A/N: Let me warn you right now, this is not a happy theme. The idea came out of left field, but when I read back over it, it fit. It totally fit, and I even cried over how much emotion I got into this short drabble. You have been warned…

"…": characters talking to each other

'…': characters talking to themselves

(…): extra facts about something in the story

(Takes place just after "Hunter")

Theme 28: Sacrifice

Rootcore, February 15, 2007, 6:59 pm – Briarwood, CA, USA

Vida's POV

I can't believe it... no matter how many times I replay our last battle, how Nick came flying to the rescue with Fireheart as his Battilizer and defeated Oculous without a problem, how we all were re-materialized after the battle finished, the end result doesn't change.

He's gone.

Maddie and Clare are trying to offer the rest of us comfort but it's obvious that their hearts aren't into it. Why should they be? He was a valued teammate and friend who always tried to protect us and, yet, when the time came for us to return the favor we were unable to. What kind of friends does that make us?

Liars and traitors, that's what. His family is en route; Udonna agreed to let them know what had happened to their son, cousin, nephew, grandson... Spirits, it hurts. It hurts so much that I can't see straight anymore. All I can do is stand here, arms wrapped around myself, and attempt not to sob. Too late. Tears are starting to streak down my face. I raise a hand to try to stifle my sobs but they still break through my barrier.

"It'll be okay," comes a voice and I whirl around, angry as hell that someone would dare to try to lie to me but fall into shocked silence at the sight before me. His spirit is there, standing, hands in his pockets.

"What, what are you –"

"Doing here? I was given one last chance to say good-bye to those that matter to me."

"But, but what about your family?"

Eyes are averted. "I already talked to them, briefly, in their dreams last night. But you, well, I wanted this to be personal."

"I –" My words are cut off by his lips, suddenly made corporeal pressing on mine gently. Eyes fluttering closed, I return the pressure, eagerly yearning to wrap my arms around him but knowing that I can't do it. He's not really there.

After a moment, his lips leave mine and when I open my eyes he's still there, sadly smiling at me. "Xan, I,"

"I know, V. I know." Smiling sadly, he waves then fades away a flash of dark green sparkles marking where he had been standing. I stand there, shocked, for a moment before smiling through the tears rapidly falling down my face, knowing that the sacrifice that Xander Bly had made was something he had wanted to do, to protect me. Even if he couldn't be here in life to do his job, he would still do it as a spirit. I now knew this, and knew that I would see him again one day; when, I'm not sure but I knew it.