Title: A Fair Exchange.
Author: Charlie
Timeline: Post BtVS S7 & AtS S5. Sequel to "Best Laid Plans."
Summary:Xander begins revamping the slayer school but finds his biggest challeges lie within.
Feedback is always appreciated.
Author Notes: Round and round, the ship goes. Where it lands, the
Author doesn't know. Will it be (A)my, (B)uffy, (C)ordelia, (D)awn, (F)aith, (F)red, (H)armony, (K)ennedy or (W)illow that wins the Xandman?
He could hear them coming now in the darkness. Low, tortured moans of creatures that should have been left in peace reached his ears. The rain increased now, providing a steady backdrop to cries of the things approaching him. His gaze shifted first to the axe leaning a nearby tree, then to the shotgun in his hands. There had been little warning beforehand, little time to gather ammunition for it, little time to prepare. The smell of rotting flesh reached his nostrils, they were close. He thought briefly of the others, his friends, classmates, people he had known all of his life, in the town behind him. Would he ever see their faces again? Or hear their voices?
"Probably not. Still have to try though. For them."
As the first of them shuffled into view, he shifted his weight and called out to them, "Here I am you unholy sons of bitches. Fresh meat awaits."
They heard him and started moving faster towards, anxious to feed their never-ending hunger for flesh. Silently, Cole Rayne offered up a prayer and began the first battle (and what he was sure his last) as a champion.
-Crestview-
"Are you sure about this Buffy?"
"Of course I'm sure Willow. I'm not going to let some jackass who the council likes just waltz in here and take over. And I'm sure as hell not going to let them run MY life anymore."
"I'm with you B."
Buffy nodded at Faith's words and entered the auditorium with Willow and the other slayer on her heels. Inside were all of the slayers at the school along with the staff. The young girls shifted in their seats at the appearance of the two elder slayers and the witch. Most knew the exploits of the two slayers and the witch. Many idolized them, looked upon on them as living legends and great heroes, especially Buffy. Who else could tame and turn the lives of two vampires, and convince them to regain their souls for her.
The blonde slayer smiled as she saw the girls focus their attention on her. Behind her, Willow and Faith stood in silence, watching her and them. She addressed the gathered slayers, "All right, I'm sure you're all wondering why this assembly was called. Well there have been a lot of rumors and stories going around campus and this assembly is to clear the air and put these rumors to rest. I will begin by answering any questions you may have. Now who is first?"
"I am." A familiar voice called out causing Buffy to scowl and everyone in the audience turned to see Alexander Harris enter the auditorium.
"I have sum questions Buffy. Starting with why are you lying to these girls about who you are and what you did?"
She glared at him as he climbed up on the stage and made his way to the podium. "I have told them nothing but the truth, Xander."
"No, you told them the truth according to Buffy, not the truth of what actually happened." He stepped in front of the microphone and faced the girls. Buffy made no move to stop him as he began speaking to the young slayers; "Buffy Anne Summers entered my life just about nine years ago. When I first saw her, I was honestly stunned by her," that drew a few smiles from the girls and he continued, "but then I learned there was a lot more to her then just her looks."
The smiles on the girls faded as Alex spoke, telling them the truth of what had happened in Sunnydale. He told them everything. From the time he was possessed by the spirit of a hyena to living the life of a soldier on Halloween. Alex told them about Angel, the Master, Buffy's life and death battle with him, the use of CPR to bring her back, the return of Angelus, the life and death of Jenny Calendar, Cordelia, the opening of Acathla. When he told them about lying about the re-casting of the soul curse, he stopped and looked behind him. Buffy and Willow wore looks of rage mixed with confusion. The slayer spoke in a voice quaking with rage, "You bastard, how could you?"
"How could I? I was worried that you might DIE, Buffy."
"Might die? Is that another flimsy excuse for being jealous?"
"I got over you a long time ago Buffy. Especially after I realized you let a corpse into you."
He turned his attention back to the Slayers and continued speaking. Alex spoke of Faith, Oz, Kendra, The Mayor, Faith's fall to darkness, Amy, the Ascension at Graduation Day, the Judge, their first year in College, the Initiative, Anya Tara, Adam, the enjoining spell, Spike's chip, Dawn, Riley, Glory, and Buffy's sacrifice. The young slayers were spellbound as they processed what they had heard. When he spoke next it was in a more somber tone as he related the events of Buffy's return, the appearance of Sweet, Willow's magic addiction, Buffy's relationship with Spike. He pulled no punches as he spoke of his failed wedding to Anya and her return to demon status and embracing Spike, Tara's death, Willow's attempt to destroy the world and ending with Spike's attempted rape of Buffy in her own bathroom.
By the time he spoke of the events leading up to the destruction of Sunnydale, the girls were no longer spellbound and instead were stunned. Alex's voice was cold and emotionless as he told them about Spike's return with his soul, Anya's return to humanity, Andrew joining the group, Willow and Kennedy beginning their relationship, the return of Faith and the addition of Wood to their ranks. He held nothing back he described the battle with Caleb, the loss of his eye, the confrontation with Buffy, her declaration that only Spike was watching her back, the discovery of the scythe, and the final battle with the first including the death of Anya and Spike's sacrifice as he best understood it. Finished he stepped away from the microphone and looked over the assembled group of slayers.
No longer were they gazing up at Buffy with admiration in their eyes, now they were scared of her. Buffy opened her mouth to say something but saw a number of the girls flinch and turn away from her. Her jaw clamped shut and she turned on Xander.
"What the hell do you think YOU'RE doing?"
"I'm telling them the truth from someone who was there. I think they're owed that much."
"The truth? All you're doing is undermining what we're trying to do here and-"
"And what? Your authority? Your compassion? You don't have either one. You have no authority or compassion for anyone, you're selfish little bitch."
"I am the most experienced Slayer, I'm the one who saved the world."
"Okay, A) We've all saved the world at one time or another, B) you're the most experienced slayer, so what? That gives you the right to decide to kill Anya and spare Spike or Angelus? Is that it?"
Buffy took a step closer to him, "I am in charge here Xander."
There was a pause as Alex's face changed and Cole took over, "Not anymore Summers. I already told you, you've been replaced."
Faith moved from where she had been until she was close to Buffy, "Ain't gonna be no replacements except for your sorry ass." She growled at him.
Cole seemed amused, "Oh I guess one public embarrassment isn't enough for Summers and you Southie look like you need another asswhupin."
The dark slayer looked over at Buffy, "What you say B? A twofer?"
Buffy nodded and both girls assumed fighting stances. Cole smirked and widened his stance, "Bring it on."
Willow started, "Guys please stop."
The two slayers ignored her and attacked. Cole blocked Buffy's first punch and deflected Faith's kick into the older slayer's midsection. He followed that up by kicking Faith in the stomach and ramming his forearm into Buffy's chin that staggered her. Moving quickly he grabbed Buffy by the arm and slung her into Faith halting the second slayer's attempted attack. Faith pushed Buffy off of her just in time to be punched in face. She felt her head snap back from the force of the blow and was left in a daze. Buffy tried to capitalize by launching a spinning backhand at Cole only to have it snatched and stopped by him. Faith staggered to her feet and tried to attack again only to be restrained by Wood. In her condition, she was too woozy to shake him off and watched what happened.
Buffy tried in vain to break the hold he had on her arm. Travis made a move towards intervening but was frozen in his tracks by the cold look he saw in the other man's gaze. He leaned in close to her; she could fell his hot breath on her neck as Cole's icy voice sent shivers up her spine.
"Hey Buffy, remember all those times other people saved your ass?"
She quit her struggling for the most part and was silent for a bit before answering, "Yes."
"Did you ever thank them?"
"No."
"Don't you wish you had?"
Buffy's eyes widened as she felt him lean back. Without warning, Cole twisted her arm sharply. She felt the tendons and ligaments in her shoulder tear sending her into agony. Agony that intensified as Cole broke both her arm and snapped her wrist. Finished, he let go of her arm hang limply by her side.
Not bothering to pay attention to the wounded slayer, Cole strode to the front of the stage and addressed the slayers. "My name is Cole," he told the assembled girls, most of who wore expressions of fear and shock at what had happened.
"As for this moment, this school is now under the guidance and leadership of the Watcher's council. Alexander Harris and I will now be the ones in charge of all major school decisions. Robin Wood will remain on as principal. In the upcoming days, we will be conducting a review of everything related to this school. Including your grades and overall classroom performance."
He paused, watching the passive reaction he was getting, 'Good'. "Until that review is complete, I am adding a few new rules which will become part of the curriculum. One, all patrols will be conducted only by people I approve of and with my express approval. Two, All classes, study groups and clubs that NOT directly related to academics and real world scholastic pursuits are immediately suspended."
That had a much stronger impression on them, 'No more full contact sparring matches in gym today'.
"There will be new teachers coming to this school. They will be fully qualified and you WILL give them your full and undivided attention. You will show them respect and you will learn what they have to teach you. Any violation of these rules or of the old ones will be brought to Principal Wood's attention and that will make ME unhappy." He didn't glare at them; the tone in his voice was enough.
"Good, I'm glad you all understand. I'm a fairly easy guy to get along with as long as we follow the rules."
Finished Cole hopped off the stage and walked out of the auditorium. He had made it just halfway down the hall when Wood caught up with him.
"Was that really necessary?"
"Breaking Buffy's arm or the speech?"
"Both."
"Yes. Different means, different paths, same goal."
"She may very well hate you for life because of that."
"I'll make a mental note not to expect a Christmas card."
Wood grabbed his arm as he changed back to Alex.
"I hope you know what you're doing."
" Me too Robin."
Author: Charlie
Timeline: Post BtVS S7 & AtS S5. Sequel to "Best Laid Plans."
Summary:Xander begins revamping the slayer school but finds his biggest challeges lie within.
Feedback is always appreciated.
Author Notes: Round and round, the ship goes. Where it lands, the
Author doesn't know. Will it be (A)my, (B)uffy, (C)ordelia, (D)awn, (F)aith, (F)red, (H)armony, (K)ennedy or (W)illow that wins the Xandman?
He could hear them coming now in the darkness. Low, tortured moans of creatures that should have been left in peace reached his ears. The rain increased now, providing a steady backdrop to cries of the things approaching him. His gaze shifted first to the axe leaning a nearby tree, then to the shotgun in his hands. There had been little warning beforehand, little time to gather ammunition for it, little time to prepare. The smell of rotting flesh reached his nostrils, they were close. He thought briefly of the others, his friends, classmates, people he had known all of his life, in the town behind him. Would he ever see their faces again? Or hear their voices?
"Probably not. Still have to try though. For them."
As the first of them shuffled into view, he shifted his weight and called out to them, "Here I am you unholy sons of bitches. Fresh meat awaits."
They heard him and started moving faster towards, anxious to feed their never-ending hunger for flesh. Silently, Cole Rayne offered up a prayer and began the first battle (and what he was sure his last) as a champion.
-Crestview-
"Are you sure about this Buffy?"
"Of course I'm sure Willow. I'm not going to let some jackass who the council likes just waltz in here and take over. And I'm sure as hell not going to let them run MY life anymore."
"I'm with you B."
Buffy nodded at Faith's words and entered the auditorium with Willow and the other slayer on her heels. Inside were all of the slayers at the school along with the staff. The young girls shifted in their seats at the appearance of the two elder slayers and the witch. Most knew the exploits of the two slayers and the witch. Many idolized them, looked upon on them as living legends and great heroes, especially Buffy. Who else could tame and turn the lives of two vampires, and convince them to regain their souls for her.
The blonde slayer smiled as she saw the girls focus their attention on her. Behind her, Willow and Faith stood in silence, watching her and them. She addressed the gathered slayers, "All right, I'm sure you're all wondering why this assembly was called. Well there have been a lot of rumors and stories going around campus and this assembly is to clear the air and put these rumors to rest. I will begin by answering any questions you may have. Now who is first?"
"I am." A familiar voice called out causing Buffy to scowl and everyone in the audience turned to see Alexander Harris enter the auditorium.
"I have sum questions Buffy. Starting with why are you lying to these girls about who you are and what you did?"
She glared at him as he climbed up on the stage and made his way to the podium. "I have told them nothing but the truth, Xander."
"No, you told them the truth according to Buffy, not the truth of what actually happened." He stepped in front of the microphone and faced the girls. Buffy made no move to stop him as he began speaking to the young slayers; "Buffy Anne Summers entered my life just about nine years ago. When I first saw her, I was honestly stunned by her," that drew a few smiles from the girls and he continued, "but then I learned there was a lot more to her then just her looks."
The smiles on the girls faded as Alex spoke, telling them the truth of what had happened in Sunnydale. He told them everything. From the time he was possessed by the spirit of a hyena to living the life of a soldier on Halloween. Alex told them about Angel, the Master, Buffy's life and death battle with him, the use of CPR to bring her back, the return of Angelus, the life and death of Jenny Calendar, Cordelia, the opening of Acathla. When he told them about lying about the re-casting of the soul curse, he stopped and looked behind him. Buffy and Willow wore looks of rage mixed with confusion. The slayer spoke in a voice quaking with rage, "You bastard, how could you?"
"How could I? I was worried that you might DIE, Buffy."
"Might die? Is that another flimsy excuse for being jealous?"
"I got over you a long time ago Buffy. Especially after I realized you let a corpse into you."
He turned his attention back to the Slayers and continued speaking. Alex spoke of Faith, Oz, Kendra, The Mayor, Faith's fall to darkness, Amy, the Ascension at Graduation Day, the Judge, their first year in College, the Initiative, Anya Tara, Adam, the enjoining spell, Spike's chip, Dawn, Riley, Glory, and Buffy's sacrifice. The young slayers were spellbound as they processed what they had heard. When he spoke next it was in a more somber tone as he related the events of Buffy's return, the appearance of Sweet, Willow's magic addiction, Buffy's relationship with Spike. He pulled no punches as he spoke of his failed wedding to Anya and her return to demon status and embracing Spike, Tara's death, Willow's attempt to destroy the world and ending with Spike's attempted rape of Buffy in her own bathroom.
By the time he spoke of the events leading up to the destruction of Sunnydale, the girls were no longer spellbound and instead were stunned. Alex's voice was cold and emotionless as he told them about Spike's return with his soul, Anya's return to humanity, Andrew joining the group, Willow and Kennedy beginning their relationship, the return of Faith and the addition of Wood to their ranks. He held nothing back he described the battle with Caleb, the loss of his eye, the confrontation with Buffy, her declaration that only Spike was watching her back, the discovery of the scythe, and the final battle with the first including the death of Anya and Spike's sacrifice as he best understood it. Finished he stepped away from the microphone and looked over the assembled group of slayers.
No longer were they gazing up at Buffy with admiration in their eyes, now they were scared of her. Buffy opened her mouth to say something but saw a number of the girls flinch and turn away from her. Her jaw clamped shut and she turned on Xander.
"What the hell do you think YOU'RE doing?"
"I'm telling them the truth from someone who was there. I think they're owed that much."
"The truth? All you're doing is undermining what we're trying to do here and-"
"And what? Your authority? Your compassion? You don't have either one. You have no authority or compassion for anyone, you're selfish little bitch."
"I am the most experienced Slayer, I'm the one who saved the world."
"Okay, A) We've all saved the world at one time or another, B) you're the most experienced slayer, so what? That gives you the right to decide to kill Anya and spare Spike or Angelus? Is that it?"
Buffy took a step closer to him, "I am in charge here Xander."
There was a pause as Alex's face changed and Cole took over, "Not anymore Summers. I already told you, you've been replaced."
Faith moved from where she had been until she was close to Buffy, "Ain't gonna be no replacements except for your sorry ass." She growled at him.
Cole seemed amused, "Oh I guess one public embarrassment isn't enough for Summers and you Southie look like you need another asswhupin."
The dark slayer looked over at Buffy, "What you say B? A twofer?"
Buffy nodded and both girls assumed fighting stances. Cole smirked and widened his stance, "Bring it on."
Willow started, "Guys please stop."
The two slayers ignored her and attacked. Cole blocked Buffy's first punch and deflected Faith's kick into the older slayer's midsection. He followed that up by kicking Faith in the stomach and ramming his forearm into Buffy's chin that staggered her. Moving quickly he grabbed Buffy by the arm and slung her into Faith halting the second slayer's attempted attack. Faith pushed Buffy off of her just in time to be punched in face. She felt her head snap back from the force of the blow and was left in a daze. Buffy tried to capitalize by launching a spinning backhand at Cole only to have it snatched and stopped by him. Faith staggered to her feet and tried to attack again only to be restrained by Wood. In her condition, she was too woozy to shake him off and watched what happened.
Buffy tried in vain to break the hold he had on her arm. Travis made a move towards intervening but was frozen in his tracks by the cold look he saw in the other man's gaze. He leaned in close to her; she could fell his hot breath on her neck as Cole's icy voice sent shivers up her spine.
"Hey Buffy, remember all those times other people saved your ass?"
She quit her struggling for the most part and was silent for a bit before answering, "Yes."
"Did you ever thank them?"
"No."
"Don't you wish you had?"
Buffy's eyes widened as she felt him lean back. Without warning, Cole twisted her arm sharply. She felt the tendons and ligaments in her shoulder tear sending her into agony. Agony that intensified as Cole broke both her arm and snapped her wrist. Finished, he let go of her arm hang limply by her side.
Not bothering to pay attention to the wounded slayer, Cole strode to the front of the stage and addressed the slayers. "My name is Cole," he told the assembled girls, most of who wore expressions of fear and shock at what had happened.
"As for this moment, this school is now under the guidance and leadership of the Watcher's council. Alexander Harris and I will now be the ones in charge of all major school decisions. Robin Wood will remain on as principal. In the upcoming days, we will be conducting a review of everything related to this school. Including your grades and overall classroom performance."
He paused, watching the passive reaction he was getting, 'Good'. "Until that review is complete, I am adding a few new rules which will become part of the curriculum. One, all patrols will be conducted only by people I approve of and with my express approval. Two, All classes, study groups and clubs that NOT directly related to academics and real world scholastic pursuits are immediately suspended."
That had a much stronger impression on them, 'No more full contact sparring matches in gym today'.
"There will be new teachers coming to this school. They will be fully qualified and you WILL give them your full and undivided attention. You will show them respect and you will learn what they have to teach you. Any violation of these rules or of the old ones will be brought to Principal Wood's attention and that will make ME unhappy." He didn't glare at them; the tone in his voice was enough.
"Good, I'm glad you all understand. I'm a fairly easy guy to get along with as long as we follow the rules."
Finished Cole hopped off the stage and walked out of the auditorium. He had made it just halfway down the hall when Wood caught up with him.
"Was that really necessary?"
"Breaking Buffy's arm or the speech?"
"Both."
"Yes. Different means, different paths, same goal."
"She may very well hate you for life because of that."
"I'll make a mental note not to expect a Christmas card."
Wood grabbed his arm as he changed back to Alex.
"I hope you know what you're doing."
" Me too Robin."