Chapter 5

Disclaimer - I don't own DC comics or any of its characters nor do I own anything to do with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This story is purely a work of fan fiction and does not seek to claim ownership or seek any financial gain.

Last Time:

"What do you want Green Lantern?" asked Fatality.

"Why are you here?" asked Wonder Woman.

Yara stepped forward, "We are not seeking a confrontation, but this girl must come with us."

Hal Jordan frowned, "Why?"

Yara threw the Green Lantern a purple crystal, "Use your ring Green Lantern. See what we have uncovered, and you will understand why she must join with us."

"What are you doing Yara?" asked Fatality.

"We do not need a fight with the Justice League to complicate matters, Sister. We will return tomorrow for you Outsider," said Yara before she and Fatality disappeared in twin flashes of purple light.

"Well, that certainly complicates matters," said Green Lantern as he looked down at the crystal he held.

oOoOo

"I must admit that I'm impressed," said Xander as he looked around at the moon. It was tinted a sapphire colour thanks to the bubble surrounding him but, hey it was still the moon.

Miri smiled at the genuine pleasure in Xander's voice. "I had feared that you would be overwhelmed."

Xander shrugged, "I had a …interesting childhood."

Miri nodded and sat cross-legged on the ground, "I suppose that I should explain what is happening."

"I'd appreciate it," replied Xander with a smile as he joined Miri on the ground.

"We have a prophecy, a rather ancient one about an entity called the Whisperer in the Shadows or the Whisperer in the Darkness. The prophecy is that old that the translation is a bit flexible. It was once a god, but somehow it was locked away, cursed to sleep until an outsider releases it. Only once it is released can it be defeated by the chosen one, the One Who See's."

Xander resisted the urge to curse as he listened to Miri speak, "Miri, I think we have a problem. I…oh jeez, how do I explain this? I'm not the chosen one, my friend Amanda is a Vampire Slayer and they are known as Chosen Ones."

Miri frowned, "And yet our rings led us to you."

"A big bad…An enemy we faced called me the one who sees."

"The prophecy was quite clear," said Miri as she considered Xander's words.

"I don't…oh crap."

"What is it, Xander?"

"When we arrived through the portal we, Amanda and I that is. We got magically blended into one person. Giovani fixed us, but there was a bit of her left in me."

"A bit of her?"

"Vampire Slayers are strong, much stronger than normal humans. I kind of just found out that after we were…unblended I was affected as well. I'm stronger now and…" he trailed off, unsure how to explain the primal spirit.

"And this isn't a good thing?" asked Miri.

"No, or maybe yes," Xander sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "When I was younger I was possessed by the spirit of a predator. I thought it was gone but all the magic kind of woke it up. I'm a bit worried that the primal spirit could take over. That would be bad, maybe. I haven't really had time to process it all yet."

"You seem like a good person Xander. All I can sense is love, despite all your losses you still love your friends. A stronger you is still you."

Xander smiled, "Well this might mean that I'm not the one everyone has to protect now."

Mir laughed and rose to her feet, "Come on you look like you could do with some cheering up."

Xander stood and Miri took his hand.

"Hold on," she warned as she pulled Xander into the air.

"Woah, where are we going?"

"I want to show you something beautiful."

Protected by Miri's shield Xander gaped at the Earth as it grew larger and larger.

Eventually, he could make out the oceans and landmasses below as Miri flew them toward the north of the planet. When she stopped, she didn't need to say what they were there for. The Auror Borealis lit up the sky in a wave of light.

"It helps to talk about what is troubling you," offered Miri.

As they watched the light show, Alexander Harris spoke of Jessie, Slayers and those that he had loved and lost. Finally, he spoke about Anya and how he had called off their wedding after being deceived into thinking he was doing the right thing for her.

"Love can be the strongest force in the universe Xander but it not always easy. When my husband Kered died I thought my life, my happiness was gone. I have come to realize that love is not a finite thing. You need to open your heart."

"Hey, my heart is wide open," argued Xander.

"Is it? You reserve your love for your friends, for your students. What of your heart?"

Xander opened his mouth and then closed it. What could he say? His relationship with Dawn had ended and he spent his life with superpowered teenage girls. Not exactly the best way to meet strangers.

"Truly Xander your story is remarkable, but you must open your heart once again. Don't let selflessness become an excuse for cowardice."

"I don't know if I even remember how. My love life hasn't exactly been a string of successes."

Miri laughed and kissed Xander on the cheek, "I think you are a bit too self-critical."

Xander shrugged, but he allowed Miri to put her arm around his shoulders as they floated there watching. Xander was so engrossed he didn't see Miri's ring flashing.

oOoOo

Yara, Fatality, and Bellis stared open-mouthed at the young man sleeping on the bed.

"The chosen one is a man?" asked Yara incredulously.

"That has yet to be seen," replied Miri. "His love is strong enough that he is safe from us, but he is touched by regret and loss."

Fatality frowned, "Regret and loss?"

Miri repeated an abridged version of Xander's story.

"What is a vengeance demon?" asked Yara curiously.

"A creature from his alternate universe no doubt," replied Fatality. "The situation grows complicated sisters. The other is protected by the Justice League. Rather than risk a confrontation Yara gave the Green Lantern a data crystal outlining the prophecy and our concerns."

Bellis frowned, "Was that wise?"

Miri shook her head sadly. "We didn't really have a choice. If we don't act, love will be the first to fall when the black rises. The prophecy is clear, we stop the whisperer or love will be lost, and darkness will fall."

Fatality gestured toward Xander, "Open to love or not, his involvement complicates matters. It would be better if he had stronger ties to us. Perhaps we should send him back to Zamaron for reconditioning and re-education."

Miri frowned, "You speak of him as if he is an enemy."

Fatality shrugged.

Miri stood and moved as if to shield Xander from Fatality, "I will see to his wellbeing you concentrate on the other."

oOoOo

As a Green Lantern, he was the first to admit that the Star Sapphires had their own, often contradictory agenda. However, the data they had given him was frightening enough that he had called the Justice League together to consider a course of action.

"Had you heard of this prophecy before?" asked Batman.

Green Lantern shook his head, "No, but the guardians have. Ganthet has started researching. He said he will contact me when he has what we need."

"So it's the real deal?' asked Flash. "`Who is this whisperer?"

There was a flash of Green Light and Ganthet appeared, floating in the air behind Green Lantern's chair.

Several of the League were out of their seats, preparing for battle as Ganthet raised his hands, "My apologies for the unannounced arrival but the news is grim."

Green Lantern turned to face the diminutive guardian as the rest of the League settled back into their seats. "Ganthet, I didn't expect you to come in person."

"I felt it necessary considering the gravity of the situation," replied Ganthet.

"Guardian, what exactly is the situation?" asked Wonder Woman.

"Events predicted in the Prophecy of the whisperer appear to be unfolding," seeing the looks being exchanged Ganthet paused. "Perhaps you have not yet had the time to study the prophecy in full. The Hidden Seers of Xoth is a sect of prophets and seers made up of representatives of nearly every species in the galaxy. They have, for millennia, kept records of their prophecies. Thousands of years ago they recorded a prophecy about an entity called the Whisperer. Its exact nature is not known, but the prophecy speaks of it being like unto a god and utterly evil. When the Old Gods defeated it, they locked it away in am an extra-dimensional prison. They couldn't destroy it, only contain it. There it has slept waiting to be released."

"So how do we stop it?" asked Superman.

"You cannot," replied Ganthet. "Only the Chosen One can do that, or so the prophecy states."

"And the Star Sapphires think Alexander and Amanda are the ones chosen to do so?" asked Red Tornado.

"Yes, and if I am reading the prophecy correctly then they may be right," replied Ganthet.

Black Canary frowned as she considered the situation, "They are teenagers and barely trained. How could they hope to defeat a God-like being?"

Ganthet shrugged, "The chosen one is the key to the prison and the means to defeat the whisperer."

"And that's not ominous at all," muttered Green Arrow.

"What sort of timeframe are we looking at here?" asked Batman.

"Months maybe years. It is impossible to tell from the wording. All that is clear is that the countdown to releasing the Whisperer has begun," answered Ganthet.

"Where do the Star Sapphires fit in with all this?" asked Green Lantern.

Ganthet frowned, "The prophecy states that if the Whisperer is freed and not destroyed then Love, thus the Star Sapphires, will be the first to fall just as the power of Will shall be the last to fall. They no doubt seek to stop the Whisperer."

"Perhaps they seek to train them," offered Wonder Woman.

"Or to remove them from the equation altogether," said Batman.

Superman rolled his eyes, "Let's not assume the worst."

"Perhaps we should ask the Star Sapphires when they return," offered J'onn J'onzz. "At the moment we are all speculating as to their motives."

"I too will remain," said Ganthet. "If the prophecy is unfolding all those serving the spectrum will need to be warned."

oOoOo

Mount Justice

Robin cursed silently as he took in the unhappy glares from Miss Martian and Artemis. Wally had yet to arrive, so their displeasure was solely fixed on him.

"I cannot believe that you invaded her privacy in such a fashion," said Miss Martian.

Robin noted that her voice lacked its usual warmth, "I certainly didn't mean to get her on camera like that. It was a precaution."

Artemis rolled her eyes, "I can't believe that I let you talk me into it!"

"It was a poorly thought out idea," said Aqualad as he walked in.

"What did I miss….whoa hostility," said Kid Flash as he walked into the kitchen.

Before any more could be said, Red Tornado's voice sounded over the speakers, "Please proceed to the briefing room."

When they arrived Batman, Superman, and Green Arrow stood waiting for them.

"No doubt you are wondering what is happening," began Batman without preamble. "The league is outside awaiting the arrival of several Star Sapphires, who wish to speak to Amanda. You will be securing the perimeter in case of anything untoward."

"Star Sapphires…hold on the love lanterns, alright," said Wally as he held up a hand to be high-fived before he felt the eyes of everyone on him, "Ah, sorry."

"What do they want with her?" asked Artemis.

"We don't know the full story Artemis," replied Green Arrow. "Hopefully, we will get that today."

"Maybe they are recruiting," mused Robin.

"Oooh can I volunteer?" asked Kid Flash as he raised a hand. Again, the group's eyes turned toward him. "Oh, come on hot, alien…shutting up now."

"Will they attack us?" asked Superboy.

"We don't think so," replied Superman.

"But we are going to be prepared in case they do," added Batman. "You will form a perimeter around the meeting area. If the situation escalates, you are to protect Amanda and stop any attempt to take her."

oOoOo

Amanda tried to ignore Wonder Woman and Black Canary as she finished dressing. Eventually, she gave in and turned to the Amazon. "Do you have to be here while I get dressed?'

Wonder Woman nodded, "The Star Sapphires have the ability to teleport."

"So you think they are going to…what? Pop in and kidnap me."

"We have no idea and after they had teleported away with Xander we thought we should take precautions," explained Black Canary.

Amanda shrugged as she pulled on a t-shirt, "Okay, I'm ready."

By the time they reached the gardens, the rest of the Justice League were gathered around it in a semi-circle. Amanda acknowledged the adult members but studiously ignored the younger.

Before she could ask when the meeting was scheduled there was a flash of pinkish light and a Star Sapphire appeared in the centre of the garden. A moment later there was a flash of green light and a small blue-skinned man appeared. Without realizing it, she tensed up, but the new arrival simply gave her a polite nod before going to stand beside Green Lantern.

Forcing herself to relax Amanda studied the Star Sapphire.

oOoOo

Fatality studied the gathered group carefully, but none of them seemed inclined to attack her. She turned and gave the Guardian Ganthet a polite nod of recognition. "I am surprised to see you here Guardian."

Ganthet smiled slightly, "Fatality, I must say that violet suits you far more than red my dear. Unfortunately, there is little time for us to argue philosophies given the situation we find ourselves in."

"You know the prophecy?" asked Fatality.

Ganthet nodded, "The Hidden Seers are not fools and so they informed the guardians that would listen. I must admit that your corps has beaten us to the punch so to speak, in taking action."

"Then you understand our need?"

"I understand what you believe your need to be," clarified Ganthet.

Fatality tensed, and her eyes flicked toward Amanda.

"You seek to train them both?" asked Ganthet.

"We seek to understand their role…two chosen ones that meet the criteria was unexpected," admitted Fatality.

Ganthet gestured toward Amanda, "Perhaps the young Lady should be included in our discussion, after all, she is at the centre of our discussion."

Amanda stepped forward, "I get this is important, but I just want to know where Xander is."

"My sisters are keeping him safe. He will not come to harm by our hands."

"He'd better not, " replied Amanda as she locked eyes with Fatality.

"We need you both Amanda. While I will admit that a male being chosen was disconcerting, he is a fine man, loving and loyal. You and he have nothing to fear from us."

"What's this about training? I already know how to fight."

Fatality smiled and gestured creating a construct of a spear, "My power ring allows me to create constructs among many other things. We would like to train you to do the same."

"What about the X-man…um, Xander?"

Fatality hesitated, "If it is possible."

Amanda considered for a moment before turning to Wonder Woman, "What do you think?"

Wonder Woman considered for a moment before answering, "I am given to understand that you are a warrior, a hunter of dark creatures. Would such training help you?"

Amanda slowly nodded and turned back to Fatality, "Where and for how long?"

Fatality frowned, "That has not yet been fully decided."

"Then I want to live here on Earth. We've got friends looking for us and I don't know if they'll find us on skimpy bikini planet."

There were a few smiles, mostly poorly hidden as Fatality stared at Amanda.

oOoOo

Zamaron Space - Sector 1416

Queen Aga'po used a portal to secretly study Miri and Xander as they talked. The human male was an interesting case. Magically combined and then separated from a supernaturally enhanced female. He was, save for his gender, a perfect recruit. He had loved and lost and remained a loving, caring individual.

Miri's report had been surprising and intriguing enough that she was considering changing the course of action she had decided on. Originally, once the odd circumstances of the outsider's arrival had been reported, she had thought to train the girl. The boy was to be kept safe, hidden away from possible enemies while they considered his role. Now…well, now it was possible that they had two recruits.

Queen Aga'po looked at the Sapphire Central Power Battery and then back at the active portal. Perhaps now was a time for bold action, for risks to be taken.

With a gesture, she summoned a power ring.

oOoOo

Xander awoke to find himself in a rather comfortable bed in what looked like a nice apartment.

"Did you sleep well, Xander?"

He rolled over to see Miri sitting on a chair watching him.

"I…I don't remember falling asleep," said Xander as he started to sit up.

"You needed to sleep, to heal," replied Miri with a smile.

Xander was distracted by the fact that swinging his legs out of bed revealed that he was naked. He hastily pulled the sheet back up, "Why am I naked?"

"It would not have been comfortable for you to sleep in what you had on," replied Miri with a smile. "For a young man, you have quite an impressive musculature."

"Oh God," muttered Xander. "Am I able to get some?"

Miri laughed as her eyes sparkled, "Why Xander are you trying to seduce me?"

Xander blushed as he tried to stammer out a correction that trailed off at the sound of Miri's laughter.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't tease you," added a smiling Miri. "I have arranged for some clothes and they should be here soon."

Xander laid back down, "Well that is a relief."

"Are you uncomfortable with my presence, I can leave if you wish."

"No, it's fine Miri," Xander reassured her.

"I…" Miri trailed off as a violet coloured portal appeared in the room. The light from it tinted the darkened room differing shades of violet.

"Alexander Harris of Earth, you are far from home and although you have lost your true love you are still seeking to help and heal others. The Star Sapphires offer to make your heart whole again, to make you one of our own."

Xander was gaping, stunned, as the floating ring slowly approached him.

oOoOo

Mount Justice

Amanda was trying to decide what to do. Being offered training by what was essentially a pretty kick-ass Green Lantern, well Violet coloured Lantern. Andrew would have pissed his pants and passed out by now. However, despite the tempting offer (after all, she could totally wail on vamps with a power ring) Xander's absence was deeply troubling.

"I want to see Xander. He's my watcher and I need to discuss the offer with him," said Amanda as she locked gazes with Fatality.

Fatality raised an eyebrow, "I assure you that he is safe."

Amanda shook her head, "I'm going nowhere and agreeing to nothing until I see him."

"Very well," replied Fatality as she used her ring to send a message to Miri.

oOoOo

"Miri what's going on?" asked Xander as he stood up and pulled the sheet around him.

Miri was looking at Xander seriously, all playfulness was gone from her expression. "Xander, the ring is for you. Queen Aga'po must have deemed you worthy."

"Um aren't Star Sapphires, all women?"

Miri shook her head, "There is no rule as such, but it is uncommon for a man to be chosen."

Xander backed away from the ring, "Miri I…what do I do?"

Miri stepped forward and gently caressed Xander's cheek, "Do what is in your heart."

Xander hesitated and then raised his hand reaching for the ring as his thoughts raced. Since High School, his life had been a constant emotional rollercoaster. As the non-Slayer/non-Witch/non-Reformed Vampire, he had for a long time been the support person. Even as his skills and experience grew, he had still been the one that the others had to keep an eye on.

Now thanks to a magical accident he had strength…power and…and what? The Alpha had told him that he had the strength to protect people, but he still feared that power. What if he went bad if he lost control?

The ring was the physical representation of love if he remembered his comic books it would only work if he had love in his heart.

Decision made he reached out and accepted the ring.

With a gasp, he felt a strange sensation, like warm oil roll up his arm. Then he felt a wave of emotion pass through him. Love for those in his life, his friends his lost loves Anya and Dawn. He felt his feet leave the ground as the power of love coursed through him, almost overpowering his senses. Then there was a voice in his head.

"Love, the power of the Star Sapphires there is nothing you cannot do with love in your heart."

Xander threw back his head and laughed with joy as a feeling of euphoria surged through him.

"Xander are you alright?" asked a familiar voice…Miri.

Xander turned to look at Miri and almost gasped at the emotional feedback he felt from her. Her uniform left an expanse of soft blue skin that shimmered and sparkled, but her beauty was secondary to the warmth and love in her eyes.

"Xander?"

Miri gasped as Xander's sheet dropped to the ground. Violet light wrapped around his body creating the default Star Sapphire uniform. She almost blushed as she realized just how well the revealing outfit showed off his toned body.

Mir watched as Xander drifted through the air toward her. With a gentle smile, he reached out and stroked her cheek as she had so recently done to him.

Xander could see the aura of love around the Star Sapphire, "You are truly beautiful Miri, inside and out."

Miri gasped as his touch sent a surge of energy into her.

Without realizing it, she pressed herself up against Xander and leaned in with slightly parted lips as his arms snaked slid down her sides to wrap around her waist. Then their lips touched and for her, there was an explosion of violet light.

Xander smiled as Miri deepened the kiss. The emotions were almost tangible. Her hands were moving now running up his side to caress the bare skin on his chest as his dropped to knead her firm muscular bottom.

The moment seemed to last forever as their hands wandered. Xander was now stroking her womanhood through her uniform even as he felt Miri's hand slip inside the lower half of his uniform.

It was growing hard to do anything but feel as a euphoric feeling of love and contentment flowed over them…Control not instinct…wait what was he doing?

"Miri," he gasped out as her hand stroked him. "We have to stop…something is going on."

"Don't stop," she whispered as she grabbed his hand and held it in place as she shuddered against him.

Xander felt the cloud of emotion lifting as he tried to move his hand and Miri's, "Miri this isn't right."

Miri gasped and shuddered as her back arched, "Xander…my love."

Xander was feeling sick as he realized that she had climaxed even as she seemed to come out of the lust filled haze.

"Xander?"

Xander back peddled as Miri released her grip on him, "I'm sorry."

Miri looked confused for a moment before she seemed to return to normal.

"What happened ?" she asked her ring as she straightened her uniform.

"Your rings have become attuned this, in turn, created an emotion-based field and stimulated pheromone production."

"How did that happen?" asked Xander.

"Unknown," replied Xander's ring.

Miri was flushing as she cleared her throat, "Well that was an experience."

Xander winced, it was like Buffy and the Hyena again. He had lost control and nearly hurt someone. He started to back away from Miri unaware that he was whispering.

Miri watched Xander's expression turn fearful as he backed away whispering. "No…not again."

"You didn't hurt me Xander…far from it," Miri reassured him.

Xander continued to back away toward the window as he tried to pull his power ring off.

Miri hesitated then raised her hand and did something she had never done to another Star Sapphire, "For hearts long lost and full of fright, For those alone in Blackest Night. Accept our ring and join our fight, Love conquers all with violet light!"

As she finished, she tethered herself to him, using her powers to sense the state of his love and to forge a link to her ring. A link that would allow her to find him should he flee.

Xander stumbled as Miri raised her hand.

Time froze

Miri gasped in wonder as she felt a solid connection form. A tether should not be this strong or so clear. Rather than just emotion, she began to experience his memories.

Xander felt a brief moment of fear as his world turned violet before he found himself back in Sunnydale. Looking around in shock at Sunnydale High School and then down at the skateboard at his feet. Turning he saw Buffy…just as he remembered her that first day.

"Can I have you?" he whispered.

"Xander?"

He turned to see Miri floating toward him, "Miri what is happening? This can't be real."

"We are in your mind…I think. This shouldn't be possible."

"Xander I want orgasms, many orgasms so come on," said a familiar voice. He turned in horror to see Anya standing beside him tugging at his hand.

"Anya," whispered Xander. It felt like his heart would shatter as Anya looked into his eyes.

"I love you," he managed to say before she faded away.

"No, come back," he begged.

"You want to join me in the shower?"

Xander shut his eyes as Dawn's voice sounded behind him.

Miri watched in horror as Xander's former loves…some lost to death appeared. This had to stop it wasn't meant to be. "Xander they are only memories, concentrate on me, my voice." Reaching him she took his hand.

Xander felt a warm, soft hand in his and turned to look at Miri.

"Use your ring, Xander, Tether yourself to me…use your ring."

Xander raised his hand and thought of a tether. His ring seemingly understood and there was another flash of light as he pulled Miri close.

oOoOo

In the apartment of Carol Ferris, Miri and Xander were frozen in an embrace that was surrounded by violet crystal.

oOoOo

Fatality studied Amanda for a moment before nodding, "If it will dispel your mistrust, I will take you to him."

"Not alone," said Green Lantern.

Fatality rolled her eyes, "Fine you may come."

She gestured and a portal to Miri's location opened. As she stepped through followed by Amanda, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and Ganthet.

She did not expect to see a conversion crystal containing Miri and Xander both of whom were in Star Sapphire uniforms.

"Okay," said Amanda in a voice that clearly spoke of imminent violence. "What the fuck happened to him?"

Before Fatality could answer, a portal opened and Queen Aga'po stepped through.

"Ganthet it is good to see you again," said Aga'po.

"What is happening here Your Highness?" demanded Ganthet.

Fatality stepped forward as if to protect the Queen, but Aga'po raised a slim-fingered hand to stop her.

"Something unexpected Guardian. Young Alexander accepted a power ring, but something went wrong."

"Wrong!" yelled Amanda. "He's trapped in a crystal."

Ganthet reached up a laid a small hand on Amanda's arm, giving it a gentle squeeze, "I believe an explanation would be beneficial before this young lady has to be restrained."

Aga'po gestured and an image appeared of Xander on a bed. As the hologram played, Ganthet watched closely. When it finished, he gestured for Green Lantern to approach, "Scan them, I suspect that the mix of magic and chaos that affected Mister Harris on his arrival has struck again."

oOoOo