Title: Phoenix Risings
Rating: PG-13/R
Chapter Number: 6
Author: White Werewolf
Category: Buffy/Xander, Sam/Daniel, Gabrielle/Joxer
Spoilers/Timeframe: All I know for sure it is after "Becoming Part 2."
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the ideas and my computer.
Summery: After Buffy leaves Sunnydale, Xander decides to go looking for her. On the other side of the universe, Ninedinna wants the book she created...the Necronomicon Ex Mortis: the Book of the Dead.
Special Thanks: Danii, Tenhawk, Teri, Silent Bob Foley, BMT, and X-Lander
Crossovers Planned:
Buffy: the Vampire Slayer
Hercules: the Legendary Journeys
Evil Dead
Stargate SG-1
Xena: Warrior Princess
Three's Company
Cameo Crossovers are sudden to appear. See if you can spot any.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alex nodded, "You heard me correctly, Buff. I'm fraid...well, actually, maybe I should just show you."
The room filled white as usual, and Buffy and her guide disappeared.
***
The two of them appeared in a hospital room. Willow was lying in bed. Oz, Cordelia, and Xander were standing around her.
But nobody was moving. It was as if time was frozen.
"What are you trying to show me?"
Alex said, "I'm going to show you what happened after you left for Crawford Street. Look at Xander. Keep your eyes on him."
She showed a confused look, "Why?"
He sighed, "Just do. Oh, and remember like last time. They can't see or hear you."
Then the scene started to play out.
Cordelia said as her friend was sitting up, "So Buffy's going for the big showdown, huh? Wish we could help." Then she turned to her boyfriend, "You know, without dying."
Xander sighed, "I don't see how."
Buffy walked up to her friend and studied his face, "What are you thinking, Xand?" She asked herself.
Willow suddenly spoke in a determined voice, "I wanna trying again."
"Try what?" Buffy asked as Oz asked the same thing.
She turned around to face Willow as she said, "The curse. We never got to finish it. Maybe we can restore Angel's soul."
Xander spoke up again, "I don't like it. You're talking about messing with powerful magic, and you're weak."
Buffy smiled weakly, "Always looking out for us, huh, Xan?"
The redhead shook her head, "I'm okay."
"You don't look okay," he then turned to the other brunette, "does she?"
Cordelia said, "You should listen to him. The hair, it's so flat, and the lips..."
He asked, "Could we stay on topic here, Honey?"
Buffy couldn't help but grimace. She never really liked the idea that Cordelia and Xander were together. It just seemed wrong to her. Two opposite people with nothing in common.
Then it hit her. That's how she could describe relationship with Angel. Two sworn enemies, vampire and slayer, and they were together.
She turned back to Alex, "Is that what I'm supposed to learn? To know that two opposites don't belong together."
"Good lesson. But that's not it. Watch my counterpart there."
Buffy nodded and turned back to her friend.
"What?" Cordelia asked.
"Look. It's not a good idea."
Willow looked at him. "There's no arguing with me. Do you see my resolve face? You seen it before. You know what it means. This can help Buffy. If we turn Angel back soon enough, we can stop him from ever awaking Acathla."
Oz got up, "Okay, I pretty much missed out on stuff, didn't I? Because this is all making sense that's...not."
Willow looked at the werewolf, "Go with Cordy to the library and get my things. She'll fill you in."
He nodded, "Sure," then he kissed her hand, "I'll drive."
Oz walked out of the room with Cordelia close behind him. Xander gets out of his seat.
"Xander, go to Buffy. Tell her what we're doing. Maybe she can stall."
"But I..."
Willow pointed to herself, "Resolve face."
Xander sighed, "Be careful..."
Buffy stared at him, "You lied to me. You told me to kick his ass! You never told me that Willow was going to try and do the spell again!"
Anger started to rise, "Why? Why did you do it?"
She turned to her guide, "Why did he do it?"
Before he could say anything, the room filled in white, and they disappeared.
***
They soon appeared on Crawford Street.
"Will you stop doing that, Alex? Will you stop changing the scenery like that? You shouldn't do that to people. It confuses the hell out of them."
He smiled slightly, "Part of the job."
She shrugged, "Whatever. Just try not to keep doing it, ok?" Then she looked at the street, "Where are we and where's Xander?"
Alex replied, "We're on Crawford Street. Now, from what we know about what you experienced and what you just saw at the hospital, Xander lied to you."
Buffy nodded, "Yeah, thanks for reminding me."
He sighed, "Now, let's think about this. Why would he lie to you?"
"Gee, I dunno. Could it be because he was jealous of Angel?"
Her guide gave her a look. "What do you really think?"
"Alright, alright. So it's not jealousy. But, he still is going to lie to me."
Alex nodded, "Yeah, he's going to lie to you, but not for the reason you just asked. Think about Xander and what we learned about him. He obviously cares about you, or he wouldn't be in LA, and he obviously made an impact on your life that would keep you alive longer than any other Slayer."
She glared at him, "But he lied to me!"
He asked, "Alright, so he lied to you. But you're not focusing on the reason. Why would he lie to you?"
Buffy shrugged, "Dunno."
"Think."
Buffy started to pace up and down the street. Why would he lie? Why would he lie? Because he has feelings for me, and I didn't return them.
She shook her head. That can't be right. He may have had feelings for her, but knowing him. He's got to have a better reason.
Could it be?
No, that's not it.
How about?
Nope not that either.
She sighed, "I don't know, Alex. I just don't know."
Then it hit her, "Oh, I got it. It's because he didn't me to lose my focus."
Alex nodded, "Yeah, you got it right, Buffy. True lying is never a good thing, but if Xander didn't, you would've stalled, and Angelus would've taken the upper hand killing you in the process."
She whispered, "But he lied to me, Alex. I mean, he actually lied to me. Xander's my friend, and he lied. I know he did the right thing, but it hurts. Y'know?"
He answered, "I know it hurts. But you've hurt him too. You used him in order to get back at Angel. You took advantage of his feelings for you, and you hurt him."
Buffy gulped and whimpered, "I know, and I'm sorry I did that. I was a mess back then. The Master killed me. I mean he actually killed me. If Xander didn't come down to the cave, I wouldn't of come back to life."
Alex smiled, "I know all that. But, he was able to forgive you for the pain you caused. He may not of said it directly, but he has always put you in top priority. You have to understand that he holds you very close to his heart. You're one of the most important people in his life."
She looked up into his eyes all teary eyed, "What do I do? I should be furious with him. I should be angry, but I can't. I just can't."
He grinned, "This only proves that you're realizing the truth about Xander. You're realizing that Xander Harris is person that you care deeply about, and you're realizing what he does for you."
She said, "And he cares enough about me to lie to my face."
"You're right. He wanted you to live, to come back next year and go to your prom. To maybe finish high school and go to college. Which is why I chose this form, Buffy."
Buffy looked up at him confusingly with her eyes still glazing tears, "What form?"
Alex smiled, "The form of Xander Harris. Of all the people you know, he's the only one that you can mostly relate to. Giles is your watcher, and the one person you look to as a surrogate father. You're mother...is well...you're mother. Willow's your best friend, but she's too involved in other things between school, Oz, and now, magic. Angel was your boyfriend, who has a great connection to you, but he is a vampire. There's not that much for you to have in common. The only thing is that you two have destinies-a purpose to fight evil."
"And Xander?"
"Xander and you at this point are close. You spend a lot of time together and have fun. He and you have that carefree friendship that is so hard to find. There's no outer purpose. Giles is your watcher, Angel is a vampire, and Willow is an upcoming witch. Xander doesn't have anything like that. He was the first to find out who you really are and wasn't scared away about it. Instead, he stuck by you and gave you the extra encouragement that you needed to make it through another night."
She glanced at the pavement, "Wow. Xander really does care about me a lot, doesn't he?"
Alex walked up to her and cradled her face in his hands so she could look into his eyes. "More than you'll ever know, Buffy. More than you'll ever know."
Buffy took a deep breath, "Does this mean I'm all better? Does this mean Xander's going to find me now and take me home?"
He answered, "Not even close. You're heart is still broken, and it's going to be for a while. You've learned a lot these past two nights and you're still absorbing the information. Right now, just work through your days at work and slowly rise from your ashes. That night Angel died, Buffy Anne Summers died too of a broken heart. When you come back to Sunnydale, you'll be stronger and in a better frame of mind. Let's face it, Buffy. You'll be a phoenix. Beautiful and so full of life."
She said in a quieted voice, "I'll be happy again? I'll be able to move on? But it hurts so much. Angel? My Angel is gone, and I'll never see him again!"
Her guide nodded, "Yeah, you'll find your heart again, and be able to give it to someone again at some point. Who, I don't know, but he's out there somewhere. But you have to keep your friends with you. You have to be a team player. Can you do that for yourself? Can you stop being a lone wolf and start being the leader in a team?"
"I can try."
Alex smiled, "That's all I ask, Buff. Now I got one more thing to teach you tomorrow night, and that's it for me. After that, just live, Buffy. Continue to work at the diner, go to Danielle's apartment tomorrow, and you'll eventually meet Xander. You'll talk about a lot. But when you do find him, you'll be in a better place-a much better place, Buffster."
***
Xander shrugged, "Dunno." Then he thought of something, "how comfortable would you be seeing demons?"
His eyes widened, "You mean there are more than just the types you listed? Just how many freakin' demons are there in this world?"
The teenager chuckled, "A lot, Ash. Basically, the two main species that run this world are demon and humans."
Ash asked, "And I bet demons are all bad? What I'm saying is humans good, demons, bad."
He shook his head, "Not in the least. In fact, I made a friend with one a couple of nights ago. He gave me an aura reading, which helped me find some information on finding my friend."
"Something tells me there's something special about this girl, Xander. There's something you're not telling me."
Xander said honestly, "I don't think so. Buffy's a friend who ran away after sending her boyfriend to hell. When I find her and bring her back, we'll both be seniors. That is Snyder will let us back in. Buffy's the Vampire Slayer, and she means a lot to me. That's pretty much it. Oh, and she moved to Sunnydale a couple years ago from Los Angeles."
"Oh," Ash said in realization. "Wait. What was the last thing you said?"
Xander gulped and answered, "Oh, and she moved to Sunnydale a couple of years ago from Los Angeles."
He shook his head, "No, before that. What was first thing you said?"
"Um, Buffy's a friend who ran away after sending her boyfriend to hell?"
Ash glared at him, "After that."
Xander laughed nervously, "Buffy's the Vampire Slayer?"
He started to say calmly, "That's what I thought you said. What the hell is a vampire slayer?"
The boy decided to be completely honest, "A vampire slayer is a chosen girl by the Powers that Be to fight the vampires and the demons that are in this world. She's given powers like strength, speed, heightened senses, and can heal really fast."
"Damn. Wish I had a slayer back when I was back in Medieval Europe. Could've saved me a lot of heartache. And even before that, there might've been a way to save Linda."
"You miss her, huh, Ash? Linda I mean?"
He nodded, "Yeah, I do. I loved Linda with all my heart, and then that damn book took her away from me. All I can say is good riddance. I am done with that book, and I never want to see it again!"
Xander sighed, "I can understand that. Do you know where the book is now?"
Ash shook his head, "Don't know, and don't care."
The younger man put his stake back in his pocket, "Well, c'mon Ash. Let's go to Caritas."
***
"Did you find it?"
The Jaffa turned around and looked at his god, "No, my lord, we have not. However, we have learned that the Necronomicon is on Earth."
***
Xander entered Caritas and stepped to one side. "Welcome to Caritas, Ash." He said as Ash walked in from behind him.
Ash's eyes widened, "What the hell? What kinda place is this?"
The teenager answered, "This is a karaoke bar, Ash. As I said before, it's for demons and humans. I'll introduce you to someone."
Automatically, Ash's hand went for the stake that was now housed in his pocket.
Xander noticed this, and stopped his arm. "Don't go there. The last thing we want to start is trouble."
He slowly took back his hand, "This is too much, Kid. This is totally unbelievable. How could I never have known about demons? I mean, I've seen more demons within the last hour then I've ever seen in my whole fucked up life!"
Xander said calmly, "Take it easy, Ash. C'mon, I'll buy you a drink."
Ash looked down at his young friend, "Aren't you a little young?"
He replied, "By drink, I meant something of the soda variety."
"Oh," he said in realization. "I'll take a Coke."
The younger man smiled, "Follow me."
With that said, Ash and Xander walked up to the bar.
"You're back, Sweetcheeks?"
Xander looked up at the smiling bar owner, "Hey, Lorne."
Lorne noticed the man next to Xander, "And who is this? Is this your uncle?"
Ash smirked, "Hardy har har. The name's Ash."
The demon chuckled, "Ash, huh? You don't look like an Ash. You look like a crazy person, Ashy Boy."
Ash glared at him, "I'm not crazy. You try dismembering your girlfriend! See how you take it!"
Lorne took a few steps back, "Take it easy, Ash. Didn't mean anything by that."
He sighed, "Sorry. It's been a crazy night-a way crazy one."
The demon was about to say something, when Xander whispered, "Don't go there, Lorne. Just don't. Trust me."
The bar owner said calmly, "Consider it done. So, Sweetcheeks, what's new? How goes the destiny search?"
Xander sighed, "It's going so so. Haven't made really any progress, but I was able to get some help. So, I know I am making process."
The two horned demon smiled, "That's good to know. I assume that the help your talking about is from Kevin Sorbo."
Ash's eyes widened, "You know Kevin Sorbo?"
Xander laughed slightly, "Yeah, Lorne introduced us a couple nights ago. He agreed to help me find Buffy."
"Lucky bastard. You meet Kevin Sorbo, and all I get to meet is Ralph Furely. True, Furely isn't a celebrity, but he looks like that character from The Andy Griffith show. "
Xander paused realizing the truth, "Yeah. Now that I think about it, you're right. They look oddly identical."
Ash nodded, "Yeah, you got that right."
"So, what can I get you, Sweetcheeks?"
Xander smiled, "Coke."
He nodded, "And you Ashy Boy?"
Ash grunted, "Don't call me that."
"May I ask why? I always call people names. It's my thing. I call Xander Sweetcheeks, and he doesn't have a problem."
Xander sighed, "Actually, I kinda do."
His eyes widened, "What? You never said anything before?"
He replied, "Didn't want to seem annoying, but it is kinda gay."
"Gay, huh?" Lorne snorted, "how about I call you Baby Face then?"
The boy gulped, "Nah. Sweetcheeks is fine. Just try to keep it down to a minimum."
Lorne chuckled, "Consider it done, Swe....I mean Xander." He then turned to the clerk, "so, what can I get you, Ash?"
Ash took a seat at the bar at the same time as his young friend, "I'll have the same. Coke. But add a little Rum to it."
The demon nodded, "Be right back with your drinks."
Then he left.
"Groovy." Ash said with a smile.
"Hey, Xander."
Xander turned around and smiled, "Hey, Kevin."
Hercules looked at the man he sat with but only saw the back of his head. "Who's your friend?"
Ash spun around as Xander introduced him, "Kevin Sorbo, meet Ash Williams. Ash Williams, meet Kevin Sorbo."
"So you're the famous Kevin Sorbo, huh?"
Hercules' eyes widened, (Autolycus? It can't be him, can it?)
"Yeah...I guess I am."
Ash smiled, "You look taller on TV."
Xander smirked, "Everyone looks taller on TV."
"Uh, Xander?"
He nodded, "Yeah, Kevin?"
"Can we talk?"
Xander shrugged, "I guess."
Ash was about to get off the stool.
"In private."
Xander turned to his friend, "This will only take a second."
Ash shrugged, "Sure. Talk for all I care."
He smiled slightly, "Thanks, Ash. Be right back."
The demigod nodded, "Yeah, thanks, Mr. Williams."
The scarred man said, "No problemo. Just call me Ash."
"Sure." Kevin said and turned to his young friend, "C'mon, Xander. We got to talk."
"About what?"
Hercules and Xander went over to the other side of the bar where the bathroom was located. They went to the farthest corner to make sure that they were by themselves.
When satisfied, Hercules asked, "Where did you find this guy, Xander?"
Xander answered honestly, "We work together. It turns out that he saw Buffy and we got to talk. You should hear this guy, he is a real character."
Hercules nodded, "Don't I know it. You should've seen his soul."
The teenager showed a confusing look, "What are you talking about?"
The demigod sighed, "Unless I'm wrong, which I probably am not. Ash is Autolycus reincarnated."
His eyes widened, "Reincarnation?"
A nod was made, "Yeah. They look exactly alike, and I think I even spot some of the same behavior patterns."
"So, let me get this straight. Autolycus and Ash are the same person?"
He shook his head, "Not the same person. Reincarnation. I have the idea that Ash is the reincarnated form of Autolycus."
"How do we know for sure?"
The actor shrugged, "That I don't know. But I have this extra feeling in my gut. I really think Ash is the reincarnated version."
"Weird," the boy said to himself, "will he recognize you?"
Hercules sighed, "That I don't know either. But, if he does, I won't hide it from him. If Autolycus suddenly finds himself in the 20 century, he's going to go completely insane. He'd be better off knowing that he had a friend in this time frame."
Xander smiled, "Make that two friends."
The son of Zeus grinned, "Good."
Changing subject, he asked, "So what do you wanna tell me?"
Hercules looked to make sure the coast was clear again, when content. He said, "I've been asking people about Buffy and some have seen her. She's definitely still in LA. I was asking some demons before you came in here. You saved me from calling you."
"Cool. What do we do now?"
"Xander?"
The two friends looked at each other with widened eyes and turned around.
"You go out first." Hercules whispered to his young friend who nodded in acknowledgement
Xander left the hiding spot to only see Ash walking through the bar.
"You called Ash?"
Ash turned around, "Well, yeah. Listen, we got work tomorrow, and I was hoping that we could do one more patrol before bed. You game?"
Xander looked back in the direction to search for his friend, but he wasn't there. "Weird. Thought Deadboy was the only one who did that."
"I'm game."
Xander and Ash both turned to the direction to spot Kevin Sorbo.
Ash asked, "You wanna patrol? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure you're really strong, Kevin. But you're just an actor."
Kevin chuckled, "I can take my chances. What do you say, Ash?"
The former promised one shrugged, "It's your funeral. C'mon. "
The two of them started to walk toward the exit. Ash turned around, "You coming, Xand?"
Xander smiled, "Right behind you."
With that said, the three new friends left Caritas into the nightlife of Los Angeles.
***
"So, Kevin. How'd you get started in the whole acting gig?"
Hercules chuckled, "Just needed a change, and acting hit me. So, I went on a few additions, and got a couple jobs doing commercials."
Xander chuckled this time, "Yeah, I remember. Didn't you do that commercial for Dove Soap?"
The actor blushed, "Yeah, I did. It was a small acting job, which led to me to try an audition for Lois and Clark. Missed it to Dean Cain, but everything worked out for the better. I got the Hercules show instead, and I couldn't be happier."
"Yeah, I bet." Xander said under his breath.
Hercules heard what he said, and couldn't help but smile.
"Ash?"
Ash looked up at the demigod, "Yeah?"
"What happened to your hand?"
The S-Mart clerk told him the whole story. Pretty much the same spiel that he gave Xander earlier. Nothing special.
"You really have been through a lot?"
He sighed, "You have no idea. And it's that damn book's fault. Every damn horror that I've had to face in my life. That is until I staked my first few vampires this evening."
All of a sudden, his cell phone rang.
"Sorry, guys. This'll take a moment."
"Sure. Take your time."
Ash smiled and answered his phone. "Hi. What's up? Sorry. But I met this kid earlier tonight and we've got to talking. I really think you'll like him. I know your not in the mood to meet anyone, but I really think you two would get along. I'll invite him over tomorrow for dinner, alright? Oh, and wait till I tell you I just met. Alright, you get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning. Bye."
Then he hung up the phone and turned to his friends, "That was just my niece. Hey, Xander?"
Xander looked up at him, "Yeah?"
"Wanna come over for dinner tomorrow night?" He then realized Kevin was there too. "You can come too if you want?"
Hercules chuckled, "Thanks, but no thanks. I've got a charity event to attend to."
"That's good. So, what do you say, Xander? You wanna come over and meet Faith?"
Just as Xander was about to say something, he heard, "Well, look what we have here. Three happy meals on legs, and look who it is. How ya doin, Droopy?"
----------------------------------------------------
TBC
Author's Note: I'm not one to beg for reviews, but can some people leave a review. Ive been working on this fic for over 3 weeks, and have yet gotten more than 4 reviews. So, I really appreciate if somebody would give me some feedback. Thanks in advance.
White Werewolf
Rating: PG-13/R
Chapter Number: 6
Author: White Werewolf
Category: Buffy/Xander, Sam/Daniel, Gabrielle/Joxer
Spoilers/Timeframe: All I know for sure it is after "Becoming Part 2."
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the ideas and my computer.
Summery: After Buffy leaves Sunnydale, Xander decides to go looking for her. On the other side of the universe, Ninedinna wants the book she created...the Necronomicon Ex Mortis: the Book of the Dead.
Special Thanks: Danii, Tenhawk, Teri, Silent Bob Foley, BMT, and X-Lander
Crossovers Planned:
Buffy: the Vampire Slayer
Hercules: the Legendary Journeys
Evil Dead
Stargate SG-1
Xena: Warrior Princess
Three's Company
Cameo Crossovers are sudden to appear. See if you can spot any.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alex nodded, "You heard me correctly, Buff. I'm fraid...well, actually, maybe I should just show you."
The room filled white as usual, and Buffy and her guide disappeared.
***
The two of them appeared in a hospital room. Willow was lying in bed. Oz, Cordelia, and Xander were standing around her.
But nobody was moving. It was as if time was frozen.
"What are you trying to show me?"
Alex said, "I'm going to show you what happened after you left for Crawford Street. Look at Xander. Keep your eyes on him."
She showed a confused look, "Why?"
He sighed, "Just do. Oh, and remember like last time. They can't see or hear you."
Then the scene started to play out.
Cordelia said as her friend was sitting up, "So Buffy's going for the big showdown, huh? Wish we could help." Then she turned to her boyfriend, "You know, without dying."
Xander sighed, "I don't see how."
Buffy walked up to her friend and studied his face, "What are you thinking, Xand?" She asked herself.
Willow suddenly spoke in a determined voice, "I wanna trying again."
"Try what?" Buffy asked as Oz asked the same thing.
She turned around to face Willow as she said, "The curse. We never got to finish it. Maybe we can restore Angel's soul."
Xander spoke up again, "I don't like it. You're talking about messing with powerful magic, and you're weak."
Buffy smiled weakly, "Always looking out for us, huh, Xan?"
The redhead shook her head, "I'm okay."
"You don't look okay," he then turned to the other brunette, "does she?"
Cordelia said, "You should listen to him. The hair, it's so flat, and the lips..."
He asked, "Could we stay on topic here, Honey?"
Buffy couldn't help but grimace. She never really liked the idea that Cordelia and Xander were together. It just seemed wrong to her. Two opposite people with nothing in common.
Then it hit her. That's how she could describe relationship with Angel. Two sworn enemies, vampire and slayer, and they were together.
She turned back to Alex, "Is that what I'm supposed to learn? To know that two opposites don't belong together."
"Good lesson. But that's not it. Watch my counterpart there."
Buffy nodded and turned back to her friend.
"What?" Cordelia asked.
"Look. It's not a good idea."
Willow looked at him. "There's no arguing with me. Do you see my resolve face? You seen it before. You know what it means. This can help Buffy. If we turn Angel back soon enough, we can stop him from ever awaking Acathla."
Oz got up, "Okay, I pretty much missed out on stuff, didn't I? Because this is all making sense that's...not."
Willow looked at the werewolf, "Go with Cordy to the library and get my things. She'll fill you in."
He nodded, "Sure," then he kissed her hand, "I'll drive."
Oz walked out of the room with Cordelia close behind him. Xander gets out of his seat.
"Xander, go to Buffy. Tell her what we're doing. Maybe she can stall."
"But I..."
Willow pointed to herself, "Resolve face."
Xander sighed, "Be careful..."
Buffy stared at him, "You lied to me. You told me to kick his ass! You never told me that Willow was going to try and do the spell again!"
Anger started to rise, "Why? Why did you do it?"
She turned to her guide, "Why did he do it?"
Before he could say anything, the room filled in white, and they disappeared.
***
They soon appeared on Crawford Street.
"Will you stop doing that, Alex? Will you stop changing the scenery like that? You shouldn't do that to people. It confuses the hell out of them."
He smiled slightly, "Part of the job."
She shrugged, "Whatever. Just try not to keep doing it, ok?" Then she looked at the street, "Where are we and where's Xander?"
Alex replied, "We're on Crawford Street. Now, from what we know about what you experienced and what you just saw at the hospital, Xander lied to you."
Buffy nodded, "Yeah, thanks for reminding me."
He sighed, "Now, let's think about this. Why would he lie to you?"
"Gee, I dunno. Could it be because he was jealous of Angel?"
Her guide gave her a look. "What do you really think?"
"Alright, alright. So it's not jealousy. But, he still is going to lie to me."
Alex nodded, "Yeah, he's going to lie to you, but not for the reason you just asked. Think about Xander and what we learned about him. He obviously cares about you, or he wouldn't be in LA, and he obviously made an impact on your life that would keep you alive longer than any other Slayer."
She glared at him, "But he lied to me!"
He asked, "Alright, so he lied to you. But you're not focusing on the reason. Why would he lie to you?"
Buffy shrugged, "Dunno."
"Think."
Buffy started to pace up and down the street. Why would he lie? Why would he lie? Because he has feelings for me, and I didn't return them.
She shook her head. That can't be right. He may have had feelings for her, but knowing him. He's got to have a better reason.
Could it be?
No, that's not it.
How about?
Nope not that either.
She sighed, "I don't know, Alex. I just don't know."
Then it hit her, "Oh, I got it. It's because he didn't me to lose my focus."
Alex nodded, "Yeah, you got it right, Buffy. True lying is never a good thing, but if Xander didn't, you would've stalled, and Angelus would've taken the upper hand killing you in the process."
She whispered, "But he lied to me, Alex. I mean, he actually lied to me. Xander's my friend, and he lied. I know he did the right thing, but it hurts. Y'know?"
He answered, "I know it hurts. But you've hurt him too. You used him in order to get back at Angel. You took advantage of his feelings for you, and you hurt him."
Buffy gulped and whimpered, "I know, and I'm sorry I did that. I was a mess back then. The Master killed me. I mean he actually killed me. If Xander didn't come down to the cave, I wouldn't of come back to life."
Alex smiled, "I know all that. But, he was able to forgive you for the pain you caused. He may not of said it directly, but he has always put you in top priority. You have to understand that he holds you very close to his heart. You're one of the most important people in his life."
She looked up into his eyes all teary eyed, "What do I do? I should be furious with him. I should be angry, but I can't. I just can't."
He grinned, "This only proves that you're realizing the truth about Xander. You're realizing that Xander Harris is person that you care deeply about, and you're realizing what he does for you."
She said, "And he cares enough about me to lie to my face."
"You're right. He wanted you to live, to come back next year and go to your prom. To maybe finish high school and go to college. Which is why I chose this form, Buffy."
Buffy looked up at him confusingly with her eyes still glazing tears, "What form?"
Alex smiled, "The form of Xander Harris. Of all the people you know, he's the only one that you can mostly relate to. Giles is your watcher, and the one person you look to as a surrogate father. You're mother...is well...you're mother. Willow's your best friend, but she's too involved in other things between school, Oz, and now, magic. Angel was your boyfriend, who has a great connection to you, but he is a vampire. There's not that much for you to have in common. The only thing is that you two have destinies-a purpose to fight evil."
"And Xander?"
"Xander and you at this point are close. You spend a lot of time together and have fun. He and you have that carefree friendship that is so hard to find. There's no outer purpose. Giles is your watcher, Angel is a vampire, and Willow is an upcoming witch. Xander doesn't have anything like that. He was the first to find out who you really are and wasn't scared away about it. Instead, he stuck by you and gave you the extra encouragement that you needed to make it through another night."
She glanced at the pavement, "Wow. Xander really does care about me a lot, doesn't he?"
Alex walked up to her and cradled her face in his hands so she could look into his eyes. "More than you'll ever know, Buffy. More than you'll ever know."
Buffy took a deep breath, "Does this mean I'm all better? Does this mean Xander's going to find me now and take me home?"
He answered, "Not even close. You're heart is still broken, and it's going to be for a while. You've learned a lot these past two nights and you're still absorbing the information. Right now, just work through your days at work and slowly rise from your ashes. That night Angel died, Buffy Anne Summers died too of a broken heart. When you come back to Sunnydale, you'll be stronger and in a better frame of mind. Let's face it, Buffy. You'll be a phoenix. Beautiful and so full of life."
She said in a quieted voice, "I'll be happy again? I'll be able to move on? But it hurts so much. Angel? My Angel is gone, and I'll never see him again!"
Her guide nodded, "Yeah, you'll find your heart again, and be able to give it to someone again at some point. Who, I don't know, but he's out there somewhere. But you have to keep your friends with you. You have to be a team player. Can you do that for yourself? Can you stop being a lone wolf and start being the leader in a team?"
"I can try."
Alex smiled, "That's all I ask, Buff. Now I got one more thing to teach you tomorrow night, and that's it for me. After that, just live, Buffy. Continue to work at the diner, go to Danielle's apartment tomorrow, and you'll eventually meet Xander. You'll talk about a lot. But when you do find him, you'll be in a better place-a much better place, Buffster."
***
Xander shrugged, "Dunno." Then he thought of something, "how comfortable would you be seeing demons?"
His eyes widened, "You mean there are more than just the types you listed? Just how many freakin' demons are there in this world?"
The teenager chuckled, "A lot, Ash. Basically, the two main species that run this world are demon and humans."
Ash asked, "And I bet demons are all bad? What I'm saying is humans good, demons, bad."
He shook his head, "Not in the least. In fact, I made a friend with one a couple of nights ago. He gave me an aura reading, which helped me find some information on finding my friend."
"Something tells me there's something special about this girl, Xander. There's something you're not telling me."
Xander said honestly, "I don't think so. Buffy's a friend who ran away after sending her boyfriend to hell. When I find her and bring her back, we'll both be seniors. That is Snyder will let us back in. Buffy's the Vampire Slayer, and she means a lot to me. That's pretty much it. Oh, and she moved to Sunnydale a couple years ago from Los Angeles."
"Oh," Ash said in realization. "Wait. What was the last thing you said?"
Xander gulped and answered, "Oh, and she moved to Sunnydale a couple of years ago from Los Angeles."
He shook his head, "No, before that. What was first thing you said?"
"Um, Buffy's a friend who ran away after sending her boyfriend to hell?"
Ash glared at him, "After that."
Xander laughed nervously, "Buffy's the Vampire Slayer?"
He started to say calmly, "That's what I thought you said. What the hell is a vampire slayer?"
The boy decided to be completely honest, "A vampire slayer is a chosen girl by the Powers that Be to fight the vampires and the demons that are in this world. She's given powers like strength, speed, heightened senses, and can heal really fast."
"Damn. Wish I had a slayer back when I was back in Medieval Europe. Could've saved me a lot of heartache. And even before that, there might've been a way to save Linda."
"You miss her, huh, Ash? Linda I mean?"
He nodded, "Yeah, I do. I loved Linda with all my heart, and then that damn book took her away from me. All I can say is good riddance. I am done with that book, and I never want to see it again!"
Xander sighed, "I can understand that. Do you know where the book is now?"
Ash shook his head, "Don't know, and don't care."
The younger man put his stake back in his pocket, "Well, c'mon Ash. Let's go to Caritas."
***
"Did you find it?"
The Jaffa turned around and looked at his god, "No, my lord, we have not. However, we have learned that the Necronomicon is on Earth."
***
Xander entered Caritas and stepped to one side. "Welcome to Caritas, Ash." He said as Ash walked in from behind him.
Ash's eyes widened, "What the hell? What kinda place is this?"
The teenager answered, "This is a karaoke bar, Ash. As I said before, it's for demons and humans. I'll introduce you to someone."
Automatically, Ash's hand went for the stake that was now housed in his pocket.
Xander noticed this, and stopped his arm. "Don't go there. The last thing we want to start is trouble."
He slowly took back his hand, "This is too much, Kid. This is totally unbelievable. How could I never have known about demons? I mean, I've seen more demons within the last hour then I've ever seen in my whole fucked up life!"
Xander said calmly, "Take it easy, Ash. C'mon, I'll buy you a drink."
Ash looked down at his young friend, "Aren't you a little young?"
He replied, "By drink, I meant something of the soda variety."
"Oh," he said in realization. "I'll take a Coke."
The younger man smiled, "Follow me."
With that said, Ash and Xander walked up to the bar.
"You're back, Sweetcheeks?"
Xander looked up at the smiling bar owner, "Hey, Lorne."
Lorne noticed the man next to Xander, "And who is this? Is this your uncle?"
Ash smirked, "Hardy har har. The name's Ash."
The demon chuckled, "Ash, huh? You don't look like an Ash. You look like a crazy person, Ashy Boy."
Ash glared at him, "I'm not crazy. You try dismembering your girlfriend! See how you take it!"
Lorne took a few steps back, "Take it easy, Ash. Didn't mean anything by that."
He sighed, "Sorry. It's been a crazy night-a way crazy one."
The demon was about to say something, when Xander whispered, "Don't go there, Lorne. Just don't. Trust me."
The bar owner said calmly, "Consider it done. So, Sweetcheeks, what's new? How goes the destiny search?"
Xander sighed, "It's going so so. Haven't made really any progress, but I was able to get some help. So, I know I am making process."
The two horned demon smiled, "That's good to know. I assume that the help your talking about is from Kevin Sorbo."
Ash's eyes widened, "You know Kevin Sorbo?"
Xander laughed slightly, "Yeah, Lorne introduced us a couple nights ago. He agreed to help me find Buffy."
"Lucky bastard. You meet Kevin Sorbo, and all I get to meet is Ralph Furely. True, Furely isn't a celebrity, but he looks like that character from The Andy Griffith show. "
Xander paused realizing the truth, "Yeah. Now that I think about it, you're right. They look oddly identical."
Ash nodded, "Yeah, you got that right."
"So, what can I get you, Sweetcheeks?"
Xander smiled, "Coke."
He nodded, "And you Ashy Boy?"
Ash grunted, "Don't call me that."
"May I ask why? I always call people names. It's my thing. I call Xander Sweetcheeks, and he doesn't have a problem."
Xander sighed, "Actually, I kinda do."
His eyes widened, "What? You never said anything before?"
He replied, "Didn't want to seem annoying, but it is kinda gay."
"Gay, huh?" Lorne snorted, "how about I call you Baby Face then?"
The boy gulped, "Nah. Sweetcheeks is fine. Just try to keep it down to a minimum."
Lorne chuckled, "Consider it done, Swe....I mean Xander." He then turned to the clerk, "so, what can I get you, Ash?"
Ash took a seat at the bar at the same time as his young friend, "I'll have the same. Coke. But add a little Rum to it."
The demon nodded, "Be right back with your drinks."
Then he left.
"Groovy." Ash said with a smile.
"Hey, Xander."
Xander turned around and smiled, "Hey, Kevin."
Hercules looked at the man he sat with but only saw the back of his head. "Who's your friend?"
Ash spun around as Xander introduced him, "Kevin Sorbo, meet Ash Williams. Ash Williams, meet Kevin Sorbo."
"So you're the famous Kevin Sorbo, huh?"
Hercules' eyes widened, (Autolycus? It can't be him, can it?)
"Yeah...I guess I am."
Ash smiled, "You look taller on TV."
Xander smirked, "Everyone looks taller on TV."
"Uh, Xander?"
He nodded, "Yeah, Kevin?"
"Can we talk?"
Xander shrugged, "I guess."
Ash was about to get off the stool.
"In private."
Xander turned to his friend, "This will only take a second."
Ash shrugged, "Sure. Talk for all I care."
He smiled slightly, "Thanks, Ash. Be right back."
The demigod nodded, "Yeah, thanks, Mr. Williams."
The scarred man said, "No problemo. Just call me Ash."
"Sure." Kevin said and turned to his young friend, "C'mon, Xander. We got to talk."
"About what?"
Hercules and Xander went over to the other side of the bar where the bathroom was located. They went to the farthest corner to make sure that they were by themselves.
When satisfied, Hercules asked, "Where did you find this guy, Xander?"
Xander answered honestly, "We work together. It turns out that he saw Buffy and we got to talk. You should hear this guy, he is a real character."
Hercules nodded, "Don't I know it. You should've seen his soul."
The teenager showed a confusing look, "What are you talking about?"
The demigod sighed, "Unless I'm wrong, which I probably am not. Ash is Autolycus reincarnated."
His eyes widened, "Reincarnation?"
A nod was made, "Yeah. They look exactly alike, and I think I even spot some of the same behavior patterns."
"So, let me get this straight. Autolycus and Ash are the same person?"
He shook his head, "Not the same person. Reincarnation. I have the idea that Ash is the reincarnated form of Autolycus."
"How do we know for sure?"
The actor shrugged, "That I don't know. But I have this extra feeling in my gut. I really think Ash is the reincarnated version."
"Weird," the boy said to himself, "will he recognize you?"
Hercules sighed, "That I don't know either. But, if he does, I won't hide it from him. If Autolycus suddenly finds himself in the 20 century, he's going to go completely insane. He'd be better off knowing that he had a friend in this time frame."
Xander smiled, "Make that two friends."
The son of Zeus grinned, "Good."
Changing subject, he asked, "So what do you wanna tell me?"
Hercules looked to make sure the coast was clear again, when content. He said, "I've been asking people about Buffy and some have seen her. She's definitely still in LA. I was asking some demons before you came in here. You saved me from calling you."
"Cool. What do we do now?"
"Xander?"
The two friends looked at each other with widened eyes and turned around.
"You go out first." Hercules whispered to his young friend who nodded in acknowledgement
Xander left the hiding spot to only see Ash walking through the bar.
"You called Ash?"
Ash turned around, "Well, yeah. Listen, we got work tomorrow, and I was hoping that we could do one more patrol before bed. You game?"
Xander looked back in the direction to search for his friend, but he wasn't there. "Weird. Thought Deadboy was the only one who did that."
"I'm game."
Xander and Ash both turned to the direction to spot Kevin Sorbo.
Ash asked, "You wanna patrol? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure you're really strong, Kevin. But you're just an actor."
Kevin chuckled, "I can take my chances. What do you say, Ash?"
The former promised one shrugged, "It's your funeral. C'mon. "
The two of them started to walk toward the exit. Ash turned around, "You coming, Xand?"
Xander smiled, "Right behind you."
With that said, the three new friends left Caritas into the nightlife of Los Angeles.
***
"So, Kevin. How'd you get started in the whole acting gig?"
Hercules chuckled, "Just needed a change, and acting hit me. So, I went on a few additions, and got a couple jobs doing commercials."
Xander chuckled this time, "Yeah, I remember. Didn't you do that commercial for Dove Soap?"
The actor blushed, "Yeah, I did. It was a small acting job, which led to me to try an audition for Lois and Clark. Missed it to Dean Cain, but everything worked out for the better. I got the Hercules show instead, and I couldn't be happier."
"Yeah, I bet." Xander said under his breath.
Hercules heard what he said, and couldn't help but smile.
"Ash?"
Ash looked up at the demigod, "Yeah?"
"What happened to your hand?"
The S-Mart clerk told him the whole story. Pretty much the same spiel that he gave Xander earlier. Nothing special.
"You really have been through a lot?"
He sighed, "You have no idea. And it's that damn book's fault. Every damn horror that I've had to face in my life. That is until I staked my first few vampires this evening."
All of a sudden, his cell phone rang.
"Sorry, guys. This'll take a moment."
"Sure. Take your time."
Ash smiled and answered his phone. "Hi. What's up? Sorry. But I met this kid earlier tonight and we've got to talking. I really think you'll like him. I know your not in the mood to meet anyone, but I really think you two would get along. I'll invite him over tomorrow for dinner, alright? Oh, and wait till I tell you I just met. Alright, you get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning. Bye."
Then he hung up the phone and turned to his friends, "That was just my niece. Hey, Xander?"
Xander looked up at him, "Yeah?"
"Wanna come over for dinner tomorrow night?" He then realized Kevin was there too. "You can come too if you want?"
Hercules chuckled, "Thanks, but no thanks. I've got a charity event to attend to."
"That's good. So, what do you say, Xander? You wanna come over and meet Faith?"
Just as Xander was about to say something, he heard, "Well, look what we have here. Three happy meals on legs, and look who it is. How ya doin, Droopy?"
----------------------------------------------------
TBC
Author's Note: I'm not one to beg for reviews, but can some people leave a review. Ive been working on this fic for over 3 weeks, and have yet gotten more than 4 reviews. So, I really appreciate if somebody would give me some feedback. Thanks in advance.
White Werewolf