Story: The Coming Storm (all chapters)

Chapter Four:
The Storm Gathers
 

Buffy walked up to Giles' door and knocked on it. The sun had just risen a few short hours ago...but sleep had evaded her last night. So instead of waiting Buffy had had gotten dressed. She pulled on a pair of brown, leather pants and a halter-top that left her midriff exposed. Grabbing a light jacket she had headed down to Giles' house, a feeling of nagging worry keeping her distracted... he door opened to reveal her slightly rumpled Watcher.

“Morning Giles!” Buffy said cheerfully as she stepped inside his townhouse.

A frown crossed his face, “Buffy, why are you here at...” Giles pulled a watch out of a pocket on his robe “at 7am in the morning?”

Turning around she replied, “I’m just here to get started. You're always saying there no time like the present!” 

“Buffy,” Giles started as he took a closer look at the young woman he thought of as his own daughter. Behind the cheerful facade Giles could see the dark circles under her eyes and the worry lines “try again. And this time tell me the truth...I can see you're not all tea and scones this morning as you might have me believe...” 

Her shoulders slumped as she realized she couldn't fool Giles, “I'm worried Giles, this isn't like them...or at least I don't think so,” Buffy sat down on the couch. “And something else is wrong, I don't know what but I have the feeling that things are going to get worse and I don't know what to do.” 

“Worrying yourself like this will not help either Buffy.” Giles said, a mild yet reproachful tone in his voice. 

“Lie down and rest for a few little while. I'll call the others and have them over here, ‘then’ we can work out what it is that happened and whatever else we might be facing.” Sitting down next to Buffy Giles put his arm around her and pulled her into a hug. “We've faced evil before and we'll do so again.”

Buffy let herself yawn as Giles stood up, a wave of exhaustion rolled over her as the last 36 hours and last night caught up with her. I'll just rest a minute, that's all... Lying down she snagged one of the little pillows on the couch and put it under her head as she stretched out. 

“Yeah, just…a...minute,” Buffy mumbled. Dimly she was aware of Giles putting a light blanket over her as sleep finally caught up with her.

Giles looked down at Buffy [No one should have seen the evil she has. The only thing she should be worrying about is who to take out next Friday, not who will be alive. I pray she finds some happiness in this world...she deserves that much.]  

Shaking off his dark thoughts Giles moved toward the kitchen and the phone, he had things to do and people to call. 

++++++++ 

In LA Faith woke with a scream from the nightmarish dream. She sat and shivered in reaction, as she slowly realized it was only a dream. 

[No, not just a dream], Faith realized with growing fear, [Slayer Dream]. 

She came out of bed like she had been shot from a cannon, practically sprinting across the room to her weapon's chest. She jerked it open, and with frantic haste began piling weapons into the duffle bag next to the chest. 

After she zips the bag closed, she stops just long enough to yank on her shoes and snatch up her black leather duster before she bolts out the door of her apartment and down the stairs. 

As Faith came out of the first floor doors to the apartment complex, a six and a half foot tall biker drinking with his buddies in the parking lot looked up and slurred out, “Well lookie here boys, we got ourselves a little lady wanting to join the party!”  

Faith looked over at the large biker that has stood up and is heading her way. [Fuck! I have no TIME to deal with a drunken, amorous biker and his posse.] “Sorry boys, I'm running late already, I got to get to a friend in a hurry.” 

The bikers face turns red “You've got some ‘Friends’ right here! Now why don't you have a seat,” as he pats the spot next to where he had been sitting for emphasis. “And I can show you just much better a time you'll have right here!” 

As his buddies laugh at their leaders ‘Suggestion’, Faith's eyes harden. “I won't say it again boozer, stay the fuck outta my way. I've got no time to bullshit with you.” 

His friends avidly watch him roar in anger at her challenge, then charge the tall but slight girl, expecting to see him flatten her. Instead they watch as she easily ducks his fists and then brings her knee up with unbelievable force into his groin. His buddies all cringe in sympathy as they see Scar drop to his knees, bellowing his agony and clutching his injured manhood as he jackknifes forward, he runs right into an uppercut that sends him sprawling on his back. 

As his friends watch in shocked silence, Faith considers her adversary speculatively [hmmm I need a ride, and he's got one. ] 

Decision made, she fishes the keys to his bike out of his front vest pocket, then turns to guy's friends. “HEY! Which of those hogs is his?” 

As one they all point to a large black, and obviously powerful Harley Davidson “Thanks!” 

As if she'd rode one all her life, she climbed aboard, started it up, roaring off as the other bikers watched. “You think we should have stopped her?” asked one of the younger bikers. 

The only response the others gave was to look at him like he was insane.

And all the while, on the way to Sunnydale Faith thought Just let me get there in time.

+++++++ 

ADAM accessed the files on The Slayer and Buffy Summers and started sifting thru what was known. The file on the Slayer was rather brief and if it could be said ADAM doubted it was entirely accurate as to her full capabilities. He frowned, though it could only be said that ADAM's face moved only minutely from its normal impassive appearance. ADAM reviewed the information that was backed up by some sort of data and discarded everything else. Enhanced strength and speed; possibly enhanced healing which would indicate either a mutation at the genetic level or a careful manipulation of DNA. “Interesting, but nonetheless hardly useful information Mother. Let us see what is in the file of Buffy Summers.”

By all records this Slayer is headstrong and rash. Such behavior indicates a weak mind and one not prone to looking for the subtle or hidden clues. This also makes her a potential threat. Her threat level is low due to her simple mind, but unlike Mother I will not allow her to interfere with my plans. Since she acts rashly, that is a weakness that can be exploited. However her DNA may be of use, I will have her corpse returned back to the laboratory for further analysis.]

Setting his search parameters ADAM quickly found what he was looking for. “The Omega Project…” ADAM murmured. Getting up he walked down to the secured laboratory of OMEGA. Walking in ADAM moved to the door he wanted, a titanium door 10" thick. There was a small window to allow a view of the creature inside and written on the door, “HOSTILE 225”. ADAM smiled as the creature within raised its head to stare at ADAM with unblinking eyes, “Yes, this shall remove the Slayer from my way….” 

+++++++++

Buffy frowned as she thought about the meeting this morning. Not much got solved other than they’ll all stay more alert. But then not much they ‘can’ do I guess.
 
She turned towards the rear exit of the Rosefield Cemetery, Damn this has been a bust tonight, I haven’t seen a vamp anywhere, it’s almost like they’d all gone elsewhere.
 
Buffy’s Slayer sense went haywire right as something slammed into her back throwing her forward and slamming her into a tree. Bouncing up off the ground Buffy landed in a crouch looking around she saw a creature that seemed to be a mix of demon, machine and human standing about 10 feet away.  It was easily six and a half feet tall and just as wide.
 
“What the hell are you?? A bad example of mix and match parts?” Buffy quipped but her right side was throbbing, she was pretty sure she had cracked a rib.
 
“Ahh! Humor…yes? An unusual concept among many that humans have developed.”
 
Buffy charged the creature and ducked under the arm that swung at her. Her leg swept out to knock the thing on the ground, but when her leg hit the creature it felt like she had just hit steel. Dodging to her left Buffy avoided the fist that punched down where her head was a moment ago. Buffy came up and launched a series of kicks knocking the creature back, stepping in close she switched attacks and landed blow after blow to the things head, only to see her attack did nothing. A skewer popped out of the creature’s right arm and Buffy barely sidestepped it, she felt the blade rip her shirt and jacket open and cut her stomach. Jumping up Buffy kicked out with both feet on the creature’s chest and used the momentum to push her backwards and away from it.
 
Landing on her feet she moved into a crouch, breathing heavily. What the hell is this thing??? Nothing I do even makes a dent on it! I have to get clear of this thing, find out how to kill it.
 
“Slayer, is that the best you are capable of?? I wonder why Mother was so concerned about you. It will be of no consequence shortly.”
 
Buffy watched as the creature started to walk towards her and suddenly stopped. “Interesting. Let us see what this variable will do to the equation.” Just as the creature finished talking she heard a soft “thump” sound and a small object landed near her and started spewing gray smoke obscuring her vision.
 
“GO! GO! GO!” came voices from the smoke.
 
Oh shit!! Not now!! Buffy moved to her right as a tazer beam slashed out of the smoke and struck where she had just been standing.
 
A commando rose out of the smoke just off to her left, Buffy dove towards him, tackling him. Two quick blows to his head knocked him out. As she slowly got to her feet, she could see dim shapes moving thru the smoke.
 
Buffy was quickly surrounded by 4 of the commandoes, folding her arms casually, “You really don’t want to do this guys. Why don’t you just go home? Shooo!” Buffy made shooing gestures with her hands.
 
The leader spoke to one of the ones behind her, “Hans, cuff her. We’ll take her back to the backup HQ for questioning.”
 
The commando to her left started to walk towards her and pulled out a pair of metal handcuffs. Buffy watched as he tossed them towards the one standing behind her. As the cuffs reached the high point in their arc, NOW!!!! Buffy said in her mind as everything around her began to slow down.
 
Her left arm shot up inside the arm of the commando facing her with the pistol, shoving it away, her right hand snapped out, her knuckles slamming into the commando’s throat hard enough make breathing difficult. While the her first victim dropped his weapon and went to his knees holding his injured throat, she grabbed him by his shoulders and threw him at the one, ‘Hans’, who was behind her.
 
Running for the trees Buffy zigzag’s to avoid the taser fire from the last 2 commandos’. Glancing over her shoulder Buffy saw one of them right behind, chasing her. As she neared a set of trees Buffy leapt up towards the tree and as she touched it she pushed off and used the momentum to carry her over the charging commando. As she landed she pulled out one of her stakes and threw it at the commando’s head, hitting him hard enough with the blunt end to knock him cold.
 
Before she could react Buffy screamed as the electrical charges of two taser blasts hit her in the back. She collapsed to her knees as the two standing commandos fired a second volley. Rolling over out of the way she tried to avoid being hit, but to no avail as the taser blasts continued to overload her body. Struggling to her feet Buffy staggered several steps and collapsed behind a tree, her body twitching from the electrical blasts. No! I have…to…get…aw…a…y… were her last thoughts as she passed out.
 
Gabrielle had watched the Slayer deal with the sudden attack by the commando’s, Hmmm; she’s doing quite well. I’ll just stay back then and just make sure she gets away.
 
The grey mist clouded her sight for several seconds and she lost sight of the Slayer, until she heard her screaming. Rushing out of her hiding place Gabrielle moved quickly through the trees to where she heard the scream. Damn! Something’s gone wrong!!
 
Her night vision finally adapted to the mist and Gabrielle saw 2 humans standing by a third that was lying on the ground. Abandoning any thought of stealth she smiled savagely as she felt her claws slide out. Roaring she leapt from above at the closest human. Gabrielle’s claws raked the commando from his shoulder to his stomach and bounded back into the trees before he had even seen his attacker. She left him to scream his last few seconds of life away, as he tried to put his intestines back inside.
 
The other commando whirled at the sound of his teammate’s scream, and gagged at the sight of his partner’s injuries. He leaped backward to put his back against a tree, so as to protect his back while he radioed in for back up.
 
The second human was reaching for something at his belt as she dropped on him from above, breaking both his arms. Her fangs sank into his neck and Gabrielle drained him dry. Finished with him she let his body drop to the ground before she walks over to the Slayer to check on her injuries.
 
Other than those rifle blasts, she seems fine. I guess we’ll have to interfere sooner than expected, Xena won’t be too thrilled with that but there’s nothing that can be done about it. Lifting the Slayer into her arms she moved quickly thru Sunnydale to the Slayer’s home.
 
++++++++++
 
After taking a quick look to see if anyone had spotted her then realizing there was no one to see her, Gabrielle sped forward to lay the Slayer down on the porch near the front door. Just as she reached the shadows across the street, Gabrielle stopped as she heard a motorcycle roar down the street to stop in the Slayers driveway. With a shock, Gabrielle recognized the brunette that was getting off as the second Slayer [what is she doing here? I better stick around a minute, as Xena will want as much information as we can get.]
 
Unaware that she was being watched, Faith walked quickly towards the front door hoping that Buffy was back from patrol when she saw the limp form lying in front of the door. Dropping her duffle bag and leaping forward, the fear she had been feeling since she woke up from the dream squeezing her heart like a fist made of ice. When Faith turned the body onto its back her heart almost stopped when she saw it was Buffy, her fear that she had been too late threatening to choke her [Oh god no!!! I’m too late!]
 
But as she watched, Faith realized that the blonde Slayer was still breathing, if too shallowly for her liking, “Always knew you were one tough cookie, B.” Faith quickly opened the front door, then picked up the fallen Slayer and carried her inside, kicking the door shut when she was inside.
 
               Across the street, Gabrielle smiled [So she cares more for the other Slayer than she shows. Good, very good.] As she disappeared into the night heading for the lair, Gabrielle thinks about the two Slayers [There is no destiny that fate can throw at someone, that cannot be borne, as long as you keep the ones you love close at your side.]
 
            End Chapter 4

For a long moment it seemed as if the world stood still, as the Chosen Two stared at the eight-foot tall plus werewolf that glared back at them, standing in the ruins of what had been a solid oak door. Buffy still held the phone and could hear Willow frantically yelling what was happening; Buffy could hear the panic in her best friend’s voice as she got no answer. Faith stood between Buffy and the staircase, glaring back at the monster that had tried to kill the woman she had come to regard as a mother, the steel determination to kill her foe or die in the attempt readily apparent. For several moments nothing happened and then all hell broke loose…

Buffy was just starting to move as the beast hurled itself straight at her, moving in a blur of frenzied motion. But as fast as it moved Faith was faster, catching it mid-lunge with a powerful kick under its chin that snapped its head back before it covered more than half the distance to its intended prey.

As it turned to face its first attacker, Buffy tore into it with a furious combination of kicks and punches that actually drove it backwards. But blinded by her rage at the earlier actions of the creature before her, Buffy failed to react in time to avoid the backhand blow that sent her flying across the room, to land in a heap by the dangling phone.

The werewolf started towards the dazed Slayer, only to have Faith come boring in from the side with a silver dagger she pulled from her belt. The dark Slayer didn’t try for a deathblow, realizing instinctively that it would likely live long enough to shred her to bloody ribbons even if she managed a killing strike.

Seeing her coming at the last moment, it spun to meet her charge, its clawed hands snapping out in an attempt to catch her shoulders. She tumbled forward under the swing of its razor-sharp claws, as she rolled past it she slashed her weapon across its thigh.

Howling its fury the werewolf turned and slashed down, missing Faith by an inch as she rolled to her feet just out of reach. Hearing movement from where Buffy was, it turned around just in time for the telephone table to smash directly into its face. Staggering back a step from the power behind the blow, it grabbed at the table and pulling it out of the Slayers hands before it hit the ground. As Faith lunged at its side, the werewolf catches her in mid-strike, using the small table like a baseball bat. The force behind the blow sent the dark Slayer flying across the living room and through the kitchen doorway.

As the werewolf threw the ruined table down, Buffy hurled herself at it. Catching the creature by surprise, the force of her tackle sent them onto the coffee table, which shattered under their combined weight.   

Faith staggered back to her feet and ran back into the living room just in time to see the werewolf throw Buffy away from itself, one of the legs from the destroyed coffee table protruding from its stomach, where the blonde Slayer had stabbed it.

As the monstrous juggernaut plucked the impromptu stake from its stomach with a savage jerk, Faith slammed her dagger home in its back in a near perfect heart strike, only to have her arm go numb as her dagger strike something harder than bone, [What the FU…]

With an enraged howl, the werewolf spun around so fast Faith felt her hold slip and leave the dagger in its’ back. Off balance, Faith could see the next blow coming but not in time to avoid it. [Shit!] was Faith’s thought as she saw the claws spring out of the werewolf’s hand.

As Buffy struggled to her feet, blood streaming from the claw marks on her arms and upper body, she looked up in time as the werewolf’s powerful strike hit Faith in the stomach with its claws. 

“FAITH!” Buffy yells even as her heart seems to stop as she watches the creature jerk the hand in the dark Slayer and sending her flying through the living room window and onto the front lawn amid a shower of broken grass.

The Slayer snarled, all pain forgotten as cold rage takes its place. Hearing her, the werewolf turned in time to meet her charge.

The battle escalated into a scene of pure savagery, with both the Slayer and her enemy matching each other snarl for snarl, blow for blow. Even without a weapon capable of hurting it, Buffy held her own by sheer speed and inhuman ferocity. But the Werewolf withstood the worst she could throw at it, clawing its way forward by sheer demonic fury, driven to destroy its designated target no matter what the cost to itself.

The Slayer snarled her fury, watching the creature daring to face her. 

The werewolf watched her warily, hatred and grudging respect in its gaze. Its prey was at least as dangerous as the other pale one, maybe more. But it didn’t matter to the monster. All it cared about was destroying its target. With a howl it redoubled its already furious attack.

{{{{{***}}}}}

Xena arrived at the home of the Slayer in time to see a young woman fly out the front window and land in a boneless heap.

Bending down Xena turned the dark haired woman onto her back and saw a pool of blood by her stomach. Ripping the cloth away Xena grimaced as she saw the severe nature of the wound to the woman's stomach. Pulling her jacket off Xena bunched it up and pushed it into the wound to try and staunch the bleeding. [Not much more I can do for her right now. She'll either live or die by her own will.]

She looked just over the windowsill to determine the situation and froze in surprise at what she saw. Xena watched as both combatants moved with such speed that to the Mortal eye would be nothing more than a blur.

The warrior was astonished at the sheer ferocity of the Slayer’s assault, forcing the massive beast she was fighting to give ground. [By the gods, she’s good. Better than I was at that age for certain.]

As it’s howl of triumph turned into a scream of pain, Xena watched the Slayer grab a large, broken piece of timber and try to press her attack by stabbing the werewolf with it. The beast slapped the timber out of the Slayer's hands and leapt forward its claws extended and saliva dripping from its fangs. Xena winced with involuntary sympathy for the werewolf as she watched the Slayer fall down just beneath the claws and kick straight up, slamming the monster into the ceiling with astonishing power. [In all these centuries, I’ve never seen a Slayer THIS strong.]

As the beast came crashing to the floor on its stomach in a shower of plaster and wood, Xena watched Buffy leap on the werewolf's back and rip the silver dagger out of its back. Blood flying everywhere, roaring in pain the creature threw itself backwards into a wall to get rid of her hard enough to shake the house, as Buffy buried the dagger to its hilt deep in its side.

As the werewolf threw itself backwards into a different wall, Xe watched as the Slayer pulled the dagger free and try to slit the monster’s throat. [Go for the jugular Slayer...]

As if it knew the blow was coming, the werewolf bent sharply forward, taking a minor slash to its face but causing the Slayer to drop the dagger and slide forwards off its back. As Buffy lost her grip and fell off, one hand shot out and she gouged out its right eye. 

Her hand splattered with the blood from the beast’s destroyed eye, Xena saw the werewolf catch Buffy by her left arm. With a roar of pain and hatred the creature hurled the Slayer through the wall Xena was next to and out into the front yard.

As she watched the Slayer try to stand up and meet the creature jumping through the hole the Slayer had made going out, Xena silently stood up with an evil grin, [I’ve seen enough. Gabrielle needs a new coat, and I think she’d like one made of wolf-skin.]

<<<***>>>

Buffy struggled to her knees and spit out a mouthful of blood into the grass. A loud crash and roar announced the werewolf's entrance [or is it exit?] Buffy thought sluggishly. A glance to her left showed Faith lying unconscious in the grass, with that Buffy fought to stand up. A jabbing pain in her side stood out from the rest of the pain she felt at that moment. [I'm not giving up to...this...thing!]

Buffy watched as the monster stalked towards her slowly. Using all her will Buffy pushed the pain aside into that small place she had created years ago. “Come on, Furball! Come and get it!!”

Buffy watched as the werewolf charged her and she had that sudden odd moment where everything seemed to slow and pause. Ducking under the monster’s claws Buffy rolled past and her foot snapped out at the werewolf's knee. There was a sharp 'SNAP' as she heard the bone crunch and the beast fell but not before it reached out and slapped her with its fist throwing her back 10 feet.

Coughing Buffy spit up blood onto her shirt as she sat up unable to move. She felt her body going numb from shock. [What does it take to kill this thing???]

Buffy watched the werewolf crouch, preparing to spring.

Its wounds were irrelevant for the prey was down at last. One more strike and it could feed. With a howl of triumph and hunger it lunged for the kill.

Buffy watched the werewolf's claw swing towards her head, and closed her eyes, unable to watch [I'm sorry Faith, mom. I've failed you, just like I knew I'd fail someday...Forgive me!] There was a sudden scream of pain from the creature. Opening her eyes, Buffy saw a tall dark-haired woman fighting the furious monster. [What the…?]

[One arm? Huh?] Buffy looked and saw the werewolf's right arm lying in the street, severed at the elbow.

The creature swung desperately at the woman with its shattered arm, trying to kill what dared get in between it and its rightful prey.

 Buffy watched the woman leap over its head, landing behind it with the ease of an acrobat. Before it could react Buffy saw the woman grab the werewolf's head and snap it's neck like dry kindling. As she stepped back, the werewolf collapsed at her feet. As it fought to rise and continue the fight, she whipped the sword she held high, before plunging it into the crippled monster’s back. Gleaming silver flashed as it slashed down; so powerful was the blow that it tore its way through muscle and bone, and punched thru the armour protecting its chest. A second push and the sword severed the creature’s heart stopping it forever.

Buffy watched as the warrior pulled her sword free, and then started walking towards her. As she looked up and saw the tall woman’s blue eyes, Buffy had the nagging feeling she had seen her before. Coughing weakly, she barely felt the strength to spit the blood out of her mouth, managing only to drool it onto her shirt. [And I 'liked' this shirt too!] Looking up as she fell to the side Buffy saw the woman kneel down next to her. She could 'see' the woman was saying something, but all she could hear was a loud ringing in her ears. It was then she realized why the woman was looked so familiar [Hey, she’s the one from my dream....] it was her last thought as she passed out.

End Chapter Seven

Chapter 9

Bitter Revelations

Giles' Townhouse

3 Days Later…

Giles looked at the gathered group of children in his living room. [No, not children. Not anymore. They're all adults now, but even still today will be hard for them once they learn about Oz...]

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I've called a meeting while Buffy and Faith are still in the hospital. We’ve found some information that has not been nor will it be released to the Police or the public beyond those in this group. As some of you know, the creature that attacked Faith and Buffy was found dead at the house. What you may not know is that the creature was in fact, Oz.” Giles raised his hands to calm Willow’s outcry for answers.

ut that thing that attacked Buffy and Faith didn’t look anything like Oz when he turned into a werewolf! And...and it’s weeks till the next full moon!! No! That was not Oz, you’re wrong Giles!” Willow said angrily.

Xander turned to face his friend and spoke up, “Will, I saw the body at the house. It was Oz. Something must have happened to him...”

“Something did happen to him Xander, the question is what though. Our only clue are two tattoos on his left arm; one was the Greek symbol for OMEGA and the other looked like a serial number,”

Willow leapt up, anger darkening her features, her green eyes flashing. “What are you saying Giles?!? That he was experimented on??? That we has some sort of freakin’ LAB EXPERIMENT??!!??” Willow yelled as tears fell down her face.

Tara had come up behind Willow and now put her arms around her waist and pulled her close, holding her.

The front door burst inwards and a smoking figure burst into the room coughing as it threw the smoldering blanket off of it and onto the floor where smoke continued to rise from it. The blanket gone, the figure was revealed. “That’s actually right Red,” said a voice with a British accent. “He was a lab experiment, just like I was.” Spike answered.

Giles walked over and looked closely at the tattoo for several seconds. “It does appear to be similar, however you only have one. Why would Oz have a second tattoo?”

Spike pulled out a cigarette and lit it, “From what I heard while I was there, he may have been put into one of their special programs. Don’t know much about them though. Just glad to be out of there!!” Spike took a long drag on his cigarette and let the smoke out slowly.

Rage flooded Willow as she heard what Spike was telling them, “I’ll kill them. No, I won’t kill them, I’ll let Buffy do that! I’ll just torture them to death.” Willow murmured.

“Before you go and hunt them down Little Tree, you might want to see this...” Spike said as he pulled out a wallet and tossed it to Willow. “You see Buffy’s little boy-toy, Riley, was one of them. The Initiative boys club and all that.”

Willow opened the wallet and found a military ID as well as a blank, white keycard with a magnetic strip. Pulling both out Willow slid them into her pants pocket. Seeing nothing else of interest except for a folded piece of paper Willow pocketed it and tossed the wallet on the ground.

Taking another long drag on his cigarette Spike finished it. Looking around he didn’t see any ashtrays and put the cigarette out on the bottom of his shoe, pocketing the stub. “Well there’s also this Red; a) Riley called in for help and b) you've got other problems, like that their little Frankenstein monster got away and is the one that sent something to kill Buffy.”

“What are you talking about Spike?” Giles asked. “What Frankenstein monster? Are you saying the Initiative didn’t send Oz after Joyce and Buffy to kill them?”

Spike raised his hands up, “Hey old chap. I’m not saying they didn’t want the Slayer. Just that they didn’t send that “thing” after her. Besides, a bodies got to eat you know and fresh kittens aren’t cheap!!”

Ripper grabbed Spike and slammed him into the wall several times, stunning the bleach-blond vampire. “Now is not the time to be playing games with me Spike! Tell me what you know or I will turn you into a dusty memory right now!”

“HEY!! Ease off the clothing guv’ner. Okay fine! Just relax your tweedy self already!” Spike replied more worried than he'd let on. “All I know is that something happened and their little monster get set loose. Riley wanted to have something called an F.A.E dropped on us, but he got refused.”

“A WHAT!!!" Xander exclaimed. "Are you sure about that Spike? He said F.A.E.??”

“Yeah I'm sure. I can spell you know, I even went to college. Unlike some people in this room.”

Joyce looked over at Xander's worried face and spoke up for the first time, “Xander why are you so upset by that fae thing?”

“Mrs. S., a F.A.E isn’t anything you kid about. The F.A.E stands for Fuel Air Explosion and it’s basically equal to a nuclear bomb only minus the radiation. If they dropped one on Sunnydale they wouldn't even find your ashes to bury.”

Faces turned white at Xander's explanation of what it was Riley tried doing.

“Ahem yes.” Giles cleared his throat.

Walking over towards the front door Willow headed out of the living room. “Giles I have to go. I'm gonna see what I can dig up on Riley and his little tin-soldiers, I'll let you know what I found out.” Willow opened the door and headed out, Tara was only a few seconds behind her.

With Willow’s departure each of the Scoobs made their way out until only Giles and Joyce remained.

“Joyce, don't worry. We'll stop them before they can do anything to hurt Buffy.”

Joyce leaned into Giles and held him briefly, “I know, but I can’t help worrying about my little girl Rupert. How many times has she been in the hospital over some injury or another?"

“Too many, but Buffy's almost the oldest Slayer ever Joyce. She’ll get through this with our help.”

“But someday she won't though, sometime she'll wind up dead in the end.”

Giles held Joyce in his arms and stayed silent. There wasn’t anything he could say to her, because Joyce was right and someday, probably soon Buffy would be dead and there was nothing he could do.

<<<<<<>>>>>>

Sunnydale Regional Hospital

Later that afternoon…

Buffy sat in the wheel chair as Anya rolled her down the hallway towards the main entrance for the hospital. “So tell me again why you’re driving me home and not Mom.”

“Simple, your mom is tied up with her Gallery exhibit and Giles is looking at becoming un-unemployed so I volunteered.” Anya answered simply.

Buffy snorted as they crossed the exit to the hospital and stopped in front of a new 2001 blue Toyota Camry.

“Time to exit Buffy. Get in the car.”

10 minutes later Buffy found herself alive and back at the 2-bedroom apartment Anya lived in with Xander.

After she saw Buffy was stretched out on the couch comfortably, Anya sat down on the far end of the couch near Buffy's feet. “So, I’m sure you've had time to think about what I told you. So do you have any questions you want to ask me?" Anya said with a serious look on her face.

“Yeah I do. Tell me about this Xena person. Why haven’t I heard of her before, she’s not in any of the books or Slayer diaries I've read.”

“She’s not the type to get talked about much. People who do, well lets just say they don't live long, fruitful lives. Hell, D’Hoffryn doesn’t even know much about her. But I do know a little.”

“Okay, so give then. What is she then?”

“Xena’s a Bacchae and as far as I know she’s been alive for over 2,000 years. She’s a very private person, as you can see. No demon would ever cross her or her mate's path unintentionally or not.”

Buffy’s face scrunched up, “What’s a bacchae?” Buffy asked.

“Oh that’s right you wouldn’t have heard of them. They’re actually a lot like vampires except for 1 major difference. A vampire loses its’ soul when the human is turned, a Bacchae doesn’t. There are a few other differences like they can shapeshift, they like sunrises and standard vamp stuff like crosses, garlic and holy water if you use them they get to make toothpicks, get bad breath and quench their thirst for water when they’re thirsty.”

“HUH??”

Anya rolled her eyes melodramatically, “Bacchae don’t have problems with Crosses, Garlic or Holy Water Buffy. Those things bother them about as much a they would your average human, which is to say not.”

“oh...OH!!!!!” Buffy exclaimed as what Anya said finally sank in.

“Then how do you kill them then?”

“You don’t! Look Buffy, what I’m telling you now isn’t so that you can get yourself killed trying to go up against Xena or her mate Gab! You wouldn’t last 2 seconds against her. I’m trying to tell you that Bacchae aren’t like vampires. About the only thing they have in common is both need blood, but that’s where the similarities stop.”

“Okay then, what’s with this little disc thingy she left for me?”

“That’s her personal token. She’s been known to give it out only rarely and only if she’s warning you she’s on a blood debt for you or that she wants to talk to you. And the latter has only happened once before, with the Slayer I told you about in London in 1666.”

“So what am I supposed to do with this thing then? It's not like it came with an instruction manual.”

“What have I been telling you Buffy?” Anya shook her in an annoyed gesture. Pulling out a pin she grabbed Buffy’s hand, pricked it and squeezed it to make the blood well up. Then Anya took Buffy’s hand and rubbed the blood onto the Chakram. As she did so the token absorbed the blood and started to glow softly.

“Wow! Okay so what now?” Buffy asked.

“It’s a Key Buffy. Now that its activated it’ll lead you to her so you can talk.”

Buffy dragged her eyes away from the token and looked up at Anya. “I want you to tell me exactly why I couldn’t tell Giles about this and don’t tell me you don't know.”

Throwing her hands up, “I DON’T know. I doubt anyone except Xena and the Council know. I just know what happened what happened to that one Slayer who she did try to talk to...”

“Come on Anya, you have to have heard something. I can’t just walk in there blind...”

“You’re not going in blind Buffy, she’s not going to kill you. She had her chance to do that 3 days ago and instead she left this because she wanted to talk. It wasn’t Xena that killed the Slayer, it was the Council, that I do know. But if she’s going to kill you, she’ll give you fair warning first unless you go after her.”

“So are you going to go see her tonight?”

Buffy thought about her options for a minute, “I might as well hear what she has to say. It’s not like it can hurt, besides I think I’ll ask her what it is she hates about the Council. The old “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”.

Later That Night…

Buffy moved out thru the window of the Giles' guest bedroom and onto a tree branch, hopping down she landed quietly and started walking. Pulling out the token she watched it start to glow brightly when she moved closer and dim when she headed away. [Hmmm, interesting little thing.] Reaching the outskirts of Sunnydale Buffy saw a small house down the road, pointing the token at it she watched it glow brightly. [Well I guess that's my destination.]

As she passed a small grove of trees, Buffy saw a short, slim blonde woman sitting down under one of the trees. Stopping short Buffy walked over towards her. “Hi. Do you live out here?”

The woman opened her eyes and Buffy saw she had friendly, sea-green eyes. “Yes I do. But I was actually waiting for you to arrive Buffy.”

Buffy stepped back as she heard the woman utter her name and felt herself tense.

Raising her hands, “Hey it’s okay. I'm not here to hurt you or anything. My name's Gabrielle,” she stuck her hand out towards the young Slayer.

Buffy looked at the woman and her hand for several seconds and then put her hand out to shake “Gabrielle’s” but instead Gabrielle’s hand clasped her forearm firmly and then released her.

“Come on. I’ll walk you over to the house. Xena’s just finishing dinner.”

Gabrielle felt Buffy hesitate, “Chicken, she’s having blackened chicken for dinner. What did you think I meant?”

Seeing the look of discomfort on Buffy's face Gabrielle tried to smother her laugh that just bubbled out of her.

“Oh good Gods!” Gabrielle chuckled. “Sometimes I forget, sorry.”

Buffy started walking again next to Gabrielle, the closer she got to the house the faster her heart beat. She couldn't figure out if she wanted to run or hit something she felt so nervous suddenly.

Gabrielle noticed the ashen look on the Slayer's face and mentally slapped herself forgetting to lower her Protection Wards. Quickly she drew a symbol in the air, which glowed briefly and disappeared and she felt the Wards power fade.

Buffy took a deep breath as she felt the urge to run fade away.

“Sorry about that. I forgot to lower my Protection Wards and since they're designed to keep people away, that's why you started to feel panicky.”

“Uhh, wow! Are you a Wicca then? 'Cause I know Will would love to talk to you about those.”

“No I’m not a...Wicca you called her? No. But I’m sure we’d still have quite a lot in common to talk about.”

Just then Buffy saw a tall dark-haired woman with piercing blue eyes walk out of the house. She was dressed in black jeans and a cotton, burgundy short- sleeved shirt.

Buffy felt the waves of power wash over her from this woman. “Well I'm betting you're Xena, right?” Buffy quipped.

Smiling, “Buffy, welcome. I’m glad you came. Why don’t we sit down and we can talk. I’m fairly certain you have a few questions for me.” Buffy watched as Xena walked over to three chairs that were setup off to the left and sat down gesturing her to the other chair. Buffy hesitated and saw Gabrielle walk past her and sit down in the chair next to Xena, Gabrielle’s arm now draped over Xena’s shoulders.”

[Well I'm here. In for a penny, in for a pound as Giles would say.] With that Buffy walked over and sat down in the chair across from Xena.

“Okay, so why would you want to help me, wouldn’t it be to your benefit if I’m dead?”

A dark look flew across Xena’s features and disappeared back into her friendly face. “No I’d actually prefer if you didn’t die.”

“Yeah, but you haven't told me why,” Buffy asked again.

“No I haven’t.” Xena stated slightly stiffly.

Buffy watched as Gabrielle began to gently rub circles on Xena’s back. “But I’m told your help comes at a price.”

Xena’s eyebrow raised slightly, “Yes.” she answered. “You obviously know something about me though. That’s good.” Xena said with smile.

Buffy frowned, “But you’re not going to tell me what the price is are you?” She stated more than asked.

“No. But the price for my help will be yours and yours alone to pay. No one else may suddenly step in. If you want my help, you will pay whatever the price is. No one else.”

“So my friends won’t be hurt by my paying this “price”? And I’m not killing anyone or being sacrificed?”

Xena leaned back and laughed, smiling broadly, “No. You won’t be sacrificed or killing anyone. And your friends will not be involved in any way with this. They will be safe. You have my word on that.” Xena finished with a serious look.

"Okay. But I’m not saying yes or no. I need time to think about it."

"That's fine. Whenever you are ready to tell me what you decide come see me. My token will lead you back here."

"I do need to know something though, did you kill the Slayer in London?"

Xena’s features turned dark and Buffy suddenly felt fear at the look on Xena's face. “No, I didn’t kill Sierra. But the bastards who did paid for what they did.” Xena’s voice was low and dark.

“Who told you about Sierra?” Xena asked suspiciously. “Was it your Watcher?” Xena asked scornfully.

“Uh no.” Buffy replied uneasily at Xena's sudden change, now Buffy felt a darkness rolling off of Xena that scared her. “Giles doesn't know, no-one does. A friend told me about her or what she knew at least.”

Shifting her position in the chair, Buffy knew she could respond if Xena turned violent *and* she'd have her answer about her as well. Buffy thought wryly. “So who did kill her then and why? And why does the Council hate you so much?”

Xena bounced to her feet in a blur of motion, “Why don't you ask your precious *Watcher* who killed and raped Sierra!!! Oh I got the bastards that did that to her, just not their masters!!”

Buffy felt the fury pouring off of Xena in palpable waves and felt herself pale, but her mind was too shocked to react. Finally Buffy rocketed to her feet, standing only inches from Xena, "But...that's insane!!! Even for the Council!!" Buffy yelled back

Buffy saw Gabrielle place her hand on Xena's back and the tension seemed to lower suddenly as Xena turned and started to walk away. Stopping after walking a few steps, Xena turned sideways, facing Buffy. Her eyes were narrowed, showing only slits of cobalt blue. "Is it?" Xena bit off before turning around and disappearing into the darkness.

“Is it really? What about the Cruciamentum Buffy, was that sane to have you locked up with a vampire? Gabrielle asked her.

Buffy shook her head, "No, it's not." Shifting her attention to Gabrielle, "But to do that..."

“It’s not the first or last time they’ll murder one of their own when they feel threatened Buffy.”

"But why blame Xena, they could have just said she died fighting vamps!”

"I don't have an answer that will really give you what you want right now. Right now you have a lot to think about." Gabrielle stood up and Buffy followed her as she started walking.

"Go home and think about what we've said. If you really, truly trust this Watcher of yours then talk to them. But I beg you to be careful if you do, if you are wrong...." Gabrielle let the rest hang.

"Alright. Is she gonna be okay? She's in a nasty funk right now."

"Yeah," Gabrielle smiled gently. "She just needs to work off her anger and she'll be good."

"How's Joyce doing?" Gabrielle asked.

"Uhmm, she's fine." Buffy answered, confused by this weird change the conversation had taken.

"Good. Tell her I'll call her later this week. I've missed her."

Buffy’s eyebrows shot up, "Huh?? I thought you weren't serious about knowing Mom."

"Oh no, I've known Joyce since her college days. That's where we met." Gabrielle smiled.

Gabrielle continued walking with Buffy, "Xe told me about your fight with that Werewolf."

"I just did what I had to, besides Xena killed it."

Gabrielle touched Buffy's shoulder, "Killing is never easy, not even after 2,000 years of living."

"But what you did to protect her was more though." Buffy frowned with a confused look on her face.

"Her?" Buffy asked.

"Faith, the woman you love of course!"

"Oh no," Buffy put her hands up, "Faith and I aren't like that..."

Gabrielle just smiled. "I used to say that exact same thing about me and Xena. Don't let something like gender stop you from seeing what's right in front of you Buffy." Gabrielle stopped walking, "You're about 10 minutes from home from here. And just think about what we've both told you."

End Chapter 9