CHAPTER THREE
"Buffy? Why are you here?"
"Xena, I need help. For some reason we have been inundated with vampires, hundreds of them. And it's getting to the point that I can't do it alone. The few resources I have back home just aren't enough."
"I wish I could help, but right now a friend is dying and Gabrielle and I need to figure out some way to save him."
"Does Ares have anything to do with it?" Buffy asked.
"You saw him? Actually, he doesn't. I was trying to get him to help but he wanted too much in return."
"So what's wrong with your friend?" Buffy asked, and as she did, she saw a woman exit the cottage and walk toward them.
"Xena," Buffy said with surprise in her voice, "I didn't know you had a twin sister."
"I don't." Xena replied. "It's just one of those strange coincidences that she looks exactly like me."
As Meg walked up, she asked. "Where's Gabrielle? Why is this woman wearing her clothes? Did Ares do this?"
"Meg, this is Buffy. Buffy, Meg."
"Hi. It's amazing how much you two look alike. If you were wearing the same clothes, I'd never know which was which." Buffy said.
"I don't understand. What happened to Gabrielle?" Meg asked again, ignoring Buffy's comments.
"It's complicated. She and Buffy -- changed places. I'll explain later."
"Is she here to save Virgil?" Meg asked hopefully.
"I don't know if she can do anything. Buffy, will you look at him? Maybe you can think of something."
"Sure, I'll take a look. Can't promise anything, though."
The three women walked inside the cottage to Virgil's bedside.
"He's bleeding, and it looks bad." Buffy stated.
"That's the problem." Xena told her. "He was stabbed deep with a sword. He's bleeding inside, and we don't know how to stop it."
"Well, I'll tell you one thing, he needs a transfusion."
"I don't know what that is." Said Xena .
"That's when they give you blood through an IV."
"Oh, yeah. Gabrielle was telling me about that, but we don't have any of those special needles, or tubes."
"Can she save him or not?" Meg interrupted.
"I can't." Buffy said to her. "But I know someplace to take him that can." Buffy looked at Xena, knowing Xena knew what she was thinking.
"Hospital?" Xena asked.
Buffy nodded slightly, then said, "Xena, can I talk to you outside? Meg you don't mind if Xena and I have a few minutes to discuss this, do you?"
"No, I guess not. I should change Virgil's bandage anyway."
Buffy led Xena outside and over to Argo, making sure they were out of earshot from Meg.
"Xena, if we take Virgil to the hospital, it'll cause problems."
"What kind of problems?"
"We have this funny little law that says if anyone comes into the hospital with an injury that appears to be violence related, it has to be reported to the police. Then there will be an investigation. And I don't know how we are going to explain how he got stabbed. It's obvious to even me that it wasn't done accidentally with a pocket knife."
"So Virgil's going to die?"
"Well, there may be a way we can get him the medical help he needs. There is this secret military organization called the Initiative. They were doing experiments on vamps and demons. They were supposed to be shut down, but I don't think so. They have medical facilities for everything. I'm pretty sure we can get him in there."
"But?"
"But they may not want to help us. We've had our differences; don't ask. It's like this. I told you about all the vampires that have been showing up the past few weeks. Well I'm pretty sure that the remaining members of the Initiative probably have been monitoring what's been going on, if not actually taking an active part. If we can convince them that we, you and I, can provide them with the back up they need to fulfill whatever mission they're trying to accomplish, then maybe they'll help Virgil."
"Okay, let me see if I understand what you're saying. If you and I go to for work for this Initiative, who may or may not be involved, then they may or may not try to save Virgil's life. Who is probably as close to death right now as anyone can be without actually being dead."
"As iffy as it sounds, you're right. But it's a chance, not only for Virgil, but for everyone who is still alive in Sunnydale, and ultimately the entire world."
"So I guess the chariot reins are in your hands. What happens now?"
"First I have to get back to my world. Then I have to contact the Initiative and convince them they need us. And then find someone to switch places with you and Virgil."
"Don't forget about Gabrielle. If I'm going to fight in your world, I want Gabrielle with me. We're a team."
"Sure, no problem, I guess. I just hope I can find someone for all three of you. Damn! I wish there was some kind of two-way communication here. I guess whenever the time is ready, I'll have whoever to come back here so you'll know. I assume Gabrielle won't mind being the one to jump back and forth."
"Does she know what's going on?"
"She should. If Willow hasn't explained it to her, then they ought to be watching and listening to us. Why don't you explain to Meg what we are going to do, as much as you think she will understand, and I'll go back and get things set up."
"What happens if the Initiative doesn't want our help?"
"Then I'll ask them about Virgil, anyway. And if they still won't help him, then we'll take our chances with the hospital. And then you and Gabrielle and I will kick some vampire ass. Okay, Tara. I'm ready to come back!" Buffy said to empty air.
Fifteen seconds later, Gabrielle was standing next to Xena, and Buffy was back in her living room.
CHAPTER FOUR
Buffy's first item of business was to find someone to switch with Virgil. Her first thought was of Giles. He would be perfect. Or so she thought, as she called The Magic Box.
"I'm sorry, Buffy," Giles was explaining, "but it's out of the question."
"How can you say that? I thought you'd JUMP at the chance to actually live a part of ancient history."
"That's just the problem, it's too ancient. If we were talking about 13th or 14th century England, I wouldn't think twice about it. And besides, who would watch the shop while I was gone?"
"Anya and Xander could. You trust Anya to open and close for you. She, they, shouldn't have any problem for a few days, or so."
"What's the matter with sending Xander? And Anya as well. She lived back then. I would think she would be the obvious choice."
"I never thought about that. You're really sure you won't change your mind? Okay, your loss. 'Bye."
"Anya! Xander!" Buffy said smiling at them, a little too broadly. "How would you two like a nice vacation on a lovely 1 or 2 B.C. farm?"
"You're joking, of course." Xander said uneasily.
"No." Buffy said with false innocence. "Anya? Wouldn't you like to go back an relive your youth? Just think of all the things you've been missing."
"Maybe we should get a couple of things straight." Anya said. "In the first place, I'm not quite as old as you may think I am. Xena and Gabrielle lived about 900 years before I was even born. And I certainly do not miss the fleas, the flies, the spoiled meat, the filth, not to mention all the diseases. Who wants to take hot baths anyway, or use real toilets? And it's not even my country. Should I go on?"
"Come on. It's not that terrible. Dawn and I were in the woods, and it wasn't so bad. And believe it or not, the ancient Greeks were a whole lot cleaner and sanitary than people were in the 11th or 12th century. This was a long time before the Dark Ages. And anyway, you and Xander will have a roof over your heads, decent meals, and whatever you think you lack, you can always improvise. Think of it as an adventure, kind of like camping out, without the 'out' part."
"And just how long is this little adventure supposed to last? A few days, a few weeks, a few months?" Xander asked.
"I don't know. Long enough for Virgil to get the help he needs. I promise you, once he's fit to travel, we'll have you, both of you, right back here. And look at it this way, you'll be saving someone's life. Can't ask for more than that."
Xander and Anya looked at each other. Neither really wanted to do it, but Buffy had a way of making things seem logical that sometimes weren't, with just enough guilt added in to get what she wanted, most of the time.
"Okay." They said together, resigned to the fact that whatever Buffy wanted . . . .
"You guys are the greatest!" Buffy said to them, and then immediately turned to the next item at hand. "Now we need a third."
"Why?" Tara asked.
"I guess you weren't listening very closely. Xena won't come without Gabrielle. Willow . . . ?"
"NO!" Tara exclaimed. "I told you before, I will not send Willow away. She stays with me. Period. End of discussion."
"Forget about me?" Dawn spoke up.
"I thought you hated it back then." Buffy said to her. "I would have thought that would be the last place you'd want to go back to."
"It wasn't THAT bad. But like you said, we'd be sleeping inside. You need someone to go back, and I'm the only one here."
"I'll think about it. Meanwhile, I have to go see whoever is in charge of whatever is left of the Initiative." Buffy said as she headed out the front door.
As Buffy walked the deserted halls of the subterranean stronghold of the Initiative, she was surprised at how quickly the place took on the look of desertion - dust and cobwebs here and there, barely seen through the dimness of the emergency lighting. Even though there seemed to be no one around, Buffy's Slayer senses were on full alert; no telling what could be lurking in these abandoned corridors.
Then from an alcove, a young soldier stepped out, and as he started to point his M-16 rifle at Buffy, she grabbed the barrel and held it away from her. Try as he might, the soldier could not make his rifle point where he wanted it.
"I was beginning to wonder if anyone was still here." Buffy said to him. "I'll make you a deal, I'll let go of your little gun if you'll take me to your leader."
The soldier hesitated for a few seconds, then nodded his head curtly, and Buffy released the rifle barrel.
"Down the hallway, second left." Was all he said.
Buffy walked ahead of him, and when she turned at the second left, the lights were brighter, and there was no evidence of abandonment.
Five minutes later, Buffy was in the office of Major Ben English. Buffy waited until he dismissed the soldier before she said anything.
"I have a proposition for you." She started. "I'm sure you're aware of the massive influx of vampires in the past few weeks. I assume you know who I am."
The Major nodded, and patted a manila folder laying on his desk.
"Well, they have become quite a problem for me. Now, I do know that some of your men have been patrolling, but I don't know if you are taking an active role or not, but I have a friend who has agreed to come to Sunnydale to help, and she and I are willing to put ourselves under your command."
"And what makes you think that we need your help?"
"Because without our help, there's not much you can do. And I admit, I could use the extra manpower."
"And you and your friend would be willing to work within the structure of our chain of command?"
"Yes. But there is one stipulation."
"I thought there would be. What is it?"
"We have a friend who needs medical attention. He's been hurt, stabbed in the side. There is internal bleeding, and he's on the verge of dying."
"So why not take him to a hospital?"
"Because then there would be a police investigation. Something we'd like to avoid."
"Because?"
"Well, he's not from around here. Let's just leave it at that. But I assure you, he isn't wanted for anything."
"So he is an Illegal." The major stated.
"He would be if we took him to a hospital."
"Mexican? Oriental?"
"Greek."
"Greek? So why can't he go to a Greek hospital?"
"Just take my word for it. It's not an option. So do we have a deal?"
"What makes you think we have the facilities here to take care of your friend?"
"Because I've seen this place from top to bottom. And I know if you have men here, you have a medical team. Time IS running short. Do we have the deal or not?"
Major English thought for a minute, then said, "All right. We have a deal. How soon can you have your friend here?"
"45 minutes; an hour, tops."
"So he is here, huh? When you bring him, there is a service entrance. . . "
"I know where it is."
"Well, I suppose you do. Hammer on the door three times, we'll have a emergency team waiting. The private will escort you out. Oh, by the way, what's your friend's name?"
"Which friend, the man or woman?"
"The woman. Is she another Slayer?" he asked, resting his hand on Buffy's folder.
"No. But I guarantee you she's every bit as good as I am, maybe in some ways even better. Her name is Xena."
"Xena? Another Greek. So what exactly is it that she can do?"
"She has many skills."
As soon as Buffy was outside she called her house to tell them everything was set. But not to do anything until she got there, only monitor what was going on with Xena, Gabrielle, Meg, and Virgil.
As soon as she got back to her house, she began to lay out her plan.
"Has Xena explained everything to Meg? Good. Dawn, it looks like you're it. You'll go first and Gabrielle will come here. There are several things Xena needs to know, so I've written her a note. You'll have to carry it in your mouth. When you get there, read it to her. I doubt if she'll be able to read English. Also, put on a robe so Gabrielle will have something on that fits. I'm sure they will have clothes for you when you get there. Are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." Dawn replied, not quite as sure now, thinking maybe she shouldn't have been so quick to volunteer.
"Great! Tara, if you please."
CHAPTER FIVE
When Dawn appeared, she and Xena were in the cottage. Meg was trying to clean up, not wanting her guests to think she wasn't a good housekeeper.
"Meg." Xena said. "This is Dawn, Buffy's sister. Dawn, this is Meg."
"Oh, wow. Twins. Buffy didn't say anything about that."
"Nice to meet you, Dawn. Xena and I aren't twins. We just look a lot alike."
"Well, you sure don't talk alike. Oh, Xena. I have a note here. Buffy wanted me to read it to you. Unless you can read it."
Dawn showed Xena the note, but Xena shook her head. "I'm not much of a reader, especially with writing so small. I never saw letters connected together like that."
"It's called cursive. They make you learn how in school."
"So what does it say?" Meg interjected.
"Okay, here goes. Xena, I have everything set up with the Initiative. Right now we should be on our way there. Tara said it doesn't matter where we are, the spell will work. Xander and Anya are going to take your and Virgil's places. Xander said that he did NOT want to appear into someone's bloody clothes, so could you take them off Virgil and lay a blanket over him. We will have bandages here when Virgil appears. Anya is wearing the clothes you had the last time you were here, so you'll be dressed. Tara is watching, so whenever you are ready just say so. I will explain everything else when you are here. Tell Meg that Xander, Anya and Dawn are good people, and she shouldn't worry about them. There is more, but I'll go over that when you get here.'
"Okay, Meg," Xena told her, "Let's get Virgil ready. Dawn why don't you go outside and keep Argo company. She knows you and I'm leaving you in charge of her."
"Oh. Okay. I never had a horse to take care of before. Thanks. I won't let you down."
"I know you won't."
As Dawn left the cottage, Meg and Xena stripped Virgil, waiting until the last second to remove the blood soaked bandage. "Okay! Tara. Now!" Xena yelled, and a few seconds later, Xander was lying on Virgil's bed. Ten seconds later, Xena disappeared and Anya was standing there.
Buffy, Gabrielle, Xander and Anya were in the back of a borrowed station wagon, and Giles was driving. As soon as Virgil appeared, Buffy quickly applied a bandage to his side. Xena appeared just as they were pulling up to the service entrance. Buffy jumped out and knocked three times on the door. Immediately it opened and two medics carried out a stretcher to the back of the car and as they put Virgil on it, the third inserted a saline IV into his arm.
"Do you know his blood type?" The third one asked. No one did. "We can type him inside. Major English said for you to meet him in his office."
As Buffy, Xena and Gabrielle started inside, a soldier stopped them. "The Major said only two of you were coming."
"She's with me." Xena said, stepping up to his face, and looking down at him.
"Whatever." he replied, very intimidated.
When the three entered the major's office, he too, wanted to know why there were now three of them.
"I guess I forgot," Buffy lied. "Gabrielle is a friend of Xena's."
"She's with me. You have a problem with that?" Xena said, towering over the sitting major.
"No, I suppose not. I guess one more can't hurt. But to tell you the truth, we may not need you after all. The detachment that was assigned to South America a few months back has been recalled to Sunnydale. They should be here in a day or two."
Suddenly, Buffy felt her stomach tighten - Riley! Riley was coming back to her. Or was he? When he left he must have thought she didn't care for him; that she didn't want him in her life. How would he feel about her now? Would he still want her? Did he still love her? Buffy's mind was in such turmoil, she didn't hear anything the major said after that.
"Buffy!" Xena said, shaking her shoulder. "Are you all right?"
"What? Oh. Yes. I'm fine. I'm sorry. You were saying?"
"I was saying," The Major continued, obviously irritated with Buffy's inattentiveness. "That when the detachment arrives, that will give us ten more soldiers who are experienced in this kind of Search and Destroy."
"I'm quite aware of your men's abilities." Buffy said, refocusing on the job at hand. "But with OUR experience, and unique talents," Buffy said indicating the three of them, "Not only can we compliment your efforts, but even provide a level of guidance to your men that would be beneficial to everyone."
"I thought you said that you three were going to place yourselves under my command. Are you trying to change things now that we are providing the medical help your friend needs?"
"Not at all." Buffy explained. "We'd still be under your command. But I thought that since we had our own special understanding of vampires, and since we ARE an effective team, when we're together, then we could act more efficiently not only, as you put it, for "search and destroy," but for providing intelligence to the rest of you."
"What about you?" He asked Gabrielle. "I know about Buffy. What do you do?"
"I told you," Xena butted in, becoming irritated with the major. "She's with me."
"Xena," Gabrielle said, "Let me handle this."
Xena stepped back to let Gabrielle fend for herself.
"Major. Sir. I realize that I'm not as big or as strong as Xena. Nor am I as fast, or as strong, as Buffy. And I'm not as experienced as either one when it comes to combat. But I'm fast enough, and strong enough to fight and to win against men twice my size and weight. I have good stamina, and I'm not afraid to face anyone. Many times Xena and I have fought back to back, and I've never let her down. She depends on me just as I depend on her. We are a good team. And with Buffy, we three are undefeatable, against ANY foe, human or otherwise."
The major listened with a hint of a smile on his face. He was silent for a few seconds after Gabrielle had finished, then said, "Well, you talk a good fight. If they want you with them, fine with me. But I will NOT be responsible if you, or ANY of you, are wounded or killed in the line of duty. This is strictly on a volunteer basis. But until the detachment returns, we'll just put things on hold for now."
"What about Virgil?" Xena asked. "Is he all right?"
"Well, let's find out." Major English said, picking up the phone. He punched in some numbers, asked about Virgil, and listened for about 30 seconds. Hanging up the phone, he said, "Your friend almost died. Another 30 minutes and he would have been history. He is stable, but critical. His large intestine was punctured as well as some minor arteries. Whoever did him, did it good. They had to give him four pints of blood. He'll be on his way to recovery in an hour or so, but won't be taken to his room for another few hours after that."
"When can we see him?" Gabrielle asked.
"Like I said, he won't be in his room for several hours. But even after that, he won't be awake until tomorrow night at the earliest. Why don't all of you go home, do whatever your kind of people do, and come back in a couple of days. If you'll give me a number, I'll call whenever your friend comes out of it."
They were escorted back to the service entrance, and as Buffy started to call Giles on her cell phone to come after them, he drove up.
"Thanks, Giles, for waiting." Buffy said gratefully. "Why didn't you just go home? We could have been in there all day."
"I started to, but decided to give you a little more time. I was going to wait another 20 minutes. To your house, I presume?" He asked Buffy.
"Why not. It's a good a place as any to plan our strategy."
"So, Xena," Giles asked, "What do you think of all our modern conveniences? Not too overwhelming are they?"
"Well, the first time I came here when Gabrielle was in the hospital, I admit, things were very confusing. I had no idea of how things worked. Like this vehicle. Or the TV. Or the lights. Everything. Even when Willow tried to explain, like how lightning is harnessed to make the power, I could barely understand even the simplest things. I guess I just don't have the background."
"If you'd like maybe I can give you some instruction on the nature of things. It shouldn't take too long." Giles offered.
"No. I'll just continue to think of it as magic. We have our gods with their powers. You have yours."
"Can we stop off for some ice cream?" Gabrielle asked hopefully.
"Buffy? Why are you here?"
"Xena, I need help. For some reason we have been inundated with vampires, hundreds of them. And it's getting to the point that I can't do it alone. The few resources I have back home just aren't enough."
"I wish I could help, but right now a friend is dying and Gabrielle and I need to figure out some way to save him."
"Does Ares have anything to do with it?" Buffy asked.
"You saw him? Actually, he doesn't. I was trying to get him to help but he wanted too much in return."
"So what's wrong with your friend?" Buffy asked, and as she did, she saw a woman exit the cottage and walk toward them.
"Xena," Buffy said with surprise in her voice, "I didn't know you had a twin sister."
"I don't." Xena replied. "It's just one of those strange coincidences that she looks exactly like me."
As Meg walked up, she asked. "Where's Gabrielle? Why is this woman wearing her clothes? Did Ares do this?"
"Meg, this is Buffy. Buffy, Meg."
"Hi. It's amazing how much you two look alike. If you were wearing the same clothes, I'd never know which was which." Buffy said.
"I don't understand. What happened to Gabrielle?" Meg asked again, ignoring Buffy's comments.
"It's complicated. She and Buffy -- changed places. I'll explain later."
"Is she here to save Virgil?" Meg asked hopefully.
"I don't know if she can do anything. Buffy, will you look at him? Maybe you can think of something."
"Sure, I'll take a look. Can't promise anything, though."
The three women walked inside the cottage to Virgil's bedside.
"He's bleeding, and it looks bad." Buffy stated.
"That's the problem." Xena told her. "He was stabbed deep with a sword. He's bleeding inside, and we don't know how to stop it."
"Well, I'll tell you one thing, he needs a transfusion."
"I don't know what that is." Said Xena .
"That's when they give you blood through an IV."
"Oh, yeah. Gabrielle was telling me about that, but we don't have any of those special needles, or tubes."
"Can she save him or not?" Meg interrupted.
"I can't." Buffy said to her. "But I know someplace to take him that can." Buffy looked at Xena, knowing Xena knew what she was thinking.
"Hospital?" Xena asked.
Buffy nodded slightly, then said, "Xena, can I talk to you outside? Meg you don't mind if Xena and I have a few minutes to discuss this, do you?"
"No, I guess not. I should change Virgil's bandage anyway."
Buffy led Xena outside and over to Argo, making sure they were out of earshot from Meg.
"Xena, if we take Virgil to the hospital, it'll cause problems."
"What kind of problems?"
"We have this funny little law that says if anyone comes into the hospital with an injury that appears to be violence related, it has to be reported to the police. Then there will be an investigation. And I don't know how we are going to explain how he got stabbed. It's obvious to even me that it wasn't done accidentally with a pocket knife."
"So Virgil's going to die?"
"Well, there may be a way we can get him the medical help he needs. There is this secret military organization called the Initiative. They were doing experiments on vamps and demons. They were supposed to be shut down, but I don't think so. They have medical facilities for everything. I'm pretty sure we can get him in there."
"But?"
"But they may not want to help us. We've had our differences; don't ask. It's like this. I told you about all the vampires that have been showing up the past few weeks. Well I'm pretty sure that the remaining members of the Initiative probably have been monitoring what's been going on, if not actually taking an active part. If we can convince them that we, you and I, can provide them with the back up they need to fulfill whatever mission they're trying to accomplish, then maybe they'll help Virgil."
"Okay, let me see if I understand what you're saying. If you and I go to for work for this Initiative, who may or may not be involved, then they may or may not try to save Virgil's life. Who is probably as close to death right now as anyone can be without actually being dead."
"As iffy as it sounds, you're right. But it's a chance, not only for Virgil, but for everyone who is still alive in Sunnydale, and ultimately the entire world."
"So I guess the chariot reins are in your hands. What happens now?"
"First I have to get back to my world. Then I have to contact the Initiative and convince them they need us. And then find someone to switch places with you and Virgil."
"Don't forget about Gabrielle. If I'm going to fight in your world, I want Gabrielle with me. We're a team."
"Sure, no problem, I guess. I just hope I can find someone for all three of you. Damn! I wish there was some kind of two-way communication here. I guess whenever the time is ready, I'll have whoever to come back here so you'll know. I assume Gabrielle won't mind being the one to jump back and forth."
"Does she know what's going on?"
"She should. If Willow hasn't explained it to her, then they ought to be watching and listening to us. Why don't you explain to Meg what we are going to do, as much as you think she will understand, and I'll go back and get things set up."
"What happens if the Initiative doesn't want our help?"
"Then I'll ask them about Virgil, anyway. And if they still won't help him, then we'll take our chances with the hospital. And then you and Gabrielle and I will kick some vampire ass. Okay, Tara. I'm ready to come back!" Buffy said to empty air.
Fifteen seconds later, Gabrielle was standing next to Xena, and Buffy was back in her living room.
CHAPTER FOUR
Buffy's first item of business was to find someone to switch with Virgil. Her first thought was of Giles. He would be perfect. Or so she thought, as she called The Magic Box.
"I'm sorry, Buffy," Giles was explaining, "but it's out of the question."
"How can you say that? I thought you'd JUMP at the chance to actually live a part of ancient history."
"That's just the problem, it's too ancient. If we were talking about 13th or 14th century England, I wouldn't think twice about it. And besides, who would watch the shop while I was gone?"
"Anya and Xander could. You trust Anya to open and close for you. She, they, shouldn't have any problem for a few days, or so."
"What's the matter with sending Xander? And Anya as well. She lived back then. I would think she would be the obvious choice."
"I never thought about that. You're really sure you won't change your mind? Okay, your loss. 'Bye."
"Anya! Xander!" Buffy said smiling at them, a little too broadly. "How would you two like a nice vacation on a lovely 1 or 2 B.C. farm?"
"You're joking, of course." Xander said uneasily.
"No." Buffy said with false innocence. "Anya? Wouldn't you like to go back an relive your youth? Just think of all the things you've been missing."
"Maybe we should get a couple of things straight." Anya said. "In the first place, I'm not quite as old as you may think I am. Xena and Gabrielle lived about 900 years before I was even born. And I certainly do not miss the fleas, the flies, the spoiled meat, the filth, not to mention all the diseases. Who wants to take hot baths anyway, or use real toilets? And it's not even my country. Should I go on?"
"Come on. It's not that terrible. Dawn and I were in the woods, and it wasn't so bad. And believe it or not, the ancient Greeks were a whole lot cleaner and sanitary than people were in the 11th or 12th century. This was a long time before the Dark Ages. And anyway, you and Xander will have a roof over your heads, decent meals, and whatever you think you lack, you can always improvise. Think of it as an adventure, kind of like camping out, without the 'out' part."
"And just how long is this little adventure supposed to last? A few days, a few weeks, a few months?" Xander asked.
"I don't know. Long enough for Virgil to get the help he needs. I promise you, once he's fit to travel, we'll have you, both of you, right back here. And look at it this way, you'll be saving someone's life. Can't ask for more than that."
Xander and Anya looked at each other. Neither really wanted to do it, but Buffy had a way of making things seem logical that sometimes weren't, with just enough guilt added in to get what she wanted, most of the time.
"Okay." They said together, resigned to the fact that whatever Buffy wanted . . . .
"You guys are the greatest!" Buffy said to them, and then immediately turned to the next item at hand. "Now we need a third."
"Why?" Tara asked.
"I guess you weren't listening very closely. Xena won't come without Gabrielle. Willow . . . ?"
"NO!" Tara exclaimed. "I told you before, I will not send Willow away. She stays with me. Period. End of discussion."
"Forget about me?" Dawn spoke up.
"I thought you hated it back then." Buffy said to her. "I would have thought that would be the last place you'd want to go back to."
"It wasn't THAT bad. But like you said, we'd be sleeping inside. You need someone to go back, and I'm the only one here."
"I'll think about it. Meanwhile, I have to go see whoever is in charge of whatever is left of the Initiative." Buffy said as she headed out the front door.
As Buffy walked the deserted halls of the subterranean stronghold of the Initiative, she was surprised at how quickly the place took on the look of desertion - dust and cobwebs here and there, barely seen through the dimness of the emergency lighting. Even though there seemed to be no one around, Buffy's Slayer senses were on full alert; no telling what could be lurking in these abandoned corridors.
Then from an alcove, a young soldier stepped out, and as he started to point his M-16 rifle at Buffy, she grabbed the barrel and held it away from her. Try as he might, the soldier could not make his rifle point where he wanted it.
"I was beginning to wonder if anyone was still here." Buffy said to him. "I'll make you a deal, I'll let go of your little gun if you'll take me to your leader."
The soldier hesitated for a few seconds, then nodded his head curtly, and Buffy released the rifle barrel.
"Down the hallway, second left." Was all he said.
Buffy walked ahead of him, and when she turned at the second left, the lights were brighter, and there was no evidence of abandonment.
Five minutes later, Buffy was in the office of Major Ben English. Buffy waited until he dismissed the soldier before she said anything.
"I have a proposition for you." She started. "I'm sure you're aware of the massive influx of vampires in the past few weeks. I assume you know who I am."
The Major nodded, and patted a manila folder laying on his desk.
"Well, they have become quite a problem for me. Now, I do know that some of your men have been patrolling, but I don't know if you are taking an active role or not, but I have a friend who has agreed to come to Sunnydale to help, and she and I are willing to put ourselves under your command."
"And what makes you think that we need your help?"
"Because without our help, there's not much you can do. And I admit, I could use the extra manpower."
"And you and your friend would be willing to work within the structure of our chain of command?"
"Yes. But there is one stipulation."
"I thought there would be. What is it?"
"We have a friend who needs medical attention. He's been hurt, stabbed in the side. There is internal bleeding, and he's on the verge of dying."
"So why not take him to a hospital?"
"Because then there would be a police investigation. Something we'd like to avoid."
"Because?"
"Well, he's not from around here. Let's just leave it at that. But I assure you, he isn't wanted for anything."
"So he is an Illegal." The major stated.
"He would be if we took him to a hospital."
"Mexican? Oriental?"
"Greek."
"Greek? So why can't he go to a Greek hospital?"
"Just take my word for it. It's not an option. So do we have a deal?"
"What makes you think we have the facilities here to take care of your friend?"
"Because I've seen this place from top to bottom. And I know if you have men here, you have a medical team. Time IS running short. Do we have the deal or not?"
Major English thought for a minute, then said, "All right. We have a deal. How soon can you have your friend here?"
"45 minutes; an hour, tops."
"So he is here, huh? When you bring him, there is a service entrance. . . "
"I know where it is."
"Well, I suppose you do. Hammer on the door three times, we'll have a emergency team waiting. The private will escort you out. Oh, by the way, what's your friend's name?"
"Which friend, the man or woman?"
"The woman. Is she another Slayer?" he asked, resting his hand on Buffy's folder.
"No. But I guarantee you she's every bit as good as I am, maybe in some ways even better. Her name is Xena."
"Xena? Another Greek. So what exactly is it that she can do?"
"She has many skills."
As soon as Buffy was outside she called her house to tell them everything was set. But not to do anything until she got there, only monitor what was going on with Xena, Gabrielle, Meg, and Virgil.
As soon as she got back to her house, she began to lay out her plan.
"Has Xena explained everything to Meg? Good. Dawn, it looks like you're it. You'll go first and Gabrielle will come here. There are several things Xena needs to know, so I've written her a note. You'll have to carry it in your mouth. When you get there, read it to her. I doubt if she'll be able to read English. Also, put on a robe so Gabrielle will have something on that fits. I'm sure they will have clothes for you when you get there. Are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." Dawn replied, not quite as sure now, thinking maybe she shouldn't have been so quick to volunteer.
"Great! Tara, if you please."
CHAPTER FIVE
When Dawn appeared, she and Xena were in the cottage. Meg was trying to clean up, not wanting her guests to think she wasn't a good housekeeper.
"Meg." Xena said. "This is Dawn, Buffy's sister. Dawn, this is Meg."
"Oh, wow. Twins. Buffy didn't say anything about that."
"Nice to meet you, Dawn. Xena and I aren't twins. We just look a lot alike."
"Well, you sure don't talk alike. Oh, Xena. I have a note here. Buffy wanted me to read it to you. Unless you can read it."
Dawn showed Xena the note, but Xena shook her head. "I'm not much of a reader, especially with writing so small. I never saw letters connected together like that."
"It's called cursive. They make you learn how in school."
"So what does it say?" Meg interjected.
"Okay, here goes. Xena, I have everything set up with the Initiative. Right now we should be on our way there. Tara said it doesn't matter where we are, the spell will work. Xander and Anya are going to take your and Virgil's places. Xander said that he did NOT want to appear into someone's bloody clothes, so could you take them off Virgil and lay a blanket over him. We will have bandages here when Virgil appears. Anya is wearing the clothes you had the last time you were here, so you'll be dressed. Tara is watching, so whenever you are ready just say so. I will explain everything else when you are here. Tell Meg that Xander, Anya and Dawn are good people, and she shouldn't worry about them. There is more, but I'll go over that when you get here.'
"Okay, Meg," Xena told her, "Let's get Virgil ready. Dawn why don't you go outside and keep Argo company. She knows you and I'm leaving you in charge of her."
"Oh. Okay. I never had a horse to take care of before. Thanks. I won't let you down."
"I know you won't."
As Dawn left the cottage, Meg and Xena stripped Virgil, waiting until the last second to remove the blood soaked bandage. "Okay! Tara. Now!" Xena yelled, and a few seconds later, Xander was lying on Virgil's bed. Ten seconds later, Xena disappeared and Anya was standing there.
Buffy, Gabrielle, Xander and Anya were in the back of a borrowed station wagon, and Giles was driving. As soon as Virgil appeared, Buffy quickly applied a bandage to his side. Xena appeared just as they were pulling up to the service entrance. Buffy jumped out and knocked three times on the door. Immediately it opened and two medics carried out a stretcher to the back of the car and as they put Virgil on it, the third inserted a saline IV into his arm.
"Do you know his blood type?" The third one asked. No one did. "We can type him inside. Major English said for you to meet him in his office."
As Buffy, Xena and Gabrielle started inside, a soldier stopped them. "The Major said only two of you were coming."
"She's with me." Xena said, stepping up to his face, and looking down at him.
"Whatever." he replied, very intimidated.
When the three entered the major's office, he too, wanted to know why there were now three of them.
"I guess I forgot," Buffy lied. "Gabrielle is a friend of Xena's."
"She's with me. You have a problem with that?" Xena said, towering over the sitting major.
"No, I suppose not. I guess one more can't hurt. But to tell you the truth, we may not need you after all. The detachment that was assigned to South America a few months back has been recalled to Sunnydale. They should be here in a day or two."
Suddenly, Buffy felt her stomach tighten - Riley! Riley was coming back to her. Or was he? When he left he must have thought she didn't care for him; that she didn't want him in her life. How would he feel about her now? Would he still want her? Did he still love her? Buffy's mind was in such turmoil, she didn't hear anything the major said after that.
"Buffy!" Xena said, shaking her shoulder. "Are you all right?"
"What? Oh. Yes. I'm fine. I'm sorry. You were saying?"
"I was saying," The Major continued, obviously irritated with Buffy's inattentiveness. "That when the detachment arrives, that will give us ten more soldiers who are experienced in this kind of Search and Destroy."
"I'm quite aware of your men's abilities." Buffy said, refocusing on the job at hand. "But with OUR experience, and unique talents," Buffy said indicating the three of them, "Not only can we compliment your efforts, but even provide a level of guidance to your men that would be beneficial to everyone."
"I thought you said that you three were going to place yourselves under my command. Are you trying to change things now that we are providing the medical help your friend needs?"
"Not at all." Buffy explained. "We'd still be under your command. But I thought that since we had our own special understanding of vampires, and since we ARE an effective team, when we're together, then we could act more efficiently not only, as you put it, for "search and destroy," but for providing intelligence to the rest of you."
"What about you?" He asked Gabrielle. "I know about Buffy. What do you do?"
"I told you," Xena butted in, becoming irritated with the major. "She's with me."
"Xena," Gabrielle said, "Let me handle this."
Xena stepped back to let Gabrielle fend for herself.
"Major. Sir. I realize that I'm not as big or as strong as Xena. Nor am I as fast, or as strong, as Buffy. And I'm not as experienced as either one when it comes to combat. But I'm fast enough, and strong enough to fight and to win against men twice my size and weight. I have good stamina, and I'm not afraid to face anyone. Many times Xena and I have fought back to back, and I've never let her down. She depends on me just as I depend on her. We are a good team. And with Buffy, we three are undefeatable, against ANY foe, human or otherwise."
The major listened with a hint of a smile on his face. He was silent for a few seconds after Gabrielle had finished, then said, "Well, you talk a good fight. If they want you with them, fine with me. But I will NOT be responsible if you, or ANY of you, are wounded or killed in the line of duty. This is strictly on a volunteer basis. But until the detachment returns, we'll just put things on hold for now."
"What about Virgil?" Xena asked. "Is he all right?"
"Well, let's find out." Major English said, picking up the phone. He punched in some numbers, asked about Virgil, and listened for about 30 seconds. Hanging up the phone, he said, "Your friend almost died. Another 30 minutes and he would have been history. He is stable, but critical. His large intestine was punctured as well as some minor arteries. Whoever did him, did it good. They had to give him four pints of blood. He'll be on his way to recovery in an hour or so, but won't be taken to his room for another few hours after that."
"When can we see him?" Gabrielle asked.
"Like I said, he won't be in his room for several hours. But even after that, he won't be awake until tomorrow night at the earliest. Why don't all of you go home, do whatever your kind of people do, and come back in a couple of days. If you'll give me a number, I'll call whenever your friend comes out of it."
They were escorted back to the service entrance, and as Buffy started to call Giles on her cell phone to come after them, he drove up.
"Thanks, Giles, for waiting." Buffy said gratefully. "Why didn't you just go home? We could have been in there all day."
"I started to, but decided to give you a little more time. I was going to wait another 20 minutes. To your house, I presume?" He asked Buffy.
"Why not. It's a good a place as any to plan our strategy."
"So, Xena," Giles asked, "What do you think of all our modern conveniences? Not too overwhelming are they?"
"Well, the first time I came here when Gabrielle was in the hospital, I admit, things were very confusing. I had no idea of how things worked. Like this vehicle. Or the TV. Or the lights. Everything. Even when Willow tried to explain, like how lightning is harnessed to make the power, I could barely understand even the simplest things. I guess I just don't have the background."
"If you'd like maybe I can give you some instruction on the nature of things. It shouldn't take too long." Giles offered.
"No. I'll just continue to think of it as magic. We have our gods with their powers. You have yours."
"Can we stop off for some ice cream?" Gabrielle asked hopefully.