Disclaimer listed on First Part of the Story
Last Part
"Why me?" Xander asked. "I mean, why ME? There are people out there who must be better prepared for this than me?"
"Maybe kid, but you were the only one that survived with all the qualities needed." Whistler said.
"Survived?" Gasped Xander.
"Yes survived. Fate is too fickle to trust so there were several possible leaders in place. The one that survived with the best qualities was chosen. That was you, however you messed things up a bit." Whistler Paused. "Xander as a young man you have faced everything thing that you have come up against. Were-hyenas, Angelus, The Mayor, The Judge, The Master, Dracula. And every time you have survived what most would not, and came out better for it. Now I know that there was a lot of hurt involved as well. But you are somehow a better man because of it."
"Too bad it hurt so much." Xander almost whispered.
"Time to return Xander. Now it is going to hurt at first, then they will give you some pain medication and you can rest. Remember, tell no one anything until you are out of the hospital!" Whistler reminded as he faded out.
Xander walked around the room for a few minutes, then faded out himself.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
Part 3
Mercy Hospital
Sunnydale Ca.
July 5th 2002 4:00 AM
Buffy crept into the dark ICU room, briefly putting her arm on Willow's shoulder to let her know that she could go home and sleep. She pulled the hard plastic chair up close to Xander's bed where she could put her head down next to him. Grasping his hand in hers she brushed the dark hair off of his face and softly spoke.
"Xander, it's been a week, don't you think that it's about time you woke up?" Buffy said smiling to herself.
Shifting slightly she once more ran hers eyes over Xander. He was laying face down on a special bed made for spine and other back injuries, his face turned facing his left. She could see the numerous stitches surrounding the incisions and bullet wounds.
Swallowing down the taste of bile, Buffy promised serious harm to whoever had done this to her man. \\Whoa, where the heck did that come from?// she asked herself.
She'd spent the past week skulking around, watching for another attempt to assassinate her, if that is what the plan had really been. And even Angel was looking around from the LA side though, him and Cordelia having returned a couple of days ago with the promise to return once Xander woke up.
She lay her head down on the bed alongside his and drifted off to sleep.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
Joyce made her way to Xander's room carrying a Mocha Grande Latte and a bagel for Buffy. She was starting to get really concerned. She could see that her oldest daughter had lost weight in the last week, weight that she really couldn't afford to lose after the stress of the last few months.
Joyce entered the room where she had spent the last seven mornings with a boy who was the son she would never have. A boy whose own parents declined to come see him 'til he woke up. Sitting down near the head of the bed, she saw Buffy still sleeping and decided to not bother waking her.
Opening up her own cup of coffee she raised it to her lips to take a sip and looked right into the open eyes of Xander.
He put his finger to his lips signaling for quiet, and pointed at Buffy. He then shifted his arm slightly and put it around her shoulders.
Joyce smiled at him as she watched her daughter sleepily snuggle into the slight embrace.
Buffy started to struggle to wakefulness when she smelled her favorite mocha latte, then she felt a comforting presence and a strong arm holding her protectively. She drifted between wakefulness and sleep for several more minutes, and then finally she opened her eyes to gaze right into the deep brown orbs of her Xander shaped friend. She gasped and started to sit up, then stopped as Xander winced when his arm was moved to far.
"Xander! How long have you been awake?" Buffy asked.
"Just a few minutes." Xander replied quietly as he moved his arm back down on the bed.
Joyce stood up and started toward the door.
"I'll give you a few minutes, and then I need to inform the doctor," she said as she walked out of the room.
Buffy looked deeply into the eyes of the man that she cared for more than any other and then, started to cry.
"Xander, I was so worried when you were shot. Not only was it the pain added onto every thing that has happened this year, but it was also your selflessness. Once more you managed to save me. That makes how many times now?" She paused, her eyes smiling, even though tears ran down her cheeks.
"But over the last six years you have been there so many times for me when others had given up. You have helped me thorough some of the roughest times of my life, and then after this. I had to face the possibility that you wouldn't be around. That almost destroyed me Xander, and I have realized that maybe...I love you."
"Buffy.." Xander started to say but was cut off.
"No Xander, we are not going to talk of this now. It is too new, too raw to discuss here. But when we get you home, you and I will talk," stated Buffy.
Before either of them could comment the doctor entered the room accompanied by a nurse with a tray of medication.
"Morning, Mr. Harris. How do you feel?" the doctor asked.
"Hurts," Xander replied with a whisper.
"Yes, I can imagine it does. The nurse is giving you something now, and in a minute you'll feel much better. Now I want to take a look at some of my work back here," he said as he pulled the sheet down.
Buffy looked at Xander's muscular back as the doctor examined the incisions and the area around the spine. \\When did Xander get all Grrr?//
As the doctor was examining the wound near the spine the nurse uncovered his legs and ran one of these spiked wheels down his calf.
"Shit! That hurts!" Xander yelled as he jumped. "What the hell was that for?"
The doctor jumped back in shock. "We were just testing for nerve damage. One of the bullets hit a vertebrate on the way in, and I was sure that there was some damage. We can test further later though," the doctor said.
The doctor left shaking his head after checking Xander's vitals, and as the pain medication kicked in Xander drifted off, a smile on his face.
"Did you tell him Buffy?" asked Joyce.
"Tell him what?" questioned Buffy.
"That you loved him," Joyce countered.
"No, but I did tell him that we had a lot to discuss when we got him home," Buffy answered.
"Good. Don't give him any declarations of love now. He will think you are doing it for pity, and that will cause more problems," Joyce said.
"How long have you known mom?" Buffy asked sadly.
"Since your second hear of high school. I could tell by the way you looked at him, never letting him see you watching. You were so in love with him, but afraid of what would happen to him if anyone knew. Then when he was almost going to marry Anya, I could see how devastated you were, and how happy when it didn't happen. You wear your heart on your sleeve, Buffy. Dawn and I both know. Willow might suspect. And Tara knew," Joyce said, her voice fading away.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
As Xander slept that night, several of the nurses kept checking on him, his EEG readings making them wonder if he was having night terrors.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
Former Library
London England
July 5th 2002 8:00 PM
Marcus Stillwell sat staring at the page in front of him. \\This can't be true.//
Slamming his hands down on either side of the book, he stood, gathered the book up and made his way to the duty controller's office.
He showed the controller the prophecy and pointed out that since there was only one there, the Hellmouth could very well be opened. They quickly passed the message up through the chain of command and finally to the office of Roland Witherspoon, the head of the Council.
He listened to the report, checked the prophecy himself, and then issued the orders.
"Start processing the paperwork... Now! Get her out of there." Witherspoon Ordered.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
White Room
Unknown Location
Xander faded into being, dressed in the familiar all white attire that seemed to be part of wherever he was. He was only waiting a short time when a man dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt faded into existence.
"Uh, hello," Xander offered.
The man said nothing, just walked around him, looking him over, kind of like the bullies in high school used to do. Finally he came to a stop in from of him and held out his hand. Xander took it as the man grasped his wrist in a friendly manner.
"Good to know you, Xander Harris. I am here to teach you honor, chivalry, and how to fight with weapons from my time. Weapons such as swords, axes and maces. I am Sir Galahad of Avalon, son of Lancelot and Elaine."
Xander gasped, recognizing the name of the purest and most honorable of King Arthur's knights, and the only one that safely took the Siege Perilous.
"Thank you. I am honored," Xander replied in awe.
"It is I who should be honored. To be chosen to instruct one of 'The Pentagram Guardians,' chosen defenders of humanity is an honor," Galahad said, his voice loaded with emotion.
"What do I have to do?" asked Xander.
"Just sit right there and close your eyes," Galahad instructed.
Galahad approached Xander and placed his hands on both sides of Xander's head. His hands began to glow with a bluish white light. When the light faded Galahad stepped back.
"Sleep my young champion. When you awake you will have all my skills and knowledge, may it serve you well," He said as he faded out.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
Mercy Hospital
Sunnydale Ca.
July 6th 2002 6:00 PM
The next day passed very slowly for Xander, spending a lot of his time with tests, and only a short time with Buffy and his friends. Finally about dinnertime they showed up and spent the rest of visiting hours with him. They talked around most everything, not wanting to bring up anything painful.
Dawn was feeling somewhat out of sorts being there. Xander was her friend, but with Buffy and Willow fawning all over him she just felt out of place. She sat there quietly watching and noticed something on the point of his shoulder. It looked like a smudge or shadow or something. Oh well probably just a bruise from the shooting.
She shivered, remembering seeing Tara's body a short time ago. \\God I hope things will get normal again. Well as normal as they could be near the Hellmouth,// she thought.
Joyce noticed Xander dropping off to sleep and rounded everyone up, leaving Giles the night duty this time. Buffy would probably have to be forced to get some sleep again.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
White Room
Unknown Location
Once more Xander found himself in the familiar white room, dressed again in all white. He seated himself and waited somewhat patiently for his nightly visitor. This time a smallish man dressed all in black appeared. This time it was someone he was familiar with.
\\Holy shit! Bruce Lee is going to pass his knowledge on to me!// Xander thought.
Xander stood and bowed slightly from the waist as he waited for his visitor to speak. Once again Xander was circled slowly, being looked over thoroughly.
"Good evening, Xander Harris," Bruce Lee said to him, offering his hand. "I was pleased to be chosen to impart my skills to you to assist with your battle against the demonic forces threatening your world."
Xander shook his hand. "It is an honor to meet you Mr. Lee. Everyone my age is familiar with you and your abilities," he replied.
Bruce smiled and nodded. "I will be teaching you Kung Fu, Wing Chun, and Jeet Kune Do. These martial arts will help you in your fight. I will also be passing on the wisdom and discipline that goes along with them, for skill used without wisdom is an accident waiting to happen," Bruce warned as he placed his hands on Xander's head.
When the soft glow faded Bruce turned to the sleeping Xander.
"Rest, Xander Harris. When you awaken you will remember all I have given you. May it serve you well on your journey," Bruce said as he faded out.
Mercy Hospital
Sunnydale Ca.
July 7th 2002 10:00 AM
Xander had been moved to a regular room this morning and most of the gang was there wishing him well. Dawn and Willow had just entered bring a couple of foil balloons in to cheer him up.
The doctors kept a close eye on Xander as he recovered, not being sure why he was recovering so quickly. But being the Hellmouth they seemed to just accept it after a couple of days.
When the doctor had left after checking Xander's vitals again Willow guarded the door while Buffy slipped Xander a treat. She had smuggled in a package of Twinkies.
As Xander ate the goodies the rest laughed at the look of ecstasy on his face. Dawn moved over to the window to look out, not liking hospitals. She turned and was going to ask her mom a question when something on Xander's upper arm caught her eye again.
As she moved closer to look she could easily see the faint outline of a pair of wings, with some kind of design in the center of them. She looked up at her sister and asked, "Buffy, what is this?"
Buffy walked over on the other side of Xander and looked at what Dawn was pointing at. "Looks like a tattoo. Xander when did you get a tattoo?"
"I didn't. What is it?" Xander pondered.
"Looks like wings of some kind, with some sort of symbol in the center. Kind of a purplish color," Buffy noted.
Giles and Willow crowded in to look as well, both possibly worried about some sort of demonic possession. Giles made a mental note to check through some of his books to see if they mentioned a mark or tattoo of this type.
The nurse picked this time to come in and inform everyone that they were taking the patient upstairs for some X-rays and respiratory therapy. If they wanted they could return after lunch.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
Angel Investigations
Los Angeles Ca.
July 7th 2002 3:00 PM
Angel was reading over a report that he got from a tame demon at the demon karaoke bar Caritas. According to him there was an unknown man who was asking around to see if anyone was interested in accepting a contract to take out the Slayer. As far as he knew, no one there was interested, and the man left after a very short time.
He stood up and walked out to Cordelia's desk.
"Cordelia, could you make Giles aware of this? I want someone to know, and I don't think Buffy would pay any attention right now," Angel said. "I'm going to check around some more tonight to see if I can find out anymore."
"Sure Angel," answered Cordy.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
TBC
Last Part
"Why me?" Xander asked. "I mean, why ME? There are people out there who must be better prepared for this than me?"
"Maybe kid, but you were the only one that survived with all the qualities needed." Whistler said.
"Survived?" Gasped Xander.
"Yes survived. Fate is too fickle to trust so there were several possible leaders in place. The one that survived with the best qualities was chosen. That was you, however you messed things up a bit." Whistler Paused. "Xander as a young man you have faced everything thing that you have come up against. Were-hyenas, Angelus, The Mayor, The Judge, The Master, Dracula. And every time you have survived what most would not, and came out better for it. Now I know that there was a lot of hurt involved as well. But you are somehow a better man because of it."
"Too bad it hurt so much." Xander almost whispered.
"Time to return Xander. Now it is going to hurt at first, then they will give you some pain medication and you can rest. Remember, tell no one anything until you are out of the hospital!" Whistler reminded as he faded out.
Xander walked around the room for a few minutes, then faded out himself.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
Part 3
Mercy Hospital
Sunnydale Ca.
July 5th 2002 4:00 AM
Buffy crept into the dark ICU room, briefly putting her arm on Willow's shoulder to let her know that she could go home and sleep. She pulled the hard plastic chair up close to Xander's bed where she could put her head down next to him. Grasping his hand in hers she brushed the dark hair off of his face and softly spoke.
"Xander, it's been a week, don't you think that it's about time you woke up?" Buffy said smiling to herself.
Shifting slightly she once more ran hers eyes over Xander. He was laying face down on a special bed made for spine and other back injuries, his face turned facing his left. She could see the numerous stitches surrounding the incisions and bullet wounds.
Swallowing down the taste of bile, Buffy promised serious harm to whoever had done this to her man. \\Whoa, where the heck did that come from?// she asked herself.
She'd spent the past week skulking around, watching for another attempt to assassinate her, if that is what the plan had really been. And even Angel was looking around from the LA side though, him and Cordelia having returned a couple of days ago with the promise to return once Xander woke up.
She lay her head down on the bed alongside his and drifted off to sleep.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
Joyce made her way to Xander's room carrying a Mocha Grande Latte and a bagel for Buffy. She was starting to get really concerned. She could see that her oldest daughter had lost weight in the last week, weight that she really couldn't afford to lose after the stress of the last few months.
Joyce entered the room where she had spent the last seven mornings with a boy who was the son she would never have. A boy whose own parents declined to come see him 'til he woke up. Sitting down near the head of the bed, she saw Buffy still sleeping and decided to not bother waking her.
Opening up her own cup of coffee she raised it to her lips to take a sip and looked right into the open eyes of Xander.
He put his finger to his lips signaling for quiet, and pointed at Buffy. He then shifted his arm slightly and put it around her shoulders.
Joyce smiled at him as she watched her daughter sleepily snuggle into the slight embrace.
Buffy started to struggle to wakefulness when she smelled her favorite mocha latte, then she felt a comforting presence and a strong arm holding her protectively. She drifted between wakefulness and sleep for several more minutes, and then finally she opened her eyes to gaze right into the deep brown orbs of her Xander shaped friend. She gasped and started to sit up, then stopped as Xander winced when his arm was moved to far.
"Xander! How long have you been awake?" Buffy asked.
"Just a few minutes." Xander replied quietly as he moved his arm back down on the bed.
Joyce stood up and started toward the door.
"I'll give you a few minutes, and then I need to inform the doctor," she said as she walked out of the room.
Buffy looked deeply into the eyes of the man that she cared for more than any other and then, started to cry.
"Xander, I was so worried when you were shot. Not only was it the pain added onto every thing that has happened this year, but it was also your selflessness. Once more you managed to save me. That makes how many times now?" She paused, her eyes smiling, even though tears ran down her cheeks.
"But over the last six years you have been there so many times for me when others had given up. You have helped me thorough some of the roughest times of my life, and then after this. I had to face the possibility that you wouldn't be around. That almost destroyed me Xander, and I have realized that maybe...I love you."
"Buffy.." Xander started to say but was cut off.
"No Xander, we are not going to talk of this now. It is too new, too raw to discuss here. But when we get you home, you and I will talk," stated Buffy.
Before either of them could comment the doctor entered the room accompanied by a nurse with a tray of medication.
"Morning, Mr. Harris. How do you feel?" the doctor asked.
"Hurts," Xander replied with a whisper.
"Yes, I can imagine it does. The nurse is giving you something now, and in a minute you'll feel much better. Now I want to take a look at some of my work back here," he said as he pulled the sheet down.
Buffy looked at Xander's muscular back as the doctor examined the incisions and the area around the spine. \\When did Xander get all Grrr?//
As the doctor was examining the wound near the spine the nurse uncovered his legs and ran one of these spiked wheels down his calf.
"Shit! That hurts!" Xander yelled as he jumped. "What the hell was that for?"
The doctor jumped back in shock. "We were just testing for nerve damage. One of the bullets hit a vertebrate on the way in, and I was sure that there was some damage. We can test further later though," the doctor said.
The doctor left shaking his head after checking Xander's vitals, and as the pain medication kicked in Xander drifted off, a smile on his face.
"Did you tell him Buffy?" asked Joyce.
"Tell him what?" questioned Buffy.
"That you loved him," Joyce countered.
"No, but I did tell him that we had a lot to discuss when we got him home," Buffy answered.
"Good. Don't give him any declarations of love now. He will think you are doing it for pity, and that will cause more problems," Joyce said.
"How long have you known mom?" Buffy asked sadly.
"Since your second hear of high school. I could tell by the way you looked at him, never letting him see you watching. You were so in love with him, but afraid of what would happen to him if anyone knew. Then when he was almost going to marry Anya, I could see how devastated you were, and how happy when it didn't happen. You wear your heart on your sleeve, Buffy. Dawn and I both know. Willow might suspect. And Tara knew," Joyce said, her voice fading away.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
As Xander slept that night, several of the nurses kept checking on him, his EEG readings making them wonder if he was having night terrors.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
Former Library
London England
July 5th 2002 8:00 PM
Marcus Stillwell sat staring at the page in front of him. \\This can't be true.//
Slamming his hands down on either side of the book, he stood, gathered the book up and made his way to the duty controller's office.
He showed the controller the prophecy and pointed out that since there was only one there, the Hellmouth could very well be opened. They quickly passed the message up through the chain of command and finally to the office of Roland Witherspoon, the head of the Council.
He listened to the report, checked the prophecy himself, and then issued the orders.
"Start processing the paperwork... Now! Get her out of there." Witherspoon Ordered.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
White Room
Unknown Location
Xander faded into being, dressed in the familiar all white attire that seemed to be part of wherever he was. He was only waiting a short time when a man dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt faded into existence.
"Uh, hello," Xander offered.
The man said nothing, just walked around him, looking him over, kind of like the bullies in high school used to do. Finally he came to a stop in from of him and held out his hand. Xander took it as the man grasped his wrist in a friendly manner.
"Good to know you, Xander Harris. I am here to teach you honor, chivalry, and how to fight with weapons from my time. Weapons such as swords, axes and maces. I am Sir Galahad of Avalon, son of Lancelot and Elaine."
Xander gasped, recognizing the name of the purest and most honorable of King Arthur's knights, and the only one that safely took the Siege Perilous.
"Thank you. I am honored," Xander replied in awe.
"It is I who should be honored. To be chosen to instruct one of 'The Pentagram Guardians,' chosen defenders of humanity is an honor," Galahad said, his voice loaded with emotion.
"What do I have to do?" asked Xander.
"Just sit right there and close your eyes," Galahad instructed.
Galahad approached Xander and placed his hands on both sides of Xander's head. His hands began to glow with a bluish white light. When the light faded Galahad stepped back.
"Sleep my young champion. When you awake you will have all my skills and knowledge, may it serve you well," He said as he faded out.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
Mercy Hospital
Sunnydale Ca.
July 6th 2002 6:00 PM
The next day passed very slowly for Xander, spending a lot of his time with tests, and only a short time with Buffy and his friends. Finally about dinnertime they showed up and spent the rest of visiting hours with him. They talked around most everything, not wanting to bring up anything painful.
Dawn was feeling somewhat out of sorts being there. Xander was her friend, but with Buffy and Willow fawning all over him she just felt out of place. She sat there quietly watching and noticed something on the point of his shoulder. It looked like a smudge or shadow or something. Oh well probably just a bruise from the shooting.
She shivered, remembering seeing Tara's body a short time ago. \\God I hope things will get normal again. Well as normal as they could be near the Hellmouth,// she thought.
Joyce noticed Xander dropping off to sleep and rounded everyone up, leaving Giles the night duty this time. Buffy would probably have to be forced to get some sleep again.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
White Room
Unknown Location
Once more Xander found himself in the familiar white room, dressed again in all white. He seated himself and waited somewhat patiently for his nightly visitor. This time a smallish man dressed all in black appeared. This time it was someone he was familiar with.
\\Holy shit! Bruce Lee is going to pass his knowledge on to me!// Xander thought.
Xander stood and bowed slightly from the waist as he waited for his visitor to speak. Once again Xander was circled slowly, being looked over thoroughly.
"Good evening, Xander Harris," Bruce Lee said to him, offering his hand. "I was pleased to be chosen to impart my skills to you to assist with your battle against the demonic forces threatening your world."
Xander shook his hand. "It is an honor to meet you Mr. Lee. Everyone my age is familiar with you and your abilities," he replied.
Bruce smiled and nodded. "I will be teaching you Kung Fu, Wing Chun, and Jeet Kune Do. These martial arts will help you in your fight. I will also be passing on the wisdom and discipline that goes along with them, for skill used without wisdom is an accident waiting to happen," Bruce warned as he placed his hands on Xander's head.
When the soft glow faded Bruce turned to the sleeping Xander.
"Rest, Xander Harris. When you awaken you will remember all I have given you. May it serve you well on your journey," Bruce said as he faded out.
Mercy Hospital
Sunnydale Ca.
July 7th 2002 10:00 AM
Xander had been moved to a regular room this morning and most of the gang was there wishing him well. Dawn and Willow had just entered bring a couple of foil balloons in to cheer him up.
The doctors kept a close eye on Xander as he recovered, not being sure why he was recovering so quickly. But being the Hellmouth they seemed to just accept it after a couple of days.
When the doctor had left after checking Xander's vitals again Willow guarded the door while Buffy slipped Xander a treat. She had smuggled in a package of Twinkies.
As Xander ate the goodies the rest laughed at the look of ecstasy on his face. Dawn moved over to the window to look out, not liking hospitals. She turned and was going to ask her mom a question when something on Xander's upper arm caught her eye again.
As she moved closer to look she could easily see the faint outline of a pair of wings, with some kind of design in the center of them. She looked up at her sister and asked, "Buffy, what is this?"
Buffy walked over on the other side of Xander and looked at what Dawn was pointing at. "Looks like a tattoo. Xander when did you get a tattoo?"
"I didn't. What is it?" Xander pondered.
"Looks like wings of some kind, with some sort of symbol in the center. Kind of a purplish color," Buffy noted.
Giles and Willow crowded in to look as well, both possibly worried about some sort of demonic possession. Giles made a mental note to check through some of his books to see if they mentioned a mark or tattoo of this type.
The nurse picked this time to come in and inform everyone that they were taking the patient upstairs for some X-rays and respiratory therapy. If they wanted they could return after lunch.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
Angel Investigations
Los Angeles Ca.
July 7th 2002 3:00 PM
Angel was reading over a report that he got from a tame demon at the demon karaoke bar Caritas. According to him there was an unknown man who was asking around to see if anyone was interested in accepting a contract to take out the Slayer. As far as he knew, no one there was interested, and the man left after a very short time.
He stood up and walked out to Cordelia's desk.
"Cordelia, could you make Giles aware of this? I want someone to know, and I don't think Buffy would pay any attention right now," Angel said. "I'm going to check around some more tonight to see if I can find out anymore."
"Sure Angel," answered Cordy.
~~~~~**********~~~~~
TBC