Disclaimer : I do not own Charmed or Buffy the Vampire Slayer or SG-1. These characters are all great works done by their creators. And it will stay that way :p I own nothing and am only writing this story to see how these worlds will mesh.
Note: Chapter6 is a bit long and wordy because I have to explain a few plot turners, sorry about that, I've tried to cut everything down as much as I can. SG-1 will make an appearance in later chapters, and there will be a LOTR plot soon after that. Enjoy!
Chapter Six
There was a brief distortion in space as Giles, Buffy, Xander and Willow reappeared from the clearing in Sunnydale into a dimly lit cavern. It was the size of ten football fields and statues, gold, weapons and other stuff filled the cave. The four gaped in astonishment trying to catch their breath.
A heap of glittering gemstones were piled at a corner and heaps of gold bars stacked in a neat row beside it. Armors and weapons were arranged in a neat pile near the entrance of the cave. At the back of the cave were shelves of unknown artifacts, and in the center was a giant rock with a toy sword stuck halfway in it.
The rock was giving off a soft glow, illuminating the cave. And on the left side of the cave was a huge metal door leading to somewhere else that was locked and bared. Through his connection with Excalibur, Xander picked up a sense of sadness and duty, and images of hundreds of men in the cavern beyond the door, trapped in a spelled sleep.
King Arthur sleeps next door. Xander realized with awe.
"Wow." Xander said, feeling stunned as he stared at the knowledge and the riches before him.
"Look at those jewels and gold. It's like a pirate's cave."
"And those weapons and armors, you can outfit an army here."
Giles gave a quiet cough as Willow and Buffy began talking at once. "Children, please calm down. Remember our purpose here and that these treasures don't belong to us."
"But couldn't we like take one or two of those gemstones? They look so pretty." Buffy turned to Excalibur who was in Xander's hands. "How about it Excalibur? Think of it as a little payment for getting you home." Buffy coaxed as she eye the jewels and weapons covertly.
There was a mental laugh in their heads. You may take a few. Excalibur said. But first, Xander go to the back of the cave, there are some things that I want to make sure.
Xander walked to the back, leaving Buffy and Willow to choose their gems while Giles followed Xander.
Touch the silver cube on the middle row.
Xander looked around and saw a small metal cube with five colored crystals embedded each of the sides that fit the description. Reaching out his free hand, he touched it. There was a surge of static energy running through his veins as the cube lit up emitting a series of sounds that seems to be a foreign language. Xander drop the cube back onto the shelf.
"What was that all about?" Xander asked.
Excalibur sighed. Welcome people of the Ancients. That's what the box said. Excalibur paused for a moment. My suspicions are right, you do bear the ancient's bloodline. Excalibur said, a barrage emotion of pride and hope was directed Xander's way.
"What are the Ancients? And what do you mean about Xander's blood stuff?" Buffy asked curiously as she and Willow made their way towards Xander, attracted by the weird noises. Their hands clasped handful of jewels and gems that they were in the process of choosing.
Millions of years ago, before human life on Earth, Earth was inhabited by alien life forms called the Ancients. Excalibur said. Xander bears the blood of that old race.
Xander gaped at the sword. "You've got to be shitting me, are you telling me I am part alien and that there are actually aliens out there?"
"That's impossible!" Giles sputtered. "Aliens are a myth, there has been no official record of their existence!"
Like the vampires are a myth too? And the vampire slayer, is she not real? Excalibur said humorously. I have seen aliens from other planets during the time I was with Arthur. I have shed their blood and help them. Aliens are just as real as the demons that lurk in the darkness, in fact they were the first to survive on this planet aside from the demons.
Giles and Willow just stared at Xander as if they have never seen him before. Buffy started chuckling.
"And I thought Xander was the most normal one out of all of us!" Buffy said with a resigned chuckle. "So do the rest of us also possess those alien's blood or is it just Xander?" She paused and frowned as a thought struck her. "That blood is not going to hurt Xander is it? He's not going to turn into something big and evil that I'll have to slay right?"
"Buffy!! Do I look evil to you?" Xander gaped at Buffy. "I feel perfectly fine, no evil in this Xander, no way."
There was a mental chuckle from Excalibur. No, he is not going to turn evil, the ancients are a humanoid race with almost the same identical physical makeup like yours. Their race like the humans have their own good and bad peoples. Overall they are a peaceful race that cultivates civilizations.
"That's good." Willow said managing to slip her jewel laden hands around Xander's arm, giving him a hug. "Xander's our best friend, I wouldn't want Buffy to slay him."
"Hey." Xander said, leaning on Willow good naturedly.
Its good to know the Ancients have not died out yet, after Sir Lancelot of the round table was sent to undergo the Great Sleep, I have not met another with the blood of that old race. Excalibur said. The scoobys could feel the joy emitting from the sword. Excalibur's attitude towards Xander had changed after the battle with the demon known as the Source. Everyone present could feel the change.
"That's fascinating, an alien race living on Earth and no one knows of it." Giles breathed. "But how do you find out Xander possesses the blood and what does it do?"
Years on the hellmouth had thought him caution and suspicion at anything not normal and Giles was not going to let any of his charges be dragged into unexpected danger again.
I first suspected when Xander was able to overcome the Source's mind probe. And he confirmed it when he touched the silver cube, which will only be activated by those with Ancients' blood. Excalibur said. Xander got the distinct impression that the sword was very proud of him. What little I know of the Ancients came from Sir Lancelot who came from the direct line of ancients.
The Ancients as a whole are strongly immune towards magic and rely strongly on their technology which are activated by those of their blood and mental abilities, one of the reason they were able to survive on this planet for so long. In fact the human race on Earth was later carefully bred by the Ancients to be able to fight against these creatures of the dark.
"Are you telling me we were some kind of experiment by these Ancients creatures?" Willow said shocked. She could virtually feel what she knew of human evolution unraveling in her brain. Buffy and Xander looked very disturbed, and Giles have that oh dear look in his eyes.
In a way, yes. Excalibur said. When the humans were first brought onto this planet, most were unable to survive against the powers of the demons. The ancients gave the human race a fighting chance. A few of the humans gained the power to manipulate the mystic forces through the intervention of the Ancients, and thus begun the birth of the guardians, witches, and other humans with abilities who later fight against the demon race.
"That is amazing." Giles said. "You have virtually outlined the history when humans first began to manipulate magic. The Ancients it seemed are powerful beings."
That was a startled silence from Excalibur as it took in what Giles said before it continued sadly. The Ancients saved the humans but doomed their own race. Through the hybrid of humans who were able to manipulate magic, a magical disease spread from humans to demons to Ancients. Though it caused relatively small damage to the humans, it wreaked havoc on the demons and Ancients population.
It resulted in the great plague that sent many Ancients to their deaths. The Ancients being unable to manipulate the forces of magic themselves fight a losing battle, even their high resistance to magic could not save them and in the end they had to flee Earth to save their own kind.
Through the centuries, a few returned and it was said by Lancelot, that his forefathers who were pure blooded Ancients, were scattered throughout the galaxies, on the run from vicious enemies from which the Ancients later encountered. Excalibur sighed. It was believed that most of the Ancients were dead through the magical plague and also the battle against their alien enemies. Those few that stayed on earth were absorbed into the human bloodlines and disappeared totally, resulting in children like Xander.
"So, from what you say, these Ancients guys aren't really that bad at all." Willow said sadly. "There's nothing for us to be worried about."
"And Xander is the last of his kind." Buffy said looking at him with something close to awe. "You do understand what that means right Xander? You'll have to reproduce fast or your line will die out!"
"Aww.. Buffy, cut it out." Xander said. His mind still half in shock trying to absorb this knowledge Excalibur had given him. But first and foremost in his mind, a phrase was looping and looping inside his head. I am someone special. He thought. The pain all these years at being called a geek and sometimes a zeppo by his classmates fades away now that he knows he is someone special. He may not have super human powers, but he was a descendant of a great race, a race that gave humans a fighting chance.
Buffy, Willow and Giles, I'll like all of you to try touching the cube to see if it responds to you. Excalibur said.
"Wow, you think we are part aliens too?" Willow asked reaching out eagerly for the cube. Nothing happened and she frowned in concentration, clutching the cube tighter. "Nothing." she said with a disappointed sigh, passing the cube to Buffy who then pass to Giles when the cube remains unlit. Giles gave a sigh of relief as nothing happens when he touches it, putting it back onto the shelf.
"Now that we have satisfied your curiosity what do we do now?" Giles asked.
I wish to go back with you. Excalibur said.
Everyone look at the sword in surprise.
"Are you saying we came all the way here just to take you back with us?" Buffy asked with no small irritation. "I thought the whole point of bringing you back here was to stick you back into your stone and let Xander be the ex-bearer of you."
I am afraid things are not so easy. Excalibur said uneasily. To sever the bond between the bearer and me requires me to destroy the bearer's mind. Something I am not inclined to do now.
"And you are telling us now!" Giles shouted in shock.
"What do you mean something you are not inclined to do now?" Xander asked, and then something in his mind clicked. He let go of Excalibur, letting it fall onto the floor with a dull thud. "That's what you initially planned to do from the start isn't it? You planned to wipe my mind out when we bring you back."
Willow gasped in shock and Buffy just glare angrily at the sword.
"You changed your mind now because you found out that I am part of a dying race. Some alien race." Xander said dully.
That is not true. Excalibur said. I changed my mind because I found you strong enough to bear me.
"How can you do that." Buffy hissed. "How can you make use of us?" She grabbed Xander's lifeless hands. "Xander let's go, we'll just leave that rotten thing here and go back ourselves."
I'm afraid that will be impossible. Excalibur said. If the bond between me and Xander remains un-severed he will remain the target of powerful demons and the Source. He'll need me along if he wants to protect himself.
"Well I don't care." Buffy shouted. "I'll protect Xander, and I wouldn't let you near him!"
Giles pinched his forehead as a headache began to form. "Buffy, I admire your loyalty to your friends. But perhaps it is best to hear Excalibur out before we place judgment on him. He may have his own reason for doing things this way."
"What reason can he have? This is Xander we are talking about Giles!" Buffy bristled.
I have my reason, because I need to look at the bigger picture. Excalibur said. Alone, I am near invincible, but when I am attached to a bearer, demons or powerful beings may be able to subvert my powers by suppressing my bearer. My power is too great to be allowed to fall into the hands of evil, because I am one of the seven keys of Earth.
"A key? What is that?" Giles asked puzzled. Buffy just frowned.
"I don't care if he's a earth key or car key or whatever key, he has no right to even thought about hurting Xander." Buffy said staunchly, standing beside Xander protectively. "No third grade magic sword is going to get away with what he planned to do to Xander!"
I am more than a magic sword and that is the crux of my problems. Perhaps it will be best to show you. Excalibur said. Everyone cried out in surprise as darkness swirled around them until everything is dark. The only light was from Excalibur who was now floating in front of them. Relax, I am projecting inside your minds. He said as the darkness whirled, and lights began to form. Xander realized with a shock that they are looking at stars.
In the beginning there was nothing. Excalibur said. Buffy and Willow cried out as there was a great bang and light began to form, planets flew past them until they were looking down at a blue planet revolving around a sun. Then life began to form and it was then the world keys came into being. Each key allows and blocks access to other dimensions, an alternate dimension of how life began.
This time seven energy glows of different colors flew past them teasingly, a white glow settled onto Excalibur, a green glow falls back onto Earth, a yellow glow separated into four small orbs, entering each of them. The rest flew past them into space.
I am one of the keys. We keys are the energy that forms a veil over each of these alternate dimensions. Altogether, there are seven neighboring dimensions next to Earth, and seven keys to separate them.
Demons are after us because we bear enormous raw power, powers that could grant them godhood. Should any of us fall, the veils between the dimension we are guarding will also disappear. This world and the world from the other dimension will collapse into raw energy, destroying all life. This raw energy will go on to destroy other dimensions, resulting in the end of all life in all dimensions.
The others could feel the strong emotion of dread, and tiredness from Excalibur. The darkness dissipates as Buffy and the others found themselves standing back in the cave.
That's why I planned to sever the bond previously. Excalibur said. Xander could feel a strong regret coming from the sword. I am aware it will totally destroy your mind Xander, but at that time, I had no idea if you could withstand the might of a demon and not taint the bonds between us. I am sorry, for I only thought to do what is right for this world.
There was a moment of stunned silence as Giles and the others blink in awe of the scenes that had flashed before them. Xander gave a sigh and then grinned wryly.
"Hey, that's ok, I mean this world is more important than one person's life." Xander said, embarrassed by Excalibur's apology.
"But Xander..." Buffy said
Xander shake his head. "No Buffy, I understand now. What Excalibur planned to do was right, I wouldn't want the lives of other people on my hands, not to add the life of worlds and other dimensions."
He turned to Excalibur and asked seriously. "So from what I understand, if you have no bearer, your power could not be stolen by any demons. Why would you want to be bonded with someone else then?"
My first and only bearer until you was Arthur. At that time, there was a powerful demon lord from another dimension who had somehow gotten to Earth. He would have destroyed this world had I not lend my powers to Arthur. Excalibur said. Alone, most of my powers remain inaccessible to me. A result of an ancient pact made between the Powers of Good and Evil millennium ago to maintain the balance. With a bearer however, I can train him to tap into my pool of power and achieve great deeds. And with the event of Halloween night, that bond was transferred to you.
"So you are like the battery and I am a conductor." Xander paused in thought and then nodded picking up Excalibur. "Thank you for telling me that. I have thought about it. I will like you to sever the bond between us."
"Xander!" Willow cried out in shock. "You can't do that!"
She is right. You are strong enough to bear me, I will not sever the bond. If I do that you will most likely become crazy or die. Excalibur said forcefully.
"You don't understand. When the Source was messing around in my mind, several times I nearly give in to him. Can you imagine what will have happen if I really failed and the world ends? It will be on my shoulders, I don't want that."
"And what do you think I am doing these past two years?" Buffy cut in. "I have been fighting demons even though I know that for every one demon I put down there will be more to take their place. I have to stop every apocalypse because I know that if I do so other wise, the world will end."
Buffy said with quiet anger. "I have the responsibility of the world on my shoulders since I was 16 and I have never given up. Are you going to end your life because you are afraid of taking up responsibility for the world when you now have the chance?"
Xander flinched from Buffy's angry glare. "I didn't mean that. But it's just that Excalibur and the world would be safer without a bearer."
That may be true, however, with me at your side, you'll also be powerful enough to stop the higher level demons. You may have a chance to make the world a better place. Excalibur said. I will not force you. It is true that with the bond between us, you will be hunted by demons who will want my powers. But on the other hand, I can train you to become strong enough to defeat those demons. And if you can vanquish those demons, wouldn't the world be a safer place for everyone?
"Xander, I think you should reconsider." Giles said. "I can start training you in sword fighting. Your life is too precious to put to waste."
Willow knitted her hands anxiously together while Buffy just stared silently at Xander, unshed tears in her eyes. Xander swallowed, and sighed.
"Very well Excalibur, I promise to train hard and become stronger and be worthy of you." Xander said softly. Buffy smiled and Willow hugged Xander in relief.
"Welcome to becoming a champion of the world." Buffy said with a quiet smile. Xander gave her a sheepish grin.
Good decision Xander. Excalibur said with approval. Now we need to bring back some stuff back with us. After all, you and your friends will need better weapons and funding if you are going up against upper level demons.
Willow squealed in delight. "You mean we are going to take all those jewels back with us? We'll be rich!"
Excalibur laughed. Perhaps not all but I want to make sure all of you will have a fighting chance against all those demons. Willow I want you to search for a box wrapped with purple cloth next to the pile of weapons. Buffy and Giles, if you don't mind, please find a bag and take some gemstones and gold which you think will be sufficient to fund us for a few years. We may not be returning anytime soon.
Xander, take the silver cube, one of the green amulet beside it, there's also a white palm sized object near the edge of the shelf. Also take four of the S shaped metal weapons from the top shelf.
The silver cube is called an A'flunate in ancient, translation means, the box of wonders. It opens a portal into a contained sub dimension where the ancients cultivated contained life in it.
"What does that means?" Xander asked in confusion.
Never mind, you will understand when we use it next time. The white oval shaped object is a Co'Theik, a transporter key to this cave. With it you will be able to travel back here instantly. Of course the bearer of Excalibur must also be among those transported, or the protection spells of the cave will destroy any invaders.
The green amulet is a defl'tor, it will only activate with those that have the blood of the ancient and will generate a force field that will protect the user from any harm.
Excalibur paused at Xander's amazed whistle. As Xander began to put the snake shaped weapons into his bag, he added. Those are called the Zat'ni'katel. One shot from the weapon stuns, two shots kills and three shots disintegrate the subject.
"Cool." Xander said, dropping the Zat'ni'katels gingerly into his backpack.
"Ok, Excalibur, I've got the box." Willow said walking back towards Xander, carrying a purple cloth wrapped bundle in her hands. "But its weird, I will have thought the cloth will have disintegrated by all the years down here."
There is a preservation spell in the cave. Excalibur said just as Buffy and Giles arrived with two small bulging pouches in their hands. Good lets go home. Excalibur said.
In the fold of space, outside of the stream of time. Three beings observed the four figures moving in the cave.
"The spell of chaos had created such havoc." The first being said gravely looking at his companions. "Buffy Summers and Nash Matthews gained the memories and powers of their Halloween personas, through the magical out burst and awakening of Paige Matthews Halliwell. One girl changes so many things."
"The human known as Owen Thurman has also become an immortal, the first champion of Chaos in centuries. No one knows which side he will aid or if Chaos will desire him to be neutral." The second being spat out, anger radiating from it.
"Ginny Matthews was also changed by the fairy queen though it is not known what the change is. The fey folks are a power outside of our own." The third said.
"And now Excalibur had chosen to align himself with the boy, like a master puppeteer pulling the strings of his puppet. Already he had given the boy weapons to use against us. And the box, to think he would hand the grimoire of Morgan Le Fay to the untrained young witch, absolutely pretentious!"
"The forces of light have gained a foothold with the appearance of Excalibur but we may still have a chance to turn it around. We will need to make our move." The first said. "Owen Thurman, Nash Matthews and Ginny Matthews may still be led to join our cause. We can't interfere directly, but we can send some... provocative visions to the Seer. Perhaps the Source will be clever enough for once to understand our meaning."
"Yes that sounds like a good idea. However, to be defeated by an untrained boy, perhaps we should look for a new demon to take over the power of the Source." The second said.
"Yes we should, there's one demon that stands out. You do remember Balthazar?"