Deeds and Service
Chapter Four
Spike prowled down the street, black duster bellowing out behind him. To his left Angel walked hands in his pockets, a hunter in disguise. To his right was Riley the complete focus of a hunter and the air of an innocent. They made an interesting sight.
Buffy and Sam had returned at sunset with their findings. Riley had immediately taken the notes and compared them to his own finding only a few things he had not been able to find. Very few, very important bits of information.
Then the assignments had been handed out. Oz, Willow and Cordy had been sent on a special mission from the Watcher. Buffy, Sam, and Doyle had gone back to Zak's to see if there was anything else they could find. Giles had stayed at his apartment just in case anyone called or something came up.
Spike, Angel, and Riley were one patrol.
Everything else relied on that bit of information they didn't have yet. The Methigh were just too good at hiding.
"Master Spike, Master Angelus," a scraggly voice said from the darken tree's before a scaly demon materialized.
Spike and Angel went on instant alert at the presence of a stranger. Yet the formality of the greeting gave them reason to wait.
"You Colt?" Spike finally asked as the demon waited to be recognized.
"The Hollenwell Church," Colt said simply. "They plan for dawn. They've already killed their last sacrifice."
Spike took out a cell phone and called Buffy. "Slayer, we got our last bit." He said when she answered and hung up without waiting for her reply. "Let's head back, you come too."
Colt nodded and followed.
Twenty minutes later found everyone back in Giles' living room waiting anxiously for someone to come up with a plan. They had come up with three, all shut down for different reasons.
"Ok this is getting us nowhere." Spike growled jumping up to pace. "What do we know?"
"When they are shadow you can touch them." Sam said.
"They can be killed by the big swords over there," Buffy said pointing to the two swords on a table.
"Mehajrrathos," Giles supplied. "They bring substance to anything of shadow ultimately destroying them."
Sam swallowed hard eyeing the swords fearfully.
"The entrance is guarded by two of their sentinels, making them appear long enough for the slaughter will be difficult." Colt said from his perch on top of a chair. "We attack in pre-dawn we could crush them."
"And watch the vampire's burn?" Spike asked. "We need to get them now."
"We try now they'll just get another sacrifice," Sam said breathing hard. "Midnight would be better."
"Sam?" Buffy asked.
"I'm fine," Sam insisted.
"It's the swords," Colt said matter of fact. "They affect Shadows of all kinds."
Everyone looked at the young demon.
Sam sighed, "I've never encountered the Methigh before or seen any of my people exposed to a Mehajrrathos blade. My people use the shadows for stealth and protection. The Methigh use them for hunting."
We'll remember to keep the blades away from you when we fight and stuff." Buffy said with a smile.
Sam nodded then gracefully fainted.
Quicker then sight Colt moved from his perch and caught the boy before he hit the coffee table.
Spike sighed and sat down on the edge of the chair Angel was lounging in. "We have a shadow that can't get near our only weapon, an Esaros demon that can move faster then anything.a Slayer, a Watcher, a Werewolf, a witch, a seer and two vampires." He looked back at his Sire. "I say sod a plan, let's just go try violence."
Angel shrugged. "Good idea."
"Right," Spike jumped up grabbing one of the swords, tossing the other one to the Slayer. "Whoever's coming come, whoever's staying stay, let's go."
Cordy and Willow respectively stayed in their seats next to Giles as the Slayer, two vampires, a seer, and a werewolf moved to go into battle. Buffy smiled at her only female friends picking her sword up from where she had set it down.
"I will join you when the child wakes," Colt said from the couch where Sam was laying next to him. "This is a fight I wish not to miss."
Everyone nodded and walked out the door. Spike stopped at the threshold and looked back. "Take good care of him," the vampire ordered. "I owe him more then my unlife."
Colt nodded his understanding. Spike nodded and shut the door behind him with a resounding click.
***
Xander jolted awake from the sound of the lock in his cell door being opened. He had lightly dozed shortly after discovering the different names on the birth certificate and diary. The thought of his grandmother having been a Slayer still echoing threw his mind.
But there was also the danger of what lurked behind those doors. Those were killers who chilled what they touched and vanished into the very shadows at will. They were fear and anger, pain and hurt; Xander's worse nightmares come alive.
The hazel eyed Diamphire whimpered making himself as small as possible against the far wall as the cell door swung open to reveal the Methigh's leader.
Chosen One," the Methigh said in that hollow voice. "The time had come. Your sacrifice will be remembered in the Reign of Strighfe."
"No," Xander pleaded a bit. "I'm a bad sacrifice. Believe me they've tried and it never works. Besides I'm not even human, wouldn't your god like a human sacrifice?..."
"Strighfe had chosen his sacrifice well," the leader said, then picked up Xander by his shirt color. "The sacrifice must be made now; others intend to stop this glorious event."
'The others had found me?' Xander thought as he was carried out of the room. 'Then why aren't they down the door to save me? Don't they care?'
'Well wasn't that the point? Sacrifice him now so he wouldn't be rescued? Now would be a good time to struggle and run away.'
With one swift move Xander stepped on the heel of the leaders boot and slipped out of the demons grasp. Ankle protesting to its sudden movement the Diamphire ran to the only seen exit dodging shadowy figures trying to grab him. With a cry he hit the door using all of his strength to get it open.
"Why don't doors open when I need them to?" Xander yelled at the ceiling then turning around to face his captors.
***
The scoobies entered the abandoned church in their own stealth mode. Quickly they fanned out into the darkened sanctuary Spike and Buffy taking the lead swords at ready. Behind them Angel kept his distance waiting for anything that might try to sneak up on them, to either side Doyle and Oz did the same holding their own weapons at the ready.
Even for late night the darkened church was darker then normal leaving each of the rescuers the sense of being watched and hunted. They knew that if Sam had been in any condition the young demon might be able to identify which shadow was an enemy and which was just absence of light. But that couldn't be helped right now, after the touch of one of those Shadows he would never be the same again, maybe he would never be better at all.
"Wait," Angel said suddenly stopping mid-step. He sniffed the air looking around wearily turning in his place searching for whatever had caught his attention. Then suddenly there was a blinding light in the church. One so bright no shadow was cast by anything or anyone.
The result was startling.
Around them and above them were a dozen Shadows of all shapes and sizes. Snake like creatures slithered up the walls, monster sized Shadows flanked them on all sides near each of the scoobies. Only Buffy and Spike had a wide berth as the Shadows nearest them hissed at the Mehajrrathos Blades. That gave them an advantage but not much of one.
"Guy's go," Doyle yelled at them, "We'll hold them off!"
Buffy and Spike exchanged looks and ran for the back entrance. Angel, Doyle and Oz moved so they faced their foe in a tight circle, a moment later Spike returned and threw his sword to Angel who caught it easily.
"Lets make a good distraction," Angel said vamping out then charged into the things that weren't quite shadow.
***
"Ready?" Willow asked sitting in the circle of salt Cordy by her side.
"Just tell me what to do," Cordy said looking down at the items in front of her. She really hoped none of it was anything that would ruin her clothes; she also hoped it would work.what ever it was that the witch was doing. "What are we doing?"
"Well." Willow said a bit nervously, "Hopefully we are going to make the shadows seen, you know make sure they can't hide in the dark? It's a simple spell."
"How simple?" Giles asked suddenly worried.
"It's just the faerie light spell," Willow said, "I'm just sending it to the church instead of here."
Giles took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I don't want to witness this." He muttered and walked into the living room. Seconds later he heard a slight shriek and a loud 'poof' followed by two female giggles. He shook his head deciding he really didn't want to know and moved to see how Sam was doing.
Colt was still sitting with the young demon whom thankfully wasn't shivering from cold, yet he didn't look like he was going to wake anytime soon. The boy looked pale and drawn almost near death, yet the boys breathing was even as if he was just in a deep sleep.
"How is he?" Giles asked quietly.
"His life force is being held by the one that touched him." Colt said simply. "If they do not stop these Shadows he will die."
The Ex-Watcher nodded a deep frown marring his face, "Why don't you go help the others, we'll make sure Sam is comfortable."
Colt shook his head, "I made a promise to watch over the boy, I'm not going to back out of it." Giles nodded, Colt smiled a little. "Everything will be fine, the young one is strong and his father is wise."
"You know Spike?" Giles asked, very little was truly known about the vampire and what the Ex-Watcher knew about him contradicted what the Watchers diaries said about him.
"Aye, that I do," Colt said with a faint smile, "He is loyal beyond anything when he thinks something is worth fighting for; he can be vicious when he wants to be, but I'm sure you know how he acts around his son. He was one of the Scourge of Europe once yes, but he is a particular creature that demands respect and leadership only surpassed by Angelus and the vampire he has become. Not even the Master could bring whole peoples to his command without fear."
"May he succeed," Giles said then looked down at the boy, "For all of us."
"Beleum dunum," Colt said in an agreeing tone.
"Giles?" Willow said from the doorway of the kitchen. "I think we figured out how to help Sam."
"How Willow?" Giles asked neutrally not allowing his hopes to get up.
"Well Cordy and I were talking and we thought that if the faerie light could expose the Shadows then maybe they could help Sam."
"Areal blood makes him half a Shadow in the first place, expelling the Shadow from him will kill him," Colt said, "Even taking the Methigh Shadow from him could do harmful damage."
Giles raised an eyebrow.
"There is a lot more to the demon world then what your Watchers know Mr. Giles." Colt said levelly, "I myself am a chemist specializing in demon physiology. Zak happens to not only be a historian but a weapons master."
"That's cool," Willow said with a half smile.
Colt smiled back absently smoothing the hair from Sam's face. "His father was a good man, a good leader of his people. Samlee was the last child born of his clan, we were there at his birth, Zak, Krillick and I. he is a very important boy, just as Xander is very important. They both are the only of their kind, destined to lead us when we are in our greatest need and will be here long after we are dust."
"Good thing the Council will never know about them." Giles commented "They would never understand and only see both as a danger."
"They are a danger," Colt corrected, "Just not in the way those idiots would think. That is their fault and will be their downfall. You are a good man for leaving them and taking your Slayer with you."
Giles nodded. "I'm going to go see what else can be done to help the others."
***
The Shadows were chanting again, something Xander could barely hear but he knew the meaning well enough. They were asking for their god's favor in their sacrifice even as the leader called the god to come forth and take the sacrifice.
Xander was saying his own little prayer. One that consisted of 'I don't wanna die' and 'somebody save me' and then there was a glint if a heavy blade being lifted over the leaders head.
"Strighfe take this sacrifice and begin your glorious reign!" the leader shouted and dropped the dagger into the boys already injured side. Xander screamed nearly passing out from the pain, his eyes rolled in the back of his head and he was pretty sure he was dead already. The leader extracted the blade and raised it for another strike.
"Hey!" A heavy British accent called out from beyond the chanters. "That's my son you're trying to disembowel."
"Infidel!" the Methigh shouted and raised the blade again.
"Now like I said," Spike said materializing from the darkness like one of the shadows "That's my son, and no body and I mean No Body sacrifices my son for anything."
The demon growled at the vampire intruder and raised the blade a third time.
Spike continued walking through the chanter's leisurely. "Now I understand you're new to this town, hell this is the Hellmouth so I guess you wanted to impress your god and all. But I must tell you when dealing with the locals you certainly have a sure fire way of pissing off the wrong people. I mean the local Masters son? Are you nuts? You know how many hellions will be on your ass? Not to mention your god when he finds out he won't get the co-operation of the natives. How red faced will you be then? Better yet how red faced will you be now?"
The Methigh roared in anger and sent the blade down on his victim, right in the heart. Xander screamed and fell silent his body going limp. Spike screamed as well not fast enough to take the Mehajrrathos blade from behind his back fast enough to kill the demon before he dropped the blade. The sword left his hands second too late and landed in the Shadows head seconds to late to be of any use. At least the thing was dead.
Buffy came running up with a yell from across the room, she took the sword from the former Shadows corpus and started slicing at the other Shadows in the room. They all went down in a flash of steel before they could get away.
The others came running in just as the last Shadow fell, all three of them looked battered and bruised, but none of them could take their eyes off the scene playing out before them.
Spike was carefully, lovingly lifting the still form in his arms a cry of agony tearing from his lips. Gently he lowered the boy down on the ground brushing a strand of hair from his face before he broke down crying over the body face buried in the bloody chest.
Angel could only stand there and stare in shock. No movement could be seen but the grief was etched on his face. Buffy cried silently from where she stood a hand covering her mouth silencing the screams that threatened to come forth. Oz' normally blank face was downcast, silent tears of his own rolling down his face.
Doyle stepped forward slowly over and around the bodied that littered the floor a look of puzzlement on his face. He reached Spike and Xander leaning forward to check the pulse point on the boy's blood covered neck.
"Spike." Doyle whispered urgently.
Spike raised his head slowly, the blood on the pale face making a spectacular sight. Slowly Doyle took the vampires hand and pressed the fingers to the boy's pulse point. Spike eyes widened, there it was a heartbeat. A faint close to death heartbeat, but a heartbeat none the less.
Doyle turned and looked at the humans. "Get the car now!" he shouted, "He doesn't have much time!"
Oz was running out the door before Doyle finished the sentence.
The seer turned back to Spike, "He'll be ok. Something is keeping him alive."
Spike nodded as Angel come up and lifted the boy in his arms vanishing out the door as quickly as Oz had, Buffy retrieved the second fallen blade quickly following Angel out.
Spike continued to stare at Doyle. The seer nodded toward the door. "Go on I'll take care of things here."
Spike nodded again and ran out the door after the others; moments later Doyle could hear the faint sounds of a van peeling out onto the street. "Or someone," he muttered into the darkness.
***
Sam let out a blood chilling scream convulsing as the death of the Methigh leader pulled him to death as well. Colt held the boys hand as an anchor willing the boy to fight the tainted blood. As fast as they came the tremors stopped and the boy laid still, signs of death already on his features.
In the kitchen the Ex-Watcher let his other side emerge as he started a spell only a necromancer was supposed to know. Ripper knew the spell well, he had used it many times to keep himself and his lover alive even when they were suppose to be dead. The distance kept him from saving both boy's and he had no chose but to save Xander's, the boy was like a son to him and his death would raise the god the Methigh had been trying to raise. He just hoped Sam would be strong enough to live and everything they had done had no been in vain.
***
'"Hello Xander."
"Helloe Xandar."
"Helio Sander..."
"Hello Alexander, welcome..."
"Where am I?"
"Not in heaven."
"Nor in hell."
"You are in the Between."
"The place where neither death nor life exist."
"The place where good and evil is just a myth."
"You are safe here."
"You will be well soon."
"Stay here until you are better."'
.Angel burst into the emergency room the still form of his grandchild held tightly in his arms.
"I need help!" he shouted into the dimly lit room.
Three doctors and a nurse came rushing out of the main medical area rushing to see what the shouting was all about. One of the doctors took in the sight and rushed forward while another vanished and reappeared with a gurney.
"What happened?" the third doctor asked taking Xander primary vitals.
"He was stabbed," Angel said as calmly as possible, "Once in the chest and once in the side."
The doctor nodded confirming his guess then started barking out orders, seconds later the gurney and its burden vanished through the main doors of the ER.
"Will he be alright?" Spike asked quietly as the doors swung to a stop, "He'll be ok wont he? He has to be. he has-"
Angel pulled the younger man into a tight hug holding back his own sob of fear for the boy he enjoyed calling him grandpa. If Xander died it would mean a lot more then the raise of a Hellgod, it also meant loosing someone that had single handedly brought the most evil of creatures to the side of the light. He had helped the Slayer live longer then anyone of her kind and Angel was sure one day he would do even greater things for a whole new generation.
"He'll be ok Spike," Angel murmured into the blonds hair, "He's strong, stronger then us even, he'll be ok." That was all he could say without knowing. Thus came the hardest part of allowing family into your life- or unlife-
Waiting.
***
Colt held still afraid to breathe as he watched the blond teen carefully. Now was a very delicate time, the Areal people were so sensitive to their environment that even breathing wrong could be fatal. That's what Colt hated about working with them, such a frail species he really didn't expect the boy to live.
But he prayed he would.
In the kitchen the demon could hear the Watchers counter part chanting softly keeping the Masters son alive long enough for him to get help. Colt knew if he could he would help Sam as well but the distance is too great between them. It was either one or the other and Colt knew the hard chose Giles had made.
"Colt?" The red-headed witch said tentatively. Colt looked up at her and the brunette hovering close by.
"It's alright little one," Colt said kindly, "It's only a matter of waiting."
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Willow asked taking an unsure step forward.
"Pray," Colt said simply, "Pray for him and your friend where even the Paths may take them."
Willow nodded with determination, "He'll be ok, I know it. Both of them will."
Colt nodded and turned his attention back to the boy. He was still to close to death, the reminisce of the Methigh was still apart of his and quite possibly could be for the rest of his life. How ever long that may be. 'Common little one, your father would not want you to die from this, fight. I know you can'
Deep green eyes opened to bare slits focusing slightly on the scaly demon, "'Heard you," Sam whispered, "M'not little."
Colt smiled, "'Course not" he whispered back, "You're my boy and don't you forget."
The blond slightly nodded his eyes sliding closed again, "Xander."
"'Ole Ripper is taking care of him 'til he can get help. He's strong he should be fine."
The blond nodded again. "I sleep now?"
"Yeah you can sleep Samlee as long as you promise to wake up later."
Sam smiled a little, "Always hated that name."
Colt smiled a little as the boy curled up and fell into the healing sleep. He was going to be just fine.
***
"Mr. Stone?"
Spike jumped half a foot and looked up at the tall slender man in scrubs standing in front of him.
'Mom always said a tall dark man would be the life of me,' he thought absently the realized the man had asked him something.
"Yes?" he asked confused. "I'm sorry, what did you ask?"
"You are Alexander Stone's father right?" the doctor asked paceantly
"Is he going to be alright?" Spike asked instead of answering.
"He's going to be just fine," the doctor said, "And I must say it's a miracle he is still alive. The first stab wound upset an injury that was already there and just barely missed his kidney. And the second stab wound should have killed him honestly."
"What do you mean?" Spike asked suspiciously, "What do you mean he should be dead? You said he'll be ok didn't you?"
"Yes, Mr. Stone, your son will be just fine. The second stab grazed his heart, now we were able to repair that, it lucky you got him here when you did, any longer and he would be dead." The doctor eyed Spike with his own suspicion. "Now we are going to keep him in ICU for a few days just to make sure there are no more complications, but all in all he should be going home within the week."
Spike nodded half dazed; his boy was going to be alright, that was the best news of his unlife. "Can I see him?"
The doctor eyed him for a second then nodded slowly, "He should be awake in about an hour, I can let you see him then, but not for very long and you have to be very careful."
Spike nodded, "I can do that.I have to.I have to make a few phone calls tell the others he's alright."
The doctor nodded, "There is a pay phone to your left."
Spike nodded and dashed for the phones.
***
"Giles!" Willow called form the living room, "Spike's on the phone, he says Xander's going to be alright!"
Giles slumped against the kitchen counter his fragile hold on the spell was already wearing thin and he was glad to release it, even gladder Xander was going to be alright. Cordy had come in not long ago and announced Sam would be just fine. Everything was for once right with the world.
The Ex-Watcher picked up the kitchen phone, "Spike?"
"Eh, Watcher, how's Sam doing?" Spike asked.
"They say he will be just fine." Giles replied, "How's Xander?"
"They say it's a miracle the boy lived," Spike said, "He'll be just fine, thank you."
Giles smiled, "Your welcome Spike, I hope this never happens again."
"Me to Giles," Spike said his voice small, "Me to. Listen Angel and the others are at the church cleanin' up makin' sure this Strighfe done get raised. The doc here is eyein' me like the plague.could you?"
"We will be there as soon as Sam is fit to travel, I'm sure he will want to know Xander is fine as well."
"Cool," Spike said the smile in his voice. "They're gonna let me see him in an hour, see you then?"
"Absolutely," Giles said and hung up.
They were going to be just fine.
Chapter Four
Spike prowled down the street, black duster bellowing out behind him. To his left Angel walked hands in his pockets, a hunter in disguise. To his right was Riley the complete focus of a hunter and the air of an innocent. They made an interesting sight.
Buffy and Sam had returned at sunset with their findings. Riley had immediately taken the notes and compared them to his own finding only a few things he had not been able to find. Very few, very important bits of information.
Then the assignments had been handed out. Oz, Willow and Cordy had been sent on a special mission from the Watcher. Buffy, Sam, and Doyle had gone back to Zak's to see if there was anything else they could find. Giles had stayed at his apartment just in case anyone called or something came up.
Spike, Angel, and Riley were one patrol.
Everything else relied on that bit of information they didn't have yet. The Methigh were just too good at hiding.
"Master Spike, Master Angelus," a scraggly voice said from the darken tree's before a scaly demon materialized.
Spike and Angel went on instant alert at the presence of a stranger. Yet the formality of the greeting gave them reason to wait.
"You Colt?" Spike finally asked as the demon waited to be recognized.
"The Hollenwell Church," Colt said simply. "They plan for dawn. They've already killed their last sacrifice."
Spike took out a cell phone and called Buffy. "Slayer, we got our last bit." He said when she answered and hung up without waiting for her reply. "Let's head back, you come too."
Colt nodded and followed.
Twenty minutes later found everyone back in Giles' living room waiting anxiously for someone to come up with a plan. They had come up with three, all shut down for different reasons.
"Ok this is getting us nowhere." Spike growled jumping up to pace. "What do we know?"
"When they are shadow you can touch them." Sam said.
"They can be killed by the big swords over there," Buffy said pointing to the two swords on a table.
"Mehajrrathos," Giles supplied. "They bring substance to anything of shadow ultimately destroying them."
Sam swallowed hard eyeing the swords fearfully.
"The entrance is guarded by two of their sentinels, making them appear long enough for the slaughter will be difficult." Colt said from his perch on top of a chair. "We attack in pre-dawn we could crush them."
"And watch the vampire's burn?" Spike asked. "We need to get them now."
"We try now they'll just get another sacrifice," Sam said breathing hard. "Midnight would be better."
"Sam?" Buffy asked.
"I'm fine," Sam insisted.
"It's the swords," Colt said matter of fact. "They affect Shadows of all kinds."
Everyone looked at the young demon.
Sam sighed, "I've never encountered the Methigh before or seen any of my people exposed to a Mehajrrathos blade. My people use the shadows for stealth and protection. The Methigh use them for hunting."
We'll remember to keep the blades away from you when we fight and stuff." Buffy said with a smile.
Sam nodded then gracefully fainted.
Quicker then sight Colt moved from his perch and caught the boy before he hit the coffee table.
Spike sighed and sat down on the edge of the chair Angel was lounging in. "We have a shadow that can't get near our only weapon, an Esaros demon that can move faster then anything.a Slayer, a Watcher, a Werewolf, a witch, a seer and two vampires." He looked back at his Sire. "I say sod a plan, let's just go try violence."
Angel shrugged. "Good idea."
"Right," Spike jumped up grabbing one of the swords, tossing the other one to the Slayer. "Whoever's coming come, whoever's staying stay, let's go."
Cordy and Willow respectively stayed in their seats next to Giles as the Slayer, two vampires, a seer, and a werewolf moved to go into battle. Buffy smiled at her only female friends picking her sword up from where she had set it down.
"I will join you when the child wakes," Colt said from the couch where Sam was laying next to him. "This is a fight I wish not to miss."
Everyone nodded and walked out the door. Spike stopped at the threshold and looked back. "Take good care of him," the vampire ordered. "I owe him more then my unlife."
Colt nodded his understanding. Spike nodded and shut the door behind him with a resounding click.
***
Xander jolted awake from the sound of the lock in his cell door being opened. He had lightly dozed shortly after discovering the different names on the birth certificate and diary. The thought of his grandmother having been a Slayer still echoing threw his mind.
But there was also the danger of what lurked behind those doors. Those were killers who chilled what they touched and vanished into the very shadows at will. They were fear and anger, pain and hurt; Xander's worse nightmares come alive.
The hazel eyed Diamphire whimpered making himself as small as possible against the far wall as the cell door swung open to reveal the Methigh's leader.
Chosen One," the Methigh said in that hollow voice. "The time had come. Your sacrifice will be remembered in the Reign of Strighfe."
"No," Xander pleaded a bit. "I'm a bad sacrifice. Believe me they've tried and it never works. Besides I'm not even human, wouldn't your god like a human sacrifice?..."
"Strighfe had chosen his sacrifice well," the leader said, then picked up Xander by his shirt color. "The sacrifice must be made now; others intend to stop this glorious event."
'The others had found me?' Xander thought as he was carried out of the room. 'Then why aren't they down the door to save me? Don't they care?'
'Well wasn't that the point? Sacrifice him now so he wouldn't be rescued? Now would be a good time to struggle and run away.'
With one swift move Xander stepped on the heel of the leaders boot and slipped out of the demons grasp. Ankle protesting to its sudden movement the Diamphire ran to the only seen exit dodging shadowy figures trying to grab him. With a cry he hit the door using all of his strength to get it open.
"Why don't doors open when I need them to?" Xander yelled at the ceiling then turning around to face his captors.
***
The scoobies entered the abandoned church in their own stealth mode. Quickly they fanned out into the darkened sanctuary Spike and Buffy taking the lead swords at ready. Behind them Angel kept his distance waiting for anything that might try to sneak up on them, to either side Doyle and Oz did the same holding their own weapons at the ready.
Even for late night the darkened church was darker then normal leaving each of the rescuers the sense of being watched and hunted. They knew that if Sam had been in any condition the young demon might be able to identify which shadow was an enemy and which was just absence of light. But that couldn't be helped right now, after the touch of one of those Shadows he would never be the same again, maybe he would never be better at all.
"Wait," Angel said suddenly stopping mid-step. He sniffed the air looking around wearily turning in his place searching for whatever had caught his attention. Then suddenly there was a blinding light in the church. One so bright no shadow was cast by anything or anyone.
The result was startling.
Around them and above them were a dozen Shadows of all shapes and sizes. Snake like creatures slithered up the walls, monster sized Shadows flanked them on all sides near each of the scoobies. Only Buffy and Spike had a wide berth as the Shadows nearest them hissed at the Mehajrrathos Blades. That gave them an advantage but not much of one.
"Guy's go," Doyle yelled at them, "We'll hold them off!"
Buffy and Spike exchanged looks and ran for the back entrance. Angel, Doyle and Oz moved so they faced their foe in a tight circle, a moment later Spike returned and threw his sword to Angel who caught it easily.
"Lets make a good distraction," Angel said vamping out then charged into the things that weren't quite shadow.
***
"Ready?" Willow asked sitting in the circle of salt Cordy by her side.
"Just tell me what to do," Cordy said looking down at the items in front of her. She really hoped none of it was anything that would ruin her clothes; she also hoped it would work.what ever it was that the witch was doing. "What are we doing?"
"Well." Willow said a bit nervously, "Hopefully we are going to make the shadows seen, you know make sure they can't hide in the dark? It's a simple spell."
"How simple?" Giles asked suddenly worried.
"It's just the faerie light spell," Willow said, "I'm just sending it to the church instead of here."
Giles took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I don't want to witness this." He muttered and walked into the living room. Seconds later he heard a slight shriek and a loud 'poof' followed by two female giggles. He shook his head deciding he really didn't want to know and moved to see how Sam was doing.
Colt was still sitting with the young demon whom thankfully wasn't shivering from cold, yet he didn't look like he was going to wake anytime soon. The boy looked pale and drawn almost near death, yet the boys breathing was even as if he was just in a deep sleep.
"How is he?" Giles asked quietly.
"His life force is being held by the one that touched him." Colt said simply. "If they do not stop these Shadows he will die."
The Ex-Watcher nodded a deep frown marring his face, "Why don't you go help the others, we'll make sure Sam is comfortable."
Colt shook his head, "I made a promise to watch over the boy, I'm not going to back out of it." Giles nodded, Colt smiled a little. "Everything will be fine, the young one is strong and his father is wise."
"You know Spike?" Giles asked, very little was truly known about the vampire and what the Ex-Watcher knew about him contradicted what the Watchers diaries said about him.
"Aye, that I do," Colt said with a faint smile, "He is loyal beyond anything when he thinks something is worth fighting for; he can be vicious when he wants to be, but I'm sure you know how he acts around his son. He was one of the Scourge of Europe once yes, but he is a particular creature that demands respect and leadership only surpassed by Angelus and the vampire he has become. Not even the Master could bring whole peoples to his command without fear."
"May he succeed," Giles said then looked down at the boy, "For all of us."
"Beleum dunum," Colt said in an agreeing tone.
"Giles?" Willow said from the doorway of the kitchen. "I think we figured out how to help Sam."
"How Willow?" Giles asked neutrally not allowing his hopes to get up.
"Well Cordy and I were talking and we thought that if the faerie light could expose the Shadows then maybe they could help Sam."
"Areal blood makes him half a Shadow in the first place, expelling the Shadow from him will kill him," Colt said, "Even taking the Methigh Shadow from him could do harmful damage."
Giles raised an eyebrow.
"There is a lot more to the demon world then what your Watchers know Mr. Giles." Colt said levelly, "I myself am a chemist specializing in demon physiology. Zak happens to not only be a historian but a weapons master."
"That's cool," Willow said with a half smile.
Colt smiled back absently smoothing the hair from Sam's face. "His father was a good man, a good leader of his people. Samlee was the last child born of his clan, we were there at his birth, Zak, Krillick and I. he is a very important boy, just as Xander is very important. They both are the only of their kind, destined to lead us when we are in our greatest need and will be here long after we are dust."
"Good thing the Council will never know about them." Giles commented "They would never understand and only see both as a danger."
"They are a danger," Colt corrected, "Just not in the way those idiots would think. That is their fault and will be their downfall. You are a good man for leaving them and taking your Slayer with you."
Giles nodded. "I'm going to go see what else can be done to help the others."
***
The Shadows were chanting again, something Xander could barely hear but he knew the meaning well enough. They were asking for their god's favor in their sacrifice even as the leader called the god to come forth and take the sacrifice.
Xander was saying his own little prayer. One that consisted of 'I don't wanna die' and 'somebody save me' and then there was a glint if a heavy blade being lifted over the leaders head.
"Strighfe take this sacrifice and begin your glorious reign!" the leader shouted and dropped the dagger into the boys already injured side. Xander screamed nearly passing out from the pain, his eyes rolled in the back of his head and he was pretty sure he was dead already. The leader extracted the blade and raised it for another strike.
"Hey!" A heavy British accent called out from beyond the chanters. "That's my son you're trying to disembowel."
"Infidel!" the Methigh shouted and raised the blade again.
"Now like I said," Spike said materializing from the darkness like one of the shadows "That's my son, and no body and I mean No Body sacrifices my son for anything."
The demon growled at the vampire intruder and raised the blade a third time.
Spike continued walking through the chanter's leisurely. "Now I understand you're new to this town, hell this is the Hellmouth so I guess you wanted to impress your god and all. But I must tell you when dealing with the locals you certainly have a sure fire way of pissing off the wrong people. I mean the local Masters son? Are you nuts? You know how many hellions will be on your ass? Not to mention your god when he finds out he won't get the co-operation of the natives. How red faced will you be then? Better yet how red faced will you be now?"
The Methigh roared in anger and sent the blade down on his victim, right in the heart. Xander screamed and fell silent his body going limp. Spike screamed as well not fast enough to take the Mehajrrathos blade from behind his back fast enough to kill the demon before he dropped the blade. The sword left his hands second too late and landed in the Shadows head seconds to late to be of any use. At least the thing was dead.
Buffy came running up with a yell from across the room, she took the sword from the former Shadows corpus and started slicing at the other Shadows in the room. They all went down in a flash of steel before they could get away.
The others came running in just as the last Shadow fell, all three of them looked battered and bruised, but none of them could take their eyes off the scene playing out before them.
Spike was carefully, lovingly lifting the still form in his arms a cry of agony tearing from his lips. Gently he lowered the boy down on the ground brushing a strand of hair from his face before he broke down crying over the body face buried in the bloody chest.
Angel could only stand there and stare in shock. No movement could be seen but the grief was etched on his face. Buffy cried silently from where she stood a hand covering her mouth silencing the screams that threatened to come forth. Oz' normally blank face was downcast, silent tears of his own rolling down his face.
Doyle stepped forward slowly over and around the bodied that littered the floor a look of puzzlement on his face. He reached Spike and Xander leaning forward to check the pulse point on the boy's blood covered neck.
"Spike." Doyle whispered urgently.
Spike raised his head slowly, the blood on the pale face making a spectacular sight. Slowly Doyle took the vampires hand and pressed the fingers to the boy's pulse point. Spike eyes widened, there it was a heartbeat. A faint close to death heartbeat, but a heartbeat none the less.
Doyle turned and looked at the humans. "Get the car now!" he shouted, "He doesn't have much time!"
Oz was running out the door before Doyle finished the sentence.
The seer turned back to Spike, "He'll be ok. Something is keeping him alive."
Spike nodded as Angel come up and lifted the boy in his arms vanishing out the door as quickly as Oz had, Buffy retrieved the second fallen blade quickly following Angel out.
Spike continued to stare at Doyle. The seer nodded toward the door. "Go on I'll take care of things here."
Spike nodded again and ran out the door after the others; moments later Doyle could hear the faint sounds of a van peeling out onto the street. "Or someone," he muttered into the darkness.
***
Sam let out a blood chilling scream convulsing as the death of the Methigh leader pulled him to death as well. Colt held the boys hand as an anchor willing the boy to fight the tainted blood. As fast as they came the tremors stopped and the boy laid still, signs of death already on his features.
In the kitchen the Ex-Watcher let his other side emerge as he started a spell only a necromancer was supposed to know. Ripper knew the spell well, he had used it many times to keep himself and his lover alive even when they were suppose to be dead. The distance kept him from saving both boy's and he had no chose but to save Xander's, the boy was like a son to him and his death would raise the god the Methigh had been trying to raise. He just hoped Sam would be strong enough to live and everything they had done had no been in vain.
***
'"Hello Xander."
"Helloe Xandar."
"Helio Sander..."
"Hello Alexander, welcome..."
"Where am I?"
"Not in heaven."
"Nor in hell."
"You are in the Between."
"The place where neither death nor life exist."
"The place where good and evil is just a myth."
"You are safe here."
"You will be well soon."
"Stay here until you are better."'
.Angel burst into the emergency room the still form of his grandchild held tightly in his arms.
"I need help!" he shouted into the dimly lit room.
Three doctors and a nurse came rushing out of the main medical area rushing to see what the shouting was all about. One of the doctors took in the sight and rushed forward while another vanished and reappeared with a gurney.
"What happened?" the third doctor asked taking Xander primary vitals.
"He was stabbed," Angel said as calmly as possible, "Once in the chest and once in the side."
The doctor nodded confirming his guess then started barking out orders, seconds later the gurney and its burden vanished through the main doors of the ER.
"Will he be alright?" Spike asked quietly as the doors swung to a stop, "He'll be ok wont he? He has to be. he has-"
Angel pulled the younger man into a tight hug holding back his own sob of fear for the boy he enjoyed calling him grandpa. If Xander died it would mean a lot more then the raise of a Hellgod, it also meant loosing someone that had single handedly brought the most evil of creatures to the side of the light. He had helped the Slayer live longer then anyone of her kind and Angel was sure one day he would do even greater things for a whole new generation.
"He'll be ok Spike," Angel murmured into the blonds hair, "He's strong, stronger then us even, he'll be ok." That was all he could say without knowing. Thus came the hardest part of allowing family into your life- or unlife-
Waiting.
***
Colt held still afraid to breathe as he watched the blond teen carefully. Now was a very delicate time, the Areal people were so sensitive to their environment that even breathing wrong could be fatal. That's what Colt hated about working with them, such a frail species he really didn't expect the boy to live.
But he prayed he would.
In the kitchen the demon could hear the Watchers counter part chanting softly keeping the Masters son alive long enough for him to get help. Colt knew if he could he would help Sam as well but the distance is too great between them. It was either one or the other and Colt knew the hard chose Giles had made.
"Colt?" The red-headed witch said tentatively. Colt looked up at her and the brunette hovering close by.
"It's alright little one," Colt said kindly, "It's only a matter of waiting."
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Willow asked taking an unsure step forward.
"Pray," Colt said simply, "Pray for him and your friend where even the Paths may take them."
Willow nodded with determination, "He'll be ok, I know it. Both of them will."
Colt nodded and turned his attention back to the boy. He was still to close to death, the reminisce of the Methigh was still apart of his and quite possibly could be for the rest of his life. How ever long that may be. 'Common little one, your father would not want you to die from this, fight. I know you can'
Deep green eyes opened to bare slits focusing slightly on the scaly demon, "'Heard you," Sam whispered, "M'not little."
Colt smiled, "'Course not" he whispered back, "You're my boy and don't you forget."
The blond slightly nodded his eyes sliding closed again, "Xander."
"'Ole Ripper is taking care of him 'til he can get help. He's strong he should be fine."
The blond nodded again. "I sleep now?"
"Yeah you can sleep Samlee as long as you promise to wake up later."
Sam smiled a little, "Always hated that name."
Colt smiled a little as the boy curled up and fell into the healing sleep. He was going to be just fine.
***
"Mr. Stone?"
Spike jumped half a foot and looked up at the tall slender man in scrubs standing in front of him.
'Mom always said a tall dark man would be the life of me,' he thought absently the realized the man had asked him something.
"Yes?" he asked confused. "I'm sorry, what did you ask?"
"You are Alexander Stone's father right?" the doctor asked paceantly
"Is he going to be alright?" Spike asked instead of answering.
"He's going to be just fine," the doctor said, "And I must say it's a miracle he is still alive. The first stab wound upset an injury that was already there and just barely missed his kidney. And the second stab wound should have killed him honestly."
"What do you mean?" Spike asked suspiciously, "What do you mean he should be dead? You said he'll be ok didn't you?"
"Yes, Mr. Stone, your son will be just fine. The second stab grazed his heart, now we were able to repair that, it lucky you got him here when you did, any longer and he would be dead." The doctor eyed Spike with his own suspicion. "Now we are going to keep him in ICU for a few days just to make sure there are no more complications, but all in all he should be going home within the week."
Spike nodded half dazed; his boy was going to be alright, that was the best news of his unlife. "Can I see him?"
The doctor eyed him for a second then nodded slowly, "He should be awake in about an hour, I can let you see him then, but not for very long and you have to be very careful."
Spike nodded, "I can do that.I have to.I have to make a few phone calls tell the others he's alright."
The doctor nodded, "There is a pay phone to your left."
Spike nodded and dashed for the phones.
***
"Giles!" Willow called form the living room, "Spike's on the phone, he says Xander's going to be alright!"
Giles slumped against the kitchen counter his fragile hold on the spell was already wearing thin and he was glad to release it, even gladder Xander was going to be alright. Cordy had come in not long ago and announced Sam would be just fine. Everything was for once right with the world.
The Ex-Watcher picked up the kitchen phone, "Spike?"
"Eh, Watcher, how's Sam doing?" Spike asked.
"They say he will be just fine." Giles replied, "How's Xander?"
"They say it's a miracle the boy lived," Spike said, "He'll be just fine, thank you."
Giles smiled, "Your welcome Spike, I hope this never happens again."
"Me to Giles," Spike said his voice small, "Me to. Listen Angel and the others are at the church cleanin' up makin' sure this Strighfe done get raised. The doc here is eyein' me like the plague.could you?"
"We will be there as soon as Sam is fit to travel, I'm sure he will want to know Xander is fine as well."
"Cool," Spike said the smile in his voice. "They're gonna let me see him in an hour, see you then?"
"Absolutely," Giles said and hung up.
They were going to be just fine.