Rise of the Dragoon (4/?)
Chapter Title: All That Does Not End Well
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Crossover Material: Legend of Dragoon
Timeframe: End of Season Two.
Pairings: Buffy/Angel, Xander/?
Spoilers: Likely eventually all seasons of BtVS and all aspects of LoD.
Summary: Halloween comes only once a year. But this particularly year is going to be a Halloween Xander and the rest of the Scoobies remember for a long while. Plus...this Halloween is going to put a massive power into play in the world. A power a lot of people are going to want to get their hands on.
“Ready for round two, brat?” asked Angelus as he smiled. Xander looked up from his seat outside Buffy’s door in the hospital then slowly stood, calmly staring the vampire down.
He then looked down and commented, “Flowers? For me? Aw, you shouldn’t have.”
Div snorted then cautioned, Careful.
He’s not going to do anything here, replied Xander.
Angelus growled then hissed, “I could kill you in an instant.”
“And guess what, you’d have every person in the hospital on you. Plus our ever useful Sunnydale PD might be worthless when it comes to vamps but real murder…they’re pretty good at seeing that. So, c’mon, Angie. Let’s have it if you dare.”
The vampire glared at him then threw the flowers at his chest, Xander not even bothering to catch them.
“The ever valiant White Knight,” sneered Angelus. He then leaned close and spat, “You still love her.”
“Yeah,” said Xander coldly. “Buff’s family - something you nor your better half will ever be.”
Angelus laughed at that, “Better half? Oh, you’ll pay for that, brat. I’ll take everything out of your hide soon enough.”
Xander smiled, cocking his head to the side, and calmly replied, “You can try.”
The vampire, unnerved by the youth’s calmness, laughed again then left. After he disappeared around a corner, Xander bent down to pick up the half-crushed flowers and threw them into a nearby trashcan. He settled back down into his chair then and sighed.
That was fun.
Well done, complimented Div. Now, since we’re sitting here let us run through the process of how to summon the armor again. Eventually I am going to manage to beat it into your thick skull.
---
“So they have a demon that can suck the world into Hell and we have…us,” mused Xander to himself as he sorted through the contents of the weapons cabinet in the library.
So it would seem, replied Div. The dragon seemed to frown as he said, This would be much simpler if you could entirely put the armor to use.
I’ve been trying hard, y’know.
Yes, I do. And it is strange that you are learning it so slow… Dart never had a problem summoning it.
Xander shrugged as he glanced between the three longswords hanging on the wall then chose one, hefting it experimentally. After a moment, he nodded and grabbed its scabbard before stepping out of the cage and leaving it open since Oz would be arriving soon for his wolfie time in it.
Lifting the sword, he saluted an invisible opponent before moving through a practice of drills that were from both Giles’ teaching and Dart’s memories. Well, he said as he moved into a lunge, stabbing his invisible opponent, Dart also had a spirit previously that activated everything on its own.
Div snorted at that, saying, Varusth was always spoiling things by helping them too much along. The fool.
Xander smiled then stumbled as the dragon softly said, We need to talk about her.
“No,” growled the youth out loud before he viciously swiped at the air then darted into another drill, flicking the tip of the blade towards his invisible opponents knee.
You…
I think I have the capability to handle it, Div!
The dragon sighed and was so silent Xander thought the conversation was over. Then as he finished the last drill and swept the blade up into another salute to his ‘opponent’ Div spoke again.
It was neither your fault nor Dart’s that Shana died.
Xander stiffened, his hand tightening on the hilt of the sword. He bared his teeth and growled out aloud, “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?” asked a voice from the door and he turned to see Oz standing there, one eyebrow arched. Turning away from the werewolf, the youth hissed, “Its nothing.”
Oz frowned at him, wondering if he should talk to him. Willow had been expressing concern about her friend of late but… Shrugging, he moved towards the book cage and went in, waiting for Xander to come and lock it.
It wasn’t his place to say anything.
Xander sheathed the sword and laid it on the table before he went to the cage, locking the door behind Oz securely. He ignored Div’s voice as he sat down at the table and picked up a book as he settled into his wolf watching duties.
---
“Hell no!” snapped Xander, pushing himself away from the wall in Willow’s hospital room. His fists clenched at his sides as he growled, “You’re here, Giles is gone, Kendra’s dead, and Buffy’s on the run. We are not doing something so stupid again!”
“Xander, I know I can do it!” insisted Willow. “I can give Angel back his soul!”
“I don’t give a shit,” he snarled. “Deadboy can rot for all I care since he never should have allowed for his and Buffy’s relationship in the first place.”
The redhead frowned in response and insisted, “I can do it.” She then pointed at her herself, saying, “Look, resolve face.”
Xander just stared at her then turned away, moving towards the door. He paused at it and shook his head before softly muttering, “Fine. Do it. But I’m not having any part in it.”
Looking over his shoulder at her, he apologized, “Sorry, Wills,” then was gone out the door, leaving Willow, Oz, and Cordelia to deal with the soul restoration spell if they wanted to.
What are you planning on doing? Asked Div quietly. After his failed attempt at talking to Xander two days before, they had been walking on eggshells around each other.
First, I need a sword, replied Xander. Then…
Then?
The youth smiled coldly, which was one thing Div had found different between Dart and Xander. His newest bearer had hidden dark depths that hadn’t even been dipped into yet whereas Dart had none so deep.
Then we need to have a chat with Drusilla, I think.
---
“Hiya, Dru,” greeted Xander as he leaned against the supporting pole of the playground swing set. He had changed since the hospital, now wearing dark blue jeans tucked into a pair of combat boots he’d bought for his previous soldier costume preparation and a long-sleeved black shirt with a leather tunic that had once been a jacket belted over it. Thanks to Dart’s having to know how to fix patches in his own clothes, it hadn’t been hard to turn the jacket into a rough tunic.
It just seemed more…natural to be wearing something like it.
The vampire smiled at him and purred, “Hello, Kitten. And, Dragon.” She then fixed Xander with her mad gaze and said, “You want to kill Daddy.”
“Yeah, I do,” he replied, pushing himself away from the swing set. “The rest want to return his soul. I think it’s a stupid idea.”
“So harsh, Kitten. And what does the silly blonde say about such nasty nasty thinkings?”
Xander shrugged, replying, “If Buffy can do it, I’ve got no problem. If she can’t bring it on herself to kill Angelus, I will.”
Drusilla smiled and tilted her head to the side. “Kitten speaks so harsh,” she murmured. “Has he ever killed someone he loves?”
The image of a brunette woman writhing in pain flashed through Xander’s mind for an instant, her body wracked by a disease no medicine or magic could fix. He closed his eyes, turning his face away, and painfully replied, “Yes,” as the memory replayed despite his efforts to ignore it. The blade went deep into her heart and he softly breathed, “I’m sorry.”
Xander, said Div softly and he felt the dragon’s presence brush against his in comfort, feeling almost as though coils of smooth scales were wrapped reassuringly around him. Which, if he could see the dragon as Drusilla could, he would have seen that that was just was Div was doing, his head resting on the youth’s right shoulder.
I’m okay.
“I see,” murmured the vampire. Then she was suddenly in front of him, one hand clasping his cheek and Xander started, staring down at her. But, to his credit, he didn’t move away. “Very well. I will lead Kitten to Daddy.”
“Just like that?” asked Xander.
“Kitten should know I will do anything for him. Miss Edith says he will move things, make things change…”
The youth frowned at her crazy talk then said, “Okay. Take me there, Dru. And then…”
“Then?” queried the vampire as she turned away, dress sweeping in the dirt.
“Take Spike and leave town.”
Drusilla smiled then turned around to kiss his cheek before he could react. “Of course, Kitten,” she purred then turned away, smiling as she walked off with him at her heels. She, of course, knew what her Spikey was doing - all planning with the Slayer. Well she had plans of her own!
And her Kitten, she mused, turning to look back at Xander, was so much fiercer than the Slayer.
---
“Take Giles and get out of here, Xander,” hissed Buffy.
“No,” he replied stonily. “’Fraid I’m sticking with you, Buff. But…” He glanced behind him and the Slayer started as Drusilla came into view.
“Xander…”
“Trust me, she’s not going to do anything.”
The vampire smiled and said in a singsong voice, “I’ll take the old man away for Kitten. But you have to promise to let things go, Kitten.”
Xander nodded and Drusilla easily lifted Giles up, moving away as Buffy exclaimed, “Kitten? Xander, what…”
“I think we have more important things to worry about,” growled the young man, nodding towards the door behind them where they could hear the sound of fighting. “Your ally is already on the move.”
“My…how the hell do you know about all this?!”
“Just go, damnit!” roared Xander. When she didn’t move, he drew his sword and snarled, “I will go in there and kill Angelus dead, Buff, without any qualms. Don’t force me to do that. You get one chance.”
She stared at him then burst through the door, breaking in on the fight between Angel and Spike. Xander stepped in after her and quickly dispatched the stray weaker vampires before he caught Spike’s collar as the vampire tried to get past him.
“Drusilla is waiting for you outside,” he hissed softly. “Both of you get the hell out of Sunnydale and stay out, you got that? Oh, and you touch Giles again, and not even Buffy will be able to protect you from me, Spike.”
The blond stared at him for a moment then smirked. “Whelp’s all grown up then. You’d better pay attention…the girl’s losing.”
Xander whipped around to the fight to indeed see Buffy sent sprawling backwards, giving Angelus the opportunity to step towards the statue and the sword in it. Cursing, he lunged forward and screamed, Div!
I’m not giving you a crutch! Snapped the dragon in response. Not even to save the world!
Damn you, Div!
Focusing, he managed to bring together a smaller approximation of the Divine Armor. It was only a thin but strong silver armor that resembled medieval half plate with one pair of wings instead of the six that usually adorned the armor. And there was no cannon engulfing the left arm, which was Div’s real reason for saying it was a failure since that had been his main weapon before.
But the armor made Xander somewhat faster and stronger as well as allowing him a slight flight.
He leapt and half-flew across the room as Buffy rose and kicked Angelus away from Acathla with one clawed boot, landing in a half crouch in front of it. The vampire came snarling back up then paused in confusion.
“What the hell are you?”
“A Dragoon,” replied Xander honestly. He then frowned and glanced at the statue next to him, realizing that the sword was gone. “Sonova…”
On the floor! Shouted Div. Damn it all…
Angelus grinned and lunged for the sword, rolling and picking it up in time to catch the strike of Buffy’s sword against it. He then ducked back and only just parried Xander’s blade as the youth barreled in, wings tucked against his back.
“We’re having a talk after this,” spat Buffy as they came to stand beside each other.
“How do we stop it?” asked Xander, fully ignoring her comment. “Put the sword back in?”
She frowned then replied sadly, “It needs the blood of the one who started it.”
So we kill him and the world does not become pulled into Hell, snipped Div. I see no problem.
Neither do I, growled Xander. But she does.
Heavens forbid…women!
“Buff,” he started only to be cut off by Angelus snapping, “Come on, Slayer! Or are you going to hide behind your White Knight there?”
Buffy’s eyes narrowed and she hissed, “Stay out of this, Xander,” before she strode forward and the fight started again in earnest. Xander regarded the pair of them and growled before muttering, “If you want something done right…”
That’s the spirit.
With another growl, the youth rushed into the fight, pushing Buffy aside and meeting Angelus’ blade with his own. Then he twisted them to the side and landed a hard punch to the vampire’s head with an armored fist that sent him careening. Wrenching the sword away from him, Xander lunged forward with it, sinking the blade deep into Angelus’ stomach before drawing it back out again.
He then spun towards the ever-widening portal before Acathla and asked, You think this’ll work? As he raised the sword for a downward thrust.
As to that, I do not know, replied Div as he widened his power around them and essentially hooked them into the dimension. But I am not allowing us to get drawn into Hell if that infernal creation wishes a sacrifice.
Nice to know. Here goes!
Xander saw Angelus crumple like a string-cut doll out of the corner of his eyes then he drove the blade hard into Acathla’s mouth, right into the dead center of the portal. There was a shudder from the statue then as suddenly as a snap of the fingers, the portal was gone.
The world was saved…and for once without casualties, it looked like from Buffy’s hugging a confused looking Angelus.
Angel, corrected Div and Xander grunted in response before he let the armor fade away. It disappeared in swirls of dark violet sparks and he turned towards the door, set to leave the pair of them alone. Then Buffy’s voice snapped after him and he paused.
“You told my mom,” she said accusingly. “And what was that, Xander? What have you been messing with?”
“Yes,” he replied without turning around, “I told her months ago ‘cause she deserved to know, not to be lied to. And you know what she did, Buff? Sure she had a hard time believing but she thanked me. Thanked me. For not only being there for you but for having the damn balls to tell her the truth.”
There was a paused then, “You didn’t answer the second question.”
Xander spun on his heels and snapped, “I am using what was given to me and that I am allowed to use through the permission of its owner. You can yell and scream and bitch all you want, but I’m not going to stop. I’m not going to back down.”
“This isn’t your fight,” insisted Buffy.
“This became my fight the moment Jesse got turned by those bloodsuckers. And don’t you dare tell me what to do, Buffy.”
He turned to leave then stopped, adding, “Oh, and break that shit off. Now. You and Deadboy need to stop this - you know what will happen now and the consequences. Deal with the loss.”
“Xander!”
Xander ignored her fully and turned, leaving without another word. He found Giles sitting outside with a gift tag pinned to his collar that read ‘To Kitten’. Shaking his head at Drusilla’s antics, he pulled the tag off then carefully levered the Watcher up, pulling one arm across his shoulders.
“C’mon, G-man,” he murmured as the man groaned. “We gotta get you to the hospital.”
As they began their walk, Div said softly, She won’t let up. Not until she discovers the full story. And you know she’ll tell the rest.
I’m not worried, replied Xander. If Buff wants to play like that…okay. I’m not about to let anyone wrench you away from me, Div - a thousand years in silence or as some experiment isn’t something I want to happen to you.
The dragon smiled at that.
Now that is a trait I like in you. And you do realize she is following us with the vampire, yes?
Yup. Confrontation at the hospital.
So it would seem, mused Div as he turned his head to watch the pair following them with narrowed eyes.
---
“So the stone holds the spirit of a dragon,” repeated Buffy as they stood around Willow’s bed, waiting to hear about news on Giles. She then extended her hand to Xander, saying, “Give it here.”
“Buffy!” exclaimed Willow in shock as Xander laughed.
“’Give it here?’” he repeated. “Like hell.”
“Its hurting you, Xander, you have to see that.”
“No, this is hurting you,” he hissed, leaning towards her. “It just rubs you the wrong way to think the rest of us might not be defenseless.”
Buffy looked startled at that then frowned determinedly. “Fine, I’ll take it then. Where is it?”
Xander laughed again at that, saying, “You really think he’s going to let you do that, Buff? Div’s ancient and powerful…plus, he really doesn’t like you.”
“See, he’s already affecting you!”
Idiot child, grumbled Div. I cannot believe you once thought to love her.
I do love her. Just not like that anymore. Even if she can be…
Annoying? Offered Div.
You got it, replied Xander. He then ducked Buffy’s swipe at him and moved a few steps back, lifting his fists in front of him. She blinked then said, “Xander, just give me the stone. I don’t want to have to hurt you.”
“Yeah, so you say,” he growled back. “You want to take Div away. Well let me tell you what that would do to him, Buff. He’d live in darkness, unable to see anything or anyone. The world would go and pass him by without him ever knowing. And imagine if someone found out how to harness his power, bypassing his own defenses and control? Hmm? A centuries old dragon known as the King of Dragons? I think I’d rather have him in my hands than somewhere else. Or alone in that cold stone.”
Xander shook his head as he took another step back and glanced behind him at the window. If need be he could summon the armor and bust through - glide down to the ground and run…
“He doesn’t deserve that,” he finished. “And I’m not letting that happen if I can help it.”
Buffy frowned, shaking her head, saying, “I can’t believe that. I think he’s fooling you, Xander! And causing you to deal with Drusilla! Drusilla!”
Xander snorted and growled, “You plotted with Spike. And after that love spell I got tangled up in, there’s nothing that crazy vampire wouldn’t do for me. It’s creepy but, hey, I’m willing to use whatever advantage I’ve got.”
“I’m not,” said Buffy, holding out her hand again. “Please…give me the stone.”
He sighed at that and looked at Willow, who was watching the confrontation with wide eyes. She met his gaze then and he said softly, “Guess that’s it then, eh, Wills? Buff doesn’t want to listen.”
“Xan…” she began but he smiled and her voice trailed away.
“It’ll be okay.” Turning to Buffy, Xander stated, “Guess that’s that then.”
“Xander!” snapped Buffy. “Stop it!”
“Alright,” said Xander, “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll give up Div but you have to give up Deadboy.”
What are you doing? Asked Div. The girl can’t…ah.
Exactly.
She stared at him then snapped, “No! Just give me the stone!”
“Not happening.”
Buffy growled then lunged at him only to be blinded by a bright flare of light from underneath his shirt. And just as earlier, he was wearing the silvery armor only now she could actually get a clear look at it.
Pauldrons adorned each shoulder, leaving a darker section of mail between each and a gauntlet that ended in fingers with the tips curved into claws. The silver armor protected his neck and chest with six dark gems surrounding a larger one set off to the left over his heart, the armor flowing down into locking plates that separated and moved to the side, ending just at his hips. The same dark mail on his arms covered his legs down to the boots that rose to his knees, which heavily resembled the clawed feet of something reptilian. There was some sort of metal headband that appeared on his forehead with two of the dark gems set into it just above his left eye.
And most amazing were the wings folded behind him, two great silver spikes with the actual wing parts made of great golden feathers almost. They looked flimsy, like a butterfly’s wings almost.
Buffy staggered back and heard Willow gasp aloud in awe from her bed, breathing, “Oh, Xander.” She then scowled and hissed, “That’s a ‘no’ then.”
“This is a ‘no’,” confirmed Xander, his eyes cold as he regarded her. “And here I thought you’d get it, Buff. That I want to help. But you don’t care about that, do you?”
“I don’t want you to get hurt!”
“I get that. What you don’t get is that it’s my choice.”
Shaking his head, he turned and pushed back the blinds on the window, unlocking it and sliding it open. Pulling himself up onto the windowsill, he looked over his shoulder at the Slayer and sighed.
“When you finally figure that out, I’ll be there. I’m not leaving and I’m not backing down.” His whole face went stony as he added, “But you try and take Div from me again, that’s it.”
With that, he pushed himself fully out the window and leapt, spreading the single set of wings wide to catch the air. Despite its only half-there state, the Divine armor was still heavier than other Dragoon armors might have been and one set of wings only allowed for gliding and not true flight. As he hit the ground and started to walk off, the armor faded in a cloud of violet sparks and he sighed heavily.
“Damnit,” growled Xander, lifting a hand to fist in his dark hair.
How exactly are you planning on avoiding her? Asked Div. And you should find another place for the stone. If she manages to take notice, I don’t want her trying to snatch me off your neck and end up choking you.
“I’ll figure something out,” came the mumbled response. “Just…damnit, let’s just go home. I need to sleep.”
Very well.
Div frowned and curled restlessly around his bearer, hating the tense feeling overtaking him. They had gotten rid of one foe…but he had the sense they were too soon going to get a new one. And amongst this debacle with the blonde girl, things were going to get interesting.
He doubted, as well, that Xander was going to get much of the sleep he wanted in the months to come.
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Crossover Material: Legend of Dragoon
Timeframe: End of Season Two.
Pairings: Buffy/Angel, Xander/?
Spoilers: Likely eventually all seasons of BtVS and all aspects of LoD.
Summary: Halloween comes only once a year. But this particularly year is going to be a Halloween Xander and the rest of the Scoobies remember for a long while. Plus...this Halloween is going to put a massive power into play in the world. A power a lot of people are going to want to get their hands on.
“Ready for round two, brat?” asked Angelus as he smiled. Xander looked up from his seat outside Buffy’s door in the hospital then slowly stood, calmly staring the vampire down.
He then looked down and commented, “Flowers? For me? Aw, you shouldn’t have.”
Div snorted then cautioned, Careful.
He’s not going to do anything here, replied Xander.
Angelus growled then hissed, “I could kill you in an instant.”
“And guess what, you’d have every person in the hospital on you. Plus our ever useful Sunnydale PD might be worthless when it comes to vamps but real murder…they’re pretty good at seeing that. So, c’mon, Angie. Let’s have it if you dare.”
The vampire glared at him then threw the flowers at his chest, Xander not even bothering to catch them.
“The ever valiant White Knight,” sneered Angelus. He then leaned close and spat, “You still love her.”
“Yeah,” said Xander coldly. “Buff’s family - something you nor your better half will ever be.”
Angelus laughed at that, “Better half? Oh, you’ll pay for that, brat. I’ll take everything out of your hide soon enough.”
Xander smiled, cocking his head to the side, and calmly replied, “You can try.”
The vampire, unnerved by the youth’s calmness, laughed again then left. After he disappeared around a corner, Xander bent down to pick up the half-crushed flowers and threw them into a nearby trashcan. He settled back down into his chair then and sighed.
That was fun.
Well done, complimented Div. Now, since we’re sitting here let us run through the process of how to summon the armor again. Eventually I am going to manage to beat it into your thick skull.
---
“So they have a demon that can suck the world into Hell and we have…us,” mused Xander to himself as he sorted through the contents of the weapons cabinet in the library.
So it would seem, replied Div. The dragon seemed to frown as he said, This would be much simpler if you could entirely put the armor to use.
I’ve been trying hard, y’know.
Yes, I do. And it is strange that you are learning it so slow… Dart never had a problem summoning it.
Xander shrugged as he glanced between the three longswords hanging on the wall then chose one, hefting it experimentally. After a moment, he nodded and grabbed its scabbard before stepping out of the cage and leaving it open since Oz would be arriving soon for his wolfie time in it.
Lifting the sword, he saluted an invisible opponent before moving through a practice of drills that were from both Giles’ teaching and Dart’s memories. Well, he said as he moved into a lunge, stabbing his invisible opponent, Dart also had a spirit previously that activated everything on its own.
Div snorted at that, saying, Varusth was always spoiling things by helping them too much along. The fool.
Xander smiled then stumbled as the dragon softly said, We need to talk about her.
“No,” growled the youth out loud before he viciously swiped at the air then darted into another drill, flicking the tip of the blade towards his invisible opponents knee.
You…
I think I have the capability to handle it, Div!
The dragon sighed and was so silent Xander thought the conversation was over. Then as he finished the last drill and swept the blade up into another salute to his ‘opponent’ Div spoke again.
It was neither your fault nor Dart’s that Shana died.
Xander stiffened, his hand tightening on the hilt of the sword. He bared his teeth and growled out aloud, “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?” asked a voice from the door and he turned to see Oz standing there, one eyebrow arched. Turning away from the werewolf, the youth hissed, “Its nothing.”
Oz frowned at him, wondering if he should talk to him. Willow had been expressing concern about her friend of late but… Shrugging, he moved towards the book cage and went in, waiting for Xander to come and lock it.
It wasn’t his place to say anything.
Xander sheathed the sword and laid it on the table before he went to the cage, locking the door behind Oz securely. He ignored Div’s voice as he sat down at the table and picked up a book as he settled into his wolf watching duties.
---
“Hell no!” snapped Xander, pushing himself away from the wall in Willow’s hospital room. His fists clenched at his sides as he growled, “You’re here, Giles is gone, Kendra’s dead, and Buffy’s on the run. We are not doing something so stupid again!”
“Xander, I know I can do it!” insisted Willow. “I can give Angel back his soul!”
“I don’t give a shit,” he snarled. “Deadboy can rot for all I care since he never should have allowed for his and Buffy’s relationship in the first place.”
The redhead frowned in response and insisted, “I can do it.” She then pointed at her herself, saying, “Look, resolve face.”
Xander just stared at her then turned away, moving towards the door. He paused at it and shook his head before softly muttering, “Fine. Do it. But I’m not having any part in it.”
Looking over his shoulder at her, he apologized, “Sorry, Wills,” then was gone out the door, leaving Willow, Oz, and Cordelia to deal with the soul restoration spell if they wanted to.
What are you planning on doing? Asked Div quietly. After his failed attempt at talking to Xander two days before, they had been walking on eggshells around each other.
First, I need a sword, replied Xander. Then…
Then?
The youth smiled coldly, which was one thing Div had found different between Dart and Xander. His newest bearer had hidden dark depths that hadn’t even been dipped into yet whereas Dart had none so deep.
Then we need to have a chat with Drusilla, I think.
---
“Hiya, Dru,” greeted Xander as he leaned against the supporting pole of the playground swing set. He had changed since the hospital, now wearing dark blue jeans tucked into a pair of combat boots he’d bought for his previous soldier costume preparation and a long-sleeved black shirt with a leather tunic that had once been a jacket belted over it. Thanks to Dart’s having to know how to fix patches in his own clothes, it hadn’t been hard to turn the jacket into a rough tunic.
It just seemed more…natural to be wearing something like it.
The vampire smiled at him and purred, “Hello, Kitten. And, Dragon.” She then fixed Xander with her mad gaze and said, “You want to kill Daddy.”
“Yeah, I do,” he replied, pushing himself away from the swing set. “The rest want to return his soul. I think it’s a stupid idea.”
“So harsh, Kitten. And what does the silly blonde say about such nasty nasty thinkings?”
Xander shrugged, replying, “If Buffy can do it, I’ve got no problem. If she can’t bring it on herself to kill Angelus, I will.”
Drusilla smiled and tilted her head to the side. “Kitten speaks so harsh,” she murmured. “Has he ever killed someone he loves?”
The image of a brunette woman writhing in pain flashed through Xander’s mind for an instant, her body wracked by a disease no medicine or magic could fix. He closed his eyes, turning his face away, and painfully replied, “Yes,” as the memory replayed despite his efforts to ignore it. The blade went deep into her heart and he softly breathed, “I’m sorry.”
Xander, said Div softly and he felt the dragon’s presence brush against his in comfort, feeling almost as though coils of smooth scales were wrapped reassuringly around him. Which, if he could see the dragon as Drusilla could, he would have seen that that was just was Div was doing, his head resting on the youth’s right shoulder.
I’m okay.
“I see,” murmured the vampire. Then she was suddenly in front of him, one hand clasping his cheek and Xander started, staring down at her. But, to his credit, he didn’t move away. “Very well. I will lead Kitten to Daddy.”
“Just like that?” asked Xander.
“Kitten should know I will do anything for him. Miss Edith says he will move things, make things change…”
The youth frowned at her crazy talk then said, “Okay. Take me there, Dru. And then…”
“Then?” queried the vampire as she turned away, dress sweeping in the dirt.
“Take Spike and leave town.”
Drusilla smiled then turned around to kiss his cheek before he could react. “Of course, Kitten,” she purred then turned away, smiling as she walked off with him at her heels. She, of course, knew what her Spikey was doing - all planning with the Slayer. Well she had plans of her own!
And her Kitten, she mused, turning to look back at Xander, was so much fiercer than the Slayer.
---
“Take Giles and get out of here, Xander,” hissed Buffy.
“No,” he replied stonily. “’Fraid I’m sticking with you, Buff. But…” He glanced behind him and the Slayer started as Drusilla came into view.
“Xander…”
“Trust me, she’s not going to do anything.”
The vampire smiled and said in a singsong voice, “I’ll take the old man away for Kitten. But you have to promise to let things go, Kitten.”
Xander nodded and Drusilla easily lifted Giles up, moving away as Buffy exclaimed, “Kitten? Xander, what…”
“I think we have more important things to worry about,” growled the young man, nodding towards the door behind them where they could hear the sound of fighting. “Your ally is already on the move.”
“My…how the hell do you know about all this?!”
“Just go, damnit!” roared Xander. When she didn’t move, he drew his sword and snarled, “I will go in there and kill Angelus dead, Buff, without any qualms. Don’t force me to do that. You get one chance.”
She stared at him then burst through the door, breaking in on the fight between Angel and Spike. Xander stepped in after her and quickly dispatched the stray weaker vampires before he caught Spike’s collar as the vampire tried to get past him.
“Drusilla is waiting for you outside,” he hissed softly. “Both of you get the hell out of Sunnydale and stay out, you got that? Oh, and you touch Giles again, and not even Buffy will be able to protect you from me, Spike.”
The blond stared at him for a moment then smirked. “Whelp’s all grown up then. You’d better pay attention…the girl’s losing.”
Xander whipped around to the fight to indeed see Buffy sent sprawling backwards, giving Angelus the opportunity to step towards the statue and the sword in it. Cursing, he lunged forward and screamed, Div!
I’m not giving you a crutch! Snapped the dragon in response. Not even to save the world!
Damn you, Div!
Focusing, he managed to bring together a smaller approximation of the Divine Armor. It was only a thin but strong silver armor that resembled medieval half plate with one pair of wings instead of the six that usually adorned the armor. And there was no cannon engulfing the left arm, which was Div’s real reason for saying it was a failure since that had been his main weapon before.
But the armor made Xander somewhat faster and stronger as well as allowing him a slight flight.
He leapt and half-flew across the room as Buffy rose and kicked Angelus away from Acathla with one clawed boot, landing in a half crouch in front of it. The vampire came snarling back up then paused in confusion.
“What the hell are you?”
“A Dragoon,” replied Xander honestly. He then frowned and glanced at the statue next to him, realizing that the sword was gone. “Sonova…”
On the floor! Shouted Div. Damn it all…
Angelus grinned and lunged for the sword, rolling and picking it up in time to catch the strike of Buffy’s sword against it. He then ducked back and only just parried Xander’s blade as the youth barreled in, wings tucked against his back.
“We’re having a talk after this,” spat Buffy as they came to stand beside each other.
“How do we stop it?” asked Xander, fully ignoring her comment. “Put the sword back in?”
She frowned then replied sadly, “It needs the blood of the one who started it.”
So we kill him and the world does not become pulled into Hell, snipped Div. I see no problem.
Neither do I, growled Xander. But she does.
Heavens forbid…women!
“Buff,” he started only to be cut off by Angelus snapping, “Come on, Slayer! Or are you going to hide behind your White Knight there?”
Buffy’s eyes narrowed and she hissed, “Stay out of this, Xander,” before she strode forward and the fight started again in earnest. Xander regarded the pair of them and growled before muttering, “If you want something done right…”
That’s the spirit.
With another growl, the youth rushed into the fight, pushing Buffy aside and meeting Angelus’ blade with his own. Then he twisted them to the side and landed a hard punch to the vampire’s head with an armored fist that sent him careening. Wrenching the sword away from him, Xander lunged forward with it, sinking the blade deep into Angelus’ stomach before drawing it back out again.
He then spun towards the ever-widening portal before Acathla and asked, You think this’ll work? As he raised the sword for a downward thrust.
As to that, I do not know, replied Div as he widened his power around them and essentially hooked them into the dimension. But I am not allowing us to get drawn into Hell if that infernal creation wishes a sacrifice.
Nice to know. Here goes!
Xander saw Angelus crumple like a string-cut doll out of the corner of his eyes then he drove the blade hard into Acathla’s mouth, right into the dead center of the portal. There was a shudder from the statue then as suddenly as a snap of the fingers, the portal was gone.
The world was saved…and for once without casualties, it looked like from Buffy’s hugging a confused looking Angelus.
Angel, corrected Div and Xander grunted in response before he let the armor fade away. It disappeared in swirls of dark violet sparks and he turned towards the door, set to leave the pair of them alone. Then Buffy’s voice snapped after him and he paused.
“You told my mom,” she said accusingly. “And what was that, Xander? What have you been messing with?”
“Yes,” he replied without turning around, “I told her months ago ‘cause she deserved to know, not to be lied to. And you know what she did, Buff? Sure she had a hard time believing but she thanked me. Thanked me. For not only being there for you but for having the damn balls to tell her the truth.”
There was a paused then, “You didn’t answer the second question.”
Xander spun on his heels and snapped, “I am using what was given to me and that I am allowed to use through the permission of its owner. You can yell and scream and bitch all you want, but I’m not going to stop. I’m not going to back down.”
“This isn’t your fight,” insisted Buffy.
“This became my fight the moment Jesse got turned by those bloodsuckers. And don’t you dare tell me what to do, Buffy.”
He turned to leave then stopped, adding, “Oh, and break that shit off. Now. You and Deadboy need to stop this - you know what will happen now and the consequences. Deal with the loss.”
“Xander!”
Xander ignored her fully and turned, leaving without another word. He found Giles sitting outside with a gift tag pinned to his collar that read ‘To Kitten’. Shaking his head at Drusilla’s antics, he pulled the tag off then carefully levered the Watcher up, pulling one arm across his shoulders.
“C’mon, G-man,” he murmured as the man groaned. “We gotta get you to the hospital.”
As they began their walk, Div said softly, She won’t let up. Not until she discovers the full story. And you know she’ll tell the rest.
I’m not worried, replied Xander. If Buff wants to play like that…okay. I’m not about to let anyone wrench you away from me, Div - a thousand years in silence or as some experiment isn’t something I want to happen to you.
The dragon smiled at that.
Now that is a trait I like in you. And you do realize she is following us with the vampire, yes?
Yup. Confrontation at the hospital.
So it would seem, mused Div as he turned his head to watch the pair following them with narrowed eyes.
---
“So the stone holds the spirit of a dragon,” repeated Buffy as they stood around Willow’s bed, waiting to hear about news on Giles. She then extended her hand to Xander, saying, “Give it here.”
“Buffy!” exclaimed Willow in shock as Xander laughed.
“’Give it here?’” he repeated. “Like hell.”
“Its hurting you, Xander, you have to see that.”
“No, this is hurting you,” he hissed, leaning towards her. “It just rubs you the wrong way to think the rest of us might not be defenseless.”
Buffy looked startled at that then frowned determinedly. “Fine, I’ll take it then. Where is it?”
Xander laughed again at that, saying, “You really think he’s going to let you do that, Buff? Div’s ancient and powerful…plus, he really doesn’t like you.”
“See, he’s already affecting you!”
Idiot child, grumbled Div. I cannot believe you once thought to love her.
I do love her. Just not like that anymore. Even if she can be…
Annoying? Offered Div.
You got it, replied Xander. He then ducked Buffy’s swipe at him and moved a few steps back, lifting his fists in front of him. She blinked then said, “Xander, just give me the stone. I don’t want to have to hurt you.”
“Yeah, so you say,” he growled back. “You want to take Div away. Well let me tell you what that would do to him, Buff. He’d live in darkness, unable to see anything or anyone. The world would go and pass him by without him ever knowing. And imagine if someone found out how to harness his power, bypassing his own defenses and control? Hmm? A centuries old dragon known as the King of Dragons? I think I’d rather have him in my hands than somewhere else. Or alone in that cold stone.”
Xander shook his head as he took another step back and glanced behind him at the window. If need be he could summon the armor and bust through - glide down to the ground and run…
“He doesn’t deserve that,” he finished. “And I’m not letting that happen if I can help it.”
Buffy frowned, shaking her head, saying, “I can’t believe that. I think he’s fooling you, Xander! And causing you to deal with Drusilla! Drusilla!”
Xander snorted and growled, “You plotted with Spike. And after that love spell I got tangled up in, there’s nothing that crazy vampire wouldn’t do for me. It’s creepy but, hey, I’m willing to use whatever advantage I’ve got.”
“I’m not,” said Buffy, holding out her hand again. “Please…give me the stone.”
He sighed at that and looked at Willow, who was watching the confrontation with wide eyes. She met his gaze then and he said softly, “Guess that’s it then, eh, Wills? Buff doesn’t want to listen.”
“Xan…” she began but he smiled and her voice trailed away.
“It’ll be okay.” Turning to Buffy, Xander stated, “Guess that’s that then.”
“Xander!” snapped Buffy. “Stop it!”
“Alright,” said Xander, “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll give up Div but you have to give up Deadboy.”
What are you doing? Asked Div. The girl can’t…ah.
Exactly.
She stared at him then snapped, “No! Just give me the stone!”
“Not happening.”
Buffy growled then lunged at him only to be blinded by a bright flare of light from underneath his shirt. And just as earlier, he was wearing the silvery armor only now she could actually get a clear look at it.
Pauldrons adorned each shoulder, leaving a darker section of mail between each and a gauntlet that ended in fingers with the tips curved into claws. The silver armor protected his neck and chest with six dark gems surrounding a larger one set off to the left over his heart, the armor flowing down into locking plates that separated and moved to the side, ending just at his hips. The same dark mail on his arms covered his legs down to the boots that rose to his knees, which heavily resembled the clawed feet of something reptilian. There was some sort of metal headband that appeared on his forehead with two of the dark gems set into it just above his left eye.
And most amazing were the wings folded behind him, two great silver spikes with the actual wing parts made of great golden feathers almost. They looked flimsy, like a butterfly’s wings almost.
Buffy staggered back and heard Willow gasp aloud in awe from her bed, breathing, “Oh, Xander.” She then scowled and hissed, “That’s a ‘no’ then.”
“This is a ‘no’,” confirmed Xander, his eyes cold as he regarded her. “And here I thought you’d get it, Buff. That I want to help. But you don’t care about that, do you?”
“I don’t want you to get hurt!”
“I get that. What you don’t get is that it’s my choice.”
Shaking his head, he turned and pushed back the blinds on the window, unlocking it and sliding it open. Pulling himself up onto the windowsill, he looked over his shoulder at the Slayer and sighed.
“When you finally figure that out, I’ll be there. I’m not leaving and I’m not backing down.” His whole face went stony as he added, “But you try and take Div from me again, that’s it.”
With that, he pushed himself fully out the window and leapt, spreading the single set of wings wide to catch the air. Despite its only half-there state, the Divine armor was still heavier than other Dragoon armors might have been and one set of wings only allowed for gliding and not true flight. As he hit the ground and started to walk off, the armor faded in a cloud of violet sparks and he sighed heavily.
“Damnit,” growled Xander, lifting a hand to fist in his dark hair.
How exactly are you planning on avoiding her? Asked Div. And you should find another place for the stone. If she manages to take notice, I don’t want her trying to snatch me off your neck and end up choking you.
“I’ll figure something out,” came the mumbled response. “Just…damnit, let’s just go home. I need to sleep.”
Very well.
Div frowned and curled restlessly around his bearer, hating the tense feeling overtaking him. They had gotten rid of one foe…but he had the sense they were too soon going to get a new one. And amongst this debacle with the blonde girl, things were going to get interesting.
He doubted, as well, that Xander was going to get much of the sleep he wanted in the months to come.