buffy: king of the dark chapter 6

7/31/2019 Buffy: King of the Dark Chapter 6

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Dont Fade On Me

I remember you so clearlyThe first one through the door

And I return to find you driftingToo far from the shore

I remember feeling this wayYou can lose it without knowin

You wake up and you dont notice Which way the wind is blowin

So dont fade No, dont fade on me

You were the one who made things different You were the one who took me in

You were the one thing I could count on Above all, you were my friend

So dont fade Dont fade on me

Well, your clothes hang on the wire And the sun is overhead

But today you are too wearyTo even leave your bed

Was it love that took you under Or did you know too much?

Was it something you could picture But never could quite touch?

Dont fade No, dont fade on me

So dont fade Hey, dont fade on me

--Tom Petty, 1994

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Seventeen Days

Sunnydale January 5, 2016

Xander held up his hands, swallowing hard, his eyes alternating between Buffys hazelorbs and the distressingly large barrel of the automatic rifle. Actually, its more of a machinegun, when you look at it, and

What are you doing here? Buffy spoke. Ice. Diamonds. Her voice couldnt be anycolder, any harsher.

Xander gingerly slid a hand down to the Eye, which still pointed directly at Buffy, thebeam painting a tiny amber dot on her leather jacket directly over her heart. Looking for aslayer, he admitted.

Were fresh out, Buffy responded. So beat it. Xander stood there, staring at her. She looks so different, and so much the same. I bet she

hasnt gained a pound, and theres hardly any wrinkles aro und her eyes and oh, Jesus, Buffy, you always were the most beautiful thing in the world, always, I never saw anything else that

What part of beat it is a mind - bender for you? Get the hell out. Xander jerked a thumb toward the wall. Im not alone. Buffy aimed the rifle at his head. The only reason youre still in one piece instead of

sprayed all over that wall is because I know you wont tell anyone else about this. Xander blinked. They know theres a slayer in here. He tried to smile but fou nd

himself far too confused to do so. Sorry. Buffy readied the gun. Who exactly is they? Xander looked at her. Riley. Pike and Shelley. Rachel. I dont think you know the rest

of them. Jesus Buffy choked off her swearing and glared at him. Why? Why what? he responded. Why did you come looking for me? Xander gave her a sheepish look. Technically, I wasnt looking for you. Everybody

thinks youre dead. Though Im bettin you already know that. Go on, Buffy ordered him through clenc hed teeth.I was looking for the girl who was supposed to be taking your place, because, you

know, you dead, another slayer, that whole thing? Buffy nodded. I remember. So Buffy regarded him, not kindly. So what?

He tapped the Eye. I cant tell them theres no slayer in here. Theyll know. Andanyway, theyll just take this little doohickey away from me and come look themselves. Hewinced as he told her, Face it, Buffy, the jig is up. People are gonna know youre alive now.

Not if I kill you all, she stated. Xander shook his head. You wouldnt. Buffy raised an eyebrow. You have no idea what I would do and what I wouldnt any

more. She took a deep breath, weighing the plan for a moment, and lowered the gun. Butyoure right about this one. I cant kill all of you.



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Xander exhaled, relief flooding his face.So, heres what happens. You go back to them and tell them whatever you have to tell

them I dont really care what bullshit you have to make up and you hop in your car and youdrive off and none of you ever, ever comes back. Buffy gestured to the bare spot at the top of the wall. Because the next asshole who comes over that wall, I shoot before I ask the

questions. She tilted her head. Understood? Xander took a deep breath, staring at Buffy, taking in her features, her eyes, the way hereyebrows arched over those luminous orbs, the way her hair, pulled into a long ponytail,fluttered gently in the night breeze, her neck, her shoulders, all of her, standing there, still, stiff,cold, distant. For just an instant he remembered the last time he had seen her, crying, her bodytaut with pain and anguish, how she had stiffened when he had touched her, and how she hadbade him to leave her and never return.

No, Xander spoke simply.Buffys turn to blink. What? What do you mean, no? I mean, he told her, angry at himself that his voice quivered, Im not leaving. Buffy took a step toward him. Yes, you are, if I have to

He shook his head. No. Im not goin anywhere. He drew himself up. You cant hurtme any worse than you already have, when you sent me away all those years ago. He gave her aghost of a smile. Hell, you could kill me, it wouldnt hurt that much. He met her eyes. I camehere looking for a slayer . I didnt want to be here. I didnt want any part of this. But here I am.

Buffy cocked the rifle, pointing it at him.Leave. Now. Xander shook his head. Kill me. Im not leaving you again. Even Im not dumb enough

to make that mistake twice. For a long moment, Buffy trained the rifle on him, hazel eyes staring down the steel

barrel, meeting his. They locked for an even longer moment, and Xander wondered if Buffy wasreally going to shoot him.

Shit, she whispered, lowering the gun. She turned away from him. Well, youre here.Jesus Christ, you might as well come on inside. Xander watched her turn back toward the mansion, the gun hanging over one shoulder,

and remembered to breathe. Then he started moving after her.

*How long you been livin here? Xander wondered as she led him into the mansion. We make small talk now? Buffy asked, placing the gun in a corner in the foyer and

shedding her jacket. That how this works? Xander took a deep breath. Then you tell me how its supposed to work. She glared him, eyes still hard, and turned away. The way its supposed to work, she

relayed, boots clacking as she moved across the marble floor of the living room, is that all of you stick to playing watcher for someone else. You leave me the hell alone and we all pretendIm dead. She sat down on a big red couch and regarded him. But you just couldnt play along,could you?

I thought you were dead, he explained. I really did. So does everyone else. Whatever you did to fake your own death, it was a doozy. You fooled everybody.

Buffy thought about that a moment. Good.



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Xander took a step forward, hopping off the bottom stair onto the floor. So whyd youdo it? Fake your death, I mean.

I know what you mean, Buffy snapped at him. She sighed. I did it because I was tiredof having to deal with all the shit you know, phone calls from people like Wesley begging meto help, that kinda crap. I didnt need it any more.

Xander shook his head. You what, you quit? She arched an eyebrow at him. Didnt you? He nodded. Yep. So you would understand, Buffy spoke slowly, as if she were addressing a child. More than anyone, I think, he replied, his voice soft. Buffy jutted a chin. So whatre you gonna tell them? She held his eyes with hers.I dont know, Xander admitted. I was thinkin of goin with the truth. Buffy shook her head. You dont wanna do that. Part of me does, he argued. But most of me wants to just leave you here, alone. Revenge? Buffy wondered. He s hrugged. No. Because its what you want.

She gave him a questioning look, but he turned partially away to gaze at the living room.She let him wander around the circumference of the room, his sneakers giving off muffled flapsagainst the marble, until he had nearly completed a circuit. Then she stood up and moved towardhim. This is all a lot of fun, she spoke, but I dont see that its really getting us anywhere.She sighed. You cant tell them about me.

Xander turned to her, his brown eyes alight; Buffy was surprised by the intensity of hisemotion. Rachel told me Id find a reason to stay in Sunnydale, he told her, his voice low. Ithought she was just trying to do the whole recruitment bit on me, but He shook his head.She was right.

Buffy set her hands on her hips. Just what do you think is going to happen here? Xander exhaled. I dunno, Buffy. I spend years just keeping to myself, hiding away,

staying away from all the vampire crap and all that. And they just happen to come find me so Ican come all the way down here and find you? He frowned. Thats too much coincidence for me. Draggin my ass outta bed, fine, they needed this little Eye thingie. He gestured to hischest; he had set the Eye under his shirt, but it still stared at Buffy, still shot forth its amber

beam, though Xanders shirt trapped it, a little glowing circle on the cotton. But draggin myass outta bed to come and get you? No. Thats too much for me to swallow.

Buffy remained silent.Im supposed to be here, he said, softly. To find me? she queried. He nodded.So what if you are? Buffy continued. So? Xander closed his eyes. Youre not gonna make me give the recruitment speech, are

you, Buffy? She folded her arms. Id rather you didnt. Good, he responded. Because even I dont buy it. But I can tell you this somethins

got those people spooked, and good. And you know them, they dont spook easy. So Imthinkin, you know, maybe they need you.

Buffy merely stared at him, her expression going hard again.He looked away. And, you know, maybe I need you, too.



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*Rachel glanced at her watch. What the hells keeping him? Just be patient, Riley advised her. Im sure whatever hes doing thats taking so long,

theres a good reason for it. Probably took off for a snack, Billy commented from the back.Rileys right, guys, Pike seconded. Xander didnt even want to help us in the first

place, and he agreed to do it, go talk to her. He turned to face those in the back. We dontkno w what hes up against in there. Whoever that girl is, she might be scared, or worried, or shemay not believe him Pike shrugged. Lets give him some time.

If she really is a slayer, Shelley ventured, she might have hurt him. Without meaningto, I mean. He might be in trouble. She looked at Pike.

Didnt anybody give him a pair of eyephones, or at least one of our little radios?Michael wondered.

Sure, now you come up with the bright ideas, Akilah groused.

Billy lifted his head with effort. That ponce wouldntve taken anything like that. Rightstubborn bugger, he is. Riley shifted to face Billy. I take it you never liked Xander. Billy winked at the watcher. Right you are, lad. He was a right sorry bastard when he

was younger. He leaned his head back. I never did understand what that Summers bird saw inhim.

Buffy loved him, Rachel spoke, her voice sharp. She would have done anything for him.

Except stay with him after he killed Angel, Shelley pointed out. He killed Angelus? Akilah blurted out. That one I never wouldve guessed. He killed Angelus, Laura confirmed, her voice low. I read about it in Wesleys

journals. She sighed. Then he vanished. Billy managed to lift his head again. I was there, you know, he info rmed them.Everyone but Pike and Shelley turned to look at him.

Well, I wasnt there at the very second he killed my old sire, Billy disclosed, but I was beatin the stuffin out of him right before that. I figured Id toy with him first, you know, mak ehis last moments on this earth thoroughly unpleasant.

You were such a wonderful guy back then, Riley remembered. Billy shot him a look. No soul, remember? Tends to make you a right bastard. Anyhow,

dear old Angelus was fighting Faith, and I was com in to help him when yours truly, hegestured to Shelley with his chin, shoots me with a quiver full of arrows.

Saved your life, she pointed out. You were there? Laura asked Shelley. We both were, Pike admitted. Rachel would have been too, bu t I was in the friggin hospital, she complained. Somebody bit me. She glared at Billy. I thought we were past that, he put in. I apologized for that. She shrugged. You can barely see the scars. Rachel leaned her head back on the seat.

That was the night that ruined Xanders life. Lot of other peoples, too, Shelley added. Buffy was never the same, either.



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Is that why he is like he is? Laura wondered. Because, what, Buffy told him to stayaway? Is that all?

Riley shook his head. You never met Buffy, he told his charge. Real force of nature, that one, Billy agreed. I figured she was unstoppable. Thats because you couldnt stop her, Riley reminded him.

Shelley sighed. She was a great slayer. One of the best. She folded her arms. None of the ones after her have been worth a damn. Except you, Laura. Youre pretty good too. Thanks, Laura muttered. Pike glanced at Shelley. You know, I was the first person who knew she was the slayer,

other than her first watcher, Mer rick. He blinked. Now that I think about it, thats prettyamazing. I was there at the start.

I wish Id been there at the end, Rachel muttered, her voice husky. She was reallygood to me, a really good friend. She paused, and then added softly, I loved her.

Akilah glanced at them all. Not to speak ill of the dead, but if she was such a greatslayer, and so powerful, how did she die?

Michael frowned. How come there are no records on it?

Rileys head swiveled to face the younger man. How do you know that? Ive been digging around the last few days, ever since you and Laura brought Xander totown, he explained. And nobody writes how she died, just that she did. He glanced at Rachel.My guess is that it was either too horrible to relate , or

No one was there, Rachel spoke. No one knows. We dont even know who killed her.We cant even avenge her.

They hid the body, Riley related. Might have even disposed of it, who knows. But wenever found her.

Michael narrowed his eyes in t hought. No one saw her die? he asked. Rachel hugged herself uncomfortably. Buffy sort of became a real loner in her last few

years, she informed him. She sent me and Billy away, told us she wanted to be by herself.

I couldnt argue with her, Billy spoke, staring up at the ceiling. Shed been good tome for a long time too. So, when she finally went round the bend She did not go around the bend, Rachel corrected him. She just needed to be alone.

She shut her eyes. I know what thats like. Shelley reached out a hand to rub Rachel on the shoulder, remembering how despondent

the younger woman had become after the death of her husband Victor at the hands of vampires.Still, Michael pressed, no one saw Buffy Summers die? Riley shook his head.And you never found the body, Akilah added, realizing where Michael was heading

with this.Nope, Pike agreed. Laura snapped her fingers, catching on. And Wesley and Sam have never been able to

find any of the other slayers who would have bee n called after her death, she mentioned. What are you lot getting at? Billy asked, annoyance in his voice. Dont even go there, Riley warned them. Go where? Shelley asked. Then maybe she isnt I saw what they did to her house, Riley told them. I was assigned to investigate the

case. We couldnt believe that Buffy was dead. It was a ridiculous idea. Nothing could kill



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Buffy. He closed his eyes. But still, there I was, standing in the middle of her place, looking atthe mess the vampires made of it, the way they desecrated everything, looted the place.

You never told me about that, Rachel complained. You were upset enough as it was, he reminded her. I didnt want to cause you any

more pain. He turned to Akilah, Michael, and Laura. Theres no way she would have let

anyone violate her private space like that. Buffy was a very strong individual, and she wouldhave taken that beyond personally. No, she had to be dead. It just seems Akilah began, but Riley put up a hand. You think I wouldnt rather have her alive? You think we couldnt use another slayer to

help Laura, especially one with so much experience? He shook his head. You dont know howmany times Ive wished for that. Id kill for that. He reached out and put a hand on Laurasshoulder. But its not gonna happen, and we have to deal with that reality rather than spend our time daydreaming about how nice it would be if Buffy was still with us.

The van fell silent on his words, each lost to his own thoughts.

*After a long look, Buffy turned away from him, preferring the distance the couchafforded her right at the moment. She didnt want to stand so close to him, didnt want toacknowledge the possibility that maybe Xander might have a point, that she might just be neededafter all. She shook her head after a few moments of thought and tossed out, Okay. So nowwhat?

Xander tossed his hands up. I dont have this figured out any better than you do, Buffy. Idont know now what. He looked at her looking away from him. I just know Im notleaving.

You cant stay here, she informed him. Xander shook his head. Im not leaving.

Buffy stood, eyebrows knitting together over hazel eyes. You are if I say you are. No, he said simply. I know youre strong hell, you could probably snap me in twolike a twig but I bet even you cant throw me over that wall. He held up a hand as she took astep toward him. Not that Im really eager to test that theory.

I cant believe youre gonna make an issue out of this, Buffy snapped. You came here,you gave it your best shot, and you blew it. Im not interested. I dont care if they need me and Idont care if you need me. I quit, and when I quit, I stay quitted. Xander walked over to her,standing close. Dont you get it?

Buffy set her hands on her hips. Apparently not. Explain it to me. You were dead, he related. Gone. Forever. No chance to, I dont know, whatever,

make things right. No way to ever see you again, just gone, out of reach, for good. He movedcloser. And then, suddenly, youre back. Youre not dead. It was all just a bad dream. Heinhaled, catching just the faintest scent of her. So no way am I gonna blow a second chance. Noway. You werent supposed to be here, and you are. He smiled slightly. I dont believe inmuch but I do believe in that.

Buffy stepped back from him, her body language broadcasting her discomfort at standingso near him. Im not leaving. Im not going out there to help them.

Xander nodded. Thats okay. Im not big on it myself. You are not staying here! Buffy repeated.



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I am if you are, he responded. She clenched her fists. Xander she growled. He clasped his hands behind his back. Hit me, Buffy. Go ahead. If thats what it takes,

hit me. I could break you in half, she told him. You have no idea how strong I am now.

Then break me in half, he challenged her. The only way Im leaving here is on astretcher or in a bag. He dropped his arms to his sides. Or with you. Buffy glared at him. I dont believe this, she spat. You can not stay. He shook his head. I cant not stay, he argued. Xander! she raised her voice. Buffy! he returned. You know how many people spend their whole lives looking for

what they want? That one thing, p erson, job, whatever, that makes them whole? He took a steptoward her. Im lucky enough to know just what that is in my life. Thats you. He paused amoment. So if you think Im stupid enough to walk away from it again, forget it. He chuckled.Besides, where could I possibly go that could be any better than standing here with you?

Arguing with me is your idea of a good time? Buffy challenged him.

Anything with you is my idea of a good time, he responded. Anything with you isbetter than anyth ing without you. She folded her arms, regarding him with a raised eyebrow. Im still not going out there,

she allowed after a minute.Then neither am I, he matched her. She pffed at her hair in irritation. They cant stay out there forever. They h ave a vampire

with them. Xander blinked at how powerful her slaydar had become, that she could pick up a single

vampire a hundred yards distant.I can take care of them, Xander assured her. You have a phone? Buffy gave him a dubious look as she handed him her eyephones. Xander adjusted them

for his larger head and dialed Pikes number. Xander? Pike wondered. Yeah, its me, he admitted. Listen, Pike, things are a little delicate in here right now. I

cant get into it, but Im gonna need some more time with this girl. Buffy shot him a dark look.Theres a slayer in there? Pike inquired. Oh, yeah, Xander concurred. Theres a slayer in here, all right.

*What is that stuff? Rachel asked, stifling a yawn. She shuffled across the tile floor in

socked feet and sat down, trying to be quiet. Riley and Laura still slumbered in the den, roughingit in sleeping bags despite their wounds. Rachel had slept on the couch, and even now herblanket and pillows lay strewn across it, inviting her to return. She ignored it for the momentand, after pouring herself a cup of coffee, focused on the odd assortment of items Pike had set onthe wooden table in front of him.

Xander had it, he replied, taking a sip from his mug. Thanks for getting the Kona blend, he murmured to Rachel.



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You got me hooked, she returned. Shits expensive, though. Might be easier to go outto Hawaii and buy the damn stuff there and bring it back. She curled one bare leg under her seatand asked again, What is that?

This, Pike spoke, picking up a dirty -looking yellowish glass jar filled with soot, is, if Im not mistaken, someones remains.

Ashes? Rachel supplied. Pike nodded. Someone very old, by the look of this container. He shrugged. Theressome Japanese, I think, on the top. Shelley would know.

Want me to go get her? Rachel offered. Pike shook his head. Nah. Let her sleep. She probably needs the rest anyway. Rachel hesitated, then said to Pike, If its none of my business, just tell me to shut up ,

okay, but what the hells going on with you and Shelley? You guys seemed all right last night, but yesterday, wow, it was like an afternoon at Club Bitch. What happened with you guys?

Pike glanced around. Shelley wants a baby, he told her in a soft voice. And I I cantdo that.

Because its not safe to raise a baby if you hunt vampires? Rachel pursued.

Pike shook his head. No. Well, I mean it isnt, but its He frowned. I cant do it.Me. I cant we cant You mean its you, Rachel realized. Youre not Pike nodded, sadness on his face. Yup. Rachel moved to him and hugged him, holding him. That is so not fair. Tell me about it, Pike agreed. You want me to talk to her? Rachel suggested. Pike shook his head. No, it would probably just upset her. You sure? Rachel pressed. Pike nodded, but his face remained downcast. Yeah. Sometimes things between us are

okay, but shes always worse after whenever it comes up. And if she knew I told you, wow,

Rache, forget it. Rachel let him go but kept a hand on his shoulder. What are you gonna do? I dont know, he answered her. Live in pain, I guess. Rachel sighed. Jesus, you know? No matter how bad you have it, it could always be

worse. So, she spoke, clearly trying to change the subject, we know or we think this issome guys ashes. So whats the rest of this crap?

This stuff here, Pike gestured to a large glass container full of what looked like thick milk, this is Mohra demon blood. That much I know for sure. I dont know how many Mohrathey had to kill to get that much of it, but thats what it is. He considered the jar. Handy stuff to have around. It heals wounds.

Rachel nodded. Okay, that I can see Xander having in his trunk. She sat down. Whatabout t he other jar?

Pike inspected the green jar with the clear fluid inside. No clue. Holy water, maybe?Like really, really holy water? Im not sure. He looked at Rachel. And I dont want to open it

just yet. He looked at it again. Maybe Riley would know. The upstairs door opened just then, and Shelley descended the stairs. She had temporarily

adopted one of Rachels sweaters, and as she stood shorter than Rachel, the garment hung low onher, the bottom swaying along the middle of her thighs. She had bundled the sleeves up around



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her biceps, loose folds of wool running halfway to her shoulder. Her hair was messy, and she rana hand through it as she yawned, entering the kitchen. Morning.

Shelley, Rachel greeted her. Pike only smiled faintly. Is that Kona I smell? Shelley managed around a second yawn. She kissed Rachel on

the top of her head, Youre an angel, she told her friend, moving to the cupboard and selecting

a mug. After shed filled it, she sat down at the lone empty seat at the table, gazing at Pike.Show and tell? Xanders stuff. From Japan, he says. Pike indicated the jars and the other items with a

wave of his hand. He seems pretty taken with that sword, but I dont think hell care if we ask for the rest of this stuff.

Pike thinks this is some dead guys ashes, Rachel supplied, sliding the dim jar towardShelley.

Dead girls, more likely, Shelley commented, sipping on her coffee. This is the kanjisymbol for slayer. She looked at the two of them. Somebody kept a slayers ashes?

Pike shrugged.Mohra blood, Shelley identified. She pointed to Pikes scratches, now scabs along the

side of his face. You could have used some of that last night. Laura probably still could, Rachel pointed out. And Riley. Hell, I c ould even usesome, she mentioned, scratching at the gauze over her elbow. Rachel turned to Shelley. Howsthe jaw?

Shelley worked it as she sipped on her coffee again. Tender, she admitted. That bitchcan pack a punch, whoever she is.

And were not kids any more, Pike pointed out. We take longer to heal. Shelley eyed him. Hows it look? Pike leaned forward to reach a finger to her chin, and stopped. Youll have a nice bruise

for a few days, I think, but nothing too ugly. Shelley nodded. Her brown eyes moved to the greenish jar full of clear liquid and she

read, Fire, from along the edge of the lip. Fire of the sky of heaven. She looked up at Pike,flashing a quick glance at Rachel. Fire of Heaven? Ring a bell? Rachel shook her he ad. None, Pike admitted. Shelley shrugged. What else we got? Pike unwrapped another package. Two silver rings, he announced, handing them to

Rachel to inspect. Looks like theyre inlaid with rubies. Theyre small, Rachel commented, barely able to slide one on her pinky. Whoever

they made these for had small hands. Or was young, Shelley supposed, peering at the rings as Rachel handed them to her.

Maybe, what, ten, eleven? Early teens, Pike noted. Shelley looked up, nodded. Yup. Rac hel arched an eyebrow, looking from Pike to Shelley and back again. Hmmm? Early teens, Pike repeated. Someone forged these for a slayer. Rachel shook her head, slurping some more coffee. Right. Im not awake yet. The doorbell rang, and she stood up to get it She padded past the couch not without a

twinge of regret and opened the door, shivering slightly in the cool morning air. Michael, sheoffered. Whats up?



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Michael paused a moment to take Rachel in. She wore grey woolen socks, but her legswere bare, and she wore only a San Jose Sharks hockey jersey. Long dark hair spilled all overher shoulders, and the cross she always wore hung outside the oversized shirt. Her eyes droopeda little with leftover sleepiness, but to Michael she simply looked gorgeous.

I, uh, I called in sick today, he told her. I thought, you know, you guys might need

some help, or something. He shrugged. I wanted to be here in case anything happened or youneeded me or whatever. He asked her in a quiet voice, Hows your elbow? Fine, she commented. She stared at Michael for a long moment, and then told him,

You didnt have to call in sick. I can handle it. Its not a question of you being able to handle it, he assured her. I want to help. Michael Ra chel began, but he cut her off.Rachel, I got started in all of this because I wanted to fight vampires. You know, you

were there. That hasnt changed. Not even a little. You have one slayer here and another oneacross town, and somethings bound to go d own. I want to see who this new slayer is, I want to

be here when Xander brings her back, all of that. I want to be a part of all this. We wouldnt leave you out, she told him. Rachel rubbed her forehead. Come on in,

she invited him, shutting the doo r behind him. I just want to make sure you arent here only tocheck on me. Michael took a deep breath. What if I was? She shook her head. Michael, dont start. Michael leaned in close to Rachel. Rachel, I dont understand why someone caring

abou t you so much scares you like this. He sighed. I dont expect anything in return, youknow. Id be thrilled if there was, but Im looking out for you because I want to look out for you.

Not because I expect anything. Rachel nodded, meeting his dark eye s. I know. But the last guy who cared for me that

way ended up dead. She shook her head. Im bad luck, Mikey. Everybody who cares about meends up dying.

What about Pike and Shelley? Michael countered. They care about you. Theyre a step away from divorce court, Rachel hissed in a low voice. My latehusband? I ever tell you about him? She moved closer to him. And then theres Buffy. My bestfriend in the whole world, poof, gone, just like that. She exhaled. So, thanks but no thanks,Mikey, Im not lettin anyone get close to me any more. They all kinda turn up dead.

Rachel, you cant just I can, she interrupted him, and I will. She frowned at him. Understood? Not really, he admitted. Fine, she responded. Dont understand it. Just accept it. Michael shifted back as if she had struck him. No, I wont just accept it, he roared at her

inside, but he merely said, For now. For a while, Rachel told him. Forever. Nothing lasts forever, Michael countered. Rachel shook her head and moved back into the kitchen.

*For a moment he didnt know where he was. The scent of the place was unfamiliar, a

mixture of some kind of plant or shrub he couldnt place and another smell, deeper, older, that



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lay just beyond his ability to classify. The place sounded different too; the wind rustled, and hecould hear it move here, unlike at his place, where the wind never got in anywhere. And the sunshines in too, he realized as he slitted his eyes.

Brown marble, everywhere. Beige, really, shot through with copper and crimson. He wason a couch, and it all came back to him; as it did he realized there was an easy chair about six

feet from him, one that hadnt been there when hed fallen asleep. And a slayer sat in the easychair, Buffy, wearing a tan sleeveless sweater and black leather jeans, one hand playing with herponytail as she watched him. Which might be a good sign, he remembered. It means shes beenthinking.

Morning, he offered, stretching. Man, its chilly in here. Buffy nod ded. Ive been thinking, she spoke without preamble.

Now Im in it, he mused.She leaned forward, elbows on her knees, regarding him curiously. Why are you so

eager to stay here with me? It doesnt make any sense. Xander sat up, rubbing his face, trying to wake up and not stare at Buffy, who looked,

with the sun shining on her, breathtaking. He tried to ignore that as he smoothed out his hair and

replied, It doesnt make any sense if I leave. But Buffy shook her head, one hand still wrenching on the ponytail. What do youthink Im going to I mean, youre not She frowned, letting go of her hair and staring athim. What do you want?

What Ive always wanted, he told her. You. Buffy blinked. Youre still She shook her head. What, youre still in love with

me? He held up a hand. If I may? he asked. Buffy nodded silently. One, he spoke, ticking off a finger, there are two types of women in the world.

Theres you, and then theres the entire rest of womankind. Buffy shook her head.

Two, he continued, youre Buffy. The Buffster. The woman I fell in love with when Iwas a kid, and, okay, except for a few very questionable lapses in judgement, the only woman Iever really loved.

She frowned at him again.Three, oh, yeah, like theres anyone else even remotely like you in the whole world, in

the whole galaxy. He sighed. Come on Buffy, youre not a hard act to follow, youre freakinimpossible. No ones gonna compare to you, no way, no how, not ever. I may be stupid, but I msmart enough to see that. And four

She looked at him.You died once for real, a long time ago. I was lucky enough to be there, I saved your

life. Sort of. He scratched his elbow. Then, you died again, but that one was fake youwerent really dea d, and I thought you were gone for good. Like I said, this is like borrowedtime, a second chance, like some impossible miracle, and Im not gonna

She held up a hand. Stop. He did.She looked away from him, holding herself. Do you know how much you hurt me? she

wondered.He nodded. I hurt myself too, you know. You werent the only one whose heart broke. She glared at him. How dare you, even begin to compare what



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Did you love him more than you loved me? Xander inquired. Buffy scowled. What? Did you love him more than you loved me? he repeated in a quiet voice. Buffy sat back in her chair, glaring at him. I cant believe you would even ask that, she

hissed.

Because, you see, Xander spoke, ignoring her comment, I never loved anyt hing morethan I loved you. Not even myself. She regarded him.Youre more important than anyone else. You were more important than him, than me,

hell, Buff, you were more important than us. He exhaled, meeting her eyes. Because I was the slayer? He shook his head. Because you were Buffy Summers. I never cared that you were the

slayer. He tilted his head. I mean, maybe I found it a little cool. Okay, a lot cool, and verysexy. But I didnt fall in love with you because you were the slayer, or he lp you, or train, or risk my ass out there every night because you were the slayer or some chosen one or whatever. Heleaned forward. I did all that because you were you. You only ever had to be Buffy, for me.

You didnt have to be anything else. He shrugged. I never wanted anything from you but thatyou just be you. Because thats who I fell in love with. Buffy closed her eyes. He was the one I loved first, she whispered. But you were the

one I loved more. I never thought I would ever get over him until you. She opened her eyes andfound them wet. You didnt have to kill him! I loved you. I wasnt going anywhere. I wasyours, dammit. He couldnt have taken me away from you. Even if he tried.

Xander moved forward on the couch, perched on the edg e. That wasnt why I killedhim, he told her.

Wasnt it? Buffy grunted. Xander shook his head. Nope. I killed him to save you. I didnt care if he killed me,

Faith, Pike, anyone. He was not gonna get to you. He shook his head. Nobody gets a shot a t

Buffy Summers on my watch. He looked up at her. I wasnt jealous of Angel like that. Well,maybe a little, but not that much. Not killin him much. I just Buffy raised an eyebrow.It was you, he murmured. You were in trouble. Your life was in danger. Hell, that

could have been Satan there, Buff, and I still would have stood up to him. Dont you get it?Youre the most important person in the world. In my world, anyway. You always have been.

She looked at him doubtfully.And I was right to do that, he pressed. Even though hes dead, even though I hurt you,

though I never meant to, because you know, youre still here. Still alive. So it was all worth it.All the pain, all theeverything, hell. All worth it. He sat back. Whatever I had to go through,no matter how shitty my life has been in the past ten years, if youre still here, still healthy, itwas all worth it.

Buffy sat silent, staring at him.Which, you know, pretty much explains why I dont want to go anywhere. Where else

could I possibly go that could possibly be better than being near you? He sighed. Even if youdo hate me.

Buffy closed her eyes, hugging herself again and looking away. I dont hate you, shewhispered. Maybe I did, for a while. For a long time. But I dont, not any more.

Xander leaned forward on the couch. You dont?



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Buffy shook her head. No. She looked out the window, frowning as the sunlight shonedirectly in her face. She stood up and moved to the window, her boots clicking loudly on themarble as she walked.

Xander rose up to follow her. Buffy swiveled to face him, holding a hand up. Dont,she told him. Just She met his eyes. I dont

Buffy, he spoke softly. Talk to me. Come on. He gestured around them. You lockedyourself away in he re, you must have had a reason, right? Talk to me. Tell me about it. I cant, she told him, turning away. I She stopped, looking at him. I have to go.

She headed toward the stairs. Dont follow me, okay? Just stay here. Buffy, I Stay here! she growled at him as she made her way up the stairs, two at a time. Xander sat back on the couch as he heard a door slam. Hey, stay here is better than get

the hell out.

*How you doin? Riley asked Laura as she woke up. He sat cross -legged on the floor,dressed in a charcoal grey sweater and dark slacks. Laura offered him a wide smile.Im good, she told him, noticing the bulge of the bandage on his shoulder. Hows the side? he inquired. Hurts, she admitted. But you did a good job of sewing me up. Riley shook a finger at her. Dont let it become a habit. Laura closed her eyes and sank back down on the floor. I was so worried about you

when you got shot, she told him. I didnt care about me for that moment I just wanted tomake sure you were okay.

I was fine, Riley assured her. Laura chuckled, then winced. Yeah, youre always fine when you get shot in the

shoulder. Ill be fine, Riley amended. Laura slid an arm out from the sleeping bag and clasped his hand, squeezi ng it. If

anything happens to you, Riley, I Nothings going to happen to me, he spoke, squeezing her hand back. Ill be fine.

Because I know youll be watching over me. She pulled his hand to her lips and kissed it, soft pink lips grazing his skin. Riley allowed

it for a moment, then pulled his hand away.Laura defied him, holding the hand close, kissing it again. She let him drag his hand

away but refused to release it.Laura, he spoke softly, but she interrupted him. Riley, she spoke. Im sixteen years old. Barely. At my age most girls are thinkin

about the prom and about getting their drivers license. Im thinkin about killin vampires andtraining like a demon so some guy named the King wont bite my head off. She sighed, lookingup at him. Im sixteen. You know what that means, Riley? It means if I was a normal girl, Iwould have fifty, sixty years ahead of me to live my life. Id have time. She clenched his hand.And I have maybe five years left, if Im lucky? How many slayers live past twenty?

Not many, Riley admitted.



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She shook her head. I dont have my whole life ahead of me, Riley. Chances are, Ivealready lived most of my life. She inhaled, her breath a little shaky. Thats a hard thing toaccept, you know?

I know, he agreed softly. So I dont have time to wait, she pointed out. I dont have time to grow older and find

someone my age. I could die tomorrow Riley hell, I could die today. I dont have time to wait.She sat up, stiffly, still holding his hand. I gave you everything. I gave up my life and myfamily and my friends, my future, everything, I gave it all to you and I never once complained, Inever once asked for anything, I never asked you what was in it for me. She met his eyes.Well, Im asking for something now. Im asking for you to love me, Riley. As long as Im onthis planet, as long as I draw breath, I want you to love me.

I do love you, he told her. She shook her head. I already have a daddy. I dont need another one of those. I wan t

you to love me like a man, not a father. I want you to hold my hand and I want you to kiss meand I want to sleep next to you in your bed.

Riley shook his head. You dont know what youre asking.

Yes I do, she responded. Im asking for the one th ing everybody wants, Riley. I wantto be loved. I want to know love. She pulled his hand close to her. Every sunrise I see could bemy last one. I dont have a lot of years left, and you know it. Dont let me die without knowinglove. Thats not fair. No one should go through life without being loved at least once.

Riley inhaled, clearly torn. Im old enough to be your father, he reminded her. I dont care, she spoke. Buffy loved Angelus, and he was like ten times older than

her. Thats different, Riley muttered. I dont see how. Riley shook his head. Laura, I dont know. I mean, people will talk, you know? Its not

right.

Youre worried about what people think? she wondered. Im worried about what I think, he admitted. What I feel. She frowned.If I didnt he trailed off. Jesus, honey, you ask a lot. She felt her heart skip a beat. You like me! she breathed. He shook his head. I think youre attractive, sure. Who wouldnt? She shook her head, blonde hair spilling ove r her shoulders. No! Thats not it. If you

didnt like me, youd say okay to all this, itd be all right for you. But you do like me. Shesmiled, beaming up at him.

I cant like you, he answered. Youre too young. Im two years younger than Buffy when you met her, Laura pointed out. And Im fifteen years older, Riley argued. Im a whole person who can drink older

than you. I dont care, she maintained. I love you, and I dont care how old you are. He closed his eyes. Laura, I Just say yes, Riley. No one has to know. I promise. I wont tell anyone. Itll just be our

little secret. I swear. He looked at her, saw the devotion on her face, the need and the fear and anxiety, and

underneath it all, he could see that this young woman did indeed love him. All my life Ive



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wanted someone to look at me like that, and when somebody does, wow, its the one girl in thewhole world I cant have.

I need some time to think about this, he spoke. She leaned close to him, wincing as she shifted her weight the wrong way and stretched

her injured side. Riley, the whole reason I asked you this is because time is something I dont

have. She looked up at him with deep drown eyes. Please. He frowned, shaking his head. Just give me a day, he suggested. Just one day to think about this.

One day? You promise? You promise youll tell me tomorrow? Riley nodded. I promise. Laura flashed him a wide smile. Okay, then.

*The shadows grew shorter in the cool mansion, and Xander realized it must be nearing

noon. He didnt wear a watch, there werent any clocks, and while he had located a flatscreen in

an adjacent room, it wasnt hooked up to anything, and all he could pick up was static. Fitting. Hed fidgeted the morning away. He hated just sitting here, but he knew he couldnt goanywhere else. He had stayed close to the living room, even though in those boots she wore hedhear her coming down the stairs long before she got there. He had listened, for a while, hoping tohear something from upstairs, wherever she was, but either Buffy made no noise, or she made itfar enough away from him that he couldnt hear it. Sometime a while ago he had no idea howlong ago, though it felt like an hour he had just decided to sit on the couch and wait for her. Hewas hungry and he wanted a shower, but he couldnt find a bathroom or a kitchen on this level,so he decided he would wait it out and hope she came soon, before basic functions of his bodystarted to nag him. He dozed on and off; hed been up all night, and even he wasnt used to that.

Somewhere he heard a door open and close, and he came fully awake, alert. He listened

closely, but heard only a handful of footsteps before they stopped. He considered calling to her,but he realized he had to just wait. Whatever Buffy was working through she had to work through herself, and if he tried to help her or speed it up, hed just make matters worse. And,underneath it all, the discomfort of being in a strange house that used to belong to a man he hadkilled, of being alone in a cold, drafty, uninviting dwelling, he really wanted to see Buffy again,

just lay eyes on her, to make sure she was real and not some dream he had while he slept onRachels couch. Most of all, more than anything, he wanted to touc h her, to feel the silky warmthof her skin, to run his hand through all that hair. That would prove she was real, whole, alive. Helicked his lips and sat up on the couch, suddenly nervous as the footsteps continued, growinglouder, and picking up a rhythm as they descended, slowly, the stairs behind him. He turned tolook at her; Buffy came down the stairs almost hesitantly, her eyes on him. She still wore herhair pulled back, but she had slipped on a white collared shirt over the sweater, unbuttoned; nodoubt she was chilly herself in this house. She finished descending the stairs and he shifted toface her, one arm thrown over the back of the couch. She stood looking at him for a longmoment, and then she moved around to the front of the couch and stiffly, awkwardly, she seatedherself in the easy chair, leather pants creaking on the leather seat.

Xander, she spoke, her voice barely more than a rasp. Buffy, he replied, watching her intently. Xander, she repeated, looking at him with those wondro us hazel eyes.



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He remained silent.She took a deep breath, looked down at her boots, and then looked back at him. I need

to know something, she spoke. Anything, he promised. She rubbed her forehead, then ran the hand over her hair. If I she stop ped, sighing,

and shook her head.Buffy, what? he prodded. She sighed, unable to look at him again. Its just that She halted again, exhaling,

looking away. She stood up suddenly, quickly, taking a few steps away from him, her armswrapped around h er midsection, hugging herself. I cant do it again, she murmured.

He rose, joining her. Cant do what? She turned to him, and Xander saw her eyes were moist. I cant do it again, Xander.

She shook her head. It hurt me so much to get over you, I j ust cant take that chance, ever again,that someone could do that to me, could get in there and make me feel such pain. She blinked.I cant.

You sent me away, he reminded her. I didnt leave. I would never leave you.

Buffy looked at him. You cant guarantee that. He nodded. Yes, I can. I can guarantee it, actually. He took a step toward her. Thereare only two things in the whole world that could tear me away from you. One of them is death.He shrugged. Cant help that.

She nodded.The other is you. She turned to stare at him silently.Assuming I dont die any time soon, and assuming you dont send me away, Im not

going anywhere, ever. Ever again. Never. He folded his arms. So you dont have to worryabout getting over me again, because Im never gonna leave you.

Buffy gave him a long look, and he moved to her, touching her lightly on the shoulder,

her flesh warm even through the shirt. She placed a hand over his, and he inhaled sharply,savoring the contact with her. I love you, he told her. More than anything, more than lifeitself, Buffy. Id rather die than leave you again.

She closed her eyes, nodding, lowering her head. Xander, she whispered, I couldntdo it. If I let myself go if I let myself open up again and I lost you this time, I

He stepped toward her and kissed her, fiercely, years of missing her, of aching, of longing, surfacing in him. He slid an arm around her waist and the other one around hershoulders and pressed her to him as they kissed, his mouth hungrily exploring hers.

For a moment Buffy merely stood still, too shocked to do anything more than reel insurprise. Then something inside her snapped, some barrier, and she kissed him back, her hungeras deep as his, as strong, as passionate. She gripped him to her and kissed him, clutching him,fear fighting with need as she pressed her body to his. They stayed that way a long time, tonguesfencing, hands exploring, grabbing, stroking, until at last they had to come up for air. Theystared into one anothers eyes for a long moment, and then Buffy closed her eyes and leaned her forehead up against his chin. He kissed her flesh lightly, nuzzling her with his lips and nose. AndBuffy pulled back just enough to gaze into his eyes.

I missed you, she admitted, her voice breaking, a tear rolling down her cheek. Imissed you so bad I thought I would die.

Me too, he told her. Me too.



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She looked up at him sadly. Forgive me, she breathed, pressing her head to his neck.Forgive me for sending you away. Please.

Xander cradled her to him. Already done, Buff. Already done. She nodded, starting to cry as he held her even closer.

*Can you believe they let me out of the hospital after only one day? Akilah groused as

Michael held the door open fo r her and she made her way inside Rachels living roomawkwardly, not used to the crutches yet. I only got one meal there, she added. Although Iguess thats a good thing.

Well, we went to Mr. Chicken, Riley informed her. Figured after a whole day withhospital food youd be starving. He glanced at Laura. I hope everyone has an appetite.

Michael closed the door as Akilah made her way to a rocking chair; she eased down intoit and started to lay the crutches along one side when Laura gathered them up from her andarranged they neatly next to the chair, just within Akilahs reach but not in her way.

You take an arrow to the gut, you walk around like nothins wrong, the older womancomplained.Im a slayer, Laura reminded her. There should be some perks. Both of them smiled.Riley went into the kitchen, where Rachel stood unpacking the dinner and putting it on

plates. Billy sat at the kitchen table, bandages covering his wounds, mostly watching, sniffing forribs; he settled for nipping on a drumstick, his arm moving slowly to grab the piece of meat.Rachel glanced up at Riley. Everybody here?

Everyone whos gonna be, he answered her. Still no word from Xander? Rachel inquired. Riley shook his head. He didnt call you, he didnt call me. He folded his arms. What

about Pike? Pike and Shelley are in the den, doing research, Rachel informed him. They wouldhave told me if Xander called them.

Riley nodded, realizing she was right. He picked up the platter of chicken. Here, let meget that, he offered. I think you have a band of very hungry vampire slayers out there. Heturned and headed into the living room. Rachel and Billy followed him soon afterward, bearingthe side dishes, salads, and so on; as Billy remained in fairly poor shape, Rachel did most of thecarrying. Billy eased himself into the rocker opposite Akilahs and Rachel made a second tripinto the kitchen for some beverages; in a few minutes they had all assembled around the livingroom table, filling the room with activity and chatter as they selected their meals from the rathergenerous portions Riley had provided.

Anything good in bookland today? Rachel asked Pike and Shelley as they entered,seating themselves at one end of the table.

We did figure out tha t that little ball that Xander had the one with all the crosses on it? youre supposed to throw that at vampires. Apparently no matter where it hits them, there arecrosses on it, and itll burn them. Shelley buttered her corn on the cob. Seems like a lot of work just for a little burn mark, though.

Billy nodded his agreement. I was just thinking arrows would be more effective. Not tomention painful.



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What about the medallion? Michael wondered. Pike shook his head. We cant find that character anywhere. He spooned some cole

slaw onto his mouth. Its gotta be a protection ward for the slayer, but we cant figure out whatit does.

Why dont we give it to Laura and find out? Rachel suggested.

Laura shrugged her willingness to play along.Wait a bloody minute, Billy objected. Suppose it kills every vampire in the room or something. That might not be a great idea for yours truly.

Im sort of against trying magical items blind, Riley agreed. Who knows what theymight do to Laura?

She held up her hands; Riley noticed that the ring finger on each hand was adorned witha silver band sporting a ruby. The rings havent done anything bad to me so far, she told him.

Riley frowned. When did you put those on? About an hour ago, she returned, Just before you left to get the food. I went in to see

how Pike and Shelley were doing and they asked me to try them on. Far as we could tell, they heighten the slayers ability to detect vampires. Shelley

looked at Riley. Theres another power they would seem to have. They keep her warm. Sheglanced at the slayer. Right? Laura nodded. I went outside without a coat on just for a minute, anyway and it was

like it was really warm out. She grinned. And yall know what a wimp I am in the cold. Riley gave her a disapproving glance, which she returned over a huge piece of chicken.

He found he couldnt stay mad at her when she looked at him like that, eyes wide, entreating,and he sighed. You just be sure and let me know if anything and I mean anything oddhappens to you. Anything, Laura.

I will, she promised, digging in to her chicken some more. Its too bad he took the sword with him, Shelley mentioned. Id love to take a look at

that.

Billy glowered. Thats one little to y I intend to stay very far away from. You lot told mewhat it does, and I dont want snack - boy accidentally stickin me with it. Or purposely, Michael suggested. He aimed at Billy, From what I can tell, Xander is

no fan of yours. He did save you last night, though, Rachel pointed out. He didnt have to, and he did. Billy shrugged, then winced as it caused of his injuries to throb. Bloody archers, he

growled. What Rachel says is right. Snack -boy could have taken me out last night, easily. Andhe didnt. Bloody sod, Billy added silently.

He sure is taking his time with that other slayer, Akilah brought up. Hes been there,what, a whole day with her? Almost a day? And nothing. No reports, no check in, nothing. Shelooked at Rachel. Cant we call him?

He said not to, Pike informed them. Besides, they werent his headphones. Unless hehas I.D. blocking. But I didnt see a pair of eyephones around Xander at any time. Did any of you?

He has to have a pair, Michael spoke. Everyone does. Xander can be pretty stubborn, Pike pointed out. If anyone could get along without

one, he could. Akilah shook her head. Amazing. So you left this guy who you havent seen in years

and who doesnt really like us or what we do alone with the sla yer, some young girl who



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probably doesnt know what the hell is going on with her life, and you just left the two of themtogether, locked up, where you cant get to them or even call them?

She sums it up pretty nicely, Rachel admitted. I trust Xander, Riley told them. Hes been through a lot, but hes been cooperative,

more or less, since Laura and I barged in on him and kidnapped him. Riley dipped his biscuit in

some gravy. All things considered, hes been pretty reasonable with us, I think. Ri ley pouredhimself some more Diet Pepsi. If Xander says he needs the time, he needs the time. The rest of them shrugged their agreement.Besides, yall saw that wall, Laura piped up. Hows he gonna get anywhere? A slayer got him in there, Michael pointed out. A slayer could get him out. I could always try seein if theres an underground route in there, Billy offered. No

worries about any wall that way. Rileys right, Pike seconded. We have to trust Xander. This girl is important to us

no two ways about it and we sent in the guy we thought would handle her the best. It mightseem like questionable judgement if you look at it a certain way, but Rileys right Xander doeshave a way with slayers. If it wasnt for him, Faith would hav e never come around, and trust me,

I met Faith. She was not exactly the do the right thing poster girl. She had a mean right hook, Billy remembered, scratching his jaw. The group fell silent for a moment, and in that break in conversation, the doorbell rang.

They each looked at one another and finally Rachel stood up. Its my house, she told them.Ill get the door.

I hope its him, Shelley muttered. I dont, Laura argued silently. I like being the only slayer. Under the table, she set her

hand on Rileys knee; he glanced at her, but she continued looking away. He smiled inside andset his hand on hers.

Rachel opened the door. Xander, she greeted him. Heya, Rachel, he responded.

Rachel raised an eyebrow. Arent you sort of supposed to have somebody with you?You know, of the slayer variety? Xander gave her a sheepish look. I am. I mean, I do. Sort of. Sort of? Rachel wondered, peering around him. She could see no one else nearby in the

encroaching dusk. Where is she? Xander f rowned. Rachel, shes really shy. I mean, really shy. Shes kind of uncertain

what kind of reception shes going to get, and shes really nervous about it. He took a deep breath. What I need you to do is go back inside with everybody else and gather the m all around,so she can sort of meet them all at once.

Rachel raised an eyebrow. Wont that overwhelm her? Xander shook his head. First of all, I gave her this whole spiel about being part of a

team and a family and all that. Seeing everybody there together will reinforce that. Second of all,I dont want her wigging out when she notices one of our people is, you know, a vampire. Andthen theres the whole, this is the other slayer bit, and He shook his head. It might be alittle much on her. He set a hand on Rachels shoulder. Just, please, do it my way, okay?

Okay, Rachel agreed, reluctantly, still shifting her stance to try and see around Xander. And no peeking, Xander cautioned her. Rachel leaned closer. Is there something wrong with her or something? Xander murmured, Trust me. You trusted me this far. Just trust me a little further.



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Rachel nodded and went back inside and took her seat at the table between Michael andBilly.

Well? Shelley asked. Hes gonna bring her in, Rachel told them in a low voice. Shes a little spooked by all

of this, so everybody, be nice to her.

Like we wouldnt anyway, Akilah commented. Just act normal, okay? Rachel advised them. Like its no big deal. Yeah, because its every day we g et to meet a little lost slayer and ruin the rest of her

life by tellin her what a shitty draw of the cards she got, Billy spoke. They all stared at him.Sorry, slayer, he aimed at Laura, who continued to scowl. Riley squeezed her hand under the table.They could hear the door open, and Xanders tread in the foyer. After a moment, a

second pair of footfalls joined his; she wore boots, and they clunked on the wooden floor.Xander came around the corner, holding her hand, and everyone in the room caught their breathas Buffy walked in behind him.

Hey guys, Xander greeted them. One slayer, as promised. Hi, Buffy managed.

* * *

buffy: king of the dark chapter 6

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