"Whoa!" Xander said, and focused on reclaiming his own visage once more, being uber-Doyle more than expected, "Now that's a lot of memories, and a bunch o' power. I feel almost drunk. Whew! Who'd a thought being an elementary teacher could be so much fun."
Alexander Harris looked at Ethan's and decided that while he might sit this one out, he'd try to tip the balance in favor of the Scooby Gang as he knew it. Walking inside, bag of stuff still with him somehow, he looked around the shop and smiled as Ethan came out from the back and got a good look at him and the amulet.
"I, uh, can I help you?" the Chaos mage asked uncertainly.
"I'm here to observe and dabble a bit in your fun tonight, Ethan, so I need nine costumes for Ripper and his group."
"Oh!" Ethan enthused, "Anything in particular?"
"Hmm, I'm leaning toward something in a theme, science fiction or historical fiction?"
"Hmm, I have the back of the store, but not too many people chose costumes from there as even if they liked them, it would be too much trouble to explain the costume to others."
They looked through them for twenty minutes, Ethan enthusiastically explaining many of them, and expressing hope Xander would choose from them. Xander for his part was beginning to see aspects of the Chaos mage that his Halloween Incident had covered. A man whose friends had moved on left him with nothing but his magic, and that since in the last line he and Giles had amicably teamed up, maybe some of the Ethans could be redeemed. He caught Ethan looking at him.
"Did I say all of that out loud?" Xander asked, half embarrassed.
"I'm afraid so, at least from my 'abandonment' though only Rupert really fits the bill, as some say," Ethan sighed, "The others faded out and got on with their lives."
"If you could trade the wrong-doing aspects of your magic for renewed friendship with Rupert, perhaps a place in his developing family of do-gooders, would you?"
"I-I don't know if I can, Mister?"
"Call me Alexander, and if it's acceptance, remember they have an infamous vampire whose soul has been restored to it, Ethan."
"Still…"
"Rupert would be your 'Watcher' as well, and trust me, both he and my local self could use more guy friends."
"Local self?"
"Did I forget that? I'm traveling between different realities, different Halloweens, I forget sometimes. I'm from a different dimension, actually, and Janus has asked me to help him save three thousand universes. We're making use of your Chaos spell to its best potential. Remember, if the world ends, Chaos isn't very enjoyable for Janus either."
"Does that mean by doing this spell I'm doing good?"
"Enough monster costumes mean people die," Xander sighed, "But by adding a little extra magic on a few, we can boost the good guys so they keep the world human and relatively safe."
"So, uh, what'll it be?"
"I'm going to borrow your phone if you want to join the good guys, Ethan."
"I suppose it would be ironic that the greatest change from the spell would be in my own life," the mage replied, gesturing at the phone, "So if my deity of preference is behind this…count me in."
A few moments passed before Rupert Giles answered.
"Giles? Don't hang up until I'm done, I'm not a crank caller," Alexander told him, "I want you to listen before you dismiss what I'm about to tell you. I'm the Alexander Harris from an alternate universe. I'm here to help the god Janus keep the world spinning…I need you, your Xander Harris, and Angel to come to Ethan Rayne's costume shop…that's right, Ethan, but he's joining the good guys. He's casting a spell that will change those dressed in his costumes, into their costumes. He's going to wait an extra ten minutes beyond when we would have, to minimize possible child casualties…Proof? Hmm, how about Cruciamentum, Ripper, Eyghon, the death of a friend…enough? Thought so, and do you know where Angel lives? You do? Good. Be here in an hour. There are things that need to be discussed before the spell; when it's over I leave for another dimension to help them out."
"I take it Rupert's coming?"
"Yes, and hopefully he'll actually bring the people I asked for."
"Who is this Angel fellow?"
"Used to be the vampire Angelus, led the Scourge of Europe a hundred years ago until he fed off a Romany; they put his soul back in as a curse to make Angelus suffer."
"Are we safe?"
"Actually, yes. And I'm hoping that right after casting an exhausting spell of my own to heal the dead flesh, your spell will finish the job by transforming him with the rest of us."
"Ah, so when it's over, the 'possession' disappears, but if he doesn't die, he'll be human again. Fascinating. Are you sure you have to leave? It would be intellectually stimulating to discuss magic with one that is not only powerful, but seems to appreciate the potential non-standard spells so well."
"It's how Janus usually manages to shift me into the next dimension…that instant of transition."
"Ah, well, if you can ever come back, please do," Ethan pressed, "So what do you have in mind for costumes?"
"Well, first I need to call the Slayer's mother," Xander smiled, "Because since Giles can't let the rest of them in on the secret, we'll need to create our own Watcher. Any suggestions as to the best possible Watcher?"
"How about one that isn't like Rupert's employers?" Ethan said with hope, "And what about the other costumes? What are they going to be? She should probably be able to communicate with them."
"That makes sense," Alexander conceded, his own thinking on the matter forming along the same lines, "I was thinking of 17th Century samurai heroes, of which you will be one, so the Slayer's mother should be able to speak Japanese of that time period."
"Wasn't there a Slayer turned in Japan or China in that time period?" Ethan considered, "I think there was, but cannot recall if it was the Watcher that betrayed her. What about one of those Highlander characters from that television series."
"Thinking about an Immortal Watcher?"
"No, I was considering an Immortal Slayer," Ethan admitted, "I heard a rumor that there are two slayers now, so maybe the slayer essence will allow us a third?"
"Does being a potential slayer run in the family?" Alexander asked, "If so, then the mother should be an excellent candidate. What time period?"
"Why not Sumeria? It seems a lot of the old spells go back that far, and if we give her a few ancient and samurai accoutrements to go with a costume of a Watcher…"
"It's worth a try, and with stakes, it might work," Alexander nodded, "Good work Ethan, let's get everything together before they arrive; I just need to get Joyce here. May I use your phone again?"
"Certainly," the mage replied as the tea kettle whistled, "And I'll fetch tea while you call."
The singed Angel accompanied Xander and Giles into the costume shop, grimacing at the discomfort. It had taken them the full hour to get together and prepare for a possible trap, but the sight of Joyce Summers in what could only be described as 'Oriental Watcher attire' sipping tea with two lordly looking samurai, one a mountainous version of Xander Harris, brought them to an amazed halt.
"Come in everyone, I'm Alexander, this is Ethan Rayne, recovering badaholic, and you already know the enchanting Joyce Summers," the large man said as he stood, gestured and bowed. Please come in and I'll let you in on the mission, but first, Joyce has taken a lot on faith so far, and even with a few magic demonstrations, is not entirely convinced. Liam, if you could do the vampire face thing for her, touch a cross, the usual?"
"Um, okay…" Angel said uncomfortably, to which Alexander added incentive.
"If the magics cast tonight work as planned, there's an excellent chance of casting out your demon and restoring your humanity."
"Oh, in that case…" the vampire said, and wet through the aforementioned demonstrations. Joyce Summers sighed and sat down.
"And you're offering me the chance to not only be able to help my little girl, but share her fate as well?"
"What!" Giles gasped, looking at Joyce and the two apparent mages, "Excuse, my outburst, but did I hear correctly that you'll attempt to make Mrs. Summers a Slayer? How?"
Alexander outlined the mission from Janus, and the spell considerations, and what Joyce was dressing as and why. Giles sighed.
"On the matter of the birthday, I'll be quite glad to keep my oaths and have Buffy safe," Giles said, which got nods from Angel and Xander, "But what do you have in mind for us?"
"And what's with the snakes?" local Xander asked.
"Alaspinian Mini-Drags."
"Ah, Alan Dean Foster," Giles considered, "enjoyable writer, and a colorful universe."
"Anyway, Giles will go as Katayama Gorobei, Angel as Shichiroji, Xander as Shimada Kambei, Ethan as Hayashida Heihachi and myself as Musashi Miyamoto," Alexander enlightened, and didn't see any confusion, "So I take it you're Kurosawa fans."
"Indeed."
"Yes."
"You bet."
"Hmm, you all have one point of shared commonality," Alexander smiled, "Maybe we've picked the right choice."
"S-so why aren't Buffy and Willow included in this?"
"Do you think Buffy would go along with her mother becoming a Slayer, Giles? And where Buffy goes, Willow goes. Besides, Willow has a great deal of magical potential and needs discipline to make sure it turns out correct." Ethan caught on immediately.
"And starting swordsmanship as well as magic from scratch might prevent her from our less glamorous achievements," the Chaos mage agreed, "I understand, though in your next dimensional transit consider a magical grouping."
"Hmm, a definite possibility," Alexander conceded, then turned to the group, "Let's get ready."
In the end, Joyce insisted that Immortal swords and a few stakes be given to the girls to help make sure they'd survived, and went so far as to insist on accompanying them on their escort duties, so gender-based teams were formed, with Angel remaining with Ethan to cast the spell in the Library. Having purchased a lot of extra candy, Alexander used it as incentive for Xander's kids to get back and de-mask just as the spells were cast.
Angel writhed in pain, his demon shrieking as its energy seemed to be squeezed out of each regenerating cell, when the Hellmouth-boosted Janus spell enhanced the healing and Shichiroji stood before them. The closeness of the characters now in possession of the bodies resulted in a greater awareness between them.
Shichiroji? Are you alright? Shimada Kambei his old friend and right-hand man, You seem disoriented?
I'll be fine Kambei, he said, regaining his feet and adjusting, You look different, Kambei, but I would know you anywhere.
Perhaps this is a reincarnation? Kambei considered, looking at the others as they cautiously congregated, This style of building is not known to me.
Reincarnation? another samurai responded, Kambei-san, your character and now your ability to draw us together again, continues to fascinate me.
Gorobei, Kambei replied, It pleases me greatly that you live again, as well as the rest of you. We look different, but I know all of you, even with these gaijin features.
I know none of you, a huge man stated as he moved from the stacks of the library, I am Musashi Miyamoto. The gathered samurai bowed quite deeply at the name.
Master Musashi, it is an honor, Shimada Kambei stated, then introduced the group. Before Musashi could speak further, three gaijin women entered the room, speaking in the barks of a Western language.
Greetings, Samurai, Joyce Summers said with a polite bow, I must inform you that a mage of some power has recalled your spirits to this world, in hopes of countering the cursing of a city with demonic and other possession this night. You are asked to protect the people of this place, and keep the children, turned into their costumes, from causing harm, without detriment to them.
Woman, Heihachi addressed, Why are you speaking to us and not the mage?
The spell was such that he was overwhelmed, but it is his hope that your honor is that of old, your blades true and your sense of justice sharp.
How long are we asked to assist? Musashi Miyamoto queried.
Two hours only, at which point the magics causing this will end, and all will return as before.
Acceptable, Musashi nodded, Being dead, I suppose I had nothing more important to do but grumble at how things are not as good as in my day.
We, too, find this acceptable, Kambei agreed after receiving nods from the others of his acquaintance.
Joyce had sent them out on patrol, giving them a map, a few sketches of Spike and Drusilla, as well as real demons. She hoped they would help keep things safe while she prepared to destroy the statue as agreed.
"Watcher Summers?" the Slayer, Lady Elizabeth of Surrey, asked, "I feel an odd something in your presence."
"It's probably because I'm a slayer also," Joyce told her daughter, "But I didn't stay dead very long, and on my recovery, with my own Watcher dead I chose to not be The Slayer any more, but quietly be a slayer."
"Oh, that is quite interesting, perhaps we can discuss it later?" the possessed Buffy Summers asked, "There might be some training you could pass on to me?"
'Certainly, dear," Joyce smiled, then turned to her old apprentice, Willow of Rosen, "And it's good to see you again, child." They embraced as mother and daughter might, "Tell me what you've been up to lately."
Foe an hour the samurai followed Musashi Miyamoto through the streets of Sunnydale, concentrating on those most likely to require intervention. The five bladesmen had eliminated eight 'things' on the woman's picture list, and another six of the 'vampires.' Not to mention the simple breaking up of violent encounters. They ignored duels between those of Greater Power (X-Men, mutants, super-villains) so they were not particularly intimidated when after following a group of six vampires to a gathering place, a swaggering vampire leader and its eight followers came up around
a corner to reduce decision-making to a choice of one.
Shimada, Katayama, Hayashida, eliminate these, Musashi directed, then gestured to Shichiroji, We'll go after the others. Join us when you've finished.
Spike and the vampires were taken aback as the human leader gestured dismissively at them and headed into Willy's Alibi Room with the poof, then as their amazement faded watched as steel raced towards them.
"Kill them!" Spike ordered as he stepped back to watch.
All three samurai stepped forward, stepped to the right almost as one so they could line themselves to the sides of their charging opponents, then halted in a readied stance, the minions losing tempo and coming to a brief stagger as they'd expected the humans to keep moving. Repeating what they'd learned against the last couple of vampires, they under to upper angle managed to decapitate three of the first four, Kambei then slashed at the fourth as the other two resumed their advances, stabbing at their surprised opponents then slashing properly to sever two arms and a hand. The screams of the minions were enough that William the Bloody rethought the whole Halloween excursion.
"Retreat!" he shouted as he turned and ran, "We'll get them later!"
The vampire, avoiding Kambei, used his vampiric strength and speed to lunge backwards and race away into the night, as did the remaining unwounded vampire, but the others were overwhelmed by pain or follow-up blows. Four seconds later, more dust showered the ground.
Not as smart as the last ones, these merely charged us, Kambei observed, But there does seem enough activity inside as to warrant our participation.
Inside the Alibi Room, the three samurai were fascinated to see the distress of the denizens as it looked as though the charge of Musashi and Shichiroji had had such surprise that they could see only four vampires and twelve hostile demons in the place as a human-looking form followed many cowardly demons out the back door.
Musashi smiled at the arrivals, shouted at the top of his lungs, and began to wade through the center of the four fyarls and two Polgaras, slashing off the bone spears of the latter and between kicks and blade wounds forcing the other demons to the sides. The casual ferocity distracted the enemy, and the three simply filed into their leader's wake, finishing the job, four blades killing the monsters where before only one was needed to 'worry' them.
Gorobei smiled as he sliced downward and sliced through the upper leg of a vampire, ending its attack as it fell to the ground. Shifting to the side, he brought the blade across and through the first few inches of the vampire behind the first, exacting a scream of pain and outrage. Gorobei brought down his foot sharply down the shin of the vampire even as he raised his elbow toward its face, sword back and ready to strike the beast.
Kambei removed the head of his second fyarl as it moved out of the way of Musashi's extra-long katana that for his current form seemed normal. Slashing back to his opposite side, Shimada Kambei removed the leg from a Polgara, allowing Shichiroji to finish it and the other one quickly.
Heihachi found himself and Lord Musashi behind the enemies, and quickly moved for two decapitations each, receiving deep claw marks each even as the beasts turned to dust. Heihachi gasped at the pain, then suppressed; it was not a threatening wound, merely an inconvenient one.
Gorobei noted before the vampires that they'd allowed themselves to be pinned against the bar, and though he took a solid hit to the side, his sword removed the offending arm as he fell back.
Kambei turned and slashed at the face of a fyarl as he side-jumped to block a smirking vampire from tackling Gorobei. The vampire dusted as Mushashi back-slashed the thing into oblivion.
Three more seconds, and the room was clear, only the samurai remained.
What shall we do about this place? Shichiroji asked.
Let the mage that brought us here decide, Musashi told him, Let us tend to the wounded and return to our arrival place.
Twenty minutes later, the samurai entered the library, generally explaining their adventure.
What now? Musashi asked, standing next to the statue when two flying reptiles casually landed on him and perched happily. He braced himself for a moment, then relaxed as he turned back to the group.
I suppose we should drop the statue on the floor, now, Joyce Summers replied as they seemed to congregate around it. Musashi tipped it over, and atop the Hellmouth it broke.