Inell's Fanfiction Archive

Xander looked at his watch again, seeing that it was nearly two in the morning. Willow was still not home. He had just left Jesse's house, finding it dark. He had let himself in using his key, reading the note from Jesse's parents saying that his mother was going with his Dad on a haul to New York and would be back sometime later in the week. Jesse's room had been empty, the bed not slept in. After leaving Jesse's, he had gone to Willow's, again finding an empty house. Of course, he knew that Willow had claimed she was meeting some girlfriend so she might have just stayed over there. But, he also knew that Willow had lied to him. She was seeing Jesse tonight, knew where Jesse was. He hated being left out, not having any idea what was going on.

He left Willow's deciding that he was better off at home. It didn't appear that either one of his friends was coming home that night. The Bronze had closed hours ago and there wasn't anywhere else that he could imagine them being. Tomorrow, he'd confront Willow and Jesse, find out what they were doing sneaking around behind his back. He hated feeling betrayed and lied to by his best friends. Did they not trust him? Or did they not want him around anymore? Either choice upset him. He was about half a mile from Willow's house when he heard someone following him. He frowned, wondering if he was imagining things. Finally, he turned to face whoever it was.

Xander looked at the man, taking in the dark hair, brown eyes and entire wardrobe of black. He frowned, "Are you following me?"

"Yes."

His frown deepened at the one word answer, "Why?"

"Willow. She can still be saved."

"Willow? Saved? What the hell are you talking about?" he demanded, not liking the idea that this rather handsome stranger knew something about his best friend that he obviously did not.

"I tried warning her, but she would not listen. You have to listen."

"Hold up," Xander said, glaring at the soft-spoken man. "Who the hell are you and what does Willow need to be saved from?"

"My name is of no importance. Willow's safety is all that matters."

"And what if it's important to me?" Xander asked, not trusting this guy at all. Something about the man bothered him.

"Protect her. She will not listen to me, but she might listen to you. I fear it may already be too late. She does not understand the danger, only the pleasure. Warn her."

"Warn her about what? Tell her that some strange guy dressed in black thinks she needs to be saved? Do you really think she'd listen to me?" Xander demanded.

"You must make her listen. I tried but it was too late. She was too far gone. You might be able to reach her before she makes a mistake. A huge mistake."

"All righty," Xander said, wondering if Sunnydale General was missing one of their ninth floor patients. This guy was a raving lunatic. Of course, he did know Willow's name which was rather scary.

"You're not listening. It's too late for the other boy. He's already gone. You and Willow can be saved. I will not fail again."

Xander straightened up, his face changing. "Other boy? Jesse? You know where he is?"

"It's too late for him. Save yourself and Willow. Forget the past. Concentrate on the future. I will not fail her."

"Too late?" Xander repeated, shaking his head. He saw the man start to leave and said, "Wait. Who am I supposed to save her from?"

"Ask her about Darla, then, you'll know everything."

"Darla?" Xander repeated, looking at his feet as he thought of that name. Looking back, his eyes widened when he saw that the other guy was gone. Shaking off a feeling of apprehension, he turned and kept walking to his house. This time, though, his steps were more rapid, his attention focused on everything around him. That guy had scared him. He had no idea what was going on, but tomorrow he was going to have a chat with Willow to find out some answers.