The library felt heavy with tension as Xander stood at the head of the table, his mind swirling with everything that had happened. He'd tried to make sense of it all: being sent back in time, the looming threat of Malakar, and the need to get to New York to meet Duncan MacLeod. He had to figure out a way to stop Malakar before things spiraled out of control. This time, he would get ahead of it.
The others watched him, waiting for him to speak. Xander finally took a deep breath and began, "I need to go to New York. Duncan MacLeod... he's the only person who can help me figure this out. I've fought this thing for seventy years—he fought with me, but he doesn't know me in this timeline. I have to explain everything to him, and I need to go now."
Buffy's arms were crossed, her eyes narrowing slightly. "So you're just going to leave? Go off to New York alone? After everything that's happened?"
Xander rubbed the back of his neck, the weight of her words pressing down on him. "Buffy, I know what I'm doing. This isn't just a demon—we're talking about Malakar, the Devourer. You're not ready for this yet. I need to handle this by myself."
Buffy's expression hardened, her voice laced with determination. "We've faced apocalypses before, Xander. You think we're not ready for this? We fought the Master, the Judge, Angelus... and now you want to go and leave us behind? I'm coming with you."
Xander opened his mouth to argue, but Buffy's glare stopped him in his tracks. She wasn't budging on this.
"Buffy, listen, I—"
"No," she cut him off. "I'm coming with you, and that's final. You're not doing this alone."
Willow stepped forward, concern etched on her face. "Xander, we've always had each other's backs. You can't just go off without us. Remember how we always talked about doing a road trip after high school? This might not be what we had in mind, but you don't have to leave without us."
Xander let out a frustrated sigh, his shoulders slumping. He knew they were right, but the idea of dragging them into this... it felt wrong. But then Willow's words hit him—their old road trip plan. It was so long ago, and yet, the idea of sticking together now, after everything...
"Okay, I get it," Xander muttered. "But this isn't exactly the road trip we dreamed about."
A beat of silence passed before Oz, standing by the door, finally spoke. "You'll need a better ride than the car you stole."
The room went silent, and all eyes turned to Xander. Buffy's expression shifted from determined to baffled, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"Wait... what?" Buffy blinked at Xander, eyebrows raised. "You stole a car?"
Xander rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah... about that. I may have... uh, borrowed a car without asking when I needed to get here fast."
Buffy stared at him, her mouth twitching as she tried to hold back a laugh. "Xander Harris, the car thief. That's new."
The room broke into laughter, the tension shattering instantly. Even Giles let out a small chuckle as Xander raised his hands in mock surrender. "Desperate times, guys. Desperate times."
Buffy waved her hand dismissively. "You can steal cars now, but you can't go to New York in that thing. Oz has a van, and you also need a change of clothes and a shower before we go anywhere. You smell like—" she crinkled her nose, teasingly, "—a post-apocalypse version of you."
Xander groaned. "I've been fighting for seventy years; I thought I'd earned the right to a little stench."
Buffy smirked. "Shower first, then New York."
Willow nodded enthusiastically. "We'll need time to pack anyway. We can't just go off to New York without our stuff, right?"
"Yeah," Oz added, "my van's ready whenever you are."
Before Xander could protest any further, Angel spoke up from the corner, his voice low but steady. "I'll stay here. Keep an eye on the Hellmouth while you're gone. If anything happens, I'll let you know."
Xander met Angel's eyes, grateful for the offer, despite their complicated history. He nodded. "Thanks, Angel. Keep things steady here."
Giles adjusted his glasses, stepping forward. "It's settled, then. Xander, take a moment to... freshen up. Buffy, Willow, Oz—pack whatever you'll need. We'll leave at dawn."
Buffy smiled, clearly pleased with the outcome, before turning back to Xander. "Guess this is happening, huh?"
Xander chuckled, the tension in his chest finally easing. "Looks like it."
As Buffy, Willow, and Oz headed out to gather their things, Xander stood for a moment, the weight of their journey ahead still pressing down on him. But now, it wasn't just his burden. They were in this together.
---
Xander stood in front of the bathroom mirror, the sound of the running shower filling the room with a warm haze. He stared at his reflection, water dripping down his face. His mind was still racing, struggling to wrap itself around everything. Going back to New York, reconnecting with Duncan—it all seemed too surreal. But this was real, and he wasn't going alone this time.
He wiped the fog from the mirror and examined his face. To anyone else, he looked like he was still in his twenties, but in reality, he'd lived through seventy years of hell, and that weight was still there in his eyes. Even if no one questioned why he hadn't aged, Xander knew the truth. He wasn't the same guy he used to be. Not by a long shot.
After a quick shower, he dressed in clean clothes that Giles had found in the school's emergency stash, grateful to not smell like he'd just fought through a post-apocalyptic nightmare. As he stepped out into the library, he found Buffy sitting on the steps, waiting.
Buffy looked up and smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Clean Xander is better. Though, I gotta admit, the whole 'I stole a car' thing still has me floored."
Xander shrugged, smirking. "Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures. And I gotta say, the adrenaline rush is something else. Almost as good as taking down vamps."
Buffy chuckled, the lightness of the moment hanging between them briefly before her face turned serious. "You're really planning to go to New York and leave all of this behind?"
Xander sighed, running a hand through his damp hair. "It's not that I'm leaving it behind. This—this thing I've been fighting, Malakar—it's coming. And Duncan is the only one who can help me figure out how to stop it. I didn't plan for you guys to come along."
Buffy tilted her head, her eyes softening as she looked at him. "Well, too bad. We're not letting you do this alone. We're in this together, Xander. Always have been, always will be."
He couldn't help but smile at that, a warmth filling his chest. "Yeah. I know. But still, this isn't exactly the road trip we talked about when we were kids. Sunnydale to New York in Oz's van to stop an apocalyptic demon… Not the vacation I imagined."
Buffy's lips quirked up in a teasing smile. "We'll call it the road trip with a bonus 'save the world' challenge. Makes it more exciting."
Xander chuckled, shaking his head. "Always with the positive spin, huh?"
Before Buffy could respond, the library doors swung open, and Willow came in with a bag slung over her shoulder, Oz right behind her. "I'm all packed!" Willow announced, her usual enthusiasm shining through. "Got all the essentials—laptop, spell books, and snacks."
"Snacks are key," Oz agreed, giving Xander a nod. "Van's gassed up and ready."
Xander smiled, but before he could say anything, Giles entered the room, looking as though he had already been preparing for this trip long before anyone else. "I've packed some necessary reading material, as well as a few precautionary items. I suggest we take some of the weapons from the school's stash, just in case."
Buffy stood up, stretching. "You know, road trips usually don't require axes and crossbows, but then again, it's us, so..."
Xander's grin widened. "Can't be too careful. Especially with the way things tend to go around here."
Willow hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Xander… are you sure Duncan can help? I mean, we don't really know him, but if you trust him, we trust him too. I just—this whole 'alternate timeline' thing is a little… overwhelming."
Xander nodded, understanding her concern. "I know it's a lot to take in, but Duncan's one of the good guys. In my timeline, we fought together. He helped me lead the resistance. He doesn't know me here, but he'll understand once we talk. And I need him, Wills. He's the only person I know who can help us figure this out."
Willow nodded, her expression softening. "Okay. I just want to make sure you're not carrying this alone."
Xander smiled at her, appreciating her concern. "I'm not. Not anymore."
At that moment, Angel appeared at the doorway, his presence still as quietly commanding as ever. "I'll keep watch over the Hellmouth while you're gone. If anything changes, I'll let you know immediately."
Buffy turned to Angel, her expression unreadable for a moment before she nodded. "Thanks, Angel. Just… be careful, okay? No more surprise apocalypses while we're gone."
Angel's lips twitched in what might have been the start of a smile. "I'll do my best."
Xander glanced at the group around him, a strange sense of calm settling over him. It wasn't what he'd expected—this was supposed to be his journey, his mission to take care of. But now, they were all coming with him, and that made the burden feel lighter.
"Alright," Xander said, standing taller. "We've got the team, we've got the van, and we've got a long road ahead of us. Let's go stop Malakar."
Buffy raised an eyebrow. "And get you some better clothes, maybe? You're not exactly road trip ready."
Xander laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah. I'll work on that."
As they began to gather their things, Buffy glanced over at Xander, a soft smile playing on her lips. "So, are we doing this?"
Xander grinned back. "Yeah. Let's hit the road."
---
The van rumbled down the highway, the California sun slowly giving way to the cooler evening sky. Oz had taken the wheel with Willow by his side, keeping him company with quiet conversation. Giles sat in the back, flipping through one of his books, occasionally muttering something under his breath about mystical artifacts. Meanwhile, Xander and Buffy sat side by side near the window, the hum of the road filling the air around them.
For the first time since everything started, there was a sense of calm. It wasn't the peace they all craved—far from it—but in this moment, as they traveled together, Xander felt something that resembled normalcy. Well, as normal as life could be with an impending apocalypse looming.
Buffy nudged Xander with her elbow, her expression softer than he'd seen in a while. "Hey. You okay?"
Xander blinked, turning to look at her. "Yeah. I'm good. Just… processing everything, you know?"
She gave him a small, understanding smile. "Yeah. A lot to take in. Alternate timelines, demons, ancient evil devourers. Just your typical Tuesday in Sunnydale, right?"
Xander chuckled, the sound coming out lighter than he expected. "Yeah, something like that."
They fell into a comfortable silence for a while, the road stretching out ahead of them. Eventually, Buffy broke the quiet, her voice low, almost hesitant. "You've been through a lot, haven't you? More than we can even imagine."
Xander exhaled, leaning back against the seat. "You have no idea."
Buffy studied him for a moment, her eyes filled with concern and something else—something deeper. "Do you want to talk about it? You don't have to, but… I'm here."
For a moment, Xander wasn't sure where to start. His past—the battles, the losses, the people he had loved and lost—felt like a heavy weight on his chest. But with Buffy sitting so close, her presence warm and steady, he found himself wanting to share. Maybe it was the years of fighting side by side, or maybe it was something else entirely. Either way, he needed her to know.
He turned his head slightly, meeting her gaze. "I lost a lot of people, Buff. People who mattered to me. People I thought I'd spend my life with."
Buffy's eyes softened, and she leaned in just a little closer. "Like who?"
"Cordy. Anya. And… Callista."
Buffy frowned, the name unfamiliar to her. "Callista?"
Xander nodded, a bittersweet smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah. She was a Slayer. One of the last ones, actually. We… we were together for a while, fighting side by side during the final battles. She was tough. Strong. Kind of like you, but with more red hair and a tendency to snark about everything."
Buffy smiled softly at that, her hand resting on his arm in a gentle, comforting gesture. "Sounds like someone who could keep up with you."
"Yeah, she was." Xander's smile faded slightly as he looked down at his hands. "But we lost her. During the battle against Malakar. She was there with me, right until the end."
Buffy's hand tightened on his arm, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, Xander."
Xander shook his head. "It's not your fault. That's just how it goes when you're living through the end of the world, I guess. People you love… they don't always make it."
Buffy's hand remained on his arm, her touch grounding him as he spoke about the painful memories. "And Cordy? Anya?" she asked softly.
A sad chuckle escaped him. "Cordelia… she died a hero, Buff. She became something more than any of us ever thought she'd be. She fought the good fight right until the end."
"And Anya?" Buffy's voice was even softer now, her eyes never leaving his face.
Xander's expression grew more pained and he fingered the necklace he wore around his neck. "Anya was—God, she was amazing. She had this way of saying the absolute worst thing at the worst time, but she was real. She didn't hide who she was. And she fought… she fought so hard. She died protecting people during the battle at Sunnydale."
Buffy's eyes glistened with emotion as she listened, her hand moving to cover his. "You've been through so much, Xander. I can't even imagine."
Xander took a shaky breath, his voice thick with emotion. "I just… I couldn't save them. Any of them. I couldn't save you either, Buffy. I watched you die, too. You all died, and I couldn't stop it."
Buffy's heart clenched at his words, her own emotions swirling. She wanted to say something, to tell him it wasn't his fault, that he couldn't have done more than he already had. But instead, she leaned her head against his shoulder, offering him the silent comfort of her presence.
"I'm still here, Xander," she whispered after a long moment. "And we're going to make sure none of that happens this time."
Xander let out a deep, shaky exhale, leaning his head against hers. "I hope so, Buff. I really hope so."
They stayed like that for a while, the road stretching out before them, their future uncertain. But for now, in this moment, they were together, and that was enough.
---
The van cruised down the lonely stretch of road, surrounded by fields and the occasional run-down building, the late afternoon light casting long shadows. They had been driving for hours, the air inside the van heavy with the tension of their mission, though the conversations had lightened it from time to time. Buffy sat next to Xander, who was staring out the window, lost in thought. Willow and Oz were upfront, sharing quiet words and a few stolen glances. Giles was in the back, flipping through a book on ancient demon lore, his brow furrowed in concentration.
As they passed a small, faded gas station, Xander's eyes caught sight of a figure standing by a payphone, her posture tense and her gaze darting nervously behind her. A familiar sense of recognition tugged at him, though he couldn't immediately place her.
"Hey, Oz," Xander leaned forward, narrowing his eyes. "Pull over for a sec."
Oz glanced at him, and with a silent nod, guided the van into the gas station lot. As they came to a stop, Buffy looked at Xander, curiosity flickering across her face.
"What's up?" she asked.
Xander frowned, still watching the girl. "I know her… at least, I think I do."
Buffy raised an eyebrow but didn't question him further as Xander opened the door and climbed out. Buffy followed, her eyes sweeping the area with a Slayer's instinct for danger.
The girl by the payphone flinched when she saw them approaching, her hand trembling slightly as she hung up the receiver. She looked ready to run.
"Hey," Xander said, his tone gentle as he raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "It's okay. I'm not here to hurt you."
The girl's eyes, wide with fear, darted between Xander and Buffy. "I-I don't know you," she stammered, her voice soft and scared.
But Xander did know her—or at least, some version of her. It hit him like a flash, the memories from his old life rushing back.
"Tara," Xander said softly, her name familiar on his lips. "Tara Maclay."
She blinked in surprise, and her expression shifted, a mixture of confusion and recognition. "How do you know my name?"
Xander exchanged a quick glance with Buffy, who was watching the scene with guarded interest. "I've, uh, met you before. Sort of." He scratched the back of his neck. "It's complicated, but let's just say… I've seen you around."
Buffy stepped forward, her voice soothing but firm. "Tara, what's going on? You look like you're in trouble. Do you need help?"
Tara hesitated, her eyes darting to the road behind them, and then back to Xander and Buffy. "My f-family," she whispered, her voice breaking. "They're coming for me. I can't go back to them."
Buffy's expression hardened. "You don't have to go anywhere with them."
Xander nodded, stepping closer but keeping his movements slow and deliberate. "If you need to get away, we've got space in the van. We can help."
Tara's eyes were full of uncertainty. "I… I don't want to cause any trouble. They're dangerous."
"You're not causing trouble," Xander said gently. "And trust me, we can handle dangerous."
Before Tara could respond, the sound of a truck engine rumbled through the air, and her face drained of color. Xander and Buffy turned to see an old, beat-up pickup pulling into the gas station. Two large men climbed out—one older and weathered, clearly her father, and a younger one who shared her wide, nervous eyes but had none of her fear.
"Tara!" the older man bellowed as soon as he spotted her. "Get over here now!"
Buffy stepped in front of Tara without hesitation, her stance protective. "She's not going anywhere with you."
The man's face twisted in anger as he marched toward them, his son following close behind. "This is family business," he growled. "Stay out of it, girl."
Xander moved to stand beside Buffy, his posture calm but ready. "Tara doesn't want to go with you, and we're not letting you force her."
Tara's brother scowled, his fists clenched. "You don't know who you're messing with."
Buffy raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Oh, I'm pretty sure we do. And you don't want to test us."
The tension thickened, but just as the situation seemed ready to escalate, the van rolled up beside them. Oz leaned out the window, his expression calm but his presence a quiet warning. "Everything cool?"
Buffy smirked. "Yeah, Oz. Just finishing up here."
Tara's father glared at her one last time, his face dark with fury. "You'll regret this, girl," he spat before turning to storm back to the truck. "You can't run forever."
Her brother shot a final, menacing glance at Xander before following his father back into the truck. The engine roared to life, and they peeled out of the gas station, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.
Tara let out a shaky breath, her entire body sagging with relief. "Thank you," she whispered, tears brimming in her eyes.
Buffy placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're safe now."
Xander offered her a warm smile. "Come on. Let's get you out of here."
As they piled back into the van, Tara took a seat between Xander and Buffy. Willow turned around from the front, offering her a kind smile.
"We've got you now," Willow said softly. "No more running."
Tara nodded, still shaky but grateful. "I don't know how to thank you…"
Xander leaned back in his seat, trying to lighten the mood. "No need for thanks. Just consider it a long-overdue rescue mission."
As the van pulled back onto the highway, the tension began to lift, if only slightly. Tara was safe with them now, and for a moment, the burden of the journey felt a little lighter.
---
The hum of the van's engine and the rolling stretch of highway created a sense of calm after the confrontation at the gas station. Tara sat quietly in her seat between Buffy and Xander, her hands fidgeting in her lap. Her earlier fear had subsided, but she still seemed uneasy, stealing glances at the group around her.
Buffy noticed Tara's discomfort and offered her a reassuring smile. "Hey, you're safe now. Your family's not going to bother you again."
Tara nodded, her voice soft. "Thank you. I—I'm just not used to people standing up for me like that."
Xander, sensing Tara's apprehension, leaned forward, his voice gentle. "You don't have to worry about us, Tara. We're not your family, and we're definitely not here to force you into anything."
Willow, who had been watching Tara with quiet curiosity from the front seat, spoke up. "You know, we're kind of like a family ourselves. A weird, dysfunctional family with a Slayer, a Watcher, and lots of vampire-fighting action." She smiled brightly, trying to lighten the mood. "But we look out for each other."
Tara looked at Willow, her eyes wide with surprise, and then slowly smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little. "You fight vampires?" she asked quietly.
Willow nodded, turning around in her seat to face Tara more directly. "Yeah, vampires, demons, evil mayors turning into giant snakes… you name it. We've faced it."
Buffy grinned. "You're looking at the best vampire-fighting team in California. Maybe the whole world."
Tara's gaze flickered between them, a mix of awe and uncertainty. "I-I've never really met anyone like you before."
Xander chuckled softly. "We're one of a kind. But hey, we've met plenty of people with special abilities, and you're definitely one of them."
Tara's face paled slightly, and she lowered her gaze. "I-I'm not special. I'm just… me."
Willow's brow furrowed, her voice gentle. "I don't think that's true, Tara. You're running from your family, and I get the feeling there's more to it than just wanting to escape."
Tara hesitated, her hands trembling slightly in her lap. She glanced at Xander, then at Buffy, who were both waiting patiently for her to continue. Finally, she sighed, her voice barely a whisper. "My family… they believe that women in our bloodline are cursed. That we're… part demon."
Buffy's eyebrows shot up, and she exchanged a glance with Xander. "Demon?" she repeated.
Tara nodded, her eyes downcast. "They've been trying to control me my whole life, saying that I'd become evil if I ever left them. I don't… I don't know if it's true or not. I just… I can't be what they want me to be."
Xander leaned forward, his tone firm but kind. "You're not evil, Tara. Trust me, I've met plenty of demons in my time, and you're nothing like them."
Buffy added, her voice gentle but resolute. "We've fought demons, and we've met people with all kinds of magic. You're not cursed, Tara. Your family is trying to scare you into thinking you are."
Willow, her expression full of empathy, reached over and touched Tara's hand lightly. "You're not alone anymore. We've got your back."
Tara looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I don't know what to say… You've all been so kind to me, and I—I don't even know how to repay you."
Buffy waved a hand dismissively. "You don't have to repay us, Tara. We're just here to help. It's what we do."
Tara wiped at her eyes, sniffling softly. "Thank you. I… I do know a little magic. Not much, but I can help. If you'll have me."
Willow's eyes lit up at the mention of magic. "Really? What kind of magic? We've been doing some spells and rituals ourselves—mostly to stop apocalypses and close Hellmouths, you know, the usual."
Tara smiled shyly. "I-I'm not as powerful as some witches, but I've studied protection spells and some elemental magic. I can help with wards and barriers… things like that."
Giles, who had been listening quietly from the back, cleared his throat and leaned forward. "That's quite useful, actually. We may need those kinds of spells as we get closer to facing Malakar. I'd be very interested to learn more about your magical abilities, Tara."
Tara's eyes widened, clearly surprised by Giles' interest. "O-Okay. I'll help however I can."
Xander, watching the exchange, couldn't help but smile. He'd known from his timeline that Tara was powerful and good-hearted, but seeing her start to open up to the group now, in this timeline, filled him with a sense of relief. She was going to fit right in with them, just like she had before.
"Looks like you're officially part of the gang now," Xander said, leaning back in his seat with a grin.
Buffy nodded in agreement, her eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement. "Yep. Welcome to the Scooby Gang, Tara. We'll take you demon-hunting any day."
Tara blushed, her face lighting up with a soft smile. "Thank you. I—I don't know what I'd do without you all."
Willow beamed, clearly excited at the prospect of having another witch in the group. "You're going to love it with us. Well, I mean, as much as one can love fighting evil and stopping the end of the world, but we make it work."
The van continued to roll down the highway, the sun setting behind them, casting a warm, golden glow over the horizon. For the first time since the journey began, there was a sense of unity, of purpose. They were all in this together now, and with Tara on board, they were stronger.
As the night began to fall, Xander glanced at the stars appearing in the sky and let out a soft breath. They were one step closer to New York, one step closer to Duncan, and one step closer to stopping Malakar. With each mile, the weight of his seventy years in the wastelands seemed to lift just a little more.
But deep down, Xander knew that their biggest challenges were still ahead.
---
The van cruised through the quiet darkness of the highway, the stars overhead twinkling in the clear night sky. The tension from earlier had faded, replaced by the comforting hum of the road beneath them. The Scoobies, plus Tara, had fallen into a comfortable silence, everyone lost in their own thoughts.
After a while, Oz slowed the van down and pulled into a small rest stop nestled on the side of the road. "Let's take a quick break," he said in his usual calm tone. "Stretch our legs, grab a snack."
Everyone agreed, and soon they were stepping out of the van, grateful for the fresh air. The rest stop was deserted, save for a couple of vending machines and a dimly lit picnic area. The sound of crickets filled the air, and a soft breeze carried the scent of the nearby woods.
Buffy stretched her arms above her head, her muscles tight from the long drive. "I thought I'd love road trips, but my body disagrees," she said, cracking her neck.
Willow and Tara walked toward the vending machines, their quiet conversation drifting through the air. Oz leaned against the side of the van, his hands in his pockets, gazing up at the stars. Giles stayed inside the van, poring over his books, no doubt researching Malakar and any leads that might help them stop the coming threat.
Xander stood off to the side, staring out into the darkness of the surrounding forest. He felt the weight of his past pressing down on him, heavier now that the night was quiet and his friends were so close. Buffy joined him, her presence steady and reassuring.
"Hey," she said, her voice soft, as she leaned against the picnic table beside him. "You've been quiet since we picked up Tara."
Xander nodded, his eyes still on the horizon. "Just… thinking."
Buffy gave him a sideways glance, her lips curling into a small smile. "That's dangerous."
Xander chuckled, the tension in his chest loosening slightly. "Yeah, well, I'm kind of used to it. Been doing a lot of thinking these days."
Buffy nudged him gently with her elbow. "You know you can talk to me, right? I know this whole 'alternate timeline' thing has been weighing on you."
Xander's shoulders slumped, and he let out a long sigh. "It's not just the timeline, Buff. It's everything. Seventy years of fighting, watching people I care about die, trying to stop something that feels unstoppable… I guess it's hard to turn that part of my brain off."
Buffy's expression softened, and she reached out to place a hand on his arm. "You don't have to turn it off. But you're not alone this time. You've got us."
Xander looked at her, gratitude filling his chest. "I know. It just feels different now. Back then, I had Duncan, and we fought side by side. But now… I don't even know how he's going to react when I show up and tell him everything. He doesn't know me in this timeline. What if he thinks I'm crazy?"
Buffy shrugged, her tone light but comforting. "Well, if he does, we'll just have to prove you're not crazy by stopping Malakar before it destroys everything."
Xander smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. "Yeah, I guess so. But I can't help feeling like we're walking into something we're not ready for."
Buffy's hand tightened on his arm, her eyes full of determination. "We've never been ready for anything, Xander. But we've always found a way to win. This time won't be any different."
Xander met her gaze, the familiar spark of hope flickering inside him. Buffy always had a way of making him believe they could do the impossible, no matter how bleak things seemed. And right now, he needed that.
"You're right," Xander said quietly. "We'll figure it out. Together."
Buffy smiled, her hand lingering on his arm for a moment longer before she pulled away. "You're damn right we will."
Just as the moment passed, Willow and Tara returned, carrying a small assortment of snacks they had grabbed from the vending machine. Willow was practically bouncing with excitement as she handed Xander and Buffy a bag of chips each.
"I was telling Tara about the time we had that showdown with Glory and how we stopped her with a big, glowing ball of light and a whole lot of magic," Willow said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
Tara smiled shyly, her eyes flicking between the group. "It sounds like you've done a lot of incredible things. I… I'm still learning, but I hope I can help."
Buffy took a bite of her chips, nodding thoughtfully. "We all had to start somewhere, Tara. You're already helping just by being with us. We're going to need all the help we can get, especially when we reach New York."
Tara's smile grew a little, and she seemed to relax more around the group. "Thank you. I'm just… grateful to be here."
Willow leaned into Tara's side, offering her a warm smile. "We're glad you're here too."
Xander watched the exchange with a soft smile. Seeing Willow so happy, even amidst everything, brought a warmth to his heart. Tara had been important to all of them in his timeline, and though things were different now, he could already see the same connection blossoming between Willow and Tara.
As the group settled into a more relaxed rhythm, Xander felt some of the tension start to ease from his body. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to just be present—no future wars to think about, no endless battles, just this moment with his friends.
But as the peaceful night continued, Xander couldn't shake the lingering thought that kept gnawing at him: Malakar was still out there, and the clock was ticking. They had Tara, and soon they'd have Duncan. But would it be enough?
He glanced at Buffy, who was now engaged in a conversation with Willow and Tara about magic, and he felt a flicker of determination light up inside him. They had to be enough. He couldn't let the horrors of his past timeline happen again. Not to these people. Not to the people he loved.
Oz, who had been sitting quietly near the van, stood up and stretched, catching Xander's eye. "Ready to hit the road again?"
Xander nodded, finishing off his chips. "Yeah, let's keep moving. We've still got a long way to go."
Buffy and the others gathered their things, and soon enough, they were back in the van, continuing their journey toward New York. Xander settled back into his seat, the hum of the engine lulling him into a momentary sense of peace.
As the miles stretched out ahead of them, Xander let his mind drift, his thoughts settling on the future. No matter what happened next, he was ready to face it—with Buffy, Willow, Giles, Oz, and Tara by his side.
---
The van came to a stop outside the antique shop, the narrow street tucked away from the chaos of the main roads. MacLeod Antiques stood quietly, its sign understated among the brick facades, the perfect blend-in location for someone like Duncan MacLeod.
Xander felt the weight of the past days settle heavily on his shoulders as they sat in the van for a moment, gathering themselves before stepping out. The earlier conversation with Duncan still echoed in his mind, a swirl of anxiety and disorientation from the moment he realized he was in the wrong timeline.
Xander hadn't expected to lose his cool the way he did on the phone. Seventy years of fighting had made him tough, sure, but the sudden shift—back to a time before the Hellmouth opened, before the world fell apart—had shaken him deeply. And when Duncan hadn't recognized him, hadn't known about their shared history, it had almost broken him.
He could still hear Duncan's calm, cautious voice from the call, trying to get Xander to explain what was happening. He had been patient, trying to piece together Xander's frantic ramblings, and it was that patience that Xander was banking on now.
Buffy nudged him, pulling him out of his thoughts. "You ready?"
Xander blinked, realizing they had all turned to look at him. Buffy, Willow, Giles—each with their own expressions of concern and determination. Xander gave a slow nod, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Let's do this."
The group stepped out of the van, the cool New York air a refreshing contrast to the hours spent cooped up inside. They moved as one unit toward the door, but Xander stopped them with a raised hand just before reaching for the handle.
"I need to do this alone, at least at first," Xander said, his voice steady but quiet. "I have to explain everything before you come in. If things go south, you'll know."
Buffy didn't look convinced, but she reluctantly nodded. "We're right here. Don't take too long."
Xander met her gaze for a moment, then turned back to the door. The small bell chimed as he stepped inside, the scent of aged wood and old books greeting him. The shop looked exactly as he remembered, filled with relics of the past—swords, tapestries, and artifacts that Duncan had collected over the centuries.
Behind the counter, Duncan was polishing a sword, his movements precise and practiced. His dark hair was tied back, his posture straight and alert, just like the man Xander had fought beside for so long. When Duncan looked up, their eyes met, and Xander saw the flicker of recognition—not of familiarity, but of sensing another Immortal.
"Can I help you?" Duncan's voice was polite, but there was a wariness in his tone. He had learned long ago to be careful around strangers.
Xander swallowed, trying to push down the rising nerves. "We spoke on the phone a few days ago."
Duncan's brow furrowed. "The man from L.A.?" He set the sword down, his eyes narrowing as he stepped forward. "You sounded… unwell."
Xander nodded slowly. "Yeah, I—things were kind of rough that day." He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I'm Xander Harris. I know you don't know me—not in this timeline—but in another reality, we fought together. Against Malakar."
Duncan's expression didn't change, though his wariness deepened. "You're claiming to be from an alternate reality? You'll forgive me if I'm not convinced."
Xander rubbed the back of his neck, trying to stay calm. "I know it sounds crazy. Believe me, I didn't believe it either when I first got here. But I've seen things—things that are coming in this timeline too. I've lived through the destruction of everything we care about. And I'm here because I need your help to stop it before it happens."
Duncan crossed his arms, his eyes studying Xander closely. "You said we fought together. Why should I believe you? Why would I fight beside someone I don't even know?"
Xander's voice dropped, his eyes filled with the weight of years of battle. "Because you're a protector. You've fought against evil for centuries. You don't know me now, but in the future I came from, you were the only one who stood with me until the end."
Duncan didn't move, his gaze hard and steady. "And what happened in that future?"
Xander hesitated, the memories of the wasteland flashing through his mind. "Everything fell apart. Malakar opened the Hellmouth. The world we knew—everyone we cared about—it all crumbled. You died fighting him, but not before giving me the strength to keep going."
The silence between them stretched for what felt like an eternity. Finally, Duncan spoke, his voice low. "You're telling me I died?"
Xander nodded, his throat tight. "Yeah. You did. But not before you made sure I kept fighting."
For a long moment, Duncan didn't say anything. Then, with a slow exhale, he stepped back from the counter. "I don't know if I believe your story. But I've heard crazier things in my time. If you're telling the truth, then we don't have much time."
Xander let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Thank you."
Duncan picked up the sword he had been polishing and inspected it before setting it back down. "Tell me everything you know about Malakar."
Xander nodded, stepping forward. "We're going to need more than just swords to stop him."
As they spoke, Xander could feel the tension easing, the familiar camaraderie slowly returning, even if Duncan didn't fully remember it yet. He had seen the future, and he knew what Duncan MacLeod was capable of. They would fight together again.
Now, all that was left was to stop the end of the world—again.
---
Duncan leaned back against the counter, the weight of Xander's words still heavy in the air. "There's one thing," he said slowly, his voice thoughtful. "It's risky, but it might give us the edge we need."
Buffy, Willow, and the rest of the group turned their attention to him, waiting for the next part of the plan. Xander shifted uneasily, sensing Duncan was about to reveal something big.
"What is it?" Buffy asked, her arms still crossed as she leaned forward. "We're not exactly risk-averse."
Duncan glanced at Xander before answering. "There's an ancient forging technique—one that can create a weapon specifically bound to an individual's soul. It's rare and dangerous, but it's been used by Immortals before when facing an unstoppable enemy."
Xander raised an eyebrow, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "Soul-bound weapon forging," he murmured. "I've heard of it… but I didn't think it was real."
"It's real," Duncan replied, his gaze steady. "But it's no simple task. It requires more than just metal and fire. It needs a piece of you—your essence—infused into the weapon. Once it's forged, it's bound to you in every way. The weapon becomes an extension of who you are."
Willow's eyes widened, intrigued by the idea. "Wait, so… the weapon becomes part of you? Like, you control it with your soul?"
"Exactly," Duncan said. "It's not just a tool. It's a living connection between you and the weapon. But it's not without consequences."
Xander's mind raced, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. "What kind of consequences?"
Duncan's expression darkened. "It ties your life force to the weapon. If the weapon is destroyed, it could severely weaken you. Worse, if you die while wielding it, the weapon dies with you. It's a double-edged sword—literally and figuratively."
Buffy glanced at Xander, concern flashing in her eyes. "That sounds… dangerous. Are you sure it's worth it?"
Xander hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "If this is what we need to take down Malakar, then it's worth the risk. We can't face him with ordinary weapons. He'll tear through us like paper."
Giles adjusted his glasses, his scholarly mind already spinning with possibilities. "How exactly do we forge such a weapon? Is there a ritual involved?"
Duncan nodded. "There's an old smith I know, one who's worked with Immortals in the past. He's retired, but he might be willing to help us. The process is long and intense, and we'll need the right materials—rare metals, arcane components… and something personal from Xander."
Xander's brow furrowed. "Personal? Like what?"
"Something that represents your essence," Duncan explained. "A piece of your past, something tied deeply to who you are. It's what anchors the weapon to your soul."
Buffy frowned. "But how do we know what that is?"
Xander sighed, his mind going back over the years, thinking of the countless battles, the moments of triumph and failure. His hand absentmindedly went to the necklace he wore under his shirt, a small, worn male wedding ring from his and Anya's "wedding that never was"—a reminder of someone he had loved and lost. He glanced down at it, feeling the weight of its significance.
"I think I know what to use," Xander said quietly, pulling the necklace out from under his shirt. "It's something from someone I lost… someone who fought beside me."
Buffy's face softened as she saw the necklace. "Is that from… Anya."
Xander nodded, the memories of his past mixing with the uncertain future ahead of him. "She died fighting, just like the rest of us. If anyone's strength can help me forge this weapon, it's hers."
Duncan studied the necklace, then nodded in approval. "It'll work. We'll need to start the process immediately if we're going to be ready in time."
Buffy looked at Xander, her face set with determination. "Are you sure about this, Xand? It's a lot to take on."
Xander smiled, though the weight of the decision was clear in his eyes. "I've made it this far. I can't stop now."
Duncan pushed off from the counter, his expression serious but resolved. "This process isn't fast years even. The forging process will simply take time, and doubt Malakar isn't going to wait forever."
Giles cleared his throat, ever the planner. "What exactly do we need to gather? We should split up and cover as much ground as possible."
Duncan rattled off a list of rare materials, most of which were tied to mystical properties—obsidian, blood iron, a specific type of wood that grew near the site of an ancient battleground. Willow's eyes lit up as she jotted down the components, her mind already working through possible locations.
"I can help track some of these down," Willow said. "I've got a few contacts, and with a bit of magic, we can locate most of the materials in time."
Buffy stood tall, her resolve unshaken. "Then let's get to work. We'll find everything we need and get Xander his weapon. Malakar won't know what hit him."
Xander glanced at his friends, grateful for their unwavering support. The road ahead was dangerous, but for the first time since returning to this timeline, he felt like they had a real shot at stopping Malakar.
Duncan stepped forward, placing a hand on Xander's shoulder. "We'll make it through this. But remember, once the weapon is forged, there's no going back. The fight ahead will test everything you've got."
Xander met Duncan's gaze, his voice steady. "I've been tested before. Let's do this."
---
The room was quiet after Duncan's explanation of the soul-bound weapon forging process. Xander sat at the edge of the counter, his fingers tracing the necklace from Anya. He knew the forging process would take time—a year, Duncan had said. A year to create a weapon that would be the key to defeating Malakar. But a year was also time they couldn't waste.
Buffy leaned against the wall, arms crossed as she processed everything. Willow sat next to Giles, who was quietly leafing through one of his books on ancient rituals, probably looking for more information on soul-bound weaponry. Oz was, as always, calm and silent, watching the conversation unfold with his usual steady gaze.
"So," Buffy said, breaking the silence, "a year? That's a long time to wait for a weapon. What are we supposed to do in the meantime?"
Xander had been thinking about that. The time it would take to forge the weapon weighed heavily on him. But something else had been gnawing at the back of his mind since Buffy's conversation with Duncan.
"Buffy," Xander began, his tone more thoughtful than usual, "when you were talking to Duncan earlier, you said you were the one and only Slayer."
Buffy frowned. "I am. I mean, I was. Before Kendra. And then Faith. But Kendra—she's gone. And Faith, well…"
Xander's eyes narrowed. "What about Faith?"
Buffy shifted uncomfortably. "She's in jail, Xander. You know that. After everything that happened in Sunnydale with the Mayor, she turned herself in. She's… not really part of the equation anymore."
"But she's still a Slayer," Xander said, his voice firm. "You and Faith are both Slayers. And you know what? We're going to need her."
Buffy's eyes widened. "You're not seriously suggesting we break Faith out of prison?"
Xander shook his head. "No, not break her out. But we need to talk to her, Buffy. Look, this fight we're heading into—it's bigger than just us. Malakar isn't going to stop at Sunnydale. If we're going to have a shot at winning, we're going to need more than just a soul-bound weapon. We're going to need an army."
Willow looked intrigued, her head tilting slightly. "An army? What are you thinking, Xander?"
Xander pushed off the counter, his mind already working through the idea. "We need to build alliances. We can't rely on just the Scooby Gang for every apocalypse-level threat. There are people out there—hunters, witches, people who deal with the supernatural all over the country. We've run into a few, but there are way more out there. If we can create an alliance, a network of people who know how to fight, we can call them in when we need backup."
Giles glanced up from his book, his eyebrows raised. "An interesting idea, Xander. A nationwide network of people who could be mobilized to assist in supernatural crises. That would certainly strengthen our efforts. But it will take time."
"We've got time," Xander said, pacing the room now, his energy building. "At least a year while the weapon is being forged. Let's not waste it. We can reach out, form alliances, and get organized. When Malakar comes, we won't just have a few of us standing in his way. We'll have an entire force."
Buffy crossed her arms, looking skeptical. "I don't know, Xander. Faith… she's unpredictable. And bringing in a bunch of people we don't know to fight a battle this big? It could get messy."
Xander stopped and looked at Buffy, his expression serious. "I get that, Buff. But look at what we're up against. This isn't like the Master or Angelus. Malakar is something else entirely. You've seen what's out there. We're going to need all the help we can get. Faith is still a Slayer. Whether you trust her or not, she has a role to play in this."
Willow chimed in, her voice softer. "Buffy, Xander's right. Faith might not have been in the best place when we last saw her, but she's still part of this. And if she's willing to help, we shouldn't turn her away."
Buffy sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I just don't know if we can trust her. But I get it. We need more than just us."
Xander's face softened as he looked at her. "We've been fighting together for years. But this isn't just about the Scoobies anymore. We can't do it all on our own. Faith deserves a shot at redemption, and we deserve a chance to win this thing. We don't have to trust her completely, but we need her in this fight."
Giles cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "It seems we have two objectives, then. First, we begin forging the weapon, and second, we reach out to potential allies, including Faith."
Oz, who had been quiet the entire time, finally spoke up. "I know a few hunters. People who travel, fight evil wherever they find it. They might be interested in helping."
Xander nodded, encouraged by Oz's words. "Exactly. And Willow, with your contacts in the witch community, we could build something that's never been done before. A coalition of people who know how to fight this kind of evil."
Willow smiled, her eyes lighting up. "I can definitely reach out. There are witches who owe me a favor or two."
Buffy sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly as she gave Xander a reluctant nod. "Alright. Let's do it. We'll talk to Faith, reach out to whoever we can. But I'm not making any promises about trusting her."
"That's all I ask," Xander said, his voice filled with gratitude.
The plan was set in motion. They had a year to forge the soul-bound weapon, but that didn't mean they would sit idle. Xander's idea of building an alliance could be the key to taking down Malakar when the time came. And even though the thought of facing Faith again was daunting, Buffy knew they didn't have the luxury of being picky.
Giles closed his book and stood. "I'll begin researching the materials we'll need for the forging process. Willow, perhaps you could help track down the necessary arcane components."
"On it," Willow said, already pulling out her laptop.
Buffy glanced at Xander. "And we'll reach out to Faith?"
Xander nodded, his resolve clear. "Yeah. It's time."
---
Duncan leaned back in his chair, his eyes flicking between Buffy and Xander as he weighed his next words carefully. The room was quiet, the gravity of the situation settling over them all. Xander's idea of creating an alliance had struck a chord with him, and after everything they had discussed, it was clear they would need more than just determination to make this plan work.
"You know," Duncan said, breaking the silence, "if you're serious about this alliance, you'll need more than just a few good people. You'll need resources—money, transportation, connections." He paused for a moment, glancing at Xander, then at Buffy. "I can help with that."
Xander blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Help how?"
Duncan smiled slightly. "I've lived for centuries, and over time, I've accumulated a decent fortune. If you're going to build this network, you're going to need a vehicle, some funding to get you started, and the ability to move quickly when a threat arises. I'll provide you with a car and enough money to get things rolling."
Buffy exchanged a glance with Xander, her eyes widening in surprise. "You're serious?" she asked.
"Very," Duncan replied. "In fact, I'm already thinking of a few Immortals I know who might be interested in joining your alliance. Good people, like Connor, who can be trusted to help when things go sideways. But you'll need to start building your own team, and from what you've told me, there's no shortage of people out there who could be valuable allies."
Xander let out a slow breath, processing the offer. "We were going to head back to California anyway. There are some people we need to reach out to. Faith, for one, and there are three sisters in San Francisco who have just come into their powers. I knew them in the other timeline. They'd be a powerful addition."
Buffy nodded, her mind already spinning with possibilities. "And I could reach out to a few people in LA, maybe even Angel will be willing to set up an alliance location there. I know he planned on moving there once our road trip is over. We need to be prepared for anything."
Duncan leaned forward, his expression serious. "Then it's settled. I'll get you set up with the vehicle and the money you'll need. In the meantime, I'll reach out to the Immortals I trust and see if they're willing to join. We're going to need all the help we can get."
Giles, who had been quietly listening, cleared his throat. "I believe I could be of use as well. There are a few Watchers back in Britain who might be interested in something like this. If we're going to build an alliance, it should be comprehensive. We'll need connections not just in America but globally."
Buffy looked at Giles, her brow furrowing slightly. "You'd go back to England?"
Giles nodded. "Only for a time. I'll return once I've secured their support, but this alliance will need a foundation, and I believe the Watchers Council, or at least some of its members, would be willing to offer assistance."
Xander leaned back, feeling the weight of the situation settle on his shoulders. "Alright," he said after a moment. "We've got a plan. Duncan, you'll reach out to your contacts. Giles, you head back to Britain and work your magic with the Watchers. Buffy and I will start recruiting on the West Coast."
Willow, who had been sitting quietly with Tara and Oz, finally spoke up. "Oz, Tara, and I can handle reaching out to other hunters and magic users. I've heard of a couple of brothers—Sam and Dean Winchester. They're hunters, and they've dealt with their share of supernatural threats. If anyone can help us track down other potential allies, it's them."
Oz nodded in agreement. "We'll track them down, see if they're interested."
Buffy stood up, a determined look in her eyes. "Alright. Let's make this happen. The sooner we start, the better."
Duncan rose from his chair as well, walking over to a small safe tucked behind the counter. He opened it and pulled out a set of keys and a thick envelope. "This should get you started," he said, handing the keys to Xander and the envelope to Buffy. "The car's parked out back. Use the money wisely. You're going to need all the resources you can get."
Xander accepted the keys, his mind already racing with plans for the road ahead. "Thanks, Duncan. For everything."
Duncan gave him a small nod. "Good luck, Xander. If anyone can stop what's coming, it's you."
---
The next morning, Xander and Buffy stood in the parking lot behind MacLeod Antiques, staring at the sleek black SUV Duncan had provided. It was more than they had expected—a high-end vehicle, fully equipped for long-distance travel and anything else they might need.
"Wow," Buffy muttered, running a hand over the hood. "Duncan really went all out, didn't he?"
Xander chuckled. "Yeah, I'm not complaining."
They loaded their gear into the back of the SUV, double-checking that they had everything they needed. Duncan had provided them with more than enough money to get started, and now it was up to them to build the alliance that would help them stop Malakar and whatever other threats lay ahead.
Buffy glanced at Xander as they climbed into the car. "So, San Francisco first?"
Xander nodded, starting the engine. "Yeah. I want to visit those three sisters I told you about. They were just starting to come into their powers when I knew them in the other timeline. I think they could be powerful allies. Plus, it gives us a chance to check in on Faith. Make sure she's okay."
Buffy settled back in her seat as they pulled out onto the road. "Let's hope she's in a good place. Last time I saw her, she wasn't exactly... stable."
Xander's expression darkened slightly. "Yeah. But if we can get through to her, she could be a real asset."
As they drove away from the city, the road stretching out ahead of them, Xander's mind drifted to the enormity of the task ahead. Building an alliance, forging a soul-bound weapon, and facing down Malakar—it was a lot to take in. But for the first time in a long while, he didn't feel alone. He had Buffy by his side, and a growing network of allies. Together, they had a chance.
The open road called to them, and with determination in their hearts, they headed west—toward the unknown, and the battles yet to come.