Quantum Xander II: In Wake of the Curse

Part 63

They took a school bus to Sunnydale High. Xander wasn’t asking where they got it from; he really didn’t care. It was the possible beginning of the end of the world. What was a little grand theft auto? He climbed down the steps and took a deep breath of hellmouth tainted air. He wasn’t sure if it was just him, or if everyone could now smell the evil that emanated from the school. He’d ask about it later - if there was a later to ask about it.

They all followed Robin into the school. Xander was actually shocked that the man was still there, seeing as how he had been dissed by his girl, threatened by Xander and his lovers, and had Buffy push him aside as if he were nothing. But then again, he himself was still there, and he’d been in that position at one time too. Sometimes, having a sense of duty really sucked.

“Welcome to Sunnydale High. There’s no running in the halls, no yelling, no gum chewing. Apart from that, there’s only one rule.”

Robin stopped walking, and turned to look at the crowd.

“If they move, kill them.”

Spike snickered softly and rolled his eyes. Buffy shot him a look and addressed the potentials.

“OK, potentials, in the basement. Follow Faith and Spike.”

At their confused looks she amended.

“The blond one.”

Xander clapped his hands together and faked a cheery grin. Truth was, he was terrified. And having one of his mates out of his sight was not helping matters. He was grateful for the cool hand that rested reassuringly on the back of his neck.

“If you have to go to the bathroom, it’s to your left. If you don’t have to go to the bathroom, picture what you’re about to face. Better to go now.”

“Xander, my office is straight through there.”

Robin pointed the way and Xander nodded. Willow and Tara gave him an understanding smile before heading in the direction that Robin had pointed.

“We’ll start setting up.”

“Thanks Wills, Tara.”

Robin cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention.

“Okay, civilians. The vampires get upstairs, we have three areas they could get through to another building and then down into the sewers. Down the hall in the atrium, the north hall there, and the primary target, through the lounge straight to the science building. Now odds are, most of them will head there.”

Giles nodded.

“Teams of two then. I suggest Spike and I take the lounge.”

“Sounds good to me, Watcher.”

Buffy looked torn but then finally gave Dawn a gentle shove towards Xander.

“Dawn, I want you with Xander.”

Dawn made to protest, but Buffy cut her off.

“I can’t do this if I don’t know you’re safe.”

“Okay. But I do this under protest.”

Buffy smiled and hugged Dawn tightly.

“Duly noted.”

“Besides, it’s not like we won’t get to fight. After the spell, we’ll head to the atrium.”

Xander grinned at Dawn whose eyes lit up at the chance to fight. She was all Summers, that girl was.

“So that leaves me and the dungeon master in the north hall?”

Robin looked less than impressed at being teamed up with Andrew. Andrew looked like he was ready to take on the world - or die trying. Xander had admit he was beginning to respect the guy.

“We will defend it with our very lives.”

Xander nodded his approval and Spike snorted. He looked at Andrew and then motioned toward the principal.

“And don’t be afraid to use him as a human shield. Least he’d be useful for once.”

Andrew looked at Spike in shock, and then smiled as he saw the glint of humor in the vampire’s eyes. He got serious again and spoke up, breaking up the tense atmosphere in the hallway.

“I just want to say how proud I am to die for this very special cause with you guys. There’s some, um-there’s people I’d like to thank, both good and evil. Um, a shout out to my brother Tucker, who gave me the inspiration to summon demons and also…”

“No one cares, let’s go.”

Robin grabbed Andrew by the elbow and led him down the hall towards their post. Dawn headed for the office and Giles discreetly turned away to offer Xander and Spike a moment of privacy. The vampire wasted no time in drawing Xander into his arms and kissing him possessively.

“Don’t you die on me.”

“You neither. Spike, I…”

“Don’t, love. Anything you say will just sound like goodbye.”

Xander nodded and pulled the vampire into his arms again.

“I love you.”

“And I you. Forever, Xander. No matter what. If something happens to me, you and Spike go to Angel. If neither me nor him make it out of this, you go to my sire, love. Promise me.”

“Okay, I promise. But only because I know you’ll make it. Both of you, you have to.”

“Better get going. Else the slayer’ll be up here to kick you in the arse.”

Xander and Spike exchanged a soft smile and turned away from each other. Spike stomped past Giles on the way to the lounge.

“Get yer arse in gear, Watcher. The world ain’t gonna save itself.”

Giles chose to ignore the rough sound of the vampire’s voice and after a smile to Xander, followed behind him.

“Well, if you’re its last hope, the world is definitely doomed.”

Xander walked to the office, hoping against all hope that he was able to pull this off. He opened the door and saw that Tara and Willow had gotten everything set up and were currently sitting on the floor in the lotus position. He cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow in inquiry when Tara opened her eyes.

“It’s relaxing. It helps you focus.”

“Hmm, maybe I should try it?”

Willow giggled and gave Xander a pointed look.

“I don’t think you’re flexible enough, Xander.”

“That’s not what Spike tells me.”

Xander clapped his hand over his mouth as he realized what he just said. Willow and Tara both laughed and got to their feet.

“Can we pretend I didn’t just say that?”

“Never heard a thing, Xander.”

“Thanks Tara. Willow?”

“Nope. I’m planning to use this as blackmail material.”

The two lifelong friends shared a smile and then they all got to work.