On the ferry docks, the pair doctors stood, awaiting the arrival of the ship as it pulled into port. Many of the children accompanied the two, eager to meet the passengers that had made the long journey from their home in Adohi, to the warm-weather island paradise of Calico. For most of the children, seeing one native resident of Adohi was a first, but to see others and of differing species was a marvel. If they were all as massive as their lupine doctor, it was going to be a sight to behold.

The loud bellowing of the ship's horn resounded through the port, signaling that they ferry was docked and the passengers were free to depart the seaward vessel. It wasn’t just passengers from Adohi, but other areas of Catriona Isles as well. Caton and Kitena were destinations that the ship visited just before reaching the shores of Calico. Cats from the adjacent islands disembarked, many being the assistance that was dispatched at the request of the emperor. Others were family members and friends of the survivors, as well as the deceased. Some of the bodies of the departed were to be returned to the places where the beloved dead were born, so that the funeral rites could be performed there. Most of the other corpses remained in Calico where the funerals were performed at nearby temples. An overwhelming air of sadness and grief was added to the already amassed collection of sorrow that existed upon the City of Calico.

Finally, at long last, the faces of the people Dr. Bravewolf longed to see most of all, emerged from the ship and stepped into the punishing sunlight of Catriona. His heart swelled and the mere sight of his family eased the weight of despair that had been suffocating his spirit. Relief bathed his entire being. When their eyes met, his beloved mate cried out his name and ran to him, leaping into his open arms to be joyously embraced in his powerful arms. Like a life preserver tossed to him as he drowned at sea, he held onto his love as though his very life depended on her nearness to survive.