'For Him'
As Xanders last thought echoed throughout the skill, he felt the last of himself disappear into the pure joy of the skill. He was one with everything. No pains. No worries. Just Joy. There was no Despair. Just oneness.
Back in the cave, even as Buffy and Angel started to stir, his body just sat there with an idiotic grin on it's face. Drool running down it's lips. A large mindless babe.
On the surface Willow knelt. Tears of dispare running down her face as she felt the one she loved disappear, and worse yet, felt the rejection his final seconds euphoria caused. His final thoughts of love to her, eclipsed by the bliss.
********
In the skill.
Xanders mind floated among the rivers of magic. His mind fathomless. Everywhere. All. Content. He was nothing yet everything at the same time. He was thoughtless. And by god it felt magnificent.
At some point, Xander couldn't tell, it coulda been days, hours, weeks, but at some point, some of his mind started to .... collect. Just little bits at first, slight notions of who he was. But as they collected something else drew the rest of him to them, building his mind, putting it back together. And suddenly he was whole. His mind anyway, he could feel no link to his body. He was lost in the skill.
It was than that violent anguish rocked his mind as he lost the euphoric feeling that nothingness had granted him. The bliss that being one with the skill had given him was gone. He tried to fling himself back into it, to recapture the feeling. But something held him back. Contained him. He let out a mental cry of anguish and need.
He battered against his captor. Craving release to regain the bliss that he had felt. He fought with the determination of a junkie after one more hit.
He may as well have battered against a mountain.
The equivalent of a mental cuff to the back of the head stunned him to a stand still.
* Alexander.... You're lucky that I like you * The being that spoke was fathomless just like Xander had been. And yet, retained itself. It projected a feeling more than an image that, if Xander had of been paying attention, would left him feeling most inadequate as a warrior.
* Let me back! Please, I'm sorry. Just let me back *
The being seemed to give a amused sigh.
* Humans... always so melodramatic. Now stop that boy. I will not tolerate this childish behavior. It is not befitting of a warrior of mine *
The being did something and the craving lessened slightly. Xander was able to take stock of what was being said to him and finally took note of the being that was before him.
It projected feelings of excitement, and pain, sadness, glory. Strength, toughness, fury, battlelust and a skill in all things deadly that was beyond imagining. And yet it also felt like it had a firm grip on reality. Like it knew what life was like. And most of all it felt like a purpose.
* Yours?...........! Him!!! * Xander mentally went down on one knee and bowed his head. All thoughts rushed from his head as the reality of speaking to his God sunk in.
HE smiled smugly at Xanders behavior.
* It has been a long time since I have been showed such respect, young one. But rise. I have little use for you now. I must send you back to your body *
* No wait! * Xander spurted out, forgetting his place. A fiery anger blazed from Him for a moment * Please...* But quickly subdued. * There are so many questions I wish to ask... *
* Be quick about it boy. You've brought some vampires into the skill, and I have so yurned for a fight! * The last part was said with such a relish and excitement that Xander could hardly bare to hold Him back. But his questions were so important that even he could tempt his gods ire. Unfortunately, now given the chance to ask a question all seemed to flee his mind.
* oh ah umm Training! Yes, ah um when will we get some training... oh um Lord * Xander got the impression that his god look down at him with a thoughtful glance.
* Yes. You do seem to be all power and no skill dont you? * He said the words not mockingly yet one could have taken them that way. It was a mere stating of the facts.
* I will arrange it. Now go, you are needed... oh and by the way, do not do this again. I wont save you next time * and with bull like strength, he easily swatted Xander back into his body.
*******
Xander shot up from his position on the floor. Gasping in a lung full of breath. He had just met his God. More to the point he had spoken to him.
"Woah"
groan
Xander quickly looked over, and spotted Angel. Pulling himself off the ground. Realization hit Xander like a freight train. It had barely been seconds. It had felt like he had been in the skill for days. Days and days of perfect happiness. The temptation to reach out and leap into the skill again flooded his mind. He desperately fought it down as he thought of his friends. He could already feel Willows sadness seeping through their reconnecting link. Even though just the memory of that bliss made his body crave for it, it also disgusted him at the same time. The image of the dead junkie flashed through his mind.
He was not going to end up like that.
Buffy suddenly gave a small groan.
'Thank god for that' He thought as he gently rolled her onto her side as she coughed up the water. At least his surrender to the skill had worked it's purpose.
"Ahhhh, what happened?" Angel asked as he was quickly at his side.
'Oh ummm. Quick say nothing happened' Xander sub conscious filled in even as the lie formed on his lips.
"What are you talking about moron? Nothing happened!" Xander hoped he had added just enough insult to it that he wouldn't ask anything else.
Angels quick shake of his head, as if to clear it, confirmed a mission accomplished.
"Ahh...... Xander?" Xander quickly averted his attention down to Buffy as she looked up at him.
"Dont worry Buff, you'll be alright. Just lie down for a moment." She looked at him quizzically for a moment than at Angel before brushing Xanders restraining hand aside and standing up gracefully.
"No... I feel different. Strong." She said staring off into the distance before quickly spinning around to face them. "Lets go"
*******
Willow couldn't believe it. He was gone. He had saved her and just disappeared in to happiness. She started to cry even as Jenny and Giles rushed out and grabbed her under the arms and hauled her forcefully into the library. They didn't even seem to notice all the brain dead vampires littering the ground. It was if they couldn't see them.
"Dammit girl pick up your feet!" Giles yelled at her as she collapsed to the floor of the library. He and Jenny were quickly piling furniture and equipment in front of the library doors. Willow knew it was pointless. She had felt what Xander had done, and right now, the only vamp around was the Master. It was like Xander had imprinted the scene upon them.
'But Xander doesn't have the power to do that...' she thought somewhat confused.
She kept watching as they moved the photo copier in front of the doors. Making no move to help. She was still exhausted from using her magic, but could feel her physical energy returning quickly, though she didn't think as to why. What was the point anyway? Xanders was gone, Buffy was probably gone too, she was drained of her magic. The master was going to kill them and there was nothing they could do about it.
She stared dejectedly at the ground from her kneeling position. Purposelessness setting in even as she watched a crack in the tiled floor appear next to her. It shattered
out into hundreds of smaller cracks that continued to grow and get bigger.
'What the?' She turned and followed the cracks back to the source than screamed. The intent to stay alive suddenly burning within her.
The creature was huge, taller than Giles and wider than the research table it had shattered upon it's arising. Three heads that seemed to be all mouth and teeth, oozed puss and ichor as they swung around and let out a terrifying scream that foretold of a thousand years of painful death. It's necks were long and slimy, a brackish green color that did little to hide the hideous tumors and leering, demonic faces that pushed forth. Tentacles pushed forth from the creature as well, black with hideous white suckers, they lashed about for purchase, wrapping around what ever they touched and starting to haul the creature forth.
Willows first scream was echoed seconds later by Jenny's, than by Giles yell of surprise.
Giles was the first to react though, grabbing a large broad axe from the library counter even as Willow scuttled backwards. He ducked under a swiping tentacle hacking at it ineffectually as it passed. He closed in quicker now, ducking under a surprisingly quick bite at him before rising and sinking the axe into one of the beasts skulls. It unfortunately, was stopped by the creatures thick boney skull and the beast screamed in rage as the tentacles suddenly seemed to make a concerted effort, lashing Giles heavily sending him skidding across the tiles into his offices wall.
He didn't get up.
Willow rushed to his side, summoning her shield as she ran. Se was stopped though as Jenny screamed again and was dragged quickly past her. One of the heads lowered jaws wide as it prepared to devour her. A multitude of tongues running disgustingly over it's teeth.
Willow leapt after her, and dashing in front of her, brought her shield down as hard as she could upon the tentacle. It passed through it disgustingly easily, as the tentacles were revealed to have the consistency of warm lard.
The little demonic heads on the beast screamed a high pitched wail as the limb spurted ichor and Willow dragged her computers teacher away.
CRUNCH!
"Shit!" Willow really didn't swear that often, but that had come from the stacks. Someone had found the other way in. She really didn't need that right now.
Jenny screamed once more causing to look quickly over to where the women was screaming. The tentacles had found Giles and several were lifting him up in the air towards the nearest mouth. He still wasn't moving.
Willow rushed over to the library counter, skidding under a flaying tentacle as she reached the weapons bundle Giles had wrapped up before. She rushed back to the corner she had left Jenny in and pressed a large dagger and crossbow into her hands.
"Look after yourself!" She turned back to the creature and hefted a short swords similar to the one Xander had taken. She flung the sheath away, raised her shield and smiled.
"I'm coming Xander" She dashed towards the creature.
She'd go down fighting.
*******
Xander and Angel crunched against the door leading to the stacks. Buffy had led them back to the surface shortly after her resuscitation and had gone after the master alone. Xander had rushed to Willow, Angel in tow but they'd found the front doors barricaded and had only succeded in creating a small gap neither could fit through.
So that was why they were both at the back door, breaking it down. The screams inside were not very comforting.
"One more dead boy. Come on!" They both heaved as they slammed their shoulders against the door. It gave the heavy crunch of splintering wood as the locks broke and they shoved the door open, the bottom of the door scrapping against the floor.
Xander was drawing his blade even as he sped through the stacks of books and arrived at the railing of the top landing. Black tentacles had wrapped around the rail in several places and were already tearing the rail from position. Xander didn't even stop to look around as he leapt over the railing, bringing his sword down in an overhead chop. Several of the ropy appendages fell squirming to the ground even as he thumped to his feet, instantly rolling as a head flew overhead, crunching into the place he had just been.
He rolled up to one knee and ran his blade across one of the beasts necks. The demon illicited a scream of anger and pain as ichor spurted out the cut.
"Xander!" Xander could hear both shock, confusion and great amounts of joy as Willow called out his name. Unfortunately, being in such close quarters with a terrifying hellbeast, he wasn't able to return her sentiments at the moment.
"Explain later, fight now" He yelled as he jumped back out of reach of the daemons heads.
"Xander. Help Giles!" Willow called again as she hacked at another tentacle.
Xander looked up to see a sea of newly erupting tentacles wrap around a tentacle covered lump that he assumed was Giles. They were slowly drawing the bundle into the one of the mouths. But suddenly his attention was diverted as he felt a gathering of skill magic. He looked up for a moment towards the source to see the master drawing Buffy closer with an outstretched claw.
He glanced between the two. He'd never get to Giles in time to be able to save him and Buffy. And if he helped Buffy he'd never be in time to save Giles.
There was also the fact that if he went into the Skill now... he might not be able to make himself come back.
Sweat trickled down his forehead as indecision fought within him. But in the end the overwhelming urge to fight won out.
Xander flipped his sword up and caught the handle in a reverse grip, before casting it like a very very small spear at the demons head. The force with which head thrown it could have easily pierced a concrete block, so it had no trouble with the beasts head.
Almost instantly a third of the ever increasing number of tentacles collapsed to the ground as the head flopped to the ground. The other two heads cried out in agony and fury and started to move about twice as fast. Angel had managed to grab Giles body though and was currently dragging his unconscious form from the motionless tentacles.
But to all that Xander wasn't really paying attention. His eye's were clenched shut, and his teeth ground together as he waged a defense for Buffy with the skill.
The Master had his skill wrapped around Buffys throat. It wasn't literally, but that was what he was making her body feel. Xander tried instantly sever the link between the Master and Buffy but the Masters hold was like steel. He tried prying it from Buffys mind to no avail, he even tried sending the opposite impression to Buffy but the masters Skill was not like his. The Masters skill was not something taught or something he could train in. For the master it was simply an extension of his body, not his mind. As such he could not be distracted or mentally fought. If his body made the motions, the Skill obeyed with a strength of ages.
And Xander had very little that could combat that, The Masters mind was to well guarded and that had been when he had become one with the skill. Right now, he didn't have nearly that much power backing him up, heck the only help he was getting was, from what he assumed, was Buffys natural slayer defenses. But they were pitifully weak... But maybe he could amp them up?
He grinned grimly. He could do it. Yet even now he could feel it. The pleasure of letting go was lapping against his mind. A constant distraction that a few hours ago he could have brushed aside without a thought. But after sampling the it pleasure......
He mentally shook his head as he channeled the skill into her defenses.
Nothing happened.
He pushed more power into them.
Still nothing.
Buffy and the Master were inches apart now, he could feel it.
He pushed all he could into her mind.
Nothing.
He opened his eye's and stared up at them. Eye's aghast as he realized he had failed. The Masters hand was around her throat as he stared into her eye's and undoubtedly said something evil.
Xander was stunned as Buffys defenses suddenly burned into existence as she tilted her head for a second and punched the master in the face. He sighed in relief.
"Ahh Xan, honey... little help please?" Xander took notice of what was going on around him again. Willow was exhaustedly slicing in front of him as several tentacles tried to get to his former still self, several were already lying at her feet. Angel had grabbed Giles's lost axe and was trying to get to the other heads but there were too many tentacles now.
Xander suddenly notice the red glow emanating from the whole the creature was emerging from and the increase in temperature.
'Crap'
He weaved his way over to the weapons locker and grabbed a small axe before beating his way back to an almost overwhelmed Willow.
"Willow, get behind me and rest" He almost yelled at her seeing her clammy and pale face. She nodded in exhausted acknowledgement and took a step back as Xander stepped up with a downward hack that severed the nearest tentacle. Jenny suddenly appeared next to him and cut down another tentacle with her large dagger. He gave her a small smile which she returned rather shakily.
Shattering Glass suddenly broke all their concentration though, as the Master fell through the skylight. He seemed to fall in slow motion to everyone watching. But fall he did, onto the largest spike of the table shattered by the creature he awoke. Kinda ironic.
His body started to turn to dust even as the demon was drawn back into the Hellmouth. No one except Willow and Xander could feel the magic start to be sucked out of the room and down into the Hellmouth. They had both been drawing on it, the power of the Hellmouth, both without knowing. They felt it drain from their bodies and both almost collapsed with exhaustion. Xander had to physically hold Willow up as she stumbled and almost fell.
The both helped each other lower themselves to the floor, as they both gasped for breath. Both had never used their powers so much in one night before.
"They dont know about our powers, or what I did. So just play along" Xander whispered between breaths, grabbing her hand, as they watched Jenny and Angel tear Giles out of his now dead restraints. Willow just nodded quietly as they're link quickly established again. There was plenty she wanted to ask him but right now, she was just having trouble keeping her eye's open, she could feel that he would explain later.
"ohhhahh... What happened?" Giles groaned as Angel and Jenny scraped rapidly melting tentacle off him.
"You were thrown into a wall by a seven foot Hellbeast" Jenny told him as she handed him his cracked glasses, a frame falling out even as he took them.
"Oh" Was all he could managed as he put his battered glasses on with one hand and felt the top of his head searchingly with the other.
"He'll be alright, just needs some rest" Angel said as he hauled Giles to his feet. They all spun around though, as the library doors squeaked open slightly. Buffy squeezed through the small gap in the hasty barricade.
She stood there, in her rather nice white dress, slightly muddy around the edges, eye liner running just a bit. Red scratches over her chest. She looked like shit but still looked better than everyone else present. She gave a quick look around the room before her thinly drawn lips broke into a smirk.
"Hey, imagine seein you here Buff." Xander spoke up as she walked into the room.
"Yeah, I thought you had that whole date with death thing going" Willow continued.
"He was a bit of a drag so I ditched him."
"Good choice" Giles spoke up, giving her a light smile. They all started to gather round her as she strode towards the Masters yellowish clean skeleton.
"Master?" Angel asked.
"Yep" came her simple reply. They just continued to stare at the skeleton. Each lost in their own thoughts.
"So... What now?" Ms Calendar finally spoke up.
"We just saved the world. I say we party"
*******
As Xanders last thought echoed throughout the skill, he felt the last of himself disappear into the pure joy of the skill. He was one with everything. No pains. No worries. Just Joy. There was no Despair. Just oneness.
Back in the cave, even as Buffy and Angel started to stir, his body just sat there with an idiotic grin on it's face. Drool running down it's lips. A large mindless babe.
On the surface Willow knelt. Tears of dispare running down her face as she felt the one she loved disappear, and worse yet, felt the rejection his final seconds euphoria caused. His final thoughts of love to her, eclipsed by the bliss.
********
In the skill.
Xanders mind floated among the rivers of magic. His mind fathomless. Everywhere. All. Content. He was nothing yet everything at the same time. He was thoughtless. And by god it felt magnificent.
At some point, Xander couldn't tell, it coulda been days, hours, weeks, but at some point, some of his mind started to .... collect. Just little bits at first, slight notions of who he was. But as they collected something else drew the rest of him to them, building his mind, putting it back together. And suddenly he was whole. His mind anyway, he could feel no link to his body. He was lost in the skill.
It was than that violent anguish rocked his mind as he lost the euphoric feeling that nothingness had granted him. The bliss that being one with the skill had given him was gone. He tried to fling himself back into it, to recapture the feeling. But something held him back. Contained him. He let out a mental cry of anguish and need.
He battered against his captor. Craving release to regain the bliss that he had felt. He fought with the determination of a junkie after one more hit.
He may as well have battered against a mountain.
The equivalent of a mental cuff to the back of the head stunned him to a stand still.
* Alexander.... You're lucky that I like you * The being that spoke was fathomless just like Xander had been. And yet, retained itself. It projected a feeling more than an image that, if Xander had of been paying attention, would left him feeling most inadequate as a warrior.
* Let me back! Please, I'm sorry. Just let me back *
The being seemed to give a amused sigh.
* Humans... always so melodramatic. Now stop that boy. I will not tolerate this childish behavior. It is not befitting of a warrior of mine *
The being did something and the craving lessened slightly. Xander was able to take stock of what was being said to him and finally took note of the being that was before him.
It projected feelings of excitement, and pain, sadness, glory. Strength, toughness, fury, battlelust and a skill in all things deadly that was beyond imagining. And yet it also felt like it had a firm grip on reality. Like it knew what life was like. And most of all it felt like a purpose.
* Yours?...........! Him!!! * Xander mentally went down on one knee and bowed his head. All thoughts rushed from his head as the reality of speaking to his God sunk in.
HE smiled smugly at Xanders behavior.
* It has been a long time since I have been showed such respect, young one. But rise. I have little use for you now. I must send you back to your body *
* No wait! * Xander spurted out, forgetting his place. A fiery anger blazed from Him for a moment * Please...* But quickly subdued. * There are so many questions I wish to ask... *
* Be quick about it boy. You've brought some vampires into the skill, and I have so yurned for a fight! * The last part was said with such a relish and excitement that Xander could hardly bare to hold Him back. But his questions were so important that even he could tempt his gods ire. Unfortunately, now given the chance to ask a question all seemed to flee his mind.
* oh ah umm Training! Yes, ah um when will we get some training... oh um Lord * Xander got the impression that his god look down at him with a thoughtful glance.
* Yes. You do seem to be all power and no skill dont you? * He said the words not mockingly yet one could have taken them that way. It was a mere stating of the facts.
* I will arrange it. Now go, you are needed... oh and by the way, do not do this again. I wont save you next time * and with bull like strength, he easily swatted Xander back into his body.
*******
Xander shot up from his position on the floor. Gasping in a lung full of breath. He had just met his God. More to the point he had spoken to him.
"Woah"
groan
Xander quickly looked over, and spotted Angel. Pulling himself off the ground. Realization hit Xander like a freight train. It had barely been seconds. It had felt like he had been in the skill for days. Days and days of perfect happiness. The temptation to reach out and leap into the skill again flooded his mind. He desperately fought it down as he thought of his friends. He could already feel Willows sadness seeping through their reconnecting link. Even though just the memory of that bliss made his body crave for it, it also disgusted him at the same time. The image of the dead junkie flashed through his mind.
He was not going to end up like that.
Buffy suddenly gave a small groan.
'Thank god for that' He thought as he gently rolled her onto her side as she coughed up the water. At least his surrender to the skill had worked it's purpose.
"Ahhhh, what happened?" Angel asked as he was quickly at his side.
'Oh ummm. Quick say nothing happened' Xander sub conscious filled in even as the lie formed on his lips.
"What are you talking about moron? Nothing happened!" Xander hoped he had added just enough insult to it that he wouldn't ask anything else.
Angels quick shake of his head, as if to clear it, confirmed a mission accomplished.
"Ahh...... Xander?" Xander quickly averted his attention down to Buffy as she looked up at him.
"Dont worry Buff, you'll be alright. Just lie down for a moment." She looked at him quizzically for a moment than at Angel before brushing Xanders restraining hand aside and standing up gracefully.
"No... I feel different. Strong." She said staring off into the distance before quickly spinning around to face them. "Lets go"
*******
Willow couldn't believe it. He was gone. He had saved her and just disappeared in to happiness. She started to cry even as Jenny and Giles rushed out and grabbed her under the arms and hauled her forcefully into the library. They didn't even seem to notice all the brain dead vampires littering the ground. It was if they couldn't see them.
"Dammit girl pick up your feet!" Giles yelled at her as she collapsed to the floor of the library. He and Jenny were quickly piling furniture and equipment in front of the library doors. Willow knew it was pointless. She had felt what Xander had done, and right now, the only vamp around was the Master. It was like Xander had imprinted the scene upon them.
'But Xander doesn't have the power to do that...' she thought somewhat confused.
She kept watching as they moved the photo copier in front of the doors. Making no move to help. She was still exhausted from using her magic, but could feel her physical energy returning quickly, though she didn't think as to why. What was the point anyway? Xanders was gone, Buffy was probably gone too, she was drained of her magic. The master was going to kill them and there was nothing they could do about it.
She stared dejectedly at the ground from her kneeling position. Purposelessness setting in even as she watched a crack in the tiled floor appear next to her. It shattered
out into hundreds of smaller cracks that continued to grow and get bigger.
'What the?' She turned and followed the cracks back to the source than screamed. The intent to stay alive suddenly burning within her.
The creature was huge, taller than Giles and wider than the research table it had shattered upon it's arising. Three heads that seemed to be all mouth and teeth, oozed puss and ichor as they swung around and let out a terrifying scream that foretold of a thousand years of painful death. It's necks were long and slimy, a brackish green color that did little to hide the hideous tumors and leering, demonic faces that pushed forth. Tentacles pushed forth from the creature as well, black with hideous white suckers, they lashed about for purchase, wrapping around what ever they touched and starting to haul the creature forth.
Willows first scream was echoed seconds later by Jenny's, than by Giles yell of surprise.
Giles was the first to react though, grabbing a large broad axe from the library counter even as Willow scuttled backwards. He ducked under a swiping tentacle hacking at it ineffectually as it passed. He closed in quicker now, ducking under a surprisingly quick bite at him before rising and sinking the axe into one of the beasts skulls. It unfortunately, was stopped by the creatures thick boney skull and the beast screamed in rage as the tentacles suddenly seemed to make a concerted effort, lashing Giles heavily sending him skidding across the tiles into his offices wall.
He didn't get up.
Willow rushed to his side, summoning her shield as she ran. Se was stopped though as Jenny screamed again and was dragged quickly past her. One of the heads lowered jaws wide as it prepared to devour her. A multitude of tongues running disgustingly over it's teeth.
Willow leapt after her, and dashing in front of her, brought her shield down as hard as she could upon the tentacle. It passed through it disgustingly easily, as the tentacles were revealed to have the consistency of warm lard.
The little demonic heads on the beast screamed a high pitched wail as the limb spurted ichor and Willow dragged her computers teacher away.
CRUNCH!
"Shit!" Willow really didn't swear that often, but that had come from the stacks. Someone had found the other way in. She really didn't need that right now.
Jenny screamed once more causing to look quickly over to where the women was screaming. The tentacles had found Giles and several were lifting him up in the air towards the nearest mouth. He still wasn't moving.
Willow rushed over to the library counter, skidding under a flaying tentacle as she reached the weapons bundle Giles had wrapped up before. She rushed back to the corner she had left Jenny in and pressed a large dagger and crossbow into her hands.
"Look after yourself!" She turned back to the creature and hefted a short swords similar to the one Xander had taken. She flung the sheath away, raised her shield and smiled.
"I'm coming Xander" She dashed towards the creature.
She'd go down fighting.
*******
Xander and Angel crunched against the door leading to the stacks. Buffy had led them back to the surface shortly after her resuscitation and had gone after the master alone. Xander had rushed to Willow, Angel in tow but they'd found the front doors barricaded and had only succeded in creating a small gap neither could fit through.
So that was why they were both at the back door, breaking it down. The screams inside were not very comforting.
"One more dead boy. Come on!" They both heaved as they slammed their shoulders against the door. It gave the heavy crunch of splintering wood as the locks broke and they shoved the door open, the bottom of the door scrapping against the floor.
Xander was drawing his blade even as he sped through the stacks of books and arrived at the railing of the top landing. Black tentacles had wrapped around the rail in several places and were already tearing the rail from position. Xander didn't even stop to look around as he leapt over the railing, bringing his sword down in an overhead chop. Several of the ropy appendages fell squirming to the ground even as he thumped to his feet, instantly rolling as a head flew overhead, crunching into the place he had just been.
He rolled up to one knee and ran his blade across one of the beasts necks. The demon illicited a scream of anger and pain as ichor spurted out the cut.
"Xander!" Xander could hear both shock, confusion and great amounts of joy as Willow called out his name. Unfortunately, being in such close quarters with a terrifying hellbeast, he wasn't able to return her sentiments at the moment.
"Explain later, fight now" He yelled as he jumped back out of reach of the daemons heads.
"Xander. Help Giles!" Willow called again as she hacked at another tentacle.
Xander looked up to see a sea of newly erupting tentacles wrap around a tentacle covered lump that he assumed was Giles. They were slowly drawing the bundle into the one of the mouths. But suddenly his attention was diverted as he felt a gathering of skill magic. He looked up for a moment towards the source to see the master drawing Buffy closer with an outstretched claw.
He glanced between the two. He'd never get to Giles in time to be able to save him and Buffy. And if he helped Buffy he'd never be in time to save Giles.
There was also the fact that if he went into the Skill now... he might not be able to make himself come back.
Sweat trickled down his forehead as indecision fought within him. But in the end the overwhelming urge to fight won out.
Xander flipped his sword up and caught the handle in a reverse grip, before casting it like a very very small spear at the demons head. The force with which head thrown it could have easily pierced a concrete block, so it had no trouble with the beasts head.
Almost instantly a third of the ever increasing number of tentacles collapsed to the ground as the head flopped to the ground. The other two heads cried out in agony and fury and started to move about twice as fast. Angel had managed to grab Giles body though and was currently dragging his unconscious form from the motionless tentacles.
But to all that Xander wasn't really paying attention. His eye's were clenched shut, and his teeth ground together as he waged a defense for Buffy with the skill.
The Master had his skill wrapped around Buffys throat. It wasn't literally, but that was what he was making her body feel. Xander tried instantly sever the link between the Master and Buffy but the Masters hold was like steel. He tried prying it from Buffys mind to no avail, he even tried sending the opposite impression to Buffy but the masters Skill was not like his. The Masters skill was not something taught or something he could train in. For the master it was simply an extension of his body, not his mind. As such he could not be distracted or mentally fought. If his body made the motions, the Skill obeyed with a strength of ages.
And Xander had very little that could combat that, The Masters mind was to well guarded and that had been when he had become one with the skill. Right now, he didn't have nearly that much power backing him up, heck the only help he was getting was, from what he assumed, was Buffys natural slayer defenses. But they were pitifully weak... But maybe he could amp them up?
He grinned grimly. He could do it. Yet even now he could feel it. The pleasure of letting go was lapping against his mind. A constant distraction that a few hours ago he could have brushed aside without a thought. But after sampling the it pleasure......
He mentally shook his head as he channeled the skill into her defenses.
Nothing happened.
He pushed more power into them.
Still nothing.
Buffy and the Master were inches apart now, he could feel it.
He pushed all he could into her mind.
Nothing.
He opened his eye's and stared up at them. Eye's aghast as he realized he had failed. The Masters hand was around her throat as he stared into her eye's and undoubtedly said something evil.
Xander was stunned as Buffys defenses suddenly burned into existence as she tilted her head for a second and punched the master in the face. He sighed in relief.
"Ahh Xan, honey... little help please?" Xander took notice of what was going on around him again. Willow was exhaustedly slicing in front of him as several tentacles tried to get to his former still self, several were already lying at her feet. Angel had grabbed Giles's lost axe and was trying to get to the other heads but there were too many tentacles now.
Xander suddenly notice the red glow emanating from the whole the creature was emerging from and the increase in temperature.
'Crap'
He weaved his way over to the weapons locker and grabbed a small axe before beating his way back to an almost overwhelmed Willow.
"Willow, get behind me and rest" He almost yelled at her seeing her clammy and pale face. She nodded in exhausted acknowledgement and took a step back as Xander stepped up with a downward hack that severed the nearest tentacle. Jenny suddenly appeared next to him and cut down another tentacle with her large dagger. He gave her a small smile which she returned rather shakily.
Shattering Glass suddenly broke all their concentration though, as the Master fell through the skylight. He seemed to fall in slow motion to everyone watching. But fall he did, onto the largest spike of the table shattered by the creature he awoke. Kinda ironic.
His body started to turn to dust even as the demon was drawn back into the Hellmouth. No one except Willow and Xander could feel the magic start to be sucked out of the room and down into the Hellmouth. They had both been drawing on it, the power of the Hellmouth, both without knowing. They felt it drain from their bodies and both almost collapsed with exhaustion. Xander had to physically hold Willow up as she stumbled and almost fell.
The both helped each other lower themselves to the floor, as they both gasped for breath. Both had never used their powers so much in one night before.
"They dont know about our powers, or what I did. So just play along" Xander whispered between breaths, grabbing her hand, as they watched Jenny and Angel tear Giles out of his now dead restraints. Willow just nodded quietly as they're link quickly established again. There was plenty she wanted to ask him but right now, she was just having trouble keeping her eye's open, she could feel that he would explain later.
"ohhhahh... What happened?" Giles groaned as Angel and Jenny scraped rapidly melting tentacle off him.
"You were thrown into a wall by a seven foot Hellbeast" Jenny told him as she handed him his cracked glasses, a frame falling out even as he took them.
"Oh" Was all he could managed as he put his battered glasses on with one hand and felt the top of his head searchingly with the other.
"He'll be alright, just needs some rest" Angel said as he hauled Giles to his feet. They all spun around though, as the library doors squeaked open slightly. Buffy squeezed through the small gap in the hasty barricade.
She stood there, in her rather nice white dress, slightly muddy around the edges, eye liner running just a bit. Red scratches over her chest. She looked like shit but still looked better than everyone else present. She gave a quick look around the room before her thinly drawn lips broke into a smirk.
"Hey, imagine seein you here Buff." Xander spoke up as she walked into the room.
"Yeah, I thought you had that whole date with death thing going" Willow continued.
"He was a bit of a drag so I ditched him."
"Good choice" Giles spoke up, giving her a light smile. They all started to gather round her as she strode towards the Masters yellowish clean skeleton.
"Master?" Angel asked.
"Yep" came her simple reply. They just continued to stare at the skeleton. Each lost in their own thoughts.
"So... What now?" Ms Calendar finally spoke up.
"We just saved the world. I say we party"
*******