Warrior of the Heart

by JimboS

Xander finally finds out that he's good at something, but can he contol his new gift or will it control him?. Takes place after season 1. (WIP)

6. Chapter 9

Warrior of the Heart

1 Author: JimboS

2 E-mail: RaistlinM1@AOL.com

Disclaimer: None of the characters are mine. They belong to a person who is much more creative than me.

Feedback: Yes please!

Dedication: MJ, once again thank you for being cool like that.

3

4 Chapter 9

5 The Journal of Xander Harris

What is knowledge? It is one of the most respected and sought after traits out there, but what is it really? How much of the greatness of knowledge is based in the truth and how much is in the perception of truth? Do people want to know the truth no matter the consequences or do they only want the truth when it makes them happy?

I wonder how many people would be happier to know about the evil that slithers across this planet hiding just below the surface for all to see if they only look for it. I think that one out of a thousand would rather live their life in blissful ignorance more than happy to trade in the truth for their hours of undisturbed sleep.

I think that is what I miss the most about my old life. Not the free time to be a teen, nor the ability to plan for the future without feeling like a fool for assuming you'll make it that far. No the thing I miss the most is being able to have my head hit the pillow and fall into the peaceful void of sleep within ten minutes of contact. After I learned to truth I would just lay in my bed and make pray that I would make to my bed again. I would let the hours slowly slip away while contemplating my final moments with a morbid fascination wondering how it will happen playing the different scenarios through my head swirling them around my brain like a fine wine.

I don't sleep much anymore. I find it is much easier to meditate for a few hours instead of spending that time wondering weather I'm going to end up either eviscerated or decapitated. Of course it was with the help of that meditation that I finally figured it out. It doesn't matter how I die; all that matters is I meet my end with out regret.

It took me a while to figure that out. I had to figure out that the world doesn't owe me anything. I spent so much of my time lamenting my fate and blaming fate that I overlooked the fact that life is a gift given without payment. To waste that gift is a crime against the cosmic wonder that allows this relatively small ball of space matter to sustain our existence.

Once a person has accepted the inevitability of their fate death can hold no power over them. When you understand that your life is no more precious than any other, when you believe that life does not owe you anything, and when you know that you have lived your life to the best of your ability death looks less scary and life sparkles just a little bit more.

But demons are different they do not see the wonder of life they only look for the beauty of death; they are a part of the dance of the world. A demon does not enjoy life they enjoy the slaughter and the perversion of life. They don't just desire destruction they need it. It is a part of their being it dominates their entire existence. It is only natural that they meet their final end in the same manor.

But what about a human being? How can I sit in judgement over another soul and proclaim myself more worthy of life? There are many kinds of evil out there and who is to say that humans are better than demon? But will I be able to do it, will I be able to take the life away from another human being, will I be able to make the killing strike when the time comes? I don't know the answer to that, and I hope that I never will.

Xander Harris

* * *

Xander looks like a man defeated as he approaches the backdoor of the Sunnydale High School library. His shoulders are slumped forward like he is carrying the weight of the world on his back instead of a simple backpack and his gait is slow and deliberate as if each step is heavier than the next. He reaches the door and juggles the large wooden box under his arm as he reaches out to try the library's back door hoping that Giles thought to unlock it in case the library's inhabitants ever had to make a hasty retreat. Luck is with Xander on this early morning because the knob turns easily giving the young man entrance.

Xander ambles through the maze of bookcases to the front of the library and quickly places the box containing the judge along with his backpack on the table in the center of what he affectionately calls 'the war room'.

As soon as Xander removes his hands from the box the weight on his soul is lifted. He focuses on the unassuming box for a few seconds feeling the darkness and hate radiating from inside. The waves of evil pass through the room and resonate with everything around it affecting the entire room.

Xander stretches hearing the rewarding sound of his vertebrae pop and realign. "That is the last time I fall asleep at the table," he says while placing his hands on his lower back to gain some extra leverage. With his body bending backward Xander's eyes fall upon the circular clock hanging above the main entrance.

"Five thirty and Giles isn't here," he muses to himself, "and here I thought he lived here too afraid to leave his precious books."

Xander sits down at the large table and once again stares at the wooden container resting before him. He gets the strange feeling of déjà vu and remembers doing this exact same thing last night in his kitchen. Unfortunately the scene reminds him of the topic of discussion as well.

"This is good that I came here early because it will give me time to prepare how to tell them about me," declares the young man loudly trying to convince himself that he has made the right decision.

And maybe you should prepare yourself for having no friends," says an annoying voice in his head.

"Hey, don't start that again," says Xander verbally chastising himself. "We decided that they should know the whole story. Sure they are going to be furious and are probably not going to want to talk to me for at least a week."

Xander gets up and begins to pace around the library gaining momentum as his tirade grows in intensity. "They are probably going to not even want to see me for a few days, which is going to definitely be of the bad. Because if what I'm feeling from that simple arm inside that box is any indication of the sort of all encompassing evil that this judge guy is they are going to need all the help they can get."

Xander stops in his tracks in front of the main doors as his monologue comes to its conclusion and the words begin to sink into his brain. Xander spots his reflection in the widow in the door and can not help but tell his reflection, "I thought you were the one who was supposed to try and convince me to not tell them."

Xander receives no response from the annoying voice in his head but continues with his monologue undeterred. "Okay Xander now is the time for you to make the decision. On the one hand you can tell your friends your secret and risk alienating yourself from the group during a crucial time of crisis." Xander starts pacing once again raising his right hand into the air to feel the weight of his argument.

Xander raises his other hand and looks at it for a second before continuing. "On the other hand I can keep my secret and keep the group together and working like usual. And judging from our track record the 'usual' seems to work pretty well. Although if I keep this from all of them now the whole thing will snowball, and the fallout will only be bigger when the truth finally decides to make its long awaited appearance."

Xander continues to look at his hands feeling his arguments and weighing them against each other. Xander breaks his gaze by closing his eyes mentally trying to calm himself to try and find the right answer, but he can not find his center because of the massive amounts of interference filling the room. His eyes snap open, and his stare falls upon the wooden box and the relic of evil that lies within. "I guess the third hand decides it doesn't it? They are going to need me and trust me if we have to go up against this thing."

With his mind made up Xander walks to the container sitting on the table and spares a look at the clock. "I've got a while to figure this out. I need to get this to Giles without him knowing it's me, but I can't just leave it here with a note on it saying 'Judge arm keep safe' now can I?"

Xander chuckle at the ridiculousness of the idea and sat to think of what his options were, but his mind would not let the thought go. "Wait a minute this could work if I can just get them working on figuring out how to keep the judge piece safe somehow. Then they won't have time to worry about how they got it, or at the least it will remain a secondary concern compared to the death of humanity."

Xander moved to the book return counter and checked the shelves underneath for a piece of paper and a pen. A smile crosses the young man's face when the pieces of the plan begin to fall together in his mind. Xander flattens the paper out on the book return desk and idly bites on the end of the pen searching for the perfect way to get Giles motivated.

Xander's face brightens momentarily when the idea strikes him; his head falls down and he begins to scribble a hasty not on the paper. Xander looks over the note and nods his head in satisfaction at his own handiwork. Xander then folds the paper in half and writes 'Giles' on the outside before he stands the note up against the box.

Xander checks the clock again, picks up his backpack, and walks to the back door. He sits down on the floor and leans against the wall and silently curses his own efficiency because it will be a long wait before Giles shows up to fulfill his responsibilities as school librarian leaving himself with the job of guard duty until Giles comes.

After about ten minutes of waiting Xander feels his eyes grow heavy with sleep. He shakes his head vehemently to get rid of the sleep but his eyes only become heavy once again after a few more minutes. Realizing the futility of the situation Xander decides that his only chance of remaining even slightly aware of his surroundings is to begin a rejuvenation meditation.

Xander pulls inside of himself and searches his soul for his center. After a few seconds of meandering through his soul Xander discovers his center and the peace of the universe envelops him like a thick blanket giving him warmth and security. Xander pushes the warmth through his veins and feels his body feed off of the gorgeous energy. Xander then reaches out with his mind beyond himself and tries to rejuvenate his soul but all he can feel is the evil emanating from the judge's dismembered arm. Xander consciousness instinctively shies away from the energy that surrounds him and Xander begins to panic at the feeling of being surrounded by such a perverted source of energy.

Like a caged animal Xander's consciousness begins to wildly rally against the energy looking for an escape. With a large force of will Xander brings his more bestial instincts under control and looks at the situation calmly. Xander slowly pushes through the walls that are resonating with the evil invading the room and finds himself outside and once again feels the calm ordered chaos of the earth surround him. The feeling of tapping into the powers of the world has no equal that the young man knows of.

The sensation of being apart of the world, of being connected to everything around you, is the most comforting and empowering feeling in the world. The strength of the earth fills him as he connects with the forces of nature. Xander swims in the ancient power of creation lifting his spirits and rejuvenating his mind and soul as well.

Xander pulls back into his body reluctantly but not wanting to leave the relic unguarded for too long. Rejuvenated from his excursion into the flow of the universe Xander spends the next couple of hours mentally studying the piece of the Judge looking for strengths and weaknesses committing to details to memory hoping to find the secret for defeating the dangerous demon. Xander feels a presence enter the library and is relieved to feel the tightly bound ball of emotions that is Giles emotional fingerprint.

God the guy even feels British; we really need to get the guy to loosen up, thinks Xander before he once again resumes control of his limbs and slips out of the back door leaving Giles with a deadly surprise.

* * *

Xander is sitting in front of the high school in the shade of one of the schools abundant trees half-heartedly looking through his history book, but history can not compare to the complexity of the world around him. The sun burns brightly warming the earth energizing the plants and causing the wind to blow disturbing the grass and sweeping through the trees causing the leaves to rattle and the boughs to gently sway. The students begin to congregate around the school, their auras flashing with a myriad of hormone driven emotions.

He notices a group of football players decked out in new letter jackets throwing a football around and watches their auras flare with pride when the girls giggle and fawn over them, and he studies the congregation of girls glow with admiration tinged with desire. Xander revels in his insights taking his time to study everything and one around him until he feels two very familiar auras approaching.

At least they seemed familiar. Willow's aura normally has a distinct soft glow, which belies the beautifully complex swirls of colored lights that speaks of the amazing girl hidden beneath the shy sweater clad exterior. If Willow's aura is quiet, Buffy's soul-print is almost blinding giving off a simple white blast of light. It took Xander a week before he was able to stand looking directly at it and another week of trying before he was able to look past the brilliance to see Buffy's inner pattern. It consisted of a slow swirl of light and shadow with the light continually driving away the dark and the shadow constantly swallowing the light. The two sides would blend together on the edges to resemble a bleeding Ying-yang representing the joy and pain she finds in being the slayer. Xander could not help but find the slow dance of light and shadow strangely beautiful and hypnotic as the presence of the dark made the light seem all the more brilliant.

However at the moment the auras of his two best friends is heavy with worry and anxiety threatening to cover Willow's beautiful colors and dulling Buffy's dazzling light. Xander stood up and patted off the dust and grass clinging to his pants before walking over to his friends trying to get there quickly but without tipping them off that he knows something.

Xander can't help the smile that crosses his face when he sees the look of happiness cross both Buffy and Willow's face when they spot him coming their way. "Hey guys what's up," says Xander with a crooked grin curling up one side of his mouth.

The half smile on Buffy's face quickly vanishes and Buffy becomes all business. "Meeting called in the library," she says, "there was some sort of trouble last night while I was out patrolling and Giles wants us to meet him so we can figure out what happened."

"I don't know I mean I had a busy morning planned of staring at the pep squad practice their jumps, but for you I guess I can bump that to after lunch if I push back my hour of fanaticizing of being adopted by Little Debbie," says Xander.

Buffy's grimace is no match for Xander's charm and her smile returns again. "Well I would hate to ruin your busy schedule," says Buffy. Willow and She flank the young man both wrapping and arm around his back while he puts his arms over their shoulders.

The three friends move off in amicable closeness talking about the day ahead and the prospects of another problem from the Hellmouth. None of them notice Cordelia Chase watching the exchange with a strange look in her eye; those that did not know the princess of Sunnydale would even call it jealousy.

* * *

"So G-man, what's the Hellmouth got in store for us today," calls Xander as soon as he burst through the library's double doors with Buffy and Willow close behind.

The three find Giles sitting at the main table with a stack of books around him and one lying open between him and the box holding a part of the Judge. Giles turns to give Xander a deadly stare and tells him, "Xander I have told you a number of times to not call me that."

Xander sits down along with Willow and Buffy; his smile simply widens and he replies, "sure thing, in fact I've been meaning to try out some new ones. How about 'the big G-heese', or maybe 'Ruppie', 'Rubert', I've got it: 'Giles Giles, the watcher so nice they named him twice'? Stop me when we get to one you like."

"Oh, no that will be quite enough," says Giles thoroughly defeated, "on second though I think I prefer my previous moniker."

"Oh, okay, but you promise to tell me the minute you want a new nickname," says Xander grabbing a book from the stack and opening it. "So what are we researching on this fine Sunnydale morning?"

"Well we were going to have a rather research light day until I received this little bombshell this morning," says Giles while giving the box in front of him a pat. "Last night an abandoned factory was burned down in the Sunnydale industrial sector. Now my first instinct was to dismiss it as vampire clan warfare, but I received a note from Angel claiming to have captured a piece of the mythical Judge last night."

"Mythical Judge? Are we talking about Wapner or Ito," asks Xander just to see if he can get the librarian to clean his glasses, which is a sure sign of the watcher's frustration.

"Actually it is the mythical Judge that can destroy all of humanity if he is reassembled," says Giles and the proceeds to remove his glasses and clean them. After wiping the glasses with his handkerchief he puts them back one and finds himself greeted by three confused faces.

Giles raises his finger and stops Willow from asking her question before she can even start. "Now as I was saying before I was interrupted," say Giles giving Xander an annoyed look. "The judge is a demon whose soul purpose on this Earth is to destroy humanity all together. From my preliminary research and what I can remember from my watcher training the Judge strips everything he touches of its humanity, and he can not be destroyed by any weapon created by the hand of man. It took an army of five hundred led by the slayer to stop him before, but his body could not be killed. So the six survivors cleaved the Judge into six pieces and separated hiding the pieces across the globe. If the judge were to be reassembled we would not be able to stop him alone and countless innocents will die."

Giles finishes his speech and looks around to gauge the responses of the others. He is surprised to see Xander raising his hand like a third grader patiently waiting for the librarian to call on him. Giles only watches the young man curiously not sure why the young man is waiting to interject instead of just interrupting, which leaves the librarian wary but against his better judgment he nods to the young man indicating that he can talk.

Xander responds to the acknowledgement by standing up and clearing his throat calling for the attention of the group, while at the same time giving himself enough time to contemplate his current course of action, before proceeding. "Okay I think we need to come up with a plan and unless Giles already has one I think I've got just the thing." Xander pauses to look at Giles, whose face is a mixture of amusement and curiosity. Giles simply nods again and motions with his hands for Xander to proceed.

"Okay I think we can all agree that this bit'o'Judge that we have here is in a word: bad," says Xander as he begins to pace in front of the group pausing every now and again to make eye contact to emphasize a point. "Well I'm pretty sure that this thing is sending out some major evil vibes, kind of like the Hellmouth itself. Now Drusilla, who we know is a little past crazy, can probably feel this thing from a mile away. Therefore I suggest that we have at least two people watching this thing at all times."

"We are going to need excuses to get us out of class," says the young man pointing at Giles, "that is where you come in Giles. My personal favorite is the classic 'big research project' excuse. I also think that you call Ms. Calendar in on this one because if we can't stop this thing with a weapon maybe we can magic this thing gone."

If Xander had not already moving on to his next point he would have burst out laughing at the look of surprise on Giles' face. "Buffy," the slayer, who had previously been staring blankly at Xander in pure shock, shook her head and started paying attention to the young man's instructions. "I think you should go see Angel and get him over here; we need all of the big hitters we can find, and I think that if we can get him here as long as we keep the blinds closed he should be fine. After that I think it would be best if you went to class. Snyder is already looking for a chance to put any of us through the wringer and the last thing we need is for the weasel coming down on us. Oh, and happy birthday."

Xander gives Buffy a quick grin before he turns his attention to Willow, who is watching him eagerly waiting for him to tell her what she can do. Xander smiles at the look of innocence in her face before continuing. "Willow, I need you to go with Giles to see Ms. Calendar. You can use the computer lab do some research to help supplement the stuff we have in the library, and with Ms. Calendar there to help you should be able to work twice as fast."

Xander stops pacing and turns to look at his friends with his feet shoulder width and his ands clasped behind his back, only to find them staring at him their mind not quite processing what just happened. Xander just smiles a half grin and asks, "Or does somebody have a better plan?"

To his surprise Xander is met with only silence from the people seated before him. After a few seconds of waiting Xander just shrugs and sits back down, picks up the book he opened previously, and begins reading through it calmly. The three gawkers come out of their stupor almost simultaneously and look at each other and then back to Xander incredulously.

Giles finally regains enough of his faculties to clear his throat gaining Xander attention away from his book. "What is this the wrong book," Xander asks, "Don't tell me you already read this one."

Giles pulls off his glasses and wipes them with his handkerchief gathering his thoughts before continuing. "No Xander, actually it is about your plan," he says emphasizing the word plan. "I was wondering how you managed to come up with such an in depth plan."

Xander smiles at the question and his eyes sparkle with mischief as he replies, "Giles do you remember 'soldier boy' from Halloween this year?" Giles nods his head, and his eyes briefly twitch behind his spectacles displaying his hidden guilt over the fact that someone from his past caused the whole thing. Xander nods and his smile grows even wider as he continues, "well I guess it wouldn't be too far off the mark to say that I do too."

* * *

The library is still and calm, the oppressive silence broken by the sound of old pages being turned at an almost constant interval. Xander and Giles are sitting at the table pouring over the tomes searching for a clue as to the destruction of the Judge, while Angel is checking the assortment of weapons stashed in the cage. Xander and Giles have been researching almost non-stop since the morning, but every source that actually has any information only has the same information.

Xander feels Giles staring at him once again as he reads through the book once again searching for any new information. The watcher had been looking at him strangely all day since he learned about his retention of the soldier memories from Halloween. It had taken about ten minutes before Giles was satisfied with Xander's answers about his newly revealed talent with Xander going through a verbal minefield trying to satisfy the watcher's curiosity while at the same time not give too much away.

After that Xander would catch the librarian watching him throughout the day. Every now and again while researching the hairs on Xander's neck would stand up and when he would look up he would see Giles' head quickly snap back down causing Xander to wonder if maybe Giles suspects something.

Xander breaks the silence in the room by slamming closed the book lying in front of him causing everyone in the room to jump slightly earning him a perplexed look from Giles. "I'm sorry," says the young man blowing out a resigned sigh. "This is beyond frustrating, I keep ready the same thing over and over again; it's like every book is the same only with a different cover, which goes against everything my TV sitcom parents ever taught me."

Giles studies the young man for a few minutes trying to find any hint of the soldier memories wondering if stress could trigger the memories, but he decides that it would be best for everyone if Xander went and released some of his pent up energy. In fact the librarian is amazed that the normally uncontrollable young man has lasted all day, all day reading he mentally added, without causing any trouble.

"Xander why don't you help Angel check the weapons while I continue with the research," says the librarian not noticing the brief look of alarm cross Xander's features or the look of anticipation fall on Angel's.

Xander begins to object but thinks better of it when Giles fixes him with the a glare that says in no uncertain terms that he will tolerate no debate on the subject. Swallowing the word before they can leave his mouth cause Giles to start lecturing Xander slowly walks over to the weapons cage. He passes Angel without acknowledging the cursed vampire's presence just calmly picking up the closest broad sword and a whetstone.

Xander sits down and begins to run the stone over the blade in a smooth and methodical fashion. Xander does not look up from his task not wanting to make eye contact with Angel and then having to answer the vampire's questions. At first Xander was happy when Angel did deny recovering the piece of the Judge, but he now realizes that it would have almost been better if he had.

Xander had planned out the entire situation writing a mental script to follow as the scene played out in his head. Angel was supposed to drop the bomb and reveal that he had not been the one to recover the Judge's arm, which would cause Giles to have a conniption over the identity of the slayer vigilante. Xander would then sweep in and point out that the question of the identity of the helper paled in comparison with the problem at hand.

The whole scene worked so well in the young man's head, after a brief period of research to discover if the arm was authentic the research would begin again and Xander would be free and clear, but Angel had to screw everything up. Xander knew something was wrong when Angel kept staring at him trying to make eye contact throughout the entire day, which Xander avoided like the plague.

Now, thanks to his own impatience and lack of control, Xander has been forced into the confrontation he knew was coming. He continues to sharpen the blade without taking his eyes off of his work when he feels Angel take a seat next to him and begins to sharpen a sword of his own; Angel clears his throat purposefully trying to start a conversation.

Xander looks up at the vampire without stopping his work and checks to make sure Giles is not paying attention before whispering in an annoyed voice, "What?" Angel's hands falter and the stone slides of the side of sword. He is surprised at the young man's response not expecting to be met by annoyance of all things. He could have handled anger, guilt, or even apprehension from the boy in front of him, but annoyance was definitely unexpected.

Angel recovers quickly enough to whisper back in an equally annoyed tone, "You know what, don't give me the attitude because I know it was you who stole the Judge and I know how you did it."

Angel resumes to sharpen the sword and his tone changes to one of amusement as he leans in close as if to share in a secret. "Really Xander, playing with fire? I thought you knew better than that." Just when Xander thinks that the conversation could not become any more surreal he see the strangest sight; Angel actually smiles and says, "I would have loved to see the looks on their faces when that fire hit."

"Um, yeah, it was pretty funny," says Xander unsure of how to handle the situation. "Can we just back it up here for a second? Last time I checked we aren't friends, we aren't buddies, in fact I think that allies may be too strong of a word for us. So why the act? Why not blow my cover or at least tell Giles that you didn't steal the Judge?"

Angel pauses and just looks at the young man before smiling again like he knows something amusing, which cause Xander to get the mental picture of the normally dour vampire's face cracking and breaking from the sudden stress caused by foreign act of smiling. Angel looks away to check on Giles and finds the librarian oblivious to all things not printed on paper. The smile on Angel's face quickly fades and is replaced by the normal tight lipped frown before he leans in close and whispers, "Xander, I know about your patrolling at nights."

Angel smiles again when he sees the warrior's jaw drop while at the same time his eyebrows race up his forehead. "I've got my sources in this town and recently they have been telling me about this kid who has been patrolling the areas around Sunnydale setting traps for eager vampires. I thought it was safe to assume it was you out there after the incident with the anointed one. I heard about the fire last night and I heard what was taken. I almost didn't believe it. I had the feeling that you were going to give me the credit for this one, and I was all set to come in here and make a scene."

"Why didn't you," interrupts Xander while turning the sword over to work on the other side; he is still not sure how to handle the sudden rush of information.

Angel looks down at the sword in his hand and turns it over in his hand to check the edge. Satisfied with his work the he turns and places the sword on the rack grabs another and begins to sharpen that one as well with long and direct strokes methodically sharpening the blades edge. Angel does not look up from his work as he responds to the young man seated in front of him.

"Actually it was you who convinced me not to," says Angel looking up to make eye contact with Xander. He continues quickly not allowing Xander to interrupt and ask for an explanation. "I remembered the night they tried to bring back the Master. I remembered how you stood there with a dagger wound in your side held up by your pride and your need to see your friends returned safely. I respect the fact that you were willing to sacrifice for the people you love."

Angel pauses and lets out an unneeded breath while his jaw tenses and his eyes unfocus like he is watching something a hundred feet away. "I guess I just figured that you need to handle this your own way for your own good and for the good of the group, and I owe you one for making her nights safer," he states once again back in the present.

Xander does not have to ask who she was. He knows that they both have a certain blonde slayer on the brain, and while the vampire's actions are a mystery to him Xander knows that they will always have that passion in common. It is in this moment that vampire come to an understanding; they are not friends, buddies, or comrades, but they both feel like they can call each other allies.

The moment is broken by the shrill cry of the school bell declaring the day over and signaling the escape of the students from their classrooms, as the mob of teenagers pours out into the halls and eventually to the outside world. Xander and Angel quickly return the weapons back to the cage just in case some student decides to actually use the library.

After about three minutes of chaos outside the library doors a disheveled slayer makes her entrance. Her hair is a mess falling across her face and her clothes are rumpled and wrinkled. Xander tries to keep from laughing but can not keep the wide grin from stretching across his face.

Buffy catches his look and sends him a glare that would normally have made his smile disappear instantaneously, but with her current resemblance to an angry pile of dirty clothes it only makes Xander smile wider. "I think we need to look into the possibility that the entire student body has been possessed by hyenas," says Buffy while straightening her clothes and hair. "Although no pork products have gone missing, so I guess we can rule that out, but the next guy who bumps into me while racing to the parking lot is getting a slaying he wouldn't believe."

Buffy smiles sweetly at Angel before walking up to Giles and interrupting him from his reading. "Okay Giles, I've come to pick up our little bundle of evil for tonight," declares Buffy while grabbing the box. "I don't know when I will be able to stop by your apartment to figure out what to do with this thing. My mom wants to have a little Buffy birthday dinner, so I have to pretend to be the good daughter for a while but I will stop by when I'm done putting in my time."

Giles places his hands on the box keeping Buffy from picking it up. "Buffy I don't think it is a good idea for you to guard the Judge tonight. If this think is putting off the amount of evil I think it is anyone in possession of it will be acting as a beacon for the entire Sunnydale demonic community, and I don't want to put your mother in danger. I will keep it safe along with Angel until we can figure out how to either destroy it or hide it beyond Spike and Drusilla's grasp."

Buffy makes to protest but Giles gives her the same 'no arguments' look he gave Xander earlier and she falls into silence. Buffy goes to grab a book to help research feeling the extreme need to help after being cooped up in a classroom all day feeling useless knowing that the world was hanging in the balance while she learned quadratics. However she is shooed away quickly by the watcher who tells her in no uncertain terms to go home, relax, and enjoy her birthday.

Buffy finally retreats from the protective watcher feeling happy to have a break but at the same time she can not stop the slayer side of her from worrying about leaving her friends alone to face what she knows will be a dangerous situation. Buffy passes through the library's large double doors and starts on her trek home made longer by her worry and concerns. She finally makes it home to spend some greatly missed normal time with her mother.

Back at the library about two minutes after Buffy's departure Willow and Cordelia walk in. Cordelia immediately approaches Xander, who is in the back placing the books that have already been searched back on the shelves in their places throughout the shelves, and wraps her arm inside his and gives him her sweetest most charming smile possible.

"So are we still going to Buffy's party together," she asks trying to keep her tone as unexcited as possible. Xander looks down and stares at Cordelia's hand holding on to the crook of his elbow not quite sure what it is doing there. What Xander does not know is that Cordelia has developed a crush on the young warrior over the past few months.

Ever since Cordelia decided to help out the gang in their after school activities Xander has saved her life on numerous occasions. Everything ranging from saving her from a lab fire caused by two students who tried to use her to finish a zombie companion for their undead creation to protecting her from a Taraka assassin has caused Cordelia to see Xander in a new light. The problem is that Xander has not responded to any of her subtle and not so subtle hints, which has only cause Sunnydale's spoiled princess, who is used to getting everything she wants, to want him all the more.

"Actually Cordelia there has been a slight change of plan and we may not even have the party," answers Xander deftly removing his arm from her grasp to continue re-shelving the books. "You should be happy this will save you the risk of pulling a muscle doing all of that pouring and stirring that comes from preparing the chips and dips."

Xander bends down to put the last book away and starts walking backwards toward the front of the library so he can continue to talk to Cordelia. "Unless Giles has suddenly been struck with the crazies I think the party will be a no go. I mean who in their right mind would hold a party whil…" Xander is interrupted in mid sentence when he hears from behind him.

"No, Willow the party will proceed as planned, you do not have to break your date."

Xander stops in mid backward stride right before the stairs leading to the lower level and quickly turns around to confirm whom he had just heard talking. Giles is sitting at the table with Angel and Willow standing in front of him.

"That couldn't have been Giles I just heard," the young man declares loudly taking the steps to the front lower level in one bound to stand next to Willow in front of the table that Giles is seated at. "In fact that couldn't have been Giles, because the Giles I know would not decide to throw a party while guarding a demon homing device. It would go against every stuffy bone in his body."

"Actually I think that we can keep the artifact safe with a blocking spell that Ms. Calendar found. I would also be remiss if I did not point out that this is Buffy's only seventeenth birthday and it is our duty as her friends to make sure that she has a happy and memorable one."

"I guess your right," concedes Xander, "but it is the memorable part I am concerned about. So we keep the same plan and meet at the Bronze a little before nine then?" Xander reaches over and pats the wooden box containing the Judge and asks, "Who is going to be bringing the guest of honor? Because I think Angel would probably be our best bet if he doesn't think his demon would be affected by the amount of evil this thing produces."

Angel reaches out and picks up the box hefting it in his hand to feel the weight in his arms and on his soul and declares, "I can handle it, and I think Xander is right I'm the best choice for carrying this thing. I'll meet you at the bronze tonight and I hope to have some good news about this thing."

Giles simply nods in agreement and takes that as his cue to begin his research again. Angel turns and nods to Xander quickly reminding both of their earlier conversation and the understanding reached. Angel then takes off toward the back door with the judge when Willow calls out, "What about the sun? Aren't you going to you know, 'go poof' if you step out there."

Angel gives the read head a happy smile and points toward the front of the school. The sun is going down over there and there is a man-hole covering to the right of the door that should be in shadow by now. I will be fine."

Angel turns quickly and slips out of the back door carrying with him an object that could destroy humanity. Xander and Willow both shudder slightly at the shared thought before turning back to go over the information gathered from their day of research.

* * *

When Willow suggested having the party at the Bronze nobody realized that getting the Bronze to let the gang hold I private party on a weekday would be much easier and cheaper than expected. It turns out that you can not own a nightclub for teenagers on the Hellmouth without knowing the score. Giles was pleasantly surprised that as soon as he mentioned Buffy's name the owner not only cleared the day but also did it for free.

And so the Bronze is not inhabited by dancing groping hormonal teens on this special occasion. The owner even gave them the okay to decorate for the party, so the dark atmosphere of the teen hang out is brightened by a modest amount of banners and streamers.

Xander looks at the room's decor and shudders remembering the same type of decorations he found in the currently burned down factory. Xander walks the perimeter of the large dance hall absent mindedly feeling the walls with his hand letting his fingertips brush across the textured surface created by the paint while listening to Willow and Jenny Calendar set up for a spell in the center of the dance floor. He can also hear Cordelia talking to Oz trying to distract the guitar hero from the ritual that is to take place. Of course with Oz being less than responsive the conversation has degraded into Cordelia prattling on about anything that comes to mind.

Willow described the spell, as creating a barrier around an area that would block all forms of organic energy from entering or leaving. Xander had to frown at that description because he could not be certain of how he would react to the spell.

Of course it is too late now because the circle has been drawn and the spell has begun. Under the worried gaze of Giles and Angel the two casters begin to chant in a strange form of Latin not used since the decline of the druid faith in England.

In the center of the circle lies the nondescript wooden box containing the azure arm of the Judge. The group had spent another hour pouring over the research looking for an answer, but they could not find an answer. Xander can not help but feel like the answer is close to him just waiting for him to find it. He can feel it tickling his brain teasing him with the precious knowledge.

The spell reaches its climax as the transparent barrier begins to for around the bronze as the two caster's voices reach a crescendo. When the spell is finished Willow falls forward leaning on the wooden box for support spiritually spent for the moment.

Giles, Cordelia, and Angel begin to look around futilely trying to see if the spell was a success, but Xander continues to walk the perimeter feeling the walls with his hands. He begins to slow as his mind tries to wrap around the dual sensations it is receiving. Xander can still feel the wall beneath his hand; the texture of the paint, the hard and thin layer of drywall, and the slight depression and swells where the wood frame underneath adds extra support to the wall. Yet at the same time his mind can feel the barrier in his mind pulsing with quiet strength reflecting the waves given off from the occupants. The sensations mix and meld giving the wall an impenetrable feeling.

Jenny Calendar recovers from the spell first quickly and reaches out to rub Willow's shoulder and whispers words of encouragement to the girl telling her how well she did for her spell. After a brief rest Willow stands up and looks to Jenny and asks, "did it work? Because I don't think I want to do that again just yet."

Jenny laughs and walks the young woman over to one of the many vacant tables. "No Willow, it worked perfectly, and you should be very proud that your first spell actually worked. I remember my first spell was a sleep spell I tried to cast on a friend as a prank, but it actually did the exact opposite, which was okay because once the spell wore off she did sleep for a long time."

Giles walks over to the two and places a warm hand on both of their shoulders, as a silent signal to Willow of his pride in her and to Jenny as a display of thinly veiled affection. "I guess Willow won't be up to going over to Buffy's house to relay our message," says the watcher giving Willow a warm smile.

"I'll go," says Angel from behind Giles, but before Giles can respond Jenny's head shoots up and she interrupts. "No you can't! Um, I mean…who would guard the Judge in case something happens? Let me go instead I'll get her here and I can keep a secret." Nobody saw the bit of guilt and sadness cross Jenny's features at the last statement.

"I don't think that is wise with the vampire community no doubt out tonight combing the town in search of our piece of the Judge," says Giles hardly disguising the worry in his voice.

"Rupert, I would have you know that I am quite capable of looking out for myself, and by your logic if they are all out looking for the judge they won't be looking for a snack," responds Jenny heatedly.

Giles sees the fire in her eyes and looks to Angel for support but only receives a helpless shrug in response. "Very well, I guess you will be okay, but do be careful," says Giles with a heavy sigh.

"Okay, I will try and not die tonight, but only because you asked me to, says Jenny before she stands up and walk out of the door on her way to Buffy's house.

The gang begins to busy themselves in preparation for Buffy's arrival. Giles spends his time checking the decorations and the sound system to make sure that everything was set. Xander had to chuckle at the watcher's mothering behavior. Oz took the opportunity to check on Willow since he had been slightly intimidated by the watcher's presence before, and his attention serves to speed up Willow's own recovery due to her excitement. Cordelia enlists herself in the Giles' service by checking on the food making sure that the 'chips are properly poured and the dips are correctly stirred' as the librarian put it.

Finally Xander's gaze falls on Angel sitting at a table off to the side with the recovered segment of the Judge staring at it. The vampire's eyes look so worn and tragic that Xander can not help but wonder what the vampire is feeling. Xander tries to find the vampire's signature but he discovers a strange side effect of the spell. With the barrier reflecting the emotions and auras of everyone in the room Xander can not distinguish the current feeling from the emotions sent out in the past.

Xander feels what seems like a thousand people surrounding him all talking at once telling the same story but none telling the same part. The beginning meshes with the end and swirls back to the middle before splitting into the beginning and the end. Xander also feels the evil of the judge except it feels time a hundred pieces surrounding him. Xander panics once again remembering the events of the morning and knowing that this time he can not flee from the evil that purveys the room.

The room starts to spin faster and faster making the colors on the walls streak and the faces of his friends blur as his mind whirls looking for escape or safety. With no where else to turn Xander pulls inward and searches for respite inside of himself. The sudden animalistic panic that overtook the young man subsides when his consciousness falls into his center and lets the soothing calm with in wash away the previous hysteria.

Xander can feel the calming power surround him like a security blanket giving him shelter and warmth. The need to feel the soothing power drives Xander to burrow deeper into himself pulling the power around him molding it and concentrating it without thought. In his mind's eye Xander is surprised to find that the concentrated power has consolidated around his body creating a thin barrier around his body.

With a thought Xander melts the barrier letting it return to the flow around him and then pulls it back in again. Laughing like a child with a new toy Xander forms the power into different shapes and sizes and then letting them melt back into the current. With the answer in hand Xander lends his consciousness back to the outside world and begins to pull out the power from inside of him and consolidating it into a barrier to protect his mind from the constant onslaught of emotions.

The young man decides to create a simple barrier about six inches in front of him instead of trying to form it to fit his form. Xander begins to build a wall around him be creating a simple framework and pouring the power into it like a construction worker pouring cement. Xander then begins to add more power compressing the calming force into an almost solid object. Xander stops when he can no longer feel the press of emotions and finally lets his consciousness return once again to his body and the world around him.

Xander comes out of the trance slowly shaking his head to clear the images from his eyes and looks to see if anyone noticed his mental vacancy. He finds everyone wrapped up in his or her own prior activities except for Angel. To Xander's surprise the vampire has moved his stare from the Judge to let it fall on him. Angel holds the young man's gaze for a few seconds before nodding slightly and returning to his somber vigil over the Judge.

Xander glances at his watch to try and calculate how long he was gone but is interrupted by Willow whispering loudly, "Quiet, I think I hear them coming."

Well I guess that answers that question, says Xander inside his head as he takes up position behind one of the tables to the right of the entrance and closest to the door.

The Bronze becomes silent as everyone dives for cover straining to hear the approaching footsteps. The footsteps grow closer and louder until the door open's and Buffy's voice enters the room. "So why are we meeting here again? I mean I know the whole hiding in plain sight thing, but I don't think anyone is here. I hope nothing has happened"

"Surprise!" exclaims the group as they spring from their hiding places causing Buffy to starts and react with slayer instinct sending a previously concealed stake flying directly toward Xander's heart. Sending Xander into a reaction without conscious thought twisting his hips to align his shoulders parallel with the flying stake while bending backwards like a limbo champ letting the stake fly harmlessly in front of his chest and narrowly avoiding his loose fitting shirt.

"Oh God! Xander," exclaims Buffy, rushing over to check on her friend. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to; I swear. It was just that this place felt weird and then everyone started yelling, and it felt like there were vampires all over the place, so I reacted. I'm so sorry." Buffy wraps her arms around the young man and pulls him into a tight hug.

"Happy birthday Buff, should I be honored that I got to be the receiver of the traditional birthday staking," asks Xander while Buffy busies herself touching the front of his shirt to make sure it, and the wearer, had survived the impromptu attack unscathed. He is surprised to see the looks of shock on everyone's faces except for Angel, who has a look of amusement plastered of his face that makes Xander want to punch the look right off of the vampire's angelic face.

The smile on the vampire's face quickly changes to jealousy when Buffy's hands begin to rub across Xander's chest more and more turning a simple check of the young man's shirt into a thorough examination of his pectorals. Ooh, musclely, when did Xander get these, Buffy thinks to herself. Note to self: remember to buy Xander tighter clothes for his birthday. Wait a minute, when is Xander's birthday, and when did he get these muscles?

Giles clears his throat pulling Buffy from inner monologue with a start causing her cheeks to redden and her gaze to fall to the floor. "Xander, what just happened here," asks Giles, not exactly sure what question he was requesting an answer for.

The young warrior studies Giles' face looking for an answer within the tiny worry lines earned from years of fighting the good fight in some form or another. "Well, near as I can tell Buffy tried to stake me, but luckily her aim was off from her surprise and I guess the soldier reaction took over," lies Xander, knowing that the stake was aimed true and that his reaction had little to do with the events of Halloween. But he also knows that as long as Giles continues to feel guilty for the actions of his former friend the watcher will not press the subject.

"I also think that the spell affected Buffy's natural reaction," says Xander giving Giles another topic in the hopes of deferring any more questions.

"How could it have done that," Willow asks, "the spell didn't say anything about affecting the senses, just that it blocks organic energy."

Giles removes his glasses and places the end against his lips trying to wrap his mind around the problem while Xander sits in silence not wanting to steal the watcher's big revelation. Giles begins to pace as he verbalizes his thoughts; "It would seem that by enacting the barrier all of the energies were reflected off of the barrier back and forth, similar to how a laser beam is created."

Giles begins to move faster as his thoughts pick up momentum. Suddenly he stops and points his glasses toward Angel saying, "Angel's presence must have caused his organic signature to be repeatedly bounced off the walls with more and more being added until it created the effect of the room feeling like it was inhabited by a hundred vampires." Giles signals his completion by returning his glasses back to their resting-place on his face.

Xander mentally congratulates himself for figuring it out before the librarian, but is sure to look impressed by the sudden revelation. Xander looks around and sees that Jenny Calendar is staring at Giles with thinly veiled admiration, and he can not help the smile that creeps across his face at the thought of Giles actually finding happiness with the beautiful computer teacher.

"Hey," exclaims Willow trying to inject the party with energy, "why don't we open presents?"

"Ooh, and dip, I brought that myself," interjects Cordelia with renewed perkiness earning her a few looks. "What, I did," answers the princess of Sunnydale High with a patronizing tone.

After the food is distributed, with Xander taking a large portion not wanting to see perfectly good snack foods go to waste, the group gathers around one of the larger tables the Bronze had to offer with presents in hand with Buffy seated at the head of the table.

Willow is determined to give her present first and nearly elbows Giles in the face in her haste to see the present in her best friend's hands. "This is from Oz and I," says Willow as she passes the present to Buffy, who eagerly rips off the paper from the box tossing it to the side and pulls the top off of the box to find a pair of white, heeled sandals. "I saw you looking at them the other day, so I went back and got them for you after you went home," remarks Willow trying hard to hide her anxiousness over the present.

"They're great, I know just what to wear them with." answers Buffy allaying her friend's fears by pulling her into a hug.

"Well, it isn't shoes, but I hope that you like it," says Giles while passing Buffy his present. Buffy tears into this one as well pulling of the paper quickly to find two books. On top is a copy of "The Slayer's Handbook" and underneath is a dark blue, leather bound book with the initials 'BAS' written on the front in silver and a small silver clasp on the side of the book to hold it closed. "I saw how you acted when Kendra and I were talking about it, so I figured you would like a copy too." say Giles wiping his glasses with a handkerchief. "I know you already have a diary, but I felt that this one would be useful if you ever need a replacement." Buffy smiles and wraps Giles in a hug as well thanking him for the present.

Cordelia goes next and gives Buffy a gift certificate for a free massage followed by Jenny Calendar who gives her a gift certificate to the Sunnydale mall.

Xander goes next and produces a large heavy looking box from under the table wrapped in simple dark green wrapping paper. "I didn't know what to get 'the slayer who has everything', so I went with a more practical gift," Xander says with a smirk. Buffy looks the present over trying to decide what could be in it but is interrupted by Willow, who shouts, "open it already, I'm dying to know what he got you. He wouldn't tell me what he got you all this week only saying it was a surprise." Which causes Xander to blush slightly and prompts Buffy to immediately tear into the paper protecting the surprise beneath.

The paper is removed to reveal a simple mahogany box with a basic latch to hold the box closed. A swirling pattern is carved into the perimeter of the top of the box with a rose on each corner where the swirling lines meet. In the center of the lid 'Buffy' is carved in curving cursive. Buffy runs her fingers along the lid feeling the thin grains of the wood, tracing the carved lines along their infinite journey. "It's beautiful," says Buffy, "where did you find it?"

Xander smiles a crooked grin at the compliment and responds, "I figured that you would be able to recognize a Harris original. My cousin Robby works as an apprentice carpenter here in town and I got him to let me use his workspace. Well don't just stand there looking at a silly box, open it." His smile widens when Buffy unhooks the latch and pushes open the lid to find a picture of the original gang framed into the bottom of the lid, but the real kicker comes when Buffy finds what is sitting in the bottom of the box.

Inside the box lies an assortment of different stakes all placed in a specifically shaped depression in the dark blue pillow inside. Upon inspecting the stakes Buffy finds that each one has been carved to a deadly point and has a braided leather grip on each one. Buffy pulls out a cross that has been sharpened at the bottom to serve as a stake as well, two double-sided stakes, a short thin stake, and a longer than normal stake. Buffy notices that the two-sided stakes and the long stakes are each equipped with three curious grooves spiraling around the stake all the way up to the handle.

"The grooves help it fly straighter and longer in case you need to throw them," supplies Xander helpfully. "I couldn't think of anything else to get you and this seemed easier than lurking in the women's departments in the Sunnydale mall. The real hard part was finding a priest to bless them. You would be surprised how high the eyebrows will raised when you ask a man of the cloth to bless large pointy sticks."

"You made these," asks Giles taking up the long stake and running it through his hands inspecting the workmanship.

"That depends if Buffy likes them," answers Xander, who is beginning to truly hate the watcher's seemingly constant questions. "I specifically like the miniature stake, because you never know when a blood sucker will pop in for a go."

It was in that moment that the world decided to prove that it had a warped sense of humor because not two seconds after the words left Xander's lips a horde of vampires burst through the front door of the Bronze. "Damn it," exclaimed Xander grabbing the Judge box from the table and pushing it into Buffy's hands. "Take it and run Buff. They don't want us and they can't be allowed to get this piece."

When Buffy starts to protest Xander looks to Angel and says, "Go with her and make sure she get to safety. You know what it will mean if we fail, and I know I'm not ready for the end of humanity. Go!"

Xander watches with satisfaction when he sees Angel grab Buffy's hand and take off toward the back exit and the maze of alleys and decrepit buildings it leads to. Xander looks to the box of stakes Buffy left behind and begins to pass them out to the people remaining.

"Giles I hope that you don't leave home without a stake because we are a little low on fire power," says Xander, and he is relieved to see Giles pull out a stake and two crosses from his coat pockets. "Okay good, we need to keep these vamps confused and off balance so we will make a run for it and slip away forcing them to split up to search for Buffy and the Judge. With only Buffy and Angel they should make it out easily and if we can make it to someone's house we can wait until dawn and regroup."

Giles only nods and gives Xander a strange look, which the young man has no time to contemplate as he continues to hand out stakes and crosses. Giving Cordelia the stake cross hybrid, Willow the long stake, Oz the double sided stakes, and Jenny the miniature stake along with Giles' extra cross. After the weapons are distributed Xander and Giles herd everyone toward the back exit.

The group makes it outside and begins to run for cover, but Xander stops following when he hears from behind him, "Find the artifact and the boy. Spike will reward the one who brings him the boy's heart with the blood of his friends."

Xander knows that if he stays with the group he will lead the vampires right to him and the others, so instead of following the group he turns around, pulls out his daggers, and runs back into the Bronze to meet the group of vampires running his way.

Xander drops his barrier and lets the auras of the vampires wash over him driving him to move faster and fight harder. Xander pushes himself faster to make it back inside the room where he stands a better chance of winning with the many obstacles to keep the vampires from attacking at once.

Xander flies through the door but does not slow down and continues to charge the group of vampires, who had stopped to watch the spectacle of a human actually running toward them instead of away. When he gets within striking distance Xander unloads all of his strength and momentum into the closest vampire with a strong side kick to the sternum, which launches the vampire backwards into his friends. Xander doesn't take the time to sit and count how many vampires are in the chaotic mass of writhing limbs as the vampires try to break free from one another.

Xander moves away quickly, rolling over the tops of tables to put some room between him and the large mass of bloodthirsty vampires. Xander quickly taps into the anger boiling inside of him and is surprised to feel it coming into him from around the room; the barrier sending the released energy back into the young man feeding his anger and rage continually.

An eager vampire attacks the young man from behind trying to get the quick kill, but Xander feels the attack before it even started and the vampire find his fist connecting with nothing but emptiness when Xander ducks and spins then springing forward with a viscous strike. The blade enters the vampire's chest burning the undead flesh and destroying the demon's black heart turning the vampire into dust.

With the rage burning in his soul Xander relishes the feeling of the vampire crumbling into dust. Xander feels the animal within him straining to be unleashed feeding off of the anger that surrounds him bringing with it the basic animal need to protect its territory and its pack.

With a wild cry of rage Xander launches himself at the mass of vampires not caring about the danger reveling in the blood and destruction he brings. Xander drives into the middle of the group swinging his blades wildly listening to the macabre symphony of sounds that surround him; of the wind created by his swinging blades, the screams of pain and anguish, and the resounding beat of flesh striking flesh.

Xander gives himself over to his instincts and begins to dance to the song of battle like a flame flickering in a swirling wind. Constantly in motion he disappears into the swarm of vampires before erupting skyward with his blades flashing under the florescent lights. Xander moves from side to side creating a circle of opponents with him in the center continually moving from one place to another whenever the press of bodies becomes closer ready to meet the challenge with singing blades and blind fury. Yet the vampires do not quit always returning to the fight whenever Xander moves to face another threat. They land blow after blow but there is no room for pain in the swirl of anger inside the warrior; he feels the dagger knocked out of his right hand but there is no room for fear when a being is consumed with rage.

The fight begins to move around the room as Xander's attacks become wilder and wilder. Soon death becomes the fights only motivation, and the young man's gaze prophesizes doom for all it falls upon. Xander push kicks a vampire away from the fray and rushes in pursuit driving into the vampire carrying the demon toward the back while trying to find the heart with his remaining dagger. His blade finds the heart just as he connects with the door shattering it into kindling and depositing him into the alley outside.

The remaining vampires watch the warrior turn to face them with a feral smile fixed to his mouth. They see his chest heaving from exertion, but notice no failing of intensity, they see blood, which only a small part of is his, soaking his clothes but can see no signs of concern, and they see one young boy but can only find death in his wake. The vampires then look to their own numbers finding only a portion of their original group with many more lying on the ground clutching bloody stumps and holding together gaping wounds. It is then that the remaining vampires make the only decision their self-preserving demons can let them make; they pick up the wounded and run for their lives.

Xander watches the vampires turn tail and run feeling the need to fight leave with them. Now that he is out of the barrier his anger, which had worked itself into such a blazing inferno, quickly consumes itself leaving the young man tired and weak. The remaining crimson colored dagger falls from his nerveless hand clattering to the ground splattering the alley.

It takes all of Xander's remaining strength to pull himself to the alley's wall, leaving a trail of red drops behind him, onto which he falls; his back landing with a sickly wet slap. Xander slowly slides down the side of the alley before letting the darkness of exhaustion claim him.

* * *

End of Chapter 9