Eveline entered the cave she shared with Michelle, Kelan, Keshel, and Chiya to find everyone except Kelan already there. They appeared as exhausted as she was. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there to help with the children, Chiya. It was my turn to search for berries and wild greens in the outlying areas. Hopefully, the gardens will be declared safe from contamination soon."

"It is not something you need to apologize for," Chiya replied. "We all have extra duties until the crisis is over. It is just that the children are restless. They miss their homes, especially their beds and playthings. The wild creatures running through the meadow while I try to teach history do not help matters. It is much more fun to follow a cute and fluffy animal than to hear stories of the Talonia founders."

"Things should be returning to normal by tomorrow," Michelle announced. "Kelan told me the city has been cleared of debris thanks to the oldest trainees. The food supply was tested and found clean, including the garden after it was washed down with water from the falls. Repairs are being made today on the communicators and electrical systems. He suggests that each home be scrubbed by the owners before the children enter."

"One more night in the caves? I think I can handle it. Are the waterfalls doing better? I know their energy was down substantially after the attack," Eveline asked.

"The deterioration stopped once Kelan deployed Earth's remedy. Over the last twenty hours, the atmosphere has begun to repair itself, including the waterfalls. The volcanoes stopped rumbling early this morning, a sure sign of progress. So far, the remedy seems to be working. The king has his doubts since Talonia's atmosphere is slightly different than Earth's. Even the red sun and the difference in distance from it could alter how well it works or if it lasts. I'm optimistic, and so is Kelan," Michelle explained.

A distant roar stopped everyone from speaking. The sound was familiar and brought excitement to Eveline's voice, "It's the warships! They've come home. Hurry, we have to meet them!" She didn't wait for anyone else, just left them behind in the cave.

"I hope she finds Tae safe and unharmed," Chiya admitted. "When vibrations in the atmosphere shut down the communication with the ships, I got scared. We have no idea how things turned out or how many we lost this time."

"I know, but we may be needed. Let's go see what's happening. Keshel, leave the rocks you're playing with and take mommy's hand. Come see the ships."

It was immediately apparent that the ships were damaged, but the hulls had not been breached. Eveline was so close to the king's warship that she had to back up as the main door opened. She was shoved aside as lifters were carried aboard for the injured. She choked on a sob at having her entrance blocked. The king took pity, reached down, lifted her onto the ramp, and allowed her to enter with him. Dozens of injured awaited aid. The worst were already near the door. Front and center was Tae. He was ghostly pale, and his bandages were stained. Eveline screamed his name and ran. Halfway there, her legs collapsed, and the king caught her, holding her close. Tae's lifter disappeared down the ramp.

"How bad is it?" the king asked Hesher.

"There are three wounds. The chest is the worst. He has lost too much blood, and his pulse is weak. However, there is no fever, thus no infection. The heart is untouched, so there is some hope. He goes to Daer first. Even with his injuries and bleeding profusely, he gave me instructions on how to use the laser. The Savra are extinct. Their planet is space debris."

"I assumed as much. The aftershocks hit Talonia and knocked out communication. We should get these men in for medical care, then we can discuss how so many were injured. I will personally escort Eveline to her mate. Are you able to walk now?" he asked Eveline.

"I will do what I must to reach Tae's side. I am sorry I was so weak. Tae deserves better than that."

"You were in shock, and that is easily forgiven. Speed is not necessary. Daer is most certainly working on him, and therefore you cannot see him. Let us find your friends. They will bring you comfort while you wait."

Tae's friends and family huddled together as they waited for a verdict from Daer. It was taking far more time than they expected. Eveline's shock had dissipated, and she was shivering from fear, exhaustion, and hunger. Jax and Chiya tried to force her to eat a few bites, but she adamantly refused. "It would not stay down anyway," she argued.

Daer finally appeared, but his explanation was not as encouraging as all had hoped. "Tae's blood volume is still very low. We are giving fluids in hopes of supplementing it. His pulse is slow but steady. The leg wound was cared for properly before he reached Talonia. The one in his side required more cleansing and the ragged edges cut and sewn. It is true that the heart itself was missed by the third bullet. However, there was some tissue torn quite near it. He is bandaged and has no fever. You can go to him Eveline, but he has not awoken since his arrival. Talk to him. Whether he can hear you, I do not know. I do not wish him to be alone and I have many to administer to."

"I won't leave him. Care for the others. He is mine to watch over," Eveline declared. "Go home, everyone. Clean away the fallout so the children may sleep in their own beds once more. It was what Tae fought for."

"I will stay as well," Jax replied. "He is my brother, and I owe it to him to watch out for you. You must eat and drink, or you cannot take care of him."

"Okay, I will try for his sake. I welcome your company. Kelan, will you see his father and sisters home?"

"We will see that our home and yours are sanitized, so neither you nor Tae has that burden to worry over," Tae's oldest sister announced. "It is time for me to step up and leave childhood behind."

Eveline and Jax nibbled on bread and cheese. They sipped on warm tea as Eveline spoke softly to Tae. "I am so glad you're back. You did well. We don't have to fear the Savra ever again. You avenged me. I am so proud of you, but you're not done. I want you to keep fighting your way back to us. Talonia is healing and you must also. Hesher told the king how you held on even as you bled. So, hold on for me now. The mark on my wrist symbolizes our union. Yet, we both know it was not necessary. Our hearts and souls were joined under the waterfall and sanctified with its energy. Take strength from me now. All I have within me is yours. Use it well." She laid her head over his chest wound and wept. The tears soaked in along with her love and all the strength she had to give.

Tears rolled down Jax's cheeks. His young heart was breaking. He was only a child, yet he recognized the deep abiding love Eveline had for his brother. She would have sacrificed herself if it saved him. He no longer prayed for Tae to live because his family needed him, but for Eveline's sake. He somehow knew she would die if Tae did.

Daer found them that way. Eveline was draped over Tae and Jax was sobbing in a corner. "Go home and sleep, Jax," Daer ordered.

"I will not leave until Tae is able to watch over Eveline once more. She belongs to my family. Father is in no shape to be head of the family, and Tae may not ever be able to bear that burden again. It is up to me, as the only other male," Jax replied.

Daer sighed. The boy was courageous, but also stubborn. Circumstances had caused him to grow up within a matter of days. The childish grins and teasing manners were gone. His eyes were serious and held the knowledge of an adult.

Daer gave up and brought cots in for both Jax and Eveline. He lifted Eveline and laid her on one, shoving it against the one on which Tae was sleeping. Her hand clung to Tae's even in sleep. He checked Tae's pulse. It remained slow and weak, however, he sensed a determination to survive that had not been there before.

At sunrise, Tae and Eveline's friends returned. First came Shara, bringing a stew and soft, sweet bread made by the king's chef. As Eveline and Jax ate, she placed a hand over Tae's heart and declared, "Something stirs inside him. Do not give up, for he has not."

Chiya brought clean clothes and forced Eveline into the shower, promising to stay with Tae. The warm caress of the energized water revived her, allowing her to feel hope.

Returning to the infirmary, she discovered Michelle and Keshel had arrived. The little boy's tiny hand clasped Tae's limp one. His big brown eyes had a fire in their depths as his sweet baby voice announced, "Tae needs power."

"Yes, he does," Eveline answered as she wrapped the child in her arms. His essence gave her peace. Keshel returned the hug and kissed her cheek. The fear inside her melted away.

The king, Hesher, and Kelan were next. "I have Tae's medals," the king said. "They were to be awarded at a ceremony before the funeral pyres were lit today. I offer them to you instead. There is one for bravery and one for uncommon valor. All my soldiers will receive the first one, but the second is for his ability to remain focused despite his injuries. I am considering raising his rank as well."

"If he lives," Eveline whispered.

"I have faith that he will. There are forces at work on Talonia that I have never felt before," Hesher answered. "Are you coming out for the funerals?"

"No. I will watch and pray from here. I send with you my love and condolences to the families who lost their loved ones."

"We will see that they are received. I am sure they send well wishes to you," Kelan declared.

True to her word, Eveline pushed open the windows in the infirmary so she could listen to the ceremony as well as see it. Jax aided her in bringing Tae's cot as near as possible. Talonia sent a warm breeze through the room, freshening the air. It ruffled Tae's dark hair and gave color to his pale cheeks.

"Listen, Tae. Your comrades are receiving their medals. Here are yours," Eveline stated as she put them on his barely moving chest.

Daer joined them at the window. "Shouldn't you be at the ceremony?" she inquired.

"I still have patients, so my duties are here. Do you mind if I listen with you?"

"Of course not. How are the other patients?"

"Doing well," Daer replied. "I was afraid of losing one, but he has rallied. He will carry the scars of war all his life. He lost two fingers, a toe, and part of an ear to the vicious offspring of the Savra. There are horror stories I do not wish to repeat."

In Eveline's isolation, she had not heard nor asked about the battle. "Their young fought?"

Daer nodded. "The females too. Hesher had wanted to be compassionate and save the women and children. Once he saw the evil in all of them, he destroyed the planet."

"I don't feel sad about it. That may be terrible of me, but I hated them," Eveline admitted.

"It is understandable after what you went through."

The pyres were lit, and colorful smoke filled the air. The warm breeze sent it toward the infirmary along with the chants of the citizens.

"Energy and peace from the waterfalls are taken.

Strength from the volcanoes must not be forsaken.

Lifeforce to our world we choose to return.

For its graces and gifts, our loved ones we burn."

The smoke came through the window, bypassing Eveline, Daer, and Jax. The colorful ash swirled over Tae and gently settled on his prone body. His skin appeared to soak it in.

"What's happening?" Eveline asked.

"I do not know," Daer answered. "I have never seen such a strange phenomenon."

Tae let out a gasp, and his body jerked. His eyes opened, though he seemed to see nothing. They were not the royal blue Eveline was used to seeing. Instead, they swirled with all the colors of the rainbow, spinning so fast it made her dizzy.

"Do something," she demanded of Daer.

"There is not anything I can do. Do not be frightened. I believe Talonia is gifting Tae with the strength of its fallen. He is meant to live a long life. Watch, his eyes are clearing."

He was right. Tae's eyes were royal blue once again. They came into focus and latched on to Eveline. Slowly his hand raised and he whispered, "I felt you, my love. Without the energy in your tears, I would have left this world." His voice grew stronger. "There are voices in my head, memories of others who I fear are gone. Their power courses through my veins. My wounds are healing, rapidly. I do not understand."

"Don't fight it. A great gift has been bestowed upon you. Let it seep into your muscles and bones. Enfold it with your heart. Talonia has found you worthy of its sacrifice. You must repay its kindness by accepting the gift and giving your undivided loyalty to it for all your life," Eveline proclaimed.

"No one is going to believe this," Jax announced. "I need to find my father and sisters. They will rejoice."

"Yes, Jax. Go and shout it to all who will listen. A miracle was performed today, and we have many families to thank for their sons' contribution," Daer declared.

"What happens now?" Eveline asked.

"We examine Tae, who I imagine will be perfectly healed. Then we let him get cleaned and dressed. I expect an influx of citizens soon. He must be ready to greet them. I will give you a moment of peace to welcome him back. Do not take too long. As you can see, Jax has made it outside and is yelling the news."

Daer quickly examined Tae and discovered he had been correct. Tae was healthy, and his wounds were now small scars. Why Tae had been given such a gift was beyond his understanding. Shaking his head in confusion, he left to hold off the crowd.