The morning air in Limbo hung heavy with moisture, the lingering drizzle from the night before refusing to dissipate. The dark storm clouds hovered low, casting an eerie, muted light over the warped landscape. Xander groaned softly as he stirred from his restless sleep, his body stiff and aching from the battles of the previous day. Every muscle protested as he pushed himself up to a sitting position, the cold seeping into his bones from the damp ground beneath him. The emotional weight of yesterday's events sat heavy on his chest, making it difficult to breathe.

Not far from him, Kitty sat by the remains of the fire, absently poking at the embers with a stick. Her eyes, distant and lost in thought, brightened slightly when she noticed Xander stirring. She scooted closer, her face softening with concern.

"Hey," she said quietly, her voice barely louder than the soft drizzle around them. "How're you holding up?"

Xander let out a slow breath, rubbing the back of his neck. His muscles felt stiff, the exhaustion from both physical and emotional tolls weighing him down. He attempted a weak smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"I've had better mornings," he admitted, his voice rough from sleep.

Kitty nodded in understanding, her eyes never leaving his face. "Yeah… yesterday was a lot."

Xander chuckled, though the sound lacked any real humor. "That's putting it mildly."

Before Kitty could respond, a shadow loomed over them. Illyana approached with quiet, precise steps, her eyes as sharp and calculating as always. Her hand rested on the hilt of her sword, and though her expression was unreadable, her presence alone carried an intensity that was impossible to ignore.

"You need more rest," Illyana said bluntly, her tone as clipped as ever. She looked down at Xander, her gaze flicking to the bruises and tension etched in his posture. "You pushed yourself too hard yesterday."

Xander tried to wave off her concern, forcing a smirk that didn't quite land. "I'm fine. Just sore. I can handle it."

Illyana's eyes narrowed slightly, and she crossed her arms, her stance shifting as she moved closer. "Stop trying to play the hero, Xander. No one expects that of you."

Xander blinked, caught off guard by the sharpness in her tone. Her words landed harder than he'd expected, cutting through the wall he had carefully constructed around his emotions. He looked away, his smirk faltering, replaced by a grimace of uncertainty.

"I'm not playing the hero," he mumbled. "I'm just… dealing."

Illyana crouched down in front of him, close enough that Xander could see the exhaustion in her eyes. Her sharp features softened, just for a moment, and Xander felt a strange pang in his chest at the vulnerability she was showing.

"You don't have to pretend you're okay all the time," she said quietly, her voice carrying an unusual gentleness. "Not here."

Xander swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words. His gaze dropped to the ground, his fingers digging into the damp soil beneath him. He didn't know how to respond—how to admit that he wasn't okay without feeling like he was letting them down.

"I'm not pretending," he finally whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I just… I don't know what else to do. I'm barely keeping up as it is."

Illyana's expression softened further, and for the first time since Xander had met her, there was no edge in her voice. "No one expects you to have all the answers. You're still figuring this out—just like the rest of us. But you don't have to carry it all by yourself."

Xander could feel the lump in his throat growing as her words hit him harder than he'd expected. He looked over at Kitty, who was watching the exchange in silence, her eyes filled with empathy.

"I'm not used to this," Xander admitted, his voice quieter now. "Being needed. Being… important."

Illyana tilted her head slightly, her sharp gaze softening in a way that felt foreign to her, yet genuine. "You're important because you make yourself so," she said, her voice low and steady. "Not because you have power or because of your responsibilities here in Limbo. You're important because of who you are."

Xander stared at her, trying to process the weight of her words. He wasn't used to people telling him things like that. His mind churned, trying to reconcile what Illyana was saying with how he saw himself. How could they see me that way?

Before he could respond, Kitty leaned forward, her voice soft but filled with warmth. "She's right, you know," she said, offering him a small smile. "You've done a lot for us already. And for what it's worth, I'm glad you're here."

Xander felt his heart tighten, the weight of everything suddenly pressing down on him harder than before. He wasn't sure how to handle being seen—being cared for in this way. The fear of screwing it all up gnawed at the edges of his mind.

"I just don't want to mess it up," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Illyana's eyes darkened slightly, but her tone remained calm, almost soothing. "Screwing up is part of the process, Xander. You learn, you grow, and you keep going."

Xander let out a slow breath, nodding slightly as he looked back at the fire. "Easier said than done."

Illyana's lips quirked into the faintest hint of a smile. "I didn't say it was easy."

For a moment, the three of them sat in silence, the tension from the night before lingering in the air. But now, it felt less suffocating. The bond between them, fragile as it was, was growing stronger. There was no immediate solution, no easy way out of the emotional mess they found themselves in, but they weren't alone. And for the first time in a long time, that seemed to make all the difference.

Illyana stood, brushing off the dirt from her cloak. "We should move soon," she said, her voice returning to its usual sharpness. "Limbo's never quiet for long."

Kitty stood as well, offering Xander a hand. He hesitated for a moment before taking it, feeling a brief spark of connection as their hands touched. When he was on his feet, he caught her gaze, and for a moment, there was something unspoken between them—something neither of them was ready to acknowledge.

As they prepared to leave, Xander glanced at Illyana, who was already scanning the horizon with her usual intensity. Whatever was happening between the three of them wasn't something he could ignore. It was complicated, and it was messy, but it was real.

And maybe, just maybe, it was worth the risk.

:-:-:-:

The twisted, dark terrain of Limbo stretched out before them, jagged rocks and warped trees rising up like grotesque sentinels. The sky, a swirling mass of dark clouds, cast long shadows across the land as Xander and Kitty walked in silence. Illyana had gone ahead, her silent steps barely making a sound as she scouted the path ahead. The eerie quiet of Limbo pressed down on them, the unnatural stillness amplifying the tension that simmered between the group.

Kitty walked beside Xander, her steps slow and deliberate. She'd been stealing glances at him since they left the camp, her mind buzzing with thoughts she wasn't entirely sure how to process. For so long, she had prided herself on being focused, on keeping her emotions in check. But here, in Limbo, with Xander and Illyana, something had shifted. It was unsettling, but also… something else. Something she didn't quite know how to name.

After several minutes of silence, Kitty finally spoke, her voice soft but breaking through the eerie quiet around them. "It's strange, you know?" she said, her eyes focused on the strange horizon ahead. "Being here… I thought I'd feel completely out of place. Like I didn't belong. But…"

Xander glanced over at her, curious. "But?"

Kitty's lips curved into a small, almost self-conscious smile. "But I don't. I actually feel… more at ease here than I thought I would. With you. And Illyana."

Xander raised an eyebrow, his expression softening. "Really? I mean, not that Limbo isn't a vacation paradise, but… you don't seem like someone who'd feel at home in a place like this."

Kitty chuckled lightly, though her laughter had a nervous edge. "Yeah, well… maybe 'at home' isn't the right way to put it. But it's not as bad as I thought it'd be." She paused, her eyes flicking toward him. "And being with you guys… it's made it easier."

Xander gave her a sideways smile, his heart warming slightly at her words. He wasn't used to hearing that kind of thing, especially from someone like Kitty. "Well, I'm glad you're here, too," he said. "I didn't exactly expect to end up in Limbo, wielding a sword, and fighting demons either. But here we are."

Kitty looked at him, her gaze lingering a little longer than before. There was a quiet intensity in her eyes, something deeper than just casual conversation. "You've handled all this a lot better than I would've in your shoes," she said softly. "I don't think I've ever seen someone take to this kind of chaos as well as you have."

Xander laughed, though it came out a little more hollow than he intended. "I don't know about that. I'm just winging it, really. Trying not to screw things up too badly."

Kitty stopped walking for a moment, causing Xander to pause as well. She turned to face him, her expression open and sincere, her eyes searching his. "No, really," she said, her voice soft but insistent. "You're doing better than you think. You've been through so much, and you're still standing. That takes strength, Xander. More strength than you give yourself credit for."

Xander blinked, caught off guard by her words. It wasn't often that someone said something like that to him—something so honest, so genuine. He could feel the weight of her words settle over him, a strange warmth spreading through his chest. "I… I don't know what to say," he muttered, his voice rough with emotion.

Kitty smiled, the warmth in her eyes softening the tension between them. "You don't have to say anything," she replied quietly. "Just know that I'm here. We're here."

For a moment, they stood in silence, the unspoken connection between them growing stronger. Xander wasn't sure what to do with the emotions swirling inside him—he wasn't used to feeling this kind of closeness, this kind of care. But standing there, with Kitty's eyes on him, he felt a sense of calm he hadn't realized he needed.

As they resumed walking, Xander's hand brushed lightly against Kitty's. Neither of them pulled away immediately, but when they did, it was slow, almost reluctant. The touch had been brief, but it had left something behind—a spark of something neither of them was ready to confront just yet.

Xander cleared his throat, trying to shake off the tension. "You know, for someone who just stumbled into all of this, you're handling it pretty well yourself," he said, his voice light but genuine.

Kitty chuckled, though there was a hint of nervousness in her tone. "Yeah, well… I guess you could say I'm used to strange things happening." She glanced at him, her expression turning more thoughtful. "But this… this is different."

"Different how?" Xander asked, genuinely curious.

Kitty slowed her pace again, her eyes dropping to the ground as she thought carefully about her next words. "I've been through a lot of weird, dangerous stuff before. But with Illyana… with you… it feels different. It's not just about surviving this place. It feels like… something I've been missing for a long time." She hesitated, her voice quieter now. "Something I didn't even know I was looking for."

Xander's heart skipped a beat at the weight of her words. He had been feeling it too—the shift in their connection, the growing bond between them. It wasn't just about getting through Limbo anymore. It was about something more personal, something deeper. And hearing Kitty put it into words made everything feel more real.

"I get that," Xander said quietly, his voice low and thoughtful. "I didn't expect any of this either. But… I'm glad you're here."

Kitty smiled again, this time softer, more vulnerable. "Me too."

They walked in silence for a while longer, the weight of their conversation still lingering between them. The air around them felt charged, like something unspoken was hanging just out of reach. Xander could feel it—the pull between them, the connection that was growing stronger with every step. He wasn't sure where it was leading, or if he was ready to find out.

As they continued through Limbo's surreal landscape, the path ahead winding deeper into the unknown, they both knew that whatever was happening between them—whatever was growing—wasn't something they could ignore for much longer.

:-:-:-:

The jagged rocks and twisted trees of Limbo loomed around them as the trio worked on reinforcing the camp. They had found a small clearing, sheltered by the strange, unnatural terrain, and decided to make it their base for the night. The sky above remained a swirling, menacing mass of clouds, casting long shadows over the eerie landscape. Despite the quiet hum of activity as they worked, there was an undercurrent of tension that none of them could ignore.

Xander sat by the fire, absently poking at the embers with a stick. His mind was elsewhere, lost in the complex emotions that had been building since the morning. The exhaustion from the day's battles was beginning to catch up with him, but it wasn't the physical fatigue that weighed on him. It was something else. Something deeper.

Across the camp, Kitty was focused on securing the last of the warding stones, her movements precise but slightly distracted. Every now and then, her eyes flicked over to Xander and Illyana, a faint crease forming between her brows. She had been feeling it all day—the growing tension between the three of them. It wasn't just about the battles they had fought or the dangers of Limbo. It was something personal, something that felt more complicated than she was ready to admit.

Illyana, always the vigilant one, was standing at the edge of the camp, her eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. Her hand rested on the hilt of her sword, her posture tense but controlled. Yet even she couldn't ignore the charged atmosphere that had settled between them. She had felt it during the battle, felt it again during their quiet moments together. The unspoken feelings, the unsaid words—they were all hanging heavy in the air.

"You're being unusually quiet, Xander," Illyana said suddenly, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. She turned toward him, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "That's not like you."

Xander blinked, startled out of his thoughts. He looked up at her, raising an eyebrow. "Just… lost in thought, I guess." He forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Deep, meaningful stuff. Like whether or not we should put up a 'Welcome to Hell' sign at the entrance to our camp."

Illyana let out a soft laugh, the sound light and almost musical, a rare break in her usual serious demeanor. "You're cute when you try to be philosophical," she teased, stepping closer to the fire. There was something in her gaze, though—a flicker of amusement mixed with something more. Something that made Xander's heart skip a beat.

Kitty, who had been watching the exchange from the other side of the camp, felt her stomach twist slightly at the sound of Illyana's laughter. It wasn't jealousy exactly, but there was something about the way Illyana looked at Xander that made her chest tighten. She wasn't used to feeling this way—this strange mix of emotions that had been bubbling up since they started traveling together.

"Maybe Xander's finally realizing he's stuck with us," Illyana continued, her voice playful but with an edge of seriousness. She glanced over at Kitty, her smirk widening. "I mean, he could do worse, don't you think?"

Kitty nearly dropped the warding stone she had been holding, her face heating up as she tried to recover. "Uh… yeah, I guess so," she said, her voice a little higher than usual. She could feel her cheeks burning, and she cursed herself for reacting so awkwardly. Why is this bothering me so much?

Illyana's gaze flicked between Xander and Kitty, her smirk softening into something more mischievous. "You're adorable when you blush, Pryde," she said, her tone light but with a warmth that wasn't lost on either of them.

Xander, still poking at the fire, raised an eyebrow as he watched the exchange. He could feel the tension thickening between them, the lines between casual banter and something deeper starting to blur. Illyana had always had a way of playing with boundaries, of pushing just enough to make things interesting, and right now, she was doing it with both him and Kitty.

"Careful, Illyana," Xander said, his tone teasing but edged with curiosity. "You keep talking like that, and you'll give Kitty a heart attack."

Illyana's eyes twinkled as she leaned against one of the jagged rock walls that bordered the camp. "Oh, I think Kitty can handle more than you give her credit for," she replied smoothly, her gaze lingering on Kitty a moment longer.

Kitty swallowed hard, her heart thudding in her chest. She wasn't used to this kind of attention—especially not from Illyana. She was usually the one who kept things focused, who stayed on task, but right now, she felt completely off balance. The way Illyana and Xander were looking at her, the way the air seemed to hum with unspoken words—it was too much.

"I—uh—yeah, I'm good," Kitty stammered, forcing a smile as she finished securing the last warding stone. She stood up, brushing the dirt off her hands as she gave them both a nervous laugh. "Totally good. Just… you know, focusing on the whole 'not getting killed by demons' thing."

Xander chuckled, shaking his head as he tossed the stick he had been playing with into the fire. "Hey, if anyone's good at not getting killed by demons, it's us," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "We're professionals at this point."

Illyana gave him a sideways glance, her smirk still in place. "Speak for yourself. I'm more of a queen than a professional." She winked at him, the playful edge in her voice doing little to diffuse the growing tension.

Kitty felt like she was caught in the middle of something she wasn't ready to confront. The attraction she felt toward both Xander and Illyana was undeniable, but how was she supposed to navigate that? How was she supposed to deal with the way her heart sped up when Illyana teased her or the way she felt safer when Xander was nearby? The connection between all three of them was growing stronger, but it was also growing more complicated.

There was a beat of silence, the fire crackling quietly between them, the air heavy with the unspoken tension.

Finally, Xander stood up, brushing his hands off on his pants and giving both women a crooked smile. "Well, if we're done teasing each other to death, I think I'll go see if we have any food left that hasn't turned into demon jerky."

Kitty's eyes followed him as he walked toward their makeshift supplies, her mind still spinning from the playful yet intense exchange. She glanced over at Illyana, who caught her eye and gave her a knowing smile.

"It's okay to be confused," Illyana said quietly, her teasing tone from earlier softening into something more serious. "You're not the only one."

Kitty blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in Illyana's tone. "I… yeah, I guess so," she said softly, her gaze dropping to the ground. She could feel Illyana's eyes on her, warm and understanding in a way that made her heart race.

"We'll figure it out," Illyana added, her voice almost a whisper as she turned her attention back to the fire.

Kitty nodded, though her thoughts were still racing. The tension between all three of them wasn't something she could ignore anymore. And she wasn't sure what would happen next—but she had a feeling that things were about to get a lot more complicated.

:-:-:-:

The path through Limbo had been treacherous, as always, but the trio had grown accustomed to navigating its warped and twisted landscape. Xander, Kitty, and Illyana had been walking in relative silence, each lost in their own thoughts when they arrived at the crest of a hill that overlooked a small town nestled in the valley below.

The town was unlike anything Xander had expected to see in Limbo. It was peaceful—a rarity in this nightmarish dimension. The buildings, though small and crude, were well-organized, built with care and attention. There was even a kind of garden area, a space where demon children played, laughing as if they weren't in one of the most dangerous realms in existence.

Xander blinked in disbelief. "This… this place doesn't look like it belongs here," he muttered.

Kitty nodded, her eyes wide as she took in the sight. "It's almost… nice," she said, the awe clear in her voice. "I didn't think something like this could exist in Limbo."

Illyana stood slightly ahead of them, her gaze fixed on the town below, her expression unreadable. "It doesn't belong," she said quietly. "At least, not in Limbo as it is now. These demons are remnants of an older time. They're not like the others. They've rejected the chaos and violence that Limbo thrives on."

Kitty's brow furrowed. "Then why are they here? And why haven't the other demons destroyed them?"

Illyana's eyes flicked toward Kitty briefly before turning back to the town. "Because I shielded them," she explained. "Temporarily."

Xander raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You? I thought your whole thing was ruling Limbo with an iron fist. Why protect them?"

Illyana's lips thinned slightly, and for a moment, she didn't answer. When she did, her voice was softer, more thoughtful. "They remind me of a time when Limbo wasn't just endless war. Before the corruption took hold. I'm not blind to the reality of this place, but not everything here deserves destruction."

Xander glanced at Kitty, who seemed equally surprised by Illyana's admission. There was more to Illyana than her hardened exterior let on, and moments like this revealed just how complicated she really was.

"They've lived in relative peace for a while now," Illyana continued. "But the protection I placed on them won't last forever. I can't shield them from the dangers of Limbo indefinitely."

Kitty nodded, understanding dawning on her face. "And the danger's coming, isn't it?"

As if on cue, a rumble shook the ground beneath their feet, and Xander looked up sharply toward the horizon. From the far side of the valley, a large mass of shadowed figures was advancing toward the peaceful town. Demons—brutal and twisted, their grotesque forms lumbering forward with weapons raised, their snarls and growls carrying across the wind.

Illyana's expression darkened. "They've come sooner than I expected."

The army of demons was massive, far larger than the town could defend against. Xander felt a chill run down his spine as he watched the invading force draw closer. The peaceful demons in the town below had no idea what was about to descend on them.

"They're going to wipe them out," Xander said grimly, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword.

"Not if we stop them first," Illyana said, her voice steely. Her hand moved to the hilt of her own sword, her eyes blazing with determination. "We need to move. Now."

Without waiting for further discussion, Illyana charged forward, her sword drawn as she descended the hill. Xander and Kitty followed closely behind, adrenaline already surging through their veins.

As they neared the edge of the town, Xander could see the peaceful demons scrambling, their faces filled with confusion and fear. They weren't warriors; they didn't know how to fight, and the invaders were nearly upon them.

"We need to slow them down!" Kitty shouted, her voice barely audible over the roar of the approaching army.

Xander nodded, raising his sword as they approached the town's makeshift entrance. "I'll hold them off as long as I can."

Illyana spun to face them both, her expression hard. "We need to split up. I'll lead a frontal attack and draw their attention. Kitty, find a way to evacuate the civilians. Xander, keep the invaders from flanking us."

Kitty didn't hesitate, dashing toward the heart of the town to warn the peaceful demons, while Xander and Illyana prepared for the onslaught. Xander's heart raced as the first wave of demons reached the outskirts of the town, their guttural growls filling the air.

Illyana charged forward, her sword blazing with magical energy as she cut through the first line of demons with deadly precision. She was a force of nature, every swing of her blade tearing through her enemies with ease. But there were so many of them, and Xander knew they couldn't afford to let any slip past.

With a deep breath, Xander swung his sword as the first demon came at him, its monstrous claws swiping toward his head. His blade connected with the creature's arm, cutting through it cleanly. The demon howled in pain but didn't fall. Xander gritted his teeth and shoved forward, driving his sword into the demon's chest and kicking it to the ground.

He barely had time to catch his breath before another demon lunged at him from the side. Xander ducked, narrowly avoiding the creature's claws as he swung his sword upward in an arc, cleaving the demon's head from its shoulders. The adrenaline surged through him, sharpening his focus as he took on the next wave.

Amid the chaos, Xander caught a glimpse of Kitty in the center of the town, guiding the peaceful demons to safety. She moved quickly, her powers helping her phase through walls as she ushered the civilians away from the encroaching horde.

But even with her speed, the demons were relentless.

Xander's heart nearly stopped as he saw one of the larger demons break through the ranks and charge toward Kitty from behind. Its claws gleamed in the dim light, poised to strike her down before she even knew it was there.

"Kitty, look out!" Xander shouted, his voice hoarse with panic.

She didn't hear him.

Without thinking, Xander's body moved on instinct. A surge of energy coursed through him, and he let it out in a roar as he charged toward the demon. His sword flared with power as he moved faster than he ever had before, closing the distance in a blur.

At the last moment, just as the demon's claws were about to reach Kitty, Xander brought his sword down with all his strength, cutting through the demon's arm in a shower of black blood. The demon screeched, stumbling back in agony, but Xander didn't stop. He whirled around, channeling the primal energy inside him as he plunged his sword into the creature's chest, sending a shockwave of power through it.

The demon let out a final, gurgling cry before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.

Kitty spun around, her eyes wide with shock and gratitude. "Xander…"

Xander nodded, breathing heavily, his sword still glowing with the residual energy from his attack. "No time to talk," he said, glancing toward the rest of the battle. "Just keep them safe. I've got your back."

Kitty gave him a quick, grateful nod before turning back to the civilians, her determination renewed.

The battle raged on, the invaders relentless in their assault, but Xander, Illyana, and Kitty held the line. With each swing of his sword, Xander felt the primal energy inside him growing stronger, guiding his movements, giving him the strength to fight on. He didn't fully understand it, but in this moment, it didn't matter. He was protecting Kitty, protecting the innocent demons in the town—and that was all that mattered.

The battle was long and grueling, but eventually, the invading demons began to fall back. Between Illyana's devastating magic and Xander's newfound power, the tide of battle had turned. By the time the sunless sky of Limbo had darkened, the invading army had been driven off, their forces shattered and scattered.

Xander stood at the edge of the town, his sword still in hand, watching the last of the invaders flee into the distance. His body ached, his muscles burning from the fight, but he had never felt more alive.

Kitty approached him, her expression a mixture of relief and admiration. "You saved me back there," she said quietly, her eyes searching his.

Xander shrugged, his usual humor creeping back into his voice despite the exhaustion. "Just doing my job."

Kitty smiled, though her eyes were serious. "Thank you."

Illyana approached them, her sword sheathed, her gaze as intense as ever. "They'll be back," she said, her voice low and grim. "But we bought them time."

Xander nodded, the weight of the battle still heavy on his mind. "We did what we could."

Illyana's eyes flicked between the two of them before she turned her gaze back to the town. "Let's make sure they're ready for whatever comes next."

:-:-:-:

The battle had passed, but the weight of it still lingered in the air. Xander, Illyana, and Kitty sat in the aftermath, their bodies aching from the fight, but it was the emotional strain that wore on them the most. They had retreated to a quieter part of Limbo, far from the chaos and destruction they had fought through, seeking a moment of peace amidst the madness.

Xander sat against a jagged rock, staring out into the dark, twisted landscape that stretched before them. His side still throbbed slightly from the wound Illyana had healed earlier, but the real pain lay deeper. The tension between him, Kitty, and Illyana had been growing—something beyond the physical battles they had faced. It was personal now, and that was more terrifying than any demon they had fought.

Kitty sat nearby, her knees pulled up to her chest, her eyes distant as she stared into the flickering flames of their campfire. She had been quiet since Illyana had stepped in to heal Xander, but her mind was far from at rest. The emotions she felt for both Xander and Illyana were confusing, pulling her in different directions. She wasn't used to this—this emotional mess that had been brewing between them. She didn't know how to navigate it.

Illyana, ever the warrior, stood at the edge of the camp, her eyes scanning the horizon for threats that weren't there. Her posture was tense, but it wasn't just the dangers of Limbo that kept her on edge. She could feel the pull between them too, the unspoken emotions that had started to bubble to the surface. But Illyana wasn't one to acknowledge feelings easily—especially not her own. She preferred action, clarity, not this swirling mess of emotions that was growing between them.

The silence between them stretched on, broken only by the crackling of the fire. The tension hung in the air, thick and suffocating, but none of them seemed willing to break it.

Finally, it was Xander who spoke, his voice low and hesitant. "I… I don't know what to say." He looked between Kitty and Illyana, his expression uncertain. "About… all of this. Us."

Kitty glanced at him, her eyes soft but filled with confusion. "Yeah," she said quietly, almost to herself. "Me neither."

Illyana remained silent, her eyes still on the horizon, but the way her shoulders tensed told Xander that she was listening—feeling it just as much as they were.

Xander let out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "I care about both of you," he said, his voice rough with the effort of admitting it. "More than I know what to do with. And… I'm just trying to figure out how to handle that."

Kitty's gaze softened even more, her heart twisting at the vulnerability in his voice. She had been feeling the same thing—this growing connection between them, this bond that went beyond just surviving together. But she didn't have the answers either. "You're not the only one who's confused," she murmured, offering him a small, sad smile. "This… this is complicated."

Illyana finally turned around, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at both of them. There was something unreadable in her expression, something hard but not cold. "Life is complicated," she said, her voice low and firm. "Especially here."

The simplicity of her words hung in the air for a moment. Illyana was never one for long, emotional speeches, but there was truth in what she said. This wasn't a normal situation, and none of them were living normal lives. Whatever was happening between them, whatever feelings were growing, it wasn't something they could handle in the usual way.

Xander glanced between the two women, feeling the weight of their presence, the gravity of what they were all dealing with. He wanted to say something—wanted to offer some kind of clarity—but the truth was, he didn't have the answers either. "I just don't want to screw things up," he said softly, his voice filled with a mix of fear and uncertainty.

Illyana's eyes softened ever so slightly, and she took a step closer to the fire, crossing her arms over her chest. "We're all going to screw up at some point, Xander," she said, her voice quieter now. "It's what we do afterward that matters."

Kitty nodded, her gaze shifting to the fire as she thought over Illyana's words. "We'll figure it out," she said softly, though the doubt was still clear in her voice. "We always do."

For a long moment, none of them spoke. The fire crackled between them, casting flickering shadows over their faces. They were all in uncharted territory, navigating emotions they hadn't anticipated, and it was overwhelming. But at least, in this moment, they knew they weren't alone in it.

Finally, Xander let out a breath, leaning back against the rock and staring up at the swirling sky above them. "Yeah… I guess we will."

The three of them sat in silence for a while longer, the weight of their words hanging in the air. The tension was still there, but it had shifted slightly—no longer suffocating, but something more manageable. They were all confused, all unsure of what the future held for them, but there was a sense of mutual understanding now.

Whatever was happening between them, they were in it together.

As the fire crackled and the night grew darker, Xander glanced between Illyana and Kitty once more. He didn't know what the next steps were, didn't know how they would navigate this complicated mess of feelings that had grown between them. But for now, he was content to sit in their shared silence, knowing that they would face it together.

:-:-:-:

The battlefield was quiet now, the shrieks and roars of the demons fading into an eerie silence. The smoldering fires cast an orange glow over the twisted landscape, and the thick air was heavy with the scent of ash and blood. Kitty's heart was pounding, her breaths coming fast as she searched the clearing, her eyes scanning desperately until they found him.

Xander was slumped against a rock, his sword lying forgotten at his side, his breaths shallow and ragged. Blood soaked through the torn fabric of his shirt, seeping from a deep wound across his side. His face was pale, and his eyes were barely open, their usual spark dimmed with pain and exhaustion.

"Xander!" Kitty's voice broke as she dropped to her knees beside him, her hands shaking as she pressed them against his wound, trying to stem the bleeding. She could feel the heat of his skin beneath her fingers, the life slipping away from him with every beat of his heart. "Xander, stay with me. Please, just… just hold on."

He managed a weak smile, his gaze flickering up to meet hers. "Hey… don't look so worried," he mumbled, his voice barely a whisper. "Just… just a scratch, right?"

Kitty's throat tightened, and she shook her head, trying to keep the fear from overwhelming her. "It's more than a scratch, Xander. You're… you're really hurt." Her voice trembled, and she felt the helplessness clawing at her, a suffocating weight that she couldn't escape. She wasn't used to feeling this way, wasn't used to the desperation that came with the thought of losing him.

Before she could say anything else, a shadow fell over them, and she looked up to see Illyana standing there, her expression hard, her gaze sharp as she took in Xander's condition. Without a word, she dropped to her knees beside him, her hand reaching out to press against his chest.

"Illyana, can you—?" Kitty's voice cracked, her words trailing off as she looked at the other woman, hope mingling with her fear.

"I can," Illyana said, her voice steady, calm in a way that Kitty couldn't manage. Her eyes never left Xander's face, her hand resting over his heart, and as she closed her eyes, a faint glow began to emanate from her fingers, a strange, dark energy that pulsed with the rhythm of Limbo itself.

Xander's breaths hitched as the magic washed over him, his body tensing in pain, but Illyana's touch was firm, unwavering. Her power wrapped around his wounds, knitting flesh and sealing the torn skin with an unnatural, almost unsettling precision. Kitty watched, her heart in her throat, as the blood stopped flowing, as Xander's face relaxed slightly, the pain easing with each beat of Illyana's magic.

When she opened her eyes, Illyana's gaze was softer, a vulnerability in her expression that Kitty had rarely seen. Her hand lingered on Xander's chest, her fingers brushing lightly over his skin, and she leaned in, her face close to his, her voice barely a whisper.

"You can't leave us, Xander," she murmured, her voice low and fierce. "You're not allowed."

Xander's eyes fluttered, his gaze unfocused, but he managed a faint smile. "Wouldn't… dream of it," he whispered, his words slurring as he fought to stay conscious.

But just as his eyes began to close, Illyana leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his in a soft, lingering kiss. It was brief, almost fleeting, but filled with a tenderness that took Kitty's breath away. Xander's hand reached up weakly, fingers brushing against Illyana's cheek as he leaned into the kiss, a faint sigh escaping his lips.

As she pulled back, Illyana's gaze lingered on his face, her eyes soft with a rare warmth. "Rest, Xander," she said quietly, her voice a gentle command. "We'll be here when you wake up."

His eyes closed fully, his breaths evening out as he slipped into unconsciousness. Kitty watched, her heart torn between relief and a strange, unexpected ache, her hand still resting against his now-healed side. She looked up at Illyana, searching her face, but the other woman's expression was unreadable, her gaze once again fixed on the horizon.

After a long silence, Illyana glanced at Kitty, her voice quiet. "He'll be alright," she said, her tone firm but with a hint of something softer. "I made sure of it."

Kitty nodded, her eyes lingering on Xander's peaceful face, the words unspoken between them hanging heavy in the air. She couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him, the bond that had grown between them. But watching Illyana, seeing the way she looked at him, Kitty knew she wasn't the only one who felt it.

In the silence that followed, they both stayed by Xander's side, their unspoken emotions mingling in the quiet night, a fragile connection forming in the wake of the battle. They had saved him—together—and for now, that was enough.

:-:-:-:

The battlefield was eerily silent, with only the faint crackling of distant fires and the heavy breathing of the survivors filling the air. The peaceful demons, though shaken and wounded, remained huddled together, grateful for their lives. Xander, Illyana, and Kitty had fought off the invading army of demons, but the toll was clear on all their faces.

Xander stood at the edge of the town, his hand resting on the hilt of his soul sword, which had returned to its dormant state. The weapon hummed faintly in tune with his connection to Limbo, a reminder of the power he'd channeled during the fight. His muscles ached, but the real weight lay in the knowledge that this battle was just the beginning. He stared out into the twisted horizon of Limbo, the ever-shifting landscape mirroring the uncertainty in his mind.

Kitty approached him quietly, her expression soft but tinged with exhaustion. She had spent the final moments of the battle leading the peaceful demons to safety, ensuring they were sheltered from the worst of the fighting. "We saved them," she said, her voice low but resolute. "That's what matters."

Xander nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. He glanced at the remains of the battlefield, where fallen demons lay scattered like broken dolls, remnants of the invasion. "Yeah," he replied, though the weight of the day's events hung heavy in his words. "But this isn't over."

Kitty followed his gaze, understanding the unspoken fear. "We'll deal with whatever comes next," she said, her voice carrying an edge of determination. "Together."

Before Xander could respond, Illyana appeared beside them, her movements as quiet and precise as ever. She had already sheathed her own sword, but her eyes still burned with intensity. "We bought them time," she said, her voice cool and calculated. "But we need to prepare for the next attack. They'll come back, stronger."

Xander glanced at her, feeling the gravity of her words. The peace they had won was fragile, temporary. "What do we do in the meantime?" he asked, his voice thick with concern.

Illyana's expression softened slightly, though her resolve remained unshaken. "We fortify the town," she replied. "Teach them to defend themselves, prepare them for what's coming. They can't rely on us forever."

Kitty stepped forward, her eyes flicking between the two of them. "We can help them. Show them how to protect themselves, how to fight back if they need to."

Xander agreed, though the uncertainty still gnawed at him. The battle had forced him to use powers he barely understood, powers linked to Limbo itself. The soul sword, the magic—everything felt like it was just beyond his grasp, like a force that was his to wield but not to fully control. He had fought today, but part of him wondered if he was truly in control of what he had become since connecting with Limbo.

As they made their way toward the center of town, where the peaceful demons had gathered in quiet gratitude, Xander couldn't shake the feeling that something bigger was looming. His connection to Limbo had grown stronger during the fight, and though it had given him the strength to save the town, it also left him with questions. Questions about what Limbo wanted from him—and what it might take.

Illyana glanced at him as they walked, her keen eyes catching the flicker of doubt in his expression. "You handled yourself well today," she said, her tone less severe than usual. There was a rare hint of approval in her voice.

Xander looked at her, surprised by the compliment. "I'm still figuring it out," he admitted. "This connection to Limbo, the magic… It's all new to me."

Illyana gave a slight nod. "Limbo responds to those who are tied to it. The sword, the power—it's all part of that connection. But it's not just about control. It's about understanding the balance between yourself and the magic. You'll learn."

Kitty, walking beside them, smiled encouragingly. "You're already doing great, Xander. You saved a lot of lives today."

Xander sighed, still unsure but grateful for their words. "I just don't want to mess it up," he said quietly.

"You won't," Kitty replied, her voice filled with quiet confidence. "We'll figure it out together."

The three of them continued toward the town, where the demon leader—a tall figure with glowing blue eyes and soft gray skin—was waiting. He stepped forward as they approached, his face filled with a mixture of gratitude and concern.

"Thank you," the leader said, his deep voice resonating through the quiet town. "You've given us a chance to survive. We are in your debt."

Illyana, always practical, shook her head. "There's no debt," she said firmly. "But you need to be prepared for what's coming next. The demons will return, and my protection can only last so long."

The leader nodded solemnly. "We will do what we can. Though we are not warriors, we will learn."

Kitty smiled warmly. "We'll help you. We'll teach you how to defend yourselves."

The trio spent the next several hours helping the peaceful demons fortify their town, building barriers, and showing them how to use basic weapons. Xander found himself drawn into the task, focusing on the tangible work in front of him rather than the swirling questions in his mind.

But as the night wore on, and the fires of their camp crackled softly, Xander felt the weight of everything pressing down again. He sat by the fire, staring into the flames, while Kitty and Illyana settled nearby. The battle had passed, but the emotional tension between them hadn't.

Illyana, ever perceptive, was the first to break the silence. "You're still thinking about it," she said, her voice even but not unkind.

Xander glanced at her, unsure how to put his thoughts into words. "I don't know if I'm ready for what Limbo expects of me," he admitted, his voice low. "It feels like the more I use the magic, the more it pulls me in. Like I'm losing a part of myself."

Illyana studied him for a moment, her expression serious. "Limbo will always pull at you. But it's not about losing yourself. It's about embracing what you've become."

Kitty, sitting beside Xander, placed a hand on his arm. "We're in this with you, Xander," she said gently. "You're not alone."

Xander smiled, though the uncertainty still lingered in his chest. "Thanks," he said quietly, grateful for their support. "I just hope I don't screw it up."

Illyana's lips quirked into a rare smile. "You won't. And if you do, we'll be there to pick up the pieces."

The trio sat in comfortable silence for a while, the tension between them easing as the night wore on. Tomorrow, they would face new challenges, new battles—but for now, they had each other.

As the fire crackled and the peaceful town slept soundly behind them, Xander let out a deep breath. He didn't know what Limbo had in store for him or how he would navigate the complexities of his connection to this strange, magical world. But he wasn't facing it alone.

And that, for now, was enough.

AN: Okay guy get ready because up next is a trip to the Marvel world!