Title: Hero's Aren't Born (Fallen Star 1/?)
Author: Michael Dunbar and UnHolyChurch
E-mail: Mutant190583@yahoo.com and Unholychrch@yahoo.com
Distribution: If you want it you can have it.
Timeline: Season 1
Rating: PG14
Feedback: We would like to know if this is worth continuing.
Pairing: I'm not saying. Yet.
Disclaimer: UPN and Joss own Buffy. Whoever owns SmallVille and Superman owns them:)
Summary: Xander isn't exactly human.
Dedications:
Church: Li'l C, Shana, Glory and Phaedra, (Not BXers but I'm still working on them.) And to Joanne W and Taygetta for inspiring me to BX fics in the first place
Michael: Wicked_Raygun (without him I'd have been a cack writer still, you inspired me buddy), Queen Angel (without her I wouldn't have my beer fountain), Ozmandayus (without him I wouldn't have EM), Rick Seiber (without him I wouldn't have so many cool stories to read), Socrates (Dude's got a will of iron when it comes to B/X either that or he has a time machine), Bob Regent (Dudes a BRIT WOOHOO!!!!) and anyone else that is a B/X'er. If you want to be mentioned then just say. After all it makes our fic look longer.
Author's note: This is the Pilot episode for what we hope to be a series of episodes. Much the same way Joanne has done her TNAOBAX Series. ------------ --------
7:45 P.M. September 27th, 1980 Outside of Sunnydale, California.
Colored fields stretch out in every direction like a patchwork quilt covering the land, the corn stands tall reaching to the sky, waiting to be gathered by its owner come harvest. Fields of wheat and barley ripple like water as the breeze caresses the hillside. An old tired fence standing a few feet high stretches down through the valley marking an old boundary long forgotten. Several small clusters of trees break up the landscape. Along one field a row of pines creates a wall against the wind. A crystal blue lake fills a low area in the valley and is fed by a stream that meanders down the hillside with a peaceful laziness suited to this fruitful valley.
A distant hill conceals a small metropolis from view, though a few telltale signs give light to the fact that urban life is not as distant as it seems. One building peaks up above the horizon and a low rumble of automobile traffic floats through the air. A single quiet road cuts through the picture of rural affluence, like an aging scar, proof of modern disturbance. Farther down the valley a smaller path branches off from the main road and leads to a solitary farmstead. The name on the mailbox reads Harris.
The sun is slowly drifting low in the western sky and the lone yard light flickers to life. Several rust colored buildings are bathed in the brightness. The house itself is white and looks newly built. Simple yet comfortable, the face of the house holds three rows of windows each trim and clean. A basic wooden door leads from the center of the lower level out onto a solid looking whitewashed porch. The opposite building is the barn; it stands taller than all the other structures in the yard with two cement silos flanking it on either side. The red paint matches all the other buildings in shade. The loft doors are open and stacks of hay bales can be seen in the dark cavernous maw. A small chicken coop stands not far from the main house and the clucking can be heard as the chickens settle in with darkness approaching. A protective wire cage surrounds this building, guarding against foxes or other predators of the night. Behind the barn a high wooden fence encloses an expansive area. Several horses are making a casual return to their shelter for the night. Other small buildings surround the yard, each with purpose. All are painted with the same rusty red coloring.
A rebuilt 59' Chevy pickup sits waiting for its passengers in font of the sidewalk that leads to the porch. There, watching the sun sink below the hills a young woman stands alone. A reflective expression plays at her delicate features. This night holds no special meaning for Martha Harris; in fact it promises to be a night of misery and embarrassment. She is to go with her husband, John, to visit his mother. It is no secret; John's mother does not like her son's new wife. The looks she receives whenever she kisses him, the cold food she is usually served while everyone else's is hot and well cooked, the little comments about how she runs her house and how she dresses, all make the elder Mrs. Harris' feelings very clear. But Martha holds her tongue; she remains patient for the sake of the man she loves.
They have been married a short time, only 19 months of wedded bliss. The memory of the wedding is still clear in her mind. The smile he wore as he placed the ring on her finger and whispered the words that made her heart ache with joy. "I do" Running her hand along her finger she looks down and sees the shining wedding band. It would never leave her finger; her heart had made a promise that joyful day. It had only been a small wedding at a very small church. She had been so overjoyed. Her dreams were coming true. They were happy together; neither could ever disappoint the other. Everything was nearly perfect in their little world. Both were worthy of the love given them by their partner. Only one thing was needed to complete their little family.
They had tried and tried to conceive a baby. Using every method in the book beneficial to conception. Altering their diets, monitoring her monthly cycles, even trying some odd home remedies. But nothing seemed to work. Finally they decided to seek medical help. After several tests and several painful days of waiting, the doctors came back with their results. Nothing could have broken her more then when the doctor explained her diagnosis. Martha wasn't able to bear children and nothing they could do would change that.
The weeks that followed were the most depressing times of Martha's life, every time she looked in the mirror all she saw was a failure, she wasn't a woman worthy of John's love, she had disappointed him in a way for which she could never forgive herself. She couldn't provide a child for her husband. He assured her it didn't matter; that she alone was enough for him, that she was still the woman he adored, more than worthy of his love. Yet it fell upon deaf ears. She was depressed and nothing was bringing her out of it. She had sunk into a shell of darkness and self-pity. She couldn't accept he still loved her. In her mind she wasn't allowed to feel that love. She was undeserving of happiness. No matter how hard he tried he was unable to reach her. Flowers and candy, romantic evenings, or love letters filled with his emotions for her. Nothing breached the walls of her heart. He couldn't take it much longer. Then finally his patience gave out. He lost his control, he screamed at her, cried out to her, begged her to understand him, and begged her to feel his love. His emotional outburst finally formed a crack in her barriers. She began to see a new side of him, a side where he loved her for who she was. The part she had always ignored. She was so wrapped up in her own "uselessness". She had forgotten why they were together. Why he had loved her in the first place. And then she broke down along with him. They cried in each other's arms. They comforted each other, and loved each other again. She finally found the love to forgive herself. And to realize there really was nothing to forgive.
After that night, life returned to normal. A smile crept back onto her face whenever she saw him. She was finally happy once again, or as happy as she thought she could be. The sound of the screen door slamming snaps her out of her daydream. Two arms encircle her waist from behind and she feels a kiss to the back of her neck making her sigh contentedly. His chin then rests on the top of her head and she feels him pull her tighter. "Are you ready darling?"
"As ready as I always am to see your mother"
He grins then kisses the top of her head, pulling her around he gently runs his right hand down her forearm and entwines their fingers together. Kissing her nose he gently places his forehead against hers and their eyes meet, blue to brown. "You know I love you don't you."
His heart was clear in his eyes. "Yes. I do." She felt every word as she spoke them. Turning around there hands remain linked as they headed down the steps of the porch.
9:35 PM September 27th, 1980 Crocket road (headed toward the Harris Farm)
The dust billows up from under the tires as the Chevy speeds along at more than 40mph, the 454 engine roaring under the hood.
The sky has completely darkened by now with clouds overhanging half the sky, giving the valley an ethereal quality. Some moonlight penetrates the edge of the clouds providing just enough light to make out shapes in the dark.
The cab is entirely silent. But tension is thick. The dashboard gives off just enough light for Jonathan to see his wife's face. The light catches the wetness on her cheek. He closes his eyes for a second and fumes at his mother. Turning to her he softens his voice.
"Are you okay?"
She stifles a sad chuckle as she thinks back to the events of the night. It may have been a mistake to keep the doctor's words from her mother-in- law. Tonight she had begun to chide them about when they were going to have a child. And though she may not have been trying to be cruel, her words struck a nerve. Before Martha had realized it, she was out of the room, tears streaming down her face. Jonathan made a terse cryptic apology for her, knowing she didn't want to tell his mother the true reason for her reaction. He then excused himself and followed her out. They had left shortly after.
Turning her head to look out the window, she sniffed and spoke. "Yea. I'm fine"
"Martha. I'm so ... so sorry. She had no right to say those things." While he speaks she focused her attention back onto him. "When we get home I'll call her and." He attempts to go on but she leans over and places her hand on his arm, he looks at the road and then back to her.
"Don't. Don't apologize for her Jonathan. You're you. You love me. It wasn't your fault, trust me"
He nods his head solemnly; she reaches for his hand and entwines their fingers as she rests back against the seat looking out to the road before them. They sit together in a now peaceful silence.
Coming over a rise in the road their yard light comes into view. Pressing down on the accelerator the truck speeds up and jumps up as they hit a bump.
"Hey would you look at that?"
Martha's voice makes him turn his head slightly to peer out of her side window, he gasps slightly. The entire sky in the distance shines a bright flaming red like it is on fire and is spreading across the clouds. The beauty of it is unquestionable as they gaze in wonderment, Jonathan having to switch between views to keep the truck on the road.
"It's beautiful."
Neither knows which one said it but they both thought it. The edge of the glowing inferno in the deep blue sky seems to dissipate as the center grows brighter. A flash and then it appears that the fire begins to melt. Burning flame breaks loose and falls downward towards the distant hills. Small explosions can be seen where the separate burning elements begin to impact the earth. Then it becomes plain that the impact sites are coming nearer to the moving pickup.
Then all hell breaks loose, as the sky directly over them takes on an intense brightness a large flaming rock becomes clearer as it falls directly towards them. Jonathan presses the pedal to the floor and the truck races forward. Through the rearview mirror he can see the meteor strike the ground about 20 yards behind them.
Pieces fly off in all different directions, blue, red and yellow rocks break off and are thrown all around into the fields, instantly igniting the grain into small brushfires. The impact of the large piece creates a tremendous shock wave that quickly overtakes the speeding vehicle. The entire truck bucks at the force of the explosion; the rear wheels are lifted from the ground. The truck is thrown forward, half turning sideways, and then dropping back onto the road.
Jonathan grabs the steering wheel, fighting to regain control; he pulls left with all his strength. The truck fishtails and then breaks into a skid. The front passenger's side tire veers off of the shoulder. He frantically try's to return to the road but quickly realizes has to allow the momentum to pull them into the ditch to avoid rolling the vehicle. Finally they come to a stop, still on all four wheels.
Then silence.
Jonathan turns to his wife, a stupefied grin on his face. She is visibly shaken. Together they let out a breath they didn't know they were holding. He pulls at the belt that holds him to his seat and releases it. "You stay here. I want to see what that was."
"But Jonathan."
"No buts" he interrupts "You stay here and don't worry, I'll be fine."
She is about to respond but just nods her head in agreement to his request. He smiles then slips from the car.
Looking back he can see the flames burning through the dark where the thing has crashed. The air is already becoming heavy with smoke from the fires. As he comes closer he sees that half the road has been completely demolished, and swallowed into a large crater. He stands at the edge of the crater shielding his face from the heat radiating from the hole. At the bottom he sees what appears to be an egg shaped rock about 4 feet in diameter and 5 feet long. Suddenly the rock begins to hiss and steam starts to rise. Jon backs up a few steps, but keeps the object in view. As he stands there he notices the rock isn't giving off as much heat as before. Puzzled he kneels on the edge for a better look, when the hissing stops and the top half of the rock begins to move towards him. The top opens to reveal the rock is hollow and not exactly a rock.
Cautiously he lowers himself into the crater for a better look. He moves around so to better see into the opening, and freezes. Quickly he turns back to the truck and shouts. "Martha! Get over here!"
She comes rushing out and runs up to the edge, a worried look on her face. "Jon what is it?"
From behind him she sees him bend over the large object and lift something out of it. He turns to her with what appears to be a bundle of cloth. "Look at this he says." He pulls back a piece of the cloth to show his wife what he is holding.
Her face freezes at what she sees. She tries to open her mouth to speak but nothing comes out. Her eyes instantly begin to fill with tears. "It's a . It's a Baby. What is it. Where did it.?" She holds out her arms and Jon places the bundle in her hands.
"I don't know. It was in that meteor thing." He pulls himself up from the hole.
Martha is cradling the baby and staring awestruck. Jon pulls her with him towards the truck. "Lets get home and see if it's alright." She doesn't seem to even notice him. Her eyes don't leave the baby's face. He leads her to her seat and shuts her door. He climbs in and starts the engine. Luckily the ditch isn't that steep up ahead and he is able to pull back onto the road.
They arrive home and take the baby into the house. Laying it on the bed Martha uncovers the baby, discovering it to be a boy. She looks him over and finds no wounds or bruises. Jon is standing behind her. He hasn't said anything since they got back into the truck. "Martha. Shouldn't we call the authorities? Maybe.. I don't know. What is he?"
She turns to him with a happiness in her eyes he hasn't seen for a long time. "Jon. It's a baby. It's our baby."
"But we can't just."
She breaks in. Her eyes pleading "Jon."
Then he knows there is no changing her mind.
2:35 PM July 17th, 1993 The Harris Farm
The afternoon sun is warm and comfortable on her back, especially when the cool breeze ruffles the trees and brushes through her golden brown hair. Martha is in the yard beside the house hanging sheets on the clothesline. From where she is standing she can see Jonathan in the field. He appears to be angry at the tractor. She sees him jump down from the seat and kick at the tire. She chuckles to herself when he begins to hop on one leg. Looking down at her watch she glances up to the road.
"Just a few more minutes." She mumbles to herself.
She can just see a faint figure in the distance. She can't help but smile.
"Right on time."
She turns back to her laundry and waits for him to arrive. Looking back just as a young brown-haired boy turns his bicycle into the driveway. In a cloud of dust he skids to a stop, then pulls his bike onto the lawn and lays it on its side.
"Hey Mom." The boy then turns and looks back down the road. "I beat 'em good this time. Look at that."
His mother follows his gaze to two more cyclists still about a quarter of a mile back. "Alexander that wasn't very nice."
"But Mom, Jesse said we should race. He got a new bike and he thought he could beat me."
She gives him a stern look and his brown eye turn away from hers. She smiles and shakes her head. "So are Willow and Jesse going to be staying for dinner?"
"Can they mom?"
"Yes that would be fine. And there are some fresh cookies on the kitchen table for you too.." She looks up to find he has already disappeared into the house. Shaking her head she smiles as she speaks to herself. "Alexander Lavelle Harris. I swear some day..." Just then the boy's two friends, a boy, and a girl, pull to a stop and dismount from their bikes. The first to arrive is another boy by the name of Jesse. He looks as though he could have been Alexander's brother with the same dark hair and eyes. And behind him a girl, Willow, whose striking red hair is pulled back into two ponytails. Her eyes are a deep green almost emerald color, which makes her look comical and adorable at the same time.
" Hey Mrs. Harris, where'd Xander go?" The boy speaks first.
"In the house. I mentioned food and you know how he acts. Go on in."
The boy immediately takes off for the front door, but the girl holds back long enough to thank her friend's mother. As Willow approaches the porch she sees Xander standing on the top step waiting for her. His mouth is full, and his face is smeared with chocolate. As she climbs the steps he holds out his hand. In it he holds a large chocolate chip cookie.
"For you." He mumbles through a mouth full of cookie.
"Thanks." She says as she accepts the cookie beaming brightly at him.
He smiles back and turns to yell to Jesse. "Hey come back out here."
Xander sits down on the porch swing. Willow discreetly sits next to him. Jesse lifts himself up on the ledge of the porch, hanging one leg over the railing and leans against one of the roof supports. "So what are we gonna do this afternoon?"
"I think we should play doctor, I got a new book and I brought it along. Its in the basket on my bike, I can get it if we want to play." Willow chirps hopefully.
Jesse smirks at Xander who just shakes his head slightly. "Na, its too nice out today. I think we should do some more exploring."
Jesse sits up at this. "Hey we could go into that cave we found last time. Bring flashlights and see if there's anything in there."
"Sure I have two flashlights upstairs. But. we can't tell my mom. So we are gonna have to kinda sneak out." Xander begins to plan things in his head.
Willow's forehead begins to crease. "I don't know guys. Should we do that? It could be dangerous. I mean.what if there are bears, or ... or wolves or something."
"Yeah it could be a werewolf den." Jesse's eyes are wide in mock horror.
"Oh shut up. Werewolves are just made up. I'm serious. What if it caves in or we get lost or or..."
"Oh your just a scaredy cat. Scaredy cat! Scaredy cat!" Jesse taunts her in a singsong voice.
"I am not. Stop it!" Her face is starting to match the color of her hair.
Xander puts his hand on her shoulder. "Its okay Will. I'll be there. I'll protect ya." He grins and winks at her but she continues to redden even more.
But she manages a small nod. "Okay. But if it looks dangerous we will turn around right?"
"Of course." Xander nods confidently. "I'll just run up and get the flashlights and we can tell mom were going down to play at the stream." He jumps up and sprints into the house slamming the screen door behind him.
3:13 PM July 17th 1993 Two miles south of the Harris Farm
It had taken nearly a half hour to reach the area where they remembered seeing the mouth of the cave. Only able to ride their bikes part of the way they had walked the last half-mile. They were walking along the edge of an oat field that bordered a steep incline leading out of the valley. The path they were following marked the edge of the workable farmland. Looking up was like looking into a near vertical forest. Trees blocked their view of the top of the hill. But it was nice to walk in the shaded coolness.
Xander had also grabbed his compass and a canteen. Not that they would need them but he figured explorers should look like explorers.
Willow was holding the compass, and she kept stopping and checking their direction. "We're still heading south." She announces.
"Will. We are walking in a straight line, of course we are still heading south." Xander stops to wait for her to catch up.
"I know but I was just trying to make sure we knew where we were so we could go back, and ah not get lost and oh, fine then, I'll be quiet now and let you do all the navigating Mr. Navigator person."
Xander just chuckles and Jesse rolls his eyes. "Its right up here. I remember it's by that pine tree that fell down. See there it is."
Up ahead of them was the tree that Jesse was talking about. A large pine had been knocked over, most likely by the wind, and laid across the path, stretched out partially into the field. It looked as though it hadn't been dead that long. The needles were just beginning to brown.
Jesse ran ahead and ducked under the main trunk, where there were no branches. "Come on guys I can see it from here." He shouts back to them.
Willow tucks the compass into her pocket. When they reach the tree, Xander holds back a branch so she can crawl under a bit more easily. Xander then puts his hand on top of the log and though it was nearly as high as his head, he vaults over it easily. Landing in front of his two fellow explorers, he catches Willows impressed look. Jesse just sneers at him. "Show off."
Xander only shrugs and turns his attention to the cave opening that beckons several yards away. The three of them stand for several seconds just gaping at the scene before them.
The entrance is several feet up the incline, and looking at it from below like this makes the darkness inside seem even more sinister. The mouth of the cave is only about 4 feet high, but from this angle its seems to loom over them. Vegetation has grown up and around the cave almost concealing the rock. From this angle it looks as though the hole leads down without end. Willow unconsciously steps up behind Xander as though she's is hiding behind him.
Jesse turns with a gleam in his eye and his voice holds a challenge. "So you guys ready?"
Xander doesn't take his eyes off the cave, but he answers. "Ya. Just lead the way." When he hears Jesse gulp he grins and peeks at him out of the corner of his eye.
Jesse pulls the canteen off his hip and takes a swig. He then straps it back on his belt and checks his flashlight.
"Well Indiana, you going or not?"
"Hold on. I'm checking my equipment." Jesse satisfied that the flashlight worked, returns it to his pocket and moves toward the base of the hill. The approach to the entrance is too steep to walk up, so he leans over and grabs a hold of two firm, partially buried stones and pulls himself up. He makes it to the entrance with little difficulty and stands and pulls his flashlight out. Shining it down into the cave he gives a shout. "Any werewolves in there!" He turns and grins down at them, then turns back and steps in a bit farther. But he quickly steps back out and calls down to them again. "Hey guys get up here, you gotta see this."
Xander begins to make his ascent when he notices Willow still standing frozen. Gaping at him with a terrified look on her face. He returns to her and grabs her hand. "Come on Will its fine. See, nothing happened to Jesse."
She allows herself to be pulled along as he helps her up the hill. When they reach the top and are able to stand, she immediately grabs hold of Xander's arm and pulls herself close to him. He looks down at her and grins.
"Its okay Will. There's nothing gonna hurt you." He turns back to Jesse. "What's did you find"
Jesse is a few more yards into the entrance, kneeling down and examining something. "I don' t think this is a cave. Look."
They take a few steps closer to see what Jesse is talking about. Half buried under dirt and rocks are two steel rails.
Willow seems to forget about being afraid for the moment and kneels beside Jesse. "This is a mine. These are tracks for the carts they used to carry the rocks out of the mine."
Jesse stares at her with a satirical look. "Well thank you Miss Encyclopedia. But I have seen Scooby Doo. I kinda figured it out already."
She slaps him on the arm and rises to her feet.
Xander shines his flashlight down the tunnel. "I wonder what they mined here."
"Probably gold." Willow answers. "This is California."
"Gold!?!?" Jesse jumps to his feet. "Hey do you think there is still some here?" Without waiting for an answer he takes off down the tunnel.
"Wait a minute Jess. You don't know.." But Jesse wasn't paying attention to Xander's words. "We better follow him."
As they move far enough away from the entrance that the only light is from their flashlights, they begin moving slower. The floor is littered with rocks that have fallen from the ceiling and the walls jut in and out randomly. Every ten feet or so is another wooden support. None of which appeared to be in great shape. They manage to catch up to Jesse after only about 50 yards. He had stopped when he found a cart nearly full of rock still on the tracks. He is picking through the rocks, examining them under the light of his flashlight, as they approach.
"Jesse, lets stay together okay." Xander's voice is calm but stern. "We don't know what's up ahead."
"They wouldn't have left anything in there you know." Willow is again standing very close to Xander. "I bet they didn't find anything here, or if they did its all gone by now."
"Yeah I guess your right." Jesse takes the rock he is holding and chucks it down the tunnel. They hear it strike once and then nothing for several seconds. They then hear a very faint crash.
"Must be a drop off up ahead." Xander observes. Shining his light ahead they can all see where the tracks just come to an end.
"Hey I got an idea. Lets push this cart into the hole. It will be cool."
"Umm I'm not sure if we should."
"You just don't think you can push it."
Xander turns to Willow and she shakes her head. But he turns back to Jesse and nods. "Okay lets do it."
Jesse gets behind the cart and leans into it. But it doesn't move. Xander hands his flashlight to Willow and steps beside Jesse. With a grunt and a groan the wheels begin to turns. All of a sudden the rust seems to break loose and the cart lunges forward leaving Jesse to fall flat on his face. Xander moves with it for a few steps and then lets go. Willow shines the light down the passageway and they all watch as the cart slips over the edge. They hear it hit the side once then again. Then like a crash of thunder it hits the bottom of the shaft. The noise is overwhelming as it echoes through the maze of passageways. The entire hill begins to shake.
Xander turns back and looks at Willow and Jesse. "Lets get out of here!"
Jesse leaps to his feet and they all begin to run back to the entrance. Dust is filling the air and the walls are visibly shaking. Struggling and stumbling along they are nearly to the entrance. When Xander hears a shriek from behind him. Turning he sees Willow fall. He skids to a stop and doubles back towards her. She is trying stand back up when Xander sees the beam over her head begin to fall. He can tell she isn't going to be able to move quickly enough to get out of the way.
With terror in his voice he screams to her. "Willoooooooooooowwwwwww!!!!!!!!"
Tbc
Author: Michael Dunbar and UnHolyChurch
E-mail: Mutant190583@yahoo.com and Unholychrch@yahoo.com
Distribution: If you want it you can have it.
Timeline: Season 1
Rating: PG14
Feedback: We would like to know if this is worth continuing.
Pairing: I'm not saying. Yet.
Disclaimer: UPN and Joss own Buffy. Whoever owns SmallVille and Superman owns them:)
Summary: Xander isn't exactly human.
Dedications:
Church: Li'l C, Shana, Glory and Phaedra, (Not BXers but I'm still working on them.) And to Joanne W and Taygetta for inspiring me to BX fics in the first place
Michael: Wicked_Raygun (without him I'd have been a cack writer still, you inspired me buddy), Queen Angel (without her I wouldn't have my beer fountain), Ozmandayus (without him I wouldn't have EM), Rick Seiber (without him I wouldn't have so many cool stories to read), Socrates (Dude's got a will of iron when it comes to B/X either that or he has a time machine), Bob Regent (Dudes a BRIT WOOHOO!!!!) and anyone else that is a B/X'er. If you want to be mentioned then just say. After all it makes our fic look longer.
Author's note: This is the Pilot episode for what we hope to be a series of episodes. Much the same way Joanne has done her TNAOBAX Series. ------------ --------
7:45 P.M. September 27th, 1980 Outside of Sunnydale, California.
Colored fields stretch out in every direction like a patchwork quilt covering the land, the corn stands tall reaching to the sky, waiting to be gathered by its owner come harvest. Fields of wheat and barley ripple like water as the breeze caresses the hillside. An old tired fence standing a few feet high stretches down through the valley marking an old boundary long forgotten. Several small clusters of trees break up the landscape. Along one field a row of pines creates a wall against the wind. A crystal blue lake fills a low area in the valley and is fed by a stream that meanders down the hillside with a peaceful laziness suited to this fruitful valley.
A distant hill conceals a small metropolis from view, though a few telltale signs give light to the fact that urban life is not as distant as it seems. One building peaks up above the horizon and a low rumble of automobile traffic floats through the air. A single quiet road cuts through the picture of rural affluence, like an aging scar, proof of modern disturbance. Farther down the valley a smaller path branches off from the main road and leads to a solitary farmstead. The name on the mailbox reads Harris.
The sun is slowly drifting low in the western sky and the lone yard light flickers to life. Several rust colored buildings are bathed in the brightness. The house itself is white and looks newly built. Simple yet comfortable, the face of the house holds three rows of windows each trim and clean. A basic wooden door leads from the center of the lower level out onto a solid looking whitewashed porch. The opposite building is the barn; it stands taller than all the other structures in the yard with two cement silos flanking it on either side. The red paint matches all the other buildings in shade. The loft doors are open and stacks of hay bales can be seen in the dark cavernous maw. A small chicken coop stands not far from the main house and the clucking can be heard as the chickens settle in with darkness approaching. A protective wire cage surrounds this building, guarding against foxes or other predators of the night. Behind the barn a high wooden fence encloses an expansive area. Several horses are making a casual return to their shelter for the night. Other small buildings surround the yard, each with purpose. All are painted with the same rusty red coloring.
A rebuilt 59' Chevy pickup sits waiting for its passengers in font of the sidewalk that leads to the porch. There, watching the sun sink below the hills a young woman stands alone. A reflective expression plays at her delicate features. This night holds no special meaning for Martha Harris; in fact it promises to be a night of misery and embarrassment. She is to go with her husband, John, to visit his mother. It is no secret; John's mother does not like her son's new wife. The looks she receives whenever she kisses him, the cold food she is usually served while everyone else's is hot and well cooked, the little comments about how she runs her house and how she dresses, all make the elder Mrs. Harris' feelings very clear. But Martha holds her tongue; she remains patient for the sake of the man she loves.
They have been married a short time, only 19 months of wedded bliss. The memory of the wedding is still clear in her mind. The smile he wore as he placed the ring on her finger and whispered the words that made her heart ache with joy. "I do" Running her hand along her finger she looks down and sees the shining wedding band. It would never leave her finger; her heart had made a promise that joyful day. It had only been a small wedding at a very small church. She had been so overjoyed. Her dreams were coming true. They were happy together; neither could ever disappoint the other. Everything was nearly perfect in their little world. Both were worthy of the love given them by their partner. Only one thing was needed to complete their little family.
They had tried and tried to conceive a baby. Using every method in the book beneficial to conception. Altering their diets, monitoring her monthly cycles, even trying some odd home remedies. But nothing seemed to work. Finally they decided to seek medical help. After several tests and several painful days of waiting, the doctors came back with their results. Nothing could have broken her more then when the doctor explained her diagnosis. Martha wasn't able to bear children and nothing they could do would change that.
The weeks that followed were the most depressing times of Martha's life, every time she looked in the mirror all she saw was a failure, she wasn't a woman worthy of John's love, she had disappointed him in a way for which she could never forgive herself. She couldn't provide a child for her husband. He assured her it didn't matter; that she alone was enough for him, that she was still the woman he adored, more than worthy of his love. Yet it fell upon deaf ears. She was depressed and nothing was bringing her out of it. She had sunk into a shell of darkness and self-pity. She couldn't accept he still loved her. In her mind she wasn't allowed to feel that love. She was undeserving of happiness. No matter how hard he tried he was unable to reach her. Flowers and candy, romantic evenings, or love letters filled with his emotions for her. Nothing breached the walls of her heart. He couldn't take it much longer. Then finally his patience gave out. He lost his control, he screamed at her, cried out to her, begged her to understand him, and begged her to feel his love. His emotional outburst finally formed a crack in her barriers. She began to see a new side of him, a side where he loved her for who she was. The part she had always ignored. She was so wrapped up in her own "uselessness". She had forgotten why they were together. Why he had loved her in the first place. And then she broke down along with him. They cried in each other's arms. They comforted each other, and loved each other again. She finally found the love to forgive herself. And to realize there really was nothing to forgive.
After that night, life returned to normal. A smile crept back onto her face whenever she saw him. She was finally happy once again, or as happy as she thought she could be. The sound of the screen door slamming snaps her out of her daydream. Two arms encircle her waist from behind and she feels a kiss to the back of her neck making her sigh contentedly. His chin then rests on the top of her head and she feels him pull her tighter. "Are you ready darling?"
"As ready as I always am to see your mother"
He grins then kisses the top of her head, pulling her around he gently runs his right hand down her forearm and entwines their fingers together. Kissing her nose he gently places his forehead against hers and their eyes meet, blue to brown. "You know I love you don't you."
His heart was clear in his eyes. "Yes. I do." She felt every word as she spoke them. Turning around there hands remain linked as they headed down the steps of the porch.
9:35 PM September 27th, 1980 Crocket road (headed toward the Harris Farm)
The dust billows up from under the tires as the Chevy speeds along at more than 40mph, the 454 engine roaring under the hood.
The sky has completely darkened by now with clouds overhanging half the sky, giving the valley an ethereal quality. Some moonlight penetrates the edge of the clouds providing just enough light to make out shapes in the dark.
The cab is entirely silent. But tension is thick. The dashboard gives off just enough light for Jonathan to see his wife's face. The light catches the wetness on her cheek. He closes his eyes for a second and fumes at his mother. Turning to her he softens his voice.
"Are you okay?"
She stifles a sad chuckle as she thinks back to the events of the night. It may have been a mistake to keep the doctor's words from her mother-in- law. Tonight she had begun to chide them about when they were going to have a child. And though she may not have been trying to be cruel, her words struck a nerve. Before Martha had realized it, she was out of the room, tears streaming down her face. Jonathan made a terse cryptic apology for her, knowing she didn't want to tell his mother the true reason for her reaction. He then excused himself and followed her out. They had left shortly after.
Turning her head to look out the window, she sniffed and spoke. "Yea. I'm fine"
"Martha. I'm so ... so sorry. She had no right to say those things." While he speaks she focused her attention back onto him. "When we get home I'll call her and." He attempts to go on but she leans over and places her hand on his arm, he looks at the road and then back to her.
"Don't. Don't apologize for her Jonathan. You're you. You love me. It wasn't your fault, trust me"
He nods his head solemnly; she reaches for his hand and entwines their fingers as she rests back against the seat looking out to the road before them. They sit together in a now peaceful silence.
Coming over a rise in the road their yard light comes into view. Pressing down on the accelerator the truck speeds up and jumps up as they hit a bump.
"Hey would you look at that?"
Martha's voice makes him turn his head slightly to peer out of her side window, he gasps slightly. The entire sky in the distance shines a bright flaming red like it is on fire and is spreading across the clouds. The beauty of it is unquestionable as they gaze in wonderment, Jonathan having to switch between views to keep the truck on the road.
"It's beautiful."
Neither knows which one said it but they both thought it. The edge of the glowing inferno in the deep blue sky seems to dissipate as the center grows brighter. A flash and then it appears that the fire begins to melt. Burning flame breaks loose and falls downward towards the distant hills. Small explosions can be seen where the separate burning elements begin to impact the earth. Then it becomes plain that the impact sites are coming nearer to the moving pickup.
Then all hell breaks loose, as the sky directly over them takes on an intense brightness a large flaming rock becomes clearer as it falls directly towards them. Jonathan presses the pedal to the floor and the truck races forward. Through the rearview mirror he can see the meteor strike the ground about 20 yards behind them.
Pieces fly off in all different directions, blue, red and yellow rocks break off and are thrown all around into the fields, instantly igniting the grain into small brushfires. The impact of the large piece creates a tremendous shock wave that quickly overtakes the speeding vehicle. The entire truck bucks at the force of the explosion; the rear wheels are lifted from the ground. The truck is thrown forward, half turning sideways, and then dropping back onto the road.
Jonathan grabs the steering wheel, fighting to regain control; he pulls left with all his strength. The truck fishtails and then breaks into a skid. The front passenger's side tire veers off of the shoulder. He frantically try's to return to the road but quickly realizes has to allow the momentum to pull them into the ditch to avoid rolling the vehicle. Finally they come to a stop, still on all four wheels.
Then silence.
Jonathan turns to his wife, a stupefied grin on his face. She is visibly shaken. Together they let out a breath they didn't know they were holding. He pulls at the belt that holds him to his seat and releases it. "You stay here. I want to see what that was."
"But Jonathan."
"No buts" he interrupts "You stay here and don't worry, I'll be fine."
She is about to respond but just nods her head in agreement to his request. He smiles then slips from the car.
Looking back he can see the flames burning through the dark where the thing has crashed. The air is already becoming heavy with smoke from the fires. As he comes closer he sees that half the road has been completely demolished, and swallowed into a large crater. He stands at the edge of the crater shielding his face from the heat radiating from the hole. At the bottom he sees what appears to be an egg shaped rock about 4 feet in diameter and 5 feet long. Suddenly the rock begins to hiss and steam starts to rise. Jon backs up a few steps, but keeps the object in view. As he stands there he notices the rock isn't giving off as much heat as before. Puzzled he kneels on the edge for a better look, when the hissing stops and the top half of the rock begins to move towards him. The top opens to reveal the rock is hollow and not exactly a rock.
Cautiously he lowers himself into the crater for a better look. He moves around so to better see into the opening, and freezes. Quickly he turns back to the truck and shouts. "Martha! Get over here!"
She comes rushing out and runs up to the edge, a worried look on her face. "Jon what is it?"
From behind him she sees him bend over the large object and lift something out of it. He turns to her with what appears to be a bundle of cloth. "Look at this he says." He pulls back a piece of the cloth to show his wife what he is holding.
Her face freezes at what she sees. She tries to open her mouth to speak but nothing comes out. Her eyes instantly begin to fill with tears. "It's a . It's a Baby. What is it. Where did it.?" She holds out her arms and Jon places the bundle in her hands.
"I don't know. It was in that meteor thing." He pulls himself up from the hole.
Martha is cradling the baby and staring awestruck. Jon pulls her with him towards the truck. "Lets get home and see if it's alright." She doesn't seem to even notice him. Her eyes don't leave the baby's face. He leads her to her seat and shuts her door. He climbs in and starts the engine. Luckily the ditch isn't that steep up ahead and he is able to pull back onto the road.
They arrive home and take the baby into the house. Laying it on the bed Martha uncovers the baby, discovering it to be a boy. She looks him over and finds no wounds or bruises. Jon is standing behind her. He hasn't said anything since they got back into the truck. "Martha. Shouldn't we call the authorities? Maybe.. I don't know. What is he?"
She turns to him with a happiness in her eyes he hasn't seen for a long time. "Jon. It's a baby. It's our baby."
"But we can't just."
She breaks in. Her eyes pleading "Jon."
Then he knows there is no changing her mind.
2:35 PM July 17th, 1993 The Harris Farm
The afternoon sun is warm and comfortable on her back, especially when the cool breeze ruffles the trees and brushes through her golden brown hair. Martha is in the yard beside the house hanging sheets on the clothesline. From where she is standing she can see Jonathan in the field. He appears to be angry at the tractor. She sees him jump down from the seat and kick at the tire. She chuckles to herself when he begins to hop on one leg. Looking down at her watch she glances up to the road.
"Just a few more minutes." She mumbles to herself.
She can just see a faint figure in the distance. She can't help but smile.
"Right on time."
She turns back to her laundry and waits for him to arrive. Looking back just as a young brown-haired boy turns his bicycle into the driveway. In a cloud of dust he skids to a stop, then pulls his bike onto the lawn and lays it on its side.
"Hey Mom." The boy then turns and looks back down the road. "I beat 'em good this time. Look at that."
His mother follows his gaze to two more cyclists still about a quarter of a mile back. "Alexander that wasn't very nice."
"But Mom, Jesse said we should race. He got a new bike and he thought he could beat me."
She gives him a stern look and his brown eye turn away from hers. She smiles and shakes her head. "So are Willow and Jesse going to be staying for dinner?"
"Can they mom?"
"Yes that would be fine. And there are some fresh cookies on the kitchen table for you too.." She looks up to find he has already disappeared into the house. Shaking her head she smiles as she speaks to herself. "Alexander Lavelle Harris. I swear some day..." Just then the boy's two friends, a boy, and a girl, pull to a stop and dismount from their bikes. The first to arrive is another boy by the name of Jesse. He looks as though he could have been Alexander's brother with the same dark hair and eyes. And behind him a girl, Willow, whose striking red hair is pulled back into two ponytails. Her eyes are a deep green almost emerald color, which makes her look comical and adorable at the same time.
" Hey Mrs. Harris, where'd Xander go?" The boy speaks first.
"In the house. I mentioned food and you know how he acts. Go on in."
The boy immediately takes off for the front door, but the girl holds back long enough to thank her friend's mother. As Willow approaches the porch she sees Xander standing on the top step waiting for her. His mouth is full, and his face is smeared with chocolate. As she climbs the steps he holds out his hand. In it he holds a large chocolate chip cookie.
"For you." He mumbles through a mouth full of cookie.
"Thanks." She says as she accepts the cookie beaming brightly at him.
He smiles back and turns to yell to Jesse. "Hey come back out here."
Xander sits down on the porch swing. Willow discreetly sits next to him. Jesse lifts himself up on the ledge of the porch, hanging one leg over the railing and leans against one of the roof supports. "So what are we gonna do this afternoon?"
"I think we should play doctor, I got a new book and I brought it along. Its in the basket on my bike, I can get it if we want to play." Willow chirps hopefully.
Jesse smirks at Xander who just shakes his head slightly. "Na, its too nice out today. I think we should do some more exploring."
Jesse sits up at this. "Hey we could go into that cave we found last time. Bring flashlights and see if there's anything in there."
"Sure I have two flashlights upstairs. But. we can't tell my mom. So we are gonna have to kinda sneak out." Xander begins to plan things in his head.
Willow's forehead begins to crease. "I don't know guys. Should we do that? It could be dangerous. I mean.what if there are bears, or ... or wolves or something."
"Yeah it could be a werewolf den." Jesse's eyes are wide in mock horror.
"Oh shut up. Werewolves are just made up. I'm serious. What if it caves in or we get lost or or..."
"Oh your just a scaredy cat. Scaredy cat! Scaredy cat!" Jesse taunts her in a singsong voice.
"I am not. Stop it!" Her face is starting to match the color of her hair.
Xander puts his hand on her shoulder. "Its okay Will. I'll be there. I'll protect ya." He grins and winks at her but she continues to redden even more.
But she manages a small nod. "Okay. But if it looks dangerous we will turn around right?"
"Of course." Xander nods confidently. "I'll just run up and get the flashlights and we can tell mom were going down to play at the stream." He jumps up and sprints into the house slamming the screen door behind him.
3:13 PM July 17th 1993 Two miles south of the Harris Farm
It had taken nearly a half hour to reach the area where they remembered seeing the mouth of the cave. Only able to ride their bikes part of the way they had walked the last half-mile. They were walking along the edge of an oat field that bordered a steep incline leading out of the valley. The path they were following marked the edge of the workable farmland. Looking up was like looking into a near vertical forest. Trees blocked their view of the top of the hill. But it was nice to walk in the shaded coolness.
Xander had also grabbed his compass and a canteen. Not that they would need them but he figured explorers should look like explorers.
Willow was holding the compass, and she kept stopping and checking their direction. "We're still heading south." She announces.
"Will. We are walking in a straight line, of course we are still heading south." Xander stops to wait for her to catch up.
"I know but I was just trying to make sure we knew where we were so we could go back, and ah not get lost and oh, fine then, I'll be quiet now and let you do all the navigating Mr. Navigator person."
Xander just chuckles and Jesse rolls his eyes. "Its right up here. I remember it's by that pine tree that fell down. See there it is."
Up ahead of them was the tree that Jesse was talking about. A large pine had been knocked over, most likely by the wind, and laid across the path, stretched out partially into the field. It looked as though it hadn't been dead that long. The needles were just beginning to brown.
Jesse ran ahead and ducked under the main trunk, where there were no branches. "Come on guys I can see it from here." He shouts back to them.
Willow tucks the compass into her pocket. When they reach the tree, Xander holds back a branch so she can crawl under a bit more easily. Xander then puts his hand on top of the log and though it was nearly as high as his head, he vaults over it easily. Landing in front of his two fellow explorers, he catches Willows impressed look. Jesse just sneers at him. "Show off."
Xander only shrugs and turns his attention to the cave opening that beckons several yards away. The three of them stand for several seconds just gaping at the scene before them.
The entrance is several feet up the incline, and looking at it from below like this makes the darkness inside seem even more sinister. The mouth of the cave is only about 4 feet high, but from this angle its seems to loom over them. Vegetation has grown up and around the cave almost concealing the rock. From this angle it looks as though the hole leads down without end. Willow unconsciously steps up behind Xander as though she's is hiding behind him.
Jesse turns with a gleam in his eye and his voice holds a challenge. "So you guys ready?"
Xander doesn't take his eyes off the cave, but he answers. "Ya. Just lead the way." When he hears Jesse gulp he grins and peeks at him out of the corner of his eye.
Jesse pulls the canteen off his hip and takes a swig. He then straps it back on his belt and checks his flashlight.
"Well Indiana, you going or not?"
"Hold on. I'm checking my equipment." Jesse satisfied that the flashlight worked, returns it to his pocket and moves toward the base of the hill. The approach to the entrance is too steep to walk up, so he leans over and grabs a hold of two firm, partially buried stones and pulls himself up. He makes it to the entrance with little difficulty and stands and pulls his flashlight out. Shining it down into the cave he gives a shout. "Any werewolves in there!" He turns and grins down at them, then turns back and steps in a bit farther. But he quickly steps back out and calls down to them again. "Hey guys get up here, you gotta see this."
Xander begins to make his ascent when he notices Willow still standing frozen. Gaping at him with a terrified look on her face. He returns to her and grabs her hand. "Come on Will its fine. See, nothing happened to Jesse."
She allows herself to be pulled along as he helps her up the hill. When they reach the top and are able to stand, she immediately grabs hold of Xander's arm and pulls herself close to him. He looks down at her and grins.
"Its okay Will. There's nothing gonna hurt you." He turns back to Jesse. "What's did you find"
Jesse is a few more yards into the entrance, kneeling down and examining something. "I don' t think this is a cave. Look."
They take a few steps closer to see what Jesse is talking about. Half buried under dirt and rocks are two steel rails.
Willow seems to forget about being afraid for the moment and kneels beside Jesse. "This is a mine. These are tracks for the carts they used to carry the rocks out of the mine."
Jesse stares at her with a satirical look. "Well thank you Miss Encyclopedia. But I have seen Scooby Doo. I kinda figured it out already."
She slaps him on the arm and rises to her feet.
Xander shines his flashlight down the tunnel. "I wonder what they mined here."
"Probably gold." Willow answers. "This is California."
"Gold!?!?" Jesse jumps to his feet. "Hey do you think there is still some here?" Without waiting for an answer he takes off down the tunnel.
"Wait a minute Jess. You don't know.." But Jesse wasn't paying attention to Xander's words. "We better follow him."
As they move far enough away from the entrance that the only light is from their flashlights, they begin moving slower. The floor is littered with rocks that have fallen from the ceiling and the walls jut in and out randomly. Every ten feet or so is another wooden support. None of which appeared to be in great shape. They manage to catch up to Jesse after only about 50 yards. He had stopped when he found a cart nearly full of rock still on the tracks. He is picking through the rocks, examining them under the light of his flashlight, as they approach.
"Jesse, lets stay together okay." Xander's voice is calm but stern. "We don't know what's up ahead."
"They wouldn't have left anything in there you know." Willow is again standing very close to Xander. "I bet they didn't find anything here, or if they did its all gone by now."
"Yeah I guess your right." Jesse takes the rock he is holding and chucks it down the tunnel. They hear it strike once and then nothing for several seconds. They then hear a very faint crash.
"Must be a drop off up ahead." Xander observes. Shining his light ahead they can all see where the tracks just come to an end.
"Hey I got an idea. Lets push this cart into the hole. It will be cool."
"Umm I'm not sure if we should."
"You just don't think you can push it."
Xander turns to Willow and she shakes her head. But he turns back to Jesse and nods. "Okay lets do it."
Jesse gets behind the cart and leans into it. But it doesn't move. Xander hands his flashlight to Willow and steps beside Jesse. With a grunt and a groan the wheels begin to turns. All of a sudden the rust seems to break loose and the cart lunges forward leaving Jesse to fall flat on his face. Xander moves with it for a few steps and then lets go. Willow shines the light down the passageway and they all watch as the cart slips over the edge. They hear it hit the side once then again. Then like a crash of thunder it hits the bottom of the shaft. The noise is overwhelming as it echoes through the maze of passageways. The entire hill begins to shake.
Xander turns back and looks at Willow and Jesse. "Lets get out of here!"
Jesse leaps to his feet and they all begin to run back to the entrance. Dust is filling the air and the walls are visibly shaking. Struggling and stumbling along they are nearly to the entrance. When Xander hears a shriek from behind him. Turning he sees Willow fall. He skids to a stop and doubles back towards her. She is trying stand back up when Xander sees the beam over her head begin to fall. He can tell she isn't going to be able to move quickly enough to get out of the way.
With terror in his voice he screams to her. "Willoooooooooooowwwwwww!!!!!!!!"
Tbc