Chapter 6

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 fanfiction and does not seek to claim ownership or seek any financial gain.

Last Time

Aga'po gestured and an image appeared of Xander in bed. As the hologram played, Ganthet watched closely. When I 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."

Xander was having the single most erotic experience of his life.

Miri was beneath him looking into his eyes as they made love. Around them, almost unheeded, was an infinite vista of stars.

Then he was aware.

This, lovely as it was, was an illusion, a dream.

Miri gasped beneath him as she trembled and his eyes locked on hers. She whispered his name as she climaxed…

'Xander?'

Miri's voice had a strange echo to it.

'Xander…your ring.'

Xander could feel his ring, warm and comforting on his finger. It was almost pulsing in time with Miri's voice…how strange.

'Xander…use our ring.'

Use my ring…why?

He concentrated on is ring feeling the warmth spread up his arm. Suddenly, Miri was less tangible…less real.

What am I doing?

Suddenly cautious he concentrated on his ring.

Purple light flowed around him as the stars went out.

oOoOo

Xander opened his eyes to a blinding headache.

Okay, so he was in a comfortable bed that looked rather familiar, the Watchtower.

Turning his head, he spotted another bed, also occupied.

Miri was sitting up looking at him with a wry smile on her beautiful face, "Good to see you awake Xander."

"Are you okay?" asked Xander as he sat up.

Miri nodded, "Fine, although I woke up with a pretty bad headache."

"Yeah, me too although it's sort of Fribalt now," replied Xander. "Why are we back on the Watchtower?" He turned to look at Miri, who was looking at him oddly. "What?"

"You said Fribalt," said Miri. "That's a Lartnecian word, from my homeworld."

Xander stared at Miri as a frown appeared on his face, "Okay that's a bit weird."

Miri nodded, "It's giving me the Wiggins…why do I know that word?"

The door hissed open and Ganthet, Aga'po and Superman walked in to the room.

"Ahh I see you are awake," said Ganthet, "And from what I overheard you have discovered your connection."

"Hold on what connection?" asked Xander.

Miri was looking at her ring in surprise, "Could this be caused by the tether?"

Aga'po sighed, "It appears that was the start of the situation but something else occurred, something unexpected. I suggest that you use your ring Miri, you too Xander. Look at each other and try and feel a connection," she instructed.

Miri, having more experience with her rings abilities was the first to sense what was pointed out, "A heart tether…oh, my."

Xander sensed something comforting, warm…joy, love…confusion…desire and arousal. What was he sensing? Then he realised that it must be Miri.

Miri's cheeks darkened as she blushed.

Xander grinned, "Wow, that's pretty neat. I didn't know power rings could do that."

"Normally they can't," explained Aga'po. "When you both tethered to each other something interacted with the process. The result is something like a tether but much deeper. Having never seen such a powerful spontaneous connection I am unsure as to its nature."

"My Queen, I have tethered others before to track them or to ease their heartbreak but this…well I can sense his emotions, memories and he can sense mine," added Miri.

"Fascinating," said Ganthet with a broad smile. "I wonder if it is because you are both Star Sapphires?"

"So, what does this mean for Alexander?" asked Superman.

Aga'po frowned, "I do not know."

"But you suspect something don't you?" added Superman.

Ganthet sighed, "You fear it is permanent, do you not?"

Aga'po nodded, "I fear so but in fairness, I have nothing to base that on save the strength of the bond."

Xander felt a moment of panic but then he dismissed it, "There are worse things than being linked to a beautiful woman, besides I have always liked redheads."

Miri beamed at him.

oOoOo

Amanda paused to glare at Robin, Artemis and Kid Flash as she paced outside the medical wing.

"Why are we here again?" asked Artemis. "It's clear she doesn't want us here." She shot Robin her own dirty look as she lowered her voice. "At least, they could have sent the others, you know the members of our team she's not pissed off with."

"They are dealing with a situation and the League wanted people here in case the Star Sapphires try to snatch her," Robin explained…again.

"You know I can hear you, like super hearing douchebags," called out Amanda.

Robin winced, "Look we, I'm sorry okay. I was only trying to protect my team."

"By getting nudie shots of me?" countered Amanda. "Can understand you boy's wanting a peep, but what's your deal, not into driving stick?'

It took Artemis a few seconds to work out what Amanda had said. Then she flushed and began charging forward hands curling into fists.

"Oh crap," said Wally as he grabbed her arm.

Robin jumped in front of his teammates, "This sniping has to stop. It isn't helping."

Amanda didn't have a chance to reply before the door slid open.

Superman raised an eyebrow at the scene, "Is there a problem here?"

Robin's training with his stoic mentor allowed him to hide a wince, "No, it's under control."

Superman didn't look convinced, but he gestured to the Medical area, "Amanda, Alexander is awake and would like to see you."

Amanda nodded and all but ran past Superman.

Robin had felt a bit of relief before Superman turned back to them, "So what exactly is going on?"

oOoOo

"Xander!"

That was all the warning Xander got before Amanda launched herself at him. After a near rib bruising Slayer hug Amanda stepped back and carefully checked him out for injuries.

"I'm fine," Xander reassured her.

Amanda shot Miri a distrustful look, "What happened?"

Xander shrugged, "We don't know although I'd guess that the old Harris anti-mojo kicked in. Miri was trying to help me, and it sort of went a bit pear-shaped. Queen Aga'po and Ganthet are trying to work out what happened but for now, everything is fine. Actually, there is someone you should probably meet, Amanda this is Miri, Miri this is Amanda."

"Hello Amanda," said Miri brightly giving the Slayer a wave.

Amanda nodded toward the Star Sapphire, "Um, Hi?"

Miri raised an eyebrow and smiled.

Xander cleared his throat," Well, perhaps there is a bit more you need to know."

"What's going on?' asked Amanda.

"Well you see…it's like this," began Xander.

oOoOo

Amanda sat on Xander's bed sorting through what Xander and Miri had told her.

"So, you two are like besties now?" asked Amanda after several minutes of silence.

"That and maybe more," replied Xander.

"And you're cool with this Miri?' questioned Amanda.

"Very much so," replied Miri with a smile.

'Wow' thought Amanda the whole demon magnet thing strikes again. "Okay, then I'm cool with it. You going to keep the ring Xan?"

Xander nodded and struck a heroic pose, "Yep, Xander Harris…Star Sapphire in training."

Miri burst into laughter while Amanda tried not to giggle.

"What of you, Friend Amanda?" asked Miri.

Amanda hesitated, "I'm not sure being a slayer is kind of my thing. Not sure I'm ready for the spandex."

Xander sat down next to Amanda, "Hey, don't sweat it. I'll support you either way but I do want you to think about it. Given all the good and bad guys here that have powers you and I could do a lot of good."

Amanda looked over at Miri, "Will it be you training us?"

Miri looked thoughtful, "I suspect so, given our situation."

"If it's you I'm in. I like you and X-man trusts you. That's good enough for me."

oOoOo

Ganthet and Aga'po agreed to contact Miri and Xander as soon as they knew anything about their situation or about their mysterious enemy. The last thing Aga'po did before leaving was to present Amanda with her ring. Then, much to the surprise of Miri, she presented Xander and Amanda with Power batteries.

"If you three are training every day one power battery may not be enough," explained the Queen.

oOoOo

Sitting in the waiting room of the Watchtower, Xander and Miri shared amused looks as Amanda cycled through changes to her Star Sapphire uniform.

Xander had to admit that Amanda looked stunning (if rather uncomfortable) in the standard Star Sapphire uniform but he was thankful that Miri had the common sense to tell the younger girl how to adjust the settings.

"What should we do as far as accommodation goes?" asked Xander. "I don't see the League letting us stay with the others at Mount Justice considering the sometimes strained relationships between the Corps."

"We have the apartment, it would accommodate three would it not?" asked Miri.

"It would but wouldn't that raise some eyebrows? After all, I'm physically underage regardless of my actual age," Xander reminded Miri.

Amanda laughed, "Ohh you cougar Miri."

"Cougar?" queried Miri with a puzzled expression.

"A Varinth…oh crap I did it again," complained Xander.

Amanda looked at Xander, "Huh?"

"Xander learned some words from my native language courtesy of our connection. Every so often he blurts one out," explained Miri.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," said Black Canary as she appeared in the doorway. "Superman and Wonder Woman were called away and the rest of the League had to be brought up to speed."

"Are we free to go?" asked Xander.

Black Canary gave a small shrug, "You are not prisoners, but we were concerned about where you will be staying."

Amanda snorted, "Yeah well we have it sorted. No need to have Robin rip out all his hidden cameras."

Black Canary could understand the teen's anger at the intrusion, "Believe me when I say that we are just as unhappy with his actions. All the cameras have already been removed. As far as we are concerned the invitation to stay is still open to you."

"And Miri?" asked Xander.

"It was a sticking point, but we voted on it. So, yes Miri you are welcome to stay as well."

"Great, we can share a room," said Amanda as she hip bumped Miri.

Xander felt a wave of disappointment, "oh…yeah that's a great idea."

Miri shot him a look but Xander shook his head. They would talk later, without League members listening in.

Black Canary looked pleased, "Right so let me explain how the transporters work…"

oOoOo

Unknown Sectors

This region of the unknown sectors had long since been devoid of life. The reasons for this had long been forgotten save in the oldest records of the Guardians.

At the very centre of the 'dead zone' a dead, frozen planet orbited a dying star. Beneath kilometres of ice lay the ruins of a temple to a long-dead power. Beneath what was once, the altar laid the remains of a being, who in life had been the High Priest of the dead power.

Far beneath the remains, there was a prison of sorts. It was to this prison that those who served the whisperer in the darkness were sent. In the distant past, these agents of darkness were imprisoned in such a way that they could never escape…even in death they were bound.

Yet even that was proved wrong by time as they passed into oblivion.

All that was left was the entity once known to its enemies as the 'deceiver'. It survived because its very nature defied any normal definition of life. It was a being created by primordial sorcery as the tool of its creator. It had persevered while its creator was imprisoned and now as it stirred so did it's servant.

The entity tested its prison and for the first time, it found the power to exploit a slight weakness in the complex wards that kept it trapped. Moments later it was free, the ice and the darkness proved no barrier as it rose, visible as nothing more than a shadow.

oOoOo

Ganthet put aside the tome he was reading in frustration. The Guardians had access to eons of knowledge but that didn't always help if you didn't have a clear avenue of inquiry.

"Ganthet?" queried a familiar voice.

Hal Jordan passed the Guardian a cup of herbal tea, which he accepted with a nod.

"Had any luck?" asked Jordan.

"No Hal Jordan I have not. The seers that recorded the prophecy have supplied what they have, which is helpful but there is little recorded that could help us identify our enemy."

Jordan sat down next to the Guardian, "So the Star Sapphires are on the up and up?"

"You are asking about Alexander and Amanda?"

"Yeah, it seems...I don't know, odd that they are focusing on two teenagers."

Ganthet looked pensive for a moment before sighing, "I fear that they will indeed have a role to play so I cannot begrudge them assistance."

"Is it really that grim Ganthet?"

"If this Whisperer in the Shadows is a precursor to the old gods then we are looking at a being equal to if not greater in power than some of the most powerful beings left in existence. I had originally thought that the Prophecy referred to a being mentioned in our records as the Nameless…but that does not fit the facts," mused Ganthet.

"How powerful are we talking here?" asked Jordan.

"Think of Darkseid, he is a dangerous foe but in terms of power Darkseid would be like a child compared to what this Whisperer could be."

Jordan grimaced, "Damn, we may need to let the rest of the League know."

Ganthet nodded, "Hal, if I thought telling Darkseid would help, I would do so."

Jordan turned to leave when Ganthet spoke again, "Make sure they are trained Hal Jordan because if the prophecy is correct, they might become our only defence."

oOoOo

Mount Justice, Happy Harbor Rhode Island

Amanda, Miri and Xander were greeted by Red Tornado on their arrival.

"I believe that the others are awaiting your presence in the lounge area," explained Red Tornado.

"Right, we'll head over," replied Xander.

"Another interrogation," muttered Amanda.

"I do not believe that to be the case," replied Red Tornado.

Waiting in the lounge area where all the members of 'Young Justice'.

Robin, Kid Flash, Artemis, Miss Martian, Aqualad and Superboy stood as the four of them entered the room.

Red Tornado looked around the room before announcing that he had duties to attend to and left.

The silence stood for a few moments before Robin stepped forward, "Look I know we stuffed up…I stuffed up and I'd like to apologise and say welcome to Mount Justice." He was addressing them all, but his eyes went to Amanda as he spoke.

"I think starting over is a good idea," said Xander. "Let me begin, I'm Xander Harris, Trainee Star Sapphire and Demon Hunter."

Amanda hesitated for a moment before she continued on, "Amanda and I am a Slayer and a Star Sapphire."

Miri gave everyone a bright smile, "Miri Riam Star Sapphire."

Aqualad introduced his teammates and as he finished Miss Martian clapped her hands and rushed over to a table to where a plate of misshapen dark brown…somethings lay, "I've made cookies."

Xander gamely tried one of the chocolate cookies and found it palatable if a bit burnt. After all, anyone that survived Dawn's odd food tastes could handle overcooked cookies.

"Do you like them?" asked Miss Martian.

Xander looked at her eager face and decided that, in this case, the full truth was not the best policy. "They are fine M'gann although they would be great with hot chocolate or coffee. They are just right for dunking."

Miss Martian beamed at him before carrying the tray off to offer them to the others.

"How bad are they?' asked Amanda.

"Not quite Dawn bad so that's a win," replied Xander. "You okay?'

Amanda shrugged, "Lots going on and I haven't had time to process it all yet."

"Fair enough but remember I'm here for you if you want to talk."

"Thanks," replied Amanda with a smile. "So, hey what's the deal with Miri you knocking boots?"

Xander shot the teenager a dirty look, "You hung around with Faith far too much."

"That's not a no," said Amanda with a grin.

Xander rolled his eyes, "So not discussing this with you right now."

"Still not a no…she's pretty hot boss and she's an older woman."

Xander realised by Amanda's shark-like grin that anything he said would deliberately be taken out of context, so he shut up.

Robin looked over to where Kaldur'ahm, Wally and Artemis were talking to Miri. Taking a deep breath, he approached Amanda and Xander.

Amanda's smile faded but Xander's was firmly in place, "Hey Robin."

"I just wanted to apologise for my actions and those I asked my teammates to assist with. You were totally right to be angry and I hope that we can find a way to move past this," Robin extended a hand to Amanda.

Amanda could see Robin meant it and while she was still annoyed with the teen she knew that it was time to let it go.

"Okay apology accepted, just don't do it again," replied Amanda as he took his hand.

Robin nodded, "Now before you mentioned that you wanted a training session. I know that you will be training with the Star Sapphires now but if you still want to sometimes let me know. I'll slot it into our training sessions."

"That would be great," replied Amanda. "Hey, you want in on this too Xman?"

The tension in the room seemed to lower considerably with the situation resolved. Xander, Amanda and Miri soon found themselves having conversations with each of the teammates. Nothing too personal or serious but it was a start.

Xander, however, found himself constantly distracted by the emotions and stray thought he was receiving from Miri. A problem he was sure she was having as well. He had been admiring her shapely behind while she talked with Artemis only for her to turn and give him a smug smile.

While knowing that Miri liked him was far from a bad thing (a gift, given their potentially permanent tether) it did mean that very soon they would need to have a conversation about what sort of relationship they would have.

oOoOo

Later that evening Amanda had finally sought out her bed leaving Xander and Miri to talk privately. After a few seconds of comfortable silence, Miri had stood up, "Want to come fly with me?"

Xander grinned, "Sounds good."

Eventually, they settled onto the beach near Mount Justice.

"We probably need to talk don't we," said Xander as Miri snuggled into his side with a sigh of contentment.

Miri laughed softly, "Yes, probably."

"I understand that we need to better understand our relationship given the tether but…." Xander trailed off as Miri raised her ring and removed her uniform.

"I think my actions will speak louder than words," said Miri as she stood naked before him. "This Xander is me, physically what you see before you. The more important part is here," she touched her head and her heart. "Through our tether, I can feel you, your emotions, your desire and affection. If you look, you'll find you can read mine. I know that you might not be ready yet but don't doubt that I am pursuing you, my love."

Xander stared at the naked…well, goddess as his prepared speech seemingly evaporated.

He could feel her.

Not just her surface feeling of desire mixed with affection and lust but deeper emotions and he caught glimpses of the memories accompanying them. Through her, he felt the loss of her husband and the satisfaction she got from being a Star Sapphire and fighting to stop others suffering as she had.

He could sense her growing love for him and her easy acceptance of their bond.

Without conscious choice, he stepped forward and pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

For Miri, the choice was a simple one…to feel, to love again. As a Star Sapphire, she had helped countless lovers but her own desires were buried deep. The tether had broken that wall down had allowed her a unique opportunity to understand Xander far more intimately than she would have ever been able to. Even in the most trusting and enduring of relationships. She knew what he felt she knew how much his losses and failed relationships had hurt him. Before the tether, the ghost of Anya had been a millstone around his neck. It had stopped him fully committing in the fear that he would fail as he perceived he had with Anya.

Now, he was ready to move on to seek out love again. Her ghost was laid to rest with the insights the tether gave him.

When Xander kissed her she again felt the passion grow and this time, when their rings again connected, she was ready.

A gesture and she used her ring to teleport them both to Carol's apartment.

oOoOo

Xander woke up with something warm against his side. Opening his eyes, the first thing he saw was red hair. Then he saw an expanse of blue skin.

Then last night played back through his memories and a smile formed on his lips.

"Wowsers," he whispered as he mentally rewound and fast-forward the highlights a few times.

Content to watch her sleep he gently brushed her hair away from her face so he could see her properly and was rewarded with the sight of her drooling slightly. It was a rather endearing image. As he watched, she blinked and her pale pink eyes opened.

"Xander...hmmm," Miri snuggled into his side again, "Go back to sleep."

Xander ran a hand down her side to her hip, "We have training this morning. Or so my beautiful instructor informed me."

Miri laughed and prodded him in the side with her finger, "We had a workout last night. Unless you have forgotten already?"

"Never my Dear Miri, it's now my fondest memory," Xander replied in what he assumed was a dashing English accent.

Miri sighed and rolled onto her back, "You are right, we do have training this morning. In fact, we may well be late unless we hurry. Hmmm, perhaps we can share the shower…to save time of course."

oOoOo

Amanda spent the entirety of breakfast grinning at Xander, which let him know that his absence had been duly noted. Still, with luck, she'd be discrete enough to hold off until they were alone.

"So X-Man where were you last night?"

Xander winced as Amanda smirked at him. She knew damn well that she had spoken loud enough to be overheard. Telling Amanda to be quiet or that it was none of her business would be counterproductive, so he went with plan B, "Let's talk later."

Miri arrived just as they finished eating and all three Star Sapphires made their way outside, with Miri in the lead. Eventually, she stopped in a small wooded area near the gardens.

"Okay Miri what's on for today?" asked Amanda.

Miri gestured and a construct of a huge sword appeared hovering in the air above her, "This is a hard-light construct that I created using my ring. Using your ring you can fly, breath underwater and even venture into space. It is your greatest defence and your most powerful weapon. As a Star Sapphire, we are tasked with the defence of love, every Star Sapphire hears a version of the same words; you have great love in your heart. Our oath reflects that, 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!"

"We say that when we recharge our rings?" asked Xander.

"That's right and for that, you need a Power Battery," Miri reached into the seemingly empty air and pulled out a violet coloured lantern. "Queen Aga'po gave you each a Power Battery and today I'll also show you how to hide it away, safe as I do."

oOoOo

"Form a shield Xander," ordered Miri.

Xander concentrated and a violet-tinted bubble appeared around him.

"Good, now I want you to hold it in place," as she finished speaking Miri created a swarm of bees and sent them toward Xander.

The shield construct flared as they struck but stayed in place. The Bees began circling as Xander grinned at Miri.

Miri simply smiled and then pulled her top open.

Once Miri had dispelled the bee constructs and Xander had stopped dancing around complaining about the 'phantom stings' she pulled him and a grinning Amanda over.

Miri tossed Xander a water bottle, "You allowed yourself to be distracted, Xander. I trust that show why you need to maintain your concentration."

Amanda grinned at Xander's embarrassment, who knew it would be so easy to distract and fluster the Bossman?

"In fairness Miri, you do have a spectacular rack," added Amanda.

Miri laughed and gestured toward the grass where Xander had stood, "Your turn."

Amanda was still grinning as she stood waiting.

"Form a shield Amanda," ordered Miri.

Amanda concentrated and a violet bubble appeared around her.

Miri studied Amanda's shield for a moment before creating a huge mallet and raising it into the air.

Amanda had blanched for a moment before her expression changed to one of resolve.

Miri nodded and released the construct letting it disappear as she walked over to Amanda's shield, "You are brave Sister but your shield would not have held."

"What, why?" asked Amanda. "It looked the same as Xander's."

"Star Sapphires are protectors, guardians of Love. That is what empowers you…While you feel as you do you are weakening yourself," explained Miri in a soft voice.

Amanda looked rebellious for a moment before she nodded.

"Xander I want you to practice your flying," ordered Miri.

Xander looked puzzled but nodded and took off and banked out over the ocean.

"How long?" asked Miri.

Amanda sighed, "For a while, since I was called really."

"Does Xander know?"

Amanda smiled, "He's clueless. How did you know?"

"I sensed your...affection. You should say something, bottling it all up inside will darken your heart. Jealousy, lust and hurt are things that poison your soul," warned Miri. "Xander would not judge you as any less of a friend if you told him. Those that do are not worthy of the title."

Amanda sighed and sat on the grass.

Miri sank down next to the teenager and put an arm around her shoulders, "Was there someone you liked at home."

Amanda nodded, "Kristy… but she had a boyfriend."

"And here?" prompted Miri in a gentle voice.

Amanda shook her head, "Nobody…well, Artemis and M'gann are pretty hot."

Miri grinned, "As you say, they are very attractive. You must be honest with yourself Amanda. Xander and I will support you."

Amanda nodded, "I…I need some time,"

Miri gave Amanda's shoulders a squeeze, "Just think about what I have said."

"I love him you know. With all the teasing and all he might not know it but I love him like my own brother. Most of the girls do."

"Then tell him, love comes in many forms, Sister. I can sense your deep bond with Xander. In some ways, it is that love that helps you wield your ring. Don't let your confusion weaken that link. "

By the time Xander got back, Miri and Amanda were sparing and although he could sense something had happened, he didn't mention it. If he needed to know, Miri or Amanda would tell him.

oOoOo

The Deceiver felt rage and hatred of those that kept it from its master. The timeless prison was unassailable; its very nature meant that it defied his approach. And yet something was there…a thread…a link.

The faintest of mystical connections, almost non-existent but present. It was enough for the Deceiver to follow.

With a dark twist, it disappeared.

And reappeared over a blue-green planet where it almost immediately faltered. There were protections and powerful entities below. It would need to be careful because the Deceiver was weak…very weak. Its master remained imprisoned and that reduced its power. So weak in fact that it was unable to assume even the crudest physical form. That didn't mean that it was powerless, far from it.

The now twined thread that led it here allowed it to find its quarry and observe.

The female and the male were protected.

The Deceiver needed a body to inhabit, preferably one which would allow it to strike against its enemies. How fortunate that its targets were surrounded by potential hosts.

oOoOo

Robin slowed to a stop on his purpose-built 'cross country' track. Ahead in an open area, Xander was sparing with Amanda. As they exchanged blows, Miri threw violet coloured balls of light at the pair of them.

"Concentrate Xander your enemies won't face off against you one on one…you need to be aware of what is happening around you," instructed Miri.

Xander ducked under a roundhouse kick and tried to sweep Amanda's leg while he simultaneously avoided one of Miri's balls.

Robin grinned and continued down the track. Batman had drilled that lesson into him…although he had to admit Miri was far easier on the eyes than Batman.

He had been against the trio living in Mount Justice, hell he had been against just Xander and Amanda but maybe he'd been wrong about them.

A wry smile tugged at his lips as he reached the uphill part of the course. Bruce had taught him to be observant and it was a fine skill to emulate but he needed to be careful not to cross the line into paranoia.

He'd keep his eyes open either way.

oOoOo