Set After Buffy Season Five Episode Twenty : Spiral
Characters:
BTVS: Buffy, Spike, Dawn, Willow, Tara, Anya, Spike, Giles, Xander, Glory, Adam, Drusilla, and Angel
X-Men: Charles Xavier, Cyclops, Pheonix, Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Havok, Iceman, Beast, Emma Frost, Angel, Northstar, and Juggernaut
Buffy pulled Dawn along as fast as she could. They couldn't stop moving, if they stopped Glory would get them. Glory would find them and kill Dawn and there was no way Buffy was going to allow that. Hopefully Willow could hold off Glory for awhile longer. Suddenly Dawn began turning into a deadweight dragging her feet.
"Dawn we have to keep moving! We can't stop!" Buffy hissed anxiously.
"I can't Buffy." Dawn said and Buffy reached down not wasting a moment. She snatched Dawn up by the legs running with her in her arms.
They reached the road and Glory seemed to appear in front of Buffy and Dawn. Buffy set Dawn down positioning herself between Glory and Dawn, "You won't have her."
"I hate it when people touch my things." Glory said a sneer spreading over her unholy lips. She bared her teeth before hissing, "Any last words slayer?"
"Yeah, truck." Buffy said with a tilt of her head as a semi plowed hard into the hell goddess before her. Buffy grabbed Dawn up running off at her top speed in an attempt to escape Glory.
. . . .
Buffy stood by the window looking out it into the sun. Her eyes combed the outside for any and all signs of Glory. They were all in Xander's apartment. The scoobies were behind her discussing something along the lines of her and Dawn's escape. Finally Giles approached her with a bright smile, "Buffy I always knew you would best Glory in battle. All our years of training."
"I didn't beat Glory. She got hit by a truck." Buffy said then she turned ignoring what everyone was saying, "We have to leave."
The entire gang was sitting circled around Buffy. They were her audience and all wanted to know what she meant, "We stay here we die. I have had enough to deal with with the emergence of mutants. I never know if I am fighting a demon or a human anymore. And now Glory; she beats us all every time we meet her. And now.well she knows Dawn is the Key we have to go. If we don't we die. Anyone for that option?"
No one in the room even moved to argue with Buffy. Nodding she told them good and to collect there things and don't tell anyone they are leaving. Just get the essentials and go.
. . . .
Cyclops stood pacing the room. He looked down at the little book in his hand. It was an address book and it was open to a page he knew well but hadn't used in a long while. Buffy Summers; Aunt Joyce's home and kids. Scott's only living relatives besides his brother Alex. His cousins Dawn and Buffy were his only connection at this time of the year. This Christmas season he always yearned for family he always wanted more. He heard Jean climbing from the shower with quiet soft steps.
Turning around Scott matched eyes with his wife through the mirror in there connected bathroom. Jean red sopping wet hair fell over her face as she smiled at Scott, * What is the book you have? *
* You're the psychic honey. * Scott said with a smile above his turtle neck. His blue shirt offset his hair and skin tone exactly the way Jean liked it. Scott knew this because Jean had bought it for him almost a year ago.
* Who are you calling? * Jean said brushing her hair slowly the water dripping down into the sink. Floating the brush into the air she continued to brush her hair with her telekinesis as she began brushing her teeth.
* I.I don't know.I was going to call Buffy. Its just its Christmas and her mom just died. I thought maybe we could have her and Dawn here this year. * Scott said a half smile playing on his lips as he stared at the book in his hands.
"Do it. That will be great and I know Xavier would love to have them." Jean said after spitting into the marble sink of the Summers couples lake house outside the Xavier Mansion.
"I think I just might." Scott said turning to go for there phone when it floated up in front of Cyclops. Smiling Scott pulled the phone out of the air dialing the number quickly with his thumb. It rang twice and then was picked up by Dawn.
"Hello." Dawn said and then Scott could hear Buffy yelling at her in the background. Something along the lines of get off the phone. Do you have any idea what you're doing, "I.I am sorry.."
"Dawn don't hang up! Its me Scott. Put Buffy on the line." Scott said hearing the frantic noise of Buffy's voice. Jean looked back through the mirror raising an eyebrow as if to ask what was going on.
"Hello." Buffy said in a quick manor. She seemed very perturbed and didn't want to be on the line. Scott mouthed to Jean would you mind and pointed to the phone. Jean nodded and closed her eyes.
"Hey Buffy its me Scott. Would you mind.well Jean and I were wondering if you would like to spend Christmas with us at the Institute?" Scott said keeping his eyes on his towel covered wife who know had her eyes closed.
"What.the Institute? Oh yeah. Actually that's perfect we are coming in a day or so. Bye!" Buffy said and hung up. Scott was confused and crossed the distance touching Jean's shoulders.
"You get anything off her?" He asked kissing her cheek lightly and he saw her eyes twitch under her eyelids. She was concentrated deeply for whatever she was scanning for psychically.
* She is under a lot of stress. I got the feeling of danger but I couldn't get anything more she was to far away. Maybe with Cerebro's help. * Jean said to her husband through there psychic link.
"No. She is coming but tell the professor and see if he will monitor her for me. We have some things to catch up on." Scott said lifting Jean's chin kissing her deeply pulling her into his arms. Her towel fell off as she stood fully into his kiss.
. . . .
Buffy had Dawn tucked in the back of the Winnebago that Spike was driving. The blonde vampire had it floored and was screeching along at the things top speed of seventy miles per hour. It was the best Buffy had been able to snatch.
All of her friends were inside mulling around. Xander was about to puke and Anya was patting him on the head. It all would have been amusing if it hadn't been for the fact that Buffy had failed as a sister and a slayer. At least she had in her own head. She couldn't protect Dawn from Glory and for that she hated herself.
Dawn was staring at her with loving eyes. She loved Buffy despite everything that had happened to the two girls with the hell goddess at there throats. Dawn walked across the vehicle to her big sister. Dawn didn't know if she should call Buffy that still because as it turned out she wasn't even in human, she was the Key. The Key to what? She didn't know her purpose or why she existed.
"Buffy..thank you." Dawn said meeting her sister's eyes.
"For what? Running scared?" Buffy said her eye twinkling slightly as she met Dawn's own. "I'm the slayer. Baddies are supposed to run from me."
"Yeah but.you have done so much for me." Dawn said sliding down on the bench next to Buffy, "And look at it this way. It can't get any worse." Just as Dawn said this an arrow ripped through the side of the vehicle.
"This is your fault. You know that right." Buffy said with a smile opening the shade of the RV. She looked out seeing riders on horseback. The creepy knights who were hunting Dawn. Buffy stood up running forward to the front of the van. They were under attack.
. . .
Logan sat in a chair smoking his cigar. His eyes were trained on the ceiling counting the grains in the wood. He was so bored; Christmas had to be the most boring time of the year. He didn't have Christmas spirit, he didn't see any reason for any. His best friend Kurt Wagner though was a whole different matter.
Kurt was decked from head to toe in a Santa hat and blue jeans. His tail was dangling a gold bell over Logan's head with a large evil grin. "Logan can't you be a little happier."
"Elf I am happy." He said puffing his cigar slowly and not taking his eyes off the roof. His claws popped out slicing the bell from its string catching it, "See I am happy."
"Right." Nightcrawler said porting to the chair across from Logan, "I was talking to Scott today."
"Oh joy." Logan said sitting up in the red velvet arm chair he was resting in. Kurt shook his head itching the back of his neck.
"He said his cousins are joining us for Christmas." Kurt said his fingers playing with the ball on his Santa hat. "I think it will be great for us to have guests."
"Yeah maybe they drink." Logan said standing up from his chair making his way out of the room, "Take care Elf."
. . . .
Buffy was on the top of the Winnebago rolling forward her leg snapping into the knight's face. He toppled off the top and she squared for another attacker. None came but Giles had begun to swerve forcefully back and forth on the road aiming for the knights riding the horses.
She gripped the top of the moving vehicle grabbing the fallen knight's sword from the roof as it slid past her. She snatched it into her left hand moving to her knees. She glanced down at the knights with malice in her heart. They would not have her sister if there was anything she could do about it.
But the battle didn't rage much longer as soon the Winnebago was toppled and Buffy was rolling across the hard dirt. Making her way as fast as she could her heart raced as she pried the door off the Winnebago. She helped her friends out of the car covering Spike in a blanket so he wouldn't burn in the daylight.
"We need to find cover." Buffy said her eyes constantly darting around for any sign of the knights. She would not allow Dawn to come to harm. It wasn't long before the group came upon an old abandoned building. Once inside they laid Giles down. Buffy's watcher had been badly injured in the fight.
Buffy ran to the window moving aside the huge wooden shutters. No one was coming yet. Cursing under her breath Buffy's eyes darted around her whole body aching as her mind screamed at her how she had failed. She should have been able to protect Dawn better then this. Buffy had failed.
. . . .
Xavier removed the helmet a look of confusion over his old face, * Jean I am having trouble reading the minds of Buffy and Dawn. I know what you and Scott want me to do but all I can get is there location. But I believe someone is after them. *
Jean nodded her red hair falling down around her green shirt as she walked to the Professor's side, * I am going to go get them. Scott and Me I mean. * She said correcting herself. For some reason Scott was very worried about his cousins and Jean would do anything to make him happy.
* Fine. Take Nightcrawler with you. But make sure you're under cover. * Xavier said mentally as Jean exited the room the metal doors swishing shut behind her. Xavier tracked her as she summoned Scott and Kurt to the hangar. They were taking a mini-jet, at top speed they would be there within a couple hours.
. . . .
Buffy sat waisted on the floor in the corner. She was tired and wanted so much for someone else to deal with this. For someone else to be the Slayer so she could quit. Screw destiny she was a whore. Buffy could care less what her destiny was she just wanted to see Dawn live. No matter how fake of a sister she was, she felt real. Buffy looked up as Dawn approached her from across the room. Wiping her tears Buffy forced a smile, "Hi Dawn."
"Willow says she doesn't know how long the protection spell will hold anymore. Its weakening and Giles has gotten worse.is he going to die Buffy? Like Mom did?" Dawn said her large doe eyes welling in the fountain of tears that dared to spring out at any moment.
"Oh god no. I will not lose anyone else. No one dies while I stand." Buffy said her mind racing for ideas on how to get Giles help. BEN! He could help them he worked at the Hospital and definitely was interested in Buffy. She hated to use him but she knew he would do it.
Buffy stood moving past Dawn, "I need to take care of something." She said her blonde hair swaying as she trotted off for Willow and Xander.
. . . .
It had been over an hour and the sky was darkening over Sunnydale, California as the mini-jet hovered circling the town. Jean had her eyes closed in concentration using the psychic murmur of her earlier connection with Buffy to find the girl, * She is outside of town. A few miles North. *
Scott nodded he was dressed in his glasses, generic jeans, a white t- shirt and black boots. It was combat enough to work and yet totally civilian. Kurt on the other hand was in full X-Men garb he just had his image inducer bracelet to make him look human and in any outfit the blue furred mutant could dream up. Jean was dressed in equally normal garb wearing tight low cut jeans, a green sleeveless shirt, and knee high leather boots. The crew was all in all not at all super-hero looking aside from the jet they were flying.
Scott looked down, "Fire." He said seeing the smoke in crimson red through his visor with what made for his eyes. He looked through the window of the jet seeing what looked like ancient English knights.
* Jean? * Scott said mentally confused by the knights presence and why they were wrapped around an old abandoned building? Was it a cult? Were Buffy and Dawn in some major trouble? Scott shut the questions off for fear of clouding Jean's mind with them.
* They are real knights. Or believe to be. Land the jet we're going in. * Jean said and her husband had the jet landed within moments. It was landed over the hill outside of the sight of any of the warriors.
. . . .
The knights had agreed to let Ben come but only because she had threatened to kill there general. Which at points Buffy really honestly wanted to. The man was so one sided and blind to anything. Buffy heaved in a deep breath as she listened to all around her. Willow was in the same room as Buffy lightly petting Tara's hair. Dawn was tending to Giles while Xander comforted Anya. Buffy could vividly hear Spike complaining about his hand to the general. He was also on about how if it wasn't for his chip he would he the general just to spite him. Spike wasn't as bad as he wanted everyone to think. Not in any sense.
Buffy heard a light sound. A bamf if you will. She didn't know what it was or where it had come from. It had been barely audible but Spike had heard it to, he'd stopped speaking.
"Sulfur. I smell bloody sulfur. You sods blowing the place up?" Spike suddenly bellowed from the back room. Spike came out his trench coat swishing as he came to Buffy's side. "You smell that?"
"No Spike the wonder hound I do not. Show me." Buffy said her eyes scanning the room as Spike sniffed leading her into a small side room. They walked through the door and Buffy saw yellow glowing eyes and an array of dark teeth in what appeared to be a purple devil's face.
Not even waiting for a moment Buffy went to tackle him and the demon teleported. His just exploded in a cloud of stench and appeared behind Spike, "Luk I jus' wan' to speak wit' Bu." That was all the demon got out as Spike spun choking it. Suddenly Spike grabbed his head reeling back in pain.
Buffy grabbed a piece of wood from the floor kicking sawdust into the demon's face. She hit it hard in the stomach and it doubled over. "Mein lady I 'ave faught worse den you." The demon said with a slight German accent as he disappeared in the smoke again.
. . . .
Nightcrawler appeared across the room, "Buffy! I wish to speak to Buffy!" He said and the blonde stopped in her tracks as she was advancing on him again.
"I'm Buffy." She said the wood still in her hands ready to pummel him with. Kurt's three fingered hands were ready to defend him.
"I am with your cousin Scott Summers. We've come to help you." Nightcrawler said and he didn't think he had ever seen a woman more desperately happy to see him in his life. He smiled his devilish grin thinking, if only Logan could see me now. Buffy dropped the wood crossing to him.
"But you're a." Buffy said about to say demon when Kurt interrupted her.
"Mutant." Kurt said his tail coming around in front of him, "So is Scott. You hit like Rogue girl."
Buffy was taken aback and slightly confused by the comment, "What do you have planned?" She asked breathing deeply once more in slayer mode.
"Well first the witch.um Willow will have to drop the spell." Kurt said thinking back to his own Amanda and for a moment to the Scarlet Witch who was in Kurt's mind very pretty.
"Done. But what about getting us out of here." Buffy said desperate to get away. Every moment wasted was a moment Glory got closer. Buffy was terrified to lose Dawn again. Buffy helped Spike up as after his pain spell he had been watching Buffy and Kurt talk. Buffy lead them out into the main room and she heard Willow scream.
"Back!" Buffy felt a small bit of energy as Willow knocked Nightcrawler through the air and almost into a wall. He teleported at the last possible moment appearing across the room and flipping off the rafters to land safely on the ground. Kurt's yellow orbs glared at Willow as the witches eyes went black. Dark magic, he did not approve.
Buffy ran between the two, "Stop! He is with us. I did the same thing." Buffy said to power trippy Willow. They'd seen a lot more of her lately ever since Glory had injured Tara. Willow was not a happy Wicca.
Willow's eyes returned to normal and she looked rather sheepish, "I apologize." She said returning her attention to Tara.
"Could you drop your shield. Don't worry about the knights. We have our own shield up." Kurt said to Willow and the red head quietly nodded. Kurt looked to Buffy, "We go straight out through the middle. Scott and Jean will have a path for us. Everyone ready.Jean's monitoring psychically so we have to move quick."
Dawn had entered the room from all the commotion as had Xander and Anya. Dawn heard Jean and shot out a question, "Scott's Jean? Our cousins wife Jean?" Dawn asked and Kurt nodded yes.
"We have injured." Buffy said and Kurt nodded.
"Show me. I will teleport them straight to the med-bay on the jet." Kurt said moving with Buffy into the other room. A few minutes later Buffy came back out alone.
"Its done." Willow and Buffy said in unison. They shared a quick smile and the crew headed for the door. Tentatively Buffy opened the door. What she saw surprised her. Atop the hill to the side of the shack was her cousin Scott Summers blasting knight with a ray from his eyes. The main of the knights however was being lifted in the air by Scott's wife who was perched next to him her hand directing the floating knights movements. Tossing them like rag dolls the red head released the dazed and confused knights.
Scott's entire body ached when he saw the shape of his family. Granted they weren't the closest bunch but he loved his cousins all the same. To see them in such a state was not good for him. He couldn't imagine what Buffy had done to get herself in this situation but this little family reunion it was apparent Cyclops was releasing all his secrets.
Buffy lead the crew across the lawn like a hardened general, inexperienced but forceful. Jean and Buffy's eyes met momentarily and Jean sighed knowing her husband's relative would be alright. But Jean had gleaned more then that from Buffy. Things of vampires and something called a Slayer. Jean hadn't forced her way in but there was more to Buffy then a blonde California girl. Wasn't that always the case with Scott's relatives?
Buffy and her entourage reached Scott and Jean. Phoenix rose into the air creating a psychic shield between the two groups. The knights ran at the shield weapons in tow there hordes perched to breach Jean's shield. Jean strengthened it then sent out a mass psychic wave directed towards the knights, * Stop! * She directed them. It didn't work perfectly but most if not all of the knights stopped either from confusion or because they had momentarily fallen under psychic control.
Jean floated to the ground glancing over her shoulder as she saw Scott piling the group onto the mini-jet. The thing was designed for five people with a small med-lab in the back. They know had a total of eleven people for the return trip. It would not only be cramped but the ship would definitely function at a slower rate then on the way here. Jean heard a yell and shot her vision back to the front. The knights were regrouped and advancing again this time with more fervor. * Scott get the ship in the air. I will come to you. * She said to her husband through there telepathic link.
She knew Scott would worry but he wouldn't question her judgment. That was what made them such a good team, they knew each other and trusted each other. Jean forcefully drove back the battalion against her again. She had formed a psychic dome around them, it was weak and if they all charged one single point it would fall. Fortunately for Jean they were not that organized nor did they have near the amount of knowledge on psychic shields that Jean herself did.
Utilizing her telekinesis Jean lifted herself off the ground. She could hear the jet beginning to move. She lifted herself off the ground wiping her telekinetic shield from the battle ground. She placed a one sided one between herself and the knights and concentrated on gaining altitude. Glancing down Jean saw the jet lift directly into the air and take a hovering position about twenty feet above her. The air ripples knocked Jean momentarily off balance as the hatch was thrown open. Kurt looked down at Jean from the hatch.
* Do it Kurt. * She told him psychically not knowing if she had the energy for her move to the jet as well as keeping the jet afloat as she knew she would have to do with it overweight position. Her blue furred friend teleported appearing an inch from Jean's face wrapping both legs and arms around Jean. He displaced himself again the two appearing at Willow's feet on board the jet.
The moment they appeared Jean hopped to her feet making her way to the cockpit and a seat next to Scott. She centered herself and tapped into her power once more. It was going to be a rocky ride home. They began to move when Jean heard a scream from below.
"Ben!" Dawn yelled atop her lungs as she was shutting the hatch once more. She was wildly pointing to the ground beneath the jet in a state of utter madness. "The knights they will kill Ben!" Dawn held not wanting a person to die because she was the Key. That was not going to happen.
"Kurt." Scott said from the front of the jet, "Can you get him?" Cyclops leveled off the jet again stalling there climb. They were nearly one hundred yards off the ground now a long teleport to a vehicle Kurt didn't know.
"Done mien freund." Kurt said his yellow orbs playing across the car in the darkening skies. It was late but Kurt could make it out perfectly. Teleporting Kurt appeared atop the moving car his sword already drawn. Kurt slipped the moment he appeared on the vehicle.
He breathed in deep and shoved his sword into the roof. It was the quickest way to make the man stop driving. Well that was what Kurt had hoped. In reality it made him swerve in an attempt to dislodge Kurt. "Verdemante!"
Kurt leaned forward sliding himself down to the driver's side window, "Stop de vehicle now!" He hissed through stiffened lips for the first time looking upon Ben's face. Ben flipped him off and yanked the car to a hard left. Kurt cursed and teleported into the passenger seat, "I do not have time for this."
Grabbing Ben by the shoulder Kurt teleported back to the jet. Again landing in a heap at Willow and now Tara's feet, "My lady I have to stop dropping in on you like this." Willow smiled and rubbed her nose as if to intimate the smell was the worst part, "You get used to it my lady."
Ben began screaming the moment he appeared, "What the hell! Demon do not touch me! Do you realize who I am!" He screamed at the top of his lungs kicking Kurt hard into a seat. Buffy grabbed Ben's wrist pulling him up to a standing position.
"Calm down Ben. I apologize I will explain." She said her big eyes begging for him to remain calm. Ben quieted and was lead into the back med- lab where Giles' unconscious body lay.
. . . .
As the jet landed Scott looked into the back of the thing. Jean was asleep next to him having gone out about an hour before hand. Sliding into the main cabin Scott saw everyone except for Dawn and Spike were asleep, "Don't sleep much?"
"Its been a while for sodding everyone so keep it down ruby." Spike said glaring at Cyclops. Cyclops rolled his eyes beneath his visor which he had attached before the fight and shook his head as he made his way carefully off the jet. Great another Wolverine, just what this mansion needs.
Xavier was there to meet them as Scott exited the jet, * More eventful then you thought? *
* My cousins definitely leads an exciting life. * Cyclops said smiling at the only real father figure he had. Just as he finished the mental thought Buffy exited the jet making her way down the ramp bags under her eyes.
"Scott.we need to talk. I think we both have some explaining to do." Buffy said and then she saw Xavier and made her way to his chair, "I apologize I am Buffy Summers."
"I know Buffy and I think we can help you." Xavier said as he scanned the jet mentally. One vampire, that would have to be brought up. Charles didn't know if having a vampire on campus was wise. But stranger things had happened around the Xavier Institute.
Characters:
BTVS: Buffy, Spike, Dawn, Willow, Tara, Anya, Spike, Giles, Xander, Glory, Adam, Drusilla, and Angel
X-Men: Charles Xavier, Cyclops, Pheonix, Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Havok, Iceman, Beast, Emma Frost, Angel, Northstar, and Juggernaut
Buffy pulled Dawn along as fast as she could. They couldn't stop moving, if they stopped Glory would get them. Glory would find them and kill Dawn and there was no way Buffy was going to allow that. Hopefully Willow could hold off Glory for awhile longer. Suddenly Dawn began turning into a deadweight dragging her feet.
"Dawn we have to keep moving! We can't stop!" Buffy hissed anxiously.
"I can't Buffy." Dawn said and Buffy reached down not wasting a moment. She snatched Dawn up by the legs running with her in her arms.
They reached the road and Glory seemed to appear in front of Buffy and Dawn. Buffy set Dawn down positioning herself between Glory and Dawn, "You won't have her."
"I hate it when people touch my things." Glory said a sneer spreading over her unholy lips. She bared her teeth before hissing, "Any last words slayer?"
"Yeah, truck." Buffy said with a tilt of her head as a semi plowed hard into the hell goddess before her. Buffy grabbed Dawn up running off at her top speed in an attempt to escape Glory.
. . . .
Buffy stood by the window looking out it into the sun. Her eyes combed the outside for any and all signs of Glory. They were all in Xander's apartment. The scoobies were behind her discussing something along the lines of her and Dawn's escape. Finally Giles approached her with a bright smile, "Buffy I always knew you would best Glory in battle. All our years of training."
"I didn't beat Glory. She got hit by a truck." Buffy said then she turned ignoring what everyone was saying, "We have to leave."
The entire gang was sitting circled around Buffy. They were her audience and all wanted to know what she meant, "We stay here we die. I have had enough to deal with with the emergence of mutants. I never know if I am fighting a demon or a human anymore. And now Glory; she beats us all every time we meet her. And now.well she knows Dawn is the Key we have to go. If we don't we die. Anyone for that option?"
No one in the room even moved to argue with Buffy. Nodding she told them good and to collect there things and don't tell anyone they are leaving. Just get the essentials and go.
. . . .
Cyclops stood pacing the room. He looked down at the little book in his hand. It was an address book and it was open to a page he knew well but hadn't used in a long while. Buffy Summers; Aunt Joyce's home and kids. Scott's only living relatives besides his brother Alex. His cousins Dawn and Buffy were his only connection at this time of the year. This Christmas season he always yearned for family he always wanted more. He heard Jean climbing from the shower with quiet soft steps.
Turning around Scott matched eyes with his wife through the mirror in there connected bathroom. Jean red sopping wet hair fell over her face as she smiled at Scott, * What is the book you have? *
* You're the psychic honey. * Scott said with a smile above his turtle neck. His blue shirt offset his hair and skin tone exactly the way Jean liked it. Scott knew this because Jean had bought it for him almost a year ago.
* Who are you calling? * Jean said brushing her hair slowly the water dripping down into the sink. Floating the brush into the air she continued to brush her hair with her telekinesis as she began brushing her teeth.
* I.I don't know.I was going to call Buffy. Its just its Christmas and her mom just died. I thought maybe we could have her and Dawn here this year. * Scott said a half smile playing on his lips as he stared at the book in his hands.
"Do it. That will be great and I know Xavier would love to have them." Jean said after spitting into the marble sink of the Summers couples lake house outside the Xavier Mansion.
"I think I just might." Scott said turning to go for there phone when it floated up in front of Cyclops. Smiling Scott pulled the phone out of the air dialing the number quickly with his thumb. It rang twice and then was picked up by Dawn.
"Hello." Dawn said and then Scott could hear Buffy yelling at her in the background. Something along the lines of get off the phone. Do you have any idea what you're doing, "I.I am sorry.."
"Dawn don't hang up! Its me Scott. Put Buffy on the line." Scott said hearing the frantic noise of Buffy's voice. Jean looked back through the mirror raising an eyebrow as if to ask what was going on.
"Hello." Buffy said in a quick manor. She seemed very perturbed and didn't want to be on the line. Scott mouthed to Jean would you mind and pointed to the phone. Jean nodded and closed her eyes.
"Hey Buffy its me Scott. Would you mind.well Jean and I were wondering if you would like to spend Christmas with us at the Institute?" Scott said keeping his eyes on his towel covered wife who know had her eyes closed.
"What.the Institute? Oh yeah. Actually that's perfect we are coming in a day or so. Bye!" Buffy said and hung up. Scott was confused and crossed the distance touching Jean's shoulders.
"You get anything off her?" He asked kissing her cheek lightly and he saw her eyes twitch under her eyelids. She was concentrated deeply for whatever she was scanning for psychically.
* She is under a lot of stress. I got the feeling of danger but I couldn't get anything more she was to far away. Maybe with Cerebro's help. * Jean said to her husband through there psychic link.
"No. She is coming but tell the professor and see if he will monitor her for me. We have some things to catch up on." Scott said lifting Jean's chin kissing her deeply pulling her into his arms. Her towel fell off as she stood fully into his kiss.
. . . .
Buffy had Dawn tucked in the back of the Winnebago that Spike was driving. The blonde vampire had it floored and was screeching along at the things top speed of seventy miles per hour. It was the best Buffy had been able to snatch.
All of her friends were inside mulling around. Xander was about to puke and Anya was patting him on the head. It all would have been amusing if it hadn't been for the fact that Buffy had failed as a sister and a slayer. At least she had in her own head. She couldn't protect Dawn from Glory and for that she hated herself.
Dawn was staring at her with loving eyes. She loved Buffy despite everything that had happened to the two girls with the hell goddess at there throats. Dawn walked across the vehicle to her big sister. Dawn didn't know if she should call Buffy that still because as it turned out she wasn't even in human, she was the Key. The Key to what? She didn't know her purpose or why she existed.
"Buffy..thank you." Dawn said meeting her sister's eyes.
"For what? Running scared?" Buffy said her eye twinkling slightly as she met Dawn's own. "I'm the slayer. Baddies are supposed to run from me."
"Yeah but.you have done so much for me." Dawn said sliding down on the bench next to Buffy, "And look at it this way. It can't get any worse." Just as Dawn said this an arrow ripped through the side of the vehicle.
"This is your fault. You know that right." Buffy said with a smile opening the shade of the RV. She looked out seeing riders on horseback. The creepy knights who were hunting Dawn. Buffy stood up running forward to the front of the van. They were under attack.
. . .
Logan sat in a chair smoking his cigar. His eyes were trained on the ceiling counting the grains in the wood. He was so bored; Christmas had to be the most boring time of the year. He didn't have Christmas spirit, he didn't see any reason for any. His best friend Kurt Wagner though was a whole different matter.
Kurt was decked from head to toe in a Santa hat and blue jeans. His tail was dangling a gold bell over Logan's head with a large evil grin. "Logan can't you be a little happier."
"Elf I am happy." He said puffing his cigar slowly and not taking his eyes off the roof. His claws popped out slicing the bell from its string catching it, "See I am happy."
"Right." Nightcrawler said porting to the chair across from Logan, "I was talking to Scott today."
"Oh joy." Logan said sitting up in the red velvet arm chair he was resting in. Kurt shook his head itching the back of his neck.
"He said his cousins are joining us for Christmas." Kurt said his fingers playing with the ball on his Santa hat. "I think it will be great for us to have guests."
"Yeah maybe they drink." Logan said standing up from his chair making his way out of the room, "Take care Elf."
. . . .
Buffy was on the top of the Winnebago rolling forward her leg snapping into the knight's face. He toppled off the top and she squared for another attacker. None came but Giles had begun to swerve forcefully back and forth on the road aiming for the knights riding the horses.
She gripped the top of the moving vehicle grabbing the fallen knight's sword from the roof as it slid past her. She snatched it into her left hand moving to her knees. She glanced down at the knights with malice in her heart. They would not have her sister if there was anything she could do about it.
But the battle didn't rage much longer as soon the Winnebago was toppled and Buffy was rolling across the hard dirt. Making her way as fast as she could her heart raced as she pried the door off the Winnebago. She helped her friends out of the car covering Spike in a blanket so he wouldn't burn in the daylight.
"We need to find cover." Buffy said her eyes constantly darting around for any sign of the knights. She would not allow Dawn to come to harm. It wasn't long before the group came upon an old abandoned building. Once inside they laid Giles down. Buffy's watcher had been badly injured in the fight.
Buffy ran to the window moving aside the huge wooden shutters. No one was coming yet. Cursing under her breath Buffy's eyes darted around her whole body aching as her mind screamed at her how she had failed. She should have been able to protect Dawn better then this. Buffy had failed.
. . . .
Xavier removed the helmet a look of confusion over his old face, * Jean I am having trouble reading the minds of Buffy and Dawn. I know what you and Scott want me to do but all I can get is there location. But I believe someone is after them. *
Jean nodded her red hair falling down around her green shirt as she walked to the Professor's side, * I am going to go get them. Scott and Me I mean. * She said correcting herself. For some reason Scott was very worried about his cousins and Jean would do anything to make him happy.
* Fine. Take Nightcrawler with you. But make sure you're under cover. * Xavier said mentally as Jean exited the room the metal doors swishing shut behind her. Xavier tracked her as she summoned Scott and Kurt to the hangar. They were taking a mini-jet, at top speed they would be there within a couple hours.
. . . .
Buffy sat waisted on the floor in the corner. She was tired and wanted so much for someone else to deal with this. For someone else to be the Slayer so she could quit. Screw destiny she was a whore. Buffy could care less what her destiny was she just wanted to see Dawn live. No matter how fake of a sister she was, she felt real. Buffy looked up as Dawn approached her from across the room. Wiping her tears Buffy forced a smile, "Hi Dawn."
"Willow says she doesn't know how long the protection spell will hold anymore. Its weakening and Giles has gotten worse.is he going to die Buffy? Like Mom did?" Dawn said her large doe eyes welling in the fountain of tears that dared to spring out at any moment.
"Oh god no. I will not lose anyone else. No one dies while I stand." Buffy said her mind racing for ideas on how to get Giles help. BEN! He could help them he worked at the Hospital and definitely was interested in Buffy. She hated to use him but she knew he would do it.
Buffy stood moving past Dawn, "I need to take care of something." She said her blonde hair swaying as she trotted off for Willow and Xander.
. . . .
It had been over an hour and the sky was darkening over Sunnydale, California as the mini-jet hovered circling the town. Jean had her eyes closed in concentration using the psychic murmur of her earlier connection with Buffy to find the girl, * She is outside of town. A few miles North. *
Scott nodded he was dressed in his glasses, generic jeans, a white t- shirt and black boots. It was combat enough to work and yet totally civilian. Kurt on the other hand was in full X-Men garb he just had his image inducer bracelet to make him look human and in any outfit the blue furred mutant could dream up. Jean was dressed in equally normal garb wearing tight low cut jeans, a green sleeveless shirt, and knee high leather boots. The crew was all in all not at all super-hero looking aside from the jet they were flying.
Scott looked down, "Fire." He said seeing the smoke in crimson red through his visor with what made for his eyes. He looked through the window of the jet seeing what looked like ancient English knights.
* Jean? * Scott said mentally confused by the knights presence and why they were wrapped around an old abandoned building? Was it a cult? Were Buffy and Dawn in some major trouble? Scott shut the questions off for fear of clouding Jean's mind with them.
* They are real knights. Or believe to be. Land the jet we're going in. * Jean said and her husband had the jet landed within moments. It was landed over the hill outside of the sight of any of the warriors.
. . . .
The knights had agreed to let Ben come but only because she had threatened to kill there general. Which at points Buffy really honestly wanted to. The man was so one sided and blind to anything. Buffy heaved in a deep breath as she listened to all around her. Willow was in the same room as Buffy lightly petting Tara's hair. Dawn was tending to Giles while Xander comforted Anya. Buffy could vividly hear Spike complaining about his hand to the general. He was also on about how if it wasn't for his chip he would he the general just to spite him. Spike wasn't as bad as he wanted everyone to think. Not in any sense.
Buffy heard a light sound. A bamf if you will. She didn't know what it was or where it had come from. It had been barely audible but Spike had heard it to, he'd stopped speaking.
"Sulfur. I smell bloody sulfur. You sods blowing the place up?" Spike suddenly bellowed from the back room. Spike came out his trench coat swishing as he came to Buffy's side. "You smell that?"
"No Spike the wonder hound I do not. Show me." Buffy said her eyes scanning the room as Spike sniffed leading her into a small side room. They walked through the door and Buffy saw yellow glowing eyes and an array of dark teeth in what appeared to be a purple devil's face.
Not even waiting for a moment Buffy went to tackle him and the demon teleported. His just exploded in a cloud of stench and appeared behind Spike, "Luk I jus' wan' to speak wit' Bu." That was all the demon got out as Spike spun choking it. Suddenly Spike grabbed his head reeling back in pain.
Buffy grabbed a piece of wood from the floor kicking sawdust into the demon's face. She hit it hard in the stomach and it doubled over. "Mein lady I 'ave faught worse den you." The demon said with a slight German accent as he disappeared in the smoke again.
. . . .
Nightcrawler appeared across the room, "Buffy! I wish to speak to Buffy!" He said and the blonde stopped in her tracks as she was advancing on him again.
"I'm Buffy." She said the wood still in her hands ready to pummel him with. Kurt's three fingered hands were ready to defend him.
"I am with your cousin Scott Summers. We've come to help you." Nightcrawler said and he didn't think he had ever seen a woman more desperately happy to see him in his life. He smiled his devilish grin thinking, if only Logan could see me now. Buffy dropped the wood crossing to him.
"But you're a." Buffy said about to say demon when Kurt interrupted her.
"Mutant." Kurt said his tail coming around in front of him, "So is Scott. You hit like Rogue girl."
Buffy was taken aback and slightly confused by the comment, "What do you have planned?" She asked breathing deeply once more in slayer mode.
"Well first the witch.um Willow will have to drop the spell." Kurt said thinking back to his own Amanda and for a moment to the Scarlet Witch who was in Kurt's mind very pretty.
"Done. But what about getting us out of here." Buffy said desperate to get away. Every moment wasted was a moment Glory got closer. Buffy was terrified to lose Dawn again. Buffy helped Spike up as after his pain spell he had been watching Buffy and Kurt talk. Buffy lead them out into the main room and she heard Willow scream.
"Back!" Buffy felt a small bit of energy as Willow knocked Nightcrawler through the air and almost into a wall. He teleported at the last possible moment appearing across the room and flipping off the rafters to land safely on the ground. Kurt's yellow orbs glared at Willow as the witches eyes went black. Dark magic, he did not approve.
Buffy ran between the two, "Stop! He is with us. I did the same thing." Buffy said to power trippy Willow. They'd seen a lot more of her lately ever since Glory had injured Tara. Willow was not a happy Wicca.
Willow's eyes returned to normal and she looked rather sheepish, "I apologize." She said returning her attention to Tara.
"Could you drop your shield. Don't worry about the knights. We have our own shield up." Kurt said to Willow and the red head quietly nodded. Kurt looked to Buffy, "We go straight out through the middle. Scott and Jean will have a path for us. Everyone ready.Jean's monitoring psychically so we have to move quick."
Dawn had entered the room from all the commotion as had Xander and Anya. Dawn heard Jean and shot out a question, "Scott's Jean? Our cousins wife Jean?" Dawn asked and Kurt nodded yes.
"We have injured." Buffy said and Kurt nodded.
"Show me. I will teleport them straight to the med-bay on the jet." Kurt said moving with Buffy into the other room. A few minutes later Buffy came back out alone.
"Its done." Willow and Buffy said in unison. They shared a quick smile and the crew headed for the door. Tentatively Buffy opened the door. What she saw surprised her. Atop the hill to the side of the shack was her cousin Scott Summers blasting knight with a ray from his eyes. The main of the knights however was being lifted in the air by Scott's wife who was perched next to him her hand directing the floating knights movements. Tossing them like rag dolls the red head released the dazed and confused knights.
Scott's entire body ached when he saw the shape of his family. Granted they weren't the closest bunch but he loved his cousins all the same. To see them in such a state was not good for him. He couldn't imagine what Buffy had done to get herself in this situation but this little family reunion it was apparent Cyclops was releasing all his secrets.
Buffy lead the crew across the lawn like a hardened general, inexperienced but forceful. Jean and Buffy's eyes met momentarily and Jean sighed knowing her husband's relative would be alright. But Jean had gleaned more then that from Buffy. Things of vampires and something called a Slayer. Jean hadn't forced her way in but there was more to Buffy then a blonde California girl. Wasn't that always the case with Scott's relatives?
Buffy and her entourage reached Scott and Jean. Phoenix rose into the air creating a psychic shield between the two groups. The knights ran at the shield weapons in tow there hordes perched to breach Jean's shield. Jean strengthened it then sent out a mass psychic wave directed towards the knights, * Stop! * She directed them. It didn't work perfectly but most if not all of the knights stopped either from confusion or because they had momentarily fallen under psychic control.
Jean floated to the ground glancing over her shoulder as she saw Scott piling the group onto the mini-jet. The thing was designed for five people with a small med-lab in the back. They know had a total of eleven people for the return trip. It would not only be cramped but the ship would definitely function at a slower rate then on the way here. Jean heard a yell and shot her vision back to the front. The knights were regrouped and advancing again this time with more fervor. * Scott get the ship in the air. I will come to you. * She said to her husband through there telepathic link.
She knew Scott would worry but he wouldn't question her judgment. That was what made them such a good team, they knew each other and trusted each other. Jean forcefully drove back the battalion against her again. She had formed a psychic dome around them, it was weak and if they all charged one single point it would fall. Fortunately for Jean they were not that organized nor did they have near the amount of knowledge on psychic shields that Jean herself did.
Utilizing her telekinesis Jean lifted herself off the ground. She could hear the jet beginning to move. She lifted herself off the ground wiping her telekinetic shield from the battle ground. She placed a one sided one between herself and the knights and concentrated on gaining altitude. Glancing down Jean saw the jet lift directly into the air and take a hovering position about twenty feet above her. The air ripples knocked Jean momentarily off balance as the hatch was thrown open. Kurt looked down at Jean from the hatch.
* Do it Kurt. * She told him psychically not knowing if she had the energy for her move to the jet as well as keeping the jet afloat as she knew she would have to do with it overweight position. Her blue furred friend teleported appearing an inch from Jean's face wrapping both legs and arms around Jean. He displaced himself again the two appearing at Willow's feet on board the jet.
The moment they appeared Jean hopped to her feet making her way to the cockpit and a seat next to Scott. She centered herself and tapped into her power once more. It was going to be a rocky ride home. They began to move when Jean heard a scream from below.
"Ben!" Dawn yelled atop her lungs as she was shutting the hatch once more. She was wildly pointing to the ground beneath the jet in a state of utter madness. "The knights they will kill Ben!" Dawn held not wanting a person to die because she was the Key. That was not going to happen.
"Kurt." Scott said from the front of the jet, "Can you get him?" Cyclops leveled off the jet again stalling there climb. They were nearly one hundred yards off the ground now a long teleport to a vehicle Kurt didn't know.
"Done mien freund." Kurt said his yellow orbs playing across the car in the darkening skies. It was late but Kurt could make it out perfectly. Teleporting Kurt appeared atop the moving car his sword already drawn. Kurt slipped the moment he appeared on the vehicle.
He breathed in deep and shoved his sword into the roof. It was the quickest way to make the man stop driving. Well that was what Kurt had hoped. In reality it made him swerve in an attempt to dislodge Kurt. "Verdemante!"
Kurt leaned forward sliding himself down to the driver's side window, "Stop de vehicle now!" He hissed through stiffened lips for the first time looking upon Ben's face. Ben flipped him off and yanked the car to a hard left. Kurt cursed and teleported into the passenger seat, "I do not have time for this."
Grabbing Ben by the shoulder Kurt teleported back to the jet. Again landing in a heap at Willow and now Tara's feet, "My lady I have to stop dropping in on you like this." Willow smiled and rubbed her nose as if to intimate the smell was the worst part, "You get used to it my lady."
Ben began screaming the moment he appeared, "What the hell! Demon do not touch me! Do you realize who I am!" He screamed at the top of his lungs kicking Kurt hard into a seat. Buffy grabbed Ben's wrist pulling him up to a standing position.
"Calm down Ben. I apologize I will explain." She said her big eyes begging for him to remain calm. Ben quieted and was lead into the back med- lab where Giles' unconscious body lay.
. . . .
As the jet landed Scott looked into the back of the thing. Jean was asleep next to him having gone out about an hour before hand. Sliding into the main cabin Scott saw everyone except for Dawn and Spike were asleep, "Don't sleep much?"
"Its been a while for sodding everyone so keep it down ruby." Spike said glaring at Cyclops. Cyclops rolled his eyes beneath his visor which he had attached before the fight and shook his head as he made his way carefully off the jet. Great another Wolverine, just what this mansion needs.
Xavier was there to meet them as Scott exited the jet, * More eventful then you thought? *
* My cousins definitely leads an exciting life. * Cyclops said smiling at the only real father figure he had. Just as he finished the mental thought Buffy exited the jet making her way down the ramp bags under her eyes.
"Scott.we need to talk. I think we both have some explaining to do." Buffy said and then she saw Xavier and made her way to his chair, "I apologize I am Buffy Summers."
"I know Buffy and I think we can help you." Xavier said as he scanned the jet mentally. One vampire, that would have to be brought up. Charles didn't know if having a vampire on campus was wise. But stranger things had happened around the Xavier Institute.