenderness in his voice. She whimpered and buried her face in the crook of his neck, unable to form words for everything that she went through. Gently he ran his hand through her hair and stroked her head. Liana seemed to calm down as he did this. Yet she couldn't pull herself away from him. Soon enough, words began to form on her tongue that came out as though breathless and afraid,
"Jeremy...everyone, they killed...everyone." Liana's voice was wracked with sadness. She couldn't stop herself from taking in sudden breaths of air. "I was next...I was, I was so sc-scared." She lifted her head up until her eyes met his. They were so welled up with tears that it seemed as if they were borne of the stars themselves. Jeremy placed a hand on the side of her soft face and caressed it, drying her eyes.
"I'm here now, Liana," he said. "I won't let anything hurt you. I swear it, on my life." She enveloped Jeremy in a crushing hug that nearly squeezed the air from his body. Never did she pull away. Never did her grip loosen. The warrior happily returned the embrace and took in the sweet scent of her fur, still matted somewhat by sweat and blood.
"Sorry to spoil the moment for you but, where's your horse Jeremy?" Caleb spoke up in such a tone that nearly made Jeremy laugh. He was glad that he maintained his joking side even in dire situations. Made things easier to bear.
"Kuto's tied to a tree somewhere on that h-." Something pierced him in the back. A single section that was unarmored by the chest plate. An arrow. He looked into Liana's eyes and slowly fell limp. Guess you shouldn't make promises you can't keep...
"Jeremy...Jeremy!"
"Get him onto Shadow, we'll make it in time. Just trust me......."
****
The memory was fleeting. It seemed as if no time had passed at all. The last thing Jeremy remembered was a sharp pain in his back, and seeing Liana's face, then...darkness. Yet something felt soft against his body as he stirred about. I'm laying down, that much was certain to him. But where? It was a struggle to open his eyes wide enough to visualize where he resided, along with a sore body he felt like his strength was completely drained. Slowly but surely the world became clear: a room, a bed, and a window that bled sunlight. There was something else with him as well, or rather, someone. She stood over his body, damping his forehead with a cloth that felt like it was soaked in warm water. The figure then turned and moistened the cloth in a water basin, revealing a long, bushy tail that flicked and swayed to her will. Jeremy was even more curious now, why is this person here? Then again it felt familiar as well. Like he had been here before.
"Um...he-hello?" Jeremy voice was very weak. His throat yearned for a touch of water.
"Shh, shh, shh," The woman cooed, leaning close to his face, "you need to rest, child." The voice wasn't familiar, yet Jeremy knew from the color of her fur that she was a vulpine. He didn't know many of her kind though, apart from Liana. Liana....captured....I rescued her didn't I? Where is she? Is she alright? His mind suddenly began to race faster than he could keep up with. Questions darted from everywhere in his head like a hive of angry bees, all eager for a chance to be heard. Not even hesitating Jeremy croaked the first word that came to mind,
"Li-ana...Liana." The vixen turned her head, wearing a surprised look.
"Did you say Liana?" She asked, "How do you know my daughter?" Her voice was starting to become a bit more concerned. Perhaps not in the right way. Jeremy tried to lift himself up but a sharp pain in his back stopped him cold. It was out of reach, taunting him to try and ease it. He could then feel his voice gradually return to him somehow. What exactly did she do to me? Now that Jeremy thought about it, he could move his arms and legs again. He was in control. It worried him at first that he had lost all feeling in his body; he would be nothing but an inanimate shell if that happened.
"Yes, is she okay?" Jeremy replied. The older vixen's face suddenly formed a smile, as if she indeed recognized him.
"Ah, you're Jeremy aren't you? My daughter has told me many great things about you. How you're such a noble hero, how kind you are," Jeremy at least took comfort in the fact that she had a gentle aura about her, "and how you saved her last night." The words left her mouth with a hint of amazement. Like she had no idea that a human was capable of such a feat. She then pulled him into a warm embrace and whispered softly into his ear,
"Thank you. Thank you so much." She said, sounding like she was close to tears, " I owe you my very life for what you did. Thank you." Jeremy's entire upper body sang with pain while she hugged him, the vixen seemed to notice and quickly relieved her grip.
He grunted and exhaled through gritted teeth, trying to regain his composure. But did she just call me a hero? Jeremy never imagined himself to be like that; the only so-called heroes he was familiar with were the ones from bedtime stories his mother used to tell him as a young lad. He pictured them to be tall, strong, clad in shining armor, and flowing hair that swayed in the wind. They would stand as if no force in the world could tear them down. But most of all, they always saved a damsel in distress. Jeremy never strived to be like them. He only wanted to better himself in any way possible by training as a warrior. Even so it felt good to hear someone say that, it granted him a sense of honor.
"It was no problem at all," Jeremy said with a smile, "I'm the one who should thank you for taking care of me miss-"
"Reykuo, Aayla Reykuo. It was my pleasure." She placed a hand on her heart and bowed. Do they do that to anybody, wondered Jeremy. Her species seemed to possess a very placid nature; not reacting with hostility towards a human. So gentle was she that it almost felt like she was caring for one of her children. In truth, Jeremy enjoyed the attention. It made him think of his own mother.
The warrior took another look at his surroundings; the walls in the room were adorned with various sculptures and drawings among other things. Several of the markings in the room caught his eye: A sun, A vulpine, and a creature that looked almost human. It and the vulpine extended a single hand until they touched. Union. Jeremy then groggily swung his legs over the edge of the bed, eager to get out and see her again. He took his first, wobbly steps onto the floor and stretched his limbs for as long as they could last. He bid Aayla farewell and asked where Liana was.
"She's been waiting outside for you. I told her it may take some time for you to fully recover, but she didn't budge." The vixen chuckled, "She's very stubborn when it comes to you." Jeremy turned away and blushed; suddenly he was nervous to see her after what happened the night before. Was she in worse shape than me? He hated the thought of having to worry about her even after she was freed from the Menossians' clutches. Jeremy never really got a good enough look at Liana to notice any scars, he hoped they hadn't hurt her.
With hesitance in his footfalls, Jeremy shuffled his way out of the bedroom and into a much more spacious area. He guessed it was the living room because of all the family pictures, chairs, and a firepit in the center amongst other furniture. His eyes swayed to every part of the circular room, he had never seen anything like it in a home. Suddenly he felt hands on his shoulders, gentle hands. They softly stroked him but didn't cause his back to sing with pain. He didn't even have to think about who it was. Jeremy closed his eyes and let them glide over his skin.
"Jeremy?" A voice asked. He turned and beheld a face that radiated with beauty. Emerald eyes, light orange fur, and a smile that made him forget all about his injuries. Jeremy melted in her embrace and never let go, allowing himself to be carried aloft by her warmth. I will be with you again. Whatever it takes.
****
"This place, it's beautiful Liana." Said Jeremy, captivated by the sparkling ripples of the lake.
"Isn't it?" Added the vixen, "I always come here when I feel lonely. There's never any shortage of company." Liana pointed out all the fireflies that danced about over the water, casting a glow that only served to mesmerize. The sun had just about disappeared beneath the horizon and welcomed in the cool of night. Caleb was with them as well, leaning silently against a nearby tree. He too seemed to be transfixed by the glow. Liana and Jeremy held each other close. She rested her head on his shoulder and never took her eyes off of the scene in front of them. She thought it came straight out of a painting. Neither said a word.
"So, what now?" Caleb asked, breaking the silence. He sounded slightly worried. Jeremy looked up at him from where he sat and tried to think of what to say.
"I mean, we will be hunted for not liberating any humans from the camp won't we?" He said again in a sober tone.
"What do you mean 'we'," Jeremy replied, "I'm the one that they'll hunt. After all, most have seen me with Liana already." He turned to Liana and saw that she carried a disconsolate expression. Jeremy kissed her cheek tenderly, hoping to not cause her any further pain. Caleb moved away from the tree and sat down next to his friend. He wore a slight smile this time.
"I'm your friend Jeremy, and have been since we were babies." He said looking onward at the lake, "And I don't care how many people will chase after us for what we did. I'm with you till' the end." Caleb angled his forearm and clenched his fist, Jeremy noticed and immediatley did the same until they touched. A promise they made when they were younger; 'Friends till the end."
"I am too." Added Liana, cuddling closer to Jeremy. Never in his live did he feel so content. Whatever happens from here on, they would always be by his side. Friends. Loyal and true. Jeremy breathed out, and looked to the starlit heavens,
"Caleb, Liana...Thank you."
End