Disclaimer: I don't own any series I'm including by this point in the story.

Author's note: I wanted to take a little break from this story to work on Lords of Shadow: Sunnydale, because there was a plot I wanted to set up in that story that will be used in a similar manner here. For anyone reading, you can imagine what I'm going to have happen later on. And as with Lords of Shadow: Sunnydale, I'm going to skip over certain parts of the timeline in the buffyverse. As for the Charmed verse, I'm going to use some elements from there but any enemies are likely cannon fodder because with the cast of characters I've assembled, most of the scoobies could really just have a hand-to-hand fight while the spellcasters of the group, including the charmed ones could cast banishment spells and such. And really, with Xander and Jesse's abilities, there's a lot that can be done. Also, I'm going to try and have them interact with the characters here as much as possible. Anyway, on with the story.


Late January, 2000

Sunnydale, California

UC Sunnydale

The young adults of the Scooby gang and Riley, along with Forrest and Graham, stood in the empty classroom of professor Maggie Walsh. She had heard about the group from her top officer, Riley, and was curious about this group leading to requesting a meeting with this group of civilians. Everyone had stood in what felt like an awkward silence as they weren't sure ow exactly to address Walsh. For Tara, Willow, Amy, and Jonathan, they weren't sure how exactly they would fit in with a military installation that would likely see them as rebellious elements. With the slayers of the group, they felt maybe they'd have more help as they knew despite the abilities of the group, they could only handle so much, and there was likely so much they still had no idea about. As for Xander and Jesse, they felt something that made them feel off about Walsh. They looked to each other and communicated that they may want to hold back on their powers for the time being.

"So...a group of civilians has been defending this town from threats since before we arrived. Simply fascinating. And three slayers, which we believed to be legend. How is it that we've never come about your predecessors before?" Walsh addressed.

"Well, the the political intricacies of the organization, of which we were previously involved, disallowed for any outside interference as they believed it would deviate from their original purposes. However, there's also the consideration of whether or not the council, as it is regarded, wanted to maintain their influence over their warriors in a field in which there were patriarchal authority figures in a field where the female presence is an absolute must as we are the ones to whom the abilities are granted, yet we are mentally, and physically manipulated to obey commands without a moments hesitation," Faith answered for the group. Everyone looked at her frozen in surprise, including Walsh. She had understood that Faith Lehane was someone who was considered the more laid-back slayer of the group and preferred a more informal approach. Faith looked around at everyone and felt a little embarrassed.

"What? Diana home-schooled me for a while and some stuff stuck," Faith responded somewhat timidly. Xander could only smile with pride at his girlfriend's show of intelligence.

"Yes, well. That's quite an interesting dynamic. One that apparently seems to get a slayer into more trouble than she should. Which brings into question how you all came together," Walsh asked. Everyone looked to Xander as if expecting him to answer. FOr the next thirty minutes, Xander explained the majority of the events that had led to this gathering of what would appear at first to be a motley crew. Walsh could only sit and stare with wide eyes at Xander's story. SHe never would've guessed that there were demons who were capable of bringing about an apocalypse, let alone them stopping one just over a week prior. Of course, she had no idea of the group's interactions with Whistler as well as the fact that the true apocalypse was still far off, nor the fact that Jesse had died and come back.

"My word! This is amazing. If the world only knew of what you all were capable of! At any rate, I'm working on getting you all clearance for the base. Hopefully, we'll make great strides in the fight against the underworld. That will be all for today then. You all enjoy your day. Officers, you're dismissed," Walsh said smiling. Xander could tell that the smile was not genuine and that only set off an internal alarm in his head. As everyone left, the three soldiers followed them out.

"Well, that was...unexpected," Jonathan said breaking the ice.

"How do you mean?" Graham asked.

"We all kind of figured we'd be in a bit more...trouble considering we operate outside of your unit and we likely bee seen as a distraction. We've dealt with it before from the council," Amy explained for her love interest.

"Well, in truth, you guys have more experience in doing so than we've ever had. ANd the avenues that this opens up. I mean when I first heard about this, I thought it was crazy. Hell, I still feel like those things we catch are just animals. But then here you guys are, stopping four apocalypses, or is it apocalypsi?" Forrest asked still wrapping his head around the idea. Kendra only smirked and giggled, finding his confusion somewhat cute.

"Anyway, you guys have been through stuff that we haven't and you're still here. How do you do it?" Forrest asked. Xander spoke up.

"Well when we originally started, Buffy was key-girl, and most of us weren't even in the picture. But then after I started...rising through the ranks, so to speak, everything changed and we figured we could bring in more people who could help and at the same time maybe keep them from experiencing some bad stuff," Xander explained. Everyone looked to him and realized that despite him being the reason for a number of changes, they understood that they were still a team, no matter who did what.

"But the most important thing is that we help each other and watch each other's back when needed. Fact is, when you're in a life-or-death situation, all that matters is that you survive as best as you can and helps those around you f possible. Demons won't care about rank when they're trying to end our existence. So if worse comes to worse, you fight like it's your last," Xander said. The three Initiative soldiers all looked at Xander and understood exactly what he meant. The group simply walked off and spent the day as they would any other.


Early February, 2000

Sunnydale, California

Halliwell Manor

The watchers, Charmed Ones, and Joyce had assembled at the new Halliwell mansion for an evening to themselves. It had been a while since any of them had much time for themselves with all of the fighting against demons. During the month, they found themselves spending less time with the young adults, who had been working with the Initiative. They had made significant progress, but had come across some demons that only the Charmed sisters would've been familiar with. However, these demons were vastly different from those the Scoobies had encountered. Not only were they maintaining a human appearance at all times, they also knew powerful magics, as if theywere like the Old Ones themselves. Luckily, Leo had come down and explained that these demons were particularly different as they used stronger magics than the Old Ones. Leo had explained that with the fall of angels from on high, the lesser angels who fell had become the Old Ones, and those who were stronger grew darker in nature. The Powers themselves were watcher Angels who, after the fall, were meant to help guide humanity while also dealing with the pantheons of the old gods, and the Elders were simply guardian spirits but both groups had been pushing boundaries that they shouldn't. This only furthered the group's feeling of relief that any manipulations they would suffer had been changed changed due to Whistler and Xander. Everyone sat at the table in the living room with relaxing music playing while enjoying a game of blackjack.

"So, how's everyone's week? Hit me," Joyce said as the game continued.

"Well, aside from the usual, it's been nothing short of normal, whatever that is," Prue answered first.

"Well, since we all got involved in this war, we knew we were taking risks. Call?" Giles asked as he was the dealer.

"Still, it is nice to be able just sit back and have a night out. But I feel kind of bad that we didn't join the others for help with the Initiative. Makes me feel lazy. Especially after we had to deal with the Triad," Phoebe said as she lamented on the incident. Despite the Triad's power, it was easier to deal with and vanquish them with the sheer numbers as well as the magic power, along with Xander and Jesse's abilities. Despite this victory, everyone was still worried about what could possibly be next.

"I still can't believe that there are worse demons than the Old Ones. But then after meeting an angel of God, we shouldn't be surprised," Diana spoke up.

"It was a rather fascinating endeavor. Fact is, when it comes down to it, there was already a lot about the demons we've never known. And knowing that they're just half-breed off-shoots should've been a clear signal. What I can't understand is what is the real truth of the stories we've all been told so far," Zabuto commented.

"As far as we know about the Elders, the most we know is what Leo told us about whitelighters being human once and were granted powers to guide future white witches and anyone else who would potentially be whitelighters. Since the bringers told us about the Source and the First, we know for a fact that they are the ones leading things in the underworld. And with meeting angels, the other thing we need to know is the identity of these guys and what they're planning. Call," Piper followed up. Everyone else called to play their cards. Joyce smiled as she had a score of 21 while everyone else had a hand that was either over or below.

"Tonight's my lucky night. And you guys are getting spanked," Joyce sang out in glee as Giles collected the cards to reshuffle the deck.

"Oh someone's getting spanked later on," Diana said looking seductively at Zabuto. Giles, who heard the comment, was caught off guard by the comment and caused the cards to shoot out of his hands and all over the table. Everyone looked at him as his usual manner of sputtering words and trying to clean his glasses was more humorous than usual.

"Come on, Rupert. We're all friends and adults here. You're not here with the young ones," Zabuto said.

"Thank goodness then. It's nice to be among other's closer to my age. By the way, did Jenny say why she didn't want to join us?" Giles inquired to the rest.

"She mentioned that she just wasn't up to it. I asked if she wasn't feeling too well but she just said she wanted to be alone tonight," Prue answered for the older Englishman. Giles thought for a second and figured maybe she felt she didn't belong or that she didn't want to be around anyone, especially with Xander being serious with Faith. He remembered during the summer the previous year that he had caught her crying when she thought she was alone. He figured that maybe it was the fact that she had found love from Xander but that she couldn't be the one to share it with him. Giles had felt the need to give her space knowing that he himself was a major part of why she also felt this way.

"We'll just call tomorrow," Prue said, catching the look on Giles face.

"I suppose so. Shall we play another game?" Giles suggested. Everyone nodded and Giles reshuffled the cards.


Sunnydale Woods

Soldiers in camouflage stalked around the area searching for something but having a hard time. Suddenly one of the soldiers came flying into a clearing, landing on his back as he hit the ground. The other soldiers took notice and readied their taser blasters, only to be knocked out by the three slayers. As one soldier fired his blaster, Xander jumped in front of the girls, catching the bolt of lightning in his hands and throwing it back, taking the soldier out of the fight. As more soldiers surrounded them and fired tired blasts, Jesse jumped down from a nearby tree, lunging himself towards Xander and the girls, and emitted a blue barrier that absorbed every bit of electricity that was directed at them. Everyone stopped to assess the situation further, until a pair of bright lights came on, followed by two others.

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Though I'm curious; how did you boys manage what you did? I've never known any humans to pull those feats off," Walsh asked Jesse and Xander.

"Well, it's something we came into a while back. Psychic phenomena and all that. We figure if we could control it, we could do a whole lot," Jesse answered, telling Walsh half of the truth.

"Regardless, it was rather impressive. Well, that's all for tonight. I'll see you all tomorrow night for patrol," Walsh said walking off. The soldiers who were still conscious complimented the group on their efforts as they limped away. Riley, Forrest, and Graham stopped by the group.

"That was great! You guys just...I sound like such a fanboy right now," Riley said, making the others laugh.

"That was some top-notch stuff. We should take lessons form you guys," Forrest said smiling, particularly at Kendra.

"We're just doing what we were taught. It's no big deal really," Kendra responded smiling back. The rest of the group took notice smirked at the interaction.

"So I guess that's it. You guys need a ride?" Graham offered.

"Thanks. But it helps to at least walk in case we missed something earlier tonight. We'll see you guys later?" Xander asked. Graham and the other two soldiers nodded as they got in their assigned hummer and pulled off. The boys and girls who made up the warriors of the Scoobies walked back towards the town, splitting up as Xander and Faith neared their apartment. Xander stopped for a second as Faith took notice.

"Something wrong baby?" Faith asked.

"I know it's late but we should make a stop by Jenny's," Xander said, earning a strange look from Faith.

"Is something wrong? You gettin' a vision?" Faith asked worried. Despite the history she knew existed between Xander and Jenny, she couldn't help but like the technnopagan. She wished that she could help her find someone but she figured that something rare like love was not something you could force.

"I just want to check on her is all," Xander said. Faith nodded and they proceeded to Jenny's.


Calendar Residence

Xander and Faith approached the house and noticed the lights were still on inside. The two young adults approached the door cautiously. Xander knocked on the door and waited for a response. After a minute, there was some shuffling and Jenny opened the door, with her hair looking slightly disheveled, in a house robe. Xander and Faith both looked surprised to see Jenny in this state, as she always carried herself with an image of loveliness. However, now she looked like an average woman. Xander and Faith noticed that her eyes seemed red and puffy.

"Hey guys. What are you doing here?" she asked.

"We were just...in the neighborhood," Faith began. She chose not to say anymore after seeing the look on the Romany woman's face.

"Come in," Jenny said opening the door further. The house looked the same to Xander.

However, he noticed a few items scattered around the room. One thing in particular that stuck out were two medallions; both were round and had a set of five slots. In the slots were five blue gems in one and five red gems in the other. Xander could sense some power in the items and took a good look at Jenny, and noticed that she had considerably more raw power than she had before. He had sensed magic in her since he gained his powers but now there was more to it than he ever felt. However, the magic felt different than anything Amy, Willow, Jonathan, or Tara had conjured.

"Don't worry, they're not dangerous. Those were sent over by my family," Jenny said.

"Your family? What did they send and why?" Xander asked.

"The medallions and the gems in them contain a power known as light and shadow magic. Light is capable of protection and healing. Shadow brings out aggression and strength. I've been trying to find a way to combine the two into a potent combo. So that way I could be of better use to this fight against demons," Jenny began.

"How come the council doesn't have anything like this?" Faith asked.

"If I had to guess, the council likely knew something about where these came from but have a very small record. The info actually came from my own family. My ancestors apparently had ties to this group called the Brotherhood of Light, dating back all the way to the eighth century. But these magics are about as old as magic itself gets. Even as old as the Old Ones," Jenny elaborated further.

"Who was the last person to use this? Whoever it was must've left a pretty big trail to follow, right?" Xander inquired.

"You'd think so but it's not the case. My understanding is that very few of the members actually used both of these magics to fight against the demons. The last guy who did fought the biggest and baddest evil there is. He didn't kill it but he apparently won and banished him back to the basement. But all records afterwards stop about a few years before the turn of the twelfth century," Jenny divulged.

"So why send this to you now if no one else has used this kind of mojo for so long?" Faith questioned. She could tell something about this was odd. While it wasn't bad, it just seemed to weird to believe it to be entirely good.

"It's explained in the letter that came with the package. My family sensed a big evil that would rise at some point. And if I could find this right combination, I might be able to unlock a power that no one's apparently seen in a long time. Except for one problem," Jenny trailed off.

"What's that?" Xander asked.

"The letter I got wasn't from my family. Ever since the incident with Angelus, I've been ex-communicated from them, by my own choice. They were so obsessed with revenge on Angel that they failed to see that big picture. Not just the human lives at stake but the consequences of my ancestors using a spell like that," Jenny explained even more.

"You mean Angel's moment of pure happiness?" Xander asked.

"Yes. It turns out, they made a critical mistake when they cursed Angelus. The demon that took over the body after the soul left was supposed to suffer remorse. However, they ripped a human soul out of the afterlife and crammed it in with the demon. The reason Angelus was still so evil was because he never suffered. But the part of Angel that was once human did. Even after realizing this, my family just took it in stride and let it continue," Jenny practically seethed.

"So a demon actually feeling remorse is impossible?" Faith asked.

"Surprisingly no. Drusilla is proof of that. You've noticed she's actually made an effort to not only help us but she hasn't harmed anyone. Whatever happened to her after the Acathla incident must've been big," Jenny said, missing the look of irritation on Faith's face, and embarrassment on Xander's.

"So who do you think sent this stuff to you?" Xander asked.

"Whoever it was clearly knows more about this than anyone should. I had heard stories when I was a girl. But the sender was intimately familiar with this," Jenny added.

"Well, no point trying to solve puzzles now. It's already late. We should let you sleep," Xander said moving towards the door.

"Don't bother Xander. You two just stay here for the night. No arguing," Jenny said pointing a finger at them, getting her point across. The two followed her upstairs as Faith followed Xander to the guest bedroom and stopped just short of door.

"What's up?" Xander asked his girlfriend.

"I'm gonna have a word with Jen. I won't be long," Faith said as she moved to Jenny's bedroom. She heard the guest bedroom door close behind her as she approached the master bedroom. Before she could knock, Jenny opened the door looking blankly at the dark-haired slayer.

"Good timing," Faith joked.

"Come in Faith," Jenny invited. Faith stepped in feeling a little odd being in the room as Jenny sat on her bed.

"So. This is THE place. The same bedroom where you took my boyfriend's innocence," Faith quipped. She noted the sad look on Jenny's face as the technopagan looked away.

"Oh god! Jenny, I didn't mean..." Faith said trying to choose her words.

"It's not that Faith. Truth is...I love Xander every bit as you do. But I had to give him up," Jenny said, trying to hold back tears.

"Why?" Faith asked hoping to understand.

"Because I don't have the strength to stand by him. When he saved me from dying at Angelus' hands, I sensed his power I knew he would go down a hard road. For a lot of humans who aren't supernaturally gifted, it's basically stand up or stand back. But those who are inclined by supernatural forces, whether or not by choice, it's very difficult. You not only find yourself struggling to survive fight after fight, but you also find yourself losing everything that could make being human worthwhile. That's why I've been trying to figure out this thing with Light and Shadow; so I could understand him more and be by his side if he needs me," Jenny said as a few tears rolled down her face.

"You're trying to hold on. You're letting him go but don't want to lose him forever," Faith determined, which Jenny confirmed with a nod. Faith sat next to the Romany woman and wrapped her in what she hoped was a comforting embrace.

"If it means anything, X loves you too. He always will. The bond you two have is something even I can't come between, and I wouldn't want to. You guys understood what it meant to do the right thing and to always think of others first. It may not have worked the way you guys hoped but you're both still here. And you two gave each other a chance at something you thought you wouldn't have. And from here on, I've got your back. Just say the word and I'll be here to help you," Faith said. Jenny returned the embrace and the two just held each other for a few moments before they broke away.

"Thanks Faith. Xander's fortunate to have you," Jenny said.

"Not just me. He's lucky to have US," Faith emphasized. Jenny smiled warmly at the young woman. As Faith left her bedroom, Jenny laid down. For the first time, in months, Jenny felt alright.

Faith entered the spare room and noted Xander lying awake staring at the ceiling until he was aware of Faith's presence. He glanced at his girlfriend curiously.

"Everything alright?" he asked.

"Yeah. Just needed a little girl talk. She's a god woman," Faith said.

"Yeah. She really is," Xander said. Faith noted the affection that laced is voice and smiled at him.

"What?" Xander wondered.

"Nothing. Just glad to have a great guy who has two women who care so much about him," Faith answered, still smiling. Xander's face scrunched up in confusion until he saw Faith's smile as she laid down and spooned herself against him. Xander figured that whatever was said may have likely just built a bridge between the two. As he thought about Faith's statement, he smiled as he realized something: he was the luckiest man in the world.