Buffy stretched her arms over her head, groaning as she leaned back against the hood of the car. The long drive had taken its toll on both of them. They were still a few hours away from New York, and the quiet rest stop they'd pulled into felt like a world away from their destination.
"Are you brooding again?" Buffy teased, noticing Xander standing a few feet away, staring at the trees. His expression was distant, lost in thought. "That's my job, you know."
Xander smirked, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Just thinking. Not really in a brooding— It's just I've spent so many years with the world no longer looking like this ya know?" Laughing dryly to himself before replying to his own question, "Of course you wouldn't."
Hiding the hurt his words caused her she moved on like he didn't say anything. "Yeah, well, take a break while you can. Something tells me we're going to need our strength."
Buffy rolled her neck, feeling the fatigue in her muscles. The road had been long, both literally and figuratively. Every mile brought them closer to New York, and closer to whatever mess was waiting for them there.
The quiet of the forest surrounding the diner was almost eerie, but for once, it was a welcome respite from the constant danger they'd been facing. They'd been running hard since they left Sunnydale, and though the thought California brought a sense of urgency, this stop gave them a brief moment to breathe.
"Do you think we're actually going to find help there?" Buffy asked, her voice more serious now.
Xander didn't answer right away, his mind still on the road ahead, on the fight waiting for them. "I hope so. The sisters were really something special. If we hadn't be so incredibly out numbered by Malakar's forces we might have won the final battle." He turned to face her, eyes shadowed with years of pain she couldn't fully understand yet. "We won't get far if we don't bring out all the wildcards now."
Buffy sighed. "Great. Just another Tuesday for us, huh?"
Before Xander could respond, the distant sound of rustling and crashing through the trees interrupted them, drawing both of their gazes toward the forest. Instantly on alert, Buffy stood straight, her hand instinctively moving toward the stake she kept tucked in her jacket.
"That doesn't sound like a happy woodland creature," she muttered.
"Definitely not Bambi," Xander replied, already reaching for his own weapon as they both moved cautiously toward the noise.
Their moment of peace had just ended.
---
The sound of crashing branches and heavy footsteps echoed through the trees as Buffy and Xander moved closer, cautiously pushing through the underbrush. The forest was dense, making it hard to see exactly what they were walking into, but the sounds of a struggle were unmistakable.
Buffy stopped suddenly, raising her hand to halt Xander behind her. "You hear that?" she whispered.
Xander nodded, his eyes narrowing as they both peered through the trees. Just ahead, a small clearing opened up, revealing the source of the noise. A red-haired girl—no older than them—was locked in a fierce battle with a hulking, feral-looking creature. His massive claws slashed through the air as she struggled to fend him off with bursts of telekinetic energy, glowing faintly around her.
"What in the—" Buffy's voice trailed off as she tried to process what she was seeing.
"Is that… a ThunderCat?" Xander asked incredulously, his tone laced with both awe and confusion. "Like, a rogue ThunderCat?"
Buffy squinted at the massive, fur-covered figure as it roared and lunged toward the girl. "It kind of does look like one. Didn't think they were real, though."
"I'm telling you, it's a ThunderCat," Xander insisted, his voice taking on an odd mix of excitement and disbelief. "Looks like Lion-O had a bad day."
"Focus, Xander," Buffy snapped, her attention locked on the girl, who was being thrown backward by the creature's latest attack. "We've got to help her!"
Without another word, Buffy charged forward, her instincts kicking in as she sprinted across the clearing toward the fight. Xander followed close behind, his weapon ready in hand.
The creature—definitely not a ThunderCat—was in the middle of delivering another vicious swipe when Buffy threw herself between the red-haired girl and the hulking figure.
"Hey, kitty!" Buffy shouted, drawing the creature's attention. "Wanna try someone your own size?"
The creature growled, turning its feral gaze toward Buffy. Up close, it looked even more terrifying—its massive frame rippling with muscle, claws glinting in the faint light as it stalked toward her.
Buffy dodged the first swing easily, rolling under its arm and delivering a quick kick to its side. The impact sent the creature stumbling, but not for long. It recovered almost instantly, lunging at her again with surprising speed for something so large.
Xander, meanwhile, rushed over to the redhead, who was slowly getting back to her feet. "You okay?" he asked, offering her a hand.
She nodded, though her face was pale and her eyes still glowed faintly with telekinetic energy. "I just… need a second," she muttered, her voice breathless.
"Take your time," Xander replied, glancing over at Buffy, who was now locked in a fierce exchange of blows with the creature. "We've got this… I think."
Buffy ducked under another wild swing from the creature, her Slayer reflexes keeping her one step ahead of its attacks. She landed a solid punch to its side, but the beast barely flinched, snarling as it swung at her again.
"Xander!" Buffy shouted over her shoulder as she dodged another swipe. "A little help here!"
Xander looked back at the redhead, who was still trying to regain her composure. "Uh, redhead? Now would be a great time to bring the psychic mojo."
The girl—Jean Grey—took a deep breath, her eyes glowing brighter as she gathered her strength. With a sharp gesture, she sent a powerful telekinetic blast toward the creature, lifting it off its feet and sending it crashing into a tree with a deafening thud.
The creature—who Xander now realized was most likely not a Thundercat—let out a roar of pain, but it was already getting back to its feet, its feral eyes locked on Jean once more.
"Definitely not a ThunderCat," Xander muttered, watching the scene unfold.
"No kidding, genius," Buffy quipped, her eyes still on Sabretooth as she prepared for the next round.
Jean, her powers still flickering, raised her hands again, summoning another wave of telekinetic force. "I don't know how long I can keep him down," she warned.
Buffy cracked her knuckles, settling into a fighting stance. "Don't worry. Between the three of us, we'll make sure this cat learns some manners."
Sabretooth roared, charging at them once more with terrifying speed. Buffy moved first, ducking under his attack and delivering a hard kick to his knee. The blow barely slowed him, and Sabretooth retaliated with a vicious swipe that Buffy narrowly dodged.
Xander, seeing an opening, rushed in from the side, swinging his axe at Sabretooth's back. The impact landed solidly, but Sabretooth barely flinched, whipping around to face him with a snarl.
"Okay, lesson learned," Xander muttered, backing up quickly as Sabretooth lunged at him. "Definitely not taking him head-on."
Jean, regaining some of her strength, sent another telekinetic blast toward Sabretooth, knocking him off balance for a moment. "He's stronger than I thought," she said, her voice strained. "But we can't let him keep coming at us like this."
Buffy nodded, her gaze never leaving Sabretooth. "We've got to wear him down. Keep hitting him from all sides."
With a shared look of determination, the three of them moved in sync. Buffy attacked from the front, dodging and delivering quick strikes to Sabretooth's body, while Xander flanked him, using his weapon to distract and block. Jean, from a distance, used her telekinesis to throw debris and rocks at Sabretooth, keeping him off balance.
The fight was relentless, but slowly, they began to wear Sabretooth down. Each hit, each blast of telekinetic energy chipped away at his strength. After what felt like an eternity of fighting, Jean gathered all of her remaining power and unleashed a massive telekinetic wave, lifting Sabretooth into the air and slamming him into the ground with a bone-crushing force.
The clearing fell silent, save for the heavy breathing of Buffy, Xander, and Jean. Sabretooth lay motionless, his body sprawled across the ground.
Buffy wiped her brow, glancing at the fallen creature. "That should hold him… for now."
Jean, her hands still trembling from the effort, nodded. "He'll be back. Sabretooth doesn't stay down for long."
Buffy gave a sideways glance to Xander, who was leaning against a tree, catching his breath. "Guess we're not in Sunnydale anymore."
Xander smirked, though his exhaustion was clear. "Yeah, and next time, I vote we don't pick fights with anything that looks remotely like a ThunderCat."
Jean, though tired, managed a small smile. "Thanks for the help. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't shown up."
Buffy shrugged, trying to catch her breath. "No biggie. We fight stuff like this all the time."
Jean looked between them, her eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity. "You two… know about this kind of thing? About the other side of the world?"
Buffy crossed her arms. "You could say that. We're from Sunnydale."
Jean's expression remained blank. "Sunnydale?"
Xander grinned. "You know, Hellmouth Central? Demons, vampires, the occasional apocalypse—your standard town."
Jean blinked, her confusion turning into realization. "Hellmouth? You're serious?"
Buffy smirked. "Dead serious."
Jean let out a breath of relief, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Okay… maybe we can help each other."
---
Buffy, Xander, and Jean regrouped near the edge of the forest, their adrenaline still high after the intense battle with Sabretooth. Despite the temporary victory, the weight of their situation pressed down on them. Jean was breathing heavily, trying to center herself after using so much of her power. Xander was leaning against a tree, catching his breath, while Buffy kept watch over the clearing, her eyes scanning the trees for any sign of movement.
"We need to get out of here," Jean finally said, wiping sweat from her forehead. "Sabretooth might be down, but he won't stay down for long. He'll come back, and next time he won't be alone."
Buffy shot a glance over at Xander, who nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I don't want to be here when round two kicks off," Xander said. "We should head back to the car and figure out where we can go from here."
Buffy gave one last wary glance at the motionless form of Sabretooth before turning back toward the trees. "Agreed. Let's move before the big furball decides to wake up and play fetch again."
Jean followed them as they made their way through the woods, but her mind was clearly elsewhere. As they walked, she couldn't help but glance at Xander, her brow furrowed in thought. She had sensed something different about him during the fight—something beyond just his snarky attitude and quick reflexes. There was a depth to him, a heavy burden that he carried, and it intrigued her.
"Sunnydale," Jean said aloud, her voice cutting through the silence. "You guys mentioned it earlier. What exactly is it? You called it a Hellmouth?"
Xander exchanged a brief look with Buffy, silently communicating through years of shared experiences. Buffy shrugged, as if saying, 'You explain it.'
"It's… complicated," Xander began, trying to find the simplest way to explain what Sunnydale was. "Basically, the Hellmouth is a literal gateway to hell. It's a hotspot for all things supernatural—demons, vampires, dark magic—you name it, we've dealt with it."
Jean raised an eyebrow, processing this information. "A gateway to hell? And you just… live there?"
Buffy smirked. "Yeah, well, someone's gotta keep the town from being overrun by demons. It's kind of our thing."
Jean blinked, clearly not expecting that kind of nonchalance. "And you've been doing this for… how long?"
"Too long," Xander said, his tone tinged with dark humor. "I mean, Buffy's been at it since high school. Me? I kind of stumbled into it. Got my fair share of battle scars, though."
Buffy shot him a look, her expression softening. "You didn't just stumble into it, Xand. You've been fighting alongside me since day one. You're as much a part of this as anyone."
Jean remained silent, digesting their words. "So, you're like… superheroes? Is that what this is?"
Buffy laughed at the notion. "Superheroes? Nah, we don't have capes or cool code names. We're just trying to survive and stop the world from ending. You know, regular stuff."
Xander chimed in with a smirk. "Yeah, saving the world is more of a side hustle. Full-time job is staying alive."
Jean chuckled at their banter, but her thoughts quickly returned to the gravity of the situation. "I guess that makes sense, considering what you've been through. But still… a Hellmouth. That's not something you hear about every day."
Buffy sighed, glancing over at Jean. "Trust me, we didn't exactly sign up for this. It just… kind of happened. You learn to adapt, or you don't make it. Simple as that."
As they neared the clearing where their car was parked, Xander suddenly stopped, his expression darkening as his eyes shifted back toward Jean. "You said something earlier about Sabretooth not being alone. What did you mean by that?"
Jean hesitated, clearly trying to figure out how much she could trust them with the information she was about to share. "There's a group—an organization. They call themselves the Brotherhood of Mutants. Sabretooth is one of them, but there are others. They're all dangerous, and they're following orders from someone even more dangerous."
Buffy frowned, her curiosity piqued. "And who's giving those orders?"
Jean sighed, her voice lowering as if the very name made her uncomfortable. "Magneto. He's… powerful. One of the most powerful mutants in existence. He believes that mutants are superior to humans and that we should be the ones in control. He's gathering mutants to join his cause, to fight for what he calls 'mutant supremacy.'"
"Charming," Xander muttered. "Sounds like a fun guy to be around."
Jean's expression grew darker. "He's not someone you want to cross. And he's definitely not someone you want to underestimate. He's got a vision for the world, and he'll do anything to make it a reality."
Buffy shook her head in disbelief. "So this guy wants to start a war between humans and mutants?"
Jean nodded grimly. "That's exactly what he wants. He sees humans as a threat to our existence, and he believes that the only way to ensure our survival is to take control. He's convinced that it's only a matter of time before humans turn on us, and he's preparing for that eventuality."
Xander crossed his arms, his brow furrowed in thought. "And what about you? Where do you fit into all this?"
Jean hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the question. "I'm part of a different group. We don't believe in Magneto's vision. We believe that humans and mutants can coexist. My team… we try to stop people like him."
"Your team?" Buffy asked, raising an eyebrow. "What, are you part of a mutant version of the Avengers or something?"
Jean smiled faintly, though there was a sadness behind it. "We call ourselves the X-Men. We're a group of mutants, led by a man named Professor Xavier. He believes that mutants can live in harmony with humans, but we have to fight to protect that future."
Buffy and Xander exchanged a look, clearly processing this new information.
"Okay," Buffy said after a moment. "So, let me get this straight. You've got Magneto, who wants to start a war between humans and mutants. Then you've got your X-Men team trying to stop him and prevent all-out chaos. And now Sabretooth is after you because… what? Magneto wants you on his side?"
Jean nodded, her expression grim. "Exactly. Magneto knows how powerful I am, and he wants to recruit me for his cause. But I won't do it. I won't fight for his vision of the future."
"Good call," Xander said with a nod of approval. "We've already got enough apocalypse scenarios to deal with."
Buffy glanced around, her Slayer instincts kicking in as she surveyed their surroundings. "We should keep moving. If Sabretooth's with this Brotherhood, they might already be looking for him."
Jean nodded in agreement. "You're right. We can't stay here. I need to contact my team—let them know what's going on."
Xander reached into his pocket, pulling out his cell phone. "Any chance they've got a hotline?"
Jean smiled slightly but shook her head. "I need to use my communicator. We've got a secure line that'll go directly to the mansion. If I can get through to them, they can send someone to pick me up."
Buffy looked back at the car. "Let's get back on the road. You can call your team once we're in a safer spot."
The three of them hurried toward the car, the tension still lingering in the air as they prepared for whatever came next. As they climbed into the vehicle, Buffy took one last glance over her shoulder, her Slayer instincts on high alert.
They weren't out of the woods yet—literally or figuratively.
---
The old diner's neon sign flickered in the distance as Xander pulled the car into the parking lot, the wheels crunching over loose gravel. It was the kind of place that seemed frozen in time, the kind you'd expect truckers and locals to frequent—quiet, out of the way, and perfect for a momentary respite. The sky had darkened completely by now, the stars just starting to peek out from the vast expanse above them.
Buffy stretched in her seat, glancing toward the diner's worn facade. "Well, this looks cozy," she muttered, though her tone hinted at anything but comfort.
Jean, still in the backseat, glanced nervously at her communicator, fiddling with the device as if hoping it would suddenly start working properly. Xander kept the engine idling for a moment longer, his eyes darting between the empty parking lot and the shadowy tree line beyond.
"Something feels off," Xander muttered, his voice low. "I don't like it."
Buffy turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "What? The creepy old diner vibe? Or the fact that we're sitting ducks in the middle of nowhere?"
Xander shot her a look, his brow furrowed. "Both. But mostly the sitting ducks part."
Jean finally spoke up, her voice tense. "We need to get inside and regroup. I've been trying to reach my team, but Sabretooth's interference earlier must have knocked out my comms. I can't get a strong enough signal out here."
Buffy sighed and pushed open the door, stepping out into the cool night air. "Well, let's grab a booth, order some terrible coffee, and figure out what's next."
Xander followed, keeping his senses on high alert as he scanned the area. The shadows seemed to stretch and shift unnaturally in the dim light of the parking lot, but there was no immediate threat. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was watching them.
Jean climbed out of the backseat, glancing nervously toward the trees. "We should move quickly," she urged. "If Sabretooth's working with the Brotherhood, they'll be looking for me. Magneto doesn't take no for an answer."
Buffy led the way toward the diner entrance, her hand hovering near her stake as she approached the door. "No one ever does," she muttered under her breath. She pushed open the door, the little bell above it jingling to announce their arrival.
The interior of the diner was exactly as expected—faded vinyl booths, cracked linoleum floors, and the smell of fried food clinging to the air. A lone waitress stood behind the counter, her back turned to them as she refilled a coffee pot. Other than her, the place was completely empty.
Buffy, Xander, and Jean slid into a booth near the window, away from the entrance but close enough to the door to make a quick escape if necessary. Xander kept one hand resting on the hilt of the knife he kept tucked in his jacket, a habit he'd developed over the years of fighting for survival.
"So, what's the plan now?" Xander asked, keeping his voice low as he leaned across the table toward Jean.
Jean bit her lip, glancing nervously at the communicator in her hand. "I need to try again," she said, her voice filled with frustration. "I can't reach the mansion from here, but if we can find somewhere with better reception…"
Buffy leaned back in the booth, arms crossed. "You mean somewhere less isolated?"
Jean nodded. "Exactly. We need a location that isn't surrounded by trees or interference. Somewhere open."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Of course we do. Why not add 'somewhere not crawling with mutant terrorists' to the list while we're at it?"
Xander grinned, though there was no humor behind it. "Hey, we're already in mutant terrorist territory, Buff. Might as well make it official."
The waitress finally approached their table, her tired eyes barely registering their presence as she pulled out a notepad. "What can I get ya?" she asked, her voice monotone.
Buffy glanced up at her. "Just coffee. Strong."
Xander nodded. "Make that two."
Jean gave a tight smile. "Nothing for me, thanks."
The waitress scribbled down the order and shuffled back toward the counter, leaving the three of them alone once more. The silence between them was thick with tension, the weight of what they had just been through and what was likely still to come hanging heavily in the air.
Xander kept his gaze fixed on the window, his unease growing with every passing minute. "We should make this quick," he muttered. "We can't stay here too long."
Jean looked at him, concern etched across her face. "Do you think they're close?"
Xander shrugged, but his grip on the knife tightened. "I don't know. But I don't want to wait around to find out."
Buffy was about to respond when the bell above the door jingled again. All three of them tensed instinctively, their heads turning toward the entrance.
Four figures stepped into the diner, their presence immediately setting off alarm bells in Buffy's head. The first was a hulking figure, his massive frame barely fitting through the doorway. His face was covered in shadow, but there was no mistaking the brute force that radiated from him. Behind him, three others fanned out—each of them moving with a predatory grace that screamed 'trouble.'
Jean's face went pale as she recognized them. "The Brotherhood," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Xander cursed under his breath. "Of course they show up right when we're trying to lay low."
Buffy's eyes narrowed, her hand tightening around the stake hidden in her jacket. "Guess we're not getting that coffee after all."
The leader of the group, a burly man with a bald head and thick arms covered in tattoos, scanned the diner with a menacing grin. "Well, well, well. Looks like we found our runaway mutant."
Jean's breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest as she glanced between Buffy and Xander. "What do we do?"
Buffy leaned in slightly, her voice calm but firm. "Stay close to me. We're not letting them take you."
The man—Blob, Jean realized with a sinking feeling—stepped forward, his grin widening. "You're coming with us, Grey. Magneto wants a word."
Buffy rolled her eyes, pushing herself to her feet and standing between Jean and the Brotherhood. "Yeah, I don't think so. You'll have to go through me first."
Blob's grin faltered, and his eyes narrowed as he sized Buffy up. "You think you can take me, little girl?"
Buffy raised an eyebrow, her confidence unwavering. "I've taken down bigger things than you. Trust me."
Toad, a lanky, frog-like mutant with a long tongue, snickered from behind Blob. "She's got a mouth on her. I say we teach her some respect."
Before anyone could react, Avalanche, one of the other Brotherhood members, slammed his hands down on the diner floor, sending a powerful tremor through the building. The floor shook violently, causing the tables and chairs to rattle and tip over. The walls cracked as the tremors grew stronger, and the lights above flickered ominously.
Jean yelped as she was thrown off balance, her powers flaring up instinctively as she tried to keep herself steady. Buffy stumbled but quickly regained her footing, shooting a glare at Avalanche.
"Okay, that's it," Buffy growled, her patience wearing thin. "You asked for it."
Without hesitation, Buffy launched herself at Blob, her fists flying with speed and precision. Blob laughed as her punches landed against his massive frame, barely flinching under the force of her attacks.
"Nice try, girly," Blob sneered, grabbing Buffy by the arm and tossing her aside like a ragdoll.
Buffy hit the ground hard but rolled to her feet quickly, her Slayer instincts kicking in. "Okay, plan B."
Xander, meanwhile, had already pulled his knife and was moving to intercept Toad, who was darting around the diner with unnatural speed. Toad's long, slimy tongue lashed out at Xander, but Xander dodged, slashing at the air with his blade.
"Gross," Xander muttered, sidestepping another attack. "Seriously, who fights with their tongue?"
Toad grinned wickedly, clearly enjoying the chase. "It's an acquired taste."
Xander rolled his eyes, ducking as Toad's tongue whipped toward him again. "Yeah, well, I'm not interested."
As the chaos unfolded, Jean struggled to focus her telekinetic powers, her mind racing with fear and adrenaline. She knew she needed to do something—anything—to stop the Brotherhood from taking her. But the more she tried to concentrate, the more her powers faltered.
"Jean!" Buffy shouted, her voice cutting through the noise. "Focus! You've got this!"
Jean clenched her fists, taking a deep breath as she centered herself. Slowly, she raised her hands, her telekinetic energy swirling around her as she summoned the strength to push back against the Brotherhood.
With a fierce cry, Jean unleashed a wave of telekinetic force, sending Blob, Toad, and Avalanche crashing into the far wall of the diner. The impact shook the entire building, and the Brotherhood members groaned as they tried to recover from the sudden assault.
Buffy gave Jean an approving nod. "Nice work."
Jean's chest heaved as she caught her breath, her eyes still glowing faintly from the use of her powers. "We need to get out of here," she said, her voice urgent. "They won't stay down for long."
Xander wiped the sweat from his brow, his knife still at the ready. "Agreed. Let's move."
As the trio bolted for the diner's exit, Jean sent one last telekinetic blast toward the Brotherhood, buying them just enough time to make their escape.
---
The night air hit them like a wall as Buffy, Xander, and Jean burst out of the diner and onto the cracked asphalt of the parking lot. Behind them, the sound of Avalanche groaning and Blob struggling to get back on his feet echoed through the crumbling walls of the diner. They didn't have much time before the Brotherhood was up and ready for round two.
"Where's the car?" Jean gasped, looking around frantically.
Buffy scanned the parking lot, her keen Slayer senses on high alert. "There!" she pointed toward the far side of the lot where their car was parked, partially hidden by a cluster of trees.
Xander was already ahead of them, sprinting toward the car as his boots crunched against the gravel. He didn't look back—there was no time. His mind was racing, every instinct screaming that they needed to move faster. Jean's telekinetic blast had bought them a few moments, but the Brotherhood was relentless, and they would recover quickly.
"Get in the car!" Xander shouted over his shoulder as he yanked open the driver's side door.
Buffy and Jean were right behind him, both diving into the vehicle just as the sound of crashing rubble and angry shouts erupted from inside the diner. Xander jammed the key into the ignition, his heart pounding as he started the engine. The headlights flared to life, illuminating the gravel lot in a harsh glow.
"They're coming!" Jean cried, glancing over her shoulder at the diner's entrance. Sure enough, the door was ripped off its hinges as Blob came barreling out, followed closely by Avalanche and Toad.
Buffy twisted in her seat, eyes narrowed. "Step on it, Xander!"
"Working on it!" Xander growled, slamming his foot on the gas pedal. The car lurched forward, tires screeching as they sped out of the parking lot and onto the empty road beyond. The engine roared as Xander pushed it to its limits, his hands gripping the steering wheel with white-knuckled intensity.
The Brotherhood wasn't far behind. As the car sped down the road, Buffy glanced out the back window and saw Blob charging after them with surprising speed for someone his size. Behind him, Avalanche raised his hands, his powers sparking to life again.
"Xander, he's gonna—"
Before Buffy could finish her sentence, the ground beneath them rumbled violently. A crack snaked its way down the road, splitting the asphalt in two as a massive tremor shook the earth. The car swerved wildly as Xander fought to keep control, the tires skidding across the fractured pavement.
"Hold on!" Xander shouted as he wrenched the steering wheel to the right, narrowly avoiding a large chunk of the road that had crumbled away. The car fishtailed but kept moving, the engine roaring as they sped forward.
Jean, her face pale and strained, focused her telekinetic energy on the car, stabilizing it as best she could while they bounced and swerved across the broken road. "I can't hold this much longer!" she gasped, her voice tight with effort.
Buffy glanced out the window again, her eyes locking on the rapidly approaching figure of Avalanche. He was grinning, clearly enjoying the chaos he was causing. "Xander, we need to get out of his range!"
"I'm trying!" Xander snapped, his voice laced with frustration. The road ahead was treacherous, with cracks and debris littering the path. But they were gaining some distance. If they could just keep moving, maybe they'd have a chance.
But Avalanche wasn't done. With a wave of his hand, he sent another tremor racing down the road. This time, the ground in front of them buckled and cracked, sending debris flying into the air.
"Watch out!" Jean screamed.
Xander jerked the wheel to the left, narrowly avoiding a falling chunk of concrete. The car swerved dangerously close to the edge of the road, the tires skidding on the loose gravel. For a moment, it seemed like they were going to crash, but Xander managed to pull the car back onto the road, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Okay, that was close," he muttered, his voice tight with adrenaline.
Buffy's gaze flicked between the road and the rearview mirror. Blob was still behind them, but he was starting to fall back, his massive bulk slowing him down. Toad was nowhere to be seen, probably lost in the chaos of Avalanche's destruction.
"Is he giving up?" Buffy asked, her tone hopeful.
"Not a chance," Xander replied grimly. "He's too stubborn for that."
Jean sat up straighter in her seat, her eyes wide with realization. "No… he's not giving up. He's waiting for something."
Buffy shot her a questioning look. "Waiting for what?"
As if in answer, the night air was suddenly filled with the deafening roar of a motorcycle engine. Buffy's eyes widened as she turned toward the sound, her stomach sinking as a figure on a sleek black motorcycle appeared in the distance, speeding toward them with alarming speed.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Xander groaned, recognizing the rider instantly.
It was Sabretooth.
The feral mutant's massive frame was hunched over the handlebars, his golden eyes gleaming in the darkness as he closed the distance between them with terrifying speed. His teeth were bared in a predatory grin, and his claws gleamed in the moonlight as he revved the engine, the sound echoing through the night.
"He's not gonna stop, is he?" Buffy asked, her voice tense.
"Does he ever?" Xander muttered under his breath, glancing at the road ahead. There was no way they could outrun Sabretooth—not on a motorcycle. And the road ahead was still littered with debris from Avalanche's attacks. They were running out of options.
Jean's breath quickened, panic flashing across her face as she turned to Xander and Buffy. "What do we do? We can't outrun him!"
Buffy clenched her jaw, her mind racing. They couldn't stop, but they couldn't keep driving aimlessly, either. Sooner or later, Sabretooth would catch up to them, and when he did…
"Jean," Buffy said suddenly, her voice calm but firm. "Can you stop the bike?"
Jean blinked, her expression confused. "Stop the bike?"
Buffy nodded, her eyes fixed on Sabretooth in the distance. "You've got telekinesis, right? Can you use it to throw something in his way? Or… stop him?"
Jean hesitated, her brow furrowing. "I… I can try."
Xander glanced at Buffy, understanding dawning in his eyes. "If we can knock Sabretooth off that bike, it'll slow him down. Long enough for us to get away."
Jean swallowed hard, nodding as she focused her powers. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath as she summoned her telekinetic energy. The air around them seemed to hum with power as Jean extended her hand toward the motorcycle in the distance.
Sabretooth was getting closer, his grin widening as he revved the engine again. He was practically within striking distance now, his claws outstretched and ready to tear into them.
Jean's eyes snapped open, glowing with a fierce light. With a sharp motion, she sent a wave of telekinetic force crashing into the ground in front of Sabretooth's bike. The road buckled and cracked beneath him, sending chunks of asphalt flying into the air.
Sabretooth's eyes widened in surprise as the ground shifted beneath his wheels. He tried to swerve, but it was too late. The bike hit a massive chunk of debris, flipping end over end as Sabretooth was thrown from the seat.
The feral mutant let out a roar of rage as he was sent flying through the air, crashing into the dirt with a heavy thud. His bike skidded across the road, sparking as it tumbled to a stop.
Jean gasped, her hands shaking as the glow around her eyes faded. "I did it…"
Buffy let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Nice work, Jean."
Xander nodded, his grip on the steering wheel loosening slightly. "Yeah. That should buy us some time."
But even as they sped away from the wreckage, Sabretooth's roar echoed in the distance, a reminder that the fight was far from over.
---
The roar of the motorcycle faded behind them as they sped down the cracked highway, Sabretooth's fallen figure shrinking in the rearview mirror. For a moment, silence filled the car, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional crackle of the radio. It was a silence heavy with relief, but it was also a silence that couldn't last. There were too many unanswered questions hanging between them, too many shadows that loomed on the horizon.
Buffy, in the passenger seat, leaned her head back against the headrest, her eyes closed but her mind racing. She could still feel the adrenaline pumping through her veins, her Slayer instincts on high alert after the fight. She knew they weren't out of the woods yet—not by a long shot.
"Nice job back there," Buffy said after a beat, her voice slightly strained. She glanced at Jean, who was sitting in the backseat, still visibly shaken but determined to keep her composure. "That thing with the motorcycle? Pretty impressive."
Jean gave a small, tired smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thanks," she said quietly. "But Sabretooth won't stay down for long. He's tougher than he looks. He'll be back."
"Yeah, well, we'll deal with him when the time comes," Xander said, his voice steady as he kept his eyes on the road ahead. The tension in his body had eased somewhat since Sabretooth's fall, but it hadn't disappeared entirely. He knew that the Brotherhood wouldn't stop. They weren't the kind of threat that gave up easily. "We've handled worse than him."
Buffy raised an eyebrow at that. "Have we, though?" she muttered under her breath, casting a glance in the rearview mirror to make sure Jean hadn't heard her. The truth was, mutants like Sabretooth weren't something they had much experience with. Demons? Sure. Vampires? Definitely. Rogue gods? No problem. But this whole "mutant" thing was new territory, and it made Buffy uneasy.
Jean caught the look Buffy gave Xander and sighed softly, her fingers nervously playing with the fabric of her jacket. "You're right to be cautious. The Brotherhood… they're dangerous. But they're not just after me for some personal vendetta. This is bigger than that. Magneto's planning something—something big. And I'm just one piece of the puzzle."
Buffy turned in her seat, looking over her shoulder at Jean. "So, why you? What makes you such a big target?"
Jean hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. It was clear she didn't want to get into the details, but after everything that had happened, she knew she owed them some kind of explanation. "I'm a telepath. And a telekinetic. My powers… they're strong. Too strong, sometimes. And Magneto thinks he can use that—use me—for his agenda."
Buffy frowned, absorbing that information. "So he wants to control you. Weaponize you."
Jean nodded, her jaw tightening. "Exactly. He wants me on his side, and if I don't cooperate… well, you saw what Sabretooth and the others are willing to do."
Xander glanced at Buffy, his expression thoughtful. "Sounds like the guy's trying to build an army. One he can control."
Jean's shoulders slumped slightly, her exhaustion finally showing through. "That's exactly what he's doing. And if he succeeds… it won't just be mutants in danger. The whole world will be."
A heavy silence fell over the car once again as they let Jean's words sink in. It wasn't just about her anymore. It was about something bigger—something that could spiral out of control if Magneto wasn't stopped.
Buffy rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Great. So we're looking at another world-ending threat. Just what I needed."
Xander chuckled dryly, though there was little humor in it. "Hey, at least it's consistent with our lives, right? Every time we think we're done saving the world, something new comes along."
Jean, despite her exhaustion, managed a small smile. "Seems like we've all got that in common."
The car continued to speed down the road, the dim glow of the distant city lights starting to appear on the horizon. They were getting closer to their destination, but Buffy could feel the tension rising again. They were still too exposed, too vulnerable. And Sabretooth and the Brotherhood weren't the kind of enemies that let their prey get away so easily.
"How far is the X-Men's mansion?" Xander asked, his voice calm but with a hint of urgency.
Jean glanced at the GPS on her phone, her brow furrowing. "We're still a couple of hours away, but I've already contacted them. They're sending a jet to pick me up. We just need to get to a safe spot where they can land."
Buffy nodded. "Good. The sooner we're out of this, the better."
The sound of the engine hummed beneath them as the car cruised down the highway, but the tension inside the car was palpable. Buffy could feel the weight of everything pressing down on her—the Brotherhood, Magneto, the uncertainty of what was coming next. It wasn't the first time she'd faced an impossible situation, but something about this felt different. Bigger.
After a few minutes of silence, Jean spoke up again, her voice quiet but sincere. "I'm sorry I dragged you into this. You didn't ask for any of this."
Buffy turned in her seat, giving Jean a soft but firm look. "We're not exactly strangers to trouble. And you didn't drag us into anything. We made the choice to help. That's what we do."
Xander nodded in agreement, his voice more serious than usual. "Yeah. And besides, it's not like we were just going to sit around and let Sabretooth tear you apart back there."
Jean smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes despite the situation. "Thank you. I don't know what would've happened if you two hadn't shown up when you did."
Buffy shrugged, trying to keep the mood light despite the seriousness of their situation. "Hey, it's all part of the job. We see someone in trouble, we jump in. Slayer code."
Jean chuckled softly. "I could've used someone like you on my team a long time ago."
Buffy smirked, leaning back in her seat. "Don't tempt me. I've already got enough world-saving on my plate without adding mutant wars to the list."
Xander, sensing the slight lift in the tension, grinned. "Yeah, we're already in over our heads with demons, Hellmouths, and apocalypses. Adding mutants to the mix might be too much for even us."
But despite the attempt at humor, Buffy could tell that the weight of everything was still pressing down on Jean. She was tough—anyone who could stand up to Sabretooth and hold their own had to be—but there was something in her eyes, a flicker of doubt or fear, that made Buffy realize just how much was at stake for her.
Buffy glanced out the window at the dark highway, her thoughts drifting to the days ahead. They had faced plenty of big bads before, but this felt different. They weren't just dealing with supernatural forces—they were stepping into a whole new world of conflict. A world that was unfamiliar and dangerous in ways they hadn't fully prepared for.
"You're going to make it through this," Buffy said quietly, her voice steady as she looked back at Jean. "I don't know much about this Magneto guy, but you're strong. You held your own out there, and you've got your team coming for you. You're not alone in this fight."
Jean met Buffy's gaze, her expression softening. "I appreciate that. Really. But this fight… it's bigger than me. It's bigger than any one of us."
Buffy nodded, her eyes dark. "Yeah. I get that."
The car fell into silence again, but this time it wasn't the tense, anxious silence from before. It was the kind of silence that comes when people are preparing themselves for what's ahead—when they know they're on the edge of something big and dangerous, but they're ready to face it head-on.
As they neared the outskirts of the city, Buffy could feel that edge creeping closer. She didn't know what they were about to walk into, but she knew one thing for sure: they weren't going to back down. Not now.
Xander glanced at Buffy, his usual sarcasm slipping away as his voice turned serious. "You think we'll ever get a break from this, Buff?"
Buffy smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "If we ever do, I don't think we'd know what to do with it."
The city lights loomed ahead, and with them, the next step in their fight.
---
The car's tires screeched as Xander floored the accelerator, their only option being to outrun the Brotherhood. They darted past the scattered mutants, Avalanche and Toad already recovering from their earlier hits. Blob, however, was barely phased by the onslaught and was gearing up for another charge.
"Think that'll hold them?" Buffy asked, gripping the armrest as they sped past the crumbling blockade.
Xander's jaw tightened as he kept his eyes on the road, glancing in the rearview mirror. "Not for long. They're persistent. But we've got a head start."
Jean, her breathing still ragged from the telekinetic outburst, leaned back in the seat, staring out the window. "We just have to hold out until my team gets here."
Buffy nodded, though her eyes remained fixed ahead, scanning the road for any signs of more danger. "And then we hit back hard."
But just as they thought they'd made it through, a deafening crash sounded from behind them. The road beneath their car began to rumble, a tremor far more powerful than the earlier quakes. Xander struggled to keep the car steady as Avalanche, his face twisted in fury, sent a massive shockwave barreling down the highway. The asphalt buckled and cracked beneath them, sending chunks of debris flying into the air.
"Xander!" Buffy yelled, her grip tightening on the dashboard.
Xander jerked the wheel hard to the right, narrowly avoiding a gaping fissure that had opened up in the middle of the road. The car skidded sideways, bouncing over the uneven ground as the tremor continued to spread.
Jean's eyes widened in terror as she watched the Brotherhood regroup in the distance, Avalanche at the forefront, his hands glowing with destructive energy.
"They're not letting us go!" Jean shouted, her voice rising with panic.
A second shockwave hit, this one even more intense than the first. The car swerved violently, careening toward the edge of the road. Xander fought to maintain control, but the car spun out, the tires skidding across the crumbling pavement.
"Hold on!" Xander gritted out, his knuckles white as he yanked the steering wheel, trying to prevent them from sliding off the road entirely.
But it was too late.
With a loud screech of metal, the car crashed into a ditch on the side of the highway, the impact jarring all of them. The force of the collision sent them lurching forward, and for a moment, everything went silent.
Buffy was the first to recover, quickly unbuckling her seatbelt and kicking open the door. "Everyone okay?" she called, already moving to check on Jean and Xander.
Xander groaned as he sat up, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… just add 'crashing into ditches' to our list of heroic feats."
Jean was already climbing out of the backseat, her expression tense. "We can't stay here. They're coming."
Buffy turned, and her heart sank as she saw the Brotherhood advancing. They were closer now, their figures ominous in the dim light of the night. Avalanche raised his hands again, the ground beneath him beginning to glow with energy.
"They're not going to stop," Buffy muttered, her jaw tightening. "We're sitting ducks out here."
Xander stood up beside her, eyes scanning the wrecked car and the uneven terrain around them. "We need a plan, fast."
But before they could even begin to formulate a strategy, Avalanche slammed his fists into the ground once more. The earth split open, sending a massive shockwave toward them. The force of the tremor knocked them off their feet, and the ground beneath them began to give way.
Jean, her telekinetic power flickering in and out as she struggled to maintain control, managed to throw up a shield, but it was already starting to crack under the strain.
Buffy scrambled to her feet, her eyes darting between the approaching Brotherhood and the unstable ground beneath them. "We can't keep this up much longer!"
Xander, breathing heavily as he pulled himself up, looked over at Jean. "Any sign of your team yet?"
Jean shook her head, her face pale with exhaustion. "They're close, but—"
Her words were cut off by the roar of Blob charging toward them, his massive form looming larger with each passing second. Buffy moved to intercept him, but a second shockwave sent her tumbling to the ground again.
Avalanche smirked as he watched them struggle. "Give it up, Grey! You're not getting out of this one."
Jean's shield flickered one last time before shattering completely, the energy dissipating into the night. She collapsed to her knees, gasping for breath.
Xander's eyes widened. "Jean!"
But before he could move to help her, the ground beneath them began to crumble. A gaping chasm opened up, splitting the highway in two. Buffy, Xander, and Jean were trapped on one side, while the Brotherhood stood triumphantly on the other.
"Looks like the game's over," Toad sneered, his tongue flicking out as he leapt toward them.
Buffy and Xander braced themselves, their backs against the crumbling cliff as the Brotherhood closed in. Jean, still on her knees, tried to summon her strength, but it was clear she was too drained.
The Brotherhood loomed closer, their victory almost certain.
And then—just as all seemed lost—the sound of jet engines roared above them. Xander's head snapped up, and he saw it: the unmistakable silhouette of the X-Jet, descending rapidly toward them.
"They're here!" Jean gasped, her eyes widening with relief.
But the Brotherhood wasn't about to back down. Avalanche raised his hands again, preparing for one final blow.
Buffy, Xander, and Jean braced themselves as the X-Jet swooped in, hovering just above the shattered highway.
The battle wasn't over yet.
---
The air seemed to hum with tension as the X-Jet hovered above the road, its engines roaring to life in the middle of the crumbling highway. The Brotherhood turned their attention to the incoming aircraft, their cocky grins fading as they realized reinforcements had arrived.
From the ramp of the X-Jet, Cyclops stepped forward, his visor glowing with energy, ready to unleash a blast at any second. "That's far enough!" he shouted, his voice echoing over the rumble of the jet engines.
Wolverine stood beside him, claws extended and a fierce scowl on his face, his eyes locked on the Brotherhood below. "Guess we showed up just in time for the party," he growled, already anticipating the fight ahead.
Storm floated just behind them, her eyes glowing white as she prepared to unleash her powers. The winds around her began to pick up, swirling debris and dust as she surveyed the battlefield. "We won't let you take her," she said, her voice calm but resolute.
Avalanche sneered at the sight of the approaching X-Men, his hands still glowing with the energy from his seismic powers. "You think you're gonna stop us now?" he shouted, slamming his fists into the ground and sending another shockwave toward the crumbling highway.
The ground beneath Buffy, Xander, and Jean began to tremble once again, cracks spider-webbing out from where they stood. Buffy reached out to grab Jean's arm, pulling her to her feet as the earth shifted beneath them.
"Stay close!" Buffy called to Jean, her voice sharp with urgency. "This is about to get messy."
Xander, still standing between the Brotherhood and the others, narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, no kidding. Looks like we're right back in the thick of it."
Wolverine wasted no time. With a feral snarl, he leaped from the X-Jet, landing in the middle of the road in a crouch. His claws gleamed in the dim light, and his gaze was fixed on Blob. "I've been itching for a fight," he growled, charging at the massive mutant.
Blob smirked, planting his feet firmly on the ground. "You're gonna regret that, shorty!"
The two collided with a thunderous crash, Wolverine's claws raking across Blob's skin as the larger mutant swung a meaty fist. Wolverine ducked, landing blow after blow, but Blob barely flinched, his body absorbing the hits like they were nothing.
Meanwhile, Cyclops focused his attention on Avalanche. His visor flared with red light, and with a quick adjustment, he fired a powerful optic blast straight at the mutant's chest. Avalanche staggered back, his concentration broken, but he quickly recovered and retaliated by sending another seismic wave toward the X-Men.
Storm, her eyes glowing even brighter, raised her arms to the sky. Dark clouds began to swirl above them, lightning crackling in the air. "Enough!" she commanded, and with a flick of her wrist, she summoned a powerful gust of wind that swept through the area, scattering debris and momentarily throwing the Brotherhood off balance.
Jean, still recovering from the earlier fight, stood behind Buffy, her eyes glowing faintly as she tried to focus her telekinetic energy. "I don't have much left," she said, her voice strained.
Buffy gave her a quick, reassuring nod. "Just hang in there. Let the X-Men handle most of the heavy lifting."
Toad, agile as ever, leapt from the wreckage and darted toward Cyclops, his long tongue flicking out in an attempt to disarm him. Cyclops dodged just in time, firing another blast that knocked Toad back. "Stay down!" he barked, frustration mounting.
As the battle raged on, Xander felt a familiar surge of energy building within him—the same strange power he'd felt once before, but this time it was stronger, more controlled. His hands tingled, and he realized he could feel the electrical charge in the air, drawn in by the storm that Storm had summoned.
Without fully understanding it, Xander stretched out his hand. The crackling energy in the air seemed to respond to him, and with a sudden jolt, a small bolt of lightning arced from his fingertips, striking the ground near Avalanche.
Avalanche recoiled, eyes wide in surprise. "What the—?"
Buffy, noticing what had happened, shot a quick glance at Xander. "Uh, since when can you do that?"
Xander stared at his hand, equally shocked by what he had just done. "I… I don't know. Guess it's a new perk."
"Well, keep it up!" Buffy called, already moving to intercept Toad as he tried to spring back into the fight.
The Brotherhood, realizing they were now facing an uphill battle with the combined forces of the X-Men and Xander's unexpected abilities, began to falter. Blob swung wildly at Wolverine, but the adamantium-clawed mutant dodged each attack with precision, landing vicious strikes to Blob's sides.
Cyclops, with his tactical mind, fired a series of rapid blasts that kept Avalanche off balance, preventing him from focusing enough to create another large-scale quake.
Storm, floating gracefully above the fray, summoned another gust of wind, sending Toad crashing into the remnants of a broken-down car. He groaned in pain, trying to shake off the impact.
Jean, though exhausted, managed to reach out with her telepathy one last time, sending a strong mental push toward Blob. His mind, simpler and easier to influence, was momentarily disoriented, giving Wolverine the opening he needed to land a final, devastating blow that sent Blob crashing into the dirt.
"That should slow him down," Wolverine muttered, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.
Buffy and Xander stood side by side, breathing heavily as the dust settled around them. The Brotherhood, beaten but not broken, began to retreat, their vehicles roaring to life as they sped off into the night.
Avalanche, clutching his side, glared at the group. "This isn't over!" he shouted. "Magneto's coming for all of you!"
Cyclops, his visor still glowing with energy, stepped forward, unshaken. "We'll be ready."
With that, the Brotherhood disappeared into the distance, their threats lingering in the air as the silence of the night returned.
Buffy let out a long breath, glancing at Xander. "Okay, I think we can officially add 'mutant showdown' to our resumes."
Xander nodded, his heart still racing from the fight. "Yeah, and apparently I can throw lightning now. So that's new."
Jean, looking weary but grateful, walked over to them, a small smile on her face. "Thank you. Both of you. I wouldn't have made it out of there without your help."
Cyclops and Wolverine approached, their expressions more guarded but appreciative.
"We owe you one," Cyclops said, extending his hand to Xander.
Xander shook it, his mind still buzzing with the adrenaline of the battle. "Anytime. Just call us if you need some backup."
Storm, her demeanor calm and regal, stepped forward as well. "We'll be in touch, but for now, you should return to Sunnydale. There's no telling what Magneto has planned, but we'll keep you informed."
Buffy and Xander exchanged a glance, nodding in agreement. "Thanks. We'll be ready," Buffy said.
As the X-Jet's ramp lowered once again, Jean gave Buffy a final look, something unspoken passing between them. "Take care of him," she said softly, her eyes glancing at Xander. "He's carrying more than you know."
Buffy nodded, her voice quiet. "I will."
With that, Jean, Cyclops, Wolverine, and Storm boarded the X-Jet, and within moments, the sleek aircraft lifted off, disappearing into the sky.
Xander and Buffy stood together in the aftermath, the distant hum of the jet engines fading into the night. The fight was over, for now, but both of them knew that bigger battles lay ahead.
Xander let out a long breath, looking at his hand again, the faint trace of electricity still tingling at his fingertips. "So, lightning powers, huh? Guess this is my life now."
Buffy smirked, nudging him playfully. "You and me both. Ready to head home?"
Xander smiled, though there was a weight behind it. "Yeah. Let's go home to California."
And with that, they climbed back into the car, the road stretching out before them as they drove toward whatever challenges awaited them next.