Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer, any DC comics characters, anything Stargate, or any other crossover material that may appear in this story. You know people say "if I did, I wouldn't be doing this"? Well I would. I love writing these stories.

AN: I know, another story. Don't worry, I'm still hard at work on Xanderpocalypse, which is my main story. This is just a little something I toy with when I need a break from it, so don't expect this story to be updated too often. I just wanted to share this with you all because, not to toot my own horn, but these first two chapters almost bring me to tears when I reread them.

Prologue - The End and The Beginning

"Are you sure about this?" The one-eyed man asked as the mage completed painting a complicated runic circle on the bare cement floor in the tiny decrepit house. They were hiding there, inside one of the nuclear fall-out zones, kept safe from the poisoned atmosphere by barrier spells erected around the building.

"You mean am I sure I want to expose myself to the excruciating forces of a time travel spell, so I can careen myself into the past to hopefully change the future?" The mage stopped for a moment as if to think about it. "Well, there's nothing good on TV tonight... seeing as there is no TV. Or electricity. Or anything else for that matter."

The first thing to fall during the initial attack was Earth's communication infrastructure. The older man smiled at his younger associate. "I appreciate your concern for my welfare, but you know this has to happen as it's the only way to prevent the destruction of the human race."

Although the one-eyed man nodded, it wasn't the billions dead that went through his mind. It was the sight of his friends, his loved ones who were tortured and killed right in front of him that still haunted his dreams. He would have thrown away his own life in the fight long ago had he not found an anchor in those turbulent times. His one remaining eye flicked to the woman who stood by the only window, watching for movement while also observing the conversation between the two men. She smiled at the man who held her heart while also praying to god that their mage friend completed the spell before they heard the signature clicking of the approaching enemy. They wouldn't think to look for the last of the human resistance in a fall-out zone, but the radiation also wouldn't affect the invading foot soldiers as they consumed everything in their path to endlessly increase their numbers. Word had reached them from the East that the Statue of Liberty had completely vanished in under an hour when the enemy fell upon it, the Eiffel Tower in even less time.

"I could ask you the same thing." The mage stated. "Are you sure about this? I'm not sure you are quite aware of the changes you are going to undergo after I arrive."

The one-eyed man grinned. "Isn't it every kid's dream to be turned into a superhero?"

The woman by the window snorted. "I think I'll be the superhero of this relationship. After all, I'm the one who's going to be able to punch through a brick wall."

"Hey, you're the one who argued that having a strong mind was just as important as physical strength."

"It is," The woman insisted seriously, despite the smile on her face, brought on by her enjoyment at raising her lover's ire, "And as I said before, given what we are trying to prevent, we're going to need those smarts."

"It's ready." The mage spoke up from the floor where he had continued painting runic symbols, despite their conversation. He stood upright and stretched his back with a groan and a mutter about not being as young as he once was. He was gathering up the loose items around the circle when the woman jerked in surprise, her attention immediately turning to the destroyed neighborhood outside the window. Her sudden movement drew the complete attention of both men. Living in a war zone had led to them constantly being on edge, always prepared to snap into action. They watched her as she searched outside before shaking her head and glancing over her shoulder at her companions.

"It's nothing. I thought I saw movement."

"Well just in case, let's finish this before it's too late." The one-eyed man turned to the mage. "Are you ready?"

"Yes." He gathered the herbs and candles needed to focus the magic and positioned them around the ritual circle. He was just finishing the measurements to make sure they were precisely placed when the woman by the window jerked again, her voice coming out in a whispered hiss.

"They're coming!"

"What? Now?" The one-eyed man demanded, speaking equally softly so they couldn't be heard by the approaching enemy.

The woman watched out the window for a moment longer before speaking. "They don't seem to know we're here. They're dismantling the surrounding houses."

"They will." The mage commented. "If they are that close then they will notice the build-up of energy once I start casting."

They didn't even bother to debate whether they should stop. The enemy didn't sleep and wouldn't leave until this entire area was stripped to the ground. They would be found eventually, and running wasn't an option as they had used all the materials they had been able to gather to paint out the ritual circle, magical ingredients being nearly impossible to get these days. This was their only chance.

The younger man nodded, swinging the large rifle from his shoulder and checking the clip. The woman did the same while still watching out the window, the movement entirely automatic at this point. The mage, meanwhile, was rapidly lighting the numerous candles he had positioned. He then looked up at his two younger associates.

"Ready?"

The one-eyed man nodded then turned to the woman as the mage began chanting. They could feel the energy swirling in the air as the now audible clicking of the approaching enemy grew closer. They shared nervous smiles, the woman speaking first. "I love you."

"I love you too." He replied. "One way or another, I'll see you on the other side."