"You really don't remember. The Originals have a truce that's older than all of us combined. We don't turn on one another."

"Like the balance between White and Black Gods?"

"Stronger. If any of us turns on the other, we all cease to exist. Powerful motivation," Xander said, amused. "Doesn't mean we can't mess with whoever else we want."

"If you're free, why are you here?" Jule asked.

"I do whatever I please," came the guarded answer.

"Very well. Do you know how I can regain my Original power?"

There was a pause, then Xander purred, "You know I do nothing for free."

"No one does," Jule replied. "I'm not asking for a free pass."

"Sounds like a favor to me."

"You're here for a reason. Tomorrow, this world will be destroyed if one-or both-of us don't step up. This seems motivation enough," Jule said.

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Xander considered him and then stepped away, thoughtful. Jule couldn't shake his amazement that there was a vamp capable of thinking. He sensed a great deal in what Xander wasn't saying about his purpose in the mortal realm.

"I want two things. I see the girl and the Other in your thoughts. I want the Other," the vamp said at last.

"As long as you kill him."

"Definitely. I have a debt to settle with all of them," Xander said.

"You won't see me arguing," Jule replied. "What's the second?"

"I want to see the Oracle."

"Why?" Jule asked. Sofi wasn't surprised to learn he was an Original Being and had known where to find this creature. He suspected she was expecting Xander to want to see her, too.

"I need an answer to a question."

"There's something she knows that an Original Being doesn't?"

"I'm not a Watcher. I see only what is in my narrow lane."

"I can't agree to that without the White God's permission," Jule said.

"My terms are far kinder for you than I'd give anyone else. Just because we can't fight each other doesn't mean I must help you."

"Something tells me it's in your best interest to help me regain my power," Jule noted.

Xander chuckled. "Yes, Guardian, it is. Summon your White God. I will see the Oracle."

Jule frowned. Certain creatures with unlimited power and motivations thousands of years in the making weren't what Damian really needed right now. He almost refused before he realized he had no choice, if he wanted to help Yully survive and Damian defeat the Other. Jule Transported himself back to Damian's headquarters. The Oracle seemed to be waiting for him. She raised her eyebrows at him, and he hesitated.




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