Valeri began to cry. "I am also guilty of causing him pain. I stood by as he was used in experiments. He lifted the weights because I asked him to. I'm sure my father gave him this illness to punish me."
The queen patted her back and replied, "You've atoned for all that by bringing him home. I betrayed Siefer by having an affair with his deceitful brother. I made atonement by killing Rowl. King Siefer forgave me. We still love each other dearly. You love Ohber, don't you?"
Valeri nodded. She prayed the queen was right and Ohber would forgive her for all the bad things she had allowed to happen to him. He had to survive. She wanted to make amends and tell him she loved him. He deserved to see Milisaria once more.
Alexis and the doctor stepped away. They had done all they could for Ohber. He was gray and silent, except for each gasping breath. Alexis motioned for Valeri to come closer. She said, "Sit with him. Talk quietly. Reach out to his soul and call him back. He needs a reason to fight for his life. Give him one."
Valeri pulled her chair to the bed. She lifted Ohber's limp hand and placed a kiss on it. She began to speak, "We made it. We escaped from the lab. You're safe now. No more pain. Come back to me. We need to talk. I saw your four moons. They are just as glorious as you described. The green seas welcomed you home. Your Milisaria is beautiful. Open your eyes and look around. Ohber, you're finally home. The queen greeted our ship. She is anxious to meet you. You were missed by the warriors. They carried you in on their shoulders. I'm told that it's a sign of respect used for soldiers who are badly injured in battle. Keep fighting. You promised to stay alive. Please, Ohber, I need you. Don't leave me all alone on a strange planet. Everyone is kind, but I need you."
She stopped talking for a minute and looked around the room. They were alone. Alexis, Queen Destiney, and the doctor had given her privacy to speak from her heart. She laid her head on his chest and spoke to his soul. "Ohber, wake up. I don't want to be here without you. I told you once before; you are everything to me. I am irrevocably in love with you. It feels so odd to say that to an alien. Stranger still, I am the alien on this planet. I know I'm rambling, but saying I love you out loud is scary. Come back." She kissed his chest, directly over his heart, and whispered, "Fight for us."
The hand she held gave hers a gentle squeeze. She raised her head and found Ohber's eyes were open. He was very ill, but his eyes were focused. He smiled. Valeri sobbed in relief. He had fought his way back. In a dry, hoarse voice he said, "I will fight for us. It may take me a long time, but I will fight."
"You are home and safe. We did it. No more experiments to torture you. I promise. Forgive me for my part in them. I now realize how wrong it was to use all of you that way. How can I make up for it?' Valeri asked.
Ohber's smile grew bigger. He replied, "You brought me home. The only other thing I need is you. In all my dreams of home, you were there. We walked in the sea, gazed at the moon, and fought side by side. You need no forgiveness. It was you that saved me. You battled for my freedom. You fought valiantly against your own father. Your voice pulled me back from death. I need you. I love you."
Valeri wiped her tears. She clung tightly to his hand. "I love you too."
A gurgling laugh came from Ohber, "I thought I was dreaming when you said it before. How good to know I was not. I need nothing more. I am home, and I am loved. What more could I ask for?"
Valeri grinned, "How about this?" She leaned over and kissed his lips. To her surprise, Ohber deepened the kiss. Their souls met in their lips and rejoiced with the love they found.
Alexis returned. She was smiling. "Well, I see the patient is awake. He must be mending if he can kiss like that." She checked his pulse and listened to his heart and lungs. "You're not out of the woods just yet, but everything sounds better than it did earlier. The doctor will be back soon. His opinion is better than mine. Keep fighting, and you will live. Valeri, let's push his bed to the window. I think he has earned a look at the moons."
Together, they pushed and pulled until the bed was by the window. Tears ran unheeded down Ohber's cheeks as he stared at the four moons. They meant he really was home. He could rest now. Ohber closed his eyes and slept peacefully.
A little girl ran into the room. Alexis put a finger to her lips. The little one tiptoed to her and held up her arms in silence. The child was beautiful. Blonde hair fell to her waist. Her skin was translucent. It reminded Valeri of opals. Her sea blue eyes sparkled with mischief. Alexis kissed her face and said, "Meet my daughter, Nexxa. Sweetheart, this is Valeri. She came all the way from Earth to bring back one of our warriors. Say, hello."
Nexxa jumped down, extended a tiny hand, and said, "Hello, lady. Welcome to our home. Where is my daddy's warrior? He will want him back. He teaches them to use swords. It is not fair. Boys have all the fun."
Valeri burst into laughter. This little girl was so precious. She was beaming with energy and funny as well. Valeri answered, "The warrior is sleeping. He has been very sick. Your mommy has to fix him and then he can go back to your daddy. Is that okay with you?"
Nexxa's face lit up with a smile, "You bet. My mommy can fix anything. She fixes my booboos, and Scyon's too. He is my best friend. Can he meet you too?"
Valeri was more than willing to oblige. If Scyon was as adorable as Nexxa, it would make a perfect ending to the day.
