Chapter 1
"Leaving Home"

"What do you mean you're leaving!"

Xander winced at the shrill cry of the Slayer, dread filling the pit of his stomach. She stood in front of him, her hands on her hips, her blue eyes furious. When that look blossomed into her eyes, all it meant was it would be the last thing you see.

"Look Buffster-"

"SHUT UP! I don't want to hear it! You are not leaving and that is the end of it!"

"Who gave you the right to say I can't Buffy Anne Summers? I am 18 years old, I just helped to save the world, and I am tired of it all! I have the right to leave! And I'm going to!"

"But where would you go to?" a soft voice asked from behind him. Xander turned, his chocolate brown eyes landing on his best friend. A sad smile crossed his face at the thought of leaving her behind.

"I don't know Willow…I'm not too clear on that part yet. All I know is that it is going to be far away from here."

Her emerald eyes filled with tears as she turned away from him. Hurt filled him as she walked over to stand next to Buffy. She put her arm through the girls, a sign that was not lost on him.

"Xander, maybe it would be best if you stayed here. It is safer here for someone like you."

"What does that mean, someone like me? You mean someone who is powerless, right?"

The older man sighed as he polished his glasses, trying to not look at the boy.

"All I am saying is-"

"I AM NOT GOING TO BE THE ZEPPO ANYMORE!" Xander screamed, his voice echoing around the room. Every eye in the library was on him now, some glaring but most surprised.

"You all put me in this box that says all I can do is be Donut Boy, or bait. I'm not…I can't…I won't do it anymore. You can all wish me good luck and let me go in peace, or I will never speak to any of you again. Either way, I am leaving."

"How will you get there, to wherever you want to go?"

Xander turned his eyes to the brunette vampire, his only ally anymore. During his senior year the two had gotten closer; now they were like brothers.

"I'm not sure about that either…"

"How about Europe, England actually?" Oz piped up, his werewolf eyes gleaming with humor. Xander and Angel both stared at him, surprised that he had even spoken up at all.

"England? Why there?"

Oz straightened and brushed his blue streaked hair out of his eyes. His ever-present guitar was placed at his feet as he faced Xander head on.

"First off there is no Hellmouth in England. I looked it up. Secondly there is a world beyond that, a world of wizards and witches. You can find sanctuary there."

"A World of Wizards…hmm…sounds like fun!"

"NO WAY! No how! You are not leaving and that is final!" Buffy shrieked in fury. She strode up to Xander and twisted his arm in her grasp. His gasp of pain went unheard by the blonde. But not by the Vampire and the Werewolf. They surrounded Buffy, each one growling in anger. She backed off quickly, but still glared at her friend.

"If you leave now, you can never contact us again. Ever."

Willow gasped at the blonde's words, but one look cut her off. She backed down, her eyes staring at her shoes. Xander's heart ached at her betrayal, but his mind was made up.

"I'm sorry Buffy that it had to end this way…"

He turned and walked out, his stride confident. Angel and Oz followed after.

As Xander watched the in flight movie, he tried not to think about the people he left behind. Angel and Oz, whom Xander found out as they helped him pack were now officially a couple, would visit him soon. Wherever he was at that time. His thoughts strayed to his old family, the ones who betrayed and hurt him. Pain welled in his chest but he pressed it firmly down. They were no longer his family…they would never be again.

…TBC…

Sorry if it was Buffy, Giles, and Willow bashing there. It was just my interpretation on how they would react if Xander left.

Well, there is still more to come! Enjoy!

RemusGirl