Buffy sprang up, unfazed by the sword wound to her side. The Scythe became a blur of red, black, and silver as it sliced through anything that came within its reach. She heard Spike screaming and turned to check on him. Her mind couldn't grasp what she witnessed; the amulet around his neck beamed a pure bright white. Buffy hurried over to help him, stopping frozen when she saw the light hit Dawn. Her little sister must have snuck down to help. A pale green cloud encircled the slender body. Buffy tried to get to Dawn, but an unseen force kept them separated, forcing Buffy to watch in horror as the young girl simply dissolved into a fine mist. A terrible roar of pain burst from the oldest Slayer's lips, then something inside her snapped.
Even Faith feared getting too close and the other Slayers simply watched in amazement while Buffy danced a lethal, but beautiful dance of a Warrior of the Light. She filled the cavernous Hellmouth, appearing everywhere at once, each stroke deadly and accurate. Only Faith and Spike fathomed the rage and anguish behind the way she fought, while the young girls only saw a hero.
"Get them out of here," Buffy's voice boomed, causing the walls to shake.
Faith reluctantly did as asked, but her reluctance showed clearly on her face. Buffy finally made it to Spike's side. She saw the tears streaming down his face, but she didn't have any left to cry. She lost everything to this town - Angel, her mom, and now Dawn. She wasn't about to lose Spike too. Light shot from the amulet turning the Turok-Han to dust and with a single-minded resolve, she snatched it from his neck. At that exact moment, Faith returned to ensure Buffy and Spike escaped.
"Faith, help him out. He's too weak to do it on his own. I'll be right behind you." Buffy gave her a look that brooked no argument. The dark-haired Slayer didn't it, but understood she couldn't do anything about it. She threw Spike over her shoulder in a fireman's carry before trotting back up the steps.
What lingered of Dawn's green mist swirled around Buffy, hitting the amulet and exploding out to eradicate everything in its path. Blood dripped from Buffy's fingers where the stone bit into her flesh. Crushing it in her fist, she discarded the broken pieces, then hefted the Scythe onto her shoulder and slowly walked away. Buffy didn't notice the ground shaking under her feet or the High School collapsing behind her with each step she took.
Large dark eyes observed the annihilation from a safe distance, focusing on one thing - Buffy Summers. Thor tried to decide the right time to approach this strange creature - the Slayer. He knew that she was important to the Asgard and the T'aurii. The Asgard didn't interfere directly, but this warrior could be the one person to aid the T'auri in the seemingly never-ending fight with the Goa'uld.
The school bus rolled along in stunned silence, with the exception of Willow's sobs. The new Slayers couldn't accept that Buffy's death. Robin waited as long as possible before driving away, stopping at a safe distance to watch the town sink into a giant crater.
"I can't believe that you just left her there," Xander screamed at Faith and Spike.
"Couldn't do much about it, Whelp, seeing how I was becoming a marshmallow at the time."
"B, said go and that's what I did. You didn't see her face. I think something inside her broke when Dawn died. Her eyes, they were just, I don't know how to describe them."
"Dead, they were dead." Spike answered wearily, his hands shook as they raked through his hair.
"So, she just gave up? Did she even try to get out? What about us?" Xander said maliciously.
Before anyone could say or do anything, a fist flew causing Xander's head snapped back. "Ow," echoed in the bus. An amazed silence enveloped the interior. No one could believe who threw the punch - Andrew. "You shut up, you mean, stupid, one-eyed jerk. Dawn wasn't just her little sister, she was a part of Buffy, the only real thing she had and now that's gone. You're worse than a Klingon and twice as stupid." Tears filled the little nerd's eyes before he collapsed in on himself. Buffy put him on the road to redemption, and Dawn was always nice to him telling that the ordinary folks had to stick together.
"Shut up…" Xander started only to find himself face to face with a brassed-off Slayer in leather pants.
"No, you shut up. Whatever B did, or didn't do is her business. If I ever hear you bad mouth her again, having only one eye will be the least of your problems." She stomped forward to sit behind Robin. "Head towards LA, I know somewhere that we can stay."
Buffy stopped in front of a tiny creature, but didn't actually see him. "Do you desire the life you had, or would you like a new one?" His voice sounded soothing to her ears.
She laughed, but it was a harsh, cold sound. "I have no life. I've died three times, but this is the first time I feel dead."
"If I could provide a place where you could be what you are, provide what your body craves, would you accept?"
Buffy's eyes blinked, focusing on the 'man' for the first time. He stood barely three foot tall, with grey skin, large black eyes and resembled ET, but not as cute. He didn't cause a blip on her Slayer radar, letting her know that wasn't a demon. "What do you understand about what my body craves? Who are you and why are you here?"
"My name is Thor, and I am here to let you know that you have ascended to what you were meant to be, what you were destined to become. Your body desires the fight, the dance with no one holding you back, or telling you what to do."
Buffy's green eyes darkened until they showed black. If her friends saw her, they would be searching for veins and black hair, fearing another Dark Willow incident. "I've no family, no home, no town, no one!"
"You are wrong. One of your greatest strengths has been your friends, family, and feelings but they are also your greatest weaknesses. I offer you the opportunity to take the strength and throw away the weakness."
"Right, ET, what do you want from me? The truth this time." Her voice held no anger, no sarcasm, no feeling at all.
"A larger threat looms than the one you fight. We have watched, waiting to find one such as you. One that can change the outcome of a millennia old war. You are that warrior, Buffy Summers."
"I've given all I'm planning on giving to this world, I'm done," Buffy spat, showing emotion for the first time.
"No, warrior, you misunderstand. I do not ask you to fight on this plane, but on that one." He extended a gnarled, grayish finger, pointing it skyward.
Buffy's eyes followed the direction Thor pointed before returrning to stare into the large phathomless eyes of the small alien. Leaving behind the heartache of everything she'd lost appealed to her. "Phone us home, ET."
It took a moment for Thor to understand that she had accepted his offer, then in the blink of an eye, they were gone. Buffy looked around the ship that was to be her home base. The Asgard used their advanced technology to provided Buffy with the knowledge needed to navigate through her vaste new world.
She argued with Thor and the other Asgard for hours, until they finally realized that she wouldn't give into their wishes. If they brought her here to help in this war, that was what she would do, but it would be her way. Observing someone or something doesn't mean that you understand it. The Asgard soon learned that Buffy didn't play well with others. She led the war against the darkness for too many years to sit back and allow others to tell her how to start fighting now. Thor tried to help her comprehend her new powers and the delicate system that held the galaxies together.
"Warrior," Thor pleaded. "You must use caution in your dealings with the System Lords."
"Damn it! My name's Buffy. You guys sit up here pulling strings, but don't ever do anything. That's why you came and got me. Well, I'm not just going to sit on my ass 'til you think adequate people have been killed or snaked. Either do what I asked, or I will find another way, even if I have to use this," she waver the Scythe at him, "to cut a hole through this tin can you're so proud of. I came here to fight a war and that is what I plan to do. Think I will change my name while I'm at it. Kali, seems appropriate, send the goddess of death and destruction to kill the false gods."
Thor looked at her shocked. He couldn't stop the shiver that raced down his small spine. She'd changed drastically in the few months aboard the promethium. Each day her hair darkened until it was black as night. Her eyes changed the most. The once bright green were now cold. Thor wondered if they chose the right Guardian. Shrugging a small shoulder, he recognized that only time would tell.
Buffy landed on the planet's surface with the grace of a large cat. Her dark hair blended with the dense jungle's shadows, a black body suit that fit her like a second skin and the Scythe firmly in her hand.
Closing her eyes, she allowed the sounds and tastes of this world to wash over her. Footsteps told Buffy that soldiers patrolled five miles to her right. Straight ahead through the jungle several yards was fresh water and edible fruit.
"We have to hurry, Thymis. The patrols will be coming this way soon. Father warned us about getting caught. He said we could jeopardize everything." A young girl argued with an older boy, who could only be her brother.
The words barely left her mouth before a unit of Jaffa soldiers smashed though the vegetation, zats aimed at the two children, set to fire. Meera shut her eyes, praying for a quick death rather than a life of slavery.
A blur of silver, red, and black shot past the surprised boy. He grabbed his sister, pulling her away from the danger. They watched wide eyed as a beast fought the soldiers. Blasts from weapons rang through the jungle, followed by breaking bones and screams. Suddenly, it was quiet.
Thymis took a step back, pulling Meera with him. The beast turned to look at them, causing a gasp to escape their lips. It was a woman, no more like a girl. Long, dark hair framed a golden face dominated by large emerald eyes. High cheekbones gave the face beauty, while full lips kept it approachable. They understood the girl vanquished a unit of Jaffa, but looking at her it was hard to believe. She wasn't much bigger than Meera.
"I won't hurt you." Buffy's voice came out in a harsh whisper. Gone were the former golden-haired Slayer's soft friendly tones. Her eyes no longer sparkled with laughter; they spoke of a grief that no one should have to bear. Nothing remained of the woman known as Buffy Summers but her smooth golden skin and the Scythe, the weapon cast in secret by the Guardians. They were right, she was the Hellmouth's last Guardian, but they were wrong, too. She didn't beat the First. It took everything from her and she no longer cared about Earth. The Slayer in her needed the fight, hungered for it. Her pain and fury required an outlet, which Thor supplied. She was here on some unknown planet fighting aliens who thought they were gods. Her lips turned up in a cruel smile. She'd show them how easy it was to kill gods.
Goose bumps ran across the children's skin, watching this 'woman.' Was she a new type of Goa'uld? Did she rescue them only to take them to a worse fate?
Buffy seemed to read their thoughts. "I'm not going to hurt you. Where do you live? We need to leave before another patrol heads this way."
"Who are you?" Thymis refused to move without knowing who saved them.
"Call me Kali." The cryptic answer did nothing to relieve the young boy's apprehension. Her head cocked to the side as she listened to sounds off in the distance. The Scythe vanished to its resting place.
Thymis and Meera found themselves hauled into strong arms. The next thing they knew, they were flying through the jungle. Leaves whipped by their faces. Meera shrieked, then closed her eyes when Buffy surged over a large ditch. Once they were far enough away from the threat, she set the children down on shaky legs. Buffy didn't say a word; she just stared at them with cold, emotionless, green eyes.
The children decided that although the unusual woman wasn't friendly, she wouldn't hurt them either. They started walking toward their home. Buffy followed several feet behind ensuring that no other Jaffa patrols caught them unaware.
Daniel rubbed his eyes, but the ancient scrolls continued to blur. Laying his glasses on the desk, he tried to understand the words he transcribed four times, but each time it said the same thing.
The Ocean of Blood will cleanse the Heavens and the Earth.
The Black Earth will conquer time and give birth to death.
The False Ones will fall to be no more.
All that are unclean will tremble in fear.
The Jhiad comes when the last Guardian walks out of the Mouth of Hell.
A pen tapped while one of the most brilliant minds in the world tried to solve the puzzle buried in the text. SG-9 found it carved into a temple wall on Z7G6, an abandoned planet, in the Omega quadrant. The temple walls showed detailed paintings of women, more like girls, fighting a deformed type of Goa'uld. The yellow eyes glowed in the dark structure. Their misshaped faces didn't detract from the fact they were super-human. The fight scenes were detailed and brutal.
Daniel was startled from his thoughts by a knock at his door. Jack O'Neill stuck his graying head inside. "Hey, kid, sorry to interrupt your latest find, but there's a situation that needs brain power."
The normally mischievous gleam missing from his friend's brown eyes caused Daniel to grab his glasses off the desk. He followed Jack without any further questions to the General's conference room.
Sam and Teal'c were waiting along with Gen. Hammond. Everyone took their seats, then waited for the General to explain.
"Jacob just informed us that on no less than fifteen planets in the last few months, all Goa'uld and Jaffa have been neutralized or exterminated. The symbiotes were destroyed or removed, somehow, but the hosts are fine. They even seem to have retained some of the symbiotes' strengths, without sharing their bodies. Needless to say, the Tok'ra are happy, but somewhat…"
"Shakin' in their skin suits." Jack smiled at the thought of the high and mighty Tok'ra being scared.
Sam glared at him, causing Jack's smile to slip. He liked Jacob, but didn't give a flying flip about Selmac. "Which planets, sir?" Her analytical mind was already trying to see a pattern.
"PXZ-976, Zephry-7, Saturn-Alpha," he continued reading off the list.
SG-1 paled as they heard the planets' names. They were the most hostile planets in the known universes of the System Lords. The thought that some force being able to eradicate the Goa'uld's existence from each planet was mind-boggling.
"Wait a minute, how could anyone move from one planet to the next in that amount of time? We are assuming it's the same group right? Those planets aren't in the same quadrants. Unless, there is a Stargate we don't know about, or they are like the Nox, but believe in fighting they couldn't move from one planet to the next that fast."
"Very good, young Daniel." Thor appeared beside the linguist. His grey head turned to look at the SG-1 team. Large, black, un-blinking eyes probed their thoughts, albeit unknown to them. He wasn't surprised that the former Ascended One almost had the answer. Thor could see it tickling the dark corners of Daniel's mind.
"The one you speak of doesn't need the Chap'aia to move from one world to another. I came to let you know that Hell's Guardian is not your enemy."
Daniel's bright blue eyes widened behind his glasses. "It's true then the Jhiad has started. Who is this man, and how is he removing the symbiotes?"
SG-1 looked from Thor to Daniel, trying to decipher what they were talking about. "Could you guys talk down to us un-ascended beings for a change?" Jack frowned at them, rubbing his forehead trying to alleviate the migraine growing behind his eyes. Memories of an Ancient One flashed then receded in his mind. A woman's face with skin and hair black as night, arms aligned from her body, each holding a weapon, and green eyes.
"Jack, Jack." Sam shook him shouting his name again.
"WHAT!" He raked a hand through short graying hair.
"O'Neill, Samantha Carter has been calling your name for several minutes now. Are you not feeling well?" Teal'c showed as much concern as his training and heritage allowed.
"Sorry, just thinking, go ahead Carter."
"Thor asked if you were ready to remember, and I wanted to know what he was talking about."
"Not sure, kinda blanked out, but I saw a woman with black skin, black hair, green eyes, and lots of arms. She seemed familiar to me. Weird thing was I felt drawn to her, which ya know the whole six arm thing is not normally what I look for in a woman."
The small alien gave the smart mouthed colonel a knowing smile. He rocked back on tiny heels before starting to speak. "This world is much older than you think. Before ones such as you roamed here, others called it home. The Goa'uld once had other bodies, horrible bodies that matched their minds. They were forced to leave by others like the Asgard and the Nox, but some escaped to infect man creating the first symbiotes. Other half-breeds came into being at this time. They grew in number using humans as hosts, slaves, even food, but the last one came years later. She was unique in every way. She fought the others, merged as one with her host. When she died, her power went to a new host and the cycle started again."
"You mean it was always a woman, and this woman is somehow involved with what is happening on the other planets?" the General joined in the discussion.
"It's the Ocean of Blood, is it not?" Teal'c asked, his normally stoic features paled. "It has begun, and will not end until we have been judged." Unconsciously his hand touched the symbiote in his stomach.
Daniel jumped up, rushing from the room only to return moments later. A scroll was laid out on the table. Everyone looked at it, waiting for him to explain what they were looking at.
"SG-9 brought this back, and I've been trying to understand it. From what Thor just explained to us, this Guardian of Hell was on Earth and is cleaning house in every Goa'uld outpost. She will return to Earth when she is through to remove those who are unclean. What does that mean?"
"The other half-breeds, Daniel. Plus, one System Lord hiding in the shadows. Do not worry yourselves, you will never find him until he is ready. She will take care of the problem when the time comes."
General Hammond slammed a hand on the table. "That is unacceptable. We have spent our lives defending Earth. You're telling us to sit back and let this Guardian handle it while we - what - twiddle our thumbs?"
"Yes," Thor answered. "I am telling you to wait. She will allow you to fight, if she finds you worthy, but it may not be to your liking."
"How long do we have before she shows up here? What's her name? It can't just be Guardian." Sam's large blue eyes showed her own dislike at being benched.
"She calls herself Kali, and will arrive when no more worlds exist for her to hide from her pain. Kali will bring the Ocean of Blood to your Earth to wash it clean." With those cryptic words, Thor disappeared.
"I hate it when he does that." Jack leaned back in his chair pouting.
Sam would have laughed if the situation weren't so serious and worry for her father plague her mind.
"Guys, this may not be a bad thing. It sound like this Kali isn't after power. Thor seemed to respect and even admire her. I know that we would rather be involved, but that doesn't look like its going to happen." Daniel tried to play peacemaker.
"Maybe it can." They turned to look at Jack. Each SG-1 team member knew the look on his face. "What if we figured out her pattern and accidentally bumped into her along the way."
"She would have to judge us worthy, O'Neill, before we would be allowed to fight beside her. I would like to take this challenge," Teal'c responded to Jack's idea.
The SG-1 leader looked at his friend in confusion. Daniel spoke up for the former First Prime. "He will lose his symbiote if Kali finds him worthy, Jack. If she doesn't he'll die; we all will. Are you ready to take that chance just to be part of the fight?"
"It's more than that, Daniel" the General spoke up. "We have to ensure that this Guardian is out to destroy the Goa'uld, not take up where they left off. Think about it. If she frees the planets, won't they want to set her up as a goddess on each one."
Daniel rubbed his neck. "I'm not so sure this time that they would be wrong."
"Kali." A tall man dressed in battle gear knelt before a small woman. "Everything is arranged for our departure. Have you decided which world will be our next destination?"
The woman nodded. She was a study of single movements; none used if only one would do. Each move appeared thought out, but that wasn't the case. Her human side was submerged, pushed to the farthest regions of her subconscious. She wasn't the Slayer anymore, or a 'Slayer' anymore. Buffy Summers slept in a cocoon of memories, wrapped in dreams where her world still made sense and she still had a reason for being alive. What became the Black Earth Mother, Kali, the Goddess of Death and the Conqueror of Time was what remained of the once vibrant golden-haired girl, the girl who loved, laughed and lived. Kali did none of these things. She fought, freed, and found guilty.
"We go to Uxmal. I plan to knock on Xibalba's front door. Let them know that anyone who wishes to return to their homes should do so now. It isn't their fight, it's mine, and they won't be judged."
The former Jaffa soldier stood looking at the small woman who freed him from the need for tretonin. She was the reason that his dream to free all Jaffa would become a reality. "Forgive me for saying this, Kali, but each of us would follow you into Hell itself, to fight by your side, it is our honor and our duty."
A brittle laugh shook slender shoulders. "Don't you know, Bra'tac, I was born in Hell. The gateway to Hell closed after spitting me out in all my black glory. Now, let's go snake hunting." It was the closest glimpse anyone would see of what used to be of Buffy Summers.
Bra'tac, Apophis' former First Prime, seemed shocked at her words and manners. If he didn't know better he would have taken Kali for a Jaffa or even a Goa'uld. She displayed no emotion, and absolutely never said anything personal. "I will tell the others our destination. We will be ready when the vessel arrives."
She turned away, closing her eyes. Kali shouted at Thor across space and time. The changes in her wrought not only added speed, strength, heightened senses, but somehow the ability to fold time, and thus space. Thor consulted the Nox, the only other beings he knew with this ability. Lya visited with Buffy, but neither woman would discuss the meeting.
This power allowed her to transfer the Asgard ship across galaxies in the blink of an eye. Each time a new member joined her ever-growing army. They looked at her like she was a goddess. Buffy was quick to tell them she was nothing more than a weapon.
Thor's ship appeared above the waiting troops. Kali waited with Bra'tac, as always by her side. The powerful Asgard leader started the chore of transporting the fighters aboard, knowing that Kali would only join him when everyone was securely on the craft.
Kali stepped onto the ship that took her away from the pain and heartache. If it were possible, she would feel a sense of coming home, but that wasn't a word she used anymore. Walking towards the front deck, Kali bowed her head at soldiers and Asgard alike. She only recognized one or two by name. When you knew people's names and they disappeared, it caused pain. She bore enough pain, so she kept as many people away from her as possible.
Thor watched her approach, noticing that her skin grew darker each time he saw her. It was a deep rich gold. He wondered if it would become the black of ancient tales. He knew that before him stood the culmination of the races, an entity that would bring about sweeping change on every world she touched. He wondered if she understood what she was, what she had become.
"I'm the Black Earth Mother, my gift is Death and I will wash each world clean in an Ocean of Blood, my blood." Her voice was disjointed, as if it came from somewhere else. Blank green eyes stared down at him. "Did you really think you could create a time bomb like me, then be surprised when I hear the tick-tock? I've known for a long time that I was different, now I know why." Her jaw snapped shut, turning on her heel to face out. She touched the cool glass, dark green eyes closed in concentration when the ship jumped forward though space.
It moved so fast it seemed to be standing still. The long dark braid whipping behind her was the only sign that reflected their speed. They stopped above a relatively small planet. It was strategically placed where System Lords were forced to cross its path into another quadrant. Controlling Uxmal made Xibalba one of the most powerful Goa'uld leaders. He was also one of the most brutal, making Ra and Apophis look insignificant by comparison.
Angel glared at Spike, hating the idea that his Shanshu could go to his Childe. He should have staked the bleached blonde years ago. They argued over everything - fighting, blood, clothes, hair, but most of all, Buffy.
Neither one would give an inch when it came to the blonde Slayer. Angel swore they were soul mates and would bring up the cookie dough speech. Spike said they were meant to be and repeated how she told him she loved him. It was a stalemate that neither man could win, but it didn't stop them from trying.
The only thing they did agree on was that Buffy belonged with them, where they could take care of her. No one had seen or heard from her since that fateful night so many months ago. It didn't take the Scoobies long to figure out that Buffy was still alive. Between Faith and Willow's connection to the Slayer line they could still feel her. Willow did spell after spell, but she couldn't find Buffy anywhere. She finally stopped trying after months of endless failures.
Faith barged into the office, slamming the door in Harmony's face. She had decided to stay on in LA, after Angel cleared her record. The Scoobies were vocal with their objections, but the dark haired Slayer was quick to remind them that she wasn't Buffy. It shut their mouths and all communications stopped. Faith was used to being the bad seed, but it pissed her off that they were painting Angel and Buffy with the same brush.
She didn't begin to understand what Angel was doing running W&H, but she believed in him. That's what friends do, he taught her that, and she was going to return the favor. If it turned out bad, that was when your friends needed you the most.
"Faith, what's the matter? And, do you have to antagonize Harmony? I don't like her either, but now I'll have to listen to her whine all day long."
"Stow it, Fang. If Airhead the Vampire throws a hissy, then I'll throw her a beating; the mood that I'm in, that would suit me just fine. Giles just informed met that he is sending Xander and Will to get Dana. They don't trust us to help her. Doesn't matter that I'm probably the only one who understands her or who she trusts. Doesn't matter what it will do to her to deal with more strangers. We aren't trusted because you run Evil Inc. Didn't stop them from taking your evil money to start Slayer Central until they could get to the tweed brigade's money, did it? Do you know what he said to me? Do you?" She shouted in his face, slamming her hands on the large desk, causing it to creak from the force.
"Whoa, Slayer Jr., don't have to show us your Slayer lungs. We get the idea that you're right pissed. Just tell us what the wankers did," Spike snarked from his place on the couch, effectively diffusing the situation as only he could do.
She couldn't help but laugh. Faith liked the blonde vampire's wicked sense of humor and a habit for telling the bold-faced truth. She understood why Buffy was willing to stand up to everyone for him.
"Sure thing, Angel Jr." She stuck her tongue out at him. "G-Man, Slayer Central's big cheese, told me that Dana was their property and they would take her by force if necessary. After all, they have an army of Slayers at their disposal. Angel, what are we going to do? She is beginning to respond and I'm the only one that she trusts."
Angel's shoulders slumped. Each word hit him like a blow. How did his life come to this? His son didn't know him, Cordy in a coma, Buffy missing, and the people he thought knew him, didn't trust him.
"I think it would do her more harm if we fought over her. Maybe you should go with her, just until she settles in, and learns to trust someone else. Plus, Buffy would never forgive us if anything happened to them, no matter the circumstances."
"Don't bet the farm on that one, Peaches. You weren't there to see what they did to her the past few years, especially after she came back. They treated her worse than a dog." Spike growled at the memories. "Miss the Slayer, but as long as she's not with them, I can live with it."
"I wonder where B is and what she's doing? Bet she's out there somewhere dancing, picking up hotties." Faith sauntered out of the office leaving two growling vampires behind her.
SG-1 stepped out of the Stargate onto Uxmal with more than a little trepidation. The eerie silence surrounding them didn't help.
"O'Neill, we should move away from the Chap'aia to not draw attention to our arrival."
"Too late," a cold voice stated from the shadows.
They turned around, ready to defend themselves. Sam and Jack stepped in front of Daniel, drawing their guns. Teal'c held his staff weapon ready. He moved in front of the SG-1 team as the first line of defense.
"Drop your weapons and live. Keep them and die. Choice is yours." The voice dropped to a soft whisper, which somehow made it more menacing.
Teal'c discarded his weapon remaining in front of the others, who reluctantly followed suit. SG-1 found themselves surrounded on all sides by what looked like Jaffa warriors. Their bodies tensed ready to be hit with ribbon devices. A face they recognized stepped forward.
"Are you willing to be judged, former prime of Apophis?" His voice remained neutral, as if he didn't recognize the SG-1 team member or have feelings for the man that stood before him. Teal'c regally bowed his head, then went down on one knee.
Jack immediately protested. "Wait a minute, we came here to speak to this Guardian. If you are with her just tell her that we are part of the home team. You know, the guys who wear the white hats, and so is Teal'c. He is a person and doesn't have to kneel for anybody. Come on, Bra'tac, you know who we are; why are you acting this way?"
A small figure stepped forward, causing the soldiers to fold back like the petals on a flower. Footsteps moved over hardened ground without making a sound. Hard green eyes took in the bowed, shaven head, the golden symbol and large dark eyes that gazed back with unwavering acceptance, acceptance of a new path for his life, or the end of it.
Daniel grasped Jack's arm in an effort to diffuse the situation. "Don't interfere, or Teal'c could end up paying for it."
Those emerald eyes moved away from the kneeling man to entrap Daniel Jackson's. He felt like he'd been thrown into freezing water. He found it difficult to breath and wondered if anyone else felt the same way.
She touched Teal'c underneath his chin lifting him to his feet. His eyes widened momentarily at the subtle show of power. Kali walked around, observing the Jaffa who broke his programming on his own. This man intrigued her because he was her polar opposite. Teal'c was learning how to express his feelings, becoming more human, where as she became less so with each passing moment. Kali moved her hand over the symbiote, causing her to notice their matching skin tones.
The symbiote kicked inside its womb, striving to reach the warm outside. Its host no longer felt healthy. A perfect host stood waiting ready for it. It shot from its pouch into the waiting warmth.
SG-1 watched in horrified fascination as Teal'c's symbiote surged from his body to the waiting hand of the small dark-haired woman. Teal'c fell to his knees causing Daniel and Sam to dash forward. Jack went after Kali herself, thinking she was killing his friend.
"You are just like the rest of them, aren't you? Teal'c is a good man and doesn't deserve to suffer. Put it back, or end his life quickly." Dark brown eyes snapped with fury.
"Neither are an option. If you didn't want to be judged Colonel O'Neill, then you shouldn't have come here. Now, step back if you want your friend to live. You do want him to live, don't you? Or is being in charge, being the one who leads, more important to you?" The beautiful, cold mask that looked at him caused him to stop, but it was Teal'c who helped him understand.
"O'Neill, it is how I choose it to be. Do not interfere." He gasped out the words. Already his systems were shutting down without the symbiote. "I trust her, and if you trust me, then you will not stop what has already started." Teal'c's head fell to his chest. His breathing was labored and sweat broke out on his brow.
Kali looked at Jack, who reluctantly stepped back. She turned to the others. They understood that she wanted them to release their large friend. He swayed, but remained on his feet, barely. The symbiote struggled in her hand, trying to enter her body. It all but cried out in frustration and need.
"Bra'tac." It wasn't a call for assistance; it was a command. He stepped forward with a blade in his hand. She opened her hand, palm up, while he sliced it opened. It went almost to the bone. The symbiote thrashed out of control. Kali released it, then watched. It leapt at the blood she offered, sucking at the, almost black, nourishment like a newborn vampire. It glutted itself, trying to burrow into the host it craved. Flakes started to fall into the outstretched hand.
Suddenly, the symbiote burst into a fine black powder. It all happened in mere seconds. Kali shut her hand into a fist then tilted Teal'c's head back. "Open." He did so without question. "Death becomes birth, the end is the beginning. Death is my gift, and I give it you in an Ocean of Blood."
Teal'c swallowed the fine powder, feeling the strength return to his body. The symbiote's absence was odd, but not painful.
"Bra'tac, take him to the healers to rest. You can go with your friend, or someone will show you where to put your things. If fighting breaks out, stay back. If you break my rule, I'll send you back." She faded back into the shadows.
SG-1 looked at Bra'tac for answers. He motioned for two large men to come forward with a stretcher. They put Teal'c on it, then proceeded to carry him off.
"Are you going to tell us what happened here?" Jack looked ready to bite nails.
The former Jaffa gave him a half-smile, which needless to say, shocked them. "Come, let us ensure that he is resting comfortably, and I will try to explain the unexplainable."
They looked at one another, realizing they had no other choice.
"Sir, what good are we going to do here if we aren't going to help fight?" Sam asked Jack while she looked around at the soldiers that seemed to be from every known race across the galaxies. Every race, age, and sex were represented in the army that followed Kali. She observed how quietly they went about the business of preparing to wage war.
Bra'tac answered for the SG-1 commander. "You must crawl before you walk. It is her way. Teal'c passed his judgment and was found worthy. His life and choices are his own. Kali will allow him to fight or walk away. Your judgment has started from this point." He left them at the tent where Teal'c was resting.
Daniel saw Kali standing in a clearing. He quietly slipped away while Sam and Jack argued over Bra'tac's words. Bright blue eyes took in the absolute stillness of the small woman before him. She seemed to be created from shadows, with a hint of sunlight peaking through. If he didn't see her shallow breath, it would be easy to mistake her for a beautifully intricate marble statue.
"Do you always sneak up and stare at people who are trying to be alone?" She spoke over her shoulder while continuing to look into the dense forest. The part still connected to the Slayer felt at home in the forest.
"It's a bad habit, but kinda my job, since I'm an archaeologist. Can I ask you a question?"
She turned to look at him. The eager look in his eyes, a thirst for knowledge, reminded her of Giles, caused a small stirring in the slumbering Buffy Summers. A sigh escaped lips that never smiled anymore. "What do you want to know, Daniel?"
His eyes went wide behind his glasses. "How do you know my name? How did you seem to know that we were coming?" Those weren't the questions he wanted to ask, but they were the most pressing.
A bark of cold laughter shook slender shoulders for mere seconds. "Did you think that your little grey friend would only visit you? The Asgard won't actively fight, but they don't have a problem putting all the players are in place."
He shook his head trying not to think about the Machiavellian plot she implied. "Why are we being judged before we can help you fight Xibalba? I would think the more people that help, the better chance you have of winning."
"I don't need anyone's help to kill him."
"Then why do you have such a large army?"
"They are here to try and find the ones who can be saved. I will take care of the others. They earned the right to take control of their lives." She walked deeper into the forest leaving him standing there.
"She normally won't answer questions, you must have caught her at an odd moment," a young man spoke from behind Daniel. He walked up to stand beside the linguist. "Kali doesn't speak much on the best of days, but before a battle she closes herself off from us. I am Lorsen, perhaps I can answer your questions."
Daniel looked at the young, eager face that reminded him of Sharee's brother. "Do you mean when you go into battle, that she is the only one that fights?"
"Yes and no. It is hard to explain without witnessing it. Kali goes first, taking out the largest threat, then we follow. We find and release the slaves and disarm the Jaffa that she leaves behind. They are given the choice of freedom, to have the symbiote removed like your friend."
"But, how does she know who to kill and who to leave behind?" Daniel couldn't grasp the concept of one person having the responsibility for who lived or died.
"Don't you and the rest of your friends decide on every world you go to?" Neither man heard Kali's approach, she seemed to fade back into sight.
"We don't go to a planet to decide who lives or dies." He protested at the very idea.
"Yes, you do. Each world you visit is to stop Goa'uld reign, or others you don't consider fair. But, who gave you the right to decide what's fair?"
Sam and Jack found Daniel talking to Kali. They should have known his curiosity would lead him straight into trouble.
"Then how are you any different? Why is it right for you to do the same thing?"
Jack was shocked to hear the anger in Daniel's voice. "Whoa, calm down, Daniel."
"No, she is trying to say that we have no business trying to help people."
Sam's large blue eyes took in the situation at a glance. "I don't think that's what she's saying, guys. She's not judging us, so maybe we shouldn't judge her."
"Of course it would be a woman who would understand." The words were more sad, than sarcastic. "You chose to fight, I didn't."
Daniel and Jack started talking at the same time, but were cut off when Kali silenced them with a wave of her hand. She communicated with Lorsen in a single look. He turned to run back to the encampment. "Follow me." The order was sharp and clearly meant to be obeyed. Kali moved at a fast pace towards the jungle.
Jack looked at his team, shrugging before taking off in a fast jog to keep up with the woman in black. He couldn't get over the feeling that he recognized her, or better yet, knew her. Sam and Daniel followed close behind, lost in thought.
Kali stopped to wait for them to catch up. She waited for the former Ancient One to arrive first. Jack O'Neill did not like takings orders from others. He kept his body fit, ready for combat, despite the subtle signs of age. The gray hair mixed with the dark brown gave him an air of maturity. His sparkling brown eyes could twinkle with mischief or spark with the fire of battle. Jack denied himself what his journeys showed him. He relentlessly clung to his guilt over his son's death. Yes, he was an unusual mix and a dangerous one; one that she needed to watch carefully.
Samantha Carter arrived next with the sun shining on her short blonde hair. Kali remembered golden hair from a lifetime ago. She felt a stirring deep inside from Buffy Summers. This woman represented all that Buffy could have been, given the chance. Bright blue eyes watched for all the angles, escape routes, enemies, and allies. They glanced at Jack. Kali saw the glimmer of concern and love. Blue clashed with green to find a way to help her father. Loyalty fueled her system, kept her at a job that denied her the man she desired. Samantha Carter understood the meaning of sacrifice and love. She was someone that thought she understood what the Tok'ra were, because of her father and her own experiences. Kali wondered how she would feel when she learned the truth.
Daniel Jackson brought up the rear. The Ascended One who broke the rules and returned of his own choice. Choice, what a novel concept, such a small word that people took for granted. Sun streaked auburn hair, in need of a constant cut, fell across a high forehead that brought attention to intelligent blue eyes. Blue, no, too simple a description for the color of Daniel's eyes. The color of a crisp winter morning after the first snow that would best describe his eyes. They could draw a person in, even if they did not understand the topic of conversation. Daniel glowed with an inner light that showed through his eyes. His mannerisms were Giles-like, but that light was pure Tara. Buffy Summers stirred once more. Kali pushed down on the emotions the SG-1 team caused her to feel. She lulled Buffy back to sleep. "This is where you can stand. Do not leave this spot. Your friend will join you in a minute. If you try to join the fighting Thor will take you back to your mountain." She left them with shocked looks on their faces.
They looked down on a valley that brimmed with Jaffa soldiers. Slaves tried to evade whips and ribbon devices in their efforts to perform the tasks at hand. In the distance stood an enormous temple reminiscent of the great Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.
"Look how many people are down there. How does she plan to fight them? She's outnumbered, what three to one?" Jack rubbed a hand through his closely cropped hair.
"The number is closer to five, Jack O'Neill." Teal'c joined his friends on the hill. "Bra'tac explained that Xibalba forces the other System Lords to provide Jaffa and workers as a payment to cross through Uxmal's orbit. He does not wage war as the other Goa'uld. He is raising an army the likes of which no one has ever seen."
"Are you going to fight with the others?" Daniel tried to see a difference in his friend.
"Why do you stare at me, Daniel Jackson?"
A slight blush bloomed on his cheeks. "What did she do to you?"
Sam and Jack turned away from the valley below to join the conversation. Teal'c tried to put into words everything he went through in a matter of one or two short minutes. "Kali removed my symbiote, then took it into herself allowing it to drink her blood. Her blood changed it so that it could be returned to me, but no longer be within me."
"She gave you the symbiote's strength without its existence. What does her blood do to it? What is she?"
"The result of people deciding the fate of others." A different Kali stood in front of them. A silver, red, and black Scythe clasped firmly in her hand warned everyone of her intentions. Two knives were holstered in the tops of tall boots, but it was the blazing emerald fire that lit her eyes that caught and held everyone's attention. "Teal'c, help the others with the wounded as they arrive. Do not allow your friends to join in the fighting. They can help the others when they arrive."
She turned to leave, but stopped when Jack shouted at her. "Hey, lady, what's your problem? Why don't you want our help? Afraid we'll see something we aren't supposed to?"
Kali moved the short distance between them in a burst of speed. One minute she sprang across from them, and the next Jack O'Neill hung in the air with her hand firmly clasped around his neck. He tried to break her grip, but couldn't.
"You are a spoilt little boy that I don't have time for. The ones who fight with me are people that I trust, and I don't trust you. You aren't worth the loss of one soldier that might have to help you out there. Stay here and watch, or go home." Kali dumped him in the dirt, then jumped down the high incline to the valley below.
Jack stood, brushing off the dirt from his clothes. Teal'c looked at the SG-1 commander in confusion. "Jack O'Neill, why do you antagonize Kali this way? She explained that you would be allowed to participate in the fighting."
"Yeah, yeah, don't rub it in big guy."