The rain-slicked alley was a claustrophobic strip of concrete and shadows, the walls closing in as vampires prowled forward, their low growls echoing off the brick facades. Moonlight struggled to cut through the heavy clouds above, casting just enough light to highlight the threat surrounding them. Blade stood tall at the front, his sword gleaming in the dim light, while Black Cat shifted into a combat-ready stance, her movements fluid and poised. At the entrance of the back alley, Xander stood, frozen, his eyes locked on his hands.
The pain hit like a bolt of lightning, ripping through Xander's body. His hands clenched as his knuckles burned, and before he could stop it, the claws burst forth once again, tearing through his skin.
Claws. Sleek, onyx-colored blades had erupted from his knuckles, their edges sharp enough to cut through bone. They pulsed faintly with a blue light, casting a dim glow across his hands. Each pulse seemed to sync with his heartbeat, as if the claws were alive, an extension of the power surging inside him. His breath came fast and shallow, his mind struggling to grasp the reality of what he had just unleashed.
Blood dripped from the sharp, onyx-colored blades as they extended, pulsing faintly with a blue light.
Xander gasped, his breath ragged, trying to control the surge of primal energy coursing through him. But it was too late. The vampires, the man with the sword, and the woman with the white hair had all turned toward him, their eyes locking on his claws.
The vampires hissed in unison, their yellow eyes gleaming with hunger and surprise. The man and woman exchanged a brief glance, but neither spoke. Their movements slowed as they sized up this new presence—Xander.
For a second, no one moved.
The vampires, sensing an opportunity, lunged.
Xander's body reacted before his mind could catch up. He swung his claws wildly, the blades slicing through the nearest vampire's chest. Dark blood sprayed across the alley as the creature howled in pain, stumbling back before disintegrating into ash.
The alley exploded into chaos.
The man—Blade, Xander would later learn—moved like a shadow, his sword a blur of silver as he cut down two vampires in quick succession. The woman, Cat, danced between the attackers with deadly precision, her strikes landing with graceful efficiency.
Xander, however, was far from graceful. His movements were clumsy, driven more by panic and instinct than skill. His claws swung in wide arcs, catching another vampire across the throat, but he struggled to maintain control. The primal energy inside him surged, pushing him forward, urging him to destroy, to tear.
Another vampire lunged at him, and Xander barely managed to duck, slashing upward with his claws. The creature screeched as the blades tore through its torso, sending it crashing to the ground in a pile of dust.
Blade and Cat didn't speak, their focus entirely on the battle. But Xander could feel their eyes on him, assessing him, as they fought. They weren't offering help—just observation, as if they were trying to figure out what exactly he was.
The last vampire fell with a hiss, turning to ash at Blade's feet. The alley grew still once again, save for the faint hum of the city in the distance. Xander stood there, panting, his claws still extended, the blood dripping from his hands mixing with the rain-soaked ground. His mind was spinning, the energy inside him still pulsing, but quieter now.
Blade wiped his sword on the jacket of one of the fallen vampires, his expression unreadable behind his dark sunglasses. He glanced at Xander briefly but said nothing. Cat, on the other hand, didn't hide her curiosity. She cocked her head slightly, her white hair falling over one eye as she gave Xander a once-over.
"Well," she said, her voice smooth but cautious, "that's not something you see every day."
Xander swallowed hard, still catching his breath. "Yeah… tell me about it."
There was a beat of silence as Blade sheathed his sword. His presence was intimidating, even without speaking, and Xander couldn't help but feel like he was being judged—measured. But if Blade had any thoughts about what he had just witnessed, he kept them to himself.
Finally, Xander retracted his claws with a shudder, the blue light fading from his hands as they returned to normal. He winced at the pain that lingered, but didn't let it show.
"So," Xander began, his voice shaking slightly, "do I, uh, get an introduction? Or are we just gonna stare at each other until more of them show up?"
Cat chuckled softly, her eyes still studying him. "You can call me Cat," she said, her tone light, but there was an edge beneath it. "And that's Blade." She gestured to the man, who nodded slightly but remained silent.
Blade finally spoke, his voice low and gravelly. "You're not one of them." It wasn't a question.
Xander shook his head, unsure how to explain what had just happened. "No. I'm… Just Xander. That... I don't even know what that was."
Cat arched an eyebrow, her curiosity clearly piqued. "Xander, huh? Well, you handled yourself alright, considering."
Xander let out a breathy laugh, though there was no humor in it. "Yeah, well, I'm not exactly used to these… whatever they are." He said gesturing to his hands.
Blade's gaze lingered on Xander for a moment longer before he turned to leave, his focus already shifting back to the night. "We've got bigger things to deal with," he muttered.
Cat followed, but before she disappeared into the shadows, she shot Xander a glance over her shoulder. "You coming, or are you gonna stand there feeling sorry for yourself?"
Xander hesitated. He had no idea who these people were or what they were after, but one thing was clear: they knew more about what was going on at least more than he did. And right now, he needed answers.
He took a deep breath, forcing down the doubt that gnawed at him, and followed them into the night.
---
The alley was quiet now, save for the soft hiss of the rain on the pavement. The lingering tension between Xander, Blade, and Cat hadn't faded—if anything, it had thickened. Xander could feel their eyes on him, both of them watching him closely, though their expressions remained unreadable.
They were seasoned hunters, that much was obvious. But Xander? He was just trying not to lose control.
"Stay close," Blade growled, his voice low as he led the way down the alley. He moved with purpose, his every step calculated, as if he were constantly expecting danger around every corner. Cat followed silently, her movements more graceful, fluid—almost like a shadow trailing after him.
Xander lagged behind, his senses still reeling from the fight. His claws had retracted, but the strange energy pulsing beneath his skin hadn't gone away. It was there, just beneath the surface, waiting for the slightest provocation to rip through him again.
The three of them moved deeper into the city's underbelly, slipping through shadowed streets and abandoned buildings, always on the lookout for something unseen. Xander didn't know what Blade and Cat were tracking, but he could feel it—the growing tension, the sense that something much larger was at play. He didn't ask questions. They didn't offer answers.
Suddenly, Blade stopped short, his hand raised in a silent command for them to halt. Xander's heart pounded in his chest as he strained to listen, trying to catch whatever Blade had noticed. Cat crouched low, her eyes scanning the darkness ahead.
"Vampires," Blade muttered, his tone grim. "Close."
Xander's instincts kicked in before he even registered the danger. He could feel it too, the presence of something predatory, something hungry lurking just out of sight. His muscles tensed, his claws itching to extend, though he fought the urge to let them out.
Cat glanced at Blade, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "They're coming to us," she whispered.
Blade's expression remained stoic, but Xander caught the slight nod. "We're surrounded."
Before Xander could respond, the first vampire lunged out of the shadows.
The attack was swift, and Xander barely had time to react. His body moved on instinct, his claws shooting out as he slashed upward, catching the vampire across the chest. The creature hissed in pain, its fangs gleaming in the dim light as it recoiled. Xander's movements were frantic, uncoordinated—driven more by fear than skill.
Blade, on the other hand, moved like a predator. His sword flashed through the air with deadly precision, cutting down the vampires with swift, efficient strikes. Cat was just as quick, her movements fluid as she danced between attackers, her fists and legs moving in perfect harmony, delivering blow after blow with brutal efficiency.
Xander struggled to keep up, his claws slicing through the air as more vampires swarmed around them. His attacks were wild, his strikes powerful but sloppy. He could feel the primal energy inside him roaring to life, urging him to let go, to give in to the chaos. But he fought it, trying desperately to maintain some semblance of control.
A vampire lunged at Xander, its claws outstretched, aiming for his throat. He ducked, barely avoiding the attack, and swung his arm in a wide arc. His claws found purchase, tearing through the vampire's side, but his balance faltered. The creature screeched, stumbling back, but Xander wasn't fast enough to finish it off.
Before the vampire could recover, Blade appeared beside him, his sword cutting cleanly through its neck. The vampire disintegrated into a cloud of ash before it hit the ground.
"Focus," Blade snapped, his voice sharp. "You lose control, you die."
Xander gritted his teeth, nodding as he tried to steady himself. The battle was a blur of movement and sound—growls, snarls, the clash of weapons, and the sickening hiss of vampires turning to dust. Blade and Cat moved like a well-oiled machine, their attacks precise, coordinated. Xander felt like an outsider, struggling to keep up with their pace, his every move clumsy in comparison.
Another vampire charged at him, and this time, Xander's instincts took over. He sidestepped the attack, slashing downward with his claws, catching the vampire across the back. The creature howled in pain, but Xander's attack was sloppy, leaving it wounded but still alive.
Cat moved in swiftly, her body a blur as she delivered a brutal kick to the vampire's head, sending it crashing into the brick wall. She glanced at Xander, her expression somewhere between amusement and frustration.
"Not bad, rookie," she said, her voice light but with a hint of mockery. "But you're gonna have to do better than that."
Xander let out a breath, the adrenaline still pumping through his veins. "I'm trying."
The last vampire lunged at them, but Blade was quicker. His sword flashed in the dim light, and with one swift motion, he decapitated the creature, turning it to dust in an instant. The alley grew quiet once again, the only sound the soft patter of rain on the pavement.
Xander stood there, panting, his claws still extended, his hands trembling from the exertion. His body felt heavy, the weight of the primal energy still thrumming beneath his skin. He had survived, but barely. If it weren't for Blade and Cat, he knew he would've been dead.
Blade wiped his sword clean, his expression hard. "You're reckless."
Xander looked down at his hands, the claws still gleaming faintly in the darkness. He retracted them with a shudder, the blue light fading from his skin as his hands returned to normal. "I didn't ask for this," he muttered, his voice bitter.
Cat chuckled softly, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. "None of us did, kid."
There was a moment of silence before Blade spoke again, his tone gruff. "You need control. Without it, you're a liability."
Xander's jaw clenched, frustration bubbling up inside him. "I didn't ask to join your little vampire-hunting club, either."
Blade's gaze was cold, unyielding. "You're in it now, whether you like it or not."
Cat pushed off the wall, her eyes glinting with curiosity as she looked Xander over. "Whatever's going on with you, it's not normal. And trust me, I know a thing or two about not being normal." She gave him a small, almost sympathetic smile. "But if you want to survive in this world, you need to get a handle on it."
Xander didn't respond. His mind was still racing, his body still trembling from the fight. He wasn't like them. He didn't belong here. But something inside him—something deep and primal—told him that this was just the beginning. Whether he liked it or not, he was part of this now.
And there was no turning back.
---
The rain drummed steadily against the rooftops, turning the streets into slick mirrors that reflected the faint, flickering streetlights. Blade moved with silent efficiency, cutting through the back alleys with Cat close behind. Xander followed, his senses heightened, every sound and movement amplified by the adrenaline still pumping through his veins.
He could feel it—the tension building, the weight of what was coming. This wasn't just another hunt. The mission felt bigger than anything he'd faced before, and even though Blade hadn't been chatty, Xander could sense the urgency in the way he moved. Cat's silence, too, spoke volumes. They were on edge, and Xander knew why.
But that didn't stop him from feeling like the odd man out.
His entire life on the Hellmouth had been a constant battle for survival, but now, here he was, alongside people who lived and breathed this fight in ways that felt different from his own experience. Blade, with his lethal calm, and Cat, moving like a shadow through the darkness—it all felt surreal, like stepping into someone else's war.
Xander's fingers itched as they moved through the maze of streets. His claws, still unfamiliar, felt like a ticking bomb under his skin, ready to explode again at any moment. And with each step, the primal energy inside him grew more restless.
He hadn't expected this—this strange power that seemed to come from nowhere. And yet, here it was, pushing him forward, even when doubt tried to creep in.
As they neared the warehouse district, the buildings loomed taller, casting long shadows over the wet streets. Blade came to a sudden stop, his eyes narrowing at a large, dilapidated structure at the edge of the block. The windows were shattered, the walls covered in graffiti, but something about the place sent a chill through Xander.
Blade didn't turn around, but his voice was low, barely above a whisper. "We're close. Stay sharp."
Cat nodded, her eyes scanning the building. She moved a few steps ahead, slipping into the shadows effortlessly, her body tense but graceful, ready for action.
Xander swallowed hard, trying to shake the nerves. "What's the plan?"
Blade glanced at him briefly, his face set in its usual grim expression. "We go in quiet. We take out anyone who gets in our way. Fast."
Xander nodded, trying to mimic Blade's calm exterior, but inside, his mind raced. This wasn't Sunnydale. There were no Scoobies here to back him up, no Buffy charging in with Slayer strength. It was just him, Blade, and Cat against whatever nightmare waited inside that building.
Cat returned, her voice soft but firm. "There's an entrance on the side. Looks like it's been used recently. Guards inside, but we can slip past if we're careful."
Blade nodded. "Let's move."
The tension mounted as they crossed the street, moving toward the warehouse's side entrance. Xander's heart pounded in his chest, the rain masking the sound of their footsteps as they reached the door. He could hear the faintest whispers from inside, the shuffle of movement, the scent of decay and blood thick in the air.
"Ready?" Blade asked, his voice barely audible.
Xander nodded, flexing his fingers as he prepared for whatever came next. The claws under his skin pulsed, itching to break free, but he kept them in check—for now.
Blade pushed the door open, and they slipped inside, the darkness swallowing them whole.
---
The air inside the warehouse was thick with the stench of rot and decay, the oppressive darkness swallowing everything beyond a few feet. Xander's senses were already working overtime, the primal energy pulsing under his skin like a second heartbeat, urging him to act, to tear through the walls and face whatever threat waited for them. But this time, something felt different.
His vision sharpened as they moved deeper into the building, the shadows no longer just an indistinct blur. Every movement became clear—the flicker of rats scurrying in the corners, the subtle shift of air as someone moved in the distance. His hearing, too, had heightened. The soft whispers of voices, though distant, rang out in his ears as if they were only a few feet away.
Blade, as silent and composed as ever, led them through a series of narrow corridors, his steps barely making a sound on the old wooden floorboards. Cat followed close behind, her body poised and ready, though even she seemed to notice the shift in Xander's demeanor. Her gaze flickered toward him, curiosity tempered by caution, but she said nothing.
As they rounded a corner, Xander's head snapped to the right. He could hear it—voices, just ahead. Low, rumbling, like a conversation muffled through thick walls. It was clearer than anything else around him, the words filtering through the darkness.
"We'll be ready by midnight. The others are preparing the site."
Xander stopped, holding out a hand to signal Blade and Cat. "Wait. I can hear them."
Blade raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "Where?"
Xander focused, the words growing sharper in his mind. "Two, maybe three rooms over. They're talking about the ritual. It's happening tonight. Midnight."
Cat's expression hardened. "Then we're running out of time."
Blade's gaze was unreadable as he studied Xander, clearly noting the shift in his abilities. But he wasn't the type to ask questions in the middle of a mission. "We need to move, quietly," he said. "You pick up anything else, you let us know."
Xander nodded, though his mind was still racing. This was the first time he'd been able to control it—this strange power that had been building inside him. The heightened senses, the clarity with which he could hear and see everything around him—it was overwhelming, but it was also useful.
For the first time since the claws had appeared, Xander didn't feel like he was on the verge of losing control. Instead, he felt... focused.
They moved forward again, their steps slow and deliberate as they closed in on the source of the voices. Xander's senses guided them, his body attuned to every sound, every subtle shift in the air. He could feel the presence of the vampires before they could even see them, his instincts screaming a warning before his mind could fully process it.
He paused again, this time motioning for Blade and Cat to stop. "There are more of them," he whispered. "Six, maybe seven. They're guarding the next room. They don't know we're here yet."
Blade gave a quick nod, his hand already on the hilt of his sword. "Good. Let's keep it that way."
Cat slipped past Xander, her movements so silent she might as well have been a ghost. She peeked around the corner, her sharp eyes scanning the area before pulling back.
"We can take them," she said softly. "But we have to be fast. If they sound the alarm, we'll be overrun."
Blade didn't need any more convincing. He drew his sword in one fluid motion, his eyes locking onto Xander. "You're with me. Stay quiet, stay sharp."
Xander flexed his fingers, the itch of his claws pulsing just beneath the surface, but he held them back. He could feel it—the control. This time, it was there. And it was clear.
They moved as one, slipping through the shadows like predators stalking their prey. The vampires ahead had no idea they were coming.
---
The warehouse felt like a maze of decaying hallways and shadowy rooms, each step into the darkness bringing them closer to the heart of the vampire lord's operation. Xander's senses remained heightened, his ears picking up every creak of the floorboards, every distant shuffle of movement as they navigated the corridors.
Blade led the way, his sword drawn, moving with a precision that came from years of experience. Behind him, Cat followed with an effortless grace, her movements fluid as she slipped through the shadows like she belonged there. Xander stayed close, his nerves buzzing, but his focus sharp.
They reached a junction, and Blade raised a hand, signaling them to stop. Cat crouched low, peering around the corner to assess the situation. Xander could hear the faint murmur of voices again, closer this time, though the exact words were lost in the distance.
Cat glanced back at Blade, her voice barely a whisper. "There are two guards at the door, maybe more inside. The hallway's rigged with tripwires."
Blade's eyes narrowed. "Can you disarm them?"
Cat's lips curved into a small smirk. "Please, this is child's play."
Without another word, she slipped forward, her hands moving swiftly as she expertly disarmed the traps, cutting wires and disabling pressure plates with precision. Xander watched, impressed by how efficiently she worked, her fingers barely pausing between each motion.
In less than a minute, the path was clear. Cat stood, wiping her hands on her suit. "All done. Now we just need to deal with the guards."
Blade nodded, moving into position. "Silent takedowns. We can't afford to raise any alarms."
Xander flexed his hands, feeling the familiar pulse of his claws beneath his skin. His control was there, but it still felt fragile, like he was balancing on the edge of something dangerous. He took a deep breath, focusing on the moment.
They moved as one, slipping down the hallway with barely a sound. Blade took the lead, and as they reached the door, the two guards barely had time to react. Blade struck with lethal precision, his sword flashing in the dim light as he silenced the first guard before he could raise an alarm.
Cat followed suit, her movements swift and deadly as she incapacitated the second guard with a sharp blow to the neck. The vampire crumpled to the ground without a sound.
Xander felt the tension in the air as they approached the door, his heart pounding in his chest. He could sense the presence of more vampires inside, the low hum of voices rising and falling as they spoke of the ritual. His instincts screamed at him to act, to take them out before they had a chance to react, but Blade motioned for him to hold back.
"On my signal," Blade whispered, his voice a barely audible growl. "We move in, fast and quiet. No mistakes."
Xander nodded, his hands clenching into fists as he prepared for the coming fight. His claws pulsed beneath his skin, itching to be released, but he held them back, waiting for the right moment.
Cat positioned herself at the opposite side of the door, her muscles coiled and ready. She gave Blade a quick nod, and in one fluid motion, Blade kicked the door open, leading the charge.
The room exploded into chaos.
Inside, half a dozen vampires turned toward the intrusion, their yellow eyes wide with surprise. But Blade was faster, his sword slicing through the air as he cut down the nearest vampire before it could react. Cat was a blur, her strikes precise and lethal, moving through the vampires with deadly efficiency.
Xander followed, his claws extending with a sharp *snikt*, the blue glow pulsing faintly as they caught the light. The first vampire lunged at him, but Xander ducked, his instincts guiding him as he swung his claws in a wide arc. The strike connected, cutting through the vampire's chest with brutal force. It let out a choked gasp before crumbling to dust.
Another vampire rushed him, but Xander was ready this time. He sidestepped the attack, his senses sharp as he lashed out with his claws, slicing through the creature's throat. The vampire's body disintegrated in a cloud of ash before it hit the ground.
The fight was over in moments, the room falling into an eerie silence as the last vampire was cut down by Blade's sword.
Xander stood there, breathing heavily, his claws still extended, his hands trembling slightly from the rush of adrenaline. But this time, the control was there. He had felt it—felt the way his instincts guided him, the way his senses allowed him to anticipate the movements of the vampires.
Blade wiped the blood from his sword, his expression unreadable as he looked at Xander. "Not bad," he muttered, giving a small nod of approval.
Cat sheathed her dagger, glancing at Xander with a satisfied smirk. "You're getting the hang of it, newbie."
Xander didn't respond, but a small sense of accomplishment settled in his chest. He was starting to understand this power, starting to control it. And for the first time since this all began, he didn't feel like he was drowning in it.
But there was no time to rest. Blade's eyes were already scanning the room, searching for the next clue to lead them deeper into the vampire lord's lair. "We need to keep moving. The ritual's not far off."
Cat moved toward a nearby table, her sharp eyes catching on a set of scrolls and maps. "Looks like they've been planning this for a while," she muttered, unfurling one of the maps. "This isn't just about raising a demon. They're setting up for something bigger."
Xander's stomach tightened as he looked at the map, the weight of the situation settling over him. This wasn't just about stopping a ritual. This was about stopping something far worse.
---
The room was eerily quiet after the battle, with only the sound of Cat flipping through the old scrolls and maps that littered the table. Xander stood nearby, catching his breath, his hands still tingling from the energy coursing through him. Blade's eyes remained sharp, scanning the documents, but it was Xander who felt the familiar twist of recognition deep in his gut.
Something about the writing on the scrolls was disturbingly familiar.
Cat, ever efficient, picked up one of the scrolls, her eyes narrowing as she tried to decipher the twisted runes. "This looks... old," she muttered, her fingers tracing the lines of text. "But I can't make out what it says."
Xander stepped closer, his eyes locking on the symbols. His heart skipped a beat. He knew this script. He'd seen it before. *Ancient demon writing.* His mind flashed back to his time in Sunnydale, to the hours spent poring over Giles' books in the library, preparing for the next apocalypse.
Blade's eyes shifted to Xander, his expression hard. "You recognize this?"
Xander nodded, his voice low and tense. "Yeah. It's demon script. Old. Really old." He swallowed hard, his stomach twisting as he continued to study the markings. "We've seen something like this back on the Hellmouth. I can read bits of it, but I'm going to need help if we want the full translation."
Cat raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, what's it say? Can you make anything out?"
Xander shook his head, frustration creeping into his voice. "Not much. Just fragments. But I know this much—it's bad news. Whatever this vampire lord is planning, it's ancient, and it's powerful."
Blade's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. "We need more than fragments. We need the full translation. Call your guy."
Xander didn't hesitate. He pulled out his phone, his fingers moving quickly as he dialed the familiar number. The phone rang twice before a voice answered on the other end.
"Giles here."
"Giles, it's Xander," he said, his voice tense. "I've got something you need to look at. Ancient demon script. We're dealing with a serious situation—vampire lord, ritual, and something big brewing. Can you help us out?"
There was a brief pause on the other end, followed by the familiar sound of Giles clearing his throat. "Demon script, you say? Can you send me an image? I'll take a look."
Xander snapped a quick picture of the scroll and sent it to Giles. His nerves were on edge as they waited, the silence in the room heavy with anticipation. Blade paced slowly, his eyes locked on the maps, already planning their next move. Cat watched the exchange, her expression unreadable, but her body tense with the urgency of the situation.
After what felt like an eternity, Giles's voice crackled through the phone again. "Good Lord," he muttered, his voice strained with worry. "This is far worse than I thought. Xander, this is no ordinary ritual. They're attempting to summon an ancient demon—one of the Old Ones. If they succeed, it could spell disaster for both humans and vampires."
Xander's heart sank. He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed sent a wave of dread through him. "What do we do?"
"The ritual has to be stopped," Giles said firmly. "The writing indicates they're trying to open a portal to bring this creature through. Once it crosses over, it will enslave everything—humans, vampires, even other demons. The scroll mentions a church—does that mean anything to you?"
Xander exchanged a look with Blade and Cat. Cat stepped forward, pointing to a section of the map. "They've marked an old church on the outskirts of the city. It matches the timeline. Midnight."
"We've got less than two hours," Xander said into the phone, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "We'll stop it, Giles. Thanks for the help."
"Be careful, Xander," Giles said quietly. "This kind of power is dangerous. Don't underestimate what you're up against."
Xander hung up, his mind racing. He turned to Blade, who was already preparing for the next phase of the mission. "It's worse than we thought," Xander said grimly. "They're trying to summon one of the Old Ones. If they succeed, it'll enslave everything in its path."
Blade didn't flinch. "Then we kill them before they get the chance."
Cat was already gathering what they needed, her movements quick and precise. "We need to destroy the summoning circle and take out the vampire lord. We don't have much time."
Xander nodded, his hands clenching into fists. The primal energy inside him pulsed, sharper now, as if it could sense the danger ahead. They were running out of time, and the stakes had never been higher. But Xander wasn't about to let fear take over.
"We stop the ritual, and we take down the vampire lord," Xander said firmly. "No room for mistakes."
Blade glanced at Xander, his expression hard but approving. "Let's move."
They gathered their gear and prepared to head out, the weight of the mission pressing heavily on their shoulders. Xander could feel the tension in the air, the primal energy swirling just beneath the surface, ready to be unleashed. But he held it back, knowing they would need it soon enough.
As they left the room and headed toward the exit, Xander couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was coming—something that even he wasn't fully prepared for. But there was no turning back now. They had a job to do, and failure wasn't an option.
---
Xander stared down at the ancient demon script, feeling the weight of what was at stake pressing heavily on his chest. He had faced apocalypses before, but this felt bigger—something more terrifying than anything he had encountered in Sunnydale. As he snapped his phone shut after speaking with Giles, he knew they couldn't do this alone. Backup was essential.
But back in England, Giles wasn't about to send just anyone into this kind of danger. The late hour and the nature of the threat made him think carefully about who could respond quickly—and effectively.
At 3 AM, Giles rubbed his eyes, knowing that this wasn't a job for Buffy. She was too far removed from the situation, and getting her up to speed on a ritual involving the Old Ones would take precious time they didn't have. Instead, he dialed a different number, one that he hadn't used in a while. The phone rang twice before a familiar, rough voice answered.
"Giles? What the hell, it's late. This better be good," Faith grumbled, clearly still waking up.
"I apologize for the time, but this is urgent," Giles said, his voice cutting straight to the point. "Xander is in New York. He's stumbled upon a ritual—an ancient vampire lord is attempting to summon an Old One."
Faith's attitude shifted instantly. "An Old One? That serious. You want me there?"
"Not just you. I need you to bring a team of the newer Slayers—'baby Slayers,' as you call them," Giles explained. "This is a world-ending threat. Xander, someone named Blade, and another ally are there, but they won't be enough to stop the summoning alone."
Faith leaned back against her bed, considering the situation. "Alright, I'm in. But I can't just snap my fingers and teleport. How do you want me to get there? We're running short on time, and last I checked, I'm not exactly able to blink across continents. Are we calling up Red?"
"I will arrange for transportation," Giles said, his voice tight with urgency. "Unfortunately it won't be Willow handling it—she's currently still training with the coven. You'll be assisted by one of her other coven members that I've worked with before, Althenea. She's capable, but... well, she's not Willow."
Faith smirked. "No Willow, huh? Guess that means this ride might be a little bumpy."
Giles let out a brief sigh. "Yes, well, let's hope Althenea can manage it smoothly. The ritual is set for midnight in New York. That gives you less than two hours. Get your team together, and be ready to leave as soon as she arrives."
"I'm on it," Faith said, already pulling herself out of bed. "I'll round up the baby Slayers. Tell Xander to keep his head on straight until we get there."
Giles nodded, though Faith couldn't see him. "Be careful, Faith. This vampire lord is not your average opponent, he is ancient if he has reached that level. This ritual he is performing could bring through something far more dangerous than we've faced before."
Faith hung up, her mind already working. The new Slayers were untested in an end-of-the-world scenario, and this was no ordinary fight. Still, they had potential, and it was time for them to learn the hard way what being a Slayer really meant.
---
In a matter of minutes, Faith had thrown together her gear and stormed through the Slayer training facility. Several of the newer Slayers—who had been training under her watch—were still half-asleep when she barged in.
"Wake up, ladies!" Faith barked, flipping on the lights. "We've got a situation in New York, and it's not a drill. Get your gear—stakes, crossbows, whatever you've got. We're leaving in five."
The younger Slayers scrambled to their feet, groggy but sensing the urgency in Faith's voice. Most of them had been through small skirmishes, but nothing like this. As Faith gathered them, her mind was already on the battle ahead. The baby Slayers needed real-world experience, and this would be the fight that either proved their worth—or broke them.
Much to Faith's annoyance it took twenty-five minutes for the baby slayers to get ready. Just as the last girl walked in the room, a shimmer of energy appeared in the corner. Althenea stepped through, her expression serious as she sized up the group.
"Are you ready?" Althenea asked, her voice calm but urgent. "We need to move quickly."
Faith gave her a quick nod. "Yeah, we're ready. Just make sure we don't end up in the Hudson."
Althenea rolled her eyes slightly, but didn't argue. "Hold on to each other. The spell will take us directly to New York."
The baby Slayers formed a rough circle around Faith, their nerves clear in the way they shifted their weight or fumbled with their weapons. Faith stood in the center, projecting confidence even if she had her own reservations about whether this group was ready for a world-ending scenario.
"Alright, ladies," Faith said, her voice strong. "This is it. Time to show what being a Slayer is all about."
With that, Althenea began her incantation, a soft glow surrounding the group as the air shimmered and twisted around them. Within seconds, they vanished from the training room, transported into the freezing Hudson River.
"I told you, Not the Hudson!" Faith complained sputtering freezing water from her mouth in a mist.
As the group made it to a nearby dock Althenea replied, "This is your fault for putting the thought of the Hudson in my mind."
Wet and miserable from the chill in the air and the further time crunch they were all now in. Faith contemplated murder as she thought to herself, 'First mission being the lead slayer isn't going too well. At least the worlds not at stake… oh, wait! Maybe they should have just called B instead.'
---
In Buffy's flat, the eldest slayer quickly sat up in bed, frowning at her phone. She couldn't quite remember what that dream was about, but something told her that whatever was happening, she wasn't going to like it.
---
The air in the ancient, decaying building was thick with tension. The scrolls and ritual diagrams they had uncovered painted a dire picture, but Xander couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. His body felt strange—like it was humming with energy just beneath the surface, and it was taking all of his concentration to keep it in check.
As Blade and Cat moved to inspect the rest of the room, Xander stayed behind, running his fingers over the symbols etched into the stone walls. His vision flickered for a moment, and he had to steady himself against the cold stone, the hum inside him growing louder. It felt like something was trying to claw its way out, and the more he resisted, the stronger the feeling became.
"Xander," Blade called out from the other side of the room, his voice low and measured. "We don't have time for you to go spacey on us. We've got less than an hour to stop this thing."
Xander blinked, snapping back to the present. His eyes met Blade's across the room, but for a split second, the world felt sharper, more vivid. His senses were overwhelmed with information—the sound of the wind outside the building, the smell of ancient dust and decayed blood, the faint hum of power in the air. It was too much, too fast.
"I'm fine," Xander muttered, though he wasn't entirely sure that was true. His hands were trembling, and he clenched them into fists to steady himself. "Just… this place is messing with me."
Cat gave him a sharp look from where she stood near one of the decayed windows. "Messing with you how? Because we don't have time for you to freak out on us, Harris."
Xander opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, a surge of primal energy washed over him, so powerful that it nearly brought him to his knees. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he saw something—flashes of a creature, something ancient and terrifying, a figure wreathed in shadows and flames. The power inside him screamed to be released, to tear through everything in its path, and it took every ounce of Xander's willpower to hold it back.
He gripped his head, trying to steady himself, but the pressure was building, like a dam ready to break. He could hear Blade and Cat calling out to him, but their voices sounded distant, muffled by the roar of energy inside his head.
*Focus, Xander. You've been here before. You've faced worse.*
The memory of the Hellmouth flashed in his mind, the countless times he had been on the edge of destruction. But this time, it was different. This time, the threat wasn't just external—it was inside him.
He felt a hand on his shoulder, grounding him, and the roar inside his mind dulled slightly. Xander looked up, his vision clearing, to see Blade staring down at him with a mix of caution and concern.
"Get it together, kid," Blade said, his voice low but firm. "I don't know what's going on with you, but we don't have time for this."
Xander nodded shakily, forcing himself to stand straighter. The energy still pulsed beneath his skin, but he could control it. For now.
"I'm good," Xander said, though his voice lacked conviction. "Just… need a minute."
Cat shot him a skeptical look but didn't press the issue. "Well, you don't have much of a minute. We've got a lot of ground to cover, and whatever you're dealing with, keep it under control."
Xander nodded, though he wasn't entirely sure how long he could keep this power bottled up. Every step forward felt like walking a tightrope between control and chaos, and with every minute that passed, the line became thinner.
As the trio moved deeper into the building, Blade gave Xander a sidelong glance. "Whatever's going on with you, figure it out fast. You can't afford to lose it when we're facing down a demon lord."
Xander didn't respond right away, his mind racing. He had dealt with plenty of supernatural threats before, but this… this was new. It wasn't just about fighting something out there. It was about keeping something in.
---
As they made their way through the crumbling corridors of the building, the weight of impending doom hung over them. Blade was all business, his eyes scanning for any threats, while Cat moved with a smooth, almost feline grace, her focus razor-sharp.
Xander, on the other hand, was trying desperately to keep his mind off the ticking clock, the swirling energy inside him, and the fact that they were heading straight for what could very well be the end of the world.
"So, uh," Xander started, his voice breaking the silence. "Anyone else feel like they're walking into a haunted house attraction? Y'know, where the walls creak, and you expect some guy in a mask to jump out and yell 'Boo!'?"
Cat shot him a sideways glance, the corner of her mouth twitching, but she didn't quite smile. "Yeah, except here, the guy in the mask probably wants to rip your throat out."
Xander nodded, chuckling nervously. "Yeah, well, that's what makes it a real thrill ride, right? Can't wait for the part where I get my picture taken, mid-scream, when the demon lord shows up."
Blade, still scanning ahead, didn't even look back. "Keep talking, Harris. Sooner or later, you'll say something funny."
Xander grinned despite himself, though he could feel the nerves bubbling beneath the surface. "Hey, it's a gift. Some people slay vampires, some people have claws and cool sunglasses. Me? I'm the guy who lightens the mood with poorly-timed jokes."
"Must be a real hit at parties," Cat quipped, though her tone was less harsh than before. "Or funerals."
"Yeah, well, you know me," Xander said, shrugging as they moved down another hallway. "When things get too serious, I have a bad habit of making people groan. It's like a reflex. You know, like when I blew up my high school to stop a giant demon snake."
Cat looked at him for a moment, genuinely confused. "Wait, that actually happened?"
"Oh yeah. Sunnydale Class of '99," Xander replied, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "Principal was evil, turned into a giant demon snake during our graduation. We blew up the school to take him down. You know, the usual high school drama."
Cat blinked in disbelief. "Okay, I have no idea if you're serious or just messing with me."
Xander grinned wider. "Dead serious. Just another day on the Hellmouth."
Blade let out a low grunt of amusement, though his expression remained as stoic as ever. "Just don't get cocky, Harris. You've still got a long way to go."
"Don't worry," Xander replied, a playful gleam in his eye. "I'm pretty good at getting knocked down a peg or two. Keeps me humble."
Cat let out a small laugh despite herself, shaking her head. "Well, if we survive this, you'll have plenty of material for your next stand-up routine."
Xander gave her a mock bow. "Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week. Unless we, y'know, die horribly at the hands of a demon lord."
"See, this is why we can't have nice things," Cat muttered, though her smirk betrayed her amusement.
For a moment, the tension lifted, the weight of the situation pushed aside by Xander's awkward but endearing humor. Even Blade, who rarely cracked a smile, seemed a little less intense, his usual seriousness tempered by the brief respite.
But as the laughter faded, the reality of what lay ahead quickly settled back in. The ancient writings, the ritual, the vampire lord—they were all still waiting for them.
The clock was ticking.
---
The trio continued moving through the crumbling building, the humor from earlier fading into the background as they reached what felt like the heart of the lair. The air was thicker here, tinged with the scent of decay and something darker, more ancient. It crawled along Xander's skin like a low, insistent hum, the primal energy inside him stirring in response.
Ahead of them loomed a massive door, covered in intricate carvings and symbols that Xander immediately recognized. They matched the scrolls from earlier, etched into the stone like warnings from an age long past. The kind of warnings that typically meant one thing: bad news.
Blade approached the door cautiously, his hand hovering over the hilt of his sword. "This is it," he muttered, his voice low. "The vampire lord is behind this door. And whatever he's been summoning with that ritual, it's about to wake up."
Xander swallowed, his nerves jangling. He could feel the weight of it all pressing down on him, but that same primal energy that had been threatening to overwhelm him now felt more like a weapon ready to be unleashed. The tension was unbearable, but his body hummed with anticipation.
Blade looked over his shoulder at Xander and Cat. "You two ready?"
Cat adjusted her gear, her expression a mixture of determination and something more—a quiet confidence. "Always."
Xander gave a tight nod, flexing his hands as he felt the claws itching beneath his skin. "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's just try not to die horribly, okay?"
Blade gave him a sharp look, his tone as serious as ever. "Stay focused. We only get one shot at this."
Without another word, Blade pushed open the door, revealing a cavernous chamber beyond. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from several burning torches lining the walls. At the far end of the chamber stood an altar, and behind it, a massive figure draped in a cloak of shadows. The vampire lord.
His presence was suffocating, a palpable force that seemed to make the air thicker, heavier. The lord's glowing red eyes fixed on them the moment they entered, his lips curling into a predatory smile that sent a chill down Xander's spine.
"So," the vampire lord drawled, his voice like gravel over stone. "You've come to stop the ritual. How quaint."
Behind him, the swirling energy of the summoning ritual was building, dark and oppressive. It twisted in the air like smoke, growing stronger with each passing second.
Blade wasted no time. He drew his sword, stepping forward with the lethal precision of a hunter. "We're not here to talk," he growled.
Cat moved to the side, ready to strike, her body low and poised. Xander felt his heart pounding in his chest, his senses sharper than ever. The primal energy inside him was begging to be released, but he forced himself to focus.
The vampire lord's smile widened. "Fools. You have no idea what you're dealing with."
Blade lunged forward, his sword slicing through the air toward the vampire lord, but before the blade could make contact, the figure vanished, disappearing in a swirl of shadows. He reappeared across the room, his laughter echoing through the chamber.
"Too slow, daywalker," the vampire lord taunted.
Cat darted in, her movements swift and graceful as she aimed for the vampire lord's side. But once again, he vanished before she could land her strike, reappearing behind them with a menacing grin.
Xander gritted his teeth, trying to keep up with the vampire lord's rapid movements. The primal energy inside him surged, and before he could stop himself, his claws shot out, glowing faintly with the same blue light as before.
The vampire lord's eyes flicked to Xander, amusement flashing in his red gaze. "Ah, so the boy has claws. But do you have the strength to use them?"
Xander's muscles tensed, his body vibrating with the energy coursing through him. He could feel the power ready to explode, but he was holding back, unsure if he could control it.
"Don't listen to him, Harris!" Blade barked, his eyes locked on the vampire lord. "Focus on the mission. We stop the ritual first."
The ritual. Xander's eyes flicked to the swirling mass of dark energy behind the altar. It was growing stronger by the second, its oppressive weight pushing down on them like a physical force. The vampire lord was just stalling, keeping them distracted while the summoning completed itself.
"Cat, distract him!" Blade ordered, his tone sharp. "Xander, you and I take out that altar."
Cat nodded, her body already moving toward the vampire lord, her silver hair catching the dim light as she weaved in and out of his attacks. She was fast, but the vampire lord was faster, disappearing and reappearing in quick bursts of shadow.
Xander and Blade rushed toward the altar, their feet pounding against the stone floor. As they neared it, Xander could feel the power radiating from the ritual—it was dark, ancient, and angry. Whatever was coming through that portal, it wasn't going to be easy to stop.
Blade's sword flashed through the air as he brought it down on the altar with all his strength, but the stone didn't break. Instead, it shimmered with a dark energy, repelling the attack.
"Damn it," Blade muttered. "It's protected."
Xander's claws twitched, the primal energy inside him screaming to be released. He looked at Blade, then at the altar. "Maybe this is where I come in."
Before Blade could respond, Xander drove his claws into the stone, feeling the raw power surge through him. The altar resisted at first, but then something clicked. The energy from his claws met the energy from the altar, and with a burst of blue light, the stone cracked.
"Keep going, Harris!" Blade urged, raising his sword for another strike.
Xander gritted his teeth, focusing all of his energy on the altar. His claws pulsed with power, each strike sending shockwaves through the stone. With one final push, the altar shattered, and the swirling dark energy above it flickered and began to dissipate.
The ritual was broken.
The vampire lord let out a furious roar, his red eyes blazing with hatred as the dark power he had been summoning vanished into thin air. He whirled on them, his form shifting, growing larger and more monstrous as he abandoned his humanoid guise.
"You dare interfere with my ascension?!" the vampire lord bellowed, his voice shaking the chamber.
Xander took a step back, his claws still extended, his body trembling with the aftershock of the energy he had just unleashed. Blade stepped in front of him, sword raised, ready for the final battle.
"This ends now," Blade said, his voice cold and steady.
The vampire lord lunged toward them, his monstrous form crashing forward with the force of a hurricane. And with that, the final battle began.
---
The vampire lord's transformation was horrifying. His once humanoid form twisted and stretched, becoming something far more grotesque. His limbs grew longer, his fingers sharpening into claws, and his once-red eyes flared with an eerie, unholy glow. His voice, now distorted and monstrous, echoed off the chamber walls.
"You thought you could stop me?" the creature roared, his voice deep and unnatural. "You are nothing but insects beneath my feet."
Blade was already moving, his sword flashing as he charged at the creature without hesitation. Cat was right behind him, her movements a blur of agility and precision. Xander, still feeling the tremors from the broken ritual, forced himself to focus, the primal energy inside him surging in response to the threat.
The vampire lord swiped a massive clawed hand toward Blade, who ducked just in time, rolling to the side and coming up with his sword ready. Cat used the distraction to strike, leaping onto the creature's back and driving her silver daggers into its flesh. The monster roared in fury, its massive arm flailing as it tried to shake her off.
Xander clenched his fists, feeling his claws extend again, pulsing with that familiar blue light. His body felt more alive than ever, the energy inside him demanding action, begging to be released. He had to do something—he couldn't just stand there while Blade and Cat fought.
With a burst of speed, Xander ran toward the vampire lord, leaping into the air as he drove his claws into the creature's side. The impact was jarring, but his claws found purchase, and the monster howled in pain, its movements becoming more erratic.
"Keep hitting him!" Blade shouted, slashing at the creature's legs in an attempt to bring it down.
Xander gritted his teeth, holding on as the creature twisted and thrashed, trying to dislodge him. Cat was still clinging to its back, her daggers digging deeper into its flesh. The monster swung wildly, smashing into the walls of the chamber in a desperate attempt to shake them loose.
With a surge of strength, the vampire lord managed to throw Xander off, sending him crashing into a pillar on the far side of the room. Pain exploded through his body, but the primal energy inside him surged in response, dulling the pain and forcing him to his feet. He wasn't done yet—not by a long shot.
Blade dodged another swipe from the monster, his movements precise and controlled. He was looking for an opening, waiting for the right moment to strike. Cat, meanwhile, had finally been thrown off, landing in a crouch a few feet away, her chest heaving with exertion.
Xander staggered forward, his claws still extended, his mind racing. This thing was too strong—too fast. But they couldn't stop now. The ritual was broken, but the vampire lord still had more than enough power to destroy them if they didn't take him down.
"Blade!" Xander called out, his voice strained. "We need to hit him harder!"
Blade's eyes flicked to Xander, his expression grim. "You've got power in you, Harris. Use it."
Xander hesitated, the primal energy inside him bubbling up like a storm ready to break. He could feel it—he could use it—but could he control it? He wasn't sure. But there was no time to second-guess himself. They needed everything they had to stop this thing.
Taking a deep breath, Xander focused, letting the energy flow through him. He could feel it building, filling his body with raw, untapped power. His vision sharpened, his senses heightened to the point where he could hear every creak, every groan of the stone walls around them. The vampire lord's movements seemed slower now, more deliberate, as if time itself had slowed down.
"Come on, Harris," Xander muttered to himself, his claws glowing brighter with each passing second. "You can do this."
With a roar, Xander charged at the vampire lord again, his claws cutting through the air with deadly precision. This time, he didn't hold back. He drove his claws into the creature's leg, tearing through muscle and bone with a strength he hadn't known he possessed.
The vampire lord let out a deafening screech, its monstrous form collapsing to one knee as Blade and Cat moved in for the kill. Blade's sword flashed as he brought it down on the creature's neck, and Cat's daggers found their mark in its back, sinking deep into its spine.
But the vampire lord wasn't finished yet.
With one final surge of strength, the creature lashed out, catching Blade with a backhanded swipe that sent him flying across the chamber. Cat barely managed to dodge the attack, rolling out of the way just in time.
Xander, his body still humming with energy, didn't hesitate. He leapt forward, his claws aimed for the creature's chest. With all the power he could muster, he drove them in deep, right into the vampire lord's heart.
For a moment, everything went still.
The vampire lord's eyes widened in shock, its monstrous form shuddering as the life drained out of it. Xander felt the energy inside him pulse one last time, and then, with a final, guttural growl, the vampire lord crumbled into ash.
Silence fell over the chamber.
Xander collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath as the primal energy inside him slowly faded. His claws retracted, and for the first time in what felt like hours, he allowed himself to relax.
Blade was the first to rise, his sword still in hand as he approached the pile of ash that had once been the vampire lord. "Good work," he muttered, giving Xander a brief nod of approval.
Cat stood a few feet away, her hands on her knees as she caught her breath. "Not bad, newbie," she said between gasps. "Not bad at all."
Xander managed a weak smile, though his entire body felt like it had been put through a meat grinder. "Yeah, well… I had good teachers."
The three of them stood in the remains of the battle, the weight of their victory slowly sinking in. The vampire lord was gone, and the ritual had been stopped. For now, at least, the world was safe.
But Xander couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.
---
Xander limped out of the vampire lair, his entire body aching from the battle. Every step felt like fire shooting up his legs, but the adrenaline still pumping through his veins kept him moving. Blade followed close behind, his usually stoic face showing signs of exhaustion, while Cat walked alongside them, her breath heavy but controlled. They were all battered and bruised, but they had made it through the fight.
The fresh night air hit them like a cold slap, and for a moment, Xander thought they could finally catch a break. But that thought didn't last long. As they staggered down the cracked street, a group of figures emerged from the shadows.
There were at least six of them—young, tough-looking girls, each of them carrying a stake or weapon of some kind. And at the front of the group stood Faith, her arms crossed, her eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of the wounded trio.
"Well, look who the cat dragged in," Faith said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Her gaze swept over the group, her eyes lingering on Xander for a beat longer than the others. "Didn't think I'd see you here."
Xander let out a tired breath, barely managing a smile. "Hey, Faith. You know me—always showing up at the worst possible moments."
Faith's smirk faded slightly as she took a step closer, her eyes narrowing. "Something's different about you, Xander." Her tone shifted, becoming more guarded, more cautious. "You're not… the same."
Xander shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, feeling the weight of her suspicion. He glanced at Blade and Cat, who both stood silently, watching the exchange. The group of Slayers behind Faith remained on edge, their eyes flicking between Xander and Blade as if they could sense something off.
"Yeah, well, long story," Xander said, trying to keep things light, though he knew it wasn't working. "Had a rough night."
Faith took another step forward, her brow furrowing as she studied him. Her instincts as a Slayer were kicking in, and she could sense something was off—something not entirely human.
"Rough night, huh?" Faith's voice was low now, almost dangerous. "You're giving off a vibe, X. Not the good kind."
The other Slayers moved in closer, their weapons at the ready, sensing the same thing Faith was feeling. Blade shifted his stance slightly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ready to react if things went south.
Cat, sensing the tension, broke the silence. "Hey, how about we take it easy, yeah? We just got through dealing with a vampire lord, so if you're here to help, we're all ears."
Faith's eyes flicked to Cat for a moment, but they quickly returned to Xander. She was still focused on him, her Slayer instincts on high alert. "This isn't just about the vamps, Cat. Xander's… different."
Xander felt a cold sweat break out across his skin. He could feel the Slayers' eyes on him, and he knew they could sense it too—that he wasn't fully human anymore. The primal energy inside him, the claws that had come out during the fight—it had changed him. And there was no hiding it from Faith.
"I'm still me, Faith," Xander said quietly, trying to keep his voice steady. "I know I'm different, but I'm still Xander. Same guy who helped you take down the First Evil back in Sunnyhell."
Faith's gaze softened for a brief moment at the mention of their shared past, but only for a second. She shook her head, the hardness returning to her expression. "You sure about that? Because you don't feel like the same guy anymore."
The baby Slayers tensed, their hands tightening on their weapons, as if waiting for a signal from Faith. They could sense that Xander wasn't just human anymore, and their instincts were telling them to be cautious.
Blade's eyes flicked toward them, his body stiffening as though preparing for a fight. Cat stayed quiet, but her stance was tense, ready for action.
Faith didn't take her eyes off Xander. "You're coming back with us."
Xander's eyes widened, a flicker of annoyance creeping into his voice. "What? No, I'm not. I'm not going anywhere, Faith. There's still work to be done here."
Faith's expression hardened. "You don't get to make that call. I'm not leaving you out here, especially not when I can't even tell what you are anymore."
Xander stood firm. "I'm not going back with you, Faith. I appreciate the concern, I do. But this is something I have to figure out on my own."
Faith took another step forward, her voice hardening. "And what if I don't give you the choice, Xander? You're a Scooby—you're one of us. I'm not letting you go off on some wild goose chase without knowing you're gonna be okay."
Xander's fists tightened, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. "I'm not a kid anymore, Faith. I can make my own decisions. And this is something I have to do."
The baby Slayers behind Faith shifted, sensing the growing tension. Faith's hand twitched near her weapon, but she didn't draw it. Her eyes stayed locked on Xander, frustration and concern warring in her expression.
For a moment, the air was thick with the threat of a fight. But then, Faith let out a slow breath, her posture softening just slightly. "You always were a stubborn ass, Xander," she muttered, shaking her head. "Fine. You want to stay, fine. But I'm not bailing you out when this blows up in your face."
Xander exhaled, the tension easing in his chest. "I'll take my chances."
Faith glared at him for a beat longer, then stepped back, signaling for the baby Slayers to stand down. "You better get those answers, X. And if you don't… you know where to find us."
Xander nodded, relieved the confrontation hadn't escalated. "Thanks, Faith. I won't leave with out them, this time." He replied looking down at his hands that were just starting to heal from the last time he released his claws.
Faith didn't respond, turning on her heel and leading the baby Slayers away. But before she left, she called over her shoulder, "You owe me for this, Harris. Big time."
Xander watched her go, his heart still pounding from the near-conflict. Blade and Cat had stayed silent through the entire exchange, but Xander could feel their eyes on him.
Blade grunted, his voice low. "You sure about this, kid?"
Xander turned to Blade, nodding firmly. "Yeah. I'm sure."
Cat smirked, shaking her head. "Do you 'Scoobies' always have a flair for the dramatic?"
Xander chuckled softly, the tension finally starting to fade. "You don't know the half of it."
As the trio started moving again, Xander's mind was already racing ahead. He knew this was the right call. Logan had answers—answers he needed. And no matter how hard this was going to get, Xander was ready to face it.
He wasn't just chasing shadows anymore. He was chasing the truth.