Michael left Jenny's house feeling stunned. He couldn't believe it was all over—for real, this time. He wondered if he would grow bored with being safe; after all, it seemed as though all he knew lately was a life of danger. He thought about all the events the group had survived together. Then, thinking about the trauma he himself had endured he came to the conclusion it was a miracle he had survived. But then a thought crept up on him, and he turned it over and over, pretty much unable to believe he was the one having it.

Maybe he was being too hard on himself.

Was it possible? Perhaps he was underestimating himself. Really though, it wasn't like all the Games had been won on blind luck alone, right? And come to think of it, it's not like he didn't play any part in their success, either. So maybe, just maybe, that thought was right. He had proven himself braver than he thought ever possible. He had changed. And he wasn't the only one. They all had, in fact, although he had to acknowledge that Jenny had changed more than anyone. He grimaced, thinking of the scene that awaited her—the one that involved all of her closest friends assaulting her with a barrage of questions. And while he had some of his own to ask he was fairly certain his part to play was that of spectator. He turned to look at Audrey, and looped his arm around her shoulders, smiling as he did so. He knew she would be vocal enough for the both of them. Maybe if he talked to her beforehand some of his questions could get asked, too. He was glad that his relationship with Audrey had grown so much closer—that was a definite change for the better as a result of the Games.

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When Audrey left the house by Michael's side she was full of questions. Since most of them revolved around Jenny she decided she'd have to wait until a more appropriate time to focus on those. That being the case she was left to dwell on the rest of the questions which, unfortunately, had to do mostly with Audrey herself. As Michael's arm landed on her shoulders she decided that the time to ponder those questions was when she was alone. And so she smiled at Michael and enjoyed the walk. She mused silently to herself that their newfound closeness was a definite benefit of the Games.

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Jenny walked back to the couch where her grandfather was sitting, although she made the journey a slow one. But she found that once she started telling the story it was as if the floodgates had opened. It felt good to talk about everything with someone objective. However, as she got to the part where they met up with the Shadow Men for the last time she became more and more emotional. Luckily her grandfather was able to guess the story's ending and he just held her, assuring her she didn't need to go on.

"I knew the Shadow Men would never willingly let me go, unless someone took my place. I'm just glad it wasn't you, Zach, or any of your friends. But I am sorry it had to be Julian."

At that Jenny lifted her face to her grandfather's, eyes as wide with surprise as they had ever been. He laughed at her look.

"Why the surprise? I was thankful for Julian's presence."

Jenny almost passed out then and there.

"You knew Julian?"

"Not like you did, of course," He chose to ignore the blush that stained Jenny's cheeks. "But I remember that day in the basement. I remember how Julian didn't want to harm you like the others. When I was trapped sometimes he would come talk to me, when the rest of them had become bored for a while. I couldn't answer him or anything like that, but he would talk to me anyway. About you. It's not like he had anyone else he could talk to. The Shadow Men thought he was crazy, the way he felt about you." They both sat silently for a moment.

"It was a brave and noble thing he did, sacrificing himself. No matter what else, that one act wipes the slate clean as far as I am concerned. It has to. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him."

He pulled Jenny close to him again, using an arm to anchor her firmly to his side.

"Now as to how your friends feel, I cannot say. But I will offer you this unsolicited advice, and tell you what I do know. If you choose to trust someone you should make it an unconditional trust. Also, death is not the end we think it to be. And finally—memory is a powerful god."

Jenny leaned her head down to rest on her grandfather's shoulder, sighing as she did so. There was a lot to think over, and what her grandfather had to say didn't really help.

"Well my dear, I find that being mostly dead has left me tired. So, knowing you're all back, I am going to rest now before lunch. I'll be here if you need me, though."

Jenny was surprised to see that they had talked the rest of the morning away. She went into the kitchen to fix some lunch so she could spend the rest of the day getting ready for school tomorrow. As she carried a plate and glass to her room she couldn't believe she was actually going back to school tomorrow. School. It was always boring before but now…she couldn't imagine how it could hold any interest for her. After Julian everything seemed so plain, so boring. She hoped it would pass. Plopping herself down at her desk she settled in to her work, forcing herself to concentrate on geometry.

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Author's Note: And they said it would never happen! Here are my acknowledgements…

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimer applies. I own no part of the LJS universe. Please don't sue me…I am not worth the trouble, I assure you. As always, feedback is so very much craved. Thanks for reading! Thank you's are below.

Kristen Michelle: Thank you so much! Your kinds words are keeping me going!..

J: Thank you…I hope the rest lives up to your hopes!..

Sapphire Taylor: Thank you! I hope you like the other parts as well! And no, Tom is not planning revenge…although the idea has merit…hmmm…ok, Tom isn't planning revenge for now! Hehehe…

evilspoofauthor2Cassi: Thank you for writing! With some time and encouragement yes, I will finish this!…

Magelet: Thank you and I'm sorry about the cliffhanger..I will check out some of your work to see how a pro does them right ;-)…

Avalon: Thank you for reviewing!..

Rachael: You are great! Thank you!..

insane: I hope to keep your attention...Thanks!:)..

lotty: Stop making me drool! I adore max! I am a total m/l shipper! Thank you for conjuring up those pleasant thoughts!…

Baloo: As I said before, I enjoy your story so very much! Thank you for writing, it means a lot!…

jana: Thank you for being so polite about it! I will keep writing!…whew! Ok, then (mops brow)