Shadows across the heart

WARNING!: Character Death! Character Death! Character Death!


FANDOM: Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel the Series
TITLE: Shadows across the heart
AUTHOR: Willie J
EMAIL: wmj166@yahoo.com
ARCHIVE SITE(S): http://www.slashaholics-island.com/library; http://www.adult-fanfiction.org;http://www.brain-insane.com/beyondcanon;
PAIRINGS: A/X in this part
RATING: Eventual NC-17
WORDCOUNT:
DISCLAIMER: I don't own any part of Buffy et all, nor Angel the Series.
FEEDBACK: Oh please send me feedback, privately or through the list
DISTRIBUTION: List Archives
SUMMARY:
BETA'D BY: Elaine (the mighty) and James (the marvelous)
SUMMARY: Something is very wrong in Sunnydale
A/N: Those of Buffyverse are naturally Joss' creations, however, any and all other characters mentioned are my own.

Chapter 6

The three Guardians and Defenders turned as one when the vampire and his young human charge exited the bedroom. At the minute quivering chin from Xander and the wary protective stance the vampire assumed behind the boy, they knew what painful decision had been reached.

The humans took their seats cautiously, while their demon counterparts watched Angel guardedly. A nervous, wary Defender was an extremely dangerous force to be reckoned with. For many years before he was cursed with a soul, within the demon community rumors traveled around the world with tales of Angelus’ twisted antics. The demons of like mind spoke admiringly of his exploits. It was generally understood that while Darla was the leader of the tiny group, it was her charming, dark-haired childe that came up with many of their clever inventive games.

At several demon soirees, heated discussions often took place about regarding Angelus’ exploits. However, to this day it was agreed that tying a man’s cock to an anvil, setting a saw next to him, then setting the building on fire was the best practical aspect of value of self-preservation.

The charming vampire had had a brief fascination with the burgeoning field of Behavioral Science that was developing in thte 1te 1800’s. Enthralled by the concept and wanting to know more about the human psyche, in typical Angeluslike behavior, he decided to disguise himself in order to mingle with learned doctors. Pulling his hair back and tying it in a tight braid, horn-rimmed glasses and his version of plain clothes (thereafter, developing a pronounced aversion to tweed and dull clothing). Mimicking humans scholarly and intellectual expressions, the broad-shoulder vampire mixed with his unknowing prey to Darla’s vast amusement.

He even went so far as to present his findings to psychologists at various gatherings where he was warmly welcomed. His words, carefully crouched in prudent terms of hypothetical situations, the vampire was lauded as a pioneer in research by the younger doctors and aficionados, yet patronized for his 'dubious thinking' by the grey-bearded doctors.

Angelus had conducted several scientific experiments with human subjects before losing interest and patience. At the last gathering of doctors and laymen, he presented a paper entitled ‘The Existence of Psychosomatic Behavior in Blood-Drinkers and Their Associated Actions’. When they laughingly scoffed at him, Angelus aptly demonstrated his work by snapping the neck of his loudest critic.

Then Darla, Spike and Dru silently sauntered into the shocked room and took seats in the back.

The scholarly demon had made a big production out of presenting his next paper, ‘The Feeding Habits of Vampires: How It Relates To Humans and Pain’ to the petrified audience. He was in full demonface by this time. While idly snacking on a moaning grey-beard, Angelus got defensive at the sardonic amused look Darla had given him. He insisted that he was doing the Society of Psychologists a favor by getting rid of the obviously stupid doctors like those.

Vampires as a rule were very dangerous and tricky demons.

And none, save the incubus, wanted to tangle with him. At least not until they'd gotten the full measure of the demon. Xtchaly watched Angel with an amused expression. The two female demons exchanged glances and groaned silently. For once they hoped the incubus used just an ounce of sense! Hell, it didn't even need to be an ounce, it could be a smidgen! They didn't need him antagonizing the vampire. At least, not right now.

Angel stilled. Only his eyes were alive in his pale, motionless face as he stared back at the incubus. The power of their stare rang like the clash of a pair of fierce, duelist’s swords coming together in a test of strength and skill.

With a slow inclination of their heads, the two demon males then looked away. They knew that one way or another they would meet in a trial of arms. They were both vampires, though of a different nature to each other.

One of sex; one of blood. And they were both alpha males.

Lexi looked up at her demon with puzzled eyes. Not in the least reassured by the look on his face as he returned her narrowed glance with a blandly innocent face. Growling softly about stubborn, rockheaded demons, she turned her attention back to Kaori who was speaking.

“What's going on in Sunnydale we three must also share in the blame. We were aware of the Shadow Queen's interest in that area. We became aware of her Shadow dogs nosing about in our territories as well. However, we unfortunately were a mite too arrogant in believing that we would be able to easily defeat her before she secured a strong toehold onto this material plane. A base whereas we would not be able to dislodge her or her minions. As it was, we were primarily focused on drawing her out, forcing her to extend herself so that we could remove her and banish her, or better yet, utterly destroy her for all time.” She sighed and her face held weary regret.

“Unfortunately, as clever as we thought we were, we forgot who and what we were dealing with. We thought Rack intended for Amy Madison to become the Shadow Queen's host, but we forgot how much she enjoys beguiling an unblemished soul. Gleefully leading her hosts down the proverbial garden path. And the poor souls are generally unaware that the path they are traveling is steadily becoming darker and darker. She enjoys corrupting her potential hosts, teasing them, cajoling them until they would gladly wallow in any depraved act. No matter how anathema it was once to their nature.” The Eastern Guardian looked gravely at her younger brother. She gave a slight nod at the sickened look on Xander's face. “I’m quite sure that had she lost her grip on your friend, then Amy would have served her needs. But perhaps not quite as well.” All three of the senior Guardians faces bore a grim look.

“So while we, like fools, were watching Amy for tell-tale signs of the Shadow Queen’s control, Willow slipped past us and quickly suborned your other friends. I’m quite sure Giles was naturally selected to be the first to be taken. With enough clues, he would have taken immediate steps to stop the girl. By any means necessary. Even if he had to kill her.” Lakti’s voice was quietly ominous.

The youngest Guardian, despite his gloomy mood, nearly laughed at the thought of G-man actually killing Willow. Killing anybody for that matter. He nearly giggled at the thought of G-man trying to kill something. He would probably beg their pardon, fumble a couple times, sigh, and clean his glasses before giving up and having a ‘spot of tea’.

Xander looked up at Angel to share his amused thought and was taken aback, at the look of rueful agreement on the vampire’s face.

“Angel! Surely you don’t believe…” he gasped, shocked to his core.

Angel frowned as he looked down at the boy. “Xander, you are really not that oblivious to just howgerogerous Rupert truly is? Why do you think he was called Ripper when he was young?”

The young man waved his hands in the air dismissively. “That was then. ‘Sides, we all act dumb and stupid when we’re kids…”

“And some of us don’t grow out of it,” Angel muttered to himself.

Xander gave the vampire a sharp look before contng. ng. “…but we grow out of acting like that. Where do you think successful businessmen come from?”

“Xander…”

But the young man was on a roll. “…I mean yeah, I can see him murdering one of those funny looking biscuits that he likes to eat all the time. Plus, some of those fancy looking sandwiches. You know, the ones without the sides. But then again, they are kinda small. And tasty. I don’t know what Giles put on ‘em, but they are GOOD! Those disappear like magic when he makes them for our meetings. Oh, and let’s not forget crumpets! Have you ever seen how many he can put away?! And they call me greedy!” He exclaimed huffily, glaring at a bemused Angel.

Ka leaned towards Lexi. She kept a wary eye on the babbling young man. “Uhm, did I miss something here? How did we get on the subject of food? Weren't we talking about the Shadow Queen?”

Lexi made sure she kept a cautious eye on the boy when she shrugged. “Damned if I know,” she replied simply.

“Xander!” Angel's voice was sharp as a lash, stopping the young man in mid-babble. “I know you're upset and scared, but we have little time and inclination to coddle you at the moment.” And his eyes held a wealth of understanding for the defense mechanism the boy employed when nervous and unsure.

Xander's eyes dropped, as did the corners of his mouth. “Well, I still say Giles ain't capable of killing anybody, much less one of us,” he muttered sulkily to his knees.

Lakti shook his head. “On the contrary, your Mr. Giles is more than capable than some in the art of dispatching those he feels endangers either his charges or the world. He is a most astute observer of the world. And far more ruthless than you think. Or could imagine.” By the stubborn look on the boy's face, he knew Xander didn't believe him.

“When I first came back from hell, Rupert paid me a visit. He informed me that while he did not blame me for Angelus’ crimes, however, should I lose my soul again despite what Buffy's wishes were, Angelus would find himself on the receiving end of payback. And he described some very ingenious methods of torture that even Angelus was impressed.” Angel’s voice was very even.

“But...”

“And who do you think killed Ben? Glorificus alternate self?” The vampire asked in a deliberate tone.

Xander blinked, suddenly unsur he he remembered what Giles had told them. “He...Ben...
uhm...he accidentally broke his neck,” he stammered. Blinking wide uncertain eyes up at his vampire.

“While lying flat on his back?” Angel raised a sardonic brow at his Guardian.

“How do you know what happened?” Xander demanded.

“Spike…”

At the confused silence from the boy, he turned to the other Guardians and asked them to continue.

“As I was saying, I believe that Willow, or the entity controlling her, took out the individuals most capable of stopping her. We believe you were spared due to your Mark from the other vampire.”

But to their surprise, Xander shook his head. “Spike didn't start Marking me until a good couple weeks after you say Giles got taken.”

Lakti raihis his brows in surprise. “Interesting,” he murmured. “Your Willow must be stronger than the Shadow Queen anticipated to have held off the Queen for that length of time. Unless she's been badly hurt, it is believed that the Queen suborns her host almost immediately.”

The young Scooby member brightened immediately. “So maybe it's not Willow that's the host. Maybe it's somebody else!” he exclaimed, looking immeasurably chipper. But at the looks that still darkened the others, his high spirits deflated.

Lakti exchanged grim looks with the other two senior Guardians before he spoke gently.

“Xander, understand this, should it come to pass that it is indeed your friend that is hosting the Queen, she MUST die before the Queen grows far too powerful for us to oust from our world. We cannot take the chance that we are wrong. While it will be nearly impossible to kill her, as she is one of the greater Gods, however it is possible to banish her from this world. But this relies on us acting soon.”

The young man shivered and buried his head in his hands. Silently acquiescing to their words.

Willow must die.

But he prayed that they were wrong.

Angel glanced down at his dejected Guardian. Even the boy's hair seemed to lie flat and lifeless against his skull. He placed a comforting hand on Xander's slumping shoulders and squeezed gently. Offering a measure of support. He was pleased to feel Xander lean into his touch.

“And the others? I mean, Fred and the rest?” Xander asked softithoithout raising his eyes from his intense study of the area rug.

The Guardians relaxed subtly. “If they wish to accompany you, to be a part of this, we are prepared to accommodate them,” Ka responded quietly. Her eyes were sympathetic on her younger brother. She glanced inquiringly at Angel. He nodded.

With a weary sigh, Xander reluctantly got to his feet. Already he was squirming with shame at the looks he knew would soon be on Cordy's face. But it was only what he deserved. All that and more. He had failed at basic Scoobyism.

Walking with the heavy, leaden tread of a doomed man, he followed Angel back to the library.

He could hardly lift his head to meet their curious eyes when the Hyperions filed back into the library. Especially when they saw the rest of the others looking grim and solemn. He saw the flickering of fear in their eyes before they set their jaws determinedly.

Xander sat with a blank face and lowered eyes as Lakti introduced himself and the others as well as the Defenders. He closed his eyes tightly when Kaori took over. To his surprise, he felt a cool hand grip his clenched fist and give him an encouraging squeeze. The young man opened his eyes, meeting Angel's sympathetic gaze head on. Confused, he dropped his eyes and refocused his attention as Kaori finished explaining exactly what happened, what was currently going on and how they intended to stop it from spreading further.

Cordy’s mouth dropped open in horrified shock at what the Japanese woman was saying. Her eyes darted to her shivering, miserable ex-boyfriend in amazement. If it wasn’t for Angel holding him in place she thought Xander would shake himself to pieces.

“Omigawd, Xander…” she managed to rasp out in anguished sympathy. Even Wesley had a look of mingled horror and pain on his face.

Only Gunn and Fred looked baffled at the despair they could feel thickening in the room. “So, we kill the bitch that started this and every thing goes back to normal, right?” He said in the gloomy silence that followed Cordy’s words.

Cordy and Wesley instinctively winced and braced themselves.

Xander’s head came up as helpless rage finally found a target for relea Wit With a growl worthy of Angelus, he leapt at the large black man, determined to rip Gunn’s head off.

“YOU DON’T TALK ABOUT MY WILLS LIKE THAT!” He roared in fury. His surprise attack allowed him to get one punch before Angel corralled him. Both Cordy and Wesley grabbed a furious Gunn. Preventing him from attempting to go after Xander.

“What the f…” Gunn looked at his friends in surprised shock. Why were they helping the kid?! Who was the one that got hit anyway?!

“Gunn, stop it!” Cordy shouted. She braced herself against Gunn’s solid bulk, making sure he didn’t go anywhere near Xander.

“Gunn, listen to me! Like your sister, Alonna, Xander and Willow’s relationship is very much like that. Actually, she’s a lot more than his Alonna. She’s…,” Wesley looked blank as he tried to explain the concept of Xander and Willow to an outsider.

“…his everything.” Cordy said steadily. She had long since come to terms with the unconscious hold that Willow had on Xander. And the one Xander had on Willow.

“Oh…” Gunn blinked. Then inhaled sharply when he actually comprehended what was going to happen to the girl. “OH! Oh, shit, man, I’m sorry,” he whispered as he remembered the pain of freeing his sister’s body from the creature that inhibited it.

Giving her large friend one cautionary look of warning, Cordy walked carefully over to where Xander was firmly held in Angel’s arms. She kept a wary eye on the golden-eyed vampire and stopped as soon as she saw his lip curl upwards in a particularly nasty smile. Angelus.

Swallowing her fear, she called to the shuddering young man. “Xander…? Xander, it’s going to be okay. Maybe if we…” her voice trailed off at the slow shake of Kaori’s head. “Okay, how ‘bout…there’s got to be another way! Xander can’t lose Willow!” Cordy’s voice rose to a near shriek of rage. Despite Angel’s threatening growl, she patted Xander on the back while glaring at the Guardians.

The young man could hardly believe that Cordy, The Cordelia Chase, was sticking up for him. Raising his head from his hiding place in Angel’s shoulder, he peeked at the girl. He had to smile at the angry determination he saw on her face. Good ole Cordy, when in doubt, come out swinging.

“Quite right. Isn’t there some other alternative than…than…that?” Wesley asked in dismay. He gave Gunn’s chest a little pat to maks bus burly young friend stay put. As he turned his attention to Xander, he froze at the stab of wild jealous pain that raged through him at the sight of Angel behaving tenderly towards the boy. Taking a deep breath, he summoned all his courage and strength. He crossed over to where the girls were offering Xander solace.

Fred was already there, making comforting noises and Angel found himself pushed summarily aside as the girls settled themselves on either side of Xander. Cooing sympathetically to the distraught young man.

Damn…how in the hell does that kid do that? Gunn shook his head in awed admiration. Hommie looked goofier than a clown, yet he had all the shorties waiting on him hand and foot. Damn, but I wish I had that kinda power back in the day when I was a baller, he thought ruefully.

Gently Xander pulled away from Cordy and Fred’s too comforting touches. Under the waves of feminine support, along with his burden of guilt and sorrow, he felt like he was choking, drowning with emotions. Besides, he didn’t want comfort or forgiveness. He simply wanted everything back the way it was.en ien it was him, Willow and Jesse against the world. And maybe Buffy and Giles too.

With a sigh he unconsciously shifted himself until he was closer to Angel. Immediately, the leaden weight of guilt and despair eased.

Angel relaxed subtly as his anxious nerves were soothed by the boy’s presence back at his side. He regarded Xander thoughtfully. This thing between them was having unforeseen side effects. The first thing he intended to do after all this was settled was to find out everything he could get his hands on regarding this bond between a Defender and Guardian. Or one of these days he was going to wind up ripping someone’s throat out for inadvertently coming between him and Xander. Something he was wryly certain their friends would not appreciate.

“Now then, exactly what is it that we need to do to defeat the Shadow Queen and possibly save Miss Rosenberg as well?” Wes said briskly, setting aside his feelings temporarily to focus on defng tng the enemy. It was simply amazing how the very real image of the world ending in rivers of blood had a way of putting one’s personal problems in perspective, he thought ruefully.

On a private communication wavelength, the other Guardians and Defenders exchanged surprised thoughts.

~“For sure, I thought these humans would abandon Angel and the child to their own devices considering the previous animosity towards the boy. Yet they stand ready to not only defend the world, but also Xander and the witch. Amazing…”~ Kaori ‘path to gro group.

Xander sat up straight, his eyes narrowed and intense. “They’re talking,” he murmured to Angel.

The older male glanced at the composed males and females. The Spanish woman was conversing easily with the Oriental woman. “Well, yah. Generally, when mouths start moving and sounds are coming out, that usually means people are talking.” He said in confusion.

“No…” the boy whispered impatiently. “What they’re saying out loud ain’t what they’re saying.”

Startled, Angel glanced at his mate. “How do you know that?”

“’Cuz, I can…feel them?” Xander murmured doubtfully. “I can feel people whispering in my head. And it sounds like them…”

“As to your question, Mr. Wyndam-Price…” Lakti began to speak.

Wesley gave the man a half-smile. “Please, call me Wesley…”

Lakti paused; he regarded the ex-Watcher levelly. “As I was saying Mr. Wy-Pri-Price,” Xander grimaced slightly at that slap in the face, “There are two ways of dealing with the menace of the Shadow Queen. Either way would be acceptable. However, they are both fraught with risks. If the taint to the witch has not spread too far within her soul, we can banish the shadow from her. Once the witch is attacked, the Shadow Queen will rush to defend her chosen host. Upon her arrival, she must take physical form to attack. If all these things happen in exacthe ohe order I mentioned, hopefully, we will triumph and she will be defeated. The witch will live, the Queen will be banished and sealed from this world.”

“And if that’s not how things work out? What’s the next option?” Cordy asked in a tight voice. She had her arms crossed and an angry look of determination on her face. Lakti took a deep breath, for some odd reason feeling a trifle intimidated by her.

“Yes, uhm…the second option is the more difficult one.” He shot an uneasy glance at the young man. While they had already discussed this upstairs, he had his reservations about this idea. It was far too risky and dangerous.

He cleared his throat and began. “The other way is to simply destroy the host body. However, the Queen will defend her host most aggressively.” Lakti looked away from the boy’s sorrowful gaze. They had already made the decision.

“How many hands for Door #1?” Cordy demanded challengingly. Her hand and Wes’ immediately shot up. With some hesitation, Gunn and Fred’s went up more slowly.

“Xander…?!” Angel’s seer exclaimed in disbelief at his serious lack of hand raising.

Xander avoided her dark angry eyes. “It’s not that simple…I really screwed things up, Cordy. I slipped up on rule Number Three of the Scooby Code.”

“‘Protect your friends. Save the world. If they conflict, save the world.’” They chorused sadly. They were echoed softly by Angel and Wes. Despite his almost outsiderlike status, the ex-Watcher had still been a part of the group. And was very much expected to adhere to the Code.

~“They got a code?!”~ Kaori looked amazed at her fellow Guardians. Their grudging respect went up for the young world savers. And they wondered sadly how many times did the tiny group of children have to follow rule #3?

Gunn squirmed uncomfortably at the pain in those dark miserable . “. “Hey man, you didn’t know. Ain’t no need to keep beatin’ ya-self up about it,” he said gruffly.

“But I should have known. I’ve been Scoobying since I was 15. I should have known,” Xander repeated miserably. He unconsciously leaned against Angel for emotional support.

“Perhaps…but now that you do know, how do we plan on stopping both Willow and the Shadow Queen? And I’m quite sure there will be a suitable army for us to wade through while doing so,” Wes interjected dryly. But his eyes were dark and worried.

Lexi gave him an equally dry smile in return. “We leave this evening. And it’s not ‘we’ that will be fighting Willow or the Shadow Queen. Only someone the girl trusts implicitly will be allowed to get close to her.”

Slowly Wes’ widening eyes turned towards Xander. Not understanding, Cordy frowned. But some minuscule twitch on Xander’s face led her to the horrifying conclusion. “OH HELL NO!” The dark haired girl exploded. She surged up from her seat abruptly, unknowing and uncaring of Angel’s warning growl at her sudden movement. “Find another way…NOW!” She grated out.

“I don’t have many friends. Especially those of the female persuasion. Cuz, sometimes they can be a little bitchy, ya know? But Willow, she’s not like that. She’s…she’s a doormat! That’s what she is! A doormat. And…and…she doesn’t know how to dress, or…or…or talk. She let’s people walk all over her then whines about it. She’s such a pathetic excuse for a female. That stupid cow doesn’t even know how to dress appropriately, or maximize what little she has. God, she’s so freakin’ pathetic it's ridiculous, but she’s my friend dammit!” By the time Cordy finished she was in tears. And feeling strong arms wrapping around her, she turned and broke down in harsh racking sobs.

Xander sat carefully with Cordy in his lap. He met Angel’s eyes with his own wet, painful gaze, but there were no easy answers to be found in that distant, brown gaze. Only sadness that a formerly bright and beautiful girl might have to die. The young Scoobies huddled together in shared sorrow. But years of fighting against the darkness had its its’ indelible mark on their souls.

“ ‘If they conflict…’,” Xander whispered sadly as he rocked Cordy in his arms.

Tearfully she ed, ed, stirring in his loosening embrace. “ ‘…save the world,” she sighed in return.

Resting her head on his shoulder she met Wes’ slightly bitter eyes, a flicker of guilt in her own. Yeah, when the chips were down…Scoobies stuck together. He gave her a silent nod in understanding and straightened his shoulders determinedly.

He looked at the Guardians and Defenders. “Very well, I presume you know how to incapacitate the shadow possessed humans? In addition, from your previous demonstration, you each have certain…abilities. So, what kind of abilities or powers can we expect from Xander?”

Lakti shrugged and scratched his head. “Well, generally, living a long life and healing rapidly is considered more than enough. I take it that you want him to be souped up or something?” His tone and eyes were mocking.

Wesley gritted his teeth, sternly suppressing the desire to haul off and give the man a solid smacking. Manfully, he swallowed his anger, unaware that Lexi had given Lakti a mental slap. The physical equivalent of a balled up fist to his jaw with an added sharp admonishment to behave.

“Sorry…Western Guardians typically have the ability of manipulating weather. Lightening, snow, winds and things of that nature. However, that’s about 1 or 2 thousand years from now. At this point, other than healing rapidly and near immortal status, he’s about as human as the rest of you are. Except you, of course,” he bowed to Cordy.

The scholar blinked slowly. “Perhaps I misunderstood what you said. Are you implying that Xander has NO powers? And he’s supposed to go up against the Shadow Queen? By himself?” His voice was rising to a near shriek in astonishment. “Are you collectively bloody mad?! Or is it your in to to kill the boy?”

Xander blinked in surprise. He exchanged wondering looks with Cordy before they watched the raging Englishman with sheer fascination.LexiLexi leaned slightly back from the force of his rage. Xtchaly had lost his smirky grin and was suddenly looking every bit as dangerous as Angelus on a bad day. He moved closer to his Guardian. Razor sharp talons emerging from the tips of his fingers.

But Wes was on a roll and dismissed the demon as inconsequential. He finally had someone to vent the full force of his frustrated rage against.

Both Lakti and Ka found themselves backing away from the angry man’s intense emotions. Their demons merely smiled and stayed out of the way. They had warned their Guardians how unpredictable these particular humans were.

“But…but…we’re going to be there,” Ka said weakly when the man paused for breath.

Wes gave her a frigid glare. “Your point, madam?”

“Uhm, nothing, just that we DO have powers and can handle everything else. He has to handle Willow and the Shadow Queen,” Lakti replied sharply. He squared his shoulders. He was after all a Guardian and by damn, he shouldn’t be afraid of one pesky little mortal.

But he was. A fact that caused him no end of chagrin.

“Oh, I’m quite sure that will be of comfort when he’s laying in pieces on the ground,” Wesley replied witheringly.

“Enough…” Angel regarded the combatants with a slight smile. An even warmer smile at Wes for championing Xander so thoroughly. “Enough, Wes. Right now, that's the only solution. And frankly, we don’t have 1 or 2usanusand years. Tomorrow, the moon will be full and she will attempt to force open the barrier between the two worlds by sacrificing Dawn,” he stated simply. They really didn’t have any choice about what to do.

Wes deflated. He rubbed a hand over his face, feeling drained. “Very well then, what must we do?”

“We fight…”


For the next several hours, the groups practiced their moves with the glowing crystalline daggers that Kaori gave them. Shplaiplained that while the knives did little or no damage to the human host, it would kill the shadow infecting the human. It would flare once, signifying that the shadow was destroyed. Once the knives began losing their glow, they needed to discard it and began using another.

They each received a bandolier with 40 of the shining blades. And strict instructions not to waste them.

They were told to make damn sure that the demon was gone before moving on to their next victim. There were certain Shadows that were much stronger and hardier than the ordinary ones that were lodged in the rest of the Sunnydale population. They were the Shadow Queen’s lieutenants. While the normal Shadows were of no threat to humans, the Queen’s lieutenants most definitely were deadly. What they could touch, they could kill.

“So how do we know which ones are the lieutenants?” Gunn asked with a raised brow.

“They’ll be the ones ripping your guts out,” was the simple rep
G
Gunn nodded thoughtfully.


For Xander, he was given a long, crystal-like sword as well as a knife. He received both with the sad solemnity that they deserved. Before they turned to practice, the others saw that Xander’s knife was different from the ones given to them. They turned away with a shudder. While his weapons glowed with the same unearthly light, there was a cold solidity about them.

They practiced assiduously. Each were long accustomed to using different forms of combat. Their usual style of fighting was a mixture of conventional and unconventional. Street fighting blending seamlessly with the more stylized rules of marital arts. And generally, they were adept at this and could do it with their eyes closed.

But right now, they were vainly trying to avoid tripping over their own feet.

Carved on their faces was the thought of what terrible fate that would befall the world should they fail. This was more than they were up against. Only Wes and Cordy, as ex-Scoobies, had faced a world-endingish battle. And they were woefully out of practice in handling the stress.

An invisible band of tension wound slowly about them. Their usually quick and deadly moves were now clumsy and hesitant. Setting their jaws, Angel’s crew tried harder with their practiced moves. And tried even harder NOT to think about what was going to happen. Inevitably, a world drowning in blood flickered across their minds, shadowy foes reached for them and they would flinch. With a harsh, angry sigh, they would begin again.

Angel left Fred, wher had had been showing her the proper techniques. He approached the boy cautiously. Standing in front of Xander, he looked curiously at the knife and sword.

“Are they…?”

“I…I think so…” Xander replied in a hushed voice. He continued staring at the two deadly weapons with morbid fascination. He began to shake. The knife dropped from his nerveless fingers. It landed, point down, the hilt quivering gently. The young man winced and gave Angel a weak, trembling smile of apology. To which the vampire responded with a fixed smile in return.

There was a moment of silence as they stared at the knife. Xander broke it with forced joviality.

“Boy, they sure don’t make knives like that anymore,” he exclaimed with false cheer. He was practically dancing the Snoopy dance of gloom and doom.

“No. No, they don’t…” Angel growled softly, his eyes now fixed unwavering on the fidgeting boy.

“Sharp too…” Xander pointed out desperately, as if to show Angel the excellent quality of workmanship that went into the making of the blade.

“I know…” Angel paused. He regarded Xander with hot golden eyes. “Now will you get the damn thing out of my FOOT?!”

Cordy, who had been watching in asthmenhment, collapsed on the floor, merry peals of laughter coming from her. Wes, despite the grimness of the coming situation, found his lips twitching. Especially when Xander, stuttering apologies, tripped and fell against Angel. Judging by the pained howl, it obviously jarred the blade.

“Please tell me he fights better than that,” Gunn said faintly. But he also had a tiny smile on his face at Xander and Angel’s Keystone Cops antics.

Lakti, Lexi and the demons closed their eyes in horrified amusement. But Kaori regarded the blushing, shsh ysh young man with narrowed eyed intensity.

Wes pulled a chortling Cordy to her feet before he responded to his friend. “Gunn, you have to understand, anyone that has survived at the side of the Slayer for so many years has already proved his,” he gave a slight bow to Cordy, "or her fighting abilities. Here in L.A, we save individuals; in Sunnydale, they save the world. Nearly on a monthly basis.”

Gunn shook his head, unconvinced. However, he wasn’t willing to argue before battle. However, when he, along with Cordy, Fred and Wes renewed their practice bouts, their bodies flowed with the smooth, coordinated movements that time and countless fights had been instilled in their bodies. They were once again, sleek graceful warriors.

And Kaori smiled, feeling the oppressive gloom lifted from the room.


Jahna stood rigid with disapproval. Her expression cold and sharp with futile anger. The first battle involving her Defender and she wasn’t allowed to participate. Somebody, her mouth curled, had to say behind. Master Angel was HER Defender…not theirs!

She opened her mouth…

“Captain Jahna, I’ve already said that I agree with Xtchaly,” Angel said shortly. His foot still ached and Xander was stressing out. He didn't have time to deal with any of this. He didn't bother turning around this time. He could feel her aggrieved stare boring holes in his back.

“Master Angel...?” This was said in the most innocent of voices. As if she didn't know what Angel was referring to.

Angel turned around and sighed heavily. Could there be anything moreakreakier than an 8 ½ foot tall demon...pouting? Why did he have to be in charge of the nutcases? Why?

“Captain Jahna, we've had this discussion already. The West will remain here, for backup and security while we are all away. Would you really care to see strangers in the hotel when we return?” he spoke gently with a hint of a growl underscoring his tone. “You are the captain of my Protectorate,” now his voice was sharp. “So I suggest you act in a manner more becoming of your rank, rather than your shoe size!”

The towering female flushed a dark grey. He could see the mortification in her eyes before they were swiftly lowered. Jahna bowed low, her jaw set firmly. In her haste and eagerness to prove her worth, she had lost sight of what was common sense. The Western sphere was the most vulnerable, being that the Guardian and Defender were new and still learning. It was up to the Protectorate to safeguard Castle Westguard against all incursions. But after 90 years of being without a Master, it was hard.

“Forgive me my lord,” she murmured with downcast eyes. “In my eagerness, I lost sight of ALL the Protectorates’ true purpose...that of safeguarding the Guardians. We are one in this endeavor.” She straightened up and met Angel's eyes. Her face calm and composed. “Perhaps someday, we of the West will be chosen to defend the other Guardians.” She paused, “While the other Protectorates stay home.” Her face looked immeasurably cheerful at that thought.

Angel smiled faintly. “Count on it...”

“Until your return, my lord.” Jahna nodded her head gravely. “Good hunting...”


A little after 8 pm, they were finally all assembled in the lobby of the hotel. Angel glanced around at the number of soldiers from the other three spheres and nodded sharply. He looked around to make sure his people were ready. They were.

“Now, let's go over the plan one more time...” he began to say.

“Let's not, and say we did.” Gunn interjected quickly. At Angel's astonished look, thrge rge black man sighed. “Look, man...you ouslously don't watch enough TV. Any time the leader says that they're gonna go over the plan one more time, one or two things generally happen. Either a spy is watching and hears the secret plan or shit gets fucked up from here to eternity.”

Cordy and Xander nodded solemnly in agreement.

“Cordy...” Angel gaped at his Seer, a look of profound shock on his face. “Don't tell me you believe all that malarkey?!”

She shrugged. “All I know is that every show *I* ever watched, right after the hero gives his little motivational speech, things go..." she waved her arms explosively.

"Fine..." Angel grumbled. He was miffed that nobody wanted ear ear his speech. And it was a good one too!

There was a moment of silence in the lobby. "Okay, now what do we do? I mean, if we're suppose to do this tonight, I really don't remember anybody ordering a bus or something to do with getting everybody to, ah...Sunnydale," Xander finished weakly, flushing to be the focal point of everyone's eyes. He clutched his weapons in a sweaty grip, tempted to hide behind Angel's back. However, that would not be the mature, Guardianish thing to do, he told himself stoutly. But he eyed Angel's back longingly.

Lexi smiled mysteriously. "We simply walk." Suiting action to words, she started forward.

"Uhm, not meaning to disturb your…uhm, walkathon, but...Great Scott!" Xander began in a doubtful voice. At the concentric rinf lif light that burst into being at a wave of the SouthGuarGuardian's staff, he could only goggle as the woman stepped calmly through the opening.

"Damn, I gotta get me one of those," Gunn murmured to himself. He moved forward slowly, carefully watching as demon soldiers entered the opening and vanished.

Angel took Xander firmly by the hand snd stepped into the pulsing opening.

"Now that's something you don't see every day," Cordy commented thoughtfully, with wide eyes.

"You mean a spatial anomaly of concentric rings of light that in addition to transporting a mass of beings, is also bending the laws of space and time?" Wesley’s voice was awed as they moved forward along with Gunn and Fred into the circular opening.

Cordy shook her head rapidly. "Plu-leeze! After all this time working for Angel? No, I mean that huge freakin' emerald on her staff. That rock looks bigger than the Hope Diamond! It must be worth a fortune! Just think, if Angel had that baby, I bet he could afford to give me a huge whoppin' raise," she exclaimed. "And buy you a couple of those musty-dusty books you like," she added vaguely as an afterthought as she strode fearlessly into the swirling vortex.

Wesley sighed. "Of course, how foolish of me," he murmured with an amused smile as he followed after her. How utterly like their Seer to keep things in perspective.

Soon, the hotel lobby was emptied of Sunnydale defenders. 200 plus warriors from the North, South and East; picked from the very best soldiers the spheres had to offer, had marched into the concentric opening. With a slight muffled whomp, the swirling circular gate closed.

Leaving behind the soldiers of the West.

Jahna’s face remained impassive as the light vanished. Where her Master had disappeared. She gazed hopefully at the place where the gate had been. Then slowly her proud shoulders slumped slightly. Damn smug bastards! Everybody always got to fight except the West.

“C’mon, we probably need to get setup just in case somebody needs medical attention,” she said dolefully, turning away from the now empty lobby.

One of her soldiers glanced at her, startled. “Captain…? East and South are just about as good as we are, and North’s people ain’t half bad. I mean, they’re not us, of course,” he added depreciatively. There was no levity in his tone, just a statement of utmost truth. “But they’re pretty good. Do you really think they’ll need medical attention?”

Jahna peered up at his broad, earnest face. Gehato was absolutely beautiful, there was no doubt about it. She had seen the ringring, heated glances directed his way by male and female soldiers alike. He was the very image of what a warrior was supposed to be. Tall, enthusiastic and eager to please. His broad shoulders and chest fairly rippled with muscles. His claws gleamed a healthy black; his uniform fit his muscled frame like a glove. He was a beautiful prime male, the epitome of lust.

But he was thicker than a post. She shook her head sadly.

Any other warrior would have taken unfair advantage of their status as an object of desire. But not Gehato. The poor child remained virtually oblivious of the attention he received whenever he walked in roo room. And when he did, people were treated to the sight of a 9 ½ foot tall, muscled soldier blushing and shuffling his feet.

Captain Jahna sighed again. “Gehato, they are going up against the Shadow Qu” sh” she began patiently. “The shadows without a host can attack and kill demons. Humans with a shadow are under the control of the shadow.” She waited; hoping he would draw the obvious conclusion, but at his blank, uncomprehending stare she knew it was a lost cause. Thank god he was strong and loyal.

“Gehato, what are we?”

“Soldiers of the Western Protectorate…!” he stated proudly, drawing himself up to his full impressive height. His face glowed with earnest fervor.

“And what else…?”

“Uhm, very good warriors…?” he said a little uncertainly. His eyes darkening to purple at the unchanging expression on the Captain’s face. He squirmed uneasily at the hint of despair that flickered in her eyes.

“Gehato, we are demons. So…?” she drew the word out, hoping he would finally get the point.

He struggled mightily, his face working with the unfamiliarity of deep thinking.

“If we are…demons,” he said slowly, watching her carefully to make sure he was on the right track. “And…and…and the shadows can kill demons. They can kill us…?” he finished tentatively and was rewarded by her bright smile. He flushed a dark grey in triumphant.

“Exactly! Very good Gehato!” Jahna exclaimed proudly. Around her, the others cheered and smiled happily. Gehato was one of their favorites. S, go, good-natured and so uncomplaining.

Leaving a small detail downstairs, Jahna and the others headed back to the Library, and then onward to Castle West. There they would be setting up a makeshift emergency room. They could all feel the dread awareness that it would be needed.


Xander stumbled as he exited the portal. Only Angel's grip on his hand saved him from falling. Straightening himself, he glared around at the circle of people about him. “Alright, who pushed me?!”

Cordy smirked and slid behind Gunn’s back.

Angel drew his attention from the shadowy darkness behind the ‘Welcome to Sunnydale’ sign. The town was almost obscured in a veil of gloom. He regarded the boy and shook Xander’s hand roughly to gain his attention.

Whirling around, his mouth opened to protest the, in his opinion, unnecessary roughness, Xander slowly closed it as he took in Sunnydale. Or better yet, Shadowdale, he thought shaken to his core. "There goes the property values," he quipped shakily as he gazed at his former hometown.

“This is so not like it was when I left it,” he said insistently. Xander turned anxiously to Angel’s distant face. “I mean, it wasn’t exactly ‘Welcome to Disneyland’ but it certainly wasn’t “Luke, I am your father…” His voice deepened as he tried to mimic Darth Varder’s classic line. But his usual attempt of laughing in the face of danger fell flat. Looking at the town, he wanted to cry.

No one looked at him; their attention firmly drawn to the shadowed town.

“Xander, my God…and you eed fed from here?” Cordy breathed in horror, her wide eyes locked on the billowing shadows that enveloped the town. She hissed like a startled cat at the way tendrils of dark vapor reached outward towards them. There was a hungry malevolence in the movement.

Xander didn't seem to hear. His face was pale and shocky. There was a terrible blank look on his face as he gazed at the shadowed town. He began to walk. The soldiers, with a quick look at his set face, moved a

“And you guys grew up here?!” Gunn whispered to Cordy. His eyes were wide in astonishment as he slowly walked within the circle of protection the soldiers provided. He fiddled anxiously with his glowing knife and wondered if maybe he should have brought the entire weapons’ cabinet.

Xander took off. There was a stricken look on his face as he raced desperately towards the town. His town. His people…his friends.

Perforce, everyone ran with him. Making sure that the group stayed together.

Xtchaly leaped into the air, his wings snapping out as he began soaring above their heads. Kaori’s staff began to glow with an intense, brilliant light as they entered the town.

With a low moan of dread, Xander almost collapsed to his knees at the changes that had been made in his town. Store fronts, pavement, trees all changed in a macabre way. Half of this world, and half of the Shadow Queen’s realm. Almost everywhere they looked, Sunnydale had been grotesquely mingled with aspects of shadows. Craggy rocks with creepy ropes of weird growth waved the tendrils at them warningly. Black unnatural trees butted up against lamps and stores in an eerie parody of normality.

Soft chittering sounds paced their muffled footsteps. They felt the weight of many eyes. Watching them. A rapacious evil, eyeballing their every step as if under the sheer weight of their gaze, the invading people would fall. They would swarm over their bodies, and pick them clean of flesh.

Carefully Xander breathed out. His body trembled with the monumental effort not to scream.

Willow’s life was a very small price to pay to stop this, he thought shakily.

He did like he always did when caught between a wall and a demon. He pushed his fear aside and simply concentrated on surviving. That and sometimes yelled for Buffy. Though he had a feeling that if he yelled for her now, he had no doubt that she would come running. To chop off his head, he thought morosely.

“Here they come…!” Angel shouted suddenly, abruptly catching sight of a mass of shadow possessed humans rushing towards them.

With howls of animalistic fury, the possessed humans were upon them. Distantly Angel was aware of Xander as the boy fought valiantly at his side. Beneath the smell of blood, rage and fear that gripped them, he could smell sorrow. Pain. For a brief second he wondered just how in the hell he could possibly be so aware of Xander. Then a shadow leapt through a small break in the circle of defenders and thinking was no longer an option. Destroying the creature that befd thd this place was the only thing that mattered. He plunged his glowing dagger into the possessed creature's heart. Supremely gratified to see the human shriek and fall writhing to the ground.

Xander raised his sword as one of the creatures charged him. Black hair straggled over its face and body. Just as it closed in on him, it lifted its head. In meeting the shadowed feverish gaze, he froze, his knife and sword dropping from his astonished grip.

Before he could recover, with a growl, she leapt at him. Almost taking him to the ground. And snapping out of hisprisprised horror, he tried to fight her off. But her strength was fueled by the shadows; now she was far stronger than he.

At Xander's furious yell, Angel whirled around in full gameface and froze at the sight of the demonic human with the struggling boy in a headlock. ouldould see the dark shadow in the creature's eyes. She laughed; her mouth stretching in a wide mocking smile as the shadow-possessed woman began pushing Xander's head to the side. Slowly, drawing out the moment to savor the helpless rage on the vampire's face. The shadow knew of Angel and the vampire's frantic desire to atone. The shadow thought itself safe.

Angel taught the creature the folly of believing everything you hear.

Drawing a different knife, he hurled it. Sinking the blade dead center in the dark shadowed eye of the woman’s face. The shadow-possessed human immediately dropped Xander and clutched at the now gory socket, screeching in pain. Angel took the opportunity to cut off her head.

Grabbing a stunned Xander, he pulled the boy up with a scowl. "Be careful..."

"Dea...Angel, don't you think you're taking this mother-in-law thing just a little too far?" Xander stammered out as he gazed down at his dead mother.

"No..." Angel retorted with a cold smile, before wading back into the fray. But with that brief glimpse, Xander was shaken. For the first time he saw the unmistakable glimmer of cruelty tlurklurked just under Angel's skin. He wondered just which part of the vampire had gained dominance. Souled or the demon?

"Right..." the young man said uncertainly. He gave a long look of regret towards his mother. A painful swelling of emotion for the beaten, and cowed woman that somewhere in the past had lost the capacity and will to stand up for herself. her her son. Later, he would grieve for the woman because despite everything, she had been his mother. At one point in time, he had felt loved by her.

Feeling a dark presence rushing at him, he put the past behind and concentrated on surviving. Grabbing his sword and knife, he began his own deadly dance of banishment.

The other three Guardians were using their weapons of choice with ruthless efficiency. Lakti's spear was being used as a bo stick as well as a banishing tool. The point of the spear glowed with unearthly light, forcing the shadow creatures to hide their eyes even as they attacked.

Soldiers of the three Protectorates were falling, some mortally wounded. But for every one that fell, they took down at least eight of the shadow humans.

Lakti looked up at where Xander and Angel were fighting. "GO!" he shouted at them. He backhanded a human to the ground and plunged his spear tip in their heart. "We'll hold them off! Find the witch and deal with her!" Spinning around, he summoned fifteen of the warriors and ordered them to accompany Angel. Without glancing at their Mistresses, the soldiers leapt to do his bidding.

Xander needed no more urging. Sparing a brief glance at the embattled group, he led the way, instinctively knowing the direction he should follow. Angel, not wanting to lose his Guardian was only two steps behind. Kaori raced along at Xander’s side, her Defender in full draconian demon mode. Both females were equally terrifying in their battle frenzy.

Angel's crew, seeing their boss heading away from the fight, ran after him. Chopping and stabbing anybody that got in their way.

Wes slid to a halt as a dark figure separated from the oncoming pack. His eyes narrowing on one particular man...and that rigid, superior posture. Gunn hesitated, glancing at the approaching shadow possessed man.

"Go, I'll be fine," Wesley snapped without taking his eyes off the oncoming man. His teeth were barred in a grim smile. "Stick with Cordy!" he shouted before rushing towards the man. Five warriors peeled off and ran alongside him as he and shadowGiles met in the middle of the street in a clash of weaponry.

Gunn felt himself prodded forward by the remaining soldiers. Giving an angry growl, he whirled and raced after Cordy.

Leaving Wesley to his battle.

Swiftly he caught up with Cordy and Fred as they followed Xander. Abruptly it was Cordy’s turn to stop and whirl around, her teeth flashing a brief, unamused grin. "Stay with Angel...this is my fight," she growled to the bewildered Gunn and Fred. Now that she had been partially merged with a demon, she decided to put everything Angel had taught her to the test. And if she lost, she was sooo going to kick Angel’s ass!

The remaining two Hyperions glanced at a tiny blonde girl that Cordy was glaring at with extreme confusion. Cordy wanted to do a beat down on that little bitty thing?

A few seconds later they understood just how misleading appearances could be.

ShadowBuffy, inasuaasual display of strength, uprooted a parking meter. "Get out of here!" Cordy screamed at her friends before rushing to engage her longtime nemesis. Five more warriors broke off to protect her against the shadow humans. Helplessly, Gunn and Fred, at the urging to the remaining soldiers, turned and charged after Xander and Angel.

Xander paused breathlessly outside a macabre version of the Magic Box. It had gone through the most changes of all. He shuddered at the jd gad gaping maw that seemed to be the entrance. It even had teeth!

He gasped for breath after his run to this location. And immediately wished he didn’t have to breathe. “Whew….!” Xander waved his hand in front of his face. “Somebody certainly has a problem with their personal hygiene. I haven’t smelled something that horrible since Timmy Henderson stuck my face under his armpit when I was six years old!”

He jittered nervously before the dank entrance. Then trying to breathe as shallowly as possible he gingerly stepped through the opening. He was immediately comforted by the sense of knowing that Angel was right behind him. And hopefully the others were right behind Angel.

They walked warily into the morbidly changed area. A rock, jutting seamle fro from half of the counter top, eerily ended in a straggly bush. Sickly, macabre looking trees grew out from the floor...and from the ceiling. For all intents and purposes, the Magic Shop had quadrupled its size.

"Giles is so not gonna like this mess," Xander mumbled to himself. He took another step and paused as a figure stepped out of the shadows.

"You..."

Xander pressed back against Angel in sudden fear. He remembered his first encounter with the human aspect of his lover. He swallowed hard; a faint trembling in his limbs…

Angel blinked; startled at the remembered human beauty of his grandchilde. "Spike...?" His voice rose in astonishment.

At that, the man narrowed cold blue eyes at Angel; a flash of mingled rage and lust twisted full lips in a sneer that was so like Spike the demon. "Not Spike...not Spike," Xander whispered shakily; trying to back further away from the man that wore the face of his love.

"But..." Angel started to say, then caught the unmistakable scent of humanness wafting from the brown haired man. His eyes widened as the full magnitude of what Xander had been telling him slammed home. "Shit..." His face slipped into full demon mode as a molten tide of rage threatened to overwhelm him. A startling hiss escaped from him at what had been done to his beautiful grandchilde. His rage settled into a grim, frozen emotion all the more deadly for the icy detachment he now felt. Whatever the cost, that bitch Shadow Queen would pay.

William's lips curled in a twisted lewd smile. He took note of the way the boy was pressed against that foul pederast. "Well, now...looks like the little bumboy found himself a new 'friend'."

Xander flushed, his body stiffening angrily. He stepped forward, a dangerous glint in his eyes for this Spike wanna-be. He was gonna wipe that smirk off that bastard's face if it was the last thing he did. Angel's hand stopped him from doing something drastic to Spike's human self.

"Xander..." Angel said quietly, restraining his hot-tempered mate. He shook his head slightly when Xander turned inquiringly to him. The young man blinked and looked guilty then horrified at what he had been about to do.

Gunn's eyes narrowed on the lean White guy. He snorted in disgust; he saw the look of self-revulsion and lust in the man's frozen blue eyes. "Yeah and looks like you're one of those that likes calling the pot black," he retorted as he gave the man a smirk of his own.

Xander and Angel snickered, understanding dawning in their eyes.

William flushed; a startling growl coming from his mouth, as his secret desires were revealed…

"Fuck you..." he breathed hoarsely, nearly shaking with rage.

"I just bet you would love to," Gunn shot back with a nasty smile. "But I don’t bottom for delicate little flowers like you. I bet you constantly have problems with rug burns on your knees." He eyed William's lithe, wiry form lewdly up and down. Slowly he licked his thick lips in feigned admiration, his eyes on William's suddenly straining crotch. Raising his eyes to the other's full lips, he drew in a mock appreciative breath. "Oooooh, baby! The things I could do with a pretty mouth like yours. I’ll hafta getcha a nice thick pad for your knees! To see those lips stretched all wide around my..." he pursed his lips and made lewd, kissing sounds at the trembling, enraged man.

William screamed and jumped at the large Black man, nearly blinded with rage....All he wanted to do was silence him. He was not a bloody poofter!

Gunn smirked; neatly cold-cocking the incensed man. Xander ed ied in sympathy.

"Damn..." he whispered when William’s eyes rolled up in his head. The human’s legs folded up, and he slumped to the floor unconscious. He peered worriedly at the fallen man. "Is...is he dead?"

Fred, drifting over to the downed man, shook her head. "No...Gunn just has a hard fist." She grinned mischievously up at her friend.

Gunn rolled his eyes. "C'mon...y’all let's get this party finished so I can go home. If I'm lucky maybe the Knicks will still be playing tonight," he said impatiently. But there was a warm, pleased look in his eyes.

"Right..." Xander said slowly. Chewing his lips, he turned and gazed at the dark tunnel ahead. Somehow he knew that that would be where everything would be decided. llowllowing, he shakily gripped his weapons and strode forward.


Entering the room was somewhat of an anticlimax for the others. Xander, however, with a short cry, rushed to the cage that held the fully demon faced Spike. Distedlyedly he noticed there were a couple of empty plastic bags littering the floor of the cage. Blood, he assumed hopefully, though with a feeling of despair. If those had been full of blood, Spike needed much more than the measly few bags he could see. He rebounded against a shield that had been erected around the cage. "What the fu...!"

"Pet!" Spike exclaimed, surging to his feet. His golden eyes were anxious and worried as he took in the unexpected sight of his lover. Then at the sight of Angel, his eyes narrowed and a remote look settled on his face. He wished he had a cig in his hand right about now. "Whelp, I see ya broughe wae wanker," he drawled, easily pulling the persona 'I-don't-give-a-fuck-about-you' that he wore like a second skin.

"Well, ya better turn around and get the bloody hell outta here 'fore that prat Watcher gets back. And make sure ya take me plonker of a grandsire wif ya when ya go," he coolly tossed out, but his eyes clung to his boy. If Xander made it out of here, then everything would be okay.

"He's here to help," Xander said. Dropping his sword, he flattehis his hand against the invisible wall that kept him from touching Spike.

"Shock! Horrors!" the demon cried out mockingly, his eyes wide with feigned surprise.

Angel stepped up to Xander's side. "Childe, I am here to help," he retorted quietly. His eyes were distant. Vampiric eyes saw the lines of stress that marked his grandchilde's face. The even thinner frame of the blonde vampire. His cold, quick eyes took in the too few bags on the floor of the cage. The distinct scent of blood coming to his nostrils. But that wasn’t enough for even a fledgling to survive. It merely kept the vampire ‘alive’. At the half-healed wounds scoring Spike’s torso, cold understanding dawned in his eyes. And his face took on a harder, ruthless expression.

At the sight of that hard look on the older vampire’s face, it took Spike back to the days when he and Dru roamed at the sides of the senior vampires. When they were the Scourge of Europe.

He shivered; his eyes burning at how close Angelus was to his boy. "Xander..." he said carefully with one eye on the older vampire. "I want you to go to the other side of this room...now."

Angel and Xander exchanged puzzled looks. "Uhm...why?" the young man asked in confusion.

"Just do as I say!" Spike snapped. He gripped the bars of his cage, a low growl of warning coming from his throat. He glared venomo at at a startled Angel. "Get yerself away from my BOY!" He demanded in a roar of futile, protective fury.

Angel blinked, realization in the roll of his eyes. "Don't be stupid, you idiot! I'm not Angelus!"

But before Spike could respond, Willow ran breathlessly into the room. Her shirt rent, bruises darkening her fair face, there was a trickle of blood flowing from her temple down her face. She was sobbing as she collapsed to the floor. "Xander....!" She curled into a ball, a low keening sound coming from her lips.

Crying out, Xander turned and rushed to her. Pulling her to her feet and into his arms, he held her shaking body in a tight embrace. "Willow...Willow...Will...my Wills," he murmured into her hair. He stoked her hair gently as the terrible shudders slowly left her fragile body. So focused on her, he was unaware of a de-shadowed Buffy and Giles, limping into the room. A badly beaten up Buffy was carrying Cordy over her shoulder; while a horribly bruised Wesley had Giles' arm around his neck. They were followed by seven of the remaining warriors that had accompanied the two Hyperions. Three were solemnly carrying Dawn, Anya and Tara in their arms.

Easing an unconscious Cordy to the floor, Buffy hastened to her sister. Trembling fingers hovered anxiously over the younger girl’s, tears of unimaginable pain trickling down her cheeks at what horrors her baby sister had to endure.

"Dawn...Dawnie...please...please open your eyes..." the blonde Slayer begged anxiously. Her worst fears had came to pass. She had never wanted the dark side of her duty to ever touch Dawn. Her little sister was the main reason why she fought so hard. To make the world safe for her.

The warrior gently eased the child to the floor and stepped back. Buffy immediately sank to the ground; she pulled the lolling dark head into her lap. Rocking back and forth, a low moan coming from her lips. "Dawn...please baby, wake up...Dawnie, please..."

With Wesley's help, Giles hobbled over to his Slayer. Gritting his teeth, he eased to the floor as well. "C'mon Dawn, be a good girl and open your eyes," he said huskily. "Your sister is becoming quite agitated, I fear." He blinked rapidly, to clear the annoying moisture in his eyes. "Silly child, you're scaring your friends half to death," he added lightly. His voice was shaky rasp as he spoke.

Kaori stared at Xander, a look of peace about his face. She caught the eyes of the warriors, a silent message in her dark gaze. The two Defenders regarded one another; Angel turned and looked at Xander for a brief moment. He turned and joined the growing crowd around Dawn.

"I'm soooo sorry," Willow whimpered tearfully. "Goddess help me! I'm so sorry! What have I done?! What have I done?!" She kept whispering. Xander tightened his arms comforting about her. "One minute, I'm locked in this dark prison and the next I'm on the ground with one of those people standing over me! What happened to me?!"

Xander stroked his hand down Willow's face; his eyes clear and loving as he gazedn inn into her familiar face. She was truly the only girl he had ever loved. Not even Buffy, or Anya had ever compared to his Wills. He would gladly give his life for her.

But not the world...

As her arm stole up his back, and her eyes changed…he plunged his knife into her.

At the scream of rage and pain, Buffy's head jerked up in shock. She was horrified to see Xander with a knife buried in Willow's gut. She tried to jump up, but was easily restrained by Angel and this weird demon female. Her mouth dropped open at the second cry of pain that came from Willow's mouth. It had more in common with an animal than a human.

Moaning, Dawn came to at the animalistic howl of pain. Clutching her head, she felt her arms grasped in a gentle grip and hauled to her feet. Blinking bleary eyes, the young girl grunted softly as she was enveloped in a Slayer strength hug.

"What happened...? What's..." then all the dark memories flooded into her mind at the sick look of horror in Buffy's hazel eyes. She swallowed hard, struggling to control her churning stomach at the filthy, slimy film she could feel coating her. Inside and outside.

"oh god..."

Xander watched as what used to be his best friend tried to staggered back; he plunged the glowing blade again into her. Easily batting aside the weak defense.

"Xander, NO!" Willow cried, tears falling from limpid green eyes. "Why...?"

"You're not my Wills..."

"Yes...I am..." came the weak response.

"No. No you're not," Xander replied simply, slamming the knife home again in soft giving flesh. His eyes held a look of unimaginable pain. "You haven't been my Wills for weeks. I was just too dumb not to notice or believe what my mind was telling me."

At that, darkness flowed over Willow's eyes. It was quickly losing its tenuous hold on the girl. The battle was lost; but still the war had yet to be fought.

Collapsing to the ground, it smiled mockingly up at Xander before fading away. This time when Willow moaned, it was truly Willow that looked at him with tormented eyes. He could see her soul reflecting in her bottomless eyes. He sank down, cradling her in his arms. A smile trembled on his lips. "Hey, beautiful…"

Willow breathed shallowly, her hand shakily touching the seeping wound in her stomach, hardlye toe to believe what had happened. "Why...?" She looked at him with unbelieving eyes.

He swallowed hard, tears falling down his face. "It was the only way to free you; free everybody. We've fucked up big time, Wills..." he said hoarsely, his eyes steady on her face. "You with your magic; me with my unwillingness to see you were out of control. We messed everything up. Now we have to set things right." He held her eyes with a stern, uncompromising gaze.

Willow hesitated; looking at him. Her eyes clear for the first time in weeks. With one simple spell, she could reverse the damage that he had caused; or she could set things right. She could feel the darkness rushing towards her, towards them and knew she didn't have much time.

With one simple little spell, she could live. But it would be with full knowledge of the dark consequences to her actions. She would be spared; however, it would cost her Xander and throw the world into a darkness that would devour everything. She gazed across the room at Buffy, at her friends...at Dawnie.

She chose...

...Willow arched upwards, grunting with the pain of her efforts. Her body writhing in agony. A glowing orb was forced up from her bowed form, pulling a loud scream of torment from her lips. Xander rode out the torturous movements with a grim face.

Slumping, she breathed raggedly and stared at the ceiling marshaling her strength to give him a warning.

"She's coming..."

Xander nodded soberly, stroking the sweaty hair from her face. "I know...I know," he whispered soothingly.

"You hafta run...." she whispered painfully, stubbornly fighting back the darkness that threatened to overtake her eyes.

Willow's eyes widened as Xander shook his head. "Scoobies don't run from a fight. We have to make things right. Blood washes away sin..." he said desperately, clutching at her hand.

She blinked rapidly, her breath catching at the look in his eyes. "Bloasheashes away sin..." she whispered in return. Her words a promise and a vow.

Buffy and the others stood goggled eyed at the glowing orb that floated upwards from Willow. It began coming towards them. Then gaining speed it flashed around them, and slammed into Dawn. The young girl froze, her eyes wide in astonished shock. She was glowing with the nimbus energy from the pulsating orb. Like a marionette, Dawn's arms were flung wide, her head dropping back on hhoulhoulder...

...and a piercing wail came from her lips.

"DAWN!" Buffy screamed, struggling frantically to get to her sister. But iron bands held her back.

The young Summers' girl jerked and quivered as if with palsy. All her stolen magic, all that which made up her essence, her Keyness, was forcefully returned to her body. With one final scream, she was flung back into a waiting warrior's arm. As soon as Buffy was released; she scrambled to her sister. Gaping at the crackling blue energy that flickered in Dawn's eyes before it faded.

"Wha...?" was all she could manage to say as she held her younger sister protectively. She glared murderously at the people surrounding her, shifting Dawn in a safer position, away from other people.

Angel sighed. Then his eyes hardened along with the other Defenders. Kaori gestured; she planted her staff in the center and grasped it with both hands. Closing her eyes, she tightened her grip.

The humans shivered; and drew closer. Something was coming...something really really bad.

"Willow got caught up in dangerous magic with Rack; he was an agent of the Shadow Queen. She was infected or possessed by one of them, a shadow. Furthermore, she stole Dawn's magic," Angel stated quietly. His eyes were hard, and there was a distracted look in his eyes.

"What?! Willow would ne..." Buffy began in angry astonishment; she paused as the curtain parted on dark memories. Slowly her eyes turned to the redheaded witch cradled tenderly in Xander's arms. Then a look of bottomless betrayal came into her eyes. The question of 'Why?' was screamed silently as her gaze fell on the entwined duo.

But the two lifelong pair took no notice of their other friends' regard. Silent questions were asked and answered as they gazed into one another’s faces. "Blood washes away sin," Xander whispered; Willow nodded painfully.

A rushing wind, sounding like a thousand tortured souls, filled the air. It was coming from the ragged, open wasteland. Growing louder, human and demon alike, clamped their hands over their ears, their senses nearly unraveling at the awful sound. They could feel scratchy, sticklike fingers probing at their minds, r sor souls. A foul uncleanness caused them to shudder convulsively, squirming in revulsion and yet, unable to escape the horrible touch.

Xander bowed protectively over Willow's form; his teeth gritted, his skin twitching at the disturbing sensation sweeping over him.

A shadowy black mass passed overhead and Ka's shield snapped in place. A glowing dome of pulsating light arched over the humans and demons. Circling the people, twice the shrieking shadow flowed to a stop several feet from Xander and Willow's position.

With a muffled sound, the dark mist formed a spiraling column and poured downward, spreading out on the floor. From the floor upwards, a pair of slender, delicate feet and calves formed; knees, then white milky thighs curved sweetly upwards into gentle, graceful hips. A long torso flowed, a pair of perfect breasts formed, while slim, supple arms came into being from flawless sloping shoulders of surpassing perfection. A slender, swanlike neck led the eye irresistibly to one of the most ravishing faces they had ever seen. Helen of Troy was said to have launched a thousand ships; for this woman, men and women alike would set the world on fire for her favor. Translucent lids hid the woman's eyes as blood-red hair cascaded over one pale shoulder.

Giles, Gunn, Wesley anike ike caught their breath at the proud, resplendent beauty of the woman; the women wept, and lowered their heads in abject shame. They were gawky and unworthy to be in the presence of such a virtual paragon of womanhood. They felt like lumbering pigs and cows compared to her; heavy and earthbound compared to her incomparable splendor.

The Guardians, Defenders and their demon warriors watched her with stony expressions.

In a reverse striptease, a black dress flowed upwards from her feet, smoothly hiding the soft, silky flesh. The men cried out in anguished dismay; the women sobbed.

The Shadow Queen had arrived.

Her lips curved upwards in a faint smile; slowly heavy lids lifted, revealing the dark glory of her eyes. The humans sighed in wonder, their faces softening and reflecting a radiant joy that this sublime being graced them with a smile. They were unworthy.

"I see thee..." Xander said coldly, the words boiling upwards in his mind. "Fair of face, foul of nature; milky skin, black soul; blood-red hair dipped in the life of her victims; death-giver, soul reaper; evil is your joy, agony your delight."

There was a subtle shifting of her face and form; the humans shivered for some unknown reason but continued to gaze raptly at the woman.

"Shadow Queen..."

"...Flayer of Flesh..."

With each soft, virulent hiss, a shiver seemed torse rse over the woman. An ugly darkness shadowed her cenanenance.

"...Whore of Pain..."

No longer did the men feel compelled to fall to their knees and worship her.

"...Eater of Flesh and Blood..."

The compulsion to lay dond and allow her to work her will on their flesh faded in all the humans and Spike. Now they were more inclined to run as far away as possible.

"...Shadow Queen!" Xander half-shouted, imbruing the words with all the virulent hatred he felt. He glared viciously up at the otherworldly woman.

And the humans’ stomachs twisted in revulsion at the malignant hatred for life that radiated from the woman.

Mockingly she smiled at the child. Her black eyes slid thoughtfully over the dome shaped shield preventing her from getting to the others; but there was a sly smile curving her lips. She had time; soon this world would fall to her knives. This time she would be smarter; she would keep a couple thousand as a nice little breeding stock, ensuring her a nice plentiful supply of victims. She nearly hugged herself with glee. This would be a marvelous world to play with. These pathetic creatures were so feisty and strong-willed. They would provide her with centuries of enjoyment.

But first things first...

Her eyes came back to the boy. "Take the knife out of her," she ordered calmly, with little urgency, as if there was no doubt he would do her will. She could feel the witch slowly losing the battle to stay on this plane of existence. And she was not ready to concede her plans for this world. She had a backup plan, but still the witch was more fun to torment.

"Fuck you, bitch..."

Her brows rose interestedly; a dangerous smile grew on her face. This would be fun; she never got a chance to break a Guardian. They were always too settled in their position for her to succeed, but this boy was a baby. Her eyes narrowed speculatively on the defiant face of the human; she tapped her lip thoughtfully. Now how shall I begin breaking the child?

A malicious light grew in her face when her eyes fell on Spike. She gestured carelessly; a ball of ebony, crackling energy sped toward the alarmed vampire. She was unpleasantly surprised as it fizzled against an unseen barrier. The unearthly female gaped. Suddenly unexplained things clicked into place.

"I'll pull his spine from his body," she growled, thinking of the only one who had power or magic to do such a thing. Abruptly, she turned back to the young Guardian as she felt Willow getting weaker. "REMOVE THE KNIFE!" She roared, black lines creeping up from under her dress and over her face. It was the most horrible and disgusting thing anyone had every seen, and they all shuddered.

"Sod off, you evil harpy..." Xander screamed back. Laying Willow down, he scrambled for his sword. Grinning triumphantly, he held it erect. "C'mon bitch, you think you're so bad, why don't you fight somebody face-to-face?! None of your little mind-bending tricks! What's the matter? Scared?" He laughed mockingly at her, his heart beating like a trip hammer. I'm so dead, he screamed silently.

She screamed her fury at him. Her mouth dropping open, the flesh of her jaw stretching...stretching until her open mouth resembled nothing more than a huge gaping pit. And from out of that dark opening, a thick stream of shadow streaked out. The screaming wail that first announced her arrival coming from her wide opened mouth. Her body disappeared from the feet up, funneled into that malevolent shadow until nothing remained by the soaring shadow.

Making a vast circle, it gathered momentum as it came back, aiming directly at Xander.

Angel went wild, his eyes gold as he struggled to escape the dome; but Chalo tackled him, yet even with her vast strength, belying her seemingly tiny stature, she was having a difficult time. She yelled for the other warriors to help her hold Angel’s bucking body down.

"oh shit..." Xander had time to say. Then icy slivers of pain caressed him as the stream of shadow touched his body. It split into separate pieces once past him, arching away in two rushing lines of darkness. The observers could see nothing of the young Guardian. They could see the glowing sword, flashing in the air but of the young man's body all they saw was the rushing stream of shadow. They could hear his harsh cries over the torturous wail of the dass, ss, but that was about it. They didn't know if his cries were of pain or defiance.

"Damn!" Gunn shouted as the sword flew through the air. Everyone moaned when the sword fell on a projecting rock, shattering into dozens of pieces on the hard unforgiving surface.

But they breathed in relief at the sight of Xander, he was still standing. Their relief turning into gasps of horror as thousands of cuts began to bleed.

So engrossed in the drama of Xander's suffering, no one noticed Willow, who was inching slowly away. Biting into one hand, her other trembling hand pulled the knife from her body. She bit deeper into her hand at the white-hot flare; blood dripped steadily down her arm as her teeth sank into her flesh. Shutting her mind to Xander’s awful screaming, she fixed her eyes on her objective and began to crawl away…

…‘blood washes away sin’, she focused grimly on that one thing.

Xander swayed drunkenly, his mind a washed with pain. He whimpered at the sight of the black river undulating towards him with deceptive slowness. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. This was the price he chose to pay...

…blood washes away sin, he silently chanted just before the shadow stream slammed into him again.

He screamed, and this time, there was only the red-hot agony as knives ripped long, open seams into his flesh. By the third pass, he had collapsed to his knees, catching himself on his outstretched hands. He breathed hoarsely, his body twitching in the aftereffects of the torment. Sharp points of phantom pain danced over his nerves; he quivered, barely able to think past the fire in his brain.

The Shadow Queen reformed her body. This time, she didn't bother with a dress. Long lines of blood splattered her white flesh almost like she was the one that was wounded. But the look of soft repletion on her face told the grisly truth. She looked as sated as a woman after a fantastic round of mind-blowing sex. Swiping at her chest, she drew blood-soaked fingers to her lips and moaned as she sucked eagerly on the fluid.

Cordy quietly threw up in the corner of the shelter, she was joined by Anya and Tara.

The Shadow Queen giggled, growing heady with the rush that Guardian blood sent through her. "Mmmm, delicious, yet with a youthful vigor," she said mockingly. There was a lilt of gloating laughter in her voice. "Did you really think you could beat me? Silly little boy! I was alive before this mud hole cooled in its creation. This world belonged to ME! When nightmares walked this pathetic world, ‘twas my doing! When the first caveman lit fires to ward off the darkness, it was me that they feared. And you thought..." her voice trailed off at a surprising sound. Xander was laughing. It was weak, yet nevertheless it was laughter.

Xander giggled, hysterical with pain. "Blah blah blah...you...must...love...your....voice," he rasped out. "Did...you think...you were the…one...I was...aiming...for?" He said huskily, his voice a mere puff of sound. He closed his eyes, concentrating.

For a few seconds, she didn't understand. Then terrible apprehension had her whirling around. And she screamed as the shards of the broken crystal sword rose in the air.

"Nooooooo!"

Willow stretched out her arms, her body jerking as pieces of the sword slammed into her; a grunt of pain forced from her bloody lips.

The Shadow Queen whirled back to Xander, a look of pleading in her eyes. "Don't...I'll be good! Don't...don't banish me! I promise I'll be good!"

"Liar, liar; pants on fire…" Xander whispered without opening his eyes. The hilt of the sword rose; it still had a large jagged piece of crystal attached. The air made a chiming sound as it sped through the air. With the pieces already in her, Willow's body began to glow with a pearly radiant light. And she jerked convulsively when the hilt slid into her stomach. Her eyes widening, becoming unfocused as a burning pain began consuming her. She writhed in agony, a silent scream on her lips until her brain, unable to keep up with the continuing agony, shut down her pain receptors.

Blessed numbness set in.

She glowed brighter; she was awashed in pure radiant light. It spilled from her, becoming a spreading nimbus of incandescent light. The Shadow Queen tried to run, but the light held her anchored in place. She hid her face, crying out in rage and pain as the unearthly glow seared her body. She collapsed to her knees, a hole drilled into her calf. From her mouth, came a bellow of agony as the flesh on her back began bubbling, then melting.

Outside, the shadows quivered uneasily as they felt their Queen's pain. Then they screamed as radiant light spilled from the Magic Box. They turned to flee, but as fast as they were, the light was faster. They were incinerated in seconds.

"Xander...!" Willow gasped breathlessly, her eyes locked on a distant horizon. "Xander...Buffy...it's...it's so beautiful! Oh!...Oh my goddess, Xander! It's Jesse! It's Jesse, Xander! Buffy...Dawn! I see your mom! Oh...Giles...it's Jenny!" She smiled happily, her face transfigured. Then slowly she lost her smile, a sad wistful look on her face. "Yeah, I'm sorry too. Bye-bye, Mrs. Summers." Still glowing, Willow looked at her living friends and sighed.

Her body exploded in a ball of brilliant white light. Everyone hid their eyes from the searing intensity.

Sunnydale lit up like it was high noon. A radiant, soundless pulsation of illumination flooded every nook and cranny of the town. Not one speck of shadow, natural or unnatural could escape it. In nearby towns, people looked up in sudden wonder as the area in that direction glowed brightly in the night.

Then it was over. There was a shuddering sound, the air red aed and the Magic Box resumed its normal dimensions.

Of the Shadow Queen, there was no trace; unspoken was the knowledge that the redheaded witch was gone. Dead. Anya held Tara as the blonde girl crumpled to the floor with a wail of grief. Despite what Willow had put her through, despite the horrors that would give her nightmares for months, she had still loved the red-head girl.

Ka dropped her shield with a pained moan; her Defender was up in a flash supporting her. Gratefully, the Oriental woman leaned against the welcomed strength.

Angel shrugged the warriors off him, and scrambled over to Xander. Hissing at the ragged lines that parted the boy's flesh. Pain filled eyes opened slowly. "She...gone...?" Xander husked. He tried not to move, or breathe since both hurt so much.

"Yes, my light, she's gone," Angel whispered. His eyes roved restlessly over the tortured figure, not knowing where to touch without causing Xander more pain.

"good...sleep now," Xander whispered tiredly, feeling a deep beckoning darkness calling him.

"NO! No sleep," Angel ordered sharply, his eyes fierce and intent.

"Sleep is of the good..." Xander complained weakly. "Mean ole vampire..." he softly accused.

Giles and Buffy stood up slowly, Dawn sheltered between them. The blonde-haired Slayer’s body trembled, as she looked at where Willow used to be, then at the sight of her other friend lying on the ground. Bleeding his life away.

And all the conversations she caught snatches of that the shadow creature possessing her had with the others echoed in her disbelieving mind.

Shoving Dawn at a newly alarmed Giles, Buffy stumbled closer to Xander. A look of desperate pleading in her eyes for him to tell her that what she knew to be truth was in fact a lie. Xander would never knowingly allow Willow to use Dawn like that. He wouldn’t…he couldn’t!

Buffy tried to disavow the shattering truth building with slow, inexorable speed her mind…

…until she met Xander’s gaze dead on.

Angel looked up, a low rumble of thunder in his growl at the scent of pain/rage/despair/
grief that poured from the girl.

Xander stared up at Buffy with pain-racked eyes; then turned his head away from the painful reality in her clear gaze.

"God help me, I wish you had died with her," Buffy whispered brokenly and hot, bitter tears ran down her face.