Part One: Protect The Slayer Princess At All Costs
Xander wakes in a field of swaying Wheat. The bright sunshine warms his back. In the distance he sees a vision, a woman. She approaches him, her magnificence gaining more splendor as she gets closer. Her hair, the color of sunshine, bounces and waves in the breeze. Her face, brighter than the day, takes shape. It is Buffy, Buffy Anne Summers, the woman who burns so brightly in his heart as to be a beacon for his night. Her smile is the highlight of her presence, her beaming eyes meant for Xander and only Xander.
Breaking into a wide grin he moves in her direction. The anticipation of imminent contact has his heart fluttering and his pulse racing. He would soon be entwined with this flower of perfection, the two no longer apart but together in blissful union.
Just before their bodies meet, before their lips can speak passion, her smile fades to resolve. Her movement changes to anger. Her hand reaches to sword in sheath.
As Xander tries to react the sword comes down in furious motion toward his neck. He jerks himself awake.
"Noooo!!"
It was Cordelia's turn to keep watch over the unconscious Xander. She jumps from her chair when she hears his cry. She runs to him.
"Xander, it's me, Cordelia." She hugs him. He doesn't respond. He drops back to unconsciousness.
The gang has a meeting. Buffy is lifeless. She doesn't speak unless spoken to. Giles has never seen his slayer this bad, not even when Angel turned.
"Buffy, I know Xander is still in a coma. I know you and he are close friends but…"
She doesn't let him finish. "Close friends, where have you been, Giles? Xander and I are soul mates. At least we were before…"
She can't finish. She has to leave to compose herself.
Giles addresses Willow. "Willow, I've..I've never seen her like this before. Even after Angel turned."
"Giles, when Buffy finally fell in love with Xander she fell very hard. She thinks he won't be able to get past her trying to kill him."
"Is she correct?"
Willow looks at Rebecca. "Rupert, he is trying but, I don't think he is having much luck."
"You mean he is going through this while unconscious?"
"Yes, Rupert."
"I don't understand? Isn't he in a coma?"
"Yes, Rupert, but the spell left many internal daemons in its wake. He is battling them to try to preserve his love for Buffy."
"And, what if he can't overcome these daemons?"
"He will eventually come back to us in order to help Buffy."
"But, she will still be upset?"
"Yes, but let's hope she can cure him of it. It might take some time, however."
Giles gives Rebecca a sarcastic look. "Oh, and I suppose in the meantime we will be further entertained by their interactions?"
It is a tragedy, Rupert, but I have faith in their love
Rebecca looks at the watcher sheepishly. "It's very romantic, Rupert."
He furrows his brow. Rebecca reaches to him. "You use to be romantic, Rupert."
Somewhat embarrassed, "Not in front of the children, Rebecca."
Everyone gets a good laugh.
The young woman winds her way through the cemetery following a loud noise. As she gets closer to it she feels the concentration of pure evil. She can see the beginning of a ritual on a make shift altar. She can hear a baby crying. A beast with a lit torch approaches the altar. The young woman runs as fast as she can to try to stop it from sacrificing the infant.
She doesn't see the ten vampires blocking her way to the altar. She furiously battles them. One by one they explode to dust. She gets closer to the altar. Just as she fights her way through the last of the guards she is viciously smashed to the head with a baseball bat. She takes another blow to the face. She falls to the ground.
She is carried to the altar and tied snugly to it. Twigs and other kindling material are placed around her. It is lighted.
As the heat around the woman builds she wakes in terror!
It is Buffy! She screams into the dark night. "Xander!"
He jerks awake.
"Noooo!!"
Cordelia is there, again. She runs to him. "This time he responds to her hug."
"Xander, it's okay, honey. You're safe."
"Is the slayer safe, Cordelia?"
"Buffy is fine. Do you want me to get her?"
"No, no, you don't have to get her. As long as she is safe."
Even though the brunet has feelings for Xander she is still sad that he doesn't want to see Buffy. It means the slayer was right. He woke up to help her but can't get over her trying to kill him. Buffy's worst nightmare has come true.
Cordelia calls the gang. They meet her in the waiting room.
"He woke up about half an hour ago. He wanted to know if Buffy was okay. He must have had a nightmare about her."
Rebecca looks at Buffy. "Do you want some time alone with him before we all go in?"
Buffy is very nervous. "I guess so."
She goes to Xander's room entering very slowly. She approaches him. She can see the scar on his face. It is quite ugly. She can also see the bandage on his chest. His breathing is unsteady and labored.
He senses her presence. He opens his eyes, looking at her.
"It is almost too much for her. She can hardly speak. "Xander are you okay?" She tries to touch him but he turns his head away from her. Her heart sinks.
"I'm fine, Buffy."
Tears start to fall down her cheeks. Xander reaches to her.
"I'm…I'm sorry…Buffy."
Buffy leans to his touch on her face. Xander can feel her tears fall on his fingers. He is also crying. She looks down on him.
"Xander…Xander, I'm so…sorry."
"I know you are, Buffy."
They look at each other. Their sadness is overwhelming. It was something beyond their control. They were so close to one another yet Buffy cannot throw herself into Xander's arms.
Hellmouth stood in the way. The Hellmouth with all its evil machinations and baneful realities.
Buffy Summers, the slayer, the young woman who risks her life everyday just to keep goodness in the world. This poor young woman could not have the love of the one person who made it all seem manageable. She was robed of the love of Xander Harris. Her Xander Harris, the boy who lived for her. The boy who was terrorized because of her love for him.
It cannot possibly be fair!
There was no joy in Xander's heart. No joy despite the fact he killed the monster who had been terrorizing him for months.
It cost him Buffy!
Nothing is right. The entire world is wrong.
He is mad at everyone. Mad at himself for being so vulnerable. Mad at Buffy. She's the Goddamn slayer! She can't stop herself from tearing him apart?
Mad at the Gods. Can't he and Buffy have anything? They risk themselves for everybody. Can't they be allowed the comfort of each other's arms?
To hell with being special! If he can't be with Buffy they can keep the rest!
The slayer leaves with as heavy a heart as she has ever had. It was not her fault she did those horrible things to Xander.
But, it was not Xander's fault either. He tried to fight it. She knows he did.
Like Rebecca said, at least he will still help her with the slaying. At least she can still be with him for that.
Will he still be his funny normal self or will he be all business?
She answers herself. He'll be whatever I need but will I be able to have him that close to me without…?
She can't finish as she is overcome with sadness, again.
How can I possibly have anymore tears to shed?
Xander gets out of the hospital. They have a meeting at Giles' house to discuss the killing of Angelus. Buffy and Xander have not seen each other since their tearful scene at the hospital.
Buffy is still out of it. Xander doesn't feel much better. He knows they cannot continue in this funk. He knows he has to do something. He goes over to Buffy. She looks up at him. He bends down to her, smiling sweetly. He caresses her face very gently.
"Buffy, could we take a walk?"
The slayer is actually stunned. Xander helps her up. They excuse themselves.
They go out to the porch. They sit. Xander speaks very softly.
"Honey, things are not alright with us. You…you practically killed me." He breaks down. Buffy wants to offer comfort but is afraid to touch him.
He composes himself.
"We still have to deal with Hellmouth, Buffy. The group really needs us."
Xander grabs her hands in his. "I can't deal with the rest right now."
"I know…Xander. It's…it's too much."
Both are sniffing back tears.
"Buffy, I'm still your friend." They embrace, crying on each other's shoulder.
Buffy really needed this. Of course, Xander knew. Buffy needed to feel Xander's comforting embrace, the one, which drives away the darkness for her, the one that is shelter from the storm.
After they are both cried out they break.
"Xander, thank you."
They begin to stare at each other, the familiar gaze that begins their magical ride of passion and love but before the space between them becomes charged Xander closes his eyes.
Buffy turns her head. Xander stands up. They start to go back to the meeting. Xander stops.
"Buffy, I'll do something if you will."
Buffy looks at him. "What?"
"Smile."
They both smile. It is a smile of resignation.
They may both be heartbroken but ask the daemons if they care?
Ask the bloodsucking monsters and the horned freaks if they'll give our heroes time off for grieving or healing?
Angelus' ghost was not half way to hell before a ghoul or a goblin or some other dead-assed beast of the night hatched another foul smelling scheme to thwart our would be saviors!
"What's up next?"
Buffy and Xander return to the meeting. Xander makes an announcement.
"We had this vision while we were outside. A couple of older people were buying breakfast for all the still growing youths among us. The sign outside the restaurant said, IHOP"
Everybody looks at Rebecca and Giles. They reluctantly agree.
This is just what the doctor ordered. Oz and Xander tell the story of Leslie fulfilling the great Meldrick's most cherished desire, to have an indoor toilet.
"He burns a candle of adoration to her every time he has a warm bowl movement."
Everyone is in stitches, even Buffy.
For now the tension is broken.
Xander goes back to school, a place he has not visited for quite some time. He puts his nose to the grindstone to catch up.
He and Buffy are very polite with one another. Xander has really been leaning on Leslie. They have been spending a lot of time together.
One afternoon Leslie comes to his house.
"Xander, I have something to discuss with you. I have a very good offer from Linda and Stacy. I need to tap their knowledge. Giles and Rebecca told me I should learn all I can so I can really contribute to you guys. They want me to stay with them for awhile."
"Shit, Leslie, good timing."
She didn't realize Xander would take it this hard. "I'm sorry, babe. I need to learn all I can learn."
"I know…it's just…"
Leslie hugs him. "I'll be back, Xander. Anyway, Willow, Cordelia and I have been talking. You need to go to Buffy. You two are destined to be together."
Xander is pissed off. "You go to someone else to decide what is best for you and I?"
"That's not it. You know I have to do this, Xander. Why are you giving me a rough time about it?"
"You're right, Leslie, but could you just not be so flip about it?"
Leslie warms. "Look, you know how I feel about you. I never met anyone like you before and I probably never will, again. But, your heart is elsewhere. Everybody knows it, too. You're a great friend, Xander. You're even a great lover. But, it's your heart that's the problem, not mine."
Xander walks away from her. She goes to him. "Xander, I know you care for me. I'm sorry to be so flip about it. Let's get some dinner and maybe a little wine. My treat."
"Okay, Leslie." She stares at him.
"What?"
"How did you ever get to be you. I mean…You're the toughest fighter I've ever seen but you have this amazing sensitivity."
They have a very nice dinner. Xander is worried about Leslie.
"Listen, word is going to get around that Linda and Stacy helped us. I want you to tell them to leave me a sign if they are ever in trouble. Put a white piece of cloth with a red cross on one of their window pains. I'll come by at least once a week.
Leslie raises her glass of wine. "Xander, let's drink to our friendship."
"I can get into that. I toast to Leslie, my friend, confidant and all time drinking buddy."
"I toast to Xander, hellacious daemon fighter, my protector, friend and lover, a person who got me out of my self pity and introduced me to…"
Xander interrupts. "Death, danger, destruction!"
Leslie has to laugh. "Yea, all that good stuff. But, seriously, Xander, you introduced me to the life I was born to live."
"And, when you got into it the scales tipped a little over to the good side."
They cross arms then drink the wine.
Xander stares at Leslie.
"What, Xander?"
"Leslie, please get very good so I don't have to cry at your funeral. I buried enough people already. Promise me you'll be very careful, almost paranoid. Spike saw you. You already have a rep. I get a pain in my soul thinking about the danger you face."
All of a sudden Leslie realizes why Xander was so upset when she told him she was leaving.
She takes his hands in hers. "Xander, I will never be so flip again with you. If I didn't have you…"
She doesn't finish. Xander picks up his wine.
"Let's drink to our continued friendship. The thing that will keep us both alive. Without each other we are dead!" They drink.
"Alright, enough of the dark stuff. Let's get you up to Linda's place.
They have a very tearful departure.
Part Two: The Competition is No Competition at All
Xander goes back to school. Willow approaches him.
"Hello,
Will."
The redhead doesn't even say hello. "Buffy is devastated,
Xander."
"I don't think I want to talk to you about her,
Willow."
"Why, Xander?"
"Because you'll ask me to do things I'm
not ready to do."
"She was under a spell, Xander!"
Xander starts
to well up. "Willow…honey…please? She almost killed me! Excuse me if I'm a
little shy about embracing her."
"I've never seen you this bitter,
before."
"She's the slayer. She claims to love me. You mean to tell me
she can't do something to stop herself from trying to kill me!"
Buffy
comes up behind Xander. For a moment she and Xander look at one another. The
hard look on his face really shakes her. He storms away.
"I've…never
seen Xander look quite that hard before. What were you talking about,
Will?"
Willow lowers her head. Buffy closes her eyes. "It was about me,
wasn't it, Will?"
"I'm sorry, Buff."
"He's never going to get
over that, is he?" Buffy breaks down. They have to go into an empty
classroom.
Willow's heart is breaking for
Buffy.
"Willow…this…this is worse than Angel. I love Xander so much.
I've never been without Xander's love. Even before I knew I loved him…he…he
always loved me. Willow, the only reason I could function without Angel was
because Xander was there. I didn't even realize how much I loved him even
then. I didn't know that was love."
"Xander can't hide anything from
me. I know what is going on inside of him. It really scares me, Willow. He
loved me more than anything else in the world. His whole life is me. Rebecca
told me Xander is "One Of Them." It means he was born for a special purpose.
His special purpose is to be with me. He figured it out himself. This is
killing him, too."
"Buffy, all Xander ever wanted since he met you was
to have you love him. Now you do but…"
She can't finish. They both
enjoy a good cry. When they are finished.
"How about you and Oz,
Will?"
"Oz forgives me for hitting him but…"
"But
what?"
"Oz now looks at the big picture. You know, the one Xander sees.
That means he'll be going off with Xander to the underground and meeting all
those sophisticated women Xander knows."
"Willow, I didn't tell you.
The night Xander took me out on that cool date. He brought flowers for my
mother. He also hugged her!"
"Buffy, Xander hugged your mother,
why?"
"He said that somebody had to be thanked for bringing me into the
world."
Willow has her mouth open.
"He is so damn romantic,
Willow! Sometimes when he looks at me I can see this thing deep within his
eyes. His love for me is amazing. It covers all of him."
"I know it
scares him. I know he's lost but he won't let me…" She breaks down
again.
After sniffing back the tears. "He's going to try to get comfort
somewhere else. I know he is but it's not going to work. I'm not giving up on
him, Willow."
Buffy and Willow hug.
Xander had to duck into an empty classroom, also. His tears flow freely down his face. He has been afraid to close his eyes since he got out of the hospital. Every time he does he has the same dream. Just before he and Buffy embrace he can see her try to kill him with the sword.
What the hell am I suppose to do? Does Willow really think I would hurt Buffy on purpose? I can't look at her for long. I can't look in her eyes.
Xander has been doing nothing but going to school, training and fighting. He hasn't even been patrolling with Buffy. Things have been quiet of late.
He is in the cemetery patrolling by himself. He can't stand to see Buffy do it by herself but he talked Giles into letting him do it. Xander and the watcher have this whole "protect the slayer" thing going on. Giles allows Xander to take chances he wouldn't let the slayer take. Buffy would be furious if she knew.
Xander finds he can get his frustrations out by ripping on Hellmouth baddies. His rep is huge, now. Any vamp worth his salt wants to nail the "Boy Wonder."
Xander runs into one such creature. "Say your prayers kid!"
"My prayer," He punches the vamp. "Is to," He kicks it to the ground. "Stake your ass." He does.
"Instant gratification!"
As Xander gets to the middle of the cemetery he notices three figures watching him.
He flips and stakes another vampire, all the time keeping his eye on the mysterious guests. They don't attack. They just watch.
After a battle with another vamp he decides to approach them.
"What are you three waiting for? Let's go."
The three are all women. One is a tall blond-headed girl, built like an athlete. The other two are the same height. One fair skinned brunette girl and one black haired girl who looked like a younger version of Rachel.
Xander is forced to deal with another vampire but then turns his attention back to the three.
"What's the deal, are you here to fight or what?"
The blond girl speaks. "We're not vampires."
"You just like to hang around graveyards?"
The brunette speaks. "We were watching you."
"Well, if you're not daemons or vampires this is a very uncool place to hang."
"You're here."
"Yea, but as you can see I work here. Look, I don't mean to be rude but get the hell out of here before you get hurt!"
The blond-headed woman speaks. "We were looking for you."
"Do I know you?"
"Are you Xander Harris?"
"Yes."
"We were told you are a daemon hunter?"
"I hate to tell you this but this is Hellmouth. Daemons hunt me."
"We need help."
"Who are you guys?"
The blond-headed woman introduces them. "I'm Kathleen. Rona is the brunette and Inez is on the end there. We're Witches. A friend of ours told us you help people."
"Who's the friend?"
"Linda."
"Okay, I'd ask you to pull up a chair but the furniture is sort of scarce. How about if we go to the park? It's safer there, anyway."
They head to the park. They sit on the grass. Xander talks.
"What kind of help do you need?"
"We go to Roosevelt High School, over in the valley. There's a gang. They keep messing with us because we're witches. They seem to be mostly normal but we think the leader is some sort of daemon."
Inez chimes in. "It's not just normal harassment. I almost got raped."
Kathleen adds. "We get hassled every day."
"But you think you're getting attacked because you're witches?"
"We just found out we can do certain weird things when we're together but we don't know how to use any of it."
"So you can't come up with any spells or anything?"
Inez speaks up for the first time. "No, and we don't want to do that anyway. We don't want to hurt anybody."
Xander sighs. They are Linda's friends. "Okay, I'll help but…"
"But what, Xander?"
"I was going to chill out for a while tonight at a place called the Bronze. Would you guys be up for a little dancing? Just for a little while then we'll talk more about your problem."
The girls look surprised. Kathleen answers. "Well, I guess so, Xander." She looks at Rona and Inez who nod their approval.
"Alright, let me just explain something. I have friends. One of them is a vampire slayer. Right now I'm sort of mad at them."
Kathleen gives him a look of recognition. "You loved Buffy but then you had to kill her ex who was a vampire. He had her under a spell. After you killed him she attacked you pretty bad. Now you can't stand to be with her."
Xander stares at Kathleen. "I think Linda has a big mouth."
Inez perks up. "Will we get to meet Oz?"
"Yea, he'll probably be there. I just need to get these bloody clothes off. I'll show you where it is then I'll meet you there."
Cordelia, Buffy and Willow are at the Bronze. Oz is playing.
Buffy speaks. "Do you think Xander will come, Willow?"
"He's due for a break."
Kathleen, Rona and Inez come in. They command quite a bit of attention.
Cordelia sees them first. "Who the hell are they?"
The slayer looks them over. "They look tough."
Willow adds. "They look dangerous. Where's Oz?"
Cordelia chimes in. "Where's Xander?"
Buffy adds her comment on that. "Oh, you mean he missed three fashion models. He's slowing down."
Willow continues it. "His work schedule must be cramping his style."
The three newcomers walk to the other side of the dance floor to get something to drink.
Xander comes in. He reluctantly walks to the table where the slayer is sitting.
"Hi, Willow, Cordelia." He and Buffy exchange a glance. "Hi, Buffy."
"Hi Xander." He starts looking around.
Willow speaks. "Are you going to join us?"
"Actually I was looking for somebody."
"Who?"
"Somebody asked me for help. I wanted to ask you, Will, if it was okay to ask Oz to come?"
"No, it's not."
Kathleen, Rona and Inez see Xander. They approach the table. Cordelia sees them coming.
"No, it can't be!"
Buffy and Willow look. They can only shake their heads.
Kathleen puts her hand on Xander's shoulder. "Hi Xander."
"Kathleen, this is Buffy, Cordelia and Willow. Guys, this is Kathleen, Inez and Rona."
Inez looks at Willow. "You're Oz's girlfriend, right?"
Willow nods. "Is it okay if I meet him?"
Willow is taken aback. Inez is quite beautiful, very intimidating. "Ah…sure…he's playing right now but maybe after."
Kathleen addresses Xander. "Do you want to dance, Xander?"
"Okay." Rona goes, too. Inez goes up to the stage to look at Oz.
Cordelia is the first to comment. "I'll be damned. We should have known."
Buffy is disgusted. "He is out of control!"
Willow, "Only Xander can be outside and meet three fashion models who need help. And, one of them wants Oz."
Cordelia reminds the witch. "Xander took him on his latest trip to the underground."
On the dance floor Kathleen and Rona dance opposite Xander. Kathleen starts some really sexy moves toward Xander. He comments.
"They must have some real dynamite dances at Roosevelt with you shaking that stuff."
The blond responds in a very flirting manner. "You have the temperature pretty high yourself, Xander."
Back at the table Buffy is thoroughly pissed off! "You know what the real clincher here is? He actually thinks he can pull stuff like this and we're not going to say anything."
Cordelia is still staring at the dance floor. "Look at that blond haired one. I'd say she's staking a claim!"
Buffy is not going to take this sitting down. "You know, Xander might never talk to me again but, I'm not taking this shit."
She approaches the dancers. She taps Kathleen on the shoulder.
"Get your tongue up off the floor." She turns to Xander. "Xander, can I talk to you?"
Kathleen answers. "We're dancing."
Buffy looks at her with barely controlled anger. "I don't know who you are and I don't really care. I'm talking to Xander."
The tall blond doesn't back down. "Aren't you the slayer?"
"Oh, you heard of me. Then I'm sure you heard how mean and nasty I am?"
Xander is a little upset. "Buffy, what are you doing?"
"I want to talk to you…in private."
"Buffy, what do you want?"
"Have the courtesy to keep your bimbos out of my face!"
Xander is incredulous. "Buffy, I'm dancing with a friend."
"You're dancing. She's undressing you!"
Kathleen gets mad. "Hey, I can dance with whoever the hell I want!"
Buffy gets in her face. "You're real close to going on your ass, here!"
Xander gets in between them. "Buffy, please." He fondles her face to try to calm her down.
"Get her out of here now, Xander!" Seeing the resolve on Buffy's face Xander turns to Kathleen. "Could you wait for me outside, please?"
Kathleen takes one last hard look at Buffy then gets Rona and Inez. They leave.
Buffy goes back to the table. Xander is fuming. He comes over.
"What the hell was that, Buffy?"
Willow speaks up. "You can't bring three girls like that right in our face and not expect us to get mad, Xander. Even you're not that stupid."
"They're witches…"
Cordelia interrupts. "You can say that again!"
"They are friends of a friend. They came to ask for help. I just thought they could just chill out for a while. Buffy, I'm not flaunting anybody in your face."
"Xander, Kathleen was all over you on the dance floor."
Xander is very angry. "I made a mistake. I thought I could bring some people in here and my friends would be friendly to them."
Buffy answers. "That's bullshit, Xander!"
Cordelia adds. "You can't bring three women like that and expect us to smile and be friendly."
"They're in trouble. I'm going to help them. Buffy, despite what you think I would never do anything in your face to hurt you. It's a shame you can't say the same thing."
Cordelia has to comment. "That is really low, Xander."
Willow adds. "You're a bastard, Xander."
Xander is shocked at Willow. "What is it with you three? What the hell do you want out of me?" He begins to walk away but stops. He goes back to the table.
"Look I am doing this to repay a favor. Believe it or not, Buffy, the favor helped you too. I am not trying to hurt you guys or flaunt anybody in your face. Buffy, I'm sorry."
He walks out. Buffy is very sad. Willow tries to comfort her.
"Buffy, I'm so sorry."
"It's okay. I can't force him to love me."
Cordelia has an added thought. "Willow, I hate to remind you of this but he wants to take Oz with him. That one girl was already in love with him before she even met him."
"And, he'll probably go, too."
Buffy sighs. "We didn't train these guys right!"
Xander goes outside with Kathleen and the others.
"Kathleen, I apologize for my friends."
"The slayer's reputation is well earned."
"She's in a lot of pain, Kathleen."
"Xander, do you go with her?"
"No…but…"
The tall blonde interrupts him. "Xander, I'm sorry. I don't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just felt connected with you a little bit in there."
Xander goes to her. He puts his arm around her. "I know you guys are having a rough time. We were sort of meshing on the dance floor, weren't we?"
Kathleen leans into his touch. "Yes we were. Tell me straight, Xander, would I be in the competition for you?"
Xander stares for a few seconds. Competition, there is no competition for his heart. His heart belongs to Buffy. He shakes his head.
"Oh, Kathleen, I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. Buffy and I are…it's really complicated but…"
"No, Xander, I'm sorry. You agreed to help us. You didn't say anything about becoming my boyfriend. I'm out of line, Xander."
They hug very warmly.
"Kathleen, I'll meet you some time tomorrow or the next day. Give me your number. I'll call you. Until then don't go to school, okay?"
They agree.
Go on to Part Three
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Buffy and the Slayerettes are Property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and the WB. No Copyright Infringement is Intended.