Epilogue

"Kim Possible, shape shifter, just a few questions, please-"

"Who are all these mysterious heroes-"

"Young man, what's you're name, where do you come from-"

"ENOUGH!" Jack Fenton screamed, glaring heatedly at the reporters with more focus then he'd ever shown. Everyone turned to him with looks of fear. "These kids have been through more then enough. Most of them are clearly not conscious and aren't even able to answer your questions. Leave them be, they need rest and relaxation, not stress from another mob of blood thirsty predators like yourselves." With that, he readjusted his hold on Roxas' limp body and turned back to the Fenton jet, where his wife and daughter stood, proud and amazed at his sudden, out of character performance.

"Well, it appears that the Fentons have taken in the world's savers." Stated a man with brown hair and eyes, turning to face the camera as the jet closed it's door and took off. "But don't worry viewers, we'll head to Amity Park and try agai-"

Ben sighed as he turned off the TV and set down the remote before laying back down on the couch with a yawn. The three teens conscious at the time were terrified when the helicopters had landed. None of them were prepared to face the approaching horde, both due to exhaustion and because they weren't sure what to say about Namine and Roxas. Fortunately, the Fentons had shown up just in time and got all the sleeping teens into the bunk beds at the back of the jet while Jack simultaneously verbally assaulted the media.

On the way back to Amity, Danny's family asked a few questions, after getting the ok from the conscious three sitting in seats, and were told the basics of what happened and who each of the unknown heroes were. Naturally, when Namine informed them of her and Roxas, they got a little wary, but Kim and Ben were able to calm them down easily enough with just a little reassurance that they were perfectly good people and they accepted it. After that, they didn't show a hint of distrust, replacing it with kindness and reassurance.

It probably helped that Namine is the epitome of manners and kindness. Ben thought to himself.

"Shouldn't you still be sleeping?" A feminine voice asked softly, startling Ben out of his thoughts. Turning to the staircase, he found Danny's older sister Jazz descending them with a look he'd seen on his cousin's face many times; a combination of concerned and stern.

"I can't get much sleep. Most of the power I used came from the Omnitrix, so once I return to human form I regain my strength quickly. Add that to all the recent memories running through my head, I'm lucky I got the… four hours that I did." He said, checking the clock as he spoke and keeping his voice quiet, so as not to disturb the snoozing dragon of wind o the opposite couch.

"I guess that's understandable." Jazz replied, not pushing it as she walked up to him, his phone in her outstretched hand. "You're phone rang while you were asleep. You're grampa saw the news reports they're repeating every ten minutes and is on his way over to pick you and Gwen up. He'll be here shortly."

"Thanks." Ben said, smiling appreciatively as he took his phone back. "How is Gwen anyway?"

"Just bruises and scratches mostly. Her wrist has swelled, but it's the worst wound she's got and should settle in a day or two. The others are about the same. They're all just exhausted."

"Great." Ben sighed in relief. He'd worried about the others, now that the post battle relief was gone. Hearing they were all alright put him at ease and seeing the worry fade from his face brought a warm smile from Jazz.

The comfortable silence that followed was almost immediately destroyed by knocking on the door and the murmurs of a lot of people on the front yard, eliciting another sigh from Ben. Jazz however, scowled and stormed towards the door.

"Don't those rats ever sleep? They'll wake up all of the guys. And to make matters worse, I have to answer the door on the chance that it's your grampa or one of the others' relatives on the other side. God, my parents created a ghost shield, why can't they make one for reporters?"

"That would be useful." Ben commented, sinking back onto the couch. If the press saw him up and about, it would make it even harder to get rid of them. At the moment, they had a chance of the them leaving until they could get a decent amount of sleep.

Reaching the door, Jazz's glaring intensified as the knocking started again and she threw it open with force that should have been beyond her capability.

"Miss Fenton, where are-"

"Would you reporters GET A LIFE?" She screamed, not even looking at who was talking as the reporters charged towards the door, trying to get in.

"I am not a reporter. I am a Xiaolin warrior." Stated an offended voice from just in front of her. Taking in who was there, she found three teenagers. One was a blonde cowboy, the second was a Japanese girl and the third, the irritated one that had spoken, was a short Chinese boy with unusually yellow skin and a large head in robes like Raimundo's. "We are here looking for our fellow monk, Raimundo. He's dressed like me, but isn't as cute or as good a warrior as I am." He added gloatingly, causing the cowboy to shake his head while their female companion slapped her forehead.

"Well in that case, you can come in." Jazz smiled moving aside just enough to let them through, slamming the door right on the following reporters' faces. Hearing multiple bangs and cries of pain, Jazz smiled with satisfaction as she lead the group into the lounge room. "Just remember to be quiet. Ben is the only hero who's woken up. I'm Jazz by the way."

"I am Omi, the greatest of the Xiaolin Dragons." Stated the short boy, bringing exasperated looks from his friends again.

"Try to ignore his boasting. That's the only way we go on without killing him." The girl said, shaking Jazz's hand. "I'm Kimiko."

"And I'm Clay. Thanks for takin care of our partner Jazz." The cowboy added, smiling warmly.

"You're welcome." Jazz responded. "Now why don't you guys talk to Ben over here while I get us some drinks?"

"Oh, that will be most wonderful." Omi responded happily as he turned to the conscious, green eyed boy. "I would love to hear about the amazing battles the nine heroes had. I bet they'll sound almost as good as my own."

"It would be nice to hear about you and the stuff that happened before the final battle on top of the castle if you don't mind partner?" Clay said softly while Kimiko thanked Jazz.

"Sure." Ben replied with a grin. "I guess I'll star by properly introducing myself. Those who know about my years as a hero call me Ben Ten…"

A few hours past, repeating the same scenario. The reporters would constantly hound the place, a teen hero would wake up, Kim borrowing some of Jazz's clothes as her battle suit had fried itself after the battle, and a teen's relatives would pop up, be allowed in and the door would get dints as the media found their faces implanted in the wood. They would then all introduce themselves and give or get a short version of the past events. The only difference throughout the whole thing was how long it took for the arrivals to warm up to the blond 'Nobodies' and Chichi's near overly panicky entrance. As soon as the door was opened she charged through faster then even her husband could move, screaming for Gohan and driving the poor boy into extreme embarrassment by hugging him as tightly as she could and calling him her special, little baby, much to the amusement of everyone else.

The group decided to have lunch together, with everyone getting to know each other and swapping stories of past adventures they'd experienced. It wasn't until after Goku and Gohan had both finished five plates, astounding those who hadn't seen a Saiyan eat before, that they finally turned their attention to the massing media.

"I think it's time that you answered their questions." Max stated, looking down at the young heroes. "If you don't, they'll just follow you everywhere. They already got most of your names and addresses now, so you should just get it over with and get them to begin the process of moving on."

That got the nine heroes looking uneasy. Even those who liked the idea of getting TV time and the ones that had some experience went pale at the thought of facing the mob. Namine and Roxas looked especially worried, not that anyone blamed them.

"Are you ok with this Gramps?" Jake asked nervously. This was after all, forbidden by magical law.

"Yes Jake. The magical creatures have been exposed and people already saw you on that castle, both in human and dragon form. There is little left to hide." Lao Shi replied.

"Is everyone ready?" Gohan asked nervously, looking around the table. Getting gulps and nods in response, he took a deep breath and stood up. "Then lets get it over with."

"Kim and I can go out first and take the brunt of it." Danny offered, looking to Kim for confirmation. "We already have experience dealing with this."

"Just follow our lead." Kim agreed, heading for the door. The others followed close behind, their hearts beating a mile a minute. When they reached the door, Danny took a deep, calming breath before grabbing the handle and opening it. Following him out, the teens faced the media like they did every threat they'd ever fought; head on.

"As the days go on, the world is quickly returning to it's normal routines. Though there are the occasional attacks of remaining Nobodies, the meta humans are easily taking care of them.

"On related news, people all around the world, though grateful to our saviours, Kim Possible, American Dragon, Danny Phantom, Ben Ten, Gwen, Raimundo Pedrosa and Gohan, much concern has been made over the two blond Nobodies that they allowed to live and has caused conflict. Though believe they are innocent and are thankful for their part I saving the world, most have been demanding that they be destroyed like the rest of their kind. When this was brought up with the American Dragon, also know as Jake Long of New York, during an interview of him and the magical creatures, he had this to say."

"Namine and Roxas saved our lives in there. If it wasn't for them, we would all be Nobodies ourselves right now and Organisation 13 would have conquered the planet. Unlike the rest of their kind, they do have hearts and have proven to be brave, compassionate and caring people. I am proud to have fought beside them and will defend them with my life if need be."

"His words have been backed up since then, both by Danny, Ben, Gwen and Kim giving similar speeches and by the male blond, Roxas, appearing all around the world, destroying the remaining Nobodies, but as hate websites on the internet continue to increase, these two young warriors have their work cut out for them in gaining the people's trust.

"The death toll of that world wide horror is still growing, as is the number of injured people. Some places, where no meta humans appeared to fight, very few were left unscathed. In fact, a few towns throughout the world have been turned into graveyards. This has caused great fear to grow in the hearts of millions. We were saved this time around and for that we are grateful. But what if this happens again? I'm Chloe Lane, ZTV news."

Gohan leaned back into his chair with a frown on his face, turning the TV off. Reports like that one had been airing almost twenty four, seven since the battle ended, only altering when the media managed to get another interview with one of the heroes, but even then it came to the same stuff. Why did you go to the castle, what are the others like, why didn't you kill Roxas and Namine and what will happen the next time around. Could they think of something new to say?

But still, the last one always got to the young half Saiyan. Fear of such a situation occurring again had gripped him too.

"You should stop worrying about the future. You can change it, so just worry about it when it happens." Someone stated as a red and blue clad figure sat down next to him. Turning to face his companion, Gohan sighed.

"I can't help it Roxas. I've face a lot of near apocalyptic battles before, but none on a scale like this. It's shaken me."

Roxas gave him a look of understanding. He'd seen this worried look on the boy a number of times in the last few days. Gohan's family had offered to take Roxas in for a while, while Namine stayed with the Possibles. When he wasn't off fighting his former minions, Roxas spent most of his time reassuring Gohan.

"Gohan, just take a deep breath and relax. You have everyone's numbers, so you can call the others if a team up is ever needed again and it's not like a force with that kind of power shows up too often, believe me, I know. And like I said, what happens in the future will happen whether you worry about it or not, so just enjoy the peace. Worry about the future events when you get there. Now, Kim invited me to join her, Namine and Kim's boyfriend Ron to some place called Bueno Nacho in Middleton with them. Why don't you come along?"

"Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll go see Bulma." Gohan replied, smiling slightly. "Thanks anyway Roxas. Now take your own advice and go have fun."

"I just hope my hate club doesn't ruin it." Roxas responded jokingly, smiling slightly as he stood up and created a door of light. "I'll see you later."

"See ya." Gohan watched with a grin as Roxas left. He'd asked Kim to show Roxas how to have fun and get him a some clothes. The boy deserved a new life, but couldn't break from his old habits, so Gohan decided to help, with a little help from the others. He'd also asked Ben to teach him how to play soccer and Jake to expose him to music and skateboarding. He would have done the same for Namine, but according to Kim and Gwen, she was doing fine.

As the doorway closed, Gohan moved over to the phone and hit number two on the speed dial.

"Hello, this is Bulma." A feminine voice stated after a couple of rings.

"Hey Bulma, how are you and Trunks?" Gohan greeted.

"Oh, hey Gohan. We're doing great. Tell your mom that Trunks wants to see Goten soon though. He won't stop bugging me about a play date." Bulma replied cheerfully. "So what can I do for you?"

"Well, I have a favour to ask." Gohan responded hesitantly. Moving his free hand to the table, he picked up a piece of paper with a bunch of phone numbers on it, holding it tightly in his hand. "You know that project that you told me you were working on?"

A satellite floated in the darkness of space, staring down at the majestic planet before it. Nearby, a number of small devices floated around it, with lenses of their own taking in the blue and green sphere below. Light could be seen coming from the windows and shadows stretched out, revealing the human life within.

"This is SO COOL!" Danny cried excitedly, flying around at top speed and checking out every aspect of the main room. "I've never seen anything like this. I can't believe I'm standing in a SATELLITE. In SPACE!"

"Yeah dude, we get it. Now please calm down, you're giving me a headache." Rai complained, rubbing his temples.

"Awe, let him go Rai. This is pretty cool." Jake said, watching amusedly as Danny flew one control panel to another.

"True, but why did you call us here Gohan? And where did you get this and the space ships?" Gwen asked, turning to the Saiyan in question. The others all turned to him as well, curiosity covering their faces. Even Danny managed to settle down and fly back to the group for the explanation.

"Bulma, a friend of my family and the daughter of the president of Capsule Corp., created this for the Z Fighters. But she and I are the only ones capable of using this kind of technology and the others don't really care anyway, so she let me have it." Gohan responded.

"But why bring us here? A reunion would have been easier on the planet." Kim stated, getting nods from the others.

"Because I have a proposition to make everyone and this satellite, Valour's Light, comes into it."

"Well, lets hear it." Danny said happily, his attention starting to return to where they were.

"I'm asking for a team up." Gohan stated. "We have proven that we can work together really well and if something like Organisation 13 shows up again, we need to be ready to face it. But it's more then that Roxas." He added as the blond in question opened his mouth. "Plenty of other villains plague our planet. Some have proven too much for us individually and in our teams before and some strike where there is no force of good to stop them. If we team up, we can call on each other when we're in danger at any time and if we use this place as our base, we can monitor the world so that people living in places without meta human level defence can be saved when something big hits them. It means that we'll all be taking on more responsibility, and I realise that cases like Rai's would mean some of us wouldn't be able to work as much as others, but I think it's worth it. Like I said, we make a great team and good friends. Why waste such knowledge?" Gohan raised his hand out to the others. "Will you guys join me?" "I'm in." Danny exclaimed immediately, not even bothering to think about it, placing his hand on Gohan's. "I think it's a great idea. I for one could use a little help now and then with certain ghosts and helping people world wide is something everyone should try to do. Plus this place is awesome."

"It's not much different from what I usually do anyway. I'll just have more help and take on more challenging foes." Kim stated, placing her hand onto the pile. "I'm in."

"It's similar to what I do." Rai said, looking around the group before his hand followed Kim's. "My duties to the temple and the other monks will limit me here and there, but I'm in."

"I'm cool with it." Jake grinned, resting his hand with the others. "I could use the backup, what with magical creatures being exposed and the problems that'll bring up."

"We basically just got an upgrade from the Plumbers." Ben grinned at Gwen.

"High tech gizmos, saving the world, the only difference to us is our frequent flyer miles." Smiling, the cousins joined their hands to the pile up.

"I have nothing better to do. I'm in." Joined in Roxas.

"Ten I guess it's unanimous. Though I'll just stay around mostly for monitoring and healing." Namine finished up.

"So what are we gonna call ourselves." Jake asked, looking around at everyone. "We need a cool name."

"We're valiant and we use everything we've got to protect people." Gohan stated, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "I think Valour Guardians should do it."

The others just smiled and nodded.

Much had happened in a very short amount of time. Chaos ran wild and evil almost conquered all. But the nine young heroes united together and the light held within their hearts restored the balance of the world.

Things would never be the same again. The hidden societies of the world had been exposed to all. But that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Nine hearts, drawing power from as many different sources, backgrounds and beliefs had come together and shined over the world. Evil would return. It always did. But the light created from the unity of these hearts would stand strong and drive it back once again.

A beacon of hope. The light of valour.

AN: Well, that ends the first story. At the risk of sounding mushy, I wanna say thank you to the people that put me or this story in their favourites or alerts. And the people who reviewed. for those interested, the sequel, whenever I get around to writing it, will be in the Kingdom Hearts, Xiaolin Showdown category. Look out for Valour Guardians: Fright of the Keybearer.