An awesome gift from the talented  Har-V-Est, whose unique style I adore! Please do check out their page if you've got the time. I just love how Valkiro looks here - like an old dog with nothing left to offer but a smile and his company! I keep saying that, but the thought always brings me a smile. Thank you so much for your generosity and talent, Har-V-Est!

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Forty years following the establishment of New Ferrenvale, the rest of the galaxy finally slept. Humanity, now freed from its greed and violence, looked to both sides to greet their old Kryixx and Fennsky neighbors as entirely new people. Warships were scuttled and weapons manufacturing plants were abandoned. New Ferrenvale filled with the prancing notes of music and the flittering colors of confetti and fireworks - the final explosions to send off the last great war to ever be fought. In the town's central towers, far above the night's celebrations, the chorus echoed in ghostly tunes through the cold air, the warmth of victory reaching even this faraway height. The heroes who had brought about this peace met to discuss what would happen next. As each agreed to go their separate way and see the reconstruction of the cosmos go smoothly, Valkiro watched from a corner through faded pupils. The figure approaching him now was merely a silhouette as she neared, yet he somehow knew exactly who it was at once.

Saberris sat down casually next to Valkiro, abandoning her usual uptight schtick. Even she must have been feeling the joy in the air, or perhaps she knew this was just what Val had always desired. A chance to be together, not as leader and soldier, not as politician and representative, and not even as therapist and patient... but as friends.

Shakily moving his old and tired head, all of his energy expired in life-saving gifts to his friends and brothers to bring about the glorious empire Saberris would now rule over, Valkiro smiled up at the Kryixx queen. Though he could not see her eyes, the look of understanding and admiration she gave him still managed to reach him, and warmed his heart one final time before the end.

Val rested his head on her leg, and upon feeling the familiar touch of her hand over his purple mane, knew no more.