Disclaimer: Kinwon, Andros and Zhane belong to Saban/Disney. Kyros, Alita and Cestria are our creations. They are quite precious to us, so if you wish to use them please ask first.

Story notes: This is our take on what Andros and Zhane's life was before the battle of KO35. Andros' family, is the ruling family of KO35. Zhane's father is the king of Eltar. Andros' sister, Cestria, is betrothed to be married to Zhane. Zhane is coming to live with the Andros and his family to escape his abusive father. Cestria and Andros are not aware of Zhane's heritage. (Italics indicate internal thought.)

Timeline: This takes place on KO35, about 9 years before the battle. Andros is six and Zhane is ten.

Prologue: A New Home
by: Hazydestiny and Ivydraken

Zhane Dahok craned his neck and watched the scenery appear as the shuttle descended. Kinwon had been right, KO35 was beautiful. He fidgeted nervously as the palace grew larger. I wonder what my new family will be like. What if they don't like me? he thought apprehensively. He glanced down at the white rose he held in his hand. Meeting the people he was going to spend the next eight years of his life with wasn't the only thing that was making the prince nervous. He was also going to be meeting his betrothed. Today I am going to see the girl I will spend the rest of my life with. God I hope she's pretty. He looked over to where Kinwon was sitting, and the older man smiled at him reassuringly.

Zhane's heart jumped into his throat as the shuttle touched down, jolting a bit as the landing pads made contact with the ground. He clenched the flower so tightly that the stem snapped in his hands. Looking at the small stem that remained, he threw a panicked glance towards his guardian.

Kinwon stifled a laugh at this look from his young charge. Standing up, he walked over and laid a comforting hand on Zhane's shoulder. "Do not despair, my young friend. I'm sure the princess will still be thrilled to receive your gift." Though he didn't state it aloud, Kinwon didn't know any reason why a young female would not be thrilled at a gift from Zhane. Though he was still a boy, the prince was certainly handsome. White blond hair rested atop his head, and long lashes framed striking silver eyes. His skin was darkened with a healthy tan, evidence of his love of the outdoors. He had impeccable manners, and an air that made him seem older than his actual age of ten. The only thing Zhane lacked was the curiosity and mischievousness a child his age should have, but Kinwon knew that would develop now that the boy was away from his father's strict disciplines.

"Ready?" Kinwon asked as he took Zhane's hand. The boy took a deep breath, then slowly nodded.

The door of the shuttle opened, and Zhane squinted as they stepped into the sunlight. As his eyes adjusted he saw two people standing at the edge of the landing area. Kinwon pulled him across the tarmac, stopping directly in front of them. He bowed. "Your majesties."

Zhane took a moment to look over his new "parents." They were a very handsome couple. The King was about six feet tall, with clean-cut brown hair striped with blond and intelligent hazel eyes. The Queen looked at him out of soft green eyes that made him feel instantly safe. She had long, beautiful brown hair that shimmered with gold highlights in the sun. He was so entranced by it that he almost didn't hear them speaking to him.

"Welcome to KO35, Zhane. Kinwon has told us much about you. We hope that you will enjoy it here," the King said with a friendly smile.

Zhane bowed. "Thank you for having me, your majesties. I will do my best to earn your favor."

The Queen's smile put him completely at ease. "Zhane, there's no need to be so formal! You may call me Alita and my husband Kyros." She held up a hand to stop the protest before it could escape his lips. "This is your home now, and Kyros and I want you to be comfort..."

Her sentence was cut off by a dirt-covered bundle that grabbed hold of her legs. "Safe!" Upon closer inspection Zhane saw that it was a small boy. He had long brown hair striped with blond, very similar to Kyros'.

"No fair! You can't call a mom safety!" a girl cried, running up to the group. Her pout change to a smile when she spotted the man standing next to Zhane. "Kinwon!"

Zhane's heart caught in his throat. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life. He was sure that this was the princess, for she was a young version of Alita. As she turned to face him he drew in a sharp breath. She had the most exquisite eyes he had ever seen. They sparkled with life and intensity, yet the emerald green depths were filled with more wisdom than he would expect in a young girl. She looked like someone he could talk to, someone who would understand him, someone who...was poking him. "What?" he asked, startled.

"I said who are you?" she repeated in annoyance.

"I'm...I'm Zhane," he replied shyly. His hand trembled ever so slightly as he held out the rose. "This is for you." Her face blossomed into a smile, and Zhane knew he had found love. He wanted to spend the rest of his life seeing that smile. The girl leaned forward and kissed his cheek, and he felt his face flush.

"I'm Cestria, and that's Andros," she stated, pointing to the dirty boy in Alita's arms. Very carefully she tucked the white rose behind her ear, then tapped his arm. "You're it!" With a giggle she turned and ran off, Andros squirming out of his mother's arms to follow.

Bewildered, Zhane looked at Kinwon, who gave him an approving smile. "You'd better go. They're quite fast." Seeing Alita and Kyros' nods of approval, the boy dashed off in pursuit.

"So, you think he'll like it here?" Kyros asked as Kinwon walked over to stand beside them.

Alita smiled and wrapped her arms around her husband's waist. She watched as Zhane tagged Andros and sprinted away, laughing. "I think he'll be just fine."

Teaser: Zhane was about to shout an angry retort as well, but as he looked up he caught sight of his three friends. They stood in a group, furiously looking up, with feathers sticking to their skin and clothes. The older boy couldn't help it, he started to laugh.