Daniel pulled back the blankets from his bed.  Training all evening with the girls always left him ready for an early night.  He sighed as he lay down and stretched, grimacing at the ache in his shoulder, not doubting it would fully hurt as soon as he awoke.

It seemed as if he had been training forever, and the girls encouraged him every step of the way.  However, he had done things in the spur of the moment when it had really counted that he could not do in the fake scenarios.  Even producing his full foliage armor required a large amount of anxiety and adrenaline that left him drained when it was produced for practice.  Thoughts of his exhaustion became doubts of his abilities as he closed his eyes and tried to hurry sleep’s arrival.

He wasn’t sure if he had fallen asleep or if he was dreaming, but Daniel’s gray eyes opened in the darkness.  He was surrounded by the pitch black, unable to make out any of the familiar forms in his room; he stood up.  Straight ahead of him he thought he saw something in the distance, a pinprick light in the ebony enclosure.  It seemed to be getting bigger and closer, taking on a green hue and rushing toward him.  It became so large so fast it felt as if he would be run over or feel wind rushing at him but as suddenly as it came it stopped.

The greenness surrounded him in a warm welcoming glow as it grew in brightness and intensity, yet he felt no need to shade his eyes.  It enfolded him in a welcoming embrace as if greeting an old friend.  The green was warm and had a familiar smell, one that was old yet fresh, strong yet subtle and as he inhaled the light he felt as if it had made him its master, its wielder, its equal.  He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the green light, closing his eyes and letting it envelope him.

Daniel opened his eyes once more.  The green light was gone, yet somehow still present.  Immediately he looked down then raised a hand to inspect it.  The light and he were one.  He saw his hand, he saw the green light, but neither were themselves, however together they were one and the same and both.

A movement broke his attention from trying to unwind the riddle and his eyes perceived he was not the only one there, wherever there was.  There were six others standing with him creating a circle and each emitted a light of their own just a she did, although the colors ranged to every end of the rainbow.

Although he wasn’t even sure if they were standing for there were no walls, no ceiling, no floor to wherever they were.  But Daniel was sure he wasn’t floating or flying, they were just there arranged in a circle, like a colorful constellation.

Daniel looked around and saw that everyone had turned his or her eyes upwards, and he followed suit.  A white star seemed to glow brightly in the surrounding darkness far above them.  But just as his own green light had done, the star began to grow larger as it approached, flying with magnificent speed towards the whole Circle.  Again he flinched expecting a collision, but none came. 

Opening his eyes to a brilliant white light that radiated from the center of the circle, and enveloping each of the members individual colors so that they were seemingly all bathed in white.

Forest Ranger, a voice came from the light, soothing, strong, and sincere.  You have been chosen well.  I remember your hands in my soil while you were a little child, encouraging the seedlings to grow.  Your care and compassion are the keys to your power, when you  extend these abilities to everything around you, you will find completeness. 

As many here already know, I am battered every day by the faults that men have chosen to indulge themselves in.  Your task will be a challenge for you.  There are upon me seven species of flora in which only a single plant still survives.  It is up to you to save these survivors so that man may someday discover their wonderful uses before they are gone.

How will I find them?

He felt warm, as if the Earth had smiled at him.  Your path is set before you, Forest Ranger.  It is difficult and it is long.  May the Angles fly beside you with God’s speed.

Suddenly the brightness was gone, and Daniel lay awake upon his bed once more.

“Wait!” he called out as he sat up.  “How…” He stopped as another brightness filled his room.  Turning toward the woman dressed in a white gown he asked, “Mom?”

- - - - - - - - -

Walking through the blooming garden, she turned to her companion.  Daniel’s warm loving smile greeted her as she slipped her hand into his.  The lush green vegetation faded from view as she closed her eyes and kissed him tenderly.  He laid her back upon the soft grass then stretched out beside her, kissing her once again.  Her gaze wandered the clear blue skies, which began to turn darker as a cool wind made her shudder.  Turning her gaze, the trees were no longer bright hues of green but the faded shades of autumn, their leaves falling in a storm of color atop her.  Struggling, she managed to erupt from the pile of leaves.  Frantically searching for Daniel, calling his name, her vision blurred with browns, reds, and yellows.  The colors began to brighten and emit heat as they turned into a raging fire.  The smoke choked her, but she continued to call out for him. 

Her heart stopped as she made out a dark figure on the grating of the high catwalk.  The Forest Ranger lay crumpled like an autumn leaf, his lush green colors faded to winter browns.  She knelt beside him praying to find signs of life.  She looked up in time to see bright blue eyes peering from behind the glimmering steel as it sparked.  Suddenly knocked her off the catwalk as the Forest Ranger sat up, her ears were filled with his cry.  He landed with his head facing her, limply over the edge.  Hanging from her fingertips, she watched as his pale green eyes melted into a familiar gray as he molted his leaves like a dying tree.  There was a last loving sparkle in his eyes, then they faded as Daniel’s body relaxed.  Emptiness filled her so greatly that she couldn’t think, see, or feel anything… sense-less: she let go….

Sally’s body tensed so fast, she awoke in the middle of the night, her heart pounding quickly.  She sighed as she sat up and looked at the clock.  She had only been asleep for an hour.  Pulling Paul into a big hug, she reminded herself: It was only a dream.

You know better than that… a voice came from within.

But… but spring can’t just become fall like that… You can’t be lying outside one moment then be in a burning warehouse the next, she tried to convince herself.

Hugin and Munin may talk in riddles, but always tell the truth; you know this.

So they’re trying to tell me that Daniel will die someday, trying to save me?  She got out of bed and walked to the large window, starring out at the dark forest.

Knowledge is power; what you do with it is your decision.  But be warned: few paths will alter the future, and those are the hardest of all.  I thought severing ties with Laerd would ease his torment, but he died foolishly out of loyalty to me despite my good intensions.  Choose carefully.

If Daniel and I continue as we are… he will sacrifice himself for me?  “What are my other options?” she asked aloud watching a large raven trying to get comfortable on her windowsill.

You can not force the visions, Valkyrie consoled her. They will come as they are needed.

You did; you used them to plunder ships! she argued.  I want to be able to weigh my options.  I’d like to know which path to take.

You must remember: the gift was mine, not yours.  It has lost something in its transfer to you; you do not have the ability to call upon it.

Sally sighed, “Well despite how hard the path will be, I wish it were easier to decide which path to take.”

“I can make that easier.”

Sally jumped at the soft voice in the still room.  A beautiful woman with sandy flowing hair stood near her.  She was dressed in a soft dress that seemed to glow with its whiteness.  Her bright blue eyes smiled gracefully at the girl.

Sally had only spoke to Daniel’s mother once before when she had thanked Valkyrie and her for their cooperation in dealing with a malevolent pirate who refused to die.  At this moment, however, words failed her and Sally simply beheld the stunning figure before her.

“Daniel has a path of his own that he must take.  You must simply let him go.”

Sally’s mind suddenly went blank as it had in the dream: sense-less…

“It will be a hard path for both of you, but it is for the best of all.  Search your heart, it is written there.”

Sally closed her eyes, trying to regain her senses. Divine intervention… Nothing can be clearer than that.

A tap at the door opened Sally’s eyes once more.  The angel was gone, making the room feel deserted and lonesome.  The tap came quietly again and she walked across the large room to the door.

Daniel stood in the hallway in his pajamas, plaid cotton pants and green t-shirt, his hair disheveled as if he had just awoken, but his eyes were excited and worried.  “Sally, I’ve got to tell… I need to talk… I didn’t wake you, did I?” he added as he noticed her pajamas pants and deep blue t-shirt.  

“I was still up,” she said and nodded for him to enter and made her way to the large couch in the sitting area.

Daniel sat beside her on the edge of the cushions; he turned to her and began to talk excitedly, “I had this dream… but it wasn’t a dream at all… but I was asleep… but I wasn’t in my room… I was in the sky… I think it was the sky… but there were other people there… and they knew I was the Forest Ranger… and they all have powers like me… well, not plant powers, but elemental powers… uh.. fire, water, air, and fauna…er… I forgot some…” He screwed up his face trying to remember.  “There were SEVEN of us... Well anyway…my powers are meant for something other than crime fighting… I’m a Keeper of Earth!”  He looked at her with an enthusiastic smile.  His smile faded as he saw her frightened face.  “What’s wrong?” he asked concerned.

Sally realized she was watching her dream replay in her mind as she watched Daniel.  Quickly she looked away to compose herself, and then looked back at him.  “Nothing.”

Daniel’s face was covered in disbelief, as he tilted his head, eyeing her to tell the truth.

Sally took a deep breath.  “I had a dream too.”

“I guess it wasn’t as exciting as mine…” he reached his hand out for hers.  “Tell me about it.”

Sally wanted nothing more than to be wrapped in his arms, for him to console her and convince her that her dream was only worry and fear, not truth.  But the thought of having to let him go made the want of consoling seem an attempt of prolonging the inevitable.  She pulled her hand from his and looked away from him again.

“Well…” he ran his fingers through his hair as he always did when he was nervous, leaving it more wild than before.  “I… uh… have to… as a member of the Guardians… I… uh…” he took a quick breath.  “I have to leave for a while… I don’t know how long… or where… exactly, but….”

“Daniel,” Sally interrupted him softly.  “You have to go.  You have to take this path… alone.”  Her eyes met his. “That’s what my dream was about.”  The excitement had drained from his gray eyes, leaving them sad and haunting.

“I know,” he whispered as she felt something within her shatter. 

Never before had she felt so isolated, sitting next to the man she loved and unable to touch him for fear of never being able to let him go.  And not letting him go meant his death.  She could tell he was straining to keep to himself also.  To break the tension she asked, “When will you leave?”

“Soon.”  He looked down at his hands and she could see the same conflicting emotions that were coursing through her.  “I love you, Sally,” he whispered as he looked at her again.  “I want you to know that… that I always will.”

“Daniel,” she pleaded, “Don’t make this harder than it is…”

“No, I have to tell you this… my mother… she came to me, even though this is an exciting opportunity, I didn’t want to leave you, not knowing when I’d see you … she told me our paths will meet again.” Sally thought she felt her heart beat again in that single ray of hope.  “But,”

“There’s always a but…” she interrupted sadly.

“By then we’ll be… different… than we are now.  She wouldn’t tell me how or ….” Her heart sank again.  “But I can’t fathom love without you, Angel.  You are the meaning of love to me.”

Her stormy blue eyes met the soulful gray ones gazing lovingly back.  Before she could pull away his hand had brushed against her cheek and their lips met.  Her emotions overpowered her… she let go.

- - - - - - -

The bashful taste of lilac filled her lungs with every fresh breath as her back was warmed by the afternoon sun; she knew spring was finally here.  The dirt was light and cool in her hands as she dug into the earth. 

“Are you sure you don’t want gloves?” 

Sally looked over at him, standing by the small green wagon in the spring sun.  His grey eyes smiled down at her.  “You know me: It’s not any fun if I can’t get my hands dirty.” 

He smiled at her quip and picked out two flowers from the assortment in the wagon.  “Are you ready for these?” He asked as he knelt down beside her. 

“You’re the expert gardener, why don’t you tell me if this is okay.” 

His masterful eye surveyed the small section of garden they intended to cultivate.  The soil that had been toughened by the long cold winter was now broken and soft.  “Tilled to perfection,” he said, leaning over and planting a small kiss on her cheek.  “But your holes are too deep.  We don’t want these two lovely girls to feel like we’re burying them alive.” 

She gave a sly smile, “But we are.” 

“Shhh,” he hushed her, “what they don’t know won’t hurt them.” 

Reaching for the trowel she refilled the two holes an inch, then placed the blue flower inside, filled in the remaining void with dirt and pressed down softly.  She then turned and watched him.  Gently setting the fragile flower into the hole, he folded extra dirt around it and tucked it in snuggly, as if he were laying a sleeping child to bed.  Her face couldn’t help but soften at his tender actions. 

-------------

The sun began to sink as a cool evening breeze began to blow.  Standing arms akimbo, Sally looked out over the grounds at the hard work the Saturday had accomplished.  The rainbow of pansies danced around various geraniums and multicolored lilies and seemed to give their respects to the returning tulips. The loving weight of the arm around her shoulders awakened her from the multihued trance. 

“I’m glad you helped today,” he whispered.  “I think it looks amazing.” 

“I don’t think it was my magic,” she replied, “but perhaps I learned enough today to carry on while you’re away.” 

His face contorted slightly.  “I thought Tonya was going to be in charge of that.” 

“She is, but I can help.”  She saw the relief in his face.  “You don’t trust me with the gardens?”

“I…” he let his arm drop as she shrugged it off, “I didn’t say that.” 

“And here I thought we did good work today,” she pouted half-heartedly. 

His lips curled into a slight smile.  “You did a wonderful job,” he reached up and wiped away a smudge of dirt on her cheek.  “I’m sure Tonya won’t be able to do it without you.”

She smiled in spite of herself, his loving voice cheering her more than his words.  She sank back into his arms and his lips grazed her cheek.

He stepped forward then turned toward her, holding out his right hand.  She slid her left hand into it and his thumb slid across the ring there.  They smiled silently for a moment, both thinking of how that tiny band of silver connected them in such a deep bond.  With her hand in his he led her into the Mansion, through the halls and into his room.

There on his bed was spread a soft green blanket with a wicker picnic basket placed in the center.  The onset of the outside darkness was warded off by several candles placed around the room.  As he turned toward her their eyes met. 

“A picnic,” she inquired, “Here?”

“Didn’t you wonder why I left you alone for an hour?” 

“Well, yeah. But why not on the lawn where there are colorful flowers, and grass.”

He smiled at her as if he were showing patience with a young child.  It caught her attention and she realized he had planned this and she should let him go ahead with it.  “Would you like to sit down?” he gestured to the bed.

As soon as her hand touched the blanket she was surprised at how soft it was.  She continued rubbing her hand on it, trying to guess what it was made of.  “I like this blanket; it’s so soft.” 

He sat down next to her and pulled out a bottle from the basket.  As he handed it to her he kissed her cheek.  Sally looked down at the bottle and was surprised to find wine.  Neither she nor he drank much and she had never acquired the taste for wine.  He then produced two long stemmed glasses. 

“Feels like we’re on a date,” she commented as he opened the bottle and filled the two glasses with a blush colored liquid. 

“I know we haven’t had too many of them and I wanted tonight to be special.”  Daniel handed a glass to her. 

A sweet smell wafted from her glass as she held it below her nose.  She was about to take a sip when he raised his glass. 

“To love.  To destiny.  To us.  May they be in the future as they are now: One and the same.”  They clinked glasses and she gave a soft smile at the sentiment although she knew what the worlds implied.  He would leave soon and nothing would be the same. 

She slowly took a sip as he did the same watching her over the rim.  The wine was cool and slid over her tongue, leaving its sweet smell behind to tingle her senses.  She licked her lips. 

“This is wonderful.” 

“I’m glad you like it.  It was hard to find.” 

“You didn’t have to go to all this trouble,” she said, looking around the room at all the touches he added to make the atmosphere romantic.  The candles, a vase of flowers, the soft blanket. Her eyes drifted to her hands and she sighed.  “We’ve been working hard today, Daniel, and I don’t feel right sitting on your fresh bed in my sweaty clothes. Even my hands are dirty.”

“My hands are dirty too,” he said reaching out to hold hers.  He leaned in and kissed her tenderly on her smiling lips.  She deepened the kiss as the passion increased, then suddenly pulled away. 

She was still close to him, but she bit her lip then whispered, “I’m going to use your shower, okay?  Just… to get the dirt off.”  Her lips were curled in a sly smile as she stood and backed away to his bathroom.

After she’d gone, he stood and surveyed the room, making sure everything was in its place.  He heard the water turn on and glanced at the door.  It was slightly ajar and he could hear the water flowing freely and then the sound changed as the water hit her body.  He swallowed thinking about her in his shower.  Then he bent his head and held the collar of his shirt up to his nose, sniffing at his own smell.

- - - - - - - -

Lathering the soap between her hands Sally turned as the door to the shower opened and Daniel stepped over the low edge and onto the textured tile floor.  He closed the door behind him before he turned to look at her, the first time they had seen each other naked.  Her face couldn’t help but smile, his body was gorgeous in her eyes and she could sense he felt the same way about her.  Keeping their eyes locked, he took the soap from her hands and spread it across her body.  His hands traveled smoothly upon her wet skin and through her hair, caressing every inch.  Finally he backed her under the water and his hands glided over her body once more as he rinsed her off. 

Sally stepped around him and led him back into the water, getting him thoroughly wet.  She lathered up her hands once more as she began to wash Daniel.  Despite the long hours he spent in the sun and working hard, his wet skin was smooth.  As he turned to let her lather his back, she pressed her wet body against him and wrapped her arms around, lathering his chest.  She heard a soft gasp escape his lips into the hot air.  He turned around again and looked intently into her eyes.  Pressing her chest against his, her hands moved along his back, spreading the cleansing white foam.  Her fingers came to rest on his waist as she leaned in they stepped into the gently falling water.  Each drop that hit them seemed to deepen the emotion that hung between them.  The water ceased as Daniel’s hand slid from the knob and took Sally’s hand in his. They stood before each other, bare and wet, just breathing the humid air. 

Leading her to the door, he reached out and grabbed a large green towel, wrapping it around her.  She took another and threw it over his head, rubbing it thoroughly through his hair.  When he emerged, laughing as hard as she was with a sly look in his eye, she backed away. 

“Daniel, no.  There are some things you just don’t do to a lady.”  She pleaded as he wrapped his towel around himself.

“You’re no lady,” he sneered playfully, “you’re my fiancé.” He reached out and grabbed her towel away from her and rubbed her head vigorously, laughing as he did so.  She yanked the towel from around his waist and put it around herself, then walked back into his room.  “Hey,” he protested then replaced the missing towel with the one in his hands. 

She was looking into the picnic basket as he entered, “What other tricks have you got in this basket?”

“Please, take a seat, ma’dam, and I shall reveal all,” he tried for a French accent as he placed it on the bedside table.

“I think you already have,” she smiled coyly. 

He couldn’t help but blush as he walked over to the stereo and turned it on. She knew it before the first word was sung.

“I love this song,” Sally whispered, as she closed her eyes.

“I know,” he held out his hand and escorted her to the center of the room.

When you see a shooting star in the night
When you hear the warm wind whisper through the pines
I want you to know

They pressed their cheeks together, dancing together, as they couldn’t help but sing along.

“It'll be me and my infinite love for you
It's just like I promised you under heaven above
It will live on long after we kiss goodbye
Forever by your side

My infinite love”

She turned her head slightly, tracing her moist lips upon his cheek.

When you think someone is callin ' out your name
When you feel that kind of feelin' you can't explain
Now you will know

He pulled her closer, putting both hands around her waist as her arms embraced his neck.

It'll be me and my infinite love for you
It's just like I promised you under heaven above

He brushed his lips against hers.

It will live on long after we kiss goodbye

She deepened the kiss, her fingers trailing through his hair.

Forever by your side

My infinite love

I want you to know

She kissed his cheek again, as his lips traced her jaw.

It'll be me and my infinite love for you

His arms wrapped tighter around her.

It's just like I promised you under heaven above

His hot breath trailed down her throat.

It will live on long after we kiss goodbye

A soft sigh escaped her lips.

Forever by your side

“I love you, Sally,” he whispered as his grey gaze met her blue eyes.

My infinite love

“Daniel, I love you more than words can say.”

My infinite love

My infinite love

- - - - - - - - -

The soft ambience of a spring rain was the first thing Sally heard as she awoke.  As her lungs filled with the air of her first morning breath she knew she was in Daniel’s room.  The smell that filled her was a combination of sawdust and wildflowers, with a hint of rich dirt and pine.  It was Daniel’s smell.  Her lips curled into a smile as she took another breath.  Rolling over to put her arm around him, she found herself hugging a pillow instead.  Her eyes opened as her hand came up to rub her face.

The room was bright with early light, despite the rain outside.  The candles around the room were burned down halfway.  The two glasses of half-drank wine sat on the maple side table.  The picnic basket sat on the floor.  Two green towels still lay forgotten on the floor. 

Sally smiled to herself, realizing how seductive the tan sheets of Daniel’s bed felt against her bare body.  But where did he go?

She looked around the room again, to see if there were any clues to his whereabouts.  Seeing none her heart stopped at the most drastic conclusion.  He’s left…

What part of ‘long after we kiss goodbye’ didn’t you understand? He left you with a perfect night to remember him by.  Just as I left Laerd.

“He would have said ‘goodbye’!” she protested against the voice of doubt.

“Who would have said goodbye?” Daniel said as he walked into the room, carrying a covered tray, and seeing both the fright and relief on her face.

She sighed, holding her heart. “I thought…”

“That I’d left for… good?” He smiled at her doubt.  “I just brought us waffles,” he changed the subject.  “I know they’re your favorite.”

“You spoil me,” she admitted.

“I can take them back,” he turned.

“But they are already made,” she tried to sound unenthused. 

He smiled as he stood looking at her.  “You look gorgeous in my bed.”

“No, Daniel,” she said coyly, “tell me what you really think.”

He sat down on the edge of the bed, setting the tray at the foot.  His eyes found hers. “If I ever thought I loved you before, I was just fooling myself.  At this very moment my heart is overflowing into a level I never fathomed could exist.  My very being is seized with a fullness that only occurs when I look at you, when I think of you, when I… am near you.  When I say ‘you’re beautiful’… or ‘gorgeous’, it’s… it’s because there is no other word to describe the way I see you.  You’re…” he stopped with his mouth open shaking his head trying to find the nonexistent word.

She leaned over and pressed her lips to his, kissing him deeply and passionately.  Slowly she pulled away.

“That’s it… exactly.”  He fidgeted slightly as he tried to subdue the emotion that was overcoming him.  He lifted the cover from the tray. “Waffles?”

“Why can’t you admit you’re just a hopeless romantic?” she asked, reaching for a fork, trying to hide her misty eyes.

“And what does that make you, Miss still-naked-in-bed?”

“Me?! You’re the one who’s thinking about it.  It’s probably occupying your mind right now: my soft skin, my hot, naked body touching the sheets of your bed.” She saw his eyes trace across her.  “You’re more of a pervert then I thought.”  Cutting off a piece of waffle she brought it to her mouth, her lips slowly pulling it off the fork. She licked her lips sensuously.

“If I knew you were going to be so childish about this, maybe I should have just left.”  He regretted it as soon as he said it.  She set the fork down on the plate with a rather harsh clang.  “I didn’t mean…”

“Daniel,” she looked him in the eyes. “I meant what I said last night: I love you.  Just like you expressed so articulately just now.”  She gave a small sigh.  “I know you’ll be leaving; I knew before last night.  It is a serious glitch in our relationship, but you have every right to make jokes about it.  You don’t have to pretend it won’t happen.  I have no regrets about it.  I know you have to go; I only ask you say goodbye as you leave, in person, no post-its.”  She couldn’t help but smile as he chuckled, remembering the times each of them had called off a special evening with a yellow sticky note.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Daniel wiped his brow with his arm, and stood up in the fading sun.  The late spring sun had begun its decent over the tall trees around the MacMickle Mansion as he loaded his gardening tools into the wagon.  Surveying the work he had done, he smiled to himself. 

Sally and he had planted those pansies just the week before and they were already off to a great start.  He thought back through the whole week, they had spent more time together in the last twelve days then in the whole last two month. 

With all his roommates, really.  He had shown Tonya the proper way to care for some of the more delicate plants in the landscape and gardens.  Dee and Alec had critiqued a Beetles song he had learned to play on his guitar, with Sebastian on piano.  He had discussed some healing properties of plants and herbs with Poopsie.  A couple of mornings he had gone on a jog with Jed and Bowie.  There had even been an extra poker game with the guys this week.  Thinking over it, his smile broadened.

Ranger  

Like a whisper on the wind he heard it, soft and pleading, calling to him.

It is time

He felt compelled to walk into the forest in search of it.

Come

- - - - - - - - - - -

Hurdling over Bowie, Daniel stopped before plowing into Dee.

“Where’re you’re going, Speedy!” she shot at him, as she caught her balance.

“I don’t know.  Spain, Australia, maybe Greenland.  I’m leaving tonight.”

Dee blinked in shock.  “You know Greenland’s not really green, right?”

“Well, apparently just enough.  There is an endangered plant which I have to rescue.”  He stepped around her and ran down the hall to his room.  “My mission has begun.”

- - - - - - - - - - -

The knock was soft, almost hesitant, but still audible.  “Come in,” Daniel called without looking up from the drawer he was rummaging through.  He heard the door open and shut, but no one spoke.  Raising an eyebrow, he turned toward the door.  “Tonya?”

She pulled away from the door and slowly walked toward him, her gaze on the floor.  “Techno told you that your phone can call from almost anywhere on this planet as long as it’s charged?”

“Yes.  When he first gave it to me after I moved into the Mansion.  But I’ll probably leave it off most of the time.  And I don’t know if I’ll be where there’s electricity.” Daniel replied as he stuffed some things in his satchel.

“Are you taking your bank card so you won’t have to deal with foreign currency as much?”

“Yeah.  I thought about that yesterday.”

“If you end up in Japan, feel free to call Zoe.  We’ve got several contacts there and she can easily find you a safe bed and a warm meal.”

“Thanks, Mom.  I’ll remember that.”  Tonya didn’t reply or laugh like he had expected.  “What do you really want to tell me?” he asked softly looking at her.

After a moment, she looked up and met his gaze for the first time, startling him with the seriousness of her expression and sorrowful eyes.

“Promise me you’ll come back alive,” she said quietly.

Daniel blinked.  “What?”

“Promise me you’ll come back alive,” Tonya repeated louder.

He smiled sympathetically.  “Tonya, I don’t know if that’s something I can promise.”

“Please, Daniel,” she pleaded, emerald eyes desperate.  “Promise me.”

Silence filled the room.  “Tonya…”  He didn’t know how to comfort her.  He put his hands on her shoulders and looked straight into her eyes.  “I promise to remember everything I’ve been taught, Tonya.  You and Zarbon have helped me become not only a better fighter, but a better person.  I promise to use everything you’ve taught me to make it home safe.  To that, you have my word,” he said then pulled her into a hug.

She returned the embrace.  “I would not have been chosen, it I weren’t equal to the task,” he reassured her.

“Yeah,” she said pulling back.  She smiled, her anxiety apparently diminished.  “I’ll hold you to that promise,” she said over her shoulder as she headed for the door.

“Tonya,” Daniel called as she reached the door.  “You know I’ll try my hardest to come back safe and sound.  Why make me promise?”

“Because Robert didn’t.” 

- - - - - - - - - - -

In turn, Daniel said goodbyes to his roommates and friends, promising to each of them he would stay as safe as he could.  Placing the satchel-like book bag over his shoulder, he headed out to the garden to the spot Sally had promised to meet him during her night on rounds.

Through the trees, Abra watched that man sitting on the stone bench.  His eyes were closed solemnly, but his face was sad.  The scene almost moved her to tears seeing Daniel this way.  Concluding what was in store, she stepped out onto the garden path and into the moonlight of the small clearing, accepting the fate.  At the sound of her boots on the stone, Daniel opened his grey eyes and looked up at her, smiling sadly as he stood.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he said, taking her gloved hands in his.  They sat down beside each other on the bench.  Taking off her gloves she set them beside her; then she removed her mask.  He smiled.  “Funny how the two most meaningful women in my life are one and the same.”

“Funny,” she retorted a bit harshly, yet playfully, “how you kissed the other before you ever kissed your fiancé.”

“I thought you were over that?” the smile faded from his face.  “I mean, it’s not really fair to me ‘cause you are…” She kissed him deeply, then pulled slowly away. “…both.”

Still millimeters from his lips she whispered, “And which of us is the better kisser?”

He was about to answer when his sense of duty again washed over him.  Suddenly he put his arms around her and held her tight.  “I’m leaving,” he whispered.

Her arms wrapped tightly around him in response.  “Now?”

“In… in a few minutes.”  They loosened their embrace to look into each others’ misty eyes.  “I’ve already said ‘goodbye’ to everyone else.  And…” he began to talk fast to reveal all he wanted to say before his emotions stopped him.  “No matter where I am, I’ll love you forever.  If you’re lonely just look the sky:  I’ll be seeing the same one.  I’ll be wishing on the same star to see you again soon.  Our star.”

“Ad Astra per Aspera,” she whispered, looking up at the moon.  Behind it, hidden for another 50 years, was there star.

“Yeah.”  He turned to his khaki book bag that was propped against the bench and pulled something from it.  “This is for you,” he explained handing her a journal with a starry motif.  “I’ll try and call when I can, but I know there will be times when you need to tell me something, or just tell me you miss me.  You can write it in here, and you can read it to me over the phone, or I’ll read it when I get back.  It’ll be like we never missed any part of each others’ lives.”  He swallowed, trying hard to go on.  “I got one for me too… for… for you to read.”  She put her hand on his, and squeezed it lovingly.

“That’s a clever idea.”

“Thanks.”  With his free hand he ran his fingers through his hair.  “This next part is… difficult, but just… listen, okay?”

“Okay,” she submitted.

“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. If I shouldn’t return…”

“Daniel…” she protested.  He put a finger to her lips and tears began to form in her eyes.

“If I shouldn’t return in ten years, or you feel you can… love someone else… don’t keep yourself from happiness because of me.”  He set his jaw to keep it from quivering.

She grabbed the hand at her lips and whispered.  “I love you.”  Then kissed him again, revealing her unconditional love through the passionate touch.  They embraced tightly once more.

Reluctantly he pulled himself from his love’s arms and stood, placing the bag strap over his shoulder.  He backed away into the forest.  “I was promised by an angel that we would meet again.  I believe that.  I love you, Sally.”  He stepped back again, and vanished.

“But we’ll ‘be different’.”  The tears fell as heavy burning streams.  She clutched the journal to her as her body shook with sorrow.  To herself she whispered, Let go…