Summary: Trouble comes to sunnydale in the form of Beth, a vampire sired by Angel, and Caellor, ex-boyfriend of Anya's who is also a demon.
Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel characters are copyrighted ©20th Century Fox, Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and the WB, and are used without permission. No copyright infringment is intended.
Willow, Tara, Buffy, Xander and Anya were at the Bronze. It was a busy night and only Xander, Tara and Willow seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Willow looked at Buffy. "You missing Riley?"
Buffy nodded. "It's strange without him. But he had to go see his folks. He wanted me to go with him, but there's been some activity lately and I thought it might not be the right time for a holiday."
"Well he has to go home sometime. He'll be back in a few days."
Anya was looking bored and drumming her fingers on the table. "Xander!" she commanded. "We should dance!"
Xander looked desperately around the table at Buffy, Willow and Tara. "Err, not just now, Anya."
"Xander, if we're not going to dance there is no point in being here. We should just go home and have sex."
Xander looked even more desperate and embarrassed as he searched for an answer.
Buffy and Tara stifled their laughter but it was too much for Willow who snorted with laughter.
"Anya." Xander began. "Can we just.."
He was interrupted by a shout. "ANYANKA!"
Xander looked up to see a young man walking quickly towards them. He was tall, more than six feet tall, and very well built. His hair was blond and his eyes were dark.
Anya jumped to her feet and shouted "Caellor?" She rushed towards him and he caught her up in his arms and spun her around
Willow, Buffy and Tara immediately looked at Xander, who shrugged at them.
"Dunno." he replied to their unspoken question.
Anya and the guy hugged and kissed. Xander looked worried.
Please let it be her brother." He muttered.
Anya was babbling away to the new guy, forgetting Xander's existence. He coughed to draw her attention. She ignored him so he called to her.
"Anya!" There was no reply. "ANYA!"
She looked at him, said something to her new friend and they approached the table.
"Caellor, these are my friends, Tara, Buffy, Willow and Xander. This is Caellor, an old friend."
Xander held out his hand to Caellor who looked at him coldly and ignored the offer of a handshake.
"Humans?" He looked at Anya with a mixture of shock and disgust.
Anya blushed and said nothing.
"Anyanka I was sent to find you and talk to you. I'm been to see D'Hoffryn."
There was an awkward silence for a moment.
"Anyanka and I have to talk alone. We'll leave you now." Caellor steered Anya away from the table.
"Anya?" Xander said pleadingly.
"Sorry. Have to go. Back later." And then they were gone.
Xander looked at the girls. "Who do you think he is?" He asked.
Willow smiled reassuringly. "Probably a cousin or something. If ex demons have cousins."
"Mmm. Did you see his face when he said 'humans'? Something tells me he isn't…human I mean."
Xander stared off at the door. "Do you think I should go after them?"
"Nah." Said Buffy. "Anya went willingly enough."
She saw his face as she said it and instantly regretted it. "They'll probably be back soon."
It was more than two hours later that they saw Caellor. His face was dark as he strode purposefully in to the Bronze and up to Xander. "She told me what's being going on!" he announced. "She will not see you again. She is coming with me. I came to take her home and she has agreed to come with me."
Xander was dumbfounded. "What? I don't understand."
"I have come to tell you that I am taking her home with me. She should never have been amongst humans. It's disgusting."
"Now hold on just a minute, pal." Xander put his hand on Caellor's arm. "I think she should speak to me first."
Caellor looked down at the hand. "Don't you dare touch me!"
"Look…" Xander began desperately.
"YOU ARE NOT TO TOUCH ME, YOU DISGUSTING CREATURE!"
He raised his other arm and Willow ran quickly to Xander's side
"Don't you hit my Xander!" she yelled.
Then as Caellor's arm came down she pushed herself in front of Xander. There was a flash of light and Willow screamed. "My eyes! My eyes!"
Buffy and Tara rushed towards her. Xander took her in his arms.
"What the hell did you do to her?" he demanded.
Caellor raised his arm again and suddenly Angel was behind him, holding his arm.
"I don’t think so." He said menacingly.
Caellor looked at him. "Why do you meddle in this? It is not your concern."
"It is my concern when you harm my friends."
Caellor shook the vampire off and rushed to the door. Xander looked as though he wanted to follow him but Willow was in his arms, she was hurt and she needed him.
"What's wrong, Will?" Xander asked her, gently.
"Xander, I can't see you, I can't see anything. And it hurts. It hurts so much!"
"Quickly." Said Buffy. "Let's get her to the hospital."
They rushed her outside and into Xander's car. Reluctantly he relinquished her to Tara and Buffy so that he could drive. Angel sat beside him in the front.
By the time they arrived at the hospital Willow had begun to scream with pain. The doctor who was examining her could see no obvious reason for her pain. When asked what had happened to her, Buffy told him that she thought that someone had thrown something in to Willow's eyes, but she didn't know what it had been.
"It would help us to know." Said the doctor, shaking his head.
That was enough for Xander. He stood up and made for the door.
Buffy jumped up and barred his was. "Where are you going?"
"I going to find Caellor and find out what he did to her! You've got to let me go, Buff. I need to help Willow."
She could see the determination in his eyes. "Right. But Angel goes too. Right, Angel?"
Angel nodded and moved to the door and Buffy, reluctantly, let the two of them leave.
Xander stormed into the Bronze with Angel close behind him. His eyes darted around the room, searching for either Caellor or Anya.
Angel touched his shoulder. "Xander?"
"OK Dead Boy, Just get off my back!"
"Damm it Xander, listen to me!"
Xander whipped around "Got no time to listen. Just stay out of my way."
He turned back to the crowd "Hey Jonathan! Have you seen Anya?"
"Hi Xand! No. Someone said she was in earlier but I haven't seen her."
Angel touched Xander's shoulder again. "Xander. Just what do you think you can do?"
Xander turned to him and Angel took a step back, shocked. Xander looked even paler than him and his eyes glinted furiously with barely suppressed anger.
"Look, you don't get it, do you. He meant to do that to me but Willow……….Oh dear God, Willow……." He choked. He sagged and Angel took him by the shoulders.
"I can't bear to see her hurting and to know it's because of me…."
"Xander she's not hurt because of you. It was Caellor who hurt her. Come back to the hospital with me."
"NO!!" Xander yelled. "Caellor is going to pay for this!" He tried to struggle loose but Angel held him fast. "Maybe there isn't much I can do, I don't know what to do, but I can't just see her get hurt like that and do nothing." He gave Angel a look of sheer frustration.
"If you get hurt Buffy and Willow will never forgive me."
"Look, I don't need your damm protection!"
"It's not just your fight. Anyone who hurts Willow has me to deal with too."
Xander looked at him. "You know I have to do this, don't you?"
"Yeah and you know I'm coming with you."
"Look Dead Boy I've got no time to argue. Tag along if you want but don't get in my way."
Angel sighed and shrugged, taking his hands off Xander "OK. It's your party. Where now?"
"Well this is Sunnydale so I guess all roads lead to the cemetery."
Angel raised his eyebrows.
"Well, it's as good a place as any."
As they were going through the door they nearly collided with Anya who was coming in.
Xander grabbed her and pushed her outside.
"OK Anya" he demanded. "Where is he?"
"Xander he told me what he did. I came to see if I can help."
"Can you?"
"Take me to the hospital Xander, I can try. But then, Xander, I am going home with Caellor. I'm sorry."
Taking her arm Xander began to rush her away. "Angel, you coming?"
"Be right along."
He waited until they were gone. "You can come out now!"
With a deep throaty laugh a figure moved out of the shadows. She was young with long dark hair and blue eyes. "Hello Angelus."
"Beth."
"That is it, is it Angelus? Not much of a welcome."
"What are you doing here?"
Beth moved towards him and put a hand against his face. Then she grimaced and drew her hand away. "Eeeww, so it's true. You have a soul. How foul."
"Beth, I don't have time for this. Why are you here and what do you want?"
"I came to find my sire, my Angelus. And I find him with humans who he treats as….as…."
"Friends, they are my friends."
Beth made a face. "No Angelus. They are food. You taught me that."
"Beth, leave Sunnydale. It's not healthy for you here. There's a slayer here."
She laughed. "Now wouldn't that be a treat!"
"Not for you, Beth. Take my advice and leave. I don't want to hurt you but……"
Beth changed to her vampire face. "Think you can, Angelus?"
"Maybe you shouldn't try to find out, Beth."
He moved away from her in the direction where Xander and Anya had gone.
Beth watched him go, thoughtfully running her tongue over her fangs. Then she gave a short laugh, changed back to her human face and followed.
In Willow's hospital room Buffy was pacing the floor. Tara was sitting by Willow's bed, watching for any change in Willow's condition and holding one of Willow's hands. There was no change. Willow was unconscious, bandages wrapped around her head covering her eyes.
There were sounds of a commotion outside and then Xander burst in with Anya.
He looked at Buufy. "How is she?"
Buffy shook her head. "No change." She scowled at Anya. "Come to see what your boyfriend did?"
she asked coldly as she moved between Anya and Willow.
"She came to see if she could help her."
Buffy looked at Xander. "You trust her?"
"I'd take a chance on the devil himself if I thought it would help Willow."
Buffy moved aside but as Anya went towards Willow she grabbed her arm. "Be very careful!" She warned.
Anya shook her off. "What's under these?" she pointed to the bandages.
Tara's voice was quiet and solemn. "She was screaming and clawing at her eyes. She said that they were burning. The doctor was going to sedate her but she passed out. He thought there might be some infection so he bandaged them up. She was screaming at the pain…..,screaming…."
"I think I know what Caellor did. Xander take me home. There is something there I need."
Xander glared at Anya. "Home?" he said drily. "And where would that be?"
Anya flinched. "Take me to your basement. It's there."
Before leaving Xander went to Willow's bedside. He gently took her other hand, the one not captured by Tara. "Love ya, Will." He said hoarsely. He looked at Tara. "Hang in there."
Tara nodded and Xander and Anya left.
Almost immediately the door opened and Angel stood there.
Immediately Buffy went to him and threw her arms around him. Angel held her until she pulled away.
"How is she?" he asked.
"God. I don't know. She was in so much pain, Angel. Anya said she can help. Xander took her to his basement to get something." She stopped and looked at him. "Why are you here?"
"Cordy had one of her visions. She said that Xander was in danger. So I came to try and help."
"Visions? From the Powers That Be? About Xander?" Buffy wondered what it was that disturbed her about that idea. "I didn't know they cared. And I didn't know that you did either."
"About Xander? I don't hate him, Buffy, there's just something about him that needles me….well let's just say we are never gonna be friends."
Xander let the way to the car park.
"Xander…" Anya began but he silenced her with a look.
"Save it!" he said harshly. "There's nothing you can say to me that I want to hear."
They drove in silence to Xander's house where they got out of the car and went into the basement. Anya picked up a vanity case that was on the floor next to the bed, opened it to check the contents, then closed it, satisfied that she had the things she needed. She looked sadly around the basement.
"Got what you need? Come on." He said, impatiently.
Anya followed him outside and into the car.
"Xander. There's something I have to say to you. You have to listen to me."
"The only thing you need to say is 'goodbye', Anya." He started the engine and began the drive back to the hospital.
"You don't know how hard it is been for me to be human. And to be in the company of humans. I couldn't have stood it if it hadn't been for you. But now Caellor has come for me and I can go back to my own kind." She looked at him and he was surprised to see tears in her eyes. "I did love you and I still do but I can't do this any more!"
Xander felt his anger melt away. "I knew it was difficult for you but I thought it might get better with time. I hoped it would. Anya, I'm not going to ask you to stay with me, but, if things don't work out as you think, promise to come back?"
She looked at him, startled. "You would take me back?"
He smiled at her. "You bet."
Truce established, they got out of the car. Anya turned to Xander again. "Will you really let us go? I thought you wanted to hurt Caellor for what happened to Willow."
"I wanted to hurt Caellor for that and for taking you away. But if I do, I hurt you too. I don't want to do that. I'm still angry and I'm hurt but I won't stand in your way."
"I do love you, you know. And I'll never forget you." She kissed him gently on the cheek.
Xander sighed. "Come on, Willow needs your help."
They walked together into the hospital room and it was obvious that some sort of peace had been reached. Willow was still unconscious, Tara holding tightly to her hand, and Giles had joined Angel and Buffy.
"I'm sorry." Anya said. "But I need you all to leave the room while I do this."
Buffy shook her head but Xander took her gently by the arm and led her out of the room. "You have to let her help Willow, Buff."
Tara reluctantly let go of Willow's hand and walked out, glancing backwards as she walked out of the door. Giles and Angel followed.
After ten minutes the door opened and Anya told them that they could enter the room again. No one could believe their eyes to see Willow sitting up in bad and smiling. Tara, Buffy and Xander ran to her and hugged her.
"Oh, thank God." Giles muttered.
Anya looked at Xander "Time for me to go."
Xander walked her out of the room. "Remember what I said, OK?"
She smiled at him. "Thank you."
She reached up and kissed him on the mouth.
"Anya, please stay. Don't go with him. I love you." He begged.
He tried to take her in his arms but she broke away and moved quickly down the corridor, not once looking backward.
He stood for a moment, watching until she was out of sight and then turned back and walked into Willow's room.
As Xander walked into her room Willow looked up at him immediately and recognised his pain.
"Xander. You saved me. Again. Go Home. Get Some Rest." Willow insisted.
"OK. OK." He bent and kissed her forehead. He looked at Tara. "Look after her, OK?"
He turned to Buffy. "Caellor's gone. Took Anya with him. I promised Anya that I wouldn't go looking for them. It was like my going away gift to her."
Buffy took him into her arms. "Oh Xander, I'm so sorry."
He pulled away. Buffy's sympathy was more than he could take right now.
"Will you be OK? Could you use some company?"
"Not right now, Buff. I need to get some thing straight in my head. He glanced at Angel. "Besides, I think Dead Boy here wants to spend some time with you."
Angel took an interest in the floor, unwilling to meet Xander's gaze, knowing that his look of pity would be the final insult to the boy tonight.
"Oh Xander" said Buffy. "Look if you change your mind…."
"Yeah. I'll ring. See you tomorrow, Will"
They watched him go.
"He'll be alright. It's just the way that Xander deals, you know. He'll let us know when he's ready." Willow said reassuringly.
Xander was walking home slowly, brooding over all that had happened in such a short time. "As usual." He muttered to himself "my luck with the ladies sucks. Well at least Willow's all right. "
Getting to his house he walked wearily into the basement, threw himself face down on the bed and sighed deeply.
"Hello" a low sultry voice came from the doorway.
Xander jumped up. "Who the hell are you?" he demanded. The girl who walked towards him had long dark hair and startlingly blue eyes.
"Your mother said that I could wait for you down here. My name is Beth."
"OK, I'm more concerned with what you are rather than who you are right now."
She chuckled. "You're very suspicious Xander. I guess that's what's kept you alive in the Hellmouth. "
"Look it's been a long night. I come home to find a stranger in my room and I'd like an explanation. Now."
"Angel sent me to get you. He wants to explain to you the reason why he was here tonight. He has to speak to you alone."
Xander groaned. "Just what I need, a meeting with Dead Boy. Why didn't he mention this at the hospital?"
"Because he has to speak to you alone. He doesn't want the others to know. Please come."
"Alright. Where?"
"At his home."
"Where? You mean the old mansion? OK. Let's get this over with."
He got wearily to his feet and followed her out.
At Beth's insistence they walked to the mansion. When they got there it appeared to be dark and deserted.
"He's not here yet but he won't be long. We'll wait inside."
Xander followed her into the mansion. It was cold inside and he shivered.
"Guess Dead Boy doesn't worry about the cold." He looked around in time to see Beth holding a large candlestick. She lifted it up high and struck him on the head with it. Xander lost consciousness.
When he woke up he was tied to a chair. Beth had lit some candles and was sitting in the candlelight waiting for him to wake up.
"Why?" Xander asked. "Why are you doing this? Is it Caellor?"
Beth laughed. "No. Just me." She paused. "I suppose you deserve an explanation."
To Xander's astonishment her face changed to that of a vampire. "I came to see Angelus. But when I got here he had been changed. He had a soul. And you were his friend."
"Boy!" laughed Xander ironically. "Did you get that one wrong!"
"It will do you no good to lie. I saw you talking together and he told me that humans are his friends."
She said coldly. "I have to save him and the only way to do that is to bring back the old Angelus. So that's what I have to do."
"That really isn't a very good idea."
She smiled. "I think it's an excellent idea. I'll be leaving now but I'll be back, with Angelus."
She left the mansion, leaving Xander desperately trying to break free.
Xander heard a commotion outside. The door opened and Beth came in, dragging an unconscious Angel with her.
"That was so easy." She smiled. "I told him you were here and he came with me. I used the candlestick on him just as we got to the door."
She laid Angel on the floor near Xander and, going to the table, picked up a syringe.
Xander licked his lips. "Ah, what are you giving him?" he asked nervously.
Beth smiled cruelly. "Just a little happy juice. I hear he gets interesting when he's happy."
She pushed the plunger and the liquid emptied into Angel's arm.
Angel murmured then lay still again.
"Sorry I can't stay for the fun but I think it might be unhealthy for me around here after this goes down. I'll come back for him in a day or two." She moved to the door. "Bye Xander. Have fun!"
Xander looked as the door closed behind her then looked at Angel on the floor at his feet. "Oh shit!"
He worked at his bonds, trying to loosen them. Angel began to stir and he doubled his efforts.
Angel rolled onto his back, squinting at the ceiling. He suddenly became aware of Xander. "Hey."
"Angel?" questioned Xander, his voice squeaky with fear.
"Who were you expecting? The Easter Bunny?"
"No. Actually. Angelus. And if he's not here yet I think he's coming soon!!"
"What?"
"Beth gave you an injection when you were out. She called it 'happy juice'"
Angel tried to get to his feet but suddenly convulsed, holding his stomach.
"Oh. I'm a dead man!" Xander muttered.
Angel crawled over to Xander and started to untie him. Xander pulled his hands and he was free.
"For the love of God Xander, hurry!" Angel gasped.
"I don't get this, Dead Boy. You hate me almost as much as he does."
"Yeah but Buffy loves you and she would never forgive me if I, he, hurt you."
Xander had his legs free. He got up from the chair, looked at the door, then hesitated and looked downed at Angel. "Angel, can I do anything?" he asked.
,?P>
Agnel looked up at him, his face contorted with the pain of holding back the demon. "RUN!!" he roared.
Xander ran.
"And pray I don't catch you…." He whispered before sinking to the floor.
Moments later, when he got to his feet, he looked different. There was a madness and a savage glee in his eyes that had not been there previously.
"Hey Xander!" he roared. "You wanna party? Cos I sure do!" he chuckled.
"Ready or not, I'm coming!!" and he strode to the door and out into the night.
Xander was trying to run as fact and as quietly as he could. OK, he thought, I just have to keep out of his way and hope the 'happy juice' burns up in his metabolism before he gets me. And hope he turns back into Angel. Whoever thought I'd be glad to see Angel?
Buffy was at home, relaxing in front of the TV when the phone rang. "It’s Ok Mom, I got it." She shouted. "Hello?"
"Buffy?"
The voice was familiar but it took a moment to register in Buffy's mind. "Wesley? Hi Wes how are you?"
"Buffy. This is urgent. Cordy had another vision. It's Xander. He's in terrible danger. Cory said that something is out to kill him. And Buffy?"
"Yes Wes?"
"Cordy said it's Angelus."
"Come on boy." Shouted Angelus. "You know I'm gonna get you!"
Xander sneaked a look from his hiding place behind some bushes. Angelus was clearly enjoying himself. He knew, as Xander did, that the odds were in his favour.
Suddenly Angelus grinned and looked directly at Xander's hiding place and Xander knew that all was lost.
In one last desperate effort he got to his feet and ran. But Angelus was faster and, grabbing him from behind, brought Xander down, face downwards in the dirt. Xander struggled but Angelus lay on top of him and he couldn't break free. He felt Angelus's fangs graze his neck and waited for the inevitable, but then Angelus, chuckling, jumped to his feet, pulling Xander up with him. Before Xander could make another move Angelus had his right arm bent painfully up and across his back.
He pulled Xander to him and whispered spitefully. "Oh no. You've been a thorn in my side for far too long. It's not gonna be so easy for you, boy. You're not gonna die yet. Not until you beg me to do it."
And he pushed Xander back to the mansion.
By the time they got back Xander felt sure that his shoulder had been pulled loose from it's socket. As they got to the open door Angelus pulled his arm up even further, then pushed him hard so that he flew in through the door and smashed into the inside wall. He slid down to the floor, disorientated. Angelus pulled him roughly to his feet and over to the chair. Xander tried to pull away and Angelus began to punch and hit him until, bruised and battered into submission, he was finally bound to the chair once more.
Angelus left the room and returned humming pleasantly and whittling at a small wooden stake with a large dagger.
Xander watched, terrified. He tried to loosen the ropes but Angelus had tied them so tightly that he could feel nothing but numbness in his hands and feet.
"You know." Angelus said. "You're pretty handy with stakes but I betcha never knew how it felt to have one pushed against your skin and into your flesh."
Xander swallowed. "I think that may be something I could do without knowing."
Angelus chuckled. "This is going to be fun."
"Maybe we could go dancing instead." Xander suggested. "I think that might be more fun. Yes, I vote dancing. Or maybe the movies?" He babbled.
Angelus inspected the stake and tested the point. Then, smiling broadly, he thrust the stake into the boy's shoulder.
Xander jerked and screamed, tears coming to his eyes.
Angelus laughed. "See, I knew it was going to be fun. That's right. Sing out."
Leaving the room again he came back with a handful of small stakes. He threw them down at Xander's feet, bent down to Xander and ripped open his shirt where the stake protruded. A thin river of blood oozed out and down Xander's side.
Angelus smiled and his face became that of a vampire. "Ah, maybe a little snack" he said, and grasped the stake, pulling it free of Xander's shoulder and tossed it down on the floor. He put his mouth against the wound in Xander's shoulder and drank.
Xander cried out in pain and passed out.
Angelus smiled and began to pat his face to wake him up.
"Come on, boy. We've only just started. We've got hours of fun before you die." Xander's eyes flickered open as Angelus picked up another stake and held it in his hands, considering.
"Now where should this one go?"
Buffy crept up to the door of the mansion. She had heard Xander's cries as she approached and she was shaking both with fury and relief that he was still alive.
Angelus looked at the doorway. "Buffy." He said with a cruel smile. "Nice of you to join us."
Realising that subterfuge was useless Buffy straightened up and walked in through the open door. She caught her breath as she saw Xander slumped in the chair, his eyes closed. A small thin stake protruded from his leg and, as Buffy watched, Angelus pulled it out and put his mouth to the bloodstained tip. "Mmmm. Tasty."
Sickened, Buffy realised the significance of the small pile of bloodstained stakes on the floor at Xander's feet.
Angelus bent down, put a hand under his chin and gently lifted up Xander's face.
"We've got company. It's rude to sleep."
Xander's eyes flickered open and he looked past Angelus to Buffy. Buffy could see the marks on his
neck, showing that Angelus had been feeding from him, as well as the wounds on his body.
"Buffy" Xander croaked. "It's not Angel's fault. Someone drugged him. Called it happy juice. When it
wears off you'll have Angel back."
Angelus laughed. "You think you'll live to see it? Either of you?"
He stood up and faced Buffy. "You came just a little too soon. I was just about to 'change' him."
"You leave him alone!" Buffy growled dangerously.
Angelus laughed. "A little late for that, Buffy. Gee, I have made a mess, haven't I?" he said gleefully.
Buffy began to creep nearer and immediately Angelus took Xander's head in his hands.
"I'll break his neck if you came any closer, lover." He jerked Xander's head and he groaned.
Buffy stopped.
"I guess it's checkmate, huh? But, hey, I can wait but I don't think you friend here is holding on too
well." He twisted Xander's head so that he could look into his face. "What do you think, boy? How
are you doing?" And he lowered his mouth to Xander's neck.
Xander moaned and Buffy sprang forward.
"Don't think about it." Angelus warned her. "Or he'll be dead before you get to him."
Buffy stopped again. "OK. Let's fight it out."
Angelus laughed. "Why should I? I hold the winning hand, why should I deal the deck again?"
"Coward!" she shouted. "Afraid to fight me, Angelus? Afraid I'll win?"
Angelus smiled at her. "You can't goad me into it, lover. I already won."
He looked down at Xander who had passed out again. "He hasn't much time left. Do you want me to
save him? I can, you know."
He brought one of his arms up to his mouth and bit into it. Buffy could see the blood. He put his arm
down to Xander's lips. "OK, Buffy, what is it to be? Dead or undead?"
"Neither actually!" said a familiar British voice as a crossbow bolt slammed into Angelus's shoulder
from behind. Surprised, Angel let go of Xander and reached for the bolt.
In an instant Buffy had thrown herself on him, pinning him to the floor.
"I've got him! See to Xander!" Buffy commanded and Angelus saw Giles, the Watcher come into
view.
Giles felt for a pulse in Xander's neck. "Dear God. It's bad, Buffy." He muttered.
"Yeah." Said Angelus. "You want him dead or undead?"
Buffy pulled back her arm and hit Angelus on the jaw as hard as she could. She was delighted to see
Angelus's eyes close as she knocked him out. Buffy dragged him to the wall and chained him up as
Giles untied Xander. Buffy caught him as he pitched forward, no longer held by the ropes.
Between them they carried him out to Gile's car and they went, as quickly as the car would allow, to
the hospital. Buffy sat in the back of the car, supporting Xander's head. For a moment his eyes
flickered open and he looked into her face. "Buffy." He croaked. "Is it you?"
Buffy nodded, her emotions rendering her incapable of speech.
"I'm with you. That's alright then." Xander said emphatically. His eyes began to close and then he
jerked them open. "And you're alright?" He demanded.
Buffy nodded again and Xander slept.
They got to the hospital and carried Xander in between them, where he was immediately taken from
them, put onto a trolley and rushed away. Buffy and Giles paced the waiting room for what seemed
like several hours but was, in fact, less than one, to be told that Xander's condition was serious, but
stable. Buffy asked to see him but was told that it would not be possible for a while.
"You'd better go tell Willow now that we know he'll be alright. I'll wait for news." She said.
"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Giles asked anxiously.
Buffy nodded.
"Shouldn't we call his parents?"
"They're out of town, Giles. I don't know where."
"Oh." He looked at her, then perceiving that she wanted to be alone, he left to see Willow.
As soon as Giles left the room, Buffy began to sob. Oh God, she thought. I came so close to losing
him. Too damn close.
Buffy guessed that about half an hour passed before Tara wheeled Willow into the waiting room. She
looked aghast at the sight of her friend in a wheelchair but Willow quickly told her
"Don't wig out. There's nothing wrong with my legs. It's just hospital policy. I'm fine."
Buffy let out the breath she had been holding.
"How is he, Buff?"
"I've been waiting to hear from the doctors. They told us he was serious but stable. He lost a lot of
blood." She looked around. "Where's Giles?"
"He said he had to go but he'd be back soon." Said Tara.
"Sooo. We just have to wait." Willow resigned herself.
Buffy had resumed her pacing again when the door opened and Giles peeped in. "They said that one of
us can see him. But not for long."
"Did they say how bad it is?" Willow asked nervously.
"Yes, well, it's good news really. The stakes didn't damage any vital organs. It was the blood loss that
nearly killed him. It was a close shave but they've given him a transfusion and he's stable now."
Buffy looked up at Giles. He could see in her face how desperate she was to see Xander. Luckily, so
could Willow and she deferred to her friend with a smile. “I think the honour is yours, Buff. After all
you were the one to rescue him.”
Buffy squirmed. “But he’s known you all his life, Will.”
Willow laughed. “I think he’d rather see you.”
Buffy looked sharply at her friend. “Sure Willow?”
“Yep.”
Buffy made a dash for the door. Giles stood back to avoid being trampled in the rush.
When Buffy walked into Xander’s room she was relieved to see how much better he looked.
He smiled at her.” It’s OK, Buff. They gave me plenty of the red stuff and that helped a lot. It’s gonna
take a while for the holes he made in me to heal but I’m going to make it.”
He looked seriously at her. “It really wasn’t his fault, you know. He untied me and held the demon
back as long as he could to give me a chance to get away.”
Buffy put a finger against his mouth. “Enough. We just needed to know that you’re alright.”
“But you need to know……”
“I said enough, Xand I don’t want to hear it right now.”
The door opened and the nurse put her head inside. “Sorry but you have to go now. He lost a lot of
blood and he has to get some rest."
To his delight and surprise Buffy got up and kissed him gently on the mouth.
“Gee, Buff. It was worth it all for that.”
Buffy found herself blushing. “Xander, I swear if you weren’t as sick as you are……..”
The nurse came back, holding a syringe. “This will help you to sleep.” She said.
“Looks like they know how to handle you here, Xand. See you tomorrow.”
“Night, Buff. Give my love to Willow.
Buffy reported to the gang and then Giles gave her a lift home. Tara was staying with Willow in her
hospital room. She barely made it to her bed before she fell into a deep sleep.
The following day was Saturday and, as soon as she had breakfast she left the house for the hospital.
She went to Xander’s hospital room. Giles had beaten her to it and she had just walked in when there
was a knock at the door.
Xander looked up with a grin as Tara wheeled Willow into the room.
"Hey I like the wheels Willow!"
Willow smiled back. "You alright Xander?"
"Yeah but we've got to start meeting in better places though, Will."
Buffy, smiling, turned to look at Giles.
Giles was staring at Xander, looking puzzled and concerned.
"What's up Giles?" she asked, frowning.
"Eh? Oh Buffy I was just thinking about our young friend there."
"Xander?"
"Yes. It's just that…..well, the Powers That Be have intervened twice to save his life. They must have
some purpose in mind for him."
Buffy looked concerned. "What do you mean, Giles?"
"Well, I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, as it were, but……"
"Giles, please just tell me what it means."
"Well, that's just the thing, Buffy, I don't really know what it means. As far as I know the Powers must
want Xander for some purpose. I shall have to do some research, try to find some answers."
Xander glanced across at them briefly and Giles noticed a strange look in his eyes before Xander
quickly looked away again. Giles was positive that Xander was out of earshot of his conversation with
Buffy but there was something…?
"I think, actually, that he might know something about this whole thing that he's not telling us. I shall
have to have a serious word with that young man."
Buffy gave Giles a nervous glance and then, together, they moved to the bed to join in the conversation
taking place with the others.
Xander was on top form despite his injuries and soon had them all laughing.
Later Giles stayed with Xander and Tara left to get some personal items for Willow while Buffy
wheeled Willow back to her room.
"Do you think Xander will be alright?" Buffy asked Willow.
"Hmm." Willow mused. "It will take some time but we'll all be there for him. Besides, Xander's
changed. He's different and a lot stronger than he used to be."
"Different? Stronger? What do you mean?"
Buffy stopped pushing and Willow turned to look at her.
"Buff, I can't believe you haven't noticed!" Willow exclaimed. "When we have a problem and need
someone to act - Xander's the one up for it, when we need a plan - Xander's there plotting and
planning. I mean, he's scared to death most of the time but it never slows him down."
Buffy looked at Willow thoughtfully. Now that Willow mentioned it…
"And what about the time you 'died'? Angel was afraid to get involved until Xander threatened him into
it. And the time at the hospital when he stopped Angelus from getting in to see you? And you've got
your Slayer stuff and Giles has his books and I've got my witchcraft but Xander's got nothing"
Willow had to stop for breath. She looked at the utter astonishment on Buffy's face.
"What? Willow? I never knew. Nobody ever told me."
"Yes. Well. Maybe you should open your eyes and take a good look because there's a lot more to
Xander than you've noticed." Willow sounded almost offended on her friend's behalf.
"Yeah I guess I'd better." She thought about telling Willow what Giles had said but decided it would
not be wise to worry her.
Yes, Buffy thought, I might just beat Giles to the punch with that little talk.
Meanwhile, in Xander's room, Giles had begun his talk with Xander.
"Sorry G-man." Xander said disarmingly. "I really don't know what you're talking about. Powers that
be? Sure I know about Cordy's visions, but what has it got to do with me?"
Giles looked exasperated. "Now look here, Xander, are you telling me you've no idea?"
"Sorry, Giles. If you want to know why the Powers saved me, you'll have to ask them." He chuckled.
"Now that should be something to see."
"You know that's not possible. Hmm, there might be some precedent though….have to check…"
Xander smiled knowingly. Giles was preoccupied with his musings and would not be asking any more
questions of him.
Buffy came back into Xander's room. "Home Time Giles. Can I bum a ride?"
"Hmm. Yes. Fine. See you tomorrow, Xander." He patted the boy fondly on the arm.
Buffy bent down and kissed Xanders cheek. "Behave yourself. See you tomorrow."
"Bye."
As they walked out of the room Buffy glanced behind her to see that Xander's eyes had already
closed.
They walked into the car park, got into the car and Giles drove off. Buffy's eyes were also beginning to
close.
"Buffy. I went back to the mansion after seeing Willow. Angel was back and I set him free."
Buffy looked at him, shocked. "Are you sure it was Angel, Giles?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
The rest of the ride home passed in silence. Arriving at her home Buffy stretched and yawned.
"Been a long day, Giles." She said, getting out of the car. "Thanks for the ride. See ya tomorrow."
"You sleep well, Buffy." He paused. "Quite a day, eh?"
"Yeah" she grimaced. "Talk tomorrow, yeah?"
Giles smiled, nodded and drove away as Buffy walked to the door.
"Buffy" A voice spoke from out of the shadows.
"Angel" she said, flatly.
Angel stepped forward. "How…how is he?" he asked awkwardly.
"He'll be alright." Buffy answered, her voice cold and abrupt.
Angel looked at her, shamefully. "God, Buffy, I never meant.."
"Yeah, I know" She looked down at her feet. "Look, Angel, I really can't do this now."
"No, I'm sorry. I just wanted to know how…." His voice trailed off. "I'll go now."
Buffy walked past him and up to the front door. She grasped the door handle.
"Buffy….I…."
"Save it, Angel. I know it wasn't really you and I know it's harsh but I can't deal just now. OK?" her
voice cracked. "I nearly lost him and I don't think I could have gone on without him." She turned to
face Angel and there were tears running down her cheeks. "I've lost too much already. I thought I'd
give up when you left but Giles, Willow and Xander - they kept me going - especially Xander." She
tried to smile. "He wouldn't give up on me. Kept making laugh even when I thought I'd never laugh
again."
"Buffy's White Knight."
"What?" she looked at him, puzzled.
"It's what I…when I was Angelus, I called him that. It was when you were in the hospital. He would
have died before he let me near you. I guess I should go." He looked at her, hoping she would ask him
to stay.
"Yeah, well, don't let me keep you, Angel." Her voice was cold. "I know it's not fair to blame you but I
can't do anything else right now."
"Right. Buffy?"
"Yes?"
"I…I love you. I always will."
She looked at him then and he didn't think he could bear the sadness there.
I love you too, Angel, but it's not always enough." She pulled the door open and rushed inside,
slamming the door behind her. Once inside she leaned against the door, smiled gently and whispered
"My White Knight."
Angel stood outside, devastated. Then, head down, he moved away. He had always been aware that
the reason he disliked the boy was because he felt he was a rival for Buffy's love. When Buffy has
gone against the Master and he had been afraid to help Xander who forced him into going with him.
Then Xander had been the one to bring Buffy back to life, something that Angel was not capable of
doing.
Angel also had a grudging respect for the way Xander had stood up to Angelus when Buffy was in
hospital, barring the way, prepared to die rather than to let him near Buffy. Angel sighed and with one
final look at the closed door, he walked away. He had no right to Buffy's love, he had left her after
Graduation and Xander had stayed to pick up the pieces.
The following morning Buffy called to see Giles before going to the hospital.
Giles opened the door and, glancing up briefly form the book in his hand said, "Come in Buffy.
Coffee?"
"Nah, thanks Giles. Anymore and I'll be jumping. How did your talk with Xander go?" She threw
herself down on the sofa.
"He said he didn't know." Giles chuckled "Told me to ask the Powers That Be!"
Buffy chuckled then grew serious. "Uh, I had a visitor last night, Giles. Angel."
Giles put down the book and looked at her, gravely. "Err, Angel?"
"Yes. He told me some things and before that Willow told me a few things I didn't know. Giles, am I
the only one who hasn't noticed?"
"About Xander you mean? Ah Buffy he clowns around, he puts himself down all the time…"
"Yeah, Xander Harris, master of disguise and White Knight!"
"Err, White what?"
Buffy smiled. "It's what Angel called him. My White Knight." She explained.
"White Knight? Well I would have gone for Clown Prince but…"
Giles looked thoughtful. "Yes. White Knight." He mused.
Buffy knew the signs. Any further attempt at conversation with Giles would be fruitless. With a sigh she
jumped up from the sofa. "I'm off to the hospital, Giles. See you later?"
"Yes." He replied, deep in thought.
When Buffy walked into Xander's hospital room he was sleeping. Her stomach twisted as she looked
down at him and saw his cuts and bruises and she shivered suddenly when she thought how close she
had come to losing him. Even then, at the point of death, his fears had been for her.
She sat in the chair next to the bed and watched him sleep.
It was some time before Xander opened his eyes to find Buffy sitting next to his bed. "If this is a
dream, I kind of like it." He said.
Buffy got up from her chair and bent over and kissed him.
"Liking it better and better!"
"Angel came to see me last night." She said, pushing a stray strand of hair from his eyes as she spoke.
Xander looked worried. "Was it really him? Not Angelus I mean."
"Yes. You were right. When the drug wore off he was Angel."
"And what did Dead Boy want?"
"To ask how you were."
"Nice of him." He glanced at her face. "Don't worry, Buff, I'm not going to say anything. I know it
wasn't his fault."
"Yeah, but.." her voice trailed off.
"But?"
"Oh, Xander, how could I ever feel safe with him again?" Tears welled up in her eyes. "How could I
ever trust him?"
"Oh, Buff, I don't know. I mean it's gonna take time."
"I don't think there's enough time for me to forget or forgive what he did to you. I only just got to you
in time. If he hadn't killed you he was going to 'change' you."
Xander swallowed hard. "I could do without the little picture that conjured up." He shuddered. "A
warm liquid diet with no Twinkies."
Buffy laughed. "What would I do without you?"
Xander winked. "I really don't think you're ever going to find out."
"That'd better be a promise!" she smiled fondly at him.
The End
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