Title: Phoenix Risings
Rating: PG-13/R
Chapter Number: 7
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xander growled, "Spike."
Ash looked at his younger friend, "Spike? What kinda name is that? It sounds like a dog's name."
The teenager chuckled, "I've got agree with you there. Spike does seem like a bitch."
The vampire glared at the three of them, "I am not a bitch, Harris!"
The scarred man snickered, "I get it. He wines a lot."
"I do not wine." He said in anger.
Xander continued to chuckle, "Yeah, you do. You're Drusilla whipped."
The bleached blond was about to say something, when he noticed the other man with the boy and his friend. "Since when did you meet?"
Hercules' eyes widened. He remembered Spike from years ago. Over a century ago. Before the vampire could say anything, he whipped a roundhouse across his face. "I met Xander a couple nights ago. That's all."
Spike jumped back to his feet, "No. You're bloody..."
Xander smirked, "Yeah, that's Kevin Sorbo. Now be a good boy, and get the hell out of here!" Then he punched his left cheek.
"No. He isn't Kevin Sorbo! He's Hercules!"
The teenager gulped when he heard this and looked at his demigod friend who sighed in acknowledgement.
Ash chuckled, "What the hell are you smoking? Hercules is a fuckin TV show! He's just an actor."
Spike shook his head, "You don't understand, you wanker. That really is Hercules!"
"Sure," Ash said calmly, "and I'm Princess Dianna." He then took his metal hand and punched him in the stomach. With his other hand, he grabbed the stake, and was about to leap onto his prey.
But before he could do anything, another vampire got his arm and kicked the wind out of the former promise one's chest. Ash fell to the ground in ease.
"You leave my Master alone!"
Xander and Hercules exchanged looks, "Master?" They asked in unison.
"Since when is Spike a Master Vampire?" Xander asked the undead demon.
Five more vampires appeared out of the shadows. "Since Spike said he would find the ring of Amara for us."
"Crap," Xander said under his breath as the other vampires came out. "I so don't need this right now."
Hercules chuckled, "This time you got me with you, Xander."
"And me." Ash said as he got back to his feet. "How many?"
Xander quickly counted, "Six. We would've had seven, but it looks like Spike left."
The son of Zeus said, "Doesn't matter. We'll get Spike later. Let's focus on these guys."
The taller brunette agreed, "I'm with you there, Kevin. I just wish I had my chainsaw with me."
Xander looked at his two friends, "Are we going to talk or we going to beat the crap out these guys?"
"What does this tell you, Xan?" Ash asked as he grabbed one of the demons by the collar with his gauntlet hand and staked it with his other.
The actor withdrew his stake from his pocket and ran off one of the other vampires.
Ash looked at Xander, "Since when do television actors carry stakes?"
Xander shrugged, "I guess since he found out about vampires. We talked the other day, remember?"
He nodded, "Right. Forgot." Ash stated as he punched one of vampires with a right cross, followed by a left, right, left, right, and finally staked him with his other hand.
The scarred man turned to his younger friend who was already in a struggle with one vampire. He turned to Kevin, and he was off fighting two of them. "I guess Kevin really is strong."
Ash was suddenly tackled from behind and landed on the ground. He was able to turn around and look at his attacker.
The vampire showed his 'game face' and extended his fangs. "How'd you like to live forever?"
The former promised one flipped him over so that Ash was on top. "I don't think so. Living forever's got to be hell!"
"It has its advantages. Look into my eyes."
Ash couldn't help but look into his eyes, and couldn't move.
The vampires smiled, "Excellent." He then flipped them over again, and lowered his head for Ash's neck. "Time for a change." The vampire said.
"I don't thing so." Xander said as he grabbed the demon off his friend, "Get the hell off my friend, Overbite!"
"Look into my eyes," the demon said at Xander.
Xander immediately shut his eyes so he wouldn't give into the thrall.
The boy couldn't see what was going on, and could feel coldness approaching his neck.
Suddenly, the temperature change was gone.
Xander opened his eyes, and saw Ash standing in front of him. "Thanks for the save, Kid."
He smiled, "Ditto."
"You didn't do half bad, my friends."
Xander and Ash turned to face their other friend.
"You did well, Kevin. Playing Hercules really gave you an edge, huh?"
Hercules chucked, "Yeah. It's all that training I put in."
Xander chuckled too, "Yeah. It's a real Olympic effort."
The demigod smiled.
"So," Ash said as he dusted himself. "Mind telling me why Spike kept calling you, Hercules?"
The Sunnydale resident shrugged, "I guess Spike watches the show too much. I mean, c'mon. He's in love with Drusilla."
He showed a confusing look, "Drusilla? Who's she?"
"She's just a vampire who loves Spike. Y'see, apparently, Spike, Drusilla, Angelus, and Darla used to part of a gang."
"How do you know all this?" Ash asked him.
Xander shrugged, "Buffy. Y'see, when Buffy went out with Angel, she learned all about his family. Then she told me. Angelus was sired by Darla who sired Drusilla. Then Drusilla sired Spike."
He showed a confusing look, "Sired?"
The young man answered, "Sired is when a vampire drains you, cuts him or herself and feed their victim their blood. The blood turns them, and becomes him or herself's childe. Basically, siring and childe making is their way to procreate. Since, y'know, vampires are sterile."
Ash asked, "First you tell me that Buffy went out with Angel. Then you're telling me all this Angelus stuff. Are they brothers?"
He shook his head, "Nah. The thing with Angel is that he is an ensouled vampire-cursed by a group of gypsies. Before that, he was known as Angelus. Angel is his ensouled self, Angelus is without soul."
"Oh," Ash said in realization, "what was the curse?"
The boy answered, "Basically, the gypsies gave him a soul so that Angel could feel all the pain that he's caused as Angelus. The soul curse isn't exactly permanent. All it takes is a 'moment of true happiness." He said the last words with venom in his voice.
Then Xander told him all rest he knew about Angel, Angelus, their family, and Angel's relationship with Buffy. That and his hatred for vampires and the staking of his best friend the first day Buffy came to town.
"That's quite the tale." Hercules said with a smile.
"Yeah, it is, isn't it?" Xander asked with venom once more.
The former promised one look at his watch, "It's getting really late. I better turn in." He then went inside his pocket, and pulled out a card. Ash gave it to Xander, "This is my address. Be at the house at 6:30."
Xander accepted his card, "Thanks, Ash. We'll see you tomorrow."
"Night."
Then Ash left leaving the demigod and teenager.
"That seemed like old times."
The mortal asking confusingly, "What did?"
"Fighting with Autolycus."
"How do you know if that's Autolycus, Hercules? You don't have that much to go on."
He replied, "True, but they had the same fighting method. There are trace comparisons between the two of them, and I wouldn't be surprised if Ash was Autolycus' reincarnated version."
"Oh," he said with the information sinking into his brain, "I think Ash was right though. It is late, I better go home too."
The actor nodded, "That it is, my friend. Tell you what, after dinner tomorrow, call me up. We'll see what we can do about your ghost problem."
"Thanks, Hercules."
***
Xander took a deep breath as he approached the log cabin.
"Here goes nothing," he said to himself as he knocked on the door.
Soon, it opened, and Ash stepped out. "How ya doin, Kid?"
Xander smiled, "It's going okay, I guess."
Ash smiled, "C'mon in." Then he allowed his guest entrance.
The boy looked around the cabin and it was well let out. A fireplace was by the west wall with a chainsaw hanging just above.
With a television in the center of the living room, a couch and two chairs sat. The floor was carpeted in dark brown. On the other side of the room was the kitchen. A hallway came from the living room, and could only guess that that was where Ash and his niece's beds were.
"Nice place you got here, Ash."
"Thanks, Xander. Take a seat. I'll get Faith."
Xander nodded in acknowledgement, and sat down on one of the chairs.
"Be right back, Xander."
With that said, Ash left Xander to his thoughts.
The last few nights have been so surreal to Xander. The thought of meeting Hercules was completely insane. To actually know that all greek mythology was the truth. It was so intense.
The only thing that was normal that Xander saw within the last week, was meeting Eric Matthews.
Then he remembered RF, Jack, Chrissy, and Janet. They were also normal, and could obviously tell that Jack wasn't gay. RF only based his conclusion on stereotypes. Jack wasn't gay. Larry on the other hand was. There were complete differences between the two of them.
Ash seemed like a nice guy, but he really was rough around the edges. He's been put through hell within the last few years. Xander could only imagine what it was like to live through the army of darkness-to battle an army of skeletons led by his evil self.
God, that was a lot for him to go through.
***
"He's here, Faith."
Faith looked up from her bed and smiled at her uncle.
'I dunno if I'm going to like meeting this guy, Uncle Ash. Meeting people was never my strong suit back in Boston. Y'know, after everything happened with my parents."
Ash sighed and walked over to her. He sat down beside her, "My sister had always a lot of trouble growing up. Y'know, since our elder sister died when she was a teenager. Muggers my ass though."
She showed a confused look, "That's what the cops said when they found her, Uncle Ash. She was found dead in an ally alone."
"I know, Faith. But it hurts sometimes, and I can't help but wonder. What if I was there? What if I wasn't hanging out with my friends? Maybe Leah would still be alive. I loved her so much, Faith. We all did. For the first thirteen years of my life, your mother, Hilary, Lisa, and I were always close."
His niece nodded, "Yeah, I know, Uncle Ash. Leah's death really struck all of you-especially you and my mom. I also know that you don't like to go into that kinda stuff."
He nodded, "Yeah. I've told Xander all about that book and Linda. I don't think he needs to know about Leah. Not now anyway."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"Are you going to tell him?"
Ash shrugged, "Nah. He already knows about Linda and that damn book. He doesn't need to know about Leah, and I prefer that you don't tell him either."
Faith nodded, "Don't worry, Uncle Ash. I won't tell him."
"Good," he said with a smile, "c'mon, let's get out of here."
"Right behind you," she said as her uncle left the bed.
***
"Sorry about that," Ash said as he entered the room, "I just had to talk to Faith for a second."
Xander smiled, "S'okay."
At that moment, Faith walked out from behind her uncle and smiled, "Hi."
Ash cleared his throat, "Xander, this is Faith Williams. Faith, this is Xander Harris."
Xander got out of the chair and approached the two Williamses. "Nice to meet you, Faith."
Faith grinned back, "How ya doin', Xander?"
He shrugged, "I'm doing so so."
She showed a confused look, "Why so so?"
Before Xander could say, Ash asked, "Why don't we sit down?"
Xander replied, "Sure...I guess."
"Coolness," Faith said in response.
The three of them went back to the sitting area. Xander sat in the chair while Faith and Ash sat in the couch.
Ignoring what his niece said, Ash asked, "Find anything new on your slayer friend?"
Xander sighed, "Nope. After you left last night, Kevin and I went our separate ways. And I came here right after work. So, there really wasn't anything to do, y'know?"
She showed a confused look, "You never told me what happened last night, Uncle Ash? Why?"
Ash shrugged, "You were asleep. When I was getting ready for work, you still were sleeping. So you do the math."
"Makes sense." Faith said to him. "So, now that Xander is here, why not tell me what's been going on?"
"Ok with you, Ash?"
"Sure. She knows everything about my life. So, I have no problem with it."
Xander smiled, "Cool," and then he told the whole story between him, Ash, and Kevin Sorbo. Of course not mentioning who Kevin really was, but that was alright. Faith didn't need to know.
"Wicked." Faith said with a smile, "you three sound like you had fun last night. Wish you had invited me."
Xander shrugged, "Didn't know about you until you called your uncle on the phone. Maybe next time."
Ash shook his head, "No way in hell!"
She looked at him with venom in her voice, "Why not?"
He glared at her, "Y'know very well, Faith. I've lost too many damn people in my life. I don't want to lose you."
Faith sighed, "But, what if you need help. What if a vampire jumps you, and you can't fight back. X told me what happened. If he didn't get that vamp off you, you would've died! I lost my parents. I lost a lot too. I don't want to lose you!" Then she started to cry. "You're the one thing in my life that hasn't left me. Please, don't leave me!"
Then she ran out of the room.
Ash immediately got up, "I'll be right back, Xander."
Xander shook his head, "Let me, Ash. I'm closer to her age wise."
Ash looked at his, "I don't know, Xander. Faith doesn't open up to people that well. She keeps to herself a lot."
He said calmly, "Let me try. Maybe I can get through."
The taller man shrugged, "It's your funeral."
The teenager sighed, "Thanks for the vote of encouragement."
With that said, Xander left.
***
"Go away!"
"Can I come in, Faith?"
Faith immediately knew that voice. It wasn't who she expected.
She slowly got off her bed and walked to her door. Unlocking it, Faith said, "Come in, but you only got five minutes, X."
He nodded, "That's all I need." (I hope so anyway.)
The female brunette sat down back on her bed. "What do you want to say to me? Tell me a reason why I shouldn't help. Tell me a reason why I should just let Uncle Ash go out there night after night fighting for his life!"
Xander sighed as he sat down, "Listen Faith. You're uncle is worried about you. I should know. You're his only link to a family. It's obvious that you he lost more than a fiancée from the way you're talking. Did he lose a brother or a sister?"
Faith didn't answer knowing what her uncle's wishes were.
He said in a soothing voice, "C'mon, Faith. You can tell me."
She glared at him, "Why should I open up to you? I don't even know you!"
Xander replied, "No you don't know me. For all you know, I could be a complete stanger. But, like I said before, I'm only in LA because I'm trying to find my friend. She ran away, and it's partly my fault. When she left, I had to make a decision. I could either go after her, or go back to class. I decided to go after her."
The female looked up at him with tears in her eyes, "You really care about her, don't you?"
He nodded, "Yeah, I do. Buffy's an easy target right now, Faith. She's the Slayer, and she has a broken heart. That's a very dangerous combination. I'm lucky to have Kevin Sorbo and your uncle to help me."
She stared at him, "I now know that you really do understand how I feel. I may only be sixteen. But I can handle change. I want to help, Xander. If you help me with my uncle, I'll help you find Buffy."
"I have to think about that."
Faith nodded, "I understand, but can you answer rather quickly. Uncle Ash is going to want to patrol again tonight. At least this time, he'll have his chainsaw."
"That he will, but I have to meet with Kevin after dinner."
"I can see why. So, can you get me an autograph?"
Xander chuckled, "I don't know, Faith. But I guess I could ask."
Faith smiled, "That's cool, Xander. Now, what about my uncle? Do you think you can get him to let me help?"
He sighed, "I don't know. If you want, give me some time after dinner to talk to him, and I'll see what I can do. But, I'm not promising anything."
She grinned, "I understand, and appreciate it."
Xander smiled and clasped his fingertips together. "In the immortal words of Montgomery Burns, 'Excellent.'"
Faith got off her bed and headed for her door. She put her hand on the knob and looked back at hin, "You're wacko."
The boy shrugged, "People tell me that."
"So, how about we go grab some dinner?"
Xander got off the bed, and shortly joined her, "Lead the way, Faith."
Faith nodded in response, and twisted the door know. Pulling it open, the door flew off the hinges and the knob remained in her hand. Her eyes widened, "What the fuck?!"
Xander chuckled, "I guess somebody's been eating their Wheaties."
***
"What the fuck?!"
Ash quickly placed the last plate on the table and ran to the direction of the call.
When he got there, he asked in concern, "What happened, Faith?"
Faith looked at her uncle, then at Xander, then back at her uncle, "I dunno. I was going to open the door when I ripped it off its hinges."
His eyes widened, "You what?"
She immediately dropped the door from her hand, "What the hell is going on?"
Xander shrugged, "Weak hinges?"
Ash replied, "Could be. I bought this place from an old married couple. The husband said he built this place with his own hands."
Faith breathed easily, "Makes sense."
"Right." Xander said to them, (I wonder...) he thought to himself. (Nah. There's no way. Or is there?)
Ash looked at Xander who exhibited a confused look. He turned to his niece, "What do you think he's thinking about?"
His niece shrugged, "Dunno. Ask him?"
He nodded, "Xander?"
Xander looked at his two friends, "Yeah?"
"What are you thinking about?"
The boy replied calmly, "Nothing. Just worried what else could happen in this house."
Ash said with uncertainty, "Uh huh."
The female looked at the two males, "How about that dinner?"
Her voice brought Ash back to the conversation, "Right. Dinner. Hope you like stake, Xander?"
He grinned, "Stake's just fine."
***
"Hey, Giles?"
"Why, hello, Xander. How are you?"
Xander couldn't help but smile. He missed his friend, "I'm doing okay. No Buffy yet, but I'll find her."
"I most definitely believe you will, Xander. So, what can I do for you?"
The boy looked around him to make sure the coast was clear. Ash and Faith were in the kitchen cleaning up from dinner. Xander was by himself which was the perfect time to call Giles. Of course, Xander asked permission, and was allowed.
"I need to you ask you something about slayers."
"Very well. What do you need to know?"
"How are slayers called?"
"Well, they're usually called after a slayer is dead. When Buffy died last year, Kendra was called."
Xander sat up and placed the phone closer to his ear, "I understand that, Giles. But, if Kendra died, who is the next slayer? Shouldn't there be another slayer? One that is in action at the moment."
"In most situations, there should be, yes."
His eyes widened, "Most?" Why not all?"
"Believe it or not. According to myth, there have been two slayers before. Buffy and Kendra weren't the first two slayers to coexist. It happened over three centuries ago. Anyway, back then; one slayer was in an emotional state and not ready to fight. So, the second slayer wasn't called. She was called when the first slayer got better though. Of course, it was never proven though. Why do you ask?"
"Because, Giles...I think I just met the other slayer. Tell me, if there were two before, how did the slayer line go back to one after that?"
"That I don't know. But, I think it has something to do with the Powers that Be."
He nodded, "If that's true. Would the powers allow this to happen again?"
"That's hard to say, Xander. Not unless there was something or someone that could help in maintaining these slayers."
"Council related?"
"No. Not council related. The help needed would be someone close to the slayers. And that means both slayers."
Xander sighed, "Like me?"
"It's plausible, Xander. But the other slayer doesn't know you."
"As I said before, I think I just met the other slayer."
"How can you be sure?"
----------------------------------------------------
TBC
Rating: PG-13/R
Chapter Number: 7
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.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xander growled, "Spike."
Ash looked at his younger friend, "Spike? What kinda name is that? It sounds like a dog's name."
The teenager chuckled, "I've got agree with you there. Spike does seem like a bitch."
The vampire glared at the three of them, "I am not a bitch, Harris!"
The scarred man snickered, "I get it. He wines a lot."
"I do not wine." He said in anger.
Xander continued to chuckle, "Yeah, you do. You're Drusilla whipped."
The bleached blond was about to say something, when he noticed the other man with the boy and his friend. "Since when did you meet?"
Hercules' eyes widened. He remembered Spike from years ago. Over a century ago. Before the vampire could say anything, he whipped a roundhouse across his face. "I met Xander a couple nights ago. That's all."
Spike jumped back to his feet, "No. You're bloody..."
Xander smirked, "Yeah, that's Kevin Sorbo. Now be a good boy, and get the hell out of here!" Then he punched his left cheek.
"No. He isn't Kevin Sorbo! He's Hercules!"
The teenager gulped when he heard this and looked at his demigod friend who sighed in acknowledgement.
Ash chuckled, "What the hell are you smoking? Hercules is a fuckin TV show! He's just an actor."
Spike shook his head, "You don't understand, you wanker. That really is Hercules!"
"Sure," Ash said calmly, "and I'm Princess Dianna." He then took his metal hand and punched him in the stomach. With his other hand, he grabbed the stake, and was about to leap onto his prey.
But before he could do anything, another vampire got his arm and kicked the wind out of the former promise one's chest. Ash fell to the ground in ease.
"You leave my Master alone!"
Xander and Hercules exchanged looks, "Master?" They asked in unison.
"Since when is Spike a Master Vampire?" Xander asked the undead demon.
Five more vampires appeared out of the shadows. "Since Spike said he would find the ring of Amara for us."
"Crap," Xander said under his breath as the other vampires came out. "I so don't need this right now."
Hercules chuckled, "This time you got me with you, Xander."
"And me." Ash said as he got back to his feet. "How many?"
Xander quickly counted, "Six. We would've had seven, but it looks like Spike left."
The son of Zeus said, "Doesn't matter. We'll get Spike later. Let's focus on these guys."
The taller brunette agreed, "I'm with you there, Kevin. I just wish I had my chainsaw with me."
Xander looked at his two friends, "Are we going to talk or we going to beat the crap out these guys?"
"What does this tell you, Xan?" Ash asked as he grabbed one of the demons by the collar with his gauntlet hand and staked it with his other.
The actor withdrew his stake from his pocket and ran off one of the other vampires.
Ash looked at Xander, "Since when do television actors carry stakes?"
Xander shrugged, "I guess since he found out about vampires. We talked the other day, remember?"
He nodded, "Right. Forgot." Ash stated as he punched one of vampires with a right cross, followed by a left, right, left, right, and finally staked him with his other hand.
The scarred man turned to his younger friend who was already in a struggle with one vampire. He turned to Kevin, and he was off fighting two of them. "I guess Kevin really is strong."
Ash was suddenly tackled from behind and landed on the ground. He was able to turn around and look at his attacker.
The vampire showed his 'game face' and extended his fangs. "How'd you like to live forever?"
The former promised one flipped him over so that Ash was on top. "I don't think so. Living forever's got to be hell!"
"It has its advantages. Look into my eyes."
Ash couldn't help but look into his eyes, and couldn't move.
The vampires smiled, "Excellent." He then flipped them over again, and lowered his head for Ash's neck. "Time for a change." The vampire said.
"I don't thing so." Xander said as he grabbed the demon off his friend, "Get the hell off my friend, Overbite!"
"Look into my eyes," the demon said at Xander.
Xander immediately shut his eyes so he wouldn't give into the thrall.
The boy couldn't see what was going on, and could feel coldness approaching his neck.
Suddenly, the temperature change was gone.
Xander opened his eyes, and saw Ash standing in front of him. "Thanks for the save, Kid."
He smiled, "Ditto."
"You didn't do half bad, my friends."
Xander and Ash turned to face their other friend.
"You did well, Kevin. Playing Hercules really gave you an edge, huh?"
Hercules chucked, "Yeah. It's all that training I put in."
Xander chuckled too, "Yeah. It's a real Olympic effort."
The demigod smiled.
"So," Ash said as he dusted himself. "Mind telling me why Spike kept calling you, Hercules?"
The Sunnydale resident shrugged, "I guess Spike watches the show too much. I mean, c'mon. He's in love with Drusilla."
He showed a confusing look, "Drusilla? Who's she?"
"She's just a vampire who loves Spike. Y'see, apparently, Spike, Drusilla, Angelus, and Darla used to part of a gang."
"How do you know all this?" Ash asked him.
Xander shrugged, "Buffy. Y'see, when Buffy went out with Angel, she learned all about his family. Then she told me. Angelus was sired by Darla who sired Drusilla. Then Drusilla sired Spike."
He showed a confusing look, "Sired?"
The young man answered, "Sired is when a vampire drains you, cuts him or herself and feed their victim their blood. The blood turns them, and becomes him or herself's childe. Basically, siring and childe making is their way to procreate. Since, y'know, vampires are sterile."
Ash asked, "First you tell me that Buffy went out with Angel. Then you're telling me all this Angelus stuff. Are they brothers?"
He shook his head, "Nah. The thing with Angel is that he is an ensouled vampire-cursed by a group of gypsies. Before that, he was known as Angelus. Angel is his ensouled self, Angelus is without soul."
"Oh," Ash said in realization, "what was the curse?"
The boy answered, "Basically, the gypsies gave him a soul so that Angel could feel all the pain that he's caused as Angelus. The soul curse isn't exactly permanent. All it takes is a 'moment of true happiness." He said the last words with venom in his voice.
Then Xander told him all rest he knew about Angel, Angelus, their family, and Angel's relationship with Buffy. That and his hatred for vampires and the staking of his best friend the first day Buffy came to town.
"That's quite the tale." Hercules said with a smile.
"Yeah, it is, isn't it?" Xander asked with venom once more.
The former promised one look at his watch, "It's getting really late. I better turn in." He then went inside his pocket, and pulled out a card. Ash gave it to Xander, "This is my address. Be at the house at 6:30."
Xander accepted his card, "Thanks, Ash. We'll see you tomorrow."
"Night."
Then Ash left leaving the demigod and teenager.
"That seemed like old times."
The mortal asking confusingly, "What did?"
"Fighting with Autolycus."
"How do you know if that's Autolycus, Hercules? You don't have that much to go on."
He replied, "True, but they had the same fighting method. There are trace comparisons between the two of them, and I wouldn't be surprised if Ash was Autolycus' reincarnated version."
"Oh," he said with the information sinking into his brain, "I think Ash was right though. It is late, I better go home too."
The actor nodded, "That it is, my friend. Tell you what, after dinner tomorrow, call me up. We'll see what we can do about your ghost problem."
"Thanks, Hercules."
***
Xander took a deep breath as he approached the log cabin.
"Here goes nothing," he said to himself as he knocked on the door.
Soon, it opened, and Ash stepped out. "How ya doin, Kid?"
Xander smiled, "It's going okay, I guess."
Ash smiled, "C'mon in." Then he allowed his guest entrance.
The boy looked around the cabin and it was well let out. A fireplace was by the west wall with a chainsaw hanging just above.
With a television in the center of the living room, a couch and two chairs sat. The floor was carpeted in dark brown. On the other side of the room was the kitchen. A hallway came from the living room, and could only guess that that was where Ash and his niece's beds were.
"Nice place you got here, Ash."
"Thanks, Xander. Take a seat. I'll get Faith."
Xander nodded in acknowledgement, and sat down on one of the chairs.
"Be right back, Xander."
With that said, Ash left Xander to his thoughts.
The last few nights have been so surreal to Xander. The thought of meeting Hercules was completely insane. To actually know that all greek mythology was the truth. It was so intense.
The only thing that was normal that Xander saw within the last week, was meeting Eric Matthews.
Then he remembered RF, Jack, Chrissy, and Janet. They were also normal, and could obviously tell that Jack wasn't gay. RF only based his conclusion on stereotypes. Jack wasn't gay. Larry on the other hand was. There were complete differences between the two of them.
Ash seemed like a nice guy, but he really was rough around the edges. He's been put through hell within the last few years. Xander could only imagine what it was like to live through the army of darkness-to battle an army of skeletons led by his evil self.
God, that was a lot for him to go through.
***
"He's here, Faith."
Faith looked up from her bed and smiled at her uncle.
'I dunno if I'm going to like meeting this guy, Uncle Ash. Meeting people was never my strong suit back in Boston. Y'know, after everything happened with my parents."
Ash sighed and walked over to her. He sat down beside her, "My sister had always a lot of trouble growing up. Y'know, since our elder sister died when she was a teenager. Muggers my ass though."
She showed a confused look, "That's what the cops said when they found her, Uncle Ash. She was found dead in an ally alone."
"I know, Faith. But it hurts sometimes, and I can't help but wonder. What if I was there? What if I wasn't hanging out with my friends? Maybe Leah would still be alive. I loved her so much, Faith. We all did. For the first thirteen years of my life, your mother, Hilary, Lisa, and I were always close."
His niece nodded, "Yeah, I know, Uncle Ash. Leah's death really struck all of you-especially you and my mom. I also know that you don't like to go into that kinda stuff."
He nodded, "Yeah. I've told Xander all about that book and Linda. I don't think he needs to know about Leah. Not now anyway."
"Are you going to tell him?"
"Are you going to tell him?"
Ash shrugged, "Nah. He already knows about Linda and that damn book. He doesn't need to know about Leah, and I prefer that you don't tell him either."
Faith nodded, "Don't worry, Uncle Ash. I won't tell him."
"Good," he said with a smile, "c'mon, let's get out of here."
"Right behind you," she said as her uncle left the bed.
***
"Sorry about that," Ash said as he entered the room, "I just had to talk to Faith for a second."
Xander smiled, "S'okay."
At that moment, Faith walked out from behind her uncle and smiled, "Hi."
Ash cleared his throat, "Xander, this is Faith Williams. Faith, this is Xander Harris."
Xander got out of the chair and approached the two Williamses. "Nice to meet you, Faith."
Faith grinned back, "How ya doin', Xander?"
He shrugged, "I'm doing so so."
She showed a confused look, "Why so so?"
Before Xander could say, Ash asked, "Why don't we sit down?"
Xander replied, "Sure...I guess."
"Coolness," Faith said in response.
The three of them went back to the sitting area. Xander sat in the chair while Faith and Ash sat in the couch.
Ignoring what his niece said, Ash asked, "Find anything new on your slayer friend?"
Xander sighed, "Nope. After you left last night, Kevin and I went our separate ways. And I came here right after work. So, there really wasn't anything to do, y'know?"
She showed a confused look, "You never told me what happened last night, Uncle Ash? Why?"
Ash shrugged, "You were asleep. When I was getting ready for work, you still were sleeping. So you do the math."
"Makes sense." Faith said to him. "So, now that Xander is here, why not tell me what's been going on?"
"Ok with you, Ash?"
"Sure. She knows everything about my life. So, I have no problem with it."
Xander smiled, "Cool," and then he told the whole story between him, Ash, and Kevin Sorbo. Of course not mentioning who Kevin really was, but that was alright. Faith didn't need to know.
"Wicked." Faith said with a smile, "you three sound like you had fun last night. Wish you had invited me."
Xander shrugged, "Didn't know about you until you called your uncle on the phone. Maybe next time."
Ash shook his head, "No way in hell!"
She looked at him with venom in her voice, "Why not?"
He glared at her, "Y'know very well, Faith. I've lost too many damn people in my life. I don't want to lose you."
Faith sighed, "But, what if you need help. What if a vampire jumps you, and you can't fight back. X told me what happened. If he didn't get that vamp off you, you would've died! I lost my parents. I lost a lot too. I don't want to lose you!" Then she started to cry. "You're the one thing in my life that hasn't left me. Please, don't leave me!"
Then she ran out of the room.
Ash immediately got up, "I'll be right back, Xander."
Xander shook his head, "Let me, Ash. I'm closer to her age wise."
Ash looked at his, "I don't know, Xander. Faith doesn't open up to people that well. She keeps to herself a lot."
He said calmly, "Let me try. Maybe I can get through."
The taller man shrugged, "It's your funeral."
The teenager sighed, "Thanks for the vote of encouragement."
With that said, Xander left.
***
"Go away!"
"Can I come in, Faith?"
Faith immediately knew that voice. It wasn't who she expected.
She slowly got off her bed and walked to her door. Unlocking it, Faith said, "Come in, but you only got five minutes, X."
He nodded, "That's all I need." (I hope so anyway.)
The female brunette sat down back on her bed. "What do you want to say to me? Tell me a reason why I shouldn't help. Tell me a reason why I should just let Uncle Ash go out there night after night fighting for his life!"
Xander sighed as he sat down, "Listen Faith. You're uncle is worried about you. I should know. You're his only link to a family. It's obvious that you he lost more than a fiancée from the way you're talking. Did he lose a brother or a sister?"
Faith didn't answer knowing what her uncle's wishes were.
He said in a soothing voice, "C'mon, Faith. You can tell me."
She glared at him, "Why should I open up to you? I don't even know you!"
Xander replied, "No you don't know me. For all you know, I could be a complete stanger. But, like I said before, I'm only in LA because I'm trying to find my friend. She ran away, and it's partly my fault. When she left, I had to make a decision. I could either go after her, or go back to class. I decided to go after her."
The female looked up at him with tears in her eyes, "You really care about her, don't you?"
He nodded, "Yeah, I do. Buffy's an easy target right now, Faith. She's the Slayer, and she has a broken heart. That's a very dangerous combination. I'm lucky to have Kevin Sorbo and your uncle to help me."
She stared at him, "I now know that you really do understand how I feel. I may only be sixteen. But I can handle change. I want to help, Xander. If you help me with my uncle, I'll help you find Buffy."
"I have to think about that."
Faith nodded, "I understand, but can you answer rather quickly. Uncle Ash is going to want to patrol again tonight. At least this time, he'll have his chainsaw."
"That he will, but I have to meet with Kevin after dinner."
"I can see why. So, can you get me an autograph?"
Xander chuckled, "I don't know, Faith. But I guess I could ask."
Faith smiled, "That's cool, Xander. Now, what about my uncle? Do you think you can get him to let me help?"
He sighed, "I don't know. If you want, give me some time after dinner to talk to him, and I'll see what I can do. But, I'm not promising anything."
She grinned, "I understand, and appreciate it."
Xander smiled and clasped his fingertips together. "In the immortal words of Montgomery Burns, 'Excellent.'"
Faith got off her bed and headed for her door. She put her hand on the knob and looked back at hin, "You're wacko."
The boy shrugged, "People tell me that."
"So, how about we go grab some dinner?"
Xander got off the bed, and shortly joined her, "Lead the way, Faith."
Faith nodded in response, and twisted the door know. Pulling it open, the door flew off the hinges and the knob remained in her hand. Her eyes widened, "What the fuck?!"
Xander chuckled, "I guess somebody's been eating their Wheaties."
***
"What the fuck?!"
Ash quickly placed the last plate on the table and ran to the direction of the call.
When he got there, he asked in concern, "What happened, Faith?"
Faith looked at her uncle, then at Xander, then back at her uncle, "I dunno. I was going to open the door when I ripped it off its hinges."
His eyes widened, "You what?"
She immediately dropped the door from her hand, "What the hell is going on?"
Xander shrugged, "Weak hinges?"
Ash replied, "Could be. I bought this place from an old married couple. The husband said he built this place with his own hands."
Faith breathed easily, "Makes sense."
"Right." Xander said to them, (I wonder...) he thought to himself. (Nah. There's no way. Or is there?)
Ash looked at Xander who exhibited a confused look. He turned to his niece, "What do you think he's thinking about?"
His niece shrugged, "Dunno. Ask him?"
He nodded, "Xander?"
Xander looked at his two friends, "Yeah?"
"What are you thinking about?"
The boy replied calmly, "Nothing. Just worried what else could happen in this house."
Ash said with uncertainty, "Uh huh."
The female looked at the two males, "How about that dinner?"
Her voice brought Ash back to the conversation, "Right. Dinner. Hope you like stake, Xander?"
He grinned, "Stake's just fine."
***
"Hey, Giles?"
"Why, hello, Xander. How are you?"
Xander couldn't help but smile. He missed his friend, "I'm doing okay. No Buffy yet, but I'll find her."
"I most definitely believe you will, Xander. So, what can I do for you?"
The boy looked around him to make sure the coast was clear. Ash and Faith were in the kitchen cleaning up from dinner. Xander was by himself which was the perfect time to call Giles. Of course, Xander asked permission, and was allowed.
"I need to you ask you something about slayers."
"Very well. What do you need to know?"
"How are slayers called?"
"Well, they're usually called after a slayer is dead. When Buffy died last year, Kendra was called."
Xander sat up and placed the phone closer to his ear, "I understand that, Giles. But, if Kendra died, who is the next slayer? Shouldn't there be another slayer? One that is in action at the moment."
"In most situations, there should be, yes."
His eyes widened, "Most?" Why not all?"
"Believe it or not. According to myth, there have been two slayers before. Buffy and Kendra weren't the first two slayers to coexist. It happened over three centuries ago. Anyway, back then; one slayer was in an emotional state and not ready to fight. So, the second slayer wasn't called. She was called when the first slayer got better though. Of course, it was never proven though. Why do you ask?"
"Because, Giles...I think I just met the other slayer. Tell me, if there were two before, how did the slayer line go back to one after that?"
"That I don't know. But, I think it has something to do with the Powers that Be."
He nodded, "If that's true. Would the powers allow this to happen again?"
"That's hard to say, Xander. Not unless there was something or someone that could help in maintaining these slayers."
"Council related?"
"No. Not council related. The help needed would be someone close to the slayers. And that means both slayers."
Xander sighed, "Like me?"
"It's plausible, Xander. But the other slayer doesn't know you."
"As I said before, I think I just met the other slayer."
"How can you be sure?"
----------------------------------------------------
TBC