Disclaimer: Don't own anything.

Author's note: this is the last chapter of this story before my personal rendition of season 7. As I've said before, seasons 4-6 didn't really focus too much on the overall plots, or they shifted the focus of the season's bad guy. Season 7 did a decent job of the direction that they took with bringing back the First Evil, but all the writers did was reinforce and try to enhance Buffy as a hero. But in this series, the characters will work as an actual team. Also, for those who know Zobek, this won't go the way you think. Here's the next chapter. Enjoy.


Rack's Apartment

Sunnyvale, California

Zobek and Jonathan teleported into the warlock's keep where they saw other visitors in the common room. However, what appeared to be ordinary young adults were people who appeared to be fidgeting horribly. The short young man looked around and back to the older gentleman.

"What the hell is this?" the younger man asked. "Who are these people?"

Zobek looked at the others before he looked back to his new companion, "These poor fools are the results overuse and reliance on the magical powers. You know it as a magical addiction."

"Really?" Jonathan said with disbelief.

"Indeed my friend. You see, power on it's own has no use until someone gives it purpose. What this fool has done is give these poor souls something to yearn for. So they crave it until it compels them to seek out more."

"Just like most addicts."

"Yes. But you won't have that problem. You've going to have power at it's purest form. But first, we need to see the owner of this...establishment," the old man said as he knocked on Rack's door. The warlock in question opened it and was surprised to find sober visitors at his door.

"Well well. You're certainly not like most of my customers," the dealer said.

"That's because unlike you, I've known true powers for a millennia. You, however, are only a novice compared to me," Zobek spat back.

Rack took a glance at Jonathan before regarding Zobek, "Well you and the half-pint can either get out or wait. I've got other customers.

As Rack went to slam the door, Zobek knocked the door off it's hinges before they entered.

"Believe me young man, there's nothing to wait for. Your time is up!"

Zobek dashed to the warlock and pinned him to the wall. Zobek laid a hand on Rack chest, causing energy to shine out. Jonathan watch in astonishment as Zobek stole Rack's magical powers as well as his life force. The warlock's body slumped to the ground while Zobek held out the late man's power in a glowing white/reddish orb. The next second, the orb changed to a silver glow.

"In my hand lies raw power. I can show you how to mold it to do anything you desire,' Zobek said.

"Give it to me," Joanthan said. Zobek grinned and pushed the orb into Jonathan's chest, making the young man scream out. Once he absorbed it, his irises turned silver but still had the whites in his eyes.

"Amazing," he stated.

The door was suddenly thrown open with Gabriel standing in the doorway with Xander and Faith behind him. Gabriel's eyes began glowing red as he saw one of his most bitter enemies.

"Zobek!" Faith and Xander looked at their friend and turned back to the old man. Before anyone could do anything, Zobek teleported away with Jonathan.

"Damn him!" Gabriel said as he knocked one of the adjacent walls down.

"So that's him? He doesn't seem so strong," Faith said, despite the fear of sensing the old man's power.

Gabriel turned to look at her before he replied, "Never underestimate his power. Zobek is very powerful and almost as devious as Satan himself. The only reason he could never challenge me directly is because he knew I could defeat him, even more so after I destroyed the Forgotten One. He can't even attempt to overtake Satan because he knows the fallen would eliminate him with little trouble."

"What the hell is he even after? And why Jonathan?" Xander asked.

"He must be looking to expand his base of power. But I doubt Jonathan will go along willingly," Gabriel said.

"With the state he's in, he might just try to take him on himself. He's hellbent on trying to kill Warren. And even if Zobek gives him power, he's just in the way of keeping Jonathan from getting to Warren."

"Perhaps I can be of help," came another voice. Everyone turned to see a horribly pale man with silver hair, dressed in a black shirt and pants, with black boots and a black coat with metal gauntlets. Gabriel smiled as he recognized the newcomer.

"Alucard."


Underworld

Lucifer sat in his cage as he contemplated the first thing he intended to do once he was back on earth. He thought of Samael's betrayal and what this meant for his plans. However, he was determined to overthrow his father by any means necessary. His train of thought was interrupted as he sensed someone trying to contact him. He turned to see a ring of fire behind him and saw three faces looking in. One was a pale woman with dark blue hair. The second was a bold man and the third was a short, rotund man.

"Raisa. Nergal. Guido. To what do I owe the pleasure of your call," he said.

"We have news that we thought you might want to hear regarding Zobek," Raisa said. Lucifer perked up at this information.

"Yes, Master. It seems that Zobek is involving himself in affairs somewhere of the west coast of America. There's a large buildup of demonic energy and he's used his power for some reason," Nergal said. Lucifer smirked at this information as he realized that the foolish magician had gotten himself involved with the Scoobies who were guarding one of the entrances to the underworld. He knew very well that they could come out on top but he was counting on it.

"What about his little friend? The one that follows him like a lost dog?"

His three children looked to each other as they were unsure what was going to come based on the answer.

Guido chose to speak up, "It seems his lieutenant is dead. Someone defeated him three years ago."

"Alucard," the archangel surmised.

"The White Wolf. It was always understood that he hated his father. Why help him?" Nergal threw in.

"He must have seen the Dragon's history for himself. But then how could he?" Raisa jumped in.

Lucifer looked back to his children and replied, "It doesn't matter. I'm going to be free one way or another. For the time being, keep your attitudes to a low profile."

"My lord, what about your plan for your vessel?" Raisa ventured to ask.

Lucifer narrowed his eyes as he realized that his plan to keep hidden inside his 'chosen' vessel was well and truly off the table. He knew that the angels under Michael were trained to possess an individual once consent was given. However, he knew that none were aware that they could 'grow their own skin' in order to appear human. However, like his fellow archangels, he knew that it was a smokescreen to keep the lesser angels in line. If Michael was paying attention, then he knew that his plan to use the other brother would not work out as well, which meant they both would have to get their own hands dirty just as they did before.

"He's no longer my vessel. But he may still prove useful to me where it counts. Remember my words. Do not draw attention to yourselves," the archangel said before dismissing the viewing portal.


Sunnydale, California

Zobek and Jonathan teleported to a cave system just near the northern outskirts of the town. Jonathan looked down to see the corpse of a half-breed demon that appeared to have been incinerated.

"Should I be wondering why?" the short young man asked.

Zobek looked at the demon corpse and smirked before he responded, "Yes. It seems your former associate came here seeking items of power to combat you and your friends. In order to get them, he had to be one of the demons. But he's not above doing anything to get what he wants. But you won't have to stoop to his level."

Zobek walked further into the mouth of the cave. He put his hand out and was rewarded with the crackling of energy from a magical barrier. The magician balled his fist and smashed it against the barrier, this time making it shatter like glass. The walked on until Jonathan stopped and saw a set of armor and a long single-edged sword. Each piece of material was colored onyx except for the right arm of the armor.

"What is this?" Jonathan said.

"This is the armor of my lieutenant. The armor is made from metal taken from the very abyss itself. For every bit of damage it takes, it regenerates. The sword itself can be stored within your own personal pocket dimension, to call on as you see fit. In the right hands, it is a set of equipment that makes most modern weaponry seem primitive."

Jonathan looked at the armor set and was set in awe. He felt ready to accept the gift given to him. However, he could tell that this would come at a price. He could practically feel Zobek smiling behind his back as he looked at the armor. He had heard the stories from Gabriel about how this same man had manipulated him. But if there was a chance, he would take it.

"I'll take it."

Zobek smiled before he lifted a hand and the armor melded onto Jonathan. In only a few seconds, the armor fit his entire body leaving only the helmet and the sword. Jonathan took the sword in his right hand and held the helmet in his left.

"So what happens now?" the young man asked the mage.

Zobek smirked as he raised both hands, which glowed green with energy. "Now you become my slave. And you will serve as my second-in-command for all eternity."

"Don't think so you old bastard!" Jonathan shouted as he placed the helmet on his head and held the sword up in a guarding stance. The energy Zobek emitted tried to penetrate the helmet but was dispelled.

"Damn you boy! I swear you will regret this very moment. I gave you that power but you can never fully utilize it without my help!"

"I can try," Jonathan said as his voice was distorted by the modifier in his helmet.

Zobek began glowing as his body was surrounded by green energy before light filled the entire cave. Outside of the cave, Xander, Faith, Gabriel, Prue, and Drusilla just made it to the cave entrance when the entire cave system exploded. Everyone was just barely able to cover themselves as the debris came down. Once clear, Gabriel looked into the sky to see one small figure covered in metal with a larger figure following. The larger figure appeared to be a head with the rest of the body in a large and dark cloak while being surrounded by green energy.

"It can't be!" Alucard shouted as he saw the two figures in the air.

"We have to hurry son!" Gabriel said. Alucard nodded before he changed into a swarm of bats to pursue the two figures.

"Gabriel, what's going on?" Faith asked.

"That armor was used by Zobek's second-in-command. But Alucard defeated him three years ago. I can only guess that Jonathan must've taken the armor. It seems he and Zobek have had a disagreement. You two must find the others and let them know what's giong on. I'll follow my son," Gabriel said. He disappeared in a red mist while Xander and Faith ran back to the hospital.


Sunnydale General

The rest of the group stood around Amy's room as Faith and Xander returned and informed them of what had happened with Jonathan. The young adults of the group were shocked when Gabriel explained Jonathan's reserves of magical powers had grown significantly. Willow, Tara, and the Halliwell's had spent time with Jonathan and saw that his power had steadily grown. But they figured that something happened that caused this jump.

"Is there anything you know that could make him that much stronger?" Willow spoke up.

Prue looked to the oldest sister before replying, "He would have to absorb enough energy from an outside source. When you told us what Gabriel sensed, I looked through the Book of Shadows and found something interesting."

"An outside source?" Xander asked. "I think I remember being told something like that before. What did you find?"

Prue looked to everyone before she spoke up, "There's more to magic than what we initially understood. You remember I told you that our home was seated on top of a nexus of energy? It turns out that a nexus can form with the right elements formed. And there's a nexus that forms that is made of all of the energy of earth and this universe."

"I know where you're coming from with this," Cordelia spoke up. "Since my training with Gabriel, I've learned how to channel that same energy, just like he did when he was human. I was worried that the hellmouth would corrupt me. But he assured me that it would only happen if the hellmouth were active, which it hasn't been for a while."

"So if Jonathan gained enough power to be rival this Zobek, someone must've given it to him. Maybe it was Zobek. He must be hoping to use it to take down Warren. But he can't do that with Zobek on his back," Tara said.

"Then we need to think of something to stop him," Diana said.

"Just leave it to me," came another voice. Everyone turned to the bed to see Amy with her eyes opened.

"How long have you been awake?" Giles asked.

"Long enough to hear everything. Jonathan's feeling desperate. He's feeling the same way I felt when my mother took over my life. Cornered, scared, and wishing you could do anything to change it will happen," she replied as she shifted to a more comfortable position.

"There has to be something that we can do to calm him down," Zabuto said.

Amy looked at them before saying, "Take me to him."

"Amy, you sure can move around?" Buffy spoke up.

"I can still move. He needs to know I'm alive. I need to go to him," she said as she proceeded to move off the bed. Riley and Xander moved over to her to help her stand. Forrest left to room to find a wheelchair for her and came back after a few moments. After situating the young witch, Xander pushed her out of the room, hoping they wouldn't be too late.


Sunnydale Woods

Jonathan finally landed in a clearing just west of the destroyed caves where Alucard and Gabriel joined him soon after. Zobek landed before the young man and the younger vampire and they were able to get a good look at the necromancer. He had grown to about ten feet in height, had what appeared to be dark materials that served as a tattered cloak, and most disturbingly, his held was replaced with a skull.

"What the hell happened to him?" Jonathan asked.

"He's transformed into his real form. As a Lord of Shadow, this being before us has a monstrous form where they reveal their true power. This dark lord calls himself Death," Alucard responded.

"He'll be shredded to nothing when I'm through with him," the young man said as he held his new sword at the ready while Alucard summoned his Crissaegrim. Gabriel tried to position himself to fight alongside him only to find a magical barrier blocking him. He turned and saw a number of rising corpses and summoned his Void Sword before charging at the undead army.

"You miserable fools will be serve as part of my army!" Zobek yelled before he reached down and pulled something from the ground. The object in question was a giant scythe with extra blades on the coiling handle of the weapon, which was still mostly buried in the ground.

"Do not let his appearance to cause you to waver," Alucard shouted to Jonathan.

"He'll be lucky if I let him live," the young man replied before he leapt at the monstrous being. As Jonathan took a swing with the new sword, Zobek did the same making the short young man block and get thrown into one of the surrounding trees.

Alucard leapt into attack next, channeling the Igneas blade. When the younger vampire swung at the scythe, the metal weapon was broken apart. Zobek jumped back and channelled his magical energy before he launched at the son of the Dragon. Alucard found himself next to his father surrounded by zombies before he went on the attack.

Zobek looked at Jonathan, with his expressions unreadable given his skeletal appearance. However, the anger in his voice was picked up on as he spoke, "You poor, deluded fool. What did you hope to accomplish by challenging me? The woman you love is likely dead. And the insane bastard who attacked her is probably long gone by now. What are you trying to prove?!"

"Jonathan looked at the monster before he replied, "That I can and will do everything to defeat whatever gets in my way."

Jonathan charged the faux reaper and swung, only for Zobek to deflect the strike with a magical barrier that barely withstood the might of the weapon. The dark magician took a swipe with his claws which Jonathan ducked under. The young man came back with an upward swing and cut into the monster. Zobek screamed in agony as he never expected the weapon to hurt him as much as it did. He remembered that the weapon was made from metal extracted from the Underworld. Much like weapons forged from Heaven, his lieutenant's weapon was almost as lethal. Zobek backed off as he figured that this confrontation was running longer than he intended. The faux reaper reverted back to his human form before he stared coldly at the human.

"I had hoped you'd use your new power to reach your full potential. Such a waste, just like that worthless vampire and his son. Still clinging to the false hope that you are worth anything. Until next time...my friend," Zobek said before he teleported in a flash of greenish/white light.

Jonathan looked over and saw Gabriel and Alucard cutting down the last of the walking corpses before the barrier came down. Jonathan approached the two vampires before he took off his helmet and looked at them. The two former humans were taken aback by the silver eyes as they were strangely reminded of Zobek's until they saw that he still had the whites in his eyes.

"So what do you want to do now?" Alucard asked.

Jonathan looked to the younger vampire with a guarded expression. He knew that he could trust Gabriel but the newcomer was another story. He looked Alucard in the eye before he replied, "I find that asshole Warren. Then I make him pay for what he did to Amy."

Jonathan proceeded to walk away with Gabriel following him. Alucard looked tot he two before he transformed into a flock of bats to find the others.


Author's note: Admittedly, this chapter was particularly slow. I wanted to bring in Zobek to give mimic a bit of what season 6 was like. However, at the same time, I wanted to introduce a major villain to this story, one of the many who will come about in the future. This is also to give you, the readers, a fair warning that this mashup will happen in a pretty big way. And the final crossover will come in the next story. Yes, the next story. Trying to put future events into one big story would only be putting in too much. Anyway, there's only one more chapter and then the epilogue before the next saga of my Hand of Fate series.