**********
When we came back into the library, Faith immediately took over. "Giles, we need to know what else has to occur for the Master to rise. And we need to get a backup plan ready in case he does. Willow, Oz, Ms. Calendar, you three hit the computers and any books that we haven't covered yet. Angel, I need you to go over your sources and find anything that we might miss: how many the Master has with him, whether anyone else will come to play, etc. Xander, you and I are training today."
"I'll get passes for all of you from class," Giles said as he headed to his office.
Angel left the library, while Wills, Oz, and Ms. Calendar headed to the computer lab. That left just me and Faith to set up the training area. We moved quickly, with her setting out the mats and me putting on the pads. By the time we were done, Giles was just coming out of his office with the permission slips in hand. He looked over at Faith for a moment before speaking.
"Faith, I.. we'll do everything we can to stop this."
She gave him one of her characteristic grins. "Thanks G-man. And don't worry so much. I have it on good authority that we'll come out of this on top," she said tossing a glance back at me.
I grinned back at her all the while thinking I had to find some way to get her out of this. I wasn't going to go through what happened in LA ever again.
***
While the rest of the group researched throughout the day, I spent most of the time getting pummelled. By the end of the session, I was silently thanking whoever came up with these lovely foam pads. Gotta appreciate anything that helps keep my limbs and ribs in one piece.
After we were done with the sparrage, we decided to check with everyone else for an update. Angel had gotten back from his scouting by this time. The information that they had wasn't pleasant. The earthquake announcing the start of the prophecy had already occurred, but there was also some sort of massacre that is supposed to happen too.
I brought up the idea that if we stopped that maybe the Master couldn't get out. No good. No one had a clue as to where it needed to happen or who needed to die for this part to come true.
We started a backup plan to defend the Hellmouth, since if the Master rose, this would be the first place he would go. Everyone but me, Faith, and Angel would stay at the library to defend it. We, on the other hand, would head straight to the Master to try to beat him there. Faith seemed a bit nervous about this part, but I figured she would with how this was supposed to turn out. I gave her a small smile to show she wouldn't do this alone.
Faith took back over at this point saying that everyone was tired and should head home to get some rest. Everyone agreed since it was just after school got out and we had a few hours before dark. Faith, Angel, and I decided to meet back up at the library shortly after dark so Deadboy could meet us there without problems and we could all head out to face the Master. Giles insisted on staying in the library to prepare the weapons the others would need for tonight. I left for home along with the others for some much needed sleep.
The walk home was, thankfully, short. As usual, Mom wasn't home, so I tossed together a quick sandwich and headed up to bed. I had finished my snack by the time I had reached my room, so I set my alarm, tossed off my clothes, and climbed into bed. Three hours would have to do for rest. If I have learned anything from fighting vampires in all this time, it would be to grab rest and food when you can. You never know how long it might be till the next time.
I hoped the others were actually able to get some rest, was my final thought as oblivion claimed me.
***
A loud scream penetrated my head making me shoot out of bed. As my mind started to wake up, the scream slowly changed to the annoying blare of my alarm. Shutting it off I started to change into my 'hunting clothes'. This consisted of my ever present Leather jacket, a loose pair of jeans, and a black T-shirt. Grabbing my chest from the closet, I began pulling out various weapons for tonight.
Several cross stakes.
My calf sheath regular stakes.
A wrist stake launcher with extra stakes.
One of my holy water guns.
My daggar for any demons I might come across.
And a box that I kept at the bottom of the chest.
Inside, I pulled out a gun that I had gotten from Uncle Rory a few years back. I hoped I wouldn't ever have to pull this out again, but I needed the edge. So I loaded it, and put it (and a few extra rounds) in my outside jacket pocket.
Lastly, I grabbed the cross that SHE had given me before facing Lothos. With all my gear gathered, I ran out of the house towards the school.
***
Coming through the library doors I did not expect to find what I did. Giles out cold on the floor with Deadboy crouched over him. So I did what I've wanted to do ever since I met him, I kicked him as hard as possible in the head.
Needless to say, he was somewhat surprised to find himself propelled away from Giles. But he reacted quickly, clambering up into a fighting stance and growling in his game face at me. His growl faded as did his game face when he realized who I was.
"Xander, what..."
"I knew we couldn't trust you. How long have you been waiting to betray us?" I asked him.
"I didn't do anything. I just got here and found him like that. If you don't take my word for it, wake him up and ask him," he said pointing at Giles' unconcious form.
"Fine. Stay there and don't even twitch," I said as I moved over to the librarian.
I shook him getting no response. I then smacked his face reviving him. "OWW! Xander! What.. Where is Faith?" he asked looking around the room.
"Faith was here? What happened? Did Angel..."
"Yes, Faith was here! She was the one who cold cocked me!"
I looked at him confused. "Why did she..."
"She believes she has a better chance alone," Giles sighed. "I think Faith wants to keep all of us out of this as much as possible. After all, if she can't kill the Master how are we supposed to stop him."
Damn it! I don't know the way to the Master's church, so how.... "Angel! You have to show me the way to get down to the church!"
"Why should I help you?" he asked rubbing his jaw. "You obviously don't trust me to truly help you."
I walked up to him, grabbed his arm, and pulled him into the stacks. "Angel, let's get one thing straight: I don't like you. But I am not going to let that get in the way of keeping Faith safe, are you? Or are you the bloodthirsty, untrustworthy bastard I think you are?"
"You love her, don't you?"
The question stunned me for a moment. "I think so, but that's not the point. Are you going to help me save her life or am I going solo?"
"I'll show you the way."
***