Title: Cold Assassin
Author: Drake Tepes
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own dementia.
Summary: It's time for Xander to act and he's planning a Christmas massacre.
Author's Notes: Um, set in season three this is. Beta'd by Mark, of course. Had this idea for a little while after I had a viewing of one of my favorite movies. So here we go.

- - - - -

Xander had wanted to do this for years. No, strike that. He'd wanted to do something like this for years. He'd never had the opportunity, and now it's been presented to him. He'd count this now and always as his greatest Christmas present. Cold revenge in a neat package.

He'd made the decision when he'd awakened this morning. There would never be a better chance than now. It didn't take long to gather the supplies he'd need. The ammo wasn't a problem, but he knew the key to his plan would be position.

He chose the roof over the library. It was a holiday and none of the group would come through the school, so they'd all have to gather at the back entrance. He had positioning and a clear arc of fire. All that was left was the wait.

Xander was never known for his patience, but this matter was far too important to risk blowing by showing his hand too early. He had to get both shots off quickly, as he doubted he'd get another go at this. He knew they would come together, knew they had to come today with all that had happened. He'd have to strike quickly and accurately.

He'd love to be able to get off more shots, but he was realistic and was already planning a defense if his first strike failed. An escape route had already been decided upon. Of course for every great plan there is always something unexpected.

The unexpected came in the form of Willow and Oz approaching the entrance from the south. This wouldn't have been a problem had it not been happening at the same time that his targets, Buffy and Angel were approaching from the west. Now there would be witnesses.

Xander took a moment, assessing his courses of action. He sighed with regret as he realized he'd have to do it in front of witnesses or miss his chance. No way could he get away cleanly now, now he was committed fully. He shifted his thoughts and pegged Willow and Oz as secondary targets.

He peeked carefully over the edge as Buffy and Angel drew closer. Closer still. Finally he pegged them as being in range. With a quick prayer he popped up and fired two quick shots.

splat
splat

Both hits connected. Angel took it the top of his head knocking him down in shock, his reflexes acting too late to save him. The second shot caught Buffy in the forehead, rocking her head back and to the right.

Xander dropped down as he heard Willow yell for Buffy. He knew both she and Oz would be running to their friends' aide. Popping up again he fired twice more.

splat
splat

Two more hits. His first shot caught the running Willow in the chest, startling her. The second shot caught Oz in the shoulder with little noticeable effect as he quickly moved in front of her to shield her.

Xander dropped low to the roof again, holding his breath for a moment. All below was quiet and still. That is until he heard his named bellowed by irate female voices.

Making sure he was fully armed, Xander stood on the roof and looked down at his friends and Angel. He shot them all a smile that did nothing to lessen the glares on their faces. He then fired twice more as he yelled, "SNOWBALL FIGHT!"