Neal was chatting with Merrick and a few others. They were talking about how happy they were for Kel because she had finally gotten to go into battle with Alanna, her hero. A messenger arrived quickly with a letter that really needed no explaining. She was dying. Neal rushed to her side to be with her in her final moments. Alanna stood beside her head bowed and blood all over her body. "I tried to save her Neal, I really did, but I," her voice broke, "just wasn't quick enough." "I know Lioness I know," he said gently never seeing her look worse except for the time when she had lost her daughter.
"Neal," Kel said opening her eyes and trying to sit up. She gave a weak smile, "I thought I told you to eat more vegetables. You need more vitamins you know Neal." Neal wondered silently why she would wish to speak of him needing to eat more when she was dying. "Kel," he whispered brushing her hair away from her eyes, "I'm going to try and heal you." His eyes were starting to water. He knew there wasn't much hope left. "I already tried Neal no one could save her. Not even you're father."
"Lioness, give him the letter when its all over. Try to comfort him," she was speaking as if Neal wasn't there at the moment. She waited until the Lioness nodded her head before turning back to Neal. Neal knew it was all over but he couldn't wouldn't give up. He held Kel in his arms she was weak from blood loss but for once had forgotten the emotionless mask. "Neal, forgive me," she said with her last breath. "I," but he couldn't say anything. He held his best friends limp body in his arms.
"Neal she made me promise to give this to you and you alone. I'm sorry Neal," the lioness said as she put her hand on his shoulder. Neal opened the letter and read what Kel had wrote.
Neal if you're reading this then I'm already gone
I wish I could have told you everything before I had to leave
You were always there for me even at my last moments
Be strong I know its hard for you but you have to move on
I'll miss you Neal more than any other even Dom
I still remember having to listen to all your poems and letters, to other girls
For years I had wished that for once they were for me
You were like a brother to me helping me along
I know you fought over my honor more than the other guys
And I thank you, but I never thought it was necessary
But you were more than a brother
More than a best friend
I love you Neal
Not in the same way as I loved Dom but I loved you and I always will
Be good to the others and comfort them they'll need it now more than ever
Do not be sad for there is another place after death
We must all die whether from war, old age, sadness, or the gallows
Your time will come like all the others and I want you to know something
I'll be waiting with open arms for you
I'll be waiting for my best friend in this life and beyond
I did what I had to do. Keep going with my love. Good Bye Neal. Kel Felicia
