I hope you enjoy the final chapter in that storyline. Thanks for reading and supporting it!
Chapter 25: A Journey Ends
*****Asgard Prison*****
When Buffy and her friends entered the prison, chaos reigned. The All-Father was using his staff to blow away any elf that was foolish enough to approach him. His soldiers were in battle all around. They kept most away from the All-Father. There was a mix of escaped prisoners and elves challenging them. Illyria seemed to be enjoying herself immensely as she fought three at once. She waved when Angel, Spike, and Buffy entered. Steve and Clint were taking care of approaching elves outside the front entrance. Thor, Tony, and Hulk had the sky. The witch had went to search for the missing slayer. Of course, Odin could've told them she was safe with Sif, but they never asked.
"There are a few left if you wish to engage," Illyria said casually.
"Gee, Blue. Thanks for the invite!" Spike said as he attacked the nearest one.
The All-Father watched from a distance as his daughter's sister and friends seemed to relish in the fight. In no time, they had dispatched nearly all the challengers. The way they relished the fight reminded Odin of Thor. The sister was unlike any of her people. He understood why Atali as the key had been sent to her. She fought with an intensity that was rare in one her age. He studied the two vampires, intrigued. His powers were vast and allowed him to see into their minds.
Angel, born Liam, felt the weight of his past sins most heavily. He sought redemption and felt it would forever be denied him. Cursed never to be truly happy, he continued to fight even though the loss of those he loved had hurt him deeply. Odin glanced at Illyria, who now lived inside the body of one Angel had loved. The vampire's desire to fight the evil that plagued earth allowed him to keep the Old One fighting with him even though it sometimes pained him to look at the face that belonged to his friend. An Asgard would not have been able to do so. The lines between good and evil were clearly drawn. Yet for the vampire cursed with the soul, he would get dirty if it helped his quest. His curse kept him from knowing how much more he could have in his life. Odin watched as he moved to take a blow meant for Buffy. Buffy smiled her thanks and turned to engage another enemy.
Odin glanced thoughtfully at the two. The love between them was pure and unusual. Angel's love for this woman had set him on his path. However, he no longer needed her to fight. Sifting through the vampire's memories, he saw a son. Ah, that made sense. Now Angel fought for his son Conner.
Spike let out a yelp as his arm was sliced with a blade. "Angel, I thought you had that one!" Spike complained.
"What, you can't manage on your own? I still have to rescue you?" Angel taunted.
Spike grinned and fought with renewed energy. Unlike Angel, this one didn't struggle with his past sins. He was able to recognize that the demon was separate from the man. His love for the slayer was also what had led him on his path. He both loved and hated Angel. The two vampires' lives were completely intertwined. In some ways, they were two sides of the same coin-the light and the dark. No one else on earth knew what it was like to wrestle with the demon inside like they did.
"Interesting," Odin thought. These creatures were so different from what he knew of both humans and demons. Unlike, Thor's Avenger friends, these two fought evil even though they had evil inside of them. It was a paradox. He glanced at Illyria as she fought for him and Asgard. She was unexpected also. It was most unusual. In all Odin's years, he had not come across such contradictions.
It didn't take the four of them long to dispatch the rest of enemies.
"That was fun!" Spike said with a grin.
"Just like old times," Buffy agreed. "Except we're in another galaxy on another planet fighting evil elves and not demons."
"Except for that!" Spike said with a snicker.
"You've picked up a few new moves," Angel said, giving her an admiring glance.
"It's good of you to notice," she said with a smirk. "You're looking pretty good yourself."
"For an old man," Spike added, slapping him on the back.
Buffy was glad to see that Spike no longer seemed jealous when she and Angel conversed. It'd taken the three of them a few years to get to the place they were in now. They were forever more than friends but no longer lovers. Shared grief, love, and common goals forever uniting them. Buffy knew that next to Xander and Giles they were the two men she could always count on. Either would die to protect her. On the days she felt particularly lonely, it felt good knowing that.
Steve Roger's face, though, flashed in her mind. Maybe she wouldn't have to be alone much longer. The man she was thinking of appeared in the doorway with Clint. Both men sought her. Both looked relieved to see that she was okay. Buffy couldn't stop the smirk and slight eye roll. When would the men in her life quick seeing her as the fragile female she looked like on the outside?
"Are they still coming?" Buffy asked Steve.
"No. Thor stopped the last ship," Steve answered. "Thor said Sif was dispatching any remaining. Willow has joined them."
"What about the Hulk?" Buffy asked.
"I sent him to go find Willow and take care of any remaining elves he finds," Steve said.
Odin suddenly moved from his sentry position. Loki's mind cried out for him.
"Mother!" Loki shouted.
"We must get to the castle! The queen is in danger!" Odin ordered.
Buffy's eyes flashed with fear. "Dawn!" she cried. Immediately, she turned to run toward the exit.
******Inside the Throne Room******
For Dawn, it seemed to happen in slow motion. She'd just finished killing another elf and looked up. Her mother was grabbed. Another elf was about to stab her when Xander jumped in front of her. Dawn watched in horror as the sword plunged into his chest. She didn't even realize she was screaming.
Loki moved so swiftly that Dawn couldn't track his moments. He moved and quickly dispatched the one who'd tried to kill their mother.
Loki looked down at Malekith as he breath his last. His foot kicked the fallen man. "You dare strike out at my mother!" Loki yelled angrily, rage consuming. He wanted to plunge the sword in again and again. However, it went against his Asgard training that ran deep. It seemed there was some things he couldn't shake off no matter how deep the hate for the All-Father went.
"You think you've won?" the elf king said with a gasp. "This is just the beginning. The All-Father grows complacent. Old enemies will come. This city will burn!" He took one final gasp and died.
"Xander!" Dawn exclaimed, falling by his side.
"He's losing a lot of blood," Frigga said, pressing her hand to his stomach.
Dawn didn't like the worry she saw in her mother's eyes. "We have to save him! Do something! Please!" she exclaimed.
"We need to get him to medical," Frigga said. "Lift him carefully, Loki. We have to maintain pressure." Frigga kept her hands pressed on his wound.
"Xander, can you hear me?" Dawn asked, tears coursing down her face.
"Dawn?" he said, coughing blood.
"The sword punctured his lung," Frigga said in alarm. "Don't try to talk, Xander."
"Hang in there, Xander!" Dawn urged. "Do you hear me? I love you, and you will not die on me!"
He gave her a small smile and nodded.
"Dawn!" a voice behind them called out.
Dawn turned and saw Buffy. "Buffy! Xander's hurt!" she called out.
Buffy ran to their side. She immediately took in what happened. Her eyes scanned all the dead bodies.
"We have to get him to our doctors," Frigga told Buffy.
"Let me help," Buffy ordered. Loki carefully lifted the foolishly brave human up into his arms. Buffy's hands replaced Frigga's, stopping the blood.
As they were walking slowly across the room, everyone else entered.
"Frigga, are you hurt?" Odin asked his queen, his eyes scanning her for injuries.
She went to him, embracing him. "No. I am uninjured thanks to Xander," she said.
"How did this happen?" Buffy asked. "We need Willow. Get Willow!" She looked around at some guards that had come in behind the All-Father. "Get Willow!"
"Please," Dawn echoed the order. "Willow's magic can save him."
"She went into the city to find Kennedy," Buffy said. Some of the soldiers moved to obey the order to find her. Relieved, Buffy glanced down at the very pale face of her best friend. She wasn't ready to lose him. They had been through too much together. It was too soon.
Steve and Clint made it to the room as Xander was being carried by Loki through a side door. Angel and Spike were a step behind them.
"Is the Xand-man going to be okay?" Spike asked.
"He's lost a lot of blood," Buffy said worriedly.
Some of the Asgard medical team appeared and took Xander away from Loki. A soldier gave her a wet cloth to wipe the blood off of her hands.
"They'll take care of him, sweetie," Frigga said, wrapping her arms around Atali's soldier.
"What happened?" Buffy asked.
"We were all fighting the elves. Mother was cornered. Their leader was about to kill her when Xander got there first," Dawn explained. She looked at the All-Father. "He jumped in front of her and the sword went into him instead. He saved her life."
"I was too far away. I managed to kill Malekith, though," Loki said. "Your one-eye human was most brave."
"Where is Willow? Why isn't she here yet?" Dawn asked Buffy. Fear for Xander was reflected in both their eyes.
"I wish I knew," Buffy said worriedly.
*****In the City******
When her friends appeared to have the situation well under hand, Willow decided to go find Kennedy and make sure she was okay. She'd been away from her friends too long. Willow knew she was with Thor's friends, who were warriors and was quite capable of taking care of herself. However, she couldn't help but worry. Although she and Kennedy were no longer together, Willow still cared about her. She followed the pull of Kennedy's essence. It amused her when the Hulk followed her like a shadow. He roared and looked for enemies. An occasional dark elf was spotted in their path. Before Willow could react the Hulk would jump in front of her and mow them down.
"Kennedy!" she called out when she finally spotted her friend. She was fighting a small group of elves that remained. Thor's two friends were with her.
Kennedy looked up when she heard her name. She waved and killed the elf she was battling. They had tried to make their way to the castle, but they had encountered more enemies that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Sif didn't want them to get into the main populace, so they had kept engaging the enemy.
"What's going on?" Kennedy asked.
"Asgard was invaded," Willow said.
"How did they get past Heimdall? Does my brother yet live?" Sif asked in concern.
"Heimdall is your brother?" Willow asked in surprise.
Sif nodded. "Yes," she replied.
"I don't know what happened. It started in the prison, I think," Willow said.
Suddenly, someone appeared next to Kennedy that made Willow immobile.
"What are you doing, Willow?" the voice of beloved asked.
Willow blinked. "Tara?" she gasped. "Tara?"
Kennedy looked and saw no one. "What's wrong, Will?"
"You cannot fight alone what is to come. You and our friends will die if you are not ready," Tara told her.
"How are you here? Are you okay?" Willow asked, the presence of her lover reducing her to pure emotion. She couldn't believe this was happening. It was like a dream. One she'd had many times and then she'd awake in disappointment. She wasn't asleep now, though. Tara was really here.
Sif killed the final elf and turned to Kennedy. She glanced at the redhead, who was looking at the space next to Kennedy. No one was there. "Who does she converse with?" Sif asked.
"I'm not sure," Kennedy said, confused.
Willow stepped forward, oblivious to everyone else. "Is it really you?" she asked. Then she paused. "Are you the First? Is it you, Tara?"
Tara smiled lovingly at her. "You are not on earth. The Powers That Be allowed me to reach out to warn you," Tara said. "Something is coming. It will threaten Asgard. It was threaten earth. You cannot fight it alone. Slayer strength will not be enough. Your magic will not be enough," Tara told her.
"It's you! It's really you!" Willow gasped. She drunk in the presence of her beloved. She looked the same. She was dressed in a long pale blue flowing dress. Willow couldn't believe how beautiful she looked. "Are you an angel? Didn't you make it to heaven like Buffy did?"
"There are many heavens and many hells, Willow," Tara said, smiling at her. "Buffy died saving the world. She was at rest in the heaven reserved for warriors who give their lives for another."
"But you fought with us. You deserved to be there, too!" Willow protested, upset at the thought that Tara wasn't at peace.
Tara stepped forward and put her hand out. "I am in a good place, Will. You don't have to worry," she said.
When Willow tried to grab Tara's hand, her hand went through her. "You're not corporeal?" Willow asked in disappointment.
"No," Tara said. She rested her hand against Willow's cheek. Willow closed her eyes a moment and pretended she could feel it. "I wish you could hold me one last time, Will, but that's not why I'm here."
"Are you at peace?" Willow asked, tears flowing down her cheek.
Tara smiled and nodded. "I am. I am watching out for you, Willow. Always. I can't do much, but sometimes I can convince a guardian to intervene on your behalf. I was able to come to you now and warn you. An old enemy is joining with a new one. Together they will bring darkness and death to earth and the Nine Realms. You must be ready, Willow. You cannot interfere now. Xander is the wild card. You must let it play out," Tara said.
Willow frowned in confused. The Hulk roared and pounded the ground in anger. He could not see the threat that Willow spoke with. It enraged him. He began destroying the building next to them.
"Can you contain the Hulk?" Sif asked as she dodged a piece of the building. People ran out.
Willow glanced up but could not focus on anything but Tara. "How? What should I do?" Willow asked, confused.
Tara put her hand in a small pouch she carried. "You can sleep," she said. "I'm sorry. You must not try to save him."
"What?" Willow asked in confusion.
"I'm always with you, Willow. Our love forever connects us. Trust me now. It's the best way," she said. Tara blew on her hand and some silver dust covered Willow.
Kennedy watched in dismay as Willow crumbled to the ground unconscious. She stepped forward to see if she was alive. She looked around, confused. Suddenly a woman appeared. Kennedy immediately recognized her from photos. "Tara?" she asked in surprise. "What's happening? What did you do to Willow?"
"I am aiding her. She must step back and not interfere like she would like to do," Tara said. She looked up at the Hulk. He would destroy much. Tara reached into her pouch and blew the silver dust toward the Hulk. "Sleep, warrior of earth. Know that there are no real accidents, Dr. Banner. You were chosen." The dust hit the Hulk, and he began to change. His naked body crumbled to the ground. "Take care of her," Tara said. Then she disappeared.
Sif and Kennedy looked both confused and dismayed.
*****Back in Asgard*****
"He's lost too much blood," the medic told Odin. "He's unconscious and won't awake anymore."
"Father, you must save him!" Atali begged.
"He is mortal. And a human. This is not unexpected," Odin replied.
"He saved our mother! He is worthy. He has risked his life for earth many times. He may be human, but his heart is as strong and true as any Asgard," Atali said passionately.
"Longevity is not something most humans can handle. He will out live his family and those he loves," Odin said.
"He has no family but us. Please, Father! If you love me, you will save him!" Atali begged.
"Dawn, wait!" Buffy said. "Willow can heal him. I'm not sure he'd like to be so fundamentally changed."
"He'll be alive!" Dawn replied vehemently. "He'll have a life time to get used to his new reality."
Buffy looked for Willow, who still hadn't appeared. She looked at Spike and Angel. "What do you think?" she asked them. "Can Xander handle immortality?"
"I think he'd prefer it over death," Spike said bluntly.
Angel wasn't so sure. "I don't know, Buffy. It's a hard burden."
"Can you change him back to human if he hates it?" Buffy asked Odin.
Odin nodded. "It's possible. However, I won't do it lightly. He must spend at least a year as an Asgard. A human cannot be consort to Atali. If he loves her enough, he will be pleased," Odin said.
Atali/Dawn was relieved. "Thank you, Father! Do it now before it's too late," she advised.
Odin looked at his wife who nodded her assent. "Very well. If you are sure," he said. He glanced at Buffy.
"Are you sure, Dawn?" Buffy asked, torn.
"We can't lose him, Buffy. He means too much to us," Dawn replied.
Buffy nodded. She faced Odin. "Okay. Do it."
He stepped into the medical room where Xander was at.
"I hope we're not making a mistake," Buffy said to Dawn.
"We have no other choice," Dawn replied.
Buffy knew that wasn't true, but she understood Dawn's fear. She didn't want to say goodbye to Xander either. Whatever happened, she'd face the consequence of her decision.
A half hour later, Willow, Kennedy, Sif, Thor, Dr. Banner, and Tony made an appearance. Willow looked like she was in a daze. Bruce wasn't looking much better. He was wearing borrowed clothes and seem discombobulated.
"Are you guys okay? Where were you?" Buffy asked.
"I just finished disposing of the last of the enemy," Thor said.
"I was talking to Willow," Buffy said dryly. "Xander was dying. We needed you."
"That's why she told me to not interfere!" Willow exclaimed, suddenly understanding.
"That's why who told you?" Buffy asked in confusion.
"Tara. Tara was here. She appeared to me. She warned me that an old enemy was joining with a new one. One that threatens all of the Nine Realms," Willow shared.
"Are you sure it was Tara? It could've been the First. We stopped the hellmouth and destroyed Caleb. But we can't destroy the First. Not entirely," Buffy said.
"I saw her, too," Kennedy said. "She put Willow to sleep using some powder. She stopped the Hulk."
They glanced at Bruce, who nodded. In his head, words echoed. "Sleep, warrior of earth. Know that there are no real accidents, Dr. Banner. You were chosen." The woman's words whispered to him on a loop. What did they mean? He was meant to be the Hulk? He wasn't a monster? Was he really chosen? Bruce didn't know what to think about the implication that he wasn't just a monster. The thought that some higher power was at work and that he was chosen rocked his foundation. The fact that the words were spoken while he was the Hulk and yet he remembered them so clearly also shook him. He was a man of science. He wasn't sure he believed in fate or destiny. It was a lot to take in.
"Are you okay?" Tony asked him, noticing his distraction.
Bruce nodded. "I'm fine. I'll tell you later," he said.
Buffy and Dawn filled them in on what they missed. Xander was now being both saved and changed.
"This was the right choice, Buffy. Tara knew I'd prevent that from happening. That's why she intervened. This is meant to be. We need Xander to be stronger for the next Big Bad on the horizon," Willow said.
The group began to discuss what the possible new threat could be while Xander was undergoing his metamorphosis.
Odin joined them. "It is done," he stated.
"Is he okay? Can we see him?" Dawn asked anxiously.
"He is alive and in stasis. It will be several days before you can speak to him. Changing a human to an Asgard is not something that came be done in an instant," Odin said.
"It didn't take days for you to change Dawn's form," Buffy said bluntly.
"Because her original form was already Asgard and as the Key she possessed magical properties. Xander has none and is fully human," Odin explained.
"I want to see him," Dawn insisted.
Buffy went with Dawn to see Xander. A white ball of energy surrounded the table he'd been laid upon. They could barely make out his form.
"Do you think he'll hate being an Asgard?" Dawn asked in a small voice.
"Hate being able to kick Spike's ass? I doubt it," Buffy said with a grin.
Dawn laughed at the thought. The fear and anxiety finally leaving her.
*****The Next Day*****
Angel, Spike, and Illyria were set to leave and head back to earth. Angel didn't like being gone so long from Los Angeles. Tony and Bruce decided they should go back, too. Pepper would be worried Tony knew. Steven and Clint were reluctant to leave Buffy alone on the planet, but she assured them she'd be okay.
They stood in front of Odin and Frigga to pay their respects and say goodbye.
"Asgard is in your debt," Odin said to them. "You did not have to fight with us, yet you did. You will always be welcome here."
"Thanks. It was fun!" Spike said with a grin.
"I have a gift for you," Frigga said to the vampires. She stepped down and gave both Angel and Spike a necklace made up of a black leather cord with a purple stone attached to it. "This necklace will allow you to walk in the sunlight. It will protect you."
"Seriously?" Spike asked in amazement.
"Yes," Frigga said, smiling. She turned to Illyria and gestured to a soldier who stepped forward carrying something in his hands. Frigga took the long package. She unwrapped the cloth, revealing a long sword. "The elves were highly skilled at sword making. Their blades the finest in the Nine Realms. We would like to gift you with Malekith's sword."
Illyria smiled. "It is an admirable weapon," she said, admiring it as it was placed in her hands. It had been eons since anyone had given her a gift. The gesture surprised and pleased her.
"When we get back to earth, I will begin making inquiries through my underworld connections to find out what's stirring," Angel said.
"I'll be back soon," Buffy told them. She stepped forward to give them a hug. Dawn hugged them, too.
"Thanks, Illyria, for your help," Willow said to her. She hugged the woman. At first, Illyria stood immobile. Then she relaxed and returned Willow's hug. Humans were so affectionate. It was odd.
"To Thor's Avenger friends, we offer you both our thanks and our friendship," Odin said to Tony, Clint, Steve, and Bruce. "You will always be welcome here." He looked pointedly at Dr. Banner to make sure he understood he was included in the invitation.
"Captain, I have no gift that can equal the shield you carry. But know you are worthy enough to wield any Asgard weapon, even Thor's hammer." Steve looked surprised and glanced at Thor.
"Don't get any ideas!" Thor said with a grin. Everyone laughed.
"Tony, I have some of our planet's metal that you will find most useful," Odin said. A soldier stepped forward with a large case.
Tony grinned eagerly. "Not necessary but thanks!" he said. He couldn't wait to get it back to his lab.
Frigga stepped forward. A soldier placed something in her hands. "Clint, long ago as a girl I took up archery. My father gave me this. It has gone unused for over a millennium. I know it will be in good hands if you accept it. The arrows always return to the quiver."
Clint grinned, impressed. "Thanks, your majesty."
Dawn stepped forward, grinning at Bruce. "Loki and I made this for you, Bruce," she told him.
He gave Loki a suspicious look. "What is it?" he asked.
"Well, whenever you turn into the Hulk, you wake up naked. This is an undergarment that will expand with your size. It has some magical properties and should never wear out or burn or tear. It is as indestructible as you are," Dawn said.
"You don't get to flash your naked backside anymore?" Tony asked in mockery. "How will you ever score with the ladies?"
Willow laughed. "I think he will do just fine," she said, winking at Bruce. She found his quiet strength and brilliant mind very appealing. At times, he reminded her of Oz. A man who held a beast within was a familiar sight to her. Unlike most, she found his presence comforting.
Bruce looked embarrassed but accept the black shorts. They looked like a type of spandex.
"Tony, we'll be back as soon as Xander wakes up. I'm sorry about all this. I know I haven't worked long enough to earn time off," Buffy said apologetically.
"Don't worry about it. I got to visit another planet. We'll call it even," Tony said with a grin.
"Are you ready, Illyria?" Angel asked her. She nodded and opened the portal. One by one they stepped through it, waving at their friends before they did so.
******Two Days Later******
Buffy was sparring with Thor. She had grown bored and restless waiting for Xander to wake up. Finally, she'd goaded Dawn's brother into sparring with her. She would've asked Sif, but the woman didn't seem very approachable and made Buffy nervous. Thor had grinned at her request and agreed. They had agreed not to use any weapons. At first, Thor was unsure how to begin fighting such a tiny woman. But then Buffy had jumped up and hit him hard in the jaw, causing his head to swing around. His warriors three, Loki, and Atali were his audience, so he decided to spar with her without hurting her too much. Soon, however, Thor learned that the kid gloves were not necessary. Atali's sister didn't hold back.
Buffy knew that Thor wasn't human, so she didn't hold back like she normally did. Instead, she went full out. Only with Faith did she normally let loose this way. It was exhilarating. She'd been frustrated and bored with the waiting and inactivity. Fighting Thor was just the distraction she needed.
The fight grew in intensity. Loki, standing next to his sister, snickered whenever the tiny human slayer landed a hard blow to Thor. Her roundhouse kick was particularly affective and knocked Thor off his feet. He retaliated with a hit that sent Buffy flying. He felt guilty, though, and paused to see if she was okay. When she popped up with a laugh, he was relieved.
"Truly, you are remarkable, Buffy Summers," Thor said in admiration.
"Atali," Frigga said, interrupting. "Xander is awake."
Buffy and Dawn both immediately turned to leave the room and run to where Xander was. When they made it to the room, he was sitting up on the table drinking a glass of water.
"Xander!" Dawn called out. When he looked up, she gasped in surprise. He had both of his eyes. She shouldn't have been surprised, but she had gotten used to him without them.
"What happened?" Xander asked. His hand went up to his once missing eye. "Why do I suddenly have two eyes?"
"Do you remember what happened?" Buffy asked.
"I remember fighting the elves. One was about to kill the queen," Xander said.
"You took the blow meant for my mother," Dawn said. "You saved her life. In return, my father saved yours."
"We couldn't find Willow, Xander. We didn't want you to die," Buffy said quickly.
"What did you do?" Xander asked, suspicious.
"My father changed you. You're an Asgard now," Dawn said haltingly.
Xander jumped off the table. "What?" he asked in shock.
"You were going to die, Xander. We didn't want to lose you," Buffy explained.
"So your solution was to completely change me? Are you insane?" Xander asked outraged.
"Father said he could change you back in a year or so if you don't want to be Asgard. However, our union would never be approved if you're human," Dawn informed him.
"Yeah, human me wasn't quite good enough for you, huh? Now you got your wish," Xander said bitterly.
"You'd rather we let you die?" Dawn asked in dismay.
"No. Of course not," Xander said quickly. "It's just a lot to take in."
"You're still you, Xander. It's just now you're stronger and immune to all earth sickness," Dawn said.
"I guess I won't need Tony's robotic eye anymore," Xander joked, putting his hand to his eye. "Can I have a mirror?"
"You look the same," Buffy said when Dawn went to get him one.
"I feel the same. Mostly," he said. He did feel full of energy, though.
"Are you angry with us?" Buffy asked, unsure.
Xander sighed. "Like I can ever stay angry with my girls," he said.
Buffy grinned and stepped forward to hug him. "I'm sorry, Xander. I didn't want to lose someone else I love," she said, pulling back to look at him.
"It's okay. I'm sure I'll get used to it," he said carefully. A part of him couldn't help thinking that this now made things easy for Dawn. Now he was more acceptable to her family. He couldn't help but resent that. However, he would've made the same choice if it had been Buffy near death. He looked around. "Where's Will?"
"She took Kennedy back. Sif went with them. She wanted to meet more slayers. Lady Sif is used to being one of the few female warriors on Asgard. She and Kennedy hit it off, and she wanted to see our training school for the slayers," Buffy said. "She'll be back tonight."
"I want to go home," Xander said bluntly.
"You don't want to take a day or two and get used to things?" Buffy asked in surprise.
"I do. But back home. On earth. This will never be my home," Xander said firmly.
"You can't know that, Xander. You will live a long time. The people here will become your family. Dawn will want to be here at some point, Xander," Buffy pointed out.
"I can't think about that now, Buffy," Xander said warily.
Dawn reappeared with a mirror in her hand. She smiled and held it out to him. "You'll see, Xander. You're the same. Just now you're stronger and will live longer," Dawn said brightly.
Dawn looked so eager that Xander didn't have the heart to hurt or upset her. He smiled as he accepted the mirror. He looked. She was right. He seemed the same. His eye now matched the other one. For that alone, he was grateful. "Thank you," he said softly. He reached for her and kissed her. A part of Xander would always wonder if she would love him enough as a human. However, Xander wasn't one to worry about the future. He tended to live in the now. He was alive. He was whole. For now, that was enough.
******SHIELD******
Nick Fury reread Clint's report. Much had happened on Asgard. It was a lot to take in. Project Insight was more important than ever. They had to be able to protect earth from any enemy. He had filled in Pierce, the only man he answered to. Pierce agreed that their time table must move forward. Incorporating the slayers into his teams was also an important step. This time they wouldn't be caught off guard. Whatever came, they would be ready.
A few stories below, Clint was catching Natasha up to speed in the office she used when in town. She'd returned from the mission Fury had sent her on that morning.
"So everything worked out?" Natasha asked.
"I guess," he said with a shrug.
Natasha could sense something was bothering him. "What's wrong?" she asked.
Clint was silent a long moment. "Buffy kissed Steve," he admitted.
Natasha held back the grin that threatened. She and Clint has been lovers once. They had even been in love, but life and constant battles had changed things. Now he was her best friend. One she'd both die for and kill for. She wanted him to be happy. He'd given up everything for the fight like she had.
"And that bothers you?" she prompted.
He nodded. "It shouldn't. Steve's a good guy. He deserves someone like Buffy," he said quietly.
"But you want her for yourself? You've not wanted any woman for yourself in a long time, Clint," Natasha observed.
"Not since you," he admitted, flashing her a boyish grin.
"I know I ruined you for other women," she said laughingly.
"That you did," he agreed.
"Well, a kiss doesn't make a relationship," Natasha said. "From what I've heard, Buffy's had bad luck in the men department. She's probably oblivious to you."
"If Steve like's her, I shouldn't interfere," he said.
"The Captain is still getting used to the world. I doubt he's ready for a relationship. And I'm not sure he'll ever be ready for Buffy," Natasha said. "You should let her know how you feel before things progress further." While Clint was staring off into space considering things, she pulled out her phone and sent off a text to Willow asking her to bring Buffy to her.
Zara and Kennedy knocked on Natasha's office door. Lady Sif was with them.
"Come in," she said.
"Hey. We wanted to let you know that Giles is sending the other slayers today. In light of the new developments, he's agreed to let ten volunteers come work with SHIELD instead of just five," Kennedy said.
"That's good. We're going to need to be ready," Natasha said.
Suddenly, Buffy and Willow appeared. Buffy looked confused. "What the hell, Will? Why are you wasting your energy teleporting? We could've drove!" Buffy protested in annoyance.
"Natasha needed to see me right away," Willow said, fighting off a grin. When she saw Clint in the room and Natasha's pointed look, her suspicions were confirmed. She glanced at Zara, Kennedy, and Lady Sif. "Ladies, join us." She grabbed Kennedy's arm and all but dragged her from the room with Natasha leading the way.
Buffy stood there perplexed. "What is going on? Why is Willow acting so strange? Haven't we had enough weird lately?" she asked, looking at Clint.
Clint had been caught off guard by Buffy's sudden appearance. However, when Natasha and the other women left, he stood up and faced her. When she directed her questions to him, he stepped toward her. "Well, Natasha brought you here for me," Clint said with a sheepish smile.
"Really? Why?" Buffy asked, still confused.
Clint walked closer until he was directly in front of her. "Because I told her that Steve kissed you," he said.
Buffy looked embarrassed. "How did you know that?" she asked.
"He told me," Clint admitted. "I told Natasha because I was jealous."
Buffy's mind reeled at his confession. She had no idea that Clint was attracted to her. A time or two she'd seen him look at her, but people often did when they first found out about her abilities. She hadn't thought it meant anything. "You were?" she asked in surprise.
"Yes. I am," he said. He reached out and took her hand. "Steve is the best guy I know. He'd make the perfect boyfriend. And he's my friend. If you start dating, I'll find a way to deal."
"We're not really dating," Buffy admitted. "I do like him, though."
Clint nodded. He ran a hand over hers. His touch was light. "I understand," he said. He pulled her closer. She looked up at him, waiting to see what he was going to do. "But I like you, too. I thought you should know."
"Well...okay," Buffy said slowly. She didn't back away as his head slowly moved until his lips touched hers. She kept her mouth slightly open in anticipation. He didn't disappoint. She expected him to be hesitant, but he was the opposite. His lips covered hers firmly. He kissed her thoroughly. She could feel his barely contained hunger for her. It was intoxicating. Her arms moved and went around his neck. His tongue went into her mouth, deepening the kiss. She welcomed his tongue, finding his taste and touch stirring things inside her that she'd ignored for a long time.
When he pulled back, they both were breathing heavily. Buffy gazed at him in shock. His kiss had rattled her. "What do you want from me?" she finally spit out.
"Whatever you want to give me," he said honestly. He turned to go find Steve. He needed to be honest with his friend.
"Where are you going?" Buffy asked, confused by his actions.
"It looks like I need to have a talk with a certain Captain," Clint said, giving her a wink. Then he walked out of the room.
Buffy watched him go, her mind whirling. Why couldn't her love life ever be less complicated?
*****On Earth's Moon*****
Thanos looked adoringly at his Mistress of Death. "I am ready, my love. What do you need me to do?" he asked her.
She looked at the blonde next to her. "I need to you follow my sister here to earth. The Realms grow unbalanced. The Slayer and the Red Witch have unleashed too many warriors for their side. They cheat death. We must destroy them," his mistress said.
Thanos looked at the petite blonde woman. "And what do I call you?" he asked her.
"You can call me Buffy," the woman said with a satisfied smile. Soon she will be strong enough to return to earth. The Slayer and her friends would pay. They would learn their place.
Thanos dipped his head respectfully as his mistress expected. "It will be my pleasure to aid my mistress's sister," he said. Death was a gift. One he never grew weary of sharing.
******The End******
I'm sure this last bit clarified some things for you. I hope you enjoyed this final chapter. 63% of the 90 voters that participated in my poll voted that Xander be turned into an Asgard. If you didn't vote, you can't complain about the results. If you did vote and your vote lost, I'm sorry. I hope the story has enough things in it that you still left satisfied. I have no real idea how long it would take Odin to change Xander. I did read he offered to change Jane for Thor in the comics and he did make Thor human a time or two. I hope what I wrote was conceivable for those that read the comics. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. I hope a sequel will arrive by 2015. I didn't tie up all the storylines mainly because I hope this won't be the end of the story!