Disclaimer in chapter one.
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Chronicles of the New Watchers
Book One: The Chosen Ones
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Xander: Well, there are no boxes for 'none of the above'. That would introduce too many variables into their mushroom head, number-crunching little world.
Willow: I'm sensing bitterness.
Xander: No, it's just these people can't tell from one multiple-choice test what we're gonna be doing for the rest of our lives. It's ridiculous!
Willow: I'm kinda curious to find out what sort of career I could have.
"What's My Line Part 1
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Chapter ThreeExcerpt from the journals of Wesley Wyndham-Price, member of the Central Council
June 14, 2003
Giles and Xander are staying here in Los Angeles for two days before the three of us fly off to England. I find it hard as the day draws closer to leaving Angel, Fred and the others. But I would never forgive myself if I gave up this opportunity. In the past year I felt as though I were lost. I have become a man I never thought myself of being capable. Even Faith had been shocked by my methods while she was here. I only did what I felt was necessary. A means to an End. But I hated this man that I was every step of the way.
What Giles has offered me is not only to become a Watcher again, but a chance to suss out who I was, who I am and who I will be.
Wesley had moved into the hotel for his last few days in America. Part of it was practical – breaking his lease on his apartment first thing – and part was emotional. He wanted to be near the others. Especially Fred.
He had decided not to offer her the position with the council, which Giles assured him he understood. But the idea was still tempting – especially if she were to accept. The two of them would be all the way across the globe with no Charles Gunn between them.
Wesley shook himself out of his musings as Xander came down the stairs with the object of his desires, both laughing at some anecdote the new Watcher had shared with Fred. Wes smiled a little at them. They seemed to have the same sense of humor. They hit it off as friends immediately and acted as though they had known each other forever. He had to admit, he was a little jealous, but also amused at their instant bonding. He knew Xander was having a difficult time with leaving Willow behind. And Fred managed to ease his pain by sharing a joke or quick laugh with the dark-haired man.
"Hey Wes," Xander said as soon as he spotted Wesley sitting in the lobby. "Wanna come with for some ice cream? You know, I've never known man or beast who could keep up with me at eating, but Fred sure can!"
"Yes, so I've noticed. It's all right, go on without me. Giles had something he wanted to discuss with me."
Xander shrugged. "Suit yourself." Fred looked at Wes oddly – in his opinion. Ever since he had told the others his decision to return to England, it was as if she were trying to solve a puzzle and he held the key. Before he could consider the matter further she and Xander were gone.
Wesley pushed to his feet and made his way upstairs to Giles' room. He tapped lightly on the door.
"Come in."
Wes opened the door and saw Giles sorting through the handful of books he had in his luggage. "You wanted to speak with me," he reminded the older man.
"Ah – ah. Yes I did. Sorry just looking through some of the old Watcher's journals. I've been trying to get a handle on how I should approach rebuilding the council. I feel as though I'm flying blind here, so to speak."
"I can imagine. This whole thing really has you worried, doesn't it?"
"Of course. Being in this position is somewhere I never thought I'd find myself. I'm sure every Watcher has imagined what it would be like to be in charge of the council. Haven't you?"
Wesley's face colored. "Yes, you're right. And you're afraid this power with corrupt you."
"A – a little. That's why I hope the people I've chosen for the Central Council will be a counter to that."
"Who have you chosen?"
"Well, Sam Zabuto and James Robson for starters."
"Zabuto is a wise choice. Very respected."
"One of my other choices is you."
The younger man was shocked. "Me? Are you sure?"
"Quite sure. I believe you are the best choice. Even better than Zabuto. All along I've stressed how important it is for Watchers to be in a position to understand what the Slayer goes through."
"I was only Buffy's watcher for a short time."
"Yes, but you've been fighting by Angel's side for four years now. The council wanted to destroy him, but you were steadfast. You understand the shades of gray. Perhaps better than I can."
"The incident with Spike?"
Giles looked shame-faced. "Yes. Buffy has only just gotten back to speaking to me. I didn't stop to realize that she was in charge, not me."
"Are you sure about this? Choosing me to be on the Central Council?"
"Very."
"All right then."
Excerpt from the journals of Rupert Giles, Head of the New Council of Watchers
June 17, 2003
I'd forgotten how loud Xander could snore. The passengers are staring at him as though he were a Gafnar demon. Horribly loud snorting noises they make. I'm not sure if it's their form of communication or simply a way of irritating their enemies so much that they will become distracted.
Wesley is reading a book on transdimensional travel that he's brought with him. Judging by the fact that he hasn't even bothered to look up from the pages, I'd wager it's fascinating. Since he and Xander are otherwise occupied I have the chance to catch up on writing in my journal.
Since the destruction of the old Council we are seriously lacking in research material. All we have is what I had stolen from them before Caleb blew up the headquarters. We also have all my books that I brought with me when I became Buffy's Watcher and the ones I've collected since. And Wesley has quite a few volumes on demon lore and such. He and I are having our books shipped to Devon. Although Wesley has loaned some of them to Angel and the others for as long as they might need them. This I understand – I did the same for Buffy.
I realize I am anxious for our arrival in England. I feel a mix of excitement at rebuilding the Council and a sort of homesickness – much like I felt the last two times I left Buffy. I may have been born in England and lived there for most of my life before becoming her watcher, but my home became Sunnydale the moment I realized I thought of her as my daughter. I will miss her, Dawn and Willow terribly. My daughters. But with Xander here perhaps the ache will not be so great.
Xander was caught in a horrible dream. He was reliving the day Caleb blinded his eye. But in this nightmare – much like the others before – Xander lost both of his eyes. The young man was watching himself as it happened. Caleb putting out his eyes, leaving behind those scarred, eyeless sockets of the bringers. He couldn't help but whimper in emotional agony as he watched the dream play out. Xander the Bringer would use his knife to slash away at the Potentials. He tried to scream out as he watched, warning everyone to run. But no sound but those pitiful whimpers and moans of pain would come out of his mouth. Then the Bringer he had become would hack a path toward Giles, Buffy, Willow, Dawn and Anya, where he would cut them down.
Xander bolted upright in his seat with a cry filled with horror and grief. The people seated near him on the airplane stared at him in confusion and curiosity. Giles face was before him, filled with concern. Xander could see Wesley on the other side of the older man watch him with sympathy. "I'm fine," Xander muttered before either man could ask. "Just a dream."
"Have – have you been having these dreams often?" Giles asked softly.
Xander swallowed, trying to push the images out of his head. "Uh … yeah. It's just …"
"Xander," Wes began, voice hushed. "It's understandable to have nightmares, considering all that's happened."
"I – I know. I don't … I don't wanna talk about it right now. Okay?"
Giles studied his face then nodded with a sigh.
Excerpt from the journals of Alexander Harris, WatcherJune 27, 2003
Okay, I've had a few days to settle down here. So I figure it's time to get back to this journal thing. I got to meet the coven that helped Will out after her little stint with the dark side. Nice folks.
Anyway, Giles isn't real concerned with setting up headquarters so much as just getting started consulting with some of the surviving Watchers on how he should approach this whole thing. For now, the base of operations is this mansion – or as he and Wes say, estate – here in Devon. Actually not far from the coven.
And I never knew how much it rains here. Really annoying.
I've been busy with this whole thing, but it doesn't mean I don't have the time to miss Willow and Buffy. God, I kind of wonder what I'm really doing. This part of me keeps telling me to pack up and go home to Sunnydale. Then the other part reminds that part that this is something I want to do. Somewhere down the road, I'll know who I'm supposed to be now.
Xander wrinkled his nose in annoyance as he watched the rainfall outside. He sighed and pressed his forehead against the windowpane. Rain was something he normally didn't mind, since it didn't come to Sunnydale often. But apparently it was a familiar thing in England. It wouldn't have been so frustrating if it weren't for the fact that he was suffering from homesickness at the moment. So the bleak weather matched his mood.
He turned away from the window in disgust. Silently berating himself for being foolish, he went to seek out Giles or Wesley. Maybe there was some training or research that could be done. Or he'd even settle for organizing the books that just came in. All their belongings had arrived a few days after their arrival and the two veteran Watchers had gone straight for their collection of books. There were also books from other Watchers – a few who were staying in the mansion with them.
Xander stopped and kicked at an imaginary obstacle in his path. He needed to get out of the funk he'd found himself in. There was one thing he hoped would help. The young man hurried to his destination.
When he entered the room, he was glad to find no one was in the kitchen. Not even one of the five servants – a cook, butler and three maids. Someone had to keep the house running and clean, especially with nine other people currently living under the roof. Sam Zabuto and James Robson were currently sharing the house with the California trio, along with four other new Watchers to train beside Xander.
Xander opened the refrigerator and started rummaging through the food.
"Are you really hungry Mr. Harris or is it boredom that has you looting the icebox?" a cultured British accent questioned behind him.
Xander pulled out the ingredients for a sandwich, and then turned to smile at Sam Zabuto. "A little of both."
"It is a wonder we have food in this house between you and Mr. Robson. I still find myself amazed at the amounts of food the two of you can ingest." Zabuto gave Xander a smile, assuring him that the older man was teasing.
"Up for a sandwich?"
Zabuto shook his head. "I've already had a small lunch, thank you. I was in fact sent to find you."
Xander looked at the man curiously and shrugged, starting to make his sandwich. "Giles need me?"
"He does. But it's nothing that is direly important. You finish your lunch and I go inform him you'll be along shortly."
"'Kay."
Xander watched as the black man left. He wondered what was going on.
Excerpt from the journals of Rupert Giles, Head of the New Council of WatchersJune 27, 2003
Xander seems to be doing his best to settle in here, although he still seems distracted. But he manages, for the most part, to be his usual jovial self. He and Wesley seem to get on well, which eases my mind. I worried about bringing the lad so far from home and the people he loves. My fear was he would have no one he could relate to and would begin to feel isolated. I suppose I shouldn't doubt him.
But I realize he is restless right now. He is at a loss of what to do next. So I proposed Wesley take him into London when he goes to pick up some books from one of the magic shops. It might be nice for Xander to get out of the house.
Xander found Giles in his study after he finished his lunch. "You needed me, G-man?"
"Yes, and please refrain from calling me that." Xander sat in the chair placed in front of Giles' desk.
"So what's up?"
"I was wondering if you were interested in accompanying Wesley into London to pick up some books the Council has ordered. Maybe you would like to get out for the day."
"Sure," Xander agreed easily. "Maybe I'll find some presents in town to send the girls."
Giles smiled. "That would be a wonderful idea. I'm sure they miss you."
The young man gave him a small smile. "I know. They miss you too, you know."
"I know," he said with a nod. "And I miss them."
"Is this how it felt for you each time you left?" Xander's face showed signs of sorrow. "You know, I'm glad I'm here. Doing this and all. But it's hard with them half-way across the world."
"Yes. When I left, it hurt very much. But it becomes bearable; because you know it's something you need to do. Besides we're not completely cut off from them. There's the phone and letters."
"And e-mail," Xander added with a little cheer. "Easiest way to get a hold of Will."
Giles looked distressed at the idea of using the internet to communicate with the others. "I'll leave that to you." Xander nodded with a knowing smirk.
"Why don't you go find Wesley and tell him you've agreed to go along?" Xander gave Giles a grateful smile and left the den.
Excerpt from the journals of Wesley Wyndham-Price, member of the Central CouncilJune 27, 2003
I'd forgotten how nasty Fornole demons could be. I doubt I'll ever get the orange stains from their blood out. Not to mention the green mucus. I was foolish to believe a simple trip into London to pick up some books could run smoothly. Next time I'll insist Giles go instead.
Xander was lucky that he only got a few cuts and this nasty goo covering him. Xander had been between the hiding demon and myself. And without his eye he has a blind spot. The thing came at us from his blind side. Luckily Xander's instinct is sharp from seven years of fighting demons. He heard it before it could strike.
But I believe this means we'll have to step up his training. He'll need to learn to be alert and compensate for this limitation.
Xander was gasping for air and leaned heavily against the workout bag. Since the demon attack nearly a week ago, Giles and Wesley were pushing him in his fight training. But they could never push him as hard as he pushed himself.
"We should take a break," Giles insisted from where he held the workout bag in place so Xander wouldn't fall. "You've had enough of a work out for today."
"No!" Xander snapped standing upright. "At least thirty minutes left in my workout time."
"Xander, while I agree we need to hone your fighting skills, you cannot punish yourself like this. At the pace you've set for yourself you'll end up injuring yourself."
"I'm fine," he ground out through clenched teeth. "I can do this. I don't need you babying me just cause I have a little problem with a missing eye!"
"I realize you feel limited, which I'll agree you are to a point. But you can't make up for it by pushing yourself until you are hurt or sick."
"Either you help me, or leave. I can beat up on a punching bag fine on my own."
Giles was growing frustrated. "Xander," he warned.
"Don't mess with me G-man. I'm not in the fuckin' mood."
Giles sighed and acquiesced. The young man's mood had become increasingly dark over the intervening days since the Fornole demon had attacked. He was beginning to worry about how far Xander was willing to push himself and what it would do to the young man if he continued at this pace.
TBC …