Title: Dark Events 3/3
Author: Dave Mycock
Disclaimer: I do now own Buffy or any of the others characters in this story except for the ones I have created.
Pairing: Xander/Tara
I'd like to thank my beta bob for all of his help
Dark Events
by Dave Mycock
Chapter 3
Tara was only holding the Master back with a magic field she had managed to remember reading about, but she was weakening fast and she knew if Xander didn't get here soon, she was done for.
"You," two voices suddenly cried out at the same time.
They both turned to see Xander standing on one side of the room and Buffy on the other, both gaping at the sight of the Master, back once more.
"Slayer," the Master hissed stepping away from Tara and then turning to where Xander stood. "And you're the reason she came back after I killed her, Sorcerer," he said.
"That's right, and now I'm going to send you back to hell. Only this time, there will be no return ticket," Xander replied raising his sword.
"No Xander, this is my fight," Buffy said with great determination, as she remembered how messed up she had been after she had been killed. Xander looked about ready to argue with her when Giles, Wesley and the rest of his team entered the room, trying to fight off the last of the Master's followers.
"Okay Buff, you win," he said as he rushed in to help the two retired watchers. Faith, Angel and the three warriors followed.
Buffy slowly made her way down the stairs toward the Master; every step bringing a memory of her last battle with this undead king back to her. She brought out her stake and dropped into a fighting stance, the Master followed suit; both glaring at the other with unhidden hate. Willow and Spike rushed past them to release Tara who finally dropped the magic field as she realized she was safe
"Are you okay?" Willow asked trying to keep her voice even
"Y-yeah," she replied as Spike broke the chains that held her in place. Her eyes instantly searched for Xander and found him, kneeling on the floor, trying to cover a cut he had in his side. Faith was covering him. She then looked to where Buffy was now fighting the Master; she already had three cuts on her arm and face, but her face showed she was determined to kill this monster.
"Willow. Spike. Get Tara back to the Magic Box now! Take half of the warriors with you, use the roof exit; Gunn and the others are there waiting," Giles called out to them as he staked a rather large vampire.
"But-" Willow tried to argue.
"Willow, do it!" he shouted back and Willow knew Giles's Ripper persona was now in full control. She nodded and then rushed over to where seven of the warriors waited to enter the fight; Spike followed, basically dragging Tara with him.
"You two stay here, the rest are with us," Willow said.
"I won't leave him," Tara said sternly.
'Tara, go.' Xander's voice floated into her mind. She looked back and caught Xander's eye for a fleeting moment before he vanished back into the fight.
"Tara, we have to go now," Willow said. Tara just nodded and followed them out.
Buffy struck out as hard as she could, catching the Master in the side with a fist. She tried to follow up with a back kick, but the Master quickly recovered and slammed his elbow into her leg and then backhanded her, sending her flying backward into part of the stone building. Xander noticed Buffy wasn't doing very well and rushed forward, ramming the tip of his sword into the back of the Master's head, stunning him. Buffy used his distraction to jump back to her feet and grab the stake she had dropped. Xander nodded, knowing this had to be Buffy's kill. He turned and noticed two vamps creeping up on Faith; he rushed toward her as fast as he could and impaled both vamps with his sword.
"Faith, quick," he shouted. She turned and noticed the two impaled vamps and staked both.
"Nice work, Xand," she said, somewhat out of breath. He nodded and noticed the last few vamps were trying to run but were quickly caught by the warriors and beheaded.
Everyone turned to see Buffy kick the Master in his leg, snapping it. He fell to one knee trying to keep his defense up, but Buffy was relentless and kicked him in the head, sending him backward. As she walked over to stake him, he smiled at them all. "You'll never defeat the old one, Sorcerer. He has altered your prophecy so only he can win," the Master said.
"We will win," Xander said with fierce determination as Buffy staked the Master and watched in satisfaction as he was turned to dust.
"That was tiring," Wesley said.
"The next fight will be ten times as worse," Xander said as he turned and began leaving.
"But we'll be more prepared for that," Giles said as he and the others followed. "I'll make sure of it," he added to himself.
Tara looked up as the door to the magic shop opened and Buffy entered, quickly followed by the others. She had to use every bit of will power to stop herself from running into Xander's arms and kissing him hard. She knew Willow was still hurt by what was happening between her and Xander, and having her flaunt it in her face wouldn't help the situation. Xander sat down next to Faith, who began to check the wound he had in his side. Buffy sat next to Giles, who was wiping his glasses; Angel and Major Johnson were placing the injured Gunn on the nearby table, while Wesley led the surviving warriors from the order back into the training room.
"So now what?" Buffy asked.
"We prepare for the final confrontation with Valnon," Xander said in a tired but dark tone.
"But we must prepare first," Giles argued.
"There is no time left, Giles; we have to strike now," Xander said fiercely.
"Why?" Buffy asked.
"Because he can use the items he stole to raise another vamp or demon to distract us, or he can cast more spells on us. We can't take the chance that he will; some of us might not survive next time. We have to strike while we are all here and in good shape," Xander answered hotly.
"What about what the Master said, about him changing the prophecy?" Wesley asked
"Yes, is that possible?" Giles asked.
"It is if you are as powerful as Valnon is, but he forgets I have the memories of the man who created it, which means I know everything we need to win," Xander said; although, to the others, his voice sounded deeper and stronger.
"My god," Rachel gasped.
"What is it?" Willow asked.
"He has accepted the memories so fully, that he's beginning to sound like Robert," Rachel explained, fighting her shock.
"Giles, we're gonna need as many of the most powerful weapons you have," Xander said facing the watcher. Giles nodded in understanding and gathered some of Major Johnson's men to help go his house and collect them.
"Jill, Rachel, I need you to work with Willow and Tara and help them find the hidden parts of their magical talents. Also help Tara accept Karan's memories; we're going to need them," Xander spoke again, his voice seeming to grow stronger. Rachel and Jill nodded and led Tara and Willow into the training room.
"Major Johnson, we're also going to need some explosives," Xander said facing the tall Major who was standing next to Graham.
"I think we have some in the helicopter, but it's across town," the Major replied.
"Take Graham and some of the Terakan warriors with you and watch your back," Xander said. The Major nodded in answer and entered the training room to collect some of the warriors.
"Xander, are you okay?" Faith asked.
"Yeah, I'm just getting us ready," he replied with a small smile.
"Anything else we'll need?" Wesley asked.
"Some of the most powerful spell books Giles has; have Cordelia, Fred and Doyle help find them, they're kept at the top of the stairs," Xander answered. Wesley nodded and led the three up the stairs.
"What about us?" Angel asked, indicating himself and Spike.
"Take a break and get some of your strength back, we're gonna need it, same goes for Buffy and Faith," Xander said in answer. The four nodded and split up; Faith stayed where she was.
"What's up Faith?" he asked, facing the brunette slayer.
"I just wanted to know what you're gonna do?" she asked.
"I'm going to meditate and focus my power for this final battle," he answered. "It's going to be very bad," he added.
"I know," she said with a smile before walking over to Buffy. Xander smiled and then sat down on the couch and closed his eyes and concentrated.
Tara had her eyes closed; concentrating on Karan and the memories she had in her head. She suddenly felt a surge of warmth go through her as Xander's presence washed over her. It was obvious he was trying to concentrate, but it seemed his feelings for her were overpowering him. It surprised her and yet made her feel safe and cared for. She managed to block of their connection as her own memories began to surface and she began to see images of Karan and Robert. She focused harder and was astonished to find she suddenly knew hundreds of spells, powerful ones she had never known before.
Whistler walked through the door without even knocking. He had been trying to find any extra information on Valnon the others could use against him, but all he had found was that the power his followers had was from an amulet Valnon had created to extend his own powers. But if they destroyed it, then his followers would be normal vampires.
"Hey," he called as he closed the doors.
"Quite, Xander's trying to concentrate," Faith said from the counter.
"Sorry," the balance demon replied as he walked over to them.
"So, where have you been?" Buffy asked.
"Trying to find any info on Valnon," he replied removing his hat.
"And?" Faith inquired.
"Valnon created an amulet that amplifies his powers, it's what makes his followers stronger and lets them use magic," he informed them.
"So, if we destroy it, his followers will be normal vamps making it easier for us to stake them," Buffy said with a smile.
"Exactly," Whistler responded.
"Don't suppose you know where he keeps it do you?" Angel asked as he walked over.
"It's rumored he keeps it on a chain around his neck" Whistler replied.
"Great, that means we have to get close to him," Spike muttered.
"Not necessarily, we could throw something at it," Faith suggested.
"It's worth a shot," Buffy nodded.
The door to the magic shop opened and Giles walked in followed by the men he had taken, each was carrying a number of bags filled with weapons that they dumped on the table.
"Any trouble?" Buffy asked.
"No, we didn't see anything; it seems he maybe gathering his followers to counter our attack," Giles replied as he sat down.
The door opened again and Major Johnson walked in followed by Graham and the members of the order they taken with them, Graham was carrying a bag which they guessed the explosives were in, he placed it on the table where the weapons were and then joined the others.
"So now what?" the Major asked.
"We wait until the others are ready," Buffy said.
Xander's mind was flooded by images of Karan and Tara and then he drew out the knowledge Robert had of the most dangerous spells known to man, he opened his eyes to find Faith watching him. He smiled and nodded as he stood and the walked over to the others.
"Everything you asked for is over on the table," Giles told him.
"Good, now once Tara and the others are ready then everyone can select the weapons they want. Giles, you and Wesley take the books Cordelia, Fred and Doyle found and keep them close, they're gonna be needed," Xander told him, the two former watchers nodded. "Graham, select three of your men and distribute the explosives," he added facing the commando.
The door to the training room opened and Jill walked out followed by Rachel, Willow and finally Tara, everyone watched them carefully.
"Did you manage to do it?" Xander inquired.
"Yes, Tara has full access to Karan's memories and they have both managed to gain full control of their magical talents," Rachel replied sitting across from Xander.
"Then we're ready," Xander said quietly. "Everyone select your weapons, Spike get the Terakan warriors in here as well," he said to the others.
Everyone moved to the table where the weapons were now spread out. Xander himself grabbed the long sword and a large axe. Tara grabbed a sword for herself and a couple of stakes. As Rachel and Jill went for some weapons of their own, Xander turned to them in confusion.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"We're coming too, our lives have been dominated by Robert's prophecy and now we will see the end of it," Rachel said fiercely. Xander seemed doubtful but nodded anyway, knowing they had every right to fight.
Faith quickly noticed the knife Buffy had used to stab her during her stint with the mayor and quickly grabbed it, knowing it would come in handy. She then grabbed an axe and a short sword. Once everyone was armed and ready, Xander took the lead and led them out of the Magic Box, leaving only Whistler in the store.
"Good luck," he said once they were gone.
They headed silently to the caves where they knew Valnon and his followers were hiding. Behind them, Urial followed, hoping the sorcerer would manage to defeat the old one and bring balance back to the fight. Faith walked next to Buffy, wondering just how much trouble they were about to get into. It was obvious to her none of them had faced an old one before, so none of them knew what to expect, except the fact that Angel and Spike seemed to fear the prospect of battling an old one. She looked to where Xander was walking next to Tara and she quickly noticed their hands were joined and she smiled, hoping this would end quickly. Willow had also noticed the fact that her girlfriend and her best friend were holding hands like they had done it a thousand times before. Her heart ached at the sight, but she couldn't hate them for it. She wondered what will happen if they managed to win this battle, how their feelings would be affected. She wondered if everything would go back to normal or not.
Xander dropped to a crouch along with Tara as he approached the caves and waited for the others to join him. He noticed the three guards outside the cave; each had the green eyes and claws marking them as Valnon's followers.
"So how do you want to take them?" Spike asked.
"From three different directions, Spike you take the one on the left, Angel the one on the right, I'll take the one in the middle. As soon as we rush them, the rest of you follow and help us stake them before they can alert the others," Xander said, using the memories of the Halloween incident when he was turned into a soldier to plan the attack. The others nodded in silent agreement; Spike and Angel quickly made their way to the sides of the woods they were in so they could strike fast. Xander let go of Tara's hand that so far he had refused to do, and grabbed his sword the nodded to the two vampires.
All three rushed forward at the same time surprising the vampires, Angel slammed into the first vamp knocking him to the ground, while Spike and Xander both impaled their vamps with their swords. Buffy and Faith quickly ran forward along with the others and staked the two vamps Xander and Spike had impaled, Angel was knocked of the first vamp who quickly got to it's feet and turned toward the cave but Giles was faster and beheaded it before it could run.
"Okay for here on in we have to be very quiet," Xander said as they faced the entrance "First we have to make sure they won't sense us," he added.
"How?" Wesley inquired
"Tara," Xander said. The blonde witch nodded and began chanting one of the spells Karan's memories had given her, a bright green mist began to appear around them all including the Terakan warriors, most of them stared at Tara in amazement, including Willow, while the rest seemed uneasy. The mist soon turned white and then faded. Xander smiled at Tara and nodded, he then faced the others.
"That spell will make sure the vamps won't sense us, but as soon as we get close to Valnon he will know," he explained to them.
"Hopefully we won't run into too much trouble," Giles said as he followed the others into the cave.
Xander slammed his fist into the vampire's face as Faith swept its legs from under it and then staked it as the others kept an eye out.
"So far so good," Buffy said as she looked back to them.
"Don't jinx it Buffy," Xander warned her as he and Faith joined them.
"So, which way?" Gunn asked as he hefted his axe.
"This way, I can feel Valnon's presence close by," Tara answered although, like Xander's, her voice sounded somewhat different now; it sounded more confident and powerful.
Xander and Tara took the lead as they turned right and headed deeper into the caves; Faith and Gunn took up the rear as they moved on. Tara suddenly jerked back as a black sphere appeared before them; Xander's hand raised instantly and a blue shield appeared before them.
"What is it?" Giles inquired.
"One of Valnon's seeker's, it can send out multiple magical attacks," Xander answered.
"I thought you said that spell Tara did would keep him from knowing we were here?" Angel asked.
"It has, the seekers are always close to where Valnon is. Rachel, Jill, can you come up with a spell to destroy it?" Xander asked.
"Give us a few minutes," Rachel shot back turning to her daughter.
"Hurry, the longer we remain here the more we risk being surrounded," Xander replied.
Xander focused more of his power on the shield, in case the seeker tried to break through. Rachel grabbed one of the books Giles was carrying and quickly prepared a spell to destroy the seeker, while Jill prepared a teleportation spell in case her mother failed to destroy it. Once they were finished, they both nodded to each other and approached Xander and Tara, chanting silently.
"Now," Rachel shouted.
Xander dropped the shield protecting them as Rachel sent a massive ball of flame at the seeker. As soon as it struck, the magical device turned black and vanished. Jill kept an eye on the space where the seeker had been, just in case it had some sort of cloak spell on it like Valnon's followers had.
"Okay, let's go quickly," Buffy said taking a quick look both ways, the others nodded and followed Tara and Xander.
They moved silently through the caves only encountering two more vampires along the way, quickly disposed of by Faith and Xander. Finally they entered a huge chamber that had at least thirty of Valnon's followers in it, along with at least twenty demons. At the head of them all, sitting on a huge chair of gold and silver, was a huge demon with a horn in its forehead, its eyes glowed black and green. Its hands had massive claws on them and they could all see at least three of four different amulets pinned to its chest. They also noticed it had a black field surrounding it.
"So sorcerer, you have come at last," the demon said. Its voice was quite loud and seemed to be filled with pure hate.
"It's time to finish this," Xander replied, his voice becoming loud and strong.
"I agree, and once I have crushed you and your friends, I will rule the earth," Valnon replied with a cold smile. It raised its hand once and suddenly Xander found himself on the floor clutching his head. He turned to find Buffy in a fighting stance, her eyes were flashing red and suddenly he remembered the dream he had when he was knocked out.
"Your prophecy will fail sorcerer, because I have control over your slayer," Valnon hissed.
"Faith! Keep her busy but do not kill her!" Xander shouted out to the dark slayer who just nodded in response, moving to engage her sister slayer.
Xander turned back to where Valnon sat wearing a triumphant smile; he stood quickly and launched a fire ball into the vampires closest to him, turning three of them to ash. This was the signal, and the others all rushed in to engage them. Spike and Angel led the warriors from the order of Teraka at the demons before they could react, knowing they would have better luck dealing with them. Xander raised his sword and ran toward Tara who was busy fighting of one of Valnon's followers. He knew Valnon would pull some sort of trick, but he had not expected this. He had forgotten the dream of the shadow putting a spell on Buffy when she was asleep and it could cost them dear, but Valnon had no idea Faith was a slayer as well and she had the memories of Jenna and that evened things out. He had to get to Tara because only she could free Buffy from Valnon's grasp. Faith jumped back to her feet after Buffy had managed to land a hard spin kick to her, she had no wish to fight Buffy again but she had no choice. It was obvious to her Valnon had picked Buffy to control so she could kill Xander, knowing he would not hurt her no matter what. She hoped Xander would be able to either kill Valnon or break the spell quickly.
Tara ducked the punch from the vampire and quickly blasted it with a fire spell, dusting it instantly. She turned to see Valnon tracking Xander's movements as he fought a rather tall Vampire that was wearing armor. She knew he would attack while Xander was distracted. She quickly cast a shield around her love and then moved to help Jill, who was struggling with a very vicious vamp. Gunn screamed as the vampire he was fighting rammed its claws into his side, he tried to pull them out but the vamp just snarled and pushed them deeper. He saw Fred and Wesley trying to reach him but before they could move, a second vampire approached him and slit his throat with his sword. Gunn barely heard Fred's scream of horror before he fell the ground dead. Major Johnson slammed the stake hard into the vampire's chest he was fighting and watched in satisfaction as it turned to dust but, as he turned around to engage another, he felt two sets of claws been rammed into him. He turned to see a vampire behind him smiling coldly before it burst into dust, revealing Graham standing behind him. Johnson fell to his knee's as Graham rushed to his side and laid him on the ground.
"Take command," Johnson ordered before he fell unconscious. Graham checked his pulse and was relived to find he still had one, although it was very weak.
Xander ducked the blow from the big vamp and managed to land a spin kick, knocking it of its feet. He grabbed a stake and tried to ram it into the vampire's heart but the vamp managed to grab his hand and twist it, making him drop the stake. Xander smashed his free hand into the vampire's face as it tried to stand then quickly kicked it in its knee, hearing a splintering noise as he did. He smiled as the vamp howled in pain then used his axe to take the things head off. As he turned to run toward Tara, one of the demons broke free from where it was fighting Spike and headed straight for him. He ducked its swipe and swung his axe backward, catching the demon in its back. He quickly grabbed his sword and swung high, decapitating the demon before it could strike. He smiled grimly as he noticed Faith being knocked down by Buffy again and quickly made his way to Tara, who was helping Jill and Rachel deal with two of Valnon's followers. He rammed his sword into the back of one of the vampire's allowing Jill to ram her stake into its heart, turning it to dust. The distraction also allowed Tara and Rachel to fire a fire ball at the other vamp, dusting it as well.
"You have to break the spell on Buffy quickly," Xander shouted to Tara as Rachel fired of a rather large fireball into a group of approaching demons, killing two of them and setting the other on fire, which Spike quickly killed with his axe
"It may take some time, it depends what sort of spell it is," Tara told him.
"It'll be a very powerful spell, try the Black book of Calnar, Wesley has it," Xander told her as he rushed forward to engage two of Valnon's vamps.
Tara nodded and rushed over to where Wesley was tending to Major Johnson. She grabbed the bag he was carrying and quickly found the book and began searching for the counter to Valnon's spell. Fred and Graham were covering them as best they could. As they turned to fend of one of the remaining vampires, one of the demons came up behind them and grabbed Fred and quickly snapped her neck before anyone could call out a warning. Angel cried out in rage and quickly charged the demon that was now trying to attack Tara and Wesley, but Tara had managed to get a shield up around them. Angel rammed his elbow into the demon's face and quickly brought his knee up into its stomach. The demon quickly recovered and back handed him across the face sending the ensouled vampire flying into Giles as he ran to help. Both quickly recovered and ran forward again. The demon tried to ram its claws into Giles but he managed to dodge the swing as Angel drove his knee into the demon's groin and then rammed his elbow into its back. Giles quickly raised his battle axe and took its head clean off, covering himself and Angel in black slime.
"I've found the counter spell. I need two of you to keep an eye out, 'cause once I start the spell, I won't be able to sense anything else or cast any spells," Tara told them.
"Get to work; we'll stand watch," Giles told her.
Angel held his sword ready and just managed to deflect the claws of the last of Valnon's vampires. He tried to counter, but the vampire was faster and rammed its claws into Angel's chest. Giles quickly swung his axe into the vamp's back and Wesley rushed from where he was, next to Tara, and staked it. Angel fell to his knee's trying to stay conscious as Xander and Willow ran over to them, both bleeding from multiple cuts and lacerations. Spike and the remaining members of the order fell back as well, as the left over demons scattered. Doyle helped a wounded Cordelia to them as well while Jill, Rachel and a bloody Oz covered their retreat.
"Do the spell quickly," Xander shouted as Valnon just stood, although he still wore a vicious smile.
Faith managed to land a solid blow to Buffy's solar plexus winding her, and took a few quick breaths as Buffy advanced again. Faith dropped into a defensive stance and prepared to engage her sister slayer again.
"Sorcerer!" Valnon shouted.
All but Tara, Faith and Buffy turned to where the demon now stood. Xander froze when he saw Dawn and Anya being held by four of Valnon's vampires.
"I have taken every step to ensure my victory. Surrender, or I will order their deaths," Valnon sneered.
"What do we do now?" asked Willow.
"Prepare a teleportation spell, quickly," Xander said quietly.
Willow nodded and began chanting softly; as did Jill who stood to Xander's left. Xander looked back to where Faith was fighting Buffy and was glad to see she had Buffy on her knees. He then looked to where Tara was kneeling, surrounded by black and purple strands of magic. Her hair was flying about wildly and her body was shaking badly. He looked back to where Valnon stood waiting for his answer.
"Ready?" he asked, Willow and Jill nodded both knowing what he wanted to do.
He stepped forward and made it look as if he was about to speak and then quickly knelt as Jill and Willow let loose the spells, Dawn vanished and reappeared next to Giles. However, the magic didn't manage to reach Anya before a black field appeared in front of her.
"Her death is on your hands, Sorcerer," Valnon roared as he nodded to one of the vampires holding the former vengeance demon who then sunk it's fangs into her neck. Dawn turned away quickly as the vamp then snapped Anya's neck. Xander's anger rose through him like a hurricane and he unleashed a huge ball of magic at the smiling vampires causing all of them, bar the one closest to Valnon, to explode.
The magic around Tara grew in intensity and began to expand. Her complete attention was focused on the book in front of her as Faith was thrown into the wall by a viscous back kick from Buffy. Just as Buffy was about to strike what would have been a killing blow, the magic around Tara shot forth and engulfed the blonde slayer. Faith watched as Buffy was lifted into the air as the magic spun around her. She watched as Buffy's eyes slowly began to return their normal color and her face took on a look of confusion and fear. Finally the magic dropped her next to the battered and bloody brunette.
"W-What happened?" she asked as she looked around.
"You were under a spell, B," Faith said wincing as she stood, she then noticed Rachel was checking Tara who was lying unconscious behind them the others.
She led the still confused Buffy over to where the others stood. Dawn quickly rushed over to her and hugged her.
"What are you doing her Dawn?" Buffy asked her sister.
"It would appear Valnon kidnapped her in hopes we'd surrender. Anya was also taken, but I'm afraid we couldn't save her," Giles informed her as he walked over to them.
"Where's Valnon?" Wesley asked.
"He used his own magic to escape, most likely to a deeper level of these caves," Xander said as he dusted the last vampire that had charged him from where he stood next to his master.
"Tara's okay; she should wake soon," Rachel said as Xander knelt next to her.
"Give her some time to rest," Doyle said.
"Not too much; as soon as Tara is awake, we have to find him and finish this," Xander said. "Giles, give Dawn a weapon; she's gonna need it," he added as he took Tara's head and gently placed it in his lap.
"You can't be serious. She hasn't been involved in anything this serious before," Giles argued.
"We need as much help as possible, Giles," Xander shot back.
"Giles, do as he says; Dawn can handle herself," Buffy said having complete confidence in her sister's skill, seeing as she herself had trained her, along with Giles, before she had gone to live with their farther.
Giles nodded and handed one of the abandoned swords to Dawn, who nodded grimly as she tested its weight.
"Can someone tell me what's going on?" Dawn asked as Tara began to stir.
"I'll give you the short version," Xander said and quickly told Dawn everything that happened, by the time he had finished Tara was fully awake.
"You okay?" Xander asked. Tara nodded and quickly kissed Xander. Willow tried not to feel any anger but she couldn't help it.
"Let's go," Buffy said, wanting revenge for what Valnon had done to her.
Xander and Tara once again took the lead as they exited the cave they had been in and entered another passage. Both were somewhat weak from their fight and were struggling with trying to keep their emotions in check about the friends they had already lost. Graham and one of his remaining teammates were supporting the injured Major Johnson. Only seven of the warriors from the order were left and one of them seemed to be in a very bad condition.
"How many vamps do you think he'll have guarding him?" Faith asked as she caught up with Xander.
"A few, but it's not them we have to worry about," Xander replied turning to the dark slayer.
"Valnon," Faith said. To which Xander just nodded.
"How powerful is he?" Buffy inquired from behind them.
"He's one of the strongest demons alive; not only in the ways of magic, but in physical combat as well," Xander informed her.
Buffy frowned at the answer from her friend. Although the spell Valnon at put on her had been removed, she was still having trouble controlling the emotions from her ancestor, Jenna. She had now accepted everything Jill and Rachel had told her and she had promised herself to talk to Xander once this was over, if they survived. Dawn kept silent as she walked next to her sister. Anya's death was still playing in her mind and she was finding it hard to concentrate. She was also trying to process what Xander had told her about this situation. She found it somewhat worrying to know that not only her sister, but three other of her closest friends were under the influence of some ancient ancestor of theirs. Giles and Wesley were keeping an eye out for any surprises but, so far, they had not seen any more vampires or demons. Each was worried about their impending confrontation with the old one. There were not many records about the old ones, but what they did know was not very encouraging. Even Angel and Spike had shown fear at the prospect of fighting him. They hoped everyone was ready for what lay ahead.
"He's close," Tara suddenly spoke up.
"Which way?" Xander asked.
Tara pointed to the right and they made their way toward what looked like a forced entrance to a huge cavern. Xander halted the others and silently looked inside. He noticed at least eighteen of Valnon's vampires and seven demons. He noticed Valnon was standing close to what looked like an altar that had various magical items and books on it. Xander frowned and wondered if Valnon was trying to raise another dead demon to fight them. He turned to the others and nodded his head.
"How many?" Faith asked as she removed her dagger and a stake.
"Eighteen vampires and seven demons; Valnon is near an altar, it's possible he's trying to raise another demon," Xander answered. "As soon as we enter, me, Faith and Buffy should go straight for Valnon and stop whatever ceremony he's performing," he quickly adds.
"Willow and I will place some protective shields on you," Tara said, although they all could see the worry in her eyes as she faced Xander.
"Hurry, we don't have much time left," Xander told her.
Tara and Willow quickly grabbed one of the spell books from Giles and began chanting the spell; Jill and Rachel also chanted something quickly. A red glow surrounded Xander, Buffy and Faith and then faded.
"What was that?" Faith asked.
"It'll stop Valnon placing any of his mind spells on you," Rachel answered as Oz and Doyle stepped forward ready to charge in. Spike, Angel and the warriors from the order followed, and finally Giles and Wesley joined them. Dawn, Cordelia, Jill, Rachel, Tara and Willow took up positions behind them. The four witches all prepared some spells for release as they entered the cavern. Xander, Buffy and Faith took up the lead and readied the weapons
"Stay away from his horn and his claws," Xander warned the two slayers. They both nodded their understanding. "Now!" he shouted.
They charged into the cavern, heading straight for Valnon, who turned in anger at the interruption in his spell. Willow and Tara unleashed a black ball of magic at the seven demons that were now running straight for them. Three of them were caught in the magic, screaming in agony as their skin was burned off. As they fell to the floor, the magic continued to eat its way through them. Rachel and Jill set of two balls of fire at the oncoming vampires, dusting four of them as Oz and Doyle smashed into the lead vampires, followed by the others.
Xander ducked as Valnon swung his giant claws at him and quickly brought his sword up in a spinning arc as he regained his footing, but Valnon easily blocked the attempt. Faith attempted a back kick but Valnon used his other claws to slam into her, sending her flying backward. Buffy managed to drop kick Valnon from behind, as he was distracted by Faith and Xander's attacks. Valnon quickly turned and kicked her, knocking her flying backward.
"Is that the best you can do?" Valnon mocked them.
Xander looked over her shoulder quickly to see how the others were doing and was pleased to see the vampires and demons were been held back. He turned and faced Valnon again. He raised his sword and moved in slowly, quickly faking a swing to the left which Valnon went to block and then turned and swung his sword to the right, catching the old one in the side, but it didn't manage to penetrate the demon's skin. Valnon swung his left hand backward, catching Xander on the side of his head, knocking him into Buffy and Faith.
"This is too easy," Valnon sneered as he went to grab the book he had been reading from.
Suddenly, he was sent flying into the altar. He turned to see Tara standing twenty feet away from him, her eyes glowing an unearthly red and her left hand raised. He growled in anger as he stood and made his way toward the sorcerer's mate. Xander saw him move toward Tara and quickly closed his eyes, summoned his own power and sent a ball of purple energy at the demon that quickly engulfed him. Valnon cried out in pain as he tried to counter the attack. Buffy and Faith both quickly took advantage of Valnon's openness and attacked. Faith hit him with a hard left punch to his stomach while Buffy landed a spin kick in the side. Valnon roared in pain as he finally countered the attack from Xander, only to be slammed to the side from the attacks by the two slayers. Faith quickly dropped into a crouch and landed a leg sweep, catching the demon of balance. Valnon went down to one knee as Buffy tried to kick him in the face. Valnon caught her foot and swung her into Faith, knocking the both down. He raised his own clawed hand and sent a wave of black magic at Tara, sending her flying into Willow and Jill who were running toward them as Oz and Doyle finished off the last Vampire. Xander came up behind him and smashed the hilt of his sword into Valnon's back as the demon stood, and quickly followed it up by smashing his knee into the same spot, putting the demon back onto his knees.
Giles swung his axe at the demon he was fighting as Wesley tried to get back to his feet from the blow he had received to his back. The demon dodged the blow and lunged at Giles, knocking them both backward. The demon reared back, ready to plunge its claws into the watcher's chest, when suddenly he was sent backward from a savage kick from Spike. As the demon stood, ready to attack again, Rachel kicked it from behind, sending it forward as one of the order stepped forward and cut it in half with its axe, causing its blood to drench him and the blond Vampire. Cordelia tried to stay away from the demon she had been fighting, but she had lost her sword and was trying to stay out of the demon's reach. Graham tried to stand, but he was still recovering from the wound he had in his side. The demon finally lunged at Cordelia, who screamed in terror just as Angel smashed into the demon, sending them both flying into the recovering Wesley. Angel vamped out as he began hitting the demon continually in the face, causing it to bleed. The demon tried to strike back but couldn't dislodge the enraged vampire. Finally, Angel grabbed the demon's head and snapped its neck just as he had a flash of Angelus doing the same to Miss Calendar. He shook the memory off as he went to check on the still shocked seer. The three remaining members of the order approached silently as they all regrouped, glad to see that there was no one but Valnon left.
Tara quickly stood as Xander attacked Valnon again. Willow was just regaining her feet as well as Oz and Doyle joined them.
"What now?" Oz asked.
"Stay back," Tara said as he moved to assist the man she loved.
Xander ducked the wild swing from Valnon as the demon got back to its feet and quickly jumped back as its other claw tried to take his legs out. Faith came from behind and managed to ram her dagger into the demon's side. Valnon roared in pain and smashed Faith into Angel and Spike as they rushed forward to help. Faith hit her head on a rock, cutting her forehead, but she quickly got back to her feet and ran forward again. Buffy rushed forward and launched a fury of strikes which Valnon easily blocked. Xander summoned his powers again and launched a black ball of fire at the demon's back. Valnon shrugged off the attack with ease and landed a blow to Buffy's side that he quickly followed up with a kick that slammed her into the cavern wall. He turned to face Xander who was just raising his sword again.
"Time to die, Sorcerer," he sneered.
Tara came to stand by Xander's side, her eyes once again glowing red as she summoned all of her power and that of her ancestor. Valnon approached, its horn began glowing purple as its claws seemed to expand.
"I will crush your mate first," Valnon hissed as he launched himself at Tara.
Tara somehow managed to side step the attack and raised her hand shooting out a wave of gold light which sent Valnon into the wall. Xander had also moved out of range of the attack and summoned a ball of blue of magic and sent it at Valnon as he approached again. The ball seemed to disappear inside the old one who screamed out, as he was set alight. Faith and Buffy both rejoined them as Valnon used his own power to stop the fire. Tara was about to launch another attack when she was engulfed in a huge wave of black light. She screamed out in agony as the magic began to drain her defensive powers. Xander was quickly overcome with rage as he heard Tara's scream and rushed forward and slammed into Valnon. He smashed the hilt of his sword into the demon's face repeatedly, not caring as the demon's blood began to splatter him. He raised his sword to strike again but Valnon managed to slam his elbow into Xander's chest, knocking him off him. Rachel and Jill began chanting a counter spell to release Tara as she screamed again. Buffy attacked Valnon as he got back to his feet and Faith quickly joined her. Tara fell to the floor, semi-conscious, as Rachel and Jill finally managed to counter Valnon's attack. Willow and Xander both rushed over to see if she was okay.
"Xander, she'll be fine, but they need you," Jill told her cousin as he came to kneel at Tara's side, indicating the two slayers who were both trying to get to their feet to face Valnon again.
Xander looked to where Buffy and Faith were and then back to Tara and back again. Jill placed her hand on his shoulder causing him to look at her as Rachel knelt down to check Tara's pulse. Jill indicated the slayers again and Xander reluctantly nodded as he turned and attacked Valnon as he picked Faith up and slammed her into the wall. Xander brought his sword down in a wide arc, this time managing to cut through the demon's tough skin, drawing blood. Valnon dropped Faith as Angel and Spike finally joined the fight. Valnon smashed his elbow into Xander, winding him, and then faced the two vampires as Buffy checked on Faith. Angel ducked the wide swing as Valnon stepped forward to engage them, however Spike was not as lucky; He was sent flying into the injured Graham as he finally approached the others. Angel managed to land two blows on Valnon's chest before Valnon swung back, his claws cutting deep into the ensouled vampire's chest causing a loud cry of pain from him, before Valnon picked him and flung him at the remaining members of the order. They side-stepped the flying vampire as he smashed into the wall and slumped to the floor, unconscious. Xander stood ready to attack again as Valnon turned to face him. Once again the horn was glowing, but Xander was more prepared for any attack.
"Now we end this, Sorcerer," Valnon said.
"Your end is now," Xander shot back as he summoned every bit of power within him, causing his sword to begin glowing gold.
Valnon rushed forward, with its left hand posed to strike Xander head on. Xander did nothing but wait until Valnon was a few inches from him before he raised his sword, impaling Valnon as he charged, the demon roared in pain as Xander fell to his knees, weakened from using nearly all of his power. Tara managed to stand with Willow's and Jill's help as she summoned her own power and channeled it into Xander through their link. The sword glowed even brighter as Valnon cried out in more pain. As the others all watched, a field of gold energy seemed to surround Valnon and Xander, who was still holding onto the sword.
"Faith! Catch," Rachel shouted, tossing the dark slayer a large axe that Giles had been using
Faith caught it and prepared to strike when she was told, although she didn't know how she knew someone would tell when the time was right. The glow turned to a bright red and then black until finally it faded. Valnon fell to his knees as his blood coated the floor. Xander weakly pulled the sword out of the demon and fell backward.
"Now," Xander said before he blacked out.
Faith swung the axe high before bringing it down and taking the old one's head clean off. A black cloud began to envelope the demon's body as its blood poured out; it faded somewhat and then vanished.
"Giles, burn the head quickly," Tara told the watcher as Jill and Rachel helped her over to where Xander lay.
Giles nodded and quickly took one of the torches off the wall and walked over to where Valnon's head lay, he spat on the head once before setting it alight. Wesley went to help Angel to his feet as he came around, while Spike helped Graham back to his feet.
"Buffy, you and Faith are going to have to carry Xander. He'll be out of it for awhile," Tara said to the two tired slayers. They nodded and quickly picked up the unconscious form of their friend.
Jill and Rachel suddenly began to glow white. Both closed their eyes as a searing pain ripped through them before the glow vanished.
"What was that?" Faith asked as she and Buffy walked toward them, carrying Xander between them.
"The immortality spell we had placed on us has been lifted; we're mortal now," Jill explained with a small smile, glad that her father's prophecy was now finished and they could all live their lives without worrying about it again.
"Giles, you and Wesley better take all the items and books off that altar and take them with us. Some of them will be very deadly in the wrong hands," Rachel said as they joined the others.
The two watchers nodded and quickly took all the magical items and books off the altar and placed them in the bags they had used to carry their books.
"What about the bodies of our fallen comrades?" Graham asked as he leaned on Spike for support.
"We'll come back for them later, and then we'll blow the entrance to these caves," Xander said weakly from in between the two slayers as he regained consciousness.
The others nodded grimly, except for the three remaining members of the order who quickly asked for their pay. Wesley had brought the money with them knowing the order would want the money on completion of their contract. They took the money, took one last look around the cavern, then left.
Xander led the others silently into the magic shop. They had returned to the cave and retrieved the bodies of their friends, including Riley's body and silently buried them. Then, using the explosives Major Johnson and his men had brought, they had destroyed all entrances to the cave. Whistler sat on the top of the counter, watching them. Each looked worn out and wasted, which was not surprising after what they had been through. Once Giles and Wesley had entered and closed the door, Whistler jumped off the counter to speak.
"The powers are thankful to you all for the sacrifices you have made to defeat this evil and fulfill the sorcerer's prophecy," he told them. "Of course I'm sure you'd all be happier if this had never happened, but it was battle that had to be fought and won," he continued as everyone remained silent.
"I guess I'm gonna have to leave now, aren't I?" Doyle asked, sadly squeezing Cordelia's hand.
"No, you won't. Because of Gunn and Fred's death, the powers have granted you another chance to help Angel," Whistler answered him with a small smile.
Cordelia couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face as she hugged Doyle as hard as possible. Angel also smiled at the prospect of having his friend back. It helped him put aside the pain he felt at Gunn and Fred's death.
"What about me, Tara, Buffy, Faith and Willow. Will we keep the memories and powers of our ancestors?" Xander inquired as Tara laid her head on his shoulder, missing the pained look from Willow.
"Yes, you will. They'll be a part of you until you die," Whistler answered. "But you will have more control of them now," he added as he noticed Buffy's and Willow's faces turn annoyed at the prospect.
"What about the items we took from Valnon's altar? Should we hide them or keep them?" Giles asked as he wiped his glasses with his handkerchief.
"I'll take them, and make sure no one finds them again," Whistler said taking them from the table beside Faith.
"What about me? I broke out of jail to help you guys?" Faith asked, remembering she most likely had the police searching for her.
"The powers had already taken care of that, Faith. You are no longer wanted by the police. The powers believe you have redeemed yourself and are ready to rejoin the fight beside the sorcerer," Whistler told her, surprising everyone bar Xander and Giles.
Faith just stared at the balance demon, not really believing what he had told her. She looked to where Buffy sat and noticed she actually smiled at her and nodded. She returned it and then looked to where Xander sat with his arm protectively around Tara. They both smiled at her and she knew she had found a home at last, and some real friends. She had another chance here and she would not blow it.
"Good job," Whistler said before he vanished.
Off in the corner, Urial had watched the proceedings with a smile. The old one had been defeated and the prophecy had been fulfilled. But he knew the future son of the sorcerer's descendant and his mate would be called into the fight and he would be of great importance in the continuing fight. But, for now, they would have some time to heal and rest, his master would make sure of that and he had been made the protector of the sorcerer and his group. He would make sure nothing tried to interfere with what should happen and that no one would harm them until the trials they are destined to fight began.
"What are you going to do now, Rachel? Jill?" Xander asked.
"I want to get to know my cousin; I'm going to stay," Jill said hoping that, now that her father's work was done, she could get to know Xander better.
"And so am I; that way I can get to know my daughter again," Rachel said with a smile, although she also wanted to keep an eye on Xander. She had grown quite attached to her almost nephew. She wanted to know him better and keep him and his friends safe.
"I'll help you find a house then, I have plenty of spare cash to help get you started," Xander offered, glad to hear they would be staying. They were the first members of his family that he liked, and he wanted to know them better.
2 Years Later
Xander couldn't believe the changes that the two years since the end of the prophecy had brought. First, after quite a few discussions with Willow, he and Tara were able to begin a real relationship with Willow's blessing. They were surprised when Willow began dating his cousin Jill. Xander hadn't minded too much. He thought they made a good match and they had soon become very close. Tara was very happy that she had found another love to help heal her heart. Rachel had become close friends with all of the gang, especially Giles. Xander was not surprised when they began dating as well; he was very happy for the watcher to have found someone again. His closeness with Jill and Rachel was great. He had spent a lot of time with them getting to know them and they, him. He had managed to get them a house close to where Buffy lived. Dawn had returned to Sunnydale to live with her sister again. Although the watchers council could still try something, they knew someone was guarding them. Faith, although somewhat nervous for the first couple of weeks, finally settled and began anew. Her friendship with Buffy was quickly repaired and the others all began to warm to her. However, it was with Xander that she was the closest. Although it surprised some of the gang, they were glad Faith had finally opened up to them and allowed them to help when she needed it. Faith had surprised everyone when she and Oz began dating; Oz had decided to stay after such a long time away. He had buried his feelings for Willow and moved on, although it took nearly a year before he managed to get Faith to accept going on a date with him. Angel and his team, which now included Spike, made regular visits to Sunnydale. No one was surprised when Cordelia announced she was getting married to Doyle. The big change however came in the middle of the second year, when he himself proposed to Tara and she accepted. Everyone had seen how close the two had become, and knew it would only get deeper. Then, a few months later, Tara announced she was pregnant.
Xander sat watching his fiancée as she slept peacefully. In two months, she was due to give birth to their son. He sometimes found it hard to believe how much his life had changed. He was about to become a father and a husband and, even though they still faced the darkness, he couldn't be happier.
"I love you, Tara," he whispered as he closed his eyes and began to drift into a peaceful dream he heard her reply through their link; 'I love you too, Xand'. He smiled as her hand found his and interlocked with his as they both fell into a deep sleep.
The End
Author: Dave Mycock
Disclaimer: I do now own Buffy or any of the others characters in this story except for the ones I have created.
Pairing: Xander/Tara
I'd like to thank my beta bob for all of his help
Dark Events
by Dave Mycock
Chapter 3
Tara was only holding the Master back with a magic field she had managed to remember reading about, but she was weakening fast and she knew if Xander didn't get here soon, she was done for.
"You," two voices suddenly cried out at the same time.
They both turned to see Xander standing on one side of the room and Buffy on the other, both gaping at the sight of the Master, back once more.
"Slayer," the Master hissed stepping away from Tara and then turning to where Xander stood. "And you're the reason she came back after I killed her, Sorcerer," he said.
"That's right, and now I'm going to send you back to hell. Only this time, there will be no return ticket," Xander replied raising his sword.
"No Xander, this is my fight," Buffy said with great determination, as she remembered how messed up she had been after she had been killed. Xander looked about ready to argue with her when Giles, Wesley and the rest of his team entered the room, trying to fight off the last of the Master's followers.
"Okay Buff, you win," he said as he rushed in to help the two retired watchers. Faith, Angel and the three warriors followed.
Buffy slowly made her way down the stairs toward the Master; every step bringing a memory of her last battle with this undead king back to her. She brought out her stake and dropped into a fighting stance, the Master followed suit; both glaring at the other with unhidden hate. Willow and Spike rushed past them to release Tara who finally dropped the magic field as she realized she was safe
"Are you okay?" Willow asked trying to keep her voice even
"Y-yeah," she replied as Spike broke the chains that held her in place. Her eyes instantly searched for Xander and found him, kneeling on the floor, trying to cover a cut he had in his side. Faith was covering him. She then looked to where Buffy was now fighting the Master; she already had three cuts on her arm and face, but her face showed she was determined to kill this monster.
"Willow. Spike. Get Tara back to the Magic Box now! Take half of the warriors with you, use the roof exit; Gunn and the others are there waiting," Giles called out to them as he staked a rather large vampire.
"But-" Willow tried to argue.
"Willow, do it!" he shouted back and Willow knew Giles's Ripper persona was now in full control. She nodded and then rushed over to where seven of the warriors waited to enter the fight; Spike followed, basically dragging Tara with him.
"You two stay here, the rest are with us," Willow said.
"I won't leave him," Tara said sternly.
'Tara, go.' Xander's voice floated into her mind. She looked back and caught Xander's eye for a fleeting moment before he vanished back into the fight.
"Tara, we have to go now," Willow said. Tara just nodded and followed them out.
Buffy struck out as hard as she could, catching the Master in the side with a fist. She tried to follow up with a back kick, but the Master quickly recovered and slammed his elbow into her leg and then backhanded her, sending her flying backward into part of the stone building. Xander noticed Buffy wasn't doing very well and rushed forward, ramming the tip of his sword into the back of the Master's head, stunning him. Buffy used his distraction to jump back to her feet and grab the stake she had dropped. Xander nodded, knowing this had to be Buffy's kill. He turned and noticed two vamps creeping up on Faith; he rushed toward her as fast as he could and impaled both vamps with his sword.
"Faith, quick," he shouted. She turned and noticed the two impaled vamps and staked both.
"Nice work, Xand," she said, somewhat out of breath. He nodded and noticed the last few vamps were trying to run but were quickly caught by the warriors and beheaded.
Everyone turned to see Buffy kick the Master in his leg, snapping it. He fell to one knee trying to keep his defense up, but Buffy was relentless and kicked him in the head, sending him backward. As she walked over to stake him, he smiled at them all. "You'll never defeat the old one, Sorcerer. He has altered your prophecy so only he can win," the Master said.
"We will win," Xander said with fierce determination as Buffy staked the Master and watched in satisfaction as he was turned to dust.
"That was tiring," Wesley said.
"The next fight will be ten times as worse," Xander said as he turned and began leaving.
"But we'll be more prepared for that," Giles said as he and the others followed. "I'll make sure of it," he added to himself.
Tara looked up as the door to the magic shop opened and Buffy entered, quickly followed by the others. She had to use every bit of will power to stop herself from running into Xander's arms and kissing him hard. She knew Willow was still hurt by what was happening between her and Xander, and having her flaunt it in her face wouldn't help the situation. Xander sat down next to Faith, who began to check the wound he had in his side. Buffy sat next to Giles, who was wiping his glasses; Angel and Major Johnson were placing the injured Gunn on the nearby table, while Wesley led the surviving warriors from the order back into the training room.
"So now what?" Buffy asked.
"We prepare for the final confrontation with Valnon," Xander said in a tired but dark tone.
"But we must prepare first," Giles argued.
"There is no time left, Giles; we have to strike now," Xander said fiercely.
"Why?" Buffy asked.
"Because he can use the items he stole to raise another vamp or demon to distract us, or he can cast more spells on us. We can't take the chance that he will; some of us might not survive next time. We have to strike while we are all here and in good shape," Xander answered hotly.
"What about what the Master said, about him changing the prophecy?" Wesley asked
"Yes, is that possible?" Giles asked.
"It is if you are as powerful as Valnon is, but he forgets I have the memories of the man who created it, which means I know everything we need to win," Xander said; although, to the others, his voice sounded deeper and stronger.
"My god," Rachel gasped.
"What is it?" Willow asked.
"He has accepted the memories so fully, that he's beginning to sound like Robert," Rachel explained, fighting her shock.
"Giles, we're gonna need as many of the most powerful weapons you have," Xander said facing the watcher. Giles nodded in understanding and gathered some of Major Johnson's men to help go his house and collect them.
"Jill, Rachel, I need you to work with Willow and Tara and help them find the hidden parts of their magical talents. Also help Tara accept Karan's memories; we're going to need them," Xander spoke again, his voice seeming to grow stronger. Rachel and Jill nodded and led Tara and Willow into the training room.
"Major Johnson, we're also going to need some explosives," Xander said facing the tall Major who was standing next to Graham.
"I think we have some in the helicopter, but it's across town," the Major replied.
"Take Graham and some of the Terakan warriors with you and watch your back," Xander said. The Major nodded in answer and entered the training room to collect some of the warriors.
"Xander, are you okay?" Faith asked.
"Yeah, I'm just getting us ready," he replied with a small smile.
"Anything else we'll need?" Wesley asked.
"Some of the most powerful spell books Giles has; have Cordelia, Fred and Doyle help find them, they're kept at the top of the stairs," Xander answered. Wesley nodded and led the three up the stairs.
"What about us?" Angel asked, indicating himself and Spike.
"Take a break and get some of your strength back, we're gonna need it, same goes for Buffy and Faith," Xander said in answer. The four nodded and split up; Faith stayed where she was.
"What's up Faith?" he asked, facing the brunette slayer.
"I just wanted to know what you're gonna do?" she asked.
"I'm going to meditate and focus my power for this final battle," he answered. "It's going to be very bad," he added.
"I know," she said with a smile before walking over to Buffy. Xander smiled and then sat down on the couch and closed his eyes and concentrated.
Tara had her eyes closed; concentrating on Karan and the memories she had in her head. She suddenly felt a surge of warmth go through her as Xander's presence washed over her. It was obvious he was trying to concentrate, but it seemed his feelings for her were overpowering him. It surprised her and yet made her feel safe and cared for. She managed to block of their connection as her own memories began to surface and she began to see images of Karan and Robert. She focused harder and was astonished to find she suddenly knew hundreds of spells, powerful ones she had never known before.
Whistler walked through the door without even knocking. He had been trying to find any extra information on Valnon the others could use against him, but all he had found was that the power his followers had was from an amulet Valnon had created to extend his own powers. But if they destroyed it, then his followers would be normal vampires.
"Hey," he called as he closed the doors.
"Quite, Xander's trying to concentrate," Faith said from the counter.
"Sorry," the balance demon replied as he walked over to them.
"So, where have you been?" Buffy asked.
"Trying to find any info on Valnon," he replied removing his hat.
"And?" Faith inquired.
"Valnon created an amulet that amplifies his powers, it's what makes his followers stronger and lets them use magic," he informed them.
"So, if we destroy it, his followers will be normal vamps making it easier for us to stake them," Buffy said with a smile.
"Exactly," Whistler responded.
"Don't suppose you know where he keeps it do you?" Angel asked as he walked over.
"It's rumored he keeps it on a chain around his neck" Whistler replied.
"Great, that means we have to get close to him," Spike muttered.
"Not necessarily, we could throw something at it," Faith suggested.
"It's worth a shot," Buffy nodded.
The door to the magic shop opened and Giles walked in followed by the men he had taken, each was carrying a number of bags filled with weapons that they dumped on the table.
"Any trouble?" Buffy asked.
"No, we didn't see anything; it seems he maybe gathering his followers to counter our attack," Giles replied as he sat down.
The door opened again and Major Johnson walked in followed by Graham and the members of the order they taken with them, Graham was carrying a bag which they guessed the explosives were in, he placed it on the table where the weapons were and then joined the others.
"So now what?" the Major asked.
"We wait until the others are ready," Buffy said.
Xander's mind was flooded by images of Karan and Tara and then he drew out the knowledge Robert had of the most dangerous spells known to man, he opened his eyes to find Faith watching him. He smiled and nodded as he stood and the walked over to the others.
"Everything you asked for is over on the table," Giles told him.
"Good, now once Tara and the others are ready then everyone can select the weapons they want. Giles, you and Wesley take the books Cordelia, Fred and Doyle found and keep them close, they're gonna be needed," Xander told him, the two former watchers nodded. "Graham, select three of your men and distribute the explosives," he added facing the commando.
The door to the training room opened and Jill walked out followed by Rachel, Willow and finally Tara, everyone watched them carefully.
"Did you manage to do it?" Xander inquired.
"Yes, Tara has full access to Karan's memories and they have both managed to gain full control of their magical talents," Rachel replied sitting across from Xander.
"Then we're ready," Xander said quietly. "Everyone select your weapons, Spike get the Terakan warriors in here as well," he said to the others.
Everyone moved to the table where the weapons were now spread out. Xander himself grabbed the long sword and a large axe. Tara grabbed a sword for herself and a couple of stakes. As Rachel and Jill went for some weapons of their own, Xander turned to them in confusion.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"We're coming too, our lives have been dominated by Robert's prophecy and now we will see the end of it," Rachel said fiercely. Xander seemed doubtful but nodded anyway, knowing they had every right to fight.
Faith quickly noticed the knife Buffy had used to stab her during her stint with the mayor and quickly grabbed it, knowing it would come in handy. She then grabbed an axe and a short sword. Once everyone was armed and ready, Xander took the lead and led them out of the Magic Box, leaving only Whistler in the store.
"Good luck," he said once they were gone.
They headed silently to the caves where they knew Valnon and his followers were hiding. Behind them, Urial followed, hoping the sorcerer would manage to defeat the old one and bring balance back to the fight. Faith walked next to Buffy, wondering just how much trouble they were about to get into. It was obvious to her none of them had faced an old one before, so none of them knew what to expect, except the fact that Angel and Spike seemed to fear the prospect of battling an old one. She looked to where Xander was walking next to Tara and she quickly noticed their hands were joined and she smiled, hoping this would end quickly. Willow had also noticed the fact that her girlfriend and her best friend were holding hands like they had done it a thousand times before. Her heart ached at the sight, but she couldn't hate them for it. She wondered what will happen if they managed to win this battle, how their feelings would be affected. She wondered if everything would go back to normal or not.
Xander dropped to a crouch along with Tara as he approached the caves and waited for the others to join him. He noticed the three guards outside the cave; each had the green eyes and claws marking them as Valnon's followers.
"So how do you want to take them?" Spike asked.
"From three different directions, Spike you take the one on the left, Angel the one on the right, I'll take the one in the middle. As soon as we rush them, the rest of you follow and help us stake them before they can alert the others," Xander said, using the memories of the Halloween incident when he was turned into a soldier to plan the attack. The others nodded in silent agreement; Spike and Angel quickly made their way to the sides of the woods they were in so they could strike fast. Xander let go of Tara's hand that so far he had refused to do, and grabbed his sword the nodded to the two vampires.
All three rushed forward at the same time surprising the vampires, Angel slammed into the first vamp knocking him to the ground, while Spike and Xander both impaled their vamps with their swords. Buffy and Faith quickly ran forward along with the others and staked the two vamps Xander and Spike had impaled, Angel was knocked of the first vamp who quickly got to it's feet and turned toward the cave but Giles was faster and beheaded it before it could run.
"Okay for here on in we have to be very quiet," Xander said as they faced the entrance "First we have to make sure they won't sense us," he added.
"How?" Wesley inquired
"Tara," Xander said. The blonde witch nodded and began chanting one of the spells Karan's memories had given her, a bright green mist began to appear around them all including the Terakan warriors, most of them stared at Tara in amazement, including Willow, while the rest seemed uneasy. The mist soon turned white and then faded. Xander smiled at Tara and nodded, he then faced the others.
"That spell will make sure the vamps won't sense us, but as soon as we get close to Valnon he will know," he explained to them.
"Hopefully we won't run into too much trouble," Giles said as he followed the others into the cave.
Xander slammed his fist into the vampire's face as Faith swept its legs from under it and then staked it as the others kept an eye out.
"So far so good," Buffy said as she looked back to them.
"Don't jinx it Buffy," Xander warned her as he and Faith joined them.
"So, which way?" Gunn asked as he hefted his axe.
"This way, I can feel Valnon's presence close by," Tara answered although, like Xander's, her voice sounded somewhat different now; it sounded more confident and powerful.
Xander and Tara took the lead as they turned right and headed deeper into the caves; Faith and Gunn took up the rear as they moved on. Tara suddenly jerked back as a black sphere appeared before them; Xander's hand raised instantly and a blue shield appeared before them.
"What is it?" Giles inquired.
"One of Valnon's seeker's, it can send out multiple magical attacks," Xander answered.
"I thought you said that spell Tara did would keep him from knowing we were here?" Angel asked.
"It has, the seekers are always close to where Valnon is. Rachel, Jill, can you come up with a spell to destroy it?" Xander asked.
"Give us a few minutes," Rachel shot back turning to her daughter.
"Hurry, the longer we remain here the more we risk being surrounded," Xander replied.
Xander focused more of his power on the shield, in case the seeker tried to break through. Rachel grabbed one of the books Giles was carrying and quickly prepared a spell to destroy the seeker, while Jill prepared a teleportation spell in case her mother failed to destroy it. Once they were finished, they both nodded to each other and approached Xander and Tara, chanting silently.
"Now," Rachel shouted.
Xander dropped the shield protecting them as Rachel sent a massive ball of flame at the seeker. As soon as it struck, the magical device turned black and vanished. Jill kept an eye on the space where the seeker had been, just in case it had some sort of cloak spell on it like Valnon's followers had.
"Okay, let's go quickly," Buffy said taking a quick look both ways, the others nodded and followed Tara and Xander.
They moved silently through the caves only encountering two more vampires along the way, quickly disposed of by Faith and Xander. Finally they entered a huge chamber that had at least thirty of Valnon's followers in it, along with at least twenty demons. At the head of them all, sitting on a huge chair of gold and silver, was a huge demon with a horn in its forehead, its eyes glowed black and green. Its hands had massive claws on them and they could all see at least three of four different amulets pinned to its chest. They also noticed it had a black field surrounding it.
"So sorcerer, you have come at last," the demon said. Its voice was quite loud and seemed to be filled with pure hate.
"It's time to finish this," Xander replied, his voice becoming loud and strong.
"I agree, and once I have crushed you and your friends, I will rule the earth," Valnon replied with a cold smile. It raised its hand once and suddenly Xander found himself on the floor clutching his head. He turned to find Buffy in a fighting stance, her eyes were flashing red and suddenly he remembered the dream he had when he was knocked out.
"Your prophecy will fail sorcerer, because I have control over your slayer," Valnon hissed.
"Faith! Keep her busy but do not kill her!" Xander shouted out to the dark slayer who just nodded in response, moving to engage her sister slayer.
Xander turned back to where Valnon sat wearing a triumphant smile; he stood quickly and launched a fire ball into the vampires closest to him, turning three of them to ash. This was the signal, and the others all rushed in to engage them. Spike and Angel led the warriors from the order of Teraka at the demons before they could react, knowing they would have better luck dealing with them. Xander raised his sword and ran toward Tara who was busy fighting of one of Valnon's followers. He knew Valnon would pull some sort of trick, but he had not expected this. He had forgotten the dream of the shadow putting a spell on Buffy when she was asleep and it could cost them dear, but Valnon had no idea Faith was a slayer as well and she had the memories of Jenna and that evened things out. He had to get to Tara because only she could free Buffy from Valnon's grasp. Faith jumped back to her feet after Buffy had managed to land a hard spin kick to her, she had no wish to fight Buffy again but she had no choice. It was obvious to her Valnon had picked Buffy to control so she could kill Xander, knowing he would not hurt her no matter what. She hoped Xander would be able to either kill Valnon or break the spell quickly.
Tara ducked the punch from the vampire and quickly blasted it with a fire spell, dusting it instantly. She turned to see Valnon tracking Xander's movements as he fought a rather tall Vampire that was wearing armor. She knew he would attack while Xander was distracted. She quickly cast a shield around her love and then moved to help Jill, who was struggling with a very vicious vamp. Gunn screamed as the vampire he was fighting rammed its claws into his side, he tried to pull them out but the vamp just snarled and pushed them deeper. He saw Fred and Wesley trying to reach him but before they could move, a second vampire approached him and slit his throat with his sword. Gunn barely heard Fred's scream of horror before he fell the ground dead. Major Johnson slammed the stake hard into the vampire's chest he was fighting and watched in satisfaction as it turned to dust but, as he turned around to engage another, he felt two sets of claws been rammed into him. He turned to see a vampire behind him smiling coldly before it burst into dust, revealing Graham standing behind him. Johnson fell to his knee's as Graham rushed to his side and laid him on the ground.
"Take command," Johnson ordered before he fell unconscious. Graham checked his pulse and was relived to find he still had one, although it was very weak.
Xander ducked the blow from the big vamp and managed to land a spin kick, knocking it of its feet. He grabbed a stake and tried to ram it into the vampire's heart but the vamp managed to grab his hand and twist it, making him drop the stake. Xander smashed his free hand into the vampire's face as it tried to stand then quickly kicked it in its knee, hearing a splintering noise as he did. He smiled as the vamp howled in pain then used his axe to take the things head off. As he turned to run toward Tara, one of the demons broke free from where it was fighting Spike and headed straight for him. He ducked its swipe and swung his axe backward, catching the demon in its back. He quickly grabbed his sword and swung high, decapitating the demon before it could strike. He smiled grimly as he noticed Faith being knocked down by Buffy again and quickly made his way to Tara, who was helping Jill and Rachel deal with two of Valnon's followers. He rammed his sword into the back of one of the vampire's allowing Jill to ram her stake into its heart, turning it to dust. The distraction also allowed Tara and Rachel to fire a fire ball at the other vamp, dusting it as well.
"You have to break the spell on Buffy quickly," Xander shouted to Tara as Rachel fired of a rather large fireball into a group of approaching demons, killing two of them and setting the other on fire, which Spike quickly killed with his axe
"It may take some time, it depends what sort of spell it is," Tara told him.
"It'll be a very powerful spell, try the Black book of Calnar, Wesley has it," Xander told her as he rushed forward to engage two of Valnon's vamps.
Tara nodded and rushed over to where Wesley was tending to Major Johnson. She grabbed the bag he was carrying and quickly found the book and began searching for the counter to Valnon's spell. Fred and Graham were covering them as best they could. As they turned to fend of one of the remaining vampires, one of the demons came up behind them and grabbed Fred and quickly snapped her neck before anyone could call out a warning. Angel cried out in rage and quickly charged the demon that was now trying to attack Tara and Wesley, but Tara had managed to get a shield up around them. Angel rammed his elbow into the demon's face and quickly brought his knee up into its stomach. The demon quickly recovered and back handed him across the face sending the ensouled vampire flying into Giles as he ran to help. Both quickly recovered and ran forward again. The demon tried to ram its claws into Giles but he managed to dodge the swing as Angel drove his knee into the demon's groin and then rammed his elbow into its back. Giles quickly raised his battle axe and took its head clean off, covering himself and Angel in black slime.
"I've found the counter spell. I need two of you to keep an eye out, 'cause once I start the spell, I won't be able to sense anything else or cast any spells," Tara told them.
"Get to work; we'll stand watch," Giles told her.
Angel held his sword ready and just managed to deflect the claws of the last of Valnon's vampires. He tried to counter, but the vampire was faster and rammed its claws into Angel's chest. Giles quickly swung his axe into the vamp's back and Wesley rushed from where he was, next to Tara, and staked it. Angel fell to his knee's trying to stay conscious as Xander and Willow ran over to them, both bleeding from multiple cuts and lacerations. Spike and the remaining members of the order fell back as well, as the left over demons scattered. Doyle helped a wounded Cordelia to them as well while Jill, Rachel and a bloody Oz covered their retreat.
"Do the spell quickly," Xander shouted as Valnon just stood, although he still wore a vicious smile.
Faith managed to land a solid blow to Buffy's solar plexus winding her, and took a few quick breaths as Buffy advanced again. Faith dropped into a defensive stance and prepared to engage her sister slayer again.
"Sorcerer!" Valnon shouted.
All but Tara, Faith and Buffy turned to where the demon now stood. Xander froze when he saw Dawn and Anya being held by four of Valnon's vampires.
"I have taken every step to ensure my victory. Surrender, or I will order their deaths," Valnon sneered.
"What do we do now?" asked Willow.
"Prepare a teleportation spell, quickly," Xander said quietly.
Willow nodded and began chanting softly; as did Jill who stood to Xander's left. Xander looked back to where Faith was fighting Buffy and was glad to see she had Buffy on her knees. He then looked to where Tara was kneeling, surrounded by black and purple strands of magic. Her hair was flying about wildly and her body was shaking badly. He looked back to where Valnon stood waiting for his answer.
"Ready?" he asked, Willow and Jill nodded both knowing what he wanted to do.
He stepped forward and made it look as if he was about to speak and then quickly knelt as Jill and Willow let loose the spells, Dawn vanished and reappeared next to Giles. However, the magic didn't manage to reach Anya before a black field appeared in front of her.
"Her death is on your hands, Sorcerer," Valnon roared as he nodded to one of the vampires holding the former vengeance demon who then sunk it's fangs into her neck. Dawn turned away quickly as the vamp then snapped Anya's neck. Xander's anger rose through him like a hurricane and he unleashed a huge ball of magic at the smiling vampires causing all of them, bar the one closest to Valnon, to explode.
The magic around Tara grew in intensity and began to expand. Her complete attention was focused on the book in front of her as Faith was thrown into the wall by a viscous back kick from Buffy. Just as Buffy was about to strike what would have been a killing blow, the magic around Tara shot forth and engulfed the blonde slayer. Faith watched as Buffy was lifted into the air as the magic spun around her. She watched as Buffy's eyes slowly began to return their normal color and her face took on a look of confusion and fear. Finally the magic dropped her next to the battered and bloody brunette.
"W-What happened?" she asked as she looked around.
"You were under a spell, B," Faith said wincing as she stood, she then noticed Rachel was checking Tara who was lying unconscious behind them the others.
She led the still confused Buffy over to where the others stood. Dawn quickly rushed over to her and hugged her.
"What are you doing her Dawn?" Buffy asked her sister.
"It would appear Valnon kidnapped her in hopes we'd surrender. Anya was also taken, but I'm afraid we couldn't save her," Giles informed her as he walked over to them.
"Where's Valnon?" Wesley asked.
"He used his own magic to escape, most likely to a deeper level of these caves," Xander said as he dusted the last vampire that had charged him from where he stood next to his master.
"Tara's okay; she should wake soon," Rachel said as Xander knelt next to her.
"Give her some time to rest," Doyle said.
"Not too much; as soon as Tara is awake, we have to find him and finish this," Xander said. "Giles, give Dawn a weapon; she's gonna need it," he added as he took Tara's head and gently placed it in his lap.
"You can't be serious. She hasn't been involved in anything this serious before," Giles argued.
"We need as much help as possible, Giles," Xander shot back.
"Giles, do as he says; Dawn can handle herself," Buffy said having complete confidence in her sister's skill, seeing as she herself had trained her, along with Giles, before she had gone to live with their farther.
Giles nodded and handed one of the abandoned swords to Dawn, who nodded grimly as she tested its weight.
"Can someone tell me what's going on?" Dawn asked as Tara began to stir.
"I'll give you the short version," Xander said and quickly told Dawn everything that happened, by the time he had finished Tara was fully awake.
"You okay?" Xander asked. Tara nodded and quickly kissed Xander. Willow tried not to feel any anger but she couldn't help it.
"Let's go," Buffy said, wanting revenge for what Valnon had done to her.
Xander and Tara once again took the lead as they exited the cave they had been in and entered another passage. Both were somewhat weak from their fight and were struggling with trying to keep their emotions in check about the friends they had already lost. Graham and one of his remaining teammates were supporting the injured Major Johnson. Only seven of the warriors from the order were left and one of them seemed to be in a very bad condition.
"How many vamps do you think he'll have guarding him?" Faith asked as she caught up with Xander.
"A few, but it's not them we have to worry about," Xander replied turning to the dark slayer.
"Valnon," Faith said. To which Xander just nodded.
"How powerful is he?" Buffy inquired from behind them.
"He's one of the strongest demons alive; not only in the ways of magic, but in physical combat as well," Xander informed her.
Buffy frowned at the answer from her friend. Although the spell Valnon at put on her had been removed, she was still having trouble controlling the emotions from her ancestor, Jenna. She had now accepted everything Jill and Rachel had told her and she had promised herself to talk to Xander once this was over, if they survived. Dawn kept silent as she walked next to her sister. Anya's death was still playing in her mind and she was finding it hard to concentrate. She was also trying to process what Xander had told her about this situation. She found it somewhat worrying to know that not only her sister, but three other of her closest friends were under the influence of some ancient ancestor of theirs. Giles and Wesley were keeping an eye out for any surprises but, so far, they had not seen any more vampires or demons. Each was worried about their impending confrontation with the old one. There were not many records about the old ones, but what they did know was not very encouraging. Even Angel and Spike had shown fear at the prospect of fighting him. They hoped everyone was ready for what lay ahead.
"He's close," Tara suddenly spoke up.
"Which way?" Xander asked.
Tara pointed to the right and they made their way toward what looked like a forced entrance to a huge cavern. Xander halted the others and silently looked inside. He noticed at least eighteen of Valnon's vampires and seven demons. He noticed Valnon was standing close to what looked like an altar that had various magical items and books on it. Xander frowned and wondered if Valnon was trying to raise another dead demon to fight them. He turned to the others and nodded his head.
"How many?" Faith asked as she removed her dagger and a stake.
"Eighteen vampires and seven demons; Valnon is near an altar, it's possible he's trying to raise another demon," Xander answered. "As soon as we enter, me, Faith and Buffy should go straight for Valnon and stop whatever ceremony he's performing," he quickly adds.
"Willow and I will place some protective shields on you," Tara said, although they all could see the worry in her eyes as she faced Xander.
"Hurry, we don't have much time left," Xander told her.
Tara and Willow quickly grabbed one of the spell books from Giles and began chanting the spell; Jill and Rachel also chanted something quickly. A red glow surrounded Xander, Buffy and Faith and then faded.
"What was that?" Faith asked.
"It'll stop Valnon placing any of his mind spells on you," Rachel answered as Oz and Doyle stepped forward ready to charge in. Spike, Angel and the warriors from the order followed, and finally Giles and Wesley joined them. Dawn, Cordelia, Jill, Rachel, Tara and Willow took up positions behind them. The four witches all prepared some spells for release as they entered the cavern. Xander, Buffy and Faith took up the lead and readied the weapons
"Stay away from his horn and his claws," Xander warned the two slayers. They both nodded their understanding. "Now!" he shouted.
They charged into the cavern, heading straight for Valnon, who turned in anger at the interruption in his spell. Willow and Tara unleashed a black ball of magic at the seven demons that were now running straight for them. Three of them were caught in the magic, screaming in agony as their skin was burned off. As they fell to the floor, the magic continued to eat its way through them. Rachel and Jill set of two balls of fire at the oncoming vampires, dusting four of them as Oz and Doyle smashed into the lead vampires, followed by the others.
Xander ducked as Valnon swung his giant claws at him and quickly brought his sword up in a spinning arc as he regained his footing, but Valnon easily blocked the attempt. Faith attempted a back kick but Valnon used his other claws to slam into her, sending her flying backward. Buffy managed to drop kick Valnon from behind, as he was distracted by Faith and Xander's attacks. Valnon quickly turned and kicked her, knocking her flying backward.
"Is that the best you can do?" Valnon mocked them.
Xander looked over her shoulder quickly to see how the others were doing and was pleased to see the vampires and demons were been held back. He turned and faced Valnon again. He raised his sword and moved in slowly, quickly faking a swing to the left which Valnon went to block and then turned and swung his sword to the right, catching the old one in the side, but it didn't manage to penetrate the demon's skin. Valnon swung his left hand backward, catching Xander on the side of his head, knocking him into Buffy and Faith.
"This is too easy," Valnon sneered as he went to grab the book he had been reading from.
Suddenly, he was sent flying into the altar. He turned to see Tara standing twenty feet away from him, her eyes glowing an unearthly red and her left hand raised. He growled in anger as he stood and made his way toward the sorcerer's mate. Xander saw him move toward Tara and quickly closed his eyes, summoned his own power and sent a ball of purple energy at the demon that quickly engulfed him. Valnon cried out in pain as he tried to counter the attack. Buffy and Faith both quickly took advantage of Valnon's openness and attacked. Faith hit him with a hard left punch to his stomach while Buffy landed a spin kick in the side. Valnon roared in pain as he finally countered the attack from Xander, only to be slammed to the side from the attacks by the two slayers. Faith quickly dropped into a crouch and landed a leg sweep, catching the demon of balance. Valnon went down to one knee as Buffy tried to kick him in the face. Valnon caught her foot and swung her into Faith, knocking the both down. He raised his own clawed hand and sent a wave of black magic at Tara, sending her flying into Willow and Jill who were running toward them as Oz and Doyle finished off the last Vampire. Xander came up behind him and smashed the hilt of his sword into Valnon's back as the demon stood, and quickly followed it up by smashing his knee into the same spot, putting the demon back onto his knees.
Giles swung his axe at the demon he was fighting as Wesley tried to get back to his feet from the blow he had received to his back. The demon dodged the blow and lunged at Giles, knocking them both backward. The demon reared back, ready to plunge its claws into the watcher's chest, when suddenly he was sent backward from a savage kick from Spike. As the demon stood, ready to attack again, Rachel kicked it from behind, sending it forward as one of the order stepped forward and cut it in half with its axe, causing its blood to drench him and the blond Vampire. Cordelia tried to stay away from the demon she had been fighting, but she had lost her sword and was trying to stay out of the demon's reach. Graham tried to stand, but he was still recovering from the wound he had in his side. The demon finally lunged at Cordelia, who screamed in terror just as Angel smashed into the demon, sending them both flying into the recovering Wesley. Angel vamped out as he began hitting the demon continually in the face, causing it to bleed. The demon tried to strike back but couldn't dislodge the enraged vampire. Finally, Angel grabbed the demon's head and snapped its neck just as he had a flash of Angelus doing the same to Miss Calendar. He shook the memory off as he went to check on the still shocked seer. The three remaining members of the order approached silently as they all regrouped, glad to see that there was no one but Valnon left.
Tara quickly stood as Xander attacked Valnon again. Willow was just regaining her feet as well as Oz and Doyle joined them.
"What now?" Oz asked.
"Stay back," Tara said as he moved to assist the man she loved.
Xander ducked the wild swing from Valnon as the demon got back to its feet and quickly jumped back as its other claw tried to take his legs out. Faith came from behind and managed to ram her dagger into the demon's side. Valnon roared in pain and smashed Faith into Angel and Spike as they rushed forward to help. Faith hit her head on a rock, cutting her forehead, but she quickly got back to her feet and ran forward again. Buffy rushed forward and launched a fury of strikes which Valnon easily blocked. Xander summoned his powers again and launched a black ball of fire at the demon's back. Valnon shrugged off the attack with ease and landed a blow to Buffy's side that he quickly followed up with a kick that slammed her into the cavern wall. He turned to face Xander who was just raising his sword again.
"Time to die, Sorcerer," he sneered.
Tara came to stand by Xander's side, her eyes once again glowing red as she summoned all of her power and that of her ancestor. Valnon approached, its horn began glowing purple as its claws seemed to expand.
"I will crush your mate first," Valnon hissed as he launched himself at Tara.
Tara somehow managed to side step the attack and raised her hand shooting out a wave of gold light which sent Valnon into the wall. Xander had also moved out of range of the attack and summoned a ball of blue of magic and sent it at Valnon as he approached again. The ball seemed to disappear inside the old one who screamed out, as he was set alight. Faith and Buffy both rejoined them as Valnon used his own power to stop the fire. Tara was about to launch another attack when she was engulfed in a huge wave of black light. She screamed out in agony as the magic began to drain her defensive powers. Xander was quickly overcome with rage as he heard Tara's scream and rushed forward and slammed into Valnon. He smashed the hilt of his sword into the demon's face repeatedly, not caring as the demon's blood began to splatter him. He raised his sword to strike again but Valnon managed to slam his elbow into Xander's chest, knocking him off him. Rachel and Jill began chanting a counter spell to release Tara as she screamed again. Buffy attacked Valnon as he got back to his feet and Faith quickly joined her. Tara fell to the floor, semi-conscious, as Rachel and Jill finally managed to counter Valnon's attack. Willow and Xander both rushed over to see if she was okay.
"Xander, she'll be fine, but they need you," Jill told her cousin as he came to kneel at Tara's side, indicating the two slayers who were both trying to get to their feet to face Valnon again.
Xander looked to where Buffy and Faith were and then back to Tara and back again. Jill placed her hand on his shoulder causing him to look at her as Rachel knelt down to check Tara's pulse. Jill indicated the slayers again and Xander reluctantly nodded as he turned and attacked Valnon as he picked Faith up and slammed her into the wall. Xander brought his sword down in a wide arc, this time managing to cut through the demon's tough skin, drawing blood. Valnon dropped Faith as Angel and Spike finally joined the fight. Valnon smashed his elbow into Xander, winding him, and then faced the two vampires as Buffy checked on Faith. Angel ducked the wide swing as Valnon stepped forward to engage them, however Spike was not as lucky; He was sent flying into the injured Graham as he finally approached the others. Angel managed to land two blows on Valnon's chest before Valnon swung back, his claws cutting deep into the ensouled vampire's chest causing a loud cry of pain from him, before Valnon picked him and flung him at the remaining members of the order. They side-stepped the flying vampire as he smashed into the wall and slumped to the floor, unconscious. Xander stood ready to attack again as Valnon turned to face him. Once again the horn was glowing, but Xander was more prepared for any attack.
"Now we end this, Sorcerer," Valnon said.
"Your end is now," Xander shot back as he summoned every bit of power within him, causing his sword to begin glowing gold.
Valnon rushed forward, with its left hand posed to strike Xander head on. Xander did nothing but wait until Valnon was a few inches from him before he raised his sword, impaling Valnon as he charged, the demon roared in pain as Xander fell to his knees, weakened from using nearly all of his power. Tara managed to stand with Willow's and Jill's help as she summoned her own power and channeled it into Xander through their link. The sword glowed even brighter as Valnon cried out in more pain. As the others all watched, a field of gold energy seemed to surround Valnon and Xander, who was still holding onto the sword.
"Faith! Catch," Rachel shouted, tossing the dark slayer a large axe that Giles had been using
Faith caught it and prepared to strike when she was told, although she didn't know how she knew someone would tell when the time was right. The glow turned to a bright red and then black until finally it faded. Valnon fell to his knees as his blood coated the floor. Xander weakly pulled the sword out of the demon and fell backward.
"Now," Xander said before he blacked out.
Faith swung the axe high before bringing it down and taking the old one's head clean off. A black cloud began to envelope the demon's body as its blood poured out; it faded somewhat and then vanished.
"Giles, burn the head quickly," Tara told the watcher as Jill and Rachel helped her over to where Xander lay.
Giles nodded and quickly took one of the torches off the wall and walked over to where Valnon's head lay, he spat on the head once before setting it alight. Wesley went to help Angel to his feet as he came around, while Spike helped Graham back to his feet.
"Buffy, you and Faith are going to have to carry Xander. He'll be out of it for awhile," Tara said to the two tired slayers. They nodded and quickly picked up the unconscious form of their friend.
Jill and Rachel suddenly began to glow white. Both closed their eyes as a searing pain ripped through them before the glow vanished.
"What was that?" Faith asked as she and Buffy walked toward them, carrying Xander between them.
"The immortality spell we had placed on us has been lifted; we're mortal now," Jill explained with a small smile, glad that her father's prophecy was now finished and they could all live their lives without worrying about it again.
"Giles, you and Wesley better take all the items and books off that altar and take them with us. Some of them will be very deadly in the wrong hands," Rachel said as they joined the others.
The two watchers nodded and quickly took all the magical items and books off the altar and placed them in the bags they had used to carry their books.
"What about the bodies of our fallen comrades?" Graham asked as he leaned on Spike for support.
"We'll come back for them later, and then we'll blow the entrance to these caves," Xander said weakly from in between the two slayers as he regained consciousness.
The others nodded grimly, except for the three remaining members of the order who quickly asked for their pay. Wesley had brought the money with them knowing the order would want the money on completion of their contract. They took the money, took one last look around the cavern, then left.
Xander led the others silently into the magic shop. They had returned to the cave and retrieved the bodies of their friends, including Riley's body and silently buried them. Then, using the explosives Major Johnson and his men had brought, they had destroyed all entrances to the cave. Whistler sat on the top of the counter, watching them. Each looked worn out and wasted, which was not surprising after what they had been through. Once Giles and Wesley had entered and closed the door, Whistler jumped off the counter to speak.
"The powers are thankful to you all for the sacrifices you have made to defeat this evil and fulfill the sorcerer's prophecy," he told them. "Of course I'm sure you'd all be happier if this had never happened, but it was battle that had to be fought and won," he continued as everyone remained silent.
"I guess I'm gonna have to leave now, aren't I?" Doyle asked, sadly squeezing Cordelia's hand.
"No, you won't. Because of Gunn and Fred's death, the powers have granted you another chance to help Angel," Whistler answered him with a small smile.
Cordelia couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face as she hugged Doyle as hard as possible. Angel also smiled at the prospect of having his friend back. It helped him put aside the pain he felt at Gunn and Fred's death.
"What about me, Tara, Buffy, Faith and Willow. Will we keep the memories and powers of our ancestors?" Xander inquired as Tara laid her head on his shoulder, missing the pained look from Willow.
"Yes, you will. They'll be a part of you until you die," Whistler answered. "But you will have more control of them now," he added as he noticed Buffy's and Willow's faces turn annoyed at the prospect.
"What about the items we took from Valnon's altar? Should we hide them or keep them?" Giles asked as he wiped his glasses with his handkerchief.
"I'll take them, and make sure no one finds them again," Whistler said taking them from the table beside Faith.
"What about me? I broke out of jail to help you guys?" Faith asked, remembering she most likely had the police searching for her.
"The powers had already taken care of that, Faith. You are no longer wanted by the police. The powers believe you have redeemed yourself and are ready to rejoin the fight beside the sorcerer," Whistler told her, surprising everyone bar Xander and Giles.
Faith just stared at the balance demon, not really believing what he had told her. She looked to where Buffy sat and noticed she actually smiled at her and nodded. She returned it and then looked to where Xander sat with his arm protectively around Tara. They both smiled at her and she knew she had found a home at last, and some real friends. She had another chance here and she would not blow it.
"Good job," Whistler said before he vanished.
Off in the corner, Urial had watched the proceedings with a smile. The old one had been defeated and the prophecy had been fulfilled. But he knew the future son of the sorcerer's descendant and his mate would be called into the fight and he would be of great importance in the continuing fight. But, for now, they would have some time to heal and rest, his master would make sure of that and he had been made the protector of the sorcerer and his group. He would make sure nothing tried to interfere with what should happen and that no one would harm them until the trials they are destined to fight began.
"What are you going to do now, Rachel? Jill?" Xander asked.
"I want to get to know my cousin; I'm going to stay," Jill said hoping that, now that her father's work was done, she could get to know Xander better.
"And so am I; that way I can get to know my daughter again," Rachel said with a smile, although she also wanted to keep an eye on Xander. She had grown quite attached to her almost nephew. She wanted to know him better and keep him and his friends safe.
"I'll help you find a house then, I have plenty of spare cash to help get you started," Xander offered, glad to hear they would be staying. They were the first members of his family that he liked, and he wanted to know them better.
2 Years Later
Xander couldn't believe the changes that the two years since the end of the prophecy had brought. First, after quite a few discussions with Willow, he and Tara were able to begin a real relationship with Willow's blessing. They were surprised when Willow began dating his cousin Jill. Xander hadn't minded too much. He thought they made a good match and they had soon become very close. Tara was very happy that she had found another love to help heal her heart. Rachel had become close friends with all of the gang, especially Giles. Xander was not surprised when they began dating as well; he was very happy for the watcher to have found someone again. His closeness with Jill and Rachel was great. He had spent a lot of time with them getting to know them and they, him. He had managed to get them a house close to where Buffy lived. Dawn had returned to Sunnydale to live with her sister again. Although the watchers council could still try something, they knew someone was guarding them. Faith, although somewhat nervous for the first couple of weeks, finally settled and began anew. Her friendship with Buffy was quickly repaired and the others all began to warm to her. However, it was with Xander that she was the closest. Although it surprised some of the gang, they were glad Faith had finally opened up to them and allowed them to help when she needed it. Faith had surprised everyone when she and Oz began dating; Oz had decided to stay after such a long time away. He had buried his feelings for Willow and moved on, although it took nearly a year before he managed to get Faith to accept going on a date with him. Angel and his team, which now included Spike, made regular visits to Sunnydale. No one was surprised when Cordelia announced she was getting married to Doyle. The big change however came in the middle of the second year, when he himself proposed to Tara and she accepted. Everyone had seen how close the two had become, and knew it would only get deeper. Then, a few months later, Tara announced she was pregnant.
Xander sat watching his fiancée as she slept peacefully. In two months, she was due to give birth to their son. He sometimes found it hard to believe how much his life had changed. He was about to become a father and a husband and, even though they still faced the darkness, he couldn't be happier.
"I love you, Tara," he whispered as he closed his eyes and began to drift into a peaceful dream he heard her reply through their link; 'I love you too, Xand'. He smiled as her hand found his and interlocked with his as they both fell into a deep sleep.
The End