35. Part 35 Sometime family surprises us
Part 35 Sometime family surprises us
The hug might have under different circumstances embarrassed the teens. However each knew deep down that they had come close to losing Joyce. Death sadly had become an intimate companion an almost friend in some cases. However that did not mean that any of the group was overly eager to meet him with open and willing arms. Joyce's fierce hug was enough to remind them that she was alive well and strong. The group hug ended with Giles cleaning his glasses and looking on a bit lost. Adam moved to his side and gave him a strong pat on the back.
"You will get used to it old man." He teased."I can imagine emotional displays were not part of your normal life. However when dealing with Joyce it's just a part of the package I have a feeling that she and the children all need to know that they are loved and valued."
"Yes, I dare say you are correct. None of them with the exception of Buffy, Dawn and Oz have even remotely decent parents. I often wish there was something I could do."
"It can be difficult."Adam said."Sometimes I so miss the old days."
Howard and the other immortals laughed at this. Knowing full well that Adam missed the carefree violence that would have allowed him to meet a personal form of justice out to the abusive families of his daughter's friends; it angered all the immortals deeply as each knew the value of children, and that while they who would love and protect them were denied the joy of them men like Tony Harris had them. It did not seem quite fair.
"Mrs. Summers as fun as this is, I have to be heading home. It's kind of late." Xander said. Xander headed for the door.
Joyce stopped him." Xander while I know that you must go home there is no reason not to have someone drive you as we have seen it is perhaps the best way to avoid unpleasant situations."
"Maybe but my dad will freak if someone drives me home and is treating me right I so don't need the hassle of that."
"Well then he will have to be spoken too." Howard said. He looked at his daughter's pleading eyes and knew he would take the boy home. Joyce was claiming him as surely as she did Buffy, Dawn and Faith. While she might not openly adopt him she was clearly protective. It might help him smooth things over if he helped protect the boy. While Xander was now apparently immortal it was more than clear he had been abused and such people took some time to gain self confidence and the ability to put their abuser in their place. Fortunately for Xander he had people that cared and would protect him. "Xander I'll drive you home."
"How I mean you left your car?"
Howard frowned at this having forgotten that small detail.
"Howard we can take my car. It's large enough for us to ride comfortably. Perhaps Willow and Cordelia would like a ride home as well?"
"Ah thanks but I'm spending the night." Willow said."My folks aren't home and Mrs. Summers doesn't want me to stay alone."
"I'll take the ride. It beats walking." Cordy said. "Plus that is a cool car."
Xander grinned at this remark his appreciation of the former cheerleader rising a bit. "Wow an American Car that mpresses Queen C the world is surely ending."
"Hey even I know classics." Was the response "Well we best get going or Xander's folks won't be happy with him at all."
"So this will be different how?" Xander snarked but he knew Cordelia was right. She like Willow knew full well what kind of people his folks were. Ok maybe his mom could be called neglectful but his old man was a real bastard and Xander had always hoped he was adopted because the idea he was Tony Harris son was enough to give him nightmares.
Duncan and Howard lead the boy and girl out. Faith was clearly not happy with the idea of Cordy having alone time with Xander but she did not make a fuss. She just watched them leave. While she was seriously considering keeping Xander and maybe letting him Keep Cordy she was not overly thrilled with the idea of a triad. Her insecurities popped up. She was surprised when Buffy gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. She wanted to make certain that her new sister knew she was there for her.
Faith smiled shyly and Willow grinned. Man she has it bad. Of course if given an option Faith is so much better than Cordy. Willow still had some small issues with Queen C after all.
Oz merely watched the scene and sighed. Sometimes his friends and girl were clues. They were really trying for the traditional relationship thing which would never really work. Xander like himself was more of a pack animal. The Heyena incident had made him so even if he did not get that yet. It was why he was so driven to keep the group together. Of course Oz himself had only just figured it out. They were pack. Giles and Buffy were their Alpha pair and within that pack was a sub group. He and Willow were a pair, Xander Cordy and Faith a mini pack as well. He strongly suspected that Dawn would soon find her chosen mate and expand their pack even more. It was never going to be normal or easy. Of course now that Adam had joined Joyce the mix was even more complex and that was not even considering the newcomers. Of course if they stayed and became pack then the Hell Mouth's security would be assured and he almost pitied the next big bad foolish enough to make a move against them. Of course none of these thoughts were voiced as he was a quiet man who thought carefully before speaking. He was content to be certain of his position and facts before speaking out. It was not always necessary to spout out the first thing on one's mind. Oz was also aware that because of his quiet nature the group tended to listen when he spoke which was of the good really because someone had to be the voice of restraint. That sadly was so not a Scooby Trait.
Xander followed Duncan and Cordelia out a little surprised when Howard joined them. He noted that Adam had seemed to nod at the man. He wondered what that was all about. It hardly mattered. They got into one of the coolest cars Xander had ever seen. He loved cars it was the one thing he had in common with most other teenage boys. He climbed into the back seat and was a little shocked when Cordelia curled up next to him. Ok I could get used to this.
Duncan rolled his eyes but did not say anything he prepared to drive the young man home. He had not expected to be joined by Howard but he honestly had no real objections. While he had met the man in the past they were more of casual acquaintances then friends. He was still in shock over Methos being related to him.
The drive to Cordelia's home was quick and she hopped out of the car. "See you at school tomorrow."
"Yeah, sadly, hey Cordy don't forget that English paper. Willow reminded me earlier."
Cordelia laughed at this. Who'd have thought Xander cared about school? She waved to them and headed inside. Her house had lights on and her mother came to the door. She let her in and the others relaxed a bit.
As they pulled out Xander answered the unasked question. "Cordy's folks are a bit stuck up but they do care after a fashion. At least they take care of her material needs."
The men nodded at this Howard frowned clearly not liking the implications. Did this mean Xander's parents did not take care of him? He decided that if this was the case then he would help Joyce ensure that this young man had a safe place to be. He was moving to Sunnydale and it need be he would be more than happy to help.
Adam moved along the corridors of the base. He was rather certain that he would soon have all the things he needed to begin to create his own personal army. The world was a mess. Humans and demons were clearly not taking care of it. It was time for a more evolved race to emerge. He knew that Dr. Walsh had created him to be superior. He was not hampered by emotion or morals only the need to grow and learn. He watched his experiments and decided that this species of demon might well work with the cybernetic implants. He moved the saw and cut off the demon's arm. He had to test the theory of course. He watched as Dr. Walsh carried out her tasks. The addition of the demon had made her far more driven and she would help create the next generation who would all help rid the world of the foul thing called humanity. He sent out his scouts to gather more beings to make his army. He had high hopes that the local high school would provide many useful subjects.
The scouts arrived at the school. Sadly it was closed for the day but all was not lost as they spotted several janitorial staff leaving the building. With relative ease they approached the clueless beings and before the trio could even react they were shot dead.
"Retrieve the bodies Adam will find them most useful."
"Indeed we can obtain much knowledge of the school from them."
The two scouts left carrying the unfortunate dead with them. One more mysterious disappearance from Sunnydale High even the idea that there was safety in numbers was now dead and gone.
Xander entered his home and was rather surprised that his father was not around. He should have been home by now. His mom came out of the kitchen and much to his surprise was sober.
"Xander I was getting worried."
He looked at her with shock. Ok this is weird he thought. "Sorry mom, I got held up with homework."
Jessica Harris looked at her son. It was clear he was being evasive. However she let it pass. Lord knows she hardly qualified as mother of the year. Yet today when she woke up she had decided to change all that. It had suddenly struck her how mature her son was and that she had let his childhood slip away. She resolved to change for the better. She had even made Tony go in to work at the School when they called him. He had long been listed as a replacement janitor. He hated the work but it paid well and she had enough of his moaning about being broke and out of work. One had to make one's own breaks and it was time that they show Xander how to be a productive human being. He had sadly learned what wastes of space were because they had been it for far too long. Well no more. After Xander left she had cleaned the house not a beer bottle was in sight. All the booze was now locked up. If Tony did not like it he could get out. Xander deserved two sober parents but if Tony would not step up she would do it on her own. After all she had been the only one working anyway for the past few years consistently. If she did not have to buy booze for her husband and herself they would be a lot better off financially.
Howard watched the scene and could tell Jessica Harris was nervous and a lot different than what her son expected. He hoped this would be a good thing. If not he could still help the boy out. Of course it was almost a relief to see Xander hug his mother and begin to introduce them all. Maybe Xander had at last caught a break.
TBC...
36. Part 36 Meeting Mom
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Disclaimer: See Part One
Lost Connections
Part 36 Meeting Mom
Xander hugged his mom. He had been shocked when she greeted him at the door. More so when he realized she was clean and sober. She smiled at him clearly as nervous as he was. However she smiled at him and said.
"I was getting worried."
"Sorry mom I should have called." He said thinking that maybe he should have. He noticed she was looking at Howard and Duncan. He hastily made the introductions.
"Mom this is Mr. Duncan McCloud and Mr. Summers. Both are tutors for our school.
Mr. Howard Summers is Buffy's grandfather they are tutoring us in languages. Giles he's the librarian helped recruit them. You know Willow she's always into learning new stuff and she dragged me, Buffy, Cordy and Faith along for the ride."
Jessica did recall hat Willow was a little bookworm. Not that there was anything wrong with that but it was shocking to learn her son was studying more than his normal subjects. However she smiled and said. "Well that is most kind of you to volunteer your time like that."
"Well Mrs. Harris we just started the program. I'm sure it will be very interesting. I like working with young people and it gives me chance to spend quality time with Buffy and her friends in a "Cool way".
Jessica laughed. She suddenly realized they were standing on her front step. She stepped back and said motioned for them to come in. Howard smiled at her and they entered the home. Xander almost sighed with relief because at least his mother knew not to ask them in. She was sober and he was shocked at that.
He was further shocked when they he saw the house was clean. The empty bottles were all gone and the furniture gleamed as if it was freshly polished. Of course there were still signs of the house having been through a lot but it was cleaner then Xander could ever recall it being. He was stunned at the sight.
Duncan put a supportive hand on his shoulder to let him know he was there for support. Xander nodded.
"So mom what's for dinner?" He asked trying to sound casual.
"I was going to ask if you wanted to go out. But that can wait. Thank you for bringing Alex home safely. Would you care for some coffee?"
"It was my pleasure. Thank you but no we will be going now as Joyce will be making dinner soon. Take care Xander and remember to read up to chapter two." Duncan said.
Xander grinned and nodded. "Sure thing Duncan thanks again for tutoring and bringing me home."
Duncan smiled and said "No problem, see you on later." He and Howard turned and left.
Howard noticed that Tony Harris was not home. He made a mental note to check the man out. He had a feeling that he was not going to be around as Jessica seemed to be cleaning up her act. He hoped so because Xander seemed like a nice kid. He was clearly important to Buffy and Dawn and that made him important to Howard. He was going to keep his family safe. He had stayed away to long and it had almost lead to disaster no he was back and he was going to ensure that his daughter and grandchildren lived long happy lives.
Part 37
37. Part 37 Experiments
Lost Connections
Disclaimer: Please See Part One
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Part 37 Experiments
Adam looked at the body on his table. It was not the best but it would do. After all he would rather experiment on bodies he did not like rather than those of the young and fit. If this mix did not work then he would not lose much.
He pulled the id out and read it. Anthony Harris, Harris that was the name of the boy that was a companion to the slayer. This might prove useful. Well useful if the procedure worked.
He began his dissection and reassembly of one Anthony Harris and blended him with the demon he had just eviscerated. If this worked he would have a far stronger foot soldier.
Well back to work speculation would not gain him results only good hard work would. He looked up and noted Caleb was busy with several of the humans his minions had captured.
"Caleb please leave their at least some of their bodies intact."
"Of course, I suppose I can do that." He then sliced the terrified woman's head off. "Is the body sufficient?"
"That will be fine." Adam said with a smile.
Caleb gave him a happy smile and began hacking the woman apart immune to the screams of his future victims and totally enjoying his work.
Xander followed his mother into their kitchen. Once more he was shocked at how clean it was. The only thing he did notice was the recycling bin was full of bottles.
He swallowed hard as he noted that there was no booze in sight. He saw that the coffee pot was perking and that the smell of that wonderful drink was penetrating the kitchen. He watched as his mother poured herself a cup of the hot dark liquid.
"Would you like a cup Alex?"
He swallowed hard it had been years since she had called him that. "Sure mom with a couple of sugars and milk if we have any."
"Well I got some but would you prefer cream?"
"Ah…yeah that be of the good." Xander said. He took the mug and put in several heaping spoons of sugar and then the cream his mother gave him. He was shocked to see the refrigerator was fully stocked. "Ah mom what…what is going on?"
"Alex I…I've been a horrible parent to you. I was at work today and …well I suddenly realized that I don't know you, Jan she was talking about Kit and Lou Anne was raving about Larry and how well he is doing on the football team. I suddenly realized I don't really know what you like to do…. or who your friends are. I mean I know Willow but….I…I also remember Jesse ran away but I never checked on how it affected you and…" She began to cry.
Xander hated it when women cried. He had no idea what to do about it so he went over and hugged his mother. He loved her deeply and while he had been hurt and disappointed in her treatment of him he also knew that had she not been slightly neglectful he would never have been able to help Buffy and the gang.
So he decided it was a fair trade to have his Buffy shaped friend alive and well. He hugged his mother and offered her comfort. "Mom it's ok. I mean no harm done."
Jessica Harris wept she could not believe how forgiving her son was. She had messed up deeply.
She might not remember everything she had done or allowed Tony to do but she recalled enough. She had at best been highly neglectful and that was being generous.
She had to her mind actually at times been abusive. She cringed with guilt and swore silently to never ever let that happen again. She loved her son and it was past time she grew up and showed him how important he was to her. Jessica was done wallowing in self pity and done following Tony Harris like a whipped puppy. She had to have some pride if not in herself then in her son.
Xander watched his mother he was rather surprised to see the resolve in her face. It was clear to him that something had changed. It was as if she was an entirely different person. He hoped so. He still remembered his mother from his younger years. She had been caring and loving to him and supportive to both he and Willow. In his early years his mother had been a lot like Joyce. He wondered if maybe she could be again. He hoped so.
It had been easy enough to drop off the teens. It had also been rather surprising to meet Jessica Harris. He had been amazed at the power rolling off her. It was strange and yet not.
It made a strange kind of sense that Xander's mother was powerful. He wondered what type of Demon or Fey she was. It was not an obvious one for certain. However her aura had held power of far more than that of a mere mortal. It was going to complicate matters especially if she was aware of her heritage.
Then again many were not aware of the fact that they were slightly more than human. It was something he would have to consider with care and perhaps bring up with Adam and Rupert. It could easily complicate matters especially if it was true that Xander now was possessed by a primal spirit.
It could easily complicate the boy's life and interfere with things. It was just one more thing to research.
TBC...
38. Part 38 Letting go
Lost Connections
Disclaimer: Please see part one
2012-07-01
Part 38 Letting go
Adam Pierson held onto his wife's hand and decided he was never letting go. He had made a big mistake thinking Joyce and Buffy would be better off without him around. At the time he had justified it to himself but the fact was he was selfish and a fool. His friends clearly agreed as they gave him dark looks.
Duncan could not believe Methos had been so foolish as to leave a woman like Joyce. She was spectacular. If he was not certain she was smitten with his friend he might have considered making a play for her himself. That thought put a smile on his face but got him a dark look from Methos who now no longer looked like the academic Adam. No he had death's glare going on and it made Duncan want to laugh.
Connor shook his head and warned his younger kinsmen. "Careful Duncan a man could lose his head if he looks at another's woman the wrong way."
There was a "Hey" from Joyce.
"I am no man's woman!" She glared at him pulling her hand from her husband's. Her hands were on her hips and if looks could kill the elder highlander would have been dead and buried.
"Yeah I mean who's to say Ms. Summers is not keeping Adam there as her boy toy." Faith piped in eager to support her new mother.
Buffy giggled at that thought but Dawn said "EWWW" So not wanting to see that one."
"Well dad is hot for an old guy." Buffy said with a grin. "I think he's a bit old to be called a boy."
Giles nearly choked on his tea and Dawson had his iced tea coming out of his nose in shock.
"Oh Ewww nasty Wills we need to get some stuff to clean this mess up. It'll ruin mom's carpet."
"Yeah, I'll help you Buffy." Willow said following her friend out.
Joyce just glared and the men all looked sheepish."Immortal or not you are all so …so childish."
Giles grinned at that and said."Boys will be boys."
"Oh Lord spare me please as if the kids weren't enough!" Joyce said.
Amanda giggled and said."Men, boys it's all the same 10 or a 1000 years or so I've noticed. They only need three things and Sport, Food and Sex and not necessarily in that order."
"Yeah, sadly I agree." Joyce said with a grin. She both loved and hated the antics. At least it was drawing attention away from their vampire encounter. Maybe she's be spared the lecture from her eldest. Or not as she saw Buffy's rather serious look as she cleaned the mess up. Well one could hope.
Adam smiled as his newest demon hybrid rose. He was ugly as sin and slow but the weapons should make the Harris model formidable. He noted that even Caleb seemed interested. Setting aside his tools to watch the test.
"Begin tests Harris."
The robot like demon aimed down at the target and fired.
The flamethrower engulfed the target.
"Well it looks like your new model will bring hells flames to our enemies." Caleb said with a grin.
"Indeed it does preacher real fire and brimstone the wrath of god to destroy the mortals."
"Hardly the wrath of this god; though it is an interesting idea." Glory said walking in. "I could have used him in the mall today. Those clerks were killer. The lady at Huseins did not want to give me my dresses for free such a lack of respect for a goddess."
Caleb grinned and said. "Perhaps Adam here would lend you his agent to teach the young lady respect. It might be a good test."
"Indeed a wonderful idea. Harris go show our displeasure to that shop and punish the clerk."
"Yes sir." The demon hybrid responded turning and leaving to carry out his orders.
"Harris burn the whole stip mall down."
"Yes sir the humans?"
"Of course, make them scream." Glory said. "They deserve it and it will be fun to watch."
The demon nodded and moved to carry out his orders flanked by several other demons eager to help with the carnage.
Twenty minutes later the strip mall was a flame. Annabelle ran and hid from the creatures killing everyone. She pulled her cell out and called Cordelia Chase. Her former leader would know what to do. Maybe call Summers and her people. This was their type of problem to deal with. The former Cordette said a silent prayer even as she texted Cordy praying help would arrive before it was too late.
TBC...
39. Part 39 SOS MALL Part 39 SOS MALL Part 39 SOS
Lost Connections
Disclaimers: Please See Part One
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Part 39 SOS MALL
Cordelia's phone rang and she was rather surprised at the name listed. She called it back rather than texting as she wanted to make up with her friend, she would answer it anyway as she closed her bedroom door.
"Annabelle so what's the what?"
"Cordy help weird stuff. This thing it's shooting flames out of its hands and setting the mall on fire. I'm hiding. I can't run as its shooting anyone who tries to get away with this big gun thing. Help please call those Scooby people please…"
"Annabelle hold on I got to put you on hold. Keep hidden and put your phone on vibrate if you lose the signal. You know reception sucks in some places at the mall. Loss your shoes so you can run better if you have to and for god's sake make sure you can move."
"Yeah, I got it. I'll do it now. I got to hang up and be quite now. I'll text ya."
"Ok stay hidden and see if you can get some video to and send it to Rosenberg's phone."
"Ah….the number, I don't have it."
"555-8889 the gang will need info. Ok I'm going to call them now. Keep your head down and pull anyone to safety you can if you can without getting flambéed."
"Yeah will do, Cordy….I'm sorry …I…."
"Save it Annabelle it's not important but if you really feel bad you can let me use your employee discount when we go shopping next. I'll be using the land line so this can stay open."
"Ah…ok Thanks."
Cordelia grabbed the phone in her room and immediately dialed Buffy's. This is so stupid, the mall again. I mean where we are supposed to shop and hang out. Can't they blow up something useless like…like the hockey rink?
"Summers residence Joyce speaking."
"Mrs. Summers we got a problem. I need to speak to Giles and Buffy. Could you put it on speaker phone please."
Joyce sighed and did just that as Willow's phone rang off.
"Oh that will be Annabelle she is sending video of a demon that is setting fire to the mall with these flame thrower things."
"Of course it is." Joyce said with a sigh. She called her family in. It looked like they were going to be fighting sooner rather than later. Well at least it was not an immortal. "Buffy, Adam we have a problem."
They came running in swords drawn and Buffy had a stake in her opposite hand.
"Mom what's wrong?"
"Demons attacking the mall, it seems one of Cordy's friends just called. She's sending a video to Willow's phone."
"Oh hell no they just fixed the mall from the last time."
Joyce sighed and hated to agree but what could you do. She noted Rupert was cleaning his glasses clearly concerned but puzzled as to why the girls were so upset about the mall. Men they never got that shopping was important.
Willow's phone went off and she turned on the video. She screamed as she saw the demon.
Buffy looked over her shoulder and blanched. She had only met Xander's father a few times and he was a bastard but no one deserved to be made into that. "This could be a problem."
Willow began to cry. She did not like or care about Tony Harris but Xander did not deserve this kind of grief.
"Buffy what's wrong?" Giles asked as he did not see the video. Buff carefully took the phone from her redheaded friend and handed it to Giles. "The monster it's…Tony Harris. Xander's dad been made into a Frankenstein monster. How can we kill it and how can we tell Xander? I mean is there any chance we could save him?"
Giles rubbed his glasses and almost broke them. He had no answers and looked at the immortals.
"He looks to be tied to the demon. I would say he is gone." Connor said."It be a kindness to put him down his soul is likely gone."
"We can put that back." Willow said as she regained control. "I mean we did with Angel."
"Yeah, we did but…Willow Liam was at least a slightly decent man/Soul. Tony not so much, I mean is it fair. He could still hurt Xander. I don't want that."
Willow nodded and began to cry clearly torn on what to do. A part of her wanted to save Xander's dad for him but she also knew he was not a good father and that Xander was always hurt by him. But still …he was his dad what should they do?
"We kill the demon. It's not safe to let it live." Howard said. "We take its head that's the best way I think."
"Yeah it's hard to live with no head." Richie said. "But maybe we should warn Xander it's his dad and ….maybe he should have a say."
"Richie has a point." Nick agreed. "Someone needs to get the boy and we need to get there to protect the innocents. So let's go."
"Howard you go pickup Xander. He needs to at least know what is going on. Just on case that thing leaves and heads toward his home. Someone should also convince his mother to go somewhere safe. The rest of us will head for the mall."
"Adam is right. I'll go with you dad. Maybe I can convince Jessica Harris to go somewhere safe. I can bring her back here or to the gallery." Joyce said.
The others nodded at the plan and headed out. Buffy felt sick. She hated the idea of this. She hated having to stake someone who wore a face she knew. It never got easier. But this, this would be worse because it was Xander's father. He was an ass…. But still it would hurt her friend and she hated that. It reminded her to much of Jessie and that…that still broke her heart.
TBC….
A/N: Not abandoned I'm just slow to update on this site due to all the issues of late. It can be found at twisting the hell mouth under Firewolfe set the settings to NC-17 to find it.
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