Who Wants to Live Forever? (part 4 of 4)

Legalistic Disclaimer
Once again, this is the situation: The concept and characters of 'Highlander' (Duncan MacLeod, Richie Ryan, Joe Dawson, and Amanda) belong to Davis and Panzer Productions and Rysher. Meanwhile, over in Sunnydale, the concept and characters of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' (Buffy, Angel, Xander, Willow, Giles, Spike, and Drusilla) belong to Joss Whedon, Warner Brothers, and Mutant Enemy. Any other recognizable characters also belong to their respective copyright holders. They'll all be returned to their owners none the worse for wear (sure, they will). Also, thanks once again go to my beta readers, Mary Ellen Jedrlinic and Claudia Diamond (who were also returned none the worse for wear).

One last thing before we get this show on the road, please do not re-post this story without first gaining the author's permission (that would be me). Violation of this caveat may result in either decapitation or staking (decisions, decisions, decisions).

** Important: Author's Note **
This is a sequel to my other crossover story, Immortal Dilemma. To minimize potential confusion, I recommend that you read it (among other things, I indicated that Xander is a pre-Immortal) before diving into this tale. When necessary, I've also taken the liberty of filling in some of those annoying gaps in character development. This story is set in the near future of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and during the fifth season of Highlander. In other words, the insanity of Highlander's fifth season finale, when Richie seemingly gets killed, is completely disavowed in my little universe. Of course, I'm also assuming that Angel will eventually somehow return from his recent (late second season) walk on the wild side with the fang gang. But, if all else fails -- and Angel stays evil and Richie stays dead -- well, then this can become an alternate universe story. Deal with it! Got all that? You do...really? Good.

Remember, all (positive) comments are welcome. All other (negative) comments will be criticized and/or ignored (hey, it's a free story, sometimes you get what you pay for). Please direct E-mail to me.
Enjoy.

Who Wants to Live Forever?(part 4 of 4)

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Meanwhile, outside the building, Richie and Angel were pulling up alongside Spike's car. Quickly stepping off as the Immortal removed his helmet, Angel immediately noticed the damaged door.

"Xander must have gotten here first. Can you sense him?"

"I don't know. I feel something, but I'm not sure if it's him, you, other vampires, or all of the above."

"Same here."

Removing the sword from under his coat, Richie then said to the vampire, "Lead on. These are your people this time around."

However, before they could proceed more than 20 feet into the building, the two suddenly became aware of growling sounds coming from behind them. Evidently, the vampires known as Gregory and Louis had returned home after having been denied dinner by the Slayer earlier in the evening.

"Friends of yours, Angel?"

"Very funny."

"They don't look too happy."

"They never do."

As the four combatants started circling each other, the Immortal asked Angel, "By the way, how do I stop you...these...guys?"

"Simple. Wooden stake in the heart."

"Ah, not so simple. I don't have any stakes. How else?"

"Decapitation."

Upon hearing this, Richie immediately cheered up, stating, "OK! Now that, I can do!"

Angel was then jumped by Gregory as Louis picked up a crowbar lying on top of one of the dusty tables. In a blur of fangs and claws it soon became readily apparent that Gregory was not long for this world. Having unwisely decided to attack Angel, a much older vampire, one on one, he was soon being tossed around like a ragdoll. Within minutes, the elder vampire pinned him to the floor with a knee on his chest and, seconds later, plunged a stake in his heart. Amid the explosion of dust, Angel quickly looked up to see how Richie's fight was progressing.

About 15 feet away, the Immortal was slicing away at an opponent who, it was obvious, was not trained in the finer points of sword dueling. Although the vampire had superior inhuman speed, it's attack was uncoordinated and the Immortal was able to recover from the few body blows that the creature had landed. In contrast, Richie's assault was well thought out and therefore was methodically turning the vampire into a shish kabob. One slash in particular caught the vampire in the face, opening a long gash from its ear to its jawline.

"Ryan, can't you hurry up?"

"Hey, if you can do better, you're welcomed to try." Richie then followed-up with a punch to his opponent's face, which as far as Angel could tell had no effect on the vampire, but most certainly did on the Immortal.

"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!"

A moment later, the vampire responded by inflicting some damage of its own. Using its claws, it left a set of angry red slashes along the right side of the young man's face. Reaching up to assess the damage, the Immortal's hand came away bloody.

"That's it! No more mister nice guy!"

Without any further preliminaries, the Immortal then wound-up and took a swing directly at the vampire's neck. Although the creature managed to raise the crowbar to block, the sharpened steel sliced cleanly through the tool and continued on through the flesh and bone beyond. As its head hit the floor, it and the rest of the body imploded in a pile of ashes.

Looking down with a quizzical expression, the Immortal silently stood there for several seconds as small streaks of lightning danced across the rapidly fading wounds on his face. He was soon joined by Angel.

"What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

"I'll live. It's just that...this dust thing...is sort of anticlimactic."

"Well, excuse me. But we can't all get indoor lightning storms that level buildings."

"Hey, what can I say?"

The two then turned towards the sound of footsteps rapidly approaching from outside the building.

"Hey guys, did someone throw a party and forget to invite me? Remember, there are union rules about that -- no amateur slayage permitted."

"Buffy...how did you find us?"

"Actually, I just followed the fleeing dead guys. They led me to this area and I eventually stumbled on Spike's car out front."

"Oh."

The Slayer then asked, "So, what's shaking around here?" Then, noticing the two large piles of dust on the floor, she quickly added, "Other than the obvious carnage."

It was then that the three heard a loud crash come from deep within the building. Turning in the direction of the sound, they noticed the illuminated doorway along the far wall. As they moved towards the opening all three, in their own way, began to sense the presence of other supernatural creatures within.

"Hey, what do you know, the gang's all here," quipped the Slayer.

Approaching the doorway, their eyes soon beheld a candlelit room with dancing shadows being projected on crimson colored brick walls. Entering the room in single file, they arrived in time to see a writhing body drop with a loud crash onto a heavy wooden table -- splintering it -- from a point high up in the chamber. Quickly recognizing the form, it immediately became apparent to the newcomers that Spike's already bad day was about to get worse -- much worse.

"Now there's something you don't see every day," Angel dryly commented.

Scanning for the source of Spike's newly-found propulsion, Buffy let her eyes drift higher in the chamber. She wasn't quite prepared for what she saw staring back: The vampiric visage of Xander Harris clinging to the smooth surface of the wall by one clawed-hand while holding a bloody sword in the other.

"Oh my God! Xander?"

Quickly attempting to avert his face, the newly-fledged vampire did not reply directly to the Slayer. Instead, he addressed his other ground-based comrades.

"Angelus...get her out of here! I didn't want her to see me like this!"

Angel, however, did not respond. He was much too focused on what was hanging from the ceiling across the room. Finally, he managed to mouth a single word, "Drusilla...?"

"Richie! I said get her out of here! Please!"

Stepping further into the room, Buffy replied simply, "I'm not going anywhere, Xander. We're here to help you. Please come down."

At that point, an angry growl emanated from the pile of wooden splinters in the center of the room. A couple of seconds later a familiar voice angrily remarked, "Yes, Xander. Please come down...so I can TEAR YOUR HEART OUT AND HAND YOU IT. YOU...DARE COME INTO MY HOME...MY HOME! AND TRASH IT!" Spike then emerged from the debris by violently tossing it aside.

The younger vampire immediately replied to the challenge by releasing his grip and landing on the floor. The most astonishing aspect of this action was that Xander didn't simply fall but, incredibly, floated gently down and landed in the center of the room near Buffy.

"What's this? Flight? Only the ancients can fly. Angelus...what kind of FREAK have you sired here?"

Slowly moving his gaze from Drusilla, Angel responded simply, "You've brought this down on yourselves."

"Spoken like a true TRAITOR TO HIS RACE," sneered Spike.

Turning towards Buffy, Xander said quietly, "I have to do this. Please go. I don't want you to get hurt."

"I'm not leaving."

"Buffy...I"

"I'm NOT leaving!"

Finally, resigned to the fact that the Slayer was not going to willingly observe his wishes, he turned to Angel and said, "Make sure she gets out of here." Then, turning back to Buffy, he looked into her eyes and uttered one word: "Sleep." As a puzzled expression momentarily crossed her face, the young girl quickly crumbled to the ground. Xander then tossed his sword to Richie who caught it in his free hand. "Thanks for the loaner. I won't need it anymore."

"Gotta say this about you, boy...you must have a jumbo pair of wrinklies on you."

"You'll see just HOW big, Spike...when I cut yours off!"

After gently scooping up Buffy, Angel and Richie moved back towards the door, giving the two warring vampires plenty of room to maneuver. After a couple of seconds, the combatants flung themselves towards each other.

After exchanging slashes to the face, leaving both bloody, Xander had soon forced Spike flat onto his back and was exerting an enormous amount of pressure to his throat. Unable to either break the hold or force him off, Spike started to frantically reach behind his head for a weapon -- any weapon. Soon, he managed to grasp a heavy plank from the destroyed table and, swinging it, swatted Xander in the side of the head, knocking him off.

Quickly getting back to his feet, Spike was once again standing fully erect while Xander was still hunched over with one hand braced on the floor and the other rubbing the side of his skull. Blood was now flowing from his mouth.

"Oooh, now that's REALLY got to sting some."

"Yeah, but not as much as THIS!"

Launching himself at Spike, Xander caught the taller vampire in the midsection and pushed him clear across the room towards the immense four-poster bed in the corner. The force of the impact also caused Spike to drop his weapon.

Meanwhile, above the melee, Drusilla was finally regaining her senses. Unable to move and in great pain, the female vampire was soon calling, "Spike...where are you? Spike?"

Now backed against a wall, Spike was getting increasingly frustrated. Not only unable to come to the aid of Drusilla, he was also having great difficulty warding off the flurry of powerful blows to his head and body. This was definitely a unique situation in his long existence. He had barely managed to respond, "Daddy's here, love!" before Xander once again backhanded him hard across the face.

"Not for long, you sadistic bastard!"

Across the room, Richie was silently watching both the combat and Angel's reaction to it. Noticing the vampire slightly flinch whenever Drusilla spoke, he soon came up alongside and asked, "You OK, Angel?"

Cradling Buffy's small form in his arms, he softly responded, "No."

By now, the blond vampire, whose hair was thickly matted with blood, had managed to sink his fangs into Xander's exposed forearm. Roaring in pain, the teenager responded by delivering several blows to the elder vampire's vulnerable stomach. He also grabbed Spike by the front of his neck and started smashing his head repeatedly back against the wall. Between wet thuds, Xander was screaming, "Die you animal! Die! Die! Die!"

Soon, due to both internal hemorrhaging and the volume of liquid forced out of his digestive tract, Spike was vomiting large volumes of blood. Seeing this situation develop, Angel quietly remarked to Richie, "This won't last much longer. He's bleeding out."

Meanwhile, high above, in an innocently girlish tone, Drusilla cried, "Spike...help me...it's burning," before losing consciousness once again.

In one last desperate attempt to separate himself from his incensed adversary, Spike managed to use both legs to momentarily hurl Xander away from him. Apparently stunned, he then turned his back on his opponent and slowly started to scale the wall in an apparent attempt to release the chain holding Drusilla aloft.

Seeing this opportunity, Xander quickly got back to his feet and retrieved one of Spike's torture implements from a nearby table. Reaching up, he managed to grab the vampire by the belt and stab him in the small of the back with the metal railroad spike. Spike instantly went limp and fell to the base of the wall in a heap. After a momentary pause, Xander then reached down and grasped Spike by the hair, dragging him back up to eye level. He then placed his second hand on the side of the older vampire's jaw to better expose the key blood vessels in his neck.

Amazingly Spike, who realized he was beaten and would most likely die shortly, had the remnants of a grin on what remained of his face. "I guess...Dru was right...about you after all," he said.

"Right? About what?"

Continuing to cough up blood, Spike managed to add, "She said...you were powerful...that you'd be...a wonderfully vicious creature. Just like us."

"I'm nothing like you!"

"You're exactly like us -- you're perfect -- Angelus should be very proud." Spike then passed out, transforming back to his younger-looking human form in the process. After a brief pause, Xander then released his body, allowing it to slump to the ground. Turning, he slowly walked back towards Angel and Richie, asking the older vampire, "So what now?"

"You tell us," Angel replied.

"I can't remain like this. I'd rather die."

"That's really why you came here, isn't it?"

Transforming back to his normal appearance, Xander then asked, "You read the note?"

"Yes. We both did. So what happened?"

"I don't know. It all seemed so simple when I wrote it. But now..."

"Xander, please give Giles a chance."

"But, you heard what Spike said...I don't want to be like him."

"Or me?" Angel asked.

"Or HIM," Xander replied nodding towards Richie. "I'm just not ready for any of this. I DON'T WANT THIS!"

The Immortal then remarked, "Xander, God knows I wasn't ready for Immortality either -- nobody EVER is! That's completely natural."

"It doesn't feel natural."

"You just have to take it one day at a time. C'mon lets get you cleaned up." With a sly smile, Richie then added, "You look like death."

With a wry grin, Xander responded, "Yeah, the chicks around here seem to dig that." He then added, "OK, I'll try it your way. Let's see what Giles can come up with. Maybe he'll actually do a David Copperfield for a change."

Then, indicating the other vampires, Richie asked, "So what about them?"

Before Xander could answer, Angel carefully handed him Buffy's sleeping form and replied, "They're my responsibility...they always have been. I'll meet you outside."

As the two men left, Angel set about carefully lowering Drusilla from the rafters. Ignoring the burning of his hands as he removed her from the cross, he gently laid her on the bed and placed an undamaged doll in her hands. Then, coming around to the other side of the bed, he removed the metal shaft protruding from Spike's back before carefully placing him in the bed beside his lover.

"Please forgive me for what I now do."

Angel then picked up one of the few remaining lighted candles and placed it against the heavy crimson tapestry hung behind and over the bed, immediately igniting the material. Then, as the flames started lapping at the ceiling, the oldest vampire with a soul slowly turned and left the building.

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Early the next morning, Giles continued to page through his texts -- now with a nearly empty pot of coffee strategically placed nearby. Across from him, Cordelia was sleeping with her arm thrown across the table and her head resting on it. Meanwhile, at a computer terminal, Willow was still quickly entering queries into an Internet search engine. The Watcher was currently searching through the ancient Codex of mystical prophesies when he stumbled across the same spell that Spike and Drusilla had used nearly a year earlier to attack Angel.

"If we only had to drain the vampire out of Xander, this would actually be pretty simple."

"What, Giles?"

"This spell, working in conjunction with the duLac Cross that we confiscated from Drusilla, could destroy the vampire that's infecting Xander. Unfortunately, without something to reinforce his soul, the boy might turn to a pile of ashes."

"Oh...oh! That wouldn't be a good thing!"

"No. Not at all."

Turning back towards her screen, Willow then resumed scanning the results of her latest search. "Let's see. Fifty hits this time. Cross...no, cross...no, cross...no -- hey Giles, why am I getting all cross-related results on these occult websites?"

"I can only imagine that sometimes the old-fashioned remedies are the best. Unfortunately, in our case they're totally useless."

"Oh. That makes sense." She then continued to scroll down the screen, "...cross...no, crystal...gee, what's this? Hey, Giles...I have a reference to something called the 'Crystal of Destiny.' It says that under the right circumstances it can supposedly restore mortality or bestow immortality."

As Giles rose and started to move towards the computer, Richie Ryan quickly strode into the library.

"Good morning all! How does the quest for the Grail go?"

Rubbing his eyes, the Watcher answered, "Morning, Richie. It goes very slow." Then remembering something, he asked the Immortal, "Ah, how did you get into the building on a Saturday. Aren't the outside doors locked?"

Smiling, the young man replied by pulling a small leather bound case from his pocket. Holding it up, he replied, "They are...for most people."

"I don't think I want to know." Then, changing the subject, he asked, "How's Xander?"

"Pretty good, considering that he reenacted Custer's last stand on the bloodsuckers around here last night. He's back at Angel's place sleeping."

"Is he...himself?"

"Yeah, as long as he gets a steady blood supply, he's fine."

"Just like Angel."

"Yea, except that Xander has some other abilities."

"Yes, quite."

"So, still no luck?"

"Well, as I just told Willow, we can easily trap or destroy a vampire through various means, but obviously that wouldn't do us -- or Xander -- any good."

"Guess not."

"But we're still actively researching possible remedies. We're not giving up."

"I know, Giles. By the way, got any java around here?"

"There's some on the table. Help yourself."

"Thanks."

The Watcher then took position over Willow's shoulder and started reading the text on the screen: "The Crystal of Destiny was reportedly one of the most potent ancient tools sought by sorcerers, witches, and mystics down through the centuries. According to legend, it can restore life to the recently deceased or bestow immortality on a mortal."

"I don't imagine we can pick one up at Sears," the Immortal quipped between sips of coffee.

"Not quite...oh damn!"

Walking towards the terminal, Ryan then asked, "What's wrong?"

"Unfortunately, according to this, the Crystal was last reliably seen in England during the 9th Century. It's been missing ever since."

Taking a sideways glance at the screen, Richie then gagged on his drink, spilling most of the hot liquid on his shirt, "Shit!"

The commotion also managed to arouse a still groggy Cordelia, who softly muttered, "Lock the door, Xander...I don't want my friends to see us in here."

By now, the Immortal was excitedly pointing at a sketch on the computer screen, asking, "Are you saying that that's 'the Crystal of Destiny? I don't believe it!"

"Yes, Richie. Why? What's wrong?"

Running a hand through his hair, he replied, "She's had it all along. I don't believe it."

Willow then implored, "Richie, please, talk to us."

"I know where your Crystal is."

"Where?" Giles asked.

"Probably trying to pick up men at MacLeod's gym."

"Excuse me, Richie? You're not making any sense."

Without any further explanation, Richie then used his cellular phone to dial MacLeod's apartment number. Receiving no answer, he muttered, "Damn," and dialed a second number.

"Hi, Joe."

"Yeah, it's Richie."

"About 7:30. Sorry about the time."

"Hey, I said I was sorry about the time. It's important."

"OK, do me a favor. Find Amanda...she's probably at MacLeod's...and drive her to Sunnydale High School. I'll meet you outside. And be sure to ask her to bring the necklace she was wearing the other day."

"I'll explain everything later. Thanks, Joe."

Hanging up, he then addressed the two puzzled individuals who were watching his every move, "I think we're in business."

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During the intervening hours since Willow's discovery and the arrival of the first guests in the library, Giles had devised a possible course of action. It was not, however, without some risk. In addition to the librarian, also seated around a large round table were: Buffy, Willow, Cordelia, Richie, Amanda, and Dawson. Only Xander and Angel were missing, due to the time of the day. The object hanging from Amanda's neck was the center of attention.

"How did it come into your possession, Amanda?" asked Giles.

"I guess you could say that I inherited it."

"She stole it," Richie quickly chimed in.

"Oh, details, details. I WOULD have inherited it. If someone ELSE didn't steal it first."

"So she stole it back."

"And how do you know, Richard? You weren't even there."

"Mac told me all about it, Amanda."

"Well, fine, if you want to harp on minor details..."

As Dawson was desperately trying not to laugh at this verbal exchange, Giles then decided to interrupt, "Yes...ah, well, I suppose the method of how the Crystal came to be here is secondary in importance."

"Actually," the female Immortal continued more seriously, "I WANT to tell the story, or at least as much of it as I know, of how the Crystal got here."

"Oh, very well then. Please do."

"The Crystal belonged to the woman -- Rebecca -- who found me when I first became Immortal. Born of noble blood, she didn't hesitate to take a poor, uneducated serf into her house when she sensed who and what I was. Remember that in 9th Century Europe helping your fellow man was not exactly commonplace. Anyhow, over the years, Rebecca taught me how to handle a sword and defend myself against all enemies. Although she never did approve of my occasionally unorthodox methods of making ends meet..."

At mention of this, Richie loudly cleared his throat.

"Fine...fine, so I was a thief. Happy now?"

"Was?"

"Please Amanda, do go on," requested Giles. After all, he rarely learned the history behind the various mystical implements he encountered in the first person.

Glancing sideways at the young Immortal, she then continued, "Thank you. Well, anyhow throughout the centuries, Rebecca would always give her students a small piece of crystal to serve both as a good luck charm for the battles they would fight throughout their lives as well as a remembrance of the time they spent with her as mentor and student. She always told us that the crystals held great power, but for me it was the memory of our time together that was most significant."

"What happened to Rebecca?" asked Buffy who, along with Willow, was listening with rapt attention.

"A few years ago, she was betrayed by one of her younger students, Luther. After learning of the Crystal's potential, he first started hunting down Rebecca's other students until, finally, he also killed her. He would have killed me too if MacLeod didn't intervene and nail him first."

"Way harsh," remarked Cordelia.

"And way unnecessary," replied Amanda. "As far as I'm concerned, I'd gladly destroy it to have Rebecca back. She was the mother I never had."

"Amanda, I have a question," stated Joe Dawson. "You said that Rebecca gave her students PIECES of Crystal. If so, how did you end up with the whole thing intact?"

"Well, as you might suspect, this isn't your ordinary piece of glass. Once all the fragments were placed together, the Crystal reformed into the sphere you see here. I'm not exactly sure how, but I saw it happen."

"Amazing," remarked Giles. "And how did you say it resurrects a person?"

"Actually, I'm not too sure about that. I've never used it before. However, Rebecca once told me that in order to tap the Crystal's power, all the wearer has to do is break it while thinking about the person to be healed. What happens then, I don't know."

Giles then asked, "So you believe that it will have to be destroyed to work its magic?"

"Yes."

"Does that upset you?"

"No. Not at all. After all, it's been broken before. And, anyhow, Xander needs it. I think Rebecca would have gladly made that sacrifice. So will I."

"Thank you, Amanda."

After a long silence, Dawson then turned to the other Watcher and asked, "So Giles, this is your party. What's the plan?"

"It's a two-fold plan, actually. It will be dark in a few hours, so I've asked Angel to bring Xander here then. When they arrive, we will use the Crystal and the duLac Cross simultaneously. Since there is no exact spell for what we are trying to accomplish, namely banishing a vampire demon while restoring Xander to normal, I will need to improvise a bit."

"Again with the improvising. We almost leveled the school the last time we improvised."

"Well, excuse me Buffy, but did YOU expect the Hellmouth to open up directly beneath the library?"

"Sorry, Giles."

"You should be young lady...now where was I? Oh, yes. But there are some...risks involved in the process."

"Xander could...ah...end up...ah...dead...really dead," replied Willow.

"What!" The Slayer and Cordelia both leapt out of their chairs. "Giles, is you're tie a teeny weenie bit too tight?"

Richie then motioned for Joe and Amanda to lean towards him and whispered, "Man! And we think we have troubles!" The two older individuals silently nodded in agreement.

"Actually, there's more," Giles continued.

Buffy then sarcastically replied, "No, you're kidding? How can it possibly get better?"

"When we use the duLac Cross to transfer the demon, it stands to reason that the demon has to be transferred...to someone else."

"Angel! You're not serious! That thing almost destroyed him once already!"

"I know...and so does he. In fact, both he and Xander have already agreed that we should try this."

"You already talked to him?"

"About an hour ago. He feels that this may be our best -- and possibly only -- hope to restore Xander."

After pouting for several seconds, Buffy then reluctantly consented, saying, "OK, Giles. But you'd better MAKE THIS WORK!"

"I'll try my best. That's all I can promise," the Watcher answered. After asking if there were any other questions, he then stated, "Splendid. Now let's get ready."

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Shortly after dusk, Angel and Xander emerged from the tunnels that ran under the school and ended behind the stacks. As Angel entered the large room, Xander suddenly stopped at the threshold.

"Ah, Angel, I can't seem to move forward. What gives?"

"Oh, sorry. Hey, Giles, this is your library. You need to invite Xander inside."

"What? Oh, of course, Xander, please come in."

"Damn, that works better than an alarm system," muttered the teen.

Upon entering, some changes immediately became apparent to Xander. Several tables and tall bookshelves had been shunted to the sides of the room, opening a large clear area in the center. A large white pentagram had also been painted on the floor around one of the building's structural supports that rose from its geometric center.

"Hey, Giles. I love what you've done to the place...in a sort of Goth type of way."

"Glad to see your sense of humor is returning, Xander."

"Well, ya gotta laugh to keep from crying. Know what I mean, Giles?"

"Actually, yes I do...are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"How are you feeling, Xander?" asked Willow who had quietly approached as he was assessing the changes to the library.

"Honest...I've been better. This whole tortured bloodsucking thing might work well for some people...who shall remain nameless...but it's not for me."

Xander didn't realize that Angel had overheard that last remark. "He talks a big game. But he's scared," the older vampire said to Buffy.

"Are you?"

"Yes. If this doesn't work, I'm afraid I'll lose you."

"Giles thinks it'll work."

Then bending down to kiss the Slayer, Angel said, "In case it doesn't...and if I'm changed somehow..."

"Angel you're not..."

"Shhh. Let me finish. In case the duLac Cross works a little TOO well and I'm changed from absorbing Xander's demon, I want you to promise that you'll kill me."

"No, I can't..."

"Buffy, please promise me. I never want to be like...I was...after we made love for the first time."

After giving him another kiss, she reluctantly answered, "I promise."

"Thank you."

Meanwhile, Cordelia had now ambled up to Xander.

"Is it true that you have fangs and claws and the whole deal like Angel?"

"Yes, Cordy, it is. What of it?"

"Can I see?"

"No, you cannot see!"

"Why not?"

"Because it's not pretty, that's why not."

"I always thought Angel was kind of sexy when he was like that."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"In that case, step back here."

A few seconds later, muffled growls could be heard emanating from the stacks, followed shortly thereafter by an "Ooh, Xander."

Giles then announced, "Places everyone. Ah, where's Xander?"

The teen then emerged from the stacks with Cordelia in tow.

"Good, there you are. Now, I've told you all how this is going to work. Xander and Angel please place yourselves back-to-back against the column so that I...oh damn...I'll need something to shackle them."

"Not a problem, Giles," Amanda said reaching into her purse and producing a set of handcuffs.

"You have anything else in there that might interest me?" inquired Richie Ryan.

"Maybe one day you might find out, junior."

"One day? Dates...I want dates."

Xander and Angel were then secured to the pole and Giles started assigning locations for the other participants to stand. "Richie and Amanda, please align yourselves at the top and bottom of the Pentagram. Willow, Cordelia and Buffy, please stand on either side of Richie while Mr. Dawson and I will do the same on Amanda's end."

"Ooh, I always enjoy being held by two strong mature men," cooed the female Immortal.

Now blushing, Giles managed to continue, "When I tell you, please join hands and don't break the circle or leave the confines of the pentagram until absolutely necessary. And Amanda, this is crucial, please listen for your cue. But first, I have to activate the cross to begin exorcising the demon from Xander."

Stepping up to the two vampires, he asked, "Gentlemen, are you ready?"

"No, but what choice do I really have?" replied Xander.

"Let's do it," Angel answered.

"Please extend your free arms away from your bodies, grasping the hand of the other. Good. Now this might hurt a bit."

Angel then remarked, "Less talk, Giles."

"Very well then," the Watcher responded as he pulled a large gold cross from behind his back. With a quick downward plunge, he then impaled the hands of the two creatures together with it's pointed lower half. Almost immediately, the pain caused both vampires to assume their more sinister appearances. Giles then quickly joined hands with Buffy and Amanda.

"That hurts MORE than a BIT, Giles!" Xander said through clenched teeth.

"Oh, Xander!" Willow and Cordelia both exclaimed.

Across from them, Amanda's eyes widened noticeably as she was actually witnessing something totally new after 1,000 years of life. Joe Dawson, meanwhile, started thinking about what, if anything, he should include in his official report to his superiors.

Xander then said, "Oh, MAN, that stings!"

"You're not alone, Xander. I'm right here with you," replied Angel.

"That's great, but it still HURTS!"

By now, a red mist had also started emanating from the two vampires' wounds and was rapidly whirling around the interior of the Pentagram. Within a short time, Xander's eyelids began to droop as he started to slump forward away from the column, forcing Angel to stabilize him with his cuffed hand.

"Giles, hurry! He's fading, I can feel it!"

Amid unearthly groans emanating from all directions, a writhing demonic image was now clearly visible in the red swirling cyclone above their heads. After hovering for a few seconds, it started its descent back towards the column, quickly enveloping Angel's form. His body now wracked with convulsions, Angel began shouting, "You can't enter! I won't allow it!"

Seeing this, Giles immediately said to Amanda, "Now! Smash the Crystal!"

Quickly releasing Buffy's hand, which immediately drew the attention of the floating demon, the Immortal then pulled the necklace from around her neck and, using its gold chain as a sling, slammed it onto the marble floor, shattering it. Instantly, the room was filled with a blinding white light that was centered on Amanda.

As the demon's image began to distort under the onslaught, its wails fading, a foggy white mist slowly started to separate itself from Amanda's form and approached Xander's limp form. Soon, a strong wind kicked up and tiny electrical discharges emanating from the mist started to penetrate the young man's body, causing it to writhe uncontrollably. Suddenly, as his eyes shot open, a massive electrical discharge erupted outward.

The varied reactions of those assembled were immediate.

"Take cover," exclaimed Giles, pushing Buffy to the floor.

"Incoming," shouted Dawson.

"SHIT!" exclaimed Richie, quickly pulling both Willow and Cordelia down.

Only Amanda, Angel, and Xander were still standing as the shock wave blew past them and annihilated everything else in its path. Books, shelves, tables, woodwork, and lamps were sent flying towards the outer walls as the maelstrom continued. Within seconds, the library doors were also blown from their hinges, coming to rest in the hallway, as the glass skylights on the roof shattered. Then, just as suddenly as they came, both phenomena were gone and all was quiet, except for the occasional tinkling of shattered glass.

When things had finally returned to (relative) normal, bodies slowly started moving around the floor, eventually rising and picking bits of debris from their hair and clothing.

"Look at this dress! I just bought it last week at Neiman-Marcus. Somebody's going to get a cleaning bill," sniped Cordelia.

As Buffy was helping Giles to his feet, she noticed that Angel had already snapped the handcuff chain and was easing Xander to the floor.

"How is he?"

"Knocked out, but alive."

"Alive...really alive?" inquired the Watcher.

"Yes, Giles. Alive AND breathing. But I think we'd better get him to the hospital."

"Why?"

"Because his hand is bleeding pretty bad where you skewered us...and it's NOT stopping on its own."

"Oh, that's WONDERFUL!"

Looking at her Watcher as if he'd gone crazy, Buffy asked, "How is Xander's bleeding to death wonderful, Giles?"

Suddenly remembering that Buffy was not privy to Xander's once again pre-Immortal status, he quickly tried covering his slip by saying, "Ah...what I meant to say is at least he's no longer a vampire."

"Thanks, Giles. I needed that."

"Oh...sorry Angel. You know what I mean."

"Sure I do."

As Giles went searching for a functioning phone, Richie helped Joe to his feet. The Immortal then bent down to help Amanda, who was scooping up Crystal fragments.

"Sorry you had to do this, Amanda. I know it meant a lot to you."

"Oh, that's OK. It was for a good cause...and I still have these pieces. Anyway, it's Rebecca's memory that really counts. And I'll never lose that."

Then slowly looking around the devastated room, Richie commented to Joe, "Boy, what a mess. I suppose our work here is done."

"Guess so. Well at least the building's still standing...that's got to count for something."

"Yeah, we must be slipping."

The female Immortal then commented, "We never had this much fun when I was in school."

"Amanda, when you were young there WEREN'T any schools."

"Keep that up, junior, and you'll never see what ELSE is in my purse."

"I'm only kidding, Amanda."

"Too late, Richie. That'll cost you at least 50 years."

"C'mon, Amanda..."

Across the floor from the now whining young Immortal, Giles was just hanging up the phone after dialing 911.

"So what will it be this time, Giles?"

"Excuse me, Buffy?"

"Gas leak, earthquake, volcanic eruption, tornado, lightning storm, meteor, antimatter explosion, black hole...what will you say destroyed the library this time."

"Well, this school year I've already reported three gas leaks and two tremors. Therefore, I guess a FREAK lightning storm will have to do."

"Sounds like a plan." Then, looking around, the Slayer asked, "Where's Angel?"

"He was here just a minute ago. Guess he ducked out."

"So what else is new? Xander's right, we should put a bell on him."

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The following evening, Buffy was out patrolling all the usual undead hotspots. However, on this night, things were literally dead. Not a demon or ghoul to be found anywhere. It made Sunnydale ALMOST seem normal. Passing near the now incinerated factory where Spike and Drusilla had recently called home, she faintly sensed something out of the ordinary. Cautiously stepping around the police and fire department barricades, she proceeded to the charred brick opening where a door had hung less than 48 hours earlier. She also eased a stake out of her sleeve.

As she made her way around the blackened interior, she carefully stepped around holes in the buckled wooden floor. Looking up, she could see the stars and clouds through the few skeletal roof rafters that remained in place. As she was approaching the doorway to the former bed chamber, she surprisingly faltered and became momentarily unsure if she should proceed any further. Quickly deciding that she needed to know if anything had survived the inferno, she silently entered the room and stopped.

Twenty feet from her, staring into a large hole where the bed had dropped into the basement below, stood Angel with his back to her. After a few moments she tried to leave as quietly as she had come, but was stopped by two words: "Don't go."

"I didn't mean to intrude."

"You're not."

"Are they really gone?"

"Probably."

"Richie told me what happened the other night. I'm sorry...I know they meant something to you."

"Actually, they were my children and Drusilla was...more. What does that say about me?"

"Angel, they were evil. Pure evil. You stopped them."

"Yeah, I stopped them alright. But I MADE them evil. Fact is, I tortured them both before I transformed them -- just like I tried to do to you last year." With a single tear rolling down his cheek, he then turned towards Buffy and asked, "You don't think they suffered now, do you? I didn't want to hurt them again."

"Oh, Angel."

The two then embraced as the vampire said, "I love you, Buffy. I want you to know that no matter what may happen in the future, I love you with all my heart...and soul."

"I love you too. When I'm with you nothing else matters."

Eventually breaking the embrace, Angel then asked, "So how's Xander doing?"

"Fine, I guess. He's home now, resting. The weird thing is that his parents never even noticed that he was missing. That's kinda sad."

"He's pretty amazing."

"Excuse me? Did I just hear that right? A Xander compliment...from you?"

"I'll deny it if you tell him."

"My lips are sealed," replied the Slayer. A couple of seconds later, she then remarked, "Angel, I wanted to ask Richie Ryan something last night after the ritual, but he started acting all evasive on me."

"What's that?"

"Well, you know that lightning thing that happens when Immortals are around?"

"The Quickening."

"Right. Well, when the Crystal was doing its thing on Xander, that looked and acted a lot like a Quickening."

Beginning to see where this was leading, Angel reluctantly asked, "So?"

"Well, why would a Quickening focus itself on Xander? Unless..."

Moving quickly towards the door, Angel then asked, "Did I ever tell you how I first met Spike? His name was Billy then and he was cheating at cards in a pub outside London. He was a nice enough kid, except for the knife..."

"Hey, don't change the subject on me. Come back here and answer my question! Is there something up with Xander that I should know about?"

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Meanwhile across town, a middle-aged man was standing next to his small car in the deserted parking lot of Sunnydale's shopping mall. In the distance, the whumping sound of a helicopter's propeller blades could at first only be faintly heard, but soon grew in volume.

Within half a minute, its red and green flashing strobes could be seen descending through the gloom, kicking up a storm of dust and leaves and finally coming to rest within 40 feet of the parked car. The sleek jet-black machine was adorned only with a red, capital, Gothic-style letter "L" bisected by a sword. Two men soon emerged from the aircraft and made their way towards the car. Extending his hand, the older of the two then greeted the original occupant of the parking lot, "Rupert, how have you been?"

"Fine. Fine. How's San Francisco?"

"Cold and rainy...so what else is new?" Then, turning to his companion, he said, "Rupert, you remember Nick Boyle."

Extending his hand, the muscular young man said, "Good to see you again, Giles. What's it been, about a year?"

"That sounds about right."

"So Rupert, you wouldn't tell me on the phone why you needed to see me. Why the cloak and dagger routine?"

"Let's just say that Sunnydale's phone lines have been known to be...compromised...from time to time. I always find the personal touch to be advisable."

"I've told you before, Rupert, you're always welcome to come up to Angel Island for a visit. After all, running a research center for the Luna Foundation does have some advantages."

"I know, Derek, but I tend to get tied up in my work here. But, no matter, I thought you might be interested in something I've come across recently." Reaching into the small sack he was holding, the Watcher slowly removed a jewel-encrusted gold cross.

Taking a step closer, Derek Rayne inhaled sharply and then said to his companion, "A duLac Cross! My God, where did you get it, Rupert?"

"Let's just say that it came into my possession -- after some difficulty."

"I would imagine. But why give it to me? It could fetch a small fortune at auction."

With a smile, Giles then replied, "Let's just say that I don't ever want this to see the light of day again. I've heard through certain sources that the Luna Foundation has the resources and, how shall I put this -- the desire -- to accomplish exactly that."

Trading puzzled glances with Nick, Derek then took hold of the cross and said, "You've heard correctly, Rupert. We owe you for this. If you ever need anything..."

"Hopefully, I won't. But if I do, I'll call." After shaking hands with the archeologist, the Watcher got into his car and drove off.

Nick Boyle then turned towards the prefect of the San Francisco Legacy House and asked, "Would you mind telling me what just happened here?"

Looking down at the ancient artifact in his hand, Dr. Derek Rayne answered, "I'm not sure, Nick. But I definitely think we'd better keep a closer watch on Sunnydale."

The two men then returned to the helicopter which quickly lifted back into the night sky.

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Shortly before dawn, Xander was tossing and turning in bed. Considering his recent misadventures, it would take some time before his dreams would return to their usual 'Baywatch' motif. After one particularly rough nightmare, he sat bolt upright in bed and turned on the light. After a couple of minutes, as his heartbeat returned to roughly where it should be for a teenager, he was preparing to climb back under the covers when he heard a soft rapping on his windowpane.

Quickly retrieving a cross, a small bottle of holy water, and a flashlight from his night table drawer, he asked aloud, "Why do these things always happen to me?"

Proceeding slowly across the room, he held the cross towards the window as he shined the light through the pane. There, hanging outside his window, he saw part of a familiar face with an arm thrown up to cover its eyes. A voice could also be heard from beyond the window asking, "Do you mind?"

Setting the cross down, Xander quickly opened the window.

"Man, how fast they forget. One day a vampire and the next a priest."

"Sorry. You can't be too careful around here. What's up?"

"I just wanted to see how you're doing."

"Pretty good, I guess."

"Can I come in?"

"Yeah."

"Not good enough. I need an invitation."

"Oh, sorry. 'Angel, come in.'"

Remarking, "That's better," the vampire then climbed into the room.

"Angel, I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me."

"That's not necessary."

"Yes, it is. I haven't always been very nice to you and..."

"Xander, I know."

"Well, thanks anyway."

"You're welcome," the vampire replied. He then asked, "How's the hand?"

Looking at the bandage, the teenager replied, "Still hurts some. But they did a pretty good job in the emergency room. Instant healing can really spoil a guy...especially when it suddenly stops."

After a few seconds of silence, Angel then asked, "What do you remember?"

"Well, I can still remember eating the school mascot when I was a possessed by the hyena a couple of years back, so why shouldn't I remember this?"

"Including the Immortality stuff?"

"Especially that. I guess I'm going to have to say something to my parents about being adopted. I wish they would have told me."

"They still love you, Xander."

Turning his back to Angel, the teen replied, "I know, but it's kind of weird knowing that you're going to outlive everyone around you...at least until someone shows up and chops your head off. It also kinda takes the fun out of dating."

"I understand. Actually, I was talking to Ryan and that's one of the reasons I'm here."

While asking, "Why, is remembering a problem?" Xander turned back around and found himself staring into a pair of golden eyes. He froze in place.

"Xander...now listen to me carefully..."

About ten minutes later, after blanking the teenager's memory regarding his Immortal destiny, Angel then induced a deep sleep, placed him under the covers, and extinguished the light.

As the first light of a new day was becoming visible on the horizon, Angel briefly paused at the window to study the sleeping form of Xander Harris. The vampire softly whispered, "MacLeod was right. Knowing now would only disrupt your life. And that will happen soon enough. Rest now, Xander."

That's All Folks (Or Is It?)

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end of Who Wants to Live Forever by Richard Ruth