Title: The Gift (1/?)
Author: Bert
Disclaimer: BtVS characters are owned by Joss Whedon, The WB and Mutant Enemy, no copyright infringement is intended, blah blah de-blah
Summary: Not nice
The Past….
Exiting the bar Xander walked over to where he parked his car, crossing near the park he was unsurprised to hear signs of a struggle. Creeping forwards he stood there in the shadows watching as Faith fighting a pack of demons that had accosted her. As he was admiring her skill one thing became clear, she was losing this fight. Despite managing to dispose of the demons at an impressive rate there were always more waiting to join the fray against her.
Without hesitation or concern that this fight was out of his league Xander leapt into the battle, knocking away the demon that was attempting to sneak up behind her. Faith glanced across at him and nodded her thanks before turning back to the battle, killing the demon that tried to take advantage of the momentarily distraction.
Xander used every skill he had gained through fighting for survival on the hellmouth during the last four years just to stay standing. Breathing heavily he moved in concert with Faith as they fought back any demon foolish enough to approach. Looking around quickly during a brief respite he saw more demons arriving from the darkness, he knew that behind them more waited out there in the shadows. "We need to get out of here" he shouted over at her. Faith nodded in reply not even bothering to try to be heard over the din of the battle.
Faith staked the demon she was fighting and gave him a brief smile before turning to the next opponent, not even pausing to watch the demon implode. "Any ideas?" she asked as the demon withdrew to rejoin its companions.
They watched wearily as the demons started to change tactics, instead of just leaping into the fray they were now hanging back, circling the two friends looking for an opening with in which to attack. Xander backed up slowly against Faith taking support from one another as they tried to survive, "this is different" he muttered darkly as the demons continued to circle them.
Faith breathed in deeply, making the most of the respite, "You should go" she said, "this isn't your fight"
Xander tensed when he heard her words, "Like hell I will" he growled, "despite what everyone thinks of me, I am not going to abandon you to die alone"
Faith smiled sadly, "then we die together… ready?" she asked tightening the grip on her weapon.
Xander grinned in return, his eyes wild, "On three" he whispered and silently mouthed the countdown. Reaching three he screamed and started running forward towards the demons, Faith not a heartbeat behind him, lending her own voice to the battle cry. Seeing the two humans charging towards them the demons paused and stepped aside, assuming that they would stop and resume the fight. They were wrong. Without looking back Xander and Faith ran off into the night towards his parked car.
Leaping into the driver seat Xander fumbled for a moment as he grabbed the keys. "Come on, Come on" he beat upon the wheel desperately as the engine sputtered.
"Xander! They're coming" Faith said desperately as she watched the demons approaching, "hurry up" she pleaded flicking her gaze between him and the oncoming foes.
"Yes" exclaimed Xander as the engine caught. They roared off into the Sunnydale night with a screech of tires and a smell of burning rubber as Xander floored the accelerator.
Leaning back in the seat Faith relaxed and lay back, feeling the wind run through her hair. After a couple of blocks Xander pulled into a side street and killed the engine. Turning in his seat he faced Faith staring at her.
"What?"
"Why are you back?" he asked darkly.
Faith smiled, "Nice to see you as well Xand" her smile faded when she saw the look on his face, "what?"
Xander breathed in deeply and held it for a second before letting the air out with a sigh, "Why are you back?" he asked again.
Faith just sat there looking at him.
"Well what is the scheme this time Faith?" he spat, "who've you come to screw this time, huh?"
"I.. I.."
"You what?" he shouted letting go of his anger, "so far you've tried kill me, almost got Buffy terminated, nearly ruined her relationship with Riley and ultimately betrayed both us and what you are. So what is it this time? You know what, I couldn't give a damn, hurt anyone and I'll dispose of you myself"
"Think you're up to it?" she asked sarcastically.
"Anytime" he smiled and leapt out of the car, taking off his jacket he turned back and held his hand out to Faith, "ready?"
Faith narrowed her eyes, unsure whether he was joking or not, "I promise not to hurt you too much this time" she said grabbing his arm and flipping him over.
"Nice" Xander said picking himself up, finding that Faith had left the car whilst he was down, "still fighting dirty I see"
Faith grinned, "I believe in winning" with that she made an exploratory swing at his head, Xander easily avoided it. She quickly followed though with her other fist, catching the movement Xander tried to move away but was too slow as it just connected with his jaw.
"Yow" he complained grabbing hold of both her arms, falling backwards he pulled her down with him and used the momentum and his legs to flip her away.
Faith went flying through the air and landed with a thumb on the hard surface, the air in her lungs exploding out with a gasp, "Nice move" she panted getting up, "where'd you learn that?" she asked as she caught her breath.
Xander smiled and circled her warily, "you learn a few tricks"
"Like this?" she crouched and swung out a leg knocking him over.
Grabbing the offend leg Xander twisted it forcing her to roll over, "something like that"
Faith pulled out his grasp and kicked him in the head forcing him to stagger back as his vision blurred, "Sorry" she smiled, "I was aiming for your shoulder"
"No worries" he replied dabbing as the blood tricking from his nose, "I'll just have to do this" and leapt at her.
Not expecting him to charge her like that she was unprepared and they landed on the ground in a tangled heap. Xander was no match for Faith as she used her slayer strength and agility to the fullest and soon triumphed over him. Sitting on top of him Faith loomed over and held him down.
"What?" he asked breathing heavily as he stared up at her.
Faith didn't immediately answer, just leaned down and kissed him, "Why'd you save me?" she asked pulling back.
"I couldn't let you die"
"Why not? You said it yourself, I've tried to kill you all, so why didn't just leave?"
Xander looked uncomfortable, "I just couldn't, ok" he tried to get up.
Faith held him down, "not good enough, you could have left me to die, but didn't, why not?"
Xander closed his eyes, "you deserved a chance? Ok?", he opened his eyes to find Faith smiling down at him.
"That's why I came back" she got off him, "I want to take that chance, I know I've messed up and don't expect you guys to exactly welcome me back with open arms, but I want to help." She held down her arm to help him up.
Xander grabbed it and pulled himself upright, "It won't be easy" he said looking into her eyes, "you'll have to earn our trust, they won't just give it freely"
"I know" Faith looked around, "My flat's not too far from here, you want to come on over?"
Xander grinned, "Not that I am not tempted, but I don't think that'd be such a good idea, do you?" he asked getting into the car.
"I guess not," she shrugged and started to walk away.
"Oh and Faith.." he called as he started the engine.
"Yeah?" she asked turning around.
Xander gave her a thumbs up, "Welcome back" he said happily before driving off.
Faith smiled and walked off into the night.
Xander turned the key in the lock and slipped into his basement, "Well that was an interesting evening" he said to himself dropping his jacket over the back of a chair.
"More than you could know"
Hearing the voice coming from his room Xander whipped around and crouched down into a defensive position. "Who's there?" he demanded peering into the dark room. Getting no response he crept quietly to the wall and flipped on the light switch. The ceiling lights flicked briefly before steadying, flooding the room with the harsh glow form the fluorescent bulb. His room was mostly as he remembered it except for the short man currently lounging on his couch.
"Who the hell are you? And how did you get in here?" he demanded.
"Whistler's me name, and we need to talk"
Seeing no outwardly offensive weapons he calmed down slightly, "Whistler? Why does that name sound familiar?" he quieted for a moment as he collect his thoughts and tried to remember where he had heard it before, "that's it" he exclaimed clicking his fingers, "you're that good demon that helped Buffy and Angel, right?" he asked.
Whistler shrugged, "you could say that", he leant back and watched as Xander moved around the basement, "How about a drink?" he asked as he saw Xander head upstairs towards the kitchen.
"Coffee?" Xander hollered back.
"That'd be fine"
Xander snapped his head around and found Whistler standing right behind him, "Jeez man, don't do that" he said clutching dramatically at his chest. Switching on the kettle Xander grabbed a stool, "so what do you want?" he asked suspiciously gesturing for him to grab a seat.
Whistler smiled when he saw Xander's tense state, "Relax kid, I'm only here to deliver a message and them I'll be on my way"
"A message?" Xander nodded to himself, "I can do that, I'll just call Buffy" he stood up to grab the phone.
"There's no need" he interrupted, "I'm not here to see Buffy"
"You're not?" asked Xander surprised, "well Angel's in LA, though I'm pretty sure that Giles has his number if you want it"
"nor Angel. Just you."
"Me?" Xander said in a small voice, "why me?"
Whistler sighed and nonchalantly leant back on the stool, "it's time to balance the books, a time of reckoning, a time to collect what is owed."
"Huh?"
"You!" Xander's blood ran cold as Whistler pointed a finger at him, "You kid are the biggest screw up in the history of the hellmouth", he started to get angry, "do you know how many rewrites and amendments there has to have been and all because of you?"
Xander let loose a nervous chuckle, "I haven't the faintest idea what you a talking about"
"You!" snapped Whistler, "and your so called help."
"What can I say, it's all part of the job being a good guy"
Whistler exploded, "that's just it, you're not"
"I'm not? Does that mean…"
Whistler let out a bark of laughter, "don't make me laugh kid, we tried seconding you to them but you were too interested in sniffing around Buffy and left your pack alone to do the killing. You couldn't even get that part right."
Xander paled and gripped hold of the table to keep himself steady, Whistlers words and accusations were hitting him straight to the core of his being and who he was, as least who he thought he was, "what are you saying?" he asked quietly.
"What I'm saying is that you are a screw up who can't even die when he's supposed to, always pulling out another miraculous escape out of his hat." He let out an oath in a long dead language, "you exist under the mistaken impression that you are one of the good guys with a manifest destiny to help the slayer and her friends."
Hope flared in Xander's eyes when Whistler mentioned the slayer, but was quickly exterminated as he continued with his attack, "well you don't, listen kid you don't even rate a mention within the Codex"
"The Codex?" Xander's mind was blank as desperately grabbed onto anything that could distract Whistler from his character assassination.
"Yes, the Codex," out of nowhere Whistler pulled out a thick dusty tome, "you know the big book?" he waved it in front of Xander's face. Reaching out Xander tried to grab it but Whistler flicked his wrist and made it disappear back to where ever it came from. "That book contains prophecies of every big event between good and evil that has or will occur. Surely that Watcher fella has mentioned this to you?"
"He's got a copy"
Whistler smiled, "well in reality that book is nothing more than a big script. Everything has been planned out ahead and so far almost everything has occurred as it was written with both sides following their lines pretty much as it was written. The problem arises because some jokes in the beginning suggested that they give you guys some free will, it's make it more interesting he said. Unfortunately a majority of the higher uppers agreed with him, although they didn't foresee you."
Xander tried to valiantly fight back, "You expect me to believe any of that crap?" he asked scathingly. "Books? Scripts? Bull"
Whistler grinned evilly, which wasn't the response Xander was expecting, "I'm not going anywhere until I get what I came for" he pushed Xander out of the kitchen and into the living room, "Faith was supposed to die tonight and she didn't because of you." He calmly took a sip of his drink as if he was discussing something innocuous as the weather.
"You sent those demons"
"Of course" Whistler pushed Xander down into the chair, "we promised the other side that we would deal with her since she decided to return to the good."
"So I saved a slayer, no biggy"
"No biggy!?" Whistler screamed at him, a vein pulsing above his eyebrow, "what the fuck do you mean no biggy? The first time was back enough but now you just had to compound your crime by doing it again"
Xander could move, "You're talking about Buffy aren't you?"
"Who else? Buffy died at the hands of the Master, it was all nicely written down in that prophecy which I believe the watcher found, only there was no mention of her returning from the dead." Whistler tapped his chin for a moment as if in deep thought, "now I wonder how they managed to miss such a big detail such as that? Oh I know," he said sarcastically, "it wasn't meant to happen. I must admit kid, that was one of your greatest moments."
Xander shook his head confused, "So Faith is back on the right path with her friends, what's wrong with that?"
"Everything, both sides are pissed with you and now its pay back time"
Xander found that feeling was slowly returning to his limbs, "So what do you expect me to do? I can't change who I am and I won't turn my back on Buffy or any of my friends just because you say so."
"The Powers That Be want you out of the equation"
Xander stood up Whistler, "I don't give a fuck what you or any of the Powers That funckin' Be want, I refuse to recognize your rights to tell me what to do and who to save."
Whistler shook his head sadly, "There you go again kid, thinking that you have any say in the matter. For your information I don't expect you to stop doing anything"
"So what do you expect?" he asked carefully.
"I expect you to die"
"What?" Xander grabbed hold of the chair and held it was a weapon, "come on then, I'm ready for you"
Whistler smiled, "Ooo, I'm so scared. Boys!" he called.
"Oh shit" Xander swore as he saw two large vampires enter the room to stand by Whistler.
"You know what to do" Whistler said nodding towards Xander.
The vampires smiled hugely, bearing their fangs at Xander before moving towards him. Knowing that he wouldn't stand a chance in a fight with them Xander threw the chair at them and ran for the front door whilst they were distracted. He was almost there when a cold vice like grip grabbed onto his arm pulling him back. He was quickly immobilized by the other vampire grabbing hold of his other arm, "Whistler" Xander shouted at the demon as they started to drag him down into the basement, "I swear I'll get you for this…. Whistler!" Xander called up the stairs. "No!" His shouts soon dissolved into a scream that was cut of suddenly.
Finishing his drink Whistler calmly walked through the silent house and into the cool Sunnydale evening whistling a merry tune as he faded away.
Author: Bert
Disclaimer: BtVS characters are owned by Joss Whedon, The WB and Mutant Enemy, no copyright infringement is intended, blah blah de-blah
Summary: Not nice
The Past….
Exiting the bar Xander walked over to where he parked his car, crossing near the park he was unsurprised to hear signs of a struggle. Creeping forwards he stood there in the shadows watching as Faith fighting a pack of demons that had accosted her. As he was admiring her skill one thing became clear, she was losing this fight. Despite managing to dispose of the demons at an impressive rate there were always more waiting to join the fray against her.
Without hesitation or concern that this fight was out of his league Xander leapt into the battle, knocking away the demon that was attempting to sneak up behind her. Faith glanced across at him and nodded her thanks before turning back to the battle, killing the demon that tried to take advantage of the momentarily distraction.
Xander used every skill he had gained through fighting for survival on the hellmouth during the last four years just to stay standing. Breathing heavily he moved in concert with Faith as they fought back any demon foolish enough to approach. Looking around quickly during a brief respite he saw more demons arriving from the darkness, he knew that behind them more waited out there in the shadows. "We need to get out of here" he shouted over at her. Faith nodded in reply not even bothering to try to be heard over the din of the battle.
Faith staked the demon she was fighting and gave him a brief smile before turning to the next opponent, not even pausing to watch the demon implode. "Any ideas?" she asked as the demon withdrew to rejoin its companions.
They watched wearily as the demons started to change tactics, instead of just leaping into the fray they were now hanging back, circling the two friends looking for an opening with in which to attack. Xander backed up slowly against Faith taking support from one another as they tried to survive, "this is different" he muttered darkly as the demons continued to circle them.
Faith breathed in deeply, making the most of the respite, "You should go" she said, "this isn't your fight"
Xander tensed when he heard her words, "Like hell I will" he growled, "despite what everyone thinks of me, I am not going to abandon you to die alone"
Faith smiled sadly, "then we die together… ready?" she asked tightening the grip on her weapon.
Xander grinned in return, his eyes wild, "On three" he whispered and silently mouthed the countdown. Reaching three he screamed and started running forward towards the demons, Faith not a heartbeat behind him, lending her own voice to the battle cry. Seeing the two humans charging towards them the demons paused and stepped aside, assuming that they would stop and resume the fight. They were wrong. Without looking back Xander and Faith ran off into the night towards his parked car.
Leaping into the driver seat Xander fumbled for a moment as he grabbed the keys. "Come on, Come on" he beat upon the wheel desperately as the engine sputtered.
"Xander! They're coming" Faith said desperately as she watched the demons approaching, "hurry up" she pleaded flicking her gaze between him and the oncoming foes.
"Yes" exclaimed Xander as the engine caught. They roared off into the Sunnydale night with a screech of tires and a smell of burning rubber as Xander floored the accelerator.
Leaning back in the seat Faith relaxed and lay back, feeling the wind run through her hair. After a couple of blocks Xander pulled into a side street and killed the engine. Turning in his seat he faced Faith staring at her.
"What?"
"Why are you back?" he asked darkly.
Faith smiled, "Nice to see you as well Xand" her smile faded when she saw the look on his face, "what?"
Xander breathed in deeply and held it for a second before letting the air out with a sigh, "Why are you back?" he asked again.
Faith just sat there looking at him.
"Well what is the scheme this time Faith?" he spat, "who've you come to screw this time, huh?"
"I.. I.."
"You what?" he shouted letting go of his anger, "so far you've tried kill me, almost got Buffy terminated, nearly ruined her relationship with Riley and ultimately betrayed both us and what you are. So what is it this time? You know what, I couldn't give a damn, hurt anyone and I'll dispose of you myself"
"Think you're up to it?" she asked sarcastically.
"Anytime" he smiled and leapt out of the car, taking off his jacket he turned back and held his hand out to Faith, "ready?"
Faith narrowed her eyes, unsure whether he was joking or not, "I promise not to hurt you too much this time" she said grabbing his arm and flipping him over.
"Nice" Xander said picking himself up, finding that Faith had left the car whilst he was down, "still fighting dirty I see"
Faith grinned, "I believe in winning" with that she made an exploratory swing at his head, Xander easily avoided it. She quickly followed though with her other fist, catching the movement Xander tried to move away but was too slow as it just connected with his jaw.
"Yow" he complained grabbing hold of both her arms, falling backwards he pulled her down with him and used the momentum and his legs to flip her away.
Faith went flying through the air and landed with a thumb on the hard surface, the air in her lungs exploding out with a gasp, "Nice move" she panted getting up, "where'd you learn that?" she asked as she caught her breath.
Xander smiled and circled her warily, "you learn a few tricks"
"Like this?" she crouched and swung out a leg knocking him over.
Grabbing the offend leg Xander twisted it forcing her to roll over, "something like that"
Faith pulled out his grasp and kicked him in the head forcing him to stagger back as his vision blurred, "Sorry" she smiled, "I was aiming for your shoulder"
"No worries" he replied dabbing as the blood tricking from his nose, "I'll just have to do this" and leapt at her.
Not expecting him to charge her like that she was unprepared and they landed on the ground in a tangled heap. Xander was no match for Faith as she used her slayer strength and agility to the fullest and soon triumphed over him. Sitting on top of him Faith loomed over and held him down.
"What?" he asked breathing heavily as he stared up at her.
Faith didn't immediately answer, just leaned down and kissed him, "Why'd you save me?" she asked pulling back.
"I couldn't let you die"
"Why not? You said it yourself, I've tried to kill you all, so why didn't just leave?"
Xander looked uncomfortable, "I just couldn't, ok" he tried to get up.
Faith held him down, "not good enough, you could have left me to die, but didn't, why not?"
Xander closed his eyes, "you deserved a chance? Ok?", he opened his eyes to find Faith smiling down at him.
"That's why I came back" she got off him, "I want to take that chance, I know I've messed up and don't expect you guys to exactly welcome me back with open arms, but I want to help." She held down her arm to help him up.
Xander grabbed it and pulled himself upright, "It won't be easy" he said looking into her eyes, "you'll have to earn our trust, they won't just give it freely"
"I know" Faith looked around, "My flat's not too far from here, you want to come on over?"
Xander grinned, "Not that I am not tempted, but I don't think that'd be such a good idea, do you?" he asked getting into the car.
"I guess not," she shrugged and started to walk away.
"Oh and Faith.." he called as he started the engine.
"Yeah?" she asked turning around.
Xander gave her a thumbs up, "Welcome back" he said happily before driving off.
Faith smiled and walked off into the night.
Xander turned the key in the lock and slipped into his basement, "Well that was an interesting evening" he said to himself dropping his jacket over the back of a chair.
"More than you could know"
Hearing the voice coming from his room Xander whipped around and crouched down into a defensive position. "Who's there?" he demanded peering into the dark room. Getting no response he crept quietly to the wall and flipped on the light switch. The ceiling lights flicked briefly before steadying, flooding the room with the harsh glow form the fluorescent bulb. His room was mostly as he remembered it except for the short man currently lounging on his couch.
"Who the hell are you? And how did you get in here?" he demanded.
"Whistler's me name, and we need to talk"
Seeing no outwardly offensive weapons he calmed down slightly, "Whistler? Why does that name sound familiar?" he quieted for a moment as he collect his thoughts and tried to remember where he had heard it before, "that's it" he exclaimed clicking his fingers, "you're that good demon that helped Buffy and Angel, right?" he asked.
Whistler shrugged, "you could say that", he leant back and watched as Xander moved around the basement, "How about a drink?" he asked as he saw Xander head upstairs towards the kitchen.
"Coffee?" Xander hollered back.
"That'd be fine"
Xander snapped his head around and found Whistler standing right behind him, "Jeez man, don't do that" he said clutching dramatically at his chest. Switching on the kettle Xander grabbed a stool, "so what do you want?" he asked suspiciously gesturing for him to grab a seat.
Whistler smiled when he saw Xander's tense state, "Relax kid, I'm only here to deliver a message and them I'll be on my way"
"A message?" Xander nodded to himself, "I can do that, I'll just call Buffy" he stood up to grab the phone.
"There's no need" he interrupted, "I'm not here to see Buffy"
"You're not?" asked Xander surprised, "well Angel's in LA, though I'm pretty sure that Giles has his number if you want it"
"nor Angel. Just you."
"Me?" Xander said in a small voice, "why me?"
Whistler sighed and nonchalantly leant back on the stool, "it's time to balance the books, a time of reckoning, a time to collect what is owed."
"Huh?"
"You!" Xander's blood ran cold as Whistler pointed a finger at him, "You kid are the biggest screw up in the history of the hellmouth", he started to get angry, "do you know how many rewrites and amendments there has to have been and all because of you?"
Xander let loose a nervous chuckle, "I haven't the faintest idea what you a talking about"
"You!" snapped Whistler, "and your so called help."
"What can I say, it's all part of the job being a good guy"
Whistler exploded, "that's just it, you're not"
"I'm not? Does that mean…"
Whistler let out a bark of laughter, "don't make me laugh kid, we tried seconding you to them but you were too interested in sniffing around Buffy and left your pack alone to do the killing. You couldn't even get that part right."
Xander paled and gripped hold of the table to keep himself steady, Whistlers words and accusations were hitting him straight to the core of his being and who he was, as least who he thought he was, "what are you saying?" he asked quietly.
"What I'm saying is that you are a screw up who can't even die when he's supposed to, always pulling out another miraculous escape out of his hat." He let out an oath in a long dead language, "you exist under the mistaken impression that you are one of the good guys with a manifest destiny to help the slayer and her friends."
Hope flared in Xander's eyes when Whistler mentioned the slayer, but was quickly exterminated as he continued with his attack, "well you don't, listen kid you don't even rate a mention within the Codex"
"The Codex?" Xander's mind was blank as desperately grabbed onto anything that could distract Whistler from his character assassination.
"Yes, the Codex," out of nowhere Whistler pulled out a thick dusty tome, "you know the big book?" he waved it in front of Xander's face. Reaching out Xander tried to grab it but Whistler flicked his wrist and made it disappear back to where ever it came from. "That book contains prophecies of every big event between good and evil that has or will occur. Surely that Watcher fella has mentioned this to you?"
"He's got a copy"
Whistler smiled, "well in reality that book is nothing more than a big script. Everything has been planned out ahead and so far almost everything has occurred as it was written with both sides following their lines pretty much as it was written. The problem arises because some jokes in the beginning suggested that they give you guys some free will, it's make it more interesting he said. Unfortunately a majority of the higher uppers agreed with him, although they didn't foresee you."
Xander tried to valiantly fight back, "You expect me to believe any of that crap?" he asked scathingly. "Books? Scripts? Bull"
Whistler grinned evilly, which wasn't the response Xander was expecting, "I'm not going anywhere until I get what I came for" he pushed Xander out of the kitchen and into the living room, "Faith was supposed to die tonight and she didn't because of you." He calmly took a sip of his drink as if he was discussing something innocuous as the weather.
"You sent those demons"
"Of course" Whistler pushed Xander down into the chair, "we promised the other side that we would deal with her since she decided to return to the good."
"So I saved a slayer, no biggy"
"No biggy!?" Whistler screamed at him, a vein pulsing above his eyebrow, "what the fuck do you mean no biggy? The first time was back enough but now you just had to compound your crime by doing it again"
Xander could move, "You're talking about Buffy aren't you?"
"Who else? Buffy died at the hands of the Master, it was all nicely written down in that prophecy which I believe the watcher found, only there was no mention of her returning from the dead." Whistler tapped his chin for a moment as if in deep thought, "now I wonder how they managed to miss such a big detail such as that? Oh I know," he said sarcastically, "it wasn't meant to happen. I must admit kid, that was one of your greatest moments."
Xander shook his head confused, "So Faith is back on the right path with her friends, what's wrong with that?"
"Everything, both sides are pissed with you and now its pay back time"
Xander found that feeling was slowly returning to his limbs, "So what do you expect me to do? I can't change who I am and I won't turn my back on Buffy or any of my friends just because you say so."
"The Powers That Be want you out of the equation"
Xander stood up Whistler, "I don't give a fuck what you or any of the Powers That funckin' Be want, I refuse to recognize your rights to tell me what to do and who to save."
Whistler shook his head sadly, "There you go again kid, thinking that you have any say in the matter. For your information I don't expect you to stop doing anything"
"So what do you expect?" he asked carefully.
"I expect you to die"
"What?" Xander grabbed hold of the chair and held it was a weapon, "come on then, I'm ready for you"
Whistler smiled, "Ooo, I'm so scared. Boys!" he called.
"Oh shit" Xander swore as he saw two large vampires enter the room to stand by Whistler.
"You know what to do" Whistler said nodding towards Xander.
The vampires smiled hugely, bearing their fangs at Xander before moving towards him. Knowing that he wouldn't stand a chance in a fight with them Xander threw the chair at them and ran for the front door whilst they were distracted. He was almost there when a cold vice like grip grabbed onto his arm pulling him back. He was quickly immobilized by the other vampire grabbing hold of his other arm, "Whistler" Xander shouted at the demon as they started to drag him down into the basement, "I swear I'll get you for this…. Whistler!" Xander called up the stairs. "No!" His shouts soon dissolved into a scream that was cut of suddenly.
Finishing his drink Whistler calmly walked through the silent house and into the cool Sunnydale evening whistling a merry tune as he faded away.