Buffy Meets a New Menace (and an Ally)

Note:  The characters in this story are the property of the original authors.  I have no claim to them.  They were just borrowed for the purposes of this tale.  

 

Buffy was out on patrol again.  The same as any other night, for in Sunnydale was the Hellmouth, the epicenter of evil.  All kinds of nasty creatures find their way there, and it was her job to remove them. For she was the Slayer. The chosen one. At the age of 20, Buffy had encountered more danger then 20 normal people will in their lifetimes.

With the help of the “ Scooby club “ they had dispatched vampires, demons, and more than a few underworld menaces. This night, Xander Harris was following along well behind Buffy . As one of Buffy’s best friends, he carried a flame for her, but had resigned himself to the role of “just friends” and helper. Mostly he just got in the way. 

Buffy had stopped at the edge of the graveyard .  Xander, trying to be quiet, succeeded in falling over a broken headstone, and rolling to Buffy’s feet. 

“Damnit, Xander, you scared the life out of me!”,  Buffy whispered as she offered him her hand. She helped him to his feet. 

“Sorry, Buff, but I was just hanging out at home, and since Willow and Tara are busy, and Ayna is across the country, I wanted a little companionship. I will stay out of the  way, I promise” 

With those prophetic words, Xander once again found himself meeting the ground as  Buffy shoved him to one side. The vampire that had arisen from behind him just missed  grabbing him by the throat. Buffy gave a sidekick that caught the vamp in the gut bending him in the middle. She followed up with a front kick to the face, staggering the vamp back. As he moved forward again,  Buffy pulled a sharpened stake from her sleeve and stabbed him in the chest.  The vampire had a startled expression just before he disappeared into dust.

 “Thanks Buffy” said Xander as he hauled himself into a sitting position again. “Seems like I did what I usually do, get in the way and wind up with a knot on my head.” 

Buffy smiled down at her friend. “Xander, you may not always end up standing, but I know I can count on you in a pinch. Come on, I have had enough fun for one evening. Let’s pick up Dawn at the house and head over to the Bronze.” 

Xander had a big brother complex for Buffy’s little sister. He readily agreed to the plan and they moved on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

On the other side on town there was a meeting taking place that could spell trouble for the entire town. Jameson Cleary sat at a table. Across from him was a vampire that was pacing the width of the small room. The vampire turned to Cleary and sized him up.

 “Why should we form this alliance? I could just kill you now and just keep what I have.”

Cleary, rather than being frightened, just grinned. “ You still have a problem. The Slayer. We both know that she will not allow  you free reign  in this town. Your “friends” have not been able to kill her yet she destroys your kind at will. I can kill her, In exchange, I wish for the orb of Varnoff. We can help each other.”

The vampire studied  the man across from him. Finally, he just stated “done” and moved out of the room. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 800 miles away, still another meeting was taking place. A tall, dark man, well muscled,  was standing at a bar. Across from him was a shorter man with gray hair and a matching beard. The older man moved closer to his friend, using two canes to help propel him.

“Look Mac, I know you are not in the game much now. But my people are reporting that Cleary is trying to get his hands on something that could cause him to gain enough power to make him invincible. And you know what  that would mean. It will be the end. And you know how completely evil he is. He makes the Kurigan look like a saint.” 

“Ok, Joe. I will look into it for you. I need to get away for a while and Paris is still too hot for me right now. Besides, I owe Cleary.” Joe Dawson looked into his friend’s eyes and saw the hatred and need for vengeance burning there. Jameson Cleary had killed a  friend of Mac’s just for the sheer pleasure of it. A mortal friend. 

Mac pulled on his dress coat, the sword hidden inside rang softly. “And where do your  people say he is right now?” 

“A small town in California called Sunnydale.” 

“Thanks, I will be back after it is finished.” 

As Mac turned  and walked out the door, Joe whispered, “I hope so.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

The gang was gathered around the living room at Buffy’s house. Giles was trying to  make sense of what Buffy was telling him. 

“Just what made you think that this vampire was any different from all the others?” 

Buffy looked over at him “Not much. Except just before I staked him he said something about Lucas finally being rid of me soon. I don’t usually listen to their rants, but this one sounded like there might be some truth to it.” 

Giles took this information  and mulled it over. With the increased activity of the vampires, and the boldness of the attacks, there could be something to the rumors. “Just be extra alert when you are on patrol. I will see if we can find anything on this Lucas,” 

Willow looked up from the magic book that she and Tara were poring over. “ We can help with the research. We will go over to the Magic Box and check the records.” 

“As will I, only the Watcher journals will be my object of attention.", Said Giles.  

“Hey what about me? Xander finally spoke. “I know that research isn’t my thing , but there should  be something I could do.” 

Buffy stood up and turned to look at Xander. “I am going to see if we can get any information on the street. Why don’t you come along with me.” 

“ You mean you are going to see Spike don’t ya?”  Xander groaned. He didn’t much care for the vampire that had a chip in his head. A chip that kept him from harming any  human. Part of it was a general disgust for vampires, but more was jealousy. Spike had the hots for the slayer. So did Xander. 

The blonde haired vampire found himself up against the wall of his crypt. The slayer had her forearm against his throat. “Sod off slayer. I don’t know anything and if I did you  would be the last to know. Besides I want to watch when you meet up with Jameson Cleary.” 

This earned him a hard right fist across his nose.  “Bloody  hell, bitch. You broke my bleedin’ nose again.” 

“Who is this Jameson Cleary?” Buffy drew back her fist again.

 “Alright. All I know is that this new bloke came into town and is bragging that he can do you in. Old Lucas has been talking to him.  And that is all I know.”

 Buffy lowered her arms and let Spike relax against the wall.  This new evil was something to contend with. She motioned to Xander who had been standing next to the doorway.  Deep in thought she and Xander  started back to the Magic Box.

 Days later and back on patrol again against the denizens of the night, Buffy was still deep in thought. Giles had found some information on the vampire named  Lucas.  He was almost 500 years old.  Very evil, but not given to direct confrontation. What she termed a coward. He lasted this long by having others do his dirty work.  This Jameson Cleary didn’t surface in any of their research.  And this bothered her.  How do you  fight someone, something, if you don’t know what it is. How do you kill it? 

 As she approached an alleyway between two buildings, she heard a ringing sound.  She moved cautiously toward the alley entrance and peered around the corner.  The sight  caused her to stare in disbelief. Two men were locked in mortal combat using swords. Like ancient warriors they danced  the deadly duel. The smaller of the two was using a rapier. He was stocky but still fast. The other was just over 6 feet tall and had long dark hair held back with a silver clasp. Dressed in black shirt and slacks, he moved with a grace that showed years of practice.

  As she watched the thrust and parry of their duel she was stricken by the aura of the taller man. She watched in horror as the shorter man caught the taller in the midsection, ripping the shirt as well as the flesh below it. Sensing victory the shorter man drew his sword back and said , Farewell Highlander.”  The taller one held his stomach, but  fended off the blow aimed at his head. He spun the Katana he used and brought it up and through the other man’s chest. As the shorter one dropped to his knees, he pulled the sword out and stood over his advisory. He said in a grim tone, “There can be only one.” As he brought the katana in a backhanded arc, severing the shorter man’s head . 

Buffy thought her eyes were deceiving her with what happened next. The tall man stood and staggered back a few steps.  The headless body seemed to glow and rise about a foot off the ground. Electrical charges emanated from the body flashing around the area. The lightning grew in intensity, and seemed to collect into the other man. The storm gathered power and then burst away from him, shattering windows in the abandoned buildings. Suddenly the man howled and fell to his knees, his sword falling to his side.

 As the tall man was kneeling slumped over, Buffy spotted a figure advancing toward him. It was a vampire and she knew how to deal with this. She closed the distance rapidly,  leaping over the kneeling form and caught the vampire in the chest  with both feet. The vamp sneered at Buffy, “I finally get to taste the Slayer’s blood.”  He lunged forward but missed his target as Buffy moved to her left. She grabbed the vampire’s arm and using his own momentum swung him into a pile of wooden crates. A wooden slat went  through his back and he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

 As she turned back to the scene of the earlier carnage, she got her first good look at the stranger. Her eyes did a quick scan of the dark brown eyes, handsome face, and the lean muscular body. This guy was gorgeous! She also saw the slice in his shirt and remembered that he had been nearly disemboweled. She moved over and put her arm around his chest. “We have got to get you to a hospital.”

 “No. No hospital. I will be all right. He didn’t get me very deep.”

 “I know you were cut deeper that that. At least let me take a look.” With that Buffy peered through the gash in his shirt. To her amazement where there should have been a  gaping wound there was just a light mark. The blood on his shirt told a different story however. “I don’t understand.”

 Mac knew he had to do some damage control and fast. This young girl had seen something very few mortals had ever seen before. He had to make sure she didn’t let out the secret. At least until he found Cleary. “Can you show me the way to my hotel room and I will try and explain as best as I can.”

 Instead, they wound up at the Magic Box. Giles, Willow and Tara were still there doing more research. As they came in the door, all conversation stopped. Willow and Tara looked him over and in unison whispered “Wow” then both blushed. Giles stood up and offered his hand. “Rupert Giles” he said. The tall man shook hands and said “And I am Duncan Macleod”  Giles noticed the slice in his shirt. “Are you injured? Please sit down.”

 Duncan sat down, but waved off any attempts to examine the wound. On the way over,  Buffy had tried to get an explanation from Duncan, but only got evasive answers. At least until she answered his questions about the battle with the vampire. By the time they got to the end of her explanations, they had arrivedand the conversation had stopped.

 Buffy made the introductions, with both  Willow and Tara blushing. Buffy then explained that Giles was her watcher. Duncan smiled at the term and asked what a watcher does for a slayer. With Buffy’s side explained she turned to Duncan. “Now it is your turn. And no bullshit.”

 Duncan leaned back and started. “You want the whole thing?” When they all nodded, he started. “I was born in a village on the shores of Loch Shiel in Scotland. I was destined to lead the clan, but circumstances came along that I was banished. I wondered around for a few years and made my way to the United States and Canada.”

 Buffy the piped up. “That doesn’t explain how you healed from the wound so fast. And the weird lightning thing.”  Duncan opened his mouth, but Giles interrupted. “I think I can offer some thoughts on this if I may. Just a couple of questions. Did you have a member of your clan named Conner Macleod?” Duncan nodded warily. “ And were you born in the late 1500’s?”  Even more shocked, he again nodded. 

Tara was the first to comprehend what Giles had just said.  “Wait a minute. You… You  mean you are over 400 years old? Are you a demon or something?”

 Duncan smiled at Tara. “Or something. I am immortal. Your friend is correct. I grew up in medieval Scotland. I was ‘killed’ in battle but awoke on my death bed. The clan, being the superstitious, banished me. My clansmen, Conner, found me. He showed  me all I needed to survive until the gathering. That is why I heal so quickly.” He then turned to Buffy. “The ‘lightening’ you saw was the quickening. Something that happens when one immortal kills another. Jonathan Gleason challenged me in that alley… and you saw the result.”

 Giles interrupted. “I have read in our writings of men and women who would come back from the dead, but were not the usual ghouls or vampires. This would explain why we could not get other information.”  Duncan smiled and assured the watcher that when this was over, he would put him into contact with Joe Dawson, HIS watcher.

 Xander came in soon after. After being introduced to Duncan Macleod, and hearing the high points, he looked over at Buffy.  “I know you have a habit of bringing home older men, but isn’t this age gap a little overkill? First Angel, Now this guy.” The way Buffy blushed and lowered her head , his comment must have hit very close to home.

 Willow broke the tension in the room by asking why Duncan was in Sunnydale. “Not that we want you to leave or anything.” She asked.

 “I was looking for someone. He killed a child of a very close friend .  Since he is also immortal, it is beyond the scope of the authorities, I plan to remove this menace.”  As he spoke the blood lust glowed in his dark brown eyes. The rest of the group could see the look of a warrior. Xander thought “remind me never to piss off this guy”

 “And who is this man you wish to ‘remove’?” asked Buffy.

 “Jameson Cleary”

 Buffy swallowed hard.

 Duncan stood and yawned. “I am sorry, and your company has been very ‘interesting’, but I really need to get some sleep.  Could one of you direct me to downtown area so I can get back to my room. And I need to get my car as well.”

 Xander saw the look that the girls were giving this guy and quickly volunteered to show  the Highlander back to his room. To his surprise, Duncan took him up on his offer. The pair then departed the Magic Box.

 As they walked, Xander started the conversation. “Look I don’t know you but I really hope you will take it easy on Buffy and the other girls.”

 Duncan stopped and stared at him “What do you mean?”

 “I could see the way Buffy was looking at you. Willow and Tara were the same.  They have all had some real heartbreak in the past few years, and I don’t want to see them hurt anymore”

 The immortal just smiled. “I promise you I have no intentions of getting involved with any of them. I am here to do what I have to do. So your ladies are safe around me.”

 As they continued along, Duncan was thoughtful. This young guy walking next to him reminded him of another ‘kid’.  Xander’s hair was dark compared to the others reddish brown.  But for some reason, his thoughts kept going back to earlier times with Richard Ryan.  Then he realized that there was more to this Xander than meets the eye. “Xander, would you be willing to help me find a place to practice.  I need to keep on top of  my game”

 “Well sure. I am sure that Giles will let you work out where Buffy trains. But she would be a better partner for you.”

 “Perhaps but I have the feeling that you might benefit from a little instruction as well.  And by going over the basics, it will force me to remember them myself. And afterwards you might be more help to the Slayer in her practice.” 

Xander got  a big grin on his face and agreed. By the time they finalized their plans for tomorrow, they had retrieved Duncan’s car and made it to the hotel. Bidding Duncan a good night, Xander walked quickly to his own place.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 “What do you mean someone killed Gleason. How did it happen?”  Clancy was up on his feet and grabbing the vampire by the throat.

 The vamp looked him in the face.  “I saw him slice a tall guy across the gut, but the guy blocked his next blow, stabbed him and then chopped off his head. Willie went after him, but the Slayer took poor ol’ Willie out. Staked him ,she did”

 “Did you hear either one say anything?”

 “When I got there, I heard the tall feller say sumthin’ that sounded like ‘there will be only one”

 “There can be only one.”  Clancy said the words slowly, letting his grip loosen on the vampire’s neck.  This made a difference.  He had to find out who it was…

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 The next morning, Xander found himself knocking on Duncan’s door.  The Highlander came out quickly, eager to start the day. They got in Duncan’s T-Bird and headed out.

 Is there a place where we can practice in private?  I don’t really want to be seen yet and  you will have some trouble in the beginning. That way your friends will not see you  embarrassed.”

 Xander directed him to an abandoned mission. “Perfect’ thought Duncan. “Holy Ground.  No worries about a sneak attack here” Duncan opened the trunk and pulled out a long object wrapped in cloth. As he pulled the covering off, Xander saw that it is a sword.  He handed the hilt to Xander. “This rapier is  made of some of the finest Spanish steel. And it is about 200 years old.”

 Xander held it aloft. It had a feel of grace and balance. Nothing like the ones he had held  from Giles collection.

 Duncan continued “It will be easier to teach you some of the moves you may need in the future if you have the weight and balance of a good steel.”

 And so they started the lessons. By the end of the morning, Xander felt like he had been in a fight with 10 zombies. Duncan had pushed  him hard, but he was exhilarated to learn several basic moves, and have them down pat.

 They arrived at the Magic Box in time for lunch. Afterwards, Buffy showed Duncan the  training room in the back of the shop. Then Buffy and Duncan began to work out  together. While they were working on some Ju Jitso moves. Duncan suddenly froze. He felt an intense buzzing in his head.  The sign of another immortal.  He pushed Buffy away, and upon hearing voices in the front of the shop, he picked up his Katana from the  shelf. Motioning Buffy to stay back, he moved toward the entrance.

 As soon as he got close to the doorway , the buzzing grew  stronger, and a figure moved into his line of sight. A few inches shorter that Mac, he was wearing a tan coat and white tennis shoes. In his hands was a katana matching the one that Duncan held at the  ready.  The figure stared then a smile came across his face. “You’re looking good.”

 Duncan let his sword drop to his side. “Conner!! What are you doing here?”

 “Headhunting. I actually went to see you and Dawson told me where you were and who you were after.”

 “Damnit Conner, you know I can handle Clancy myself.”

 “Yeah, Yeah.  But I also know he won’t follow the ‘rules’. I am just going to keep the others off your back.  And besides you are probably so rusty you couldn’t keep up with Ramariez and he has been gone for over 400 years.”

 With that Conner removed his topcoat and walked into the room. Duncan raised his sword and the game began.  Buffy had watched the exchange with confusion.  When she realized that they knew each other, she had visibly relaxed. Now she watched in fascination as these two put on a display of swordsmanship rarely seen by mere mortals.

They moved with a style and grace that was amazing. You could tell by the ring of steel against steel that they were not holding back.  The rest of the Scooby Gang had come in to see the display. It finally ended when Duncan sent Conner’s sword into the air and then caught the hilt as it came back down. 

“So who did you say was rusty?” Mac said with a laugh.  He and Conner embraced and  then accepted the bottles of water that Willow had brought them.

 “How did you get mixed up with these folks” Conner asked as he waved his arm around the room.

 “Buffy” and Mac pointed to her “happened to be there when I took Gleason’s head. When I was still under the power of the quickening, she stopped a vampire from attacking me. While trying to do ‘damage control’, she brought me to meet the others. Believe me Conner, they have stranger things going on than a couple of immortals.”

 Conner then  looked over at the Slayer and the 2 witches and complained “ Damnit, Duncan you are still at it.” Duncan just rolled his eyes.

 Willow spoke up “Still at what?”

 “My kinsman here still has all the fun and gets most of the beautiful women” This comment made all three of them blush.  Then Conner moved closer to Duncan and  whispered “The boy?”  To which Duncan  replied “Already started.”

 After Conner and Duncan had returned to the Hotel to shower and change, they all met at  the Bronze. When Buffy arrived with Dawn.  Conner smiled and exclaimed “Is every woman in your family this stunning?”  Dawn blushed, and then turned even a deeper shade of red when Conner stood, kissed her hand, and offered her his seat.

 “Conner, shouldn’t you pick on someone closer to your own age?”

 “There isn’t anyone close to my own age” Conner shot back.

 “Well if you are though charming the pretty female, we can get back to our discussions.”

 Willow spoke up then. “You were saying something about a unholy, alliance, Giles”

 “Well, yes. From what we have been able to find out, it seems that Lucas, a very old  vampire, has formed an alliance with someone, with the intention of destroying Buffy. And I believe his partner is one of your kind.”

 Duncan and Conner simultaneously said “Clancy”

 Buffy  then spoke up. “So what do we do?”

 Duncan replied. “We will have to wait for him to come out. If he sees that his ‘friends’ aren’t doing the job, he will have to so it himself. Until he does. I will go with Buffy as she does her patrols.”

 “I really don’t need a guardian. I can handle myself.” Came the indignant reply.

 Before Duncan could say anything, Giles interjected, “Remember the practice today. I would dare say that, as good as you are, the enemy will be better.”

 Buffy screwed herself to make a scathing reply when Duncan put his hand on her forearm. “I will stay out of the way until I am needed.” 

This cooled some of Buffy’s ire. The rest of the time was spent in conversation about other matters including practice. This brought murmers of surprise from the gang when both Immortals insisted that Xander observe and participate.

 Willow piped up.  ”Xander is my bestest guy friend and all, but he isn’t the best one around in a fight. I mean he usually ends up on the floor. You aren’t going to hurt him are you?” Her big eyes looked pleading.

 “No we are not going to hurt him. Maybe he has just to find himself. You may be  surprised at the results.”

 With that settled, it was time for Buffy to go on patrol. Duncan lifted his jacket causing the katana to ring as it brushed the chair. Dawn then realized then that this is as dangerous as anything her sister had ever been in. “Be careful. Both of you” Then she blushed again when Duncan turned and smiled at her. “I will bring her back in one piece,   I promise.” With that they moved out into the night.

 Over the next few weeks, things settled into a routine. Duncan and Conner used the mission outside of town as a place to work out, teaching Xander as much as they could. He became more and more adept in the movements and began to pick up confidence. He returned to town each afternoon exhausted, but with more confidence day by day.

 Evenings were spent with either Duncan or Conner following behind Buffy as she went on patrol. Only once did Conner interfere, and that was to stop another immortal from sneaking up behind the Slayer. That battle was brief, as this immortal  was not used to direct confrontation. Conner beheaded him just after Buffy had dispatched the two vamps. She stood in amazement as the quickening overtook Conner. As the lightening gathered and seemed to go through his body. The violence was incredible, but the immortal  seemed to welcome it. After wards Conner slumped down, breathing rapidly.

 “Is that what happens every time  someone takes an immortal’s head?”

 “Only when another immortal does it.” Then Connor turned serious.  “Buffy, I know you are good, but don’t let yourself think that you are ready to take on someone like Cleary. He has close to 300 more years of practice.”

 Buffy looked onto the elder Highlander’s face and saw the seriousness that was there. “You and Duncan could teach me a little bit couldn’t you?”

 “Giles has done well with the basics. I suppose we could show you a few tricks. Come on, we will go back and talk about this tomorrow.”

 As the group gathered the next afternoon, Giles removed his glasses and turned to  Duncan. “I spoke to a gentleman named Joe Dawson this morning. He was very interested in the progress we have been making.”

 “And how I wonder did Joe get your number?” Duncan was listening closely now.

 “Ah. It seems we have a mutual friend. It was actually Adam Pierson who called first. It  would seem that he and Mr. Dawson were talking and Adam mentioned that he knew someone in Sunnydale. That person is me.”

 “Methos. That damned interfering fool. I should have known he would have figured where we were.” Then Mac smiled and let out a deep sigh.

 “Well, yes” Giles continued. “He gave me some very interesting information on  immortals in general, and Cleary in particular. Something else we talked about is the possibility of training the Slayer with an immortal. Sword technique can be used for other weapons.”

 “That might be a good idea for a little later, but right now we have another problem to  deal with.” Duncan said. “Lets get down to planning how to draw the enemy out.”

 And with that, they settled down to planning.

 The next day Duncan and Conner were heading  out of town in Duncan’s black T-Bird. Their departure did not go unnoticed. Later in the afternoon most of the rest of the ‘Scooby Club’ departed as well, leaving Buffy alone.  It was quiet for three days, while the hunters made sure everyone else was gone.

 Buffy came into the house expecting to find Dawn doing homework or in the kitchen. She checked the entire house, dread coming to the surface. The ringing of the phone startled her. A voice on the other end was a strange to her, but the message was expected.

She was to come to the Bronze to claim her sister. After the line disconnected, she dialed  another number. This conversation was brief, 10:00 Bronze, They have Dawn. Then she went to her war chest and started pulling weapons.

 Buffy strode into the Bronze. Looking around for an attack all she saw was Spike standing by the bar.

 “Alright Spike. No bullshit.  Where is Dawn?”

 “They just want to make sure you are alone Slayer.”

 “If they hurt her in any way, you will be paying along with them”

 “Hey I am staying out of this. Your beef is with them.”

 Buffy grabbed Spike by his Collar. “Tell me where she is. You’ve got 10 seconds before you turn to dust”

 “In the warehouse across the alley.”

 With that, Buffy headed out the back door.

 Going in the open door, Buffy scanned the scene before her. Dawn was sitting tied to a  chair. She was gagged but it looked like she was unhurt. As Buffy started towards her, a couple of vampires moved out from the shadows to block her way.  Looking around quickly, she saw a several more come around her.  When she was effectively surrounded, a voice came out of the darkness. Old Lucas stood at the edge of the ring leering at her.

“You are now all alone. We will be rid of you finally.”

 “Bring it on. There are going to be piles of dust around me. Including you.”

 “Ahhh, but my friends are here just to make sure you don’t try and escape.” Pointing to  her left Lucas continued, “He is the one who will be your doom.”

 Stepping out of the darkness Cleary moved into the circle. In his hand he held a rapier. Smiling at her, he advanced. Buffy lifted the sword in her hand. His first swing came down and she blocked it. Turning the blade he moved to her right, trying for her midsection. The tip barely caught her blouse. She was outmatched and she knew it. She just had to hold him off for a few more minutes.

 The door slammed inward causing all to turn in that direction. Framed by the doorway was a figure wearing a black topcoat. The blade in his hand glistened in the light of the  candles that lit the area. “Since you have warmed up with the girl, you should be ready for me.” With that Macleod walked in and removed his coat. “I am going to take your head Cleary.”

 Mac saw a movement to his left. The vampire that launched himself at him vanished in mid air. A wooden arrow from the crossbow that was carried by Conner had done it’s job. “Don’t worry Clansman. There will be no one trying to get out. And I am just here to keep thing fair.”

 “I felt the presence of three more immortals.” Mac said.

 “They will not interfere. Since the challenge has been made, none will.”

 With that, Duncan moved toward Cleary. At the first clashing of swords, Cleary realized he was in for the fight of his life. He bought his blade up in a slashing blow, but was parried with ease. From then on it was a whirl of deadly metal and the ring of steel upon steel, as the combatants fought. Cleary finally over thrust, staggering past his opponent.

With a backhanded slash of his blade Mac sliced the other man’s belly open. Cleary dropped to his knees. Buffy could hear Macleod say “There can be only one” as his katana sliced through the air and severed Cleary’s head. The body slumped forward, and then rose into the air. The power of the quickening inside the warehouse stunned all present.

 As soon as it was over, everything exploded into Chaos. The vamps headed toward Buffy. One of the other immortals went after Dawn. The vampires were being dispatched by the Slayer in her usual efficient fashion. Duncan had recovered by the time  the immortal came in close and the battle was again on. Conner already had one to  contend with. Buffy saw the young man running toward Dawn but she could not get to  her. 

As the young immortal brought his sword down, Buffy looked on in horror only to find a  blade coming up and blocking it. Xander looked the young immortal in the eye and  grinned. “Mess with someone I love and you will die.” Xander then brought his sword  into a defensive position. “Prepare to die mortal” was the response. The immortal was newly reborn and had very little experience. But Xander had less and the battle was  brief. The young immortal stabbed Xander in the chest, piercing his lung. But before he  went down he finished the swing he had started. There was a look of startlement in the  eyes of the young immortal as his head left his neck.

 Buffy had not seen any of the fight. She was trying to finish off the last two vamps. As they disappeared, she spotted Lucas trying to get away. Buffy picked up a stake and  threw it like one would throw a knife. It landed squarely between Lucas’ shoulders. He was dust before he hit the floor.

 Suddenly there was this brilliant flash of a double quickening. This blinded all that were in the warehouse. As soon as she could see, Buffy went to her sister. And began to untie her..  As soon as Buffy had the gag loose, Dawn was crying hysterically. “Xander is dead.  He saved me, but I saw the guy kill him! Buffy, he died to save me!”  Buffy then turned  to see Xander lying in a pool of blood.  She knelt down and picked up his head. His body was lifeless. She just sat in the floor and stoked his face, tears running down her  cheeks. Duncan and Conner quietly walked up and stood beside her.

 Buffy looked up at them. “Why did this happen? Why the hell was he even here?

 Duncan knelt beside her. “We never told him where we were going. He must have followed us. He should have never come.”

 Conner, in a quiet voice, said “Buffy, lay his head down and stand away for a moment”

Buffy looked at him in amazement. Conner continued “ Coming back the first time can  be rough.”

 The slayer was still trying to understand these words, When Xander started to cough. He  rolled over and spat out a mouthful of blood. “What the hell happened to me? I hurt all over.” Before he could continue, he was mobbed by both Buffy and Dawn. Conner left Duncan to explain while he checked outside for anyone else.

 As soon as the sisters had made sure Xander was indeed alive they both wanted to take him to the hospital. Duncan stopped them. “There is nothing a hospital could do for him.

He is healed already, although it is going to hurt for a little while.”

 Xander would not believe him “I know I got run through like a chicken on a spit. I  should be dead.”

 “You were” was the calm reply.

 “This cannot be happening. Did willow do some kind of magic on me or something?”

 “You will understand in time. You were killed and now you are back” Just the Xander  felt an intense feeling and heard a buzzing in his ears.

 As Conner walked up, Xander felt it increase, then die off. After saying what he had just felt, He asked “What does that mean?”

 Conner said quietly “That is how one immortal know when  another is around. You Xander Harris, are immortal.”

 Duncan helped Xander to his feet and the girls got up as well. “Come on we can explain more later. We should get out of here now.” With that they left the warehouse.

 The next morning, the group was again seated at the Magic Box. Duncan was talking.

 “Conner and I both sensed what Xander would become. We taught him some basics in order to allow him time to practice. We would have kept a close eye on him until his first death. But being bull headed, he got himself killed sooner than expected. Reminds me of another young kid. About 5’8 curly hair…”

 Conner grinned and said one word “Ritchie”.

 “Anyway Xander must come with us now. He has a lot to learn and his life depends on his learning it. He will be back in several months. And yes you may visit from time to time.” The last  was to forestall the questions Willow was starting to ask.

 As the Cadillac and the black T-Bird pulled out, Buffy put her arms around Willow and  Dawn. “Xander is entering a new part of his life. He will be back   He promised.” With that she wiped away a tear from her cheek.

 

~~~~~ FINIS ~~~~~

 

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