Horatio was standing over the team as they sat at the table planning strategy. All non-essential personnel had already left the building a half-hour before. Xander and Willow had also failed to return during that time. Calleigh couldn't believe they'd abandon them, but she was beginning to wonder. Tim was still understandably angry with the younger man – although he knew why the sword *did* need to be destroyed. Eric and Alexx were left to wonder what had happened to make the demon hunters leave when they needed them.
The team was so preoccupied with studying blue prints of the labs to discern where Drusilla and her minions could enter that they didn't realized Xander and Willow had returned until Xander dropped both their weapons bags on the middle of the table. "This is how it goes. I'm in charge of the plan until my back-up gets here," he stated gravely. "You do it my way if you want to live. I know how to fight vamps *and* I know Dru. Get it?"
Horatio looked at the young man. "Got it."
Xander gave an ironic smile. "Good." He unzipped the gym bags. "We brought the goodies for the party. Had to go back to the coven house to get them, and a little help." The CSIs watched as Jean-Marc, Madeline, Linda and two other members of the coven entered. "They can fight and help Willow with the magics," he explained.
Calleigh peeked at the weapons. "I got dibs on a crossbow."
******
Xander was sprinkling holy water on the vault door, after hanging crosses and garlic off of it. "Garlic really help?" Speed asked inquisitively.
"Not really, but who likes the smell anyway?"
"Better hope they're not Italians," Tim joked.
"Here's hoping," Xander chuckled as he finished his job. Then he and Tim headed back to the others.
******
Willow lined up vials of potions and powders to be within easy reach during fighting. Calleigh stood next to her cleaning the crossbow she'd chosen to use.
"You and Buffy would really get along," the Wiccan told the blond. "Between your knowledge of modern weapons and her with the medieval ones you'd never run out of conversation."
"I suppose not," Calleigh laughed. She lifted the crossbow and checked the sight. Satisfied that it was in good order, she gingerly set it aside. "I have to ask, how do you guys do this everyday? I think I'm scared shitless right now."
Willow studied the woman. "I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't told me. You seem all gung-ho to do this. Besides, how do you do your job everyday? That can't be easy."
"I know it sounds clichéd, but I do it to help people. When I help send a killer to jail, that's one more person in the world who can be safe and live."
"That's why we do it. I mean, Buffy may be the Slayer, but she does it because she wants her friends and family to be safe. So do Xander and I. Besides, it wouldn't be healthy for her to do this alone. From day one I couldn't walk away from her."
"She's very lucky to have friends like you and Xander. Not many people are willing to walk such a hard, lonely road with anyone."
"I'm glad the only sewer access to this place is pipes and that man-hole in the parking lot," Xander said as he and Tim came up to Willow and Calleigh. "Else we'd have been entrées by now."
"That's a comfort," Speed said wryly.
"Let's finish setting up," Willow insisted. "It'll be sunset soon enough."
*********
Eric wondered how many vampires were going to be attacking. They had twelve people to defend the labs and he hoped it would be enough. Especially when five of those people had *no* experience fighting vampires. He took an experimental swing of the weapon he'd chosen – a baseball bat with a wicked-looking hook attached to the end.
"I've always liked how easy that bat was to use," Xander said from where he sat whittling the last of the stakes. "Just like playing ball."
"Except with vampire heads as the ball?"
"Something like."
"You said you had back-up coming. How they gonna get in after dark if there's too many vampires?"
Xander smiled like the cat that ate the canary. "Never seen too many vamps for this guy and his 'friends.' They'll have no problems."
********
Xander and Willow went over the plan one last time. The sun was beginning to drop in the sky meaning time was running out. Xander wanted things fresh in everyone's minds. "Calleigh, Willow, Alexx, and Linda will be in the corridor with crossbows to drop what they can. Less mess from a distance. Will's gonna have her spell stuff and stakes on a cart next to her. When her eyes go black, let her go and just stand back. Oh – and ignore anything rude or nasty she says." Willow looked sheepish as he said this. "She doesn't mean it," he continued. "We've hung crosses and garlic and splashed holy water on the windows and the back door, so nothing should get in through there. Did the same for the vault. I think that will keep the sword safe for a little while. When you see a wave of guys crash the party wearing fatigues, they're our friends, so don't try to slay them. I'll lead the hack and smash and we'll close the vamps in when the girls drop back." Xander clapped his hands together. "All set?"
********
A pale, beautiful woman with dark hair led a group of over twenty vampires toward the crime lab after the sunset. She looked to be around Xander and Willow's age. An insane, but almost cheerful light glinted in her eyes as she approached the building. The group of vampires splintered of into several smaller ones and headed around the sides of the building.
As Drusilla and the group flanking her arrived at the front door the others joined them. "There's crosses and holy water all over the place," one vampire explained. Dru frowned at him. "They're trying to ruin mine and Miss Edith's tea party," she pouted. "But they'll not do it. I want my Angel and Spike back." She then vamped out and entered, surrounded on all sides by her minions.
********
The lead vamp was welcomed with a crossbow bolt to the chest. Shock registered a second before he disintegrated into dust. Then three more vampires nearby turned to dust.
"Such naughty children," Drusilla insisted. "You shan't ruin Miss Edith's fun."
Willow already had her crossbow reloaded and took out another. She wanted to make sure she took out as many as possible before it came down to hand to hand. It would better their chances of survival.
Calleigh proved to be nearly as fast as Willow with the crossbow as she fired off a second bolt. Adrenaline was fueling her, causing her to forget about fear. She was determined to destroy as many vampires as she could. The four women carefully began to drop back, taking out the undead as they went.
When the last of the vampires flooded the corridor Xander and the others came out of the rooms they'd been hiding in and surrounded them. Xander hacked away with his battle-ax. Eric and Speed – also armed with a battle-ax – were to Xander's left doing some heavy damage for amateurs. Jean-Marc was to the right, staking vampires rapidly.
Willow picked up a vial of potion and threw it into a female vampire's face that had gotten too close. The creature shrieked and burst into flames, dusting in seconds.
Xander and Willow spotted Drusilla in the middle of it all at the same instant.
Dru waited amidst the chaos, growing angrier with the second. "The Slayer's not here to spoil my plans. But you two stupid children thought you could take my Angel from me!" she shouted. "And my Spike! But I'll not let you! Miss Edith says you are naughty!"
"Who the hell is 'Miss Edith?' " Eric shouted the question at Xander. But the younger man didn't hear him. He was focused on Dru.
Stakes started to levitate, as Willow's eyes grew black. The wooden stakes flew toward their mark. But other vampires were placed before their mistress, taking the stakes meant for her.
Xander managed to slash his way through the vampires, making a path toward Dru. He was going to take the undead bitch out once and for all. He allowed himself to be distracted by thoughts of the crazy vampire's destruction.
Willow cried out in anguish as she watched a vampire latch onto Xander from behind and bury his fangs in her best friend's neck. Her hair darkened to black and she raised her hands. Green light flowed out of her like lightening; ripping it's way through anything in its path. Vampires turned to dust with her fury.
There was the sound of breaking glass that seemed to reach everyone, then men in fatigues appeared around the battling group.
"Xander! Willow!" one of the commandos shouted as he spotted the familiar faces. He saw the vampire making a snack out of the other man. Running full force, he threw his shoulder into the vampire's midsection and knocked him off his feet.
"Timing's impeccable, Rye," Xander gasped out, holding a hand to the bleeding punctures on his neck.
"I know. You still in it Xan?" Agent Riley Finn asked with concern
"Yeah. I'm gonna have to reign Willow in."
Riley nodded. "Gotcha. Graham and I will clear you a path to her."
"Let's go then."
"Graham! Open it up for Xander!" Riley shouted. "Deacon and Manners, flank him!"
Riley and Graham used their tazers and stakes to take out the vampires out as they made their way to Willow, Xander on their heels. Two more commandos covered from behind.
Calleigh had been separated from Willow, but she had seen what was happening. And she could understand the rage the witch felt. If it had been her and Tim in that position, she would have reacted the same way. She used a stake on a vampire that tried to come at her; using all the force she could to punch the wooden weapon into the heart. Satisfaction filled her as he turned to dust.
That is, until one of his buddies knocked her to the floor with a backhanded blow. He towered over her snarling. "Real cute, missy. But that's the last of us you'll destroy."
"Maybe, maybe not," Speed said over the thing's shoulder. With one good swing, he took off its head. Reaching a hand down he helped Calleigh to her feet. "Don't ever fuckin' scare me like that again," he whispered as he pulled her close.
Xander grabbed Willow and crushed her to him. "I'm okay Will," he assured her as she struggled against him. "I'm right here. I'm alright."
Her struggles slowed as his words penetrated her rage. "Xander?"
"Yep, I'll live Willow. Thanks to Riles."
"Drusilla's making a run!" Graham shouted.
Xander, Willow, Riley and some of the commandos took off after her.
She ran out of the building screeching at her pursuers. "You ruined Miss Edith's tea party." She stopped and ripped a manhole cover up and dropped down into the sewers.
Riley stopped Xander before he could go after her. "You're too weak man," he explained gently. "Besides, it's a government issue now. I'll send some of the men after her. I'll help you clean up inside."
He waved the commandos with him after the insane vampire and led his two old friends back into the building.
********
Riley's men finished destroying the vampires and began to clean up the damage as Riley introduced himself to the CSIs and the coven.
"Agent Finn," he said holding out his hand. He shook hands with each person, and then turned to Horatio. "I believe you have a mystical artifact in your possession."
"That's correct."
"By order of the U.S. government you are being instructed to turn the sword over to me. I have been given authorization to dispose of said weapon any way I see fit. It is considered threat to national security."
Horatio nodded at Speed and Eric.
Xander leaned on Willow as she grabbed her spell supplies, then they followed Riley, Tim and Eric to retrieve the sword.
**********
"You knew this was how it would break down, didn't you?" Eric asked as he opened the vault.
"I had to get it done somehow. Knew your boss wouldn't give me the sword," Xander smiled. "But an order from the proper authority would do it for me."
"So, how's Buffy?" Riley asked curiously.
"Little tense," Xander answered. Worry crept into his features telling his friend it was serious. "Got an apocalypse coming."
"Another one?"
"Well, this one looks big." Xander shook his head sadly. "And I'm not exaggerating."
"I have faith in you guys. Buffy will find a way." He walked over to Willow. "And how are you? I heard about Tara. I'm really sorry."
Willow offered him a grateful, watery smile. "Th – thanks."
"Did they catch this Warren guy? Cause I could. . ." he trailed off at the look of guilt in Willow's eyes. He glanced at Xander and could see sorrow and anger there. "Oh."
"Xander, you want to do the honors?" Speed asked when the heavy door swung open.
Xander looked to Riley. "You got my permission," Riley informed him with a crooked smile.
Willow readied the ingredients for the ritual.
*****
Riley informed his two friends that he couldn't go out for drinks with them. Plus he insisted that Xander needed to get a transfusion before he passed out. Riley's troops had finished clean up, but they couldn't locate Drusilla. And they had orders for their next assignment. Willow and Xander stood and watched as the blackhawks took off from the parking lot, before leaving for the hospital.
Xander got a transfusion and stayed overnight in the hospital for observation.
It boggled the doctors how someone could fall and puncture his neck with a barbeque fork.
*******
Speed insisted on driving Calleigh home after they left Xander – with Willow, who would not leave his side.
When they got to her place Calleigh turned and looked at Tim for a while, not speaking.
"What?" he finally asked.
"Why don't you come in?"
********
Tim pinned Calleigh against the door as soon as they entered her apartment. He crushed his lips against hers, eager to taste her. It had scared him to see that vampire threatening her. And after witnessing what happened to Xander, he realized she could have easily died.
He wasn't willing to lose her.
*******
The next night Willow and Xander found themselves at the Hive with Eric, Calleigh and Speed once more. It still intimidated Willow to an extent, but she enjoyed the evening anyway. When Xander failed to coax his friend onto the dance floor, Calleigh took pity on him and drug him out into the crowd.
Speed and Eric chuckled as they watched him dance gracelessly, but clearly having fun. Willow smiled fondly.
Later Speed convinced Willow to finally join him for a dance and Xander gave her a mock pout. "Sure you'll dance with him, but not your bestest of best buds."
"Yeah, that's the way it works," she teased with a giggle.
Eric excused himself to dance with a gorgeous woman who had been flirting with him, leaving Calleigh and Xander time to talk.
The blond studied the dark-haired youth from Sunnydale as he watched his friend with eyes far older than Calleigh had been aware of. "You love her." It wasn't a question.
"Yeah." He turned to Calleigh. "But it's hard to explain." His eyes were haunted as he swallowed the last of his beer then ordered another.
"Too much of that stuff isn't good for you," she chided, not really joking.
Xander studied her face for a moment and knew she understood about these things. "Didn't know you were part of the club. Mom, dad or both?"
"Dad. He used to beat on my mom. My brothers and I learned to run really fast. Had some great hiding places."
Xander nodded. "Started with dad, then mom couldn't handle his drunken rage anymore and decided to join the fun. Willow and Jesse were my hiding places."
"Is that why you love her?"
"Part of it." He sighed and took a drink for courage. It wasn't easy to open up. "It's funny, somewhere along the way my heart stopped belonging to me. I didn't even realize I'd given most of it to her. My friends all have a piece, but she's got the largest one." Then he glanced out on the dance floor. Speed was smiling at Calleigh, and then he turned back to his conversation with Willow. "He feels the same way."
Calleigh blushed and smiled. "I know he's attracted to me. And he cares, but love?"
"Hopeless romantics like us can recognize each other. Another club I'm a card carrying member of."
"I hear it's a nice club."
Xander beamed, "it is."
********
"So," Tim started as he and Willow enjoyed dancing. "Are you and Xander ever going to move beyond friends?"
The witch looked startled. "What?"
"I can tell you love him and he
loves you."
"I – I do love him. He always said I saved him, from his dad you know."
"His dad's a drunk."
"Yeah," Willow said sorrowfully. "Xander got to return the favor last year," she continued tearfully. "He save me from me."
"After Tara was killed?"
Willow nodded. "I did – somethings I'm not proud. . ."
"Willow, if you tell me you committed a serious crime," Tim warned interrupting.
She swallowed and looked at him guiltily and decided to tell him only part of the truth. "Well, I was going to destroy the world. I – it should be a crime. It would have been murder."
"Yeah, but I don't know if the courts would believe it."
"Probably not." Willow looked at the floor, then back at her new friend. "But Xander stopped me. Buffy had fought me, but when she and Dawn were trapped I sent some creatures after them. But where she couldn't stop me, Xander did by being my friend and loving me. But not before I scarred him, he still has them on his face."
"If they're there, they're so faint you wouldn't notice."
"I notice."
Tim gave her shoulders a little, reassuring squeeze. "I know Xander doesn't. All he notices is you."
********
"Well, now that the sword is history Giles arranged for us to fly out the day out of tomorrow," Xander explained when everyone was at the table once more. He smirked, "he decided it wouldn't hurt for Will and I to have one day to relax on Miami's white beaches before headin' back to good old Sunnyhell. After all, we still have to find some souvenirs to take home."
"Oh. We could get a spell book for Giles," Willow suggested eagerly.
"Will, he can get those anywhere."
"True," she admitted, sounding defeated.
"We can help you out," Eric said. "We can take a long lunch, after *this* case we deserve it."
"That would be so great," Willow agreed happily. "I could be so fun."
"It's a plan then," Calleigh said, equally happy at the prospect of spending the day shopping and relaxing at the beach with friends.
TBC . . .
Next Chapter: The story wraps up as Willow and Xander enjoy the day with Calleigh, Speed and Eric.
