Title: And the Saints Boweth Before the King
Author: DOKChairman
Time/Spoilers: Takes place after the events in 'Grave'.
Summary: I could write a summary, but then it would give away everything. So no summary, but I'll give you a hint. The opening I put down for the story is indicative of some of what the story might be about. Not much of a hint, I know, but it's all you're getting.
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy own the rights to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and all of its characters. I own nothing except the story, and the Anna Kournikova poster on my bedroom wall.
Author's Note: Warning! Time paradoxes abound in this story. If that is too confusing for anyone, I suggest watching a few episodes of Star Trek and all will be sufficiently explained. I do not have the time, ability, or inclination to explain how this is possible. All I know is that it happens, at least in my story it does. And since I am the god of this little fic universe; I can create my own laws of physics.
Author's Note 2: This chapter is short for a reason. It's a teaser really, meant to make you come back for more. You see, I have at least three exams and two papers coming up for school and do not have the time to write. I plan to take at least a week, most likely two weeks off from writing, so this will be my last post for a while. However, that being said, its time I bait my hook.
The things you can expect from the next few chapters once I resume writing. There will be huge changes in the Buffy/Xander relationship (it might not be what you think), a new character will be introduced, Thomas and the history of Loria will be further explored, Xander will visit Dick again and we will finally learn what thing the creature wants Xander to do. Also, Xander will learn something that will change the way others view him and the way he views himself. And last but certainly not least, a piece of information will be told to Xander that will affect him on such a personal level that he will never be the same ever again.
Author's Note 3: You may think you know what it is going on, or you may think you understand, but believe me when I say this; you have no idea what's in store. I have planned so many twists and turns, that if you as the reader aren't thoroughly confused, than I have failed in my goal. Time travel as we know it, is about to get a hell of a lot weirder by the time I'm done.
Author's Note 4: This is strictly for your benefit Bolo, since you were one of the people who have been reviewing my stories since I started writing. Thomas does not know everything about Xander. He is not all knowing. In the next few chapters, he will be as clueless as everyone else on some issues, and knowledgeable on others. You just have to remember that this guy is over 600 years old, and has picked up quite a few things over the years. Oh, and Bolo, I love Star Trek too. It's kind of hard to be a fan of sci-fi and not like Star Trek.
Chapter 8: The Man Who Knew Too Much
Every one in the room was completely silent after Thomas finished. To say that they were shocked would have been an understatement of unimaginable proportions. Xander just stared at the glowing sword he was still holding in his hand.
He couldn't believe what he had just heard. He was supposed to be a prince. Never mind that he was the prince of a kingdom that existed hundreds of years ago, never mind that his entire life had been a lie, and never mind the fact that he was supposedly traveling in time. All Xander could focus on was that he was a prince.
He knew it was true. He knew that everything that Thomas had told him was true. How he knew, he wasn't quite sure of yet, but he just knew. Deep down, in the depths of his subconscious, images of a life completely foreign to him began to appear. When he had touched the sword earlier, and he had seen images of himself, he had felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. Like he was meant to be there.
Xander stopped staring at the sword and looked up to see Thomas's searching gaze. Xander could tell from the way that Thomas was looking at him that Thomas was trying to determine how well Xander was taking this latest news. Xander gave Thomas a half-hearted smile and walked stiffly over to one of the empty chairs.
Sitting down, he placed the Sword of Life on top of the table, and brought his hands to his face. About half way there, Xander noticed something he hadn't realized to just now. His left hand no longer hurt. In shock, Xander looked at his hand and saw that it was completely healed. There was not a scratch on his hand.
Excitedly, Xander said, "My hand! The cut's gone. It's no longer there! What the hell happened?"
Thomas walked up to Xander and gingerly grabbed his left hand. He brought Xander's hand up closer to his face and carefully studied it. After careful scrutiny, Thomas let go of Xander's hand and sat down in his chair. With a bewildered smile on his face Thomas said to Xander, "If I had to guess, I would say that whatever you did to the sword also healed your hand. I can think of no other explanation for why your hand is completely unmarked."
Xander in an awed voice said, "That is so cool! Man, I could have totally used this thing in high school. Just think of all the money I could have saved on not buying first aid supplies."
Buffy and Dawn smiled weakly at Xander's comment, but they were still pretty out of it to really make much of an effort. They were still thrown for a loop over Xander being a prince.
Thomas spoke up, "Xander, I think it's best if I explain mor…"
Thomas was stopped from speaking when the door to the Magic Box opened and a man came walking through the door. He was a tall man, similar in size to Thomas, and his pale white skin looked slightly burnt from the bright California sun. He seemed to be around the age of 40, with a thin pair of wire rim glasses on his face, and a brown goatee mottled with specks of gray around his mouth.
The man was dressed vastly different from Thomas. Instead of Thomas's all black ensemble, the man was wearing a light pair of tan slacks and a white button down men's shirt. He had on an expensive looking beige jacket, and was carrying a black, leather attaché case.
Placing his case down on the ground next to his feet, the man calmly faced the assembled group of staring eyes. In a deep and cultured voice, the man spoke his first words. "My name is Peter Black, and I am here to see Mr. Harris."
Xander stood up out of his chair and turned to face the newcomer. "I am Xander Harris."
At hearing Xander's response the man reached into his jacket and pulled out a sheaf of folded papers. Unfolding the papers, the man spoke to Xander. "Mr. Harris, it is my duty to inform you of the recent passing of your great uncle Allistair Holcomb. As Mr. Holcomb's attorney I must inform you, that as the only surviving relative of my client, you are hereby bequeathed the sum of all of Allistair Holcomb's estates, investments, and fiduciary holdings; totaling in excess of over 300 million dollars." Mr. Black finished speaking and placed his sheaf of papers back in his jacket.
The only sound that could be heard in the Magic Box was the sound of Anya's fainting body hitting the floor.
To be continued (In a few weeks)……………………….