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“The best possible one,” said Chakotay, “with you as my father.”

Kolopak softened and reached to embrace his son. Chakotay hugged him tightly. I love you, Father. I’m sorry I couldn’t be what you wanted me to be.

Like a gentle breeze, he sensed Kolopak’s thoughts: You were always, ever what you were destined to be, Chakotay, even as you rebelled at the thought. I am proud of you, my son.

He took the gift his father was giving him: reconciliation and love, a complete acceptance he had been denied while his father lived.

Tears leaked from Chakotay’s closed lids. Sekaya’s lips were curved in a half smile. Kaz regarded them with concern, then returned his attention to monitoring their vital signs. Whatever they were doing, it was intense.

“No sign of rejection. Preparing second infusion,” Moset said.

Kolopak’s image faded, then disappeared. Chakotay found himself on his back, staring up at a sky crowded with stars. He sat up and discovered that he was lying on hard-baked earth, the only light and warmth emanating from a crackling, smoky fire.

Across from the fire sat Wolf. Her expression was kind and loving. Of all the companions he had had on his spirit walks, She was the gentlest. Her love was pure and demanded nothing in return, only that he accept it. His heart swelled with affection for Her.

Wolf was joined by Snake, who lay basking in the warmth from the fire. Her tongue flickered out lazily. And even Coyote was here, gazing mischievously at Chakotay.

“Only now can we all be together,” Snake said. “Only now can your spirit hold us all. You have expanded since last we met, Stone Keeper.”

“Is it the Sky Spirit DNA in me?” he asked.

“Possibly. Or maybe you’ve just evolved.” Snake’s tongue flickered in and out. Suddenly Wolf’s ears pricked up and her tongue lolled.

“Welcome, Sister,” Wolf said. Chakotay felt a prickling at the back of his neck and knew who he would see when he turned around.

She was not lolling on a sun-warmed rock, as She had been the last time he had beheld Her. This time Black Jaguar was all business. She stood, Her muscles tense beneath Her thick black pelt, the firelight glittering in Her golden eyes.

“Wolf gives you love,” Black Jaguar said. “Snake makes you think. Coyote shakes things up when life becomes stale. I bring you the challenges that will make or break you. Are you afraid?”

He wasn’t sure what answer She wanted. He was afraid, but he knew he wasn’t supposed to be. He licked lips suddenly gone dry and said, “Yes, I am. But I will go forward despite my fear.”

Her body relaxed slightly. As he rose, She stepped toward him on silent feet and rubbed the warm, long length of Her body against him.

“Only a fool is not afraid. And I have no time for fools. But you must trust in your heart that you are up to the task.”

“I have that trust. Sekaya anchors me. Kaz makes sure my body is safe. Black Jaguar has come to challenge me. Such beings would not waste time on one who would not be worthy of such grace.”

“A man is known by the company he keeps,” Black Jaguar agreed. “Will you undertake this challenge?”

“I will walk with Black Jaguar,” Chakotay said.

He rose and followed Her, walking away from the spirit animals by the warm fireside, walking into the darkness. Walking into the night sky as the ground beneath him disappeared and both he and the gigantic black cat trod on starlight.

“Quite remarkable,” said Moset. “Not even a hint of rejection. This whole spirit angle is one definitely worth pursuing further. Preparing third infusion.”

The golden cord spun into the distance. With every step that Chakotay took on his spirit walk, Sekaya felt him pulling a little bit of her essence with him. At first she could handle it easily. But now it was as if she were being forced to hold a rock that seemed light at first, but now was growing increasingly heavy. She saw that the cord had dulled slightly, from its rich golden tone to a pale, sickly yellow.

“Dear One, you are tiring,” Stag said.

More pulling,