I think Crux has two major principles in his life: Atonement, and Expression. For a good chunk of time, he wants to atone for what he can and can’t remember doing, his actions that caused different people untold pain and misfortune. He wants to do better, not jsut for them, but for himself as well. Then, when he’s gotten older, he feels more deeply the importance of expressing things to those around him. Expressing love for his family, expressing joy for his friends and allies, just acknowledging those around him that have made him into who he is today.

For Valerian, no matter what, he wants to help the people he loves and cares about. Down the road, that takes him down a bit of a dark path, but it’s all for the sake of those he holds near and dear to his heart. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe.