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Xander felt slightly bad as he walked into the kitchen spotting Alex and knowing he had to leave to help him mom prepare for thanksgiving day dinner. They were having it even though they still had yet to find his sister. He was doing as Alex had suggested, in the day anyway, and waiting for his sister to turn up on her own, but his patience was wearing thin and his worry was only increasing.

“Morning Alex,” he said walking over and ruffling the boys hair before turning to give Cadha a good morning pet as the small dog wouldn't be let of the morning greeting.

"Morning Xander, have a good sleep,” Alex asked.

Xander walked over to the refrigerator pulling it open with a laugh, “as good as it can be on a couch,” and grabbing some apple juice and an orange for his breakfast. He made sure to eat some sort of breakfast every morning knowing it helped kick start his metabolism, which was something he would definitely being need if he was to keep fit running about as Shangri-la every night. Xander had been eating so much, probably noticeably so not that it really matter.

He peeled his orange leaning on the counter watching Alex for a few moment before speaking up. “You know mom's cooking today, even though she doesn't really want to. She really misses Lily and I think she hopes she will show up for Thanksgiving dinner, though I have a feeling she won't.”

"I doubt she will either. She did run back here for a reason. I doubt she's up for a tense holiday meal. She might not even know your parents and Rose are back yet. I can't blame your mom though, I wouldn't want to either. The missing child would be felt more,” Alex said sounding wise beyond his years, as he often did.

He took a slice of orange and ate it before continuing on, “so I've got to go help mom cook and get the house ready for Thanksgiving. Oh course I want to. Mom is complaining she doesnt see enough of me. She is feeling slightly paranoid even though she knows where I will be. You know you're welcome to come Alex. The offer is still open. Mom will be happy to have you.”

"I wouldn't dare keep you from your parents for the holiday, especially since you've been living here away from them for a while now. With your sister missing and all I'm not surprised your mother is worried and wants you home even more than usual. Thank your parents again for the offer. But I'd feel odd going - considering my role in helping your sister. I don't want to add some tension to the air,” Alex stated.

He continued eating while Alex talked nodding at his reasoning for not coming. Xander of course understood, despite it being thanksgiving he would probably spend the day looking for Lily if he could, but he knew his mom need him and he pretty much promised Alex he wouldn't.

“In that case Alex, me and you and even Johnathan if you like can have a thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. We'll call it a brother's day dinner for brother's who missed out of having thanksgiving together,” he said laughing lightly as this ridiculous joke, that wasn't a joke at all.

"A brothers day dinner...that sounds good - so long as you let me do the cooking. Or rather me and Johnathan, I doubt I could keep him form helping in the kitchen, and he really is good in a kitchen,” Alex said.

Xander nodding ruffling Alex's hair again, “alright. I will be back tommorrow morning. I doubt mom will let me go tonight and I think I need a little time in my own bed.”

Xander headed out of the kitchen with a smile on his face at the thought of a less awful dinner tomorrow knowing this one wouldn't be as they usually were, full of happiness and laughter. Neither Lily nor Alex, not Alex's family would be there and even their grandmother wouldn't be there this year, their mother preferring not to involve her in Lily's disappearance for now.

He changed his clothes and headed out of the house, getting into his car and driving home to his family home. A place he hadn't been to in several days, still making sure to call his mom everyday, so she wouldn't worry to much. He listened to radio for a few minutes, it reminded him of Lily singing her heart out in the car which made him smile. She was alright he said to himself humming along to the songs on the radio. He wasn't about to sing, he knew he couldn't.

Pulling into the driveway drove around the circular path parking in front of the fountain. Lily's car was parked out front and Xander had parked behind it. Rose's car was in England, as was his parent's car. Xander and Lily's hadn't been sent to England and currently it was a good thing because they were all back in Destiny looking for Lily.

He walked into the house, “Mom, Dad, Rose I'm home.”

Xander found himself with half a face full a blonde hair, being squeezed for dear life, “My baby,” cried Alyssa as she squeezed her son. Xander felt his cheek warm with embarrassment as Rose turned the corner and grinned. Xander frowned at her, but hugged their mother close.

“I'm fine, mom. I've just been staying with Alex, you know in case Lily shows up. Besides he's making sure I eat and sleep and don't wear myself thin,” he said softly pulling his mom back from him, “I'm not going to run off, okay. I promise. It's just best if I stay with Alex, beside he needs a friend right now and we are practically brothers.”

Alyssa nodded and motioned for Xander to follow her into the kitchen, Rose following the pair and punching her brother in greet which only earned her a glare from him.

It was still early so no much was going on in the kitchen, usually Lily would have been up early to help their mother back breakfast. The cook would have been off for the holiday and the family would have spent the day preparing for Thanksgiving themselves. It would be the same expect Lily's singing was missing and there was no music in the kitchen. His mother went back to work cleaning up the mess from the turkey.

“Mom started the turkey already, but there won't be much to do for a while since its still early,” said Rose before lowering a voice. “She's already cried today this morning while making breakfast. We ended up with fruit salad, there still some left over if you want some.”

Xander shook his head at his sister motioning for her to follow him and leading her to the music room. Going inside, he went over to the raised platform where the piano had stood before the room was cleaned out. Not much was still in the house, aside from their old beds because they'd gotten new ones. He sat on the platform motioning for Rose to sit down.

“I haven't found out much about Lily, but I did find out she is fine. Alex saw her and spent the day with her when she came back, but he hasn't seen her since. She has another friend Zee who has seen her since then and says she fine. They both think she needs time and I think they are right. I'm still looking for her. Seeing is believing. I'm not going to tell mom what I found out.”

Rose mouth dropped open, “Xander how can you not tell her,” she practically shouted. “She is seriously worried,” she hissed looking rather livid.

Xander put is hand up to shush Rose shaking his head, “it's not something I can really tell you, but I will tell you at the end of all this neither Lily or I will be going back to England. I promise I will tell you everything when Lily comes back.”

Rose gave her brother an angry glare, “Xander you will tell me what going on now, or I will tell mom. She deserves to know what is going on Xander.”

Xander frowned, “if you tell her then I'll just leave and she'll be looking for both of us.”

Rose looked shocked, “you wouldn't. That's not like you!”

Xander, “I'm doing it because I feel it's best for everyone involved. I still don't know where Lily is and Mom will be even more hurt to know Alex is part of the reason Lily is not home with us on thanksgiving. Not only that Lily needed me in England to be there for her and I wasn't. I'm determined to make up for that.”

Rose just shook her head, not really knowing what to say, “I hope you know what you're doing Xander. I'll keep your secret for now, but if she isn't home by december than I'm telling mom.”

Xander nodded hugging his sister, “trust me, she's fine and she'll be back before you know it.”

Rose nodded against Xanders shoulder, “I … she tricked me and I never thought she could do something like that and that same night I found a post from her on my youtube page apologizing and thanking me for believing in her. I've checked everyday hoping she might post something more, but nothing. I feel somewhat like I caused all this.”

Xander hugged his sister tight, “Come on Rose, you're suppose to be the upbeat one. Lily's an adult now and I'm sure she knew what she was doing. She'll come around we just have to wait.” With that statement Xander rose pulled Rose to her feet, smiling at her and deciding for fully to allow his sister to come to them. He wasn't going to keep looking for her, she was an adult and she knew what she was doing.

Rose and Xander went to help their mother in the kitchen, their father joining them when he returned with a few deserts from a bakery in town. The meal was prepared in relative silence and when it was finished it was also eaten mostly in silence the small family trying hard not to poke at their food and just stare at the very empty chairs that should have been occupied by their grandmother, Lily, Alex, his mom, and his dad.

As the meal came to an end Xander cleared his throat gaining the attention of his family. “I can't keep looking. Alex is right, I'm running myself ragged with worry and I know that sounds selfish, but I really do trust Lily and I know she can take care of herself. She'll come around when she is ready. She's an adult and I think she knows what she is doing.”

Xander's mother rose from the table not saying anything and left causing his father to glare at him, following after his wife and Xander to shake his head. Rose put a hand on his arm and smiled softly, “you'd better be right big bro or else I'm going to knock those red locks right off your head.”

Xander rolled his eyes, but nodded to his sister none the less. He felt a bit lighter and really hoped for his family's sake he, Alex and Zia were right.

Rose rose picking her plate up and looking to Xander, “I want to show you something. I didn't really tell anyone even Lily that I was doing this, but she found it. I doubt you've seen them as you are the most social network savvy.”

Xander frowned at Rose, but followed her anyway, dropping his plate in sink and heading upstairs, his sister telling him to wait in the library and coming back with her laptop. He watched he curiously as she pulled up her youtube page and started playing a video a Lily singing in what appeared to be pajamas without any idea Rose was recording her.

“They are really popular,” said Rose softly, “she is an amazing singer and quite the growing beauty.”

Xander nodded smiling as they watched their sister sing and dance and be happy. At some point their parents joined them and they all found themselves just watching and enjoying Lily singing as if she was standing right in front of them.

Work count: 2107

Xander gave a smile and wave to Alex as he and Lily headed out of the house the next morning. They were headed to the big Jacobs house to talk to their parents. It was going to be a very enlightening next few hours. First Xander had a small confession to make to his sister before they got home. Xander was driving and Lily sat in the chair beside him staring out the window with seemingly in her own world.

Xander pulled off into a random street, parking on the corner, and making his sister look at him with an extremely curious expression. He gave her a smile, but sighed. “There's something I need to tell you.”

Lily sat up more fully looking at her brother as if to say he had her full attention, “you can tell me anything Xander,” she said softly.

Xander gave a nod and started right in on his story, “When we all got back to England I went looking for you at night. I thought that maybe since you came back because of your secret you would be partolling, a wrong assumption. But I digress, I went out looking for you and managed to get attacked by a youma.”

Lily gave a frown, looking out the window once more, “I'm sorry. I thought you might look for Maia so I didn't power up at all. I didn't want to put you in danger.”

Xander shook his head, “that's, that's not what I was saying Lily. I didn't finish. After I got attacked a little reflex hammer sort of just appeared to me.”

Lily shifted around looking at him once more totally wide eyes and with complete disbelief, but still seemed to want to hear the end of the story.

“I grabbed the hammer and well I transformed. I'm now a page and fighting in this was just like you,” he finished waiting for his sister's response.

“Seriously Xander … I'm so sorry. I didn't want to drag you into this, not in that way, not more than you already were. If I hadn't left England it wouldn't have ever happened. I'm sorry. I'm sorry,” she mumbled softly her eyes filling with tears.

She wasn't excited that her brother now a page. She didn't really want that extra mountain of stress heaped upon her brother. He already worried about her enough and she knew now he would feel the need to protect her, when she really didn't need it.

Xander wasn't terribly surprised at his sister's reaction. He knew it might possibly upset her, but he put a hand on her shoulder and tucked a curl behind her ear before shaking his head. “It's okay Songbird. It a big adjustment, but I promised I would stick by you in all this and this is just one more way I can help. We are in this together now and we can look out for each other. Being a knight isn’t sunshine and roses, but it's not all bad either.”

Lily gave a tearful laugh and shook her head, “I still didn't want you pulled into this, not in this way. I feel like it's my fault, but at the same time ...” She gave a watery smile, “you'll be a good knight big brother.”

Xander shook his head, “you're not at fault here. You may have told me you're secret, but I was the one who decided to safe guard it and decided to help you when you were in a bind. And I am the one know who is deciding to give being a knight a try. I hope that you are right and that I will be a good knight.”

Lily wiped the tears from her eyes roughly, not wanting to cry. It would do them no good for her to go home looking as if she had been crying for days. “We'll have to get you trained up a bit. I don't feel comfortable letting you run around in all this knowing you can't fight. You might be great at patching people up, but you'd get you bottom handed to you in a fight.”

She looked very serious and she was, but after a moment she smiled. “We should get going home. That's going to be quite an endeavor I imagine. I'm sure mom and dad are less than please.”

Xander nodded turning the car back on and pulling off, “they definitely aren't happy, but its not just with you. It's with me to. I'm pretty sure they rather had me home, but it was better for me to have stayed with Alex. Poor Rose, has been there alone with mom and dad. I bet she's going insane.”

Lily laughed and shook her head, “I highly doubt that Xander. Rose is the toughest of us all. If anyone can handle them, Rose can.”

Xander laughed feeling a bit lighter at the moment, even though they were headed for home and a whole other dante's inferno. Still at the moment as he turned the radio on and his sister jumped right into the song that came on harmonizing with her beautiful voice something his family had been missing sorely for months now, he couldn't be bother to care. He even sang a small bit, despite not being able to carry a tune at all, which made Lily laugh.

The ride home was filled with music and laughter, Lily talking about how they might have seen her, but she had a whole boys wardrobe here and she'd cut her hair, got tons of hats and when gallivanting around as a boy the whole time she had been there.

Xander laughed, but informed her, that only worked at a glance. If they got close enough they would have know it was her. He of course knew she wouldn't have and hadn't let that happen, but he had to mention it. He laughed again when she frowned and stuck her tongue out at him.

They became quiet as the drown through the circular driveway and Xander parked in front of the fountain. They walked up to the door together, Xander opening it and stepping into the entryway.

“Mom, Dad,” he called, “I'm home.”

It was only a second later that his mom's voice floated toward them saying that she was in the kitchen and Xander looked to Lily before heading through the entry way past the open area and the steps and down the hall to the kitchen. Lily stayed slightly behind him, wanting her mother to see her brother first.

He was pulled into a big hug, by his 5'8'' mother, “I'm glad to have you home, my circle flower,” she said making Xander groan at the nickname he'd couldn't seem to get rid of and Lily giggle despite here trying to be quiet.

Their mother immediately looked behind Xander to see her missing daughter, blinking twice to see if she was really seeing her. Lily smiled and gave a small wave, “Hi mom.”

Alyssa didn't know how to react in the moment, she wanted to squeeze Lily and cry and be happy her baby was back, but she also wanted to throttle her for pulling such a stupid stun and worrying her whole family sick. She just stood there for a few moments, while both Xander and Lily looked at with wary expressions. They were however saved by Rose coming up down the steps and spotting Lily.

“Lily,” she shrieked, “Dad! Lily's home, come down quick. Lily's back home.”

Alyssa seemed be shaken out of her reverie and she quickly engulfed her daughter in a big hug, squeezing her as though she would disappear if she ever let go. “My baby, my Lily blossom,” she pulled had hands gripping her daughter's arms tightly. “You had us worried sick. How could you run away like that. You hoped a transatlantic flight out of the country. Lily love, anything could have happened to you. It's a miracle it didn't”

Lily frowned, “I know and I'm sorry, but I had to do it. I couldn't stay in England any longer, I was going insane and I felt like a caged bird. I'm an adult now and I had to do this for myself. I just need time mom.”

Rose and Xander stood cautiously to the side watching the scene unfold, secretly proud of their little sister for standing up for herself, even if their mother was right, very what.” Aaron came down the steps entering the kitchen to witness the mother and daughter's interactions belated. They were all worried how the stress that the family had been put under would come out.

Xander looked anxious as their mother frowned and appeared as though she would explode. And explode she did, revealing all to the family of five.

“For what, Liliana Jacobs! To go gallivanting around the city at all hours of the night participating trying to what, circumvent those terrorist activities like some vigilantly! It completely insane!”

Xander looked utterly surprised, having no idea there mother, had know. Sure he suspected and he was sure Lily had to, but to have it thrown out as it was. He looked to see Rose sporting a looking of astonishment, but her father while wary looking less than surprised. Xander wondered briefly when they had found out.

“I'm not …,” Lily started only to be shaken by her mother causing Xander and his father to jump in a promptly separate the two. Xander pulling his mother back and Aaron bring his daughter back a few steps.

“Do not lie to me,” Alyssa ground out, “I saw you. I saw you in that alley perform some sort of glowing quick change before … before you … you jumped up onto a roof. YOU JUMPED ONTO A ROOF, TWO STORIES UP!”

Xander was shocked, looking at his sister in sheer disbelief. Had she really been so careless with her identity, so careless as to power up without looking. She was flamed faced at the moment, clearly not having expected to have been found out in such a way.

“Mom, really,” Rose started stepping between the pairs, “that insane. Maybe you were over tired or ...”

Aaron interupted her, “it's true. We both saw her.” He looked to his youngest daughter. “We both say you take some sort of wand, glow and change.”

Rose looked flabbergasted and could only stare at her sister hoping for some sort of rebuttal to her parents accusation, but it wouldn't come.

Rose frowned, “what going on Lily? Is that why you can back to Destiny City. You came back to what, try to fix it?”

Xander felt this going to go down hill fast. He really hadn't been expecting this sort of thing and in the kitchen no less. It was all very surreal. “Why don't we sit down in dining room and talk about this more civily. Right things are a bit dense.”

He guided Rose toward the dining room and gently pushed her into a chair, and was quickly followed by Lily beside Rose. Xander quickly dropped into the chair beside Lily and watched as his parents dropped into chairs on the other side of the table.

“Explain,” their mother said in a strained voice her eyes filled with tears. She start crying soon, they could all see it. Xander imagined she'd be crying for some time to come.

Lily looked up feeling terrible, but she knew she needed to tell them. They knew and she didn't feel either would except anything, but the truth at the time, but that didn't make her feel any better about it.

“It started almost 4 years ago after I turned 16. I became what is referred to a senshi. We are basically magically warrior that often have powered and amazing magic with which we use to defend ourselves.”

Xander wasn't at all surprised, by the explanation, of course he knew. He had for a long time, but his sister and his parents easily looked horror struck, though he figured that had more to do with it having been nearly 4 years. Had it really been that long?

“I am Sailor Maia, Senshi of Song, very suiting I might add. As thought this was my destiny and I believe it is. I fight in a war against the negaverse evil and ...”

Alyssa was horrified by the explanations her daughter was giving, of fighting, of the terrible things she had seen. It all seemed to poor out like water from a broken damn. Still at the moment she looked at her resolute son, who seemed unsurprised and mostly undaunted by his sisters story. To her he was confirming her worst fear.

“You knew,” she said interrupting her daughter and starring down her son. “You knew this whole time, about her sneaking out and fighting. You were helping her. Helping her on this crazy mission that could have possibly ended in her death. My baby, how could you, her big brother allow her to put herself into such danger.”

Xander felt hurt by the accusations his mother made against him for helping his sister. He wanted to stop her, he had, but what could he have truly done. His sister in her powered form, especially her lastest one was easily stronger and faster than him. He kept her secret because he knew what it could do for him not to and he'd patched her up, went out with her at night before she learned to drive and got a car and did his very best to look out for her.

He looked away from both his parents, not knowing what to say, but not wanting to apologize. “Have you been lying for 4 years as well?”

“This is not his fault and this is not even about him,” Lily interjected boldly, “he found out about it after the city wide coma and I asked him to keep my secret. Of course he didn't want to, but it was for the best. Look what is happening now.”

Xander looked around at his family, anger, hurt, panic radiated from them. It was like a vacuum of negativity. It was so unlike them, they did not handle familial stress well at all. They tended to fall apart because of it. When Rose went into a coma, every time Lily needed to be hospitalized. Now they had the reasons, but it wasn't getting them anywhere.

“I want you to go back to England,” Lily said softly, so softly it was almost not heard.

It was Aaron who spoke up in respond, “we are all going back to England. None of us will being staying in this death trap of a city. Do you honestly think we would allow you to stay here and continue this charade, this farce. You could be killed.”

“And yet,” Lily cut in, “I have been doing this for 4 years and I am perfectly fine. I am not alone in this. There are other's and we look out for each other. We all have our duties and this is our destiny. To save this world, our home, our planet for the unknown fate which has bestowed the stars for which we are named. I will not go anywhere. I am needed here.”

Alyssa had tears streaming from her eyes, “we need you. We need you alive and well. Safe and sound, tucked away from the pressures of war, pursuing your dream. You are our baby, we want for you and Xander and Rose to be safe always. You will be safe in England,” she pleaded.

Xander frowned not thinking that them being safe in England was really a guarantee their parents could offer and his sister echoed his thoughts aloud.

“You say that know, but what if everyone was to just pretend this wasn't happening mom. What if we all just up and moved to England. How long do you think it will be before this war crosses the ocean? Not that it hasn't. I know there are other's who were not born in destiny city, but share the same fate as me. I admit it is quiet overseas and currently appears without threat, but me leaving wont help to keep it that way.”

“You're being dead won't help matters either,” Rose piped in a bit histerically.

Xander frowned, “Do not be so morbid Rose. Lily has survived this long and she is very tough. She can definitely take a hit and keep right on going. I've patched her up enough times to know she is a very determined spirit in all this and she'll be fine. I intend to stay right here with her in Destiny City to make sure she remains alive and well.”

“Absolutely not,” both other there parents shouted, “ you will both being going back to England. This is completely insane and not up for discussion.”

“We are adults father, 18 and 27 not bound your decision to leave the country. I have a job and and take care of myself and Lily, if need be, but there really isn't anything that you can do to make us go,” Xander stated trying to be the voice of reason, but feeling a bit defensive. He was an adult after all.

“Go back to England, where you will be safe and allow me to do what I need to do to ensure that you will remain safe. I need to do this. My friends, this planet is counting on me. I may be a small part in all this, but I am a part and I have role to play.”
Xander noted his sister was crying now as well. He could tell she was frustrated, not wanting to be at odds with her family and knowing it was partially her fault and somewhat inevitable.

Their mother stood slamming her hand down on the table, “STOP IT. I will hear no more of this.” She rose quickly knocking her chair away and rushing out of the room. She was quickly followed by her husband leaving Xander, Rose and Lily to sit in the dining room in awkward silence.

“I can't go back,” she whispered to Xander forgetting her older sister was in the room, “you know I can't go back.”

Xander nodded and wrapped one arm around his younger sister, “I know Lily blossom. I promise I will talk to them. Try to make this see your side in all this. You'll be able to stay I promise.”

Rose looked taken aback, “that's quite a promise to make brother. It sound like a death warrant to me.”

Xander hugged Lily tighter and frowned at his sister, “I would think you of all people who believes so highly in her would give her more credit. She has been doing this for four years and she has friends and allie to help her. I have met them. And I am one of them. Staying here may only heighten the chances you will awaken to this as well and I think it would be best to prevent that for our parents sakes.”

Rose looked flabbergasted and Lily looked slightly curious, but when she thought on it, it make a little sense.

“ME?!?” Rose didn't think it was possible, but Lily did not refute it and she sort of just got up and went to the door heading out, but only after pausing to say, “I hope you to know what you are doing.”

“Us too,” Xander answered, “us too.”

He looked to his little sister and sighed roughly, “I'm going to go talk to them now. I will be back soon.”

Word Count: 3345

<3

Shang was headed to the park, as was customary at least three night of the week now. He would train with Maia and then they would patrol together or separate as she often had more than one training session a night. He really didn't understand how the girl kept up, but she was doing a fair better job of it than he was. He was quite frankly exhausted, but getting use the routine slowly.

She summoned his little reflex hammer to him gripping it in her hand, but frowned after a few minutes standing and starring at the weapon. It felt different, odd … it certainly wasn't a feeling he had felt before. His brow furrowed and he released the hammer thinking maybe he was just over tired. It was probably just his mind playing games on him. He sighed lightly waiting a moment to clear his head, counting to himself down from 5 before he summoned the little hammer back to him again.

The feeling was still there and it unnerved him a bit. He currently wasn't too keen on something new cropping up when he really wasn't ready for it, but that was the story of this sort of thing, wasn't it. He turned the hammer over in his hand, looking at it, examining it. It was the same little brass colored hammer it always was. It look the same, fit his hand the same but it now held a feeling that didn't sit well with Shang.

He shrugged and quickened his pace to the park. He still had training and he could always ask his sister what she thought about what was going on with his weapon, if she had any idea. If not he would try to seek out another knight after training session was over. He pushed the thoughts from his mind as she approached their meeting spot and waved, now it was time to train, then after, after he'd question the oddness.

“You ready,” Maia said grinning at her brother, “you look tired. Tell me you weren't at the hospital for to long today, or worse, you've got to go in later tonight.”

“I am tired, but no I don't have to work tomorrow, I'm not even on call,” he said.

She eyed her brother for a moment before nodding, “okay, how about just one round for tonight and then he go patrol for a bit, no more than two hours out tonight, so you can get some rest.”

Shang nodded, “that sound really good, but before we patrol I want to talk to you about something strange. I don't think it's a big deal, but it is weird.”

Maia shook her head, “no tell me now, it might not seem important, but it could be more than what you think it is. I've learned that being a senshi and you should know that being a doctor.”

Shang frowned at her because of course he knew that, but this magic thing was a new world for him, still he nodded, “my weapon feel weird. I summoned it and it just had this feeling and it wasn't there before. I thought maybe I was just tired before …,” he summoned his weapon, “but the feeling is still there.”

Maia frowned, “I don't really know what to say about that. I don't have a weapon, but if my magic started to change I'd be worried. Maybe you should go talk to another knight. I can call Zia and ask her about if anything is weird with Alfheim.”

Shang nodded, “I think I'm going to go talk to Camelot. He'll probably know something.”

Maia nodded, “yeah probably a good idea. You should go try to find him now. We can train another night.”

Shang nodded and headed off, worried, but also a bit relieved to have gotten out of sparring.

Word Count: 655

Xander had done what Camelot suggested and had looked into Shangri-la. He had learned a bit about the legend, but was worried much of it wasn't true even if the place did actually exist. He found it hard to imagine a place that wasn't affected by time in the normal way. He looked quite a bit up on the internet, but it was rather confusing because his wonder seemed to be connected to another wonder. In the end he went to the library to borrow a fictional book about his wonder and a movie adaptation of the book. Both seemed far-fetched and neither were very helpful. He figured the immortal concept was completely made up and that people weren't living eons in Shangri-la.

He returned both when he was finished and now, he sat on the rooftop of the library wondering if maybe he would run into Camelot again. He wanted to see if the man had any suggestions for research materials. He sat on the edge looking up at the sky and smiling. He eyes closed briefly but opened again at a perceived whisper. He head whipped around and he got to his feet, weapon in hand and moving slowly to check out the rooftop. He seemed to be alone, but he was certain he heard something. He frowned but keeping his weapon and looking back to the sky standing in the middle of the rooftop. He sighed, "all this is messing with my head."

He gave a little laugh before going to sit on the ledge again, but he heard it again, only it was a little clearer now. Just a little. He whipped around, but no one was there. He closed his eyes trying to listen and realized it was coming from him. From inside him. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the whispered words, which were louder now that he listened. He felt calm, the world around him was quiet and the whisper was speaking to him.

I pledge my life and loyalty to Pluto, and to Shangri-La.
I humbly request your aid, so that in return I may give you mine.

It was quiet, but it was there. Didn't Camelot say something about this. The last time they talked. He concentrated on the words once more, but this time repeated them aloud holding tight to his weapon. "I pledge my life and loyalty to Pluto, and to Shangri-La. I humbly request your aid, so that in return I may give you mine."

When he opened his eyes once more it was because a warm breeze brushed across his skin and he could feel warm sunlight on his skin. He looked around in absolute awe. It certainly wasn't the place from the movie, he couldn't say for sure if it was the place from the books, but what he did know was that it was amazing. The air was fresh and there was water everywhere.

This wasn't earth. He had made his way to Shangri-la. He gave a small smile and moved forward towards the towering building built onto the cliffs with bridges extending across the valley connect each side. It was like nothing he could have ever imagined and well preserved. Sure there were plants running wild and what fabrics he could see looked tattered and likely decayed, but there appeared not to be a whole lot of damage to the building and their foundations. It just looked abandoned, quite.

Silas watched from a distance, when he was alerted to another presence. It had be nearly 1000 years since he last seen someone on his wonder. 1000 years since he had died and been bound to the place he protected the place he called home. The young man wore his uniform, an obvious sign this was the new knight of Shangri-la, a page in training. The red curls he saw escaping the from the cap on his head made it obvious the young man's connection to him. It was a family trait, the young man likely a child of his brother's lineage. Dark red curls that spiraled, sometimes neatly, but often out of control.

Silas followed this new page keeping his distance and just watching as the other walked towards the building that was closest to him. It was a connector building using for leisure and to connect on side of the valley to the other without have to travel down and back up to get to the other side. The young page wouldn't likely find anything there, but Silas was certainly not going to stop him from exploring. The young man had a long road ahead of him he was sure, but it would be worth it. His wonder was once again protected, but what did that mean?

Shang stopped at the building wondering if he would be able to get the bridge of if he should even try. The building was fairly large and looking around there was a lot more to explore on both sides. He figured maybe he should just for now explore a bit of the building. He would have chance to explore more wouldn't he?

He headed into the building seeing steps that lead up, there wasn’t anything to explore and all one could do was go up, so up he went. He came to a landing that lead back outside as far as he could tell and exploring the building he was in was forgotten as he ventured out onto the landing and further out onto a bridge a small one that lead to another building.He made his way into the other building and up yet another staircase. At the top were rooms. He peeked into the first before heading further in and looking at some paintings, he assumed of people and Shangri-la in the past. He brushed the dust of on one gently and look closely at the image of some falls. He wondered where the picture had been painted from, as it was spectacular. He move on after a moment looking around the room at bit more before deeming it some sort of lounge and going back out into the hallway. He poked in and out of room until the hallway seemed to get brighter.

He reached the other side of the building and another landing that lead out to another bridge. He was only a few steps onto the bridge, but he was fully awed by the sight. He could see what he thought was the whole of his wonder from the bridge. It was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen, grander than the grand canyon.

He walked to the edge and looked down, to see waterfalls spilling off cliffs and down into the river and a small lake below. It was amazing. He headed across the bridge and into another building. This time he didn’t bother with exploring the building, he went looking for an exit, but this was not as easy as when within the other building. This building didn’t seem to have an obvious or designated exit and after exploring for a while Shang turned back thinking he had reached a dead end and went back to the way he came.

Silas watched Shang with much curiosity and wonder. The page seemed to inquisitive and at ease, not easily frustrated though he was clearly looking for something which he didn’t seem to find. Silas almost approached him after a bit, but felt it would be better to watch. He followed at a distance as the other made his way back across the bridge, through the previous buildings and back outside.

Shang headed toward the sound of water as soon as he was back outside, over to the stream about five feet wide that gave way to a small waterfall. Not grand, but it didn’t matter. He went to the cliff where it ended and spilled over, sat down and beside before lying back and listening to the sound of the stream and the waterfall. Eventually he fell asleep and Silas watched from a far curious and hoping.

He was running from himself, and not in the figurative way either. He was physically running from himself. He'd been patrolling just like any other night, but instead of running into a youma or a member of chaos he'd run into a double of himself. The double seemed far for confident than him, sure he'd gained much confidence since becoming a squire and he was coming into his own, but not like this, whoever this was. He wanted blood, he wanted to see Shang dead.

He attacked without mercy and turned Shangs magic against him. He had to agree that he most certainly didn't like it. It was hard enough to learn to fight, but to have ones basic reflexes taken away as well as the learned ones made things much harder. He'd quickly found himself on the wrong end of a loosing battle and he found he had no choice, but to run.

To where he wasn't sure. To his sister maybe, to a member of her growing team, to Camelot or a member of the Knight of Destiny. Flawed, both plans, he did not know if any of them were out other than his sister, and even still he was either to far away for it to be feasible or had no idea where to look. He didn't even know half the member of the Knights of Destiny and that was partially his own fault.

He glanced over his shoulder as he made another leap, to yet another roof top. The other was still chasing him, he didn't think the other would let up. He wasn' sure he could hide and he was growing tired from the fight and all the running. He huffed trying to catch his breath, but he didn't have time to stop, leaping once more. He wished he could go to Shangri-la, at this moment. He'd possible be safe from whoever this was, his grey double.

As he came to the end of another roof top, he had to stop. He couldn't keep this up much longer. He looked to the fire escape of the next building, tucked in the shadows almost invisible, but he saw it. He figured it was his best bet as he jumped, landing on the escape, collapsing exhausted, feeling his powered persona leave him. If his pursuer saw him now he was dead, but as he shuffled to the corner of the fire escape, further into the shadows keeping quiet, he severely hoped the other would miss him.

He could barely see the other on the roof top, looking about frantically. Had it lost him?

He froze as his double seemingly looked right at his and made to jump. His breath hitched in his throat and he tensed poised to scramble. The other, however, jumped straight down giving chase to what he wasn't sure, but Xander now let out a sigh of relief and sagged against the escape. That was intense, but it he had at least to be grateful that it wasn't the negawoman who looked like like a knight that was hell bent on killing him.

He decided to just rest for a while, but then he was headed home to wait up for his sister. He hoped that maybe she knew what was going on, but somehow, he wasn't sure she would.

Word count: 552

Silas

Shang found himself on his wonder again, after quite some passing of time. He stood new, a squire with a new more useful or at least more damaging weapon that might keep him from being killed. He had been thinking about returning for a while, but time was a big factor with his overly busy life, but he was off from work. Tonight it was also quiet and he didn’t have training, so it seemed like a perfect time to head there, that and he was determined to find a little solace. He hoped Shangri-la would offer it to him, with its warmth and roaring waterfalls, as well as the lack of hub bub. It was an easy task to recite the pledge and take himself to the most amazing place he’d ever been once more.

The place was just so peaceful, a true paradise, that oddly enough seemed to withstand the test of time. It was odd to think that 1000 years had passed since there was last a knight a Shangri-la. He expected more … ruin to the place, but it seemed more like it had been abandoned recently. It was the same thought he had the first time he’d been here. Shang headed toward the towering building nearest him. He knew exactly where he wanted to be and even having only been there was, his feet carried him, up the tower and toward the bridge.

He walked right out to the center and leaned against the bridge, the thundering sound of the flowing water tumbling down into the canyon filling his ears. A gentle breeze making his curls flutter. He pulled off his hat and sighed, folding his arms of the sturdy stone rails and laying his head down atop the, bent at the waist just looking over his wonder.

He could feel his worries slip away a little, looking out at the canyon that seemed to stretch for miles. He thoughts wandered a bit, as to just how far his wonder stretched, if he could reach its bounds. Would it run into another wonder or would him come to an expansive stretch of the supposedly tiny cold planet that was considered to be Pluto. It was a little warm in his full get up, but not so uncomfortable. He quickly found himself succumbing to the sleepy pull that was the peace of the place, his stress and lack of sleep getting to him a little. His eyes drifted shut and he just listened. He bet Hannah and Lily and Orah would all like this place. It was like a little slice of heaven. He wondered if all their planets were so very vast and amazing and if he would one day find out. He could ask his sister to take him … though as curious as he was about Hannah’s he still didn’t like that she was a senshi. He was still a little miffed at Sheena for that. He frowned, though it didn’t last with the waters tumbling splash reaching his ears. He had always been drawn to and calmed by the water. He wondered if it has something to do with being Shang.

“I wondered when you would be back … already a squire. I’m slightly impressed,” said Silas standing to the side of Shang.

Shang jumped surprised to hear a voice and looked wide eyed at the figure. He thought the wonder was totally empty, making him frown and back away. It occurred to him of course that someone couldn't possibly survive 1000 years here. No one lived that long, though this person could be the last of the last of those that once lived here.

“How did you get here? Do you live … I guess yeah … you saw me the first time I came?”

Silas chuckled, “I was once Shangri-la Knight of Pluto. My name is Silas and if I’m not mistaken, I am likely your great great great great or something uncle. You are my descendant, so to speak, one of my brothers, as I never had any children as far as I am aware. I’m always here so yes I saw you when you first came, but decided to just let you explore. It nice to get to know the wonder without my presence, especially since I will be training you to an extent.”

Shang looked pretty shocked. One he didn’t believe in ghosts and this ghost, Silas didn't looking much like a ghost. He was so very there, Shang could swear that he might be able to touch him, not that he intended to try.

“Nice to meet you … and I suppose I should apologize for taking so long to come back. We are a little busy on earth … fighting a war against chaos at night and trying to also maintance a life. It's not easy. I must say though … it's more than a little strange to meet one's dead ancestor who is apparently your predecessor.”

Silas nodded and smoothed his western steampunk meets asian infusion robes. “So earth has survived then … that's good. Pluto was not so lucky, though I know not the fate of the whole planet, but I know I imagine it's much the same as this wonder. Dead is also, a bit figurative I think. Yes my body is gone, but who I am lives on here in this place.”

Shang nodded, still a little unsure as it seemed he was talking to a literal soul, “we are fighting to our planet, but the negaverse … our enemy is strong and they are ruthless. Most of us enter this war not knowing even how to fight or what exactly we are. What is its to be a knight or a senshi? It’s a learning process.”

Silas looked a bit shocked, “earth has a senshi?”

Shang looked confused, but nodded, “... um there are lots of them … uh Maia, Ida,Irene, Pandora … not for earth, but on earth, much the same as me and the other knights.”

Silas nodded his understanding, “I see. That is good, more to fight for the planet. You all will do well I’m sure. As for the learning process, I will aid you in yours. I can explain how things work, you magic for one, as you are a squire now. Wielding your weapon and learning you wonder … it is your strength.”

Shang stood a little taller and put his hat back on nodding, “I won’t be able to come very often I dont think, but I will try to come as often as possible. I could use as much help as I can get …”

Silas chuckled, “I can see already, you are a fine knight, the wonder likes you. Come though, we will talk. This is first day of your training Shangri-la Squire of Pluto. We are a bit late, with much to cover, but you will do well.”


Shang smiled and nodded, “Thank you Silas. I will try my best.” Shang really hoped this would help, things would work out and one day they would save earth and he would live to see it. Maybe with Silas’ help he would. He followed Silas away from the bridge, though he turned and stopped to look over his wonder once more. He didn’t think he would ever be gearing for a fight, running headlong into the night to take down the enemy. Never be the most willing to bring harm to another, but he would be a better knight. He had family and friends and a planet to protect.

Shang turned walking forward to Silas who awaited him with all to knowing eyes. It unnerved Shang a little, but he pushed away the feeling. He watched as the man turned and it seemed more obvious that the man wasn’t really there, the light reflecting off him and in him in a way. He reached Silas and gave a somewhat nervous smile, the kind a young child give a relative they just met, not knowing the person and being somewhat wary.

“Can you tell me what you’ve learned thus far? I mean I can see that you’ve learned how to get here and that you’ve progressed enough that you are a squire? Are you able to use your magic?”

“Yes, when I became a squire I used it. I didn't really realize what I doing, but the general seemed to know. Its a good thing I managed though because she was trying to kill me … again. What does it do, it seemed to surprise her.”

Silas continued walking, “you probably just felt it, once you focus on it you can channel it. The magic messes with people's gut reactions and their muscles memory so to speak. It's like signals don’t quite reach them as fast, slowing their ability to react. Like say you throw a punch, they see it coming, but the reaction to dodge or block doesn't immediately jump forward. It makes it so much more likely that you will land a direct hit, since they have to really think about what they are doing. It's an odd sort of play on time, but it works.”

Shang nodded walking with his ancestor, curiosity rising in him. Knowing how to work it, meant he could practice. He would have to talk to Maia about it later.

Word Count: 1535

Fountain of your Ancestors Past

Shang stood in the gazebo that overlooked the canyon, a river flowing by it, running to the edge to produce a magnificent waterfall. He often landed here when he arrived on his wonder. He sighed lightly pulling his hat off and tucking it in the little hip satchel he had. He was tired from not sleeping all too well. Killing that captain still weighed heavily on his mind and he’d woken up more than once drenched in sweat remembered the dead eyes and gaping hole in the other’s chest.

“Are you okay Shang,” Silas asked startling Shang from his thoughts.

“Fine,” he said with a chuckle, “just tired … busy life. The ER has been getting a lot of foot traffic this week. Lots of sick kids, just one of those weeks where it's just going around.” It was the truth, but not really the reason why he was tired. Silas was giving him a look, but she waved him off. “I’ll be fine really. I’m sure you understand … there is a hospital here right?”

Silas nodded and stood, still not really trusting Shang’s words, but leaving it for now. The wonder didn’t seem to be affected even with the growing tie Shang was developing so he left it for now. If the wonder started showing signs of distress, than he would push the issue. For now even a few moment on Shangri-la made the squire seem more at ease.

“If you are sure. Come along then, I have something to show you. Or rather something to pass to you. It has been passed from every knight to the next page in training. Its very special and only a place the knight of the wonder and any guests he chose to invite have had access to.”

Shang was intrigued, even though guilt ebbed at him, getting something special when he had tainted the legacy of the wonder. He was tempted to decline, but he didn't think Silas would appreciate it. He also figured this was something that was just apart of being Shangri-la. So he followed, into the now familiar building, upward across the bridge and further upward still into one of the main buildings that lead to the biggest bridge. His curiosity was mounting as they made it to the bridge and continued on.

Across the bridge, though instead of entering the building on the other side, his ancestor veered off onto what he realized was a path. It seemed to literally carved into the cliff, but it wasn’t overly noticeable, enough so most passing wouldn’t notice it if they weren’t looking. He quickened his pace long legs matching the easy stride of his ancestor. It was still odd to think a ghost might walk anywhere when he always seemed to just appear.

They made it to a lift that made Shang just a little nervous. It was covered in vines and obviously it was a least 1000 years old. Silas stepped onto it, but Shang was looking at him with a wary expression. “I really don’t want to get on an 1000 year old cliff elevator that might somehow malfunction. That is a very long way to fall and I’m certain not to live through that.”

Silas shook his head and beckoned Shang, “The lift will hold fine. It’s old yes, but you are one person and it run by the rivers and falls force. Its not going to stop working and I doubt it will malfunction. It was well made, no one wanted the wonder’s knight to parish. I’m certain you would not want to climb.”


Shang frowned, but after a few moments of the expectant looks his ancestor gave him, he stepped onto the lift. “Okay, so know what?”

“Summon your weapon, stick in slot just there and pull down. It will unlock the lift and allow us to go down. When he go back up, you use the other slot just there and again pull down.”

Shang turned summoning his weapon and using it as instructed surprised to hear the weapon click into place. He wondered if that meant there was another way down because he wouldn't have been able to do that with his page weapon. He eyed Silas, but pulled down on his weapon and watched as the lift began to descend into the canyon. It was a bit foggy likely from all the falls that lined the canyon, it was really a surprise that they might be able to walk around at the bottom … though Shang supposed there could be a cavern. He honestly expected anything that might have been down there 1000 years ago to have eroded away now. The wonder really never ceased to amaze him at this point.

When they reached the bottom, Silas motioned for him to follow after he retrieved his weapon. They didn't walk far until the came across a very large fountain with a waterfall flowing into it, sitting beside a large grey tree that seemed to be growing fruit that looked like crystal. Shang hadn’t seen anything like it on earth or anywhere else on his wonder. There was a pergola and benches further off to the side and a river flowed in front of it all. Shang was in awe.

“This is a place where the knight of Shangri-la would come to have a little fun and relax. It is a place only for you and anyone you choose to bring here though only you can access it. Every knight for many years has added something special to the space. The first being a fountain, then the lift, the next being the pergola, and the tree which was given to me by a friend, planted and raised from a seed. Its a little overgrown, but it's yours now to add to, your touch, your legacy. I hope that you enjoy it and that one day you bring new life to this place.”

Shang was a bit overwhelmed, but made his way over to the fountain, sitting on the edge briefly before frowning at the state of the place. He nodded then pulled off his boot, climbed in and started to pull the vines and weeds that threatened to take over the fountain. He absorbed himself in the peace and the monotony of cleaning the fountain so much that he didn’t notice Silas disappeared. He got soaked by the waterfall, completely drenched, but he didn’t mind water always calmed him. He already had an idea of what he would add. He knew what was important to him and so he would bring them to Shangri-la in a manner of speaking. Lilies, Roses and his own flower Golden Alexander which would represent his family. His mother loved flowers and they were all named for them. He would bring color to the mostly green space and hoped the flowers would survive, but he didn't think to hard on the matter. Instead he continued to work in the fountain and for the first time in days forgot his unworthiness, tainting his knighthood or anything surrounding the murder he’d committed.

It was all he could do not to fall back and float in the fountain, though it was hardly clean enough for that. He looked out to the river, but realized quickly that would not be a good place to swim. It seemed to be running a bit swiftly and we wasn’t sure the depth. Pulling at more vines and weeds he looked to the grey tree. It was beautiful and he wondered where it came from. Though he figured if Silas wanted him to know, he have given up the information. He wanted to pull one of the pieces of fruit down just to see if it really was crystal, but decided to leave the 1000 year old tree in peace. It felt disrespectful to mess with it, even despite the curiosity it drew.

Silas watched, again intrigued by the current knight of his wonder. He could tell there was something wrong with the other, but still the squire just seemed so easily lulled to peace at the wonder. Right now he could hardly tell the other was tired, as he cleaned up the fountain like it was the most obvious thing about. No real questions asked, Silas just knew this knight was really born for the job. He was a bit unsure about how intune he actually was with his emotions, but they could work on that in time. He still had not talked to the other about a knight of Shangri-la’s most sacred duty and his tie to the wonder.

Silas looked up to the heavens briefly before deciding to just leave Shang to it. He was intrigued to see how the fountain would change, what would become of it, it there would be laughter and playful splashing in the fountain again one day. He could see it, well in a way, this new knight filling the wonder with the happiness the wonder currently lacked. Chatter, laughter, maybe a bird or two. In time he hoped. He hoped this place would come alive again. It all started with Shang.

Word Count: 1526