Xander's Chance

"Play nice, X," Darian warned.

Xander said nothing, listening to the thoughts of those around him to ensure his own safety. He held out his hand, palm up, to the Oracle in the typical greeting - and permission for her to check his future.

"Didn't I tell you that you'd be back?" she asked in satisfaction.

"Not the time for an I-told-you-so, kiri," Dusty muttered.

"With Xander, I'll take what victories I can." She placed her hand on his. "One condition, Xander."

"Whatever."

Get me out of this ring. I can't stand physical fighting, she ordered.

Xander nodded and waited, feeling the familiar tingle spread through him. By giving her access to him, he was also gaining access to her. She knew it; one of the few limitations an Oracle had was the inability to see her own future. Last time they met, they traded futures. Xander's ability was far weaker than hers, but he was able to see certain parts of another's path when in their minds.

He learned his lesson about sharing information with Sofi. She'd altered her own future, based on what he showed her. He lost a round with her in the immortal world, when she manipulated him into saving her life and those of her sisters-in-law. She threatened to reveal the secret of his gem to his enemies, a secret recently spilled.

She didn't do it, though; he was able to tell from her thoughts.

The silver around her eyes swirled hypnotically for a moment. With a frustrated sigh, she lifted her hand and gazed at him pensively.

I can barely See with you, she said into his mind. Ask your question.

Xander responded. You told me months ago I was in for a surprise that would answer a question I didn't know needed asking. You said it was a matter of life and death.

Sofi smiled, considered, then asked, "Do you know the question?"

Not exactly. But I think I know the answer.

"Yeah, you do." Her blue eyes flared, and she stepped closer to him, until they were toe-to-toe. "By the way, I win this round, too."

"Not yet."

"Oh, yeah, I did." She was proud of herself.

"You wanna go?" He held out his arms. "You're dressed for a beating."

"Unlike you, I don't need to resort to violence to win."

"There are days, bitch …" he growled.

"The feeling is mutual."

"One of you step back before I lose it." Dusty's sharp order made the Oracle jump. She glared at him but obeyed.

Xander wasn't pleased at all with the interaction. Sofi indirectly confirmed something he didn't want to acknowledge: Jessi was in his life for more than one reason. He still didn't understand the question Sofi wanted him to know, but the fact the woman capable of operating on stealth-mode was the answer did not set well with him.