40. Part 40 Bad tidings

Lost Connections
Disclaimers: Please See Part One

Friday, October 05, 2012
Part 40 Bad tidings

The door bell rang which in and of itself was highly unusual. Xander rose from the couch and moved with caution. He suddenly had a really bad feeling about this. He looked over at his mother who was watching tv. She seemed to be sober and really quiet. That had bugged him a lot. It was such a rarity these days the sober part anyway. He looked through the peek hole and froze. It was Joyce, Willow, Howard along with Giles. This so was not of the good.

He opened the door and said."What's happened? Why so glum?"

"Xander we have some new….it is not good." Giles said. He did not ask to come in but he pulled his glasses off and began to clean them. Xander stood side and they all entered. He was worried but even so he would not invite them in it was after dark.

"What has happened?"

"Xander it's about your father…" Giles stopped as he saw Jessica. He paused and looked at Xander. "We should talk in private."

"Sure Giles come on into the kitchen. I can make us some coffee. I'm afraid we don't have tea."

"Coffee is fine Xander." Giles said with a sad smile. Even now the boy was trying to be supportive.
Joyce wanted to weep. She saw Jessica had fallen asleep in the chair. However she looked peaceful for once and it tore at Joyce's heart that they had to do what this, however Xander had to be warned and they had to keep him and his mother safe and secure. She followed Xander and the others into the kitchen.

Xander made the coffee and then looked at his mentor. "Spill Giles, I can take it." Xander looked at Willow who was pale and looked about ready to cry. She and Joyce had him worried.

"Yes I suppose you can … only I'm not sure I can."

Willow ran forward and hugged him hard. "Buffy and Cordy would have come but we have an emergency. There is a monster at the Mall."

"Ah huh and this is a problem why? Oh yeah it's the Mall I'm sure the girls are freaking out."

Willow smiled sadly "Yeah its bad but….Xander that's not t he problem. Ah….Oh hell mouth. Its your dad."
"Huh? What has Tony done now? I mean he is a mean drunk and all but that hardly calls for Queen C much less the slayer?"

"No Xander Adam…Adam got your dad and he killed him and made him…." Willow began to cry.

Xander's eyes grew wide as the implication hit him. He suddenly felt faint. "Tony….he's the monster as in one like we deal with?"

"Yes Xander. I'm so sorry." Joyce said.

Xander looked at Giles for some reprieve and saw only sadness.

"Right ok, so we go stop him and put and end to this. Ah…we have to slay him right? No soul?" There was almost a pleading in his voice.

"Xander…he's gone and he's part machine and other demons. I….I don't think we could save what was left of Tony." Giles said sadly,"Willow thought of the soul restoring spell but, a mean drunken Tony in a monster's body…he could hurt you or your mum without meaning to and ….we cannot take the risk."

Xander nodded sadly and then left the kitchen to compose himself he came back carrying an ax. "Ok then. My dad my problem lets go stop this before he trashes the Mall. Cordy and Buffy would never let me live that down."

Willow could tell he was fighting tears so she simply grabbed him and hung him tight. Xander held her for a moment then pushed her back. "Will we gota go."

"Yeah, we do." She agreed and they headed out. Xander glanced at his now sleeping mother wondering what he would tell her. He sighed and put that off. At least now Tony would not and could not hit her again.

TBC….

41. Part 41 Lost in the memories

Lost Connections

Disclaimer: Please See Part One

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Part 41 Lost in the memories

Xander stepped out into the mall court. He had mixed feelings about this mission. He was not close to his father and if he was honest he had considered killing him any number of times. He had thought back when he had been forced to stake Jesse that he would have preferred it to be Tony Harris. That being said he never thought it really happen. For as much of a bastard as Tony was there were a few good memories.

Memories that made this hard he swallowed as he recalled his dad setting him down to watch his first Charlie Brown's Christmas and his getting him the infamous VHS tape. Then there was a memory of his dad fixing up his arm when he fell from a tree. All these memories came from before he started school when his dad still had a good job and still was sober. Those memories flooded him now. He swallowed hard and for the first time felt some sympathy for when Buffy had to kill Angelus/Angel. Of course his dad was human. Or he had been. The monster who turned to face him and the others well that was so not Tony and it definitely was not his dad. Xander swallowed hard and decided that he could do this.

Buffy was not happy. She had not wanted Xander here. He was a capable fighter but, no one should ever have to face a loved one who was a monster. It was just not fair. She knew his old man was no prize but this…this was almost too much for anyone to have to deal with. "Xander you don't have to do this. I…I'll take care of it."

"What B said," Faith said agreeing."This is your old man we got this."

"I appreciate the offer but…I gota be sure cause Giles is so right he could hurt my mom. I won't risk that. The only way I can be sure is if…if I'm here yeah know." His voice was low that even Buffy's slayer hearing had a hard time picking it up but the pain in it was clear.

"Ok then." Buffy said softly "But if you can't we won't think less of you."

Xander's reply was cut off as Tony spun around.

"Ah fresh meat for Adam, He will be pleased." His hand held a large net and he began to swing it clearly intent on putting the net to use in capturing the newcomers. "Take them now and remember no snacking."

The vampire and demon minions jumped at his command the battle lines moving. The few civilians in the area took that as a sign to run.

'Well at least the sheep show some sense.' Cordelia thought.

Xander charged in swinging low and taking out the legs of a vampire minion. Even as he moved so did the others each champion engaging a vampire or demon clearly deciding to reduce the numbers before taking on the larger target.

Buffy quickly staked two vampires and dodged a blow from a faryl demon. She was less worried about her family and friends now that they were all immortal. It was almost freeing not to fear their falling in the battle. Oh it was still possible if they lost their heads but at least now they had an even chance which was enough to let her let loose and have a little fun. Faith was clearly enjoying the day. Demons and Vampires fell to the dark slayers blades and stakes with ease, it was more than enough to make Buffy feel a little competitive.

"Hey B you slowing down in your old age," Faith said laughing.

"Nope, just thought maybe I'd let you carry the load for once."

Faith laughed and took down a demon with a hard kick from her size six Doc Martins. She would never admit it to B but the girl had wicked style when it came to boots. "Yeah, Yeah like I believe that. The one with the lowest count buys at the Bronze."

"You are on." Buffy said letting loose now. All she needed was a bit of incentive.

"I'll take that bet." Xander said as he took his pain and anger out at the poor vampires and demons who got between him and Tony they never stood a chance.

Tony shot his net out catching a small pre-teen. He then pulled the net in and using a needle on his left finger inserted a drug the teen stopped struggling. Removing the net he handed the boy to a vampire to carry to Adam.

He ignored the fight as he had a mission to gather as much materials as possible. Once more he took a human for his master to play with. It was a simple task but he found it highly entertaining to strike fear into their hearts and minds. He ignored the fact that he was losing demon allies they were after all there to be cannon fodder. Three more children were taken before the gang could risk engaging him. Tony scowled as these new comers dared to stop him from working. They would suffer much. Because Adam only said the subjects had to be alive not that he could not beak them.

TBC…

42. Part 42 Lost in the memories II a nightmare revisi

Lost Connections
Disclaimer: Please See Part One
Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Part 42 Lost in the memories II a nightmare revisited

"I thought we ended Adam?"

"We did this has to be a replacement maybe Walsh made a spare?" Buffy said clearly concerned.

"Well maybe but how and why? Where was it hidden? Oh shit that's Glory!" Cordelia exclaimed.

"Giles what the hell is going on we so beat that bitch down." Buffy said."I mean you killed Ben right?"

Giles pulled off his glasses and began to clean them. He had never told Buffy the truth but it was clear she had figured it out. "I did, I broke his neck. I saw them drag his body off in a bag."

"Yeah, but being dead it's not sticking lately." Dawn said. "What if Ben was not normal I mean given the way our luck has been lately…."

"Well shit he's immortal." Faith said clearly not happy. "He rose again. You did not take his head."

"So this time we take his head." Xander said hefting his ax. "No more being nice. We behead him and any other bads we find. This is just going to be loads of fun."

"Good plan Xander." Cordy said clearly not happy with the idea of having to deal with both Glory and Adam again. Gzzz they so could not catch a break. It was as if someone was taking it out on them.

Anya watched from the distance sadly. In a way Cordelia was right someone was out to get them. She knew it was all her fault if she had never granted that wish…well it was too late now to change things. When Giles had ended the wish he had reset time and sadly that had given the other side a chance to save Glory, and even Adam. She had wanted to warn them but, she had been forbidden to. She looked down at the medallion on her chest and it felt like a lead weight. However she needed it to live. She sent a silent prayer for her friends and then left. She could do no more for them. She had left the tome for them with the full prophecy it was all she could do. It was time for her to leave she had a job to do weather she wanted to or not. However one thing she could do is deal more in justice then vengeance. With that she popped out of Sunnydale and hoped she never had to face an angry slayer when they realized what had happened.

TBC….

43. Part 43 Figuring it all out….clueless….

Lost Connections
Disclaimer: See Part One
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Part 43 Figuring it all out….clueless….

Glory smiled and grabbed a young man who was trying to flee Adam's newest creation. He would not need a mind to be used as spare parts and she was hungry. She drained his mind then tossed him to a vamp that dragged him away after taking a small bite. Because the human would not need his blood either. At least the humans were good for one thing ok maybe two. She smiled as she considered the reset, she would get her key and get gone soon because she had no intention of dying again.

"Ok now that is just not right." Xander said "I mean we only pause for a moment then that happens."

"Yeah to lose one's or blood but both, man he must have pissed someone off in his last life." Dawn said. "We should never make wishes you know."

"Yeah it would be wicked vengeance." Cordelia said then she froze. "Ah has anyone seen Anya lately? I mean since we all got immortal like?"

Xander groaned with all the craziness they had lost track of the former demon. Something he was sure was not a good thing. He looked at Giles who was cleaning his glasses.

"No not recently, I wonder if perhaps she or one of her cohorts have had anything to do with this predicament we now find ourselves in."

"Hey that's not fair."Xander said as he defended the blonde who he was kind of beginning to like. Not that he had acted on it. I mean he would be crazy to with both Cordy and Faith liking him. It was just he liked the kooky girl. "I mean we all been busy and distracted like. With Buffy's family showing up; I mean Anya she split when she saw the Highlanders. Plus Giles you broke her power thingy." Xander pointed out."Though maybe it was a friend of hers that did this time warp, I mean it be kind of like time re-winded itself, or something; maybe it undid the good we did when you broke her power thingy."

"It is possible." Giles said as he took on a vampire who charged him. He staked it with ease. Really these things were so rude interrupting his conversations. Did they not realize that they needed time to process?

"Well maybe we should engage these rejects." Dawn said."I mean we are here to save everyone. At least we got help this time. I mean with our friends here we can all kind of take it easy. We are more evenly matched for once."

Buffy rolled her eyes at that very obvious statement but Dawn did have a valid point. She decided snarking about it would be immature besides she really wanted to end this quickly they had far more important things to deal with. Plus it was never good to tempt Murphy.

She charged a trio of vampires that action had the rest of the gang engaging. Besides she so did not want to think about her family fighting vamps. I mean maybe they were immortal but still…. It was weird and scary. Hell her mom had been jumped. Recalling that made her mad and the next vamp was dust before it even could take a swing at her. She then got her mind back in the game because Dawn was right losing focus was not of the good.

"Tara, Willow can you cast some protection spells on the rest of the people here? I mean maybe something to keep the vamps at least from grabbing them."

"We got that Buffy, Tara a can you help me with this. If we bless the water in the sprinklers then set them off."

"Holy water will soak the people, burn some vampires and buy our side time. We should call the goddess of innocents Lusine."

"Maybe you should make the call baby as you are more her type, innocent and sweet that is."

Tara frowned but did as Willow asked. "Lady Goddess Lusine protector of the innocents please bless; us and lend us your aid to bless this water to defend your children from the dark creature of the night." She waved her hand and the sprinklers began to glow and the water poured out hitting the mall patrons, protecting them while burning the vampires.

Methos had to admire his daughter's straight forward actions. He himself was always more about action then talk. He drew a sword and attacked fully aware that time was not on their side as many were being killed, turned or dragged away. While mortals did not overly concern him he knew that Buffy wanted to keep them safe plus he knew that the destruction of the mall would upset Joyce as well. He had promised to make his absence up to the girls and a shopping trip was on his list of things to do to avoid groveling. One thing he did know and remember was Joyce loved to shop and it seemed Buffy and Perhaps Dawn took after her in that regard. So he had to save the mall the people well they would be incidental.

Connor helped guard the cousin as Duncan as usual headed straight into battle. You would think that after 400 years his kinsmen would learn restraint. Hell even Harris Alexander that is did not rush into battle. He sighed sometimes he thought his cousin should have been a knight rather than a Highland warrior.

Duncan beheaded the nearest demon it was what he was good at. He avoided the blood spatter which was a good thing as it was like an acid to human flesh. He watched dispassionately as the thing turned to goo. Nasty creatures, he was just happy he knew how to kill the thing. At least the acid like blood would not damage his blade. He moved to engage another creature but was shocked when Xander took it out by cutting its legs out from behind.

"Careful those things spit nasty mucus." Xander warned.

He nodded and let the young man take its head with his double bladed ax. He had to admit the boy wielded it well. He just hoped they never faced off in battle. If he was right then the game was over because really no one would be able to kill these people or rather it not be worth it as their quickening was painful and not possible to absorb.

Oz tackled a vampire that tried to sneak up on the girls covered in an umbrella. He tore it out of the creature's hands and smiled as it burned. Well sometimes magic was cool. He considered what Cordy had said and knew she was likely right it was probably a wish that made things all messed up. He was suddenly tossed back and he hit the newspaper stand. He toppled over several papers. Then seeing one he sighed. Yep Queen C was right. How had they missed this? Damn sometimes the Scooby Gang got a bad case of Sunnydale Syndrome themselves. Time had been altered, someone had reset the clock. The gang so was not going to be happy when he told them this. As he rose he noted that the battle was suddenly over. Huh? What happened? He shook his head and decided that today was just too weird even for them.

TBC...

44. Part 44 clueless….no more

Lost Connections
Disclaimer: See Part One
Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Part 44 clueless….no more

Oz got up and dusted himself off. He held on to the paper as he would need it to prove his point. He could not quite believe this. He walked over to the gang. His mind raced as he tried to get it around what he was reading.

"Buffy you have to see this." He could not believe what he read. Even for the gang this was crazy. Time did not just reset itself not even in Sunnydale.

She put Mr. Pointy away and took the paper from Oz. She was a bit surprised at his long speech. "What's the what Oz? You look worried and shocked."

"Check the date."

Buffy looked at the date of the paper and said. "Damn I hate being right. Hey guys check this out. It looks like we got time warped or something. This is so not of the good. How the heck did t his happen? I mean it was 1999 last time I checked."

Willow and Tara came over and took the paper from Buffy. Tara read the date out loud. The paper says the date is September 6th 1996. There is no way this is right."

"Huh? How is that possible? We all graduated already!" Cordelia said in shock. "If we went back in time…that makes no sense. I am so not going back to high school the first time was bad enough.

"It's Sunnydale Cordelia." Xander said suddenly he got a strange look on his face. "Wait if it's the 6th of September!"

"Jessie we can save Jessie. He was not turned until the 8th. "Willow said. "Wait does that mean the master is back too? Huh, what how can this be, I mean none of us wished right. Plus those stores weren't here back in freshmen year."

"Lord I hope not."Giles said cleaning his glasses.
The look of horror on Buffy's face said the same. "It's more like time merged. I cannot believe this is a reset. I would almost say it's another dimension."

"Giles that makes no sense we would have had to gone through a portal or something right? I mean how can we all remember the past few years if they haven't happened yet?"
"Paradoxes could happen as well." Tara said she looked worried. "We could make things worse."

"What is worse than all the bads being back?" Faith asked.

Buffy looked at her sister slayer and said. "All the big bads we ended being back and joining forces."

"Well Fuck me."

"Language Faith Giles how do we find out how this happened and how can we save Jessie!" Buffy said but she agreed totally.

"Not just Jessie Buffy, Athena and Margret and Dillian and about half a dozen others." Cordy said. "If we can stop the Master that is, he turned them all on the harvest night."

"Well damn this just got insane." Buffy said. "Faith is right this is fucked up."

Adam looked up and was shocked to see several of his vampires turn to dust. A cloven foot demon entered the room with a wicked smile on its face. "Adam I have come to invite you and Glory to join me in ending the slayer Buffy Summers. It seems fate and time itself have been rewritten and I would have my revenge."

Adam blinked and said. "Why should I help you?"

"Perhaps because I come bearing gifts. He threw a fighting Jessie down along with a frightened Cordette named Athena."

"Well they look healthy enough. But only two I need more than that."

"Well my associates have about twenty young men and women outside. Of course they are feeding right now but the bodies should be fresh enough for your use. These two are friends of the Summers girl so I saved them for bait."

"Logical, I shall send a message to the slayer then. Send the boy." Adam said with a grin.

"Yes, I shall send him. But first I'm Hungry." He grabbed Jessie and drank deeply then forced him to drink siring a new vampire.

TBC….

45. Part 45 Axe Murders and other strange things

Lost Connections
Disclaimer: See Part One
Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Part 45 Axe Murders and other strange things

Jesse Mcnally ran like the hounds of hell were after him. He was scared out of his mind. He so could not believe that thing drank from him and made him drink its blood. He felt strange and powerful and hungry as hell. However the thought of food sickened him. He would worry about his hunger later for now he had to find Willow and Xander. Willow was wickedly smart if anyone would have an idea of what the hell was going on it would be Willow. She was the brains of the group. Jesse ran knowing that the others lives depended on him that creep had said so. He pulled out the scrap of paper with Buffy Summer's address on it. The others had planned on studying tonight at her house because they wanted to talk uninterrupted. Sadly that would not be possible at Xander's as his folks were drunks and Willow's hated her to have boys over at night. Not that they would probably know but Willow tried to follow the rules somewhat. His own folks were out at their bowling league and he knew that they could not use his place. Buffy's mom was home and had offered to keep an eye on everyone which made his folks happy. Sometimes he hated being the normal one. As he ran he stumbled and fell. The gravel tore at his hands but he jumped up not noticing the wounds. Athena might be a bitch but she was his classmate and he so did not want her hurt. Plus Cordy was her friend and saving her might win him some brownie points. It took him about ten minutes to run to Buffy's block. He looked up and down the street and found her house. He ran up and began pounding on the door. Please let them help me.

Buffy heard the loud pounding and got up to check. Her slaydar went off. Damn it. Since when do vampires knock at my door? Even Angel and Spike never did that.
In fact the only vampire she knew that had ever knocked was Darla back when she and her mother first moved to Sunnydale. Damn…I so hope it's not that bitch. Buffy opened the door and her heart fell. Damn it why…why send us back if we can't save them? Suddenly she cursed and without saying anything grabbed Jesse and dragged him inside. "Jess you sit and do not move. Willow, Tara I need you and an orb thingy now it's kind of an emergency?"

Xander cursed and said "What the hell is dead boy souless again?" He came running in holding an axe. It dropped from his hands and tears began to fall as he spotted his brother in all but blood. "No damn it no not again!"

"Easy there Xander its ok, I won't let you do it again. I got this. Plus this time maybe we don't have to do it. I mean we got some spare orbs right?"

Xander froze and then nodded forcing himself to remain calm. He looked at Jesse and said. "Hey what's the what?"

Jesse looked at Xander in shock he had been running carrying an axe. What the hell? "Ah Xander what's with the axe?" Jesse watched his friend wary and suddenly froze as he noticed the mirror behind Xander.

"What the heck is this some sort of prank. Xander acting like and axe murder and a trick mirror. I know I am not the best looking guy but I should have some reflection. What you do steal it from the carnival."

"No Jesse it's a normal mirror." Willow said as she came into the foyer. "Bring him to the living room we will need the room. Sheez we can't leave you alone for a moment can we?"

"Hey not my fault some weird old guy decided to snack on me. He must have a vampire fetish. I mean how sick is that? If it had been some hot chick maybe but this guy was so old he made Snyder look young and handsome not that I'm into guys. I mean he looked like he had hooves for feet."

The gang all groaned.

"Murphy loves us." Xander said.

"Indeed this could be a problem." Giles said.

Buffy looked at him as if to say yeah think….I do don't want to drown again.

TBC...