Xander looks over to Vicky as the leave Nevada and enter California. They haven't spoken much in the last three days about what is going to happen in SunnyDale. Xander has tried to bring it up but Vicky just seems to tone him out.
"You know for a girl that wouldn't let me get around a tough subject you are doing a great job of it. Talk to me Vicky, I need to know what you want to do in Sunnydale. You should get ready to start college and pursue other interest then just fighting vampires."
"Trust me Xander what I will pursue is none of your concern. What are you going to be doing or who are you going to be doing in SunnyDale?" Vicky asks with a hurt and mean tone.
Xander just looks at her with an annoyed expression, "Fine you don't want to talk about it. Yes I am going to be with Faith. She needs me and I need her. She has been given a chance to live again and I don't want to pass on it. She would do the same for me. I am sorry Vicky that it hurts. I know we said we would try a date when we got back but we also knew that is was possible it would never happen between us. I care for you Vicky but I love her. I could not stop loving her. So there it is."
"You are right Xander. I my not be happy but there were no promises of a relationship. Trust me when I say that she is not the only girl for you. She may be the right one but not the only one." She went back to staring out the window while Xander drove on. By tomorrow night they would be in SunnyDale. He would be with her and she would pick up in the big fight to save the world. Maybe there will be some cute guys she can hook up with. They might even be able to make her as happy as he did.
They stop later that night and all got separate rooms. Xander and Vicky laid awake most of it missing the other person that would usually sleep in the room. Xander knows with getting Faith he won't be alone again and Vicky knows she can get people to take his place. The world is a very big place after all. The phone next to Vicky's bed rings and she goes to answer it.
"Hello."
"I wanted to know if you would like to grab an early breakfast. It still is the most important meal of the day."
"Sure Xander let me get dressed and join you in the lounge."
"Thanks. I will see you there." Xander hangs up the phone.
Vicky looks at the phone and smiles a little. She hangs it up and starts to get ready for breakfast. She heads down and sees Xander sitting in a booth with a cup of coffee and a soda for her.
"Thanks for joining me Vicky. I just want you to still be my friend. Your right maybe in some life you could have been but for this one it is her. I wish I could take away your hurt but I can't. I will be there for you if you need be. You don't have to worry about me leaving you completely. I just need to be with her."
Vicky just looks at him with sad eyes, "I know Xander. For a few moments on that trip I felt so close to you. I understand her more now from it. I know what she is to you. In some life maybe it could have been me but I won't stop being your friend. Besides you still owe me for the demon in Topeka and the Zombies out side of Oklahoma." She replied with a sweet smile.
"First off I have saved your ass more then you have saved mine. And if the Zombie didn't rip open your shirt while you were wearing the push up I wouldn't have gotten that distracted that you would have to save me." Xander shoots back with a lopsided grin as he remembers her figure.
Vicky blushes a little, "That was all part of my master plan to get you to notice me like that." As she fishes she is just smiling at the memory.
"We had some good times Vicky. Thank you for that. It really did help out a lot."
"Remember Xander I will help you whenever you need. Also remember I will never be afraid of you as long as you are alive." They just sat together for the rest of the meal enjoying each others company some thoughts drifting to what ifs but mostly just happy with what ares.
Spike is looking around his destroyed crypt. "With those bleedin eggs gone I am never getting out of this town. Bloody hell Cardboard and the bint needed to come here and destroy my place. Well at least the Whelp isn't back yet. Wait till he finds out just how good his girl is in bed." Spike turns to see Faith is standing in the wrecked door way. "Let me get a new mat and we can continue are fun. I really need a good shag to get over this and your fine body is just what the Doctor ordered."
"Its over Spike. I don't want you to touch me. Lex is coming back for me and you don't measure to him."
"That's not what I heard you screaming last week. I know you remember that side trip from patrol to get your dose. Baby I am so in your blood you won't know what to do. You think Lex can make you feel alive like I do. In the end of a week you will be sneaking off on him and come crawling back to me. You will and then you can drop this belief you belong with the living. You are of the night like me. You crave me more then to slay. You what me so much I can smell your arousal from here." Spike takes a few steps towards Faith. He has removed his shirt and undid the button of hi pants. "Why do you even bother hidden it from me. You think your Lex will take you back. We all know he gots the new Slayer. He did what two weeks of missing you after you died. He only is coming back because of what you can do in bed." Spike is right in front of her and starts to lift up her shirt.
Faith grabs his arm and pushes him away. "No Lex loves me. He isn't doing anything but killing your kind with the new Slayer. Giles already told us this. He is coming for me and that is it. You are scum Spike. He won't know we ever happened and he would never believe you over me. So stay away from me and him Spike." She turns and walks away from him.
"Trust me Slayer he will believe and when you come to me I will finish breaking what ever spirit you have left. You will be a good slave. Mark my words slut you will be." Spike gets off the ground and does up his pants.
Neither of them notices the Dawn who was able to hear what was said from both of them. She has been following Faith around for awhile and is glad to not have been spotted yet. She knows what she must do but not sure if it what she should do. Faith saved her from being killed to open a portal. Xander has saved her on many occasions also. She made her choice and ran after Faith. She was able to catch up with her before she got out of the cemetery. "Faith." She yelled.
"What," Faith spun around to see Dawn just staring at her, "Baby D. should you be in bed right now?"
"Probably but you shouldn't be having sex with Spike either. I ignore one you ignore the other." Dawn said with a straight face and a demeaning tone.
Faith was taken back by the statement, "You don't know what you are talking about. I would never touch Spike like that. If you are doing this to ruin my relationship with Lex it won't work. He knows I would never and that is all that matters." She turns around and walks away from her.
"Would video or pictures prove it to him? I can make a website out of the stuff if you want. Give him the address www.spikeandfaithhavingsex.com and see all he wants. What do you want to do about it now?"
Faith had tears in her eyes "Please no, it is over and I need to have Lex back. It is so empty in life with out him. Spike was using me playing with my emotions. I finally stopped it and can get past it."
Dawn just looks at Faith with disbelief. "You are a very sad person Faith. You wallow in self pity about leaving heaven and being back here. Instead of talking to us you sleep with Spike. After everything that happened with Buffy and Lex over Angle you do it and make it worse by begging for it. I have seen enough. You could have asked for help from one of us. You could have told Buffy and she would have at least dusted Spike to remove the temptation. He might have used you the first time the second time it became the way you wanted. Get help Faith, Lex won't be able to solve this problem. You won't like what happens when he finds out especially if you lie to him about it." Dawn turns around a walks away from her.
Faith watches her walk away. She knows Lex would leave her if she found out about it and she knows there is nothing she can do to stop it from happening. She runs after Dawn in hope that a solution will come that will help her.
Xander, Vicky, and Giles pull in to town late in the afternoon. They head to the Magic Box to meet with everyone. They find Tara, Willow, and Buffy in the shop. Willow is behind the counter working the cash drawer while Buffy and Tara are sitting at the table reading demon books. They look up to see who entered the shop and all have smiles across their faces.
"Lex your back," came the shout from the read head.
"Bout time you got here. Most of us are on pins and needles here. So is that the new Slayer?" Giles and Xander both nod to her. "Hey Vicky I am Buffy and welcome to the Hellmouth. It is nice to have you here even if it isn't one of the safest place for us."
"L-l-lex it is great to see you again. I am glad you are back."
Xander turns to Giles, "You didn't tell them. With all your watchery ways I though you would have told them. Sneaky watcher."
"Sorry but it is your story to tell. I just said you and Vicky were coming back and we should be there in a few days."
"Well Xander are you going to tell them or just stand there with that smirk?"
The three girls look from Vicky to Lex.
"It is Xander again. I don't have the power of the Hyena anymore. I still have some kicked up senses but the strength is gone from me. So like where is the rest of the Scoobys?"
"But we saw with Glory. You have to have the power then to do that. How can you not have it?"
Xander's eyes shifter from brown to amber. "He doesn't but I do. My name is Alpha. I would be the Hyena spirit given awareness. I know everything he knows but I am separate from him. He picked up the knife but I killed Glory. He went to the Zoo but I came back from it. Faith's death triggered something in us and separated the personas. Laughable Xander and Alpha," the eyes shift back to brown, "Wicked I know. Took some time to get use to it. So about everyone else."
Just then the door to the Magic box open and in walked Amy. She looked to Xander and ran to him giving a hug. "It s great to have you back. Faith talks about you all the time and she was so lonely while you were gone."
"Thanks Amy. Sorry I didn't drop by my last time in town but it wasn't a good time for us all."
"Don't worry about it." She lets go of the hug and goes to the counter. "If you want Willow I will take over from her and the others can go hang out."
"Thanks Amy. We can all go to Giles place then from there we can head up to the Bronze later to hang out." With that they all left and talked about the past few months with adventures and the bringing back Faith. Later at Giles, Xander gets Willow to talk outside with him for a bit.
"So Xander what do…." The smack across the face was unexpected. It wasn't hard enough to knocked her down but she could feel the heat from the strike and look at Xander and saw angry brown/amber eyes as if they were fighting for control. The amber won out.
"What do you think you are doing? She died, our mate was dead and you pull her out of the ground for no reason what so ever. My god Willow you are not god and she didn't need to be resurrected. Damn it Willow this is why you have to be careful what you do with your power. Why Willow, what in all that is reasonable made you think to bring her back."
"You left us again. You left and you weren't coming back. I could feel your pain while you walked away that night. It hurt me so much. We had to do something and she isn't a zombie or anything. She is perfectly normal. She is just depressed missing you. We asked her and she keeps telling us she can't remember were she was. She remembers the tower and Doc but that is it." Tears fall down her cheeks.
The brown returns to his eye "I am sorry Willow. You shouldn't have done it to her. I spent months getting over her and maybe moving on. To find out she wasn't dead the entire time but stolen from her final rest. We swore to each other that if we were ever turned we would not let the other one run around. We would stake them as soon as they got out of the grave. No curses no anything. Just a quick death to end it. I hope you know what you have done." Xander then pulls Willow in to a hug and holds her while she cries. They clean themselves up and head back in to the house.
"….. and then when I turn around my towel falls off and I shut the door quickly. Xander practically ran out the room after that." All the girls and Giles are now laughing at the story.
"This coming from the girl that gets clothes ripped off by zombies. Beside I had to get the lounge to start my day. I could have stayed." Xander tries to defend him self weakly.
"You keep telling your self that Suga. You might actually believe it. So we going head to this Bronze place soon?"
"Yeah I guess we can." They head towards the door when Xander stops and looks towards it waiting for something to happen. The door slowly opens to reveal Faith in her normal sexy attire.
"Xander your back. Amy told me you guys were here and…." The rest was cut off as Xander ran forward and pulled her in for a big hug.
"I missed you so much, I didn't know you were back. I sorry. I love you so much. I…" Xander stops and looks down at Faith as she smiles back up to him. His eyes shift to amber as a stern gaze falls across his face. Everyone can sense the mood change in the room but are unsure what is going on. Alpha turns back to the group, "Faith and I are going to have to postpone this get together tonight. Buffy you mine if we head back to your house for now. We have some things to discuss with his mate."
It was Vicky that was taken back by the comment. No one has spent the time with him that she has an understanding something is not good and she is worried about it.
"Sure Xan… Alpha ,sorry, just make sure Dawn isn't home if you guys start anything. We will call before we head back."
Alpha and Faith walk out of the house. His eyes haven't shifted back to brown. Faith is starting to get worried. She has never seen this out of Xander.
"Xander what's going on."
Alpha turns his head towards Faith with a glare that cause the temp to fall. "My name is Alpha. Right now your Xander s trying to understand what is going on. I know what is and I am taking care of it. He needs some more time. But don't worry I am sure he will get his act together." The walk the rest of the way to Buffy's in silence. Faith is scared that Alpha and Xander know something. They couldn't have found out this fast. They haven't even had a chance to run in to Spike. She knows Dawn doesn't have the chance to talk to him. Buffy's house appears in the distance as they make their way towards it. Soon they are on the porch and Faith unlocks the door and they both enter with Alpha shutting the door hard. Faith turns to him and watches in fascination as his eyes change from amber to the brown color she has loved for years.
"Care to tell me how long it has been gong on?"
"What do you mean?"
"DO YOU CARE TO TELL ME HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN GOING ON?" he screams.
Faith backs away from him. He never yelled at her before with this much anger in his voice. "X this can't be what it seems. Can you tell me what you are talking about?" She hopes it doesn't involve Spike.
"Why do you smell like Spike and Sex. One or the other I could understand. Both lead me to one conclusion and after discussing it with Alpha on the way here I won't kill you yet if there is a reason good enough to be FUCKING him. I know we talked long about Buffy and Angle and right now I am not liking what has become of you."
Faith just stares at him as her hopes come crashing down on her. "It hurts to be here. I was happy I was content I had my child with me. She was so beautiful. I remember it so well. God Xan it is hell here. Just knowing what I lost. I felt something with him. It wasn't great and it is over but it was something. I came back empty and you weren't here. He said you left me and weren't coming back. I needed you here. I shouldn't have slept with him but I (smack)…." Faith was knocked to the ground.
Xander stood over her looking down on her with disgust and anger, "I shouldn't hit you but right now I am at a lost of what to do. I am going out. Pray I don't find out anything else about you. When I calm down we are going to have a long talk. You better be able to face the group because they will find out all of it." He turns around and walks out of the house. Faith lays on the ground a defeated soul. She cries for her lose. And for a fleeting moment feels something. She feels her heart breaks as Xander walks away.
Spike is sitting at the bar ordering a drink. Assorted demons and vampires are through out the bar. "How about some baboon and a shot of bourbon to wash it down."
"Coming right up Spike," Willy says as he gets out the blood. It is the front door being kicked off their hinges and flying inwards that startles everyone. The look to the door way and there stands one lone figure. A human with dark hair but almost glowing amber eyes.
"Humans out now, the rest of you are already dead." Comes the cold voice of the human.
Spike already knows how it is but isn't to worried. "Guess the whelp is going to die before I get my chance to torment him about his girl."
As the humans run out a human size demon with a coat of gray fur stands up, "Leave us human. You can't kill us all. If you can even get one I would be surprised."
Alpha turns to the demon, "My name is Xander Harris. I am known as the Hunter among many demons. I have come to kill you all." He rushes forward and grabs a lizard like demon with spike on its head and twist its breaks its neck with a loud crack. The demons stare on and some rush towards him. A battle of Alpha and Demon begin. Alpha is unable to keep up with all the different demons that are attacking. He knows he has broken a few arms so far but it seems the bar is over their fear and is going full force. A pogera demon sticks him through the shoulder. He feels some claws scratch across his chest and back. A big gray demon with black horns and green glowing eyes is able to land a solid punch in his chest which knocks him back into a wall. He stands up when he feels a shooting pain in his other shoulder and sees a spike has been drive through him should nail him to the wall. The demons move closer to finish him off.
"Enough," yells a red scaled demon. "I know of you Hunter and your Slayer. I was there when we ambushed you. I guess you are nothing with out your Slayer, right boys." General laugher can be heard through Willy's. "Don't worry I am sure we will comfort her when she hears of your passing. Spike will be willing to whore her out to us so we can stake her good like so must have been needing since being with you." While the demon speaks Alpha's eyes grow brighter. "You want to know something else about the slut," the demon leans in real close to Alphas and whispers in his ear. It is at the moment his eyes open wide and then roll in to the back of his head. "Well boys I guess he was just too weak to do anything. Kill him and let's get going."
The demon that had him pinned pulls his arm back and gets ready to stab its spike through his heart when Alpha's arm shoots up and grabs the spike. His eyes open to reveal a bright glowing red. The demon look on as he twist his breaking the spike then showing it back through the demons skull. The red scaled demon knows what is going on and tries to get out of there. The Hunter stands up and the sound of ripping clothing can be heard as his arms, chest, and back swell with muscle. He grows a foot taller and his nails darken and extend from his hands forming claws. His mouth starts to extend out as his canines increase. The demons look in horror as what he has become. A few attack him while others try to get out. The Hunter starts killing in droves. Demons that had the upper hand minutes ago are now losing arms. The Hunter shoves both hands in to the chest of a Feral demon and rips it open blood splashing everywhere. The fight turns to a slaughter as a few demons make it away from him. The Hunter looks around as the last demon dies and gives out a might roar. He sniffs the air and finds a blond vampire trying to sneak out the door from behind the bar. The Hunter launches himself towards him and picks him off the ground.
"Wait a minute Lex. I don't know what you heard but it is true. I would never touch your girl." Spike stammers out to him.
The Hunter pulls spike in close and stares at him in the eyes. "You smell like her vampire. I have already talked to her and she told me that you to having been screwing."
The look of terror spreads across Spike's face. He knows that there is no walking away from this. "So you going to kill me like this. All defenseless against you. Not very sporting there. I can leave this town and never come back."
"Vampire you are wasting your time I am not going to kill you now but something more fitting should be done." After that is said he starts to tighten the hold on Spikes right shoulder. You can hear the shoulder crack on the pressure as Spike screams. The shoulder is completely destroyed and then hunter rips the arm out of the crushed socket. The howl of pain coming from Spike can be heard down the road. The Hunter smirks through long fangs, "Well Spike that is a good start. What else can I do? I know." The Hunter then lifts Spike up higher and grabs hold of his right hip. Before the Hunter starts he sniffs the air a few times and turns towards the door. "You might want to look away Vic. This isn't going to be pleasant to watch."
"Put him down Xander. You have done enough. Come back with me. We can get a place for the night and you can tell me what is going on."
"Can't do that yet. He needs to be tough a lesson about ownership and punishment for taking things that aren't his."
"You are doing this for the slut." Vicky says very loudly to make sure he heard her correctly.
Spike is thrown through the wall out on to the street as The Hunter turns towards Vicky. "I you want to live you won't say things like that to me."
"You leave because she died. She came back and started sleeping with him. I can say it all I want. It is the truth Xander. She is a cheap slut that doesn't deserve what your are doing to try and clean up her image." The Hunter raced forward roaring and grabs Vicky by the shoulders. Vicky shows no sign of fear. He can't even smell it off her. She is just standing there. "I could kill you right now and walk away. I could find Spike and finish what I started."
"You could but then you wouldn't be the Xander I know and care about. I said I would never be afraid of you while you were alive. I can hear your heart beating so you can put me down and change back or not but you are no going to do anything to Spike."
Red eyes meet green. The Hunter's eyes are filled with rage and anger. Vicky's are filled with love and concern. The Hunter puts Vicky down as he starts to turn back to normal. His body shrinks down as his fangs and claws recede. His eyes change from bright red, to dark red, and then brown. He looks at her and falls on the floor from exhaustion.
"Come on Xan it is time to get to bed." She lifts him up and together they walk out of the destroyed bar and head back towards a motel for the night. Xander takes a shower to wash off the blood and goes to sleep on the floor. "Not tonight Suga. Just sleep in the bed with me. No funny business or anything just the comfort of having someone next to them." Xander just nods his head and crawls into bed with her and goes off to sleep. With morning will come a time for questions.
Xander manages to wake up around noon. He looks and sees a pile of clothes for him with a note. 'Xan I am actually getting lunch. You usually are the first one up. When you wake up get dressed and come on down. Vic'. He just smiles and starts to get dressed. He heads to lounge and there she is sitting at a booth with a soda and a coffee waiting for him.
"About time Suga, I don't like waiting. You can't make it here but certain times and I will eat with out you. So want do you want?"
"You aren't going to make me talk about it?"
"No. I don't really want to know. I did what I wanted to do. I got you back to normal and stopped you from destroying yourself. Spike will be suffering enough after all this. Before this gets any further I hit Faith a couple times last night before I went looking for you."
Xander just stares at her. He smiles a little, "I think she earned it. Don't worry we are going to talk later tonight. I have to talk to her about everything."
"No problem Xan. Lets get lunch and you can talk to her later." They get a server over to them and place orders.
Xander then turns to Vicky, "How did you do it? How were you able to stand up to me and not have any fear? What is your secret?"
"For another time Suga. After all this is over ask me again."
After lunch Xander and Vicky head to the mall to relax for a bit. The casual walk around the shops and pick up some clothes to replace their diminished stock.
"Trust me Xan some tight leather pants hugging you ass would look great."
"No thanks Vic I am just going to stick to the nice cotton kind. I see the leather and I think of Deadboy. And I don't want to think of him hugging my ass."
Vic smirks and Xander and smiles, "You could also think it was me and be all the better."
Xander turns to Vic with his grin, "You buy a push up and image it is me holding them and I will think about it."
Vicky just stares at him with a shock look on her face before she recovers, "How do you know I don't already?"
Xander stutters and just looks away. Vicky continues to walk pushing her chest out a little with the smile of the cat that got the canary.
"You win Vic. No more talk of clothing and hugging. We can finish up her and then go back to The Magic Box to meet with the group and talk to Faith."
Vicky frowns a little but is understanding that it has to be done. She can still hope for her own happy ending. "One more stop at V.S. and we are golden."
"V.S. where is that in this place. It doesn't sound familiar."
"The mall map says it is around the corner and to the left."
"But the only thing down there is," a scared look comes over his face, "no Vic not there. Please. You can't make me go in there. I don't go in there for anyone. Men do not belong in that store. Trust me we get looked at funny and pray to god no one walks out of a changing room. You wouldn't make me."
"You owe me Suga. After what I did last night. And besides you're a guy and would know what I would look good in." Vicky say to him with a smile which quickly turns to a pout, "please Xan. If you don't I might not look pretty enough for the college boys and I can't have that."
Xander look at her and already knew he lost this one. "Fine but if I get one strange look I am outta here. No force on Earth could stop me. Not even you Slayer."
"If you say so Suga," Vicky then wraps his arm in hers and together the walk through the archway of Victoria Secret. Her smile never left her face through out the store as she picked out a few things her and there and model two push ups for Xander which he quickly left the store and waited outside. She laughs all the way to the register to pay for her clothes.
"Your boyfriend going to be okay?" said the clerk.
Vicky was going to correct but didn't, "You know men. Talk all big and bad about what would you look good in but bring them in and show a few ideas and they run for the hills. Or at least away from them." Vicky and the clerk just laugh together about the short coming of men.
Tara walked up behind the laughing Slayer, "Vicky how is it going?"
Vicky turned around and smiled to Tara, "Just find actually. Had to bring Xander home from the bar last night. You know men. You let them out for a late night with their friends and they wreck a bar and stupid people get hurt. He was find just needed some TLC this morning. He got it in spades. Of course he wont be going out for a while." With that she started laughing and the clerk joined in for that one also.
"You got that right miss," the clerk said in between laughs.
Tara just looks at the two and chuckles a little. "Willow and I are shopping here for a few things and I saw you and wanted to know about Xander. I guess you two are going to be back to the Magic Shop later."
"Yeah Tara we will. He needs to talk about a few things and such. You know guy things."
"Not really but sounds good. Well I got some things to try on and get Willow. Later Vicky."
"Later Tara," Vicky says with a way to her new friend.
"You wouldn't happen to be talking about a Xander Harris would you?"
"Yeah why do you ask?"
"He saved me a few years ago from a real monster. And I just wanted to thank him for it. Could you two stick around for a bit? I have a break coming up in 15 minutes and I would like to talk to him."
"Sure we can go down to the food court and get some eats. That good enough?"
"That will be great. Thank you very much. It means a lot to me."
"No problems, Xander could probably use the thanks. We don't get it too often."
"You just made an old woman's heart."
"Not a problem," Vicky pauses as she looks at the woman's name tag, "Rachel. Well I got to go or he might venture off on his own. They can't keep still."
Vicky finishes paying for her items and leaves. While Rachel watches her walk away a small tear forms in her eye, "I though I knew him better then anyone." She wipes her eyes and starts getting the area ready to head to break as soon as possible.
Vicky meets up with Xander on a bench facing away from Victoria Secret. She sits down next to him and throws an arm around him. "You okay Suga, the big meanie bras scare you that bad?" she asks in a tone reserved for scared children.
Xander turns to her and looks her up and down, "They weren't that big Vic," he replies with a laugh and a smile.
She removes her arm and smacks him in the shoulder as he laughs out loud. "Let's get some food. I just met a woman that you saved and wants to thank you. So, Mr. Hero lets get some food."
"Okay Vic." They both stand up and make their way to the food court for mall food. They chose a place to sit and ate. Vicky saw Rachel head towards them and just continued eating and chatting with Xander till she was just a few steps away.
"Hello Alexander," Was all she said.
Some color from Xander's face drained away as he heard the words said to him. He stands quickly turning around to see the person. He hasn't seen her in years and is certain it is still too soon for him. Vicky just stares' trying to understand what is happening and if she is at fault for not telling him more.
Xander regains some composure which sets off a chill in Vicky. "Mrs. Harris how are you this fine day." The words were nice but the tone cold enough to stop a lava flow.
"Xander you okay?"
"Just fine Vicky. Just saying hi to someone I haven't seen or wanted to see in years."
Rachel was taken back and could feel her heart start to break again. "Alexander you don't have to be this way. I left him like you said. I got a divorce and cleaned up. You said that before you left you wanted that. I have worked so hard to do it. I though you and I could be together again. Like a family should. It has been so long and so lonely. Please Alexander." Rachel is on the verge of tears.
Xander stares at her indifferent to what she says. "Maybe Mrs. Harris but that was too long ago. My family died years ago. My parents are dead. I was eight when it happened. He hit me while he was drunk and she didn't try and stop him. It was just a bad day for all. Good bye Mrs. Harris." He turned around and walked away from the two women.
Vicky called to him but he kept walking away. She turned to the women with some concern and a little anger. Something was going on around her and with what little she knew was not about to act on it. "You care to tell me what is going? I have seen him do many things but this coldness is very new but I guess it is actually very old just not shown often."
Rachel sat down where Xander was sitting and wiped her eyes. "I was 22 when he was born. Just married to what I thought was a great man. I don't know when or how it happened but he started drinking. Then it continued to get worse. By the time I was 26 he was a full blown alcoholic. I guess to a four year old it would have been the normal thing. Having no memory of him before that time. At 27 I started to join him in drinking. By 30 I was close but never fully bad. I know I was drunk most nights. Then it happened, Alexander was beginning to understand normal families aren't like this. They don't treat each other this way. It is his 8th Christmas. My god I have been drunk for 3 years now. He wanted an Optimus Prime toy. That was it for his list. One item for a holiday where kids asks for hundreds of things he wanted just one. He told me and his dad about wanting it for weeks. Two nights before Christmas he asked his father if Santa would really bring it to him like his friend Jessie said. His dad just back handed and said something to him. I don't remember what it was. I just watched from the couch. My only child was just hit and I was getting up to get another drink. He looked to me thinking I was coming to save him and just walked by to the kitchen. Oh god," she clasps her hands to her face and cries. It took her a couple of minutes but she was able to bring herself partly together. "Two very important things happened that day. He spent the next decade sleeping outside for Christmas and never asked us for anything ever again. Anthony never stopped hitting him. I heard it at night, on weekends, and in the mornings. It seemed Alexander couldn't get away from it. He has condemned us both for it. Sometime around when he was 17 he walked out after a pretty vicious beating over being late or something. He came back a week later and told me if I wanted to be a family to leave with him now and clean up. I just laugh at him. Told him what he could do and watched him turn around and walk to the door. He opened and turned to me. There was so much pain in his eyes. And then he said the most horrible thing to me I think I ever heard 'Goodbye Mrs. Harris, I won't miss you' and he walked out closing the door. A year later it finally hit home what has happen to me. I left Anthony and got a divorced. I went in to groups and meetings. I cleaned up and I am doing well for myself. Not the greatest but better. I am the manager at Victoria Secret now and have a nice apartment for two. I looked for him all over after I head about his graduation. His friend Willow told me he left town and might not ever be coming back."
Vicky stares at Rachel. She didn't know what to do. She just watched as Rachel cried for her lose.
"Why would Santa bring toys to a bastard like you? That is what he said to me."
Both women spin around to see Xander standing there emotionless and expressionless. Just staring at them. "Vicky it is time to go. I wouldn't want Mrs. Harris to set a bad style by being late for her job. Being a manager and all. Someone to look up to and ask for help. Maybe protection from unruly customers they can't protect themselves from. You couldn't do it for flesh and blood. Maybe for strangers you can do it for. Come on Vicky I don't leave my family behind."
"Xander I think…" she was cut off with a hard glare from Xander.
"Don't Victoria. Don't ever get involved in this. That woman will never be in the right. She had here chance and through it away. I owe her nothing and want nothing from here. She had a very basic thing to do about her child. She failed and can't make it up." He turns to Rachel. "I buried my parents years ago. I suggest you do the same to your son." He turns and walked off.
Vicky looked to Rachel, "I am sorry Rachel I didn't even know about any of this. He never mentioned a family here other then his friends. I never asked him. I can't do much about it but I will try something. You shouldn't expect anything from it though. He could be right about the family thing."
"I won't give up on it. I did over a decade ago and I can't do it again. I was so lucky to have him. He was a one in a million chance. He was my beautiful baby boy. So happy and carefree. I through it away for a bottle. He is almost nothing like his father. My son is walking away from me now but someday he might walk towards me with a smile."
Vicky nodded to her and walked off to catch up with Xander. She met him by the truck and the both got in and drove off. Vicky turned to Xander and opened her mouth to talk, "Xan."
"Don't Vicky I told you not to get involved and I am serious. Not in this."
"Okay Xan."
They drove off to the Magic Box. In silence.
The Magic Box looms off in the distance. The finally pull to stop in from of the store. Xander shuts the truck off and just sits for a minute looking out the windshield. "Vicky can you go in and get Faith to the back room. We should be able to talk there without to much trouble."
"Okay Xan." She starts to get out of the truck but stops and leans over to Xander and kisses him on the lips. "I just want to know what it feels like."
Xander just watchers her walk into the shop and smiles. He waits a few moments then heads in himself.
Vicky gets in to the store and sees her friends are just looking at her. "Yeah Xander will be here in a few. Just wants to collect himself before hand." They continue to stare at her. "You guys okay? Kind of freaking me out here."
Willow snaps out of it and replies to Vicky, "Were okay it is just Spike was here talking about the monster that Xander is and that he shredded Willy's Place and we saw what he did to Spike. Regardless of what Faith and he did that was going a bit far. After the Angelus issue with Buffy and him this seems like a good time to wonder what has happen to him in these years."
"Trust me Willow he is no danger to anyone but demons and vampires. Also when he gets here you better not act afraid of him. It hurt him deeply when Faith was scared of him he doesn't need it from you."
Willow just nods her head. "Buffy and Faith are in the back room if you want to head that way."
"I think I just might do that," Vicky says with a smile. She walks in through the door and sees Faith and Buffy sparing. She walks towards them to watch. "Hey Slayers." The two stop to look at her and Faith takes off towards her.
Faith has tackled her to the ground and pinned her underneath her. "What are you doing to my Xander? You think you can take him away from me."
Vicky just looks at her with a smile. "He was right. We need a better way to approach someone. This way sucks if you are the receiver." She promptly shoved Faith off of her and stood up. "I am going to file a complaint with your Watcher by the way." Vicky just stood there waiting for an attack.
"You two need to calm down and just wait for Xander." As if called Xander open the door and came into the room.
"Hey Slayers, so what did I miss?"
The three just looked at him. Vicky walked over gave him a peek on the cheek and walked out of the room. Buffy followed with a hug and left shutting the door. Faith stood there looking insure of what to say.
"So Faith what has been going on lately? I hear that Spike was by. Sorry if you can't get a warm well at least a cold hug from him but things to be taught and lessons to be learned. Have you learned yours yet?"
"Xan I don't know what to say. I can't lose you. I know what I did with Spike was wrong. I just want to be alive again. Can you forgive me?"
Xander just stared at her with a choice. "Faith have I ever told you about my mom or dad?"
"A little, mostly just you don't like them for what they did to you. You and I had the same type of parents."
"If your mom or dad came to you today with their life in order and making up for past mistakes could you accept them back in to your life. Knowing what they did to you and how it felt. To be abandoned because their drug was better then their own blood. Could you really give them any sort of love?"
"Why the question Xan? What does that have to do with the other?"
"When Buffy chose Angel she turned her back on the people she was supposed to protect. Those that can't defend themselves against the darkness. Same way our parents did. They stopped being parents and just greedy people only caring about themselves. Only hurting those around them. Buffy has come a long way since then but I still don't debate the question would she chose Angel over protecting the living. Why are you no longer staying with Spike? Why is it now possible to leave him when you couldn't a month ago? Since it should never have started."
"You being back here is giving me the strength I didn't have. You can help me. We can be together and move on. We can leave this place and go back on the hunt. Moving from city to city killing the baddies and loving it. Please Xan."
"I have a promise to keep Faith. We will be here a week and after that we can do some traveling. I have got to get rid of the truck and pick out a new one."
Faith jumped at him and hugged him as she buried her head in to his chest. Tears falling down her face. "Thank you Xan. I promise to make all this up to you."
"Okay Faith we will get everything back on track. Well we better gather the troops we got a demon to hunt tonight."
"Okay X lets move."
The pair leaves the back room and heads to the table. Everyone is gathered there talking about nothing of importance just trying to keep their minds off the two in the back room. They watch as the two approached the table with an arm around each other. One red head smiled at the two while another just frowned.
"Okay now for the really bad news. Buffy, Dawn is dead. I am sorry."
Buffy just fell back in shock in started to cry as Willow went around to her and held her. Tara also stood up to get a little closer to offer support. "But she was alive just the other day. Faith said she went out to a friends. I…." at this point Buffy just cried out loud.
Xander turns to Vicky, "Can you go lock the front door and flip the sign. Faith I need you to call Giles and have him come by here. I am sorry Buffy. While I was working out at Willy's one of the demons told me about the demon that did it. I will need Giles to research more of it. Long story short it was summoned by some demons to kill the Slayers here and it found Dawn first. Being of your blood she reads like a Slayer. God I am so sorry Buffy. I wish I was here to stop it. Oh god I am so sorry. Tonight I need you and Vicky to patrol the west side of town while Faith and I patrol the East side."
"Why not all stay together and kill it that much faster."
"The demon is not that stupid. You being the newest Slayer will probably give off the biggest trigger. Buffy has more field time and experience fighting so you to can balance your selves off better. Faith and I have been fighting together for longer and she hasn't been out the much recently so we need to ease her back into it. I am going back to the Hotel to make some calls. Meet back here by 11 and be ready to get revenge." Xander stood up and left the store. He got in the truck and headed back to the hotel.
Vicky heads to the back room to get in some training. She is about to try out the punching bad when Faith grabs her and spins her around. "I told you he would never go with some hussy like you. We belong together. He knows it and the Hyena knows it. Just so you don't feel too bad you never really had a chance against me."
"Sure Faith. You remember that. He might not be right now. But you don't have a good grasp on him either. Do you think he will just get past Spike. He will get over your skanky self and leave you to the corpse. Of course with that one arm I don't know how much good he can really be now."
Faith just punched her across the jaw knocking her to the ground. "Stay away from him you bitch." She turned around and walked out the room.
"Well that went well. I hope you know what you are doing Suga."
Xander is back at the hotel and just finished his first call and is getting ready to make his second one. He stares at the phone and thinks about what he is going to do. It is almost 6pm and he needs to do this if nothing else. He picks up the phone and calls info to get a phone number. "Can I have the number for Victoria Secret in SunnyDale? Thanks you." He hangs up. The choice to pickup the phone again was very difficult decision. Soon he is dialing the number.
"Thank you for calling Victoria Secret. Can you please hold?"
"Sure."
"Thanks." She places him on hold and he listens to the bra commercials. "Thank you for waiting how may help you?"
"Is Rachel Harris still there?"
"I believe so. I will go check." Once again he is on hold and it is now a new commercial about lotion for softer skin.
"Rachel Harris speaking."
"Hi."
"Alexander?" a quiet voice came across the phone.
"Yes it is. What time are you getting off?"
"Around 7 if the next manager is on time. Why?"
"Can you make dinner tonight? Around 9, make enough for 3."
"I can do that. Is there anything you want?"
"What ever you make good. I don't remember anything you cooked to suggest anything." He tried to make sure it didn't sound like an attack just a plain fact.
"I am sorry about that Alexander. I will get something on my way home."
"I would like something home made. You want to be a family then I want a home cooked meal. With everything that has happened to me it isn't too much to ask."
"One home cooked meal for 3. No problem. You are bringing your girlfriend Victoria?"
"Yes I will be. That isn't a problem is it?"
"Oh heavens no, I always wanted to have dinner with my son and his girlfriend."
"Two things, I am not your son and I like to be called Xander. This is just a standard meet and greet of parties. I have been around too many women to know she is going to try something. I am just getting it out of the way."
"Okay Xander. Dinner will be ready around 9. Can I ask one thing also?"
"Go ahead."
"Will you at least call me Rachel?"
"I will try." Xander then took her address and crawled in bed and cried for his loses. One family to the bottle and another to the fight against the darkness. At around 8 he got out of the bed and called the Magic Box to arrange a pick up time for Vicky with out telling her what was going on. He heads to the shop to get her and then they head off down the road to both a past and future. Only the Creator knew what would come of it. Unfortunately she was sharing today.
"You okay Xan, you look kind of distant."
"Just fine Vicky. We are going to get dinner. I don't know if you will like it or not. I just needed to bring someone I trust with me."
"I sorry but why not Faith?"
"It's okay. I don't have an answer just you were the first one I though of for this."
Vicky just sat back and smiled. To her it was the greatest thing to happen so far. They finally stopped in an apartment complex. "Who lives here Suga?"
"I don't know for sure. I know who wants to live here but right now I am unsure of who actually does."
"Okay. You going to help me out here?"
Xander got out of the truck and walk up some stairs. He never answered or gave any signs of going to answer just walked to the door number he was given. Vicky was sanding beside him as he looked at the door. I conflict of emotion was written on his face.
"You want to knock or shall I Suga?"
Xander lifted his hand up and knocked lightly on the door. It swung open and there she stood again. Change from her business outfit to a more causal look. She had a smile on her face as she stepped out to give Xander a hug. He stepped back out of reach. She stopped and her smile slightly faded. She looked over to Vicky and smiled. "It is great to have you both here." She turned around and walked in leaving the door open but no actually innovation. Xander looked to Vicky and then headed in the apartment. Vicky shut the door and followed Xander to the family room where Rachel was standing. "Please have a seat. Dinner should be ready for us soon." Vicky moved to sit on the sofa while Xander stayed standing where he was. He started to walk around the room looking at pictures and nick-nats setup around the room. Rachel sat in a chair and watched her only son walk around not knowing what to say. "So Vicky how did you and Xander meet?"
"We…." "Why now Rachel? Why is it so important now to be a mother when you weren't one when you had the chance?"
"Xander I am not sure this is the right time for this?"
"It is the time or I walk out. I don't have anything to prove here. You on the other hand have a lot to answer for."
Rachel just took in a deep breath to try and keep her self from crying, "You left and I didn't care. I was so in to the drinking I barely noticed you were gone. In August of the next year your grandmother died. She left letters for everyone even you. When we got home I was going to give it to your friend Willow but your father…."
"He wasn't my father. Rupert Giles was more my father then he could ever hope to be."
"I am sorry. Anthony ripped it up saying that if the coward didn't run away he could actually get it. I looked at the torn letter and picked up all the pieces and put them away. I sat down in my chair while he went to get a beer. I sat there thinking about you and my mother. I don't remember being close to her towards the end. Those words you said kept ringing in my head. I want a family and that was it. I stood up and walked out the door. He watched me go probably thinking I was getting more alcohol or take out. I came home later with some AA pamphlets. He saw them and laughed at me. 'So my son was a week bastard because of you. I knew he didn't get it from me.' He went upstairs to bed. I slept in your room. The next day I told him I was leaving and getting a divorce. A week later the papers filed and my AA group started I looked for a better job. I got a sales clerk at Victoria Secret. It was nice and the people were friendly. I stayed there working and cleaning up. I was working a late shift one night and closed the store. I was walking out to the car when I got jumped from behind. This monster was trying to bite my neck when he just vanished into dust. I fell to the ground as this you blonde woman dusted herself off. Vampires she says in an agitated voice. She offered her hand to help me up. I was going to thank her but then your voice came out of the night. You asked her if she got the last one since you got the others. I got in my car and drove off before anything else. I must have looked like a bat out of hell but with everything that just happened to me it probably didn't look that weird to you."
"I remember the night mostly because of that car. Buffy made a joke about you were attacked on the way to the Indy 500. We talked about the rest of the gang and about Angelus."
"I spent the night trying to figure out what just happened. I learned about the night and what happens in this town. I also watched you on many different times save lives and walk off to do it again. I was so proud and tried hard to clean up. I went to community college and got a few business classes in. I was promoted to Manager and going to school to get my BA in Business. I was on my way home from school when the news report about the high school came over the radio. I rushed there looking for you. I couldn't find you or any of your friends. I went over the next day to Willow's house. I talked to her mom for a bit and then to Willow. She said you left town with Faith. I left the house and went home and cried. I was about to start drinking again but I couldn't. I had to stay sober and strong. You fought demons and monster everyday I could face a few of my very own."
He stood there staring at her. "So what did you make for dinner Rachel?"
"Chicken, rice, and broccoli with baked potatoes. I hope you like it. I haven't made dinner for more then one in awhile."
"That sounds good to you Vic?"
"Sounds good Xan."
"I have a gift for you Xander, let me go get it." She stood up and left the room. She came back with a Christmas present. "I though after all this time you might want at least one from me sober and happy to give it. Please take it."
Xander walked over to her and gently took it out of her hands. He just looked at the package. Could he open it? Would it mean anything to him? He looked at her and could almost remember a time when they were happy together. Before the drinking got bad and the beatings started up. He looked at her with a smile on his face then it all came crashing down. The years of drinking and abuse, the pain of her telling him to leave. He dropped the package on the floor. Rachel just looked shocked and hurt. Vicky could tell Xander was in pain and was worried. His body language was screaming it. Xander turn and practically ran out the door. He just kept walking till he got to the truck and stood by the door. Vicky watched him leave and Rachel finally collapsed to the floor she reached out to the package and held it while she cried.
Vicky got up and hug the older woman as she cried for her lose. It was a heartbreaking scene. Vicky started to tear up a little. Seeing Xander in pain along with his mother, both over the same thing. She just held and rocked Rachel still deciding on what to do. She heard Xander come back into the apartment and stood in the hallway watching the two. Rachel looked up to see him standing there with tears in his eyes but none falling.
"I was six once and my mom gave me a birthday party. I had all my friends over. I didn't have a lot but there was cake and ice cream. I remember him yelling a couple days before about it. I can't remember why but he was completely sober that day and he didn't do anything to anyone. I knew that day I loved my mom. Two years later I could still remember that feeling. Then he hit me. I was so scared and I thought she would come to my rescue. I loved her so much and she loved me. But she walked by and got another drink. And I spent the next ten years being beating almost everyday. I learned something else about my mom that day. I hated her. I couldn't stand her being around me. I figured a way to get out from it. With the skills and strengths I had acquired I was killing groups of vampires and looting the crypts. I could afford a place for us away from him. She could be the mom I loved again. I asked her to come with me to leave that bastard. She called me a coward for running away from home. My mom died that day. Mrs. Harris was the only way I ever though of you." Tears are fully running down his face.
Rachel just looked to her son. Vicky started to stand up bringing Rachel with her. They both have tears in their eyes.
"Why mom? Why couldn't you love me enough then to leave him?" Rachel just shook her head. No answer to give. She took a couple steps towards him to offer comfort. She reached out an arm to hold him to find her self wrapped up in a hug. She realized how tall he has grown. The top of her head came up to about his nose. Her baby boy was so grown up now and she missed it all. "I loved you for so long mom and when I offered you a way out from him to be a family with me you hurt me. I wanted to hurt you so much after that but I couldn't. You're my mom." The hugged and cried out so much pain. A good step forward to the future was made. It wasn't going to be easy but love will find a way. Vicky stood up and wiped her eyes. She sniffed the air and rushed to the kitchen to turn off the oven and take the food out. Rachel had already set out the serving dishes so she placed everything where she though it would look best and search through the kitchen to get plates for dinner.
"Well those two are going to be awhile," she went to the fridge and got out a soda for her self to drink in the mean time. She was on her second soda when the two finally made it to the kitchen and they looked a mess. Reliving so much pain in a short time can do that.
Xander walked over to Vicky and grabbed her hand and brought her over to Rachel. "Vicky I would like you to meet my mom Rachel." It was all he said but there was a small smile on his face.
Vicky just reached out and shook her hand. "It is nice to meet you Xander's mom."
Rachel looked at Vicky with a smile. "It is nice to meet you to Vicky. Wish it could be under better circumstances."
"That's life Rachel. So I guess we can start dinner then you can open that Christmas gift. It has waited long enough."
"Let's eat." They all sat down and started eating. Xander told about his travels with Faith and Vicky through in some of her stories also. Rachel just smiled, laughed, and told some of her stories also. It was a good family dinner. Leftovers were taken care of and they went back out to the family room to open one lone present. Xander picked it up and shook it trying to figure out what it was. He started to tear in to the wrapper. He stopped and looked at the slightly open box. The color and design on the box told him what it was before he finished opening it. He turned to look at his mom, "How did you get this?"
Rachel looked at him, "Some days I would wander through the toy department to see all the mothers with their children shopping. I could remember being in there with you some times and the smile on your face. I saw it sitting there in some display. They were doing a closing sale and some old toys were found in the warehouse. I saw it and bought it right then and there. Just grabbed it and went in to line. I came straight home and placed it in the second bedroom. I cried that night thinking about that Christmas. I wrapped it the next day and save it waiting for the day you came back to give it to you."
Xander was finished unwrapping it and shows it to Vicky. She watched him change for the warrior she has known him to an 8 year old child given the present he wanted more then anything. She watched him open the box and take out the toy with awe and wonder. An Original Optimus Prime Transformer. He stretched out on the floor and placed the stickers in the correct places and read the instruction guide. He then placed everything back in its place and closed the box. He stood up and looked at his mom. He held out his hand. She took it and he pulled her in for another hug and just held on. Almost wishing he was 8 and it was Christmas again. He finally let go of her, "I hate to cut this short but we have to get going tonight patrol and all. Thank you mom, it was everything I hoped it would be."
"Thank you son for coming here. What are your plans while in town?"
"I have to take care of some business tonight. If everything works out good I was going to try and get a job and a place to stay. I don't see me leaving town for awhile."
"If it isn't too soon I would like you to live here. I have the extra bed room you just need to move your stuff in. Your girlfriend can stay here also. The room should be big enough for two. Just remember I don't want to be a grandmother right now." She finished with a smile as Xander blushed bright red and Vicky just laughed.
"Thanks mother. One thing. Vicky isn't my girlfriend. She is just a friend that has been traveling with me since Faith and I broke up. Right now isn't a good time for me and relationships. I would like to stay here."
"Okay well if you need anything I am here for you. You to Vicky. You have been here for my son and I can't thank you enough for it. Later you two."
Both give Rachel a hug and leave to head back to the Magic Box. Vicky turns to Xander before he stops the trucks, "You think our kids will have brown hair or red hair?"
Xander brings the truck to a halt in the parking lot just looking at Vicky. "Kids, what kids, how can there be kids with out the whole conceiving thing? We haven't even dated and you're thinking about kids."
"Man Xan switch to decafe, you could give Willow a babbling run for her money. Besides I already got the parent vote which is the hardest things to get."
"Vic you're killing me here."
Vicky just laugh as they got out of the truck and heading into the Magic Box. They walked in laughing but stopped when they saw everyone gather around the table looking at them. Xander walked over to Buffy and pulled her into a hug. "I am so sorry Buffy. We will find the demon that did this and kill it. I wish I could do more."
"I just want to find it and kill it painfully."
"Giles do you have anything for use to help look for the demon."
"I am sorry but I don't really have a lot of information to go on. From what I was told both about the demons and your night at Willy's I don't think we could question them more about what exact demon was called. Mostly likely it is a 5th or 4th Circle demon. They tend to be more of the find and kill with little loyalties to the ones that summoned them. Most likely not a magic user but very strong in the brute force. Stick to swords and going for the neck and head."
"Sorry about that. I wasn't in a good place at the time to get better answers. Spike still around."
They just looked at him trying to see how to answer. Giles was the first to speak. "Can that be answered without violence?"
Xander looked to Giles and grinned. Unfortunately the grin did nothing to convince anyone that it was a harmless question. "How about this there will be no violence from me to him today. We have bigger fish to fry."
Giles looks sternly to Xander who continues to grin. "That is probably going to be the best offer we could hope to get. Yes he his and I will enforce that promise. I can't have this place destroyed every time people have problems." Just looks over to Faith as he finishes the statement and she bows her head in shame.
"I am guessing downstairs from the smell of blood." They turn to look at him. "What I have the heighten senses. I could smell him when I walked in the door." He turns to Willow and Tara. "I can smell a lot of things better now. There is no Alpha with me. It is me completely. I feel better and stronger then before. I guess the transformation strengthen the bound between the spirit and myself. Kind of cool. I am sure Willow likes the new hand cream she uses. Of course it is either a hand cream or a body lotion."
Willow and Tara blush a bright red at both the comment and the meaning of it.
"Xander leave the witches alone." Came Buffy's response.
"Don't worry X we will be able to put your new sense to their paces."
"Of course Faith," The tone was very neutral. "Well I am going to visit our chipped wonder and have a talk. Then we are going to patrol. I got some leads and will draw out the plans." Xander left and headed towards the basement. He saw Spike lying in a cot with is back to the wall watching the stairs. Empty blood packs are scattered across the floor. He watches Xander in horror. "So Billy what are you up to tonight?" Xander gets a chair and sits in front of the bed. He sniffs the air which freaks out Spike more.
"I haven't touched her. I haven't been in the same room with her for days."
"I know Billy. I also remember what I told you when we first got back when dealing with Glory. Do you remember?"
"Kill me if anything I did endanger her."
"Good boy Billy. Now as for the past few months aren't completely your fault I won't kill you for that. Mark my words. I am just waiting. You leave SunnyDale for any reason and I will track you down to the ends of the Earth to torture you." His eyes flashed red. Causing spike to jump back and knock over a vase. "Another time Billy," Xander finishes talking and stands to leave. He is halfway up the stairs when he turns to Spike, "I do forgive you for taken advantage of her. I am sure you won't be doing that to anyone again." He walks up the stairs and out in to the Magic Box.
Giles is the first to approach him. "You said no violence."
"Hey he startles easy and knocked over a vase. Not my fault. Make sure he cleans up those blood packets before he leaves. Okay group we are going to Westridge Cemetery. One of my contacts from our travels was able to pass some info about their location. He was certain that they were operating out of that cemetery before the demon turned on them."
"How can you be sure of this contact?"
"If he is wrong I will hunt he down personally and gut him alive. Right Faith."
"You know it Xan."
Everyone just looked at him.
"What I don't like being lied to."
"Very well then you have a patrol pattern for tonight."
"Yes I do. Faith and I are taking the south side. I need Willow, Tara, and Giles on the north side casting cloaking magics on the rest of us. Buffy and Vicky are taking the west side. I want everyone back here at 2 am. We will try again the next night at Radcliff. Agreed?" Nods from the group confirmed his orders. "Let's saddle up and move out."
The group stood up and left to their assigned areas. It was eleven o'clock when they got to the cemetery. They split off in to their groups. The two Slayers just looked to each other and passed the time along.
"I am sorry about your sister. Xander and Alpha told me a lot about her. He really loved having her around like a little sister he never had. I would have liked to meet her also."
"Thank you very much Vicky. She was one of the few things I had left to live for. So care to tell me about you and Xander?"
"Sorry Buffy but there isn't anything for me to tell. He is going to be with Faith and I am on the hunt for a man. You have any leads on one that is loyal, strong, brave, funny, 6" 1', dark hair, and dark eyes."
Buffy turns to Vicky with a smile. "Actually I do but he isn't on the market right now. Sorry."
"Oh well I guess I will settle for sexy. Can you tell me something of a more personal nature?"
"I hold the right to chose not to answer."
"Not a problem. Can you tell me more of Angel and Angelus? Xander told me about what happened but he tells it like the two were completely different people that one he fought with and the other against. I get here and talking to others they were the same man, well vampire, which you loved but Xander killed him."
Buffy stares ahead with slight tears in her eyes and a sad tone, "When I first got to SunnyDale I didn't have any friends just a destiny I didn't want. Angel at first was this dark mysterious guy that helped me out here and there. Then to find out he is a vampire cursed with a soul. I still fell in love with him. The next year we made love. He lost his soul and became Angelus the Scourge of Europe. He killed some friends and tortured Giles. Willow was able to give him back his soul but it was too late. They were able to open a portal to hell. Xander killed Angel to close the portal. I was so angry with him. I attacked him and he just blocked my attacks till my emotions peaked. I was finally able to land a few hits that took him down. I walked away as he picked himself off the ground. The next day when we all gathered to talk about what happen he attacked me. Not physical but verbal. After he was done he left for a summer get away for us. When he came back he was changed. He was more violent with demons and vampires. It worked out okay between us in the end." Buffy was about to tell more of the senior year in high school when loud howl sounded out into the night. Buffy and Vicky looked at each other and ran towards the south side where Xander and Faith were. The sound of battle could be heard. The closer they got the louder the screams and howls got. When they made it to the battle site there was only two things standing. One was a giant red demon with huge teeth, horns coming out of its head, and a giant club which he was using on another monster. This one was only 7' but still dwarfed by the demon. The two Slayers looked around the site for Faith to find her a couple of feet from the two facing off. She wasn't moving.
"Come on Buffy let Xander handle the demon we got to get Faith."
"Xander, you telling me that shorter monster is Xander."
"Yeah Buffy and you better bottle up any fear you might have of it. It is him and in complete control. He wouldn't hurt you any more then Faith." Vicky rushed off to Faith and Buffy followed shortly.
When Buffy got to Faith she stared in shock. Vicky and Buffy both looked down to see that Faith and a sword sticking through her heart pinning her to the ground. "She… they must have been over run by demons. The looked around to see demon parts and dust piles littered the area. Vicky spoke next, "It must have driven Xander over the edge. Buffy I guess that is the one the got Dawn." They both look towards the fight. Xander is slashing away at the demon who is laughing at his attempts.
"You can not hurt me human meat. We have killed your kind for centuries. Your Slayers shall fall tonight and we shall take the town." The demon just laughed after the statement.
"Don't count on it big red." Came the almost growl response from Xander. "Buffy, sword."
Buffy pulled the sword out of Faith and through it towards Xander. Xander caught it in on hand looking at the blade. He could smell Faith on the blade. He his brighten a little and with a snarl he launched himself at the demon. Between blocking the club swings and striking back Xander finally started to get the upper hand. It was when he sliced through the demons wrist the battle was finally over. The demon looked at its fallen hand and started to back away from Xander. "There is no escape demon." Xander ran the sword through the chest of the demon pulling the sword out the demon started to couch up blood. Xander sliced at the demons knees causing it to drop to the ground. "Look upon your death. Tell them I sent you." With that Xander ran his sword up the monsters throat and in to its skulls. He then twisted the blade around. It twitched for a few moments then fell over dead. Xander walked away from the demon back to the Slayers. As he walked towards them he started to return to him normal appearance.
Vicky waited o he was completely normal and gave him a hug. "Xan she is dead."
"I know Vicky. There was just a few of them left. One got through her defenses. I killed the last few leaving big red over there. I told her I loved her kissed her good bye. She died and then I kill him. Buffy Dawn has been avenged. I am going to take her to get buried. Dawn's body was stashed in a crypt not to far from her. I will leave Vicky with the instructions and meet you at the morgue. We can honor our dead and take the next step." Xander gave Vicky instructions and left carrying Faith.
It has been a two months since Faith's death. Xander didn't leave town. He stayed with his mom and buried both Dawn and Faith. Xander paid a quick visit to his dad letting him know that he was back in town. During the drunken rant his father was doing Xander stood up and punched him in the jaw knocking him down.
"I just want you to know that if you come near me or mom I will finish you. No second chance and no redemption. You will die and die painfully." Xander walked out of the house and away from that part of his past. Finally being able to close that door. His future ahead of him with his mom. He headed to the grave yard to visit Faith. He had her buried in a family plot he bought. The head stone reads 'Faith Harris 1983 ? 2001 Beloved Wife and Friend'
"I know we weren't married but in my heart we were. We would have a family and be living so happy right now. Fighting the fight and watching our child grow up. I miss you so much Faith. I am sorry for everything."
"You going to be okay kid?" came a voice with a New York accent. A badly dressed man walks up along side Xander. "She was a great Slayer. To bad what happened to her."
Xander turns towards the man slightly sniffing the air, "You are not human so if you leave me alone now you can walk away with both legs."
"Names Whistler kid. I helped Buffy and Angel when they were in hard times now it is your turn."
"Leave me alone. I am done with this. I have a life to live and family to be a part of." Xander turns to leave.
"Not a problem kid. It isn't your soul in question."
Xander stops and turns back to Whistler. His eyes start to glow as he walks back towards Whistler. It is when a hand is placed on his shoulder he stops and turns to the new comer.
"Don't Alexander. We have need of you. Your Slayer was destined for a great life with you but with an unknown like Glory we couldn't see this coming. We can look past her life since she came back if you can do us a favor."
"Why should I do anything for you? You sit up there watching us playing with our lives for what? To see our lives get torn to shreds, our families swept away, and our friends buried at young ages. What have you done for me to justify anything?"
The new arrival looks on and sees the turmoil on his face. "Alexander we gave you life. We stayed out of it to give you free choice. When you asked for help we gave it to you. We have looked after you to the best of our abilities. We can't hold your hand through out your life. You have a family again. You wanted your mother and she found a way on her own back to you. You needed friends and your Scooby gang is a tight knit group as any I have seen. We can't control everything. To do so makes us no better then what you fight against."
"What do you want from me?"
"The new Slayer Victoria. Keep her safe. She is very important to the future as are you. Help her fight and keep each other safe. You do that and we'll cleanse Faith's soul and put her down for reincarnation."
"No she stays in heaven till we arrive there."
"Sorry Alexander but her crime can only be forgiven so far. Not all parties evolved have forgiven her for the crime. You either take this or we just let the deeds of the dead speak for themselves in front of the Creator. She wants you to take the offer. She finds it hard to over look most of it. What do you say Alexander?"
"Who are you?"
"Sorry I thought you knew," He took a step back lowering his arms and a pair of Angelic wings spring from his back, "I am the Voice of the one true God and Creator."
Xander just stares at him. "What do I have to do?"
The Voice looks at Xander as the wings fold back and disappear from sight, "Just keep her safe. It seems her children will save the world in a big way."
"Do I have to find her future husband?"
"No you don't. She will find him and then your job will be done. Pretty easy actually."
"Fine I will do it but I better not find out different about Faith."
"Don't worry Alexander. She will be safe and you will see her again some day. But that is not till a distant future. So stay safe."
Xander just turns around and walks away from them to a lonely but happy future.
"You sure that is wise Voice?"
"Are you actually questioning her judgment?"
"Never, just dumping all that on him. He just lost the love of his life twice and now you send him to fall in love with another. Kind of cruel you know."
"I never said to fall in love with her just keep her safe. He will do that all on his own. Their daughter will save the world someday. We already have her soul to make sure she will be a Slayer."
"Okay boss if you say so. What would you like to do next?"
"Angelus is going to be released from Hell with a permanent soul. He has a path we need him on and you are going to have to convince him to continue."
"Why are we letting him out now?"
"Well we aren't actually doing it. The law firm is going to thinking that they will get Angelus and be able to control him. We just need to get the rescue crew there to help him escape."
"You gona send that half demon a vision about it?"
"Yeah, the Oracles will be sending it soon. Bigger problem is getting the Scoobys down to LA to do the rescue. I have got to go. In another Universe the young Mr. Alexander Harris is getting into more trouble then he can handle. What Elan saw in him I still am unsure of." The Voice just walked off and disappeared.
"Well I guess it is time to go." Whistler also just walks away.
Xander has returned home and is sitting in the kitchen waiting for his mom to come home. A few hours later she finally comes home. She walks into the kitchen and sees that something is wrong but unsure what.
"Xander are you okay?"
It was a simple question. He wasn't sure how to answer it. He looks to his mom deep in thought. "Mom what exactly do you know of the fighting we do?"
Rachel didn't like the question. "I know that you fight monster to save people."
"We also stop monsters from ending the world. Last June we had to stop a Hell Goddess this time. Faith was killed in that battle. I left town shortly after and eventually met up with Vicky. While I was traveling and healing Faith was brought back from the dead. She did some questionable things and was killed again. This time there is no coming back for her." He looked to his mom on the verge of tears. She looked with concern and worry. "I met the Voice of God and said if I didn't do some things she might not be judge in favor of a heavenly reward. I agreed but at best she is going to get reincarnated."
"What were you asked to do?"
"Watch over and protect Vicky till she finds the one for her."
"So what is the problem you are having?"
"I was going to ask her out on a date I promised her and now I can't because I can't get involved."
"So there might have been involvement between you two?" she can't step away from concern mother about who her only son dates.
"Maybe, not sure. There might have been. She is great to be around and I care about her deeply. She has done so much for me and I think I could care about her like that."
"Are you sure it isn't too soon? Four months isn't a lot of time to get over someone you were so devoted to."
"It has been at least nine months since the Faith I knew and loved died. I wasn't able to get attached to her. I found out something about her that I am not able to get past. I loved her but I don't love who she was after brought back. I don't blame her but I don't feel the same lost. Is that wrong of me? Should I still feel like I did when she died? What if I want to move on and others thing I am going to fast?"
"What answer do you want from me? I can tell you this, only you can say when you are ready. I don't know what happened to you or her but I love you. I will respect your choice of what you want to do. I like Vicky anyway."
"Thanks mom. New problem is the one for her is going to have children. I can't do that."
"So as soon as this guy shows up you are going to leave her to him and do what?"
"Maybe. I don't know. I was hoping for an easy answer."
"Easy answer, ask her out on a nice date and go from there."
"Didn't I just tell you I can't?"
"Why not?"
"She has to find the one for her and have kids."
"How will you know when he shows up?"
"I won't know at all. I probably won't have a clue."
"Then how is he identified?"
"I was told that she would know."
"Okay lets me get all this, you should protect her till she finds this guy and then you won't have to protect her and only she will know the right guy for her."
"Correct."
"Ask her out son and if it doesn't work out like that then you are still her friend."
Xander sees the logic and acts, "Thanks mom." He stands up and gives her a kiss good bye heading out to see Vicky and his friends.
"Love my son, but he really doesn't see it yet. Oh well. I should make sure that his room has enough sound proofing for me liking. I don't need to hear my baby and his girl at all." She finishes with a smile and heads off to the bedrooms.
Earlier that day in a dark cavern a group of Vampires gathered to talk about the Slayer problem in SunnyDale.
"We could kill them all and be done with them."
"Doing that will only get you another Slayer."
"Well what else is there. I got an idea. There is a black mage in town. Why not get magic to attack them to disrupt the slayer line or make the current slayer helpless. We could capture her and keep her alive but weak for years. Giving us the perfect change to suck this town dry."
"Now there is a plan to use. Let's get in touch with the mage and get this ball a rolling." General laughter and agreements were made as the headed off.
Later that night Xander has made his way to the Bronze to hang out with his friends. He walks in and sees everyone gathered at one of the tables. They all seem to be looking depressed and hoping it wasn't over him.
He sneaks in around them and jumps in a spot next to Vicky which startles her. "Hey Vic you might want to cut back on the caffeine."
She looked to him, smiled then slaps him in the shoulder, "You goofball I can't have you here. My boyfriend will get jealous."
"What boyfriend?"
"Are you asking if you can be it?"
"No but I would like you to go out with me tomorrow."
The group just gasped. Xander usually wasn't this direct or quick to ask out someone. Vick's smile slightly dimmed looking into his eyes to find an answer to a question never asked. "Sure but you better make it good."
"One good date, I can do it." He stood up took her hand and pulled her out to the dance floor to dance.
The group watched them dance with similar thoughts in their heads.
The red headed witch was the first to speak, "You think he might be going a bit fast?"
"He c-c-could be just trying to make a start again."
"What could one date hurt? He actually looks happy dancing. We are not getting involved in it." They just sat back and watch the two danced and flirted. They smiled to see Xander happy again.
Vicky just held on to Xander as they danced. She pulled back a little to se his face fully. "Why Xander?"
Xander looked down to Vicky. He looked into her eyes and smiled, "She isn't apart of my life anymore. You are and I wanted to make sure you knew that. I am not getting over her. I'm already over her. I would like to try dating you if it is okay. I can't say what is going to happen but I have spent the past nine months with you enjoying it. I would like to spend more of it with you. If you are uncomfortable with it let me know. I can take a step back and just be your friend."
Vicky pulled forward and buried her face into his chest. "I want you here but I don't want to go fast. I want to make sure we are good for each other."
"No problems Vicky. I am here for you as long as you need me."
The two just danced a little longer and arranged a plan for the next night. The broke apart and went back to the table to be greeted by a much happier group. "Well gals it has been great fun. I have to go and get ready for work tomorrow and then a date with this lovely woman." He kissed her cheek and left the group.
Buffy just looked over to the younger Slayer, "Be good to him or you answer to us."
"Not a problem Buffy. We aren't going fast or anything just a date to see if there is more to us. If not no lose. Still a good night with a great friend." There was a sparkle in her eyes which Willow called her on.
"I am guessing you are hoping for more."
"What woman could not resist him in full charm mode?"
Tara raised her hand and the rest laughed. "You don't count."
Willow smiled at Tara and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She stood up and turned to the group, "Well gals it is time for the witches to turn in. You Slayers have a good night." Willow and Tara walked out holding hands.
"Well Vicky we better get back to my place and figure out what you want to do for tomorrow night." The Slayers stood up and left the Bronze.
In another part of SunnyDale a group of vampires are talking to the dark mage about the Slayer issue. "So can you make the Slayer weak and controllable?"
"Of course I can. Just can you pay the price for it?"
"You tell us what you need and we will get it for you."
The dark mage smiles and heads to his back room. 15 minutes later he comes out and gives them a small vile. "All you need to do is throw this on her. The glass will break on impact with a human and nothing else." To demonstrate he throws it to the ground. It bounces but doesn't break. "Go ahead one of you try and crush it with your foot." One of the vampire walks towards it and proceeds to smash it with his foot. It still doesn't break. "Once it hits the target the magic will make her weak enough for you to do with what you want."
The vampires all smile and leave with the precious vile. "Tomorrow night we take over right guys?" They all cheer and walk off into the night.
Xander is getting home no and gets ready for bed and work tomorrow. There is a knock at his door. "Come in."
The door opens and his mom walks in, "So how did it go son?"
Xander looks to his mom and smiles, "She said yes and we are going out tomorrow night."
She walks in to the room and sits at the end of his bed smiling, "I am glad," she reaches in to her pocket and takes out a box of condoms and places them on the bed. She stands up and leaves with out saying a word. Xander just stares with shock. "Mom I don't need these." He said holding out the box.
"I am just being ready. I know you said she was destined to have kids but I would like to wait awhile longer."
"Mom I am not the one she is looking for. I am just a friend."
"Xander if she doesn't already she will fall in love with you. I just want to make sure."
Xander looked at his mom still holding the box. His shoulders slump down and he just sits on the bed. Rachel sees this and walks back over to him and hugs him. "What's wrong dear?"
"I can't ever be a father mom." He starts to cry.
"If you are worried about becoming like Anthony then don't. You will never be like him."
"Right before my senior year in high school I left for the summer to get away from this place. My friends and I had a break up and I needed to get out of here. Long story short was a trapped in another dimension and made slave labor. I was there for a year and half. After a month they take everyone that is new and sterilize them with magic. So there I am just over 18 almost 19 and I can never be a father. I was finally able to break out of there and I killed the demon in charge on the way out. In this dimension not even a day had past. I went to the hospital to get help. They did a fully check up to confirm what I was told by the demons. I went to witches and mages to get help. They were able to heal up the scars but what was done to me they could not undo."
Rachel just wrapped her arms around her son, "I am sorry Xander. I wish I could do something but I can't."
"I came back here at the end of the summer and joined up with my friends. I never told them about. Then Anthony continued to hit me. If I can't have a family of my own then the one I have needs to change. I told you about getting away for him and them you made your feelings about me clear. I left to be with out family. The one I have was gone. The thoughts of one further down the road was gone. I fought and killed so hard trying to get over it but I couldn't. Then Faith happened. We could see each others pain. We fell in love and left SunnyDale. We eventually made it back here to help out again. I told you about that. What I didn't tell you was that she was pregnant with my child. Can you believe it? I was told by doctors and witches that I couldn't father a child and I did. I was so happy about that. She was killed and once again my family was dead."
"I am sorry for everything Xander." Rachel was also crying.
"I have forgiven you mom. So you see I can't be the one for her. Not completely."
"If it happened once it can happen again."
"Mom the chances the first time was one in a million. Do you know the odds of a second time? I am sorry mom but you won't be a grandmother through me."
"I don't need to be a grandmother I just want to be a good mom for you."
"Thanks mom. Well I am going to bed and I would like to do that alone."
"Okay honey. Good night." Rachel left the room and went to her room to think about not only what she learned but also for the loses her son has gone through. "Damn you Anthony and dame me also."
Xander is starting his first day at the construction site. One of the guys from high school helped him get in. Apparently saving people lives can come back to help you out. Only having a high school diploma was not going to help him get a better job but this one offered chances to get promoted. Today was mostly about what safety equipment to wear to the site and low end labor. It was a tough first day but he was going to make it work. He left the site and went home to get ready for the night. His mom met up with him before he left and did some mom grilling on him. He left with a groan and she with a smile.
"I love doing that to him."
"I think she loves doing that to me." Xander said on the way to his truck and headed over to the Summer's house to get his date. He pulled up the drive and walked up to the door. He knocked and waited for it to be opened. Buffy opened the door and greeted him with a smile.
"I am sure your date will be here shortly."
"No worries Slayers have time issues." The hit to the shoulder was expected but still fun to be joking around with Buffy again.
"Careful buster we can cancel this real quick," came the red head's voice. The both look to the stairway that Vicky is walking down.
"My Queen from yonder star descends to us." Xander kneels at the bottom step. "Your humble knight wishes a to take you out for a night of dinner and dance."
Vicky just laughs at Xander's antics, "Raise kind knight and take me on this grand adventure."
Xander stands up offering his. Vicky takes it and together they walk out of Buffy's house to start their evening together.
Vicky and Xander head out to a Mexican Restaurant for dinner. "I hope you like it Vic. I haven't been here it seems like years. Willow and I would come here some night after Anthony and I had a disagreement. That was my Willow. Always finding something to do and taking care of any bruises he left."
"Tonight isn't about the past or even the future. It is just the two of us going out and enjoying each other's company."
"No problem Queen Vic. Your knight with show you the greatest of nights available in SunnyDale." Xander held out his arm and Vicky wrapper her in his and they walked off to a great night. They got as for as the next car in the parking lot.
"Look boys a Slayer Queen and a knight to kill. What a day for us."
Vicky and Xander looked around to see 8 vampires in game face smiling. "They just couldn't leave us alone could they Vic."
"No Xan I don't think they could." The separate and began to attack the group. The Vampire were more on the defense but able to stay out of getting dusted. Xander noticed the leader was backing away from the fight and head more to Vicky side. Xander eyes started to glow as he used more of the speed and strength to attack. He finally got a few the vampires and turned to see the leader get something out of his jacket pocket and throw it at Vicky. "Vicky move," he yelled as he rushed forward to where she was and pushed her out of the way only to get hit himself. He wiped the liquid off his face were he was hit. Some of the glass cut his face but is healing took care of it. He eyes flashed a bright red as he stared towards the lead vampire his clothes started to get tight as he changed.
"We been had guys lets get out of here," The leader yelled out turning and running from the pair.
Xander watched them leave still not changing fully back incase they come back. He looked to Vicky who dusted a vampire that was cut off from retreating. "Well Vicky we can head it to the restaurant and finish our date." He offered his hand to Vicky.
"Not till you change back fully."
"My Queen wishes and I obey." He started to return to normal when the pain in his chest hit. He fell to the ground clutching his chest and screaming. Vicky looked in horror. "Xan what is happening?" He fell to the ground and stared the thrash about. Then he started to change again. Soon she was watching a 7' tall monster holding his chest and howling in pain. Then his eyes shoot open and a bright red dimmed back to a chocolate brown. He didn't change back. Just stood up and look towards Vicky. There was a feral smile as he approached her. She watched but wasn't afraid. "Come on Xan stop this now. We need to get you home to find more clothes. Xander are you listening to me."
He approached her and grabbed a hold of her shoulders pulling her close to him. He sniffed her hair and snarled at her. "Not pack," is all he growled at her throwing her to the ground and running off into the night with a high pitch laugh.
Vicky picked herself off the ground. "Oh this ain't good. They better no blame me." Vicky went through the discarded clothes to find the truck keys and drove back home to get Buffy and then Willow. She drove for a couple minutes and finally made it back. She ran from the truck and into the hose yelling for Buffy. "Slayer get your ass down here and help me. Some thing happened to Xander we need to find him."
Buffy ran down the stairs with her sister in tow. "What happened?"
"We were attacked by vampires and during it the leader guy throw something at me. Xander got in the way and was hit. The glass cut him but he was able to heal it. Some of the liquid must have gotten in to his blood but the rest ran off and we continued are way to the restaurant. He fell to the ground seeming to have a violent heart attack. He fully changed and then his eyes shifted from red back to brown. He grabbed me sniffed my hair and then throws me to the ground talking about pack and ran off laughing."
"My god the Hyena is in full control of the new Xander. Not good. We need to call Willow to make sure if he comes to her not to freak out but keep her distance if possible."
"You call Willow then we better head to his mom's place. She would be the closes to a pack leader being the female."
Buffy just looks at her. "What you telling me after everything he did with you guys you never looked about hyena stuff for more research. He almost attacked me one time because I called him a wolf. So better to learn about him to understand him better. Females always run the clan so he would most likely head to her."
"Right now let's get him back." Buffy went to call Willow. After she was done they left to go the Rachel's. When they got there she was sitting in the kitchen. "Rachel have you been attacked by any big brown monsters or animals?"
"Not today Buffy why? Vicky where is Xander"
Buffy looked to Vicky and Vicky took a step forward, "Xander is able to change in to a werehyena would be my best guess as what to call it. He always in full control. We were attacked on our date and something happened to him. He mentioned his pack and I though of you. He might be coming around here for you. He might also be heading to Willow's place. We are going to wait the night here to see if we can contain him till we can undo what was done."
Rachel just looked between the two, "What do you need me to do for my son?"
"Actually nothing. Just try and stay calm if he shows up. If he can smell fear or worry he might think we are doing something to you and not that you are scared of him."
"Okay Vicky. So how was the date with my son going?"
"Great till we were attacked. Damn this town. It is really cramping my dating habit."
Rachel and Vicky just smiled but were worried about Xander. Buffy was the next to talk, "Willow should be here soon with Tara."
"Don't worry we got the Queen here and he will listen to her if nothing else."
Rachel looked over to Vicky with a confused look, "What Queen?"
"Basic hyena clan. The female is in charge. You are the head female to the clan. Which in some way is why Xander wanted you to get away from him and was able to accept you back even after everything you had done. The Hyena needed the Queen."
"Oh god why did I have to screw up so much with my only child. What about his father?"
"No Rachel he would come to you first."
"Was anything else done to him?"
"I couldn't tell he looked normal when he was changed. Accept for his eyes while he was changed but nothing else I could see."
"What about when he is normal?"
"I haven't seen him like that yet. He ran off after saying I wasn't pack."
Rachel looked between the two slayers, "In the morning I am going to swing by Anthony's to see if anything happened last night to him."
Across town at the home Xander grow up in he approaches the door. He tries to open it but it is locked. He knocks on the door and waits. It opens to a slightly drunk Anthony Harris that looks to the person on the stop and smile a very sharky smile. "Your late coming home boy. You know what that means." The figure nods his head. "Then get inside. I seem to have some time to make up for." The door slam shuts and the sound of flesh on flesh can be heard as a child cries out.
They Slayers spend the night with Rachel unaware of what is happening to Xander. As morning comes Rachel makes her way over to Anthony to see what if Xander has shown up there. She knocks on the door waiting for her ex-husband to open it. When he finally does he just has a smile on. "Anthony did Alexander show up here last night. Something happened and he might not remember everything. He might also be dangerous."
Anthony looks to his ex-wife, "Sorry Rach but the stupid bastard hasn't been here since he threaten me to stay away from you. Keep him and keep yourself away from me." With that he slammed the door shut.
"Bastard." She headed back to the car and drove off not seeing the eyes from the bedroom window watching her leave. The door to his room opens and in walks his father. "I told you she didn't want you. It is just me and only me. Now where were we, oh I know," he removes his belt and moves to Xander bringing the belt down on him again and again.
Rachel drives off trying to figure out what else to do. She calls in to work to continue looking for her only son.
A week has gone by and no one has found anything that locating him. Hope starts to diminish. Till one day Rachel receives a letter from Anthony.
'Dear Rach, I am leaving this town. I don't owe you anything and I have everything I ever needed out of this place so good bye and good riddance. Love Tony.
"That bastard is such a waste of time. The only good thing about our marriage is my wonderful boy that we can't find." Rachel just sits down crying. The door opens and hopes flairs up but goes back down and Vicky walks in to the kitchen.
"Sorry Rachel but no luck so far. Willow is going to do some tracking spell and Giles will be in soon to help locate the man that made the spell to begin with." Vicky sits down next to Rachel and hugs her. "I wish he was here also." The two women cry but keep hope alive.
It is a few days later when they are finally able to track down the mage. Giles goes in first to talk to him. "A week or two ago a group of vampires came to you to get a spell to use against the Slayer. I would like to know what your spell was supposed to do."
"Sorry but I can't do that."
"Oh you can't," A very Ripper like grin appears on his face, "I see I might have to change your mind a little." Giles strikes out with a hook knocking the mage to the ground and kicks him twice. Once in the ribs and once in the stomach. He then kneels down over the mage, "This is me asking nicely if you can't find it in yourself to help me I have two slayers out side one is the current love interest of the man suffering from your spell. Do you want to tell me now or after she gets done with you?"
Rack just coughs and spits out some blood, "The spell has three things about it, First you can't track the victim of it, Second puts them in a very do what I say kind of state, and Third turns them in to a 9 year child. The last part was to make sure the slayer couldn't fight back." Rack just laughed as Giles was taken back from all this.
"Get out of this town. I see you or feel this place working tomorrow night I will kill you myself you bugger." He kicks him a couple more times and leaves the places. Only to be greeted by two slayers.
Vicky was the first to question him but was stopped when Giles held up his hand. "We all need to meet back at Rachel's and I will tell everything there.
They all met back at Rachel's and Giles tell the story of what has happened to Xander. Rachel just looks on in horror. "Not my baby, not my child. Why can't we find him then. A nine year old running around should have been noticed. Where could…" she runs from the table to the trash, "Still be in here. Come on I know you are still in here. There you are," She comes back out holding a crumbled piece of paper. She hands it to Willow, "Can you read this and tell me what you think of it?"
Willow takes the note and reads it. "Well Mr. Harris has left town. So…"
"Now Willow think about Xander and his family before he was a teenager and read it again."
Willow nods her head closes her eyes and opens them. She reads the letter again but drops the note on the floor with a look of horror on his face, "I am going to kill that bastard."
Rachel looks over the group with tears in his eyes, "A nine to ten year old boy can start doing house work and to a sick perverted man might look like a good bed mate."
The statement sinks in and the displays of disgust, anger, and rage appear on their faces. Rachel speaks again. "He has Xander. My 9 year boy is back in his hands with no one to protect him and accepting everything he says as fact. The bastard took my son." She broke down crying as Willow and Vicky went to hug her.
"Lets find him and killed the bastard." Vicky said very angrily.
"We can't track him Vicky. The magic stops that. I can't find our Xander." Willow spoke out and cried. They all sat at the table. They are unable to find Xander and he is in the hands of a monster that might not be able to be tracked also. At this point everyone was crying trying to find comfort.
Time goes by but the looking never stops. Vicky has moved in to Rachel's to keep both comfort and hope. They talk most nights about Xander and him growing up and their adventures on the road. Rachel mentions what the Voice of God told Xander. Ten years go bye like the blink of an eye. Everyone has graduated from College. Tara and Willow had a child together. A daughter with red hair name Alexandra Jenny Rosenberg-McClay. Buffy is engaged to get married in a year or so. Giles has gotten close to Rachel over the years and seem to be dating. Vicky Johnson died briefly during a raid on a crypt. The new Slayer Samantha Jennings has been called and lives with her parents in SunnyDale.
The phone rings in Rachel's apartment. It rings like any other time but was very different. "Hello Rachel Harris Speaking."
"Mrs. Harris this is Detective Warren from Detroit PD calling. Your husband was shot last week. We just came across the body last night and searched his home."
"Oh god. Was there anyone with him?"
"I am guessing you are talking about your son. No he was at the apartment. He was picked up today. He isn't in good shape. He attacked one of the patrolmen like a wild dog. Kept yelling that he was going to get into trouble when his dad gets home. He is very sickly and we are unsure how your husband got custody of him. We are going to get him transferred out to SunnyDale but we need you to come here to fill out paper work."
"I will be there yesterday if I don't get stopped for speeding. Thanks you officer you have no idea how much that means to me." Rachel hangs up and calls Giles to relay the news. Giles is going to gather the group and be over to see her off. Rachel runs to Vicky's room to tell her about Xander. Vicky jumps off the bed and starts packing for a trip. Together they leave for Detroit to bring back someone they love very much but are unaware of his current state.