Fisi Mtima

Title: Fisi Mtima
Author: frk_werewolf
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Pairing: Xander/Spike
Rating: Will later be NC-17
Summary: A battle is fought and deep within, an animal is released.
Setting: takes place sometimes in Season 4. Tara is here, oz is gone, spike's got himself that nifty crypt, and anya ran off to 'find herself'.
Notes: contains the uber sexy Hyena!Xander. the title is Swahili. fisi means hyena. and mtima means emotion, heart, or soul. I'm using it as soul. so, the title means 'hyena soul'.

.Prologue.

Xander could remember when it happened, like it was yesterday instead of nearly four years. He remembered the day. A sunny day, a to to the zoo, and an unwanted present. It started out as unwanted. He had gone home, subdued and confused at the sudden war waging within. Instincts and a possession, a true possession, had taken over. Something was within him, released and in control. Not because he couldn't fight it. No, it was because something was keeping them from being in balance. Something had caged him up inside.

When the event was over and done with, Xander knew something was wrong. The spell they had cast was meant to get the hyena out of his mind. It was much later, after the experience with Angelus and the Mayor, that Xander realized what truly occurred. Sitting in the strip club of Oxnard, he figured out what had happened. And everything they had told him was wrong. The books Giles had read, the information they believed to be true, it was wrong. Because the hyena was not gone. It was simply caged. Imbedded in his soul, but none the less caged.

He never spoke of it. After everything that had happened to them, Xander suspected that everyone forgot about it. Xander figured it true. After all, he had feigned amnesia of the event. Instead he playut hut his soldier memories instead, letting them remember that possession. Though that wasn't a possession, not quite.

And that was the difference between the soldier and the hyena. The hyena was a presence. It wanted to be released, to create a union with his human mind. To strengthen them and aide the pack. The soldier was a modification of his own mind. The soldier was him, merely with a different background.

Xander wasn't sure what to do about the hyena. He figure had had been there so long, that there was no getting rid of it. He wondered, briefly, if the other guys were experiencing this. The other members of his former pack. Then the idea was pushed away, because deep down he knew it wasn't true. Why? Because no matter what Xander did to forget about the memory, he remembered all to well the events leading up to the possession. He had went to another's aide. He had been the defender, while the others were the attackers. That had changed them somehow. He, for a reason he wasn't all too sure, had received the alpha. The protector, the strong one. And they had received the weaker hyena, their hyena's did not survive the second spell.

His hyena felt no connection to them afterwards. And that was his proof. The proof of his theory. For a small moment, Xander let himself feel pride that he had come up with it. And they called him stupid.

So that was the story. That was the truth. And inside, he could hear the hyena. Day and night, it prowled it's cage. And someday, Xander knew it would be released. He only hoped it would share his body and soul with him.

.Chapter One.

"Are you sure about this, Giles?" Xander asked, looking over at the Watcher. Giles sighed and nodded, though a bit reluctantly. "Very well. Lead the way, oh great Buffy."

"Last time I spotted the Queer Man h-"

"Quieeeer-Mahn." Giles corrected.

"That's what I said." Buffy frowned. Willow and Tara hid identical grins behind their handsnywanyway, he was by that park on 22nd Street."

"The one with the blue swings?" Xander asked.

"Yeah." Buffy replied, raising an eyebrow. "You like those swings?"

"They the the best!" Xander grinned.

"Enough of this." Spike's voice interrupted from behind the group. "Let's get there and get it done, eh?"

"I hate to admit this, but Spike's rightis tis thing is a cheateeater after all." Giles said grimly.

"Figures for a Queer Man." Xander said, shaking his head. Willow immediately slapped him in the shoulder. "Ow? I didn't mean it like that. I meant the demon, Willow. No one can pronounce all those E's... Unless your Giles."

"Will you lot shut-up!" Spike hissed. "We're getting close. Yer gonna tip the bloody thing off if you keep all this up."

The group fell silent as a hissing noise filled the air. Their view of the park was blocked by a large cluster of trees. They watched as a large snake-like demon slithered into view. Willow squeaked, clutching onto Tara's hand as the two witches fell into the background so they would be out of the way and able to help with spells if needed.

Xander gulped and tilted his head back as it came closer. It was like a huge anaconda, at least fifty feet in length. A huge set of arms protruded from it's side as it lifted it's head up. It's head was like a cobra, but with a set of long horns atop it's head. The muscled arms flexed, hands the side of a truck gathered into a fist. And Xander watched as Spike grinned wickedly and lifted his battle axe.

With a primal cry, the vampire launched itself into battle. Buffy followed suit, brandishing lon long swords. Xander and Giles slipped along the side of the heated battle, attempting to reach the end of it's body. Their plan was to attack it's long body, while Spike and Buffy worked on removing it's horns in order to kill the demon.

The battle became bloody very quickly. Spike reveled into the green blood splattering across his face with each stroke of his axe. Buffy whined continuously, even while stabbing and swiping. Willow and Tara continued their support with varied blocking spells.

It was a surprise when the Quieeeer-Mahn swung around. It moved with such speed that it's head was a blur. There was a sickening sound in the air, like someone puncturing an air-tight container. All eyes turned, jaws dropped in horror, and the demon pulled back revealing a wound in Xander's stomach. The boy faltered, his eyes flashing an odd green, before he collapsedo tho the ground.

Willow and Tara rushed to his aide. Buffy let out a furious scream, leaped onto the Quieeeer-Mahn and cut off one horn with a swing of her sword. The demon shook her off, letting her fly into the air and land in a heap on the grass. Spike pulled back and swung. His axe spun through the air, before plunging smoothly into the demon's skull. Spike watched as the Quieeeer-Mahn shuddered and fell onto the ground with a dying howl. The last horn dangled by a slither of bone, the only thing connecting it to the head.

All attention immediately turned to their fallen ally. Spike hovered, uncertain of what he should do, as the four members of the Scooby Gang attempted to wake the boy. The vampire watched as a shallow pool of blood gathered underneath Xander's body. He could smell it in the air. Fighting his demon's instincts, he pushed past the group. Carefully, he lifted the wounded boy into his arms.

"Should we take him to the hospital?" Willow asked softly.

"The horn might of had an effect on him." Giles repl a t a torn look on his face. "We'll take him to the Magic Box and see if we can assess the injury. If it's bad, we'll take him to the emergency room."

The trip to the Magic Box was quick and silent. Once inside the building, Spike gingerly laid Xander on the table and worked at getting his shirt off. Once that was complete, he stepped back and pretending to not care. Though deep down, he was worried. Which angered him, because he wasn't suppose to care about any of them. But he found himself worrying about them. Well, except for the Slayer and her Watcher.

"It's not as deep as we thought." Willow announced. "It's just bleeding a lot. Buffy, could you get me the first-aid kit?"

They worked silently. Willow and Tara patched up Xander, while Giles shifted through one of his many books. When a small whimper broke through the silence, everyone stopped what they were doing and turned toward Xander's form. Spike was the first one to him, though he couldn't really explain why he had rushed forward. The rest bunched around the table and watched as Xander let out another whimper of pain. Slowly a pair of deep brown eyes opened up to look at them.

"Xander, are you okay?" Willow asked. A low sound was her only reply. Everyone frown in confusion as a strange, gravelly sound escaped Xander's chest. It was Spike that realized he was purring. Though, it was nothing like a cat purr. This was more primal, and it sent a shiver down Spike's spine. Willow lightly touched Xander's shoulder. "Xander?"

The moment Willow's hand touched his shoulder, Xander let out a growl and leapt off the table. This was followed by a yelp of pain as he stumbled. He scrambled back, away from him and yet not turning his back to them, until he was in the corner next to the register. He clutched his wounded side and stared at them. His eyes pulsed with a green light, before dying back into brown.

"Giles? What happened to him?" Buffy asked stiffly. No one moved, as though afraid of alarming Xander.

"I'm not sure." Giles replied honestly. "I need to do more research. I only know that Quieeeer-Mahn horns are very dangerous. Most books insist on keeping your distance from them, unless your planning on killing them."

Willow, Tara, and Giles immediately sat down with a collection of books each. Buffy paced the room, completely aware of Xander's unblinking gaze on her. It became too much, and knowing that she was no help in the research department, she quickly took off to her training room. Seconds later they could hear the familiar thuds of fist hitting punching bag.

Spike watched all this from his post near one of the magic supply shelves. Slowly, he let his eyes move back toward Xander. Now that Buffy was out of the room, it appeared Xander had opted to stare at the next person most likely to harm him. This, evidently, was Spike. Noat tat the vampire was surprised.

Spike focused his attention on the boy, smelling the air slightly to pick up his scent. Something was definitely wrong with him. And it was more than just thinking he was in danger, Xander smelt like a predator. Albeit an injured one, but his scent gave off a very dangerous undertone none the less. The sound of the primal, deadly purring hit his ears again. Spike realized it was the boy's way of comforting himself. Why, he wasn't sure. Something was definitely wrong with him. It made Spike bounce back and forth between amusement and worry, much to his own displeasure.

"I think I found something." Tara's soft voice announced. She blushed slightly when everyone looked at her, but continued. "The horn of a Quieeeer-Mahn is used as a... soul relaxer?"

"What does that mean?" Willow asked.

"It's like the effects of marijuana on the mind." Spike spoke up.

"But... I don't get it... It lower inhibitions of the soul?" Buffy asked from where she stood in the doorway leading to training room. Xander’s eyes immediately focused back on her.

"Somehow, it released something within Xander." Giles mused. "But whatever it is must of already been there. The question is what."

"He's acting like a cat or something." Buffy commented. Xander growled low in his throat at her, his eyes once again flashing green.

"Oh no." Willow whispered. "Buffy... Remember the last time his eyes did that?"

"What do yo-" Buffy paused, staring at Xander. He continued to growl at her, he body pressed hard against the wall in the corner, and his hand still clutching his hurt stomach. Buffy gasped and stepped back, moving towards the table and away from the Xander. "I thought we got rid of it. It went away... Giles?"

"It should have. The ritual was performed correctly." Giles looked flabbergasted.

"S'cuse me, but what the hell are you lot talking about?" Spike asked, frustrated with not knowing what was going on.

"Our sophomore year, before you showed up, Xander and a group of bullies was possessed by a hyena spirit." Willow explained. "But we performed the ritual! The zookeeper ended up with the hyena in him. Xander couldn't even remember what happened."

"That's not exactly true, Willow." Giles said softly.

"What?" Buffy frowned.

"He didn't want you guys to know that he remember the things he did to you." Giles explained.

"Understandable." Buffy mumbled. She turned to looked at Xander, who was now watching them with wary eyes. "Why isn't he acting like he did last time?"

"How should he act?" Spike asked, gesturing toward Xander. "He's a bloody animal now."

"Spike." Willow replied calmly. "Last time he spent most of his time trying to... Well, mate with Buffy. Or eating the school mascot. It's strange to see him cowering in the corner."

"If you say that hyena's been in him for that long, I'd be one to bet that he's a little crazy at the moment." Spike commented. "Being locked up inside your own body, with no control? That hyena's probably confused as hell, innit?"

"Since when have you been the voice of reason?" Buffy asked snidely.

"Since your started paying me, pet." Spike grinned. Buffy rolled her eyes and returned her gaze toward Xander.

"What is he doing?" Buffy asked. All eyes turned toward Xander. The low growl in his throat had not stop, and now he was mg fog forward while remaining in his crouch. Like a predator slinking toward it's prey. Ready to pounce. Spike couldn't stop the shiver that caressed his spine.

Xander's eyes were steadily green now, pulsing with some inhuman light. He scanned the room, taking in each person, before once again staring at Buffy. The Slayer gulped and took a step back. This simple act cause a slow grin to appear on Xander's face. The growl morphed. A strange laugh, high pitched and hiccup-libegabegan to interfere with the growling. Xander's grin turned feral, teeth bared, before he attacked.

Spike was shocked. In fact, everyone was shocked. Even with the wound, Xander moved with a speed that was not uncommon to vampires, or Slayers. Buffy, despite having watched Xander, was caught off guard by this sudden movement. Her instincts screamed for her to fight back. To eliminate before she could be eliminated. But she couldn't. This was her Xander-shaped friend. Somewhere, deep inside, she knew he was still there. And so, confusion took over her brain, and all she could do was let Xander tackle her to the ground.

No one moved as Xander straddled her waist, pinning her hands above her head. Buffy was suddenly thrusted back into sophomore year. This exact position, when Xander had practically demanded her to be his mate. Was that what he was doing? No, it couldn't be. He wasn't looking at her with the same sexual gleam. Instead, his eyes held a feral, dominate nature.

Buffy struggled slightly, trying to at least get her hands free. Xander bared his teeth, the laughing sound of the hyena diminishing once again to a low growl. Buffy shifted underneath him, trying to get into a position to buck him off. Xander seemed to predict that, and snapped his teeth at her as a warning. Buffy stilled, unsure of what to do.

Spike moved closer to the pair, but stopped when Xander shot a growl at him. Xander turned back to Buffy, and Spike watched as Xander lowered his head to her throat and breathed deeply. Scenting her. Buffy gasped, her eyes wide. Xander jerked his head back, teeth bared once more. Spike understood what was happening, though no one else seemed to.

"Slayer." Spike whispered, hoping not to startle the boy. "Slayer, he wants you to submit."

"What?" Buffy squeaked. "Nononononononononono."

Buffy repeated the word under her breath like a mantra. Spike almost felt sorry for her. Apparently she thought this was like last time, but it wasn't. Sighing in frustration, Spike attempted to catch her attention. "Slayer!"

"Spike, get him off me." Buffy said through gritted teeth.

"Look, Slayer, he's not trying to mate with you. It's nothin' like thaSpikSpike insisted, watching as Xander continued to bare his teeth and growl.

"How would you know?" Willow's inquisitive voice asked.

"Vampire clans." Spike replied honestly. "The strongest fights the others into submission in order to keep his place as clan leader. I'm thinkin' it's the same with animals, packs. The whelp's showing the same behavior, anyway. He attacks Buffy because he sensed her strength." Spike turned back to the duo on the floor. Buffy was staring at him with shocked eyes. Spike fought the need to roll his eyes. Did they think he was all brawn and no brains? "Just tilt your head back and expose your neck."

"Are you kidding me?" Buffy asked. Xander growl got louder.

"He won't let you up until you do." Is Spike's reply. He doesn't care, after all. Not one bit. Yeah, Spike snorted inwardly, let's lie to ourselves.

Buffy turned back to Xander. He continued to stare her down, teeth looking absurdly white. Slowly, she tilted her head back. His movement was fast. Buffy's gasp was loud in the fear scented room. Xander’s mouth closed around the curve of her neck, teeth biting down. Not hard, no skin is broken. Just enough to get his pointoss.oss.

Then he released her, returning to a crouch next to her, and staring down everyone else. The Slayer remained on the ground for a moment, shaken, before crawling to a sitting position. The growl is still emitting from Xander's chest as he stares down the others. Buffy was forgotten on the floor as he leaps onto the table with such stealth that it looked like he was an acrobat. Books are knocked off as he slinked toward Giles.

The Watcher can only stare, eyes wide and jaw dropped, as Xander leaned in close. Xander's eyes flash green once more as he breathed in Giles' scent. He then pulleck ack and turned to Willow. The redhead's eyes were even wider that Giles', making her face look terribly young. Xander paid her the same amount of attention, breathing deeply. When Xander turned toward Tara, he tilted his head. His eyes travel from one witch to the other, breathing in the air around them. Slowly, a grin appears on his face and the growl vanishes.

"Mate?" Xander's voice was low and slightly hoarse, as though the hyena was forcing itself to translate into the human tongue. Willow and Tara exchanged looks, though neither responded. Xander growled and grounded the word out again. "Mate?"

"Y-yes." Tara stuttered out. She reached out and slid her hand into Willow's. Xander seemed oddly content with tdevedevelopment. A soft, grated purr escaped his chest, before cutting off. Xander let his eyes return tffy,ffy, who had finally stood. His eyes trailed down her body. The look was hardly sexual, more like taking stock. As though seeing if their little tumble had hurt her.

Xander's eyes finally trail over to Spike. Spike can't say that he's surprised when a low growl once again developed in Xander's chest. But this time it sounded deadly. Spike took an unnecessary breath and released it. Slowly, the vampire stepped back. Xander's eyes flash green and a single phrase escapes his throat mid-growl. "Not pack."

"Figured that, mate." Spike replies, still stepping backwards and hoping he doesn't look threatening.

It appeared that Xander's confusion, the hyena's confusion, was slowly melting away. Thoughts and words were returning to his brain. He could think, well, the hyena could think properly. Spike could sense this, looking into those eyes. Eyes that were suddenly more than just crazy and confused. He didn't expect to be including in Xander's little pack. He was the outsider, below the pack according to natural law. Spike's inner demon recognized this and demanded to escape. It was either run away or submit and be considered table scraps.