Xander was kicking the can along the road as he walked towards the Magic Box. His shoulder's slumped against his inner turmoil as Anya's words echoed through his mind." So Xander have you thought why you can't tell the others of our engagement?"
Xander looked up at her from across his meager dinner and sighed." Ahn, Honey can we let this rest till I've shook off the days work load?"
She crossed her arms in front of her chest, never a good sign in Xander's mind, and huffed at him." Yeah but I bet if I was a certain blond slayer you would have had the words** She said Yes*** written in letters ten feet tall across the sky two seconds after she agreed!"
Xander let his fork hit the plate and shook his head." Anya... How many times do I have to tell you she feels nothing for me?"
Anya grins evilly." Oh it's not her loving you I have to fear anymore! Not since she came back all hot and bothered for the former big bad!" She sniggers as she sees the dagger bite home." Oh didn't you know that? " She pretends to do her nails as she tells him." Yeah Dawn caught them kissing on the back steps last night, so I suppose that means she'll go with anyone... Anyone that isn't you that is!"
She jumps when the sound of the plate striking the floor reverberates through the flat." She what?" He jumps to his feet and runs a hand through his hair." I don't believe it! How could she make the same mistake twice?"
Anya snuggles up to him." Why fight it honey? Just give in and forget about her.. She's never even thought of you other than as a second class back up." She holds his head up to hers." Just face up to it Xander and then we can continue on with our lives. We can get married and leave all this trouble behind us." She feels him tense up in her arms." Don't you remember how it was before she came to you? We can move to Chicago.. I have a few friends there that I can call on for favors..."
Xander sighs." Yeah I suppose if you want to leave this town I guess there's nothing really keeping me here anymore.." He stands up and slips his jacket on as he heads for the door." I just want to break it Willow and Dawn then we can leave by the end of the week."
Anya has a grin the size of New York's skyline on her face as she rushes around the room trying to remember a thousand things she has to do before tomorrow's dawn. She takes the ring from its box and places it on her finger then holds it up to the light." As soon as the others know we're engaged I want Xander as far away from this town as possible!" She picks up their photo from the table and hugs it." For the first time in over a thousand years I am in love again and nothing this side of heaven can stop our happiness!"
The smile freezes on her face as she realizes there is one person that could shatter her life with just three words. She places the photo back on the table then grabs her jacket as she says a name as if it were a curse." BUFFY!"
Xander suddenly feels more frightened than ever before in his life as he moves to open the back door to the training room.* What if Dawn was wrong? What if he confronts Buffy and she throws herself at him? * " Yeah and monkeys will fly outa my butt!" He eases the door closed behind him and turns in time to see Buffy and Spike break from a hug.
Xander doesn't fail to see the smirk on Spike's face as the neutered vampire turns to kiss Buffy on the cheek.." See yah on patrol tonight sweet cheeks." He grins at Xander's tortured glare." See ya latter Droopy." He shrugs by Xander and shuts the door behind him.
Xander turns his glare to Buffy." She told me but I still didn't believe it till now!" He shook his head." How could you? What the whole love angst thing with Angel got you hooked on heart break?"
Buffy begins to work out on the punching bag and tells him." What I do with my life is no concern of yours Xander." She hit the bag over and over again." If I choose to love Spike, or anyone else, you have nothing to do but deal with it!"
Xander is red with rage." Yeah and he will love you till he bangs you then he'll just move on to his next victim.. Dawn maybe. He was sniffing around her while you were gone, playing at being Mr. Protecto guy!"
Buffy punches the bag hard enough to rip it open." Shut up Harris! He's the only one that knows what it's like to comeback from the dead! He's been my rock in troubled times."
Xander shrugs." Well hey then we'll just forget about all those people he's killed and all the times he's tried to kill us, just as long as he hits your g spot!" Xander grabs her." You deserve better!"
"Like you for instance?" She snorts at him.
"You never know Slayer... You might like Vanilla!" He begins to move away from her." But then I guess we'll never know 'cuz maybe you don't have what it takes to handle me!"
Buffy laughs." Why you big headed idiot! In case you forget I already 'handled you back in high school when you were all 'Hyena Boy'!"
Xander grins at her." Yeah but it took a school desk for you to stop me before I got cooking' Buffy!"
She reddens." You remember?... YOU REMEMBER! You told me you didn't..." She stops and turns away from him." Besides it wasn't you it was the Hyena spirit that did it!"
Xander lent against a wall grinning." Actually the kiss was all me the trying to force the whole 'Alpha male thing on you was Hyena spirit. It just gave me the guts to kiss you. "
Buffy's mind raced back all those years and her lips, and body, remembered the fires it had built up in her until the Hyena Spirit pushed beyond what she was willing to do." You're insane Xander. Besides that was years ago and we've both been through a lot since then."
Xander shrugged." Oh well. I guess if you're too scared then we'll never know." I just came by to tell you I'll be leaving by the end of the week. " he glances over his shoulder at her." I don't think I can stomach another round of ' watch the Slayer freak out over another dead boy' so I'm going to cut my losses and book the hell out of this berg!"
"What? You can't have me so you're going to abandon your friends?"
"Friends?" Xander held up his arms." In case you've had a mental block Buffy Willow and Tara are into their own thing while you are side tracked by big, blond and baffling. Hell the only people that have ever given me the time of day is Dawn and.."
Buffy cuts in." Anya! I could have bet good money she was involved in this!"
"Yeah! Well she's more than just involved in this Buffy. We're engaged and as soon as we're far enough away from here we're getting married!" Xander walked closer to Buffy as she struggled to get her emotions in check.
Anya's heart was as high as a kite when she overheard Xander." Now I know nothing can stand in our way!" She held the ring up to the street light and almost broke into song until she remembered she couldn't carry a note in a bucket. She edged the door open so she could gloat when the sight that befell her eyes shattered her world.
Buffy had grabbed Xander and they were kissing as if their lives depended on it. Both failed to hear Anya's sob as she ran from the store, stopping only to wrench the ring from her finger and throw it at the slightly ajar door." Damn you Harris! Damn you to hell!" She cried out at the pair.
Xander broke the kiss as he thought he heard Anya's cry and turned towards the door. While Buffy almost moaned at the separation, she felt as if her soul was ripped in two as they moved apart. Buffy sucked her bottom lip as if her body needed to feel his taste to the last." WOW!" She exclaimed." That was... Amazing!"
Xander grinned." And that's just my mouth!" He was about to rejoin her when his eyes spotted the ring; he walked over to the open door and bent down to pick it up. His eyes widened and he cried out." ANYA!" He turned to Buffy." I can't let it end like this!"
"She'll be fine once she's calmed down Xander, give me a minute and I'll help you."
"No I have to find her before she does something stupid... God how could I have been so stupid."
"What? How can you say that? I thought you loved me!"
"I do! But she deserved better than what she got Buffy!" He left the shop telling her." I'm cursed! I must be! Just when I thought I had everything I wanted you finally take notice of me and I dump her for you!"
Xander searched the night for Anya but he found no sign of her. He hoped she had been so pissed at him she had fled from this hellhole and the idiot that had caused her so much pain. But his wishes were ripped apart when Willow knocked on the apartment door at 6am.Xander almost wrenched the door off its hinges in his rush to open it." Anya thank god I... Willow?" His eyes went wide when he saw her bottom lip tremble." NO!" He dropped to his knees and pulled at his hair." NO! Its not true!"
Willow followed him down to the hard wood floor and tried to comfort him." She must have been in a daze ; she walked right in front of a downtown bus. It was quick Xand.. I. I doubt she felt much pain."
Xander hit his hand against the floor and Willow noticed the blood as it ran from his clenched fist. He looked into her eyes." All my fault! All my FUCKING FAULT!I couldn't keep my feelings for HER bottled up any longer..." He glared at Willow then set his face in a stony image as he wiped a tear from his face." Well we won't need to worry about that any longer."
Willow was suddenly very afraid for her friend. She realized that the line between good and bad was a very fine one. Since her brief trip across that line not five months ago was still very fresh in her mind, she knew Xander shouldn't be left alone." I'll get Buffy..."
"DON'T you dare!" Xander forced her out of the flat." She's like a poison to my soul! Every time I get close to her some thing screws with my life! Well tell her she and Spike can bang away till Angel gets his humanity back with my blessing." He slams the door behind her and checks his pocket for his wallet and keys.
"I am sooo outa this dump!" He went out the rear door and ran down to his car. He looked in the rear view mirror as Willow ran over lawn waiving to him. He left his old childhood friend in a cloud of dust and burnt rubber. He kept driving until he was well out of Sunnydale and its outer districts and well on the way to his first port of call L.A.
By the time he arrived at the 76-fuel stop it was early Sunday morning and he was on autopilot. He pulled up to the pump and swiped his credit card then started to fill his car with fuel. As he finished he saw a blond woman running for her life through the park across the road. He shook his head and ripped the receipt from the pump as he replaced the hose." Nope, didn't see nothing ain't goina do nothing!" He hopped in the car and started it up." Yes sir my new motto is screw the world!"
Meanwhile Kate ran for all she was worth, she glanced behind her to see four large slime demons. She keyed the radio at her shoulder." Wake up you guys I need back up now! Or so help me the first thing I do when I rise is come after you!"
"Hey! We've got our hands full over hear ya Know!" O'Malley answered." Jeez you try and do some people a favor and they jump down your throat!"
His partner from Chicago shouts at him." Hey do you mind? " He takes out his anti-demon pistol and begins to replace the clip. " I would have been here sooner but the ice queen must have broke a nail!" He emptied the guns charges into the three demons that were assaulting her. He grinned as his Kate stood up covered in green slime then keyed his radio." Okay then now Kate just what is your problem?"
Kate is backed up to a large tree and checked the charge on her gun then threw it to the ground." No back up and more time!" She looked at the last four demons of the nest of twelve that had hunted in Stafford park. She smiled at the four and told them." Hey guys I know where two of the most succulent humans are hiding out and if you just wait a minute they'll be running their skinny white butts over here any second now." The leader of the pack growled at her and she was close enough to catch the stench of rotting flesh on its breath as they edged closer.
Suddenly the high pitched whine of an over taxed engine roared from the left hand side and a blue '97 Thunderbird launched itself through the scrub sideswiping the three demons closest to Kate leaving nothing but a smear of green mucous to soak into the green grass. The leader was pinned by the car as it crashed against a tree. Xander staggered out as the demon freed itself then shook off the pain of its injuries.
It pointed a clawed finger at Xander." Now you die human!"
Kate quickly radioed for help then fished around for her old LAPD back up gun as she watched the young man just stand there by the side of his now ruined car." Jesus man run!"
Xander noticed Kate for the first time and sent her a cocky lopsided grin." Take it easy Miss this won't take but a second." He turned his attention to the lumbering demon then reached into the back of his car and brought out his baseball bat." Hate to ruin a good bat, especially after it was signed by Boone, but one must do..." He shrugged then slammed the bat into the demons knee." Ahh screw it! She was the only one that could come up with the snappy one liners." He swung the bat and connected with his opponents skull sending it crashing into his windscreen." Me, I had to just fight to keep my head above water."
Xander saw the beast begin to break free of the shattered window and yell its anger at him. Xander took a Zippo from his pocket and flicked it open before dragging the lighter across his jeans till it caught." Yeah, yeah give my regards to the Mayor!" He tossed the lighter into the puddle of fuel that had pooled by the gash in the petrol tank then signaled for the woman to run as the car exploded into a fireball of death and destruction.
Xander stood by his burning car with a grin on his face then cursed as he checked his pocket." Well I wanted a fresh start but not this fresh." He remembered throwing his wallet into the passenger side as he took off after the parade of demons as they pursued the blond." What is it with me and blond women?"
He felt someone standing behind him and turned as two others ran into the clearing with weird looking guns drawn. Xander held his hands up and told them." I lost control and crashed into the tree, sorry about the mess I suppose Smokey's going to be pissed?"
O'Malley kept his gun on Xander as Kate checked out the other Kate." I'm fine, if it wasn't for our hero there I'd be just another statistic." She walked up to him and told him." Thanks for the assist..." She waited till he told her his name."
"Xander. . Alexander Harris. Though I can't prove that due to my wallet joining our jolly green friend on the bonfire of my worldly goods." Xander stopped talking as he saw O'Malley keying in something to a device on his wrist.
Kate grabs his arm and walks him away from the scene." Thank you for your assistance Mr. Harris." Whilst O'Malley's assistant asked him." So how come you haven't started to freak out about the scaly green guys?" She walked in front of him and stopped." You seem awfully calm for a guy that just walked in on an..."
"Attack by a gang on PCP?" Xander snorted." I guess I've lived in LA for too long."
O'Malley stands beside her." Don't you mean Sunnydale Mr. Harris?" He glanced down at the LCD screen and rattled off the information." Alexander L Harris. Last known address 1321 Sunny view Apartments Sunnydale. I'd like to say you have a clean sheet but I don't like to lie." He glanced up at Xander." You were at the gas explosion at Sunnydale High school?"
Xander shrugged." Yeah I was lucky to get out of there. With a passing grade that is"
Kate looked at the information." Yeah? Well according to eye witnesses you were leading some sort of armed rebellion just before the giant lizard formally known as Mayor Wilkins was turned into a Burger King franchise."
Xander tried to look at the small screen but O'Malley blocked his view." There must be a mistake... What snake it was gas leak ! It was in all the papers."
"Just like the bomb you defused the year before or the number of times your name comes up in connection with other 'incidents' during the night hours of Sunnydale over the past six years." O'Malley turned off the device then Kate snapped a pair of handcuffs on Xander." HEY! What the hell? I was helping you!" He glared at the other Kate as she stood by.
O'Malley tells him as he herds Xander into a sleek looking car." Watch your head... You can tell it all to our boss... By the way have you seen this?" He held up what looked like a flashlight and a bright light was the last thing Xander knew as he slumped into the back seat.
Kate went to the passenger side and almost yelled at him." Hey! Was that necessary? All he did was save my life!"
O'Malley waited till his partner was in then started the car. He leaned out the window and told Kate." He knows more than he's letting on. So either he's a demon like the others or.."
Kate sighs." Or he's like us." She glanced at Xander then she felt a gnawing at the back of her mind." I might know someone that could help us out." She fishes out her cell phone then dials a number." Hey Cordy.. Look I know it's late and I haven't called for ages but we just found a wallet a t crime scene and the name rings a bell and I know you were from Sunnydale.. Do you know an Alexander Harris?" She moved the phone from her ears as the shouts could be heard inside the car." No He's all right, so you do know him I take it?"
JUNE 22 2003. The man ran into the abandoned building and gasped for breath then jerked around when he heard a voice tell him calmly." She can run like a mad fool can't she?"
The man tried to regain his breath as he told the stranger." Yeah... Who the hell is she?" The stranger stepped into the circle of light and told him." Her names Faith Williams and believe it or not she's a Slayer!"
The man looked shocked." No way! The Slayer's in Sunnydale ! That's why I came to LA." The stranger looked puzzled. " Oh You mean Buffy!"
He held up his arms then let them collapse against his sides." Nah she's still in Sunnyhell. This ones called Faith. Kinda like that old George Michaels song ya know." The dark haired man began an impromptu dance. " You gotta have Faith a faith a faith..." The man sniffed the air in the strangers direction." You're normal so you can't be any trouble for me.. So who are you?"
The dark haired stranger glanced at the door as it slid open to reveal an out of breath Faith, then he drew the large pistol from its holster." The winner of the office pool." He fired three shots into the man and he vanished in a spray of purple haze.
Faith walked up to him and stepped around the purple puddle extending her hand and snapping her fingers." Pony up Xan... That's the easiest twenty I ever earned." She grinned as Xander handed over the money." Yep you should really know better than doubt my speed when it comes to winning a bet."
Xander shrugged. "Well color me impressed Faith! I never thought you could have chased that demon across town and into this building if I hadn't been here to see it." They both turn towards the sound of a car screeching to a halt then watch Kate and Carl as they saunter in. Kate looks at the mess then at the pair." So who got him?" Xander puts his hand up as Faith tells her. "The dope bet me that I couldn't chase it into this building." She held up the twenty. "Easiest damn money I ever made." Carl looked mad. "DAMN! So you killed it Harris?"
"Well technically the gun did but I was holding it at the time. So pay up Carl." Xander held out his hand as Carl grumbled about paying him. The Gnome took out a wad of hundreds that would have choked a horse and handed it over. Xander waived it under his nose and breathed in the money." Mmm I love the smell of hundreds in the morning!" Faith looked at the twenty in her hand then glared at Xander." I bust my ass chasing this thing across town while you just sit back and zap him from the comfort of this place. You get that bundle while I end up with a lousy twenty?"
Xander shrugs. " I told you that you should have hung out a the bar with me and the 8th Dwarf here."
Carl growled at him." Hey! How many times do I have to tell you I'm a Gnome not a Dwarf." He looked at Faith then grinned." So if I were the 8th Dwarf what would my name be? Donkey Shlong?"
Xander shook his head. "Nah more like Wheezy the dwarf in the plastic rain coat." Kate grinned then remembered the phone call." Sorry to interrupt the show fellas but you got another call from Dawn today."
Faith looked at Xander and wagged her finger." Tut tut Xandman you been raiding the cookie jar while Buffy's been pre occupied?" She grinned at him." So how old is she now... Must be all of what 12?"
Xander turns red." She's 18 and I... She's like a sister for Christ's sake!" Xander took out his phone and moved away from prying ears.
Kate sighs." You know he's been keeping track of Buffy through Dawn, Faith! Why do you keep razing his ass?"
Faith grins." Because he's such an easy mark! " She glances over at Xander." Besides the Shmuck deserves it, he still loves her yet he keeps telling us and himself that he doesn't."
Kate followed Faith's glance and she tells her." Yeah he does doesn't he. Now if I could just convince him to do something about it then maybe we could all get back to a semi-normal life."
The two women stopped talking about Xander as he walked towards them. He counted out over half of the money he had won and handed it to Kate." Dawn says the house's footing need rebuilding so could you see they get another 'Tax rebate' for me Kate?" Kate sighs. " Sure Xander... Look I maybe blond but why don't you just send them the money?"
"Because then she would know and I don't want that to happen." Faith holds up her hands in mock shock."
Oh heaven forbid that little miss perfect should ever catch wind that you've been her savior on more than one occasion!" Xander glares at his friend." Yeah! Heaven forbid!" Xander runs his hand through his hair." Okay enough of this.. How about I take my three favorite girls out to dinner tonight?" Carl grins. "Thanks pal but I have to tell you I ain't a girl!" Faith whispers to Kate." That's not what O'Malley told me on the phone." Carl shouts out to her."
Hey! I was undercover!" " What as Hugh Heffner's worst nightmare?" " Hey I don't have to be here you Know! I can head on back to the winy city at any freaking time I want!"
Xander smiles at him." That's not what your parole officer tells me." Carl looks indignant." I just had a misunderstanding with the bank manager over money."
"Yeah?" Carl starts to walk back to the car." Yep he had it and objected to my taking it from him." Kate shakes her head." You had a gun Carl."
"Of course I did! Don't you know how dangerous it is on the streets?" Faith joins Xander as the group climb into the car." So just you, me... Kate and Cordy eh? What are you scared to go out with just one of us?" Xander beats his chest in an impression of a cave man." No Xander frightened he might hurt just one female needs three to be safe." Kate laughs but Faiths look stops her. Faith grips Xander's arm." Look Xand you can joke about it as much as you like but I know she burns in your blood so why not give in and see her? You know you want to."
Xander shakes his head." Nah! Faith you know what will happen.
She'll be all ashamed at what we did to Anya, because I know I still am, and she'll feel she owes it to me to stay with me." He looks at her." And the last thing I want is Buffy being with me out of shame and pity."
Faith slaps his shoulder." Then tell her that and move on! God she's like an ex wife! Every time she needs money you find a way to get it to her with out her knowing it's from you. Buy a freaking ticket and move on Xander!"
Xander looks at Kate as she drives the car back to the unit HQ and says." Yeah maybe you're right Faith, about a lot of things. She is in my blood and I doubt she'll be out of it even after the day I die."
Buffy was sat in the kitchen of her house leafing through the days mail when Fred the contractor came walking up the stairs from the basement wiping his hands in a work cloth." Well its all fixed Miss Summers."
Buffy looked up from her mail and nodded to him." Thanks for the quick service Fred."
Fred shrugged." We all owe you more than we can ever repay Miss Summers."
"Please call me Buffy." She held out the check and Fred took it.
"I'm sorry I had to charge for the parts..."
"Thanks Fred, if it had been anyone else it would have cost a lot more. I'm just glad the IRS stuffed up again and had to send me a rebate."
Fred looked confused." A what? That's highly unusual, normally they send me a bill not a check." He picked up his tools. " Besides they don't send a rebate till after the financial year." He stopped for a minute and asked." Do you still have the letter?"
Buffy nodded and searched through the draw and handed it to him. He shook his head." This isn't from the IRS its a damned good facsimile though." He looked up at her and told her." Before she started working for me Anna worked for the IRS so if you like I can have her check into this."
Buffy saw a look of fear pass over Dawns face as she walked in on the conversation and Buffy said." No it'll be fine Fred. Thanks again for your help." Buffy showed him out then turned on her sister." Okay Dawn spill!"
Dawn shrugged." What do you mean Buffy?"
"The way you almost had a heart attack when Fred offered to check out the IRS rebate." Dawn blushed and Buffy smiled." Your like a litmus stick Dawn." Buffy stood closer to her." Now tell me the truth."
The briefing on the new 'criminal' that was loose on the streets of Los Angeles was going smoothly and Captain Edstrom was handing out the photo fit descriptions when he told them." Once again I cannot under score the danger this creature represents." He points to the image on the screen." She appears to able to change appearances between this female and the one you have in your hand." He turns back to the unit." Now unit 2 in Chicago had to deal with a similar case last year but this being drains the energy force completely leaving nothing but a desiccated corpse."
Xander thinks back to the first girl he ever had a date with and asks him." Are we sure it's the same creature and not a new species?"
"It could be a race we haven' t encountered before but it's method of killing is far too close to Nic's old case than the tech's are willing to ignore."
Kate leans in next to Xander." The Scooby senses beginning to twitch?"
Xander nods." The old gang had dealings with an entity calling itself Ampata and she used to drain her victims exactly like our unsub." He shivered and felt the pain in his chest again. " This one struck too close to home, it almost killed Willow and Giles and gave Buffy a run for her money before she put her back in her sarcophagus."
Kate looks at the photo." Maybe its her? Or another of her kind?"
Xander rubbed his chest then covered the movement with a stretch." Nah she was a one off and besides she couldn't shape shift."
The meeting finished and Faith caught up with her partners." So what's the 411 ? Do we trawl the bars and nightclubs of this fair city using Xander as bait?"
Xander shrugs." Why not you tried that method last night..." He pretends to remember." No wait you were actually looking for a date." Kate and Xander grin as Faith blushes but her snappy come back is cut short by man delivering a message to Xander." Your super just rang to let you know your sister's at your apartment."
Kate and Faith look at Xander." I thought you were an only child X-man?" Faith asks.
Xander narrows his eyes." I am! So either Mom and Dad never told me or.."
"You maybe lined up to be our killers next meal!" Faith tells him.
Xander's Apartment.
Faith and Kate are standing either side of the door, their department issued guns at the ready, as Xander slips the electronic key into the door. He pretends to have a stack of files in his hands as he struggles with the door." Dammit!" He leaves the door open and heads for the coffee table. Meanwhile his senses are straining to hear or see any sign of his intruder.
He lets out a sigh of relief as he sees Dawn come out of the kitchen." Jeez Dawnster give a guy a heart attack why don't you."
He turns bone white as Buffy follows her out." Oh I'm going to give you more than that Xander!"
Xander's mind freezes as the shock of seeing her for the first time in three years hits his system. "Bbbbuffy? What are you doing here?"
Buffy glares at him." I'm here to find out what the hells going on between you and my sister?"
Dawn blushes." She thinks your paying me for... services rendered shall we say." She sees the look of disbelief cross Xander's face as he turns to face Buffy." You think your sister is whoreing herself to pay for running repairs on Casa del Summers?" Xander laughs and jumps when the other two walk in behind him. He clenches his hands." Jeez would you guy's knock or something!"
Buffy's mind is a whirlpool of mixed emotions as she sees Faith and another woman walk in behind Xander trying to hide their weapons." What the hell's going on here Xander..? Hey Faith long time."
Xander shakes his head." No, no, no! First you tell me what kind of a girl do you think your sister is? Is she a whore or a pimp?" Xander took Dawn's hand in his." Because all I see is a little sister that worried so much about you that she got Tara to find me when your debts started to mount again."
Dawn's mouth goes wide as she sees the look on Buffy's face." You're jealous? You thought Xander and I... Eew he's like my brother!"
"Well the money was coming in and I thought... Wrong. I should have known you Xander. I should have known you would be there for me when I needed a friend."
Xander grins and runs a hand through his hair." It was the least I could have done for all the times you saved my ass and I felt bad about the way we left things." He wrinkles his nose then tells them." I'm kinda rank at the moment. Busy day at the office, so I'll just take a shower while you four get acquainted."
Dawn tells him." I'll make coffee, do you have any cake?"
Xander's on his way to the bathroom as he hears Faith tell her." Does the Xandman have munchies? Hah! You might as well ask does Citibank have money!"
The four women are sitting around the coffee table catching up on old times and re introducing themselves when Buffy steers the subject around to Xander." So is he happy?" She looks at the apartment and the things inside it." I suppose some lucky girl has snared the Xandman by now?"
Kate shrugs." Not yet but then he does suffer from a severe case of male's disease... Lack of commitment."
Faith laughs." From what Willow told me he maybe ground zero for the male species where that disease is involved."
Meanwhile Xander is in the shower and can't help but feel relieved that he and Buffy had begun to clear the air between them. However his grin turned to a grimace when he felt an ice-cold stab in his chest. He struggled to get a breath and fell to his knees in pain as his body shook in agony. He coughed and couldn't seem to stop until he saw dots before his eyes. The pain began to subside but his head still ached as he stepped from the shower, dried himself, and made his way to the cabinet. He searched for the migraine strength Tylenol and downed three with a glass of water.
The face that looked back at him in the mirror looked pale and the skin drawn against his frame." Goddamn flu! I thought I was over that!" He took the hand towel and dabbed his mouth before he began to dress himself. He then walked out into the kitchen and watched the four women in his life as they talked. He watched Buffy and he felt the old twinge in his soul begin to spark up once more.
Faith said something and Buffy's smile stoked the fires of Xander's heart." Hey Xand, when are you coming back?" Dawn asked as she stood by his side. For the first time he noticed how much she looked like her sister and grieved for the boys hearts she would break." I didn't think I'd be welcomed back till today....." His beeper stopped any further talk as he reached for his cell phone and dialed in.
Dawn motioned to the bathroom and said." One too many cokes." Xander nodded then told Kate." We got to book girlfriend." He looked at Buffy." My Cassa sue Cassa, Buffy stay as long as you like Dawn knows where the spare room is and I'll make the couch up for me when I get back." He leaned in, wishing he had the strength to kiss her lips but only pecked her cheek." I really want this to continue Buff."
Faith checked her beeper but there were no messages." Looks like we get to catch up B." She looked at Xander." If you need me call 'kay?"
Xander nods." Probably just some paper work I forgot to fill out. You know what he's like for regulations." He looked at Buffy and she could see the old Xander back behind those dark brown eyes." I really have to thank Dawnster for bringing you Buffy." He and Kate make their way out and Buffy watches them then turns to Faith." So what is it you three do anyway?"
Before she can answer Dawn walks out of the bathroom holding the white hand towel now stained red." Who the hell did this?"
Xander was leaning on the bar as a beautiful redhead made her way towards him, he calmly brought his drink to his mouth and whispered." We may have a winner stand by." Kate and the backup crew nod and watch as the potential target made her way to Xander. She brushed her hair back and let out a breath as she waited for the barman to serve her.
"The service really sucks here doesn't it?" The redhead smiles and nods then casts an eye over Xander." Yeah it's not the best is it? Perhaps you know a better place?"
Xander could feel the vibes emanating from her and they were not good ones." I may know of a place that has a nice atmosphere and the service is fast and clean."
Red grinned and held out her hand." The names Monica and I'd love to see this place of yours." Xander motioned for her to follow and she licked her lips as she walked behind him, she looked around and winked before they left the club. Xander pressed the remote and his car unlocked while he opened the passenger door for her.
Xander slid in next to her and drove off, she ran a hand over his thigh while she whispered in his ear." We've searched a long time for you Alexander." Xander turned to look at her before she turned violent and gripped his throat." For eight long years the Amanita have searched for the killer of our sister and now your soul is ours!"
In the pursuit car Kate shouted into her mike." All cars close in! It appears our bait was the target all along."
The demon glanced behind her and licked her lips once more." With your death our sister Vashliniaka's spirit will rest." She shook him." You tricked her then led her to her death and for this I will enjoy draining your life essence!"
Xander rubbed his throat and asked her." What the hell are you talking about? I don't know any Vaslineaka.. Vampirella... What ever."
"If you do not remember Princess. Ahh what did she call herself.. Ampata. I see by the shocked look on your face you do. It is well a man should know the reason for his death."
Kate scanned the road in front of them." Where the hell did they go? " She hit the back seat as they zoomed past an alley." Wait back up!"
Xander winced as the demon hit his chest." Pull over now!" Xander complied and as he does he palms his back up gun from the side of the seat and brings it to bare on her but she grips his hand so hard he feels the knuckles pop." Silly boy! Now I will cause you pain before you die!"
She pounded her fist against his chest and Xander felt the ribs cave in under the assault. She brushed he feeble arms away from her and held his face tightly in her hands." And now you kiss your world goodbye!"
Before she could drain him though the car rocked as the rounds from Kate's gun struck the demon and she exploded in a shower of flesh and bone.
They helped Xander from the car and he winced as Kate checked him over." Jeez you guys took your sweet time! What did you do stop for donuts?"
Kate glares at him." Why you're welcome Xander anytime!"
Xander turned red and looked meekly at her." Sorry the pain got the better of me. Thanks guys, thanks Kate."
Kate smiles at him then asks." So what was all that about?"
Xander held his arms up as Kate bandaged up his ribs." Remember I told you about the demon Ampata we dealt with in school? Well that was her sister." Xander shrugs." I have this habit of pissing girls off, what can I say ? I'm a work in progress."
Kate looked into his eyes and paused her work." I thought I.. We had lost you for good that time Xander."
Xander winced as she finished dressing him." Never fear Kate, I plan to be around for a long time."
XANDER'S APARTMENT.
Xander and Kate entered the apartment at 3am and expected everyone to be asleep, so he was surprised to find Buffy and Faith waiting up for him." Hey guys what's up or are you two bonding again?"
Buffy holds up a towel smeared with blood." Something you want to tell us Xander?"
Xander is wondering what he should say when the lights flicker then go out." Lousy LA blackouts! When are they going to. .Xander?" The emergency lights have clicked on and they see Xander standing there with his gun drawn.
Faith thinks he's flipped." Okay hormone boy don't tell us."
He scans the room as he tells Kate." WE'VE been searching eight years! We ! Kate I knew there was more than 1!" Kate takes out her gun and Faith stands next to Buffy." Go get Dawn. We're getting the hell out!"
Before they can all hell breaks loose as several women smash into the room and start to fight their way towards Xander." You must die !" The leader points to Xander and tells the others." He is the one we want! Give him to us and you may live!"
Kate shoots her and yells to Xander." Get out of here! We'll cover you."
Xander runs for the door and almost tares it off its hinges." I'm to young to die!" Then runs out into the hallway to the sounds of the others fighting. He backs up to the elevators and cricks his neck." Oh girls I'm waiting! What's the matter my soul to lumpy for ya ?"
He grins as he sees his plan work and a new target runs out of his rooms." Say cheese mother..." He fires ending her demon life as others rush out and head for him.
Buffy runs into Dawn's room and grabs her hand." Time to go kiddo!" She enters the lounge and is stunned to see the demons no longer there and the two women heading for the door. Kate tells her." Xander's drawing them away not running away damn him!"
Xander has dealt with all but three as he hears his gun cycle dry. He drops it and takes out his back up gun." Come get some!" He grins insanely." I always wanted to say that!" Then began to fire as he was swamped by them. He felt one pummel his already sprained ribs and felt them give under the impact.
Xander felt her lips descend upon his and then suddenly all the pain in his body slowly ebbed away and his vision narrowed to a tunnel and at the end of that tunnel stood a figure bathed in light. He fought against the demon and tried to break contact with her but his strength was quickly fading until all he could see was the figure as it walked towards him." Xander... Xander don't you want me? Don't you love me anymore?" Xander's mind knew who it was and he shouted." Yes I still love you ! I never stopped loving you."
Buffy lent close to him and stroked his face." Then fight to live my love !"
Xander felt a surge of power sweep over him and he, somehow, managed to push the demon away from him. She looked confused." That's impossible!" She shook her head and smiled. " Never mind we'll try again shall we
Xander felt the power leave him and he felt the pain in his chest again as he saw her descend on him. His mind registered that he was going to die and his only regret was that he never got to tell Buffy he loved her. He felt the demon's weight snatched off him and he sees Buffy in all her majestic glory as she deals with another demon. He grins as he see her drop the now dead demon." God I love you!"
Buffy turns at this and grins." yeah but you say that about Twinkies too!" Her smile stops as she sees him shudder." Xander?"
He's fighting for breath as they converge on him." I can't... Breath!" His arms are lashing out as hsi body fights for air then he just stops all movement.
Buffy and Dawn are sat with Faith and Kate as they wait for word about Xander. Dawn looks at her sister and tells her. "You know Tara had Xander figured out? We were discussing men. " Buffy looked at her strangely." Yeah I know having a conversation with those two about men is like talking to cows about hamburger but they were all I had."
She shrugs and continues." Any way Willow was all ' Men can't commit just look at Xander!' when Tara states matter of factly. . " He can commit! He's been committed to the same girl for over eight years now.' Willow looks at her and asks.' Who? Who has he ever committed too?"
Dawn pauses and Buffy asks." And she said?"
A light suddenly clicks and Kate tells her." You Buffy. He's been committed to you."
"No way! He had Cordy then Willow and finally Anya!" Buffy argues.
Faith shakes her head." They were just warm bodies that comforted him till you came around B. Hell the kid has more love in him than anything I've ever seen before."
Dawn can see Buffy's eyes begin to mist over." It all depends on whether you have any feelings for him Buff!" Dawn grins at her." And now you put that vision of me and Xander in my head he doesn't seem all that brotherly to me anymore." She sees her sisters head snap up to look at her." Over my dead body Dawn!"
"Dead, alive if you don't want him there are others waiting in line that do."
Buffy looks at the others and hesitates." Give me time. After all that's happened I need to take things slower."
Faith touches Buffy's arm as she sees the Doctor walking towards them." Buff."
The doctor asks." Officer Kate Longley?" Kate stands up and nods." We can't seem to locate Mr. Harris's parents..."
Buffy feels the blood drain from her face." Why... Why do you need to speak to them? He didn't seem that badly injured."
The doctor hesitates. Kate tells him." Miss Summers is Alexander's girlfriend you can tell her what you'd tell them."
"You're right he suffered several broken ribs and some mild abrasions and bruising but further tests revealed... I'm sorry there's just no pleasant way to tell you this Miss Summers. Alexander has inoperable intrusive lung cancer."
Buffy's ears refused to hear more as her mind closed down on this world as it crumbled around her 'Rock'. She did hear Dawn cry out." No! We can give him a lung transfusion! He can have one of mine or or We can give him Spike's he doesn't use them!"
"How long?" Buffy whispers." Are we talking years. .Months?"
She sees the doctor look away from her and he says." With hospital care he might have three months."
Buffy collapses into the chair and her mind is grasping at straws as she reaches for her cell phone." I'll call Willow... I'll call Willow and she can fix him! She's used her magic against us, now she can use it for him!"
Dawn places her hand over Buffy's." She can't anymore Buffy remember she no longer has her powers."
Buffy snaps at her." Then she can get them back!" She glared at Dawn." She used them for evil when she joined Jonathan and the others against us, now she can get them back and do good for a change!"
A nurse comes out of Xander's room." He's awake and calling for a Buffy?" Buffy jumps up and runs to the room all thought of Willow swept from her mind. Dawn tells them." God we have to tell Willow! This is going to hit her hard!"
SUMMER'S RESIDENCE.
Willow is playing the new Fat boy Slim album as she dusts the lounge when Tara hugs her from behind." What's got you in such a happy mood Wendy?"
Willow leant back into her lovers arms and sighed." I really think once Buffy and Xander have sorted things out he will be coming home."
"You really missed him all this time haven't you?" Willow pats her cheek and Tara continues." I mean what's not to miss? From the way Dawn has been going on about him I think our little girl may have more than just a crush on the Xandman."
Willow sighs." Ahh I remember it well. I had one on him for over eight long and lonely years." She looks worried." When you told Dawn that Xander was committed to Buffy... Do you think he'll ever get over her?"
Tara ran her hand through Willows hair." I think that if he hasn't by now he never will. But hey look on the bright side all that moping around Buffy's done since he left will come to an end when he comes back."
Willow turns around in Tara's arms." You don't suppose she..." Then she thinks. " Nah... Buffy's had a long time to fall for him so she wouldn't start now. Besides I think she sees him more as a brother than a lover."
Tara grins." You never know what the PTB's have in store Willow. I mean who would have thought we would be together after all that nonsense with the Three Dumbass Bad boys?"
The pair are about to kiss when the phone rings. Willow sighs." I'm going to have to remember to take that thing off the hook!"
Willow picks it up." Summer's residence.. Oh hi Dawn!" Willow waives Tara over." So spill girlfriend what's the 411?"
Suddenly Willow was worried." Yeah Tara's here with me why..." Tara saw her turn white and drop the phone." No... No... NO!"
Tara picks it up and hears Dawn saying in a shaky voice." Willow are you still there?"
"She's almost having a fit Dawn what did you tell her?"
"It's Xander..."
The Captain is pacing his office as he talks to his superiors." So they want to talk do they? Not about our surrender again I hope!"
"No Cap they wish to form an alliance with us. One that we think will be mutually beneficial."
"So after three hundred years of undeclared war we're just going to shake hands and make nice? I don't think so sir!"
"So what would rather we do Parker? Fight to the death ? Because we can't Cap, we'd loose and our future ends with this generation!" The man is clearly not pleased with the choice either." Suck it in Captain! We have to meet their Envoy on the next full moon and they have a specific group to meet them. Harris, Longley and some girl called Buffy Anne Summers from some hick town named Sunnydale."
Cap scratches his chin." Harris and Longley I can understand they've fought them tooth and nail ever since they were teamed up but this Buffy... Who on God's green earth names their kid Buffy?"
"Same kind that calls 'em Moonbeam and Willow I suppose." The man told Parker." But I suggest you ask Faith it seems she knows. "
Xander's ROOM.
Xander struggled through the painkillers in his system to try and tell Buffy what he had wanted to say from the beginning." I...Loveeee... Bufffffeeee." His head fell to one side and grinned at her." Wow!" He moved his hand in front of his face and swore he could see vapor trails as he waived it. " Man we got to get some of this stuff for the first aid kit!"
Buffy smiled and tucked a loose strand of his hair back behind his ear." You seem better."
Xander tried to sit up." Yeah but it feels like I'm wading through a pool of molasses! And my mouth feels like the bottom of a bird's cage!" He smacked his lips together and took a sip of the drink Buffy held for him all the while thinking it was the drugs making him go wacky." I do you know... Love you that is."
Buffy blushed but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't tell him the same." You're all hopped up on painkillers Xand we had better talk later."
Xander gripped her hand." I'm assuming the good doctor told you the same thing he did me so I'll cut to the chase." He coughed and drained the glass before continuing." Way back when we first met the Praying Mantis Lady gave me some wicked hooch and it seems that drugs weaken my barriers enough for me to tell the truth." He gripped her hands in his." I know you still think the same way but my feelings have never changed.... I love Buffy. I'll spend the rest of eternity knowing that and it will give me comfort in the time ahead."
Buffy cursed herself and all the men that loved her then left her causing her skin to harden to the thought of ever loving again." Dawn has worked it all out we'll take shifts staying with you here I..."
"No.... I've already told them I won't be staying here... Or in any other hospital for that matter."
Buffy shook her head." No Xander don't! You don't know the future, they could find a cure in three months and we wouldn't lose you like I did Mom!"
"I'm staying overnight then moving into an apartment. A nurse will call around every day to check on me so you needn't bother." He looks at her." Buff, you have a sister just starting out in college and you're almost finished. " He sees the look on her face." What the hell do you think Dawn and I talk about?"
Buffy makes her mind up." Well she'll have something else to talk about now because you're coming home with me Mr. Harris." She glared at him." And if you don't remember let me refresh your memory." She moved in close." We don't let friends suffer alone. Something we seem to have forgotten in your case. So you had better believe me we WILL make up for lost time."
Kate hesitated before interrupting the old friends." Um sorry Xander but Cap phoned and he wants to be kept up to date." She tried to think of a way to tell him." He also wants to meet the three of us in his office tomorrow."
Xander was suddenly all business." What's the sitch?"
She shuts the door and tells him." The underworld has set up a meet with the intention of ending the forever war and he wants the three of us to escort him in."
Xander sinks back into his bed then sees the look of confusion on her face." There's a few things the Watchers never told Giles or you Buff." Xander sighs." In the beginning there were demons and the earth was theirs to do with as they liked until one day the gods decided to separate them from their new playthings... Man. The demons were banished to another realm and ordered never to return and as the Council has said the last demon to leave mixed his blood with that of a human creating what we call Vampires. For centuries after, the Demons tested the Gods resolve until three hundred years ago an opening was forced on a small Island in North America called Roanoke." Xander sighed." It was the first settlement of the British in the new world, over four hundred people, soldiers, sailors, families, and children. All dead the moment the bridge was opened, their souls sucked into hell as their bones were sucked dry of its very marrow."
Kate took over as she saw Xander grimace in pain." It was their first taste of the life force known as man, and they liked it! For three hundred years we have fought them some battles we won and some we lost but they never managed to get a foothold on this plain till recently." She looked sadly at Xander." ElCapsioum in Central America, population five thousand and as of noon yesterday fast food central for the first ones."
Buffy looks at Xander." And now they want to talk peace? Something doesn't fly right here."
Xander nods." You get a foot in the door then bargain for the house!" He looks at Buffy." But then again suppose their as sick of this as we are? Can you imagine a world where being killed by some monster only happens in a book or some lame assed TV show?"
Buffy shrugs." Stake and move on Xander... Giles life lessons 101. Why would they give it up? It would be like you suddenly giving up Twinkies."
Xander laughs." Oh Buffy! Been there done that already." He shrugs." I stopped the first time I had to pay for a visit to the dentist and that was the same look Dawn gave me when she came to visit last year."
"Just how long has Dawn been visiting you and what the hell kind of police unit are you in anyway?" Buffy looks from Xander to Kate and back again.
Xander defers to Kate." Well it's like this..."
Buffy was looking out the open doorway of the whisper quiet Helicopter as it sped its way to the pick up point. She sensed someone watching her and turned in time to see Kate looking away from her. She watched Kate for a while and observed how she kept glancing at Xander as he sat beside the Pilot and talked. Several times during the day she was sure Kate was going to ask her something before she moved onto another subject. Buffy thought it was time she found out just what was getting the blond cop so antsy.
She dropped the mike down and asked." So, Kate just what do you and the boy wonder do on your days off?" * And how will his moving to Sunnydale affect you?* She thought.
Kate looked at the back of Xander's head and shrugged." Mostly we train or catch up on research."
"That must get... Cozy?" She sees her arrow strike true so she pushes her point." What I mean is are you two a couple?"
Kate shakes her head and smiles." Faith said you'd be all protective of 'your Xander'. No Buffy we are not a couple. Sure we had sex before." She sees Buffy blush. " I mean sex Buffy, not love but just sex, a way to blow off steam and comfort each other." Kate returned to watching Xander." He deserves better... Better than me and much better than you!" She turned to glare at Buffy." Before we left I had a talk with a friend of yours, Cordelia Chase in fact, she told me that if you had just Xander alone they would still be together. You blew hot and cold, pushing him away then dragging him back."
Buffy thought about all those times she almost drowned in those chocolate brown eyes of his and how many times she had to fight her feelings. After all she was the Slayer! How could she risk the life of a mere mortal just for the sake of love? " Yes I did do those things Cordy accuses me of, but I was just a hormonally driven teenager. I loved a freaking Vampire for gosh sake! Dawn told me I chose Angel because I knew he could survive almost anything, but I kept Xander on a hook because I wanted him as well."
Kate smiled and told her." You know the way things were going I always thought the kid would end up with him, but now...It all seems so mute."
Buffy tensed her lips and felt her heart stumble." Yes and now we need to give him all the love we should have done before, while there's still time."
"Don't push an empty barrow Buffy."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"It means he'll know if you're 'feeling's ' are real or whether you're doing this out of pity."
"Pity? I only pity the one that tries to come between us!"
Kate leans in close to her as the copter begins its descent." And I pity the one that breaks his heart because I will rip hers out!"
Buffy tries to stare Kate down then shrugs." So long as we understand each other everything should be fine."
The aircraft lands and Xander hops out of the helicopter and checks the area before waiving the others out." Why pick a place so far out they have to truck in sunlight!"
Kate grins as she shrugs into her jacket." I guess it makes the great one feel more comfortable if the pesky humans are few and far between."
Buffy walks towards the designated arrival point." Just so long as the bad boys are left at home."
Xander clips his gun into position and covers it with his jacket." Nope just his Creakiness and a bodyguard."
Buffy turns to look at Xander." I sense a stirring in your force young Jedi. Care to tell me why the note of tension in your voice?"
Xander shakes his head." God could you get anymore Giles like?" Xander flipped open his communicator and said." Okay Cap we're here tell them to haul ass if I call again." He went on talking to Cap as Kate whispered to her." The being we're about to meet and Xander had a little argument a while back. It seems he wanted Xand to pay a visit to his realm so they could see what made the Xandman tick. To cut a long story short Xander spent a week convincing the department shrink he was fit for duty." She sees the confused look on her face." Drall drugged Xander and ran some whacked out exam on him before we trashed Frankenfido's lab and freed him."
"No wonder Xander's so twitchy about this meet, but why did he pick Xander?"
"His reputation. Young Mr. Harris has a natural talent for sniffing out uglies and hammering them back to their world." Kate sighed." It's been a while since you last saw Xander. Maybe you should talk to Dawn, she knows everything about him, in fact if it wasn't for her staying with him last summer I think we would have lost him."
Buffy shook her head." I really should have a long talk with my sister, she told me she was in L.A. visiting Dad!"
Kate nodded." Yes you should. I take it Dawn's told you she's carrying Xander's child?"
Buffy turns white and starts to sputter as Kate walks off towards Xander. She stops waits a beat then turns to look at Buffy and wags her finger at her." Psych! Man you should see your face.. Faith was right, easy thy name is Buffy."
Xander walks up to the two women and wonders why Kate is laughing while Buffy is gnashing her teeth.* If I live for a hundred years I'll never understand women!* Xander shakes his head then looks at the blue swirling lights as the gate forms." Heads up guys! Its Showtime!"
Buffy watches as the gate solidifies and a large being strides forward and scans the area before turning and dropping to one knee." The way is clear Master Drall."
She watched as the thing that had Xander reaching for his gun came stalking down the gateway. It held out his arms and greeted them." I am pleased to be once more amongst you my friends. Now we can begin the process that will ensure the survival of our races." Drall bowed in front of Kate and Buffy then held a hand out to Xander, who hesitated before taking it." Ah Alexxxander so good to see you up and around once more."
Kate moved towards Drall and the bodyguard moved to intervene but Drall held up a hand. " Please ! We are all friends here are we not? What was done in the past remains in the past? I am sure the Imerrstood would like nothing more than to feast on your bones Miss Longley but as you see he is not."
Xander indicates with his head that Kate should back off." And I'm sure you must realize we can't just shut off the fact that for the last three hundred years we have been trying to eliminate each other's race?"
The Imerrstood growls at him." We never wanted to eliminate your race Hu-Man! Why would we kill our cattle?" He grinned, showing his needle pointed teeth. Before an argument ensued they all jerked as the helicopter exploded into a mass of fire and twisted metal. Xander dropped to his knee and pulled out his gun as he searched the area for the culprit, he then pulled out his radio." Fox in the henhouse! We got trouble Cap..." The squeal of static meant some one, or thing, was jamming the signal." We're on our own people!"
Kate was trying to search for the pilot but gave up as the flames beat her back." He's gone, nothing could survive that!"
Buffy saw a grin on the guards face and was starting to walk towards him when he suddenly pulled out a wicked knife and shouted." Death to all traitors!" Then flung the knife at his charge.
The knife flew straight and true towards Drall but Buffy shouted a warning and before it hit Xander hand flashed out to catch it. Buffy started to kick seven shades of hell out of the guard. As she had it on his knees Kate walked up and placed the barrel of her gun against the beasts head." Who sent you and are there any more?"
The beast began to shake." Enough to see his head on the wall of traitors in the great hall, meat bag!" He began an insane laugh then exploded into a shower of green slime. Kate holsters her gun as she and Buffy try to wipe the mess off of themselves." I suggest we book!" Buffy tells the others.
Drall calmly tells them." That may have to wait for a while... It appears something has slowed down Mr. Harris's reflexes."
The two women look over to Xander to see him clutching his hand and biting back the pain. Buffy looks at his hand and, at first her mind doesn't register the large knife imbedded there until Xander tells her." I think I need a little help guys."
Drall had Xander's hand braced in his claws as Kate examined the injury." I need to place a donut bandage on either side Xand. Then we have to get you to a hospital." She saw the look on Drall's face then Xander shook his head as Buffy came into the disaster site.
"No Kate it has to come out now!" Xander told her.
Buffy winced at the dagger as it stood upright through Xander's hand." We need to get out of here and soon."
Now it was Kate's turn to shake her head." Protocols maintain that we should stay by the crash site and wait for rescue."
Xander glared at Drall as he felt the demons forked tongue lap at the wound." HEY! NO Snacks!" He turned back to Kate." She's right we need to get away from here as fast as we can."
Kate had finished her examination and she gripped the handle of the dagger and yanked it out in a clean quick motion. She spoke over Xander's swearing. " So she's back in your life for five minutes and you're already in 'Zeppo' mode."
Xander fought to control the pain as he grabbed the dagger from her." Wrong on three points Kate." He examined the knife closely then told her." One: When it comes to demons Buffy's the Mark Maguire of the demon world. Two: This is standard Government Issue." He held up the knife." So I assume we were going to carry the can for Drall's murder." He let out a sigh of pain as Kate tightened the bandage around his hand.
Buffy was intrigued." And the third?"
Xander pointed at the remains of the bodyguard with the point of the knife." Jim Bowie over there came through the gate at the same time as Drall right?" Buffy, Drall and Kate nod their heads as Xander then pointed to the still burning Helicopter." So who planted the bomb on the 'Copter?"
Kate finished up and packed the first aid kit back into her jacket." Good enough for me." She took out her pistol and Xander moved his hip so Buffy could take his out she held the gun, briefly, before placing it in his left hand." Are you sure you can handle it?"
Xander nods." Buff one of the first things you learn in this job is if you depend on one hand you're dead meat." Kate injects an ampoule of painkiller in his arm then tells them. " Let's get to a higher area so we can watch our back trail and set up the Sat-phone."
Xander is taking up the rear while Kate is on point. That left Buffy alone with Drall as they marched away from the meeting place. They walked for a couple of kilometers before Drall asked her." You want, no need, to ask me so ask Slayer."
Buffy glanced out of the corner of her eyes then cursed under her breath." Okay so why? Why the torture deals with Xander? You had him why didn't you just kill him?"
"So full of questions, could it be you care for the White Knight?" Drall smiles as he sees her jolted by the name." Why the surprise ? You knew that was Mr. Harris's nickname. Kate's old partner Graham gave it to him when he saved Kate's life before he even joined the Force." He snuffled a low chuckle." As to your questions... Let me tell you a tale about a grand experiment long, long ago when I was a mere stripling."
Buffy was suddenly all ears as they plodded along the trail Kate was blazing for them." One of our greatest wizards discovered that we, the first ones, could not return to this plain and live longer than ten years. The then rulers were mad as heck, what was the point of conquering a world if you couldn't live there? So a plan was formulated if we couldn't rule then we would create a race to rule in our proxy. A life form that was a genetic blend of our power, and what you'd call our evil essence, and the beings that covered the face of OUR world like a plague."
Drall took a canteen from the pack Xander had given him and drank from it. He wiped his mouth." I could be disemboweled for telling you this but I figure one whose power is based in evil like ours has little to brighten her life. We had help from a group of human's that were attempting to jump the genetic barrier and create the next step in human evolution." He grinned." However we were unprepared for the level of man's desire to live. They found out just what their 'backers' plans were for both them and their creations. We were going to feed all of them to our young hybrid siblings. But they managed to disperse their 'project' into mainstream society."
Buffy shakes her head." And you think Xander is one of your wunderkind! Boy do you have that wrong." She turned to face him." Xander is more human than any man I have ever met."
"Oh don't get me wrong Miss Summers he is human, well as human as they could make him. He is the last of our Grand Experiment and a total failure." Drall looked back at Xander as he swept their back trail." The others were all terminated due to malfunctions in their core design. It never dawned on us to search for him at the heart of our only remaining major access to your world, what you call the Hellmouth."
Buffy was beginning to lose her temper." You're so full of it Drall you need to wipe your mouth." She got in his face." Xander is Human. You get it ? He's normal; if he was anything else we would have sensed it by now... I would have sensed it by now."
Drall's grin grew wider showing his needle like teeth." Like you sensed Kendra or Faith were Slayers? Give it 24 hours and then check his wound, I think you will be very surprised!"
Kate had stopped and they almost walked over her as she set up the Satellite phone." Just shut up... Shut the hell up!" Buffy stormed off.
Xander went up to Drall and tapped the demons chest with the barrel of his gun." Don't annoy the Slayer! She has a tendency to be very volatile around your kind."
Drall let out a breath through his nose." You mean OUR kind Alexander." Drall let his tongue flick out then squealed when Xander pinned it under the gun." You harm her and Envoy or not they wont find enough of you to fit in a matchbox!"
Xander released the pressure from his gun and Drall's tongue slid back into his mouth." Our reports were right. When push comes to shove you are as evil as we are!"
Xander didn't know what had come over him but at times like this nothing stood between him and seeing his friends safe." Even if you don't admit it to yourself Alexander you and I are cut from the same bolt!"
Xander grabbed his crotch." Bolt this!"
He turned to find Buffy standing behind him." Is this some kind of diplomatic show and tell time?" She saw Xander blush before telling them." Kate got through to Cap and he's sending Faith in a rescue chopper to pick us up. It should be here in fifteen." She rested a hand on Xander's shoulder and he smiled then went over to Kate leaving Buffy staring at Drall." Leave him alone Drall or what he'd do to you pales before my punishment."
Buffy begins to move away until Drall tells her." Have you told him you love him?" He holds his hand up before she can reply." Don't get me wrong I'm all for mixed marriages in fact I'd be interested to see the offspring."
Buffy curses him under her breath and heads back towards Kate but as she does she fails to see the expression on Xander's face as he checks his bandage." No freaking way!"
Buffy saw Xander struggling with his bandage and asked." Do you need a hand Xander?"
Xander jumped at her voice and turned his wound from her as he hurried to re-wrap his hand." Nope I can manage thanks. Everything's fine and dandy."
Buffy placed her hand on his shoulder and gently stroked him." You shouldn't let Drall get under your skin. It's what they do, first they get you unstable then they pounce on you."
Xander inhaled her perfume and his soul felt balanced once more." I'm fine Buff." He grinned." See I'm smiling and everything." She lent in to say something and the feel of her body close to his sent him wild with desire. He held her in a hug and sniffed her hair taking in the scent of apricots that he remembered was her favorite shampoo. He nuzzled her neck and she all but growled her voice mirroring her bodies passion." Oh Xand."
Then a cruel voice surfaced on the back of his mind reminding him of the cancer that was eating at his body." We had better stop Buff. We need to get ready for the rescue." She broke away, reluctantly, from his arms a hurt expression across her face as he walked to the clearing.
Buffy shook her head." What the hell do I have to do?"
Kate tells her." You love him.. Right? Then for the love of God tell him before it's too late!"
Buffy sighs." Every time I go to tell him he brakes away and finds some excuse to be some where else!"
"Leave it to me Buffy." Kate gripped her arm in support then went over to her partner." Hey pal what's the 411?"
"You mean besides some one, or thing, trying to kill us in the hope it ends the piece or do you mean the way Drall's been egging me on?"
"No I mean why are you suddenly pushing the one thing in this world you've always wanted away like she's got the plague?"
Xander turns to her and taps his chest." News flash princess, only three months left remember?"
"So? Make the most of it while you can. She wants to so why not let her?"
Xander watches Buffy as the sunsets and it's dying rays light her up like a heavenly angel." God there's nothing more that I would want !" He sees her 'So do it' look and he shakes his head." But I wont, Kate because it wouldn't be fare on her. She's had two men walk out on her and hanging around a man that's wasting away would probably destroy her."
"It's her choice Xand she's a big girl now. So if you don't want her why didn't you stay in hospital where they could help?"
"Help what For Christ's sake? Help experiment on me to try and find that needle in a haystack. Screw that! When the end's near I plan on taking a short trip to the hills and..."
"End it like a coward? I can't see Xander Harris wonder boy doing that!"
"No it would be Xander Harris Cancer Man doing it."
Kate looked angrily at him." Remember when Tom died and I wanted to end it all? Remember the words you told me? Dying is easy, it's living that's hard. Live so that what he was doesn't die with him' The same applies here sport! She loves you only she's too scared to tell you and you love her but you're worried what will happen after you're gone." She shakes him." She's the Slayer! She'll pick up the pieces and move on. Sure it'll take a long time, your not easy to forget, but she has friends so she'll get by. What she wont survive is losing you before she's been given a chance to love you."
Suddenly Drall lifted his head and sniffed the air, then jumped to his feet as he moved around trying to judge where the scent was coming from." Hell Hounds! Lots of them heading this way!"
For a brief second Xander thought he smelled something as well, he even thought he could hear the thoughts of the beasts but he shook his head and snorted." Damn Drall's starting to get to me!"
Buffy came running up to the three." From the north a pack I think! They'll be here soon."
Kate pulled out her gun and Xander gave up any pretense he had about his hand as he pulled his. Buffy saw Drall smile as the demon saw Xander using his badly damaged hand as if it were just a scratch. Kate shouted out." Chopper's over head let's book!"
Faith's voice was heard over the com unit." Some one call for a cab?"
Xander keyed the mike." Drop your winch I don't think you have enough room to land, and hurry we've got company!"
Drall went first then after a brief argument Kate and then Buffy, leaving Xander to bring up the rear. Before she was taken up Buffy kissed Xander with all her heart." I love you! So if you don't get your ass into that thing I'm going to have to kill you!" Before he could reply she was winched up into the safety of the aircraft. Buffy hurriedly shucked out of the belt and it was lowered for Xander. He pulled it on and gave the signal to lift off but as it started up a hellhound came barreling from the trees and bit into the belt. Xander struggled to release the beast but couldn't and as the chopper wavered into the air he knew the load was too much for the small craft.
Xander was only five feet from the cabin of the craft when he felt the Helicopter lurch and shudder. Faith yelled out." Were going in! It's to heavy I can't control it!"
He pulled out his knife and tried to kill the beast before it was too late. He felt the knife slide home and the Hellhound stopped it struggles but unfortunately its jaws had locked onto the safety harness and refused to let go. Buffy was hooked up to the door harness and she slumped in defeat as she saw the useless struggle. She reached for Xander's hand so they would at least have some contact when it ended.
She regretted leaving her sister and friends once more but content that she would be with Xander. She had to tell him the news. "We're...We're not going to make it Xander."
Xander briefly struggled with the knowledge of what he had to do then let out a yell." No, YOU will!"
He brought the knife up and placed the wire cutter to the wire." I'll never forget you!"
Buffy's soul cried out as the chopper shot up into the sky and Faith yipped out her surprise." Yeha! We did it again girlfriend!" She turned and saw Kate fighting to stop Buffy from releasing the catch and jumping from the helicopter. At first she thought Buffy had gone mad but then the flapping of the empty cable told her the bad news." Oh God NO!" She hurriedly banked the aircraft to see if he had survived the fall but the sight that greeted her made her choke down the rising bile.
The pack were tearing into something crumpled at the base of a pine tree. Her eyes went wide when she saw it try to stand up only to be pulled back down into the snapping maws of hell on earth. She touched her cheek and realized she was crying for the first time since her watcher had been killed all those years ago." See ya later Boy Toy..." She turned her craft away from the gruesome scene and headed off back to the rendezvous site.
She thumbed her mike." Rescue One to base rescue successful. Please be advised we have one KIA. Officer Harris... Xander is dead!"
Buffy sat in a chair wrapped in a thermal blanket, her hands cupped around a now chilled cup of coffee, as Kate was being debriefed." And that's when Xan... Officer Harris must have found someway to release the belt." She shifted her gaze up to look into Cap's eyes as her own began to mist over." He.. He sacrificed his life so we would live."
Cap searched for the words that might help her through this time but all he could think of was." That is.. Was the way he was Kate. I like to think he would have preferred to go out this way rather than a long lingering death."
A thought hit her and she all but jumped in her chair." Hey! We didn't actually see the Hellhounds kill him! Maybe.." She stopped and her heart fell when she saw him shake his head.
"The second team found his remains next to two dead Hellhounds. They've taken it to pathology for a post mortem but the report says...Well you don't want to know."
"Tell me... Then show me or I'll never believe he's dead." Buffy's soft voice made the pair jump.
"That's not the proper procedure Miss Summers." Cap was forced back against the wall by this mere slip of a girl as she growled at him." You show me his body or they'll be putting you in a draw next to his!"
Kate tried to separate the pair but Buffy told her." Drall kept alluding to Xander being different ! He told me a story about their 'Grand Experiment' and dancing around whether Xander was, or wasn't, part of it."
Kate looked at her boss." What's the harm in letting her see Cap?"
Cap shook his head." You haven't seen it Kate... I." He pulled at the collar of his shirt then his shoulder's slumped." Hell I hurled my cookies when I saw it!" He saw the look in Buffy's eyes then relented." Okay I'll approve it but I have to warn you two, you would be better off remembering him the way he was and not the. . Thing that's in the morgue."
The attendant showed them over to the drawer they kept Xander's remains in but he hesitated before opening it." Um I still think you should think again Kate. I've worked down here for ten years and I've seen some shit that would turn you white." The afro-American paused. "..Err than you are now but this...Jeez if I didn't have to I'd rather quite than see what's in this draw!"
Kate looks at Buffy then sucks in a breath." Thanks Harry but we have to know."
Harry shrugs then pulls open the draw revealing a black plastic bag. Buffy smiles then looks at Kate." I knew it it's not him!" Kate looks nervously at Harry who shakes his head. Buffy sees it and turns angry." I tell you that this cannot be Xander! He was tall, much taller than me and this is way too small! It looks like a kids for Christ's sake!"
Buffy grips the zipper and sweeps the bag open then gags at the stench, then grips her stomach as she sees Xander's head almost severed from what remains of his body. She takes in the half eaten remains then her hand moves to her mouth as she gags and races for the sink in the corner.
Kate is white and she reaches with a shaky hand to re close the body bag. She tries several times before Harry, gently, moves her hand and closes it for her." If it's any consolation it would have been quick."
Nobody had heard Faith enter the room until she remarked." Don't bullshit us Harry. I saw most of it before I had to turn the chopper."
Harry blanched and said." The Doc figures he put up a hell of a fight that probably lasted several minutes before... You know."
Buffy was by Kate's side. Her eyes red and tear stained as she swiped another tear from her eyes." You bet your ass he fought! I never knew anyone that wanted to live so much in my whole life!" She went to the bag and hugged it." We'll take you home Xand... " She dared the other's to try and stop her with a withering glare." Where your friends can say farewell and you can rest in peace."
Faith moved to her side." Let's take him home B."
Buffy nods then realizes something, she gasps then places a hand to her mouth." Dawn! Has anyone told Dawn yet?"
Faith nods." Cap went around to Xander's place as soon as you finished being debriefed."
"I should be there! She's going to take this hard."
As they left a shadow detached itself from the wall and made it's way to the open draw. The bag unzipped by invisible hands and an eerie voice proclaimed." I shall avenge thee my son! No place whether on earth, or beneath it, shall harbor them ! Whom so ever had a hand in this shall pray for a quick death!" A drop of moisture hits the black bag and then a heart rending cry filled the empty morgue." Thee shall feast upon their souls as you travel upon the river Styx!" A large clawed hand moves to open the bag and then a cruel nail draws a line in the flesh of the claw. Green blood gushes onto the remains as the creature cries out." I so swear a blood bond, the shall rise like the Phoenix or I shall burn with thee!"
XANDER'S APARTMENT.
Dawn was packing the few things she had left over from her visit last summer and she stopped when she came to the one-piece swimsuit she had bought for that trip. She held it up to herself and smiled at the memory of Xander's reaction.
"WOW! Dawnster when did you grow up? Damn girlfriend you're going to break some hearts today!" Xander admired her figure until he realized who she was, then blushed scarlet." Um I mean...Uh you look... Neat! Yeah that's what I meant neat!"
They had spent the day swimming with Kate and her friend and at every opportunity Dawn made sure Xander saw her from every angle until she overheard Kate tell Xander." I think someone's got a crush on you." Dawn could have strangled her, in fact she cried out " Only schoolgirls have crushes! Adults, of which she was most definitely one, fall in love!"
In addition, she had fallen for her sisters friend, head over heels. She could see his worth even if her blind sister couldn't. She heard the sound of a key in the lock and she glanced at the clock then hurried to open the door." You're late Alexander Harris and I... Oh it's you Buffy." She peered around her and then began to feel very frightened when she saw no sign of Xander.
Buffy's face was a mess of tears and her eyes were red. Dawn pushed her away as she tried to speak, covering her ears with her hands." NO! I won't listen ! He's alive and nothing you can say will ever change that."
"Dawn please sit down.... He wanted to come back to us... More than life itself but..." Buffy was thrown up against the wall by a very hysterical Dawn." No! It's you! If you had loved him before he would never have left us! But no! Little miss mattress back had to have one more undead freak to add to her collection." She slaps her hard." Well he's dead now so maybe NOW you can love him!"
"Please Dawn." Buffy begged her heart breaking all over again at the thought of loosing her sister as well as the man she was beginning to fall in love with." Please he's gone, now is not the time for arguing. We should be together in our grief not fighting over his body." She edged closer to her." He loved you like a sister..."
Dawn glared all her hatred at her for that last remark." SISTER! He didn't think of me like a sister! " Dawn pushed against her again." Last summer we got close..Real close and he certainly never kissed me like I was his sister! I bet you never even dreamed of kissing him! The thought never entered your empty little head until you saw how happy I was with him... You BITCH! I wish to hell they never brought you back!"
Kate pushed her away from Buffy." Enough of this! You two should not be fighting at a time like this! He was a good man he deserved better than for you to turn his death into some cheap comic book cat fight!"
Dawn turned and ran to the room she staid in then turned before she entered it." Funny how all those you supposedly loved are now either dead or undead!" She slammed the door on her and they could hear her sobbing in her room.
Kate hugs Buffy as she begins releasing the pent up tears." That's okay Buffy let them out." She felt her own tears begin to fall as she comforted Buffy she snorted a laugh." I bet he's up there 'cock of the walk ' about having all these women crying their hearts out over him. The big dork!"
The funeral was a blur. All Buffy could see was his coffin and all she could hear was his final words to her and hers to him." I love you. " She mumbled and then sobbed as she heard his reply." I know." The two little words had meant little but the passion in his eyes told of a thousand nights of passion he held for her.
She looked up at the gathering and was surprised at the turn out. There were the remaining Scooby's, Tara had to hold her lover up, giving her the strength to see the burial of her childhood friend through. Giles had sent his deepest sympathies, and those from the Council of Watchers that he now headed. She also saw the dark haired Amy, recently de-ratted thanks to Tara. Amy had taken over as the lead witch in the coven of three, her powers great considering her time as a rodent. She had told them she had little to do other than mentally practice her spells and castings between working out on the wheel and nibbling cheese.
None of the group from L.A. had come but she had expected that from them. Ever since she split from Angel the two groups had spread further and further apart until they only exchanged information about upcoming 'big bads' and portents of doom. A large wreath was all they could think of sending, along with a few words of platitude to balm their sense of guilt.
Kate, Faith, and few of his friends from the Unit had come but not Cap or the Demon Drall. She mentally cursed the Demon Lord for being the cause of her desolation and their grief. She felt a hand grasp hers and she looked up into the eyes of her sister. She sighed as she thought * If I could bring him back I would gladly give him to you Sis if only so I could see him once more.*
Dawn turned her red rimmed eyes to her sister and grinned sadly." You know as long as we keep him alive in our hearts he will never leave us... He will live on in the deeds we do and the lives we live."
Buffy hugs her and they cry on each others shoulders." Buffy tells herself * It's a small step but the longest journey begins with the first step.*
Cap was thrown against the fresh turf of the gravesite. He didn't have time to complain as the large reptilian Demon dropped beside him, cowering from their captor. Cap yells at him." By what right do you do this?"
"WHAT RIGHT! How dare a scum such as you talk about rights! What right did you have to kill my only son?" Drall moved into the reflected moonlight as he gripped the human by his throat." By your own hand you have signed your death warrant! By your actions against me have you both forfeit the rights you deny others!"
"But master I did what I thought was right! Only the human died, it's better we die on our feet than be murdered on our knees!" The reptilian hissed.
Drall dropped Cap and turned his gaze on him." You... You will die like the currish dog you are and your pitiful soul shall feed my Alexander on his journey across the river Styx! And as for you! He trusted you and you sent him to his death! A death you had planned for all who went that day! If not for the honor of my son we would have all perished."
Before Cap could protest the Demon Lord held his clawed hands in front of him and a blue ball of energy appeared." May the great beast accept my son into his realm ! I send the souls of these to feed thee my son! As I have sent the souls of the others to pave thy way to thy life everlasting. To thy rightful position at the left hand of the lord my GOD!"
The blue orb lifted from between his claws and floated over Cap before dropping onto him and engulfing him in a bubble of arcing blue lights. Drall turned to the other remaining instigator of Xander's demise." And of you Arachnidan, I hope you find enough time, brief though it is, to beg for his forgiveness before he rips your black soul into shreds!"
The reptilian glances at Cap as the energy globe shrinks in upon itself as it eats the human alive. " Lord there maybe a way to revive the one known as Alexander! He is of demon descent?"
"Speak! But if this be a trick the fate of the human shall seem a mere pinprick to that of thine" Drall bends over him." He was taken of my blood. The Blood of the House Drall flows...Flowed through his veins! A mixture of human resolve and demon strength, yet neither fully released. Why ?"
"Should he be more of thine than of theirs he may yet be returned to thee!" The Demon quivered as he prayed he was given the chance to redeem his soul from the eater of souls." An offering of blood and soul given freely as the chant in the old tongue of redemption should be enough to revive him."
"And who shalt offer his blood and soul so freely?"
"I my lord! As your second I am of high blood. High enough to appease the ferryman and give him reason to return thy son to this side of the river of the dead."
Drall bows to his second." As it is said, let it be done! But it may take more than just thy soul!" Drall throws the blue energy orb he had created against the dank ground and the ground rumbled then burst forth producing several more of the reptilians kind." Thy families lives were forfeit the minute you first plotted against me. Convince them to join you and their souls shall be spared the fate judged them."
SUMMER'S RESIDENCE.
Faith is standing in the corner of the lounge talking to ate as Buffy sits on the couch mindlessly staring into her glass." I'm worried about them. I'd never believe the death of one person could send the sisters into such a spin."
Kate sighs." The one loved him from the beginning and the other only found her love for him at the end. A real life Hollywood fairytale."
Faith nods." Only this one will end up having more deaths if we don't do something to snap them out of it." She checks her watch then sets her cup down." I'm going to do a quick patrol make sure they stay here."
Buffy looked up as Faith sat next to her and held her hand." Dawn was right you know. He's never going to leave us he'll always be with us in our hearts and in our thoughts." Faith put her hair in her usual ponytail and then smiled at Buffy." You need to rest so for one night only the people of Sunnydale will be protected by Faith the Vampire slayer on her triumphant return engagement."
Buffy sighs then places her hand on Faith's shoulder." Thanks Faith, I really could use the night off." She searches the room and sees Dawn with Willow and Tara." I need to gather my wits and strength to get us through this."
Buffy stands up and walks over to the three Scooby's and sits by her sisters side. They hug and Buffy tells her." Long day hey kiddo?"
"The Longest one since you died... Um I got to go to the ladies room but please we need to talk Buff." Dawn stood up and left the room leaving Buffy and Willow trying to comfort each other. She made it to the hall closet and watched Faith leave for her patrol then shrugged into her coat before sneaking out of the house. In her arms she held a cloth covered parcel that she gripped like death itself.
Buffy hugged Willows shoulder and asked." So were we talking over the Xander years with Dawn or just girl talk ?"
Willow looks forlornly at the photo of the gang on the mantelpiece." Just going over the old days after my return trip from the dark side. Funny you know how life throws you a curve ball sometimes. If Xander hadn't made me destroy my power centre I could probably have brought him back but if he hadn't I more than likely would have damned him to hell, along with the rest of Sunnydale, by now."
Tara shakes her head." No I doubt he would have wanted you to return him Wills. Remember how he debated our bringing Buffy back ? Then when he found out she was ripped from heaven to be brought back to fight demons again he almost lost control of his own soul! We should respect him for what he wanted for others.. See cuz I think he was more than just a normal man. He had a gift, he was our heart and our soul. He made us see the way things should be and not the way we wanted them to be." She looked nervously at the other two." Well that's what I think anyway."
"Dawn didn't say that she still blamed me for.."
Willow gasped and shook her head." Oh Goddess no! I think that was just a knee jerk reaction to his death. No she was more interested in whether we thought her blood still contained any powers."
Buffy's eyes went wide and then the others realized the same thing." Oh lord no! Please don't let her be so foolish!"
The wood splintered and the tiny bell tinkled above the door as Dawn entered her sisters shop. She dropped the crowbar and mentally thanked Spike for showing her how to Band E as he called it, then bent down and struggled with her package over to the back room table. She dropped it onto the table then carefully unwrapped it then felt along its surface for any breaks. When she had found none she let out a sigh of relief before she went in search of Giles's old diaries.
She found the one marked * GLORIFICUS-HER SPELLS AND ENCHANTMENTS.
Then removed the dirk from under her skirt and sat down at the table. She looked at the deadly blade and memories of whence it was last used came flooding back. Doc leaning over her with the dirk in his hand and saying something. She had found it very hard to listen to him as she shouted for help.
She peered at the large orb she had stolen from Amy's place the day they had returned with Xander's remains...Remains. . She couldn't bring herself to call the bits of torn flesh that the report recorded as being his mortal remains as his body. Hell even Spike's pale features paled further when he had told her what he saw in Xander's coffin.
"Hello nibblet." Spikes voice made her jump in fright." Jeez Spike! Can't you wear a..."
"Bell? Yes been told that by Droopy on many occasion, now what in hell's name are you up to at this hour?" He walked in, scooping some souvenirs into his duster as he did." If your sister finds you here... Oh Christ !" He points to the orb and the dirk." You had better not be trying what I think you're trying my girl or so help me!"
She covered the orb and shrugged." I don't know what your talking about. . I ugh just came by to finish inventory and found this sitting on the table."
Spike snatched the dirk from her and glared angrily." He wouldn't want you to do this you know... I want you to do it but he wouldn't. And I suppose the others don't either or else they'd be sitting next to you."
Dawn was surprised." You want Xander back? You care don't you."
Her question drew the recently digested blood to his cheeks as he blushed." Me phht no way nibblet! I want him back so I can hit the git for all the pain he's caused me over the years since I had this damn chip ?"
Dawn uncovered the Orb and placed the blade against the palm of her hand then drew it across." Jeezuschristsonofabitch! " She let the blood drain onto the orb. But instead of it running down the sides it seemed to flow into the object and gathered at the base of it." Powers of Light, Powers of Darkness! I command thee to hear my cry" She took out a lock of Xander's hair that she had kept from when he had mistakenly let Buffy 'trim' his hair. She kissed it then dropped it onto the Orb." With these gifts of my blood I call thee to return my loved one.."
Spike almost spat out his cigarette." Oh give me a freaking break not you an' all!" Dawn's glare silenced him but he mutters under his breath." I wait all this time to get a crack at another Summers and bozo the bleedin' clown beats me again!"
"Return Alexander LaVelle..." She pauses to glare at Spike's loud laugh then continues."...Harris souls to us and make his body whole once more."
The broken door smashes open and Spike shrieks." Oh my god it worked!"
Buffy, Kate and Willow are standing there. " Stop this now Dawn before it's too late!"
Dawn hurries her casting." Link his soul with that of his love for all time and let nothing in Heaven nor hell break this bond EEEK!" The Orb explodes in a shower of glass covering them all in it's shards and in Dawn's blood. The shards glow weakly on Dawn and Kate but the ones on Buffy glow with an unearthly light.
Buffy lets out a cry then collapses onto the floor. Dawn yells out her name then tells herself maybe she shouldn't have done this after all!
Faith felt her mouth go dry as she approached the burial place of her friend and one nightstand. She wiped the palms of her hands down the sides of her jeans." Get a grip girlfriend! " She started to walk into the cemetery but her senses recalled. The power of the creature was way off her freak'o meter. She paused and debated calling Buffy but then thought she should. She dialed the number and said." If your screwing around with Xander's grave you are so dead..er!"
Meanwhile Buffy was trying to shake off the shards of glass." What the hell have you done Dawn? And what's with the 'Disco Queen makeup?"
"I just wanted him back amongst us so.."
"NO! " She turned to Spike." Tell me you were here trying to stop her!" She saw him search his mind for something believable. " Just shut up! If anything has happened to him I'm going to chain you out in Wilkins Square and roast marshmallows on your burning corpse!"
Spike pointed to Dawn." She did it ! I tried to stop her but she was just too strong." He pointed behind her." Besides she..." When Buffy turned Spike dove through the plate-glass window and ran off into the night in an attempt to escape her. He glanced back and stopped when he saw she wasn't pursuing him, then took out a cigarette and lit up." Stupid bint! I should.." He heard the noise of the truck seconds before it struck him. The cigarette fell from his lips as he cried." Mother Fu.." The driver never even saw him, he just felt the bump as he ran over the body and frowned." I can't remember there being a speed hump on Fairfax?"
Before Buffy can argue with Dawn Kate's cell phone rings and Kate glances at Buffy before hanging up." Um Faith says there's something 'wicked bad' going down at Shady Acres
and she's getting cramps like it's the fourth."
Buffy glares at Dawn and shakes her head." I hope to God it's not something you have done."
Buffy, Kate and Willow arrive with a distraught Dawn." All it was supposed to do was imbue my powers to open a doorway and allow Xander to return to his life!"
"After what I went through I only hope we're in time." Buffy exclaims.
Faith shakes her head." I don't think its boy toy out there B! This is big."
Buffy opens herself up and she nods her head." Yeah Faith it's definitely not Xander."
The two Slayers take up flanking positions and leapfrog past each other zeroing in on the location. Buffy dropped behind a mausoleum and peeked around it. " DAMN!" She saw destruction surrounding the area where she knew Xander was buried. Faith nods at her and they both charge towards the epicenter of, what looks like an earthquake.
The others join them when they see there's nothing there. Faith exclaims." Christ on a crutch B!"
An area the size of a house has been blasted from the hallowed soil, Buffy looks over the edge and fails to see the bottom of the hole. Willow takes a small torch out and shines it down." This is one deep freaking hole Buffy! And it smells like..."
"The Devil just cut one!" Faith finishes for her.
"What's wrong with this picture?" Buffy asks.
Willow jumps." The coffins... There should be several coffins in a hole this big including.."
Buffy looks around the cemetery shouting." XANDER!!"
The four vamps pulled the young streetwalker into the dark laneway and began passing her from one to the other. " Hey take it easy fellas! You'll each get a turn.. As long as you have the money I'll be your honey for an hour or two."
The current member of the foursome slapped her so hard she bled." God Dammit! Jules! Jules get your ass out here and earn your cut!" The vamp licked her blood from his hand and shouted." Yeah Jules get your ass over here."
The four laughed as the large man moved towards them and took something from his pocket." You guys play nice or I'm going to have to cause you some pain.. And that usually costs you more!"
One of the vamps looked scared and walked towards him." We're sorry man we were just so..." He Vamps out and grips the hand that held then gun, the pimps fingers crushing under the pressure." Full of life tonight." He drags the man screaming towards him and turns his neck to one side. Before he sank his fangs into the pimp's neck he caught sight of something that made him laugh." What the hell is this?"
The two victims were thrown to one side as the foursome laughed at the stranger until one stepped forward waving his hands." Wait.. Wait." He held a hand to his chin then snapped his fingers." Your on the way to a big dinner and had nothing to wear? No wait you're going to a fancy dress party as. ." He looks down." Wow impressive... As a three legged man?"
The being looked from one to the other then glanced at the injured pimp and his cowering 'merchandise'. He then looks down and then up at the vampires." Y o u r c l o t h e s. " His voice came out as though he had never used it before and was just getting accustomed to it." It would be best if you take them off before you are returned."
The vamp turns to the others then walks away from the stranger." Harry, James drain this sucker!" He walked over to the woman and lifts her up by her hair." Me and the Mrs. here are going to share a pint... or eight." He held her head close to his and told her." Watch these two they're the best!"
The two circled the naked man and shook their heads when he failed to make a move." Come on man at least put up your hands!" The stranger complied and held his arms out with his palms up. " That's better, at least I'll feel better as I drain your white ass!"
"I require clothing to allow me to blend in with the human life form currently infesting the overworld." The two charged him but before they could get within striking distance a thick blue spark of power erupted from them and flowed into the strangers hands.
The leader's eyes went wide as he saw his best men turned to dust without the man even touching them." I thank you for your gift of energy but I require clothing more than power." The man turned to him and held out his hand." I know that the clothes you wear are an elusion created by your demon for the illusion of life and therefore share your fate. However I am assuming that should you remove your clothes they may remain on this plain when I absorb your energies."
"Mother Funker!" The other Vamp charged Xander and met the same fate as his compatriots. The stranger then began to walk slowly towards the remaining vamp who took of his clothes at the speed of light and handed them over to him." Just what are you man?"
The man struggled into the clothes then gripped the vamp by the throat." I am the judge, Jury, and executioner. " The vamp began to dissolve before the terrified couples eyes his flesh corrupting and turning to putrid mush." I am the Alpha and the Omega. I am DEATH, destroyer of worlds."
The stranger brushed the dust from his hands then turned to look at the humans. He looked at the man before his gaze landed upon the girl. She knew that look from the hundreds of customers she had 'serviced' before." I owe you for saving us honey why don't we go somewhere quiet?"
He all but drooled at her body and her movement as she slinked towards him. Jules stood up and saw his meal ticket walking out of his life." Hey! " He cradled his injured hand as he scooped up his revolver and pointed it at the man." No one stiffs Jules!"
"Chill Jules! I'll only be gone for a while.. AGHHH!" She screamed as she watched the stranger touch Jules and she saw him literally melt before her eyes. She pushed against the being and hit out at him." You didn't have to do that! He was all bluff."
The creature looked at her then gripped her hand as he dragged her away telling her." Hu-Man feemales I have a use for. Males are only good as a pick me up, their power centre is very … Weak!"
"No please I beg you." She pulled against his hold until his sweet looking face turned ugly with anger." Oh you'll beg, you'll scream and then you'll beg for more!" He pushed her against a wall and used a claw to cut through her skimpy clothing." Hu-mans are good for only two things. Sustenance.."
"Aaand the other?"
He gave her a lopsided grin." As long as you pleasure me you need not fear being on the bottom rung of the food chain."
He suddenly grimaced and held his head in pain then screamed out to the night. She rubbed her eyes as she saw the mans visage shimmer until it was replaced by a dark haired man who begged." No ! Please God let this be a dream!" The girl struck out, hitting him on the jaw and causing him to yelp in pain." Nope this is my life!"
He heard the angry growl of a dog and he almost jumped out of his skin." NO NOT THEM AGAIN!" Before his eyes rolled up into his head and he collapsed bonelessly to the ground.
Faith and Kate argue as to whether to report this to Cap or just wait to see what has happened while Buffy stood by the ravaged grave site and stared down into the gapping maw that used to house Xander's coffin. She felt a hand, tenderly, push it's way into hers and she look up to see Willow looking into the pit, her eyes misting over." What could have done this Buffy? I mean this never happened when we called you back."
Buffy was about to answer when she sensed something over by the tree line and, in a single bound, she jumped the torn ground and ran at speed towards the being. The force of her body striking his caught the Envoy by surprise but she was amazed he didn't fight back. She thrust an elbow into his neck and held him against the tree." Okay Drall old pal nothing would give me more pleasure than to see just how well your head is attached to your body ! So if I were you I'd talk fast."
He hissed at her and fobbed her off." I was out taking in the night air..Eerk! Enough!" She relaxed her grip and he glared at her." He was my son, blood of my blood ! What would you have me do?" She stood back from him fearful at what he would say next." I told you, I warned you, but did you listen? Did you hell!"
She felt weak, she felt like she wanted to return back to her grave and pull the dirt in over her." What... What is he? Where is he?"
Drall looked forlornly at Xander's grave." I don't know the answer to either question Miss Summers. But I do know he lives. " He looks at her then sighs." I need to get to the rock of power and 'recharge' myself." He saw her confused look." All demons of my kind were banished from this world remember? However we left a talisman imbued with our power that would replenish us if we staid longer than forty eight hours." He looked in a state of shock as he suddenly thought." My God! What if he needs the rock? He knows nothing of it." He staggered then gripped her." You must find him and take him there."
Buffy is getting angered by this demon." If you don't tell me where he is how the Frell can I?"
The Demon king touched her chest." You have a dark side my dear; all Slayers do that is how they know how to fight us so well. Follow your dark side and it will lead you to him, but be warned you may find more than you are willing to seek. Have you never wondered why the Slayer's die before they reach your age?"
She huffs." Spike told me.." She took on a mocking tone." The Slayer is born to die it's her gift yadda, yadda, yadda hump me I'm blond!"
"Hardly! Your kind die young due to conflicting desires. On one hand you were created to defend the light from the encroaching darkness. " He holds up the other." On the other hand dark powers were used to create you so you want to be that darkness."
"You're more full 0f it than Spike was !"
Buffy and Drall turned to see Faith standing there." Oh come now Slayer, I expected you of all people would know better, Little Miss Dark side'99." Drall told her." Or have you forgotten your life from before your visit to the big house?'
He smiled as he saw the arrow hit its mark." Besides I had you down for a repeat performance of ' ride 'em cowboy' with Alexander." He looked deeply into her eyes." Surely you sensed some of his hidden power while you humped his brains out?"
Faith blushed then yelled at him." Xander was. Is no friggin' Demon..." Drall was in her face as he whispered." He made you have the big 'O' how many times? And how often has that happened in your sad little life? I can feel the want flowing through your veins." He glared at Buffy." Both of your bodies crave what only he can give you. So find him and take him to the rock or you will lose him forever!"
Both the Slayers wanted to rip his head off and they moved towards him but he simply vanished." Naughty Slayers! Find my son ; take him to the rock before his time is up. If not I will return and if you think what you've had before was war then think again!"
Faith yells out." Well were the HECK is this rock?"
"H e K n o w s...."
"I friggin' hate cryptic guys!" Faith tells Buffy.
"Tell me about it! My whole life seems to be on a loop where they're concerned." Buffy tells her.
Faith looks sideways at Buffy." So I take it after I left you and Xander never got jiggy, did the wild thing, have hot naked monkey sex...?"
Buffy shook her head." No I never thought about him that way. "She looked nervously at her." Until now."
"GOD girlfriend! You had him to yourself for all that time and did nothing about it? The guys you were with must have been pretty good cuz 'no one' has ever taken me on an A ticket to Space Mountain before. Or since."
Buffy blushed and Faith jumped on it." Oh my god, you mean no one's made you co.."
Buffy glared at her. " Don't go there! My life is strictly off limits." She turns around and looks at the carnage." If he did this then disappeared before Drall could stop him what hope do we have?"
Faith rocked her hips and patted the side of her hair." Drall was a man B I think we have distinct advantages."
Buffy narrowed her eyes." That's one. "
The sun had just broke the horizon when Buffy and the others arrived home to find Dawn talking to someone on the phone." Hm yeah... Yep. . Tried that. " She turned red." Look I said I was sorry!" She waived Buffy over." Here she is Giles."
"Of all the stupid immature.... God I thought you people had more sense..." Giles ranted and she could picture him rubbing the bridge of his nose." Now before I have a stroke please tell me you have found him."
"No I can't say we have Giles. And before you carry on I don't think anything Dawn did had anything to do with Xander's rising. Have you heard of a Demon Lord called Drall? And does the Council know of the underworld and the war we're having with them?"
Giles stopped his blustering and paused for a second." Drall.. As in Drall the Demon King?" She heard him sigh." Dear Lord I thought they were banished... Um I need to research this more but Buffy did Xander rise? And if so what is he?"
"I have a feeling Drall screwed up because he lost Xander and now we have to find him and take him to something called ' The Rock' within 48 hours or he'll die.. Again!"
"Drall caused him to rise... Bloody Hell! That would mean Xander is the missing project! Over twenty years ago a group of misguided scientists thought they were advancing human evolution. Instead they were hastening its end! "
"Yes I know I've already had this talk with Drall. Just what the hell did they do to Xander?"
Dawn, Amy, and Tara looked first at Buffy and then to Willow for answers to Buffy's weird question whilst Buffy rang off. Willow tried to gather her thoughts." Apparently the war between the first ones and personkind had halted and when the more knowledgeable demons discovered they could never return to the overworld and survive. So they decided to create a race, a hybrid of human and demon, with the aid of some human scientists " Willow checked with Buffy and she nods her agreement.
"So what has this to do with Xand?" Dawn asked." He's human right. Right?" She turned to her sister.
"Drall used his DNA and had it genetically modified and spliced to several human embryos. All but one died, or were destroyed." Buffy watched her sister shake her head in denial.
"No way." She waived her arms at Buffy." There's no way he's a demon! " She fought for any evidence then her eyes kit up." Spike! He couldn't hit him without the chip going off! And.. and when he was possessed by the Hyena and soldier-boy and Dracula, surely his demon wouldn't allow that to happen? "
Willow tells her." I think it may have been a self defense mechanism that was inbuilt in Xander's DNA. It 'hid' until Drall or his cronies activated it and because he was lost and assumed destroyed the activation sequence was never activated."
Dawn looked scared." Do you think what I did activated it?"
Willow shrugged." We'll never know unless we find Xander but I think not. From what Drall told Buffy from what he found when he captured Xander last year he fully expected him to rise and join him tonight. But something went wrong and Xander was even more powerful than he had imagined and he vanished before his eyes."
Faith came in the room carrying a pack." Right B and I are going to search this burg for Xander and when we find him we're going to need all the information on what he may have become as we can get. So the rest of you are in research mode..."
Dawn shook her head." Uhh Uh Faith! I'm coming with you! I am involved in this more than you are so I'm joining your little hunting party."
Buffy shook her head." Two words No Way! I'll have enough trouble trying to deal with the demon formally known as Xander." She regretted the words even as they left her mouth. She saw they hurt Dawn as well as striking at her own heart.
Once again Kate came to the rescue." I'll go with you and keep tags on little sister while you two do your voodoo jazz and find Xander."
Buffy's eyes rolled into her head and she began shaking. The others held her until they managed to get her to the couch where she came around." Sea air! I can smell sea air and hear large ships." She struggled to sit up." He's by the docks somewhere and." She looks at Dawn." He's killed! Both demon and human."
Kate checked the load in her gun and Faith stood in front of her." If you even think about gunning him down before we agree to it I'll be filling out another KIA form! Got it?"
Kate tells her as she returns her gun to its holster." I'll do what ever it takes to secure the safety of anything human! And if that means putting a few rounds into an ex consider it done."
Kate was driving while the others scanned the area for any sign of Xander and the trip was beginning to wear a little thin. Dawn is tapping out a tune on the glass as she looked into the foggy night." So how do we know he still looks like Xander? If he's some kind of demon now wont he be all Grr..?"
"Either way he's still Xander and we'll treat him as such." Buffy told her
"Unless he's a stone cold killer and then we kill him." Kate reminded her.
Faith turns to her and was about to speak when both she and Buffy curled up in pain." WOW!" Faith exclaimed." Godzilla of all Cramps !Something big is coming this way."
Buffy sighs as the pain ebbs." You know we really need to talk to the PTB and tell them to upgrade the next model so all she gets is like a bell going off in her head or something."
The car pulls up to some old derelict warehouses and everyone piles out." Kate stay with Dawn and make sure she doesn't try to kiss any Vampires."
Faith grins and tells Buffy." I guess that means I'm with you B."
"Yeah so make sure she doesn't sleep with any Vampires." Dawn pokes her tongue out at Buffy.
"Are we finished now? Jeez I feel like I'm working with a couple of school girls!" Kate exclaims.
Dawn answers. " I'm sure Willow and Tara have those Catholic uniforms left over from Halloween, but I didn't think you swung that way."
Buffy stops walking and cocks her head to one side." Something's not right... I think..." She's interrupted by the sight of a small army of demons as they surround the group." Yep! We're screwed!"
Kate and Faith took out their guns and pointed them at the approaching demons as a leader stepped forward." I have been sent as a warning Slayer. The boy belongs to our masters! If you find him first you hand him over to us or suffer the consequences."
"Listen Lurch we're not handing him over to anyone! If he wants to go with you then fine otherwise you'll get him over our bodies...And lots of yours!"
The creature turns and walks away from her without a drop of fear in his black heart." We'll be watching and gathering our forces Slayer. When you find him we will know!"
Buffy and Faith are trying their best to sense him but something has changed, his aura was different to what it was before. Dimmer, softer Buffy even said it seemed kinder than the black rage she had first felt. Faith turns to Buffy as the car pulls in her drive." Maybe he got some ? I know I'm pretty mellow after a really good fu.." The street map caught Faith in the chest and she glared at Buffy then looked to Dawn and huffed." Oh come on B! She's freaking 18 for Gods sake surely she's heard the fuck word before now?"
"She may have heard it but that doesn't mean it should come in every sentence !"
Dawn stares at Buffy." Sis you have got to calm down or Willow and Tara will be holding midnight mass at your graveside again." She grabbed her hand." I'm not a little girl anymore Buff. I'm a woman and as such I deserve to be treated like one and in closing I'd just like to remind you that Xander wasn't the always the perfect angel. He had his wild side too you know."
"So the X-Man liked more flavors than plain old vanilla eh?" Faith asked." And how would a vanilla like you know that?"
"Oh I stopped being vanilla last year I'm more of a cookies and cream girl now."
They got out of the car and Buffy headed for the kitchen and opened the freezer, taking out a large tub of Neapolitan and proceeded to eat the vanilla side of it." I could have guessed B you pick the multi flavored one yet stick to Vanilla. And here I was having you pegged for... Do they make a necrophilia flavored ice cream?"
Willow and Tara came walking into the kitchen wiping sleep from their eyes. Willow picked up a spoon and began eating the strawberry flavor while Tara told them." Giles is sending an e-mail with everything they could find on Drall and the experiments of the late seventies."
Dawn yawns and tells them." If you don't mind I'm going to check the news then crash upstairs." She went into the lounge and they heard the click of the TV as it came on.
Kate coughs." You know this has been hard on her, harder than I think you could guess."
Willow licks some ice cream of her lip." You mean 'the Crush' ?"
"Oh from what I saw it was way past the crush stage and into the ' I'm legal and your unattached' stage." Kate tells her.
Buffy's eyes grow narrow." You mean Xander did... They went and. ."
"Xander and Dawn got jiggy wid it ?" Willow asked.
"I couldn't say but she was awfully happy when I picked him up for work when she stayed with him last summer." Kate replied.
Buffy dropped her spoon into the tub." Who hasn't he slept with?" She saw Willow and Tara put their hands up out of the corner of her eye and said." That was a rhetorical question but I'll raise my hand as well."
Faith grins and looks to the lounge." Hell no wonder she was little miss perky when I saw her in his pool. Hell, if he was banging me I would have been too!" She sees the daggers in Buffy's eyes. " Just telling it like it is B. Besides she is of legal age now and she is two years older than you when you... Shutting up now."
A scream from the lounge jolted them upright then Dawn came backing into the kitchen pointing into the lounge." Couch. .Its... Xander!"
Everyone rushed into the lounge and flicked the lights on as Dawn told them." I sat in the armchair and turned the TV on and got comfortable. Then I had this weird feeling someone else was in the room. I looked over, slowly, at the couch and there he was."
Buffy went to his side and she was shocked at his appearance." His hair was longer than when she had last seen him and he seemed to be in a deep sleep, but she could sense his heart beating hard and strong." Willow placed a blanket over him and stroked his face while Dawn fluttered around him like a scared mouse.
"I think we all need some rest. Buffy you take first watch here while Faith watches the back. Give it three hours and then I'll watch the back while Willow watches Xander. We'll carry on like that till either he wakes or we have to move. "Kate tells them.
The remaining women head upstairs while Faith pulls a kitchen chair over to the kitchen window. At first Buffy watched his face for a sign, any sign that he was back with them. But after an hour her gaze started to wander as she fought to stay awake. She remembered the videos her mom, and then Dawn, had taken of the gang each summer break. She was watching this when she, briefly, fell asleep. When she woke she almost fell backwards out of the chair when she saw Xander sitting cross-legged in front of the TV watching them play in the sea.
There was a close up of Xander as he looked at the camera and cocked it a lop sided grin as he tipped a bucket full of cold seawater over a sleeping Buffy. She jumped up and chased Xander into the sea, crying out when the chill water reached her thighs.
"They were some good times Xander."
Xander reached out a hand, touching the screen and causing the picture to freeze. He turned and looked at Buffy then looked back at the girl on the screen before returning his gaze to her. He reached out and traced her features with the tips of her his fingers as if committing them to memory. He then copied Xander's patented lop sided grin and her heart almost broke.
"Do you remember ? Anything? Do you remember me?"
Xander turned back to the TV and touched the screen and the video started to play again. Buffy watched with him then she began to panic as she remembered the video. Any second now there was a scene where Willow had captured Anya and Xander making out under a large beach umbrella. She tried to stop the video but it was too late, she could only sit and watch as he saw the scene unfold. He cocked his head to one side as he watched the happy couple make out together. The camera was jerked aside by an angry Dawn but then Buffy saw something she hadn't seen before. It was her looking at Xander and Anya. Xander touched the screen at this point and he concentrated on Buffy's face. It was a face full of mixed emotions, jealousy was one and anger the other but the one that shone through the most was one of longing.
When her mind had drifted back to reality she realized Xander had turned to her with a look of confusion." B u.. Buffy?" He exclaimed as if they were the first words he had ever spoken aloud." Buffybuffybuffy BUFFY!"
She tried to hush him." Okay, okay already that's my name ! Try not to wear it out okay Xan?" She couldn't help but grin at the inane smile on his face. She could almost touch the child like sense of wonderment that rippled away from his smile. It was infectious and she couldn't help but widen her smile to match his.
Faith came running in and Xander open and closed his mouth several times as he huddled in the corner of the couch the look of pure fear etched across his once happy features. Buffy jumped up and tried to comfort him." it's okay Xander. Its only Faith, you remember Faith don't you?"
His mind searched for an answer then his hands went to his throat as Faith told him." Hey boy toy long time no see. How are you going.. AGH!" He raised his hand to her and a shockwave pulsed across the room, picking her up and slamming her against the wall." No Xander! Its Faith she's a friend."
Faith groaned and picked herself up from the floor." Man what a ride! I always said you were good with your hands X-Man!" She watched him as he clawed at his throat as if trying to remove something. She shook her head and cried out." No Xander that was a long time ago, when I was messed up. I'm sorry for what I did and you forgave me, jeez we've been working together for the past two years don't you remember." Her heart began beating like a trip hammer at the thought of her friend remembering only her evil self.
The others came running into the room and Xander freaked, he literally vanished before their eyes." Xander NO! Come back please don't go!" They all cried out in a mixed choir of hope.
Just as Buffy had given up the very air around them seemed to get heavy, then a mist swirled around the room until it seemed to be drawn to the corner of the couch from where Xander had vanished. It solidified and a very scared Xander appeared from the mist." Uffy!" He whispered as his eyes begged her to come to him. She sat by his side and he all but buried himself against her." She cooed to him as she stroked his hair." Its okay Xand, these are your friends remember?"
He looked up from his position and his eyes peered at on after the other of the gang until he saw Dawn." Awn patrol."
Dawn grinned and made her way towards him." Yes Xander its Dawn patrol." She, hesitantly, sat the other side of him and he hugged her burying his face in her neck as he tried to feel all of her at once." Dawn I member you. You make funny noises." Dawn blushed as he gripped her harder before moving the three of them closer together." Me hurt bad! Doggies do bad things."
Buffy could feel his body shaking next to her and she tried to sooth him." Its okay Xand, bad doggies go bye bye." as she, and Dawn, began to sooth him his eyes slowly closed and finally he fell asleep in their arms. Buffy tried to move away but Xander refused to let her budge." I guess I'm here for a while."
Kate asks." Why is he acting like he's three?" She looks at the way the three of them are entangled on the couch." And why will he only let the two of you get close to him?"
Willow walked in with Tara just as Xander fell asleep huddled next to Dawn and Buffy, his arms wrapped around Buffy like a frightened child while she stroked his forehead. Dawn was resting her head next to his and had her arms wrapped around him." Wow looks like happy families." Dawn yawned then something hit her." Hey what about the cancer? I mean he died and was brought back right? Did the cancer come back with him?"
Kate shrugs." We'll have to get him to a hospital so they can check him out when this is over. I want to know what's with the little boy lost routine? He acts like he's three or something."
Willow smirks." I remember meeting him at pre-school when he was five. Me, Jesse and Cordy or 'Peedelia' as he called her. I was Pillow and Jesse was.. Well Jesse."
Buffy asks." What was he like ?"
"Oh you know mostly he was your typical five year old." She thinks." It was his parents I noticed the most though, or the lack of them I should say." She walks over to Xander and looks at his peaceful expression.
Dawn frowns." What do you mean by lack of parents?"
"Well they were never there. His mom dropped him off for the first couple of months then one day he walked all alone. Mom freaked and rang his home. Boy I learned some new words that day let me tell you!" She grinned." My folks became closer to him than his own from that day on Mom picked him up and dropped him off after making him dinner."
"And his folks never complained?"
"Complain?" She shook her head." Jeez they almost jumped for joy! Everything changed though when he hit puberty. They kept him close to them for the first year, he was always 'going to the doctor' for something or other. They even took him to a Doctor in Mexico on his thirteenth birthday and when he returned they did worse than neglect him."
Xander's voice shocked them. It was serene and totally empty of emotion." It wasn't Mexico, they only told you that. The child was taken to Las Vegas, a small area just outside of town."
Buffy makes Xander turn to face her." And you would be?"
Xander cocked his head and then smiled." I am the child's. . Inner voice I suppose you would call me. You see at this moment his total life energies are being ripped apart by his two halves in a battle for control of the body."
Dawn asks." And the two halves would be?"
Xander turns to her. " Why the light and the darkness. You see whilst they battle for supremacy of the body it is left to us, the inner child and myself, to try and keep the body alive." He turns back to Buffy and he touches her cheek." You have a remarkable hold over us! Both the child and myself find you...Enjoyable."
Buffy gives him a sarcastic smile." Oh I'm so glad for you both. Now what the hell is going on?"
"We need to get the ONE to the 'Rock of Power' as soon as we can. The rock is twenty miles due west of the outskirts of 'Vegas. We will need transportation and someone to guard us while we are incapacitated this way." He looks from one to the other of the group.
"What happens when we get there?" Buffy asks.
"Then he will have the power of the old ones to replenish him and aid you in your battles." The smile vanishes." However should the other win and stand in his place then the world will see the end of man's rule and the dawning of a new Hell shall be caste upon the earth."
Buffy shrugs." We have to get Xander to this rock or he'll die."
Kate holds up her hand." Wait just a minute there ; if the other wins and we have Xander standing on this rock then the world as we know it ends! And all we get is some one to aid us if Xander wins?"
Before Buffy can argue 'Xander' tells them." Either way the power released will be the same. It might be used for evil or if the One wins you may never need worry about the old ones ever again." Xander shudders and suddenly a little voice tells them." I got to pee!" Dawn takes him by the hand and she leads him to the toilet.
As she gets up she looks to Buffy." It's kind of a look at what his kids would be like don't you think Buff?"
Buffy smiles but then looks concerned when Dawn says." Only they will be loved by their mother." She blushes when she sees the look Buffy gives her." Whoever she maybe."
Faith grins." Looks like little sister has his future all planed out B." She sees the frown on Buffy's face then her mouth opens wide." Sheesh B don't tell me you finally fallen for the big dork!" Now its Buffy's turn to blush.
"I...Ahh don't know Faith. When I first saw him again my heart was flopping around like a fish out of water and when he died I... I hurt so much I wanted to join him. But now Dawn."
Faith walks up to her." Is a big girl now B. If you want him then go get him. If you drag your heels the next time you'll see him will be at their wedding!"
Kate interrupts." Sorry to break up the Slayer dating service but we need to focus people! We have one car and pretty soon now they're going to realize Xander's here. So what do we do?"
Buffy stands up as she hears Dawn and Xander return." Faith and I will take Xander to this rock while Amy, Willow and Tara try to find out more about this experiment and what Xander might become if he touches this rock. Kate you keep an eye on Dawn and help the others research."
Dawn shakes her head." I'm coming with you and before you argue Buff remember I called him back as well as Drall." Xander sat down besides Buffy and he placed a hand over one eye and looked at Buffy giggling. He looked at the others before looking at Buffy and Dawn, his tinkling laughter growing louder." you two look funny."
"Okay I'll bite.. Like how Xand?" Buffy asked.
"Well everyone else has a small light behind them except Faith, she has a big light, but Dawn an' you are all goldenly." He giggles and looks at his feet before glancing up at Buffy. "An' I wanna hold and squeeze you an' never let you go Buffy!" He jumped on her lap causing her to groan, then he looked at his hands entwined with hers." Now we're all sparkly..." His eyes rolled back into his head before Xander's proper voice told her as his hands smoothed her golden hair. "Either in this life or the next I will join you Buffy. If it be the next I will wait an eternity for you." He kisses her forehead then tells her." I pray it is in this world my love, and my life, for your soul called me back from the ether, from joining those that went before to the other side of the light."
He began to shudder before Buffy could ask him anything. She felt his lips on hers but they felt strange, like they had no heat, no passion just lust. Xander opened his eyes and they were as black as coal. He licked his lips then grinned." Well I can see why he does what he does now! " He stands and draws in a deep breath of air, taking in the women surrounding him as he does." Yes you will all do for now. " He walked over to Faith and slapped her ass." Oh I have some fond memories of you 'Cowgirl!" He holds her from behind." Oh Faithy the things we will do to these mortals, and with your, and Buffster's, healing powers I will do it over and over again until you can no longer regenerate and then." He imitates snapping their necks." I just call up a newer model."
Buffy stands up." Who the hell are you?"
Xander touches his chest." Moi? Why I'm the next in line to rule the Overworld my dear! Created in the blackest of nights and born of the darkest of hearts! I will do things that you mortals have only dreamt about in your darkest nightmares. I will...UNGH! NO I'M NOT GOING!!!"
His dark eyes vanished to be replaced by his normal chocolate ones. He looked around like a frightened child before he too went still. The gang looked at each other and then at Xander." What the hell was that?" Faith asked.
They all jumped when he replied in sotto voice." That was the creature that would be released should Xander, and yourselves, fail. The barriers are getting weaker as Xander weakens, soon nothing will stop him from devouring Xander's soul and when he has.. The end will not be far away!"
Buffy had slipped into her patrolling gear as Faith and Dawn prepared for the trip. Kate held the keys to the only car and she told them." If they see the car leave they'll be onto you in seconds."
Faith says." Well what about if you cause a diversion at the front while we slip out the back way and boost some transport when we get far enough away?" Dawn asks." Can you do that? Hot wire a car I mean." Faith just cracks her knuckles and places her arm over Dawn's shoulder." Kiddo I can teach you a world of things. "
Buffy tells them." Only some of which are legal." She helps Xander stand up." Come on Xander time for a road trip." Xander stands up and Buffy realizes the child has left and its the intellectual being in control." Yes I am aware of your plan and it is feasible that it may work. However you must be prepared to terminate this shell if Xander looses his battle." Buffy swings him around to face her." This shell as you so calmly call it is a dear friend to these people and we will do what ever it takes to keep him in one piece!" He shrugs." I am merely informing you that should he fail it would be better for this world if the body was destroyed before the creature had time to occupy it fully."
Willow, Tara and Amy come into the room." Giles managed to e-mail me all the information they could find on the ah what they did to Xander." The three Wicca's were looking at Xander as he stood with his hands clasped behind his back and he raised one eyebrow." And the facts would indicate what Miss Rosenberg?" Willow tried to remember where she had seen the way he acted before." Yeah it appears what Drall told you is correct. The Council had found out about it when one of the scientists turned to them for help. Needless to say they were not impressed." She looked at Xander out of the corner of her eyes." He said the Council had a 'Black ops' team take out the children after the scientist changed the reports to indicate the program was a failure."
Buffy feels Dawn's eyes on her as she asks." So how did Xander slip through the net?"
"He didn't. Apparently he was stronger than anyone had imagined and survived the termination. The Harris's as they called themselves, went deep undercover until Xander reached puberty where they followed a set of instructions. When they took him to the rock he came to the attention of the Council once more and they told the Watcher of the then current Slayer. " Willow then went red with anger." Giles told me he was told by Travers after your return Buffy that we had to watch the Harris boy closely and be prepared to have the Slayer ' terminate' him. It was an order Giles agreed to but when nothing came of it he thought it was just more of Travers's mind games."
"Did he say what effect taking Xander to the rock would have on him?" Faith asked.
Willow shrugged." He wasn't sure, the information he has is old and out of date but he believes that what 'Spock' over there said is true." She motions to Xander who is examining a flower in an arrangement." That if he is in control at the time then good will triumph, but if the evil side of him controls the body then... Hell will look like a Club Med compared to the Overworld!"
The three women and Xander had been walking for several miles until they came to a used car lot where Faith tells them as she lifts a shim from her jacket." So what color do you like Dawn?" Buffy tells her. " We need something reliable and quick Faith."
Faith was eyeing a '92 Buick while Buffy and Xander stood out front looking for any signs of pursuit. Dawn had walked over to a '02 BMW SUV and ran her hands over its exterior. Faith looked over at her." Forget it girlfriend, that has way too many alarms, even for me."
Xander cocked his head and watched as Dawn sighed." Would this vehicle not suit our purposes?" Dawn shrugs." Yeah but Faith says its too hard to get into." Xander watched as Faith cursed the maker as the Buick refused to pop open. He touched his finger to the door lock and Dawn jumped when it beeped and unlocked, the motor started and purred like a kitten. She got in and revved the motor up motioning for Xander to get in.
Buffy tapped Faith on the shoulder and she tried to flick her hand away." B! If you don't stop I'll never get this piece of..." The sound of a car pulling up next to them made her jump. Dawn's window slid down and she grinned at them." Anyone want a lift to Vegas?" Faith looked dumbfounded." How the hell did you do that?" She asked as she slid in the passenger side. Dawn jerked her thumb to Xander who was sitting in the back next to Buffy. " My own personal Swiss army knife did it."
Xander looked at Faith as she turned in her seat to look at him." Dawn wanted this one and it was simple enough to get so I manipulated the electronic devices inside the car to comply with her wishes." Faith shrugged and batted her eyes." Xander, honey, Faithy needs a million dollars and she's willing to do anything to get.." She saw Buffy's patented death glare and Buffy told her." That's 2!"
Faith shrugs." Can't help a girl for trying B. "She told Dawn." Pull over Dawn, we need to get new plates for this baby before they report it stolen." Dawn drew up outside a wreckers yard and jumped over the fence. Half an hour later they were driving away with a new set of up to date plates.
The BMW crawled to a halt just outside of the business district of Barstow. Buffy searched her purse and came out with a keycard. "No cash but I do have my MasterCard." Faith shook her head." No use B, there's no saying that the minute you access your account they wont know about it. We need cash for gas and other expenses."
The SUV is parked near an auto teller and Dawn sees someone using it. She points to it and says." I could use my card to draw out some money!" Xander watches the man as he withdraws some money. Faith tells Dawn." Same deal kido, what we need is a man in 'need' then maybe I could..."
Buffy holds up her hand." No way Faith! We'll just have to walk..." She hears the side door open and turns to see Xander walking over to the machine." Jesus!" She jumps out of the car and races over to him where she is joined by Faith." Whoa there partner! Don't just get out of the car like that Xand!" He holds a hand up to her then steps next to the machine. He bends around the frame and touches the fascia of the ATM. He walks in front of it then tells them." I have rendered the security camera inoperative for three minutes that should be enough time.." He turns to Buffy." How much money is required to full fill our objective?"
"10 g's ought to do her Xand, honey." Faith tells him, Buffy looks at her, and Faith shrugs." Money has a way of knocking obstacles out of the way and we may need the help." Buffy nods." Make it 20 Xander. Can you..." He touches the screen and the ATM beeps and whirls 20 times, each time it deposits one thousand dollars into the dispenser, then the screen tells them to have a nice day. Faith holds the money and pats the ATM. " We'll try to !" Buffy grabs it from her and Faith pouts." Hey it was my idea!"
Faith slips her arm under his and tells him." Anytime you get tired of Vanilla Spice give me a twirl and I'll rock your world!" Buffy climbs in back and tells Faith." Keep it up Faith, I'm sure in thirty or forty years you may get somewhere." Faith climbs in and turns to her." Says she who's never even kissed him yet! Where as I have fu...n times to remember him with." Faith grins and turns to Dawn." you of all people know what I mean hey Dawn?"
Dawn blushes." We kissed nothing more." Faith snorts." Yeah ? Well it wasn't what I remember. I remember calling around one weekend and finding you sitting in the lounge eating cereal, at 3 in the afternoon mind you, looking like hell in one of Xander's T-shirts...and nothing else. Telling me Xander had been called out on a job not an hour before." Dawn blushed a deeper shade as she saw Buffy looking at her in the mirror. Buffy looked down at her hands and counted out a hundred dollars then placed the remainder in the consul." Dawn and I are going to get some gas." She looked at Faith." Watch him and keep him away from the ATM."
Dawn had to walk fast to keep up with her sister. Several times she started to tell Buffy something then stopped until they came to a '76 service station where Buffy bought a can and some gas. As they were leaving Buffy suddenly stopped and turned to Dawn." You had sex with him? My god Dawn you're just a kid!"
Dawn had enough." NO Buffy I was an adult! Christ I was two years older than you were when you and Angel did the deed!" She threw up her arms." Why the hell am I telling you this for anyway? You win Sis! You always do!" She grips her arms." He wants you and you alone! Even when I was with him all he thought about was you! Hell one time he cried out YOUR name in the middle of the best sex I've ever... Never mind." She glares at her and Dawn's nerve breaks. "Okay I'll tell you the truth!" The secret had been eating at her for the ten months she had been keeping it bottled up." You're not going to understand this but I have to tell you. When I went to his place last summer I had a plan the first part was to make him see me as a woman and not just Buffy's dorky sister. If that didn't work I had an ace up my sleeve." She looked up guiltily at Buffy." I stole the locket he left behind and went to a witch Amy knew that specialized in Love potions."
Buffy shook her head. " Oh my God Dawn how could you have been so stupid!"
She was very upset." I know! Don't you think I knew? But I was at my wits end, everything I had tried was shot down till this, it was my last try. Everything went like she said for the first few days we were like newly weds! Then he started getting nightmares and cold sweats! Then it cranked up a notch he kept yelling something about Amy and a spell, then for you to do up your raincoat?" She looked confused but Buffy went white.
"Oh my god Dawn! He was remembering High school! How could you do that? He tried the same thing but had the moral strength to fight the urge to give into us all!"
Dawn started to Sob," He told me he had to think things through but I knew it was because his love for you broke the spell!" She looks at her sister. "Didn't you see it? The first thing he did when he gained control for that split second was kiss you? And when he first came back it was to you, you were the first one the child remembered you.."
She made Buffy stop and put the can down, then she hugged her and warned her." When he returns to normal, well normal for him, if you don't jump at him I swear to god I will and this time I wont let him go!" Buffy smiled." Well with everyone telling me to I don't suppose I have much choice in the matter." She looked sad." Providing we can bring him through this."
They were almost at the car when they saw Faith searching behind a dumpster. She saw them and ran up to them." B he's gone! I had to go to the ladies room and when I got back he had vanished!" Buffy handed the can to Dawn." Fill the car then wait there for us!"
The two Slayers ran around looking for Xander when suddenly Buffy stopped and her eyes clouded over." Can you see him B?" Faith asked. Buffy turned around and started walking towards a Sizzler's car park. " He's over here... Looking at. . Something."
The two Slayers saw him at the other end of the car park standing next to a pickup that had a dead deer strapped to it's hood." What the hells he doing now?" Faith asked and Buffy shrugged. They saw him untie the ropes and then touch the deer on the chest and head. While they were engrossed in his actions they failed to see several drunks walking from the restaurant heading towards the pick up. Buffy and Faith went wide eyed when they saw the deer struggle down from the hood and then touch Xander with its snout before bolting from the car park.
"Hey you Son of a Bitch! What the hell did you do?" They turned to see the trio run over to Xander. The man grabbed Xander by his shirtfront and pushed him against the car." That was prime man! Worth a pretty penny and now I'm going to have to take it out of your hide!" Xander stood there as the man swung back and punched him in the mouth causing Xander to stagger back, blood pouring from his mouth. The man was about to hit him again when Buffy and Faith laid into the three hunters making light work of them.
Buffy held a piece of torn skirt to his mouth and dabbed away the blood." What the hell did you think you were doing." He turned and watched the dear running off into the trees and told her." It was not its time. It had family that needed it more than the hunters needed it dead." Faith searched the early night sky." I can't see one but there should be a really bright star right above mystic boy here! And any second now three wise men will come trotting over the horizon bearing gifts."
Buffy was driving the SUV as it headed towards the place where 'Spock' Xander had said the thirteen-year-old Xander had last encountered it. Dawn sat beside her asleep, her head resting against the window whilst Faith slept with her head resting on Xander's lap. Buffy kept glancing at the mirror her eyes fixed on Xander. When he spoke she almost jumped out of her seat." He knows what she did and why Buff. He forgave her long ago as his friends forgave him for his indiscretion."
Buffy looked at the mirror and into his eyes." I know he would have, it's his way, but... I mean magic ? Jesus after all she's seen and been through I would have thought magic would be the last thing she would have used, it would have been like she raped you...Him... Whatever."
Xander smiled and his lopsided grin forced a small smile on her face." She's blood Buffy, and family over rides everything else... GOD!!!!" He grips his head and Faith wakes up while Buffy pulls the car over." Xander ! " She shouts, waking Dawn.
He begins hitting his head against the window." No, no,no,no NO!" He looks up as Faith drags him away from the door." Bad man is hurting Xander! " He begins to sob like a frightened five year old. Dawn looks terrified." Oh God Buffy I think Xander's loosing!"
In a white land where no color can be seen, except for two beings fighting in the center, Xander is laying on the ground while his evil counterpart stands over him." Well have you had enough or do you want some more?" The creature growls.
Xander struggles up and wipes the blood from his lips before spitting out red tinged saliva." I have not yet begun to fight!"
The evil one does an Ali shuffle." Ooh! And Mrs. Selkirk said you'd never remember history." He kicks him and Xander rolls away in pain." Well sonny boy I ain't in the Royal Navy and you most certainly are no John Paul Jones!" He strode towards him." You are just a pitiful human being! As if a Slayer would look twice at you, is it any wonder she picked a Vampire as her lover not once but twice, over your skinny ass?" He puffs out his shirt and brushes off some dust." You never know when this is finished and I stand before the Rock I may just take some revenge on your behalf." He grins at him." What do you think hm? A slayer to wed, one to keep me amused, A key for.. Breeding purposes and the others? Well mortals do tend to break easily."
"Well in the words of my generation... Well if they had any I'm sure they'd be quiet biting! Ooh I know. . Screw you and the horse you rode in on!" Xander let fly with a kick that had all his pent up fear and anger at what this thing would do if it won, when it connected it sent the creature tumbling back several feet. Xander let the hate for what all the evil in the world had done to everything good and right, he sent punch after punch into the beasts body and felt what it would be like for Buffy and the others if he lost " When." Kick." Will you creatures learn." Double strike. " Not to piss." Chop to the throat." Me." Kick to the head." OFF!"
Faith feels him stir and he blinks away the pain." I think he's winning!" Child Xander tells them." But we have to get him to the rock fast!" Buffy places the SUV in gear." Just tell me where kid?"
Buffy pulls the SUV up in the car park and turns to Xander." Okay now where?" Dawn taps her on the shoulder." Ugh Buff I think they might know." Buffy turns to see the almost endless army of undead streaming towards the car until they have it surrounded three deep. The wall of evil dead parts and a cloaked figure approach." Ah so kind of you to bring my 'Son' to this place of holy worship Miss Summers." He nods to her." Miss. Williams.. Miss Summers Junior." Dawn presses the door lock but Drall just rips the passenger door off its hinges and drags a struggling Xander out." Now boy don't fuss so! You'll see them again and when you do they will hardly recognize you, but you will feel the need deep inside for them!"
Drall drags Xander away." Keep fighting Xander ! We'll find some way to help you!" Buffy yells out. Drall laughs and turns to face her." Oh you will help him my dear! After all a growing boy needs three things, Food, entertainment, and the need to reproduce! Fight it out amongst yourselves who will be what but make it snappy." He points to the security area." Keep them there till we have finished."
The three women are yanked from the now wrecked SUV and manhandled over to the Dam's security building. As they struggle they see bodies of guards, workers and travelers alike strewn across the road and littering the entranceway." The master was pissed at The One's not being here yet." One of the leaders tells them." You must feel honored to have been chosen by the One for this journey."
"Yeah great ! Now if Ed McMahon would just hurry up with my damn check..." Faith stopped talking when she saw the device in the corner." What the hell is that?" The small creature huffed with pride." That will bring about the new dawning of Demon kind! No longer will we be limited to small raiding parties, creating death and destruction before we die. When the One is made I will start the great Machine and it will draw power from this 'Thing'." He waived his clawed hand about indicating the dam." And it will open the first of many stable entry points to this world."
Buffy shakes her head." Just what the world needs, a portable Hellmouth!" She is forced to her knees as the creature lifts his head at the high pitched whine coming from down below." Ahh the Master has begun the transition of the one you called Alexander." He motions for the others to drop the two women to their knees." Soon you will feel the Majesty of the rise of the new rulers of this reality! For two of you great honor will be bestowed upon you but the other will be even more rewarded! To be the mother of the next generation of Dark Ones!"
Drall grips Xander's hand and drags him towards the Rock as he does the rock emits a high pitched whine and begins to pulse. With each pulse Xander feels stronger and more confident." Yes my boy, feel the raw power of the great rock! Let it's energies flow through your body, enriching it with the power and the purpose for which you were created!"
Xander holds his hands to his face and with each pulse he sees his skin glow and become translucent permitting him to see bone beneath the flesh. Xander walks hesitantly towards the rock then places his hand upon it. A wave of energy pulses from the rock like a concussion wave and Xander screams in pain.
"YES! " Drall crows." And now we begin the journey to our right full place as the true rulers of the overworld!"
Xander straightens up and looks at his hands once more then takes a lungful of air. He turns and grins evilly at Drall." He is gone! I feel whole again!" Drall opens his arms to him." Come let us embrace the new world and our new day!" He smiles then tells him." Then I have a gift for your 'coming out party' I believe the humans call it?"
Xander's forehead creases." And that would be?"
"Why the three women you brought with you of course! I must admit the thought of a child of mine choosing not one but two Slayers as his pets makes an old man very happy!" He turns." However, the other confuses me. What was your thinking there? She looks nice but her flesh is still to young to make a good meal, all stringy muscle Blah!"
Xander stops and smiles." Where have you put them?" Drall motions." Come with me and I'll show you. No need to worry they wont escape I have twenty of my best beasts guarding them in preparation for your return."
"And that would be where?" He asks. Drall stops and turns to him." Why the security room of course... " He slits his eyes and concentrates before enlarging them in shock." NO! It is not possible! You were supposed to perish at the first pulse of power from the rock!"
Xander sets his jaw and cracks his knuckles." Yeah well I've always had trouble with the math! Now either you leave and take your scum with you or.." His grin widens." I've always wanted to kick my fathers ass!"
The whine changes pitch and they all hear the unholy scream from down below. The demons grin at each other then the leader turns to the three women." I believe your new master has awoken my dears!" Buffy tries to concentrate but she can feel nothing of Xander's presence. She blanches and tries again before exhaling a heart wrenching sigh." Oh God! " She turns to the others." I can't feel him...I can't feel him at all!"
Faith nods at Buffy's words and her heart sinks." Maybe Kate was right... Maybe we should have killed him while we had the chance." Buffy glares at her but Dawn answers for her." NO! We owed him to give him a chance at living! I just can't believe he lost."
The leader of the beasts walks up to them." Oh believe it little ones! Soon he will walk amongst you and choose those he will spare and those we shall feast upon for the day of our returning is at hand!" The others chant." Glory be unto Drall the mighty and his son Alexander 'conqueror' of man!" The leader begins to pinch the muscles in their arms and snorts." These two are far too tough for my liking." He comes to Dawn and smiles as he tests her muscles." Ahh just right!" He points to Dawn." Prepare her!"
Buffy and Faith step between them." Over our dead bodies freak!" The demons prepare to fight the Slayer's knowing their superior numbers would carry the day. Buffy turns to Faith." You don't need to do this Faith. I'm sure if you sit this one out Xander would go easy on you."
Faith frowns." Xander's dead B ! The thing that's walking around in his skin is a demon and unlike you I prefer my demons dead as dust!" Just as the Demons are about to rush them the main door burst open and a shadowy figure is silhouetted by the rising sun." Touch my wives and DIE !"
The leader stops and turns around then genuflects to the new master." We were but carrying out your father's wishes master!"
Xander, regally, enters the room." Yes my Father! He lost his head over these women... Literally!" He throes something into the centre of the crowd of demons and they yelp and scurry away. Buffy tried to see what it was but it wasn't until the last demon had moved that they saw it was Drall's head!
Xander walks, stiffly, towards them." There has been a change of plans! You will all return to the Underworld and await my pleasure." The leader of the demons steps forward and points an angry claw at Xander." You have killed your father, the rightful ruler of our land! For this you must die." He, and three others charge Xander but he holds his hand up and three fat blue sparks erupt from each of the demons and before they melt into the ground. Xander rocks back as the bolts of their life energies are absorbed by him. He smacks his lips." Man that never fails to feel good."
The remaining demons kneel to him and he tells them." No go back and take this to the other Lords. Stay where you are ! The Overworld belongs to me and me alone! Any encroachment and they will suffer the same fate as Drall the Mighty! Now GO!"
As the last one leaves it turns and watches what Xander does before leaving. Xander stalks up to the three and bares his teeth." Now which to choose." He taps his chin and sighs shrugging his shoulders and turns to the demon." So many females and but one of me! Tell the others I maybe delayed by a century or two in talking with them." He grins evilly and it is copied by the demon." You understand?" He uses his hands like a set of scales." Which to eat, which to..." He grins and raises his eyebrows." I hardly need to tell you though."
The demon laughs and looks at Buffy and the others." Oh I pity your world with one so evil as he in it!" He bows." I will tell The other Dark Lords of your orders and will await your commands... In a century or two."
As he vanishes through the machine it too is recalled back to the underworld, the three women begin to shout their disgust at Xander but he holds up his hands." Wait till I'm sure their gone." He closes his eyes and then smiles. But then he staggers as he relaxes his stance." Now was that a performance or what?" He asks them.
Buffy looks at him as her anger builds." That was.. You're okay? You Bastard!" She hits him and he staggers back causing the black leather coat to swing open revealing the claw marks across his shirt. Buffy is glaring at his face until Dawn rushes to him." Oh my God Xander!" She pulls the shirt open to expose the deep gashes across his chest. Xander snorts." Yeah Dad really had a killer left hook!" He sees Buffy's look of concern and he tells her." No I'm serious he had it in a glass jar on the shelf, all pointy and everything. You should have seen it.. Mphh!" Buffy didn't know what she was doing she only knew it was about time she did it.
Faith takes Dawn by the shoulder and guides her out of the building." They really should be left alone at this point. Now we should start talking about what the bridesmaids will wear! I was thinking matching leather cat suits..." Dawn stops and looks at her." Are you trying to get them divorced before they're even married?... Cool idea Faith!"
Kate and Faith have their new orders in front of them as their new commander tells them." Your old boss was soft and corrupt while I'm a by the book kinda guy. I permit one mistake then you get shit canned, Clear?" They both nod." Good. I need you both to set up section 4 in Sunnydale and keep a close eye on Harris and this Summers woman." He looks up at them." I don't like the idea of some demon knowing how we operate even if he is supposed to be on our side. The first sign of him betraying us or human kind I want his ass fried are we clear ?" They both say." Crystal sir!" Then he dismisses them.
Faith smiles." What's with the grin Faith? I thought you hated Sunnydale?" Oh I do Kate but I can't wait to see B's face when we tell her we have to be with Xand every minute of the day to keep an eye on him! She's going to freak!"
Kate is all business." Just remember if he looks like he's going bad we have to fry him!"
Faith shakes her head." He wont go bad, believe me I know bad!" She grins." Besides Buffy wont allow him too."
Buffy is fighting three Vamps and finding it hard as she's thrown to the ground by one and then set upon by the others. Suddenly one cries out and turns to dust causing the others to turn and see the man standing with the street light shinning behind him." Just so's you know I wont permit any of you guys to hurt this Slayer or her friends anymore."
One of them sees who it is." But why not? She's a human and we feed off of humans."
Xander walks out of the glare of the streetlight so they can see him. His face is a mask of anger." Because your time on this earth draws to a close. Soon there will be no more Demons roaming the face of this planet and unless you want to join your friend I suggest you go now before I... Ugh... Ah the hell with it!" he throws a stake that impales one of them and Buffy dusts the other one. She brushes the dust from her jeans and walks up to him and kissing him. " I really need to work on my snappy repartee!"
Buffy nudges his hip with hers." I could give you some lessons. " He hugs her and his hands wander over her body as they kiss. He breaks the kiss." Lessons in snappy one liners?" She kisses him then says leeringly." Oh them... yeah I suppose I could teach you that... As well." She waggles her finger at him and they run off to the nearest Crypt. Spike flicks his cigarette away and tutts." Now that's disgusting and very immoral... Lucky git!"