(quick note: Newton's Cradle is the name of what was in Magneto's office in the first Xmen. The metal balls that were swinging back and forth banging into each other. Thanks for the info Marlana. Slight writers block for awhile. But should have another chapter up in a couple days.)

Quentin sighed as he walked down the hallway. It made no sense. These things always precluded an apocalypse. Yet, it didn't seem to be the case this time.

As he walked by one of the small libraries they had for the more benign books where the watchers could read at leisure, he paused. Were those screams? He opened the door and stared.

One of the first years was cowering in a corner with a book floating above his head. His clothes were in tatters. The title of the book was "Benign herbivore demons and how best to keep them that way."

As Quentin started to walk forward, he heard something from down the hallway in a conference room.

When he got there, he found a strange man sitting at the far end of the table. Then Quentin blinked.

The man spoke. "Ah, Mr…Travers was it? I never can get the names of stuffy watchers straight. Ripper's the only one I can remember, and he and I go back a long way."

Quentin stared. "May I ask what you've done to my watchers?"

"Just a little fun. They should stop screaming in a minute."

"Actually, I was referring to the ones upside down on the ceiling."

"Ah." Three tightly bound figures were swinging back and forth banging heads together. "I've always wanted a Newton's Cradle."

Quentin walked toward a chair near him and sat down. He put his arms on the table and steepled his fingers. "And you couldn't buy one?"

The man grinned. "Shopping is such a hassle."

"Yes, I suppose it is." Quentin leaned back in his chair. "Since you know my name, may I know yours?"

"Just call me Ethan."

"So what may I do for you?"

"Let's talk about that shall we?"

Bond and Xander stopped for a minute. "We need to eat something before we continue this."

Xander grinned. "You sure? I might eat them out of house and home."

"M would cover it I'm sure."

"Well then, let's go."

As they opened the door to the small restaurant, they walked by a couple staring blankly at the newspaper. On it was an article about world politics involving the U.S. If Bond and Xander had looked closely, they would have seen the pictures moving.

In one of them, a cricket player from a different photo was beating a senator about the face. Another politician was doing a remarkable flying kick from the movie Matrix as The Secretary of Defense flew back into a wall.

The frazzled owner of the place walked up to them. "Can I help you?" He asked while flinching at random shadows.

Bond looked around. "We just need something that won't take you much time."

The owner blinked. "Sandwiches and tea?"

Bond nodded.

"Wait here and I'll get it for you." As the owner opened the kitchen door, random crashes could be heard.

Back at headquarters M was still carrying on a discussion with The Queen.

"Your Majesty, I'm really not sure what I can do about the suits of armor having swordfights in the courtyard… did you say the guards are placing bets on them?"

The agent jumped when Q yelled out. "Aha!"

"What happened?"

Q finished adjusting some wiring. "I finally got the pesky defense system worked out."

Then they both blinked as the BMW arched its back and gave forth a growl. Two feet away was a red Ferrari. It was turned sideways with an arched back and stalking forward.

"Well, there's something you don't see everyday."

People ran screaming every which way as paint flecks, a random tire, and weirdly enough furry dice went flying all around.

In the background, was the resounding cry of "PRECIOUS!"

Ethan and Quentin sat in their respective seats, while drinking tea. The three watchers continued to swing.

Quentin sighed. "As enjoyable as this is…"

"Yes. Might as well get to it." Ethan put his cup down. "Let us talk about your treatment of Ripper, I mean Rupert Giles."

"Is that what this is about?"

"Surprised?"

"Not anymore with him and his annoying ways around."

Ethan nodded. "You know. It wasn't until after I caused trouble in Sunnydale that I realized how many times Ripper and Buffy saved the world. Hence why I lead Eygon there."

"You what!"

Ethan sighed. "Well, I couldn't stop him."

"I take it they won?"

Ethan nodded. "Oh yes. But Ripper just didn't seem to appreciate that I put a similar mark on Buffy to throw Eygon off. After all, she was the one most likely to succeed. He really needs to relax." Ethan grinned.

Quentin shook his head. "And the point of this is?"

"The side of good causes as much chaos to evil as evil causes to good. Don't get me wrong, I love it all. But I don't want the type of chaos that Hell on Earth would bring."

Then Ethan glared. "And you know as well as I do that that would have happened if you had taken full control of her."

Quentin sipped his tea. "We've already decided to leave them alone. Besides, when another slayer is called, that one will be ours."

"Ah yes. Another lap dog."

"Excuse me?"

"Thanks to you, I've actually had to cause chaos. If you didn't have the potentials under tight control, I could actually relax a little."

Quentin stared. "So this is what it's all about."

"What, too obvious?"

"I thought you cared about Buffy."

Ethan shook his head. "I care about the world in my own way. Can't have fun if people aren't around to enjoy it. But, no, I don't like her." Then he leaned forward. "She's just why we're all still alive, that's all."

Then he lifted his cup in a toast and spoke "To Buffy." Without any sarcasm. Then the lights went out, followed by three thumps. When they came back on, he was gone.

The three watchers lay in crumpled heaps on the floor. Quentin sat and stared into space.

(insert Divider Line)

Bond and Xander walked out. Then they stood in silence at a scratched and dented BMW. Q was standing at the front of it and shaking his finger while berating it loudly. The car was crouched low on the ground and issuing a whimper.

"I can understand you getting into a fight with another car! But trying to mate with a Yugo! I thought you had better taste!"

Xander and Bond laughed loudly. As they did, a figure turned the corner.

"Ah, if it isn't the young man I sold the costume to."

Xander glared. "Ethan."

"Were you looking for me?"