A/N: This was an experiment in writing styles, and I love how it came out; hope you do too!

"…": characters talking to each other

'…': characters talking to themselves

(…): extra facts about something in the story

(Takes place a few months after "Mystic Fate II" and connects to Theme 28)

Theme 29: Home

Rock Porium, August 15, 2007, 12:00 am – Briarwood, CA, USA

Madison's POV

Beep. Recording to start in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... and go!

"I still can't believe that it's over. I mean, we've only been fighting for like a year and, even though we've been told by other Ranger teams that it's never completely over, we sure feel like taking a break. Things have been so different, though. I mean, Xander... spirits, it still hurts to say his name. We've taken to staying in the Rock Porium every fifteenth of the month, silently holding a vigil (we call it the Watch) over his death and talking about all of the good attributes that Xander had and what he'd do now. I think that the person most affected was Vida, though she'd kill me if she knew I know this.

She loved him, plain and simple. It'd been building for months; years, really, but the intensity of their attraction was augmented by our time as Rangers. Yet, despite what we tell her, she says that he's not gone. He's been here, still protecting us, just like he did in life. Nick thinks she's lost it, and I've had to lay into him more than once. Nick's hurting too, though. Xander was one of his best friends, and when he died, well, Nick went into what Chip calls "self-pity mode". Nick was there with Fireheart and yet he couldn't save Xander. Clare had to reassure her cousin spirits know how many times that Xander wouldn't blame Nick for what happened; instead, he'd expect Nick to carry on and help protect his loved ones on the physical plane, something he couldn't do anymore.

Wait a minute... There's just been a hold-up at the door. Let's go see what's going on, huh? Scuffles are heard as feet clad in sneakers head towards the door to the music shop, followed by the small jingle signifying its opening. The sounds of multiple pairs of feet entering are heard, then a gasp.

Oh, my, spir – Vida! Come here now!"

The click-clack of boots on the tiled floor of the store are heard. "What's wrong, sis?"

"Look there!"

"Where?"

A sigh. "The tree, Vida. The tree!"

"What about the tree?"

"Don't you see it?"

"See what?"

A sound that sounds suspiciously like a snarl echoes in the silent night air. "Come on." The camera, still on, is carried with its owner as the two girls head over to the tree.

"Maddie, what is so important that you dragged me away from the Watch?"

"Where is he?"

"He?"

"Me."

The sound of leaves underneath boots is heard, followed by a shriek. "Xander!" The sound of two bodies crashing into one another is heard as they both hit the ground.

"Xander, you're alive! But, but how? I mean, you died! I felt your pulse leave and,"

"V, stop. I've been studying with the Mystic Mother to try to figure out a way to come back, back to you." The edge of a smirk can be seen. "If Kendrix can do it, why not me?"

"... You're not leaving me again, right?"

"Never, V. I'm home. This is my home, here. Briarwood, Rootcore... you."

The camera's last glimpse is of a couple on the ground, kissing passionately. The woman's hair, tinted a dark green and bright pink is straddling a young male clothed in torn jeans and a tattered green tank top, a white dress shirt open on top of it.

"Drat! Vida'll kill me if she knows this was on..." Beep.