For Isito, a Day of Ages
#2 of Jak's Stories
A Valentines Day gift for Eleana. From her love, Jak.
Jak and Miss Elly's Love Story...
Yawning, Jak sits up and blinks the sleep from his eyes. Sunlight streams through the curtains, running golden beams over the floor. The wolf-dragon hybrid spreads his arms, his powerful black wings stretching as he pulls the stiffness from his joints. He smacks his lips and grimaces. His throat is dry and there's a foul taste on his tongue. A stirring by his side catches his attention. A distinctly feminine shape shifts under the silky red blankets, turning over to face him. Smiling, he gently tugs down the blanket, revealing cascades of golden blonde hair.
"Good morning, Isito," he says softly.
"Mmm?" Eyes, beautiful and blue, peek at him from curtains of yellow hair. "Goodmorning, love."
He leans over and gently kisses her on the head.
"Sleep well?"
She smiles and nods, leaning into her mate's touch. He grins and wraps his arms around her delicate frame, pulling her close. The wolf-hybrid lives for mornings like these. Is there any better feeling than waking up next to the woman you loved? To hold her and kiss her? He considers the woman in his arms and the two beautiful children sleeping a room just down the hall... all might have been swept away but for a single word...This is it, he realizes as he hugs her tightly. The day has come. The thought glow like a blossom of warmth in his heart. This is the day he will ask her to be his wife.
The two mates are content just to lay there in each other's arm all morning but Eleana eventually, reluctantly, pulls away with an apologetic smile, slipping from under the blankets and stepping onto the cold wood floor.
"Time to get the kids up," she says, pulling on a satin housecoat.
Jak smirks, leaning back against the wall with his hands clasped behind his head. "Okay okay," he says. He watches her leave, the wheels in his mind already turning.
She pauses by the door, narrowing her eyes playfully.
"What are you thinking?" She says, seeing the mischief on his face.
Jak shrugs. "Nothing." His ears flick towards the baby monitor on the bed side table. A scratchy, distorted whine comes from the small device. "Kids need you," he says with that same trouble-maker grin.
Eleana simply shakes her head and rolls her eyes.
"See you downstairs," she says, vanishing into the hall.
Jak sighs and stares up at the ceiling, his heart beating hard in his chest. He thinks of the diamond ring hidden carefully in his dresser, the ring he purchased weeks ago... and there it stayed for a day...two..a week ... he has been planning this proposal for years and he can hardly believe it is finally here.
Oh well, I'm not going to get anything done by staying in bed. I have some calls to make.... Throwing the covers aside, he steps out of bed and begins to get ready for the day, thinking of what's to come and what has already been...
***
Jak never visited the city much. He preferred to keep to his house in the mountains, but every now and then it pleased him to walk about the crowded streets. The other people gave him wide berth, avoiding the span of his splendid black wings, moving around him like the tide splitting around a rock, black, strong and immovable.
He was on the prowl today. He didn't intend to come here but random happenstance brought him to this little metropolis, his bright red eyes scanning the crowd, searching out lingering gazes with either interest or contempt.
He needed a new pet... but who?
A she-wolf in a dark blue pantsuits glanced his way, eyes widening at his fearsome appearance; his sleek black fur, the red markings criss-crossing across his bare chest. He stared at her hard and she seemed to wilt, clutching her purse to her chest and scampering forward with her head down. Jak rolled his eyes.
No, she wouldn't do.
A tall, proud, athletic looking lion in a muscle shirt strutted past him without even a sideways glance. Jak shook his head. No. He liked them small and feminine--oh, he could break the lion's pride if he wanted, transform him to suit his needs but...he shrugged... he didn't feel like putting in the effort.
He had already frequented some of the usual spots where a master might procure a new pet but it had come to nothing. Just a bunch of desperate posers who really had no idea what it meant to be owned. No one there deserving of his collar or time.
He was about to give up when he suddenly heard something. He paused in mid-step, glancing into a dark alleyway. What was that? It sounded like... a whimper?
He walked into the alley, hands stuffed into his pockets and froze, a look of shock coming over his face that quickly changed into one of concern. A little neko girl was chained on the ground. Her tail swished back and forth across the pavement, her cat ears flickering at the sound of his approach. He observed the little chained Neko, furrowing his brow. She was small, underfed... but beautiful. So beautiful.
"Hello there," he said, crouching.
The neko looked up at him with sad blue eyes, her short black hair streaming across her forehead in curtains, a single brushstroke of pink running through. "Hi..."
"What's wrong?" He asked her, propping his elbows on his knees.
"I was left here," she said pitifully.
Jak smiled kindly.
"Now I can't imagine why someone would leave a cute little neko like you here."
The neko smiled. It was a sweet, kind smile that warmed his heart.
"Hey, I made you smile," he teased. "First victory of the day. What's your name?"
She giggled.
"Eleana."
"Eleana," he said as he unfastened her chains. "Would you like to come home with me and be my pet?"
Eleana's eyes lit up like the sunrise and Jak couldn't help but smile.
"Yes," she said happily. "Oh yes, Sir!"
Nodding, the wolf-hybrid scooped the neko girl into his arms and carried her bridal-style from the alley, chuckling as she nuzzled her face into his chest.
He had found what he was looking for.
***
Jak walks into the kitchen to find his family waiting for him around the table. It's so picturesque of the quintessential nuclear family it was almost funny. He takes a moment to admire them, their innocence, the joy they have brought to his life. Jak Jr and Elizabeth sit side by side, giggling and making their little baby noises. Eleana, his mate, the love of his life, stands in front of the stove, marching back and forth like a stoic soldier on a mission as smoke and the sizzling of bacon wafts up into the air. The smell makes Jak salivate.
Smiling, the wolf-hybrid walks up behind her and hugs the neko close.
"Let me do that," he says leaning his muzzle on her shoulder. She turns her head and gives him a light peck on the cheek.
"You'll burn it," she teases.
Jak chuckles as he playfully takes the spatula from her.
"No I won't."
Eleana watches her mate as he expertly prepares their breakfast, and moments later they are all enjoying bacon and eggs, perfectly prepared and delicious.
"Today's the last day of Tushkakoma," Jak says, taking his fork and skewering his eggs.
"Mmm, yeah it is." Eleana hums as she scoops a spoonful of egg into Elizabeth's mouth. "I hear your uncle's band is going to play."
"Hmm..." the wolf's expression is thoughtful. Jak and his family had attended every day of the Choctaw labor day festival. A week of music, carnival rides, archery, a celebration of his tribe's culture centered around the Choctaw museum. It has been a family tradition as long as Jak could remember and was now tradition for his mate and children. "Yeah it is." His expression is neutral but in his mind he formulates his plan. He is going to do it there. He decided this a long time ago. At Tushkakoma. On stage for everyone to see... the scene unfolds in his mind; Eleana looking down at him with tears of joy in her eyes as he kneels and presents a diamond rings. Even as they sit there things are being set up.
Eleana watches her mate with a muted smile as she munches on a piece of bacon, heart swelling with love for the man she had chosen to share her life with. She watches him goof around with their son, absentmindedly tugging at the collar she wears even to this day.
Has it been that long? She wonders...
***
Eleana had lived with her new master for two months now and she couldn't have been happier. She remembered her first night, kneeling in front of Jak as he fastened a collar around her neck.
'Property of Jak Shadowclaw' it read.
She reached up and touched her collar, wanting to cry from how happy she was. She had a home. She had a master.
Jak had taken her to his house deep in the mountains, far away from the city and all her worries. She thought she might miss the more civilized world--concrete, skyscrapers, the drone of cars-- but she had fallen in love with her new home. Trees had replaced cold steel towers, lush and green, earth and grass the concrete and the bright music of birdsong, the cars, and of course... her new master.
She had served Jak well, doing her duties with speed and efficiency. She had messed up a few times but this only strengthened her resolution to try harder, to be better. There were instances when she would finally succeed and Jak would give her a nod of approval and she could see the look of pride he hid behind his strong features... all the world seemed right in those moments. She would have done anything to always see that look in his eyes. Her life was good. Her life was wonderful. But something didn't seem right anymore... there was something... happening. She didn't know when it started exactly but it all came to bloom the day her master took her out to the creek.
Master and pet strolled through the woods. They were on their way to creek that ran along the wolf-hybrid's property. Jak carried a bundle blanket in the crook of his arm and a heavy hand-woven basket in his hand, bursting with food and drink. Jak was talking, pointing out different things about his land, about the type of trees and the wildlife they might encounter.
"I saw a family of deer the other day," he said, pointing to a small clearing between the trees.
Eleana listened politely, looking around at all of nature.
Yes... there was something happening. Eleana tried her best to deny it but in her heart she knew it was true...As they walked, Jak's arm brushed against her side. The neko gulped, her heart racing a mile. Being this close to him made her nervous. How could it be true? She stole another glance at her owner, loving the way the mid-afternoon sun streaked through his dazzling red hair like burning rubies.
Eleana ached for him... when did it happen? When did it start?--the day he first brought her home? When he gently rubbed her face after slipping a collar around her neck? Their first night together? But, somehow, she knew it then beyond a doubt; she had fallen in love with her master.
"Ah, there it is," Jak suddenly said. Eleana looked forward as the forest cleared away, revealing a wide shaded area with a flowing creek. The water glistened in the sun like shimmering diamonds. It looked so cool and refreshing. The neko looked at it with yearning and smiled to herself as a fish leaped from the creek, a streak of bright silver, before splashing back into the water. She dared to peek out the corner of her eye to wolf-hybrid standing by her side. He noticed her watching him and turned but she snapped her gaze forward, her blush deepening. She thought she heard him chuckle and her ears drooped. Oh god, how embarrassing, she thought, pressing her fist against her closed mouth.
Jak spread the blanket on the ground in a shady area and set down the basket. The neko looked over as her master huffed, wiping the back his arm along his forehead. The sweat made his charcoal black fur shine. She blushed.
Jak noticed and narrowed his brow in concern.
"You okay? You look flustered."
"Hmm?" Her ears jumped up. "Oh... yes. Sorry Daddy. Just a little hot," she finished with an awkward chuckle, looking away to hide her blush. The heat was getting to her.
"Yeah, it is hot out today," he agreed. Beneath the trees the air was muggy and somewhat suffocating. The breeze had died down, leaving every breath they took feeling moist and stagnant.
"Do you want to go swimming before we eat?"
Eleana nodded emphatically.
"Yes, that would be amazing! It's so hot out here." Even the shade of the trees couldn't shelter them. Jak nodded his approval and started removing his pants. Eleana gawked as he kicked them aside, strutting towards the bank of the stream without a shred of clothing on his body.
He looked back at her and smiled.
"You too," he said, beckoning her over.
Eleana and ran to her master's side and slipped out of her clothes. They had seen each other naked many times before, but haven't it so blazingly on display, outside the house, in the stark light of the day made her stomach flutter.
"You going in first?" He asked, placing his hands in his hips.
"Ummm," Eleana eased towards the edge of the stream, slipping a single dainty toe into the water before withdrawing it. "It's cold," she mumbled, taking a step back.
Jak's expression suddenly became stony. He let out a thoughtful "hmm..." She looked at him curiously. The two stood by the edge of the river just where the land dipped into water. He sighed, crossing his arm behind his back and looked around nonchalantly.
Eleana tilted her head.
"Daddy?"
Jak remained silent, looking away from her.
The neko's ears drooped. What was wrong? She was starting to feel anxious. Is he angry with me? Is...fear clenched her heart like a cold vice... is he getting rid of me? Is this why he brought me up here? No, this is silly... he won't get rid of me just because I hesitated to go in the creek... She was so wrapped up in her thoughts she didn't notice one of Jak's wings creeping up slowly behind her. She let out a startled gasp as a light thwack sent her falling forward and splashing into the creek.
Jak burst out laughing as the neko girl burst from the water, but his laughter died when he saw her. She simply stood there, waist deep in the creek, arms wrapped tightly around her as she shivered.
"Hey..." he said, frowning. "Are you okay?"
Eleana snivelled and buried her face in her hands,her shoulders heaving as though she were sobbing.
"Shit..." Jak knelt by the edge of the creek. "Hey, I'm sorry. It was just a joke I didn't mean..." he reached out for her.
Her sobs stopped immediately. With a triumphant "HA!" She grabbed Jak's arm and pulled hard.
The wolf-hybrid let out a startled yelp as he toppled into the water.
Now it was Eleana's turn to laugh.
When Jak emerged from the water he did not look impressed. His fur was soaked and water-logged, his feather were soggy and matted, hanging limply from his wings like dripping stalactites.
Eleana giggled and winked at her master.
"Got ya."
Jak frowned and vigorously shook his body, spraying droplets all over the place. He tried to look grumpy but found he couldn't even pretend. He smirked at his pet.
"Why you--" and lunged at her.
Eleana laughed and jumped back, splashing at the advancing wolf's face.
"Hey!" He grinned and splashed her back.
They went on like that for what felt like hours, laughing and splashing until Eleana suddenly charged forward and tackled the wolf, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and sending them both falling back into the water with excited yells.
The two emerged moments later, crawling back onto dry land, both laughing so hard there were tears in their eyes.
"Oh man," Jak said, plopping back down on the blanket as water ran off his naked body. "I haven't had fun like that in a while."
Eleana smiled and nodded as she worked her fingers through her sodden hair. "Neither have I...thank you for bringing me here."
Jak chuckled.
"You're welcome... hungry?" He motioned towards the basket.
Eleana's stomach grumbled and she blushed bashfully.
"Oh yeah."
Jak nodded and started removing the packaged food as Eleana set down some plates and cutlery.
"These look good," she said as Jak handed her one of the sandwiches he prepared.
"Yeah," and he wolfed down half the sandwich in a single bite.
Eleana took a bite of her sandwich. It was delicious. Her master was an excellent cook.
A sigh pulled her from her thoughts.
"What is it, Daddy?" She asked.
Jak clasped his fingers, his expression focused and meditative.
"Eleana," he said slowly. "Are you happy with me?"
Eleana looked at him with surprise.
Of course I am." Setting the sandwich down, she reached out and grasped her master's arm. Jak smiled. Her touch was soft and warm. "Why would ask that?"
The wolf-hybrid shrugged.
"I know I can be harsh at time. But I try to be fair. I want you to be happy." He fixed her with those bright red eyes she had come to love. "A happy pet is a loyal pet after all."
"I'm the happiest I've ever been," she told him, secretly swelling with emotion for her master. "The way I feel when I'm with you..." She looked at a loss for words, then simply shook her head. "I can't even describe it."
He smiled at her warmly and ran a claw down her face.
"Good."
The wolf and neko girl sat like that for a while: eating, talking about everything, talking about nothing. The sun dried them as they let their feet dangle in the stream, listening to the gentle flow of the water.
Eleana sighed and leaned her head on Jak's shoulder. Her heart swelled when he put his arm around her. She felt like she was living in a dream. The neko closed her eyes and felt so at peace. She wanted to lose herself in him, to stretch out this moment and make it last forever.
"...Daddy?" She whispered.
"Hmm?" He looked down at her. Red bore into blue.
"I..." she swallowed nervously. "I love you."
He watched her face for a moment, then his muzzle spread into a smile.
"I love you too," he said, reaching out and petting her head.
"No." She gently pushed his hand away. "Daddy I...I love you. More than a pet should."
The silence that followed was terrible. All of nature seemed to stand still, so hideously quiet she could almost hear the sound of her racing heart.
She felt his arm slip from her shoulder and he muttered a single word:
"Oh..."
Jak stared into the creek. Silent.
"Say something please," she pleaded.
"...Eleana."
She suddenly felt numb. Guilt and fear expanded in her stomach like a venomous bubble. She wanted to reach out and touch the wolf but the world had gone dark, her hopes and dreams all crumbling away in one traumatising instant. He was separated from her by a wall and he was fading... fading ... fading... Eleana shut her eyes tight, trying to hold back the tears. She felt afraid, she felt stupid. What had she done? She turned away, hoping he wouldn't see her cry.
"Daddy," she said. "I don't know what to say to you. I can't help the way I feel I--" A warm paw on her shoulder silenced her.
"It's okay," he said with a sigh. "Pets often develop feelings for their masters. It's not romantic love it's just--"
"No." She cut across him, her golden hair whipping aside as she turned to face him, her expression defiant but sincere. His expression was that of genuine surprise. "I love you," she said adamantly. "I do." He needed to understand. If anything came out of this she would make sure Jak would know her feeling for him were real. She reached out and placed her hand on Jak's face, speaking in a whisper. "I do. I want to be more than your pet. I want us to be together."
Jak closed his eyes, placing his hand over hers. "Eleana," he said softly. "I've been down this road before...it...it never ends well."
He didn't have to say anything more. It was written all over his face and it almost broke her heart.
"You've been hurt, haven't you?" She said quietly.
For a moment Jak was silent... then he nodded.
"I would never hurt you," she gently cupped his face, pulling him closer to her. "Give me a chance. Give us a chance." She leaned in to kiss him but Jak stopped her with a firm hand on her shoulder.
"I need some time to think about this..." he said.
Eleana moved back.
"Of course," she responded. "I understand."
Jak nodded and stood, his mind swirling with confused thoughts, a numb ache in his heart that he couldn't place. He was filled with fear, doubt and maybe...a flicker of hope. Pets had betrayed him in the past--hurt him when he let them get to close but her... he saw the way she looked at him, with those big blue eyes... maybe. He had a lot of things to consider.
He held out his paw for her.
"C'mon," he motioned his head towards the forest. "We should get back to the house.
She accepted his paw and he lifted her onto her feet.
"Of course Daddy..." but her in mind, in her most private thoughts, she whispered, "of course...Jak."
***
Jak and his family arrive at Tushkakoma. As they walk towards the festival a vast mob of people swarm in all directions, laughing, shouting and celebrating with joyful abandon. A swell of native music fills the air, overpowering the sound of the crowd. Off near the edge of the festival, a gathering of people stands and cheers as a heated lacrosse game plays out. The Choctaw museum stands at the center of it all, tall and proud, a large red brick building with white ornate windows, a wealth of knowledge of the Choctaw tribe's history.
Jak makes a mental note to bring his family there again. It is important for his children to know where they came from and the proud heritage they carried in their veins.
They walk on, working their way through concession stands. A group of people sit circled around a drum, all of them pounding on it with sticks as they sing. Eleana looks around delighted at all the vendors, smiling as she peruses a stand of hand woven necklaces. Jak smiles... he never gets tired of watching her.
"This one's pretty," She says, holding the charm up to the sun to admire it.
Jak catches the vendor's attention and buys it for her on the spot. Standing behind her, he ties it around her neck, right under her collar. Eleana touches her new pendant and thanks him kindly.
He gives her a kiss on the cheek.
"Anything for you, baby."
After a few hours they find themselves in a crowded food court and enjoy a simple, if rushed meal. The sun is dipping below the horizon, painting a deep orange streak across the horizon and already the crowd starts to thin. Jak is sad to see the festival coming to an end, and even though he is caught up in the excitement that seems to surge through the air, he finds he can't really enjoy himself. His mind is too busy, full of too many plans. The ring in his pocket suddenly feels twenty pounds. But one look at his mate is all he needs to calm himself. This moment needs to be perfect, he tell himself.
They spend the next few hours traipsing from event to event, going on a few rides. Jak's family cheers for him as he lets loose an arrow and manages to hit the mark dead center. All the while Jak watches the sun, his watch, always glancing towards the stage. Time seems to crawl by until night finally comes and the festival lights up.
Alright, he thinks... show time.
"Baby?" He says.
"Hmm?" Eleana turns from watching a nearby pow wow and regards her mate. "Yes hun?"
Walking forward, Jak lifts his children up into his arms.
"Go wait for us by the stage... I gotta surprise for you."
Eleana knits her brow, looking momentarily confused.
"Oh... okay."
Jak gives her a wink and steps back, vanishing into the crowd. He can feel her eyes on his back. Does she suspect? He wonders? No... he doesn't think she does.
***
The picnic at the creek had only been mere days ago but to Eleana it felt like each agonizing second that passed was a hellish eternity, dilated to the breaking of all space and time, leaving her trapped in a hopeless purgatory. The world around her--to the very floor beneath her, felt as fragile as stained glass. Her master was avoiding her. She always seemed to enter a room just as he was leaving. She would call out to him but all she would see was the flurry of a black wing vanishing behind a closing door. She stood there in the hall, staring at the door and it was as solid and impenetrable as a stone wall.
An icy chill ran through her body and she trembled. She had spoiled it. She had spoiled everything. She reached up and touched her collar without thinking. What would she do without her master? What would he do without her?
When he finally summoned her it came as both a relief and a torment. It was like releasing the pressure from a sweltering boiler. One way or another... this would finally be over. She would know and she would begin the rest of her life.
He was waiting for her on the front porch, a wide, elevated veranda the spread before the house's massive bay window. Quietly she closed the door behind her. Jak was standing in front of the railing, staring out at the forest, still as the mountains running along the vast horizon.
"Daddy?"
Jak's ear twitched but he said nothing.
She took a meek step forward... then other.... An iron hand squeezed her heart. She wanted so badly to reach out to him, to hold him, to touch him.
"You called for me?"
He cleared his throat.
"Yes I did." he turned to face her. The wind ghosted through her hair. Yellow reams waved across her face. This was it, she realized with growing dread. He was going to get rid of her. Her collar suddenly felt tight, constricting but she couldn't imagine parting with it for even a second.
"You look worried?" He said. His expression unplaceable.
All she could do was nod.
But then he smiled and it was like the summer thawing a cold, lonely winter. He opened his arms to her.
"Come here," he said.
She ran to him, hugging him so hard they both fell back against the railing. Her head was spinning, her heart felt like it was going to burst. She had so many feelings she couldn't even begin to articulate. She just wanted to hold him. Hold him and never let him go.
"I'm going to give you a chance," he held her close, running his paw down the back of her head, through her golden hair. "I'm going to give us chance."
Eleana snivelled, she smiled, cried. If she died at this very moment, it wouldn't matter. She had experienced this moment and felt his arms around her.
"Oh Daddy," she said, tears streaming down her face.
"Call me Jak." Then he kissed her, kissed her like head never kissed her before. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him against her. He dipped her back, squeezing her waist as they sunk deeper into the kiss.
When they finally broke apart they were both out of breath. Eleana smiled at him and he smiled back.
"So what now?" She said softly. A touch of red brushed across the bridge of her nose. Her eyes were soft and full of love.
Jak grinned and lifted her up into her arms. She laughed and clung to his neck.He turned around and faced the skyline, his wings cresting to their fullest extent.
"Hang on," he cried. With one mighty flap, the two flew up into the air. Eleana let out a ecstatic yell and the wolf, caught up in her joy, yelled along with her. The wind roared around Eleana's ears, her golden hair a wild mess as they climbed higher with each thunderous wingbeat. The house shrunk and shrunk until it was nothing but an insignificant speck in a sea of green.
"Oh my god!" She cried. The clouds were growing closer. Another strong flap and they zoomed right through, emerging from the other side, sparkling with mist.
"WOOOOO!" Jak laughed, shaking the dew from his fur.
Eleana shrieked with delight and pulled Jak into another kiss. They dipped for a moment, falling slightly before Jak withdrew and launched them higher. The two lovers soared above the world, untouchable and free, their happiness boundless, streaking through the sky like a shooting star towards the distant mountains...
***
Jak peeks around the side of the stage, surveying the crowd. It's night. The sky is pitch black, the surrounding land illuminated by a glittering stretch of carnival lights. A ferris wheel stands tall near the back of the festival, a spinning ream of gold and red. Jak narrows his eyes... searching... searching--his ears perk up. There she is, standing right near the front where he told her to meet him. He smiles as she looks around the mash of faces for her mate and puts his paw over his pocket where the engagement ring now sits.
His children are safe and out of the way--being watched backstage by one of his family members. He looks over at his uncle and his bandmates. They stand on a raised dais, preparing their instruments for the show. His uncle catches Jak's eye and he gives the wolf a sly thumbs up. Jak nods.
All is ready.
The stage goes dark and a hush falls over the crowd. Picking up his guitar, Jak walks onto the stage, moving like a shadow through the night. There is a stool and microphone waiting for him. He sits and props his guitar over his knee and waits... waits... waits...
A spotlight suddenly shines on him and he looks to the crowd. Eleana's eyes are on him, amazed and elated. He smiles and gives her a little wave. On the raised dais behind him, his uncle and his band stand at the ready. Clearing his throat, he speaks into the microphone.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen." His voices echoes throughout the fairground, amplified by the speakers. "Two years ago... I met the most amazing women in the world and made the best decision of my life." He glances over to Eleana who is watching him in awe. "She is the kindest, most beautiful person I've ever met and I love her with all my heart. This one's for you, Isito." He strums his paw down the guitar strings and a warm, ringing chord sings out. He plucks out a few more notes and the his uncle's band joins in.
I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
That every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Yes it did
I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
And others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know it's true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
And now I'm just rolling home
Into my lover's arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you...
The song finished to thunderous applause. Jak smiles and set down his guitar. Eleana looks up at her mate with her hands over her mouth and tears in her eyes. Walking over, he reaches out. She hesitates, looking around at all the people, but fearlessly grabs hold of Jak's paw who then hoists her onto the stage and into his arms.
The two embrace tightly.
"I love you, Jak," she says, beaming.
He uses his thumb to wipe away her tears.
"I love you too..." and then he sinks to one knee before her.
Her face is one of numb shock.
"Oh my god..." She whispers.
"Eleana," Jak reaches into his pocket and produces a diamond engagement ring. "Will you marry me?"
Eleana stares down at him in shocked disbelief and for a moment it seems they are the only two people in the world, standing alone on a dark stage, all of reality halting in anticipation of Eleana's answer.
Her face break into a smile and she throws herself down at the wolf, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
"Yes!" She cries into his chest.
Jak squeezes her, knowing he will never again let her go. He stands and spins her around, his face shining with joy as Eleana lets out a delighted laugh. The crowd cheers and his uncle claps as the couple embrace and share a passionate kiss. There are tears in both their eyes as Jak slips the ring on Eleana's finger. They look at eachother and everything else slips away. Their hands join. Jak has never felt so happy in his life. He has two beautiful children, a wonderful home and now--he runs his hand down Eleana's face--the most wonderful fiancee in the world. He knows he will spend the rest of his life devoted to her, to her happiness, and all the good that has come to him is because of the little neko girl he took a chance on... his beautiful Isito.