Credits Rolling…

Well, we're nearly at the end of this monster…

When I first started writing it, four years ago, it was only going to be a five-part story, one of those where I had an idea that just insisted on being written - even before I knew very much about DBZ. The very first story - Heat - was the result, introducing Leteetza (who despite all appearances is NOT me: I loathe Mary Sues…) who provided a wonderful vehicle for first person observations on the characters in the tale. Then a couple of chapters into AC1, Sequence 1 I saw Zaabon, then Radittsu, in the TV show, and was completely lost…

It was probably the hair. I have a terrifyingly strong 'thing' for long hair on males, and you can't get much longer than Radittsu's… The tails intrigued me too. And Zaabon's gorgeous colouring. And I wanted to put them together, somehow, and didn't know quite how…

I had a few ideas - most of which I had to dump when I then discovered Vejiitsei Ascendant, dammit! Then one night, listening to a track on one of my mp3 playlists the whole plot leapt into perspective in my mind, practically full-grown - and twenty or so minutes later a video was played on VH1 that had me riveted to the TV screen as the little details fell into place.

The song was Old Souls, from The Phantom of the Paradise, and the video was (wait for it and no giggling at the back, please) The Land of Make Believe, by Buck's Fizz (the video made both the 'worst videos of all time' and 'campest videos of all time' lists at VH1. I don't want to think about what that says about me and my tastes in music, let alone anything else!)

I'd better explain. Here are the words to Old Souls:

You understand, of course, that this is Zha'haabron to Radittsu… The mp3 can be downloaded here (it's 2.5 megs) - it's sung by the female Phoenix, but if you can imagine a low, smooth, slightly sibilant male voice… This song always makes me cry…

And the Buck's Fizz reference? Well, if anyone reading this has seen the video, you probably remember that one of the female singers wears… well, sort of wears… um, it's on her body and sort of covers some of it… A mini-dress that's essentially two pieces of black leather laced up the sides. It's very skimpy, very revealing and very sexy - and it provided the general template for that costume Zha'haabron was wearing the first time Radittsu saw him…

This is the only pic I've been able to find, and it's not that good. The outfit in question is the black one on the left. As for the others… well, it was a long time ago…

Heh - I wonder how many other epics have been inspired by a song and a dress?

I've loved writing the Alliance Chronicles. I've had the most enormous fun creating characters (all bar eight of them are my own), I've honed my writing skills, techniques and style, learned how to handle a multitude of subplots and write dialogue. I've made a lot of good friends along the way, as well!

And I'm now going to thank all of them! If you don't want to read this bit, you can always skip down to the bottom and the link to the last chapter - but you may find yourself mentioned here…

Over and above all, of course, I must thank you, the members, without whom there really would have been no point in writing the thing! Thank you all for your support, your feedback, and for sticking with the story right the way to the end.

I need to start with Di, since in a way she started the ball rolling, but immediately afterwards comes LittleSaru, who read the first couple of chapters and threatened me with dire consequences if I didn't continue the story! [grins and points - it's all her fault!] Thanks, 'Saru, for letting me mutilate your name for Zha'haabron's people, for your gorgeous pic of Zaabon, and for letting me borrow Zarak and turn him into Zha'haarak!

And to Carol, Sue and WindLily, for comments and suggestions and feedback throughout (especially to Sue, who doesn't even particularly like the AC!! There's friendship for you…)

To Zanjie, who wanted Leteetza and Ti'aasaan to have children: to bakayaro onna for Zaheen, for the Phantom of the Paradise soundtrack and the correct lyrics to Old Souls, and for her wonderful, wonderful illustrations: to Valkyrie for her gorgeous pictures and unending enthusiasm: to Sylverthorne, another fantastic artist who has helped make the Chronicles come alive.

To Talon and Dasia, for the inspiration for Tane and Dari, and for the ki-manipulation that helped Zha'haarak so much.

To Romyra and Yinka, and Linda, for your fabulous, encouraging feedback.

To Alithiel, deeply missed, whose comments were invaluable, and who smiled sweetly while wishing the most horrendously painful death on Zha'geekaan and Dhr'ovaanon. I think she'd have been satisfied with their fate.

And last but never least to my friend and occasional co-writer, Amanda, without whom the Chronicles would have been immeasurably the poorer.

With the last chapter, link below, the Alliance Chronicles are now at an end: we will not be continuing the story. We may, however, from time to time post another Side Stories chapter - it'll be difficult to completely give up something on which we've lavished so much of our time and energy! And there are still stories to be told…

For now, however, please continue to

Completion