BTVS & Angel:The Epic New Series
by buffyfaith19
Rating: R
Buffy Summers' House.
Dawn was pacing in the living room as Xander sat on the couch watching her burn a hole in the carpet. She anxiously waited for Buffy and her mom to return and as she heard the front door open, she rushed to greet them.
Buffy walked in the door and the moment she made eye contact with Dawn, she saw her little sister's face turn from happy too devastated in a matter of seconds.
Falling to the floor, Dawn began screaming hysterically. With her eyes filled with tears and not a drop of energy left in her body, Buffy willed herself over to her sister where she knelt down beside her and held her tight.
Faith sent Xander home and then helped the Buffy and Dawn upstairs where they eventually fell asleep on Buffy's bed. Not knowing quite what to do, Faith pulled up a chair and fell asleep by their side.
Wolfram & Hart Offices.
Morning at Wolfram & Hart was a time for meetings, meetings and more meetings. Angelus hated meetings of any kind and avoided them like the plague.
Today however, he had a meeting with the three senior partners and it was one meeting he was happy to attend.
What he did dislike was the cloak and dagger routine he had to go through just to find the meeting in the first place. It was like a game of catch me if you can, where they sent Angelus to numerous locations, making sure he wasn't followed or bringing a pack of mercenaries with him to kill the partners.
After a couple long hours of following, what he felt were idiotic and pointless instructions, he ended up at a deserted construction site a couple miles west of the city limits.
Enjoying the sunlight of the early morning hours, Angelus got out of his car and had a quick look around.
"Enough with the games. Either come out or I'm gone." Angelus said as he kept his eye on everything that moved.
Seeing a portal appear ten feet in front of him, he heard a voice call out, "The portal is what you seek. Enter it now or be forever banished from Wolfram & Hart."
Even though he hated surprises, he knew he had no choice so he jumped into the portal.
Unceremoniously dumped on his ass in the middle of an immense stadium, Angelus got to his feet and dusted himself off. "Okay, I'm here. Let's get on with it."
There were close to 50,000 people, demons and things he couldn't explain, all seated and staring down at him, when he noticed a trio of men step forward on a podium some fifty feet above.
"Welcome Angelus," said the tall, bearded man on the left side of the group."
"Yah, yah, yah, let's dispense with the formalities." Angelus said in a dismissive tone, "I've been trying to arrange a meeting with you guys for over three months, I do not need to be kept waiting any longer."
It was the shorter, rounder man in the middle who spoke next, "Ah yes, we heard you were an impatient one. Please begin, what would you like to discuss?"
"For starter's, I want a raise." Angelus demanded.
"Done," the wiry looking demon said.
"Just like that?"
"It is done. Anything else?" asked the demon.
Angelus studied the demon carefully, sure he'd seen it before, but tried to stay on topic. "Well yes, but I haven't even told you how much I wanted."
"I know what you seek and it shall be granted. Please move on." The demon said with a slightly annoyed tone.
"Fine, I'll get to the important stuff then. I want the power to kill my assistant without going through the channels. Lilah is annoying and I can't tell you how many times I want to sink my teeth into her long luscious neck and taste the warm evil blood the runs through her nasty veins, but I can't and I hate it."
"Angelus, if we allow this, we would have chaos on our hands. We cannot grant you this wish. Is there anything else?" Said the tallest man; his white cloak flopping in the wind.
"Then give me another assistant." Angelus countered.
After conversing for a couple minutes the tall man stepped forward, "We will look into that request."
"Now we're getting somewhere." Angelus smiled and then took out a list from his jacked pocked, "Okay, I want a seat on the board of directors. I've paid my dues and I want more power. My patience is wearing thin. If you can't help me move up then I see no reason to stay with the firm."
"You would be foolish to leave, but that is your choice. We would revoke all access to Wolfram & Hart immediately. You would also be treated as an enemy upon resignation. Although we would not actively attempt to harm you in any way, we would respond swiftly if you became a threat to us. Be very sure this is what you want before you make such an important and perhaps fatal decision."
"I don't call it a choice." Angelus said shaking his head, "You want to control me by limiting my access to certain high level meetings, to security decisions and also to personnel decisions that affect me and my department. What I think you fail to understand is that it's unwise to make an enemy out of me."
"We are well aware of your power Angelus. With the Ring of Amarra, you are a formidable foe, but if we felt you were unstoppable, we'd give in to your demands. But, with every powerful item, such as your ring, there is an equally powerful counter measure." The demon said as he stepped forward, "We believe you have the potential to achieve greatness with us. Considering you are a vampire and have unlimited life expectancy, we believe you will be around long after we are all dead and buried. Patience my friend, it's a highly underestimated asset."
"That's a really pretty speech. Clap, clap, clap." Angelus said, clapping his hands in unison with his words. "Whether you have a counter measure for this ring or not, it won't keep you alive long enough to see the light. If I had patience, I wouldn't be here. And keeping me down on the food chain just because I'm a vamp is discrimination."
"You amuse me Angelus. Your sense of humor is always welcome, but I fear we cannot help you any further." The shorter man said, just before he waved his hand towards the ground.
A portal opened in front of Angelus and he shook his head at how things had turned out, "That's what they call an impasse boys. I've made my concerns known. If nothing is done about them soon, I'll have to call it quits when my contract is up. Which as you know is only two months away." Angelus added, making sure they all knew how much time he was giving them, "I'll be off. Thanks for the meeting." He said and hopped into the portal.
Buffy Summers' House.
Faith woke up before Buffy and Dawn, so she quietly slipped downstairs. It was Faith's first morning in her new house and it couldn't come at a more tragic time.
Trying her best to stay somewhat calm, she looked through the cupboards and the fridge hoping to find something she could make for breakfast.
Cooking wasn't a strong suit for Faith, but she'd been on her own long enough to know how to get by when she had to.
She settled on something simple, since she wasn't even sure Buffy and Dawn would have any appetites.
Once she had everything ready, she sat opened the front door, picked up the paper, walked back and sat down at the kitchen table. Opening the paper, she nearly fell over when she read the headline.
Gwen Raiden Convicted of Manslaughter in the Death of her Psychiatrist.
Before she could process anything Buffy walked into the kitchen, "Good morning."
Faith smiled, "Good morning Buffy, how are you?"
Sitting down at the table she looked around and smiled at Faith, "She's usually up before us. Always getting things ready, making us breakfast, making sure we were never late for school. Do you know what's so sad, I don't think we ever said thank you once."
"Oh Buffy, you can't keep doing this." Faith said, kneeling down in front of Buffy, "This is not your fault. A vampire killed your mother."
"What did she say?" Dawn said as she stood at the doorway.
"Dawn, I didn't know you were there." Faith said as she got to her feet, wanting to take back her words so badly.
Buffy rushed over to her, "What do you think you heard?"
"I don't think it, I know what I heard. She said a vampire killed mom. Is that what that Spike guy was? I didn't know they were real. Why would he kill mom and why were you there? What's going on?" Dawn said, the questions flying out of her mouth as fast as she could speak.
"Slow down." Buffy said as she helped Dawn to a chair, pulled another up and sat across from her, "There is so much I don't know about all this and there's so much that happened so fast I can't keep up. Something happened to me yesterday morning that changed my life. I'm beginning to think it was all a big mistake."
"That makes no sense. Just tell me what's going on. What do you know about these vampire things?" Dawn asked, hoping to hear something she could understand.
"I don't even know if I can tell you or should tell you." Buffy said, struggling with what was right, wrong and not having many answers for Dawn. "I guess I have no reason not to anymore."
"Buffy, are you sure you want to do this?" Faith asked, not even sure what the etiquette was for being a slayer.
"Yes, I do want to do this. Dawn deserves to know." Buffy said firmly and then turned to her sister and told her the whole story of the last 24 hours.
Dawn didn't say much through the whole thing, but when Buffy finished she had plenty to say. "Well, now I see I was wrong, it wasn't the vampire that killed mom, it was you."
Faith stepped forward to defend Buffy, "Hey, that's not fair Dawn. Buffy tried to save you both."
"It's okay Faith, she's right." Buffy said, walking over to Dawn, "Just not about everything. Spike wanted me, not mom. He used you and mom to get to me. I'll never forgive myself for any of this. I didn't kill mom and I won't have you say that to me again."
"Fine, but all of this was because of you. I just don't understand why this happened. Mom never hurt anyone." Dawn said as she broke down and started crying again.
"Don't cry. Please don't cry." Buffy pleaded, taking Dawn in her arms until she'd shed even more tears and released some much needed raw emotion.
A good 10 minutes past with no words spoken, Faith slid to the end of the table and read more on the headline.
Reading more about the story, Faith discovered that Gwen was in a psychiatric facility in San Diego when Gwen allegedly killed her lead psychiatrist. According to the paper, she snapped and without warning electrocuted him.
It went on to say that, Gwen had been at the Tranquil Nights Psychiatric Facility for the past three months for a parole violation. The facility primarily catered to those under-18 years of age.
Faith felt a strong desire to go visit Gwen, but the timing was terrible with Buffy having to deal with so much right now.
When the doorbell rang, Faith got up, answered it and was surprised to see Fred standing at the door.
"Hi Faith, how are you doing?"
"I don't know; it's not really a good time right now. Buffy and Dawn that are dealing with so much as it is." Faith said, still not sure why Fred was there.
"Yes, it must be terrible for them." Fred said softly, "May I come in for a moment? I was hoping to talk to Buffy."
Faith wasn't happy about it, but knew she couldn't stop people from visiting at a time like this, "Of course, come in."
"Thank you." Fred said as she stepped inside.
"Buffy's with Dawn right now." Faith said as she led the way, "There's a lot of tension and confusion about why this happened. I'm sure they will have even more questions when they feel up to it."
"I'm sure they will and I'll try and answer some of them and I believe they'll both want to talk to Rupert Giles when he arrives later this morning." Fred said just as she entered the kitchen.
Buffy got up and smiled at the sight of Fred, "Hi, I didn't know you were coming."
"Actually, that's what I'm here to talk to you about, but I don't want intrude."
"It's okay, this is my sister Dawn." Buffy said as she helped Dawn to her feet.
"Hi Dawn, my name is Winifred Burkle, but you can call me Fred. I'm very sorry for your loss." Fred said, shaking Dawn's hand softly.
"Hi, do you work for the same people my sister does?" Dawn asked bluntly.
Fred sat down in front of Dawn and looked her right in the eye, "Yes, we all have the same basic goal. I know it's hard to see in a time like this, but we are here to help protect the people of Sunnydale and around the world."
"Then how come you didn't protect my mom?"
"Dawn, that's not something Fred had any control over." Buffy said, her voice raising more than she knew. "None of us did. It was horrible, horrible tragedy that some sick vampire was responsible for."
"She's still gone." Dawn said, turning away from Buffy, still very angry.
"Yes she is and I don't know how we're going to move on, but somehow we will. She would want that. I know she would." Buffy put her hand on Dawn's shoulder and tried to console her as best she could.
"I can't talk about this now and I'm not going to school today." Dawn said as she ran upstairs.
Buffy turned to Fred, "Well, I guess we can have that talk now. Did you want anything to eat or some coffee?"
"No, I'm fine thanks." Fred said, as she watched Buffy sit back down, "I'm here to offer my help in any way I can. The mayor suggested I stay with you indefinitely, helping out around the house, doing little things and just trying to make your life a little easier during this time of tragedy."
"Thanks for the offer, but I couldn't ask you to do that." Buffy said politely.
"I'm offering, I think it's a wonderful idea and a great opportunity for me to help out and get to know you and your sister while I do. You can assure Dawn that I'm not here to replace your mom at all, that's not even possible, I just want to help. I honestly think I can."
Buffy looked over at Faith, "We do have Faith here with us, so that will help."
"That's true and everyone is happy she is staying with you." Fred said as she smiled over at Faith, "Still, you will have to get back to school and I can be here for Dawn when she gets home from school and I'm not the best cook, but I can help with that as well. It never hurts to have an extra person helping out."
"I guess it can't hurt. I accept your generous offer." Buffy said as she stood up and gave Fred a hug.
"It's my pleasure." Fred said as she gave Buffy a warm hug in return.
Faith watched the two girls hugging, looked over at the paper and decided it was time for a change, "Hey, I hate to break up the lovefest, but I think I will take this time to visit a friend of mine in San Diego. She's been accused of a crime and I want to look into it. You have Fred here now so you don't need me, I'll just get my things."
Buffy followed Faith through the kitchen and she stopped her on the stairs, "What is all this about?"
"Read the paper, it's the big headline." Faith said as she continued up the stairs.
Chasing Faith into her bedroom, she stopped and turned her around, "I asked you what this is about?"
"A friend is in trouble and I want to go see her. That's it." Faith snapped, then lowered her voice, "I know it's a tough time for you, but with Fred here I think everything will work out."
"I thought I'd have you here too. We haven't had a chance to talk much at all." Buffy said as she sat down on her bed, "I understand you wanting to see a friend in trouble though and I'm sure she'll be happy to see you."
"I'm sorry, I just read about it this morning. I know the timing sucks, but I do feel good knowing you will have someone here with you, even if it is the tall beautiful Fred." Faith said, smiling at the last part.
"It's good you can joke about it, but I'd really like to have you here with me." Buffy said as she slid her hand over Faith's arm, "I feel there is so much I want to tell you about my mom. I want you to feel like you knew her. She would have loved you. I know it. I just hope we can talk when you get back. I will miss you so much."
"Now you're trying to make me cry. I hate crying." Faith said with a smile as she sat down beside Buffy, "I want to know all about your mom. She must have been very brave to take on all those vamps. I know she was a good mom because of how well you and Dawn turned out. I hate leaving now, but my friend is facing murder charges and I have to find out her side of the story."
"I have so many things to do now and I have no idea where to start. I feel so lost you know." Buffy said in a reflective moment, "It's strange how much I relied on my mom and never really noticed it. God, I took her for granted so much. Anyway, this is going to take some time to deal with for both Dawn and I, but I do want to help you with your friend. I hope you know that."
Faith put her hand on Buffy's, "Of course I know you'd have my back. What you are dealing with now comes first. Besides, I'm just going to talk to her, if there's something I need your help with, I'll be back here dragging you with me, so don't worry about that."
"Thanks, that actually makes me feel better." Buffy said, a smile covering her face as she looked into Faith's sexy eyes, "I'm going to miss looking into your beautiful brown eyes."
"Just my eyes?" Faith laughed, as she leaned in and gave Buffy a big hug.
They laughed and held each other tight for a few long lingering minutes, slowly breaking free their eyes met and they both felt the exact same thing.
It was a moment of silence where nothing but eye contact was needed, but they both knew what they wanted. They leaned in and kissed, so soft at first. Savoring the moment as their arms wrapped around each other in a warm, tender embrace.
As the kissing became more intense, shifting from soft and sweet to hard and deep, long and passionate, falling back on the bed they kissed like it was their last night on earth.
Rolling back and forth on the bed, they began exploring each other's bodies with their hands. As the kissing grew to a fevered pitch, Buffy slid her hands under Faith's t-shirt and put her hands over her full round breasts.
Moaning lightly, Faith held Buffy's hands close to her chest, squeezing them tight against her breasts before sliding them up her arms and over her shoulders, feeling the warmth from Buffy's soft smooth skin.
With her thumb rubbing both of Faith's hard nipples, Buffy pulled herself up to a sitting position, moved her right thumb from Faith's breast and replaced it with her mouth.
Faith held Buffy's head as she felt her tongue sliding over her sensitive nipple, slowly licking every inch before taking it deep into her mouth and sucking it hard and long.
Buffy moved from one nipple to the next, her small hand caressing her amazing breasts as she licked and nibbled at her nipples, for what seemed like hours at a time.
It was then they heard someone coming down the hall.
"Buffy. Buffy. Come here please." Dawn said as she stood at the top of the stairs, just a few feet from Buffy's bedroom.
Both girls slid down off the bed, Faith pulled her t-shirt down and smiling over at Buffy, "We need to start locking that door."
"Yep, shutting it would work too." Buffy grinned and then got to her feet, checked her hair in the mirror and walked calmly out into the hallway.
"Oh there you are. Is that girl with the boy's name staying?" Dawn asked rather calmly.
"Yes, I think she can help us a lot. She's not trying replace mom okay?" Buffy explained, being sure Dawn understood that right away. "She knows this is a tough time for us and wants to help. She's just a very friendly girl. Are you okay with that?"
"I guess so; I don't really know her though. She seems nice enough." Dawn said with little emotion either way. "What about this Rupert person? Mom said we should talk to him you know."
"I forgot all about him. I'll ask Fred about that." Buffy said as she looked into Dawn's sad little eyes, "I don't even know what to say to you. I want to help you through this, but I don't know how. Is there anything you want or need? I am here for you, so please just ask if you want to talk or just sit together or anything."
"Thanks, I think I'm going to go lie down for a while. Maybe later we can talk or something I guess." Dawn said and then waved and walked back to her bedroom and closed the door.
Faith walked out and they went downstairs and sat down with Fred, "I'm sorry we took so long. We got a big carried away talking." Faith said as she put her hand over Buffy's as she looked over at Fred.
"I did want to let you know that Rupert Giles is on his way to Sunnydale at this very moment. He needs to talk to you and your sister." Fred said as she looked at Buffy.
"Yes, I guess my mom told Dawn about this man before…"
Fred jumped in as Buffy paused, "I'm sorry, I know this must be hard to talk about. I don't know what Rupert has to say to you, but I'm sure he will explain it all."
"I certainly want to know who he is and what he knows about mom. I think Dawn mentioned something about secret that Spike knew that freaked my mom out."
"Well, he should be here before noon." Fred said as she looked at her watch.
Faith got up, grabbed her coat from the back of the chair and stood in front of Buffy, "Well, I guess I'll be on my way." Faith said, finding it harder to leave than she thought, "I know you'll have Fred, Dawn and this Rupert guy to talk to, so you won't be lonely at least. I'll keep in touch and I don't expect to be gone more than a couple days."
"I'm gonna miss ya. I know your friend will be happy to see you. Be careful okay?" Buffy said as she gave Faith a hug and walked her to the front door.
"I will miss you too. I don't think I've said that to anyone before. But, I will miss you." Faith said, checking to see if Fred was watching and then planting a soft kiss on Buffy's lips.
"Now I'm going to miss you more." Buffy smiled as Faith turned and walked down the sidewalk.
Fred came rushing to the door, "Faith, hang on one second." She said as she ran towards her, "If you want, we can book you on a flight to San Diego and pay for any hotel or food expenses you might have. All you have to do is call the mayor and let him know what you are doing and he'll set it up."
"Oh, thanks. I didn't know you guys did that kind of thing." Faith said with a surprised look on her face.
"Well, for certain things we do. This is important to you and that means it's important to us. Richard will be happy to help. Good luck." Fred said and then walked back to Buffy's house.
"Thanks again." Faith waved and headed to the mayor's office, not happy that she was having a hard time disliking Fred.
Sunnydale High School English Class.
Xander was back in school, even though his night was long and ended on a very sad note.
Willow caught up to him in English class, "So, what happened last night? I know it was something bad happened. I could feel it all last night. I couldn't even sleep."
"Everything was going so well." Xander said. His voice full of hope, "We got through the maze of passages, we found Buffy's sister and I was able to help get her home safely, but that's when things went bad."
"I'm afraid to ask what went wrong."
"I wasn't there, but Faith filled me in on some of the details." Xander said, trying to remain calm as he continued, "I guess the vampire that kidnapped Dawn and her mom, ended up killing Buffy's mom in some fight. These two girls, still teenagers, have to deal with something that nobody is ever ready for."
"OMG, those poor girls. I feel so bad. I had no idea. I need to go see Buffy." Willow said and then started gathering up her books.
Xander reached out and put his hand over Willow's books, "Wait a second, you barely know her. Except for that weird connection thing you did last night, you've never even met her."
"No, it's not like that. I can't explain it, but I know Buffy Summers. I know her history. I know details about her that I have no business knowing." Willow said, more than happy to share this with someone.
"Okay, that's scary. I thought seeing you appear out of nowhere was freaky; this is just Outer Limits bizarre." Xander said as he sat back in his chair.
Willow turned and leaned over his desk, "I know it is. How do you think I feel? I don't know what's going on either. I just know that I have a powerful connection to Buffy. I just want to give her a hug and show her she's got more friends than she might realize."
"That's the Willow I know, always so sweet and caring." Xander said, smiling back at his best friend.
"It's the least I can do. She has to worry about her sister now too. She's got so much to deal with. I just want to help." Willow said, already thinking about how she was going to do all this.
"Well, I don't know that she'll want virtual strangers dropping by unannounced, but maybe we give her a call after lunch and see if she needs anything. That way she knows we are and yet we aren't invading her space."
"When did you get so wise?"
"Oh, I'm not really wise, at least not with most things. I do have my moments. But, put a pretty girl in front of me and I'll turn into the bumbling fool you know so well." Xander said with a smile.
"Yep, you're my favorite bumbling fool." Willow countered, "Okay, we'll call her when we go for lunch."
"Good, that's settled, so let's see what Miss Orlen has in store for us today." Xander sat up in his chair, watched Willow turn and do the same as the teacher began the class.
Wolfram & Hart: Angelus' Office.
Anya sat patiently waiting for Angelus to arrive, humming some old song as she flipped open a folder on his desk. The second her hand touched the folder, Anya was sent flying through the air, landing hard on her cute round ass. "Ouch. Stupid room." She said as she got up from the floor.
Drusilla entered the room, but stopped cold as she made eye contact with Anya. "Do you ever leave?"
"I could say the same about you. Weren't you sent on a little errand?" Anya said as she quickly scurried over to Angelus' chair.
"Sadly, I was too late to finish my assignment and that's what I need to talk to Angelus about." Drusilla said and then walked over and sat across from Anya.
"As you can see Angelus is not here, so I'll tell him you stopped by." Anya turned her attention to the computer, but backed off just short of touching it.
Drusilla put her feet up on the desk, enjoying the look of annoyance on Anya's face, "I was under the impression Lilah was the assistant, not you. She sent me in. So I will stay."
"That little bitch shouldn't even be there. If Angelus had it his way, she'd be dead many times over." Anya said, her anger clear as day whenever she heard Lilah's name.
"My my, she does get you all hot and bothered though, interesting." Drusilla smirked.
"Don't even start." Anya yelled, "Do you have nothing better do with your time than sit around making silly innuendos?"
"You act like it's a bad thing." Drusilla said, getting to her feet and slowly walking around the large oak desk, "Tell me, where did you get that outfit? It's one of the few that actually look good on you."
"Well since you asked so nicely, bite me." Anya said, quickly backing up with a smile, "Of course I don't mean literally."
"But of course." Drusilla grinned, "Why would I ever bite you? You're now a big bad wicca. I don't need to be on your bad side. I do wish we could get back to how things were like, when I first met you. Ah, you showed your true talent when you helped me get revenge on that unfaithful man."
"That was a lifetime ago." Anya said with a sigh, "Things change in a hundred years. Although, I must say you still look good. But, I thought you were interested in Angelus?"
Drusilla moved up close to Anya, slid between her legs, "Angelus could be a very good ally, but, he and I are much too different to be together. You on the other hand have been on my mind constantly since I saw you yesterday."
"Really? I'm surprised to hear that." Anya said, finding it hard to concentrate as Drusilla climbed up onto her lap.
"Oh come on Anya dear, you know how things ended between us. I wasn't sure you'd want to speak to me again. I tried to play it safe, but as you can see, I'm not very good at that."
Anya slid her hand around Drusilla's tiny waist to keep her from falling, "I think we might be able to talk about all this over dinner. Say my place, 8ish?"
"I'll be there. Just point me in the right direction." Drusilla said as she leaned in for a kiss.
It was familiar, yet new all at the same time, but one thing that was certain, they knew their way around each other's mouths.
Their slender bodies melded together quickly as they became entangled in a kiss that wouldn't end.
Stepping up in front of his own desk, Angelus stared down at the two sexy women, "Is this what you do when I'm gone Anya?"
Anya pushed Drusilla to the floor and stepped over her as she ran around to welcome Angelus back, "I've been waiting for you. I've got some good news."
"I can see you were very comfortable waiting with Drusilla's tongue in your mouth." Angelus walked around, stepped over an angry Drusilla and sat in his chair.
"Oh honey, Drusilla and I are old friends, we were just saying hi. You know how they kiss in England, it's a big spectacle. Anyway, let me tell you about Spike. You won't believe it but I turned him into a girl." Anya said with a big laugh.
"A girl? That's interesting." Angelus said with next to no reaction, "I assume he turned down your offer?"
"Well yes, but you're missing the point." Anya said, as she pushed past Drusilla again and hopped up on Angelus, "A girl Angelus? Spike was a girl! Oh well, maybe you had to be there."
"I can top that." Drusilla said as she wiped off her pretty white dress and smiled at Angelus.
"It wouldn't take much to top that." Angelus said, pushing Anya off his lap.
Anya picked herself up off the floor, gave Drusilla a sneer and then looked back at Angelus, "Aren't we in a foul mood. I take it the meeting with the senior partners didn't go according to plan?"
"I don't want to talk about the meeting." Angelus yelled, "Now Drusilla, what is your news?"
"Oh goody, I get to make your day." Drusilla slinked past Anya and stood right in front of Angelus, "Spike is dead. Dust. No longer a threat."
Angelus sat up in his chair, looked deep into Drusilla's eyes to make sure she wasn't lying, "I don't like games. This better be true. Who killed him? One of his own?"
"Word has it, one of the new slayers did. I believe the name is Faith. Pretty young thing too. I caught a glimpse of her when they entered Spike's crypt. The other is a blonde called Buffy, quite a name I must say."
"You chose to sit and watch instead of helping?" Angelus enquired as he took in the moment as best he could.
"I do not call fighting two slayers helping, I call it suicide." Drusilla said, offended at the accusation, "So yes, I felt it was best to stay alive and provide you with the information you wanted."
"Fine, he's dead. He wasn't a threat to me anyway; I just wanted to keep tabs on him." Angelus looked back at Drusilla, "Is that all?"
"I can see you are doing that moody thing again, so I'll be off." Drusilla said, smiling at Anya as she made her way to the door.
"Good." Angelus said as he turned to his computer and started typing away.
Anya took a step towards Drusilla, "Wait, I'll meet you outside. I just have talk to Angelus for one second."
"Don't be long." Drusilla purred as she smiled and shut the door behind her.
"Okay, tell me what happened at the meeting?" Anya asked, hoping Angelus would be ready to talk by now.
"It sucked. I'm leaving when my contract is up and am going to kill each and every one of the partners with my bare hands." Angelus said with a highly irritated tone. "Now, get out and go play house with your girlfriend. I have things to do."
"Don't be mad." Anya said as she tried to get close to Angelus.
"I'm not mad." Angelus said as he stood up and began pacing in front of his desk, "What is it with women anyway, if you raise your voice you have to be mad. I'm not. I accept the situation for what it is, but believe it or not, the meeting was over hours ago and I'm past being angry. However, if you keep telling me I'm mad when I'm not, I'm going to get mad." Sitting back in his chair, he looked up at Anya, "Aren't you keeping Drusilla waiting?"
"Yes, I guess I am. Are you going to be okay?" Anya asked as she gave him a sympathetic look.
"Yes Anya, I'm fine." Angelus said, holding in what he really wanted to say just so she'd leave.
"Good then. Okay, I'm just going to dinner with Drusilla to catch up on old times. Did you want me to come over later?" Anya asked, checked to gauge Angelus' reaction.
"I have things to do tonight; you go have a girls' night out. I'll see ya tomorrow." Angelus said, this time ushering Anya to the door.
"I see you want me gone, so I can take a hint. Bye." Anya said as Angelus closed the door on her ass.
"It looks like I'm free all night. Do you think we can keep ourselves occupied somehow?" Anya smiled as she took Drusilla's hand and led her to the elevator.
"Oh yes, I have many, many fun things in mind." Drusilla nodded with a sexy smile as the elevator opened and the girls began their night out.
Buffy Summers house.
Rupert Giles arrived in Sunnydale under the worst circumstances he could imagine. He was met at the airport by a limo and quickly had the man drive him to the Summers house.
He stood outside and looked at the humble home of the woman he once knew so well. Knowing what lied ahead, he prepared himself for a very bumpy road.
Ringing the doorbell he stood back and waited as a tall slender brunette answered, "Hello?"
"Yes, I seem to be at the wrong place. Is this the Summers house?" he asked, knowing that neither Buffy or Dawn was that tall or had dark hair.
"Yes it is. You must be Rupert?" Fred asked and quickly opened the door and let him in.
"Call me Giles." He said as he put down his luggage, "Where are the girls?"
"They are in the living room right now. Follow me." Fred turned and walked into the living room, "Buffy, Dawn, this is Rupert Giles."
Both girls stood up and stared at the tall Englishman, Buffy moving forward to shake his hand, "Hi, I'm Buffy. This is my sister Dawn."
"Pleased to meet you both." Giles said, removing his jacket, setting it on the coat rack and taking a seat, then as the two girls sat down he continued, "I wish we were meeting under different circumstances, but we are left to pick up the pieces of this horrible tragedy."
Dawn was sitting restlessly in her chair, but couldn't keep silent any longer, "I don't mean to be rude, but could you get to the part where you tell us why you're here and how you knew our mother?"
"It's quite alright. I am getting to that, but I'll speed it up." Giles said, as he cleared his throat and continued, "I met your mother about 19 years ago, right here in Sunnydale. I know you want the condensed version, but I'm afraid it wouldn't do justice to this story."
"I don't mind. I just want to more about my mom and your connection to her." Buffy said, eager to hear more.
"I caution that some of this is going to come as a shock to you, so I will get right to it." Giles shifted in his seat and leaned forward and looked at the two girls in front of him, "Your mother was also a slayer."
"What did you say?" Buffy said as she stood up just as shocked as she warned about.
"Please, sit down Buffy." Giles asked softly, "I know this is all going to be new to both of you, but it's best if I get it all out and then we can talk about it. Okay?"
Dawn just sat there confused, "What's a slayer?"
"I'll try and explain that as best I can." Giles said, learning quickly that this was not going to be easy. "A slayer, or more accurately, a vampire slayer, is someone who well, slays vampires. Yes, vampires do exist and your mother was chosen to be a slayer when she turned 16, just as Buffy has been chosen to be a slayer, or part of the chosen two in this case. Your mother was a special woman in so many different ways. She was more than just a slayer. She fought long and hard to try to live a normal life and be a slayer at the same time but as you will find out Buffy, that is no easy task. Do you any tea by any chance?"
"Um I don't think so. Will coffee do?" Buffy asked as she walked into the kitchen.
Giles got up and followed Buffy to the kitchen. Hiding his disappointment well, he smiled, "That'll be fine."
Fred and Dawn followed and they picked things up at the kitchen table.
"Well, tell us the rest." Dawn said impatiently waiting for Giles to sip his coffee.
"Ah yes, where was I," he said as he picked off from where he'd left off, "I suppose it would be best to start with how I met your mother. I wasn't a watcher then, I was merely a watcher in a training. I was learning the ropes with your mother's watcher. We spent a lot of time together and we connected right from the start." Giles paused, stood up and began shaking his head, "I find it very hard to condense years of experiences and feelings into a nice quick sound byte that you can comprehend. Saying we fell in love does not tell you the how or why or when or any of that, it simply gives you a word that describes everything we meant to each other. There's no way I can explain how deeply we felt for each other. Suffice it to say, we fell in love."
"I think that sounds beautiful. I'm glad you knew my mother so well when she was young. I guess I don't know why she felt we needed to know this." Buffy said, still confused about the whole mess. "This was all before she met my dad right?"
Giles hesitated just enough to get Buffy's attention.
"Why did you do that? You paused. Oh god, don't tell me you were with my mom after she was married? You pig." Buffy screamed as she got to her feet and walked away from Giles.
"There you go jumping to conclusions again." Giles said, removing his glasses as he scolded Buffy. "It's not going to help you as a slayer or in life, so would you kindly stop and let me finish the story."
"Fine. Talk." Buffy ordered.
"I will. Thank you." Giles sat back down, took another sip of tea and continued, "Your mother and I knew each other for three or four years before she met your father. In that time we fought hard not to mix our jobs with our feelings, but in the end we couldn't hold out. As we grew even closer and fell more in love each day, I got the call to move back to England to take the final steps towards being a watcher. This was a dream of mine and I couldn't pass it up. Joyce understood, but it was a terrible time for both of us. After I left, your mother met your father. They fell in love. He was anxious to get married and she said yes. This is where it gets very complicated."
"And why is that, cause you made her cheat on my dad?" Buffy said, staring Giles down in the process.
"It's not that simple." Giles said loudly, "At the same time as your mother's new romance, her watcher began having some serious medical problems and was relieved of the job. I was his replacement. Neither of us knew how to handle the situation, so we tried to stay focused on the job. As her wedding was getting close, Joyce discovered a secret about your father Hank. Let's just say it made her question a lot of things. One night after a particularly grueling fight, your mother required some medical attention and came to my place. I don't know how to say this next part without causing a ruckus, but I have no choice, after a long night of reminiscing, your mother and gave into our feelings and we made…"
"Oh god, do not say it. I get the picture and I don't want it." Buffy said, once again turning away from Giles in anger.
"What's the problem? What did they do?" Dawn asked curiously.
"They had SEX!" Buffy screamed at the top of her lungs.
"Oh, gross." Dawn said as she looked up at Giles.
"It was not gross young lady, but I'm not here to defend this, just explain what took place. Your mother went back to your father and they did get married. Joyce found out she was pregnant and wanted to leave her job as a slayer, but the council forbid it, threatening many repercussions if she tried to quit. Still, she wanted her child to have a safe home and she wanted to be there for it, or I should say you Buffy, as you grew up. This brought her to me again and we worked out a very elaborate, highly dangerous plan for her to get her wish."
"That can't happen unless she died and she didn't die." Buffy said, pointing out the obvious.
"Well, technically, she did die." Giles added softly, "Don't be alarmed, because as you said, she did not die for real. We recruited a powerful shaman to cast a spell on Joyce, rendering her dead in the eyes of everyone who mattered, meaning the Watchers Council. Once they declared her dead, the new slayer was called forth. This coincidentally, is also the first time two slayers appeared as the prophecy of the chosen two began to take shape."
"You're saying she died and then started a new life somewhere else?" Buffy asked, sitting intently in her chair as she listened.
"Yes, that's true. Your mother got married shortly after and you were born a couple months later. All was well. Sadly, something got in the way of her happiness." Giles paused, knowing the next part was going to be tough for the girls to hear. "Your father had a bit of a run in with the law. At the time, it was for a small time burglary operation and he was given a suspended sentence and probation for. He told your mother he wanted to provide more for you than he was. Joyce had gotten a job at an art gallery that allowed her to bring you to work and that was a priority."
"Why didn't my dad have a job?" Buffy questioned with a disappointed look on her face. "I don't understand why he would need to do something like that."
"I can't answer that for him, but I believe he wanted to do more. He wanted to give you everything he didn't have as a child. His solution was a quick fix as he never expected to get caught. Anyway, a little over a year after you were born, your father was sent to jail for another small time smuggling ring and your mother called me, because she needed someone to talk to. We had to work out an elaborate plan just to meet and when we did she told me she wanted to divorce your father. I know this is hard to hear and I'm sorry you have to find out like this, but it's the only way to explain my presence here."
"This is just so wrong. Mom never said a thing to me about this. Any of it. All those times dad was away when I was young, she said he was working. Sometimes he had to go overseas she'd say." Buffy stopped to think of what she's just sent and it all became clear, "God, I was so dumb. How come I didn't know? Why did she lie to me? Why?" Buffy said, becoming increasingly more emotional as she finished.
"I don't know Buffy. I can only speculate about her reasons, but if I had to guess, it was because she wanted to protect you from the truth. She didn't want you to think of your father in a bad way. It was not done for malicious reasons, it was done out of love and to keep the memory you had of your father alive."
"I don't care. It was wrong. I can't believe this." Buffy shook her head in disbelief at what she was hearing. "I just lost her and now I find out these things about her. It's like I didn't know her. I can see she didn't trust me enough to tell me any of this either. God, why did you come here? Why? To make us more miserable? Cause that's what you're doing."
"I'm sorry Buffy, but I'm afraid there's more you aren't going to like." Giles said as he stepped up to the table, "Your mother filed for divorce and wanted to start over. There was some glitch in the divorce papers reaching your father and then a mix-up over finding him a lawyer and it just lingered on for years. During this time we became close again, I was splitting my time between your mother and my new slayer. Eventually your mother became pregnant and Dawn was born."
"OMG!" You're Dawn's father?" Buffy asked, her face a mixture of white from shock and red from the anger.
"I was getting to that. I had wished to say it in a more civilized manner." Giles said softly as he backed up from the angry slayer, "In fact, I thought you may have connected the dots sooner, but I'm also your biological father as well."
Buffy and Dawn were in a state of shock, as was Fred as she sat and listened to the whole story.
"Now please, just give me a chance to explain this." Giles said, trying to pacify two angry and confused teenagers. "I loved your mother and she loved me. You were created out of love. I want you to know this. I know this is a major shock, but your mother wanted you to know."
"This can't be. How could my whole life be a lie?" Buffy said with a soft whisper, and then looked over at Giles with a look that could kill. "Tell me Giles, what do you expect us to say? Hi dad, welcome home? You can just forget that. I have a dad. I think you should leave."
Giles thought about trying to console Buffy, but could see the timing wasn't right, "I understand how you must feel, but I have more to tell."
"Oh great, what's next? Dawn and I aren't sisters? Mom wasn't mom? You are the devil? What? It's not like I can be surprised any more, so go ahead, hit me with your best shot."
"I am terribly sorry about all this. I truly am. It was not my intention to upset either of you." Giles said as he looked at the two heartbroken girls in front of him, "I know it's a lot to take in so soon after your loss, but I feel it's best we get this all out in the open so we can start to heal and hopefully move on from this."
"Heal? You have the nerve to talk about moving on? You can forget that idea right now. I might have to listen to this, but I sure as hell don't have to accept it." Buffy said, steaming mad and not hiding it, "Now, say what you need to say and get out."
"Yes, of course." Giles nodded, "Considering the mood right now, this last part is not going to be easy. I don't know what your mother told you about your father or where he's been recently…"
"He's working overseas again…OMG, don't tell me…is he in jail? Please don't say that. Not now." Buffy pleaded as she leaned over and hugged Dawn.
"I'm sorry, I really am. I do not take pleasure in any of this and I really had hoped your mother would find a way to tell you, but I'm sure she didn't sense the urgency at the time. Anyway, yes, your father is in prison. He got mixed up with some very bad people. It started out as just small time crimes, but it quickly escalated into much more serious fair. On their last robbery attempt, there was a shootout. Two security guards were shot, one died and the other was paralyzed. Even though your father didn't shoot anyone, he was charged with the same crimes as if he had. The two men he was with died in the shootout and he was the only one left to stand trial, and they threw the book at him. His sentence was lowered after a lengthy appeal, but he's still facing 25 years in prison without parole. I'm sorry. I wish I didn't have to be the bearer of such bad news."
"Why is this all happening now? Why?" Buffy said on the brink of a breakdown, "She said he was working. I believed her. I hated not being able to see him. I tried to be understanding about it because I knew he had to work. Why didn't I see this? I should've figured out. Nobody is away that long. I mean, he never called and I always wondered why. I can't deal with this right now. You need to go. You dropped your bombshell, it did its job, so go back to the Watchers Council and leave us alone."
"I know you're going to hate this, but I'm here to stay." Giles said as he put a folder full of documents on the table.
"I don't want to look at them now. So go away." Buffy said loudly, stepping towards Giles in a menacing fashion.
Giles backed off and looked over at Fred, "Could you please read the first document to Buffy."
"Sure, if it's okay with Buffy?" Fred asked cautiously as she waited for Buffy's response.
Buffy turned and sat back down, "Fine, let's get this over with."
Fred opened the folder and pulled out the first piece of paper and skimmed over it before she began, "Okay, I won't read it all, since it's mostly lawyer speak, but what I can say is that it's an order of custody. It states that Joyce and your father have made Rupert Giles your legal guardian. It also goes on to say that, they've transferred all assets to his name, in the event of Joyce's death. There is more, but those are the main points."
"No. Just no, no and more no. Is that enough no for ya?" Buffy snapped, and then turned to Fred, "How do I know those are even real? He could've created them. He could've made up this whole story. I will get a lawyer and fight this, so until then, I don't have to listen to this. Any of it."
"Buffy, there's one thing you might want to think about here." Fred said softly as she moved closer to Buffy, "If Giles is not made your legal guardian, you and Dawn will be put into foster homes and it's unlikely you will be put in the same homes and therefore will be split up. I don't think you want this. As hard as it is to accept everything you've heard, I have to say, you are still better off with Giles here."
"No, I don't care, I'll find another way. It's too soon, okay?" Buffy said, fighting with everything she had left, "I've got an idea. Let Fred stay here for now. She's an adult. She's already planning on staying, so I want her to live here until or IF I decide otherwise. If you don't like it, fine, I'll take my chances with a foster home, because right now I don't want to see you. Am I getting through that thick British skull of yours?"
"Yes, you've made it all very clear." Giles said with a soft, humble voice, "Let me say one last thing. I know you don't see me as your father, but I've thought of you as my children since the day you born. I knew I couldn't be the father I wanted to be under the circumstances, but let me tell you this Miss Summers, I have felt the pain of having to stay away from you for all these years. I did what I thought was right at the time, but I regret not being part of your life from day you were born. I also loved your mother very much and this trip here has been agonizing for me as well. I don't want your sympathy, but I do want you to show me some respect. For today, I will find another place to stay, but I hope you know this is only a temporary. I am your legal guardian and I hope to be a good parent to both of you one day."
Buffy paused for a good minute before she spoke, "I'm sorry if I got out line a bit, but this is all too much for me right now. I don't know, maybe in time things can different, but it can't be so soon."
"None of this is easy for any of us. I want you to know that I'm not going anywhere. I'm only leaving now because I know it's a lot to process, but as hard as is to hear right now, I will be back. I just hope we can past all this and start over one day."
"I can't answer that right now." Buffy said, her voice and demeanor both much calmer.
"I understand. I will go meet with the major, but I will call later on to see how things are going." Giles picked up his briefcase and his luggage and walked towards the door.
Fred followed as Buffy and Dawn stayed in the kitchen, "I hope you don't take Buffy's reaction personally, she's just upset. I think in time, she will come around."
"I do know it will all take time. I feel better knowing you will be here for them today, but I do plan on returning first thing tomorrow morning." Giles pushed the door open, then turned to Fred, "As angry as Buffy is, she can't be the one making all the decisions." With that, he closed the door, pulled out his cell phone and called another taxi.
Sunnydale High School Library.
Wesley walked into the school's library, sat down in the back room, set down a medium sized steel cage and pulled out a miniaturized version of the creature Buffy and Faith found last night.
Holding it delicately in his hands, Wesley set it in an empty fish tank, secured a lid and began pumping a small amount of fumes into the bowl.
Peering into the bowl, he watched as the creature began to move. Slowly at first, then as it consumed the fumes it began moving rapidly around the bowl in a highly agitated state. As the speed of the creature increased, it became impossible for Wesley to keep track of it and as the bowl became a blur, the glass shattered sending Wesley flying backwards into a wall, where he slid slowly to the ground.
When the dust settled, the creature slithered into view. Only now, it was no longer the same creature. Instead, it had transformed into something three times its previous size, with sharp fangs, a hard outer shell and eyes that had one purpose, searching for food.
It crawled over to Wesley, slid up over his chest and began sniffing at his jacket pocket. Pulling away at the button, the creature unsnapped it and pulled out the contents with its razor sharp teeth.
Opening his eyes, Wesley cautiously watched the creature nibble away at the packet of mustard sitting on his chest, "How many times do I have to say this, stop eating on my good shirts." Wesley said as he picked up the creature and sat in on a table, "You could warn me when you are about to explode. If you hadn't noticed, you almost killed me with the exploding glass."
With one last slop of its tongue, the creature lapped up the last remnants of mustard and turned to look at Wesley, "Ah shut up."
"I'm so glad you still have your voice, albeit a rather rude one." Wesley said, pulling a piece of glass from his hand, "Tell me, did the gas affect you faster this time? I increased the dosage."
"You ask too many questions. I want food." The creature said in a loud, nasty voice.
Wesley picked up the creature and held it up to his face, "What did I tell you about yelling Sigmund? It's not polite and will not get you anywhere with me."
"Just because I'm under your control, doesn't mean I have to like it." Sigmund said, biting Wesley's hand and then hopping down on the floor, where it locked its teeth around Wesley's ankle.
Screaming and shouting, he thrashed his foot about, finally sending Sigmund across the room where it fell against the concrete wall and plopped to the floor.
Panic swept through Wesley as he dashed across the floor and picked up the scary looking Sigmund. Putting it gently on the table, he put his hand under its soft belly to feel for a pulse, "Come on Sigmund, you can't die. Not now. We are too close to our dreams." Wesley took a step back and looked at the lifeless creature, "Wake up you stupid shell of a creature. I didn't spend the last 10 years of my life creating you so you would kill yourself over mustard; now wake up before I…"
"Oh shut up" Sigmund said as it opened one of its eyes, "I'm going to kill myself so I don't have to listen to your idiotic ramblings all day long. Quick, pass the ketchup, pour some vinegar on my soft little tummy and watch me disintegrate. Yes, now that's my dream bub. Death by vinegar."
Wesley let out a big smile as he saw the creature come to life, but it quickly turned to a frown as it continued to talk, "I don't know how you got filled with all this sarcasm, but I'm taking it out right this minute you ungrateful pile of goop."
"Goop? That's not even a word you moron." Sigmund said with a slobbery grin, and then looked up at Wesley with a sad little face. "Oops, no, no, no, you can't take out my sarcasm. It's part of me. It's my soul."
Wesley fumed as he picked Sigmund up and held him up to his face, "One more wisecrack out of you and I'll put you on the next flight to…to…ah, I know, to San Diego. I know how you love the zoo. Maybe I'll loan you to the zoo. I bet you'd fit right in with the, hmmm, I wonder what they'd put you with. Crocodiles? You do have the same hard shell? Turtles? Nah. Lizard? You are kind of slimy. Oh, I'm sure they'll find just the right spot for you. Is there anything else you'd like to add?"
Sigmund grunted, growled and then sighed, "Maybe I said something I shouldn't have, but hello, you programmed me."
"I did not program you talk like an insolent little weasel." Wesley stated emphatically, then put Sigmund back on the table, "Now, what happened to Bongo? The slayers saw him and he's now in some lab being tested like some rat. Weren't you supposed to be watching him?"
"Oh please, Bongo is an idiot. He's got the brains of a turnip and the common sense of a radish. It's not my fault I can't stop him. He's only 5 times my size." Sigmund said as he slid his hand under his belly and pulled out some more mustard, "Oh by the way super scientist, you might want to stop creating super, um, what did you say we were again?"
"I called you, and please write this down this time. I believe I have told you this a 100 times. You are a curliquitaur. I thought you were the smart one?" Wesley said, quickly drawn into the game of sarcastic comebacks, "Never mind. Bongo was the prototype, but he was fed way too often and with too high a dose and well, that's why they call it science."
"A curliquwhat? Get a real name. Besides, I call trial and error by a lunatic. But, who asked me." Sigmund said as he licked another mustard packet dry.
"What did you call me?" Wesley said as he moved towards the table.
Sigmund hopped down and ran under a bookshelf, "It's a reflex."
Wesley walked over to the bookshelf, knelt down on the floor, "You keep this up and you won't have any reflexes."
"Give me more mustard and I'll shut up." Sigmund said as he poked his head up from under the shelf.
"I'm not buying your silence. I created you, which means I can undo my mistake and try again if I wish. Now shut up and answer my question. What happened to Bongo?" Wesley said, well past his patience threshold for the day.
"Fine, get snippy." Sigmund sighed, "He was outside the lab with me, Alec and Alex, oh and those are such original names." Sigmund laughed as he pulled out another package of mustard, "Anyway, Bongo was acting a bit strange, even for him, and he wandered off and I lost track of him. On the plus side, I smoked Alec and Alex at poker. Which brings me to another point, you need to give them more mustard for me to win jackass."
"I give you one thing to do and you blow it off for poker? That's it, back to the shop we go. Time for some adjustments." Wesley picked Sigmund up and carried him back to his cage, "Oh who was it you just hated watching on TV? Some music group wasn't it? You always covered your ears when that song came on. Anyway, when I figure out who it was, I'm going to reprogram you do love their music." Wesley locked the cage and bent down and smiled back at Sigmund, "Oh yeah, I can be spiteful when I'm pushed."
"Well, since you're going to give me a lobotomy I might as well tell you how I really feel about you." Sigmund rushed towards Wesley, grabbed the steel wire of the cage with his sharp little claws and growled, "You are the most wonderful, stupendously talented, brilliant creator that ever lived. I bow at your feet and can only offer my most humble apologies and give you my solemn vow that I'll try not to be as sarcastic in the future. Wesley, my hero, please forgive me. I can't listen to that song again. It's like someone took out a needle and shoved it through my skull and pushed until it oozed…"
"OMG, stop. You were fine until the needle nonsense." Wesley said with a rare chuckle, "Okay, I was just kidding anyway. In an odd way, you're fun to have around."
"I'll be damned; the science geek has a heart. I'm touched." Sigmund said with only a hint of sarcasm, "Now get me more mustard you kilt wearing sissy."
Wesley started his defense before he knew it, "I'll have you know it's the Scots that wear kilts. If you are going to insult, get your facts straight you big shelled thing you."
"Big-shelled thing? That's your big comeback?" Sigmund laughed hysterically, "I take it back, you're not only a sissy, you're a lame ass sissy to boot. Oh and one more thing, are you telling me that not even ONE British person has EVER worn a kilt?"
"Well, perhaps one or two, but…"
"Just like I said, nothing further, you're dismissed. Case closed. Have a nice kilt." Sigmund snapped, then crawled back into his cage and finally took a nap.
Wesley had the strongest urge to laugh, but never in front of Sigmund. He picked up the cage and began walking out of the library when Giles walked into the room.
Tranquil Nights Psychiatric Facility.
Gwen Raiden sat in front of the glass partition, waiting for her only visitor to show up, just as she had for the past 3 months. Like clockwork, a tall, leggy brunette walked in and sat down in front of her.
They both grabbed the phones from the wall and stared back at each other.
"Hello Gwen."
"Hi Lilah. I didn't expect to see you anymore after I was charged with murder." Gwen said, still having trouble figuring Lilah out.
"I told you I wanted to help get you out of here. I still do." Lilah looked at both guards around her before opening her purse and sliding out a piece of paper, "It just got a lot more complicated."
"I know and I don't see any way out, well, aside from me turning the place into a cemetery."
"I'm not opposed to that idea, but that would just bring you more trouble." Lilah slowly slid the piece of paper under the slot, "No, what I have in mind is much more by the books. It just requires a little detective work and some luck."
Gwen slowly pulled the paper towards her, "Well, it's not like I have many options. What do you have in mind?"
"I've done a little digging into your past and found a couple people that might be able to help us out. Let me know which of those names you trust the most." Lilah said as she waited for Gwen to make her choice.
Looking at the names in front of her, Gwen was quick to respond and put her finger on the name as she handed the piece of paper back to Lilah, "This is the only person I trust completely."
Lilah looked down at the name, "I thought you'd pick her. From what I've been able to uncover about Faith, she's led a very unhappy life. Her family sucked, she ran away from home numerous times since she was 12. Had more than a few run-ins with the law and has now vanished from thin air as far as I can tell. Our last records indicate she was set to enroll at Sunnydale High, but I haven't been able to confirm that."
"Well, wherever she is, I know she's just trying to make it through the day. There are many things that happened to her that you'll never find out about, but they helped make her stronger and I know if I ever need her, she'll watch my back, she'd be there no questions asked."
"That's nice, but she's not really what I had in mind. She's just a 16 year old girl. I don't see her being much help." Lilah said as she looked at the other two names, "Anyway, I can try and get a hold of her and see if she can come give you some moral support." Lilah said, "Why don't you tell me a little something about her?"
"Oh, sure. Let me think of the last time I saw Faith." Gwen said, leaning back as she closed her eyes and remembered the last time she saw Faith.
Flashback. Beverly Hills LA. July 1996
Gwen Raiden walked out of Iceberg's wearing a brand new pair of jeans, a thin white halter-top and the latest sunglasses money could buy. Right behind Gwen was an equally sexy brunette wearing a silver mini skirt and matching silver top, that was little more than a strip of fabric across her ever growing breasts.
Two girls, dressed to kill and with money to spare, did what any self respecting tourist would do in LA; they hit the beach.
Once they found a secluded spot just to the west of a family of four, they opened up their brand new overnight bags, pulled out all the necessities and were ready to start the day.
"Hey, did you get that new suntan lotion I wanted? It's really good. I still have my tan, see?" Faith said, lifting up her top to reveal the white skin of her breast.
"You're always tanned." Gwen laughed, as she handed Faith the lotion.
"Great." Faith took the bottle and poured a healthy amount onto her hands, "Now we best put the whole bottle on you, wouldn't want to tan up that gorgeous pale skin of yours."
Gwen removed her jeans to reveal her light blue bikini bottoms, and rolled over onto her stomach, "I don't call it pale, I call it porcelain perfection."
"I couldn't agree more." Faith smiled and began rubbing lotion over Gwen's soft smooth skin.
"Oooh, that's cold." Gwen said as she looked back over her shoulder.
Faith leaned down even lower and began massaging Gwen's lower back, "I'm sure we can warm you up in a hurry. If you hadn't noticed it's like 90 degrees outside."
"That's a nice place to start." Gwen said with a grin as Faith's hand slid down over her ass, slowly moving down her legs, then moving right back up over her firm round ass, "I'm starting to get this feeling that we aren't alone."
"What? Of course not, the beach is kind of full already." Gwen said, enjoying where Faith left her hands.
"No, I mean I think we're being watched. Is anyone after you for anything?" Faith asked as she scanned the area in front of her.
"Oh shit." Gwen said as she slowly turned over and looked back at Faith, "Well, I did have a bit of a falling out with this gang a while back. I was only 13 then. I stole one of their bikes and sold it. They weren't happy and threatened to make me pay. I left a couple days later and I've only been back in LA for a week. No way could they remember me. I don't even look the same."
"And here I thought I was the bad girl." Faith smiled, her hands moving up Gwen's tummy, "That's quite a story. You do lead a dangerous life for such a young girl."
"Not intentionally, but trouble seems to follow me around." Gwen smiled, "Do you see anyone around? If someone did recognize me, then I have to get out of here and you have to stay far away from me."
Faith stopped just as her hands were about to cover Gwen's small perky breasts, "Did you just tell me what to do? Cause I don't like that much. If you're in trouble, then we'll take care of it together."
"You're something else, but I can't let you stay." Gwen said as she sat up and wiggled her fingers in front of Faith, "I have my fun little electrical friends to help me out, but I couldn't stand it if something happened to you because of me."
"That's nice of you to say." Faith said, totally ignoring Gwen's words, "Now I see a couple guys just over there behind the white van. How do you want to handle this?"
"Were you not listening? These guys probably carry guns. Even I can't stop a bullet you know." Gwen said, enjoying the closeness this moment was providing.
Faith looked up at the two teenage boys and then looked back at Gwen, "Here's my plan." She said and then put her arms around Gwen and gave her a big wet kiss and then fell to the ground and began rolling to their west.
Returning the kiss was easy for Gwen as they disappeared behind a lifeguard tower, "Aren't you quick on your feet or is that quick with the tongue? Either way, you bought us some time."
"See if you can make out either of those two guys." Faith said as she let Gwen slide in front of her.
Looking up on the hill, Gwen spotted the two guys. "I don't know. I can't tell if it's the same guys or not. People change a lot from 13 to 15."
"They are watching us for some reason." Faith said, leaning up against Gwen as tight as she could.
Gwen turned to face Faith, but could barely shift her body around, "These sure are close quarters. Not sure I can concentrate like this." Gwen said, looking straight at Faith's cleavage.
"Even most guys aren't that obvious." Faith smiled as she slid her hand around Gwen's waist, "Maybe those guys are just out for some girl watching. Maybe we should make it a memorable day for them?"
"Just how memorable are we talking about?"
Pulling Gwen close, Faith reached around and slipped off Gwen's top, "This should get things started." She said as she put her hands over Gwen's round breasts, caressed them softly as she leaned in for an equally soft kiss.
Soon they were kissing as if they were the only people alive. It wasn't the first time they'd kissed, but it was the first time they had kissed so passionately and as their hands began exploring each other's bodies they were interrupted.
"Hi, can I play?" said a little girl carrying a pale full of sand and a plastic shovel.
Gwen turned around and put her top back on while Faith shielded the little girl, "Oh hi there. That's a lot of sand you have there. Whatcha gonna do with it?"
"Oh this, well I was going to build a sand castle, but my dad said I had to wait until the game was over."
"That's too bad." Faith said as she knelt down in front of the little girl, "Hey, look over there? See that family is building a sand castle very close to where you are. Maybe you could ask your mom to take you over there?"
"Wow thanks lady." She said and quickly ran back towards her mom.
Gwen turned and smiled at Faith, "You were so good with her. I'm impressed. Outside that tough exterior is the heart of an angel."
"Let's not get carried away here." Faith said, trying her best not to blush. "Wait, those two guys are coming down the hill."
Gwen turned just as the two guys stepped in front of them.
"Is your name Faith?" the one man said as he looked right at Gwen.
"No, why?"
"That's not important. What's your name miss?" The second man asked, this time looking at Faith.
"Oh, I'm Sally, I'm from Boston. I'm just here visiting my good friend Gwen here. Is there a problem?"
"You'll have to come with us miss." Said the taller man, just as he grabbed Faith by the arm.
"I'd remove your hand from her if I were you." Gwen said as she pushed the man away, "I don't know who you are or what you want, but you have the wrong person. Now, I may not look like much of a threat, but I assure you I will be your worst enemy if you touch her again."
"Out of the way or you'll be joining your friend." The shorter man said as he pulled out a gun.
"I hate guns." Faith said as she leaned to her right and lunged forward with a roundhouse kick to the man's arm, knocking the man backwards and gun to the ground. Faith took Gwen's hand and took off down the beach.
"Faith, you can run but you can't hide. Wolfram & Hart is your true destiny. The sooner you see this, the better off you'll be." The tall man yelled as the two girls disappeared down the sandy beach.
Flashback ends.
"Back up, they said they were from Wolfram & Hart? Are you sure about this?" Lilah said, her voice showing the surprise she was feeling.
"Yes, why? Do you know them?" Gwen asked, intrigued by Lilah's excited reaction.
"Know them? I work for the bastards." Lilah said with a half smile, "What else do you know about this Faith girl?"
Gwen couldn't help but smile, "We met about a year ago, spent a good 6 months together, just hanging out, having fun. She's just your average kid who had horrible parents."
"You have no idea why someone was after her? She never mentioned Wolfram & Hart to you? Something isn't right here." Lilah sat back in her chair, opened her purse and pulled out a large notebook, "Wolfram & Hart only go after unique people, that's why they put you in here. I just don't get the connection."
"I told you they did not do this. How could they? And why would they?" Gwen asked, still not buying Lilah's theory.
"I can answer the why, those cute little fingers of yours is why. They are lethal weapons. This murder charge is never gonna stick. They are using it as a bargaining chip. I'm guessing they will play on your desire to stay out of prison and offer you the moon for your soul. Do not take their deal. Do you hear me?"
"Enough with the orders lady." Gwen said as she put her hands against the thick glass, "You still haven't said why you're here, so don't tell me what to do. Who are you and why are you so interested in me?"
Lilah flipped through her book until she saw what she was looking for. Holding a picture of to the glass window, Lilah shook her head, "Is this Faith?"
Gwen smiled as she saw the picture of Faith, put her hand up to the glass and touched it softly, "Yes, isn't she beautiful?"
"Maybe, but she's also a slayer." Lilah said as she took the picture and slid it back in her notebook, "That means she's as deadly as you are, maybe more so since she's part of the Chosen Two prophecy. Just great, this is not what I need right now."
"Can I have the picture? You can always get a new one." Gwen asked and again leaned forward, this time with anticipation.
"You do not have a crush on this girl do you?" Lilah asked as she looked at the picture before sliding it over to Gwen, "She is pretty, but she's going to be way more trouble than you need right now. Let's get you out from this murder rap first."
Gwen grabbed the picture, held it to her chest, then gave it a quick kiss, before sliding it down her top and into her bra. "It's not a crush. I just really like her. Anyway, stop making this about me and tell me who you are. If not, I will put you on my block list and we're done."
Lilah let out a sigh, shook her head towards Gwen and then stepped up close to the window, "Gwen, you don't need to do that. I have a good reason for being here. Don't push away your only friend."
"I'm tired of this. I really am. For all I know you are just luring me to Wolfram & Hart playing the good cop/bad cop routine. Name? Yours? Now?"
"Normally I'd walk out on someone with such a bad attitude, but fine, if you want a name you got it. Lilah Morgan. Oh right, you already know that." Lilah said, not meaning to get upset. She calmed down and put her hand up on the window, "Listen, you must promise not to breathe a word of this to anyone. I can't stress this enough. Can you promise me this?"
"Yes fine, just tell me." Gwen demanded.
"First, I need you to know this was not my intention when I came to see you. I wanted to tell you then, but I couldn't. I wanted to fix this for you before we got into all this. I see that's not really fair." Lilah said, then a big smile crossed her face, "Hold onto to your hat Gwen and say hi to your big sister."
Gwen stood up against the window, staring back at Lilah and yet saying nothing. Slowly she sat back in her seat, still looking at Lilah she put her mouth to the phone, "Are you serious?"
"I would never lie about something this important. I swear." Lilah said as she crossed her heart for Gwen to see, "Don't think I knew about this all this time either, because I didn't. I found out the day before I came to see you three months ago. It's such a long and complicated story, but I want to tell you everything when we have some time alone. These walls are too thin to discuss something like this."
"But, I was told you died. Before they sent me sent away when, they said you died and I believed them. What kind of parents would do this? I cried so hard when they told me this. We were robbed of so much time." Gwen paused and a look of trepidation covered her face, "Well, this is going to be awkward, but I'm going to need some proof. I don't mean to doubt you, but so much has gone on it's hard to trust people. You must understand that?"
"Yes and it's good you are careful. I have all the documentation you need." Lilah pulled out a large folder and slid it in front of Gwen, "Here is everything you need to know. Our parents were not who we thought they were. In many ways, I think it's best for you to remember them in a good way. Wolfram & Hart manipulated them once your abilities came to light. They saw me as an obstacle and sent me off to boarding school in New York. I never saw our parents again."
Gwen opened the folder, looked at some of the documents inside and then looked back at Lilah, "This is just too weird. Why would Wolfram & Hart go to all this trouble? I was just a kid then. I didn't even know how to control my power. Now, I wouldn't work for them if they paid me."
"You have no idea how quickly they can change people's minds." Lilah said glibly, knowing Gwen was out of her league. "You don't want to mess with them. Best thing you can do is disappear. Once I get these charges dropped against you, I want you to go to the Midwest somewhere and become a teacher or something."
"If you knew me, you'd know that's not an option. I'm staying and I will fight whatever comes my way." Gwen stated firmly, then quickly changed to a smile, "Anyway, I want you to find Faith and let her know my situation. If she wants to come see me that's great, if not, don't push."
"I really don't think that's a good idea." Lilah said with a big sigh, "We know Wolfram & Hart is after her already, I don't think we need that kind of attention right now. Could we just wait until I get you out of here?"
A heavy set guard walked up to Gwen and pointed at the clock, "One minute left."
Gwen leaned up against the glass, "Promise me you'll find Faith."
"Okay, I promise." Lilah said against her better judgment.
"Thanks for everything. Sis." Gwen said with a wide eyed smile.
"I will get you out here little sister. I promise." Lilah said as she watched the guard lead Gwen back to her cell.
When Lilah left the facility, she got in her car, opened her glove compartment, pulled out a business card and dialed the number.
"Kate Lockley Investigations. How can I help you?" Said the female voice on the other end.
"I need you to locate a girl for me." Lilah said as she started her car.
"And a friendly hello to you too Lilah." Kate said as she opened the Lilah Morgan folder on her desk, "As for finding a girl for you, that's really not my line of work. I hear there are escort services that will provide girls as young as you want. Did you want some numbers?"
"Oh stop the bullshit Kate, this is an emergency." Lilah said, slamming her foot on the gas as she flew out of the parking lot.
Kate sat up as she heard the urgency in Lilah's voice. "What is it this time Lilah?"
"I need you to find someone named Faith. I know she's supposed to be in Sunnydale now and since you're working there I figured you were the best choice to help me."
"Faith? No last name? That's not a lot to go on. Do you have a picture you can fax me?" Kate said as she began taking notes.
"I have other information about this girl, but I don't think it will be useful in finding her. My sources say she is in Sunnydale, so all you have to do is find her and bring her to me." Lilah said as she pulled up to a red light, "One more thing, you should try not to use your tough girl routine on her, she's not someone you want to mess with. Ask politely and tell her it's for Gwen and I think she'll come without a struggle."
"Gwen, she's your sister right? How's she doing?" Kate asked, her concern for Gwen clearly visible in her voice.
"She's doing as well as can be expected, but she shouldn't be in that place to begin with. Lilah said calmly, speeding through the intersection fractions after the light turned green, "Anyway, this Faith girl is a friend of Gwen's and I think it would be great if she could come and visit her."
"I'll look into it for you." Kate got to her feet, walked around to the front of her desk and grabbed her coat, "If she's in Sunnydale I'll find her."
Lilah let out a rare smile as she pulled into a gas station at the side of the road, "Thanks Kate, I owe ya."
Buffy Summers' House.
Buffy and Dawn returned from a much needed walk to find Fred sitting at the kitchen table talking to a tall, athletic looking young man.
"Hi Fred, who's your friend?" Buffy asked as she stood beside Fred.
"This is Riley Finn. He's a friend of Wesley's and has worked for the council for quite a few years." Fred said, as she introduced him to both sisters.
Riley stood up and walked over to Buffy, towering over her petite frame, "Hi Buffy. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Nice to meet you." Buffy said as she looked up at Riley, "So do you work for the council?"
"Not as closely as I used to, but we still work towards a common goal." Riley said as he sat back down. "I just prefer to do my research on my own time. It allows me more freedom with some of my more unconventional experiments."
"Riley is the one responsible for some of the most in depth analysis of vampires ever written." Fred gushed, always happy to talk about her favorite subject, science. "Most of our knowledge about why certain vampires survive longer than the rest was done by him. I even based my thesis on many of his genetic theories."
"You don't look like a scientist." Dawn said as she smiled over at Riley.
"I get that a lot." He said with a laugh. "Actually, I had always planned on a career in football, but a couple freak injuries took care of that. So, I had to find a new outlet for all my energy."
"Still not seeing how science is a cure for an adrenaline junky." Buffy said, looking Riley over and trying to get a read on him.
"Well, I got into some martial arts classes to build up my knee and shoulder, as well as to work on my conditioning when football didn't work out. This allowed me to meet Wesley Wyndham-Pryce and from there I began training with the Watchers Council's elite special forces and from there I helped train many slayers as well."
"Sounds like quite a career you had going." Buffy said, acknowledging Riley's achievements, "What made you switch to science?"
"Mostly it was the drive to be the best. I wanted to know what made the vampires tick, why some seemed much different from the others. I needed to get inside their heads. I found the closest thing to that was exploring how their DNA changed once they became a vampire. It's really amazing what we began to discover once we dug into this more in depth." Riley looked over at Dawn's confused face, "I must be boring you to death."
"Oh no, I was just wondering where you got that ring from. It's way cool." Dawn said as she reached over to have a closer look at the unique ring on Riley's finger.
"This old thing?" he said holding it up for everyone to see, "I got this off a Deparis demon last year. I don't know much about it, but I was drawn to it and just had to have it. The Deparis demon is in our custody and wanted me to have this for all my help. Just so you know I didn't steal it off a corpse or something."
Fred had a curious look on her face and leaned in to have a closer look at the ring. Studying it closely, she noticed the blue triangle was glowing and put her finger towards it, but as she got within an inch, a sharp humming sound filled the room, just before a burst of light zapped Fred hard enough to send her sprawling to the ground.
Riley knelt down beside her, checked her pulse and then looked over at Buffy who was quickly by Fred's side, "She's alive. I don't what happened. We need to get Fred somewhere where she can rest."
"Upstairs in my room, follow me." Buffy said as she turned and led the way up the stairs.
Setting Fred softly on the bed, Riley stepped back and took off his ring, "I need to get this back to the lab so we can find out what just happened. I don't think she was seriously injured, but you should advise your watcher of what happened, then try and wake her up in about an hour. Hopefully it was just a mild shock."
Following Riley out of the room and downstairs Buffy stopped him before he could open the front door, "Wait just a minute. Why exactly were you here in the first place?"
"I just wanted to meet the newest slayer and pay my respects to your mother." Riley said, lowering his head and his voice as he continued, "I didn't know her personally, but I know of her great contribution to the fight and her longevity as a slayer and I admired her accomplishments. It was a tragic loss."
"Thank you." Buffy said, not sure how to continue her questioning after that.
"I'm sorry about Fred and I hope she has a speedy recovery. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to call." Riley handed Buffy one of his business cards, nodded politely and walked out the front door.
Putting his card in her jeans pocket, Buffy rushed back upstairs to check on Fred.
Sunnydale High School Library.
Giles stopped Wesley in his tracks, his eyes glued on the cage in his hand, "What are you up to now Wyndham-Pryce?"
"It's good to see Giles. I'm terribly sorry about your loss. Joyce was a wonderful woman and she will be deeply missed." Wesley said, still avoiding direct eye contact as he tried to slip past Giles.
"What's in the cage Wes? Another experiment you're doing on company time? A new pet? What?" Giles said as he stood in front of Wesley.
"If you must know, it's both." Wesley sighed and put his cage on the floor at his feet. "A pet created from an experiment. I do them on my own time old boy, so if that's all I'll be going. I have a slayer to visit."
"What's your rush? Let me have a look." Giles leaned down and put the cage on the table in front of him. "Is it something you are working on for personal use or are you creating these pets, as you call them, to work with or in conjunction with the council and/or the slayers?"
Wesley sighed, stepped up to the table and unlocked the cage, "Be my guest. Say hello to Sigmund."
Giles gave Wesley a bemused look, then leaned down and took a closer look inside the cage, "Well what have we here?"
"Take him out, he doesn't bite. Well, not with his claws anyway, just his foul mouth." Wesley explained as he picked Sigmund up and handed him to Giles.
"I'm speechless." Giles said as he tried petting Sigmund on his hard shell.
Sigmund sniffed towards Giles and pulled away with a horrified look, "You stink. You're not speechless, you're just witless. Now put me down you sorry excuse for a Brit."
Pulling his glasses off Giles stared back at the belligerent creature. "How dare you talk to me like this. I'll have you know I've been a Brit all my life and I'm proud of it. If you ever…"
"Don't bother Giles, he doesn't listen and you'll only encourage him." Wesley said as he rather enjoyed Sigmund doing his thing with someone else for a change.
"In spite of the inappropriate rudeness of this creature, what else can it do?" Giles said, sitting it down beside its cage.
"About time nimrod. Your hands are about as soft as sand paper and worse of all, you stink." Sigmund sneered as he crawled back into his cage.
Wesley closed the door, locked it and turned back to Giles, "Well, aside from its skewed personality defect, it really does have a unique purpose. My main goal was to design something to assist our own people as well as the slayers. I wanted the creature to be more like a pet than just some automated robot enforcer, so I tinkered with the motor functions and as you see, it's a work in progress."
"Interesting." Giles sat down at the end of the table, put his briefcase in front of him and smiled as Sigmund looked back at him from inside the cage, "I applaud your efforts Wesley. Is this part of your feud with Finn?"
"It's not a feud." Wesley said loudly, then adjusted his tie and lowered voice, "What I mean is, Riley has his projects and I have mine. We are not competing against each other, so it has nothing to do with him."
"That's good to know. You two were close to killing each other the last I heard, all over who would get the Watchers Council's big research grant." Giles said with the hint of a smile, "I'm sorry you didn't get it Wesley."
Wesley picked up his cage and nodded at Giles, "Yes, well, life goes on. It was nice seeing you again Giles; I wish it were under better circumstances. I'm off to find my slayer."
Sunnydale High School.
Willow and Xander walked down the steps of the high school, turned down the street and made their way towards Buffy's house.
"Should we call first? Nobody likes the pop in and especially on a day like this." Xander asked as he came to a stop.
"I don't know, I guess we should call. Do you know her number?" Willow asked as she spotted Cordelia across the school parking lot.
Xander watched as Willow's face began to glow, walked over and stood behind her, "She sure is hot."
"Yeah I kno…I mean shut up Xander." Willow said, turning around to slap his shoulder.
"Well, she is though. Can't deny that." Xander said, taking in Cordelia's beauty with an appreciative eye, "So, did you want to tell me what I missed last night? I feel like I'm coming in half way through a movie."
Willow turned away from Cordelia and then from Xander, stopping to look through her purse as she thought of what to say, "Nothing much happened. Cordelia took me shopping. It was fun and I got to see another side to her and I liked it. For some reason she likes me too and we hit if off right from the start. Everything was so natural. I just had fun that's all."
"I'm all for you having fun, I just didn't think it would be with Cordelia." Xander said, the surprise in his voice unmistakable. "It's not because I don't see why Cordy likes you either, but, well, okay, don't get mad for me saying this, but the way you are looking at her just now, it's kinda the way I look at Darla and I have to ask, are you attracted to Cordy?"
Cordelia walked up to Xander, "Why don't you ask me that question too?"
Xander couldn't hide his embarrassment as she struggled to find some words, "Cordelia? I didn't see you. I thought you were at your car. Nice to see you. You like nice. Very pretty."
"Thank you Xander. You look…the same." Cordelia said and then turned to Willow, "Hi there. I'm sorry I missed you at lunch, I had a meeting with the cheerleading committee and it just wouldn't end."
"It's okay, I know you're busy. Xander and I had a lot to talk to about anyway." Willow said, her tone changing to somber as she continued, "Remember the two new girls yesterday, we found out Buffy's mother died last night and we were just going over to see how she was doing."
"We did bump into them last night, but I didn't know you knew them from before." Cordelia said, slightly confused about the whole thing, "I am sorry if the girl's mother died. That has to be awful for her."
"I'm sure it is." Willow nodded her agreement, "We're going over there now, but maybe we can get together later on, if you're not busy of course?"
"My night is wide open Willow, so I'll look forward to seeing you." Cordelia smiled at Willow and touched her arm as she inched closer to her, "Give me a call when you get home and we can work out the details."
"I will." Willow said with a big smile, her hand sliding down Cordy's arm and off her fingers as Cordelia walked away.
Xander looked at Cordelia and then back over at Willow, struggling to compute what his eyes were seeing, "I don't have to wait for an answer to my question I see. You do realize you're not being very subtle about what your eyes are staring at." Xander said with a smile, enjoying Cordy's tight pants almost as intently as Willow was.
"What?" Willow asked, turning her attention to Xander, "Can't a girl enjoy a finely crafted piece of fabric?"
"Sure can kiddo." Xander said as he put his arm around Willow, "Strange isn't it, how it was only two shapely pieces covering her ass you seemed to be admiring."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Willow smiled as she waved to Cordy one last time before she turned to Xander, "Let's go see Buffy."
"Good idea." Xander nodded and they disappeared down the street.
Darla stopped Cordelia as she was about to pull out of her parking spot, "Hey there. Where are you going?"
"Just home for now, why?" Cordelia asked as Harmony slid in beside Darla.
"Hi Cordy." She said with her usual bouncy smile.
"Hi Harmony." Cordelia said with a forced smile of her own.
"Did I see you talking to Xander just now?" Darla enquired as she leaned inside Cordy's violet red, BMW 650.
"Yes, sort of, why?"
"Well, I need to talk him about the party Friday. Do you know where he was going?" Darla asked as she slid her hands over Cordy's head rest.
"They were going to see a friend who's mother just died, I don't think it's the best time for him." Cordy said turning to keep an eye on Darla's wandering hands, "Why not call him at home later? It's not like he ever does anything."
"I guess I can do that." Darla agreed and then took another look at Cordy's car, "I love your car. I need to get me one of these soon."
"Thanks, I like it too. Well, I guess I'll see you guys tomorrow then." Cordy nodded and was about to put the car in reverse when Harmony stuck her head in the window.
"So what were you doing with Willow last night? Seemed like you two were pretty cozy. Is there something you're not telling us?" Harmony said with an evil grin.
Cordy put her hand on Harmony's head, pushed it gently out the window and smiled up at her, "I have no comment. You'll just have to keep guessing Harm. Bye now."
Before Harmony could get another word in, Cordy had back out of the parking spot and tore off through the parking lot.
"I know she's up to something with that Willow girl. I will find out." Harmony said with a determined look on her face.
"That's nice Harmony." Darla said, doing her best to placate Harmony's obsession with Cordy's love life, "Let's find a ride. I need to meet someone at the park before I head home. Did you want to come?"
"Sure, is it that hunky scientist guy again?" Harmony said as she began giggling and holding onto Darla's arm, "I think he likes me. He's always checking me out."
"Yes, I'm sure he does." Darla nodded and then flagged down one of the girls on the cheerleading squad for a ride.
Both girls piled into the station wagon and were off to Darla's meeting.
Tranquil Nights Psychiatric Facility.
Gwen walked back into the visitor room expecting to find Lilah sitting in front of her, but as she made eye contact with Faith, her eyes lit up and she rushed over to her, "I can't believe you're here. I don't get it. Lilah only left three hours ago."
"Who's Lilah?" Faith asked as she got comfortable in the soft leather chair.
"My sister. Isn't she the one who called you?" Gwen asked, still trying to figure out what was going on.
"No, nobody called me. I saw a story in the paper this morning and well, to make a long story short, I'm here." Faith said with a smile, choosing not to bore Gwen with the details, "How are you holding up?"
"I'm better now that you're here." Gwen smiled and slid her hand under the glass partition, "You look great. I don't know what to say. Tell me what you've been doing this last year?"
Faith slid her hand over Gwen's and held it tightly. "Come on now, you're up on a murder charge. That's why I'm here. To help."
A tall female guard stepped forward, "Hands inside now. No contact. If you do it again your visit is over."
Both girls pulled their hands back and waited for the guard to back off before they continued.
Gwen smiled at the guard and then turned back to Faith, "That's my fault. I knew that, but I couldn't resist."
"I know." Faith agreed and then moved closer to Gwen, "I know you didn't kill this person, so why is this happening?"
"I had no idea at first, but if my sister is right, this is some form of blackmail and my only way out is to agree to work for some evil company."
"That sucks. How does your sister know this?" Faith asked, then quickly asked another, "Since when do you have a sister? You said she died didn't you?"
"It's a long story." Gwen said with a sigh, "I just found out today. I have as many questions as you do, but for now I have very few options and she does seem sincere and my gut feeling is she's telling the truth."
"Well, you'd know better than I would, so I hope you're right. It's great if you've found her again after all these years thinking she was dead." Faith added politely, "I need you to tell me what happened. Why were you brought here in the first place and then how did your psychiatrist die?"
Gwen knew these questions were coming, but still had trouble talking about both, "The quick answer to both questions is, I don't know. I'll tell you what I do know."
Faith leaned forward to reassure Gwen, "Good, just take your time and tell me anything you remember."
"Okay, the last thing I remember on the outside was being at this club in West Beverly Hills with a couple friends. I snuck a couple drinks when the bartender wasn't looking and I wasn't drunk, but I was certainly in a party mood. I remember being on the dance floor with my friend Katie when this other girl joined us. It was pretty hot dancing with her. She was sexy and aggressive and she really was into me. Katie left and I was dancing with this woman and she asked me if I wanted to go to this VIP club on Rodeo Drive, so of course I said yes."
"I'm going to have to find this Katie girl." Faith said, anxious to help out as soon as she could, "Oh and what was your other friend's name? They may know something that can help us."
"Slow down." Gwen said with hurried smile, "My sister is taking care of all this. She has people to do this kind of stuff. If you want to help, you should talk to her, but for now, I'd rather just spend some time talking about you."
Faith looked back at Gwen, smiled and put her hand against the glass partition, "Okay, but there's not much to tell."
"I don't care what you've been doing; I just want to hear about something else for a change. Come on, just talk to me." Gwen said, a step short of begging.
"Let's see, I guess there has been a pretty big change in my life, but it only happened yesterday, although seems like a million years after all we've been through." Faith said, as she looked back at Gwen.
"We've? Who's we?"
"That would be Buffy. It's a long, long story. Somehow, and I'm not sure how or why, but we have become the chosen two. It sounds kind of dumb when you say it, but we are born to be slayers, to kill vampires." Faith paused long enough to take in Gwen's reaction, but was surprised at how calmly she took it all. "You don't seem all that shocked by any of this. Why's that?"
Gwen shrugged and laughed, "I don't know really. I guess because of my own powers, I believe anything is possible. Lilah mentioned vampires and demons a couple times, but she never really got into it. So, you're a slayer with some other girl? That sounds important. I always knew you had big things in your future, I can see this is part of it."
"I don't know about that, but I do feel like I've finally found a purpose to my life and if I can make a difference kicking some ass, then I'm all for it." Faith said with her trademark grin, "You know, I believe you have big things ahead of you too. Once this mess is cleared up I'd like you to come back to Sunnydale and meet Buffy some of the others I've met along the way."
"That is certainly a unique name, Buffy. I hope you get along with her." Gwen said and then shifted gears a bit, "I know we haven't seen each other in over a year, but I have to ask, are you seeing anyone?"
Faith took a moment to think before answering, "I guess the answer is no. I'd say that there's something about Buffy that I'm drawn to, but I think it's the fact we're meant to work together as slayers. Anyway, it's not like we are dating or anything. What about you and Katie or the girl you left club with? Sounds like you're staying pretty active."
"I wish I sensed some jealousy in that question, but I guess that's pretty silly of me." Gwen said, her smile hiding her disappointment, "Katie was fun to be around. She loved to dance and party and have a good time. As for Anya, the girl I left with at the club, I have no idea what she's like, since I don't remember a thing after we left."
"Well, I guess that teaches you a lesson about leaving with strangers. Bad things can happen." Faith said, just a little snarkier than she wanted, "I'm glad you had some friends to hang out with. I am. I really just want to help get you out of here so you can start your life over. You deserve that."
"That first comment is much more like the Faith I remember." Gwen said, her eyes lighting up and her posture changing as she sat up in her chair, "Direct and to the point, no pissing around with politically correct talk. I like that. And you're right, I shouldn't have left with that woman, but she seduced me off me feet. She was good. As bad as it sounds, I regret not finding out how nasty she might've been had we spent the night together. I bet she's a wild one."
"Well, it's a shame you didn't get laid. I feel for ya." Faith said as she got to her feet.
"Don't leave like this. I was just teasing." Gwen got to her feet and leaned against the glass, "Would it matter if I told you I dreamed of you almost every night?"
"Almost every night? I'm hurt. Who'd you dream about on the other nights?" Faith asked, her smile coming back to her pretty face.
"Angelina Jolie certainly kept me warm many a nights." Gwen said as she licked her lips.
"I do love those lips, Angelina's that is." Faith grinned and then her eyes grew wide and she looked deep into Gwen's eyes, "Hmm, since I'm on the outside I might just look her up. I'll send a postcard."
"You're so mean." Gwen said with a sexy pout.
"Here, maybe this will help." Faith said as she dug into her wallet, pulled out a picture and handed it to Gwen under the partition.
Gwen picked it up and started shaking her head, "OMG, you're gonna make me cry. Where did you get this? How?" Gwen asked, clutching the picture of her and Faith kissing at the beach tight against her chest.
"I knew you'd like it." Faith said, putting her hand up to the glass, "I like to think it was just meant to be. I never thought I'd be able to give this to you, so I think it's the first sign that things are about to turn around for you."
Gwen reached up and touched Faith's hand, "I know they will. I'm so glad you came."
Faith noticed the guard stepping forward, "Looks like our time is up, but now that I know you're here I will be visiting you until you get out. I do need to talk to your sister though, so do know where I can get a hold of her?"
"She works at Wolfram & Hart, but she said never try and reach her there." Gwen took out Lilah's business card and handed it to Faith, "This has her home phone number and cell phone. Try the cell; she always said that was the most secure way to contact her."
"Thanks. You stay strong. We're gonna get you out of this place. I promise. It was great seeing you again. I will be back. Bye for now." Faith said as the guard stood behind Gwen.
"I'll be fine now that I know you're here. Bye Faith." Gwen said as the guard led her out of the room and back to her cell.
Outside, Faith called Lilah's cell phone.
"Hello, Morgan here."
"Is this Lilah? Gwen's sister?" Faith asked, thrown off by the Morgan reference.
"Yes, who's this?" Lilah asked, sitting up from her laptop.
Faith got into the rental car, sat down and relaxed, "My name's Faith. I'm a friend of Gwen's. I just came from seeing her and she told me to look you up, so here I am."
"Well isn't that interesting. I have a PI looking for you in Sunnydale." Lilah said, pulling up a file with Faith's picture beside it, "Since you're the slayer, I'm not sure how I can help you."
"I was going to go talk to some of Gwen's friends. They might remember something about the night she disappeared with that woman and ended up in that nuthouse. Didn't you ever ask her about that?" Faith asked.
"No, because that's the least of her problems." Lilah said, not appreciating Faith's question. "She's facing a murder charge, so I'd say that's where my energy is best spent."
Faith leaned in and pulled out her map, looked for the quickest route to LA and the city of angels. "Okay, but I did talk to her about it and I got a name of the girl who took her out of the club the night before she was sent to this place. Do you know anyone named Anya?"
Lilah got to her feet, her eyes filling with anger and surprise all mixed together, "Did you say Anya?"
"Yes, do you know who this is?" Faith asked, sensing the change in Lilah's voice.
"Oh I know her alright." Lilah said, "but as much as I'd like to take her and wring her neck, I know I can't do it. She's a demon working her way to super witch. Sadly, I'm no match for her. If she isn't stopped soon, nobody will be."
"If she did this to Gwen she's gonna pay." Faith said, her hands gripping the steering wheel hard as she thought of revenge, "I think I should head back to Sunnydale and talk this over with my partner and our watchers. We need more information on this Anya demon as well as on Wolfram & Hart."
"I can send you everything I have on Anya and the company, but you need to mention the name Angelus to your watchers. They will know about him and since Anya is very close to him, they are a dangerous duo." Lilah said as she made copies of all her files, "Oh and you should also mention the name Drusilla; she's another vampire with a pension for torture. She's had contact with Angelus recently as well."
"Thanks, I'll be sure to tell them everything you've told me. I'll be in touch." Faith put her cell phone in her purse, made a left instead of a right and headed back to the airport.
Riley Finn's underground lab.
Riley Finn walked into his lab, removed his ring and called for his assistants.
Three men in full body suits ran into the room.
"The ring has made contact with Winifred Burkle. I need to know if any of the properties, designs or anything about the ring has changed." Riley said as he put the ring on a secure pad and watched a glass shell cover it up, "As soon as she was within about an inch of the ring it sent out some type of electrical shock and knocked her to the ground. It appears all our research is paying off. We need to know more about this Burkle woman, and even more about this ring. Get on it. All other projects can wait."
With ring secured the three men rushed out of the main lab.
"It's about time you showed up. I'm getting tired of sitting around waiting. Either you let me in your big plan or I'm out of here." Spike said as he shuffled into the room.
"I thought you had more patience than this." Riley said as he walked past the much shorter Spike. "If you want to go back to your namby pamby scams then go. What I have planned will work with or without you. I've spent too long setting this all up to let anyone mess with this. Are you in or out?"
Spike walked past Riley, running his hands over the many test tubes on the counter, "I watched you create your clone of me. I was even stoked at what a good job you did. But, I fail to see how any of this is going to help me."
Riley unlocked a drawer in front of him and pulled out a video tape, "You know what this is. It's not blackmail, but it is a useful bit of history that many people are unaware of. Even though I don't need you, it would be a waste of my valuable time to find another replacement. If you wish to leave the project that's your choice, but I'll have to make some choices of my own."
"That's just bloody great. I was a fool to trust you." Spike said, his face contorting as she changed into vampire mode, "We always knew this day was coming. Now it's here. Show me what you got."
"You never change Spike." Riley said, not moving from his original spot, "That might've worked for your first hundred years, but things are different now. Technology is something you refuse to be part of. So fine, you can go to that great vampire land in the sky for all I care."
"I've spent three months being used as a guinea pig, but every time I asked about your plan, you blew me off. I'm starting to think you don't have one." Spike said as he inched towards a stationary Riley, "I'll enjoy sucking the life of you."
Lunging at Riley with a vicious right cross to the side of his head, Spike jumped on top and quickly pounced on his throat with his sharp fangs.
As he made contact with Riley's skin, he immediately pulled back, "What the…" Spike said as he felt a burning sensation throughout his mouth.
Riley stood up and walked over to Spike without a mark on his neck. "Do you really take me for a fool? I knew you would try something like this one day and as you can see, I took the necessary precautions. Now, get out of my lab before I stake you myself."
"I don't know what you did, but this isn't over. Not on your life." Spike took off out of the lab and ran off into the woods.
Oz walked into the lab after Spike took off, stood beside Riley and handed him a beer, "I think it's good that he's gone. I never trusted him. He's too smooth, too unpredictable to trust."
"You were right." Riley said as he opened his beer, "I thought he could help us. Technically he did. The research we got from him was priceless. There's so much more he has no idea about. I assume the homing device is working?"
Oz flipped open a computer console, pushed a few buttons and pulled up a map of Sunnydale. On it was a red flashing dot moving away from the lab, "There he is. One guess where he goes next?"
Riley smiled as he watched Spike slowly move further away from the lab, "I'm not sure this time. Although he doesn't know Drusilla is working with Angelus, but there is another option I think he might choose."
"Are you thinking he might try and hook up with Angelus again?" Oz asked, while pulling up Spike's file on another computer.
"I think he's going to be freaked out by his inability to kill me for one thing. He's not used to that." Riley said with a satisfied look on his face, "He may be a loner, but I think he's going to try and put a group together and come right back here and try and take me out."
"Couldn't be more perfect if he does." Oz agreed.
"Did you have a chance to check out the surveillance tapes yet?"
"Not all of them, so far I've turned up nothing useful. I'm about half way through, so hopefully we'll find something on the next group." Oz said and then changed the subject, "Listen, about the recruiting, I've brought in another 15 for processing. I can get more, but I got tell ya, I'm getting bored with it. Before I started using the band to recruit, it was hard to get anyone to buy my pitch, but now that I'm in the band, I could say I want them to give me their hearts and they'd smile and hand em over, it's quite depressing."
"Oh Oz, try and think of the big picture." Riley said enthusiastically, as he patted Oz on the back. "Besides, if you want to recruit them for yourself, feel free. We probably won't need much more than the original 100 anyway. Things are starting to fall into place and I can't wait until we move to the next phase."
"No way I want a groupie." Oz said shaking his head as fast as he could. "I want a nice girl. Someone who actually notices me when I'm not on stage pretending I can play guitar. I know there's one out there somewhere. There has to be."
Riley sat down beside Oz and sat his beer on the desk, "I thought you had a good feeling about Jenny?"
"If you weren't so dense you would see she clearly spent more time talking to you." Oz said as he gave Riley a dirty look, "Besides, I'm starting to like this girl who comes to the club every Friday for open mike night. She's got an amazing voice and she talked to me long before she knew I was in a band. I'd say that is a good sign."
"Come on Oz, Jenny is an employee, so of course she is going to talk to me." Riley added, trying to draw attention away from himself, "Maybe it was just me, but she seemed fascinated by your artwork. She is a photographer you know, she is into art and that kind of stuff."
"Stuff?" Oz shook his head again, "You have so little appreciation for what I do. Yes, I know writing songs isn't creating clones, but it's a great way to relax."
"And meet girls." Riley said with a laugh, "Anyway, who is this girl you're talking about?"
"Right now she's just someone I've talked to a couple times. I have no sense if a girl is interested in me or just being polite, so who knows. She seems friendly and even if it stays like this, I do enjoy talking to her."
Riley looked at his watch and then stood up, "Don't wait too long to make your move or someone else will beat you to it. Listen, I have another meeting with Jenny, did you want to come?"
"Nah, I'm gonna track Spike for awhile and then head to the club later on." Oz said as he maximized his computer screen.
"Okay then, I'm meeting Jenny at The Bronze, so maybe I'll see ya there." Riley got up grabbed his coat and a large briefcase and took off out the door.
Buffy Summers House.
Buffy sat beside Fred's side, monitoring her pulse as she waited for the cavalry to arrive.
Dawn had just stepped into the kitchen when the doorbell rang, so she turned, walked into the living room and asked who was there.
"It's Wesley Wyndham-Price. I'm Buffy's watcher. I brought the mayor and Giles with me as soon as I got Buffy's call. May we come in?"
"Can I see some ID?" Dawn yelled out as she peaked through the side of the window to see who was there.
"Hi Dawn, it's Giles, it's okay to open up."
Dawn spotted Giles who waved back at her, so she opened the door and let the three men inside.
"Where's Fred?" Giles asked as he looked around the living room.
"Upstairs with Buffy. Is she going to be okay?" Dawn asked as she led everyone up the stairs and into Buffy's room.
"I hope so." Giles nodded as he moved over to the side of the bed, "Has she woke up since this happened?"
Buffy looked over at Giles, her eyes heavy from the days events, "One time she opened her eyes and even sat up, but she fell back to the pillow and closed her eyes right after and hasn't changed since."
Giles took out his medical supplies and promptly put a stethoscope to Fred's chest, "She seems to be breathing quite clearly. That's very good to see. You told me a bit about what happened, but could you fill me in again on exactly how this occurred?"
Taking her time, Buffy went through the whole meeting with Riley step by step and sat back down as she finished, "That's everything. It was the ring that did this and Riley was gone before I could ask more about it."
Giles sat up and looked directly at Wesley, "Take Buffy downstairs, hook her computer up to our database and let her look through every ring known to us."
"Right then, follow me Miss Summers." Wesley said as he walked out the door and down the stairs.
"Could you call me Buffy please; Miss Summers is way too formal." Buffy said, turning her computer on and stepping out of the way, "So do you have every ring listed in this database thing?"
"Most every magical ring yes." Giles said as he tapped into the Watchers Council database, "It's constantly being updated and I'm hoping a ring with this kind of power will be here and you'll be able to pick it out."
Buffy stood beside Giles and watched as he pulled up a page filled with rings of all shapes and colors. "Wow, that's a lot of rings." As she began looking down the first of three columns on the left, she saw at the bottom, Page 1 of 1,152, "OMG, It'll take years to go through that many pages."
"Yes, well it might very well take a number of hours doing it that way, but we do have the fancy sort function that should cut that number drastically." Wesley said and then began typing in all the information Buffy had on the ring and hit the enter key. "Voila, now there are only 17 pages, so that should be much easier to sift through."
"Great, thanks. I think I can manage now." Buffy said, pushing Wesley out of the chair.
It was a slow process to look at each ring carefully, but eventually Buffy had it down to an art form and on the 12th page she spotted the ring, "Wes, this is it."
Pointing to the ring, she clicked to enlarge the picture of what they now could call, Ring of Kippirru.
"Very nice work Buffy." Wesley said, "Click on the information link."
Buffy clicked the link and they both began reading.
Ring of Kippirru. A beautifully crafted metallic silver ring; set with the three unique designs in a blue triangle above the main stone; which is a magnificent diamond pendant, 24-karat gold piece of perfection.
Each of three unique designs traces back to demon race, long thought to be extinct, the Glascoph's.
What makes the Glascoph's even more interesting is the fact they were from all accounts an all female race of demons, forever linked to the goddess Aphrodite.
The first design is of the queen of the Glascoph's, Millicent. The second design is of the city of Carravella, the capital city of the Glascoph's. The last design is of queen Millicent and her lover Marisella.
While thought to be extinct, this ring, discovered only a year ago off a Deparis demon makes rumors of their return much more intriguing.
"That all sounds so exciting; like we're discovering a lost civilization." Buffy's enthusiasm was bursting through her wide eyes, "Oh look, there's a picture of Queen Millicent."
Clicking on the picture brought up a life sized portrait of Millicent. Next they brought up a pictures of Carravella and then finally they clicked on a picture of Millicent with Marisella.
"OMG." Buffy said with her mouth wide open.
"My sentiments exactly." Wes said and then printed out the picture and pulled it up to his face, "This is an amazing likeness."
"Screw likeness. That's her. That's Fred." Buffy stated bluntly, "Every inch of her is the exact same. Every curve, every contour, from her gorgeous eye lashes, to her warm inviting smile, Marisella is Fred's identical twin."
"Well, now we have some idea why the ring reacted, but now we have even more questions to ask." Wes said, still staring at the picture, "Like why did Riley bring it here in the first place. Did he know Fred was here? If so, what was he trying to do? Not to mention, what did the ring to do Fred?"
Buffy thought back to her meeting with Riley, "I didn't notice it at the time, but Riley did seem surprised to see us and he did take off as soon as Fred was hurt. I don't have a good feeling about this."
"I certainly have my issues with Mr. Finn, but I've never known him to be malicious, so I need to talk to him and find out just what he was doing here." Wes then turned back to the computer, "If you have some time, try looking up the Glascoph's and see what you can find out about them."
"Okay, I could use some help though, I want to go check on Fred and I'm not sure Dawn's quite ready to be looking up demons and such." Buffy said without turning away from the computer.
Before Wes could respond, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." He said as he opened to door to see Willow and Xander were standing in front of him, "May I help you?"
"Um, who are you?" Xander asked, trying to look past Wes into Buffy's house.
"I'm Wesley Windham-Price. Who might you be?"
Xander was growing impatient, "I might be your momma, but I'm not, so get out of the way before I knock you out of the way."
"Xander, stop it." Willow said as she stepped in front of him, "Hi, I'm Willow and we're friends of Buffy's. Is she in?"
"Oh, of course. Just a moment please." Wes closed the door and walked back over to Buffy, "There are two young people at the door. One rather rude young man and a very pleasant young woman. Willow and Xander are their names. Should I let them in?"
"Yes."
"Right then." Wes nodded and walked back and let the two teenagers in.
"Thanks buddy. Here, take my coat." Xander said, handing Wes his jacket as he walked over towards Buffy.
Willow smiled and followed Xander over to the computer, "Hi Buffy. I didn't know you had company. Are we intruding? Cause we can come back if we are."
"No, I'm glad you're both here." Buffy said as she got up and gave Willow and Xander a hug, "It's been such a long day and I have a lot to tell you and a lot that I have to do."
"Whatever we can do to help just let us know." Willow said in her best reassuring voice.
"Yep, if you want me to get rid of that annoying butler of yours, just let me know." Xander said, still eyeing Wes closely.
"Xander, he's not my butler, he's my watcher." Buffy grabbed Xander and pulled him over to the other side of the computer, "He's one of us. The good guys. Anyway, what I would love for you guys to do is look up Glascoph's using this search function here. Print out anything you can find."
"Sure Buffy, can we ask what this is all about? Or is it top secret?" Willow asked, lowering her voice for the last question.
"To be quite honest, I have no idea what this is all going to be about." Buffy said, getting up from her chair and sitting Willow down in her place, "It has to do with a ring, a girl, some demons, an ex council guy, who's now some kind of mad scientist and well, so far it's a giant puzzle and we have only a few pieces and no way of knowing where they go."
"I love puzzles." Willow chirped in with her infectious smile.
"I'd much rather hit something. Are you sure there isn't anything else I could do?" Xander asked with a hopefully stare, "I still say we should watch this Wesley character. He seems shady. A bumbling kind of shady, but still…or I could go find the mad scientist guy. That sounds like fun."
"That's nice of you to offer Xander, but that's something I might be doing soon. I just need to make sure Fred is okay before I go anywhere."
"You seem very worried about her. Is she going to be okay?" Willow asked, quickly changing her tone to concern.
"I think so, but it's just so sad seeing her like this. She was laughing and smiling one second and then on the floor in a flash the next." Buffy's face grew sad as she replayed the accident in her mind, "Anyway, I'm going up to see her, so good luck with the computer stuff and I'll be back down soon."
Xander stared over at Wesley once more and then grabbed Buffy's hand, "Could you take the butler with you, he's creeping me out just standing there looking suspicious the whole time."
Buffy laughed as she rolled her eyes and then walked over to Wesley and led him up the stairs.
When Buffy walked into the room she couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Fred sitting up in the bed, wide awake and talking to Giles.
She quickly rushed over and gave Fred a big hug, "I'm so happy you're okay. I mean, are you okay? Does it hurt? Are you sore? Do you remember anything? Did you…"
"Buffy." Giles interrupted, "Slow down. She just woke up moments ago. I think she needs some space."
"Oh, of course. I'm sorry." Buffy said, sliding off the bed quickly.
"No, it's okay Buffy. I'm fine. A little groggy, but I remember everything and I did need a hug, so thanks." She said with a smile directed right at Buffy.
"Good, I knew you did." Buffy grinned and sat back down beside Fred, "You look good though. You looked a bit pale for a while there, but you are getting that glow back now and I think that's a good sign."
"Well yes, it's a good first step." Giles removed the blood pressure device from Fred's arm and put it in his bag, "I think maybe we should let Fred rest a bit now. You can stay with her for a bit, but try not to tire her out, okay?"
"I won't. I promise." Buffy said as Giles picked up his stuff and left the room with the mayor.
"I guess I gave everyone quite a scare. I sure didn't mean to." Fred said almost apologetically.
"It just shows how many people care about you." Buffy added as she stared deep into Fred's eyes.
"What? Do I have something on my face? Is my makeup running?" Fred said, covering her face with her hands.
Buffy pulled Fred's hands away, "No silly, I was just looking at your eyes."
"Why is that?" Fred asked curiously, her eyes now focusing in on Buffy's green eyes.
"I don't know really, I just think you have beautiful brown eyes. I didn't mean to stare." Buffy said, very aware of Fred's penetrating stare.
"Well thank you." Fred smiled, "I think you have very expressive eyes, so pretty too."
"I was just noticing that your eyes seem much more soft and pretty than Marisella's." Buffy saw the confused look on Fred's face and knew she'd just said something she shouldn't, "Anyway, I should let you get some rest. I'll be back soon."
Buffy got up to leave, but didn't get very far.
"Stop right there." Fred said loudly, "Now sit your cute little butt down and tell me who Marisella is and why you compared me to her."
Turning slowly to face Fred, Buffy knew she just spilled the beans and now had to decide what to tell her, "I'm sorry. I didn't want to mention any of this now. You do not need to worry about anything but getting your strength back."
"If you keep stalling I'll show you how strong I am." Fred said in as threatening a manner as she was capable of, "Come on, what's going on? I deserve to know if it's about me."
"I know and I agree, but you have been through a lot already." Buffy moved back over and hopped up beside Fred, "You're right. You do deserve to know this. I'll tell you and we can move on from there."
"Thank you Buffy." Fred said, lying back down as Buffy told her everything she knew about the ring.
Wolfram & Hart's LA Office.
Lilah made her way to her office, doing her best to hold in her emotions as she spotted Anya standing outside Angelus' office. As she made it to her desk, she tried to ignore Anya, but knew that wouldn't last long and she was right.
"Hi Lilah. I love the skirt." Anya said with a sly grin.
"Thanks." Lilah replied, trying to keep the conversation to a minimum.
"Have you seen Angelus today?"
"Does it look like I've been here today?" Lilah snapped sarcastically.
Anya took in Lilah's sarcasm, but wasn't sure what brought it on. "You could've just come back from a meeting. No need to get all bitchy."
Lilah turned her computer and took a sip of coffee as she looked over at Anya, "This isn't bitchy, this is just normal me when I have to talk to vampire groupies who hang outside Angelus' door."
"Hey, I'm not a groupie." Anya denied instantly, "Angelus and I have a mutual respect for each other and are very close if you must know."
"Whatever you say toots."
Anya wasn't sure how to take Lilah's latest comment, "Is that in insult? Cause if it is I'll have to think of one back."
"Don't strain yourself." Lilah laughed, "Can't you wait inside? I'll let you in if it will give me some peace and quiet."
"Angelus has made it very clear that I'm not to go into his office if he's not there. He can get nasty when he's upset, so I'll just wait here with you." Anya noticed Lilah working on her computer so she moved in for a closer look, "Whatcha doing?"
Lilah switched screens and turned to Anya, "I'm working. I know, novel concept to a demon, but I can't do my job with you hovering over my shoulder. So, if you don't mind."
"Actually, I could make your job very easy. Just say the word and I can finish it all for ya." Anya said, ready to use her magic at a moment's notice.
Angelus walked into the room and stormed past both women, opened his office and slammed the door behind him.
"Yikes, looks like you picked the wrong time to visit." Lilah said as she smiled at Anya.
"He's always happy to see me." Anya said as she checked her outfit in the mirror, "So I will go in and brighten his day like always."
"Right, good luck with that." Lilah said as she watched Anya slink her way up to Angelus' door.
"Honey, can I come in?" Anya said with a sexy voice.
"No. Get out and stay out." Angelus screamed.
Anya looked back at Lilah, then continued to knock on the door, "Are ya sure? I can make you feel all better. Come on, let me in and I'll show you."
"I won't say it again Anya." Angelus said in a voice that terrified her to the core.
"Okay then, I'll let you rest for a bit and I'll be back later and we can talk." Anya said to the door and then held her head up high as she walked over to Lilah, "So, did you want to do lunch?"
Lilah looked around before looking at Anya, "Me? Are you crazy? I don't even like you."
"It's just food Lilah, no need to get all defensive." Anya said as she hopped up on Lilah's desk, "I could use the company. I hate eating alone."
"You really have some nerve." Lilah said shaking her head.
"Of course, how else do you get ahead in this business." Anya stated firmly and then leaned in close, "I'm pretty sure a lot of people would say the same about you. I know you eat. How about that new Italian place downtown?"
"You really are something." Lilah said, finding it very awkward to have Anya's lips so close to hers, "Fine, I'll go. They always say keep your enemies close, so why not."
"Excellent!" Anya cheered as she slid off Lilah's desk, "I think this could be the beginning of something special."
"I wouldn't bet on it, but I'm sure we can find something to talk about." Lilah turned off her computer, picked up her briefcase and as Anya put her arm around her, the two women headed towards the elevator.
Angelus was fuming and he wasn't about to hide it. Picking up the phone, he called the private number he was warned not to abuse.
"Angelus, I hope this isn't another call to complain." The voice said.
"I want a portal opened now. I'm getting a little tired of being given the run around by you three. You know I can find another way up there. So, save me the trouble and do it now. This will be my last meeting."
"As you wish." The voice said just as a portal appeared in front of Angelus.
Jumping into the portal, Angelus was transported right back to the large arena.
"Well, at least it was quick this time. Now, I heard rumor today on my way to the office that says Spike isn't dead after all. Is this true?" Angelus questioned as he paced around the large area.
"Yes, it is true. Does this trouble you?" The tall man asked.
"It sure as hell does." Angelus shouted, "Spike's caused me enough trouble to last a hundred lifetimes. I have this nasty suspicion you are behind his rebirth. If that's true, things are going to get ugly very fast."
The short chubby man stepped forward, "You seem angry Angelus. I don't believe it is with us or with Spike. Something is troubling you deeply and you are lashing out at whomever you can find. You must deal with your inner pain before you can move on."
Angelus could only laugh at the comments as he began climbing up the stairs.
"You must not climb these stairs Angelus. The rules are clear about this. Stop or we will be forced to take action." Said the tall man as he backed up against the wall.
"I had a feeling you'd say that." Angelus laughed, "Chubby there is right, I am angry at someone. Myself. But, not for anything you might suspect. In fact, I've never been more clear about anything in my life. I've chosen a new path in life. Yes, that's right, I'm about to reinvent myself in a spectacular fashion."
"You will die before you reach us. Is that what you want?" The tall man asked. "You could do so much if you just showed a little more patience. Destiny awaits those who follow the correct path. If you give up your destiny, everything that was meant for you will become Spike's. Is that what you want?"
"What I want is a challenge. Angelus is no longer a challenge for me. Once I kill you three, I will have nothing left to live for. A new life is all that I seek. Now say your prayers you manipulative bastards, because it's time to die."
Angelus moved up the stairs at the lightning fast pace, dodging thousands of stakes as they whizzed by him from every direction. With the three men alone on the ledge, they tried to cast a spell on Angelus, but it backfired as it reflected back on them with brutal force. The impact of the three separate spells was so great, there was little left of the men as they plummeted hundreds of feet to their certain death.
Climbing back down, Angelus realized the audience had disappeared as soon as the three wise men died, making the trip down much safer. At the bottom he walked over to the three men, unmasked them to see the bodies of demons under their human skin.
Standing at the edge of the stadium, Angelus held out his hands and began chanting.
It was a good ten minutes of incoherent ramblings when a cloaked figure approached from out of nowhere. "I didn't expect to hear from you so soon."
"You predicted this would happen." Angelus said as he walked up to the figure, "Things change. I just never realized this day would actually happen."
The figure led Angelus down an invisible walkway until they stopped at an elevator in the middle of nowhere. They stepped inside. The man pushed a button and then continued, "Life is a funny thing when you walk with the humans on a daily basis. They are a strange and confusing breed and yet for all their flaws, they continue to move forward. You could move forward as one of us if you so wish."
"Do I give up the ring of Amarra?" Angelus asked as he rubbed his precious ring.
"That will be decided by a panel of elders. There is much discussion on this very subject going on at this very moment. Excellent cases are being made pro and con about the ring and if you join us you will get your say in this as well."
"In many ways this ring led me here." Angelus said, still staring at the magical ring,
"Being invincible has been less exciting than I imagined. All the things that made life challenging just disappeared. Every day life has become boring. In all my years, I've never felt this before. I need a new challenge. A new life. I need a soul."
"Angelus, this is a big step for you." Said the man as they stepped out of the elevator, "I have to caution you on what you will be in for. Not everyone will welcome you aboard. To many on our side of the fight, you will always be a vampire. A killer. A thing that should be staked. This will not be easy. Do not forget that a soul will bring pain, agony, torment, regret and more guilt than you can handle. While it may be a noble choice, it will not be an easy one to live with."
"What is this place?" Angelus asked as he looked around at what appeared to be a never-ending room.
"It's the beginning and the end. It's where the next part of your life takes place. Whichever you choose, the path begins here." He said as he continued walking straight ahead.
"I was never big on this destiny mumbo jumbo, so I hope you don't talk like this all the time." Angelus said, constantly looking around for some sign of life around him, but never seeing a thing.
"Destiny can rarely be predicted." The man said with a hearty laugh, "In fact, only a few ancient prophecies have ever come true. However, we are in the middle of perhaps the most important prophecy of all and you will play a big part in it, regardless of which side you are on."
Angelus opened the door and walked through to the other side, shocked to walk into his office at Wolfram & Hart, "Okay, that was freaky, even for me. Why did you bring me here? What is your name anyway? Won't I be leaving this place and go work at some nice pretty white office with happy people everywhere?"
"You have a strange perception of human's still." The man said still laughing, "They are not all happy, sad, nor good nor bad, they are a combination of all these things. Even those on the side of good can stray to the dark side now and again. It's what keeps us on our toes around here. Oh and you can call me Praetos."
"How can you work with humans when you look like that?" Angelus asked, pointing to the man's demon like appearance.
"Ah, but Angelus, this is not the form I take on earth. If you choose to go through this and get a soul, you will not remember this meeting. When we do meet again, it will feel like the first time for you. It's how it must be." Praetos, said as he sat down across from the desk.
"I'm not sure I like that, but I can live with it." Angelus looked out his massive window one last time and then sat back down at his desk, "Okay, I'm ready to do this. Where do I sign?"
Praetos pulled out a contract the size of a dictionary and sat it in front of him, "You might want to get a good lawyer to look at this. There's a lot of small print. It states, among many other things, that if you ever have your soul removed, you will be killed. Make no mistake; this will happen with or without the Ring of Amarra. Second, your memories of Angelus will remain with you. This will be so you can be reminded of the horrible things you've done and also so you have can remain acquaintances of those you've met in your long life. One big clause is vital to remember, you will not kill another human once you sign this. It's strictly forbidden and enforced. Many times you will come across a human who is as despicable, if not more so, then any vampire or demon you've known, but you mustn't kill them. Let the humans take care of all human issues such as this. Lastly and perhaps the hardest clause of all, there will be no contact with humans for the purpose of sexual gratification of any kind. It's not a rule, it's a law and again will be enforced. If you wish to have dalliances with members of your own kind, you may do so at your own leisure. If you have any questions, I suggest you read through this contract thoroughly and ask them before you sign on the dotted line."
"I have no problem with any of those conditions. I never had much luck with human women before, so I can live without that hassle again." Angelus flipped through the contract, but quickly stopped as his eyes growing wide, "Will I be working with the slayers?"
"Let's take things one step at time. I wouldn't rule it out though, but not for some time." Praetos said as he heard a ringing in his ears, "I must go now Angelus, please read this carefully, there are clauses for most everything under the sun and it's imperative you are aware of all of them before you sign this. I hope to see you again soon." Praetos said and then snapped his fingers and disappeared from the room.
Angelus grabbed the mammoth document and began reading.
Sunnydale Park.
Darla waited patiently at the park bench, checking her watch every minute or so until Harmony got in the way, "This is boring. Are you sure the meeting is for now? Cause I don't see anyone around."
"Maybe you're right." Darla said as she spotted her contact across the park, "Why don't you go get us some coffee and if nobody is here when you get back we'll leave. Fair enough?"
"Sure, although I don't really like coffee, can I get something else?" Harmony asked and then thought of all the other choices, "Ohhh, like a latte or a milkshake or maybe even some lemonade, I love that. Or maybe I could…"
Taking Harmony by the hand, Darla handed Harmony lots of money, "Harmony, take this and get anything you want. You should hurry, I think I see that girl heading towards the lemonade stand."
Harmony took one look and began running towards the girl, turning only to wave at Darla, as she pushed the girl out of the way and ran to the front of the line.
Darla smiled and then walked back to the bench and sat down beside the figure in the large trench coat, "Don't ya think that's a bit conspicuous on a nice warm sunny day?"
"It's best to be cautious." The man said as he shifted his eyes from side to side, "Do you have what I want?"
"Yes, but it may not be as useful as we thought." Darla handed the man an envelope.
"I hope this is what I think it is." He said as he slid open the envelope and pulled out a picture and a couple pieces of paper.
"Yes, it's what you asked for, although I have no idea why." Darla said as she took the money from the man and slipped it into her bra.
"Excellent. I knew they knew each other. This is perfect." The man pulled down his look and looked over at Darla. "By the way, do you know if Tara was in school today?"
"Principal Snyder, you know I can't talk about Tara with you. She asked me not to."
"Shhhh." He said, scolding Darla yet again as he pulled up his hood, "No names."
"Um, yes sir." Darla said, holding in her laugh.
"Tara is missing way too many classes lately and I need to find out what's going on with her. Could you at least try and keep an eye on her for me?" Snyder asked in his best attempt at sounding sincere.
Darla hated being in such an awkward position, "Mr. Snyder, I just told you I can't betray Tara's trust. I will say she's doing fine and if she skipped class it wasn't for anything bad."
"Okay, that's all I wanted to know." He said and then got to his feet and slinked away.
Harmony returned with her lemonade as principal Snyder crossed the street, "Who were you meeting?"
"Oh nobody important." Darla said and quickly got up and took Harmony in a different direction, "So, when was the last time you saw Tara?"
"I don't know, probably last Friday at your party. Why?"
Darla acted nonchalant, "Someone was looking for her that's all."
"Isn't she coming to the big college party on Friday?" Harmony asked, wondering if Darla was losing it.
"Yes, as far as I know, but I haven't seen her since Friday. Have you?"
"I guess I haven't. What's going on?" Harmony stopped walking and turned serious, "I may be slow, but I'm not as dumb as I look, is Tara in some kind of trouble?"
Darla pulled Harmony into an alley, "I honestly don't know, but I'm starting to get worried about her. She hasn't been in school all week and the last I saw of her, she was with this guy at the party. He looked a bit creepy to me, but I didn't want to say anything to her. Then when I went to check on her later, she was gone."
"I know the guy she was with!" Harmony said. Her voice filled with excitement. "Well, I know his name, I don't know him personally, but Tara introduced me to him. I'm pretty sure his name was Lindsay. Don't know his last name. He wasn't that tall and he didn't stand out at all, except he did sing for her and I know she loved that."
"Yes, I remember now. He hit on me early on, but I had no idea he was with Tara." Darla said as she began to remember more of the party, "Lindsay also spent a lot of time talking to that tall, good looking guy Gunn. I need to get to LA. There's someone I have to talk to."
"What? Not again. You and your trips. Sometimes you get so secretive and take off for days on end. What is it you're not telling me?" Harmony said with a whiny voice, then as if she'd been hit with a light bulb, "OMG, you're a narc aren't you? You know, one of those undercover drug cops who sneak into schools to break up the big drug ring? That's it. I knew it."
"I'm not a narc Harmony. I hope that helps." Darla said with a laugh, "I have family in LA and I visit them now and then."
"Fine, don't tell me." Harmony said as she turned to hide her disappointment, "I would never tell anyone, I wish you knew that. I wish you trusted me even a little."
Darla put her hands on Harmony's shoulders and turned her around, "Harmony, we've shared a lot together over the years. I think you'd agree almost all of it has been fun. Why would I do that if I didn't care? Don't make a big deal out of this, please."
"I can't help it. You do this all the time. Take off and never tell me a thing. It's fine, I'll get over it. I always do." Harmony said, trying to stay calm, but just had to add one more thing, "I know I can be kind of silly and say dumb things, but have I ever told one of your secrets? Have I ever done a thing to show you I can't be trusted? I don't think I have. So yes, it does hurt that you still can't tell me where you go or why."
"Oh Harmony, I wish I could tell you more, but I can't, at least not now, but maybe one day." Darla put her arms around Harmony and hugged her tight, "It's not about not trusting you though, that's not even an issue for me. I do trust you and one day you will understand. I'm sorry, but it can't be today."
"I said I was fine. Good old Harmony just smiles and does as she's told. Yep, that's me." Harmony said with biting sarcasm, "Well, I guess I should get home then. You do need to pack I'm sure."
"I wish we could leave on a happier note than this. Is there anything I can do to make things better?" Darla said as she leaned in close and lifted Harmony's chin up, "Anything at all?"
Harmony could never resist Darla's sweet yet seductive ways and as she gazed into her hypnotic blue-green eyes she put her hands up Darla's neck, held her tightly and kissed her hard as she pushed her against the alley wall.
Kissing wasn't new for these two either and it showed in how quickly they fell into each other's arms, mouths locked together as they kissed harder and deeper.
Darla pulled back, her eyes filled with surprise, "Why did you do that?"
"You know why. I never wanted us to break up." Harmony said, still holding Darla's tiny waist, "Take me with you."
"I can't." Darla said breathlessly as she turned away.
"I know you can." Harmony said, spinning Darla around and pushing her back up against the wall. "I can see it in your eyes that you want to. I can feel it in your touch. I know you so well Darla. Let's forget the past. I have. Please, take me with you."
With her head spinning with thoughts of what she should do and what she wanted to do, Darla stood against the wall unable to think straight, "Okay, you can come, but only if you don't ask any questions."
Harmony's excitement couldn't be contained as she jumped into Darla's arms, "Thank you, thank you, thank you. I know we're going to have fun. I don't care why you're going, I'm just so happy right now."
"You have no idea how much trouble I made for myself." Darla said with a long sigh, "But, since you're coming, we better go get packed."
The Bronze.
Riley walked into The Bronze and made his way through the crowded dance floor, looking for Jenny as he sat down at an empty booth. The music was loud, the lights were dim and the mood was certainly upbeat as Riley scanned the dance floor closer.
At the back of the club, Jenny had her arms around an attractive blonde woman and they were dancing cheek to cheek as if they were the only two people in the room.
As much as he was enjoying the show, Riley also had a schedule to keep so he got up, made his way towards Jenny, stopped inches from her and stood still.
Jenny didn't notice Riley at all, but her friend did and tapped Jenny on the ass to get her attention. Looking over at Riley she quickly stopped dancing and looked at her watch, "Oh shit. I'm so sorry Riley. I lost track of time."
"I see that." Riley said with a nod as he looked over at the blonde woman and then back at Jenny, "It looks like you're having a good time. Maybe we should meet later."
"No, I'm ready now." Jenny said quickly, "Oh and this is my friend Kate."
"It's nice to meet you." Riley said, taking a long look at Kate.
"Yes, nice to meet you Riley." Kate said and then looked over at Jenny remembering her earlier conversation about Claire Riley, "I'll leave you two to your meeting. I'll call you later Jenny. Bye."
Jenny wanted to rush after her, but could only wave bye as Kate left the club. Riley moved back to his booth and Jenny followed close behind.
"Well then, shall we begin?" Riley asked as he sat his briefcase on the small table.
"Yes, I'm ready." Jenny pulled out two envelopes full of pictures and handed them to Riley, "These are all the copies of what I took for the mayor as well some others that I thought you'd be more interested in."
Sorting through the pictures, Riley tossed most everyone aside, but did pull one out and give it a second look, "Do you have more of her?"
Jenny looked at the picture he was holding, checked the name on the back, opened her purse and checked the other envelopes, eventually pulling out two more pictures for Riley.
"This is good. I want pictures of everybody Darla talks to from now on." Riley ordered and then slipped the photos into his briefcase. "She is not a student at Sunnydale."
"What do you mean? Most every picture I have of her is at or around the school." Jenny said, confused as to what Riley knew that she didn't.
Looking through the rest of the pictures Riley once again stopped and held one up to Jenny, "Have you seen this man around the school lately?" he said, holding up a picture of Lindsay McDonald.
"Yes, from what I've seen, he seems to be passing himself off as some movie executive in town to recruit beautiful young women for his next movie." Jenny paused as Riley started laughing, "I take it he's not some movie exec? Who is he?"
"He's a pest; a pest that needs to be controlled." Riley squeezed his can of beer until it was little more than dust, "He's the worst kind of vermin, the human kind, a hotshot lawyer on the fast track to fame and fortune. Only trouble is, he joined the wrong firm and now is knee deep in corruption. I need to find out what he's recruiting these young girls for. Chances are it's not just for his own personal use and that is not good news for any of them."
Hoping to make up for being late for the meeting, Jenny decided to try to make up for that, "I'm sure have your own people, but I do know a PI if you want someone to look into this for you."
"That's kind of you to offer Jenny, but I don't like to mix business with pleasure. It never seems to work out. I'm sure Kate's very good at her job." Riley added, watching Jenny's face as she tried to hide her surprise.
"Oh, do you know Kate?"
"I know a lot of things. I like to keep up on all the players." Riley sipped his drink slowly and watched Jenny's reaction carefully. "Don't worry, I'm not spying on you. In fact I had no idea the two of you knew each other until I saw you dancing together."
"Right about that, is that going to a problem?" Jenny asked, taking a long drink from her glass of wine.
"What's that? That you were dancing with her or that you know her?"
Jenny smiled, "Both?"
"Ah, well you rest at ease; I have no problem with either." Riley added quickly, "I hope I don't have to caution you that the work you do with me is not for her ears or anyone else's. That, I would have a problem with."
"Yes of course. I'd never do that." Jenny said sincerely.
"Good, then we should get along just fine. I have to be going now so I hope you have a fun night dancing. I'll be in touch." Riley picked up his briefcase, slid an envelope in front of Jenny and walked out of the Bronze.
Jenny picked up the envelope, smiled as she saw the nice wad of cash inside, slipped it into her purse and ran out of the club to find Kate.
Buffy Summers house.
Buffy walked into the living room to see Willow and Xander working away at the computer, while Wes, Giles and the mayor were talking in the kitchen and Dawn was in the living room watching TV.
Willow turned as she heard Buffy come into the room, "Hi, how's Fred doing?"
"She's doing much better now. I think a good night's rest should be all she needs." Buffy said as she sat down beside them, "How's your searching coming?"
"Pretty damn impressive if I do say so myself." Xander said proudly and then handed Buffy the countless sheets of paper they'd printed out already.
"Impressive is right." Buffy nodded, flipping through the pages until she spotted one on Marisella. "Did you guys read any of this? Sure would save me some time."
"Read? You wanted us to read it too?" Xander said with an exaggerated gasp, "Must've been a mix up, I just hit the print key. Maybe Willow did, although she was the search girl, so I doubt it."
"Willow?"
Willow shook her head no, "Sorry, I was trying to get as much printed out as we could."
"That's okay, I need to learn all I can about this race, especially Marisella." Buffy took the printouts, walked into the living room and sat beside Dawn.
"Hey, what's that stuff? Can I help?" Dawn asked as she leaned over to see what Buffy was reading.
"Not now Dawn. Go play in your room." Buffy said dismissively.
"No, I'm not 6 and besides, I was watching TV, so you go away." Dawn pushed Buffy away from her and turned back to the TV.
"Stop being a brat." Buffy said as she grabbed the remote from Dawn.
"Give it back. Give it." Dawn tried to pull it from her sister's hands, but she simply was no match in strength, got mad and got up from the couch. She turned towards Buffy as she walked past the cage on the ground, giving her one last dirty look as she walked towards the stairs.
"Nice ass." Sigmund said with a smile.
Dawn bent down and looked inside the cage, seeing what she thought was a cute little pet, she opened the cage and let Sigmund out.
Sigmund slid under Dawn's legs and as it looked back up at her, his eyes glued to her super tight jeans, "Wow, I have to say it again, nice ass sweetheart."
All five people turned to see who had just said that and came rushing into the room as Dawn knelt down and picked up Sigmund, "Aren't you a cute little guy."
Buffy got up and walked over to Dawn, "Cute? Hello, that thing made a crude comment about you. It's not cute."
"Oh it was a compliment, geez, he said it was nice or did you miss that part?" Dawn explained as she played with Sigmund.
"See, it was nice blondie, so get lost." Sigmund said as he rubbed up against Dawn's chest.
"Why you little…" before she could finish Buffy had pulled Sigmund off Dawn and was about to toss him out the door when Wesley came a running.
"Wait." He bellowed as he ran up to Buffy, "May I please take the little brat? I'm so sorry for his offensive language."
"Why are you getting all upset? He's cute and I like him. So, if he goes I go." Dawn said, snapping Sigmund from Buffy's grip.
"Dawn, give him back." Buffy said, moving closer to Dawn.
"If I may…." Wesley said as he jumped in between the sister's, "Sigmund is rarely friendly to anyone, if it's at all possible, I'd like to see how it interacts with Dawn."
Buffy gave Wesley a dumfounded look, "Are you crazy, that little piece of rock was checking out my sister's ass, I don't want it anywhere near her. You created this thing?"
"Well yes I did, but somehow his language program went astray." Wesley said with his usual embarrassed look, "It seems as though he learned most of his phrases from TV. Anyway, he is harmless and he seems to be happy and in Dawn likes his company, well, perhaps it would do them both good."
"Yes, I really want to keep him. Please, I'll teach him some new words, maybe some manners. Well?" Dawn said staring right at Buffy.
"I don't know. I can't say I feel good leaving you alone with this foul mouthed thing." Buffy said, looking around the room to see everyone staring back at her, and with a quick look at Sigmund, she turned back to Dawn, "Fine, but if he mentions your ass one more time, I swear…"
Sigmund snuck its head out from under Dawn's arms, "You swear what little girl? That you'll use all that 95 pounds of girlyness to beat me up? I'm so scared. Why don't you just go to…"
Dawn covered Sigmund's mouth, "Would you shut up for one second. Do you want to go back in the cage?"
Sigmund shook his head no.
"Well, you better learn a new word right now. Say sorry to Buffy." Dawn demanded and then uncovered his mouth.
"I guess I'm supposed to say sorry. So um, sorry." Sigmund said, doing his best not to add anything else.
"Thank you Sigmund." Buffy said with a slight grin and then looked up at Dawn, "Okay, you can keep him. But, only on a trial basis."
Dawn put her arms around Buffy and hugged her as she jumped up and down.
Sigmund, caught in the middle of the two girls chests, looked first at Dawn's and then at Buffy's, "Yummy, what a nice soft place to sleep. I could get used to this."
Putting her hand over Sigmund's mouth, Dawn grinned, knelt down, picked up his cage and ran upstairs.
Buffy walked over to Wesley, "You better hope that little creature doesn't corrupt my little sister or you're going to have a very angry slayer on your hands."
"I will keep an eye on Sigmund and make sure he stays in line. I promise." Wesley said, doing his best to assure Buffy that all was well, "On to more important things, have you found anything more on the Glascoph's?"
"That's what I was trying to do when your little friend started making wisecracks about my sister." Buffy said as she walked back over, sat down and with Wes, Giles and the mayor all standing around, she handed them each a couple sheets of the printouts and then began reading a few herself.
After they had finished all the reading, they got together in the kitchen to compare notes.
Buffy looked around the table and with nobody speaking up, began to talk, "Okay, here's what I've learned about queen Millicent. According to your records, she was the second queen of the Glascoph's. Her reign lasted 2,000 years. She took Marisella as her lover 200 years into her reign and they stayed together until Millicent's death at the hands of a Deparis death squad."
Giles removed his glasses and began reading from his piece of paper, "I found something interesting here. It's a brief history of the Glascoph's." Giles stood up as he began reading. "They were a unique science oriented demon race, content on living off their own land and rarely interacting with other species. Virtually hidden in the center of a cluster of stars deep within the Orion nebula, they lived a quiet existence until a Deparis scouting vessel discovered them. 2 years later, the Deparis annihilated the Glascoph's.
"A unique demon race, with an even more unique physiology. 95% demon, 5% human, making them the only demon race of it's kind. While it's unclear how the first Glascoph was created, the link between Cleopatra, and Emarella, before she became the first queen of the Glascoph's, is undeniable. It is also said that their union forged their new race.
"The Glascoph's, blessed with above average intelligence, superior willpower and longevity, still had only one known demon power were. Their only known power was the ability to morph into other entities as well as other objects; the very deadly side effect of this power is that overuse results in a permanent drain on their life-force.
"Millicent, Marisella and a team of scouts began searching for another inhabitable planet soon after they destroyed the Deparis scouts. Knowing they had been exposed meant their whole way of life had been permanently altered.
"Landing on earth was a last resort, with Millicent intrigued by rumors of the goddess Aphrodite, she sought to meet her and discuss a solution for her people. Unfortunately for Millicent, Aphrodite had been dead for thousands of years by the time she arrived.
"Still, earth was compatible for Millicent's people, so she chose to leave Marisella in London with a charming upper class family, after spending a couple months learning the human way of life. Back on Carravella, Millicent readied her people for battle.
"When faced with a Deparis army that was twice their size, they still managed to weather the first wave of attacks, but with most of her people slaughtered, Millicent sent the surviving members on a shuttle in hopes of finding a new planet to inhabit.
"Alone and facing thousands of troops, she put up a valiant fight, morphing in and out of plants, rock and even into Deparis troops, her life-force faded away and she was killed by a Deparis leader called Actri, who then became ruler of Carravella, which he renamed, Actrovious."
Visibly angered by what she'd just heard, Buffy was quick to react, "Okay, I don't like these Deparis demons at all. We need to learn more about them too and fast."
"Yes, I agree, but before we do you all should hear this." the mayor said as he read his portion of the printouts. "Marisella's history is sketchy at best. Here's what we have pieced together. Marisella was said to have become head of a wealthy mining family, amassing a fortune by the late 1800's. Since her demon genetic makeup prevented her from having children, she searched out other ways to keep the Glascoph's history alive.
"It is said she met up with the renowned British scientist Daniel Manning in the late 1960's. With her advanced knowledge of science, she was able to help speed up his research into genetics, DNA and molecular biology, which in turn helped her discover a way to systematically change her own DNA structure and her gene cell patterns enough that her body was physically able to have a child. Indeed, she did give birth to a baby girl in the summer of 1973.
"While it was generally assumed that Dr. Manning was the father of the child, upon further study, it was believed that Marisella developed the donor sample on her own. Marisella gave the child up for adoption that same year, fearing repercussions if she didn't. The family that adopted her was Elizabeth and Keith Raiden.
"The Raiden's moved to Los Angeles in 1975. They had a daughter of their own in 1981. After numerous claims of neglect and child endangerment, they sent Gwen to the Thorpe Academy for scientific study. Then, after sending their adopted daughter Lilah to a foster home, they left the country and fled to England.
"A loving home on the east coast raised Lilah and had her name permanently changed to Lilah Morgan. Gwen Raiden escaped the Thorpe Academy when she was 13. Her whereabouts are unknown at this time.
"Lilah Morgan is currently working for the law firm Wolfram & Hart in Los Angeles. There seems to be some pages missing in the history, but this is a good place to start."
"Wolfram and Hart?" Wesley asked at the top of his lungs, "This is not good. If Marisella somehow got mixed up with the wrong people, she could become a serious threat to all of us."
Giles got up and pulled out his cell phone, "Obviously we need to get moving here. I'm going to call the head office and have our research staff look into all of this as thoroughly as possible until we have every piece of information we need to move forward."
"Well, we know how Marisella has a connection to this Lilah Morgan, what we still don't know is how Fred is connected to Millicent. It has to be here somewhere. There's something missing. I know it. I can feel it." Buffy said, looking up towards her room and thinking of Fred as she did.
"Right then, I'll get back to my office and get some people to look into Lilah and Gwen and I'll let you know when I find something." The mayor said, getting up from his chair and waving goodbye as he left.
"Buffy, you should take a look at this." Willow said, motioning towards her computer screen.
Sunnydale Airport: Private Hangar.
Faith got off the mayor's jet and started walking towards the limo. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw something or someone peek out from the rear of the car. Being stuck in the middle of nowhere wasn't the best place to be for an ambush, so Faith decided to be the aggressor and ran full speed towards the limo, took a huge leap up and over the roof, landing on the other side.
Ready to attack, Faith quickly recoiled as she spotted an attractive blonde woman standing up from her kneeling position, "Um, hi there. You must be Faith."
"And you shouldn't be hiding behind my car should you?" Faith said as she moved in close and started frisking the woman.
"Oh, I didn't expect this." She said as Faith slid her hands up and down the woman's curvy body. "Feel free to check every inch of my body, but when you're done, I will say I do have a gun in my purse. Yes, I have a permit for it."
Faith found herself enjoying being in control as the woman put up no resistance to her wandering hands, "Why don't you start by telling me who you are and why you are here?"
"By all means." She said as she slowly reached for her purse, "I'm just getting my ID. I'm not stupid enough to try anything with a slayer."
"You seem to know who I am and that makes me very uncomfortable. I get edgy when that happens. Make bad decisions." Faith said as she held onto the woman's waist as she reached into her purse, "So you might want to hurry the explanation part up a tad."
Pulling out her ID, she handed it to Faith.
"Kate Lockley, Private Investigator. Well, isn't that special." Faith said as she looked over the ID, "Who hired you and why?"
"I wouldn't be a very good PI if I gave up my employer that fast." Kate said, putting her hand over Faith's as she took back her ID. "I can say that I'm not here to hurt you or cause you any problems. I'm here to deliver you a message."
"I'm listening."
Kate put her ID back in her purse and looked back at Faith, "I am supposed to let you know that a friend of yours, Gwen Raiden, is being held…"
"You can stop right there. I've been to see Gwen. That's where I came from." Faith said with a disappointed glare, "I guess you aren't very good at your job."
"Oh, I'm good. I'm damn good." Kate said defensively, "If you've seen Gwen then my job is done."
"I guess so, but what if I had another job for you? Are you interested?" Faith asked, as she opened up the back seat of her limo and motioned for Kate to have a seat.
"Thank you." Kate said with a smile as she slid into the backseat, "I'll listen to any job offer."
Faith followed and sat across from Kate, "Good, I need some information on the person who hired you, Lilah Morgan. Gwen tells me she's her sister, but she never mentioned her before. It just seems a little suspicious. If she's telling the truth, then I can rest easier. If she isn't, I need to know what her game is." Faith then knocked on the glass separator and the driver rolled it down, "Take us the Summers house."
"I'm not sure I want this case. I've known Lilah for over a year and I don't feel right doing something behind her back." Kate said as she pulled out her notebook and then sat it down beside her, "Can't you just ask her about all this?"
"I could, but I'm not a lie detector am I, so until I know something for sure, I won't feel good knowing Lilah has Gwen's fate in her hands. My gut tells me Lilah is for real, but I can't leave something this big to chance." Faith said, grabbing herself a drink from the cooler, "Look, if you can't do it then give me the name of someone who can."
"Sorry, I can't help you with that. If you have another job offer I would be happy to take it in place of this." Kate said, helping herself to a bottle of water.
"If you aren't in a hurry you could come with me to my friends house, it's possible she has something you could do."
Kate took a sip and nodded her head yes, "I'm all yours."
Faith smiled and sat back against the soft leather, "So, do you know Lilah personally or just professionally?"
"Mostly just professionally, but we have been out for drinks a few times." Kate replied as studied the young slayer's every move, "She's very serious at work, but she's much different when she let's her hair down, it just doesn't happen very often."
"She seemed pretty high strung to me." Faith said, returning Kate's constant eye contact, "Are you looking at something?"
Kate shifted her eyes for a moment, but returned and continued, "Oh, I'm sorry, I was just wondering how old you were? You seem too young to be a slayer."
"You keep calling me a slayer?" Faith said as she leaned forward and hopped over beside Kate, "I never said I was a slayer. Is there something you should be telling me?"
"No, I mean, I'm a PI, I know things. It's my job." Kate said, sliding a few inches to the side, "After Lilah told me to find you I did some digging. It's not hard to find information if you know who to ask. Word gets out fast when a new slayer hits town and there is a huge buzz about you and Buffy. It's not exactly a secret."
"You sure are a fast talker." Faith said as she put her hand on Kate's shoulder and pulled her close, "Why don't you tell me what the buzz is about me and Buffy?"
"As you'd expect, the demons and vamps are scared, but they all seem to know there is something different about you and Buffy. Many of them mentioned a prophecy that could end up destroying them all, so yeah, they're a bit freaked out by what they call the chosen ones."
"Tell me Kate, which side are you on?" Faith asked, enjoying the fact she was making Kate nervous, "All's I see if an opportunist who'll take money from anyone. Is that accurate?"
"It's partially accurate." Kate said with a slight grin, "I guess I'm on the side of good, but it's not like I can spend days, weeks and months investigating everyone who has a case for me. I take a job, I do it and then I move on. It's not like I'm helping someone kidnap babies."
Faith felt the car stop and she knew they were, "Well, this is my stop. Why don't ya come in and say hi to Buffy?"
"I don't think I should." Kate said as she moved to get out of the car.
"I insist." Faith said, grabbing Kate's arm and helping her out of the car, "It won't take but a minute."
Kate looked down at Faith's hand firmly wrapped around her wrist, "I don't seem to have much of a choice."
"Don't be silly, we all make choices." Faith let go of Kate's arm and put her hands up on her shoulders, "If you want to take off, feel free."
Pausing to weigh her options, she decided it might be good to meet the other slayer, "No, I'm happy to meet your friends. Lead on."
"After you." Faith said with a smile as she nudged Faith towards the front door.
"You're too kind." Kate said with a big fake smile as she walked up and stood in front of Buffy's house.
Faith stopped in front and knocked on the door.
Kate stopped and gave her a curious look, "You have to knock?"
"Well yes, it's not my house."
"Still, I thought you and the slayer were friends?" Kate said as the door opened.
Dawn answered with Sigmund in her arms, "Hi Faith, come in. Who's your friend?"
"She's not really a friend; she's more of an acquaintance I just met. I want her to meet Buffy. Is she around?"
"Yes, she's in with the others reading over some history of something." Dawn let them in and closed the door behind her.
"Wow, nice sweater blondie." Sigmund said, staring right at Kate's tight sweater.
"Um, thanks, I think." Kate said, looking down at the strange creature.
"Sigmund, behave or it's the cage. Remember?" Dawn said as she held him up in front of her.
"Yes Dawn." Sigmund muttered, "But, if I can't be me, maybe I should be back in the cage."
"Oh don't say that. But, can't you look up subtle and try some of that next time?" Dawn said as she petted her little friend.
"Subtle sucks. I like to be honest and say what's on my mind. Most people, well, some people, well, I like it anyway." Sigmund said, as he blatantly stared at both Kate and Faith.
"I don't know what I'm gonna do with you." Dawn said with a sigh.
Buffy came into the living room to see what the commotion was, "Hi Faith, I'm glad you're back. Who's your friend?"
"This is Kate. She's a private investigator. She's good. She found me." Faith said as she looked over at Kate.
"Hi Buffy, it's nice to meet you." Kate said, shaking Buffy's hand, "I've heard a lot about the two of you."
"Have you now?" Buffy asked, already suspicious.
"You two both think alike, I can see that." Kate walked past Buffy, took a peak into the kitchen to see Willow, Xander, Giles and Wesley all hard at work on something and then turned back to Buffy, "I'm not the enemy. Really, I was asked to find Faith so I asked around. Just because I talked to some demons and vamps doesn't mean I work with them."
"No, but it doesn't help." Faith said as she went to grab Kate's purse.
"Wait." Buffy put her hand on Faith's and smiled, "Maybe we shouldn't do that, at least not yet."
"You are way too trusting and it's gonna burn you one day." Faith removed her hand from Kate's purse and walked past Buffy and into the kitchen.
"Thank you." Kate said softly.
"Don't thank you me just yet." Buffy said as she helped Kate over to a chair and helped sit her down, "If I find out you are working against us, I will hand you over to Faith myself. She's got a nasty temper when she feels betrayed."
"What is this?" Kate asked as she looked up at Buffy. "Good cop, bad cop? I used to be a cop, so if you're trying to scare me it's not gonna work."
"It's neither." Buffy said bluntly and then sat down beside Kate, "I don't know how much you know about demons, vamps and all that fun stuff, but we have situation to deal with and we do not need to be worrying about people like you working both sides of the fence."
"God, what do you want? A blood oath?" Kate asked sarcastically.
"Actually, that wouldn't hurt." Buffy kept a straight face as long as she could, but once Kate started to look nervous, Buffy couldn't help but laugh, "I was just kidding okay? But, the sentiment I like. If you are going to get in the middle of this battle, and I do mean battle, you're going to get hurt. I don't know if you are clueless or what, but if you keep asking questions to demons and vamps, you're gonna end up dead or worse. Maybe you just like the rush so much you don't care, but I do."
Kate wasn't sure how to respond and took a long time thinking of what to say.
"Silence is your answer?" Buffy said as she stood up in frustration, "Fine, just go. Let the PI's fall where they may. Good luck, you're gonna need it."
"I see you share the same impatience gene that Faith does." Kate snapped, "I'm not working against you. I didn't even know either of you until 30 minutes ago. I'm not some evil bad guy you have to watch out for. I actually came here because Faith said you might be able to use my special skills."
"Oh, well, I'm sorry if I was out of line, but there is a lot on the line right now." Buffy said, taking it down a notch, "I do have some things I need looked into. I'm not sure they are in your field of expertise."
"Why is that?"
"They are more of a supernatural type problem." Buffy stumbled as she tried to find the right words, "It's not your average case; that I do know."
"Just tell me about it. I'm pretty good at what I do and have many sources in the demon world."
"That's just it. I don't want to alert anyone about what we're trying to find out." Buffy said as she relaxed and sat back down, "Since this could affect all demons, I'm not so sure they would be trusted to keep quiet."
"Okay, so it means I have to do more of the work myself. It might take longer, but I can promise to do my best." Kate got to her feet, "It's up to you if you want to hire me."
"Just one second. I need to run this past the boss man, since he'll be paying you." Buffy said and then walked into the kitchen and pulled Giles aside, "Hey, I want to hire this girl to do some investigating for us. Are you okay with that?"
"It's not how we do things. We have our own people to do much the same thing." Giles asked as he took a peek at Kate, "Why do you think she can find what we need?"
"I'm not sure, but I have a good feeling about her." Buffy smiled as she made her case, "I think she's good at what she does, she seems strong, fearless and most of all willing to help."
"I'll trust your judgment for now. Give her something small to work on first, let's make sure she's as good as you think and can be trusted before we send on her something really important."
"That sounds fair." Buffy agreed, "What should we send her on? Looking deeper into Millicent or Marisella's history or maybe she could trace Fred's history and see if anything unusual has happened to her?"
"That sounds good. Let's start her on something human first. Maybe she can find something out about Fred that we don't know." Giles said as he started feeling comfortable with the idea of a PI.
"I'll go tell her." Buffy said and then walked back into the living room, "Hi, well we have something you can do for us."
"Good, give me some details and I'll get right on it." Kate took her trusty pad and pen and waited.
"We need you to look into the past of a girl named Winifred 'Fred' Burkle. She was born in a small town in Texas in 1978. We just want to know if anything out of the ordinary has happened to her. Maybe a list of her close friends or neighbors. Anyone doctors who had contact with her. Just anything you think is strange or different."
"That sounds easy enough." Kate said as she put away her pen and paper, "I can get started right away. I will need an expense account for airfare, accommodations and food while I'm on the case."
"No problem." Buffy said as she walked Kate to the door, "Actually, you can probably use the mayor's jet. I'll get Giles to go over the details with you before you go."
"Thanks, I won't disappoint." Kate said and then waited for Buffy to bring Giles over.
"Giles will go with you to the airport and arrange everything you need along the way." Buffy said as she showed them both to the door.
Ferdinand's Italian Restaurant Downtown Los Angeles.
Anya sat back in her chair watching Lilah sipping her wine, "You have the most elegant cheekbones I've ever seen. I bet you used to model."
"Only to pay my way through college, but yes I did model for a bit." Lilah looked back at Anya, lounging lazily against the soft smooth leather, her tight dress hugging her in all the right places. "I love that dress."
"Really? I'm not so sure." Anya said as she got to her feet and stood in front of a side mirror, "I saw it on a friend of mine, but I see now it was meant for her. She's taller and it flows better off her long legs."
"I don't know about her, but I know what I see and it looks just fine on you." Lilah said, standing up and moving behind Anya. Leaning over her shoulder, she looked in the mirror, "I'm not sure what you look for in a dress then, because this one works for you."
Anya spun around and looked up at the taller girl, "I like a dress that I couldn't wear home to my parent's, but would look hot at all the clubs, so hot it borders on slutty. I want people to notice it as soon as I walk in a room. I love that attention and it turns me on so much to have all those eyes on me at once."
"Well, you really know what you like." Lilah said as she looked into Anya's playful eyes, "And what do you like right now?"
"Oh, you don't want to know." Anya said as she slid her hand up inside Lilah's vest, "Are you sure you want me to show you?"
Lilah waited until Anya's hand had reached her breasts and pulled back, "I think maybe we've had too many drinks." Lilah said, her heart racing a mile a minute.
Anya watched Lilah take her seat, but followed and sat down on her lap, "I thought we were just getting started? What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just felt a little light headed for a moment." Lilah took a drink of water and held the glass up against her cheeks to cool her off.
"Oh, that's too bad. I was really starting to enjoy myself. Should I go?" Anya asked as she stood up and walked back to her side of the booth.
"No, don't go." Lilah said as she leaned forward, "Aren't you with Angelus or Drusilla or both?"
"Is that what you're worried about?" Anya asked, almost relieved to hear the question, "Don't be. We have an understanding. Besides, Angelus has been so moody lately I have a sense he's about to explode and I don't want to be anywhere around when that happens. As for Drusilla, we're old, old, old friends and enjoy each others company, but we aren't exclusive."
"Well, that's not the only thing." Lilah said, as she took another long drink of cold water, "I need to ask you about a girl named Gwen. I believe you helped put her in some mental institution."
Anya sat right up, "Why are you asking me about this? It's classified information. You shouldn't even know about it."
"I do know about it and I want to know why you did this to an innocent girl."
"Innocent? Do you have a clue who we're talking about? Gwen Raiden may have been young, but innocent she wasn't." Anya put her feet up on the table and took a long look into Lilah's eyes, "So tell me Lilah, just who is this Gwen to you?"
"That's not important." Lilah replied and then looked anywhere but into Anya's eyes, "I found out you were part of some plot to seduce a minor and I didn't like it."
"I don't believe you and now you're making me very unhappy with all these questions." Anya crawled across the table and pulled Lilah close, "Somebody better tell me what's going on before I get very angry."
"Stop it." Lilah said, pushing Anya away, "It's my job to see that nobody brings attention to Wolfram & Hart and let me tell you this, there are a lot of people asking about this Gwen person and I am trying to get to the bottom of it."
"You're lying." Anya said, her voice loud and her demeanor changing from sexy to pissed off in a matter of minutes, "Now it's my turn to start asking some questions. What is your connection to Gwen Raiden? I will find out, but better it come from you while I'm still in a relatively good mood."
"No, I am asking you what you did to this girl. Now tell me." Lilah yelled and then got up from her chair and walked over to Anya, "Did you have sex with Gwen?"
"Aren't we acting a wee bit jealous?" Anya smiled, as she looked up at Lilah, strangely curious as to her sudden offensive.
"I'm not jealous you bitch, I'm her sister." Lilah blurted it out before she knew it and then leaned down and put her hands around Anya's neck, "There, now you know. So answer me, did you have sex with my sister?"
"Slow down big momma." Anya said as she pulled Lilah's hands away from her neck, "Don't we have a temper? Not that I owe you any explanation for anything I do, but no I did not have sex with Gwen. I seduced her yes, but it was nothing more than a little flirtation to get the job done."
"Oh but you did kiss her?" Lilah asked as she took a seat beside Anya.
"Yes, we kissed a little."
"A little?"
"Okay, maybe a lot, but I was doing a job." Anya sat up and grabbed her glass of wine, "I don't usually say this, but I'm sorry for kissing her. If I had known she was your sister at the time… well, I probably still would've done it, but now that I know you a bit, I would've found another way to get the job done. Okay?"
"I guess so, but I do want her released from that facility." Lilah said, wanting to take advantage of Anya's moment of reflection.
"I can look into it, but your sister is highly sought after by the higher ups, I'm not so sure they'll be willing to let her go. You might need a bargaining chip, something to trade for her release. That's usually how things work around here."
"That's fine." Lilah said, slowly feeling at ease again, "I've got my fair share of bargaining chips. Do you have enough pull to get me a meeting?"
Anya slid over beside Lilah, put her hand over hers, "I might be able to work something out, but what's in it for me?"
"I don't know; what does a thousand year old demon want?"
"I'm not sure you can give me what I want." Anya said, sliding backwards as she looked into Lilah's eyes, "I'm not big on rejection and I just can't read you right now."
"If it's sex you want, well, I can do that."
"Oh god, it's just not the same now. The mood's shot." Anya sighed and grabbed the bottle of wine, "Why did you have to bring up Gwen anyway? You have no idea what you are missing out on."
"I'm sure we can work something else out. Besides, it might be good for you to have a friend; that you haven't slept with that is." Lilah said with a big laugh.
"Very funny. She makes jokes too. How nice." Anya gulped down the rest of the wine and tossed the bottle into the bucket, "Well, I guess the dinner is over. I need to get back to the firm, you need a ride?"
"Sure, but are you arranging that meeting for me or…?"
"I might as well, but you will owe me." Anya said, deflated, but still smiling as she walked with Lilah to the door.
Lindsey McDonald's Apartment in Downtown LA.
Lindsey stood looking out the window of his penthouse apartment, staring out into the clear blue sky, seemingly at peace, but the constant clock watching was a sure sign something was about to go down.
Sure enough, his cell was ringing right on time.
"Lindsey, we need to talk." The voice demanded.
"That's what phones are for. So get talking." Lindsey said, looking out across his balcony at the sexy neighbor lady who was taking her nightly stroll.
"Don't give me attitude. Not now." Spike said, peering up from the back of the semi trailer he hitched a ride on, "I've spent 3 months locked up by Riley Finn, I've got two slayers who think I killed their mother and now I hear word these slayers are the real deal. You know what means."
"I know what it means for vamps and demons, but as a human, I'm not a target of the slayers, so as I see it, you need me a hell of a lot more than I need you." Lindsey said, smiling at the woman across from him as she slid off her robe.
"Why you little Nancy-boy, trying to grow a pair are we Lindsey? Well it's too late. You owe me and it's time to pay up boy." Spike said, trying to sound menacing as he stepped out of the way of one of the hundreds of pigs roaming the trailer with him.
Lindsey held his glass of wine up to the woman across from terrace; "I can't protect you from the slayers or Angelus, so I don't know what you want me to do."
"I'm not worried about them, their time will come, but for now, I need a base to work from. Find me something suitable and round up some vamps while you're at it." Spike paused, eyes clear as he looked up into the sky, "Something bigger than all of us is getting ready to rise and when it does, I wanna be ready."
"What's going to rise? Is this a new game Spike?" Lindsey said with a laugh, ignoring most of what Spike was saying as he flirted with the pretty girl. "If you need a place to crash I'll get you one, but if Angelus finds out, you're on your own."
"I'll be in LA by nightfall, meet me at the warehouse by Pier 44, you know the one. If you try anything stupid, it'll be the last thing you do." Spike threatened calmly and then clicked off his cell.
Lindsey tossed his cell phone, across his living room where it landed beside a sleeping girl, curled up in a ball on his fancy love seat.
Startled by the phone landing on her thigh, the girl opened her eyes and sat up, "Lindsey? Where are you?" she said, looking frantically around the room.
"I'm right here." Lindsey said, walking in from the terrace, "How do you feel?"
"I'm still a little groggy. Where am I?"
"Well Tara, you are in my apartment in downtown Los Angeles. Don't you remember the trip on my private jet? You loved the trip." Lindsey said as he walked past Tara and into the kitchen.
Removing the blanket from her, she looked down at her naked body and then over at Lindsey, who still had his back to her, and she got up, hands over her breasts and a pillow down between her legs and started looking for her clothes.
Looking everywhere she could find, still no luck.
"Can I help you with something?" Lindsey said as he stepped up behind Tara.
Spinning around Tara was face to face with Lindsey, "Um, I must have left my clothes in the bedroom."
"No, you didn't have any when I brought you here. Is that going to be a problem?" Lindsey said, sitting down in front of the very shy Tara.
"Something doesn't feel right. Why am I in LA?" Tara said, just realizing what Lindsey had said earlier.
"You poor thing, you have the worst memory for things." Lindsey said, enjoying the view as he slowly looked her over from head to toe, "You look so good right now. Maybe you'd like to go back to the bedroom and you can leave the pillow here."
Tara was hoping Lindsey was joking, but when he got up and started walking towards the bedroom she knew he wasn't, "I don't know. I think I should get back home. My dad is going to kill me for this. Could we maybe do this another time?"
Lindsey wasn't pleased with Tara's response, walked back over and stood in front of her, "What's the deal? You asked me to take you back to my place. Well, here we are. You sure weren't shy earlier at the club. In fact, you were all over me. Now you play the little virgin routine?"
Backing up as Lindsey put his hands on her, Tara was in a panic as to what to do, but fate was on her side as the doorbell rang and Lindsey backed her into a corner, "This isn't over." He said with an evil grin as he walked over to the door.
Opening it, he was surprised and annoyed to find Angelus standing in front of him.
"Angelus, what do I owe the honor?" Lindsey said, not opening the door any further.
"What, you don't trust me? I'm hurt." Angel said in a mocking tone. "That's okay, I'm actually here looking for a friend. Have you seen Tara Snyder?"
"No, I've never heard of the girl. Sorry." Lindsey said calmly, but was a bit too quick in trying to shut the door for Angel's liking.
"Are you in a hurry Lindsey? I tend to think that's a sign you have something to hide." Angel said as he pushed the door open and spotted Tara standing against the far wall, "Looks like you have company after all. I don't like it when people lie to me. You should know that by now Lindsey."
"Don't get your fangs in an uproar. She came here willingly. As you can see we were just about to retire for the evening, so if you don't mind." Lindsey said, once again trying to close the door.
"Tara, would you come over here please. I have a message from your dad. It's urgent." Angel said, sensing his opportunity was now.
Tara started walking towards Angel as fast as she could, but Lindsey stopped her from walking out the door, "Not so fast. This guy doesn't know your dad, he's lying to you. Besides, he's a vampire, so I'd stay away far away from him."
"Don't be stupid Lindsey. You still have to work tomorrow. Don't think I'll let this slide." Angel growled, his hand squeezing Lindsey's as he gripped the door.
Pulling away from the pain, Lindsey lost his hold of Tara, who quickly ran past Angel and hid behind him, "I'm sorry Lindsey, but I have to go home. I don't know what happened here, but I just have to go."
Lindsey made a small movement to chase after Tara, but Angel's presence took the wind out of the plan in a hurry, "Not coming out to get her? Can't say I'm surprised."
Acting nonchalant, Lindsey walked right up to Angel, "I'm not her keeper. If she wants to go she can go." Lindsey looked right at Tara with his best sincere look, "I hope your dad is okay Tara, I'll call you soon."
"I'd strongly advise against calling her ever again. Seems they have this law against men having sex with underage girls. You should be familiar that, being a lawyer and all." Angel then pulled Lindsey up close, "If you so much so set foot in Sunnydale again you'll wish you didn't. She's off limits as of now." Angel let Lindsey go and adjusted his tie before he stepped back and put his coat around Tara.
Lindsey studied Angel closely, "I don't know what your game is Angelus, but something doesn't fit here. I told you once before, don't interfere with my plans." He then looked over at Tara, "Tara is very important to me and I have a feeling we'll be seeing each again real soon."
"I heard Spike isn't dust after all so I know you'll be in touch; tell him to stay out of LA, because if the sun doesn't kill him, I will." Angel didn't wait for Lindsey to respond as he took Tara and walked down the hall and waited for the elevator.
Darla's Apartment Beverly Hills. LA
Darla waited until she thought Harmony was immersed in some movie on Showtime before she got up, put her coat back on and moved towards the door.
"Where are you going? You're not just leaving me here are you? I get lonely when I'm alone." Harmony said as she jumped to her feet.
"I'm sorry; I thought you were watching a movie." Darla asked, trying to keep her smile in place.
"So, where ya going? Can I come? Are you going to a party?" Harmony said, her eyes lighting up at the possibilities. "With you know the movie stars and that guy from Baywatch, Mitch. He's tall. I bet he could get me on that show. I'm pretty, blonde and I look good in red."
"Actually it's David Hasselh…never mind. Anyway, I'm sure you would be great on that show Harmony, but I'm not going to a party, just a small meeting with a friend. It would bore you to tears." Darla said, doing her best to defuse Harmony's interest.
"That sucks." Harmony said as she turned back towards the TV, "Wait, you're going to your secret meeting aren't you? You have to take me. That's why I came. I'll be secretive. I can put on a disguise." She said as she stopped dead in her tracks and looked across the room, "Oh my god, that's it."
Darla watched as Harmony rushed over to the kitchen and grabbed a broom from the corner, "Okay, now be honest, if I wore a black hat and cape you'd think I was a witch right?"
"Um, yes, that's just what I'd think." Darla said, choosing the easy answer.
"Great!" Harmony said, rushing to the closet and flipping through the coats until she found just the right one, "This is perfect. Okay, I'm ready."
"You're not going out like that are you?" Darla asked, looking at Harmony's bizarre outfit.
"Of course, I mean, I wonder if I can fly now? Do you think? I feel like a real witch. Do you know the magic words to fly?" Harmony said, scratching her head for the answer.
"No, you can't fly Harmony." Darla said, getting a headache from Harmony's constant questions, "You aren't a real witch. It's not even Halloween so could we leave the witch gear here? Maybe we can take it out later and practice flying?"
"I guess you're right." Harmony said as she took off her costume and put the broom back in the kitchen, "Ready to go now. Oh, if we see a witch store I have to go in and buy some ingredients. For spells and stuff."
"Let's just go please." Darla said, pulling Harmony out the door before she got another idea.
Darla kept the pace swift and steady as she moved through the streets of LA with ease. Stopping at a corner store, she walked in and headed straight for the back exit, turned left and walked down another corridor and then down some stairs that never seemed to end, before finally ending up at a strange looking door.
"I'm so tired. Can we go home now?" Harmony asked, collapsing on the floor and holding her feet.
"We are here, so you can rest okay?" Darla said as she walked up to the large metallic blue door, put her hand on the small round tile to the side and stepped back as the door began to open.
Harmony stood up and walked up to Darla, "Wow, what is this place?"
"You'll see. Come with me." Darla said, taking Harmony's hand as she led her into the room.
Inside, there were lights everywhere. There were only two people in the entire room and both were at the top of a beautifully crafted white marble stairway. Climbing the length of the stairs, Darla smiled at the two people, bowed and kissed the hands of both before stepping back.
The tall slender woman made the first movement as she stepped forward, "Welcome Darla. It is good to see you again. Your visit is unexpected, yet welcome as always. Please, introduce us to your beautiful young friend."
Darla turned to Harmony and pulled her forward a few steps, "I'm so sorry, this is Harmony Kendall; she's a friend of mine from Sunnydale. I felt it was time she met you both."
"Welcome Harmony. It's a pleasure to meet you. You must be very special for Darla to bring you here." The woman said and then paused as she noticed Harmony's confusion, "Forgive me, my name is Airlia, I'm the guardian of that which cannot be seen."
"Well, you aren't very good at it, because I can see you clear as can be. Maybe you just need practice." Harmony said matter of factly as she walked past Airlia and stood in front of the man behind her, "So, who are you?"
"I am Alastair; I am guardian of things I can not explain." He said, removing his hood and shaking Harmony's hand.
"Oh aren't you special." Harmony snapped and then walked back to Darla, "I still don't know where we are. What is this place? Is there a bathroom, I have to go pee."
Darla looked at Airlia, who motioned with her hands towards the corner, "Oh, it's right over there Harmony."
Harmony turned to see a brand new bathroom appear before her eyes, "Wow, that was so cool. Are you a witch? Can you teach me how to be a witch? I have a broom and a cape."
Airlia looked puzzled, but kept her smile, "I wish I could help you with that, but alas, I am not a witch."
"Oh well, I'll figure it out somehow." Harmony said as she walked across the room and entered the sparkling new bathroom.
Alastair moved towards Darla, "She is a curious girl. What made you choose her?"
"I'm not really sure." Darla said with a smile, "I just feel that she has such a good heart. She has the potential to achieve much greatness with her life, but she's in need of some guidance. I fear if I don't help her soon, we could lose her to the dark side."
"It would appear the risk of losing her is greater than the risk of helping her, I hope you understand what those risks could mean to all of us." Alastair said softly yet firmly making his point.
"Yes, I am very aware of Harmony's quirky nature, but it comes from being trusting and naïve, yet full of wonder and enthusiasm for everything she does." Darla said, her face lighting up as she sung Harmony's praises, "But, most of all, I believe I can help her where others have failed or lost patience. I see past her outward appearance and have seen deep into her soul and it's beautiful."
Even after listening to Darla's passionate speech, Airlia still wasn't convinced, "I love how strongly you feel towards this young woman, but you have been warned once already for taking things too far in your pledge to help her. Pleasures of the flesh can only lead to disaster. Your mind has become clouded with feelings of lust, desire and yes, even love. You must realize you are playing with not only your life, but her life as well should you fail. Is that a price you are willing to pay? Is she? Should she?"
"Stop it. It's not like that." Darla said. Covering her ears as she lashed out, "I've stopped seeing her, you know this. What we had was beautiful, but it's over. I just want to help her."
"My dear, you know it's never that simple when feelings are involved." Airlia said as she put her hand on Darla's shoulder, "Your human side is unable to control them and I am sensing a tragedy is not far away."
"I won't let that happen. I just felt it was important Harmony knew she was loved." Darla said, emotionally pleading her case, "She needs that so much and after we broke up, I know it left a hole in her heart. She tries hard to stay positive and my god I admire that so much, but she's lonely and not just for love, but for friendship. What she has right now with her friends at school is superficial. It will never stand the test of time. It can't be wrong to love someone. It just can't be. Not even for us."
"Darla, do not confuse the issue here. Your purpose is not to achieve your own personal satisfaction, but to do what is best for the greater good." Airlia said as she moved up and put her hand on Darla's shoulder, "Did you bring Harmony here to save her? You know that can't happen. Her fate has already been decided."
"No, that's not true. You're not listening to me. She has a future and it's going to be full of happiness. Do not take her from me. I will fight you." Darla said, her voice growing angry. "Just give me some more time. You must see that she's coming around."
Alastair shook his head, "I'm sorry Darla, but you've already asked for extensions twice before and there are no signs of her coming around. She's destined to cross over no matter what you do. You have to accept this and let us do our job."
"I know you can't take her if she's under my protection, so I will stay with her until you see that you were wrong." Darla walked over to the bathroom and tapped on the door, "Harmony, we have to go now."
"Darla, do not make this worse than it has to be." Airlia said as she walked over to Darla, "Please don't do this. You have been such a wonderful addition to our group. You have to look at the big picture. The well-being of one cannot override the well-being of your friend. It's the first thing you are taught. Darla, I know this is hard, but it is for the best."
"I don't believe that. You are not hearing me. If you won't help me, then I have no choice." Darla said, disappointed at how things were turning out, waited for Harmony to come out and quickly put a bracelet around her hand and squeezed her wrist tight, "Hang on Harmony, we're about to go for a ride."
Alastair and Airlia watched as Darla invoked the Pratoreun spell, sending Darla and Harmony through a time warp, disappearing instantly.
"Should we send someone after them?" Alastair asked as he walked back up the stairs.
Airlia took one last look at where Darla was standing, let out a sigh and then followed Alastair up the stairs, "No, this is one thing Darla must experience first hand."
"Her life is in serious danger now as is her friend. We cannot help them any longer. I fear Darla may be too willful for her own good." Alastair added as he sat down on his luxurious throne.
"We all knew she would be a challenge, but now we will see just what she's made of." Airlia said as she sat down on her throne, "If she can pull Harmony through, I think she will have more than earned her place among us."
"And if she doesn't succeed?"
"If she doesn't, her death is inevitable. Harmony will see to that." Airlia said as she closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair.
Riley's lab.
Oz sat at a large oak desk looking over the days reports when the inner alarm went off as someone had breached security. Staring up at the row of security videos, he noticed a man poking his nose around the outer wall of the compound.
Turning on the speakerphone, Oz sat back down and made contact, "What are you looking for? This is private property and you are trespassing."
Gunn looked around to find where the voice was coming from before noticing a small camera way up in the tree's above him, "Hey there. Riley told me to come here. If you're Oz, you are supposed to be letting me in, not slowing me down."
"If Riley had sent you, you'd know how to get in. I'm really busy today so I'm just going to kill you and get back to work. No hard feelings. I do have a job to do." Oz said, reaching for a button on the side console.
"That won't be necessary. I have a proposition for Riley. It's regarding the slayers." Gunn said calmly and then stood by waiting for a response.
Riley walked into the lab and quickly walked over to the monitor, "What's Gunn want?"
"He says he has a proposition about the slayers." Oz said, his hand still on the button, "Should I take care of him?"
Before Riley could answer, Wesley appeared on the screen in front of Gunn.
"Who might you be?" Wesley asked as he looked Gunn over.
"I might be the guy who kicks your ass if you don't get lost." Gunn said as he moved up close to Wesley, "I'm trying to have a meeting here if you don't mind."
"A meeting? With the shrubs? Must be fascinating." Wesley said with a smirk, "Are you a friend of Riley's?"
"No, not that it's any of your business. Who are you?"
"Enough." Riley yelled through the loud speaker. "You can both come in."
Oz pushed another button and the tall shrubs parted and the two men pushed against each other as they pushed through the narrow path.
"Who are these clowns?" Oz asked as he watched them fight their way through the long walkway.
"Wesley is an old friend and Gunn is a new enemy. Both could prove useful." Riley said as he paced back and forth, "Have them put in separate rooms. I'll talk to Gunn first. Oh and have one of our Spike clones ready for action. I think this could be very interesting."
"Sure thing." Oz said as he walked towards the door, "I'm heading to the Bronze after, do you know how many recruits we need?"
Riley sat down at one of the dozen computer stations, pulled up a screen and quickly turned to Oz, "We are down to needing only 7 more. Then we can move to the next phase."
"I should be able to get the final seven recruits tonight. It's a big party and it'll be packed." Oz said and then took off down the hall.
In a corner of the world far, far away from Sunnydale.
A dark dingy cavern, lit with only small torches, held the secret only a select few even knew about.
Below the first layer of molten lava stood a remarkably shiny new latch, attached to an equally shiny looking steel lid. On the lid was a rather complex looking padlock, the size of a football, with a three-dimensional, 9-wheel combination system.
Standing in front of the device was a menacing looking creature, Arcystic, a demon from the Harrali dimension.
Using its long powerful arms, the creature ripped off the padlock as well as the lid with little effort. Bending down into the pit below the demon began sniffing the air until it locked onto a smell. With a quick leap, it hurled itself into the pit, followed the scent until it came upon its prey.
In the far corner of the pit, hidden only slightly by a small chunk of rock, a terrified woman sat, curled up in the fetal position.
Arcystic stood above her and laughed, "If you knew how long it took me to find you, I'm sure you'd be very apologetic, but I have no time for that. You have something I want. Do you have it with you?"
"I don't know who you are. How could I know what you want?" she said as she sized up the giant demon, paying particular attention to its razor sharp nails at the end of its hand.
"Do not test my patience. I have searched this waste of a planet for almost a full earth year to find you Miss Gwendolyn Post. If you insist on testing me further you'll wish you hadn't in a very short time." Arcystic said, pulling her up above his head with one swift motion, "Where is the spell?"
"I want to make a deal." Gwendolyn said, suddenly calmer as she smiled down at the large beast. "It is you who takes me for a fool. Tell me Arcystic, why do you think I chose this spot to hide? Anything ring a bell?"
Arcystic looked around the pit, holding Miss Post tightly in his grip, "I do not like games. I have lived without this spell for thousands of years, I can live without it longer if need be, but you will not take another breath if you do not start talking."
"If only you did a little more research, but no matter." She said and then began chanting in some unknown language.
"What are you doing? Stop now or I will kill you." Arcystic said as he watched and listened to the ritualistic chanting.
As her chanting reached a fevered pitch, Gwendolyn reached out with her right hand, touched the top of Arcystic's head and smiled as the walls around her began to come to life.
Out of the rock and rubble came one creature after another, until the pit filled with hundreds and hundreds of demons, vampires and wild animals. Arcystic towered over them all, but could sense some serious power below him, "You know you can't kill me before I kill you. So what is all this?"
"Perhaps, but you need me as much as I need you." Gwendolyn said with a smug smile, "Now put me down. We are going to have to find some way to trust each other or we'll never achieve our goal."
"You over estimate your worth Gwendolyn." Arcystic said as he pulled her closer to his large mouth, "You are not the only human who knows magic, nor are you the only one who knows of the spell I seek. I will not tolerate this kind of insolence from anyone I'm working with." He slid out his acid filled tongue and slithered it up to Gwendolyn's face, "Would you like to feel what real pain is all about?"
"Stop it. Get that thing away from me you beast." Gwendolyn screamed as she turned her head away, "I was just protecting myself. I needed you to see I was worthy of being your partner."
"Next time you pull something like this, I'll feed you to the demons piece by piece, while you're still alive. Are we clear now?" Arcystic asked as he dangled Gwendolyn over the horde of creatures.
"Yes, yes, yes, Okay." Gwendolyn pleaded.
Setting her up on a ledge above the ground, "Do you really think you are the only one who has increased their power? You stupid girl. Watch and learn." Arcystic turned to the swarm of creatures that surrounded him and with lightning fast reflexes, raw power and the help of his acid breath; he soon wiped out every creature in the room.
Picking up the corpse of a large demon, he stared back at Gwendolyn as he dropped it into his mouth and swallowed it whole, "Create a portal to Sunnydale. I want to drop in on an old friend."
Still in shock at what she'd just seen, Gwendolyn pulled herself together enough to respond, "You can't go there. It's impossible to hide that gigantic frame. You may be powerful, but these two new slayers are not to be taken lightly."
"Do not talk down to me; I am well aware of the chosen two." Arcystic said and then began some chanting of his own.
With the room filled with light and energy rays, the spectacular visual effects continued as Gwendolyn covered her eyes and when she opened them she looked down below at a very human looking male, "What the hell."
Looking up at Gwendolyn the man smiled, "The portal my dear. Now."
"Oh my god, it's you." She said, finally able to focus in on his face.
Sunnydale High School Library.
A portal opened in the back room of the library and moments later Angel and Tara stepped out of it. Before they could say a word, another portal opened only inches away and Darla and Harmony stepped out of it.
Darla looked at Angel, pushed Harmony behind her, chanted a couple words and a shield appeared around the two women.
"Back off from the girl Angelus." Darla said as she removed her cross from her purse.
"It's Angel, not Angelus." Angel said, not sure how to prove his words, "I'm on your side. I talked with Praetos, I have a soul now."
"I'd always hoped you would choose this path, but I haven't been in touch with Praetos for a long time, I have no way to confirm this." Darla said, cautiously watching his every move.
"Here, take this." Angel said as he removed the Ring of Amarra and tossed it at Darla, "I have no reason to give you that. Can't ya do one of your spells to search for my soul?"
Darla caught the ring and lowered her defensive shield, "I can do a spell, but it's really quite a hassle. Calls for a sacrifice of a lamb, some other rather gruesome ingredients and the smell, by god the smell is enough to kill ya. Anyway, I sense a difference in you just in the way you walk and talk. I can't afford to be wrong though."
The Mayor walked into the room and took one look at Angel and pulled out his stake, cross and holy water all in the blink of an eye, "What's he doing here?"
"Convincing me he has a soul." Darla said as she welcomed the support, "Have you been in touch with Praetos lately?"
"Not since the annual New Year's festivities." The Mayor said as he moved over and stood beside Darla, "Which reminds me, I have to get something for Rupert's birthday. Do you have any ideas?"
"I got him some fancy herbal tea from Japan; I think he's going to love it. There's 40 different flavors with a cute little jar for each one. They are adorable. " Darla said with a beaming smile, "Why not get him that guitar he's always talking about. I've heard him sing, he's surprisingly good."
"I hate to steal your idea, but I am running out of time." The Mayor nodded his thanks.
"Hello, ex bad vamp here." Angel said loudly, trying to get their attention.
"Right old boy, so you say you have a soul now, can you do me a little favor first?" the mayor asked as he stepped back towards the door.
"Sure, what do you need?" Angel asked.
"Sing for me." The mayor said as he waved someone in.
A green demon walked into the room with a bright blue suit and two small horns at the top of his forehead, "Well, let's hear it big guy. Pick a tune and let it rip."
"What the hell is this? Who is this guy?" Angel said, staring at the strange looking demon.
"This is Lorne." The mayor said as he put is arm around Lorne. "He's got a gift for reading people's futures, at least the near future anyway."
"Looks like a demon to me. So you trust him but not me?" Angel said as he walked over towards the demon, "What song am I supposed to sing?"
"That's up to you. I'm just here to read you and be on my way. I've got a club to run and you're costing me money." Lorne said, as he backed away from Angel, "Sing and your future will be known."
"Let me go on record as saying this is dumbest idea I've ever heard." Angel said, looking right at the demon. "But, if it ends this debate and proves I have a soul, I'll give it a shot."
Taking some time to think of a song, he spent the longest time trying to remember the words to any.
Lorne was about ready to pull his horns out, "Oh for the love of god my man, sing happy birthday if it's all you got. I'm getting a headache just watching you think."
"Now that I can do. Why didn't you say that in the first place?" Angel said as he stood in the middle of the room, cleared his throat and then in the most irritating voice of all time, began to sing, "Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to um, oh you people, Happy Birthday to you."
When he finished he looked around to see everyone with their ears covered and Lorne on the ground holding his head.
Everyone rushed over and Angel helped him to his feet, "I wasn't that bad was I?"
"Oh you were, but that's not what did this to me." Lorne said as he got to his feet. "I saw a glimpse of your future and it's a very nasty ride ahead of you. Oh and he's definitely got a soul."
"I told ya." Angel said with a rare smile.
"Good, now you can start working with us." Darla said as she welcomed Angel to the group with a hug, "Glad to have you aboard."
"Thanks Darla, I owe a lot of it to you. You're a very persuasive woman." Angel said and then turned to Lorne, "What exactly did you see in my future?"
"Mostly I saw bright lights, but in between I saw a confrontation with an old friend, an unlikely alliance with a new associate and a final battle with an unspeakable evil. So, in short, your plate is full. Alright then, gotta go." Lorne said with a smile and then scooted out of the room.
"Excuse me, would someone tell me what's going on here? I feel like I just stepped into a horror movie." Tara said as she walked over to Harmony.
"I know, but did you see the lipstick on that guy? I have to get me some of that. I just loved his costume." Harmony said, and then looked around the room at the strange looks she was getting, "What? I like that shade. Geez."
"Harmony, that was not a man. I don't know what it was, but it wasn't human." Tara said, giving Harmony a curious look.
Cordelia walked into the room, looked at the five people standing around, smiled awkwardly and turned to walk out.
"Wait." Darla said and then ran after Cordelia. Catching up to her just outside of the room, she stood in front of her and stopped, "So, how are you doing Cordy?"
"I don't know. What did I walk in on? Seemed kinda of weird. I mean, the mayor, you, Harmony, Tara and that tall pale looking guy just hanging out" Cordy asked, just as Giles walked into the library.
Moving closer to the two girls, Giles stopped, "Darla?"
"Giles?" Darla said in return.
"Hello?" Cordelia said as she looked at both of them.
"I didn't expect to see you here Darla." Giles said, trying his best to act casual.
"Cordelia and I were just leaving." Darla said and then tried to lead Cordelia out of the room.
"Not so fast. I want to know who those people are. I swear I saw some green looking thing walk out of here just before I got here, so what is going on?" Cordelia demanded.
Angel and the others walked into the room and as soon as Giles saw Angel, he pushed Cordy out of the way, grabbed a stake from his jacket pocket and rushed towards him.
Stepping to the side, Angel avoided the first swipe by Giles and before he could make another move, the mayor and Darla had blocked his path.
"Slow down Rupert." The mayor said and took a few steps towards Giles, "Angel has a soul now. He's switching sides."
"Oh and that just erases everything Angelus did?" Giles asked angrily, "I don't think so. He brutally killed half my staff. One by one, he hunted them down, tortured and killed them. He's never going to work with me. Now get him out of here."
"Giles!" Darla said loudly.
"Really Rupert, you need to calm down and think about the big picture." The Mayor said, "Angel can help us in so many ways. He came to us. He wanted to change. I know you didn't sign off on this, but you knew how we voted and you knew you'd be seeing him on occasion."
"It's okay. I should go." Angel said quietly and then walked out of the library.
"Wait." Tara said as she ran towards Angel, "I wanted to thank you for helping me out last night. I don't know what I was thinking going home with him, but I'm just glad you showed up when you did. I will know to stay away from Lindsey from now on." Tara kissed Angel on the cheek and stepped back.
Giles shook his head and walked up to Angel, "Aren't we just the big hero? Did you and Lindsey set this up? I wouldn't put it past you. You might've fooled everyone else, but not me."
"Giles, you need to back off." Darla said as she put herself between him and Angel, "God, he helped Tara and you still won't see that he's changed."
Giles turned to Darla, "We don't know anything about what goes on in his twisted mind. If there's a way to fake a soul, Angelus would find a way, just so he could pick you off one by one and laugh at your stupidity while he did. And you know what; I'd laugh right along with him." Giles then looked at Angel, "Unlike them, I do not forget so easily who you are. IF and I do say the IF as in not likely ever, but IF I'm ever going to believe you've changed, it's you who's going to have to prove it. It's you who will have to earn our trust. Contrary to how these two are acting, it's not about blind faith. If you think I'm being too hard on you, well, too bad."
"I'm not arguing Giles. I know what I did." Angel said firmly, "I know you don't want to hear this, but I've thought about what I'd done even before I got my soul. I don't know how or why, but I slowly lost my will to feed, to kill, and to be a vampire. To do what I was created to do. It's one of the reasons I wanted to change. I can never make up for what Angelus…what I have done. I can't change that. I can only try to make a difference now. I don't expect any forgiveness; I don't need it to do my part. I'm not going away either. I'm here to help and I plan on doing that."
"That's a nice speech, now get out." Giles said as he walked to the back of the room.
Darla rushed up to Angel, "It's going to take time, but you did the right thing."
"Well, I never thought it would be easy. He has every right to feel the way he does. All's I can do is try and show him I'm a different person now." Angel smiled over at Tara and then back at Darla, "I need to go. I have some unfinished business at Wolfram & Hart."
"Do you need any backup?" The mayor asked.
"I don't think so, but thanks. I just need to get some files and say some goodbye's and let them know I'm opting out of the last two months of my contract." Angel said and then nodded to everyone and walked out the door.
"Okay, can someone tell me what is going on here? I feel like I'm in the twilight zone." Cordelia asked, staring right at Darla as she said it.
"It's a long story." Darla said with a laugh.
"I've got nothing but time." Cordy said as she sat down in front of Darla, crossed her legs, folded her arms across her chest and waited.
Tara walked over and sat down beside Cordy, "Count me in. I'd like to know what else is happening around here too."
"Me too." Harmony said as she sat down beside Tara.
Darla looked over at the mayor and he nodded for her to continue, so she spent the next hour explaining as much as she could to the three girls.
...continued in chapter 21...