Chapter 3: Adopted

This is likely going to be a one shot. Twenty Minutes with Xander
Disclaimer: I don't own any of them
Title: Falcon's Brother
Author: Kate R.
Rating: Teen to Adult
Pairings: X/S
Summary: After Sunnydale falls, Xander only has one place that he knows they can go: to his brother, in the desert.



XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Xander was quietly watching as Ardeth was in meetings. He was always meeting with someone or other and he never had time to just sit and talk during the day. Ardeth was like a business man and Xander was seeing things that made him think maybe he had gotten the better deal. Ardeth was always busy."

"Well, why can't I go in there?" Buffy was asking as Xander's attention came back to his friends. They were separate from the Medjai because they weren't Medjai, well, no one but he was, anyhow. He could come and go as he pleased but they couldn't.

"Because you aren't Medjai," Giles told her, "I know you think it's unfair, Buffy, but these people have traditions and lore that are only for them to know. Lord Bey has already bent the rules slightly allowing you and Faith to train with him and his men sometimes. Technically the only person of our group who should be in there at training is Xander."

"Xander said he wants to learn to be the book guy," Dawn told Giles, "So he can be what Ardeth's uncle was before he died. The only problem is Xander doesn't like killing humans and I know the Medjai do. It's not too hard to figure out, considering what it is that they guard."

"How do you know what they guard?" Buffy asked.

"I'm a Key," Dawn reminded her, "When we went past that Hamunaptra place I saw a door and I opened it, metaphorically speaking, and I saw what they guard and why. But Xander has to understand he can't just come in here and demand they change no matter what role he wants to have. He doesn't have that right. He didn't grow up here and he hasn't been taught their traditions."

He felt like he'd been kicked in the gut as he realized Dawn was telling the truth. He did want to be the book man so he could change things but he also knew she was right in saying he couldn't. It wasn't his right. And he did not want to be at odds with Ardeth. He knew the people here weren't like his girls; they'd back Ardeth in a heart beat. Not that he wanted to fight with his brother. But part of him wanted to have the power Ardeth had. He wanted to be able to say something and have it done without question. He wouldn't deny that. But he also knew, as he'd known on the way out here from Sunnydale, that he couldn't handle the responsibility that came with that power.

"Good afternoon, Xander," Giles spoke, seeing him, "How is your brother today."

"Busy as usual," Xander told him, "He's got to get coverage on his shifts at Hamunaptra so he can get me acclimated since most of the people here don't speak English."

"What about us?" Buffy asked.

"That's what the meeting is about, today," Xander told her, "Ardeth wants to adopt you all as Medjai."

"Can't he just . . . decree it?" Buffy asked.

"No," the man himself said, "But you are in luck. They agreed once I told them where you were from and what you have done. Come with me now."

They did, looking around in awe as they were led into the heart of the Medjai city. The city had wonderful architecture, and showed that it was old, the wall paintings were beautiful to see and the people all smiled and nodded to them.

"What did the lady by the well say?" Buffy asked Ardeth.

"Welcome," Ardeth answered her, "Everyone here has been told of you all and is glad to meet you."

"We're glad to meet them, too," Dawn said as they were led. Faith was walking next to Ardeth, not like she was his equal but more like she wanted to be his girlfriend. Ardeth said nothing about it, having been told about 'the way Faith was'.

"So, where do we stay now?" Buffy asked.

"Here," Ardeth told her, leading them in to a house, "This house is at your disposal. I will return at sunset to bring you to the ceremonial house for your official welcome. Eat a light lunch. There will be a feast in your honor."

He turned to leave and Xander caught his arm.

"Thanks, Ardeth," Xander told him.

"You are my brother," Ardeth told him, "And what you need, I will try to give you. The only thing I cannot change is how we deal with people who come to the cursed sights and will not leave. I am sorry, Xander, but here, it isn't demons that are the worst danger."

Xander nodded and went in to the house with his people. It was hard here, sometimes, where what he used to think needed to be protected were often the enemy trying to rob graves and wake evil. But he knew he had to get used to it, because they had no place else to go.

Sighing, he sat down on one of the pillows and flopped back.

"I'll wake you for lunch, shall I?" Giles asked as he felt himself falling asleep. He nodded and watched his mentor turn to leave.

He wondered, as he drifted off, if Ardeth would restore the title he would have had. It might be nice. But then again, it might mean more responsibility than he wanted.

Oh, well. Maybe they'd go easy on him.

He hoped.