BTVS & Angel:The Epic New Series
by buffyfaith19
Rating: NC-17
Buffy Summers House.
Willow had a new piece of information on the computer and everyone huddled around to do have a look.
"Hey, that's Lilah Morgan. What does she have to do with Fred?" Faith said as she tried reading the information in front of her.
"How do you know Lilah?" Buffy asked; her curiosity piqued instantly.
"It's a long story." Faith said, continuing to read.
"I'd sure be interested in hearing that story." Xander said, stopping everything to listen in.
"It's not a sex story Xander." Faith said as she looked over at him.
Xander's face quickly lost its initial enthusiasm, "Oh, in that case, I'll get back to my reading. Continue on."
"Thanks." Faith said with an eye roll directed at Xander.
"Yes, please continue." Buffy said, "How do you know someone who works for some big bad demon infested law firm?"
"I get around." Faith smiled, "Oh come on B, it's really not that sinister."
"Then let's hear it." Buffy sat back in her chair and waited for Faith to begin.
"Fine, but my part is simple, Lilah is Gwen's sister. Gwen is the girl I went to visit." Faith said and then looked at the computer screen, "How do you guys even know about Lilah?"
"That's an even longer story." Buffy said and then walked over to the table and pointed to all the material they had printed out. "This is some of what we learned. Anyway, while we were looking for information on the ring that hurt Fred, we came across all this. We are still piecing it all together."
"I don't like reading; could you give me the short version?" Faith said, turning away from the stack of papers.
"Okay, the ring led us to some demon race called the Glascoph's. We then learned that the queen is a splitting image of Fred. Later we learned that the queen's lover Millicent has a connection to Lilah." Buffy said, pausing in case she missed something.
"What does all this mean? Fred's a demon? Lilah's what, a demon too?" Faith asked, trying to keep everything straight.
"I don't know what it means, yet." Buffy said, "We need to get more information on so many things."
"What are we doing here then? Let's get out and do something." Faith said just as Fred walked into the room.
"Fred, what are you doing up?" Buffy asked as she rushed over to her.
"I'm fine. I couldn't stay in bed any longer." Fred said as she made her way over to the computer where everyone was milling about. "Have you found anything interesting about the ring?"
Everyone looked at each other and Fred looked back at them, "Well, something is going on, so why doesn't someone tell me what it is?"
"Buffy, look, it's an article on Marisella, but it's from last year." Willow pointed to the computer screen and everyone leaned in and began reading. "It's pretty wild, but this is what it says. In June of 1996, a woman was found roaming the streets of Sunnydale. Word got out that she had shapeshifted in front of many people and that brought the Watchers Council into the mix. In August of last year, they detained the woman at a facility just north of here. The reason there was no connection to Marisella at the time, is that she had drastically altered her appearance. She took the Goth look, wore heavy makeup, colored her hair pitch black and barely resembled the Marisella we've come to know."
"That's where we're going." Faith said as she headed towards the door.
"I think she's right." Buffy said, looking at Willow and Xander, "You guys are doing great here, but I'm sure you have other things you might want to do, so why don't you take a break and we'll call ya if we come up with something."
"Okay, I probably should get home. I need to talk to Darla about the party Friday." Xander said, still beaming about his date.
"I have to get home too." Willow said, not sharing her plans with anyone.
"Good then. Thanks for all your help guys. I really appreciate it." Buffy gave Willow and hug and said goodbye to them both and showed them do the door. Seeing Fred standing silent by the computer, Buffy walked back over to her, "Hey, are you going to be okay here?"
"Well, I will be as soon as you tell me who this woman is." Fred said, sitting down at the computer.
"Oh god, I keep forgetting you weren't here for all the stuff we discovered." Buffy turned towards the computer, "Okay, here is the information we found about Marisella. Some of it is going to come as a shock, but I'll let you read this and I'll be right here when you're done."
"Now you've gone and scared me. Is it really bad or just…?" Fred asked. Weary of what she might find.
"Just keep an open mind and we'll deal with everything once you read it all." Buffy said, moving out of the way so Fred could have some privacy.
Fred sat down and began reading everything there was about Marisella. A few gasps later Fred sat back in her computer chair and stared at the picture, "I can't believe this. I don't know what to say. Is this all true? She's my mother? How is this possible?"
"I can't answer that." Buffy said as she moved back over to Fred, "I do think that if we go visit her you'll be able to ask her all this yourself. I know it's a lot to take in so quickly, but we really do need to talk to her. Are you sure you are up for this?"
"I'm fine. I want to go." Fred said as she opened the front door, "If this Marisella person/demon is, well, my birth mother, then I have a right to be there when you talk to her."
"She's right." Faith agreed, "Let's just take her with us."
"I guess, but I don't feel good about this." Buffy said looking at Faith.
"Stop treating me like I'm dead. I got knocked down, I slept for a whole day and now I'm back wide-awake and ready to go. Lead on slayers." Fred said with a perky smile.
"Alright, let's hit the road." Buffy said just as Dawn came walking down the stairs.
"Where are you going?" Dawn asked, still petting Sigmund.
Buffy let out a sigh, "I can't believe I forgot about you. I need to get you a babysitter."
"You will not. Do I look like a baby?" Dawn asked, raising her voice as she spoke, "Don't answer that."
"I'm not leaving you in the house alone." Buffy said looking down at Sigmund, "Especially with that thing. God knows what it's capable of."
"Oh shut up you dumb blonde. Dawn is perfectly safe with me. I will protect her to the death." Sigmund said, sitting up in Dawn's arms as he stared back at Buffy.
"Stop saying shut up you little smart ass." Buffy yelled, "Listen Dawn, I have two options here. One you can come with us, which I do not like. Two you can go to the library and stay with Giles until I get back."
"That's easy, I'm going with you." Dawn said as she stepped in front of Buffy and stood on the porch, "Earlier today you wanted nothing to do with Giles and now you want to just pawn me off on him, I don't think so."
"Oh god. Why can't anything go smoothly." Buffy shook her head, locked the door and walked down the steps to the car.
"I'm driving." Fred said as she slid over into the driver's seat, "I am the oldest and it's just best that way."
"Fine by me." Faith said as she hopped into the back seat along with Dawn and Sigmund.
Buffy sat in the passenger's seat and as soon as she closed the door and buckled up, Fred took off.
Pier 44: Port of Los Angeles.
Spike arrived at the warehouse just as the sun was going down. He entered and walked through the dusty old building until he saw a light in the far corner.
Boldly walking forward, Spike spotted Lindsey sitting at a desk surrounded by guards.
"Good to see ya Spike." Lindsey said, pulling out a crossbow from under his desk and aiming at right at Spike's chest. "Let's save us both some time get right to the point. I found a place for you to stay and do whatever you want. You can go there right now. Now as I see it, that concludes our business."
"We're done when I say we're done." Spike said as he moved towards the desk, "I want some information and then if I'm satisfied I'll be on my way."
"About what?"
"Well, about a couple things." Spike studied the six guards standing close to Lindsey. Four who had semi-automatic machine guns and two who had crossbows. "I need to know more about Riley Finn. Everything you know about him. I also need some information on the new slayers. I've been out of circulation for three months and I need to catch up things. I also need to keep track of Angelus. Once you do that mate, you and I are finished."
"Is that all? I'll see what I can do." Lindsey said with a lazy shrug of his shoulders.
Annoyed at Lindsey's attitude, Spike dove across the table, knocked the bow out of Lindsey's hands and had him in a headlock before he could speak, "Okay, I don't think I'm getting through to you. This is not a request."
"You'll never kill me before my guards kill you. I know it takes longer to suck the blood out of a human. Give it up Spike. I said I'd look into this, now back off." Lindsey said, trying to remain in control.
"Who says I'm gonna bite? Snapping your neck would be much faster don't ya think?" Spike said as he twisted Lindsey's neck to the side, "I don't hear a yes Spike yet."
"Fine, but you're making a huge mistake making an enemy out of me. You have enough enemies. What you need is an ally."
"Bugger off Lindsey. Like I could ever trust you." Spike said with a laugh, "Just get me my information and we won't have anymore misunderstandings. You owe me this and then we're even."
"Yep, but if you push me too far, I can make more trouble for you than you can imagine. So, let me go and we are done." Lindsey said, doing his best to gain the upper hand.
"Where's this crypt you found for me?"
Lindsey reached into his pocket and tossed an address on the table, "Take it."
Spiked picked it up and put it in his pocket, "This better not be a double-cross. You know I'll have it checked out and if there's any sign of surveillance equipment of any kind, I'll be back for you."
Pushing Lindsey towards the three guards on the right, Spike took off out the door and disappeared into the maze of warehouses that covered the lot.
Lindsey got to his feet with anger in his eyes. He looked over at the man on his right. "Have a team disable all the surveillance items at the crypt. We'll deal with Spike later. Right now, I need a meeting with Drusilla. Set it up."
"Yes sir." The man said as he nodded and left the building.
Lindsey stepped in front of his desk and pulled another guard over, "Something is going on with Angelus. I need to know what it is. Use our connection and find out what he's done and who he's talked to in the last two weeks. Get on it." Lindsey then stepped towards another guard, "I need to find Gwendolyn Post. She's missed the last two meetings. Look into it." He then pulled yet another guard over, "I need you to look into Riley's business. I also need our lab moved. Angelus is bound to be suspicious about why I had Tara here last night, so I want the lab moved and I want it done now."
After sending all his men on different tasks, Lindsey walked into the parking lot, hopped into his limo and ordered the driver to head back to Wolfram & Hart.
Sunnydale.
Cordelia was driving down the street when she spotted Xander and Willow walking along the sidewalk. She pulled up to the curb, rolled down her window and leaned across her seat, "Hi Willow. I was just heading over to your house. Did you want a lift?"
Willow looked at Xander, who motioned for her to say yes, and smiled and slipped into the passengers' seat, "Thanks Cordy."
Xander leaned into the car, smiled at Cordy and then at Willow, "Well, you two girls have fun now. I'll talk to you later Willow. Oh Cordy, have you seen Darla around?"
"Actually yes, she was just at the library. You might catch her there if you hurry." Cordy said with a friendly smile.
"Thanks, I'll have a look. See ya." Xander said, then walked around behind the car and started running towards the school.
Cordelia put the car in park and turned towards Willow, "I kind of left something out when I told Xander about Darla. I just don't know what to do about it."
"Oh, what kind of thing?" Willow asked.
"Well, Darla was with Harmony at the library and they seemed, very, very close again. I haven't seen them like this since, well, since they were together."
"Together? Darla and Harmony? As in a couple? I had no idea." Willow said with a stunned look.
"It's amazing how discreet people can be when they want to be." Cordy said bluntly, "Do you think I should mention this? Cause it's not really my place, but I just hate to see the dumb lug get his heart broke."
"That is a tough situation." Willow said shaking her head, "But, this has to come from Darla I think. I'm glad you told me and it's nice that you're thinking of Xander's feelings too."
"I know he's your friend and that's why he matters." Cordelia smiled and then stopped and looked at her watch, "Listen, did you want to go get some dinner? Maybe see a movie?"
Willow couldn't help but smile, "Sure, I'd love to. I should call home first though."
"Here, use this." Cordelia pulled out her cell phone and handed it to Willow.
After getting the okay from her mom, Willow gave the cell phone back to Cordy, "Thanks. So where did you want go?"
"I have a surprise in store for you." Cordy said and then put the car in gear and took off down the street.
She hadn't driven more than a block when she spotted Tara at the side of the road and pulled the car over.
Willow rolled down her window, "Hi Tara."
"Hi Willow." Tara said, making serious eye contact with Willow, "What are you two up to?"
"We were just…" Willow started.
"Gonna head home and finish up some homework." Cordy finished the sentence for Willow.
Tara nodded, "Oh okay, wasn't that was some scene today? The things Darla told us were so unbelievable. If not for that vampire being there I would've been laughing."
"Vampire?" Willow said with a horrified look, "You were with a vampire today? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine as you can see. It's a long story, but he's a good vampire, so it's not like I was in danger." Cordy said, doing damage control as she glared at Tara, "In fact he helped save Tara from yet another bad choice last night."
"That's a low blow Cordy." Tara said defensively, "I mean he seemed nice enough. Not my fault you can't trust people anymore."
"What happened to you?" Willow said; feeling very left out of the conversation.
"Nothing really." Tara said nonchalantly, and then broke down when she started thinking about Lindsey.
Willow opened the car door and gave Tara a hug, "Oh it's okay, it's over now."
Cordelia waited until the hugging had stopped before she spoke, "Is everything okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I just…I probably should could home now. My dad is going to kill me." Tara said as she stepped back and smiled at Willow, "Thanks for the hug. I really needed that."
"I'm glad it helped." Willow said as she got back in the car.
"You're too good to be true. That was so nice what you did for Tara." Cordelia said as she put the car in gear.
"I just hate to see anyone cry." Willow said with a cute little smile.
Cordelia smiled back at her and then continued on to her surprise.
Riley's lab.
Wesley sat in a comfortable chair in a large waiting room, flipping through some science magazines as he began to get restless and got up and walked towards the door. As he opened the door, Riley walked in.
"Wes old boy, good to see ya. Have a seat. Sorry to keep you waiting." Riley said as he sat down across from Wesley.
"I'm here about that ring you were wearing that practically killed our Miss Burkle this morning. What have you found out about it?" Wesley asked and then sat back and studied Riley's face as he responded.
"Oh that. Well, there isn't much to tell. You guys would have better information than I do about it. The Watchers Council has far superior resources." Riley didn't change expression as he denied any knowledge of the ring, but he did show some concern as he asked his question. "How is she anyway?"
"She'll be fine, but that's not the issue." Wesley said dismissively and then leaned forward and got very serious. "I want you to tell me how you got a hold of that ring. I find it highly unlikely you just happened to end up showing it to Miss Burkle by accident. Let's skip the nonsense Riley and get it all out in the open. I know, or I hope you didn't know Fred would be hurt by this ring and were instead just seeing what kind of reaction it would have to her, but she was hurt and now you've made this our problem."
"Okay, I'll give you the short version." Riley got up from the table, walked over to a sidewall, pushed a button and a large video screen appeared in on the wall directly in front of Wesley, "This will give you some idea of how I got a hold of the ring. I assure you it's not sinister in the least. This is a tape of an interview I did with a Deparis demon called Actri, who claims he got it off the Glascoph's queen's lover, Marisella."
"I'll take any information I can get. Thank you." Wesley said as the video began to play.
"State your name, rank and serial number for the record." Riley said, still in full military gear.
"I am Actri, leader of the Deparis death squad. I have no serial number." The demon said calmly.
"What are you doing on earth?"
"We came looking for Marisella. She is the lover who escaped capture when we eliminated the Glascoph's from existence. It is my responsibility to see that every last Glascoph is terminated." Actri said proudly.
"What led you to believe she was on earth?" Riley asked, walking in a circle around the interrogation table.
"We've always had scouts on earth." Actri said boldly, "It's our job to keep track of as many different races and civilizations as we can. One of my lieutenants heard about some highly irregular genetic research happening in the British underground. When he looked into it further, he discovered that Marisella was in fact leading the research. He asked me what to do next, I told him to kill her and bring her body and possessions back to me."
"Yes, but something went wrong didn't it?" Riley challenged, pounding his fist on the desk as he glared at the stoic demon.
Actri stared back at Riley but wasn't fazed by his theatrics, "Correct. We received a message that one of our scouts had found Marisella and was going to eliminate her that night. Later that night we received an updated message, but this was a distress signal. Our scout said a demon interfered with the assassination attempt. He was unclear which type of demon it was, but he did say it was twice his size, with a hard shell and spewed a deadly acid at him. The demon did not want Marisella, but in fact was protecting her. Why we have not yet discovered."
"Well, that is interesting." Riley said as he sat back down, "Is there anything else you can tell us?"
"That is all we know. I will accept my punishment now. Take this as a token of my respect." Actri said and then removed a ring from his finger and handed it to Riley, "This is from Millicent, Marisella's lover and then queen of the Glascoph's. It is said to provide mystical powers to the right owner. That is not I."
Riley looked the ring over, waved two of his men into the room, watched them scan it with two separate devices and then when he got the green light he picked up the ring and put it on his finger.
"Thank you." Riley said as he motioned for his guards to take Actri back to his holding cell.
Riley stopped the video, closed the screen and sat down opposite Wes, "Well there you have it. I have had this ring a little over a year."
"Even if that's true, you still did your research into its origin." Wesley said, "He told you who it belonged to and from what demon, it's not like you were empty handed. So again I ask, why would you take that to Fred when you had no idea how it might react?"
"Come on Wes, you know there is no way to predict the outcome of something like this. There is no way I meant Fred any harm." Riley said, getting just a bit defensive, "Obviously researching this ring was not a high priority for me, so I only got the results back a couple weeks ago. I then located Fred and decided it was time to try this out."
"Again, something doesn't feel right." Wesley said as he stood up and walked over to Riley, "You don't just decide the time is right, something prompted you to go now. What was it?"
"You sure are persistent with your conspiracy theories. Same old Wes." Riley chuckled, "We got another piece of intelligence that said Marisella was heading towards LA. We knew Fred was a dead ringer for Marisella, but we didn't know if Marisella's intentions were good or evil. I hoped the ring would react positively to Fred. Maybe give her some powers in case there was a confrontation with Marisella. That's the truth."
"For the love god Riley, you need to start telling us what you're doing." Wesley said with a sense of pure frustration, "We could've helped. We could've run tests on the ring; studied it even more thoroughly than you. Your disregard for the council is one thing, but to endanger an innocent woman because of your stubbornness is irresponsible even for you."
Riley got up and walked away from Wesley, turned and put his hand on the two-way glass and slammed his hand against it, "Don't you think I know that? I had a team of my best medical personnel standing by in case there were complications. I was ready to send them in if I didn't get a pulse. Once I saw that Fred was stable I left, but I still had my team there monitoring her condition from very close by."
"That's good to know. I'll be sure to pass that on if she ever wakes up." Wes snapped as he sat back down.
"If you bothered to check on her you'd know she was not only up, but had just left with Buffy, Faith and Dawn." Riley said with a smirk.
"What? How do you know this? If you are spying on her or us there will be consequences." Wesley said doing his best Clint Eastwood impression.
Riley shook his head at Wesley's attempts to sound threatening, "Relax Wes; I got the update from my medical team. I have no idea where they are going, just that they left."
Wesley changes his posturing from aggressive to calm, "Good to hear. Now, do you have any other information about the ring or Marisella?"
"Nothing useful." Riley said as he walked over to the door, "If I come up with anything I'll let you know. Contrary to what you seem to think, I do not want Miss Burkle to be hurt by anyone. I'm still on your side Wes, I just go about it a different way."
"I hope that's the case Riley, because there are things happening all around us and we both know what lies ahead. Well, I don't suppose you want to tell me why you're taking a meeting with Gunn, a known associate of Angelus and Wolfram & Hart?"
"I'm sure he's got some proposal for me about how we should work together and it's my job to find out what he's up to without him knowing about it. He'd never come to the Watchers Council if it wasn't important, so this is a good thing, even if you don't see it. Besides, I like to keep my enemies close by." Riley quipped as he led Wesley to the main entrance.
"Don't forget they are doing the same thing to you. Anyway, I'm sure we'll be in touch soon." Wesley said as he left Riley's lab.
LA Airport: Private Hangar.
Kate got off the jet and had the limo take her to Wolfram & Hart. She had the driver park a couple blocks down the street so she could make a phone call.
"Wolfram & Hart, how may I help you?"
"Good to hear your voice again Lilah."
"Kate, I didn't expect to hear from you so soon. What's going on?"
"I need a bit of a favor, but it's a big one and I would rather talk to you outside about it. Can you meet downstairs?" Kate said as she opened her laptop.
"Sure, I'll be right there." Lilah agreed, hung up her phone, grabbed her purse and made her way to the elevator.
Kate typed away at her computer until a screen filled with names appeared. Scrolling through them page by page, she stopped when she got to the name she was looking for. Clicking on the name, she brought up a biography of the person.
It was a history of Angelus.
Spending the next 10 minutes reading about everything Angelus had done in his long life, she was much less enthused about her plan.
A knock on the car window kept her from thinking about it too long.
Kate unlocked the door and waited as Lilah got into the back seat.
"Glad you could make it."
"You made it sound important." Lilah said as she looked over the fancy limo. "You must be moving up in the world to afford one of these things."
"Not me, I'm not much for fancy. This is what my newest client lets me get around in." Kate said as she rubbed her hand across the plush leather seat, "Anyway, I had a big plan for us, but after looking at Angelus' history, I'm not so sure I want to do it this way."
"That's probably a smart move. He's not someone you want as an enemy." Lilah said as she casually gave Kate the once over with her eyes, "But, why are you investigating Angelus?"
"It's a long story." Kate said shaking her head, "I'm not really investigating Angelus, but I think he might have some information I need. I might need to move to plan B now."
"Okay, what's plan B?"
"It's a trip to Texas, are you up for it?" Kate smiled, "I could use some company and some help from someone as capable as you are."
Lilah was puzzled yet intrigued at the same time. "Texas? What's in Texas? Or is it a question of who is in Texas?"
"Maybe a little of both. I honestly don't know." Kate said, "I'm looking for some clues about a girl. She was born in Texas and I just need to find out more about her."
"I don't know if I can get away. Actually, Angelus up and left yesterday and he hasn't been back since. I am already taking heat from some of the partners. If he doesn't show up soon he's either dead or worse, he's turned against Wolfram & Hart."
"Wow." Kate said, sensing an opportunity was presenting itself. "Well, if he's dead we can look through his files right? If he's turned against them, he might be willing to work with me? You think?"
"You don't work with Angelus, you work for him." Lilah said emphatically, "If he doesn't come to you, I would not go near him. He's unpredictable and kills for fun. Just stay away from him. You have no idea the things he's capable of."
"Thanks for the warning, but I need information and I'll do what I have to do to get it."
"Can you tell me what you need?" Lilah asked, "I can look through the records and if I find anything, I can let you know. It's just too risky to bring you up there. If they find out you're a PI, you're dead. That's not an exaggeration, it's a fact."
"I get the message." Kate said with a laugh, "You sure can be scary when you want."
"I want you scared about this." Lilah said, raising her voice yet again, "There are some things you just have no clue about. It's best you never do."
"It's nice you care, but it still leaves me with the same problem. I just don't want to put you in a position where you could get fired or worse, just helping me out." Kate said, talking herself into plan B, "I'll find another way. Are you sure you can't go to Texas with me?"
"Sorry, things are too hectic around here. I wish I could." Lilah said, relaxing enough to let out a rare smile, "I want to help though, give me the name and I'll run it through the computers. If someone questions me, I'll say I was doing it for Angelus or say that Anya or Drusilla got into my computer."
"Okay, but please be careful. The name is Winifred 'Fred' Burkle." Kate said, handing Lilah a piece of paper with the name on it, "If you get anything just give me a shout and I can download it on my trusty ole laptop."
"Thanks, I'll get right on this. Are you going to Texas like now?"
"Yep, I've got a private jet fueling up and I can go anywhere I want. I might as well use it." Kate smiled at her good fortune.
"I hope you find what you're looking for." Lilah said with a warm smile, and then turned serious, "Do you know any good PI's? I need a few more leads looked into in my sister's case."
"I'm sorry, I didn't even ask about Gwen. Was that Faith girl any help?" Kate asked, leaning over and putting her hand on Lilah's shoulder.
"Yes, Gwen really wanted to see her so I know it helped." Lilah said, glancing at Kate's soft sweet face looking so concerned, "Faith did find some more information out and I need it verified. Anyway, you've been a big help already, so I'll just find another way until you get back."
Kate took Lilah's hand in hers, "Hey, I can scrap this job. I'd rather help you and your sister."
"No, you can't do that." Lilah said as she smiled back at Kate, "You're sweet to offer, but I think you need to finish this job and then we can talk."
"Okay, but I can give you the name of one guy I trust." Kate said as she searched through her purse.
Just then, the car door opened and Angel slid in beside Lilah, "Hello Lilah. Who's your pretty friend?"
Lilah's face went white as a ghost and she crawled over and curled up against Kate, "Go away."
"Awe, is that any way to talk to your boss?" Angel said in his best Angelus voice, "Oh who am I kidding, I just can't pull it off."
"What are you talking about?" Lilah asked as Kate held her close.
"Well, I'm not Angelus." Angel said as he sat back and took in the stunned expression on Lilah's face, "I know, it takes a bit of getting used to. Anyway, did I hear someone say they needed someone to looking into their sister's murder charge?"
"Who is this guy?" Kate asked as she felt Lilah ease up just a little.
"I don't know. I thought it was my boss Angelus, but he's acting very strange." Lilah said looking up at Kate.
"I am your boss." Angel said loudly, "I've just gone through some changes in the past couple days, some rather big changes actually. I got myself a soul. Yep, I'm one of the good guys now. So, about that problem, if you need some help, I'm your guy."
"This is too much. I don't know what's going on here." Lilah said, staring back at Angel as if he were a stranger. "One day you are trying to kill me and now you want to help? Why should I believe you or trust you ever? This is my sister's life we're talking about."
Angel tried to look as unimposing and as friendly as he could as he continued, "I know this is confusing, but there really isn't a lot of time here. I've gone through most of my files, but I need access to some of the classified Wolfram & Hart files that you have the passwords for. I need them. When I have everything I need, I will look into how Wolfram & Hart framed your sister."
"Lilah, I know I've only read about Angelus, but I am not feeling any fear towards this guy. Maybe he's telling the truth. Isn't there some way to test this whole soul theory out?" Kate asked, enjoying her role as comforted Lilah.
Lilah's eyes lit up and she gave Kate a big hug to show her appreciate, "You're right, there is. Down in the science department they have a soul scanner. Mostly they use it on their employees to make sure they aren't demons in hiding, but they also use it in recruiting those whose souls are weakened, making them perfect recruits for there brainwashing programs." She then turned to Angel, "If you pass the soul scan, we have a deal."
"That's really a nice little idea, but if I pass the soul scan everyone at Wolfram & Hart will be after me."
"Maybe, but if you really did switch sides, they'll be after you anyway, this way you can prove yourself first." Lilah waited for some kind of reaction from Angel, then spurred him on one more time, "Come on, seems only fair since I'm going to risk death getting you those files you want."
"Okay, you've got a deal." Angel said and then shook Lilah's hand. Removing some papers from his coat, he handed a number of them to Lilah, "I need at least two copies of each of these files; one for me and one for backup. Most of these are address files, portal maps, lists of demons working for them and lastly, my high scores for solitaire."
"You're what?" Lilah asked with a laugh.
"I spent years amassing those scores and then someone got caught sleeping with solitaire on their screens and they banned it from all computers. Well, I want those scores so I can put it on my computer at home. If you're done laughing, let's get going."
"Sure thing boss." Lilah chuckled, as she watched Angel get out of the car. Turning to Kate, she smiled and slid over to her left, leaving the warm confines of Kate's sexy body, "Thanks for everything. I needed to talk and now I think everything might be looking up for a change. Make sure to look me up when you're back in LA."
"I will, I hope everything works out for your sister." Kate said as she slid over and stepped out of the car with Lilah, "Are you sure you can trust that guy?" she said pointing to Angel.
"I think I can. I'm not getting the same vibes from him. Angelus terrified me and he enjoyed it. He's just so different now, it can't possibly be Angelus." Lilah said as she waved to Angel up the street and then turned to face Kate, "You have a safe trip okay?"
"I will. Bye." Kate said as she gave Lilah a hug, got back into the limo and knocked on the glass partition.
"Yes Miss Lockley."
"Back to the airport we go." She said and then sat back and enjoyed the ride.
Lilah caught up to Angel outside Wolfram & Hart, "How do you want to do this?"
"It all depends." Angel said, leaning up against the wall, trying to look cool one might presume, "Do I have to go through the soul scan or can we get right to the file stealing?"
"We can skip the scant. If you're really Angelus and can pull this nice guy bit off, then I deserve to die for being so gullible." Lilah said as she led the way into the building.
An old dirt road just north of Sunnydale.
Fred pulled into a small gas station at the side of the road, looked over at Buffy and threw her arms in the air, "This is the address. Let's get out and have a look around."
All four girls got out of the car and began searching the area.
Faith stayed with Dawn and Fred went off with Buffy.
Dawn walked inside the small store and right off the bat Sigmund began his usual chants of, "Mustard, mustard, give me some mustard."
"Quiet down Sigmund. You don't yell." Dawn said, only partially scolding the creature, "I'll have a look."
"How can you put up with the big mouth on that thing?" Faith asked as she stared at Sigmund.
"Mind your own business you little slayerette. Is that girly for slayer?" Sigmund said with a mocking sneer.
"Stop it." Dawn yelled as she pulled him away from Faith.
Faith sneered at the pesky pet, and then gave Dawn an equally scary look, "Your pint sized little pet is getting on my nerves."
"I'm sorry, he's learning. It'll take time to teach him some manners. Just ignore him, he's harmless." Dawn said, forced to defend Sigmund again.
"I don't blame you Dawn; I blame that little pest you're holding." Faith said as she continued to look around the small store.
Outside, Fred and Buffy had come across a strange metal box about twenty feet behind the gas station. It was about a foot across and two feet high, with a small round silver handle on the door.
Buffy had Fred step back, then she pulled the door open and there were several lights blinking around the small credit card slot on the right side.
Fred immediately opened her purse and pulled out a Watchers Council ID badge, "Looks like we found it. We need Dawn and Faith here before we go in, because the door doesn't stay open for more than 30 seconds after I pull the card out."
"I'll get them." Buffy said with a nod as she ran around to the front of the building and motioned the two girls out back.
"Okay, I have no idea where the door will open, but it will be close by, once it's open get inside in a hurry." Fred warned and when she had everyone's attention, she slid the card into the slot. When a door appeared at the back of the gas station, everyone rushed forward and ran through it.
Once inside the building, Fred used her card again. The large steel door in front of them opened and they all walked through to a long narrow pathway where they continued downward until they came to the central control room.
As always, Fred used her card and they walked into the sparsely filled main lobby.
Walking up to the information desk Fred smiled at the attractive receptionist, "Hello, I'm looking for a Marisella? I believe she is being held here. I work with Rupert Giles, head of the Watchers Council."
"One moment please." The woman said as she began typing away at her computer. Moments later she looked back up at Fred, "Only two people are allowed to talk to our visitors at one time. Your other two friends will have to wait here. I will have Marisella waiting in Control Room 3, just down the hall and to your right."
Fred turned to the others who had heard the woman's words, "Who's coming with me?"
"You can take Buffy, I'll watch Dawn." Faith said, "I'm going to ask around about Gwen and see if I can find out anything."
"Okay, if we're ready, let's go." Fred said, anxious to meet the woman she has such a strong connection to.
Down the hall and to the right, Fred stopped in front of Control Room 3, "I'm so nervous. We don't even know if this is Marisella, but if it is, what do I say to her?"
"You'll be fine. Just be natural and honest and I think she'll respond to that." Buffy said, reaching up to rub Fred's shoulders, trying to relax her.
"Oooh, that feels so good. Maybe I'll just stay here and get a massage instead." Fred joked; her big smile not enough to hide her shaky nerves.
"You can do this." Buffy encouraged as she guided Fred towards the door.
Fred opened door number 3 and walked inside with Buffy. There was a table in the middle of the room an armed guard on both sides and a door straight ahead.
A few minutes later, a man walked through the far door carrying a medical bag, a clipboard and a stun gun.
He walked over to the table, sat down the bag and the clipboard and moved towards Fred, "You must be Winifred Burkle."
"Yes, but you can call me Fred." She said as she shook the man's hand and then turned towards Buffy, "This is my friend Buffy Summer."
"Ah yes, it's an honor meet you Miss Summers." The man said with a thick British accent as he motioned for the two girls to have a seat. "My name is Dr. Lionel Parch."
"Hello Lionel. Is Marisella here or did I get my information wrong?" Fred asked, not sure what was going on.
"We will bring her out in a few minutes, but first I need to go over some house rules." Lionel pulled out two sheets of paper from the clipboard and handed one to both girls, "These are fairly standard rules, but there are a couple that are strictly enforced. One, you must not touch the patient at any time. This should not be a problem since she will be on the other side of a glass partition, but you need to know this. Two, your conversation will be tape-recorded and video recorded, so please refrain from any type of whispering. Lastly, you have only 10 minutes to conduct your interview due to the patients deteriorating condition."
"I don't understand, what's wrong with her?" Fred said, her voice shaken and cracked.
"I'm sorry, we simply don't know." Dr. Parch said shaking his head, "She was fine when she arrived, but things have taken a turn for the worse over the last month. It seems her will to live has left her and her body is following right along. It's not regenerating the special blood cells she needs to survive."
"There has to be something you can do." Fred pleaded as Buffy held her hand and squeezed it tight.
"We've tried everything, but her DNA is so complex we have no idea what to do. Nothing works on her," Lionel said with an exasperated sigh, "Not simple remedies, nor the more complicated ones. Her cell tissue devours any pills that enter her system. It's the most amazing phenomenon I've ever seen. She's admitted to changing her DNA, but she says she won't divulge her secrets and keeps saying "it's time to go" over and over and over again."
"Then I have to see her now. Please, can we see her?" Fred said anxiously.
"Yes, of course." Dr. Parch got up and led them into the next room.
In the room was another smaller square room in the middle. Complete with thick steel walls, a thick glass partition and two chairs on either side of it. Above the partitions on either side, were cameras and a bizarre lighting pattern with six triangle shaped lights scattered along the ceiling.
There were two more armed guards in the room, both on the visitor side of the room.
Dr. Parch walked around the small room and through another door, appearing moments later with a woman behind him. Locked in chains, she was led into the room and helped to her chair.
After watching the door lock behind her, Dr. Parch motioned for Fred and Buffy to come into the room.
Fred sat down in front of the woman, staring back at her in silence. The woman was a shadow of her former self. Even though she was hundreds of years old, she looked no more than 30 and yet looked physically frail.
Her face though was unmistakable. It was like looking in a mirror for both women.
The woman smiled back at Fred and with her eyes tearing up, she spoke her first words, "My baby. You've found me."
"Yes, yes, I have. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere." Fred said as she smiled back at her birth mother.
"You are more beautiful than I could imagine." Marisella said, her soft hands trembling as she put them up against the glass, "I've lost hope since I've been in this place. I've had a long, long journey and I felt my time was near."
"No, it's not time!" Fred yelled, "Not time at all. I just found you. I have so many questions. I don't know where to begin."
"I love the passion in your voice. You are my little girl." Marisella smiled, but that quickly turned to tears as she thought about the past, "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you. I know you've had a good life and wonderful parents, but I missed you every day. I need you to know this. I did love you. I still do. I hope you know I did what I did out of love."
"It's not your fault. I know that. I want to know all about you and your people. I want you to tell me about Millicent. I only know some small details but I know they can't tell the whole story." Fred stopped for a moment and became very serious, "I'm going to get you out of here. They have no reason to hold you now. Please, you have to fight. You have to let your body heal. Will you do that for me?"
"Yes, I will get better my dear. You've brought me hope for the future, for our future." Marisella said, her voice getting more energetic as she spoke. She then looked over at Buffy, "I feel so rude, I totally ignored you miss."
Fred turned to Buffy and then back to her mom, "It's my fault. This is my friend, Buffy. She helped me find you."
"Hello Buffy, I owe you my gratitude for bringing my daughter to me. I hope to repay you one day." Marisella said with a friendly wave of her hand.
"Thank you, but you don't owe me a thing. I was glad to help Fred, and I'm just so happy for you both."
Marisella did a double take at the mention of Fred's name, "Fred?"
"Oh right, the name thing." Fred chuckled, "My given name was Winifred, but I got nicknamed Fred in school and it stuck with me. I kind of like it. It's unique and short and well, it's a real conversation starter."
"That is different, but if you like it then I like it. Fred." Marisella said her name for the first time, "Hmm, I'm sure I'll get used to it in time."
"We don't have much time here so I have to ask you a couple quick questions. I hope you can answer for me." Fred said as she looked at her watch, "I came into contact with a ring we believe was yours. It's a silver ring with three blue triangle designs on it."
"You found the ring?" Marisella said as she leaned forward full of excitement, "Where is it?"
"Well, I don't actually have it, but someone we know does." Fred said; trying to stay focused. "Anyway, when I got near the ring it gave me a shock that knocked me out for a day. Do you know why it would do that?"
"It's a homing device among other things. Unfortunately, the ring was not designed to be used by humans. There DNA and molecular structure are different from our people. Obviously, the ring picked you out over others, so you do have some of our genetic markers, but you're your body isn't made to take that type of shock. I'm just glad you weren't hurt worse." She explained calmly, and then again leaned forward and became highly intense, "Sweetheart, you need to listen to me right now. I want you to get that ring. It belongs to our people. Once you put it on you will see and feel the powers it provides. It is vital that you get that ring back."
"Okay, I'll get it. I promise." Fred said, determined to make her mom proud.
"I trust you. I will be waiting for your return. Now that I have something to live for." Marisella said just as Dr. Parch entered the room.
"I'm sorry, but time is up." He said pointing to his watch, "You may visit once every two days. After a week, you'll be allowed to spend up to 30 minutes with Marisella. In time, you will be allowed one visit of 60 minutes per week as well."
Fred waited for Dr. Parch to come back around to the waiting room then stormed towards him, "I want to know why you are holding her here like some prisoner? What has she done to deserve this?"
"I can't answer that. I am merely a physician doing my job." The doctor showed no emotion as he delivered his response.
"That's not good enough. If you won't give me some answers, take me to someone who will." Fred demanded, "If I have to bring the head of the council down to get your ass in gear I will."
"Please Miss Burkle, I understand your frustration, but this is a security matter and it's out of my control." Dr. Parch said as he backed away from Fred, "I will however let the facilities supervisor know of your concerns."
"Hey doc, don't give us the run around. We've come a long way to get here…"
The doctor interrupted, "It's only a couple miles from your house."
"Quit changing the subject." Buffy said as she took two steps towards Parch, "See that phone on the wall, call your supervisor and tell him he has a slayer and an angry daughter waiting for him. I am not waiting until you talk to Giles. No, I'll call him only if you don't cooperate. Then I'm sure he'll be twice as pissed. Am I getting through to you?"
"Yes. Perfectly. I will call Mr. Bannam's office, but he's not always in. That is the truth." Dr. Parch said as he walked over to the security phone on the side wall.
"Wow, you sure lit a fire under him in a hurry." Fred said with a grin.
"I just remembered how my mom would get when she wanted me to listen up." Buffy said with a smile, as she thought back to a time when things were so much simpler.
"I wish I could've met your mom, she sounds like so much like my mom, or well my mom from Texas I guess." Fred stuttered, "It's strange having two moms now."
"I'm sure you'll get used it in time." Buffy said and then turned as Dr. Parch walked back over to them.
"Mr. Bannam will be down in 10 minutes. You may wait for him in the lobby with your other friends." Dr. Parch said with a forced smile.
"Thank you." Fred and Buffy said simultaneously, and then walked out the door.
Outside Wolfram & Hart's offices.
Angel sat in the back of his Wolfram & Hart limo looking through the files he'd removed from his computer and some that he just felt a strong need to have.
He set them down and looked over at Lilah, "Well, you're sure quiet, what's up?"
"I'm just waiting for you to live up to your end of the bargain."
"Oh right, that." Angel said as he slid over and sat down beside Lilah, "Well, you need to give me a place to start."
Lilah smiled and responded, "Okay, why don't you find out why Wolfram & Hart wants Gwen so bad. It's not just because of her powers."
"Um, what powers does she have? She's just a kid isn't she?" Angel asked, curious about what he was dealing with.
"Do you not get any of the memos?" Lilah snapped, "Gwen has a gift or a curse, depending on who you ask, in that she has the ability to channel electricity in many creative ways. Some deadly, some useful, but they don't come without a price. She's been slow to make friends and is always afraid of hurting someone she loves by accident."
Angel rolled his eyes, "I don't need the whole sappy story, just the relevant parts."
"Oh god, you are no different than Angelus." Lilah said shaking her head. She hopped over to the other side of the car and looked back at Angel with an annoyed look. "They might've given you a soul, but you need a heart fast."
"You're right. I'm sorry." Angel said sincerely, "It's going to take some time to get used to this. About those memos, do you have any handy?"
"No, but I think I can paraphrase." Lilah said, sitting back against the soft leather, "From what I recall, all the memos to general staff were quite vague. They put an award out for the capture of Gwen. They didn't say why, but the reward was $50,000, so it didn't take long for Gwen to be captured. I got a hold of a private memo from Holland and in it, there was a reference to a demon called Marisella. It also said that Gwen was connected to this demon in some way. I tried finding information on Marisella, but I always came up empty. If Gwen is connected to this demon, then maybe I am to. We are sisters."
"That's a good place to start." Angel said, "I have some connections of my own. Let me talk to some of them and I'll get back to you."
"No way. I'm going with you." Lilah said firmly.
"You need to stay here and keep an eye on things. If you disappear the same time as me, then you are in serious danger from Wolfram & Hart." Angel said as he stepped out of the limo, "Your sister might need you, so let me take care of this and I'll let you know what I find out."
"Fine, but I want to be involved in this. Don't shut me out." Lilah said. Half ordering and half pleading.
"I won't, but where I'm going you'd never survive." Angel said as he took off down the street.
Trish and Roger Burkle's home.
Kate stopped in front of the Burkle farm, parked her car and got out. Walking up to the front door of the small, but comfortable house, a very tall man in overalls came rushing towards her.
"Howdy ma'am."
"Hi, are you Roger Burkle?" Kate asked, knowing he was from the pictures she'd seen.
"Why yes I am. Who might you be?" He said, wiping dust and dirt from his face.
"I'm Kate Lockley." She said extending her hand to Mr. Burkle, "I'm here to talk to you about your daughter Winifred. Is there someplace we could talk?"
"You know my little girl? How's she doing?" Roger said as he walked up to his front door and led Kate inside, "She doesn't call or write near enough for my liking. But, I'm sure she's all busy with that science work and all."
Mrs. Burkle walked into the living room and stopped as she saw Roger talking to Kate, "Who's your friend?"
Roger walked over, put his arm around his wife and pointed towards Kate, "This here is Miss Kate Lockley, she's a friend of Winifred's."
"Oh, I don't recall Fred ever mentioning a Kate. How do you know her again?" Trish said, much more suspicious than Roger ever was.
"I'm sorry, if we could sit down I could explain everything." Kate said, hopeful she'd get that chance.
"I don't see why not." Roger said boisterously as he helped Kate to an old rocking chair in the side corner, "The young lady came all the way from California, it's the least we could to hear what she has to say."
"Thank you." Kate said as she got comfortable.
"Yes, please do tell us how you know Fred." Trish said, standing directly in front of Kate.
"Of course." Kate nodded as she looked back at the Burkle's, "Well, to tell the truth, I don't know Fred personally. I'm helping a friend get some information on her so she can throw her a big birthday party. As you know her birthday is only a couple months away."
"Whadya know, she's right. Winifred does have a birthday coming up and I darn near forgot all about it." Roger said, slapping his knee.
"Roger, we have talked about this. We already have Fred's gift picked out." Trish said, "Sometimes I wonder if you ever listen to me."
"Come on now, you know I do." Roger said, thinking hard and fast about what his wife must have told him.
Trish shook her head at Roger and then turned her attention back to Kate, "Anyway, I still don't know what your connection is to Fred. Who are you helping? She's talked about some of her friends so I should know who you're working with."
"Right, I can see I this was a bad idea. I should go." Kate started to get up but Trish pushed her back in her chair.
"Not so fast."
"I think my wife is a bit uncomfortable with your visit all of sudden." Roger said as he looked over at Trish. Taking a step towards Kate, he got down on one knee and looked her in the eye, "If I were you, I'd start telling the truth before she gets real angry."
"This isn't how I wanted to do things, but, oh god, the truth is going to sound much worse than the birthday story." Kate said, pulling her ID out of her purse.
Roger grabbed it from her and looked it over with Trish, "A private investigator? I think you better start talking miss, because our hospitality is about to turn ugly."
"I understand that you're upset and I probably could've handled this better, but it's not an easy subject to bring up with people. Especially people…"
"People like what missy? What were ya gonna say? Dumb people like us hick folk?" Roger said, his face turning red as he continued, "Well, you might want to stop judging people just because they live on a farm and have a southern accent."
"I apologize. I really do, but once you hear what I have to say, you're gonna wish you didn't know." Kate said as she prepared to tell them everything she knew about demons, vamps and other super natural forces.
"You let us be the judge of that young lady." Trish said and then sat down beside Kate in a small sofa.
Kate proceeded to tell them everything she knew about Fred, Marisella and even a little about Buffy.
After taking some time to digest everything they'd just heard, Roger stood up, walked over to his gun rack and pulled down a double- barreled shotgun. "I think you better show me where these demons are that are messing with our little girl."
"Roger, put that gun away." Trish said, following it up with a glare that got her point across even more. Turning back to Kate, "That is quite a story young lady. I don't suppose you have any proof of the things you've just told us?"
"Nope, none at all, but I believe it to be true." Kate said shaking her, "I've seen things I can't explain and they do exist. I'm only here to help Fred. I prefer to work under the radar and that's why I made up that story earlier. Anyway, if you have any information about Fred's life that seems remotely suspicious it might help."
"Well, Fred has always been a quiet girl." Trish said as she tried to think back to her daughter's childhood, "She had a few friends as she was growing up, but mostly she liked to come home and help around the farm. She was such a good girl. She never got into trouble and I just don't know how any of this is going to help you."
"What about when she became a teenager? That's usually when kids start to rebel." Kate asked as she continued to pepper the Burkle's with questions. "What about high school? Did she have any boyfriends or go to any parties? Did she ever stay out late?"
"I don't recall her having any long term boyfriends, but she did go out on a few dates. I had to encourage her, but I don't think anything strange happened on them. She just said she didn't click with any of them." Trish added.
"Wait, there was that time she went away for the weekend with that new girl in school. Remember honey?" Roger said as he looked at his wife.
"Yes, how I could I forget." Trish said, "Fred came home one Thursday afternoon and she brought this girl with her. Eve was her name. She said they'd been friends for a long time and that Eve had invited her camping with her family. I saw no harm in that and was happy to see she was making friends so we agreed to it. There wasn't anything suspicious about it."
"That's a good place to start." Kate said as she jotted down Eve's name, "Did you get Eve's last name?"
"Yes, it's Simpson." Roger said quickly, "I remember because it was the same name as the new bank manager at the time."
"Thanks." Kate smiled, "Now, is there anything you can remember about this Eve person? Was there anything strike you as odd or strange about her? Did you ever see her again after the trip? Did Fred ever mention her again?"
Trish stood silent for a moment, unsure if she should say something, but finally did, "Well, I'm not sure if this is strange, but Eve was… I don't the word to use, but she seemed much more…oh this is silly… she seemed very sexual. Oh my, I can't believe I said that."
"Trish, for god sakes alive woman, must you use such language in front of a stranger." Roger scolded.
"It's the truth Roger and you know it. We discussed this when we met Eve." Trish pointed out as she stared back at Roger.
"It ain't no business of Kate what some harlot did to our sweet little girl." Roger shouted and then turned away.
"Okay, you're losing me here. What exactly did Eve do to Fred?" Kate asked, looking right at Trish.
"First, I want to make it clear that we are not judging anyone, but it was a surprise to say the least when we caught Fred and Eve together."
"Together?" Kate said, hoping for more clarification.
"We saw them…kissing." Trish said, finally getting the words out, "Not once, but three times while Eve was here. It was a shock is all."
Kate held in a smile as she looked back at Trish, "I see. well, did you ever talk to Fred about this when she got back?"
"Of course not. What kind of question is that?" Roger said loudly, "Our Winifred was a sweet innocent young girl and she was obviously taken advantage of by that hussy. Now, if that's all, I've got some hay to bail."
"Yes, it is time I left." Kate said as she got to her feet, "Thank you for all your help. I'm sorry if some of the questions were a bit too personal."
"That's quite alright miss." Trish said as she escorted Fred to the front door, "If you find anything about Fred please let us know. I just want her to be safe and happy."
Kate smiled and turned towards the front door, but her eye caught a picture above the fireplace and she stopped and had a closer look. She picked it up and smiled, "This is beautiful. Who did this?"
Trish walked up beside Kate and looked over her shoulder, "Oh yes, Fred loved that picture. She brought it home from school one day and I've never seen her happier in my life. She told us it was done by an artist at school and she loved how it turned out she made us keep it so she wouldn't lose it. Every day she'd come home from school and sit and smile at that picture. It was wonderful to see her so happy."
Kate sat the picture back on the fireplace and smiled at the Burkle's, "I will let you know if I find anything." Kate said as she walked out the door and got in her car.
Riley's lab.
Riley walked into another secure room and sat down across from Gunn. "So, what brings you here?"
"I think you know what." Gunn said with a cocky smile, "Spike. Angelus. The slayers. Wolfram & Hart. You name it, I've got propositions about all of the above."
"Okay, let's take them one at time." Riley said, sitting back in his chair, "What about Spike? He's gone from my program. Which means the slate is clean and the next time I seem him, I'll kill him. Anything else to add?"
"Oh I've got plenty to add." Gunn replied, "First, we have no use for Spike either, so maybe we could work out a deal if I bring him back to you."
"I highly doubt you could bring Spike back on your own and secondly, Spike is not a big concern of mine right now. He'll bring his sorry ass back to me soon enough. I guess my answer is; I have no need to deal when it comes to Spike."
"Fair enough." Gunn shrugged and changed the topic, "There's been some talk that Angelus has switched sides. I can't confirm that, but if he has, I am sure you don't want him working with you any more than we do."
"I've heard that rumor too. It just doesn't affect me. From what I hear, he's be working with the council not me. If they want to risk their lives trusting that SOB, that's their business. If he comes around me, I'll kill him. He's still a vampire and I have no use for him. Now this getting boring. If you have nothing interesting to offer me you can leave now before I lose patience and find other uses for you in my lab."
Gunn got to his feet, "Oh, are you threatening me science boy?"
"I don't make threats." Riley said, staring right back at Gunn. "I mean seriously Gunn, you're in my lab, in a secure room, it wouldn't take much to keep you here. Now, I didn't say I would, I said if you keep boring me, I'd find other uses. You can either leave now or tell me something interesting."
"You don't know me as well you think. But, that's for another day." Gunn said, cryptic about what he meant. "For now, I have one last proposition. It concerns Wolfram & Hart. I want them eliminated. I know you do. I'd be willing to help with any offensive you were willing to make on them."
"Again, you seem to be under the impression that I need your help with anything. You are wrong. Now you can get out. Next time you show up here, you won't be leaving. Have a nice day." Riley got up, pushed a button on his chair and four armed guards stormed into the room.
"Escort Mr. Gunn off the premises." Riley said as he tapped Gunn on the shoulders and led him out of the room. "Oh and shoot to kill if he puts up any kind of fight."
"I thought you were smarter than this Riley. You never know when you'll need an ally." Gunn said, still sporting his big smile, "Even the bad kind can prove valuable. But, that's fine, your call, I'm sure we'll meet again."
Oz came running into the room. Stopped and waited for Gunn to be out of sight and rushed over to Riley, "I found out who sabotaged our signal. It was Spike, the real Spike."
"How's that possible?" Riley asked; his face almost white with surprise. "He was confined to his quarters. There were no electrical items in his room."
"I'm not sure how he did it, but the video shows him manipulating two pieces of wire with the light socket. Now, it would still take some knowledge of an electrician to pull off something like this." Oz said, pulling out a folder and handing it to Riley, "This brings me to my next bit of bad news. I've found the technician who helped Spike pull this off."
Riley grabbed the folder and read the name at the top of the page, "Mason? He's been with us since day one. Why? You do have him in custody right?"
"Yes, he's in the white room." Oz said, "I spoke to him briefly, but he wasn't in a talking mood. I figure you can help him with that. Looking over his back account, there were three large deposits of $50,000 over the last three weeks, so it seems he did for the usual reason, greed."
"This pisses me off." Riley said. His face filled with rage. "I don't have time to baby-sit all these people. If I can't trust them then we're doomed to fail."
"I think you're missing the point though." Oz said, trying to stress the positive. "We know who did this. We know who helped. Now we can work on ways of preventing this. It's probably a good thing this happened. It shows what we need to work on improving."
Riley exhaled as he listened to Oz's pitch, "Perhaps you're right. How's the budget coming? Do we have enough to give these people raises? I hate to think money buys loyalty, but it can't hurt. I need to talk to Mason now."
Sunnydale High School Library.
Wesley returned to the library to find Giles and Darla talking, "Hello everyone."
"Hello Wesley." Giles said.
"Hi Wes. Long time no see." Darla said as she gave Wes a big hug.
"Yes, it's great to see you again." Wesley said, smiling back at Darla, "How's your new calling working out?"
"Not so good really." Darla said with cute little smile, "That's what I was talking to Giles about. I don't think I will be working for the powers above any longer."
"Why's that?" Wesley asked as he sat down beside Giles.
Darla nervously paced back and forth in front of the table, searching for the best way to explain her situation, "Well, I broke the first rule. I fell in love with the person I was entrusted to protect."
"How can that be? You were protecting Harmony right? So…" Wesley stopped in mid sentence, looked at Giles who was giving him a strange look and then over at Darla who was looking at him like he should have caught on by now and he finally smiled, "Ah, I see. That is quite an interesting development."
"I'd call it a disaster." Darla said, adding her two cents, "The worst part is they feel Harmony is going to betray me and become a major player on the other side of our fight. They are wrong though and when they wanted to keep Harmony with them, I bolted. Now I'm sort of on the run."
"Darla, you must realize that we work closely with the powers and this is not going to sit well with the council either." Giles said, getting to his feet, "Is there any way you can repair the damages? They are big on sorrys, so why not give that a try."
"No!" Darla yelled, "They only see things one way, they are not going to change their minds. They are so stubborn it makes me so mad."
Wesley stepped forward, "Just to play devil's advocate for a moment; what if they are right about Harmony? What then? Are you willing to sacrifice everyone for this girl?"
"THEY ARE NOT RIGHT!" Darla yelled even louder this time, "Does my word mean nothing? I'm the one who knows her. I have spent all the time with her. I'm the one who has the best sense of what she's capable of. I find it insulting that my opinion counts for so little in the one thing I know the most about."
Giles looked at Darla as if she'd gone mad, "Calm down Darla, that is no way to gain respect. I don't mean to add to your situation here and I'm only trying to see this from all sides, but being in love with someone has been known to affect a person's judgment. They don't say love is blind for no reason. I do wonder if it's possible you are too close to Harmony to see that side of her."
"Why is everyone doubting me? God, this is so unfair." Darla said, her face growing sad as she took a seat, "I thought love was supposed to make us stronger? That's fine, but I will never agree. I am not stupid. I am not blind. I happen to love everything about Harmony. All her quirks and that includes good and bad things. It's not like any of us is perfect, so why should she have to be? Seriously, is there anything I can say that can prove Harmony will never betray me? No, probably not, but there's also nothing you can say that can prove she will either. So why not just give me the benefit of the doubt?"
"I wish it were that simple Darla, but you of all people should know it's not. If it was just you involved, nobody would interfere, but we have to take this threat seriously." Giles said, trying to remain calm, "Why do the powers above believe Harmony will betray you? They must have their reasons? Did you ask what they were?"
"No, are you crazy. That would mean I doubt Harmony and I don't. I don't need to hear lies about her. I don't and I won't." Darla said, arguing her case as best she could.
"I do say that was very unwise." Giles said, clearly not pleased with what he'd just heard, "If they have something that would explain their actions, it is best we hear it. Don't you think it would help if you knew what they are afraid of? It might give you a different perspective."
Darla looked at Giles like he was from mars, "I don't need a different perspective! Have you not heard a word I've said? I love Harmony. I trust her. Nothing bad is going to happen. If you want to go hear what they are whining about, go ahead, but I am warning you, if you side with them and try and take Harmony from me you will all be sorry. I don't want to be an enemy of anyone, I don't, but you are backing me into a corner. I will have no choice but to fight back."
"Please do not make threats like that." Giles said with a menacing glare, "It can only lead to bad feelings and mistrust. I'm going to talk to Alistair and Airlia and get to the bottom of this."
"God, why doesn't anyone believe me?" Darla pleaded.
There was silence as Wesley and Giles looked at each other, neither willing to give Darla the answer she wanted.
"I do." Xander said as he rushed to Darla's defense.
"You don't even know what she said young man." Wesley said as he watched Xander comfort Darla.
"I know all I need to know. I believe in Darla. It's that simple." Xander declared valiantly.
"Xander, I really appreciate your support, but I don't think this is the best time for you to be here." Darla said as delicately as she could.
"Why? I don't need to know what this is about. I'm just here for you." Xander said, hugging Darla, who slowly pulled away.
Darla took Xander out into the hall, "Listen, there's something I need to tell you before you hear it from someone else."
"Oh there you are my little cutie pie." Harmony said with a big smile just before she gave Darla a big wet kiss, very aware of Xander's presence.
Xander stood in awe as he watched them kiss until Darla pulled back and looked at him, "Xander, let me explain."
"I'm not blind. I don't think I need an explanation. Well, I sure hope she can make you happy, because I know could've. You take care." Xander said softly as he walked down the long corridor.
Harmony felt a huge amount of guilt seep into her body and she ran after Xander. "Wait."
Xander turned slowly to see Harmony standing in front of him, "Hey, you won. Good for you."
"No, that's not what I was going to say." Harmony said, "I know you don't want to hear this, but I'm not really a bad person. I know I teased you before, but I was just jealous and I'm sorry. Darla still loves me and that means so much to me. I would never hurt her."
"You better not. If you do, you'll answer to me." Xander said trying to look as menacing as he could.
"Oh Xander, you're almost cute when you get all manly and protective." Harmony said with a chipper smile, "So, did you want to come to dinner with us? We're having a big celebration at The Bronze tonight."
"Are you insane? I just lost the girl of my dreams to...to...oh god I can't even say it." Xander paused, refusing to utter Harmony's name.
"I understand. You aren't much of a dancer, so that's cool. Well, I gotta go. Sorry how this worked out, but you'll find the right girl soon. I know you will. Oh look, she's hot, go after her." Harmony said, pointing to a young girl walking past them in the hallway.
Xander gave Harmony yet another look of disbelief, "I'd love to know what Darla sees in you. Anyway, I should get back to Buffy's. I've got some work to do there. Saving the world never ends ya know. Tell Darla, well, tell her I'll see her around."
"Bye." Harmony said, waving to Xander as he walked out of the school.
Darla walked up to Harmony once she saw Xander leave, "How did he take it?"
"Oh, he was hurt, but he tried to hide it, but even I could tell he was really sad."
"I knew this was going to happen, but I know he'll be okay in time." Darla said, her hand sliding around Harmony's waist, "He's young and resilient and, I hope he has something to keep his mind of this for awhile. That always helps, right?"
"I guess, but he said he was going to Buffy's to help save the world or something. Anyway…"
"What did you say?" Darla asked loudly, "He's going to Buffy's? I don't want him mixed up in all this. God, we need to get over there and talk to him."
"I don't understand. I thought Buffy was one of the good ones." Harmony questioned, once again totally confused.
Darla took Harmony by the hand and rushed out of the school. "Yes, but she's a slayer and can handle the danger, Xander isn't. He's just asking for trouble being around her. He's already been hurt emotionally today, I don't need to see him hurt physically too."
Cordelia Chase's house.
Cordelia arrived at a large fancy home in the most luxurious part of Sunnydale. Parking the car, she got out, walked around and met Willow and then led the way up the winding pathway until they made it to the front door of the huge estate.
Using a key, Cordelia opened the front door and led Willow through two large rooms before coming to an even larger dining room. Willow was smiling and in awe as she looked around the beautiful room. Candles were strategically placed on either side of the table, the music was soft and romantic and the lights were dimmed just enough to set the perfect mood.
"What do you think? Do you like?" Cordy asked, stepping up behind Willow and putting her arms around her tummy.
"It's beautiful. I don't know what to say. I've seen anything like this. Well, except in the movies. I love it." Willow said, gushing as she continued to take it all in.
"Good, but I have one more surprise before we dine. Come with me Miss Rosenberg." Cordy said as she took Willow's hand.
"Where are we going?" Willow asked as she happily followed Cordy's lead.
"You'll see." Cordy smiled and then began the long climb up the longest stairway this side of Hollywood.
At the top of the stairs, Cordelia walked towards the first room on the left, opened the door and motioned for Willow to enter.
"Me?" Willow asked with a smile.
"Yes you." Cordy replied.
Willow walked into the bedroom and once again was in awe at the beauty and elegance of the room. Everything sparkled, from the large chandelier above, to the perfectly polished furniture to the dazzling array of ornaments and spectacular sculptures that sat on the many hand crafted shelving units.
"I'm speechless." Willow said as she continued to spin in a circle and take everything in, "Is this your bedroom?"
"Oh no, this is one the many guest rooms in the house." Cordy then walked into the bathroom smiled and crooked her finger for Willow to come have a look.
With her smile growing wide, Willow hurried towards Cordelia and stepped inside the bathroom. The look on her eyes was priceless as she once again stood in awe at the size and beauty of the room.
Cordelia couldn't stop smiling as she watched Willow's child like expressions as she walked around the gigantic bathroom, smiling and touching everything in sight. As Willow stepped up to the shower, Cordelia blocked her path, "Not so fast. This is my next surprise. But, you have to close your eyes first."
Willow grinned, closed her eyes and listened to the sound of the shower door opening. After some minor rustling by Cordelia, she heard the words, "You can open your eyes now."
"OMG!" Willow said as her eyes opened and focused on what was in front of her. Grabbing one of the dresses from the makeshift rack and held it up against her body, "These are all so beautiful. I can't wear one though. I'm not a model."
"Oh, if you weren't so adorable I'd strangle you for saying that." Cordelia said, "You're more beautiful than any model. I wish you knew that. I'll keep saying it until you start listening to me."
Willow blushed and smiled, "You're spoiling me and I think I like it a little too much." She said as she stepped down from the bathtub and back onto the floor beside Cordy, "Do you really want me to wear one of these?"
"Yes, of course. I wanted you to have all these choices, so you could pick the one you liked the best." Cordy said as she walked towards the bathroom door, "You take your time and I'm going to change and I'll meet you downstairs when you're ready."
"Okay…thanks, I hope I don't take too long." Willow said; looking back at all the dresses she had to pick from.
"You take as long as you want. I'll be waiting." Cordy smiled and closed the door behind her.
Willow climbed back into the bathtub, looked over each and every dress before picking the one she liked the best. After making her choice, she nervously put on the designer dress, turned and looked into the mirror.
Pulling her hands away from her eyes, Willow saw herself for the first time and as she turned from side to side, she couldn't help but smile at how she looked. It was her first evening gown and most certainly her first body hugging dress. Pink with white lace trimming and chiffon strips running up and down the length of the gown.
With a low cut top and plunging neckline, it was the sexiest thing she'd ever worn in her life, but the more she looked at how perfectly it fit her body, the more confident she became.
Taking a deep breath, Willow took one last look in the mirror and then made her way back down the long stairway, through a couple more corridors before stopping at the entrance as she saw Cordelia standing looking out over a balcony.
From the back, Cordelia looked like a goddess, her long dark hair flowing in the wind as she tossed her head back and turned to see Willow watching her every move. Cordelia moved towards Willow, her sexy white dress hugging her curvaceous body every step of the way.
"Wow, you look stunning in that dress." Cordelia said; her mouth wide open as she took in every inch of Willow's sexy dress.
"You like?" Willow questioned, as she looked down at her cleavage and quickly folded her arms over her chest.
"Oh god yes." Cordelia gushed and then smiled at Willow, "you really have no idea how sexy you are do you? I think that's what makes you even sexier to me. Your innocence is such a turn on."
"I don't feel innocent in this dress." Willow said with a sexy grin.
"Well, you look all grown up to me. It's a very good look for you." Cordelia said as she stepped even closer to Willow.
Willow stopped and had a closer look at Cordelia's very sexy dress. Walking in a circle around her, enjoying every sexy curve and every tanned inch of her gorgeous skin that was fully displayed in the skintight dress she was wearing.
"Wow, I hate to steal your word, but wow is all I can say. That is some dress." Willow said, doing her best to keep her eyes from lingering on Cordy's breasts, "I can't think of anyone who would look as sexy as you do in it."
"Well thank you." Cordelia said, "You don't think it's too revealing?"
"No, it's going to be very hard to keep my eyes off you, but I have that problem no matter what you wear." Willow said, proud of how she'd handled the tricky question.
"You are so sweet." Cordelia said and then took Willow's hand and led her to the exquisite dining table.
With a table filled with gourmet foods, the two girls had a spectacular meal, talking and laughing throughout. Upon retiring to the terrace, Cordelia brought out two glasses of wine and sat down beside Willow. "Did you enjoy the meal?"
"Oh yes, it was amazing, just like everything else tonight." Willow said and then took a sip of the red wine.
"Good, I'm glad you are having a good time." Cordy said, relieved to hear Willow's answer, "I was so nervous today. I wanted everything to be perfect and I think with your help, I've come close."
"I didn't do anything, but I'm really happy I came. I'm having a great time. All thanks to you." Willow said, gazing into Cordelia's eyes yet again.
Cordelia met Willow's gaze, smiled back at her and then sat down her glass, got to her feet and walked over and stood in front of her, "Would you like to dance?"
Willow took Cordy's outstretched hand and got to her feet with a big smile covering her face, "I'd love to."
As if by design, the music began playing as the two girls moved in closer, put their hands around each other and soon were swaying to the music. It was slow song after slow song as they began moving as one, hips rubbing against each other, breasts pushing against each other and the heat in the room rising fast as they shared their first kiss of the night.
It was a slow and tender kiss, both girls relaxed and at ease as they slowed to a halt and began kissing harder and deeper and oh so passionately. Hands were sliding up and down each others back and down over their asses and it was Willow who slid her left hand up the front of Cordy's designer dress, cupping as much of her full breast as she could, amazed at how warm and firm they were.
Cordy was moaning louder as Willow began rubbing her nipple with her thumb, as she slid her right hand up and with one quick motion slid the whole top of Cordy's dress down to her waist.
With her large breasts in clear view, Willow leaned down and anxiously began licking her hard perky nipples. She was moving slowly at first, savoring every moment, every smell, taste and sensation as she moved from one nipple to the next, as her pulse flew into overdrive.
Cordy held Willow's head close to her chest, moaning and squealing as Willow ravaged her amazing breasts. With her free hand, she managed to step out of her dress and kick it to the side, feeling incredibly turned on to be standing naked in front of Willow once more.
Willow sucked each of Cordy's nipples deep into her mouth, looking up at Cordy's face and smiling at the look of delight on Cordy's eyes; she knew it was exactly what Cordy wanted.
Just as Willow had begun to kiss her way down Cordelia's soft, yet toned tummy, Cordelia grabbed her by the arms and pulled her to her feet. Pulling her close, she kissed Willow hard and deep, their tongues exploring each other's mouths vigorously as their hands slid up and down each other's bodies.
Cordelia broke the kiss and helped Willow to the ground and within seconds had removed her sexy pink dress and tossed it far, far away. With the sight of Willow's naked body only inches away, Cordy crawled down on top of her and began kissing her again.
The kisses were wild and passionate and full of raw emotion as Cordy pulled away from Willow's soft lips and kissed her way down the soft smooth skin of her neck, down her shoulders and finally to her small round breasts.
Willow was lost in the moment, her eyes closed as she felt Cordy's breath on her nipple followed by her tongue and then mouth and soon she felt her nipple disappear deep into Cordy's warm mouth.
With both hands cupping Willow's perky breasts, Cordy squeezed them together and moved rapidly from one hard nipple to the next, licking, sucking, nibbling and even gently biting each one as fast as she could.
Cordy was leaning over Willow's naked body, with her thigh pushing up against Willow's pussy and each time she moved it Willow moaned and smiled and pushed her hips forward to increase the speed and pressure of Cordy's thigh on her pussy.
As Willow's movements speeded up, Cordy slid down between her legs, spread them wide, licked her lips as she moved up and planted a big kiss on Willow's moist pussy lips.
Letting out the cutest little squeal, Willow smiled back at Cordelia, then grabbed her small breasts and caressed them hard, rubbing her nipples as she watched Cordy's tongue slide up and down her pussy lips for the first time.
It was everything and more, than she'd ever dreamed it could be and as Cordy began moving her tongue faster and faster, Willow tossed her head back and gave herself to Cordy.
Cordelia wrapped one hand around Willow's slender thigh and pulled her closer. With her tongue moving like crazy over Willow's clit, she slid one of her long fingers gently inside Willow's pussy.
Willow was rotating her hips faster and faster, overwhelmed by all the sensations she was feeling all at one time. Cordy's tongue was sending her through the roof as she furiously licked and sucked her clit, while her finger was moving even faster and harder as she was now slamming it in and out of her at an unheard of pace.
Moans filled the air as Willow gripped the thick plush carpet hard and held on as Cordy had her at the brink of orgasm. With her hips bucking back and forth under Cordy's relentless tonguing, Willow began shaking and screaming and then her body went limp.
Climbing back up Willow's naked body, Cordelia quickly placed a kiss on her soft lips and then waited until Willow opened her eyes, before kissing her again, this time Willow rolled on top of Cordelia and continued the kiss as she brushed Cordy's hair away from her face.
Cordelia smiled up at Willow and put her hand on the side of her cheek, "You're so beautiful. I don't think I've ever been happier."
"I feel the same way, but I'm not finished yet." Willow said as she moved down to Cordy's large breasts, "I want to make you feel the same way you made me feel." With that, Willow smiled and began to return the favor to Cordy.
Watchers Council Underground facility.
Buffy sat in a small chair in a very big waiting room, looking at her watch and getting angrier by the second, "It's been 30 minutes and still nothing. I think we better go find this Bannam character on our own."
"I'm up for it. I've never been much good at waiting." Faith said as she hopped to her feet.
Fred stepped between the two slayers, "I know you are both anxious to help, but let's go talk to someone first. If we don't get any answers then I'm with you and we can start looking for him."
"Okay, but I'm not getting a good feeling about this." Buffy said, and then followed Fred to the front desk.
Pushing the small bell, Fred waited until an attractive woman came out of the back room and walked towards her, "May I help you?"
"Yes, we were waiting for Mr. Bannam and were told he'd be out to see us about 20 minutes ago. Do you know if he's still in the building?" Fred asked, smiling as best she could.
The woman punched some keys on her computer and then looked back at Fred, "It says here that he's not to be disturbed. There's an emergency meeting and all the managers are involved. I can leave him a message if you like."
"No, I would not like." Fred said, her voice much louder than normal, "I'm escorting Rupert Giles' two daughters to a special meeting with Mr. Bannam and I do not believe the head of the Watchers Council will be pleased if his daughters traveled all this way for nothing. Now, where is the meeting?"
"I'm really sorry, but I just work here. Honestly." The woman said, obviously shook up by Fred's tone.
"What room is the meeting in?" Buffy said, doing her best to look angry, but having a tough time since she could barely see the woman since the counter was so high.
Faith walked around and stood beside the now terrified woman, "Hi there. I'm Faith. You were about to give us the room number to that meeting."
"I don't know what to do. I don't want to get fired." The woman said, "Oh here, just look at the screen and go."
Stepping in front of the woman, Faith looked down at the computer and smiled as she saw the room number blinking on the screen. Smiling at the woman, she walked back around to the front of the counter, "I've got it. Room 250, it's in the East Wing."
"Good, that's a start, but I need someone here to watch Dawn." Buffy said, regretting bringing her sister along.
"I'm fine. I have Sigmund and I can sit and wait for you guys." Dawn said and then waved her hand around the lobby area, "I mean, look around, there's nobody here, it's not like I can get into trouble."
"I'm not worried about you getting into trouble; I'm worried about that mouthy little pet of yours." Buffy said, giving Sigmund the evil eye.
"Oh bite me tiny one." Sigmund said as he leaned towards Buffy, "Oh, so you're a fake blonde too. Surprising, you seem like the poster girl for dumb blondes."
"Dawn! If you do not put a muzzle on this…thing, it's going to have a very unfortunate accident one day. I'm thinking zoo, elephants and a squishing sound. Capiche?"
Dawn pushed Sigmund into his cage and slammed the door on him, "He's learning." she said and then saw Buffy's face, "Okay, very slowly, but I`m trying. He just doesn't know what he's saying. I'll teach him some nice words while you go that meeting, okay?"
"You better." Buffy said and then gave Dawn a big hug, "You just wait here and we'll hurry back."
Dawn ushered Buffy away, "Okay, go, I'm fine."
Fred, Buffy and Faith made their way through the large building until they found the sign for the East Wing. Turning left, they walked through a series of doors until the came across room 200.
Looking both left and right, they opted to keep going left and after a lengthy walk, they finally came to room 250. It was much larger than the others they'd seen and had four armed guards standing outside.
"Why is there so much security for a meeting of a bunch of doctors?" Fred said, stopping just before they turned the corner.
"Maybe it's not just doctors in the meeting. With security like this there has to be something big going on inside." Buffy said, "The question is what."
"Only one way to find out." Faith said, "We have to get into that meeting. So, before I jump in with my plan, does anyone else have a suggestion?"
"Be my guest, as long as you're sharing the plan, all is well." Buffy said as she rested against the wall.
"Good, as I see it, there are two ways to get into that room. We can just kick some ass and barge right in or we can try a subtle approach."
Fred listened to Buffy and Faith and decided it was time to suggest her idea, "I was thinking maybe we could try and throw Rupert's name around and see if we get lucky. If it doesn't work, you can kick their asses."
Buffy and Faith both laughed at Fred's idea, but figured it was worth a shot.
After adjusting her hair and checking her outfit, Fred walked towards the guards. As expected, one guard turned and blocked her path, "You are in a secure area. You will have to leave."
"Actually, I'm late for the meeting." Fred said, sounding very authoritative, "Rupert Giles, who is my boss, asked me to bring the two slayers to the meeting as soon as possible. Well, here we are. Now I'd appreciate it if you would step aside please and let us in."
The guard turned to the other three and they all shrugged their shoulders, "We'll have to verify this first. Wait here." He then turned and knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer.
Moments later the door opened and the guard began explaining the situation to whomever he was talking to. After a long pause, someone stuck their head out and took a look at Fred. It was Giles.
"Giles!" Fred said loudly as she waved towards him.
Stepping out from inside the room, Giles smiled at Fred and walked towards her, "What are you doing here?"
"We were here visiting my birth mother." Fred explained, trying to pry her arm free from Giles' grip, "I was told to meet Mr. Bannam but he never showed. Here we are."
"This is not a good time." Giles said, not hiding his annoyance one bit.
"What is going on in there?" Fred said with a whisper.
"I can't talk now. Just go and I'll fill you all in later." Giles said, taking Fred by the arm and leading her back to Buffy and Faith, "Go. This is not your concern right now."
"Nice try, dad, but we're not going anywhere until we see Bannam." Buffy said as she pushed Giles away from Fred.
Faith jumped into the mix, "Let's not forget we are going to this meeting with you. So, lead on boss."
"You are being highly irresponsible; all of you. I will not tell you this again. You must leave immediately." Giles said, his voice noticeably rising as he gave each girl the same steely-eyed glare.
"Please Giles; I just want to speak with the Bannam about my birth mother." Fred said, trying her best to get through to Giles.
Before Giles could respond a man stepped out of the meeting and turned to see what the commotion was, "What seems to be the hold up Giles? We are about to discuss my terms. I'm sure you don't want to be late for that, do you?"
"I'll be right there." Giles said in a much more pleasant tone.
"Don't be rude old boy; introduce me to the beautiful young ladies." The man said as he strolled towards everyone.
Giles, noticeably irritated by the man's presence, held it in as the man walked up beside him, "Yes, of course. Buffy, Faith, Fred, this is an old acquaintance of mine, Ethan Rayne."
"I'm delighted to meet all of you." He said as he kissed each girl's hand, "Let me see if I have you all straight. Fred, you are the science major. I've read a lot about you and I can see you have a bright future with the council. Buffy and Faith are the chosen two. I must say you are as beautiful as you are talented. I know Sunnydale will be a safer place with you patrolling these dangerous streets or is it crypts? No bother, it's just a treat to you meet you all."
"Who is the nut?" Faith said as she wiped her hand against her jacket.
"Faith, that's no way to talk to someone you just met. Now apologize this instant." Giles said, way more annoyed than he should be.
"Chill out Giles." Faith snapped back.
"Yes Giles, it's perfectly fine. It's great that the young woman speaks her mind so freely. It makes for less hidden agenda's when there are no words left unspoken. It's how it should be." Ethan said as he smiled at Faith.
"Well, it's time to get back to the meeting. I will see you three later." Giles said, once again giving the three girls the evil eye.
Buffy stepped in front of the two men, "I was just wondering if Ethan would mind if we sat in on the meeting? Being slayers and all, I think it might be very informative. Don't you agree Giles?"
Giles was fuming inside while Ethan was loving every second of this little exchange and made no bones about it. "I dare say the girl has a point old boy. They are the future and this meeting is all about the future isn't it? I vote yes to letting you sit in."
"It would seem I'm outvoted on this, so if that's how it's going to be, then let's get back in there and iron out the details." Giles said, gritting his teeth as he stormed back into the room.
Ethan followed and the three girls stopped just outside the door.
"I'm starting to think this is a bad idea. I've never seen Giles so angry in my life." Fred said, "Well, not that I have seen him a lot, but I have talked to him numerous times and even though he can seem abrupt or blunt, he's not usually so scary. What if we aren't meant to be here after all?"
"I think the fact he's this upset is exactly why we should be here. If he's keeping things from us how can we trust him? I want to know what the big secret is." Buffy said in a whisper as another man walked out of the room to have a look around.
"Let's just go." Faith said impatiently and then walked into the room.
Buffy and Fred followed and none of them were prepared for what they saw. From the outside, the room looked huge, but when they get inside they soon discovered it wasn't simply a room, but a small stadium, set up much like an extra large courtroom.
It was divided into two very distinct sections. One side featured primarily all humans, while the other side was an array of demons, vampires and other assorted beings. In front of the two sections were two separate tables, again one for humans and the other for the demons. At the head of the room was a 30-foot high head table with 13 individuals acting as judges. Six humans, 6 demons and one unknown in the middle.
Giles was acting as a lawyer for the humans, while Ethan Rayne was the only human looking person on the demon's side of the room. Buffy, Faith and Fred took a seat as close to the front as possible.
"Attention. This meeting is called to order." Said the figure at the top middle of the large table. "Mr. Giles, you had the floor when we were interrupted, please continue."
"Thank you Lord Carrmaleous." Giles said as he bowed to the strange looking being. "As I was saying, we at the Watchers Council believe drastic measures need to be taken to keep Ethan Rayne locked up where he belongs. He's only here because he escaped from prison in the first place. The very fact we're considering his absurd offer is preposterous. His history of evil is well documented, and I can't stress this enough, trusting him is like committing suicide."
Ethan Rayne stood up and addressed the room. "Good day Lord Carrmaleous, you're looking wonderfully healthy again. I'm pleased to see that you weren't hurt in that awful assassination attempt last week. Let me begin by saying Rupert Giles makes a compelling argument for his side, but what he leaves out are the benefits my proposal will have on all mankind, as well as my demon friends. I realize it is a lot to take in at one time, but my proposal is the only way the human race will survive. I'll see to that. If you join with me, we can work together to make this a peaceful place for all to live in."
The man on the far left of the 13-man panel stood up, "I am Sir Earl Wilmington III. I would like to ask Mr. Rayne why he believes threatening civilization is an appropriate way to get people to listen to you."
"I would not characterize my proposal as a threat, but merely the truth spelled out in a very forthright manner." Ethan said, is voice bellowing throughout the large building, "We have the ability to destroy you humans and while it could prove to be a fruitless battle that ends in the destruction of your planet, we always have alternate realities to fall back on. So, even if you destroyed most, if not all of us, your planet would be in ruin, your world in chaos and I don't believe that's a risk you're willing to take. I bring this offer to you as an offering of peace, not war. I wish to work with you, but there will have to be many changes for this to work."
Giles got to his feet, waited to be acknowledged, and began to speak, "Sir Wilmington III brings up a very good point. Ethan Rayne has no desire to share this world with anyone; he simply wants our help in destroying it bit by bit so he doesn't have to. What he hasn't told you, is he has no leverage right now. He's hoping fear will make you all act irrationally and give in to his self-serving proposal. I submit we take Mr. Rayne back to his cell and let him serve the rest of his life sentence and be done with this absurdity for good."
"I warned you not to take this type of stand Giles. As a former friend, I was giving you the courtesy of having a choice in your outcome, but I see that's not going to work." Ethan turned away from Giles and faced the panel, "In light of these developments I am withdrawing my offer from the table. I know longer feel the need to include you in my plans. Let me assure you, this is not over. When you see me next, you will fully grasp the gravity of your mistake."
Lord Carrmaleous stood up, "Order. Order! I'm sorry Mr. Rayne but I have no other option but to have you remanded to custody and forced to serve out the remainder of your sentence. Guards, take him away."
Four guards walked briskly towards Ethan and the first two grabbed him by the arm and led him through the courtroom. About half way through Ethan stopped and looked back at Giles, "Do you really think I'd let this happen? You are a fool." And with that, he tossed some powder into the air and the room filled with smoke and dust and when it all faded, Ethan was nowhere in sight.
Guards rushed around looking for any sign of him, but found nothing.
Moments later there was a large laughing sound heard over the loudspeakers, "Giles, you disappoint me. I didn't expect it to be so easy. Oh and I will be back and I want you to know that you are personally responsible for the death that is coming. Oh and one other thing, I do love your youngest daughter Dawn. She's so sweet. I'm sorry she can't talk right now, but maybe later. Buffy, I know you can hear me, I'm after you next. Yes I am. Giles will watch you all die. It's his own fault. And Faith, Fred, if you want to change sides, now's the time. Just leave me a message and I will find you. Don't go down with the ship, I have big plans for the both of you. Say hi to mommy Fred. Bye now."
"Oh my god, he's got Dawn." Buffy screamed and then ran out of the room and through the endless corridors until she got back to the main lobby. Looking around in a hurried state, she searched everywhere and yet there was no sign of Dawn around, "No. This can't be happening. I can't lose her. I won't."
Faith, Fred and Giles helped in the search, but nobody turned up a thing as they gathered in the middle of the room to comfort Buffy.
"We'll find her. I promise you that." Faith said as she put her arms around Buffy.
"Why on earth did you bring her here?" Giles said, both angry and afraid, "I should never have left your house. I will not make that mistake again. When we find Dawn, and we will find her, I am moving in and that's final."
"Giles, can I talk to you over here." Fred said as she pulled Giles away from the two girls, "What are you doing? Buffy did not do this. God, Ethan Rayne did. Can't you see that she's devastated by this? I don't care how mad you are, you will not take it out on Buffy. Now, we need to stick together right now. Emotions are high, but blame is not the answer."
Taking a moment to compose himself, Giles walked back over to Buffy, "I'm sorry for what I said. It's not your fault. I just want to bring her back safely."
"You're right though, I should never have left her alone." Buffy said as she looked up at Giles with tears running down her face, "I know Ethan did this, but I sure helped make it easy. I'll never forgive myself if something happens to her. Never."
"Please don't say that B. Do not let some nut make you doubt yourself." Faith said, constantly running her fingers through Buffy's blonde hair. "We'll find her. There's nothing we can't do, right?"
Buffy managed a weak smile, "Right."
"Well good, let's get to work. I will not let them hurt Dawn. Whatever it takes, that's what I'll do." Faith said, doing her best to cheer Buffy up.
"I know you will." Buffy said as she looked deep into Faith's eyes, "I believe you. That's why I know everything will be okay."
"Okay, let's get back to the house and we can figure out what to do next." Giles said as he led the girls back outside.
Wolfram & Hart's board room in limbo between life and death.
Angel used one of his rare portal gems to gain entrance to the secret world of the top bosses of Wolfram & Hart. Covered in lava, it would kill most any human in a matter of minutes, but with the ring of Amarra safely on his finger, Angel was immune and able to walk freely though the dimly lit entrance.
To the north was the only door. It wasn't like an ordinary door, because it moved as Angel got close. Unsure of what he was dealing with Angel slowly moved towards the door. As he got within 10 feet, the door came alive, turning into a large warrior, who promptly attacked him with a razor sharp spear.
Dodging the first blow, Angel danced around the room, trying to figure out whether the creature was human, demon or something completely different. After stepping out of the way of numerous swipes of the creature's pointy spear, Angel made his first offensive move and snapped a right jab in the creature's face.
A searing pain shot through his body as he grabbed his hand, "What are you and how can I get past?"
"Only in defeat shall I let you through." The creature said as it lunged at Angel once more.
"Fine, then death it shall be." Angel said as he morphed into vampire mode.
Looking for the right opportunity, Angel flew at the warrior, knocking it to the ground. The warrior hopped to his feet in a flash and took two vicious swipes at Angel, catching him on the left arm with one swing. Angry that he'd been hit, Angel lunged forward again, grabbing the warrior by the waist and tossing him across the room. Jumping on top the warrior, Angel grabbed him around the neck and began punching him furiously in the face.
Seemingly immune to such damage, the warrior kicked Angel off to the side and jumped back to his feet. "You can't kill me. Give up and you will live. Keep going and I will kill you."
"Thanks for the heads up, now shut up and die." Angel said, once again being the aggressor as he exchanged punches, kicks and witty insults with the warrior for well over 15 minutes, with nothing to show for his efforts.
Frustrated by his lack of success, Angel continued searching for a weakness; grabbing the spear from the ground he began jabbing at the warrior, but each time he hit him it was like hitting steel and the spear would do no damage.
Studying the warrior closer, Angel discovered a tiny red dot just under the shoulder armor on his left bicep. It looked strangely out of place and as Angel moved around to avoid the warrior's attack, Angel took aim at the red dot and after one miss, he nailed it with his second swing and just as quickly as it had turned into a warrior, it turned back into a door, only this time the door was open.
Relieved to be finished with the childish game, Angel moved through the door and walked down the stairway until he came across another door. Standing outside, almost afraid to open it, he was saved the trouble as the door came to life and Angel had to go through the same ritual again. Each time he had to find the exact spot to disable the warrior and after enduring endless physical pain, he made it through the final door.
Inside the final room stood a large golden altar, set high above a fountain of the purest water in the world. Surrounding the altar were a dozen statues, each one a different color, design, shape and all depicting an ancient Greek God.
After taking in the beauty in front of him, Angel ascended the stairs, stood in front of the altar and looked closer at each of the statues. The first one, Zeus, was a magnificent piece of art; expertly designed, with every detail of the legendary god captured with precision like accuracy.
"Um, hello?" Angel said, waving his hands in front of the large statue.
When nothing happened, he reached out and pulled at the statue with his hands, it moved forward, but nothing else happened. He moved up to each of the statues, pulled them all forward and then the place came alive.
With lights flashing and strange hypnotic music playing loudly throughout the room, a blinding flash stunned Angel and when he opened his eyes, the statues had come to life.
Staring at the 12 people surrounding him, Angel gave them all a smile and a wave, pulled two round tokens from his jacket and held them high in the air, "I have two markers and I'm here to trade them for information."
"We will honor the markers, but now that you have a soul and have left Wolfram & Hart, you are no longer welcome and no further markers will be accepted. Now, please state the nature of your business and be gone." Zeus said, swinging his sword from side to side.
"I'll get right to the point. I am looking for information on Gwen Raiden, specifically why Wolfram & Hart have such a strong interest in her. I have heard about her powers and while they are somewhat intriguing, they are nowhere near the level of what Wolfram & Hart seeks, so I guess it makes me wonder if Gwen isn't being used to get to Lilah, but I fail to see how my assistant warrants such attention. Then again…"
"State your question. We are not here to listen to your theories. If you have something to ask, ask it now." The goddess Hera shouted emphatically.
"Impatient lot aren't ya?" Angel said sarcastically, "Fine, let me word this right. What do Wolfram & Hart want with Lilah Morgan and her sister Gwen Raiden?"
"Very well, the answer you are looking for is hidden in the archives." Zeus said in a brief, concise statement.
"You've gotta be kidding me?" Angel sighed, "I thought this was the archive? I was told this place was like a truth serum and you couldn't lie. Now you better give me a real answer before I lose my patience."
A chorus of laughter broke out in the room and Hera hovered off her pedestal and moved towards Angel, "You are even more insolent with a soul, that's not a good sign. We are not required to explain the answers we provide. You need to do a bit more research before start shooting your mouth off in this room."
"It's wise to listen to her; she can be a ruthless enemy." Zeus said as he moved up beside Hera.
"Thanks for the advice, now back to my question." Angel gave them both a fake smile and then changed back to being pissed, "I want a real answer and not some vague crap. Where is the archive?"
"That would require using your final marker, is that what you wish?" Hera said with a wicked grin.
"I have played enough games to get here; I'm not going to ask again." Angel said, doing his best to hold in his anger.
"And I ask you again, do you wish to use your final marker?" Hera asked, matching Angel's anger step by step.
"This is why I hate dealing with you people; you have more bureaucracy and red tape than humans do." Angel laughed, "I've jumped through enough hoops, if it takes the last marker to get my answer, then so be it. Do not test me again."
"The archive you seek is very close. Beneath the offices of Wolfram & Hart lies a place that only two people, well perhaps I should say two entities have ever seen. If you can penetrate the intense security, the endless stream of demons and make it to the locked vault, you will find your answer. Her file is located in section 22B, box 199. The combination is 9 left, 34 right and 16 left. The password to get past the Rigalo demon that's guarding the vault is Cupcake."
Angel laughed, "Cupcake? Now that's funny. Well, you've been mighty useless, but before I go I have one more question to ask."
"You've used up your markers; you are no longer welcome here." Hera said as she moved back to her pedestal.
"Wrong, I just held up two, I didn't say it was all I had." Angel smirked and tossed another marker up towards Hera, "Tell me what Wolfram & Hart are using to hold Gwen in that nut house?"
Zeus, clearly angered by Angel's ploy, had no choice but to tell him the truth, "That was a nice trick, but you do not make friends by deceiving us. There is a tape that proves Gwen's innocence in the very same place she is being held."
"Thanks. Since I have to use these up now, I might as well use my last marker." Angel said as he tossed it towards Zeus, "I want to know, hmm, just a second, I have so many possible questions here. I always wanted to know how they got the Caramilk inside a Caramilk bar; that is one cool trick. Then again, I've always wanted to know if there was really someone behind the grassy knoll on November 22, 1963. I also wonder if the Red Sox would've won the World Series if not for the infamous fielding blunder by Bill Buckner, but I digress, my final question is who is the CEO, the big boss, the head honcho, the top dog, the grand poobaw, of Wolfram & Hart?"
"You show your true ignorance at times Angelus…"
"I go by Angel now."
"Ah, how fitting; a vampire who killed thousands of humans is now going to save humanity using the name Angel. It has a certain arrogant charm to it, doesn't it my dear." Zeus said as he smiled over at Hera.
"Just answer the question." Angel said, ignoring the verbal jabs as best he could.
"Of course." Zeus said, "It's really no secret and it's astounding that you've never figured it out, but you would eventually. The name you are looking for is Glory."
Angel did a double take, "What? Glory, as in the disgraced god? How'd she get to be head of Wolfram & Hart?"
"Alas Angelus, um, so sorry, Angel, but you've used up all your markers." Hera moved up and stood right in front of Angel, "You're now an enemy and any further attempts to enter this room will be met with a slow and painful death. Have a nice day."
Without warning, Angel was teleported back to the surface.
Somewhere in Texas.
Kate had just spent the last eight hours tracking down Eve Simpson and once she'd located a current address she drove another couple hours to the sleepy town just south of San Antonio.
Entering the city limits was a sign that read, "Welcome to Lacksville USA, population, 411."
It was more like a truck stop than a town, but this was Eve's last known address. Kate got out of her car, stared at the quaint little motel and walked towards the entrance.
Standing in front of the main desk, Kate tapped the small bell with her hand and waited. After about 5 minutes, she tapped the bell again and still nobody came out of the back room, so she walked around behind the counter and opened the back door.
Inside the small room, Kate found a young woman lying on the floor, blood on her head and the floor beside her, so she rushed over and quickly checked for a pulse. When she saw that the woman was alive, she tried to wake her up, but when that didn't work she struggled to get her to her feet and gently lay her on the cot to right side of the room.
Looking around for the bathroom, Kate eventually found a towel and began wiping some dried up blood from the back of the woman's head. Holding her hand, Kate continued to clean the nasty cut on her head, while trying to nudge her awake as gently as she could.
As she removed the blood soaked towel from Eve's head, her cell phone began ringing and Kate hurried to her purse to answer it, "Lockley here."
"Kate, it's Lilah. You left me a message about some information you come across. What is it?"
"I was going to chalk it up to two young lovers sneaking away for the weekend, but I just found the woman Fred was with and she's been hurt pretty bad and I don't believe in coincidences. When she wakes up I'll do my best to get more information, but it looks like she was the victim of a severe warning. My guess is someone doesn't want her talking."
"Did you want me to send someone to help you out? I could come if you want." Lilah said, sitting restlessly in the back of the limo.
"I don't think that will be necessary, at least not right now. You could do me a favor and look up Eve Simpson. If you can find out what she's been up to the last couple years that would really help. Maybe find out who she was associated with back in high school. If this is connected Wolfram & Hart, then we'll know we're on to something." Kate said and then looked over at Eve who had just opened her eyes, "I have to go."
"Kate? Kate? Damn it." Lilah said as she slammed her cell phone down.
Kate moved over and sat beside Eve, "Are you okay? How's your head?"
Eve sat up in the bed and looked at Kate and then around the room, "What happened?"
"I don't know." Kate said shaking her head, "I came to talk to you and found you on the ground bleeding. Who did this to you?"
"I can't remember." Eve said, holding the back of her head and wincing, "Last thing I remember was two men asking about a room and when I turned to look at my computer, they came behind the counter and pushed me back into this room."
"Did you recognize them at all?" Kate asked as she put a cold compress against the back of her head.
"I don't know. It's all blurry right now." Eve said, shaking the cobwebs out of her head, "I think the one guy is the same one who recruited me back in high school. He's not that tall, but he's got a mean temper and is very scary."
Kate squeezed Eve's hand to help show her she wasn't alone, "I'm sure he is; which is why I'm here. I want to get you somewhere safe, so nobody can hurt you again."
"No, I have to leave the country. They'll find me. I shouldn't even be talking to you. This is what they warned me about. God, I have to go." Eve said frantically as she tried to get to her feet. "Thanks for helping me, but you don't know these people. They are killers."
Kate put her hands on Eve's shoulders and kept her on the bed, "Listen to me. I do know who they are and I also now how to protect you. You need to come with me. Do you want to help Fred?"
Eve's eyes lit up and her face changed from scared to excited in a flash, "Fred? You know her? Where is she? Is she alright? Please tell me they didn't hurt her?"
"Fred is fine, but she needs your help right now." Kate said with a real sense of drama in her voice, "There are things going on here that are so much bigger than you can ever imagine and like it or not, you're a key piece of this puzzle."
"I need to know about Fred. Where is she? What's she doing? I haven't seen her for years. I know she doesn't know what I did, but I could never face her after that. I ruined the only good thing that's ever happened my life. All for money. Can you believe that? Me, the spoiled child of rich parents, selling out a friend for money I didn't even need. How ironic and pathetic. I deserve this." Eve said, pointing to the wound on the back of her head, "I'm not looking for pity, I don't want that, but if I can help Fred then I will. I don't care what they do to me."
"They aren't going to do anything to you. Okay?" Kate said, trying to get through to Eve, "Right now, I need to get you back to LA. Do you think you can travel?"
"Yes, a little headache isn't going to stop me. Not now." Eve said as she put her arm around Kate's waist and walked with her back to the car.
Eve stopped and turned to the motel, "Could you lock up for me? The guy who owns this is a nice old man and I don't want anyone breaking into the place." Eve handed Kate the keys and watched Kate lock up, close all the windows and run back to the car.
Kate helped Eve into the passenger seat and then drove to the airport.
Above the Watchers Council's secret location.
As Buffy and the rest emerged from the secret hideout, she was promptly knocked to the ground by something and when she hopped to her feet, she saw a sexy blonde haired woman standing less than 10 feet away.
"You don't look like a demon and you aren't a vamp, so give me one reason I don't kick your ass?" Buffy said as she picked herself off the ground.
"I'll do better than that." She said as she moved towards Buffy, "I'll tell you why you can't kick my ass."
"This should be fun." Buffy said with a laugh.
"More than you know kid." Glory smiled as she walked past Buffy, took a closer look at Faith, smiled at Fred and gave Giles a dirty look.
"Buffy, this is Glory. She is not human." Giles said as he pulled Fred back a few feet.
"Awe, you spoiled my fun you stupid old man. Now you've made me mad." Glory said as she drilled Buffy with a right cross that sent her flying through the air and landing hard on her ass about 20 feet away. "It's not nice to make me mad."
"Alright, whoever you are you just made a big mistake." Faith said as she moved into combat position and moved in a circle around Glory.
Glory, who was doing nothing but watch Faith move, smiled at the brunette, "Are you going to do anything or are you just out for a jog?"
Faith fumed at the obviously mocking and made her move, getting in one punch and even knocked Glory to the ground with a two handed punch to her back, but Glory hopped to her feet with a big smile on her face, "Nice try, maybe you should stick to cheerleading." She said and grabbed Faith around the neck, pulled her up a couple inches so she was eye level and then tossed her over beside Buffy.
Buffy helped break Faith's fall and the two of them looked over at Giles, "Hello boss man, any advice?"
Giles shrugged his shoulders, "I know what stopped her all those years ago, but without the right circumstances, you'll never kill her."
"Oh, isn't that nice to know." Buffy said with a more than a little annoyance in her voice, "Here's a tip Giles, next time, tell us BEFORE we get our asses kicked."
"Making a note that right now." Giles said with a slight smile.
"Enough!" Glory shouted, "I'm not here to kill you. In fact, I am here to help."
"Yeah right, you just felt the need to put your fist in my face for fun?" Buffy asked, still rubbing her jaw.
"A girl has to make an entrance. Besides, I thought it was best you knew who you were dealing with before I made you my offer." Glory walked over to Buffy and put her hand up against her cheek, "It's barely even a bruise. I thought slayers were tough? Guess not, maybe just the old ones were. Anyway, I was actually willing to loan you my services in your quest to rescue your little sis."
Buffy looked at Glory and then back at the others, "Giles, who is this and how does she know about Dawn already?"
"It's a long story." Giles said with a deep sigh, "But, I don't know how she knows about Dawn.
Glory walked over and stood in front of Giles, "I'm surprised you haven't told her about me yet. I would think it would be a beautiful story for the little slayer to hear. How her mommy and I first met. Maybe then she'd understand that I have no quarrel with her. Ethan Rayne is a different story. He cost me more than anyone will ever know. Now I hear Spike was responsible for Joyce's death; this also makes me very angry."
"What is she talking about Giles?" Buffy asked, her face full of confusion.
"I can't get into that here. It's very complicated." Giles said, unwilling to say anything more.
Glory slowly walked back over towards Buffy, "I knew your mother many years ago. I respected her greatly, but she made my life a living hell and now that's she gone I feel cheated. All these years I've wanted to get one chance to explain everything to her, but now it's gone. Someone will pay. For now, I want to help you find your sister. Joyce would want me to."
"Exactly why do you think I'd ever accept your help with anything?" Buffy asked and then did a double take, "Why are you calling her Joyce? How well did you know her?"
"That's not important right now. What is important is simple; I can get Dawn for you." Glory said confidently, "I know who has her and how to get her back."
Faith jumped into the conversation, "Wait just a minute, let's just say for arguments sake you can save Dawn, what's to stop you from just taking her somewhere and holding her captive or worse?"
"Oh yes, the other half of the chosen ones. How cute." Glory mocked as she checked Faith out from head to toe, "I guess there is no way to trust me, but I'm your best hope right now. If I wanted to kill you, I would. Right now, Ethan Rayne is a bigger problem and I'll do anything to piss him off. So, either you want my help or not. You do know that he likes young girls right? Don't think it's a coincidence that he took Dawn. She's what, 16, a ripe age for a demented old fool like Rayne."
"He wouldn't dare touch her." Giles said, "He may be evil now, but I don't think he'd hurt Dawn. I think he's doing this to show you he's powerful and that's all."
"Oh, isn't that sweet, Giles defending his ex best friend. Almost makes ya tear up doesn't it?" Glory said with a mock sad face, "You can 'hope' boss man is right or you can let me rescue Dawn now and not have to worry about what Ethan Rayne is truly capable of? Do you really want to find out?"
"Giles, she's got a point." Buffy said, reluctantly agreeing with Glory, "I'll go with her and make sure she doesn't do anything stupid."
"I've got other things to do, so either we go or you risk Dawn's life in the hands of a very sick man." Glory said, impatiently tapping her foot on the ground.
"Fine, I'll go and we'll see if your word means anything." Buffy said as she walked over and stood beside Glory.
"Wait, if you think I'm going to stand by and watch, you're crazy. If the psycho blonde tries something you're gonna need backup." Faith said, turning Buffy around to face her, "Besides, I want to help get Dawn back."
"I know you do and I'm grateful to you for wanting to help, but I need you here to make sure Fred and Giles are safe. For all we know this could be a trap." Buffy said as she put her hands on Faith's shoulders, "Please, could you stay here for me?"
Faith didn't like the idea but, couldn't argue such a sweet request, "Okay, this time your please worked, but don't think you can always sweet talk me into getting your way."
"I'd never think that." Buffy smiled and gave Faith a big hug and then leaned and whispered in her ear, "Thanks. It means a lot to me that you're doing this. I'd love to make it up to you later on."
"Oh, I'll hold you to that." Faith whispered back, "Be careful and bring Dawn back home."
Buffy nodded and they hugged even tighter this time before breaking away.
"Now that the Harlequin moment is over, can we get a move on?" Glory said, tapping her designer shoes against the ground impatiently.
"This is going to be so much fun." Buffy said rolling eyes.
Spike's new crypt.
Spike came back from his second trip through his new home to find Drusilla standing over one of Spike's guards.
"What the bloody hell are you doing here?" Spike asked, walking past Drusilla to sit on the only chair in the room.
"Aren't you happy to…"
"No." Spike answered before Drusilla could finish the sentence. "If that's all you came for you can leave."
"Awe, is Spikey still mad at his honey bear? I thought we'd put that all behind us." Drusilla said in her slow thick accent, as she stepped over the guard and put her hands around Spike, "You know I've always come back to you. It's time to move on. Things are changing so fast, I can feel it. There are too many sides fighting for the same thing. We need to pull everyone together or there will be no more like us. You don't want that do you?"
"You had your chance luv, but we were over the day you slept with Angelus." Spike said, hiding his emotions as he spoke; "Now I hear you're spending your nights with a vengeance demon? Anya may be a step up from Angelus, but you don't love her. I don't know if you can love."
"Don't be cruel." Drusilla said, showing a rare display of anger, "I've always loved you, but you were not the easiest man to love darling. What with your temper, mood swings and let's not forget your own little affairs, so let's not dig up the past, it can only hurt us. The future is where we must look. I want to look with you by my side."
"Did Anya kick you loose? Is that why you're here?" Spike said as he walked away from Drusilla, "Wouldn't surprise me. You never could keep anyone happy for long."
Drusilla smiled, "That's the Spike I know. When he gets hurt, he lashes out. Don't you see, I understand you better than anyone. I want us to bring all the evil together. It could be wonderful. Just let go of your anger Spike, it's going to break you if you don't."
"Well, well, your advice is heartwarming. I'll try and get by just the same." Spike began walking closer and closer to Drusilla, "I do plan to unite all the forces of evil, but I don't need you do it. In fact, I don't think I need you for anything ever again."
"Spike, you shouldn't test me like this. If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you will get, but I won't hold back." Drusilla said, not backing down from Spike's ominous threat. "Please don't make me kill you. You've always been so special to me; let's not end it like this."
Spike stopped in his tracks, "What's got you so scared? What do you know?"
"Oh, that's better. Let's work through this." Drusilla smiled as she walked up to Spike, "I know Angelus is no more. He's got a soul now and seeks some form of redemption by helping the helpless humans defeat us. I know Ethan Rayne has become very powerful. So powerful he's made many of us fear for our lives. The source of his new power is what we need to find out. I also know that there are many people asking about a demon race known as the Glascoph's. There is speculation they have some connection to humans and this could become a serious threat if left unchecked. I know Lindsey cannot be trusted. I know Glory is becoming unstable. Do you want more?"
"It's good to see you're keeping up on things. I've been locked away for months and have missed a lot." Spike rubbed his chin and looked back at Drusilla, "Since you have information I need, I'll work with you, but, this is just business. If you can't handle that, then we are done here."
"Always so dramatic. Business it is." Drusilla said with a smile as she held out her delicate hand.
Spike took it and shook it, "Done."
Ethan Rayne's secret hideout.
Dawn sat on a small cot in the corner of a cell like room she was brought to only hours before. Aside from bringing her one glass of water, nobody had come by to see her since.
That all changed when a guard opened the door to her room. He locked and closed it as he turned and leered at Dawn, "Hi there sweetie. Playtime is here."
"Who are you? Why am I here?" Dawn asked as the man moved closer.
"I'm sure boss will explain all that to you in good time, but you don't need to think of all that now. I'm here to make your stay here more fun." He said and then sat down beside Dawn on the bed.
"You shouldn't be here. Please go away." Dawn said as she curled up in the corner of the bed.
"Don't be shy." He said, leaning over and putting his hand on Dawn's thigh, "There, see, it feels good doesn't it?"
"Stop it. I'm gonna scream." Dawn said, pushing the man's hand away.
"Back off dipshit." Sigmund yelled, as he poked his head out from under Dawn's sweater. "The lady said no. Now beat it before you lose that hand."
"What the hell is that?" the man said as he took a closer look at Sigmund, "Oh god, what a stupid looking pet."
"Laugh it up, but leave the girl alone." Sigmund said as he poked his head out from under Dawn's sweater.
"If you think a little foot long piece of rock is gonna stop be from having some fun, you're dumber than you look." The man said as he grabbed Dawn, pulled her to her feet and ripped off her sweater with one nasty tug, causing Sigmund to fall right along with it.
Dawn was screaming and swinging at the man, but he grabbed her arms and pushed her back on the bed.
As he put his knee on the bed and reached out to touch Dawn, Sigmund jumped from the floor onto his back and began drilling his sharp spikes into his back, causing the man to jump up and down screaming in pain.
He tried to reach Sigmund, but kept missing as Sigmund moved from side to side, sliding more long spikes into the man's back and neck. Finally, when the man got his hands on Sigmund, he picked him and held him out in front of Dawn, "This is going to cost you big time." The man then put his hand in a throwing position, but as he moved forward, a dozen razor sharp spikes went through his hand and he dropped Sigmund to the ground and grabbed his hand in agony.
After some fruitless attempts to catch Sigmund, the man ran to the door. When he got there, Ethan Rayne was standing waiting for him.
"What have we here?"
"Nothing boss, that stupid pet of hers did this to me. I was going to get some medical attention." The man said, blood dripping from his hand and back.
"Why exactly did it attack you?" Ethan asked.
"Um, well, I don't know. I was just seeing if the girl was okay and it jumped me. You should kill it. It's dangerous." The man said, as he looked back at Sigmund resting peacefully in Dawn's arm.
Ethan sighed as he stared at the dumb looking vamp, "You are a very stupid vamp. What was the last thing I told you?"
"Not to hurt the girl, but I wasn't going to hurt her, just have some fun." He said, smiling at Ethan.
"Good help is hard to find." Ethan said and then took out a stake and turned the foolish vamp to dust. Walking over to Dawn, he stopped and looked at the strange pet, "You're quite a little protector aren't ya? Let me guess, you're one of Wyndham-Price's creations?"
"That's right buddy, so back off or you'll have a hand that looks like Swiss cheese too."
"Oh, and such passion." Ethan said as he backed off a step, "I do admire your desire to protect the young lady, but she's in no danger from me."
"Why am I here? I don't even know you." Dawn asked, constantly petting Sigmund's little belly.
"You won't be here for long. Guess what young lady, your rescue is under way as we speak. I'm just here to make sure it happens without a hitch." Ethan said as he walked over to the steel door, ripped it off its hinges with his bare hands, "Be sure to say hi to Giles for me. You can give him a message from me. Tell him I've only just begun to ruin his life. By the time he gets back to the council, he'll understand. Bye now and sorry for the nasty man there, he's gone for good."
"My sister won't let you hurt Giles." Dawn said proudly.
"No, I don't suppose she would. It's sad you have to be part of this, you seem like a sweet young girl. This is on Rupert's head now." Ethan said, his voice growing more irritated with every mention of his old friend.
Walking out the door, he disappeared through an invisible exit and was gone. Moments later Buffy and Glory came running into the room.
Buffy rushed over, put her arms around Dawn and held her close, "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"
"I'm fine." Dawn smiled, "Some dumb vamp tried to you know, do things to me, but Sigmund came to the rescue and had the guy running for his life. You would've been so proud of him. He saved me."
Buffy smiled down at Sigmund and ran her hand over his hard head, "Thank you. I'm glad you were here for Dawn. I won't forget this."
Sigmund looked up at Buffy, saw the look on her face and couldn't come up with anything sarcastic to say for once, "Dawn's been good to me. I will always protect her."
"Well, then you're welcome in my house anytime." Buffy said, happy tears falling from her face.
"Oh Buffy, it's okay." Dawn said as she hugged her sister. As he looked up she noticed Glory standing at the doorway, "You're here and I see you brought a friend."
Buffy turned to look at Glory, almost forgetting she was with her, "Oh right, well, I guess I should introduce you. This is Glory. She's a god. She wants to kill us all."
"What?" Dawn shouted and Sigmund jumped into action mode and hopped up into Dawn's arms.
"Is that any way to talk about the person who helped you slay your way through the horde of vamps that blocked our path? I don't think so." Glory said, offended by Buffy's description of her, "Besides, I have no need to kill anyone right now. As I said, I have bigger fish to fry."
"You're right; I owe you a big thanks. I give you credit, you did your part." Buffy said, "It's what you might do next that worried me."
"I guess it's time I showed you." Glory said with a smile and then turned and left the room.
Buffy followed but lost sight of her almost instantly. Running back to the room, Buffy took Dawn's hand and slowly led her back through the underground cave and reappeared about 200 feet from where Faith, Fred and Giles were standing.
Cordelia's house.
Willow woke up and turned to her left and then her right, but Cordelia was nowhere around. Getting to her feet, she quickly felt the cool air on her naked body and a cute smile covered her sweet face as she thought about how much fun she'd had getting out of her clothes just hours earlier.
Grabbing a blanket from the floor, Willow covered up and began searching for Cordy. She called out Cordelia's name a couple times, assuming she hadn't gone far, but as she made her way through the gigantic mansion she soon started feeling very uneasy about everything.
Stepping out into the backyard, she sighed as she saw the Olympic sized swimming pool and the hot tub to the left of it. Over to the right was a pretty pink swing set, with a matching pink playground, surrounded by the most perfect beach sand in the world.
Further on past the swimming pool was a greenhouse with a light on. Moving closer she heard Cordy's voice yelling at someone and as she stepped up to the window she saw Cordy talking on the phone.
"I told you I would do what you asked, now back off." Cordy said, visibly upset at whomever she was talking to. After some head shaking and teething gritting, Cordy was back arguing, "No, I didn't say that. I said I'd help you get her powers. I will not be part of anything else. So if you think you are going to change the agreement now, you're wrong."
Willow raised her eyebrows at the mention of someone's powers, but had no idea what Cordelia was talking about.
"I didn't plan on this happening. I mean, I thought it would be easy. I though I could do without caring or feeling, but it's not possible. I'm human and…and I didn't expect to feel this way. I wish you knew what it was like to feel this happy." Cordelia smiled as she thought about Willow, "Nothing, not even your threats can change how I feel right now."
Not liking what she was hearing about the threats, Willow stormed into the room, "What's going on? Who's threatening you?"
Cordy turned white as a ghost and clicked off her cell, "Willow, what are you doing here?"
"I woke up and you were gone. I just wanted to find you and tell you how much I loved…well you know…before." Willow said as she snuggled up to Cordy, "I couldn't find you, came out here, and heard you say that someone was making threats to you. Who were you talking to?"
"It was nobody. Just a crank call." Cordy said, not doing a very good job of selling her lie, "Listen, I'm sorry I wasn't there when you woke up. I wanted to be there, but…anyway, let's get back."
"No." Willow said, backing away from Cordelia, "You better tell me who was on the phone or I'm gonna get mad. I can you know? If I'm pushed enough. Which I may or may not be right now, but come on, I want to help."
"I know and that's so sweet, but it was nothing. Really, I'll handle it. The threat wasn't anything bad, it was just a figure of speech. I promise." Cordelia said and then pulled Willow back into her arms, "Now, did you want to talk about some dumb call all night or did you wanna come kiss me again?"
Smiling up at Cordelia, Willow chose the easy way out and leaned in and kissed Cordy softly on the lips. After a long sensual kiss, they broke off and gazed into each others eyes.
Somewhere in the sky between Texas and California.
Kate adjusted Eve's pillow and pulled out her laptop. Waiting patiently as it started up, she looked around at the other passengers, always keeping her eyes and ears open for anything remotely suspicious.
When she heard the music of her computer start up, she pulled up a file, sorted through some reading material and finally zoomed in on what she was looking for. It was the Eve Simpson file she'd requested and Lilah had delivered.
Reading up on the lengthy history of such a young girl, Kate learned more about Eve's troubled childhood, her workaholic parents and her first brush with the law at 15, courtesy of her first boyfriend.
On the surface, it appeared as if Eve had it all. Two loving parents, all the possessions a young girl could ask for and a dream home in West Beverly Hills, but as with most stories that seem too good to be true, so was this one.
Upon further digging, Kate found the one name constant in Eve's life that stood out like a red flag, Holland Manners. Reading closer, she found out that Holland was Eve's Godfather, her father's best friend and trustee of the family estate.
There were pictures of Holland with Eve all through her childhood and even one with Holland, Eve and Fred at a Wolfram & Hart charity function, further connecting Fred to the evil law firm.
Seeing Eve open her eyes, Kate closed the laptop, sat it under her seat and took a sip of her coffee as Eve looked around to see where she was, "How long have I been asleep? It feels like forever."
"Well, not quite that long, but a couple hours. You needed it." Kate smiled, "How do you feel?"
"Better." Eve said with a yawn and then turned to face Kate, "Can I ask you what you know about Fred? Is she in some kind of danger?"
Kate was expecting these questions and was quick to reply, "I don't really know her personally. I'm helping someone gather information about her. It's a very long and complicated story, but as far as I know Fred's doing fine now."
"Will I get to see her when we get to LA? I'm not sure if I'm ready for that, but I know I'll have to tell her the truth sooner or later. God I hate what I did so much." Eve said, holding back the tears, "What if she hates me? I don't think I could stand that."
"You're getting ahead of yourself." Kate said, putting her hand over Eve's, "You need to take things slowly. Okay?"
"I guess, but I've spent the last year thinking of what I would say if I ever saw Fred again, but how do you apologize for selling out your best friend and girlfriend at the same time?" Eve paused, hoping Kate would give her the answer, but she could tell by the look on her face, she had none, "It's okay, I know can't keep getting others to bail me out of my own messes."
"Well, that's probably a good place to start." Kate nodded, "Maybe you could tell me more about who asked you to do this and why?"
Eve sat back, stretched out her legs and began to think back to what led up to her biggest regret ever, "The easy part is who asked me to do this. It was Holland Manners. He was a friend of my dad's and he was always so nice to me. He spoiled me rotten. Bought me anything I needed or wanted and was really a great guy. Up until he asked me to drug Fred so he could run some kind of tests on her. At the time, he said they had information that she was doing drugs and wanted to make sure. I didn't even question why some law firm would be doing this. He offered me $100,000 to do this and he promised she wouldn't be hurt in any way. I'm so stupid."
"That's quite a story." Kate said as she listened intently, "Did your father know about this?"
"No, he had no idea. Holland made sure of that." Eve said with a laugh, "Holland was a very persuasive man. There were rumors about his law firm being crooked and I didn't care one bit because to me, he was like an uncle. My favorite uncle."
"Do you think it was Holland that sent those men after you?" Kate asked, hoping to get some kind of reaction from Eve.
Eve took a moment before she answered, did some deep thinking and then continued. "To be honest I don't know. After everything that's happened, I can't say he wouldn't do it. I haven't talked to him since I ran away. I cut ties with my family and wanted to start a new life where I could do something useful with it. I guess that's over now."
"No, I don't believe that at all." Kate said shaking her head, "You're still so young; if you want to change you just have to keep at it, own up to your mistakes and take it from there. From everything you've told me about Fred, I think there's a good chance she'll be able to forgive you."
"I hope so. I can't imagine my life without Fred in it somehow. Even as a friend. I don't think she'd ever trust me enough to get back together, but I'd like to try to be friends again." Eve said softly and then stopped, "Anyway, I shouldn't be going on like this. I want you to know I think of Fred every day."
Kate still couldn't read Eve as well as she wanted, but felt she was being honest about how she felt about Fred, "Well, I think Fred thinks about you a lot too. Especially since she has no idea what made you disappear. I'm guessing she's been worried about since she last saw you."
"Oh god, I never even thought of that. Of course she'd be worried. She cares so much about people. Even me. I should've told her I was fine so she wouldn't have to worry. Why can't I think of these things before it's too late." Eve questioned out loud, "I do wonder what she saw in me. I bet you wonder that too."
"I don't wonder anything. I'm not here to judge you." Kate said, trying her best to reassure Eve, "As I see it, you made a mistake. Once you talk to Fred about this, you'll be able to start over and make sure you don't do the same thing again."
"You sound like you're talking from experience."
"I am. I think we've all made mistakes that we'd love to have back, but since we can't, we learn from them." Kate said, remembering her biggest mistake as a visual of Jenny Calender in a mini skirt flashed through her head.
Eve smiled as she watched Kate close her and slowly lick her lips, "Well, who were you thinking about?"
Kate shook her head and turned to Eve, "Um, nobody, just a friend I let slip away a long time ago."
"I'm sorry; I guess you know more about how I feel than I thought. It's not fun is it?"
"No it isn't, but on the bright side, I recently bumped into her and we talked, had a couple drinks, danced a bit and if we weren't interrupted, who knows what could've happened." Kate sighed, "I guess my point is you can never give up."
"I won't then. I actually spent most of my time trying to think of what I could do to make up for what I did to Fred and I came up with this picture for her." Eve said as she pulled out her over night bag, removed a beautiful hand drawn painting and handed it to Kate. "I gave her one when we were in college, but I'm sure she tossed it out long ago, but this one is really from my heart and I just want to her to have so she knows how I feel."
Kate held the painting in front of her. It was beautiful portrait of Fred. She was leaning up against the wood gate, smiling at her favorite horse, Buttons. She was wearing a tight pair of jeans and a tight white t-shirt. In the background was her family house, her parent's sitting on a porch swing and in the top right corner was a picture of a girl standing in the distance watching Fred from afar.
"This is beautiful." Kate said as she smiled at Eve, "Fred's gonna love this."
"I don't know, I hope so. I started so many pictures and none of them seemed right. They didn't capture how I was feeling. I had to stop thinking about it and then one night when I was feeling lonely and thinking of Fred, it just happened. I've never been able to paint like this before. It was so smooth and fluid and everything I was feeling came through so beautifully. It was as if I was watching it being painted by someone else. When it was finished, I just sat in front of it, crying for hours."
"I'm sure it was an emotional time. That's why the picture feels so real. I can feel the emotion just by looking at it." Kate said as she took a final look at picture before handing it back to Eve.
"Thank you. It's nice to be able to show someone how I feel. Sometimes I do better expressing myself when I paint then I ever could with words." Eve smiled as she looked at the picture again, "This picture got me through so many lonely nights."
"I wanted to say this earlier, but I bet you didn't know she kept that picture you made for her in college." Kate said as she turned to face Eve, "She has it proudly displayed on the first wall you see when you walk into her house. It's there for a reason. Her mother told me she treasured that picture more than anything in the world. Every day when she'd come home it was the first thing she'd look at and the last thing she'd see before she went up to bed. Her mother didn't know why, but now I do. She loved you. She missed you and the picture was all she had left to hold onto."
Eve was a mess after she'd heard, "Oh god, I don't think I can stand this. Even when I think I'm making things better, I make them worse. I just wanted her to be happy and I knew I wasn't the person to do that. Not after what I'd done to her. Of course, I didn't think of how my leaving would affect Fred. More and more I see just how selfish I was and still am."
"I know you feel bad and you should. But, I have to tell ya, you aren't going to get anywhere feeling sorry for yourself. Yes, you screwed up. Yes, it's going to be hard when you see Fred, but that's the whole point." Kate said, becoming more animated than she expected, "You made this hard on yourself, now it's time to face the music. Whatever happens next is Fred's choice. You have to realize that once she hears all this she's going to need some time to deal with it. She won't have time to worry about your feelings. I'm guessing she's going to be hurt so much by this, but I think, from what I've learned about her, she's got a big heart and I think she wants to forgive people, to give them a second chance. She sees the good in everyone, so I guess what I'm saying, is even if she's mad as hell, don't give up on her. She just needs time. Can you do that?"
"I will do it. I have to. I promise, all I want is what's best for Fred. I want to make this right. I want a second chance so bad. I'm not the same person I was then. I've grown up so much in the last year. I know I need to prove this to her, and I know I can I just need one chance." Eve said, trying to stay strong as she looked over at Kate, "I just want to thank you for listening to me. It's helped a lot just talking about this with someone. I know what I have to do and I'm ready for it."
"I hope, but first we stop in LA." Kate said as she looked at her watch. "I have to talk to someone about Wolfram & Hart's connection to all this."
"That's fine. I wouldn't mind having a day to unwind after this long plane ride."
"I'll make some calls and see what I can do. Why don't you try to get some sleep. We've got another two hours before we land." Kate said and then began making her phone calls.
Wolfram & Hart Archives. Deep below the earth's surface.
Angel arrived at the archives alone, but soon met up with and old friend. As soon as he spotted his old hunting buddy, he couldn't help but laugh, "Well, funny meeting you here."
"Maybe a little, but I knew we'd run into each other eventually." Spike said as he cautiously moved closer to his old friend, "Word has it that you're no longer going by Angelus. Is that just another rumor or did ya sell out after all?"
Angel didn't react to Spike's question, just gave him an amused look, "What do you think?"
"Oh, I think it's highly possible and more than likely probable. You always did get bored easily." Spike added as he tried to get a read on Angel.
"You don't seem all that comfortable around me. Why's that Spike?" Angel said with a grin.
"Don't flatter yourself. If it comes down to that we'll finally see who the better man is. Not that I have any doubt." Spike grinned.
Angel stopped moving and stared back at Spike, "You mean better vampire don't ya? Or do you still see yourself as a man? You always were halfway delusional."
"Man, vampire, what's the difference?" Spike shrugged, "So what brings you to this place? You doing some good deed to help erase the hundred years of killing you did? You do know you can never atone for that, right?"
"I don't know, maybe not, but I gotta say, it does feel right in a strange sort of way." Angel said as he moved closer to the entrance, "As good as I was at killing; I never enjoyed it like you did. I shouldn't have felt anything, but I did. Over time those feelings grew into guilt, remorse and finally disgust at what I'd become. I wasn't meant to be a vampire and even though I can't change that now, I can help make a difference in this little world of ours."
"Oh god, what the hell has happened to you?" Spike said as she shook his head and rolled his eyes, "I never saw any of these so called feelings when we were working our way through Europe all those years ago. In fact, as I recall, you planned most of our raids. You meticulously picked out the best areas for feeding. You were like a sadistic general leading Darla, Dru and me into battle."
"Well Spike, that's the difference between you and me, well, it's one of the many differences I should say, but I did what I did to feed. Much like a real hunter hunts for food instead of sport. I didn't hunt for pleasure. I planned things out so we wouldn't be staked. So we could continue to exist. It's the law of the jungle, the number one priority of most every creature in the universe, self- preservation."
"What do you expect to get from turning on your own kind?" Spike chided, "I don't see much of a future for you anymore. I've already heard there's a bounty out for your death. Sounds interesting."
"Is that a threat Spike?" Angel asked as he stepped up to the much shorter vampire, "If it is, we can take care of this now."
"It's not a threat, it's a fact." Spike said as he stared back at Angel, "You've made more enemies with your switch than you even know. Every demon, vamp and I'd say most of the human race will still want you dead. How many outside of the Watchers Council will ever hear your sad little story of redemption? None. They'll just see a vampire that needs to die. You of all people know that the demon world is very powerful and you don't stand a chance in hell of surviving if they all come after you. I don't have to do a thing and you'll be dead soon enough."
"You always did love to exaggerate." Angel chuckled, "Most demons are out for themselves. There is no demon union, last I checked. They aren't going to band together to come after me. Even if they did, I'd be ready for it. I've spent the last 250 years preparing for this day and I won't be calling the slayer to help fight my battles, I'll do it alone and I'll do just fine."
Spike put his hands together and made three slow clapping sounds with his hands, "Wow, aren't you a model of all that's good and pure in the world. I almost got weepy there for a moment. You're still full of yourself, I can see that hasn't changed. Yep, it's you against the world and all that garbage. I wish ya luck Angel, I really do. For now, I need to get something out of the archives, so if we're gonna fight, let's do it so one of us can get on with our day."
"I have no desire to kill you just yet Spike. If you don't give me any reason to, we'll have no problems. For now, why don't we just get into the archive together and save the big fight scene for another day."
"Fine by me." Spike nodded, "I have no quarrel with you either Angelus or Angel or whatever the hell you call yourself these days, but if you get in my way that will change. Just so we're clear on all this. Right then, let's break into this dump."
"We don't have to break in, I know the password."
"Of course you do." Spike said sarcastically, "How did ya manage that? They don't give this password out to anyone. I checked. Thoroughly."
"Well, that's why I'm me and you're you. I get things done. Follow me would ya. Try and keep up." Angel said as he broke down the first gate.
"So what kind of security does a place like this have?" Spike asked, just as a group of demons rushed into the room.
There was intense fighting as they slowly made their way through the seemingly endless corridors, finally ending up at a large vault the size of a football stadium. In front of the vault was a Rigalo demon.
Angel smiled at Spike and began walking towards it. Spike quickly pulled him back and gave him a look of confusion, "Are you insane? You do know what a Rigalo demon can do to a vampire don't you?"
"Ah yes, they seem to be the one demon we can't kill." Angel said with a mock look of terror.
"Bloody hilarious, but if you want to get turned to dust, be my guest. I can enjoy the show." Spike said as she sat down on a rocky ledge and motioned for Angel to continue.
Angel laughed at Spike, looked up at the menacing looking demon and turned back to Spike. "I guess I better get going."
"Yep, you do that. Onward."
Angel walked slowly up the long rocky stairway, finally stopping in front of the Rigalo demon, "Hi there. I need to get into the archive. Could ya open the door?"
"No vampire is allowed in this room. Leave or you will die a slow death." The demon scowled down at Angel.
"Aren't we a bit testy." Angel said as he waved down at Spike and then moved closer to the demon and whispered in it's ear, "Um, what if I said "Cupcake" to you? Would that help?"
With a sneer on its face, the Rigalo demon stepped to the side, "You may pass."
Spike was in awe as the demon let Angel pass and quickly rushed up the stairs. "Hey, what about me? I thought we were doing this together?"
Angel began walking past the demon, tiptoeing around the razor sharp blades that poked out through the ground, turning back to Spike and shrugged his shoulders, "Well, I thought so to, but it appears that our demon friend will only allow one person in at a time. Then they change the password, so telling you what mine was won't do you any good. I wish I could stay and help, but I'm in a hurry. It was good running into again Spike. I'm sure we'll meet again real soon."
"Nicely played Angel." Spike said with a grin, "I'll find another way into the vault. I look forward to the day we settle things once and for all. It'll be a great battle. Well, until then, you take care now."
Angel smiled at his old friend, waved and stepped inside the vault.
Buffy Summers' House.
Buffy, Faith, Fred, Dawn and Giles all arrived at the house together and were met by Wesley and the mayor, who then brought Riley Finn into the room.
"This is quite the surprise. What the hell are you doing in my house?" Buffy asked as she stormed up to the mayor, "I don't like the idea of you having access to my house anytime you feel like it. In fact…"
"Buffy, I think you should sit down." The mayor said softly, "Riley Finn has something he needs to tell you.
"Fine, get on with it and then get out. We have things to do."
"Dawn, you should sit down too." Riley said and then stepped into the middle of the room. "I'm not sure how much you know of me or my work, but I've been working on cyber genetics and cloning for the past few years and with the help of a very special assistant, I've managed to achieve something nobody thought possible. I've been able to clone a living human being."
Buffy was unimpressed, "This is fascinating, but why are you telling me this?"
"I'm getting to that." Riley said as he looked over at the mayor and then back at Buffy, "Well, we needed test subjects. At first we used the usual lab rats and other assorted species, then we tried it on vampires and other demons and when we were happy with results we tried it on the first human. We weren't surprised when it worked, but we needed even more proof, so we asked for volunteers within our organization. We now have over 50 clones working for us. This discovery could change the world. Believe it or not, humans are not the only ones who want this knowledge."
"Again, not seeing how this is connected to me."
"Just tell her Riley." The mayor said sharply.
"Tell me what?" Buffy asked as she looked at both men, "What's going on?"
Riley stepped forward and sat down in front of Buffy and Dawn, "Do you remember about 6 months ago when your mother was hurt in that car accident?"
"Of course we do. It was horrible. They said she might die. But, she made a full recovery." Buffy answered and then became even more upset, "I don't get this, how do you know about this? Tell me what's going on now before I get angry."
"Well, we stepped in and took care of your mother." Riley continued, "When we saw the prognosis for your mother, we talked to her and she agreed to be part of the experiment. This is going to be very hard to hear and I know you are going to be mad as hell, but please just hear me out before you react."
Buffy stood up and grabbed Riley by the throat, "Oh for the love of god, shut up and tell me what this is about."
"We cloned your mother." Riley blurted out as he gasped for air.
"What did you say?" Buffy asked as she fell back on the sofa.
Dawn caught Buffy and turned her around, "What does that mean Buffy? Cloned?"
"Your mother was more seriously hurt than you were told. She had numerous internal injuries and was in need of urgent medical attention and with her permission; we began the procedure to clone her. As I said, it worked and we were able to replace her kidney, spleen and used some of her own blood to keep her alive."
"Okay, so you did all this to keep her alive, but she was still killed by Spike, so why does this matter now?"
"This is where it gets tricky." Riley said and then stood up and walked into the kitchen and moments later walked out with Joyce by his side.
Buffy and Dawn were in shock as their mother walked into the room. Unable to move or speak, they just sat there and stared.
Joyce moved slowly towards them, sliding beside them on the sofa, she looked at Buffy and then Dawn, "I'm so glad to see you both. I know you have a million questions and I want to answer all of them. I just want to hold you both and tell you how much I missed you and how much I love you."
Buffy hugged her mother tightly and gently put her hand on her face to see if she was real, "Oh my god, how is this possible? I saw you on the floor of Spike's crypt. You were dead. Something isn't right here."
"Buffy, stop it." Dawn yelled, "She's back. Leave her alone. Be happy."
"Oh I am happy. I can't explain how happy I am to have you back mom, but I get this sick feeling inside that you knew all along that we thought you were dead and didn't do anything about it. You didn't tell us about this whole cloning thing and I wonder what else you've kept from us. Not to mention the Giles business. I can't deal with this now. I have to go."
"Buffy." Joyce called out, but was too late, as Buffy had already slammed the door behind her.
Faith turned to everyone in the room, "I'll go after her." And then ran outside to find Buffy.
"I'm just happy you're here mom. I don't care about the other stuff." Dawn said as she held her mother close.
"I'm glad to be here, but your sister has a right to be mad and I just hope she'll let me explain it all to her and to you. I'm so sorry I put you through all this." Joyce said as tears began falling down her face.
Dawn looked at her mom and smiled at her, "Don't cry mom. It's okay. Buffy will be fine, she just gets mad easily."
Joyce got up and walked over to Riley, "I want to thank you for everything you've done for me, but I should warn you that Buffy has quite a temper so she might come around asking even more questions and I want you to tell her everything. No more secrets."
"Whatever you want Joyce. I should be going now." Riley said as he walked towards the door.
Dawn rushed over to him, "I don't know you very well, but if you saved my mom's life I owe you a big thank you. I won't forget this. I never thought I'd have a second chance to tell my mom how much I love her and now I can, so thank you so much." She put her arms around Riley, gave him a big hug and then stepped back and smiled up at him.
Caught off guard by Dawn's warm reception, Riley stumbled to find some words, "Um, well I'm glad I could help your mom. She's a really great person and I know she missed you both so much. You take care of her now, okay?"
"I will. I promise." Dawn said as she ran over and hugged her mom again.
"I know you will. Bye Dawn." Riley said and then quietly walked out the front door.
Dawn watched him leave and then looked at her mom, "He seems like a nice guy. Is Buffy mad at him too?"
"Yes, he's a very nice man." Joyce said as she smiled back at her youngest daughter, "As for Buffy, I think she's hurt, confused, and angry and she needs time to cool down and when she does, I'll be here to answer any question she might have."
Giles walked up to Joyce, his face showing his surprise, "I'm happy you're alive. I think we need to talk when you have some time."
"Yes, I think the mayor wants to have a meeting with everyone involved with this. I'm sorry you had to go through this Rupert. You have to know, there was no other way to make this work. Don't be mad at Riley, he did what I asked him to do. All this is my doing. Please just let me explain. There's so much that none of you know and now's the time to tell you."
"I'm willing to listen." Giles said as he gave Joyce a big hug of his own.
Faith chased Buffy down the street and through the park until she caught up with her sitting on a large rock staring into a small pond. "Hey there. Is there room for me on that rock?"
Buffy turned to see Faith smiling back at her, "I guess so. I'm not mad at you."
"I can see this has been a lot to take in, but you have to look at the big picture here, your mom is alive. I mean, that has to count for more than anything else."
Buffy nodded her agreement, "I know and I wish I would have told her how happy I was that she was alive, but there have been so many secrets about her life that I'm just learning and it's like she never trusted me enough to tell me any of them."
"Well, I can't tell you why she did what she did, but I have to believe she had a good reason. No mother would put her daughters through this unless there was no other way." Faith said as she hopped down off the uncomfortable rock, "Maybe you should wait and see what her reasons are before you get too off track here."
"I know you're right, but I'm not ready to go home just yet."
"Okay, since you need to relax and get your mind off all this, why don't we go have some fun for a couple hours?"
"Fun?" Buffy asked with a skeptical look.
"Yes, you have heard of it right?" Faith teased.
"I'm starting to wonder if I do anymore."
"I think we can change that in a hurry." Faith said as she took Buffy's hand and helped her down off the rock, "I think you need to take your mind off this for a bit, so I'm taking you dancing."
"I don't know if that's what I need…"
"Oh, you seem to be under the impression that I asked a question." Faith said and then dragged Buffy away before she could put up a fight and headed to the Bronze.
Cordelia's House.
"I have to meet someone, so are you going to be okay here?" Cordy asked as she put the finishing touches on her makeup.
Willow leaned against the bedroom door as she watched Cordelia in the mirror, "Actually, I was going to pop over and see Buffy. Xander said he'd be going over there again today so if she's not there I'll have some company at least."
"Oh, you've become kind of close with Buffy awful fast haven't you? What do you do over there anyway?" Cordelia asked, trying not to sound like she was prying.
"Nothing much, just hang out and stuff." Willow answered calmly, yet the guilt of lying made her very uncomfortable.
"Maybe I'll drop by after my meeting. Is that okay?"
"Um, I don't know, it's not really my house. I can ask Buffy and I'm sure she wouldn't mind. Why don't you call me when your meeting is over and I'll let ya know."
"Sure, I can do that." Cordy said with forced smile, "Well, I'm ready, how do I look?"
"Beautiful as always." Willow smiled and walked over to Cordelia, "You look so good I don't want to leave now."
"Oh aren't you turning into a sweet talker." Cordy grinned and put her arms around Willow.
Willow wrapped her arms around Cordy's waist and shook her head, "Nope, just the plain old truth."
Cordelia smiled again, but pulled away as she remembered the meeting, "I'd love to stay, but I really have to be at this meeting."
"Okay, I guess it must be important." Willow said, a bit curious as to why Cordelia pulled away.
"Oh it's nothing really, I just have to go." Cordelia relied with her back to Willow. After taking a deep breath she put on her big smile and turned back to her, "Did you want me drop you off at Buffy's?"
"Yes, that would be great." Willow nodded and then followed Cordelia out to her car. Neither girl saying much as Cordelia drove off.
Outside Buffy's house.
Darla and Harmony walked up the steps to the Summers' house and after checking to see that someone was home, Darla rang the bell.
Dawn answered the door with Sigmund in her arms, "Hi."
"Hi, we were told that Xander Harris might be here, is that true?" Darla asked, smiling at the strange looking pet in Dawn's hands.
"Um, I think so, let me check." Dawn said and then closed the door and walked back into her house. Moving into the kitchen she saw Xander working at a laptop with Giles and the mayor looking over his shoulder.
Sensing Dawn staring at him, Xander looked over at her, "Is there something wrong?"
"Oh no, there's just two pretty girls at the door who want to talk to you."
Knowing exactly who it was, Xander reluctantly got up, smiled at everyone and walked to the front door. He opened the door and then closed it as he stepped out on the porch with the two girls, "Well, what brings you to this part of town?"
Darla took a step forward, "We just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I'm fine. Couldn't be better. So if that's all, you can go now." Xander said and then turned to go back inside.
"Wait." Harmony yelled and then hopped in between the door and Xander, "Hi, I know you probably don't want to talk to me and I guess I can't blame you, I did get the girl and you got nothing, but I do want to stay friends with you. Darla thought you might be in danger, but I can see that this house is full of people, so you're probably safe. So I guess we don't need to talk you anymore."
Darla did her usual sigh and head roll and then stopped Xander from going inside, "What Harmony was trying to say in her own way, was that we know Buffy is the slayer and we heard you were helping her and I just don't think that's a good idea. She's in over her head and she has no idea. But you, well you don't have slayer powers and the things she's dealing with could kill you."
Xander laughed at Darla's little speech, "Oh I see, so this is a pity visit? I can't say I'm surprised. Well, how about I promise I'll stay inside and leave all that hard stuff to Buffy and Faith. Maybe you could stay here and protect me and I could bake you some cookies. I'm sure I need a lot of protecting. Being the incompetent fool you seem to take me for."
"Xander, don't be mad." Darla said with her sultry whisper, "I just want you to be careful. That's all. I know you can handle yourself, but nobody understands what's coming. Not even Buffy or Faith. I'm not sure Giles or the mayor have accepted the truth that's right under their noses."
"What are you talking about?" Xander questioned, curious as to why she was being so dramatic.
Peering through the window, Darla became even more impatient, "Is Giles inside?"
"Yes, so?"
"Let me in. I need to talk to him and the mayor." Darla said loudly, "I have some new information on two people we think are involved in this latest plot to destroy humanity. And it's not who they think."
Xander could tell by the look on Darla's face that she was serious, but still wasn't sure what to make of it all, "I'll let them know you're here and if they want to talk to you then fine, but until then, you can wait outside with your pretty little girlfriend."
Darla nodded and stepped out of Xander's way. Harmony quickly put her arm around her and gave Xander a childish sneer.
Inside, Xander rounded up Giles and the mayor, informed them of Darla's request to talk to them and they waved her in.
Everyone settled in and Darla got up in the middle of the room and made her speech, "Okay, for those of you who don't know me, I'm Darla. I work with Giles, the mayor and the Watchers Council as well as an independent source, all with the same goal in mind, to protect the world from possible demon/vampire threats. It's an ongoing process that on occasion brings forth a serious danger and that's what is happening now."
Giles adjusted his glasses and removed them as he stood up, "I don't mean to make light of your concerns Darla, but if you have nothing new to add I think we have things under control here."
"Are you sure about that Giles?" Darla asked with a hint of sarcasm, "Because I don't think you have a thing under control. Do you know what happened to Gwendolyn Post?"
"Well, she was thrown out of the Watchers Council and I believe our last reports said she was killed in some freak accident in the West Indies. Why do you ask?"
"Then you need better intelligence, because she's no more dead than you or I."
The mayor stepped forward, "Do you have proof of this?"
"Yes I do." Darla replied as she reached into her purse and pulled out a video tape, "Here, I was going to bring it to your office, but I think everyone here has a right to see this."
Basement of Sunnydale High School.
Anya walked through the halls of the school, taking time to look at the trophies in the trophy case; the school yearbook photos plastered across the bulletin and even took time to put some trash away as she made her down the creaky stairway.
Turning past the boiler room, she opened a secret door and stepped inside a well-lit room to see Cordelia standing against the wall looking out into nowhere land.
"Good to see you again Cordelia, you're looking well." Anya said with an appreciative smile as she looked Cordy over from head to toe, "I guess popularity agrees with you."
"Let's cut to the chase, I want out of our agreement. I can't do this. It wasn't supposed to be like this." Cordy said, pleading with Anya to listen to her.
"You know I don't control things now. Once you make a deal you have to live it out. I told you this when you first approached me all those years ago. Funny, you never had a problem with anything before. Why do you think that is?" Anya asked, knowing Cordy couldn't possibly answer.
Cordelia gritted her teeth and tried to explain, "I was young then. It's not even fair to go by something I wished for when I was like 13. It's crazy."
"One person's crazy is another person's genius." Anya laughed, "Let's not pretend this was a one time thing. I've been taking care of your bad dates for how long? Since you were 13? How many is that now? 7? Yes, I think so. Seven boyfriends who scorned you. Yep, they made Cordy all sad and weepy. At first it was amusing, but then you got all squeamish on me and ruined my fun."
"Me? Hello, you turned the last guy into a statue of a duck. That was going too far." Cordelia said as she recalled Doug's new home in the middle of the park. "I just wanted you to make their life miserable for a few days, maybe a week, a month tops, but certainly no more than a year. The point is, I didn't want anyone hurt or killed. That's not what I wished for."
"Don't tell me what you wished for, I have it all memorized. It's what I do. Would you like to know your exact words? I think maybe you need to hear them. It's funny what people say when they are angry. Sometimes they don't even remember saying it, but you said and I quote, "I can't believe Doug didn't call me. He said he'd call and he didn't. I'm so sick of this. If he thinks he can treat me this way he's wrong. God, I wish he could never do this again."
Cordelia listened to Anya and stood stunned, "You've got to be kidding me? I never once mentioned turning him into a statue. You are crazy."
"I like to think of it as creative license." Anya smiled. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but is it not fair to say that he can never do this again? Okay then, I think I followed your wish to a tee. Next time, be a bit more specific if you don't want me interpreting your meaning. Anyway, onto why you're here. What have you found out about Willow's powers?"
"Nothing. I told you I can't do this anymore. She's done nothing to deserve it." Cordelia said as her voice grew louder. Just as quickly as she had got upset, Cordy changed her tune and went on the offensive, "How do you know she's has some kind of power anyway?"
"Oh Cordy, you never could stay focused for long." Anya sighed, "The only thing you need to worry that pretty little head of yours about, is learning more about Willow's power. Once you do that, you won't owe me a thing. Now come on, stop being emotional and get back to your job."
Cordelia folded her arms and sat down in the middle of the room and stared up at Anya, "No, I quit. Kill me if you want, but I can't do this."
Walking slower over to Cordy, Anya stopped and knelt down in front of her. "What is wrong with you? Where's the Cordy that came to me week after week to have some boy embarrassed cause he dumped you? She was full of rage and fed off the vengeance. Now look at ya, you're…I don't know what you are, but you're no fun now. I tried to do this the nice way, I really did. I befriended you and we bonded….didn't we? I think so and this is how you repay me?" Anya said as she got to her feet, "Another reason not to work with humans." She muttered under her breath and then turned back to Cordelia, "I have two choices. I can just let this pass and find another to get to Willow, but you'll just tell Willow what I'm up to and that will only make things harder, so you see my dilemma? Do I have a choice but to take you out?"
"Yes, yes, you have many choices." Cordelia said as she leaped to her feet, "I thought about this last night. Can't you just leave Willow alone? I mean, she knows the slayers you know. Do you really want to get messed up with them if you don't have to? I honestly have not seen one thing that showed she had any powers anyway, so maybe you have the wrong Willow. There's tons of Willow's in LA, it's like the most popular name there. Go look."
"You are such a cutie when you lie." Anya said with a warm smile, "But, I have the right girl and you just had sex with her. Now, I see this isn't going to end well for you Cordy, but you backed me into a corner and I can't have that. So, I could do something simple like make you a mute, but then you'd just warn Willow with words. I could make you blind as well, but you'd still find a way to save your lover."
"Yes I would." Cordelia said proudly.
"Well then, I guess this is goodbye." Anya said as she circled Cordelia, "I'm sorry it didn't work out and I really wish it could end some other way, but you've given me no choice."
"I'm not afraid to die. Do your worst." Cordelia screamed at Anya.
Anya stood in front of Cordy, pulled out some sparkly powder and sprinkled it over her head.
"Hey, watch the hair."
"So sorry." Anya smirked and continued to pour the powder over Cordelia.
Cordelia tried wiping it off as fast as Anya poured it, "Just get on with it would ya, do you have to ruin my hair before you kill me? How rude."
Holding in her laughter, Anya closed her eyes and began chanting and when she was done, a mystical aura exited Cordelia's body and disappeared into the air. Anya then walked over, helped Cordelia to her feet and brushed some of the powder off of her.
Cordelia shook her head and stared at Anya for the longest time, before pushing her away, "Hands off lady."
Anya acted surprised, "Sorry, I was just helping with that powder. Not sure how you got it all over you, but I see you have it under control so I'll be off. It was nice meeting you."
"Okay, I guess." Cordy said as she turned to watch Anya leave the room.
Anya smiled as she stepped to the side and teleported herself out of the school.
Cordelia stood in the middle room, wondering where she was and why she was there. Opening the door she made her way back up to the main floor of the school and wondered why she couldn't remember going down there to begin with.
Buffy Summers' House.
The mayor took the tape from Darla, walked over to the VCR and slid it inside. He pushed the play button and they all sat back and watched.
August 21, 1996.
The tape opened with a beautiful view of the Stonehenge in England. A stunning display of the prehistoric temple used as a place of worship and burial.
Standing in the middle of the five trilithons stood a tall blonde woman. She had a circle of strange looking demons around her, all chanting some bizarre spell. In her left hand was a small triangular shaped gold medallion and as the chanting reached its peak, she held it up towards the sky.
After the chanting came to a stop, the woman lifted a second medallion up to the first, and as it made contact with it, the sky turned a menacing shade of black, the ground began to shake and then a bright red portal appeared about 30 feet above the Stonehenge.
It was moments later that a giant demon came bursting through the portal, landing on its feet with little effort.
Standing on its hind legs, the demon turned its torso around as it surveyed the smaller demons and then focused its attention towards the woman in the middle of the circle.
Without fear, the woman walked up to the demon and held the gold medallion in front of it, "With this medallion I bind you to me for eternity. You will obey my commands and do my bidding. With these words I bring forth the demon of annihilation, Garcipos."
Hesitantly, Garcipos walked up to the woman, sniffed her hair and then got down on one leg, "It is you my queen. They said you were dead, but alas, they were wrong. What world is this?"
"Oh, I have waited so long for this moment. I can't describe how amazing this feels." The woman gushed, "Garcipos, you are going to enjoy this world. It is ripe with food and it will take you years to feast on all the pathetic humans that soil this world. I have big plans for us, but first we must deal with our biggest threat, the slayers."
"I know of no such thing. I only need to know where the next victim is and I shall eliminate them. Where are these slayers? I wish to start killing now." Garcipos growled.
"Patience my friend. I will take you to the slayers. A word of caution, their appearance will be misleading. At first glance, they will appear to be no threat at all. They are tiny in stature, but have strength well beyond their size. Do not underestimate them. Come, let me teach you all about this world."
"What shall I call my queen?" the gargantuan demon asked as he followed her through the field.
"Queen Gwendolyn had a beautiful ring to it don't ya think?" she said with a big smile.
"Yes." Was all Garcipos could manage as they walked away with the smaller demons following a good distance behind.
Xander wasn't impressed and looked around the room to see everyone else glued to the TV, seemingly enthralled by what they were seeing, "Okay, what's the big deal here? Some woman summoned a demon. Am I missing something here? Aren't slayers supposed to be able to kill vamps and demons with ease?"
"You know young man, there's a lot you need to know about the world the slayers and the Watchers Council live in," said the mayor as he got to his feet and walked over to Xander, "What you don't know is anything about the demon that was summoned. Garcipos is a legendary demon that had been banished to a demon realm that was thought to bring instant death to anything that entered its atmosphere, apparently that isn't entirely true. Giles knows more about this demon than anyone."
Giles stood up and cleared his throat as he addressed the room, "Well yes, Garcipos is a feared demon that has caused more death and destruction throughout history than most wars put together. In its demon state it is surprisingly weak and ineffective, but when it transforms into human form, it becomes a killing machine the likes of which hasn't been seen before or since. It killed discreetly. It used human methods to kill. Many of the biggest tragedies throughout history that were thought to be horrible accidents at the time, were in fact the work of Garcipos. He may very well be the biggest challenge we've ever had to face."
Xander looked back at the tape and his eyes grew wide, "No, I think that's the biggest challenge that we are about to face."
Giles turned to see another demon, the size of a small high rise tower, drop from out of nowhere, grab Garcipos by the neck and with a vicious twist of its powerful wrists, snapped its neck and it fell to the ground as Gwendolyn looked on in complete shock.
With the demon smiling back at her, Gwendolyn pulled out her medallion and began to chant.
Unimpressed, the demon grabbed Gwendolyn by the neck, held her up above his head and ripped the medallion from her hands, "You stupid woman. I should kill you for this, but I think you could be of use to me. Are you willing to join forces with me?"
Struggling to breathe, Gwendolyn simply nodded yes as it was here only real option.
"Good." The demon said with a pleased look on his face, "Now, I'm going to let you down, but if you even think of trying anything stupid you will die before you finish the thought. Are we clear on this?"
Managing another nod of agreement, Gwendolyn felt a huge sigh of relief as her feet touched the ground again. After a moment of catching her breath, she stared back at the strange demon, "Who are you and why did you kill Garcipos?"
"All in good time Gwendolyn." He said, waiting for her to react, "Yes, I know who you are. You are alive because you could be somewhat useful to me. There are many things that need to be done before I can execute my plan. I need you to find a spell for me. It's rumored to be in the far east, perhaps in Japan below the Matsumoto castle. It's a truly spectacular piece of history, so you can't miss it. The spell is said to be in an underground cavern, guarded by a few dozen demons, but nothing too serious. Go find it and bring it to me. Once you've proven your worth, we can talk about increasing your role in eliminating the slayers for good."
"Oh, is that all you want? Just for me to kill countless demons for you and retrieve some spell? Why not get it yourself? Wouldn't that be faster?" Gwendolyn asked, rubbing the red marks around her neck where the demon was holding her, "What aren't you telling about this place?"
"If I told you everything, it wouldn't be much of a challenge would it? Suffice it to say I can't get into to the cavern in this form. With your magic, I think you have an outside change of pulling it off. If not, you die. Either way, I get my answer." The demon said calmly.
"Well, how can I pass up such a challenge." Gwendolyn added as she stared at her gold medallion in the demon's hand, "I'll need my medallion back if I'm going to have a chance to do this. As you obviously know, it's the source of much of my magical power."
"Oh I am very aware of the Medallion of Morphic." Arcystic with a dismissive tone, "However did you find it? I too was looking for it and had no luck. But, now that's changed and I don't think I want you to use this against me, so I'll hold onto it and IF you prove trustworthy, we can talk about returning it to you."
"You can't take away my power and expect me to succeed. It's crazy."
"I see it as another challenge for you. Use your ingenuity and be creative. You should never rely on one item as your power source, because in time, your enemies will learn this and once you lose it you will be easy prey. This is your chance to prove you can adapt and overcome." The large demon said firmly, "Is that too much for you? Should I find another partner?"
"I'll do it. You'll see." Gwendolyn fired back in a flash, "Who are you? I could go look you up, but why don't you save me the trouble."
"My name is Arcystic. That's all you need to know for now." He said as he tapped Gwendolyn on the top of her head, "I'll be in touch."
"Wait, what if I find this spell, how can I contact you?"
"Don't you worry about that, if you get the spell, I'll know. So, just go do your thing and I'll go do mine. Until next time Gwendolyn." Arcystic said as he chanted some strange words and disappeared into thin air moments later.
Gwendolyn looked around but saw no trace of the demon and decided to high tail it out of there.
Darla turned the tape off and stepped into the middle of the living room, "This was filmed by a farmer who lives right next to the Stonehenge. At the time, he thought it was just some movie being shot, but after he watched it a few more times he realized the demons on the tape were real. To make a long story short, we acquired the tape just last week from local authorities. After verifying its authenticity, we brought it here for you to see."
"Well this is highly disturbing." Giles sighed, "I don't have time to argue about how long it took you to hand this tape over, but I'm not happy about it at all. Since we have more urgent matters to attend to, I'll move on, for now. Our last records of Gwendolyn Post had her searching for black magic anywhere she could find it. We did out best to make sure she had no access to the more deadly black magic, but she disappeared from our radar about 6 months ago. Now that I see this tape, it makes it more clear as to why she felt the need to get out of sight. What I would like to know is any information you have on Arcystic."
"That's been our goal since we first watched the tape." Darla added while removing a folder from her purse and handing it to Giles. "This is everything we've learned about Arcystic and it's not much. He's not in any history books than we could find. There is no record of this demon until about a year ago. It's really starting to seem like it was just created in the last couple years. There's no need to tell me how strange this is, but we believe Arcystic is the creation of some black magic master."
The mayor stood up and peered over Giles' shoulder at the information in the folder, "Although this is highly unusual, it's not without precedent, but it would take a powerful witch/warlock to create something as powerful as Arcystic appears to be. Off the top of my head, I can think of only two people on earth with that kind of power and both are working within our organization. This leads me to believe that whoever did this has spent years amassing the skill and power to use the black arts like this. We need to find out who's behind this."
"I can get on that right now." Wesley said, standing up ready to go in a flash.
"Good, why you don't take Darla with you, she might be able to help."
Darla shook her head no, "Sorry, I can't go with Wesley. I have something I have to care of."
"I can go." Xander said as he raised his hand as if in school.
"I don't think the rules allow such a thing." Wesley replied, getting out his watcher's handbook in the process.
"Oh just take the boy along." The mayor said loudly, "He's got the seal of approval of the slayer on his side and he has some minor military training, so I think he will be just fine. This is just a fact-finding mission, so let's get a move on. Time is of the essence."
Xander smiled at the good news, but wasn't so sure he liked the mayor's wording, "Thanks, I guess, but I'm not a boy."
"Well, let's go then." Wesley grumbled, still not thrilled with the prospect of taking a civilian with him.
Xander patted Wesley on the shoulder, "Oh stop sulking, I'm more useful than you think."
Wesley rolled his eyes and led the way out the door.
...continued in chapter 31...