FIC: Royalty Redux (Chapter 12)

["Cilia" <cilia@xxxxx>]

Title: Royalty Redux
Author: Cilia
Archives: List archivers go right ahead.
Notes: The rewrite of the classic B/W story Royalty, the story that set
the stage for the epic Two Worlds story and made any of the characters
that are still around and kicking in Prophecy's Twilight. 
Relative to the show, this takes place after the events of Graduation,
so those are still in continuity while, but I have taken some liberties
and this is very much an alternate universe story.
Summary: Buffy finds herself in San Francisco looking for Willow, but
the young witch has gone missing, both of them struggle with their
emerging affection for each other and new enemies. Along for the ride
are Spike, Giles, Anya and Xander, every single one of them with a
mission of their own.




Chapter 12: Inner Fires - Rupert Giles


Friendship. 
A head rolls.
Honor.
A head rolls.
Courage.
The dust falls.

Rupert Giles smiles a thin smile. The guards are spread out all over the
city. He now stands alone. This is what he wants right now, to be alone.
What makes their problems so much greater than mine? He thinks to
himself as he stalks off into the shadows.
No don't think about it. Focus on the here and now. Don't let the blade
take control.
"This is far removed from normal," he mutters and looks at the throng of
vampires that are marching down the street completely filling it from
end to end. 
He turns and sees their destination, a church.
"Bloody hell," he mutters as he runs towards it. 

There is a Jaguar parked outside. 
Someone inside reading.
Xander. 
A knock on the glass.
Xander jumps.
"Giles?" 
"No time to explain. A throng of vampires and maybe some minor demons
are heading this way and we have to make a stand."
"Okay," the younger man mutters and steps out of the car. 
"Do you have a weapon?"
The younger man grins and starts putting his staff together.
"That's not going to be enough."
"Wait and see, ye of little faith," Two blades are fastened onto either
end of 
the staff.
"Who is inside the church?"
"Buffy. Should I go and.?"
"No time."
They step onto the street and Rupert draws a line with his sword on the
ground.
"They can not be allowed to pass."
"Understood."
"Move or die," A thundering voice commands from the front of the throng.
"Sorry can't do that."
"Then you will die."
"If I had a dollar for every time I've heard."

Battle.
A witty pun.
Steel clashing with steel.
Sparks.
A grunt.
A gash.
A defiant scream.
Heads roll.
Dust falls.
The air becomes thick.
Then there is silence.
Heavy breathing. 
Blood dripping from wounds.

"You alright?" Rupert asks.
"Yep! Just a few scratches," Xander says holding up his hand.
"Is there a first-aid kit in the car?" Giles asks.
"Yes," Xander nods.
"Use it. I'll go and check on Buffy," Giles says giving him a pat on the
back,
"Be careful she beat me up pretty nicely earlier when I tried to stop
her."
"Understood," Giles nods and enters the church.

The door opens. A girl is on her knees in front of the crucifix. Giles
goes to one knee and crosses himself. Not such a bad idea. He thinks to
himself as he silently walks up to her. He places a hand on her
shoulder. She stops her praying and looks up at him.
"Hi!" she whispers.
"You alright?" he asks as he goes down to his knees again.
"I'm. better," she stammers.
"That's good," he replies.
"You don't look so good," she comments.
"Ran into a small hindrance," he answers with a smile.
"Is Xander okay?" she asks with worry.
"He's taking care of some minor wounds but he should be fine," he says
and looks up at the crucifix.
"Did you find.?" she starts but is cut off when the doors bursts open
and a thunder is heard.

To Be Continued.