Disclaimer: Xenosaga and its characters are not my property.

Hey, Who? What? Counterboost?
Before you read!

One author's note, then I will shut up for the rest of the fic, I promise!

This is a rewrite of Find Us Peace. WHY? I know, I am not a fan of major rewrites. I know nobody cares about making some random online fanfiction frigging perfect, and this fic is still far from it. I know that you guys would rather just see the ending and call it a day. The reason I decided to rewrite it is because I felt I was losing the focus and I had a hard time continuing and getting to the ending with the way it was going. It was my first multi-chapter fic, and I was making it up as I went along. But I do like this story, and its my big cheesy sequelfic extravaganza, so... it deserves a little special treatment from me. I'm starting over from the basic outline of the original, reorganized with some scenes added and some deleted. Hopefully it'll hold the attention of the original fic's readers, because as you know... I love you all!

Before new readers are subjected to reading this incredibly lengthy fic, let me give you the basics on how it's going to be, so you don't get half-way through and barf up your lunch in distaste, wasting precious hours of your time. I believe in fair warnings for all! XD

Genre: sequel (AU once XS3 is released), characterization, romance, action... drama? (cough... more like humor)
Pairings: MOMO/Jr., chaos/KOS-MOS, Shion/Allen, Shion/Gaignun, Shelley/Gaignun, and various implied ones that you can speculate on.

Oh yeah, and I'm gonna start out with a cheesy presumptuous prologue because people kept asking me to fill in the blanks of the story. (Calls up Nephilim) Get to work, hunny!

Find Us Peace: Counterboost
Prologue: Words From a Cross-Bearing Girl

There are many phenomena which may or may not occur depending on actions taken by those who live in the bounds of these realities. Though the smallest waves are identical, the ever-expanding rings that they develop into will become increasingly different until the source is no longer identifiable. A single person's decision can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of our very existence, and yet a single person cannot grasp the whole, unless they are bound to live out an eternity, as I am.

(0)

It was only a few short months after the appearance of the entity known as Abel's Ark when Shion met her friends once more. They gathered to a single locale as if preordained by fate to face the upcoming crisis together. It was a turbulent time, in which each faced their past and future demons.

Intent on saving his brother, the URTV known to his friends as "Jr." enlisted the aide of Shion and her companions to dive into the subconscious encephalon structure of Gaignun Kukai, and free him from Dimitri Yuriev. Removed like a parasite despite a persistent struggle, the doctor who created the URTVs finally left the mortal plane. Though heavy injuries were dealt, Gaignun Kukai was able to recover over the following years that passed. Although grudgingly, the URTVs did vow to oppose U-DO as their father did.

Shion became aware of her own role in the events that unfolded by searching through the completed memories of her past. As KOS-MOS needed her in order to awaken, she cooperated with the plan to resurrect Abel's Ark. In the same beat, Jr. accomplished his mission to eliminate U-DO not by destroying it, but by banishing it back to the higher domain it originated from. Though through them humanity was offered its chance to ascend as well, they rejected the experience and clung to their current forms in the dimension and area of space that they so gladly called home.

The awakened spirit which laid dormant inside KOS-MOS opened the way to the Lost Jerusalem, and a chosen few who were allowed to enter followed her there. Among the accepted were Wilhelm and his cloaked men: Red, Blue, White, and Black. Kevin accepted, but would never know the happiness he left with Shion again. Virgil accepted as well, and through this measure, he became reunited with Febronia. Voyager transcended, intent on becoming the essence of life and death in the higher domain- the end itself. Albedo refused, and chose to die in a realm where he could at least join his brothers in death. She pleaded to chaos, but he decided that he loved humanity, despite its many flaws. He would not go.

Those choices were made of their own will, and they follow those paths as their spirits dictate. But this reality is different from the one that we know, and for that reason, the story does not end at the choice. Though they faced their past, the uncertain future still stood before them like a wall. There were still lingering reflections of the wave.

What will you do?

Find Us Peace: Counterboost
Chapter 1: Life on the Kukai Foundation

(1)

White symbols flashed over a translucent screen and reflected in the violet eyes of Shelley Godwin. Their meanings were translated somewhere in the back of the young woman's mind, but other thoughts took control in her conscious thought as she plodded through the work.

It was the same every day, these days. No more Zohar emulators, no more U-TIC. An arms buildup around the galaxy after the disappearance of the Gnosis gave them reason to keep the Durandal in its current state and in their possession, but they rarely intervened in matters directly. The Durandal was a sword, the symbol of the Miltian Alliance's power, and considered overkill in any missions threatening the government of Second Miltia, the Kukai Foundation, or the other smaller associated foundations and countries that had pitched in since the Federation began a major decline. War was on the horizon as it always was in times of peace. They were the keepers of that peace; and yet the great Durandal was rarely ever seen outside its vertical docking position at the center of the foundation.

Her battles these days were all data, numbers and words scrolling past. She was not there to wage war with characters on a screen, but only to provided support for the front-line fighter, Gaignun Kukai. That was all she could do, and she was the best for the job, yet it seemed unimportant and pointless. Her master was now thirty years old, and she was quickly approaching that age herself. When everything seemed at its end, she thought that maybe, finally, Gaignun would be able to pursue happiness, and she would help him. That, however, did not happen.

"It has been a long time..."

The usual hum and buzz of the Durandal's bridge was not enough to drown out the words that Shelley Godwin had not meant to say aloud. The numbers she was calculating idly caused her to lose her place and vocalize her thoughts unintentionally. She heard her sister climb up to the command console at the top of the three tiers of the bridge where she sat and groaned at her presence.

"What's been a long time?" Mary asked in a thick backwoods accent, placing her hands on her hips. "Are you okay? You're really not the type to be spacin' out like that!"

"I apologize," she responded in her own dramatically different, dark and smooth tone of voice. "I was thinking of Master Gaignun," she admitted, confident that she could share this with Mary, if anyone. The 100-series realians and a few officers were on the bridge as well, but none of them were close enough to overhear. "He appears worse as each day goes by."

"In what sense do ya mean?" Mary asked. Her blonde curls bounced as she plopped down on top of a console next to her sister's. Shelley scolded her many times in the past for sitting on the bridge equipment, but she let it slide this time with a simple grimace. "I think he's been pretty healthy, all things considered. He's eatin' good, getting plenty of sleep-"

"That is not the sort of health I am referring to," Shelly interjected before Mary had a chance to go on one of her tangents. "He seems tired of this life... exhausted of it. Little Master has even begun to notice."

"Oh boy, it must be serious then!" Mary jokingly exclaimed. Then she put on a sympathetic face, and pat her sister on the shoulder. "I think I know what you mean," she said, more seriously. "He keeps to himself, always tells Little Master to go have fun, but he never has any himself. I swear, it's been a year at least since I saw him with a new girl, and I think that's just because she was some president's daughter."

"You're correct," Shelley replied, remembering every detail of that farce. She was jealous, even if it was a fake arrangement. "Tell me. How close have you been to Gaignun in the past?"

Mary stammered and nearly fell from her perch. "W-who me? I never-!" she was cut off by a look from Shelley that said her sister knew better that to believe her tone of denial. "Er... I mean, well..." she leaned over and whispered to make sure that no one would hear. "I did kiss him one time, but I was drunk... and later he gave me along speech on how he thinks of me as a sister and so on and on and on, until I just fell asleep!"

"I see," Shelley muttered thoughtfully. "I've never done such a thing."

"Huh?" Mary's voice got loud again in surprise. "Never, ever? I thought Gaignun liked you the best! Even back when we were little, he always wanted to be with you while I hung out with Rubed-oh, I mean Little Master!"

Shelley gently smiled remembering the days years ago before Jr. and Gaignun cast off their URTV names. Nigredo and Shelley were both soft-spoken and intellectual types; while their siblings, Mary and Rubedo, were energetic, forward, and physically active. A reserved but sharp tongue was something she and Gaignun had in common, while Mary and Jr. were both blunt and reckless. It seemed to her, as a naive young girl, that the four of them were meant to be together always. In reality, their bond wasn't quite as sweet. They all served as comfort zones for each other, without venturing any real romantic entanglement, all in the name of keeping the foundation together, and living for its citizens. That's not happiness...

"This is the Durandal, contacting Shelley," Mary teased. "Shelley? You there?"

"I am thinking," Shelley said in annoyance. "You should try it once in a while."

Mary pouted and placed her hands on her hips. "I'm trying to help you out!" she huffed, but it was obvious that she was only angry on the surface. Shelley smiled again.

"Master Gaignun thinks of us both as his younger sisters, I suppose," she said. "We fawn on him constantly, but he refuses us both. Not to say too much of myself, but this hardly seems logical..."

"He probably just doesn't want to mess up the friendship we've all got," Mary added, a bit too loudly. "Oh well! I'm still going to hug him every time I see him, even if you don't want to, so there!"

"I am worried about him," Shelley explained, trying to remain to the point. "He has likely never been in love, and neither have either of us. You could say in a way that Little Master has more experience than we do."

She couldn't hold it in anymore. Mary had to laugh. Shelley didn't find it very amusing, but she couldn't help it. "Ha ha! Little Mastah... ha!"

Shelley's face lifted into a small smile again as she imagined the cocky lines that Jr. might give them if he was privy to their conversation. "It is true... He does."

"Speak for yourself!" Mary said, and waved her hand to dismiss the argument. "I've seen plenty of action, I just haven't felt like I needed to tell you all about it." She grinned, feeling like she finally had something on her older sister. "That's absolutely right."

Shelley responded with outright surprised glance up at her. "So... you don't actually love either of them... that way?"

"No way," Mary groaned, as if the idea made her sick. "I told ya, I was drunk! I love Gaignun, but I think if I was with him, he'd make me sick with his being so smart all the time... Just like you!"

Shelley laughed softly, knowing that the insult was meant as a joke. "And... Little Master?"

"Ew...!" Mary jumped off the console and stood up straight with her chin held up defiantly. "Although I have to admit he is turnin' out mighty fine, that's just plain weird! It'd be like kissing my brother! Or worse, er... you!"

Shelley hung her head in dismay trying very hard not to imagine that. "Forget I asked," she sighed. "At any rate... did it ever occur to you that Master Gaignun may be keeping us nearby as sort of a deterrent? When we are around, other women don't often bother to approach."

"Well duh, the whole foundation and half of Second Miltia thinks we're sleeping with him," Mary replied bluntly. She reached out and turned Shelley's chair slightly so that they were facing each other. "Listen here," she said frankly, vibrant bright blue eyes staring straight into the calm, violet abyss of Shelley's. "If you love Gaignun, you better make a move 'cause he's obviously not gonna. He's just gonna sit in his big office and let everybody think he's a pimp daddy until he dies all cold and lonely."

Shelley grimaced and averted her line of vision from the glare. "I would... rather not."

"Well then," Mary sighed, realizing that this pursuit was futile. She stood up straight again with a confident bounce. "Don't say anything when I try and hook him up!"

"I won't," Shelley agreed. "In fact... I was thinking of getting out of the way for you." Mary's eyes widened and she speechlessly watched her sister, waiting for more of an explanation. "I was thinking that I may leave the Durandal and the Kukai Foundation itself. Permanently."

(2)

The youngest member of the Kukai Foundation representatives, according to official documents at least, leaned back in his adoptive father's buisness room in an office chair with his floppy sock-clad feet propped up on the desk. His boots and coat were lazily discarded on the floor, in desperate need of cleaning and ironing. He sat staring through a large window behind the desk, no longer caring for the task at hand. Bureaucracy was something he took no pleasure in delving into.

The vertical landscape of the Kukai Foundation spread into the distance. The sight was so common to him now that it hardly seemed odd being on a different gravitational axis than the horizon outside their windows. From his perch, it seemed like the line of glittery buildings hadn't changed at all; but in fact, buildings went up and came down every day. He wished the appearance of his own body could change with such little notice.

In the over four years after his powers weakened, something happened that he often wished for secretly in the past, but now rued entirely. Jr. had grown. Though he still lacked a head or more on Gaignun, he was now a few inches taller than his friend, Shion. Had he been given the chance to grow older as a normal teen does, or perhaps even all at once to get it over with, this would have pleased him greatly. Instead, it happened in short, painful bursts that left noticeable changes and marks when they occurred. His legs elongated and his shoulders widened. His face became slightly less boyishly round.

The releases of pent up growth came just in time to be explained to the public as a typical youth's growth spurts, but that didn't help him enjoy them any more. On record he was seventeen; but inside, he was now thirty years old, and at the same time still felt like he was twelve in many ways. With his bright red hair and cerulean eyes still giving their full effect, he became the target of many women and parents with young daughters with an aim to marry wealthy. Though he had no interest in romance, Gaignun sometimes used this fact as a distractor, a bargaining piece in his political game. It was annoying, but Jr.'s pride wouldn't let him say it was a bad idea.

At that moment, Gaignun was relaxing in a comfortable lounge chair nearby, going through bureaucracy that Jr. refused to touch with his handheld connection gear. His coat and tie were thrown neatly over the back of another chair, and his shoes were kicked off as well. The two of them were exhausted from a lengthy representatives' meeting, but a long list of documents still had to be read over and verified.

"I don't need any help at all," said the tall, dark-haired man sarcastically. "You just relax." To his surprise, no response came. He looked up to see the younger-looking man staring out the window with an uncharacteristically forlorn expression gracing his countenance. "Jr.?" he asked.

The older and yet smaller brother quickly snapped to attention and turned his head. "Huh?"

"You were day dreaming," Gaignun informed him. "You've been doing that often lately. Is something troubling you?"

"Its nothing," Jr. said, and went back to staring, though he was attentive. "Just... everything."

Gaignun heaved a deep, tired breath. "Somehow I think I know what you mean," he agreed. "Feeling lost, without direction perhaps?"

Jr. didn't enjoy sharing his private thoughts with his brother, since he would usually find something to tease. But Gaignun didn't seem to be in a teasing mood at this moment, and so he obliged. "I guess so," he replied. "Everything's falling apart, isn't it? And we can't do anything about it. It's just the natural plight of humanity picking back up again."

"That may well be true," Gaignun replied.

Jr. rubbed his hair with one hand and stretched the other into the air in frustration. "What are we supposed to do? We were created to do something, and I expected that when that part of our lives was gone everything would be simple. But... now it's harder that its ever been before!"

"Life isn't easy," Gaignun said. "And up until now you've been able to get out of it... and I have too, with the excuse that we are URTV. We had a very well-defined purpose for existing."

"Yeah, I know that," he said, putting his feet back down on the ground. "But I'm trying to say... why can't we find a way to keep things peaceful? We fought hard, damn it!" He turned back to face his brother and caught his green eyes in a fascinating hold. "What are we doing here right now, Gaignun? We're paper-pushing to delay some inevitable change. All of our efforts to hold it back... its just sandbagging a flood that won't stop."

Gaignun stared back for a moment, and then sighed. "That's the life of a politician," he explained, "I understand your frustration. I'm a politician, and you're a soldier." He rubbed his chin and a small smirk appeared on his lips. "I bet you'd actually be happy if a clear-cut war broke out and you had an enemy to fight face to face."

"Hell yeah, I would," Jr. replied frankly. Gaignun shook his head at that kind of thinking, and a groan worked its way up from Jr.'s chest in response. "Fighting with the pen is nice and noble and all, but I'm no good at it."

"I'm not forcing you to help me," Gaignun said. "I can handle it on my own."

"Hmf," Jr. scoffed at the insinuation that he wasn't needed. "Yeah, what am I going to do if I'm not fighting or pencil-pushing?"

"Just live," Gaignun replied, knowing he was about to bring up a subject about which Jr. was touchy. "Socialize, find someone... maybe even give that realian friend of yours a call for once. You've earned a life, you ought to live it while it lasts."

Though he grimaced at the mention of MOMO, Jr. had learned that exploding at that suggestion in embarrassment was nothing but a surefire method of bringing more ridicule on himself. He shrugged and returned his attention to the scenery. "I've got a while to think about it," he said. "You're the one that's getting old, remember?"

"You've got me there," Gaignun agreed, and closed the file he was working on. It was time for a coffee break. "Perhaps we should both think of some way to socialize with our friends more often. That would cheer you up I think. Maybe you just need to experience what is we're torturing ourselves to protect a bit more yourself in order to make it worthwhile."

"I'm okay," Jr. said, dismissing the idea. "Really. There's no need for anything like that."

(3)

The Kukai Foundation was a hub of bustling activity, even more busy than it had been in years passed. Ever since the Gnosis stopped appearing, the population had risen dramatically. Crowds filled the streets, and names became difficult to keep up with. However, there were those who had just earned names in this metropolis who were eager to share them with everyone.

A 100-series realian, small like all of her kind, pushed through a busy crowd after stepping off of a public transport car. Her teal-colored pigtails bobbed up and down as she bounced along the sidewalks as quickly as she could. The morale of the foundation was still as high as ever, and those she collided with accidently in her hurry smiled at her deep apologies and went on their way.

As she approached the headquarters of the foundation's residential military forces, she saw a tall, blonde-haired man walking down the steps after exiting the building. "Ziggy! Ziggy!" she called out, waving one arm. In the other, she held a small container.

Jan Sauer had long since undergone life-extension, and after his battles were finished, he gave into even more treatment. He accepted realian pieces to replace many of his cybernetic organs and limbs. The name Ziggurat 8 no longer applied to him, but he answered to the nickname Ziggy as long as there were those who cared to call him that. Hearing his name, he stopped to find the 100-series realian running towards him. Though he was ashamed to admit it, he still found it hard to tell the realian girls apart. After a few words he could make a good guess. Judging by her mannerisms and tone, this one was most definitely the one who took the name Ume, which he understood meant plum.

"No need to run, Ume," he said calmly, as the girl smiled up at him. Her face instantly reminded him of MOMO.

Before catching her breath, she held up the box she carried. "Lunch!" she said. "I know that you don't have breakfast often, so..."

Ziggy patted her shoulder kindly, and accepted the box. "Thank you very much," he said. "But... from the Durandal, you could have ordered for me, if that was your concern."

"Yeah but that's not the same!" Ume insisted. "I mean... you miss MOMO I bet, so the others and I decided we will take care of you. Homemade lunch is always better than army rations or something!"

"I appreciate your thoughtfulness," Ziggy said honestly, and smiled ever slightly. "I once thought that I would never again enjoy the taste of food. This means a lot to me."

Ume beamed in accomplishment and delight to see him actually express an emotion. "You're welcome!" she cheered with a grin. "We make lunch for Little Master every day, and we'll make lunch for you too!"

Ziggy decided it was good for the 100-series to receive praise for their good work, and that by doing so he might reassure them that they were more than just bundles of observational capabilities covered by artificial personality layers. "I would enjoy that very much," he said. "But please be careful running about the foundation in such a manner."

"Oh, I will," Ume said. "Anyway, I gotta get back to work now! Bye!" she waved her arm as she sprinted away.

Though he was on his way to a simulated operation himself, he watched the girl until she was out of sight and then took a moment to inspect the container's contents. It was similar to a Japanese bento, containing small samples of several kinds of food. A small note was inside.

Thank you, Uncle Ziggy! Please let us know your favorite kind!

It went on to list what each delicacy was and which realian had prepared it, noting which one was Little Master's favorite, and which recipe was a gift from Juli Mizrahi. It had small drawings and shapes scribbled on it here and there. He carefully folded the note and placed it in a pocket on the jacket he wore now over his realian-flesh arms, while reminding himself to write to Doctor Mizrahi, Juli, later to inform her how much each girl had grown.

(4)

That afternoon, Shelley stepped off the Durandal's bright red transportation shuttle outside the residential area while planning exactly how to word her announcement. She and her sister had worked out the finer details of her departure since that morning. It took very little effort with their connections to find out if any jobs worthy of Shelley's attention were available. Though many people were hesitant to hire a person with her questionable background, they quickly jumped at employing her with a reference from none other than Representative Helmer on her resume. She had a choice of many highly sought-after positions. In particular, a spot at the UMN Center looked promising. The mapping of unknown encephalon areas created by the collective consciousness of the Unus-Mundus was a revolutionary field that had only developed in the last few years. It was the perfect coverup for her sudden departure.

She walked elegantly down the hallways until she reached the director's hallway, where Gaignun, Jr., Mary, and herself all had especially plush suites. The door to Gaignun's room was a rich, dark wood, and on the opposite side, Jr. was most likely complaining about the boredom he was experiencing as usual. She smiled, took a deep breath, and rapped her hand against it.

"Come in," came Gaignun's reply. His voice sent a tremor through her that was unnoticeable on the surface, though she knew that he would be able to sense it. This was going to be harder than she anticipated. Collecting herself even more, she opened the door and stepped inside. She found Gaignun in a chair and Jr. in another with his feet on his brother's desk again. His eyes were puffy as if he'd been napping there until she knocked.

"My apologies. Did I wake you, Little Master?" she asked him.

"No way," Jr. lied, stretching his arms and yawning.

Gaignun was already reaching out to Jr. with their spiritual link. Fortunately that had not weakened, they still had each other. Jr. wondered why his brother was suddenly giving him the mental equivalent of a nudge under the table, as if prodding him to pay special attention. "Do you need something?" Gaignun asked casually as ever. Jr. raised an eyebrow at him, but his eyes were on Shelley.

"Yes," she explained. "It' is something I have meant to bring into focus for some time now." At those words, Jr. became even more worried, but he remained silent. Gaignun looked calmly up at her, welcoming her to continue. "I have decided that I would like to pursue a career in UMN research. I would like permission to leave your service, Master Gaignun."

She held at those words and awaited their reaction calmly, giving no trace of any hidden emotion for Gaignun's senses to lock onto. His face did not express surprise, but he remained silent for a moment, which proved that he was calculating his response nonetheless. "Of course," he said. "Master is an honorary term that you have so graciously bestowed upon me. I don't own you, Shelley. If you are unhappy here, then by all means, feel free to pursue any goal that you wish."

Shelley was stung by guilt when faced with his calm acceptance. "It is not that I wish to leave you," she said, and a ripple of emotion very nearly came out, "with all of this political pressure."

"That's not your concern," he insisted. "You don't need to feel indebted to me for saving your life when we met, because that was my mission at the time. You don't need to thank me for caring for you all of these years, because you have returned that debt many times over, and we are friends, Shelley. You would do the same for me, if it was you instead of me who was chosen to lead our group. I'm actually quite relieved and pleased that you've made this decision." He smiled, a rare, honest and warm smile. It was meant to ease her anxieties, but it only ripped her apart inside.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Now it was Jr.'s turn to speak. He had been holding still with his mouth open in shock, feet placed back onto the floor and hands on the desk. "Shelly, you just... can't leave!" he said, standing up. "You do mean really leave, right? Like not on the Durandal... not on the Kukai Foundation at all anymore?"

"Yes, Little Master," Shelley replied, unable to look at him, though this was a bit easier for her to control. She knew that he would accept it and wish her the best after the shock wore off.

Let it go, Gaignun said softly and pleadingly to Jr. through the spiritual link. This is best for her.

I know, Jr. replied. But she's... she's part of our family...

Most families naturally grow apart, he reminded him. She's not going to cut us off, you know.

Jr. took a deep breath, realizing that this was true. "Sorry, Shelley," he said, forcing his characteristic grin onto his face. "Of course you can go, wherever you want to. I'm just... really going to miss you, that's all."

"I am only planning to go to Second Miltia," Shelley replied, as Jr. stood to walk over and take her hand. He was such a sweet young man, she thought in an almost motherly tone as he wrapped his fingers around hers. Suddenly she realized that parting with him really wouldn't be any easier. "I'll be in contact, and Mary is still here, of course."

"Well, I can understand wanting to get away from your sibling," he said with a smirk, nodding towards Gaignun teasingly. His hand was squeezing tighter, however, as if he wasn't going to let her go. "When are you planning on going?"

"The new position will be open in two months," she replied, as he finally loosened his grip on her. "I'll need to make some living preparations before then, but-"

"Consider it done," Gaignun interjected, rising to his feet to join them. "I can buy a condo on Second Miltia within the hour. Just tell me what sector."

Though she had been prepared for Gaignun not to let her leave without some sort of pension, this was more than she imagined. She nearly gasped. "Master Gaignun-" she said, trying very hard to control her tone. "I can certainly pay a rent with little effort."

Gaignun smiled his comforting, painful smile again. "Think of it as a going-away present. I won't take no for an answer."

"Yeah!" Jr. said, suddenly jumping into excitement. "Presents! I'll get you something really cool too, and we can... oh I know! Let's have a going-away party!" Shelley didn't like the sound of that, but there was a lively sparkle in those blue eyes that she couldn't refuse. "We'll all have one last great time together-" he stopped when he said that, realizing that he had used the word, last. "I mean... the last great time we'll have together until the next time you visit, right?"

Shelley nodded. She could not say no to that idea. "Of course," she replied.

"Sounds like a plan," Gaignun replied. "I'll have someone set it in motion." He looked at Shelley and gave her an affectionate touch on her shoulder. "We'll talk more about it later. For now, I need to get ready for a meeting. I think there's a representative from..." he looked down, placing his hand to his chin in thought. "Now what was it today?"

"From the public school board, wasn't it?" Shelley answered for him.

Gaignun looked up. "Right," he said. "How could I forget? I'll make sure to review my notes on the way there."

Jr. shook his head as he passed Shelley, heading on his way out. "How are we ever going to get by?" he said under his breath. Though he didn't mean for Shelley to hear it, she did as she followed after him.

I think you will find a way, she thought, but said nothing aloud as Jr. passed into his own quarters. It was far too early for him to turn in for the night, and so she wondered if he went to think about the news. Guilt racked her again. If there was anyone she did not want to hurt, it was her Little Master. But that hurt would fade and her departure would be a good thing for both of them in the end. It was time for something to change, and she was the first to understand that.