Find Your Way Home - Part 4
"Find Your Way Home"
A Sequel to "Even Standing"
Part 4/? - "Shoot Me, Stuff Me, Mount Me"

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters here, save for the Scepter of Zeus and the Archon of Zerod... oh, I also 'own' Harek and Sarek... please don't sue me, I don't intend to earn money from this unless I'm offered a contract by the Buffy people... then I can toss this disclaimer out the window anyway.
Rating (Series): PG-13 (a little language and violence... its like ES, not too heavy on either, but enough to warrant a rating)
Spoilers: Same as ES.
Author's Notes/Summary - Xander knows where the dig site is, but he doesn't tell the Slayerettes right away. When it comes out, some things are revealed which may change their lives forever. (At least until the next big thing comes along)
Note #2 - ES lives on in the sequel. Hopefully this is turning out enjoyable for you all. Feedback is the lifeblood of fic writers, and suggestions are our meat and potatoes. So, by all means, fill my plate up. :)

*FADE TO: Xander and Spike's apartment, evening. Xander is pouring through the Archon of Zerod.*

So far, he was unable to come up with any contradictory evidence to what he knew. It looked like he was once again holding the key to the safety of the world. He didn't like it. He enjoyed having responsibility, but the fate of the world? Having that in your hands too many times was liable to drive you crazy.
And it wouldn't like he'd get thanked. Time and time again, everyone from Buffy to his best friend Willow had skirted him in the thanking department. Would it really be worth risking his neck again?
He sighed, realizing he had no choice. Whether or not he'd get thanked, or even acknowledged as helping out, it was something he had to do. This world may not have been kind to him, but some people were happy here, and he had no right to rob them of it.
He was brought out of his daze by a rough knocking on the door. He grumbled to himself, before getting up, "Spike, if your forgot your key again, I'm not letting you in. I told you before you need to kee..." He swung the door open, and his rant was halted.
Instead of Spike, like he expected, it was two young gentlemen. Each had long hair pulled back into ponytails. They had on leather jackets, and looked like they might be a little menacing if pressed. He tried to smile a little, "Um, whatever you're selling... I don't think I want any."
The dark-haired one addressed him, "Are you AleXander Harris?"
Xander's 'spider sense' was going hay-wire. Were they vampires? If so, he was fine, "Uh, yeah... who wants to know?"
Both their features distorted into vampiric visages, and Xander took a step back. The lighter-haired one's hair had come loose during the morph, and was shown to be several different colors. Xander didn't really know why this mad him a little more afraid. "Good."
Xander was caught even more off-guard as they both lunged at him, straight through the front door. As the light-haired one took him to the ground with a spearing tackle, the other one circled around. Xander knew immediately he was in deep trouble.

*CUT TO: Spike, walking down the hallway. He's got a large shopping bag hanging on one arm, while he's using his hands to count a stack of money in his hand. He's got a satisfied smile on his face.*

He neared the apartment door, and fished the key out of his pocket. He was a little surprised when he got within view and saw it was wide open. He was immediately knocked into alert mode when he heard a scuffle from inside.
He reached inside his shopping bag to grab a 'weapon.' He charged in on the two long-haired figured pummeling Xander, bearing his weapon of choice which was a... toilet seat. He brought the object down on the back of the multi-colored one's head with a sad 'Hyah,' knocking him away from the prone Xander.
The other one looked up at him, game face in full-force. Spike grinned, "Y'want some of this? C'mon, bitch... I'll take you down." He swung the toilet seat around, almost in a martial arts style, before assuming a fighting stance.
The two vamps exchanged a look, "It would be best if we left."
"Yes, leaving would be best." The other mimicked. Before anything else could be done, they were both running out through the balcony. Spike ran over to the door, bearing the toilet seat menacingly, until he was sure they wouldn't come back.
He turned back around and proceeded to throw the cushioned seat at the prone boy, snarking in disgust, "Why the bloody hell did you invite those wanks in?"
Xander pulled the object off his chest and sat up carefully. He cast Spike an angry glare, "I *didn't*... they just jumped in on me." Xander finally looked at the object in his hand, "A toilet seat? You rush to my defense with a toilet seat?"
"You should feel bloody lucky I came to your rescue at all, Harris." Spike said, trying to avoid the embarrassment this was bringing him.
"What were you doing with a toilet seat, Spike? Did know raid a local diner or something?"
"No! I bought to stupid thing." Spike looked away, "The solid one we've got in there... it, uh, hurts my ass." Xander's mouth immediately started opening in comment, but Spike froze it with a look of pure disdain, "Just don't even start, Harris. I don't feel like having my head stuffed in the sand tonight."
Xander finally climbed to his feet, a little too quickly, before having a dizzy spell. Spike sprung over and steadied you, "You alright, mate?"
"Yeah, yeah... I'm fine... we have to talk to Giles about this... they didn't even need an invitation. This could be big..." Xander started for the door, shrugging off Spike's supporting arm. He immediately started to wobble again.
"How about we just call tweeder-meyer and have him come to us? It's a long bloody walk, 'specially since SOMEONE hasn't parted with the money for a decent car yet."
Xander nodded weakly, "Sure, sounds like a good idea..." He wobbled over to the couch, "I think I'll just lay down here."
Spike had the cordless in his hand, as he came to check on the young man. He gave him a quick slap to the cheek as he saw his eyes start to drift closed, "Hey, don't go falling asleep on me. If you have a concussion, I don't want any further brain damage to be *my* responsibility." He pulled Xander into a seated position, as opposed to the couch-length he had just been.
Spike dialed the number quickly, waiting for it to ring. When it was finally picked up, he quickly went to business, "Hey, Rups... I need your help." A pause, "No, I don't need to borrow money... geez... no, the Boy Wonder got busted up a little over here..." Another pause, "Yeah, yeah, I know he invites it... but not this time. No invitation, and they came through the bloody front door. Boy may have a concussion" Giles took his time answering, "Right, I'll take care of that... see you in a few."
Spike returned to where Xander was sitting, with a cup of coffee. He made sure he wasn't dozing off anymore, and gave him the cup to drink from, "Giles is getting materials together, he should be over in a half-hour to fourty-five minutes... in the meantime, he tells me I'm supposed to keep you awake and cognizant. So let's have ourselves a talk, shall we?"

*CUT TO: Spike, Giles, Willow, and Tara... all gathered around Xander on the cough. Materials are scattered all over the floor around them.*

"...right through the front door. No invitation." He looked to Spike, "You vamps ought to look into counseling or at least some finishing school. I swear, no manners whatsoever."
Giles had his patented glare prepared, "Could we get back to the matter at hand? Could you describe the assailants?"
"Again?" Giles continued to glare, "Alright, alright... well, they weren't much taller than me... both had longish hair... umm, they kinda looked alike so they might be brothers."
"Yes..." Giles made a note of it, "Anything else? Any distinct clothing, or markings, or even jewelry? We may be able to link it to a clan or other organization."
Xander shook his head, "Only thing I noticed was a rosary dangling from one of their necks..." His eyes shot wide, "Wait a minute... isn't that, like, not possible?"
Giles, too, was surprised. He made another not, then reserved himself for digging through the books he'd brought with. Xander was edgy, "Uh, Giles, is that all we're going to do?"
Giles looked up, "Um... well I suppose I could tell Buffy to be on the look-out for these two..."
"I don't think that's such a good idea..." Xander commented quietly.
"Why do you say that?"
Spike answered for him, "I think he means... these vamps aren't exactly conforming to the norms of our race... Buffy might not be suited for dealing with them if she comes upon them."
Xander nodded, "And for all we know, she's a target too... if she is, then she's in even more trouble."
"Then what are we supposed to do?" Willow asked.
Spike smirked, "Take this show to the road."

*CUT TO: Buffy, patrolling. She's more composed then the last time she was seen, but she still doesn't seem on her game.*

"Where are all the fangoids?" Buffy asked herself, then declared to the graveyard, "You aren't making my job very easy!" Two pairs of eyes followed her all around the graveyard, watching her intently. She paid no attention to the fact she was being watched.
She hated slow nights, they forced her to self-talk about things she felt better left untouched. She didn't want to do that here, in her 'workplace.' She'd probably never live it down in eternity that she died in the middle of bawling her head off.
The rustling of branches to her right brought her back to attention. She scanned the area thoroughly, but saw nothing but a wind-blown branch or two. Suddenly, a hand clamped down on her shoulder. Instincts overcame her, and in a flash she had grabbed the attacker's arm, spun him around a little, and proceeded to drop him against the ground roughly.
"And a fine hello to you too." Xander managed to spit out, before coughing painfully.
Buffy sprung up off him, his identity sinking in, and finally let her angry side take over, "Serves you right for sneaking up on me like that."
Spike helped the poor guy up, as Xander felt his shoulder carefully. When he was sure nothing was broken or dislocated, he decided to jibe, "You could at least lend the Slayer strength to help put my shoulder back in place."
Buffy actually sneered, "That's not such a good idea. I might just *relocate* it somewhere *else.*"
Xander exchanged a look with Spike, who was mouthing the word, 'Ouch.'
"Can you tell me why you're all out here? The graveyard isn't exactly our most popular hangout."
"Sorry, the Bronze was full." Xander took a weak shot.
Buffy turned it around instantly, "Full? Or just not accepting every creep that tries to get in?"
"Enough." Giles yelled roughly, "Buffy, Xander was attacked earlier. A pair of vampires which didn't need to be invited to gain access to his apartment."
Buffy had softened a little at the mention of Xander being attacked, but she immediately hardened again, "Why is that my problem? He does kind of ask for it."
"Buffy..." Giles warned.
"They're probably after you too... bloody Slayer... no sympathy for anyone else.." Spike cursed, walking off to have a smoke.
She ignored his closing comment, "After me? Why?"
Xander answered, surprising everybody, "Most likely? The Old One's sent them... assassins or something." He laughed, "I can understand they'd be a little irked that I offed their #1 guy."
"Any easy assignment after all..."
"All the targets in one spot... we're getting good."
Everyone spun around to see where the voices came from, but could see no one. A blur came from their blindspots, broad-siding Xander, to tackle him to the ground. He landed on the shoulder Buffy had just roughed up, causing him to yell.
Spike moved from his spot leaning against a crypt, when he heard a rustling from up above. He looked up to see the brightly-colored one perched atop the crypt. It leaped off, spinning in all directions in mid-air, to land on Spike hard. Just as quickly as the assault had begun, they(the assassins) were both standing side-by-side a half-dozen yards away.
They were dressed exactly the same as when they attacked Xander, but their vampire faces were temporarily unseen. Buffy looked them over, casting a quick glance to Giles, "What's up with Hack and Slash over there?"
"I believe they are..."
"Harek and Sarek. Vampire assassins. Brothers too." Spike spoke up, "Didn't pick up their scent the first time. But it was quite evident when one dropped down on top of me. Must be wearing bloody cologne."
Buffy looked at spike incredulously, "Do you know EVERY bad guy in the world?"
Spike glared right back at her, "Not all of 'em... just the important ones."
"Can we get back to stopping said bad guys?" Xander cried.
Giles pulled Xander back, "Your concussion... it would be best if you didn't participate."
Xander couldn't believe what Giles had just said, "Not participate? Are you crazy? Buffy could get hurt."
A flutter. Buffy tried not to show it, but the concern in Xander's voice made her heart beat faster. She shook it off and returned to the task at hand, "I'll repeat Xander... can we get back to stopping the bad guys?"
Giles nodded, "Willow, Tara... join me back..." He pointed out a spot several yards away, "There..."
Buffy gave the assassins a mock smile and friendly attitude, "Thank you for waiting so patiently... we'll be with you in *just* a moment."
"You'll die now."
"Death is at hand."
Buffy looked almost amused, "Look, Criss-Cross, I'm sure if we just sat down and talked we could..." He was interrupted as the stake was knocked out of her hand by a greenish bolt of energy. The blondish-vamp was holding it's rosary up, which itself had a faint green glow. Buffy's eyes were as big as saucers, as she spoke back to Giles, "Giles... is there something you forgot to tell me?"
Giles looked up at the faint green glow, "Oh, yes... these vampires aren't like most..."
"That update was quite refreshing, Giles..." Buffy made her sarcasm as evident as possible.
"Buffy... just fight... we're looking up Harek and Sarek in the books."
Buffy turned back to the two vampires, who were watching the exchanges with emotionless faces. She resumed her mock friendly attitude, "Well, you heard them... time for us to get all friendly-like..." She assumed a fighting stance. She was quite surprised when Spike sidled up next to her, "Spike?"
"We gotta keep us all alive... works even better if we got more ass-kickers."
"Whatever." She observed the opponents, "These guys are *way* too quiet."
"Of course they are... they're probably using their psychic powers to observe our weaknesses right now."
"Psychic powers?" Buffy looked incredulous.
Harek and Sarek exchanged a chuckle between themselves. Their yellow eyes were focused on the Slayer for a moment, before looking past her. With dizzying agility, they both ran straight at Spike and Buffy, before taking strong rolling jumps up and over their heads.
Buffy and Spike spun around as quickly as they could, to see both Harek and Sarek charging for Xander and the spellcasters. Buffy screamed, "Xander!"
*CUT TO: Xander's head snapping towards Buffy's scream. He looks just in time to see the two figures driving into him.*
He flew backwards, catching the side of a tall gravestone, before landing roughly on the other side of it. He wasn't aware of the spin he'd taken in mid-air, until his head connected with the headstone behind him. He immediately felt something give way, and warmth on his neck despite the cold night air. He was disoriented, not even aware enough to notice he was no longer being attacked.
*CUT BACK TO: Spike and Buffy, nearby, fighting the vampires away from where Xander landed.*
Where the vampire brothers had an a edge in agility, Buffy and Spike made up for in power. They made their shots count. Roundhouse kicks and backhanded punches were wearing both sides down.
Meanwhile, Giles and the witches were pouring through books as quickly as they could. The situation was frustrating to Buffy, as she wanted to check on Xander, who hadn't moved since landing behind the gravestone.
Buffy and Spike separated the two brothers, Buffy taking the light-haired one, and Spike taking up the fight with the darker one. Spike had Sarek pinned against a crypt, laying fists back-and-forth across the vamp's face. Buffy, on the other hand, was driving Harek further into the graveyard.
Giles finally sprung up from his spot, holding open a book. He began chanting, although no one could hear him from as far away as he was. Willow and Tara were doing a supporting chant. When it was complete, a hazy mist of energy floated away from them. It wafted in the direction of Spike and Sarek. As they were caught up in it, the rosary around Sarek's neck glowed brightly green. When the mist passed, the glowing faded, and Sarek seemed to weaken visibly.
Not one to miss an opportunity, Spike drove a stake into the vampire's chest, reducing him to dust almost instantly.
Giles rushed to repeat the chanting, in the direction of Buffy and Harek. Spike ran over to check on Xander, looking him over quickly.
Xander had started moving a little, when Spike stopped him, seeing the blood covering his neck. Spike suppressed his urges to vamp out, and spoke, "Bloody... how'd you gash it open like that? Aren't you wearing the Gem of Amara."
Xander shook his head wildly, sending a painful rush through it, "I don't want to have to... I want to be normal."
Spike shook his head, looking quickly to Buffy who was defending against Harek still, "That's a pretty fool-hardy thing to do... where is it?"
"Pocket!" Xander declared, deliriously.
"Get it out and put it on. Don't want your death on my hands... um, yet." Spike hopped up, dropped something near Xander, and went to 'help' Buffy.
Harek was angry. He had seen the destruction of his brother, and now vowed to get revenge. He just didn't know if he was going to make it. The Slayer was strong, and had determination. All stemming from her volcanic feelings for the boy.
He heard, by his enhanced hearing, that the Watcher was nearing the end of the dreaded dispel. His abilities would not last much longer. He decided he would have to bail out. It might mean his death at the hands of his employer, but he knew he could make it worthwhile.
He delivered a stiff kick to the Slayer's jaw, before the vampire could come to help her. He darted past both of them, to where the boy laid prone. He grabbed his cheeks, and made contact with his eyes. He quickly probed the boys mind.
He smirked, finding the knowledge he desired. The Slayer and the vampire were on their way over. His relocation had disturbed the Watcher's progress. He might still have a chance.
He quickly grabbed Xander by his throat, lifting him up against the gravestone, "Hold, or he will die."
Buffy and Spike both halted. Harek smirked, "You try so hard to defend his boy..." He gave him a look, "And yet he continues to betray you?"
"Betray?" Buffy cried.
"You wish to stop the Old Ones." Harek intoned, "He knows where. He's known all along. He's..." Harek's little speech was interrupted as a stake protruded through his chest. The stake was in the grasp of Xander's arm. He had recovered some from his injuries as the rings effects took hold. He did not have happy look on his face. He didn't even flinch as the dust flew.
Buffy was immediately in his face, "You've known? Where we can stop them? Where the scepter is?"
Xander was not happy that he had to nod, "I just..."
"No!" Her eyes were watering, "You don't get to talk right now. You don't have the right."
"Buffy..." Spike started, trying to pull her off. He was roughly shoved backwards for his troubles.
"You lied to us... again!" Buffy had never been so angry, "How could you? You hurt us, and we took you back in... now you do it again?"
"Buffy..." It was Giles' turn to try to calm her, but he found himself shoved into the already startled Spike.
Buffy took in a ragged breath. She didn't have the strength to make herself *not* cry. She sighed, also very ragged. There was no time like the present to say what she needed to say, and she almost enjoyed the look of fear and guilt that was on Xander's face, "You got our trust, a second time... and you betrayed it. You betrayed *me.*" She stepped closer, letting him get a real good look at the anger in her eyes, "Dammit, you made me love you... and then you broke my heart."
The silence in the cemetery was deafening. After letting it all sink in, she turned abruptly and stalked out of the graveyard. All five people were stunned. Giles, Willow, and Tara all walked off quietly as well, trying not to show their disappointment in him.
Spike waited for the other to leave, before slinging Xander's arm over his shoulder, and imparting sympathetically, "Looks like you and me have a date with a pint or two of lager." He limped the recovering boy out of the graveyard, and into the night.

End Part 4