- thoughts
Chapter 8
Truth and Consequences
Willow heard the loud crash and the loud snarl on the other end of the phone before it went dead. Looking over at Tara she said in a strained tone of voice, "It found them already"
Hanging up Willow ran out of Joyce's room and over to the Nurses' Station where Giles had gone.
"GileswehaveaproblemthemonsterthatattackedMrsSummersisatthehouseandsoareBuffyandFaithandIdontknow..." She babbled as she skidded to a stop by the startled Watcher.
"Willow? Willow!" Giles called out loud as he shook her lightly to stop her panic voice. Something must have gone very wrong. I haven't heard Willow babble this fast in a long time.
Willow stopped, took a deep breath, and then started speaking at a much slower pace, "I was talking to Buffy and there was a loud explosion as we were talking on the phone and I think it was the demon that attacked Mrs. Summers before..."
Giles interrupted her, "The creature is over at Buffy's house? Are you sure Willow?"
"No Giles I'm just guessing...Of course I'm sure. It's not like you hear that many explosions over at Buffy's all that often and the phone going dead..."
"Yes, yes of course Willow." Giles pulled off his glasses and put them in his pocket. "You stay here with Tara and keep an eye on Joyce." Looking over Willow's shoulder Giles noticed Xander being pulled by Anya towards the elevators.
Raising an eyebrow Giles started walking quickly towards the rather odd couple A former vengeance demon and a human in love! "Xander, Anya you're already here; good, that saves me some time. We're going over to Buffy's, she's in trouble."
"That's okay Giles, Xander promised me orgasms later and it's later..."
"ANYA!" Xander raised his voice upset but not sure whether to be embarrassed or angry.
"What did I tell you about telling people about orgasms and helping Buffy Anya?" Xander asked somewhat exasperated, his hands balled into fists on his hips.
Rolling her eyes like a five year-old, "No orgasms when there is an apocalypse or when Buffy's in trouble…" Anya repeated annoyed.
Giles spoke sharply in an effort to head off an argument, "That's all very well and good children, but I don't care about your orgasms! Now get yourselves moving, we are going to Buffy's to help her out, now!"
The former Vengeance Demon huffed, "Fine, fine! As long as I get Xander back in one working piece for later..." With that Anya stepped into the elevator and pulled Xander into it with her.
As they headed down Giles noted the beet-red color of Xander's ears and smiled inwardly until they reached the main lobby and started for his car in the parking lot. Hold on Buffy! We're coming...
As they pulled up to Buffy's house Anya blinked as she saw something blur by Buffy for a moment before it disappeared, What was THAT?
She watched as Xander and Giles got out of the car and then she got out of the car, walking towards Buffy.
As she headed towards her Anya noticed absently that there was some naked man on the lawn covered in cuts, stab wounds and blood. His right arm was missing from the elbow down. Hmmm, if I didn't see Buffy I'd say that was Hally's work. She always did go in for the bloody results on hers.
As she started to walk away a soft blue glow coming from Buffy's hand caught her eye. Stopping she kneeled down and carefully opened Buffy's left hand.
Inside Buffy's hand was a small circular piece of wood that was intricately carved. Anya's eyes shot open as she recognized the symbol. SHE'S here? Oh that's just lovely! Quickly Anya closed Buffy's hand to hide the symbol from Giles.
Anya watched as Giles hurried over here to Buffy and checked her pulse. Pulling out a cell-phone she heard him call an ambulance for Buffy and Faith. But Anya noticed he never opened Buffy's hand and seemed to always move to the right side.
"Anya, keep an eye on Buffy while I check on Faith," Anya heard Giles say to her. "Sure," she replied distracted that she was here. If she's here then her mate is bound to be close by as well...It might be time to go find a quieter town if that's the case.
Looking up from Buffy Anya saw Xander pull out a blanket from the car as he walked back towards Oz.
Xander draped the old blanket over Oz covering his face and the injuries that covered his body. As tears fell from his eyes, Xander picked up Oz's body. He seems so light now, he almost doesn't weigh a thing, Xander thought as he carried Oz's body over to Giles' car and put it in the trunk.
"It doesn't seem right Giles," Xander said as he heard police sirens in the distance.
"To HELL with right boy, shut up and get over here! I need you to get Oz out of here before the police and ambulances show up." Giles snarled in what Xander had mentally started calling his 'Ripper' voice.
"But what about…"
The Watcher cuts off Xander savagely, "They'll be fine, you hear those sirens. Help is on the way, but we don't want them to find you or Oz since we don't have any answers to the questions they'll ask. Now Go!"
Giles looked down towards Buffy as soon as he saw Xander move toward the car. He looked up after he heard the car drive away to see Anya standing in front of him. "What are you doing here Anya? I told you to leave."
Folding her arms, "No, you specifically told Xander to leave and unless I'm mistaken there's one of you and 2 injured Slayers. Go tend to Faith, I'll watch Buffy, besides the police are much more likely to believe someone young and pretty...like me, about what happened."
Sighing loudly, "Fine then. But if anything changes call me right over!" Giles said before leaving to look at Faith's injuries more.
Someone needs to be there to talk to Buffy about this and you Giles are not the right person for the job, was Anya's last thought before a SPD Police car came flying up to the house...
Sunnydale Hospital
Surgical/Trauma ICU
12 Hours Later
Buffy opened her eyes to a bright light and grimaced. Turning her head she saw Anya sitting nearby and Xander next to her. "Hey you," Buffy said weakly.
"Xander, can you turn the room lights down. They're hurting Buffy's eyes." Anya asked.
"Oh, sure." Xander replied slightly confused at how Anya knew Buffy's eyes hurt.
The light dimmed Buffy stopped squinting. "Uhmmm, thanks Anya," she said surprised.
Anya looked over at Xander, "Xander can I ask you a favor? I'd really like something to eat from the cafeteria, would you get me a sandwich, chips and soda please?"
Buffy's jaw dropped as she heard Anya 'ask' Xander for a favor.
Xander smiled at Anya and kissed her on the cheek, "Sure sweetie. I'll be back in a few," and walked out the door.
"Close your mouth Buffy, you'll catch flies."
Buffy close her mouth with a loud CLICK. "Oookay, who are you and what have you done with Anya?"
A frown crossed Anya's face; "You of all people should know the danger of judging people by how they appear and not who they are. Now first we need to talk. Open your left hand."
Buffy hesitated, confused at this sudden shift in Anya's personality and then opened her hand. In her fist was a small wooden disk about the size of a silver dollar that was very intricately carved. "What the hell is this?" Buffy asked as she held it up looking at it carefully.
"That Slayer is either extremely good fortune or the worse luck you'll ever have…" Anyanka said as she crossed her arms. "Now we don't have a lot of time so listen carefully,"
Buffy stayed silent as she decided to listen to what Anya had to say first before asking any questions.
"That token you have is the personal symbol of a creature that's been alive for at least 2,000 years, maybe more. The name she is known by is Xena and she makes The Master, Kakistos and any other demon you've run into look like a 5-minute old fledgling. Personally I've never run into her or her mate, but then I've found it healthier that way." When Buffy opened her mouth to ask a question, Anya glared at her until she shut her mouth with a SNAP, before continuing her narrative.
"Her giving that token to you means she wants to talk to you about something, and to answer your question, no she doesn't give those out very often if ever. Now I'll tell you this, under no circumstance can you tell Giles or anyone else connected with the Watchers about this or her."
Buffy finally spoke up, "What? Why? I don't understand…"
"Well neither do I except for the fact that there is very bad blood between them. But I do know this; the last time was in 1666 in London. When your Watcher's Council found out she contacted a Slayer, they killed that Slayer. When She found the Slayer dead she went berserk. By the time it was over London burned to the ground."
"But how do you know it was the Council, not that I'd doubt it, but…"
Sighing loudly in exasperation Anya replied, "I don't know since I wasn't there at the time. But I do know this about Xena, she never breaks her word and she expects the same of anyone else as well and if you do break your word to her then you'd better pray for a quick death because she won't give it to you."
Anya cocked her head slightly, "Xander's almost back. Just remember what I told you, everything comes with a price if you deal with her, she'll deal in good faith with you but she'll expect the same in return. She's not evil, just very strange that way. Now hush and close your eyes, if you want me to tell you any more, catch me later when we've got a few hours can I'll answer as best I can any questions you have."
Gods though she's good! Xena thought with just a touch of envy if she was honest with herself. And she's so young. Gab tells me she's been fighting since she was 15. What an age to become a warrior. Unfortunately the Slayer spirit won't come to anyone older, as anyone older is too set in their ways to bend, not breakXena mused.
Xena shivered a bit in lust as she remembered how magnificent the blonde Slayer had fought But she's become quite a beautiful woman as well, truth be told I'd be damn tempted to have tried and seduced her before this if it weren't for that Prophecy. I need her to choose the "Gift" with a clear head and understand what it means and I don't want lust getting in the way when she makes that decision.
After though...well that's another story; She's had a difficult life so far, I'm sure I can make the Change "quite" pleasant for her, Was Xena's last thought before she entered their lair, as all her thoughts turned to arousing Gabrielle's passion to match her own right now.
Initiative, Base One-One
Beneath Lowell House
ADAM watched on the monitor as Hunter 001 started its' attack on the Primary Objective. Frowning he saw 001 only damage the human known as Joyce Summers before she hid out of view. Several other humans attempted to interfere Police ADAM noted peripherally more concerned as to having 001 re-acquire the Primary Target.
ADAM watched as 001 tore thru all that opposed him and re-acquired the Primary Target. However she was not alone there were 2 women with her as well; one was a short blonde, the other only marginally taller was a slim brunette. The sensors were detecting something odd from them that they could not identify. ADAM watched as 001 leapt to attack and saw the blonde toss the Target out of the way as she moved to attack 001!
A split-second before the two hit, ADAM watched in surprise as the blonde suddenly changed. Now she was pale skinned, her hands were claws and she had fangs. ADAM noted with some concern she had thrown 001 fifty feet away, fortunately she had not inflicted any serious damage. Status reports from 001 showed it was operating at 100 combat efficiency.
ADAM watched as 001 and the unidentified creature attacked each other, noting the blonde's speed and strength for further investigation as ADAM watched as 001 disabled or terminated the creature.
Punching in several commands on 001's Command Net ADAM reset it to move to its Secondary Objectives and Targets. If I cannot eliminate Joyce Summers, then I will eliminate her support group. Once they are gone it will be simple to terminate her.
ADAM watched as 001 moved to its next destination, 1430 Revello Drive, and smashed the door to the domicile. Ahh, both the Slayer and the secondary Slayer are here. Excellent! This should present 001 with no problems in eliminating them both. ADAM continued observing as 001 quickly attacked the Slayer and the other Slayer. Querying his database ADAM quickly identified the second woman as Spencer, Faith, the second Slayer. A backup for the original in case the Primary Slayer fails.
ADAM watched the battle with interest as he analyzed the strategies and attacks of both Slayers for future reference. As the battle wore on ADAM noted that while 001 had inflicted damage on both Slayers, they had also in turn damaged 001. Sensors report combat efficiency reduced to 78. Interesting, they seem to be more capable than even Mother suspected in her worse case scenarios.
Finally ADAM watched 001 capitalize on an error made by F. Spencer and 001 critically injured her and threw her out the window. With a surprise, ADAM noted the sudden ferocity of the Slayer's attacks after Slayer F. Spencer was injured. With some alarm ADAM saw 001 sustain several more injuries to his systems and his combat efficiency dropped to 63.
ADAM noted a sudden but small change in the Slayer's appearance. Running the image back again ADAM saw the Slayer's eyes were now Red and her skin tone had paled as well. Odd, there is nothing in her file to indicate any shape shifting abilities. I will have to run a full genetic and molecular analysis on her after she has been terminated. I will harvest any useful DNA from F. Spencer, as she has not shown any such abnormalities.During the last series of attacks ADAM watched as the Slayer was thrown thru the front wall of the house into the yard. Excellent! ADAM thought as 001 strode thru the hole and could see the Slayer struggling to stand up. ADAM waited as 001 leapt at the Slayer to terminate her and somehow she managed to avoid being hit and broke his right knee.
But this time 001 hit the Slayer, throwing her back into the street. Combat efficiency is now only 45, sensors indicate the Slayer has suffered terminal injuries to her system and is no longer a threat. 001 can easily finish her and return with both bodies for examination. But to ADAM's sudden surprise there was a flash of steel in 001's vision and 001's right arm was severed at the elbow.
A tall dark haired woman was now in front of 001 and sensors were running off the charts at the power levels they detected from her. Before ADAM could have 001 flee and return, he saw her shatter 001's remaining arm and then leap easily over it. Seconds later the view went black but sensors reported the neck had been broken at the C1 vertebrae.
ADAM slammed his fist on the console, destroying it just as sensors went offline and 001 was terminated.
Sunnydale, CA
Main Avenue
6:35PM - Dusk.
Riley moved at a quick step, I've found out what intell that I can; now I need to contact SIGMA.. Seeing his objective just across the street, Riley controlled the urge to run to the phone booth and instead to keep his pace even and controlled.
Riley stepped into the phone booth and pulled the door closed. Pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket Riley started dialing the string of numbers that was written on the paper. 1-614-7778-9321-1008-215, as soon as he was finished dialing he heard the phone ring once and pick up. "Blacks Tattoo Parlor," said the voice.
"This is Marigold." Riley replied.
The voice took on an authoritative air, "Juliet-Echo Two-Three-Five, authenticate Whiskey-Tango. Over."
"Authentication Victor-Charlie Two-Two, Central."
"Authentication confirmed Echo Two-Three-Five. Welcome to Sigma."
Riley breathed a silent sigh of relief as the voice continued, "Echo Two-Three-Five is this a secure line?"
"Negative Central. This line is open."
"Wait one." There was a sudden piercing, shrill sound that ended as suddenly as it started. "Line is secured Two-Three-Five. Sigma-One is requesting a Sitrep."
"Sigma-One, Snowman has been eliminated and Base One-One has been destroyed." Riley mentally crossed his fingers as he spoke.
There was a long pause before Central replied, "Repeat last Two-Three-Five."
"Snowman has been eliminated and Base One-One has been destroyed Central. 3-1-4 Alpha is online and effected termination of Base One-One. 3-1-4 Alpha is operating independently and using all of Base One-One's resources to terminate subject 110." Riley took a deep breath, continuing his report.
"3-1-4 Alpha attempted to terminate subject 110 & 221, subject 010 was hospitalized. Final attempt to terminate was unsuccessful as of 14:25 hours. Previously unknown HST terminated Hunter 001 at 14:25. HST terminated Hunter 001 30 seconds after engaging 001… Two-Three-Five is requesting Dust-Off and Return to Sigma Base."
"Negative on request Two-Three-Five. You are to remain on station and gather all possible intell on unknown HST, 3-1-4 Alpha and 110. Sigma-One is mobilizing units to retake Base One-One and secure 3-1-4 Alpha."
Riley paled as he listened to what they wanted him to do. "Central, this is a Hot Zone! Two-Three-Five requests authorization for F.A.E. to be used to sanitize this location."
"Negative on request for F.A.E., civilian casualties are unacceptable. Two-Three-Five will follow new orders and get intell." The line clicked as it went dead. Riley Finn snarled and slammed the phone back on the hook.
"Lovely, now I'm ordered to commit suicide! Trying to get intell in the middle of a war between a Slayer and cyborg Frankenstein," Riley groused as he walked out of the phone booth and into a bleach-blonde male in a leather duster jacket.
Riley never noticed the figure look at him with hate in his yellow-gold eyes before walking away and putting Riley's wallet in his jacket pocket. So distracted by his new orders Riley never noticed his wallet was missing until several hours later...
Continued in Chapter Nine