Chapter 6: The Pack
April 7, 1997 – Monday
Sunnydale Zoo
Buffy meandered through the zoo, relishing the gentle caress of sunlight on her cheeks, a delightful contrast to the crispness of the spring air. Engrossed in her surroundings, she strolled alone, map in hand, meticulously comparing the marked points on the paper to the informative signs adorning the paths.
A voice, all too familiar, pierced through her concentration, diverting her attention. It was Kyle DuFours, accompanied by his loyal clique of followers—Rhonda Kelley, Tor Hauer, and Heidi Barrie. Willow had affectionately bestowed upon him the moniker "Creepy Kyle," an apt description for his unsettling demeanor. She braced herself for the forthcoming obnoxious remark, knowing all too well that this encounter was far from over.
"It's Rutherford," Kyle jeered, his words dripping with contempt. "And all his friends."
Buffy responded with a cool indifference; her tone laced with a hint of anticipation. "Ha, ha. I knew some insufferable line was about to spill from your lips. They were practically twitching."
Yet, she remained wary, aware that their torment would persist. Tor fixed an intense gaze upon her, his eyes gleaming with a challenging mockery. "Do you ever wonder why nobody cool ever wants to hang out with you?" he taunted, his words cutting through the air like sharpened daggers.
Unfazed, Buffy offered a retort tinged with a tinge of gratitude. "I'm just thankful," she replied, refusing to grant them the satisfaction of witnessing her distress.
Rhonda, eager to partake in the verbal assault, added her own spiteful comment. "Were you this popular at your old school?" she sneered; her voice thick with disdain. "Before you got yourself kicked out?"
The group moved on, their collective movement synchronized, as if acting in unison. Rhonda brushed past Buffy, a deliberate nudge with her shoulder serving as an act of aggression. Buffy chose to let the slight pass, refusing to descend to their level.
Tor couldn't resist one final taunt as he walked by, his gaze fixed upon Buffy. "Careful," he sneered at Rhonda, a mocking edge to his voice. "He might beat you up."
Amidst their laughter, reveling in their perceived wit, the group disappeared into the distance, leaving Buffy to shake off their negativity.
She continued her leisurely stroll, eventually coming to a halt in front of the elephant enclosure, her attention captured by an informative display. Seeking solace in the majesty of these magnificent creatures, she momentarily lost herself in their world.
But her solitude was interrupted by a different voice, one filled with warmth and familiarity. It was Xander and Willow, hastening toward her with an air of excitement. "Hey! Rutherford!" Willow exclaimed; her enthusiasm infectious. "You missed it!"
Buffy glanced up; her curiosity piqued. "Missed what?" she inquired, a tinge of regret coloring her words.
"We witnessed the zebras mating," Xander declared, a mischievous sparkle dancing in his eyes. "Thank you, very exciting."
Willow chimed in, her wide smile usually contagious, yet failing to reach Buffy's heart this time. "It looked like the Heimlich. With stripes," she added, hoping to elicit a laugh from her friend.
Buffy managed a half-hearted smile, her sorrow momentarily masked by humor. "And I missed it," she lamented playfully, feigning a sense of loss. "Yet, somehow I'll find the courage to live on."
The three of them set off on their aimless walk, their destination unknown. Willow, unable to contain her curiosity, questioned Buffy's earlier absence. "Where were you?" she inquired, her genuine concern evident in her voice.
"I was looking at the fishes," Buffy replied after a brief pause, her mind momentarily wandering. The last time she visited a zoo was on Dawn's last birthday, just before their parents' divorce—a memory etched in her mind as their final shared moment with their absent father.
"Was it cool?" Willow pressed, seeking to rekindle Buffy's enthusiasm.
Buffy contemplated the question, her thoughts drifting momentarily. "They were fishes," she eventually replied, a tinge of melancholy permeating her voice.
Xander, ever perceptive, sensed her lack of excitement and remarked, "I'm getting the feeling you're not fully embracing the field trip spirit here."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Buffy's lips, acknowledging Xander's astuteness. "Well, it... it's nothing," she responded, unable to summon the energy for a shrug. "Anyway, we did the same zoo trip at my old school every year. Same old, same old."
"Rutherford, this isn't just about observing animals," Xander explained earnestly, his voice filled with conviction. "It's about breaking free from the confines of the classroom."
Buffy's smile blossomed, gratitude mingling with newfound perspective. "You know what? You're absolutely right. Suddenly, these animals appear shiny and new."
Xander nodded, satisfied with his impact. "Got to have perspective," he stated, the weight of his words resonating within them all.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
The chimpanzee enclosure stood tall like a rugged granite cliff, its surface weathered by time and the curious gazes of visitors. Perched upon a rocky ledge, a family of chimpanzees—mother, father, and their young offspring—gathered to share a meal. The parents delicately guarded their food from the desperate attempts of their curious and insistent baby.
Leaning against the enclosure's rail, Lance Lincoln observed the chimp family with intense focus, his spiral notebook open and ready to capture every detail of their behavior. For him, a field trip was not just a break from school; it presented an invaluable opportunity to gain profound insights into primate dynamics. Lost in his study of their social interactions, he remained oblivious to the approaching footsteps behind him.
"Lance!"
Startled, he turned around, finding Kyle and his companions closing in on him. A wave of resignation washed over him as he braced himself for another encounter with the tormentors. Swell, he thought bitterly, victimhood personified in Lance.
"How's it going?" Kyle inquired, as if they were old buddies.
"Hey, Kyle," Lance responded evenly, maintaining a composed demeanor.
Kyle nonchalantly leaned against the railing next to him, casting a casual glance at the chimpanzees. "So, this is like a... um, family reunion?" he remarked with feigned sentimentality.
Lance raised an eyebrow, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "No," he replied, dismissing the idea. While he acknowledged the evolutionary significance of such gatherings, delving into that topic with Kyle was out of the question.
Undeterred by Lance's lack of enthusiasm, Kyle persisted, his mocking tone betraying his true intentions. "I think it's a family reunion. It's so touching. Doesn't anybody have a camera?" He mimicked the action of pulling out a camera and capturing a snapshot.
Lance's mind flashed back to his grade school days when his love for reruns of the old TV show "Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp" had become common knowledge. Given his name, it was nearly inevitable for him to be drawn to the show, and it had played a significant role in nurturing his passion for primatology. However, the taunting he endured from his classmates, referring to him as Lance Link or Sir Lancelot, had almost extinguished that passion. Compared to these bullies, he now realized, those kids were nothing.
Unfazed by Lance's lack of response, Rhonda crept up from behind and began teasingly tugging at the hairs on the back of his head. "Hey, does your mom still pick out your lice?" she jeered, her voice dripping with malice. "Or are you old enough to do that yourself now?"
"Quit it," Lance demanded, his patience wearing thin. He jerked his head away from her grasp.
In that moment, Tor seized the opportunity and snatched Lance's precious notebook from his hand. "Hey! Guys, come on," Lance pleaded, reaching out to retrieve his notes. "I have all my research in there!" But Tor held it aloft, out of Lance's reach, mirroring the chimp behavior observed earlier—larger chimps withholding food from the younger ones.
The boisterous laughter of the group came to an abrupt halt as the voice of Mr. Flutie cut through the air. His unexpected arrival disrupted their antics, drawing Lance's attention to the approaching figure. "What's going on here?" he inquired, his gaze sweeping over the group. "I have had it up to here with you four. What are you doing?"
Lance observed the principal's interaction with cautious curiosity. The group's ringleader, Kyle, quickly interjected, "Nothing."
Mr. Flutie positioned himself in front of Kyle, asserting his authority. "Did I ask you to speak? Okay, I guess I did. But I want the truth." He shifted his gaze to Lance. "Lance?"
Caught between the choice of telling the truth and facing potential consequences, Lance weighed his options. Survival won out. "They weren't doing anything, really," he complied, suppressing a genuine chuckle. "We were just playing around."
Surprisingly, Mr. Flutie seemed to accept Lance's explanation. "All right," he conceded, ready to move on. However, he abruptly halted, swiveled on his heels, and extended a finger, mimicking a machine gun, as he pointed it menacingly at the troublemakers. "I'll be watching you," he warned, before resuming his path and walking away.
"You," Kyle directed his attention towards Lance, his finger uncomfortably close to Lance's face. Lance's unease grew. "Came through big time," Kyle commended.
"Way to go, Lance," Rhonda chimed in, patting his arm with false camaraderie.
"Flutie's been looking for a reason to come down on us," Tor added, acknowledging the significance of Lance's actions.
Lance released a relieved breath, attempting to downplay his gratitude. "It's okay," he assured them, striving to maintain a composed facade.
Kyle reached out, gripping Lance's collarbone with a mix of familiarity and authority. "Come on. We're going to check out the hyena house," he declared.
Lance hesitated, his conscience nudging him to consider the consequences. "But... I think it's off limits," he voiced his concern.
Kyle's response came with a mischievous glint in his eyes, hinting at the thrill of breaking rules. "And therein, my friend, lies the fun."
Lance mustered another forced chuckle, though this one sounded even less genuine than the one he had offered to Mr. Flutie. He found himself trapped in a peculiar situation, realizing that their interaction had somehow forged an unexpected bond, making them a unit. Reluctantly, he decided to go along with their plans.
As they approached the pathway leading to the hyena house, they were met with yellow caution tape blocking their way. Easels displaying signs emphasized the message: "Positively No Admittance." One sign explicitly stated that the area was "Closed." Orange lights atop the warning signs flashed, signaling the importance of the restriction.
The intention behind the signs was clear to Lance. The zoo officials wanted to prevent anyone from wandering into the hyena exhibit, likely for safety reasons. However, Kyle seemed to find this restriction particularly enticing, labeling it as the "fun part." Lance couldn't fully comprehend the reasoning, but he was willing to follow their lead. After all, they were unexpectedly treating him with kindness, a rarity in his experience. Additionally, he found himself more or less surrounded by the group, giving him little room for escape. Rhonda lifted the caution tape, and they all ducked under it, continuing down the forbidden path.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Xander, Willow, and Buffy trailed closely behind, observing Lance as he slipped under the caution tape and vanished down the pathway. The scene before them felt off. Xander understood that Lance had no place among Kyle and his friends. In fact, it was highly unlikely for Lance to willingly associate himself with them, just as Willow or Xander wouldn't. They simply didn't belong together.
"What are Kyle and his buddies doing with Lance?" Willow voiced her confusion, her brows furrowing with concern.
To Xander, the answer was all too clear. "Playing with him, as the cat plays with the mouse," he replied, a tinge of frustration in his voice.
Buffy joined in, her voice reflecting her exasperation. They paused at the caution tape, their eyes tracing the path where Lance and the others had vanished from sight. "What's their deal?" she asked, her tone tinged with annoyance.
Willow offered her perspective. "They're obnoxious. Professionally," she quipped; her words laced with a touch of sarcasm.
Xander chimed in with a hint of resignation. "Every school has them. You start a school, and you get desks, some blackboards, and some mean kids."
Buffy took a step forward, determined to intervene. "Yeah, well, I better extract Lance before—"
However, Xander raised a hand, gesturing for her to pause. "I'll handle it," he offered, his voice filled with determination. "This job doesn't require actual slaying." He ducked under the caution tape and set off toward the hyena enclosure, aware that Buffy and Willow were watching his every move.
Buffy remained skeptical. "Don't you think we should follow?" she asked, her concern evident in her voice.
"Kyle and those guys are jerks, but they're all talk," Willow expressed, her familiarity with the local kids in Sunnydale giving her insight. Buffy was inclined to trust her, at least until Willow added a cautious addendum, "Mostly."
Buffy nodded in agreement. "Why don't we—"
Willow interjected, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, why don't we—"
Before they could take more than a couple of steps beyond the caution tape, a zookeeper suddenly appeared, halting their progress. His authoritative presence demanded attention. "Whoa, hold it, hold it," he said. "Are you blind, or are you just illiterate? Because hyenas are quick to prey on the weak."
"We were just—" Buffy started to explain.
He cut her off without hesitation. "You're not going in there. Anyone that does is in a world of trouble." With a gesture, he raised the tape to signal their retreat.
Willow, always the voice of reason, intervened. "No, no one's going in there," she assured him, leading the way back under the tape.
However, Buffy couldn't simply let it go. Her curiosity and determination got the better of her. "Why is it off limits?" she inquired, her voice brimming with intrigue.
The zookeeper's tone turned stern, emphasizing his words. "It's a quarantine. These hyenas just came from Africa. So, keep out." His demeanor left no room for negotiation or argument. "Even if they call your name."
Buffy couldn't help but press further, seeking answers. "What're you talking about?"
The zookeeper transformed into an almost professorial figure, adopting a lecturing tone. "A Masai tribesman once told me that hyenas can understand human speech. They follow humans around by day, learning their names." His voice dropped to a whisper, now resembling a storyteller recounting a haunting tale. "At night, when the campfire dies, they call out to the person. And once they separate him," he snapped his fingers for emphasis, "the pack devours them."
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
The entrance to the hyena enclosure was marked by additional caution tape, intended to deter visitors. However, Kyle casually tore it down as he passed through, disregarding any sense of caution. Inside, the atmosphere turned dark and cool, the artificial rock walls creating a cave-like ambiance. Illuminated displays were strategically placed, with a larger area designated for the hyenas, elevated a few steps above, and secured by chest-high bars.
Kyle took a slow, sweeping look around the enclosure. "Cool," he remarked, clearly intrigued by the surroundings.
Lance, on the other hand, was having doubts. Multiple doubts. The darkness and the growl of the hyena emerging from the shadows only intensified his desire to leave. "I don't see any hyenas," he voiced his unease, ready to make a swift exit.
Almost as if scripted, a hyena stepped forward from its pen, its growl emanating with unmistakable hostility. Now, Lance's urgency to leave grew exponentially. "Okay," he urged, his voice filled with urgency. "Now we've seen it." He turned to depart, but Tor positioned himself right behind Lance, blocking his path.
Unfazed by Lance's reservations, the others seemed determined to prolong the experience. "It looks cute," Rhonda commented.
"I think it looks hungry," Kyle chimed in, distancing himself from the bars. He and Tor forcefully grabbed hold of Lance, forcibly guiding him up the steps toward the cage.
"Come on, Spot!" Tor taunted as they dragged Lance closer. "Suppertime!" They held Lance captive in front of the barred enclosure.
The hyena growled once more, its menacing tone reverberating through the air. Someone's hand pushed Lance's head into the cage, eliciting laughter from everyone except Lance.
"Ow!" Lance protested. "Stop it! That's not funny!"
Xander caught wind of Lance's distress and couldn't help but agree. Springing up the stairs, he dove into the midst of the commotion, forcefully releasing Lance from their grip. Shoving Lance away from their reach, down the stairs to safety. As Lance distanced himself, Xander found himself locked in a tense confrontation with Kyle. "Why don't you pick on someone your own species?" Xander challenged him, refusing to back down.
Kyle met Xander's gaze, unyielding and defiant. "What, are you going to get in my face?"
Their standoff was interrupted by the hyena's resounding growl, its head raised once more into the light. The five of them found themselves transfixed, peering deep into the piercing eyes of the animal.
Unbeknownst to them, the hyena's eyes flickered with an eerie green glow.
And, in a surreal turn of events, they were oblivious to their own eyes reflecting the same unearthly green hue.
Seizing the opportunity created by their distraction, Lance seized his chance to escape. Hastily, he made his way towards the exit but stumbled, causing his notebook to skid across the damp floor. Hastily, he retrieved it, hoisted himself to his feet. Yet, the sound of his fall caught the attention of the others, who turned and erupted into laughter. Their amusement, growing in intensity and almost bordering on hysteria, was directed at him.
Xander, who had come to Lance's aid, was the last to turn and the only one not fully aligned with the others. Lance couldn't fathom what expression he anticipated seeing on Xander's face, but the sight of his smile was disconcerting. It held a knowing quality devoid of kindness or genuine humor, making it almost worse.
Lance ran, propelled by fear and a deep-seated need to distance himself from the group.
The Bronze
The nightclub exuded an electric atmosphere, its pulsating beats resonating through the dimly lit interior. Buffy and Willow tore their gazes away from the enticing array of pastries at the counter. Buffy carried a delicate croissant in one hand, paired with a refreshing soda, while Willow settled for a modest box of raisins.
Navigating their way through the bustling crowd, Willow voiced her growing concern. "I thought Xander would be here by now," she remarked, a hint of worry in her voice.
Buffy responded with a playful remark, taking a seat at one of the chest-high tables. "That would make him on time. We couldn't have that."
Sitting across from Buffy, Willow continued to probe. "Did he seem at all upset on the bus back from the zoo?" she inquired, seeking reassurance.
Buffy shrugged, an air of nonchalance gracing her features. "About what?" she inquired, genuinely oblivious to any underlying turmoil.
Struggling to articulate her observations, Willow settled onto the stool, her expression pensive. "I don't know. He was quiet."
Buffy acknowledged their differing levels of awareness. "I didn't notice anything. But then again, I'm not as hyper-aware of him as you are," she admitted, a hint of curiosity in her tone.
Intrigued, Willow raised an eyebrow, seeking further explanation. "Hyper-aware?" she echoed, eager to delve deeper.
Buffy's amusement shone through as she teased, "Well, I'm not the one constantly monitoring his heath, his moods, his blood pressure."
Willow nodded knowingly, a smile dancing on her lips. "One-thirty over eighty," she recited, displaying her familiarity with Xander's usual blood pressure reading.
Chuckling at Willow's attentiveness, Buffy playfully conceded, "You got it bad."
"He makes my head all tingly Willow admitted, her voice carrying a touch of affection. "You know what I mean?"
Buffy's gaze drifted upwards; her eyes fixated on the ceiling. "I dimly recall," she mused, her voice filled with nostalgia.
Curiosity brimming, Willow probed further, seeking insight into Buffy's own experiences. "But it hasn't happened to you lately?" she inquired; her tone filled with genuine curiosity.
Buffy casually shrugged, her nonchalance evident. "Not of late," she admitted, her demeanor suggesting a shift in her feelings.
Refusing to let the topic go, Willow pushed on, determined to uncover the truth. "Not even for Angelus, whose leather jacket you're wearing right now?"
Buffy's gaze briefly flickered to the jacket adorning her frame. "It matches the shoes," she protested, offering a flimsy explanation to mask her true emotions.
Unyielding, Willow pressed on, refusing to accept Buffy's justification. "Oh, come on," she insisted, her voice filled with conviction. "Angelus pushes your buttons. You know he does."
Buffy, reluctantly accepting the truth, finally spoke up. "I suppose some guys or girls might think he's good looking, if they... have eyes. Alright, he's quite handsome. But he's also a vampire, remember?"
Before Buffy could delve further into her thoughts, Willow's voice cut through with excitement. "There he is!"
Buffy's head swiftly turned, anticipation for Angel's presence evident. "Angel?"
Confusion shadowed Willow's face as she wondered when Buffy had stopped calling Angel, Angelus. She corrected her friend's assumption. "No, Xander!" she exclaimed, pointing toward the crowd.
Buffy followed Willow's gaze, her eyes settling on Xander as he navigated his way through the bustling crowd.
At last, Xander reached their table, his arrival marked by a casual greeting. "Rutherford, Willow," he acknowledged. "Sorry I'm late. I just forgot we were going to be here." His eyes shifted toward Buffy's plate, a hint of hunger in his expression.
"Hungry," Xander stated, nonchalantly tearing off a chunk of Buffy's croissant and devouring it.
Willow brushed off Xander's less-than-polite behavior, focusing on their upcoming plans. "Xander, you still want me to help you with geometry tomorrow?" she inquired, offering her assistance. Meanwhile, Xander took a gulp from Buffy's drink, his expression devoid of any enjoyment.
"Yeah," Xander responded, his attention momentarily diverted. Then, eyeing Buffy's snack, he asked, "What is this crap?"
Buffy's tone held a hint of playful annoyance as she defended her treat. "Well, it was my buttery croissant," she retorted, reclaiming her ownership.
Xander's discontent was palpable, his voice carried a hint of anger, as if Buffy's choice of pastry had been intentionally offensive. "Man, I need some food," he grumbled, his words laced with irritation. "Birds live on this." However, despite his frustration, Xander couldn't help but notice the exchanged glances between Buffy and Willow. "What?" he asked, his smile tinged with anxiety.
Buffy's curiosity got the better of her as she probed further. "What's up with you?" she inquired, seeking to understand his demeanor.
Willow, on the other hand, took Xander's behavior more personally, her fingers nervously fidgeting with her box of raisins. "Is something wrong? Did I do something?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.
Xander dismissed the idea immediately, his response infused with disbelief. "What could you possibly do? That's crazy talk. I'm just restless."
"Well, we could go to the ice cream place..." Willow suggested, attempting to alleviate Xander's restlessness.
Xander's gaze drifted over the crowd, his head raised as if surveying his territory or searching for something. Absentmindedly, he scratched his chest. "I like it here," he mused.
Buffy, feeling the need to establish boundaries, spoke up as Xander began to sniff her hair. "Can we talk about boundaries?" she requested, a touch of exasperation in her voice.
"You took a bath," Xander stated matter-of-factly, his attention still divided between scratching his shirt and the surroundings.
"Yeah, I often do. I'm actually known for it."
"That's okay," Xander said.
Buffy quipped in a mock announcer tone, "And the weird behavior award goes to..."
However, Xander seemed oblivious to Buffy's comment, his focus now fixated on the entrance. Curious, Buffy turned to see what had captured his attention. Instant regret washed over her as she laid eyes on Kyle, Heidi, Tor, and Rhonda—the notorious troublemakers known as the good-time gang.
"Oh, great," Buffy muttered, her frustration evident. "It's the winged monkeys."
The group sauntered through the bustling nightclub, their destination set on the table where Xander stood, forming a protective barrier between them and Willow and Buffy. Xander couldn't tear his gaze away, his blinking almost involuntary, though he was only partially aware of his own fixation. They approached Buffy and Willow's table; their eyes fixed solely on Xander. He acknowledged them silently as they passed by, his attention steadfastly tracking their every move.
Finally, they settled at a nearby table already occupied by a couple of individuals. One was a robust figure, while the other appeared thinner. Kyle and Rhonda leaned casually on the shoulders of the stocky guy, prompting his companion to silently retreat, vacating the table.
"You know," Kyle began with a sneer. "I don't understand why you're sitting at our table."
Rhonda chimed in, adding her own brand of sarcasm. "Yeah. Shouldn't you be hovering over the football stadium with 'Goodyear' written on you?"
Laughter erupted from the group, including Xander, as Kyle and Rhonda delivered their sarcastic remarks. The atmosphere was filled with amusement, except for one person. When Xander turned back to the table, his laughter faded as he was met with Buffy's bewildered expression. It was clear that she didn't find the joke amusing.
"Kid's fat," Xander remarked casually, his comment directed at Kyle. However, when he glanced at Willow, he noticed a look of dismay etched on her face, indicating that his remark had hit a nerve.
April 8, 1997 – Tuesday
Sunnydale High School
The library was filled with the sound of exertion as Buffy and Giles engaged in their scheduled sparring session. Giles had donned protective body armor and heavy, padded boxing gloves, while Buffy opted for gloves without any additional armor. With precision and agility, Buffy unleashed a series of powerful strikes—rights, lefts, and spins—followed by a kick that propelled her into the air. Her blows were delivered with force, devoid of any restraint.
Both participants were breathing heavily, their bodies pushed to their limits. Undeterred, Buffy pressed forward, ready for another round. Giles, however, waved his gloves in surrender. "Right," he said, trying to catch his breath. "That's enough training for one day."
Buffy, though slightly disappointed, questioned Giles's decision. "Well, that last roundhouse was kind of sloppy. Are you sure you don't want to do it again?"
Giles chuckled, his own breath coming in labored gasps. "No, no, that's fine," he replied. "You should head to class while I wait for the feeling to return to my arms."
Taking a moment to regain her composure, Buffy made her way toward a nearby table and settled down, her mind burdened by a weighty concern. She turned to Giles, seeking his guidance. "Giles," she began, her voice laced with uncertainty. "Should I tell Willow and Xander?"
Giles joined her, perching on the edge of the table and offering a comforting hand on her shoulder. "As you know, I am here for you," he reassured her, his voice filled with support. "But that decision ultimately rests with you. I cannot make it for you. Personally, I have my own thoughts on the matter, but I understand that my perspective may not align with your own. I know it's not the answer you were hoping for, Buffy..."
Buffy sighed, appreciating Giles's unwavering support nonetheless. "Thanks, anyway," she responded, expressing her gratitude for his honesty and understanding.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
As Buffy approached a corner of the bustling hallway, a cacophony of shrieks and the strained voice of Principal Flutie echoed from the other side. "Look out! It's gotten loose!" The students' screams didn't seem to be filled with terror, and the daylight reassured Buffy that there was no immediate danger. However, her curiosity was piqued, urging her to hasten toward the commotion.
"Stop the beast!" Principal Flutie's voice rang out, urging action.
Rounding the corner, Buffy's eyes fell upon the source of the chaos. A tiny pink piglet darted straight towards her, its rapid movements resembling a desperate attempt to evade capture. Buffy swiftly reached out and snatched the piglet, lifting it into her arms. The poor creature was adorned in a comically mismatched ensemble—an oversized Sunnydale High football helmet with papier-mâché tusks attached to its sides, along with a row of green foam triangles adorning its back, resembling the fins of a cartoon dinosaur.
Mr. Flutie caught up to them, a mixture of relief and exasperation on his face. "Naughty Herbert," he scolded. "You gave Mr. Flutie quite a scare, didn't you?" He stood upright, addressing the gathering of students crowding the hallway. "Students, I'd like you all to meet Herbert, our new mascot for the Sunnydale High Razorbacks!" The announcement elicited a modest round of applause.
"He's so cute!" Buffy exclaimed, genuinely charmed by the adorable piglet.
"He's not cute," Mr. Flutie retorted, his tone firm. "No, he's a fierce Razorback." He raised his fists in the air, prompting some halfhearted clapping from the students.
Buffy studied the excessively accessorized piglet and couldn't help but express her observation. "He doesn't look mean, Mr. Flutie."
"He's mean, he's ready for action," Mr. Flutie insisted, pointing at Herbert's elaborate attachments. "See, here are the tusks, and... a scary... razorback."
"You're right," Buffy agreed, recognizing the need to humor the principal at times. "He is a fine mascot and will surely foster school spirit."
"Well, he'd better," Mr. Flutie grumbled. "It costs a fortune to feed him." He crouched down and addressed Herbert directly. "Let's get you back in your cage." As he attempted to retrieve the piglet, Herbert let out a squeal, causing Mr. Flutie to retreat. He gestured to Buffy, indicating that she should carry the new mascot.
"This way," he instructed. Buffy took the lead, cradling the oinking piglet contentedly in her arms.
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On a tranquil corner of the campus, Willow and Xander settled onto one of the weathered stone benches that dotted the area. Xander had his geometry textbook sprawled open on Willow's lap, while he held a pencil and a notebook, attempting to work through the problems. However, it was evident that the numbers and angles before him were merging into a perplexing blur, eluding his understanding.
"I'm just not getting this," Xander confessed, a hint of frustration in his voice.
Willow, determined to help him grasp the concepts, patiently began to explain. She couldn't fathom why his patience seemed unusually short today, but she was willing to extend extra understanding to compensate for it. "It's simple, really," she reassured him. "See, the bisector of a vertex is the line that divides the angle at that vertex into two equal parts."
Xander, though, seemed disengaged, not truly listening to her. "It's like a big blur, all these numbers and angles," he admitted, his frustration mounting.
"It's the same stuff from last week. You had it down then," Willow reminded him, her tone filled with gentle encouragement.
"Why do I even need to learn this?" Xander protested, his impatience evident.
"Because otherwise you'll flunk math," Willow replied matter-of-factly.
Xander challenged her. "Explain the part where that's bad."
They had ventured down this road before. "You remember," she responded. "You fail math, you flunk out of school, you end up being the guy at the pizza place that sweeps the floor and says, 'Hey, kids, where's the cool parties this weekend?' We've been through this."
As Willow spoke, Xander rubbed the bridge of his nose, a sign of mounting frustration. Concerned, she reached out to touch his temple gently. "Do you have a headache?" she asked as he swiftly brushed her hand away.
"Yeah," he admitted, his tone laced with irritation. "And I think I know what's causing it." Without warning, he snatched the book from Willow's lap and flung it forcefully into a nearby garbage can, a triumphant smile lighting up his face. "That's better. It goes right to the source of the pain."
"Xander—" Willow began, attempting to interject, but he cut her off abruptly.
"Look, forget it, okay?" he snapped, his frustration boiling over. "I don't get it, I won't ever. I don't care." With that declaration, he stood abruptly, tossing his spiral notebook into Willow's lap before storming away.
Willow had been friends with Xander for a long time, and her feelings for him had grown beyond mere friendship. She was willing to overlook a great deal of impolite behavior from him. 'Even this will pass,' she thought to herself, trying to maintain a sense of optimism.
"We can continue later," she suggested, hoping he would hear her, but he was already beyond earshot, oblivious to her words.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Mr. Flutie guided Buffy through the corridors, leading her to a classroom where a cage had been set up to house Herbert. As they walked, he shared his concerns, "See, the problem is you kids today have no school spirit. Hold on, let me get his outfit off." His voice carried a touch of nostalgia and frustration. "Hold on, let me get his outfit off." He removed Herbert's helmet and foam razorback. "Today it's all gangs and drugs and those movies on Showtime with the nudity." Looking at Buffy, he quickly added, "I don't have cable. I only heard."
"When I was your age," he continued with fervor, "we cared about the school's reputation, the team's record, all that stuff." Realizing the contradiction in his words, he quickly amended, "Of course, when I was your age, I was surrounded by old guys telling me how much better things were when they were my age." Sensing the futility of his argument, Mr. Flutie conceded and entered the classroom to prepare the cage for Herbert's arrival.
Buffy couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at his remarks. Her attention shifted to Herbert, who remained nestled in her arms. "Yeah," she murmured, directing her comment more toward the piglet than Mr. Flutie.
It was at that moment when Xander entered the hallway through the double doors leading from the outside. Without uttering a word, he cast a fleeting glance in Buffy's direction, his gaze lingering on Herbert for a moment before he continued on his way.
Sensing Xander, Herbert squealed in fear and began wriggling within Buffy's grasp as if attempting to break his own record for the hundred-yard dash. It took all of Buffy's strength to hold onto him as he continued to squeal and squirm, reacting to Xander's presence until he was long out of sight.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
The midday sky had transformed into a tempestuous battleground as a sudden storm engulfed Sunnydale. Rain poured relentlessly from the darkened heavens, accompanied by thunderous claps that reverberated through the air. The downpour was unrelenting, forcing the Physical Education class to seek shelter in the vast, aging gymnasium. Coach Herrold, not known for his creativity, struggled to devise suitable indoor activities, especially after the conclusion of basketball season.
Amongst her peers, Buffy found herself amidst the gathering of students. Giles had been unsuccessful in persuading the school to recognize their training sessions as a fulfillment of Buffy's physical education requirement, given his lack of a teaching degree. Thus, they resorted to plan B. Buffy now discreetly changed in Giles' office, away from prying eyes, sparing herself a modicum of dysphoria by avoiding changing in front of male students.
"All right, it's raining," Coach Herrold declared, striding back and forth between the two assembled lines of students. Clutched tightly in his hand was a vibrant red rubber ball, already distributed amongst the participants. "All regular gym classes have been postponed. So, you know what that means… dodgeball." He held up the ball triumphantly for all to see. "Now, for those of you who may have forgotten, the rules are as follows: you dodge."
With a swift toss, Coach Herrold sent the ball hurtling toward Buffy before retreating from the center, his whistle poised between his lips. The two opposing teams distanced themselves from each other, pressing against the walls of the gymnasium. Intent gazes fixed upon their chosen targets, awaiting the whistle's shrill command.
Coach Herrold blew his whistle once more, and the game was underway. Balls flew through the air, finding their marks and striking down players one by one. The fallen victims would step aside, taking a seat on the benches. To survive in dodgeball, agility and reflexes were key. Participants had to deftly evade incoming projectiles while seizing any opportunities to eliminate opponents on the opposing team. Buffy and Willow initially possessed balls, but their advantage was short-lived.
Buffy couldn't shake the feeling that Rhonda Kelley was particularly fixated on targeting her, but in a game where everyone was a target, it was difficult to discern intent. Some players exhibited greater force in their throws, and Buffy skillfully dodged a few well-aimed shots that came perilously close. Then, catching a glimpse of Xander preparing for a powerful throw, she wondered who he had in his sights. In that split second, she witnessed Willow's throw connecting with Xander's back turned toward her. His ball struck her shoulder with considerable force.
The pained look that Willow directed toward Xander as she retreated to the bench tugged at Buffy's heart. 'What's gotten into him?' she wondered, unable to dwell on the matter for long. Her attention swiftly shifted as her teammates were eliminated, leaving her alone against a formidable opposition of six.
But it wasn't just any six opponents. Xander, Kyle, Rhonda, Tor, Heidi, and Lance. Memories of recent encounters flooded Buffy's mind, the events at the Bronze and their recent trip to the zoo. 'This is too strange,' she thought. Standing before them momentarily, they abruptly shifted their gaze toward Lance.
Lance met their gaze, visibly apprehensive.
Kyle unleashed the first throw, swift and forceful, striking Lance at close range. Lance collapsed onto the wooden gym floor, defenseless. Kyle swiftly grabbed another ball and mercilessly pummeled Lance once more. The rest of the group followed suit, bombarding Lance relentlessly as if their aim was to affix him to the very floor.
Without hesitation, Buffy raced across the perilous battleground, traversing the no-man's land to reach Lance's side. She grasped his hand, lifting him to his feet and pulling him away from the relentless onslaught. A couple of balls bounced harmlessly nearby, as the onslaught ceased. The room fell silent as the others stared at Buffy; their expressions devoid of emotion. She locked eyes with Xander, desperately searching for a flicker of recognition, a trace of the friend she once knew.
But there was nothing. He remained a stranger. Xander averted his gaze, and his newfound companions followed suit.
The game had reached its conclusion. To one person, it had been a satisfactory class session. "God, this game is brutal," Coach Herrold commented as the students filed out. "I love it."
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Willow stood patiently outside the gymnasium, her body leaning against a row of lockers. Anticipation mingled with concern as she awaited Xander's emergence. When he finally emerged from the gym, however, her hopes were shattered. He was accompanied by Kyle, Tor, Heidi, and Rhonda, a tight-knit group that now seemed to have an unspoken allegiance. Determined to confront him, Willow stepped forward, her voice laced with both confusion and distress.
"Xander," she called out, her footsteps closing the distance between them. "What's wrong with you?"
Casting a quick glance back at his newfound companions, Xander motioned for Willow to follow him aside. Tenderly, he grasped her elbow and guided her to a more secluded area. Lowering his voice to an intimate whisper, he began to speak, as if unraveling a hidden truth.
"I guess you've noticed that I've been acting differently around you lately," he confessed, his words hushed and heavy with significance.
"Yes," Willow responded, her heart racing with anticipation. Could this be the moment she had longed for? Was Xander finally going to reveal his true feelings for her? Her mind raced with hopeful possibilities, a torrent of dreams and desires flooding her thoughts.
Xander paused, seemingly searching for the right words, as if navigating through an internal labyrinth. "I think... um," he stammered, his voice betraying a mix of uncertainty and resolution. "I think it's because my feelings for you have been changing. Well, we've been friends for such a long time, and I feel like I need to be honest with you about something."
Willow's heart soared; her spirit buoyed by the weight of his words. Could this be the moment she had always yearned for? The words she had longed to hear from Xander, spoken with sincerity and affection? Her hopes soared high, fueled by a surge of expectation and dreams that seemed within reach.
But then, Xander's tone turned grave, extinguishing the flickering flames of hope within her. "I've... I've decided to drop geometry," he finally confessed, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "So... I won't be needing your math help anymore."
A tidal wave of disappointment crashed over Willow, washing away her dreams and leaving only a desolate emptiness in their wake. She struggled to maintain her composure, her face betraying the anguish that swelled within her. Every fiber of her being longed for him to express deeper sentiments, to offer a glimmer of affection or a promise of a future together.
But instead, Xander's voice grew louder, deliberately projecting his words to be heard by his companions. "Which means," he declared, a cruel edge sharpening his tone, "I won't have to look at your pasty face anymore."
Laughter erupted from Xander's lips, and the chorus of derision enveloped the group. It was a cacophony of cruelty that pierced Willow's heart, an assault on her vulnerable spirit. The sound of their laughter echoed in her ears, each mocking note a painful reminder of her shattered hopes. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned away, barely registering Buffy's presence at her locker. With a heavy heart, Willow briskly walked away, the echoes of their laughter ringing in her ears like somber funeral bells tolling for lost innocence and fractured trust.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
With a resounding slam, Buffy shut her locker, her frustration seething within her. Thoughts raced through her mind, a mix of understanding and indignation for the sake of her friend Willow. But now, the tipping point had been reached, and it was too much to bear. A surge of determination propelled her forward, closing the distance between her and Xander. She stood before him, her gaze fixed firmly upon his eyes, demanding a response.
"You going to say something to me?" she challenged, her voice sharp with a mix of disappointment and anger.
But instead of an earnest answer or a flicker of remorse, Xander's laughter erupted once more. It echoed through the corridor, a high-pitched, manic sound that resonated with his newfound companions. They reveled in their shared amusement; their bond seemingly fueled by a twisted sense of humor. Their laughter reverberated, an eerie chorus that lingered in the air long after they had disappeared down the hall, leaving only a haunting echo of their wicked amusement behind them.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Every sensation enveloped Xander, heightened to an almost overwhelming degree. The warmth of the sun caressed his cheek, while a gentle breeze danced through his hair, tickling his senses. Each step he took on the sidewalk resonated with a newfound awareness. Even from a distance, he could detect the faint fragrance of a girl's perfume, carried by the air, captivating his olfactory perception. And the whispers of conversations, hushed and distant, reached his ears with crystal clarity, as if he possessed a supernatural sense of hearing.
Accompanied by his newfound comrades, Xander strolled through the campus, their presence exuding an air of entitlement. Sidelong glances and expressions of fear greeted their passage, fueling Xander's sense of superiority and satisfaction. It was an intoxicating feeling, to command attention and evoke reactions wherever he went.
However, a flicker of interest drew Xander's attention to a low wall on the second floor. Though their backs were turned, he recognized them instantly—Buffy and Willow. Their voices reached his ears, their tones laden with concern and confusion. Intrigued, Xander listened intently, absorbing their words.
Willow's voice quivered with emotion as she confessed, "I've known him my whole life, Rutherford. We We haven't always been close, but…he's never…" Tears welled up in her eyes, and she turned to face her friend, seeking solace.
Buffy's response carried a touch of worry. "I think something's wrong with him," she pondered aloud, trying to make sense of Xander's actions. How could his mistreatment of Willow be linked to her?
"Or maybe there's something wrong with me," Willow countered.
"What are you talking about?" Buffy asked as her worry transferred from Xander to Willow.
Willow pressed on; her voice filled with conviction. "Come on. He's not picking on you. He's just sniffing you a lot. I don't know, so maybe three isn't company anymore."
"You think this has something to do with me?" Buffy asked wondering if Xander suspected her secret. But that didn't make sense — he'd have to know that being mean to Willow wouldn't get him anywhere with her.
"Of course," Willow replied.
Buffy shook her head, dismissing the notion. "No," she declared firmly, refusing to accept the explanation. "That still doesn't explain why he's hanging out with the dode patrol. Something's going on. Something weird." She made her way past Willow, a determined glint in her eyes.
Turning to watch her friend depart, Willow couldn't help but wonder about the course of action Buffy would take. "What are you going to do?" she called out, her voice laced with concern.
Buffy pivoted, meeting Willow's gaze with unwavering resolve. "Going to talk to the expert on weird," she declared, determined to find answers and confront the mysterious changes that had befallen Xander.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Buffy sought out the expert on all things weird, finding Giles in the school library amidst his cataloguing endeavors. Clutching a clipboard and a card from the card catalogue, he moved from one spot to another, engrossed in his task.
As Giles methodically catalogued, Buffy trailed behind him, voicing her concerns and hoping for a sympathetic ear. However, she found him less than understanding.
"Xander's taken to teasing the less fortunate?" he asked.
"Uh-huh," Buffy said.
"There's been a noticeable change in both clothing and demeanor?"
"Yes."
"And spends all his spare time lounging about with imbeciles?" Giles opened a card catalogue drawer, looked into it as if he'd lost something there.
"It's bad, isn't it?"
"It's devastating," he concurred, his tone laced with a hint of resignation. "He's turned into a sixteen-year-old boy." Giles closed the drawer, emphasizing the stark reality of Xander's transformation.
Buffy's eyes narrowed, her frustration mounting. "Have you forgotten? Yes, we know I am a girl. But I have everything Xander does, and I don't act like that," she argued.
Giles countered, providing insight into the gender dynamics at play. "That is because you are aware of your identity as a girl," he explained. "Yes, the influence of testosterone can affect you, as was evidenced with Ms. French. However, you remain true to your nature as a girl. Xander, on the other hand, lacks that understanding and allows his hormones to dictate his actions. He will get over it."
Buffy clung to her instincts. "Giles, remember you told me to trust my instincts," she reminded Giles. "Right now, my instincts tell me that something supernatural is involved," she asserted, grabbing books from atop a cabinet and thrusting them toward Giles. "We need to start researching."
Giles took the books from her hands and carefully returned them to their designated places. "Look under what?" he inquired.
Buffy's frustration grew, and she let out a despairing moan. "I don't know," she admitted, feeling the weight of the argument slipping away.
Giles adopted a realistic expression, urging Buffy to confront the reality of teenage behavior. "The evidence you've presented me with is sketchy at best," he pointed out.
Buffy could feel the argument being lost. "He scared the pig!" she insisted, with a sudden flailing gesture. Giles gave her a get-real look. "Well, he did."
"Buffy, as much as I know you don't like being reminded of it. You were born a boy, even though you identify as a girl," Giles reminded her. "You know as well as I that boys can be cruel, as much as it may displease you to acknowledge it. They tease and prey on the weak. It's a natural pattern of behavior during adolescence."
"They prey on the weak. I heard that somewhere," Buffy echoed, a memory surfacing. She recalled where she had heard those words before — the zookeeper. "Xander has been acting totally wiggy since our visit to the zoo. He and Kyle and the others went into the hyena cage... Oh God, that laugh—" Her realization hung heavy in the air, a chilling connection between the zoo visit and Xander's bizarre transformation.
Giles contemplated Buffy's revelation, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "Are you saying that Xander's becoming a hyena?" he questioned, seeking clarification.
Buffy nodded; her eyes filled with uncertainty. "I don't know. Or been possessed by one. Not just Xander, all of them," she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and curiosity.
Giles shook his head, a faint hint of disbelief on his face as he tugged on his ear. "I certainly never heard of—" he admitted, his scholarly instincts pushing him to seek an explanation.
Willow burst into the library; her features etched with distress. "Herbert," she blurted out, her voice filled with urgency. "They found him!"
Buffy raised an eyebrow, seeking clarification. "The pig?" she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and concern.
Willow nodded, her voice trembling. "Dead. And also eaten!" The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on her. "Principal Flutie's freaking out."
Buffy turned her gaze to Giles, her expression demanding attention. "You were saying?" she challenged, her voice laced with a hint of urgency.
Giles, undeterred by the unforeseen development, knew that swift action was required. He swiftly made his way towards the book stacks, his determination evident.
Willow, concerned for their next steps, addressed Giles with a touch of anxiety. "What are you going to do?" she inquired, her voice filled with anticipation.
Giles turned to face her; his eyes determined. "Get my books," he replied, his tone resolute. "Look stuff up." With their course of action set, he disappeared into the stacks, leaving Buffy and Willow to grapple with the unsettling turn of events.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Buffy settled herself on the steps leading up to the book stacks, balancing a massive folio across her lap. Meanwhile, Willow sat at a nearby table, engrossed in her own reading. When Buffy broke the silence, Willow lifted her gaze, ready to engage in conversation.
"Wow," Buffy exclaimed, her voice tinged with surprise. "Apparently Noah rejected hyenas from the Ark because he thought they were an evil, impure mixture of dogs and cats."
Willow nodded in agreement; her expression pensive. "Hyenas aren't well liked," she added, her voice carrying a note of sympathy for the misunderstood creatures.
Buffy lowered the book, revealing an image to Willow, as they discussed the unfortunate reputation of hyenas. "They do seem to be the shmoes of the animal kingdom," she remarked, presenting the picture for Willow's inspection.
Wishing for a different outcome, Willow voiced her thoughts. "Why couldn't Xander have been possessed by a puppy or some ducks?" she pondered, a hint of longing in her voice.
Buffy pondered the situation, contemplating the appropriate terminology. "That's assuming 'possession' is the right word," she remarked, aware that their understanding of the events might require further nuance.
Giles, appearing from another section of the library, joined their conversation, holding yet another book in his hands. "Oh, I'd say it is," he interjected, his voice filled with certainty. "The Masai people of the Serengeti have spoken of animal possession for generations. I should have remembered that."
Curious, Buffy directed her question to Giles. "So, how does it work?" she inquired, her desire for knowledge evident.
Giles proceeded to explain, shedding light on the beliefs and practices of the Primal sect. "Well," he began, "apparently there's a sect of animal worshippers, known as the Primals. They believe that humanity, consciousness, and the soul is a perversion, a dilution of the spirit. To them the animal state is holy. They are able, through transpossession, to draw the spirit of certain animals into themselves."
Buffy's brow furrowed as she tried to grasp the implications. "And then they start acting like hyenas?" she asked, seeking confirmation.
Giles nodded in agreement. "Only the most predatory animals were of interest to Primals. So yes, that would fit."
Concerned for Xander's well-being, Buffy probed further. "So, what happens to the person once the spirit is in them?" she pressed, her voice revealing a mix of worry and urgency.
"If it goes unchecked?" Giles handed Buffy the weighty tome he had been holding, pointing out a specific page that held the answer.
As Buffy scanned the text, her face contorted in horror, and she abruptly closed the book, placing it down on the table next to Willow. Determination filled her gaze as she rose from her seat. "I got to find Xander," she declared, her voice resolute.
Willow, intrigued by the contents of the book, reached for it and pulled it closer, flipping it open to the page Giles had shown Buffy. Her eyes widened in shock as she absorbed the grotesque engraving depicting a gruesome feast. Human figures, devoid of limbs and heads, were the disturbing main course, vividly depicted in all their graphic and gory detail.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Buffy located the classroom where she had previously left Herbert, the pig. The door stood ajar, inviting her inside. As she entered, her eyes fell upon the twisted and mangled remains of the cage Mr. Flutie had acquired for Herbert. The once-sturdy wire structure appeared as though it had been subjected to the forceful efforts of powerful creatures.
'They are strong,' Buffy silently acknowledged, cautiously navigating through the wreckage. Straw from the damaged cage carpeted the floor, intermingled with another peculiar find. She stooped down, retrieving a discarded item. It measured nearly eight inches in length, slightly thicker than her finger, with a broken end, as if it had been snapped or bitten, possibly in search of marrow.
"Pig bones," she murmured, realizing the disturbing nature of the discovery. Placing the bone back amidst the scattered mess, Buffy straightened herself and prepared to depart. The classroom had divulged all it could offer. She turned on her heels...
And there he stood, right behind her, wearing a malevolent grin upon his face. Buffy's voice strained with tension as she spoke his name. "Xander."
Silence hung in the air as Xander remained wordless, taking a step closer to her. Buffy instinctively tried to sidestep him, seeking an alternative path. Yet, he swiftly maneuvered to block her way, displaying an intent to obstruct her progress. Realizing that her attempts at peaceful dialogue might be futile, Buffy adjusted her approach.
"This is ridiculous," she declared, her voice tinged with frustration. "We need to talk—" However, instead of engaging in conversation, she propelled herself at him, her hands firmly planted on his shoulders, forcing him backward. Xander stumbled and crashed to the floor, with Buffy landing atop his chest, pressing him down.
Amidst their physical struggle, Xander's laughter echoed through the room. "I've been waiting for you to jump my bones," he taunted, his words carrying a malicious undertone.
Buffy stared at him, her expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. "You're not gay," she stated, her voice betraying her bewilderment. "Why would you..." The words trailed off as the truth dawned upon her, sending a chill down her spine. The primal possession had distorted Xander's perception, blurring the lines of human gender constructs.
Buffy comprehended that in his current state, influenced by the primal forces within him, Xander saw her as she truly was—a girl—despite her physical form not yet reflecting her identity. The revelation struck her with a strange blend of discomfort and sympathy. The supernatural had stripped away the confines of societal norms, leaving only a raw and instinctual perception.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
With an unsettling growl that mirrored his newfound primal nature, Xander unleashed a burst of untamed strength, catching Buffy off guard. The force of his movement sent her sprawling, landing on her back, her gaze fixed upon his transformed countenance. In a swift motion, he pinned her wrists to the cold, unforgiving tiles, his grip firm and unyielding.
"Get off of me!" Buffy's voice resonated with a mix of urgency and defiance, her struggles against his hold reflecting her determination to break free. Yet, she couldn't deny the unnerving realization that Xander's primal possession had endowed him with a strength that surpassed even her own as the Slayer. She pushed harder, testing the limits of her own power, questioning whether she held back due to their friendship.
But Xander, lost in the throes of his animalistic nature, dismissed her protests with a chilling disregard. His words sliced through the air, laced with a sinister undertone. "Is that what you really want," he taunted, a disturbing glint in his eyes. "We both know what you really want. You want danger, don't you? You like your men dangerous."
Desperation and concern filled Buffy's voice as she attempted to reason with him, to remind him of the malevolent force that had infected him, transforming him into a vessel for the primal instincts of the hyenas. "You're in trouble, Xander," she pleaded, her words falling on deaf ears. "You are infected with some hyena thing. It's like a demonic possession—"
But Xander cut her off, his focus fixed solely on his own twisted perspective. He ignored her warning, disregarding the gravity of their situation. "Dangerous and mean, right? Like Angelus," he jeered, drawing a disturbing parallel between his own transformation and the malevolence she had faced before. "Well, guess who just got mean?"
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
"Do you know how long I've waited? Until you'd stop pretending that we aren't attracted—" Xander's words carried a mixture of desire and frustration as he released one of Buffy's wrists and tenderly caressed her blonde hair, his touch resembling that of a lover.
Buffy seized the opportunity, capitalizing on his momentary distraction. With her free hand, she swiftly managed to disentangle herself from his grasp and scrambled to her feet, keeping a safe distance between them. She met his gaze with a firm resolve. "We aren't, Xander," she asserted, her voice resolute. "You're my friend, my straight friend. You aren't gay. You don't like men that way, and that's how you see me, right?"
Undeterred, Xander closed the gap between them, his relentless advance undeterred by her words. "Until Willow stops kidding herself that I could settle with anyone but you—" he persisted, his determination unwavering.
"I don't want to hurt you, Xander," Buffy pleaded, her voice tinged with genuine concern, even as she slowly backed away, hoping to create some distance between them. Yet, deep down, she knew her words were a bluff. The thought of causing harm to her dear friend was inconceivable. She silently hoped that Xander wouldn't discern her internal conflict.
Unfortunately, he remained oblivious to her internal struggle. Without warning, he lunged forward, forcefully driving her back into a nearby vending machine. The impact jolted loose some long-forgotten change, which tinkled down into the coin return with a haunting echo.
"Now, do you want to hurt me?" Xander taunted, his voice laced with a mix of aggression and perverse pleasure. "Come on, Slayer—I like it when you're scared." Buffy fought against his firm grip, desperately attempting to free herself, but his hold on her remained unyielding. He inhaled deeply, his senses heightened by the possession, his words revealing a disturbing truth. "The more I scare you, the better you smell."
Suddenly, Xander fell silent, his head forcefully wedged between Buffy's jaw and shoulders as he began to mercilessly kiss her neck, his actions driven by an unbridled savagery. The situation intensified, and Buffy's heart raced with a mix of fear, confusion, and determination.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
The library was cloaked in shadows, illuminated only by the glow of the computer screen in front of Willow. She sat alone, engrossed in video footage of a pack of hyenas. The eerie silence was shattered as Buffy burst through the door, dragging a weighty burden behind her. Her urgent voice echoed through the library, "Hurry up!" she urged. "We've got to lock him up somehow, before he comes to."
As Willow took in the sight before her, her eyes widened with shock. It was Xander, unconscious and being pulled along by Buffy. "Oh my God, Xander—what happened?" she gasped, rushing to their side.
Buffy's reply was laced with a mix of determination and frustration. "I hit him," she confessed, her voice heavy with the weight of the situation.
Together, they examined Xander for any visible injuries, but found none. Willow struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "With what?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"A desk," Buffy responded, her voice tinged with a mix of anger and sadness. "He tried his hand at felony sexual assault."
Willow recoiled in horror, her mind reeling with the revelation. "I didn't think he was interested in men," she whispered, struggling to reconcile the actions of her dear friend.
"He's not," Buffy clarified, her voice filled with a mixture of understanding and sadness. "In the animal kingdom, gender isn't perceived the same way we humans do."
Willow nodded, absorbing the information, but the weight of the situation still hung heavily in the air. Buffy closed the cage door behind her, securing Xander inside, and Willow watched as she jingled the keys in her hand. "There, that ought to hold him," Buffy said. "Where's Giles?"
"He got a call to some teacher's meeting," Willow told Buffy as her friend took a big swallow from a bottle of water. The concern in her eyes was evident as she turned to Buffy, seeking guidance. "What are we going to do? I mean, how do we get Xander back?"
Buffy's immediate worry seemed directed elsewhere. "Right now," she replied, her voice tinged with urgency, "I'm more concerned about what the rest of the pack are up to."
Just as the question lingered in the air, Giles entered the library. His expression betrayed a mix of concern and unease. "The rest of the pack were spotted outside Herbert the mascot's cage. They were sent to the principal's office," he informed them.
"Good that will show them," Willow said as relief momentarily washed over her, but it was soon replaced by a surge of worry when she saw Giles' expression. "Did it show them?" she inquired anxiously, her concern for the innocent victim taking precedence.
"They didn't hurt him, did they?" Buffy asked.
Willow sank into a chair.
Giles' somber expression conveyed the severity of the situation. ""They, uh, ate him," he revealed, his voice weighted with concern as Willow san into a chair.
Buffy's voice trembled as she voiced her disbelief. "They ate Principal Flutie?" she exclaimed, her words barely escaping her lips.
Willow echoed the sentiment, her voice filled with a mix of shock and disbelief. "Ate him up?" she added, her eyes wide with horror at the thought.
Giles, the voice of reason, offered the official explanation. "The official theory is that wild dogs got into his office somehow," he explained, his voice tinged with unease. "There was no one at the scene."
Relief washed over Willow as she realized Xander couldn't have been involved. She turned to Buffy; her voice filled with reassurance. "But Xander didn't — he was with you," she said, hoping to ease their concerns.
Giles, now noticing the unconscious Xander in the cage for the first time, acknowledged the silver lining. "Oh. Well, that's a small mercy," he murmured, recognizing that their friend was spared from this horrifying fate.
"And I have questions on that when we have a moment alone," Buffy informed him and he nodded in understanding. Her gaze locked with Giles', her tone firm. "For now, how do we stop this? How do you transpossess someone?" she inquired; her voice filled with urgency.
Giles sighed, his expression showing a mix of frustration and uncertainty. "I'm afraid I l don't have all the pieces. "Accounts of the Primals and their methods are a bit thin on the ground. There is some talk of a predatory act, but the exact ritual is…" he admitted, flipping through one of his massive books in search of answers. "The 'Malleus Maleficarum' deals with the particulars of demonic possession, which may apply." He put the book down on the table, flipping a few more pages. "Yes, one should be able to transfer the spirits to another human —"
Buffy interrupted; her frustration evident. "Oh, thanks, great. Any volunteers?" she quipped; her tone laced with sarcasm.
Giles, realizing the impracticality of his suggestion, conceded defeat. "Oh, good point," he murmured, his voice tinged with self-awareness.
Buffy, undeterred, pressed on with her idea. "What we need to do is put the hyena back in the hyena."
"But until we know more —" Giles began.
A spark of excitement ignited within Willow as she observed her friend's determination. "Bet you that zookeeper can help us. Maybe he didn't quarantine those hyenas because they were sick," Buffy proposed, her voice filled with newfound hope.
Giles caught on to the plan, his eyes brightening with anticipation. "We should talk to him," he agreed, recognizing the potential breakthrough.
Buffy's enthusiasm propelled her towards the door, ready to take action. However, a sudden realization halted her in her tracks. "Oh, wait," she exclaimed, her voice laced with concern. "Somebody's got to watch Xander."
As Willow rose from her seat, determination filled her gaze. "I will," she declared, her voice resolute and unwavering.
Buffy looked at Willow with a mix of concern and gratitude. "Are you sure? If Xander wakes up..." Her words trailed off, leaving the unspoken worry hanging in the air.
Willow nodded with conviction; her hand outstretched to receive the keys from Buffy. "I'll be all right. Go," she assured her friend, her tone brimming with confidence. With the keys safely in her possession, she felt a sense of responsibility and readiness to face whatever might come.
"Come on," Buffy said to Giles. They wasted no time, exiting the library, leaving Willow behind in the shadows. As the door closed behind them, the room grew eerily quiet, with only the dim light of the computers illuminating the space.
In the midst of the darkness, Xander remained motionless inside the cage, still unconscious. Willow's gaze shifted to her friend's prone figure; concern etched on her face. She carefully slipped the keys into the pocket of her skirt.
Streets of Sunnydale
Giles gripped the steering wheel tightly, his focus fixed on the road ahead. "What was it you wanted to say, but not in front of Willow?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Buffy took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside. The weight of her secret hung heavily upon her, and she knew it was time to confide in her trusted mentor. "Xander came on to me," she confessed, her words carrying a mixture of vulnerability and confusion. "I know he's not gay, Giles, and he should perceive me as male. So, the question is why. I told Willow that animals perceive gender differently. But the truth is, I don't fully understand it myself."
Giles absorbed her words, his brow furrowed with contemplation. "Animals do perceive gender differently," he confirmed, his voice steady and reassuring. "So, what you told Willow was actually the truth. But what do you want to do when we get our Xander back?"
Buffy's eyes flickered with a mix of hesitation and apprehension. She leaned back in her seat, wrestling with her emotions. "Until I'm ready, I want to keep it a secret," she admitted, her voice laced with vulnerability. "I'm just not ready, Giles. It's comforting that you, Angel, and Dawn know about me. I don't have to hide who I am from you three. But I've thought about telling Willow and Xander. And I'm scared of how they'll react."
Giles glanced briefly at Buffy, his expression filled with understanding and empathy. He reached out and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "When you are ready, Buffy, I will be there to support you in whatever way you need," he assured her with unwavering support. "And I know from what you've told me that your sister has said the same. You don't have to face this alone."
Buffy felt a surge of gratitude for Giles' unwavering support. His words provided her with a glimmer of hope, reminding her that she had allies in her journey of self-discovery. The weight of her secret felt a little lighter in that moment.
"Thank you, Giles," she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of relief and appreciation. "Having both you and Dawn by my side means more than I can express."
Giles offered a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with kindness. "You don't need to thank me, Buffy. Supporting you is part of my duty as your Watcher, but more importantly, it's a privilege to be there for you as a friend."
Sunnydale High School
"Willow," Xander's voice echoed from the confines of the cage, interrupting the hyena video that had captured Willow's attention.
Startled, Willow turned her gaze towards him. "How are you feeling?" she inquired, her concern evident.
Wearing a wry grin, Xander tossed a casual reply her way. "Like somebody decided to introduce my face to a desk." It was only then that he took notice of his surroundings, realizing where he was for the first time. Confusion creased his brow as he questioned, "What am I doing here?"
The question hung awkwardly in the air, leaving Willow struggling to find the right words. "You're... resting," she stammered, aware of the inadequacy of her response. Determined, she walked towards the cage, closing the distance between them.
Xander rose to his feet, his fingers hooking onto the cage screen. "So, you guys decided to lock me up?" he asked, a hint of bitterness tainting his tone.
"Because you're sick," Willow explained, trying to justify their actions. "Rutherford said—"
Xander's disgust was palpable as he interrupted her, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ah, yes. Rutherford and his all-purpose solution: knock 'em out and knock 'em down. I'd love to see what he'd do to somebody who was really sick."
"That's not fair," Willow argued, a touch of defensiveness creeping into her voice. "Rutherford has saved both of our lives."
"Before he showed up, our lives didn't need that much saving, did they?" Xander retorted. "Weren't things a lot simpler when it was just you and me?"
"Maybe..." Willow hesitated, contemplating the undeniable presence of strange deaths and unexplained disappearances in Sunnydale.
Xander continued, his voice filled with longing. "When we were alone together," he sighed, "Willow, I know there's something wrong with me. I think it's getting worse. I can't just stand around waiting for Rutherford to decide it's time to punch me out again. I want you to help me. I want you."
Willow's heart skipped a beat at his words. "I am helping you," she insisted.
Xander's voice softened, his desperation evident. "You're doing what you're told."
"Rutherford is trying to help you too, you know that," Willow countered, defending their current situation. "Or, Xander does."
"Yeah, Rutherford so selfless, always thinking of us," Xander's tone dripped with sarcasm. "Well, if I'm so dangerous, how come he left you alone with me?" His words carried a warmth that made the cage between them fade away, leaving only the two of them in the world.
"I told him to," Willow replied, her voice filled with certainty. "Because I know you better than he does. And I wanted to be here to see if you were still you."
"You know I am. Look at me," Xander urged, his gaze locked with hers. Willow obliged, observing the boy she had known for most of her life. "Look," he repeated.
Drawn closer to the cage, a wave of affection washed over Willow. She longed to reach out, to touch his hair, to press a gentle kiss on his reddened cheek. But in an unexpected turn, Xander lunged forward, his arm thrusting through an opening in the cage's doorway, aiming for the keys dangling from her skirt pocket.
Startled, Willow recoiled, evading his desperate grasp. "Now I know," she stated with resignation, her voice tinged with sorrow.
Xander's pretense of intimacy and friendship vanished, replaced by unbridled fury. He pounded at the cage with his fists, his voice echoing with a primal scream. "Let me out! Let me out!"
Sunnydale Zoo
The zookeeper's office surpassed Buffy's expectations in terms of size. Stepping inside, she took in the sight of a well-equipped space adorned with evidence of the zookeeper's expertise. Diplomas and certificates of honor adorned the walls, alongside photographs capturing memorable moments, African masks, weapons, and various other intriguing memorabilia. Commanding attention in the center of the room was a light table, upon which transparencies were carefully laid. The illumination from beneath illuminated the images, enhancing their visibility.
Engaged in conversation, the zookeeper's demeanor exuded reassurance, his voice maintaining a level of calmness. "...the students have been possessed by the hyenas," he said, prompting a confirmation from Giles.
"Yes," Giles replied, his certainty evident.
Curiosity tinged the zookeeper's tone as he sought further confirmation. "Are you sure?"
"We're really, really sure," Buffy chimed in with conviction.
Giles observed the lack of astonishment on the zookeeper's part and voiced his observation. "You don't seem enormously surprised by this."
In response, the zookeeper delved into his knowledge. "The zoo imported those hyenas from Africa. There was something strange about them from day one. I did some homework. That particular breed is very rare. Totally vicious. Historically, they were worshipped by these guys—"
"The Primals," Giles interjected, recognizing the reference.
"Yeah, creepy guys. Now, they had rituals for taking the hyenas' spirits, but I don't see how that could have happened to your kids."
"We don't know exactly how the ritual works," Giles admitted. "We know it involves a predatory act and some kind of symbol."
"A predatory act. Of course. That makes sense. Where did you read that?" The zookeeper's curiosity mirrored Giles's scholarly interest.
"Do you have Sherman Jeffries's work on cults and —" Giles began.
Sensing the potential for a prolonged discussion, Buffy intervened, breaking the exchange. "Guys!" she interjected, aware of Giles's tendency to elaborate endlessly on intriguing subjects.
Apologizing for the tangent, Giles redirected his attention. "Sorry."
Aware of the limited time, the zookeeper glanced at his watch. "Look, I think we may have enough information so that together we can pull off a reverse transpossession."
Eager to understand their course of action, Buffy posed the crucial question. "What do we do?"
"You've got to get those possessed students to the hyena cage right away," the zookeeper instructed. "I'll meet you there, and we can begin the ritual."
Buffy expressed her concern regarding the remaining four possessed students. "Well, we can guarantee you one of them. But there're four more, and we don't know where they are."
The zookeeper reassured them with his knowledge of hyenas. "I wouldn't worry about that. After hyenas feed and rest, they will track the missing member of their pack until they find him. They should come right to you."
As the zookeeper's words sank in, Buffy caught Giles's glance, and a flicker of fear sparked within her. "Willow," she breathed, realizing the hyenas would go straight for Xander, and Willow stood in the way.
Sunnydale High School
Xander's heart pounded in his chest as he paced back and forth in the cage, like a wild animal yearning for freedom. Willow kept her distance now, fear and concern evident in her eyes. He had tried to make his move, but she had skillfully avoided his grasp, leaving the keys to his prison just out of reach.
"Willow . . ." he said.
Willow glanced over her shoulder at her friend. "I'm not listening." She turned back to the screen. She didn't even want to look at him.
His senses, heightened by the primal transformation he had undergone, picked up on every subtle sound and scent around him. He was no longer just a regular boy; he had become something more, something feral and instinctual. The familiar scent wafted in from outside the library, and he knew who it belonged to.
'The Pack,' Xander thought with a mix of resentment and longing. They had come for him, his true friends who accepted him for what he had become. Unlike the people he had known before, they understood and embraced the wild power that coursed through him now.
"Wil-lowww," Kyle's voice taunted from outside, calling to Willow.
Xander's eyes narrowed, recognizing the deceptive tone. He knew they wouldn't leave him behind, no matter what.
"Xander, shut up," Willow snapped, her anxiety palpable.
But the call of the Pack was too strong to ignore, and Xander watched as Willow's shoulders tensed in realization. Without warning, they burst through the library windows, shards of glass scattering across the floor like a glimmering carpet.
Reacting swiftly, Willow leaped from her seat and bolted out the door, leaving Xander alone in the cage. The desire for freedom surged through him, urging him to break free and join his Pack. He kicked at the cage's bars, his yearning for the wild, untamed existence overpowering his rational thoughts.
The Pack members lunged at the cage, their fierce determination evident as they tugged and yanked with relentless force. The once-sturdy wire screen yielded to their combined strength, shattering and bending until the door was ripped from its hinges, granting Xander the freedom he so desired.
As he stepped out of the cage, a surge of primal energy coursed through his veins. The Pack gathered around him, their eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and wildness. They sniffed each other, their instincts guiding them to reaffirm their unity and dominance within the group. They exchanged touches, a primal form of communication that solidified their bond as members of the Pack.
In the midst of the exhilarating reunion, a flicker of concern for Willow stirred within Xander. She was out there, somewhere on the school grounds, driven by fear and confusion. Though he yearned to embrace his newfound identity, he recognized the potential danger she posed to the Pack. It was imperative to locate her and neutralize the threat she unknowingly represented.
With an air of authority, Xander took the lead. His senses, honed by the hyena spirit within him, guided his movements as he led the Pack on the hunt. They moved swiftly and silently through the dimly lit corridors and shadowed corners of the school, their steps echoing with purpose.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Heart pounding, Willow turned a corner, her breath coming in frantic gasps. Panic consumed her as she searched desperately for a place to hide from the approaching danger. The first classroom door she reached, she grabbed the doorknob, hoping for a chance at refuge. But her hopes were crushed as the knob refused to turn, the door locked tightly against her.
Fear surged through her veins as she realized time was running out. The distant echoes from the library confirmed that the cage had been breached, and the relentless pursuit of the Pack drew nearer with each passing moment. Determined to find safety, Willow swiftly crossed the hallway, her footsteps barely making a sound.
Her heart skipped a beat as she discovered an unlocked door. With a mixture of relief and trepidation, she slipped inside, gently closing the door behind her to avoid any noise that could give away her presence. The room enveloped her in darkness, the only source of illumination being the faint glow seeping in from the hallway.
Navigating through the maze of desks, Willow's movements were quick and cautious. She maneuvered herself into the footwell of the teacher's desk, curling into a small, hidden space that offered limited protection. Pulling the chair in front of her, she created a feeble barrier, hoping it would provide some semblance of security amidst the encroaching danger.
In the dimly lit classroom, Willow clutched her trembling hands to her chest, her breaths shallow and ragged. The scent of dust and chalk hung in the air, mixing with her own adrenaline-fueled perspiration. She strained her ears, listening intently for any sign of the approaching Pack, praying that her hiding place would go unnoticed in the darkness.
With her heart pounding in her ears, Willow braced herself, knowing that this meager shelter was her best chance at survival. In the face of imminent danger, she could only hope that her concealment would be enough to keep her hidden from the relentless pursuit of the transformed Xander and his feral companions.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
At the intersection, the Pack dispersed, their feral instincts driving them in separate directions. Kyle, Rhonda, and Tor diverged, disappearing into the dimly lit corridors. Only Heidi remained faithfully by Xander's side, her senses attuned to his every move.
Xander's nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply, searching for a familiar scent amidst the stale air. It didn't take long for his instincts to guide him. He sensed it—the distinct fragrance that belonged to Willow, a scent ingrained in his memory after years of friendship and shared experiences.
With a calculated motion, Xander reached for the door, his grip tightening around the handle. Heidi, sensing his focus, sniffed the air in anticipation, her instincts aligning with his own.
The door swung open, revealing a dark and silent room. Xander and Heidi stepped inside, their movements cautious yet purposeful. They prowled through the maze of desks, their senses on high alert, relying on their acute sense of smell to guide them toward their target.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Meanwhile, Willow remained crouched under the desk, her senses heightened with each passing moment. She heard the faint sound of footsteps, the rhythm of someone's breath. Her heart raced, uncertainty gripping her as she struggled to identify the intruder.
Then, as swiftly as they had come, the footsteps receded, and the door closed with a soft click. A wave of relief washed over Willow—she had evaded detection. Safety enveloped her, and her mind turned toward finding help, escaping this nightmare.
Pushing the chair back, Willow emerged from her hiding place, her eyes scanning the room cautiously. But her moment of triumph was short-lived. Xander stood before her, his presence both familiar and terrifying. A guttural roar escaped his lips as he lunged across the teacher's desk, his instincts taking control.
Willow's reflexes kicked in, propelling her away from his grasp. She sprinted toward the exit, her heart pounding in her chest. Desperation fueled her movements as she toppled a chair in her wake, causing Xander to stumble and crash to the floor.
Seizing the opportunity, Willow flung the door open, exposing herself to the corridor beyond. But her hopes of escape were shattered as she collided with Heidi, the other member of the Pack who had been tracking her all along. The shock of the encounter unleashed a scream from deep within Willow's throat, echoing through the empty halls, a cry for help and salvation.
Heidi's growl reverberated through the air, an intimidating sound that conveyed dominance and aggression. It sent shivers down Willow's spine, her steps faltering as she was forcefully pushed back into the room. Her eyes widened with fear as she realized that Heidi had cornered her, effectively cutting off any chance of escape.
Xander stood in the dimly lit room, his presence casting a foreboding shadow over the scene. His eyes, once filled with warmth and familiarity, now glinted with a wild, untamed intensity. Willow's heart pounded in her chest as she found herself trapped between the two members of the Pack.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Heidi's body crumpled to the ground, the resounding clang of the fire extinguisher against her skull echoing in the hallway. Buffy stood there, her breath heavy and her heart pounding, as she surveyed the scene. The threat of Heidi eliminated; she turned her attention to the urgent task at hand.
Giles swiftly guided Willow to safety, pulling her out into the dimly lit hallway. Though they had escaped immediate danger, the looming presence of Xander still sent chills down their spines. The weight of the situation pressed upon them, knowing that their friend had succumbed to the primal instincts of the Pack.
Xander charged towards them, his relentless pursuit evident in his eyes. Buffy instinctively brought the fire extinguisher up again, ready to defend herself. But Xander's movements were swift and agile. He sidestepped her attack, causing the extinguisher to miss its mark. In a split second, Buffy reacted, launching a powerful kick that connected with Xander's chest, knocking him backward.
The commotion echoed in the hallway, drawing the remaining members of the Pack's attention. Kyle, Rhonda, and Tor, converged at the intersection. Their feral instincts honed in on Buffy, Willow, and Giles, their primal hunger urging them to close the distance.
"Run," Giles's voice cut through the chaos, urging them to find safety. He, Buffy and Willow rushed into another classroom, seeking refuge behind the closed door. Buffy tightly held the doorknob, feeling the weight of the Pack as they relentlessly tried to turn it. Their desperate growls reverberated through the wooden door, testing its strength. However, after a few moments of intense assault, the pounding ceased, and their footsteps gradually faded away.
Buffy's voice carried a mix of relief and caution as she assessed the situation. "I think they're leaving," she said, trying to reassure her shaken friends.
"They could be faking," Willow suggested skeptically. Her skepticism lingered in the air, a reminder of the lingering fear that clung to them.
Buffy tried to reassure Willow. "No, they're hungry. They'll be looking for somebody weak." Which is not us. "I'm really, really sorry, Willow," she continued. "I didn't know they'd come after Xander."
"It's okay," Willow said.
Giles acknowledged the gravity of their mission. "We must lead them back to the zoo," he declared. "If we're going to stop this."
"Yeah, and before they find their next meal," Buffy agreed, her duty as the Slayer compelled her to face the Pack head-on.
Giles hesitated, concerned about the strength of the group. "Individually, they're nearly as strong as you," he warned. "As a group..."
Buffy interrupted him; her confidence unyielding. "They're tough, but I think they're getting stupider," she countered. "You guys go to the zoo. And I'll bring them to you." With that, she pushed open the door and stepped out into the dark night.
Streets of Sunnydale
Rich Anderson couldn't understand why a simple visit with friends always seemed to turn into an argument with his wife, Melissa. "I didn't say she looked better than you," he attempted to defend himself as they made their way to the car, desperately trying to defuse the tension. "I said she looked better."
However, Melissa remained unconvinced, her icy voice piercing through the air. "I heard what I heard." She looked at her son shoving a Twinkie into his mouth. "Joey, chew," she said. "You have to chew or you'll choke."
Walking towards their sport-utility vehicle, they climbed inside and closed their doors, hoping for a moment of peace. "I don't see why we have to have this conversation every time we see them," Rich said as he absentmindedly patted his pockets, searching for the keys that seemed to have vanished into thin air.
"I didn't start it," Melissa answered. Her voice dripped icicles.
Frustration etched on his face; he muttered a curse under his breath. "Damn. Where are the keys?"
The serenity of the moment was shattered by a soft, melodic voice that seemed to come from nowhere.
"Jo-eeey... Jo-eeey..."
The Andersons exchanged bewildered glances; their argument forgotten as they strained to identify the source of the mysterious voice. Their curiosity quickly turned to fear as a head emerged outside Joey's window, peering down at them from atop the car. A deep, resonating roar erupted, and within moments, more heads appeared, surrounding the vehicle.
The intruders pounded on the car with their fists, their growls reverberating through the air. Rich reacted swiftly, clicking the locks shut just in time to prevent them from opening the doors. The mysterious assailants continued to assail the car, their movements erratic and unpredictable, pressing their faces against the glass, their intentions unknown.
Rich's heart raced, his mind racing to make sense of the situation. In the darkness, he could only make out four of them, but the possibility of more lurking in the shadows sent a shiver down his spine. They were trapped, surrounded by these menacing figures, and the urgency to escape washed over them like a tidal wave.
Desperation surged through Rich Anderson as chaos erupted around them. He couldn't comprehend the surreal scene unfolding before his eyes. With a mix of fear and anger, he shouted out in an attempt to understand the situation, to grasp the motives of the relentless assailants.
In a horrifying instant, one of them crashed through the back-passenger window, shattering the glass. Panic flooded Rich's veins as he watched the intruder's arms extend inside the car, reaching for his young son, Joey. With sheer determination, the boy clung tightly to his mother, Melissa, their bond unyielding even in the face of danger.
"Joey!" Melissa's terrified scream echoed through the chaos, intensifying the mounting terror. The car rocked violently under the relentless assault, akin to a nightmarish assault by a pack of feral creatures. Growls and snarls filled the air as these seemingly animalistic teenagers continued their relentless pursuit, their sinister voices calling out Joey's name.
Windows shattered, scattering shards of glass everywhere, while grasping hands reached out from all directions, desperately clawing for the Andersons. Trapped within the confines of the car, their emotions escalated to sheer panic, their bodies trembling with fear. Questions swirled in Rich's mind; his thoughts consumed by a desperate search for answers. What could these assailants possibly want with them? And most importantly, what were their intentions towards his beloved son?
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
As Buffy closed in on the chaotic scene, the once serene suburban neighborhood transformed into a frenzy of screams and shattering glass. The cacophony shattered the tranquility, resonating through the air like an explosive disruption in a sacred space. Her instincts were confirmed by the ferocious roars and snarls emanating from the Pack, guiding her closer to the source of the chaos. With each step, she could sense their malevolent intent, their desire to overpower and seize their victims.
The sight before her eyes unfolded in a flurry of motion. They were attempting to drag someone out of the SUV, their target most likely being the young child, the weakest link in this unfortunate chain of events. Buffy's swift intervention disrupted their sinister plans as she plunged into the fray, seizing the jacket of one of the assailants, unsure of their true identity in the darkened chaos. She swiftly hurled them to the ground, correcting herself internally, conscious of the importance of using correct pronouns after her own experience of being misgendered.
Taking command of the situation, Buffy leapt onto the roof of the vehicle, meeting Kyle in a fierce clash. A powerful kick landed on his jaw, propelling him off the roof and out of immediate contention. Peering through the shattered sunroof, Buffy caught sight of Xander, caught in a perilous position halfway in and halfway out of a window. The concern in her voice mixed with a touch of sarcasm as she admonished him, "Didn't your Mom teach you? Don't play with your food!"
With a swift motion, Xander slid out of the car, facing Buffy as their eyes locked. She maintained her elevated position, looking down on him from the rooftop, a mixture of determination and concern etched on her face. The rest of the Pack rallied around Xander; their loyalty unyielding.
Summoning her courage, Buffy called them out, her voice laced with a hint of defiance. "Come on," she urged, her words carrying an unspoken understanding. "You know what you want." Without hesitation, she leapt from the car, gracefully landing on the opposite side, her movements quick and fluid. As she dashed forward, the sound of their disturbing hyena laughter filled the air, intermingled with the unmistakable sounds of their pursuit. They were closing in, the chase in full motion, their primal instincts driving them ever forward.
Sunnydale Zoo
The zoo, cloaked in darkness, exuded an eerie stillness as Willow, and Giles made their way inside. The zookeeper had made prior arrangements with the guard at the front gate, providing Giles' name as a form of clearance. The guard, seemingly uninterested or too drowsy to question them further, offered a map to the zookeeper's office. However, Willow skillfully deflected his offer, claiming familiarity with the layout and brandishing the large flashlight she had brought from Giles's car. The guard's attempt to warn them about the dimly lit paths was swiftly silenced by Willow's demonstration of preparedness.
Yet, the zookeeper's office served only as a cover for their true destination—the hyenas' enclosure. The distinctive musk of the wild predators permeated the air, a pungent scent that filled their nostrils. Gasping for breath, Willow leaned against a railing, her voice strained. "The pathway to the hyena pit. Where is the zookeeper?"
Giles, undeterred by the darkness and the enigmatic atmosphere, took the lead, carefully maneuvering under the yellow tape. "He must be inside," he replied, determination coloring his tone. "I'll go in and prepare things. You just warn us when you hear Rutherford and the others approaching."
As Giles ventured down the dimly lit pathway, disappearing into the shadows, Willow's grip on the flashlight tightened. The beam of light quivered in her hand, casting dancing shadows on the surrounding foliage.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
A dense jungle of vegetation enveloped the periphery of the zoo grounds, casting an air of wildness and seclusion. Buffy plunged into its depths, her agile form weaving through the overgrown foliage. Towering leaves hung overhead, requiring her to forcefully push them aside, while she deftly maneuvered around the ancient tree trunks that obstructed her path. The deliberate design of the surrounding vegetation seemed to muffle the sounds of the zoo, creating a buffer between the civilized world and the untamed realm of the animals.
However, her pursuit was not solitary. The relentless pack of hyena-infested teenagers trailed closely behind her, their footsteps crashing through the underbrush, their frenzied energy propelling them forward. Buffy maintained a steady pace, her feet pounding against the uneven terrain, but the relentless cacophony of crashing leaves and snapping branches indicated that her pursuers were gaining ground.
She relied on her speed, pushing her limits to maintain the distance between them. Every step carried her closer to her intended destination, the place where she hoped to bring an end to this relentless chase.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Giles cautiously treaded down the dimly lit pathway, his senses heightened by the oppressive stillness that hung in the air. The confined space within the hyena enclosure felt suffocating, with an acrid scent permeating the atmosphere. His eyes darted around, searching for any sign of the elusive zookeeper he had come to meet. The entryway was cordoned off with yet another strip of tape, indicating that this was not a usual encounter.
"Doctor…?" Giles called out. "Zookeeper—?"
As he ventured further, a shuffling noise broke the silence, causing Giles to pivot on his heel. Emerging from another entrance, the zookeeper appeared, dressed in an attire that deviated from the standard uniform of his profession. The ceremonial garb of the Masai tribe adorned his form, creating an otherworldly presence.
"Oh, of course," Giles said, his scholarly mind recognized the peculiar pattern painted on the zookeeper's face, harkening back to the ancient texts he had feverishly studied. He took in the robe made of matching blue fabric draped over the zookeeper's body, concealing his figure, while bone bracelets adorned his wrists and ankles. The zookeeper brandished a formidable staff, a tool that seemed to emanate power. "You're in the Masai ceremonial garb."
The disconcerting ensemble sent a shiver down Giles's spine, as he struggled to maintain his composure. Despite the unexpected attire, the urgency of their mission compelled him to press on. "Are you otherwise prepared for the transpossession?" he asked, seeking confirmation of the zookeeper's readiness.
"Almost," the zookeeper replied enigmatically.
Giles's gaze fell upon the intricate red markings adorning the floor. "Right," he said. "The sacred circle. You'd need that to…" He was suddenly confused. "Well, this would be here when the children first came. Why would you…" Realization dawned upon him, unraveling the zookeeper's twisted intentions. A wry chuckle escaped his lips, overshadowed by the growing trepidation. "How terribly frustrating for you that a bunch of schoolchildren could accomplish what you could not."
The zookeeper held Giles' gaze. "It bothered me," he said, matter of factly. "But the power will be mine."
Giles' intention to escape abruptly crystalized, his determination shifting into overdrive. But before he could make a move, the zookeeper lunged forward with alarming agility, swinging his club with devastating precision. The weapon struck Giles's abdomen, causing him to double over in pain. In one fluid motion, the blue-clad man brought the club crashing down upon Giles's head, rendering him unconscious.
As Giles crumpled to the floor, sprawled amidst the cryptic symbols etched on the ground, the zookeeper wasted no time. He swiftly seized hold of the librarian's legs and dragged him out of sight, his sinister plans veiled in secrecy. Time was of the essence, and the zookeeper had no intention of allowing an unconscious body to mar the stage for his impending moment of triumph.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
The sound of their breaths grew louder, almost unnaturally so, as the members of the Pack closed in on Buffy. The rhythm of their inhalations and exhalations merged into a cacophony, an eerie symphony of anticipation. It seemed as though they weren't even exerting themselves, their movements fueled by an otherworldly energy that defied human limitations.
But what chilled Buffy to the bone was the laughter. That manic, deranged laughter that escaped their lips in shrill, discordant notes. It reverberated through the air, a chilling reminder of the darkness that had consumed their humanity. Each chuckle, each cackle, was a twisted proclamation of their altered state.
The laughter echoed, haunting Buffy's every step, taunting her with its distorted melody. It served as a constant reminder that the Pack was not just a group of possessed individuals but a force unified by their primal instincts and shared savagery.
Undeterred by her growing fatigue, Buffy pushed herself harder, her muscles straining against the physical and mental strain. Every breath became a gasp, every footfall a testament to her determination. She knew she couldn't afford to falter, couldn't allow the hyenas to get any closer.
With each stride, she propelled herself forward, desperate to lead them where they needed to be. Where she could save her friend.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Willow's heart pounded in her chest as she glanced nervously around the hyena house. The crashing sounds drew closer, signaling Buffy's imminent arrival. Panic threatened to consume her, but she fought to maintain her composure. Giles had entrusted her with the task of warning them, and she couldn't afford to falter now.
"They're almost here!" she called as she ran toward the Hyena house. "Giles…?" No answer. "Giles?"
Desperate for answers, she scanned the area as she burst into the Hyena house for any sign of Giles. However, her search yielded no results. The only figure present was the zookeeper, standing before her in his peculiar attire. The blue paint on his face and the bone bracelets on his wrists created an eerie sight, yet Willow had learned to expect the unexpected in Sunnydale. Despite her unease, she reminded herself that at least he appeared human.
Gathering her courage, she approached the zookeeper, determination shining in her eyes. She needed information, needed to understand the situation at hand. Her voice quivered slightly as she addressed him, "Where are the hyenas for the transpossession?"
With a casual gesture, the zookeeper motioned toward the cage behind him, indicating the feeding area. "They're right here, in the feeding area. Stay clear," he warned. "They haven't been fed."
Willow's eyes flickered to the enclosure, her mind racing with the implications. The hyenas, the key to reversing the possession, were right there, within reach. Yet, something felt off, unsettling her instincts. Concern etched across her features, she pressed further, her voice laced with urgency, "Where's Giles?"
The zookeeper's response was cryptic, his demeanor enigmatic. "He's lying in wait," he revealed, leaving Willow to grapple with the uncertainty of his absence. The weight of the situation bore down on her, intensifying her anxiety.
As the sounds of the approaching Pack grew louder, Willow's nerves reached a crescendo. The imminent danger propelled her forward, prompting her to question the zookeeper's delay. "They're almost here," she pleaded, fighting to control the tremor in her voice. "Shouldn't we bring the hyenas out? We can't afford to wait."
"When the time is right," he replied. In that moment, the zookeeper's intentions became clear as he seized Willow's wrists and began winding a strip of leather around them. "I'm going to need your help."
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
Buffy's heart pounded in her chest as she sprinted toward the hyena house, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Every instinct screamed at her to keep moving, to stay one step ahead of the possessed kids hunting her down. The weight of their strength and numbers loomed over her, threatening to overwhelm her defenses. She had witnessed their power firsthand when she had grappled with Xander, and the memory fueled her determination to survive.
With each stride, Buffy's mind raced, the urgency of the situation gnawing at her thoughts. She couldn't let herself be caught, not just for the danger they posed, but for what it meant to her as well. As a transgender girl, she carried the weight of her own journey, a path towards embracing her true self. The thought of dying before she could even embark on her transition filled her with an indescribable sorrow.
She pushed herself harder, her legs propelling her forward with a burst of energy. The hyena house was within reach, the glimmer of hope flickering in her mind. Giles and Willow were inside, and she clung to the belief that they would find a way to combat the possession, to save her and the others.
Breaking through the yellow tape, Buffy's voice echoed through the stillness, a desperate plea for aid. "They're right behind me!" she called, her voice laced with urgency and a tinge of fear. The weight of her vulnerability hung in the air, mingling with her unwavering determination to survive.
In that moment, as she faced the impending threat, Buffy's yearning for a future filled with self-discovery and acceptance burned brightly within her. She clung to the hope that she could continue her journey, that she could live authentically as the person she knew herself to be. It was a flickering flame of resilience, pushing her forward despite the encroaching darkness.
0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0
"That's Rutherford! Get ready!" Willow's voice trembled with a mixture of fear and urgency. Her wrists were tightly bound together with the zookeeper's strap, leaving her vulnerable and defenseless. The zookeeper, clad in his flowing blue robe, revealed a gleaming knife from beneath his garments, his actions unsettling.
"Here," he said. He presented the knife to Willow as though offering a gift, but there was a sinister intent behind his words.
Willow struggled to speak, the sharp blade pressed against her throat making it difficult to form coherent words. "What is this?" she managed to ask; her voice strained.
"The predatory act, remember?" The zookeeper reminded her.
"Oh, right," Willow said. Talking was hard with the blade pressed against her skin. "You'll pretend to slash my throat and put the evil in the hyenas?"
"Something like that." The zookeeper's reply sent shivers down Willow's spine. He positioned himself behind her, his grip firm as he held her captive, the glinting knife dangerously close to her neck. The gravity of the situation sank in, and it became evident that he was not joking, nor was he aligned with their cause.
In a sudden burst of action, Buffy burst into the hyena house, her eyes widening at the sight that greeted her. The unfamiliar figure in his peculiar blue garb held Willow hostage, the blade of the knife threatening her life. The absence of Giles added another layer of complexity to the situation. Amidst the chaos,
Willow's desperate warning pierced the air, "Rutherford! It's a trap!"
Buffy came to an abrupt halt, realizing the precariousness of her position. The Pack, relentless in their pursuit, closed in on her, their hunger evident in their eyes. Before she could react, Xander crashed into her, his grip tightening around her midriff, forcefully driving her to the ground. The rest of the pack descended upon her, their primal instincts taking over as they tore at her, teeth gnashing with ravenous intent.
In the midst of the chaos, the zookeeper's voice cut through the frenzy. "Nyumba Ya Sanaa!" he called out, the edges of his voice carrying a commanding tone. Buffy recognized him as the enigmatic figure they had encountered outside the enclosure. Her gaze shifted from the zookeeper to the pack, their eyes aglow with an eerie green hue that held her attention.
All of them — Kyle, Heidi, Tor, Rhonda — their eyes flickered like traffic lights, signaling a dangerous green. Buffy risked a brief glance at the zookeeper, and to her surprise, his eyes mirrored the same eerie glow in response to the pack. The realization struck her with sudden clarity. This entire scheme had been orchestrated by the zookeeper. The hyena spirit that inadvertently possessed Xander and the others was what he truly desired, and he had manipulated their return to this very place, biding his time until the opportune moment arrived.
Now, the hyena spirit was no longer dispersed among the kids but concentrated within this man who sought its power for himself. Buffy could sense the impending trouble he would bring.
Seemingly losing control of his faculties, the zookeeper released his knife, his focus solely on Willow. He clutched her head between his hands, emitting a bestial roar, and leaned in with a menacing display of bared teeth, as if intending to tear into her flesh.
But Xander's voice, recognizable and filled with determination, shattered the chaotic scene. "Willow!" He broke free from Buffy's grasp and lunged at the zookeeper, colliding with him in a forceful collision. Both of them crashed to the ground, but the zookeeper swiftly regained his footing. When Xander charged again, the zookeeper retaliated with a powerful backhanded blow, sending the young teen sprawling to the side.
With Xander momentarily occupied, and the rest of the pack fixated on the spectacle, Buffy seized the opportunity to rise to her feet. She launched a swift and powerful kick at the zookeeper's painted jaw, the impact reverberating through the air as he staggered backward. In an instant, he was on his feet again, charging towards her with a feral growl. Buffy momentarily halted his advance with a well-timed left hook, and when he renewed his attack, she seized his robes, utilizing his momentum to execute a skillful throw, hurling him over her shoulder and onto the unforgiving stone floor.
However, his resilience was astounding. Most men would have been rendered unconscious, but he swiftly rose to his feet, returning with an animalistic snarl. Buffy employed the same technique, this time in the opposite direction. With a deft twist and turn, she grasped his robes, expertly flipping him over her shoulder and down.
Yet, this time, the downward trajectory led him into the very heart of the hyena pit.
A piercing scream erupted from his lips, filling the air as he disappeared from view, attempting to haul himself out by clutching onto the bars of the cage. However, the ferocious growling behind him grew louder, drowning out his cries of pain. Another agonized scream pierced the darkness, mingling with the chilling sounds of crunching, gnawing, and gnashing teeth.
Buffy stole a final glance into the cage, her regret evident. If the zookeepers had strict rules against feeding the animals, she was certain that feeding the zookeeper himself to the animals was a far graver violation. Overwhelmed with horror, Kyle and his friends fled from the hyena house, a mix of shock and fear etched on their faces.
As she turned away, Buffy couldn't help but shudder at the haunting echoes of the devouring chaos that continued within the depths of the cage.
As she averted her gaze, feeling a wave of unease and queasiness wash over her, Buffy's attention shifted to Xander. His appearance had reverted to the familiar and beloved Xander they all knew, his presence offering a sense of relief. He diligently worked to untie Willow's bound hands, freeing her from the clutches of the zookeeper's strap.
Just as they thought the ordeal was over, a door swung open, and Giles stumbled into the room. He instinctively reached for his glasses, attempting to regain his equilibrium. His disoriented state was evident as he surveyed the scene before him. With a bewildered expression, he managed to utter a single word, "Uh... Did I miss anything?"
April 9, 1997 – Wednesday
Sunnydale High School
Basking in the warm glow of the sun, Buffy, Willow, and Xander strolled together across the lively quad, their steps filled with a renewed sense of camaraderie. Buffy savored the pleasant weather and the unexpected joy of being in Xander's company.
As they engaged in casual conversation, Willow shared the latest gossip. "I heard the vice principal is taking over until they can find a replacement," she remarked, her voice carrying a tinge of uncertainty.
Buffy quipped with a touch of humor, "It shouldn't be hard to find a new principal. Unless they ask what happened to the last one."
Xander, plagued by lingering doubts, couldn't help but seek reassurance once more. "I had nothing to do with that, right?" he asked, his voice laced with a mixture of anxiety and disbelief.
"Right," Buffy affirmed, offering her support.
Ascending an outdoor staircase, their laughter filled the air. Willow interjected, providing a comforting explanation. "You only ate the pig," she clarified, trying to ease Xander's troubled thoughts.
Xander's hand instinctively went to his forehead, visibly distressed. "I ate a pig? Was it cooked and called 'bacon'? Oh my God. I ate a pig? I mean, the whole trichinosis issue aside… yuck.," he expressed, a mix of confusion and repulsion.
"Well, it wasn't really you," Buffy reassured him, attempting to alleviate his worries.
Recalling the harrowing events, Xander paused at the top of the stairs. He vividly recounted, "Well, I remember going on the field trip, and then entering the hyena house. Next thing I know, some guy is holding Willow at knifepoint."
Willow, filled with gratitude, acknowledged Xander's heroic act. "You saved my life," she expressed, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.
"Hey!" Xander, overwhelmed by the rush of emotions, enveloped Willow in a heartfelt embrace. "Nobody messes with my Willow."
Buffy, observing their connection, playfully proclaimed, "This is definitely the superior Xander. Accept no substitutes."
Engrossed in the moment, Xander's gestures seemed slightly exaggerated to Buffy, but she brushed it off, recognizing that it paled in comparison to the unsettling hyena ordeal. "I didn't do anything else, did I? Around you guys? Anything embarrassing?" he asked.
"Nah," Buffy reassured him with a warm smile, reaffirming the unwavering bond they shared.
"Not at all," Willow added, her voice filled with sincerity and support.
Buffy gently took Willow's hand in hers, urging her to keep moving. "Come on," she said, a touch of urgency in her tone. "We don't want to be late."
Willow glanced at Xander, their friend who had gone through so much. "See you at lunch," she said, giving him a reassuring smile.
"Cool," Xander replied, his smile beaming as he offered them a thumbs-up. Deep down, he believed they were buying his act, and it brought a sense of relief. It felt liberating to be himself again, but he also understood the importance of keeping certain secrets, especially for the sake of his friends.
With a few steps forward, Xander found himself face to face with Giles, who appeared dapper in a fresh suit and tie. Giles, ever the knowledgeable guide, spoke up. "I've been researching animal possession, and I couldn't find any information about memory loss afterward."
Xander nodded, realizing the weight of his words. "Did you tell them?" he motioned towards Buffy and Willow, concerned about the potential revelation of his secret.
Giles leaned in closer, his words laced with a deep sense of trust. "Your secret dies with me," he assured Xander.
While that should have been enough reassurance, Xander pondered his choices. Giles knew, and he knew that Giles knew. Perhaps it would be better for Buffy to know too; he trusted her and believed she would understand. But the decision weighed heavily on his mind.
"Shoot me, stuff me, mount me," Xander uttered with a hint of lightheartedness, realizing the unbreakable bond he shared with Giles. They were co-conspirators, standing united till the end. As he began to walk away, he turned back to Giles, seeking some answers. "I do have a question," he said. "When I was... you know. I seemed to focus on Rutherford. Any idea why?"
Giles gazed at Xander; his eyes filled with contemplation. Deep down, he did have an inkling of why that might have been. In the animal kingdom, gender held a different significance. Some animals even spontaneously changed sexes. Gender, as humans defined it, was irrelevant to animals who perceived it differently. It was possible that when the hyena possessed Xander, it recognized Buffy as the girl she truly was, even if Xander himself hadn't fully realized it.
"I don't have any idea," Giles responded, offering a gentle lie to protect Buffy's secret. He had learned from his past mistakes with Amy and understood the importance of allowing Buffy to reveal her truth in her own time. "I can look into it for you if you'd like."
"No, it's not important," Xander replied, his voice tinged with a mix of acceptance and uncertainty as he continued on his way, leaving Giles to ponder the secrets they shared.
