Part 8

On a stretch of road 15 miles from Sunnydale
7:30 am

Xander was in awe as he put his headlights on. Xander glanced at the backseat where Angel was hid under 2 blankets to protect him from the sun.

"Uh…Deadboy. We seem to have a slight problem."

"What," was the response from under the blankets.

"There's no sun," he answered.

Angel slowly removed the blanket and noticed it was dark. He joined Xander in the back seat.

"How is that possible," Xander asked.

"Is there supposed to be an eclipse today," Angel asked back.

"No, according to Giles there isn't supposed to be another eclipse for another three months."

Angel reached into his pocket and called Wesley.

"Wesley? Did you notice it's particularly dark outside?"

(Yes, I did. I'm looking through my books, but I don't see any reference to an eclipse…oh dear lord. Angel? Look up to the sky to the east.)

Angel does and drops the phone.

"Angel, what is it," Xander said.

"Pull the car over."

He does and looks toward the vampire. Angel just nods up. Xander looks to where he was nodding. Xander slowly stands in the car, completely off guard to what he sees before him.

"Is that what I think it is?"

"Oh, yeah. No mistaking this for anything else."

"But I remember from science class this isn't supposed to happen for another thousand years or so."

The both continue to stare at what they see. They see some of the planets starting to gravitate in front of one another, aligning.

"Angel, I'm no math wizard, but if my calculations are anyway accurate…"

"Those planets are pointing toward…"

"Sunnydale," they both said at the same time.

"Let's go," Angel said. "We may not have much time."

With that Xander sped back toward Sunnydale.

The Magic Box
Sunday, May 20, 2001
8:00 am

Giles re-read the books again.

"Oh dear lord," Giles said. "I miss read the text. The count down begins at 7:30. By my guess, when the planets finish aligning, Glory will perform the spell."

"How much time does that leave us," Faith asked.

"I don't know," he answered gravely.

"Do we have any idea where Glory is now, or where she's going to do the spell," Riley inquired.

"She'll perform the spell on the Hellmouth, as to where she is now, we have no idea."

"She's in a mansion, not too far from Sunnydale Park," a voice said from behind them.

"Ben," Willow said. "I thought…"

"I was working for Glory," he finished. "No, I never wanted anything bad to happen. Glory has Dawn. She'll be performing the spell tonight on the Hellmouth. You have to stop her, or the world ends."

Xander and Angel have been behind him through the last half of the conversation.

"Gee, its Mister States the Obvious," Xander joked.
"Now isn't the time for jokes, Xander," he shot back.

"I know you've been around a long time, but here in Sunnydale we deal with someone trying to be the big bad every year: The Master, Angelus here, The Mayor, Adam and the Initiative. They tried, we fought, and they failed. The world keeps turning. Now matter how tough this bitch is, she's going down," Xander retorted.

"Good. Now let's sit down and see what you've got planned."

They all gather around the table. Buffy is seated between Angel and Xander with Riley sitting in front of her. Giles grabs a map and puts it on the table.

"The school is here," Giles said pointing to the map. "Riley and the other soldiers will keep watch outside while we go in. They'll take down any demon, vampire, or Knight of Byzantium that sets foot near the place. According to my texts, the only ones who can take down Glory is a slayer and her White Knight."

Xander went completely pale after that last comment. He glanced toward Angel who was glancing his way also.

"We have no idea who this White Knight could be. We thought it could be Riley, but he thinks otherwise. Angel, do you think you might know who the White Knight is?"

"I think so," Angel said. "I think it might be-"

"Deadboy. Has to be," Xander interrupted. "Always showing up when he's needed. Being chivalrous in L.A. has to be him."

"Possibly," Giles said.

"You know what," the vampire said. "I'm tired. I was up all night, the long drive; I'm going to need some rest. Xander why don't you take me to the mansion, I'm sure you could use a few hours sleep anyway. Wesley and Cordy are on there way here, just let them know where I am."

"Yeah. I'll drop you off and head to my place for a quick wink. Let's go Deadboy."

"Stop calling me that."

"Okay, Fangface."

"That's not even funny."

Angel's Mansion
8:30 am

"Are you going to tell me, or do I have to guess."
"They can't know Angel."

"It'll save the world, believe me, they need to know."

"It's just…I've always…I care about Buffy. A lot. You know that. I don't want her to know, because she'll just think that fate threw her another dud. First she HAS to be the slayer. She HAS to fight the demons and vamps in Sunnydale. Now, because of this, she HAS to be with me. I don't want it that way. I want Buffy to choose me, because she loves me like I love her."

"You know I never liked you that much Harris. Do you want to know why?"

"Because I have a tan and a heartbeat."

"Because of your feelings for Buffy."

Xander couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What?"

"I was always scared that Buffy would wake up and realize what you've done for her the past few years. I was so scared I did things I'm not proud of."

"Such as," the boy asked.

"I never told her that I knew you loved her. I always agreed it was a crush. Even though the night you saved her life proved you really loved her. More than me. More than I ever could."

"Go on."

"I also never told her about that night at the hospital when I came back. I told her I had forgotten some of the things I did. Why didn't you tell her any of this?"

"Why so she can just say 'Thanks, Xand. But I don't feel the same way. You know you'll always be my Xander-shaped friend.'"

"I know you've had it tough. But from the looks of you now, you've changed. Both of you. I can tell that it is possible Buffy could fall for you now."

"Thanks Angel."

"I just have one other question, and be honest. Why did you bring me here?"

"Because I knew you would want to help."

Saying that, Xander left.

"He still loves her."

The Magic Box
9:00 am

Buffy and Faith are training with each other in the back room. Buffy is fighting the dummy Xander made for her, while Faith is fighting another dummy.

"So B, what happened with you and the Clean Marine? He didn't give it up enough?"

"No, it wasn't that. We just drifted apart after a while. We just weren't meant to be."

"What about Xander and Anya? What happened there?"

"They just decided they weren't destined for each other."

"So, he's single again."

"Don't tell me you want Xander."

"Why not? He's sweet, smart, sexy, and has a great ass."

Buffy blushes. "Faith. Stop it."

"What? Don't you like Xander?"

"Of course. I love Xander. He's great. It's just…"

"Just what? Not evil? He doesn't have super powers?"

"Well…"

"That shouldn't matter B. Let me ask you something. Every guy you start a relationship leaves you. Angel, then Riley. Is the real reason you think he might leave you?"

"Maybe," Buffy answered softly.

"Buffy, he hasn't left your side yet. Most guys I know, they find out about demons and stuff, they would run for the hills. Xander's different. He wanted to help. He'll never leave you B. He'll always be by your side."

"You're in love with him, aren't you," the dummy said.

"Oz?"

"Just thought I'd help with the training."

"Buffy, you never answered the question."
"Yes. I'm in love with Xander. Okay. Are you happy now."

Faith just smiles and says, "Yes."

"Now you have that out of your system, lets finish training so we can find out if Giles and Ben have figured out when the spell will be cast. Then I'm going see Xander."

In the front of the store, Ben is talking to Giles.

"So, if I go undercover. I get the information and I'll report back here."

"Are you sure she won't know something is up."

"Don't worry. Everything will be fine. Nothing can go wrong."

Xander's Apartment
9:45 am

Xander is sleeping peacefully until he hears his door open and close. It's still dark outside. He squints to see who is inside his apartment. He sees blonde hair in the darkness.

"Buffy."

Something grabs his throat.

"Sorry dear, but I need you for my spell," Glory said.

"Why," Xander choked out.

"You're my sacrifice. I need to sacrifice someone close to the Key. You are the only normal guy."

Glory pulls Xander out of bed and drags him away.

End Part 8