Right now Buffy is catching the Judges attention. I know this even though I am halfway over the mall from her. And thus my gift becomes my curse. I check that I am alone here with no vampires around cause in about two seconds Buffy is going to pull the trigger and I properly will be driven insane by the noise. If I had a choice I would most likely have never entertained the idea of going as a hero. A plain old solider would have done me all right but Ethan convinced me to go as a hero. He properly wanted some heroes to create more chaos that night little more than a month ago.
There she goes and the noise catches me even here far away from them. My special sense goes crazy and the headaches explode throughout my head. Trying to keep standing no matter what my sense are telling me I tap my Billy club against the wall trying to clear the sound waves echoing through my head.
Wait someone is running this way I can hear the footsteps. Every step gives me a direction to look at and what do you know its Drusilla. Looks like I will have to stop her.
"Kitten, Why are you here?" Drusilla asked.
"You know the usual stuff, Movies, shopping killing demons and vampires. And you?" Xander retorted.
"Were you a naughty kitten who gave the slayer her toy?"
"Yeah I got it from the base outside of town. You should lay a complaint about the security there."
"I have something better to do" Drusilla said.
"And pray tell what is that Drusilla?"
"Why to tear your eyes out kitten"
"Bring it on" Xander yelled as he brought the Billy club up in a defensive mode.
The two fighters circled each other looking for an opening. Drusilla flexing her claws and Xander twilling his Billy club. A noise behind Xander made him look giving Drusilla the opening she was looking for. Rushing in she caught Xander on the side drawing blood. Xander followed with a hit to Drusilla's head. Drusilla kicked Xander's leg out from under him then whacked him in the balls.
"Hope I haven't hurt you too much kitten."
"Just peachy Drusilla" Xander wheezed as he slowly got to his feet. "Lets dance."
Block and thrust, Kick and parry the two fighters continued their dance gaining cuts and bruises in various places. Neither one seemed to have an advantage until Xander over extended his arm allowing Drusilla inside enough to knock Xander down.
"Kitten, We will have so much fun together. Miss Edith says you will help destroy the slayer and create such pain and suffering for your friends." Drusilla said as she moved Xander's head to the side.
"Not if I can help it Dru." Xander said.
"Oh but you have no choice kitten"
Xander thought, 'It must be my time to die. My life is flashing before my eyes. And even Matt's life as well. Images of Jesse, Buffy, Cordelia and Willow and the good times they have had superimposed with Matt's childhood visions of his father, his accident then the smells of Foggy and Electra. Then what happened one month ago on Halloween rang clear in his head.'
"Ethan's costume shop, we're open till 8." Ethan said to someone on the phone. "Now a pirates costumer an excellent choice this year. It will be $10 for you sir."
"Thanks Man Hope the kids I got roped into looking after aren't too wimpy." Larry said. "Well lookie here its Harris. No Girlfriend to protect you this time. I suggest the wimp costume. Look good on you. Ha Ha Ha"
"That's enough sir, in here everyone can become their fantasy and not be picked on," Ethan said.
"So long Harris maybe I'll see you tonight," Larry said in a parting shot.
"What is with him? Just cause He doesn't have a chance with Buffy does not give him the right to make my life a misery." Xander said.
"No it certainly does not. Now what can I help you with this fine day" Ethan said.
"Looking for a toy gun to go with some fatigues I got at home. Don't have much money to spare this week."
"I have a better idea Harris." Ethan said.
"It's Xander not Harris."
"Very well Xander, How would you like to be a hero, to be a man without fear?" Ethan asked.
"If you can do something cheap sure." Xander replied.
"I can do better than that how about free. There is a catch though."
"What's the Catch?"
"You just have to tell everyone that you got your costume at Ethan's. Nothing more."
"Fair enough now what is the costume?"
"Over here in the superhero section. The Daredevil costume. Truly a man without fear."
"Yeah okay fit me up." Xander said.
"Right this way. Let me know how well it fits. Just to help these other people okay."
Buffy and Willow come into the shop looking for Xander. Buffy picks up a plastic pumpkin from the counter when it suddenly lights up and screams. She quickly puts it back on the counter as Willow comes back with her costume.
"What you get?" Buffy asked.
"A time honored classic!" Willow said holding up a ghost costume.
"Okay, Will, can I give you a little friendly advice?"
"Its not spooky enough?"
"Its just... youre never gonna get noticed if you keep hiding. Youre missing the whole point of Halloween."
"Free candy?" Willow smiled at that idea.
"Its come as you arent night. The perfect chance for a girl to get sexy and wild with no repercussions. You should try and catch Xander's attention not hide."
"Oh, I dont get wild. Wild on me equals spaz."
"Dont underestimate yourself. Youve got it in you."
"Hey, Xander! Over here."
"What did you get?"
Xander opens his bag and shows the top part of his costume.
"Your going as daredevil what happened to soldier boy?"
"Got talked into this" Xander said then smiled at Willow who smiled back at him.
"Hey, look, Xander... Im... really sorry about this morning."
"Do you mind, Buffy? Im trying to repress. The costume will help later but for now please forget about it"
"Okay, then I promise, from now on Ill let you get pummeled." Buffy said as she put her chin on his shoulder and pouted.
Rolling his eyes Xander said "Thanks Buffy. Okay, yknow, actually I think I couldve t..."
Buffy stops listening as she sees the costume she was searching for. A frilly, red, billowy 18th-century gown. She starts over to it while Xander says
"Hello! That was our touching reconciliation moment there."
"Im sorry, its just... Look at this."
"Its amazing Buffy." Willow said
"Too bulky. I prefer my women in spandex."
Ethan notices Buffy looking at the Gown and comes over to them?
"Please, let me help you with that." Taking the dress off the mannequin.
"Oh, I-its..."
"Magnificent. Yes, I know. There." While holding it up to her in a mirror, "My. Meet the hidden princess. I think we found a match. Dont you?"
Looking at Ethan Buffy said, "Oh, uh, I-Im sorry. Theres no way I could ever afford this."
"Oh, nonsense. I feel quite moved to make you a deal you cant refuse. Just like you friend here"
Buffy looks back into the mirror, takes the dress from Ethan and smiles dreamily as she holds it up to her chin.
"I'll take it," She says.
"Okay all you have to do is everyone that you got your costume at Ethan's. No charge."
"See you Guys" Xander said.
"Now for you my darling redhead what special deal can I do for you?" Ethan asked Willow.
"Uhhhhhh Just the ghost costume please." Willow answered.
"No can you give her something to match Xander's costume." Buffy added.
"Lets see, How about this one. Daredevils first love Electra."
"No way it's too skimpy"
"Come on Willow live a little. He would have to be blind not to notice you in this" Buffy said.
"You would look good in it my dear." Ethan added.
"All right but only if I can take the ghost as well."
"Deal"
"Come on Willow you can't stay there all night. Xander's going to be here soon and you are going to knock his socks off." Buffy called as she finished putting her gown on.
"Okay but promise you won't laugh" Willow said.
"I promise no laughing"
Willow opened the door and walked to the bed. She was a vision in red from the knee-high boots to the red bandana covering her hair. She had a red halter-top on and matching skirt. Red gloves on her hands and red wrappings round her upper arms and legs completed the image.
"Wow what a dish. Xander is so going to love it" Buffy said.
Willow Grabbed her Ghost sheet and went to cover herself.
"This isn't me Buffy"
"That's the point. Look at yourself. Halloween is supposed to be the night where you are not you. Y'know?" Buffy said.
Just then the doorbell rings.
"Oh! It must be Xander. Come on are you ready Willow?"
"I guess so" willow said not too confidently.
"Cool! The Guys are so going to go non-verbal when they see you"
Buffy opens the door to see Xander twilling a Billy club around while he waited. Turning Xander takes in buffy's costume and his tongue drops.
"Wow! Buffy! Lady of Buffdom, Duchess of Buffonia, I am speechless. I completely renounce spandex!"
"Thank you, Kind Sir. I like the leather look. Wait until you see …"
Turning round they see Willow coming down the stairs covered by the ghost sheet.
"Hi guys"
"… Casper"
"That's a fine Boo you got there wills"
"Willow what about your other costume?" Buffy asked.
"Don't worry Willow has been a ghost for the last five years now I didn't think she would change this years. Lets go otherwise Snyder will give us detention or something"
Xander's down the hall waiting for his group of kids when Larry comes round the corner.
"Who you trying to fool Harris. You're no hero, you're a wimp. Where's your bodyguard? Curling her hair maybe?
Jumping at Xander he laughs again as Xander flinches.
"Ha Ha Ha Catch you around loser"
Snyder brings up Xander's group a few minutes later.
"Okay kids, on sleazing extra candy; Tears are the key. Tears will normally get you the double bagger. You can also try the old 'you missed me' routine, but it's risky. Only go there for chocolate. Understood?"
The kids nod their heads.
"Okay then, Lets get some Candy"
Groups of kids walk up and down the streets with the smart ones staying away from Mrs Davis's house. Of course Buffy did not know so her group ended up with toothbrushes in their bags.
"She must be stopped. Let hit one more house before I need to take you guys back"
Willow's group is getting ready to ring the doorbell of Mrs Andrews place.
"Come on Kids. Mrs Andrews is a good treat giver."
A kid wearing a green monster mask rings the bell and steps back to the group. An old lady opens the door and the kids say,
"Trick or treat?"
"Oh my aren't you adorable!
At the house with willow the old lady shows her empty candy basket and says
"Oh dear, I seem to be out of candy"
A weird wind starts to blow as Ethan finishes off his spell with a flourish
"Showtime"
"I could have sworn I had more candy. I'm sorry mister monster. Maybe I …"
The green monster kid grabs the old lady's throat and begins to choke her. Most of the kids scream and run away.
"No! Let her go!" willow screams as she tries to keep the kids all together.
A red monster attacks the green monster forcing him to release the old lady who quickly slams her door shut.
"Stop! What are you doing? Willow said as she started to get weak. "Ohmygod! I can't breathe!" Willow then collapses onto the floor.
Xander is in pain on the street as his body redesigns the pathways in his brain. His brain clears only to be filled with images from all the screams and shouting happening around.
Slamming his Billy club against the fence enables him to sort out the sounds.
Willow climbs out of her body and sees her body covered in a sheet. Looking around she sees someone very dear to her, her Daredevil, her Matt. He's currently knocking out a monster attacking him. She goes out to him and says,
"Hi Matt"
"Elektra, What are you here for?"
"I don't know. This doesn't look like Hell's kitchen. Looks more like California to me."
"I know, Can't detect any tall buildings around just houses." Xander said. "Watch out" as another monster tries to attack from behind Willow running through her until Xander knocks him down.
"What? This thing just went right through where you're standing. Something up Elektra??"
"Yeah looks like I'm dead again. Surprise."
"Well let's try and find someone who can help us, maybe tell us where we are exactly. Looks like it will be a hell of a night."
"And I don't think this chick is going to be much help" Willow said as Buffy ran towards them being chased by a green headed monster, "Might as well save her though. Nothing better to do"
Xander used his grappling hook to catch a nearby lamppost as catapulted into the monster, knocking it down.
"Aaaahhhhhhhhhh !!" Buffy yelled before promptly collapsing.
"What is with this place??" Xander asked, "Monsters, Damsels in distress who collapse when helped, wait maybe she has some identification on her somewhere. Yes this is good a purse."
"Need some help there Matt?" Willow asked.
"Just keep an eye out while I concentrate on feeling the ID okay Electra"
"Okay Her name is Buffy summers and she lives at 1630 Revelo drive. Do you see a street sign around here?"
"Yeah, We're on Revelo Drive outside 1460 actually."
"Okay lets go to her place then which way?" Xander asked.
"Right"
"Come on then," Xander said as he picked the unconscious form of Buffy up and started running towards the house.
"Hello anyone home? Xander asked as he carefully went into Buffy's house.
"No one seems to be home. Why don't we put Mrs Summers down and try and get some information from her. That is if she isn't caught up in this weird situation."
Suddenly there was an immense banging on the door.
"Buffy, are you in there?" Someone yelled.
"Hold your horses Lady, I'm opening the door" Xander said.
"Thanks Xander, Nice outfit, let me guess comic book hero."
"What do you mean 'Comic book hero'?"
"You're affected by whatever happened. Great! Who do you think you are then?"
"Daredevil. Over there is Electra and Buffy Summers. And you are?"
"Cordelia Chase. Buffy, Good she will be able to help us." Cordelia said.
"Why she seemed a bit afraid of all the monsters out there," Xander Said. "Electra said she's dressed as some type of 18th century noble women. She fainted when I saved her from some monster."
"Great she's affected too. Wait a second, why couldn't you describe her dress?"
"Well I'm kind of blind."
"What? When did this happen? And How?"
"Been at least fifteen years now. As for the how got hit by some radioactive chemicals in the eyes and lost my sight then. Gained something just as good in place of it." Xander said.
"Now can you tell me why you don't seem affected even though you seem to have a tail?"
"That's part of my costume. My now ruined costume that Partytown properly won't give me my deposit for. Look at it It's all ripped in the arm's. Uh sorry you can't see, my mistake. Wait a second how could you know I had a tail when you can't see?"
"I can hear it swishing. Part of the benefits of my accident. If you are wearing a costume and aren't affected but this 'Xander' is where did I and Electra,"
"Willow" Cordelia added,
"Right. Where did we get our costume's then?" Willow finished the question.
"I don't know. I remember lots of people talking about this new shop over on third run by this English guy. Guy is properly related to Giles. I think his name is Ethan or something like that."
"Okay if the 'costumes' came from there then it's a good probability that whatever happened started from there. Do you know anyone else in town that could help us?"
"Well Giles would. I mean he's Buffy's watcher"
"Watcher? Buffy's a Slayer. Yes I believe he would do. Where would he be right now?"
"Probably at the Library. At our school."
"Okay Electra can you go and get his help. We will stay here until you get back."
"Okay Matt shouldn't be too long"
With that Electra ran out of the house causing Cordelia to exclaim in fright.
"Willows a ghost now. Will this night get anymore weirder?"
"Never say that. That will just bring bad luck. Trust me" Xander said.
"Why don't you help me wake up Buffy please. If we have to vacate the premises I can't carry her and fight at the same time."
"Okay. Come on Buffy, time to wake up."
"Where am I? Why are you dressed like that? Are you a 'lady of the night'? Buffy woke up and said.
"We are at your place. It's Halloween so we are in costume. And no way am I a prostitute" Cordelia answered back. "Why you little…"
"Remember Cordelia she's wearing a costume. Don't get angry at her. "
"Where is my Father? Or at least a gentleman to protect me? Buffy said.
"At the moment I'm it lady."
At that moment Angel came in from the Kitchen.
"Oh, good! You guys are alright. It's total chaos out there."
"How did you gain entrance Vampire?" Xander said as he placed his staff against Angel's chest.
"Wait he's a friend. He is dating Buffy at the moment. He's a good vampire" Cordelia quickly explained.
"A vampire and a slayer. Can the universe be anymore mixed up? What's your name and why are you so special? " "I'm called Angel and have a soul" Angel quipped.
"It is more mixed up. A vampire with a soul dating a vampire slayer who at the moment is a princess or something."
At that moment the lights went out.
"Okay Angel take Buffy and look after the Kitchen. Cordelia stay with me."
"Excuse me are you Giles?" Willow asked.
"Yes ah Willow how did you get in here? I didn't hear the door."
"I'm not Willow, Electra's the name. Are you the watcher of Buffy Summers? And for how I got here…" Willow walked through a desk startling Giles. "I'm kind of a ghost."
"Okay I assume this might have something to do with all the sirens and yelling outside."
"Yeah. Apparently people who got their costumes elsewhere aren't effected. Only those that got them at Ethan's have changed."
"Ethan. He's not British by any chance."
"Yip."
"Okay then why don't you come with me and lets fix this then."
"Xander, Cordelia, Buffy's gone." Angel said.
"What happened?" Cordelia said.
"She saw my 'Game face' and ran off."
"Okay lets go find her. And lets hope nothing finds her first."
"Don't say that here Xander. You just jinxed us," Cordelia said.
"Whatever"
Meanwhile Buffy has run into an alley trying to find her way to safety. With Vampires, goblins and various other monsters roaming about there aren't many safe places.
Turning around to check that no one is following her She manages to completely miss a pirate coming out of the bar ahead of her.
"Pretty, pretty!" Larry goes. "Care to show a lonely pirate a good time?"
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" Buffy screams as she turns to run away.
"Not so fast my pretty" Larry says as buffy trips up on her dress.
Suddenly Larry is thrown off buffy by a red devil.
"Great a pirate. He's properly the school jock too. Ah well, come on Pirate, let's dance." Xander said.
Sword clashed against club as Larry and Xander tried to get the upper hand. Xander was constrained by having to keep Larry away from Buffy, Cordelia and Angel. Sensing an opening Xander struck Larry's arm forcing him to drop his sword. Following up with a wild uppercut and Larry was sent flying into the trash bin.
"I think you got him there Daredevil." Angel said.
"Felt sort of good to beat up on him. Feels like some sort of closure." Xander said. "I'll still go ask for forgiveness from Father O'Reilly though."
"When did you get all religious Xander?" Cordelia asked. "I thought you worshiped the Twinkie god."
"People change, people change." Xander said. "Electra is coming along with more monsters."
"The watcher is going to break the spell. We need to keep safe until then." Willow said.
"Spike's coming. We got to go now," Angel said.
"Okay ladies, lets get out of here. Find someplace we can hold them off Electra."
"Matt this looks good. Easily defended doorway and a fallback position." Willow said.
"Stand back ladies, we'll hold the monsters off."
"Xander we won't hold them. There is just too many of them." Angel said.
"Looks like we will have to get our hands dirty then. Let them come."
Xander and Angel start knocking the little monsters left and right until they hear Spike say "If you two want your precious slayer to live you better stop fighting. Especially you peaches."
"Spike you leave her alone." Angel said.
"Do I know you Vampire? You were in New York 1973 weren't you." Xander said. "Killed a slayer didn't you?"
"Yeah that was my second. Nikki I think her name was."
"Yep that's the one. Well you should have made sure that you killed the little blind boy that was with her."
"Why?"
"Cause that little blind boy grew up and became me. And you need to be brought to justice." "Care to try then Daredevil."
"Bring it on"
The monsters quickly created a ring round the two fighters as well as holding Angel, Cordelia and Buffy.
"You sure about this matt. Your not yourself for one thing." Electra asked. "I don't want to lose you."
"No problem. Just as long as watcher boy doesn't break the spell while I'm fighting. Don't know how good the kid is."
Spike rushed in whacking Xander on the head. Following up with a right cross to the chest. Xander swings his Billy club catching Spike's arm then swept at spike's feet. Jumping up to avoid the sweep Spike got hit for six with a vicious uppercut impacting right on the jaw. Not letting spike rest for a minute Xander rushed over and slammed his Billy club onto Spike's legs creating an audible snap.
"Got any last request's Spike."
"Yeah a pack of cigarettes."
"Sorry out of luck Vampire. I don't smoke. Take off the leather duster. I don't want that dusted."
"Get it yourself asshole."
"Okay just got to break some more bones now."
With that Xander swung down onto spike's arms breaking both arms then pulled off the duster.
"Your not going to kill me are you? You got what you want," Spike said.
"Justice isn't satisfied until you die. Sorry"
With that Xander struck down with the Billy club aiming for the heart.
Just then, across town at Ethan's place, Giles breaks the Janus Statue.