Ship of the Line: Xander's Fist
Janus decides to directly meddle that Halloween.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Inspired by Ship of the Line: An Unlikely Hope by Oxnate and the original challenge by Zaion
(A/N), edited: I moved the Stargate Show forwards a few months to sync with the Buffy Show episodes.
Prologue
Janus, Lord of Change and Chaos, considered his future. Granted, he couldn't actually forsee the future, but he thought he could still see his own fate clearly enough. He was being marginalized. Even now he was greatly diminished from his once lofty heights. He used to have entire temples dedicated to him, filled with worshippers. Now his few remaining temples were tourist attractions and he had few true followers left. He couldn't really blame them, with the Powers That Be blocking any true change not under their control, he looked quite impotent.
Oh, he had been feted be the Powers That Be when they needed him, back when they were first consolidating their position. Back when the Old Ones roamed and their reign firmly entrenched they had needed him. Even afterwards when the various competing Powers had vied for supremacy he had been needed.
However, now that the Powers That Be weren't facing threats to their existence, they only cared about their plans. Their careful deliberate organization of the future had no room for spontaneity. They were attempting to reduce all of reality into an elaborate chess match against their opponents.
They were also afraid of the Ancients. Terrified any overt move on their part would spell their end as it had for so many other beings. Granted the Ancients were scary, but what was life without risk? A life of caution was but a stale lingering death.
Such bitter thoughts lightened when Janus considered his newest plot. Alexander Harris had broken a prophecy and thus disrupted foresight. The disruption didn't last long, but had lasted long enough to disguise a few moves.
Janus had declared the taking of a champion and secretly crafted a gift woven of his very own essence. He then directed a follower of his to eventually venture to the Hellmouth to pass on his offer. Even he didn't know what would happen afterwards as the divine energy infused the target and instead of coopting the chosen's destiny, it completely shattered it.
Thoughts of currently most important follower turned his attention to him. Ethan Rayne wasn't the most devout of his followers, but he was definitely capable. He had also taken his guidelines and exceeded expectations. His Halloween plans promised to be very useful.
Janus carefully made a few adjustments to the package Ethan was to deliver on his behalf. After all, cumulatively humanity possessed incredible energy and it was possible to draw upon it under the right circumstances.
Ethan Rayne sighed in relief when he finally saw Alexander Harris walk through his door. He had been worried, it was only hours before the ritual and he had yet to deliver the gift from Janus. Failure would have forced him to abandon all of his plans. Calling upon Janus after directly failing him would not have been healthy.
Ethan wondered how a highschool student had managed to gain the interest of Janus. From what he could see Alexander seemed like an average student with messy hair and a joking attitude. He smirked as he wondered if Alexander would find his gift funny.
He hoped Alexander appreciated it. Ethan had found the gift inspirational, so much so that he had been moved to made a number of matching costumes. After all it was his duty to support the champion of his god, or at least provide support.
He could barely keep from laughing thinking about all those parent who bought his costumes for their children. Sure including nightvision lenses in them meant he took a loss, but he had managed to sell them all. After all, he really didn't want Janus to find fault in his support.
Ethan watched Alexander closely for the chance to present Janus's gift. His opportunity finally came when Alexander wandered off alone and approached the bargain bins.
"Excuse me, are you perchance Alexander Harris?" he asked
"It's just Xander and who wants to know?" the teen asked suspiciously.
"I'm Ethan. I'm the proprietor of this establishment. I believe I have a note and a package for you."
Ethan promptly led him to the counter and passed him the note. A simple card stating : I don't owe anyone. –C. He then pointed Xander to a large boxed costume. As Ethan watched him gape in amazement, he slid a piece of parchment towards him. "It's already been paid for. Sign here."
After Ethan closed the store he laughed. A distraction and some misdirection and a soul was signed away that easily. He wondered who the C stood for. Probably some girl.
He dismissed the thought as he walked to the back of his shop. He had a ritual to prepare. With the task given to him by Janus completed he knew he held Janus's favor. This night was going to be magnificent.