Reality War - War of Oberon
by Freedom
Rating: R
Disclaimer: All character belongs to Joss Whedon, and WB. I have just
borrowed them, for this series.
Author's Notes: This story continues after Series Part (01) Future of the
Past, several months later. Crossover with Disney's Gargoyles.
PROLOGUE
Buffy and Faith were returning from their nightly patrol, having spent the last few months building their regular patrol patterns. So far they hadn't run across anything serious, a few demons trying to kill the students a month ago. Had been the only thing that had deviated from the normal patrols. The new Magic Emporium was ready, and opening the next morning, being the same size as the old one. Except that it now had a cellar, which was turned into a training room for Buffy & Faith, and a magic area for Willow, Tara, Amy and Jamie, Jamie who was surprisingly very powerful.
Buffy and Faith entered the apartment to find Willow and Tara snuggling on the sofa. Amy and Jamie were nowhere in sight, presumably gone to bed. Buffy collapsed on the armchair besides Willow and Tara. Faith went to the kitchen area, retrieving a couple of canned soda's and passed one to Buffy, then collapsing on the floor by the sofa, leaning against the side.
"So guys, anything interesting happen on patrol?" Willow asked, as Buffy and Faith sipped their sodas.
"Normal standard patrol." Faith said drinking her soda and removing her Doc Martins. "A couple of newbie's as they rose, a couple of older vampires and one slime demon, standard patrol pattern."
"Yeah pretty boring." Buffy said, finishing her drink and crushing it between her hands. "So you girls ready for the opening of the new 'Magic Emporium' tomorrow?"
"Yes Giles and Claire have the store ready but are keeping the library of books at Giles." Tara said, and Willow nodded in agreement. "They want to make sure that no one can steal the books and use them for darkness, like last time."
"Sounds like a plan." Faith said smiling. "So how is the shopping going?"
"Not bad, though we haven't found something we like yet." Willow said, and Tara nodded in agreement, then Sarah orbed in.
"Hey Sarah what's up now?"
"Got ourselves a situation." Sarah said, and the others nodded. "Better get Amy and Jamie, as they will be needed for this it and would be better if I briefed them at the same time."
"Will do Sarah." Buffy said, walking over to Amy and Jamie's bedroom, while Faith and her mum greeted with a hug. "Guys got us a situation here, Sarah's just orbed in."
"Right." Amy said from within the bedroom.
"They'll be out in a moment." Buffy said, taking her seat again and looking over at Sarah. "Please tell us this isn't another apocalypse Sarah?"
"It is kind of complicated." Sarah said, perching on the edge of the sofa, a minute later Amy and Jamie entered. And sat on the floor opposite Sarah. "The situation is not in this reality."
"Then why should we bother?" Buffy asked.
"Because it is the right thing to do, also you have more experience than anyone else we can find." Sarah said. "And if the situation isn't sorted in the reality in question, it will probably effect our reality."
"Ok." Buffy said, indicating for her to continue.
"In the reality in question a group of gargoyles." Sarah said. "And a few others are facing a situation which puts them against a god type being. This being called Oberon wants control and wants all his children to rule and to be worshipped. They don't know what is going to happen, the last time they dealt with him was over two years ago, since then they have built strong alliances with previous enemies, but they didn't know Oberon has been building his strength all the time."
"So you want us to go into this reality and help these 'Gargoyles', fight this god." Faith asked and Sarah nodded in agreement. "One question, I thought gargoyles were just stone statues."
"They were created a couple of thousand years ago by magic and are only stone by day, but that is just a legend, they are all about extinct these days." Tara said speaking up, shyly and the others looked at her shocked. "I read about them."
"Yes in this reality there are no gargoyles left." Sarah said. "But in that reality there are still a few left, defending the innocents."
"Like us in other words." Willow said, and Sarah nodded. "So when do we go?"
"Will, this is Faith and mine's business, the rest of you aren't going." Buffy said, and Faith nodded in agreement.
"I wish it was that simple." Sarah said, looking at her daughter and her best friend. "But their destiny's mean that they need to come with you. That is Willow, Tara, Amy and Jamie, you are allowed to take one other with you and you have to leave within three days."
The next morning Buffy, Faith, Willow, Tara, Jamie and Amy arrived outside the new 'Magic Emporium' in the 'Scooby Van'. Parking the van directly in front of the shop, climbing out they entered the shop. To find the other Scoobies gathered around the table, having made calls last night, they gathered to be briefed on the new situation. Perching on their seats by the table they nodded to the others.
"So Buff care to explain, why we are meeting this early?" Xander asked.
"We had a visitor last night." Buffy said, the others realised they were talking about Sarah but didn't say anything. "It looks like there is trouble in another reality, and if it isn't sorted there it could spill over into ours."
"So what do they want you to do?" Claire asked, having settled into the group, and having proven that the cause and the group meant more than the council she had been welcomed.
"Sarah, wants to send me, Buffy, Willow, Tara, Amy and Jamie, into that reality to try stop whatever it is from happening." Faith said, smiling at the mention of her mum, but Giles frowned at her. "I know Giles, neither me nor Buffy want the others to come with us, but they all insist that they need to be there with us. Like it is part of their destiny."
"I presume you both tried to talk them out of it?" Giles asked the slayers, who nodded.
"Do you mind not talking about us when we are here sitting with you." Willow said, and the other three nodded. "I don't know about the others, but both me and Tara have known for quite sometime our destiny's are linked with Buffy and Faith. And have been preparing ourselves for the eventuality that we would be called to the front line to help. So there is no way in hell, we are staying behind when our friends are off fighting without us." Tara nodded to this, showing her support.
"Well I can't speak for Jamie, but when I am needed somewhere, I am there." Amy said, looking to Willow and Tara who smiled at her. "I kinda have had the feeling that I am meant for something for big. Ever since I was transformed back from being a rat." Smiling to Willow and Tara.
"Ok thanks guys your support is appreciated." Faith said, then turning to Jamie. "J, it is up to you whether you come with us, none of us will think any less of you if you don't."
"I am in, like Willow Tara and Amy, I feel something guiding me to where I should be and I need to go with the others." Jamie said, smiling to thank Faith for the opportunity to back out. "Also you think I am going to let you guys have all the fun. So who is the seventh person we are taking?"
"I spoke with Sarah this morning before both you guys got up, anyway she says that as long as the person doesn't breath we can take one more." Faith said, and Buffy looked up realising what was being said, and nodded. "So Spike is arriving in a few minutes, using the sewer system entrance. As for the last person, I believe it would be best to take a watcher, so Giles either you or Claire are coming with us, your choice."
"Well I believe it should be me." Claire said, and the others looked puzzled. "Giles has the most experience, and knowledge of the hellmouth, therefore would be best to stay here in case something happens."
"Sounds sensible, you agree Giles?" Buffy asked, and Giles nodded in agreement. "Good, I have called Angel and he is on stand-by in case something major happens."
"Thank you." Giles said, realising they had planned for every eventuality. "So what exactly do you know about what is happening in this other reality."
"I'll let Sarah explain." Faith said, as her mum orbed in. "Hey Sarah, everything is ready here, we are just waiting for Spike to get here."
"Well, wait no bloody longer." Spike said, stepping out of the basement and nodding to everyone there. "So what the hell is this all about?"
"I can explain that William, if you would sit down and listen." Sarah said, and Spike nodded perching on a seat by the table. Sarah then went on to explain about the threat of Oberon, what he wanted to do to his world and what may happen to their world. Also she explained about the allies they would find in this reality and those who could be potential allies.
"So you will be gone for three weeks our time, but in fact you will probably be gone for 18 months." Giles asked, and Sarah nodded in agreement. "One question though what do we do about Faith's parole?"
"I am meeting with Sara this afternoon and I am hoping that she will already know what is going on here." Faith said, and the others nodded in agreement. "So she should have a way of keeping my disappearance hidden, so there will be no problems."
"What about your mother Buffy?" Giles asked.
"I am going to see her and Dawn this evening to explain our disappearance." Buffy said, looking over to the others who hadn't been there last night. "So do you have any more questions for Sarah or us?"
"Not that I can think of." Giles said, then looking over the others. "So when do you leave?"
"Midnight tonight, as it is magical time it being the 'witching hour', and the night of the full moon." Faith said, and Sarah nodded in agreement.
"Ok so we agree to this." Buffy said, and Faith nodded. "You need any help sorting the money out?"
"Nope I will do it before I go to see Sara." Faith said standing and walking to the entrance. "Besides you need to help the others to pack the van with clothes, weaponry and books we will need for this journey."
Two hours later, Faith knocked on the door to Sara's office door before opening the door to find Sara sitting at her desk. She was currently sitting at her desk sorting through some paperwork. So Faith took a seat at the side of the office, waiting for Sara to be finished. Picking up a magazine and flicking through it, minutes later Sara came up to her.
"Hey Faith, you want to come over?" Sara asked, Faith looked up and nodded, and put the magazine down and walked over to the desk. "So how are things going for you at the moment?"
"Not so bad." Faith said, as she and Sara both sat down, and Sara nodded for her to continue. "We have a situation developing that requires me to leave for a while."
"You mean the Oberon situation." Sara said, and Faith nodded. "From what I understand, you will only be gone for three weeks in this reality. But will have been gone for 18 months in the other reality." Faith nodded. "Well I think I can cover this absence from the parole board."
"I would be grateful for that." Faith said smiling at Sara. "So how does my report go at the moment?"
"Not bad your college professor's are all impressed with your work." Sara said flicking through Faith's report. "Your counsellor is also impressed, but beliefs it would benefit both you and Elizabeth, if she started to come along to the sessions, as it will help you."
"I will see what B says?" Faith said, nodding to Sara. "This isn't going to cause real problems me disappearing for a while is it?"
"It may cause one or two minor problems, but nothing that I can't sort out though." Sara said, smiling that Faith cared enough to ask. "So when do you guys leave?"
"Midnight tonight." Faith said, still smiling. "So do you need to know anything else or can I go, I still need to collect some cash and help the others to finish packing."
"Sure I just need to know who is going?" Sara asked, but Faith looked puzzled. "Need to know who will get cover sorted for college, and anything else that comes up you know."
"Ok sounds reasonable." Faith said. "People coming with me, Buffy, Willow, Tara, Amy, Jamie, Claire my watcher and Spike. The others aren't happy but understand, we also have our L.A crew on standby if something comes up while we are away. So the Hellmouth won't be left un-defended, and no one will try anything."
"Sounds like you are prepared for everything." Sara said, and Faith nodded. "I am not sure, whether Sarah, your whitelighter has mentioned this yet. Or whether she plans on mentioning it at a later date, but there will be a way for us to contact you in an emergency. Though the problem, being the portal will only open four times while you are in the other dimension."
"So we won't be completely cut off." Faith asked, and Sara nodded in agreement. "Good, I just hope nothing comes up while we are away."
That evening Buffy entered her home to find both her mother and sister sitting at the dinner table eating their evening meal. Nodding to her mother, she saw Joyce start to stand up to go to the kitchen, probably to fetch her some food, considering she had already eaten she stopped her before she had the chance.
"Mum don't bother." Buffy said, perching on one of the chairs, and seeing a flash of annoyance on her mother's face. "I have only just eaten, and I thought you guys would have already eaten."
"Oh so your not criticizing my food then?" Joyce asked jokingly.
"Hell no, if I had known you would be having dinner, I wouldn't have eaten earlier." Buffy said joking with her mother, Joyce realising something must be up sat back down indicating for her daughter to tell the reason she was there. "I got to go away for three weeks."
"What?" Joyce asked, looking at her daughter. "What about college, please tell this is college related, not slayer related?"
"Sorry mum if I told you that I would be lying." Buffy said, seeing both her mum and sister's shoulders slump. "Something has come up that needs my attention and it is in another reality."
"Another reality." Joyce asked, and Buffy nodded. "So why the hell does this involve you, why does another reality need your help. Can't their own warrior handle this problem?"
"One they don't at the moment know the problem is coming so we need to show them the problem, also several of the warriors enemy, need to be shown where their destiny lies, we also need to help with the battle." Buffy said, but her mother and sister looked confused. "If we don't help with the up-coming war the enemy is possibly going to invade our reality. So in other words, unless we deal with the problem in that reality, it could quite easily spill into our own."
"So you are saying that either you go to this reality or our world is in danger." Joyce asked, and Buffy nodded. "So if this is necessary I am coming with you, you are not risking your live on your own."
"I am sorry mum, but all the places are taken." Buffy said, and her mum looked confused. "It is only possible for 7 of us to go, and they are members of our group, who know it is their destiny to go. The group consists of myself, Faith, Willow, Tara, Amy, Jamie, Spike and Claire, and all their skills are necessary for this mission."
"So you are saying I don't have skills for this." Joyce said, and Buffy nodded. "Yet you are going to a new world and will need someone to negotiate peace between you and the world's warriors."
"Mum I can see what you are saying, but think about it." Buffy said. "Who would look after Dawn, who would look after your art gallery, mum I need you to stay here. I need you to be here, to help us when we return. As I suspect we won't come back the same as when we left, and I need you to be here to help us find our way back."
"How much can you change in three weeks?" Joyce asked, then seeing the look on her eldest daughter's face. "You'll be gone for longer than three weeks won't you?"
"In your time, we will be gone for three weeks." Buffy said, and Joyce nodded in agreement. "But in the reality we will be visiting, apparently we will be gone for 18 months, just over 1 and a half years."
"So it will change you." Joyce said, and Buffy nodded. "How will you keep your humanity."
"We don't know, but we will have contact with you every five days." Buffy said, and her mum smiled. "That will be your time not ours, in our time it will be roughly every two and half months."
"So in another words, whatever happens you are going right." Joyce asked, and Buffy nodded. "Ok what happens if some demon tries to open the hellmouth, who is going to help us?"
"You think none of us have thought about this?" Buffy asked, and her mother nodded. "Well we have, Angel and his crew are on standby and Giles will watch every prophecy that could happen. Also the Halliwell's are prepared to come at a moments notice, if necessary. So we are as prepared as we ever are going to be."
"So you are saying you hope to have enough forces to quell a strike against the hellmouth." Joyce said, and Buffy was in agreement. "What happens if your people fail to stop it and with you being away the hellmouth opens?"
"Sarah has assured us that if something major happens she will get us back to this world in time to save it." Buffy said, and Joyce nodded. "So any eventuality will be covered mum, all of us know the risks but we realised we will need the alliances in the future."
"What do you mean the future?" Dawn asked, speaking up at last.
"There is a war coming that none of us can stop, we need to prepare for it." Buffy said, and Dawn realised what was being said. "We need alliances with other worlds, as they will be effected the same as us. To win this war we need as many as allies as we can get."
"When is this war coming Buffy?" Joyce asked. "How long do we have to prepare for this war?"
"We don't know any details for certain." Buffy said, and Dawn agreed with this. "We need to prepare, when this is done, we were preparing to recruit since Faith returned. Faith and myself have had Willow looking on the net for recruits. We have a list of people who would be willing join our battle, including several government agency's."
"When were you planning on telling us that?" Dawn asked.
"When it was necessary." Buffy said. "Only myself, Faith, Willow, Tara and Giles know all the facts, the others might suspect. Until we are ready, none of us are prepared to show our full hand, for safety of our race and all realities. You two know more than the rest but you don't know everything and it is better that it stays that way."
"What about the 'Watcher's Council'?" Joyce asked, and Dawn nodded in agreement. "Shouldn't they be the ones organising this, after all you are working with them again."
"None of the Scoobies trust the Council nor Travers." Buffy said looking earnestly at her mum and sister. "The only reason we are working with them is for their resources. The Council has lost its way and is too corrupt to do anything. Once our organisation is strong enough we will remove any threat the Council presents along with all their resources. Effectively shutting them down for good and we will take on their forgotten responsibilities."
At five to midnight that night, the Scoobies were gathered around the 'Magic Emporium', preparing to see their friends off. Joyce and Dawn were also there to see Buffy and her friends off, as they knew it would be a long time until they saw each other again. Arriving together Joyce, Dawn and Buffy, had spent the whole evening saying goodbye to each other.
"So if everyone is ready?" Buffy asked, looking at her old and new friends, who were coming with them, seeing all nod to show they were ready. "So is the van packed and ready to rock and roll."
"Yep B." Faith said smiling. "Everything is ready; the van is packed with clothes, weapons, books and the money I got out earlier."
"So you guys are really prepared for this trip?" Joyce asked nervously.
"As prepared as we ever are going to be Mrs Summers." Tara said smiling, as she felt Willow's hand on her arm to encourage her. "We all know what we are facing, but we also know if we don't do something we are all in danger. Including our friends and family. So we all have to do it to save the world and us."
"So you are all committed to this?" Joyce asked, and they all agreed. "How can you let them do this Giles?"
"I don't like this at all." Giles said, and Joyce smiled that someone was agreeing with her. "But I understand that why you don't like them doing this Joyce, I personally agree with you. But the future of our own reality is at stake here and if there is a chance of saving ours and the other reality. Then Buffy and the other's know what they must do and what they must risk."
"So you are saying I am being foolish trying to persuade them not to go." Joyce said, and Giles indicated he agreed reluctantly with that. "Dawn you have been rather quiet here, aren't you worried about your sister and her friends?"
"Yes I am worried about them." Dawn said, and Joyce smiled expecting her daughter's support. "But I understand that they need to go to save the world again."
"I am not going to persuade anyone not to go, am I?" Joyce asked.
"Sorry mum." Buffy said, smiling to her mum. "But destiny you know, I wouldn't be me if I ignored the calling to help save others."
"I know, but it doesn't mean that I have to like this." Joyce said, pulling her daughter into a hug and then pulling the others into a group hug. "So you guys better get going hey."
"Dawn I want you to look after your mum and the rest of the Scoobies so we can party when we get back." Faith said hugging Dawn closely, then leaning to Dawn's ear. "And I will look after the others and make sure they come back in one piece, I promise."
"Thanks Faith, and I will do my best, as I know you will." Dawn whispered back to Faith.
"So what are you guys talking about?" Buffy asked to her sister.
"Nothing serious." Faith said, opening the side of the van up and dumping Buffy's last bag in the back with the rest. "So are we going or what?"
"Yeah just coming." Willow said, hugging Xander, Giles and even Anya then turning to Kate and Fred and hugged them as well. "Take care you guys and don't do anything stupid while we are away ok?" Looking at Xander.
"What why are looking at me?" Xander asked, then hugging Willow and Tara together and then turning to Amy and Jamie and hugging them too. "Take care of yourselves too ok."
"Will do X." Amy said, hugging Xander and then seeing Anya. "Take care of this lot Anya they need someone to make sure they don't do anything stupid ok."
"Sure." Anya said, unsure what to do.
"So everything is covered while we are away right." Jamie said, and Giles nodded to say that he would cover everything. "So lets get going."
Jamie and Amy stepped into the van, Willow and Tara then hugged Giles and Joyce and climbed aboard. Claire then nodded to the others and climbed up the front, Buffy and Faith then hugged Joyce and Giles but looked around for Dawn and couldn't see her.
"Hey where's Dawn." Faith asked looking around.
"Probably gone out of sight so we won't see her crying." Buffy said.
"Quite probably, I will check on her when you have gone." Joyce said smiling.
"Tell her I love her ok." Buffy said hugging her mother and then Giles. "Lets get going shall we Faith, Sarah we are ready here."
"Sure in a second." Faith said, as Buffy climbed up front of the van besides Claire, Faith turned to Joyce and Giles. "I'll make sure they all come back ok."
"We know." Giles said, as he and Joyce hugged her. "Take care of yourselves ok."
"Will do." Faith said, then seeing Sarah orb in. "We're ready to go, whenever you are." Climbing into the driving drivers seat.
"Give me a second." Sarah said.
Spilling some herbs and other ingredients in front of the van and then smashing an orb down, muttering a few words in Latin. A weird black hole portal opened in front of the van.
"There you go guys." Sarah said, leaning into the van's window, seeing Spike climbing into the van and sitting on the floor. "See you when you arrive in the other reality." She said before orbbing out.
"Bye guys." Buffy shouted out of the window as the van drove through the portal.
"Just hope those guys don't find anything out there that they can't handle." Xander said then looking around and not seeing Dawn anywhere. "Erm where is Dawn actually, I can't seem to see her anywhere."
"Good point." Giles said looking around him and then glancing at Joyce. "Have You seen her Joyce?"
"No I presumed she was hiding until her sister left." Joyce said, looking around and not seeing her. "Where is she?"
"She snuck aboard the van." Anya said filing her nails, then seeing the others looking at her. "What, didn't you see her open the back of the van."
CHAPTER 1
Ten minutes later, in the other reality outside of New York, the dimensional black portal opened and the van drove out. Stopping the van once it exited the portal, the front door of the van opened. Faith and Buffy climbed out, to stand in front of the van both of them overlooking New York.
"Well it looks like we have arrived, hey Faith." Buffy said, and Faith nodded in agreement, glancing back at the people in the van. "Wish we hadn't had to bring them with us, this is going to be so dangerous you know."
"Yeah I know what you mean though." Faith said looking skywards, and saw several shadows that looked like wing creatures and Faith presumed they were gargoyles. "Looks like the gargoyles are out tonight." Indicating skywards.
"Yep certainly does, I hope we can get settled in here before we have to deal with them though." Buffy said and Faith nodded, they then looked back at the van, indicating for everyone to come out. "Come on guys come on out, we are here come and look at our new home."
"Sure." Willow said, as the van door opened and her plus the rest, climbed out. "So this is New York, are those what I think they are?" Indicating to gargoyle shadows, above the city.
"Yes those are the gargoyles from this city." Buffy said and Faith smiled. "We plan on settling down before contacting them, so shall we get back in the van and drive into town, to see if we can find somewhere to stay. Or do we set up camp here for the night and go down in the morning."
"I say we stay here for the night." Claire said making the others look at her. "It is too late to try and find a room. I suggest we set-up the tents and settle in for the night."
"Sounds like a good plan." Willow said.
Thirty minutes later, the tents were all set-up and the Scoobies, were sitting around a fire. They were all toasting marshmallows over the fire except for Claire who had her head stuck in a book. Researching the possibility of what they would face in the forth-coming war against Oberon and his children.
"So guys who is sleeping where tonight?" Spike asked.
"Well you are sleeping in the van." Buffy said, and Spike nodded seeing the logic in what she was saying. "The rest, of us will divide up between the tents, two to each tent. Myself and Faith in one, Willow and Tara in another, Amy and Jamie in another, and Claire will take the last one."
"Sounds sensible B." Faith said, yawning and stretching, before standing up. "I going to head to bed now want to get up early in the morning and get us ready and packed to go."
"Not a problem, probably going to join you in a few minutes." Buffy said going to the back of the van and opening it up. "I just want to get some water to put the fire out later on." Looking in the back she saw Dawn sitting waving at her. "Dawn what the hell."
"Hi sis." Dawn said, still waving, then seeing Faith, Willow and Tara come around the side to her. "Hi guys, suppose you are wondering what I am doing here hey."
"That would be nice." Buffy said, standing in front of her sister with her arms crossed, looking annoyed. "Sarah get your butt down here now!"
"Buffy she had no way of knowing Dawn would hitch a lift with us." Willow said, then seeing Dawn smiling thinking she had come to her rescue. "Don't even go there young lady, you had no right coming here it is way too dangerous for anyone."
"I came because I was meant to come." Dawn said. "You all know you are meant to be here, apart from Claire, it is your destiny to be here. It is my destiny to be part of the seven that fight the reality wars, including Spike and the rest of you. Claire took my place, and that is why I am here."
"You are crazy." Buffy said, and the others also looked puzzled. "You are too young to be here fighting this war, hell I was the same age when I was called. I don't want you to suffer the same life I did, mum would kill me and I won't let that happen. I care for you and her too much, as soon as Sarah gets here she will send you back."
"I am sorry to say Buffy but I won't be sending Dawn back." Sarah said, stepping out of the woods behind them. "Dawn is right, she is meant to be one of the seven who are supposed to fight these reality wars. Her destiny lies here in these reality wars that you all will fight in the future."
"You mean this isn't the only reality we will have to save." Amy said, coming around the side of the van. "Hey Dawn so you are what all this fuss is about hey."
"Yeah sorry to say I am." Dawn said, looking to Buffy shrugging her shoulders. "Destiny lies here with you guys, my soul lies here within this reality."
"We will sort this out later." Faith said, and the others were in agreement. "I say we settle down for the night, B I will share with Claire so Dawn can share a tent with you."
"If you are sure you don't mind." Buffy said, and Faith nodded in agreement. "Come on Dawn, lets settle down for the night, by the way what clothes have you brought with you?"
"Only what I am wearing." Dawn said smiling shyly.
"Oh shit, we will take you shopping tomorrow morning." Faith said, and Buffy was in agreement.
The next morning Buffy and Faith were sitting by a fresh fire, boiling a kettle of water for their coffee. They had already discussed Dawn with Sarah for over half an hour and they were convinced not to send Dawn back. But Buffy still wasn't happy about it but she knew there was nothing they could do about destiny. Both Faith and Buffy hoped that Joyce would understand this and forgive them eventually.
"So B, what are the chances of your mum being cool with the Dawn situation by the time we return in 18 months?" Faith asked, hoping for a good answer but seeing Buffy shrug her shoulders. "That bad hey ah well, we will just have to make sure that we bring Dawn back in one piece."
"Agreed." Buffy said, hearing the kettle whistle, indicating the boiled water was ready to be poured, and she then poured her and Faith's coffee, passing Faith's cup to the brunette. "So apart from taking Dawn shopping for clothes and sorting ourselves a place to live. What we doing today?"
"I don't know, equipping our new place with security will be the main task." Faith said, and Buffy was in agreement. "We'll get Amy and Jamie to take Dawn shopping once we have a place sorted. Probably going to get a warehouse for us to live in, hopefully get the top of it converted so we can use it for accommodation for us all."
"Sounds sensible." Buffy said. "Turn the actual warehouse into a storage unit, we need to get established before contacting the gargoyles or their allies."
"Agreed though it would be useful to have I.D's." Faith said, and Buffy nodded in agreement. "See if we can get Red to sort something out when we get our base sorted. Also I think we need an operative in Xantos Industries, someone to get close to the Xantos' themselves."
"Agreed but I don't know how we are going to do it yet." Buffy said, sipping her coffee then noticing her best friend and girlfriend coming out of the tent. "Hey sleepy head, finally decided to get up I see."
"What don't you dare say anything?" Willow said, still half a sleep, looking around. "By the looks of it, we are the only ones up apart from you two."
"Ok ok, I am sure B was only joking right B." Faith said, and Buffy nodded enthusiastically, then passing two cups of fresh java to Willow and Tara. "Here you go, peace offering."
"Besides they aren't the only ones up." Spike yelled from a window, in the van. "Just cause I can't come outside, doesn't mean I am not up yet, any chance of a cup of coffee or what."
"Sure." Buffy said, passing him a cup of coffee through the window of the van, Spike accepted it and nodded in thanks to her. "So you like the idea, of the warehouse for our base."
"Yep sounds like a good idea." Spike said sipping his coffee. "By the way we are going to need a source of blood for me soon. Because we've only got a weeks worth, refrigerated in the back hear."
"We know, and once we are settled we will sort out the blood issue for you." Faith said coming up to where Buffy was standing. "But not before then though, do you understand why?"
"Of course, I know the reasons we are here and the reason you will let Dawn stay." Spike said, and Buffy looked at Faith who nodded.
"You know you are changing don't you?"
"You mean my soul is growing back." Spike said, and Buffy and Faith were shocked by the news even though they had suspected it was true. "Yeah I feel it but I also know I have to carry on earning it though, but don't worry it won't effect Angel or him getting his humanity back. I wouldn't do that to him."
"What?" Buffy asked a little shocked.
"He deserves to be turned human I don't." Spike said looking skywards. "I'll make sure that him and Cordelia get the happiness they deserve, I owe him that much. Don't ask me what I owe him cause I won't tell you and I am pretty sure he won't either."
That afternoon the Scoobies entered their new warehouse, Faith had used her money to pay for it. Having bought some food and other supplies for their new place, they returned to their new 'home', well at least what would be their home for the next 18 months, and gave it a good look around.
"Not bad, it will do for now." Faith said looking around, dumping her bags down on the floor. "So you guys want to set-up the bedrooms, by the plans there are seven rooms upstairs. Figures that gives us one for each of us, with Willow and Tara sharing obviously."
"Sounds good to me." Buffy said, spreading the plans on the hood of the van. "Willow and Tara take the largest room, me and Faith will take the two rooms by the entrance and the rest of the arranging of the rooms is up to the rest of you." Faith nodded. "Willow, Tara, Amy, Jamie choose an area down here for your magical stuff and set yourselves up."
"Will do Buffy." Willow said, as the others turned away to the van, to take the gear out to store away in their rooms. "We'll sort out our rooms first ok."
"Sure choose your rooms Amy, Jamie." Faith said, allowing them to look over the map, and they chose the two rooms besides Willow and Tara's. "Looks like Claire, Dawn and Spike get the rest."
"I'll take the one beside you and Faith." Spike said, and Buffy and Faith nodded in agreement. "Be there to help you fight if necessary."
"Thanks Spike." Buffy said.
"Ok I will take the room between you and the others." Claire said. "That way the others have a descent warning and Dawn is a little safer."
"Thanks Claire." Faith said, and Dawn nodded, looking at the room she had been given, and squirmed. "Don't even complain D, you are not meant to even be here, you know."
"Ok ok." Dawn said grabbing bags containing her new clothes and other stuff she had bought earlier.
"She'll be ok." Amy said, smiling. "Think she is a little annoyed cause none of the bands she likes exist here. But she has music from bands here on this world."
"No problem." Buffy said, looking after her sister, then turning back to Faith. "Faith, can I have a word?"
"Sure B, what do you want to talk about?" Faith said, seeing Buffy nodding over to the side, and walked over with her. "So B what is the problem?"
"Not a problem but a possible solution." Buffy replied, and Faith looked puzzled. "Xanacorp, is looking to appoint two bodyguards for personnel commission of Fox Xantos."
"Ah so you are planning on us applying for those jobs." Faith said, seeing what Buffy has being saying. "So we are going to need these I.D's from Willow A.S.A.P?"
"Agreed." Buffy said, seeing Willow coming down the stairs and called her over, and she nodded to Tara next to her and came over.
"Hey guys." Willow said nodding to both of them. "So what are you guys conspiring about this time."
"We need the I.D's as soon as possible." Faith said, and Willow nodded in agreement, slightly puzzled why they would need them so quickly. "We have a possibility of infiltrating Xantos family, to work as bodyguards Fox Xantos. This would give thereby giving us a chance of working within the family and to get closer to the gargoyles and their allies."
The next afternoon both Buffy and Faith stood outside the Eerie building both dressed in black suits and shades. Looking at each other they both laughed, thinking they looked like the M.i.B from the movie. But they were both certain; they needed to look professional, if they stood a chance of getting the jobs.
"You know how funny we look." Faith asked, and Buffy nodded in agreement, both of them straightening out their suit, Faith took out her new I.D pack to check her new name. "So it is Faith Clemmons now is it?"
"Well you know we tried to find a Faith Adams, but it seems no one exists at the age we want of that name." Buffy said, checking her own I.D pack. "Least you don't have to get used to being named something new like, Elizabeth Jones I mean."
"If we get the jobs, just tell Mrs Xantos you prefer to be called Buffy." Faith said, as they entered the building and approached the security desk and the woman there who looked up. "Good morning we are here for the interviews for the job openings as bodyguards."
"For Mrs Xantos yes?" The lady asked, and Faith and Buffy nodded, then passing them two clipboards. "If you would put your basic details down here please."
"Of course." Faith said, as she and Buffy took the clipboards and sat to the side of the room and started to fill them in using the cover stories Willow had created for them.
Ten minutes later, both Buffy and Faith were sitting back with the forms completed, admiring the room they were in. When a medium sized man with blonde hair and dressed in a blue suit approached. Causing them to look up as they felt his shadow, he then indicated to the clipboards, which they passed to him. He then indicated for them to follow him, passing the security desk and climbing into an elevator, he then scanned through the applications.
"Well I see from this neither of you has experience in this field." The man asked, and Buffy and Faith nodded. "But you do have experience with many weapons and many forms of martial arts correct?"
"Yes we do." Buffy answered. "Can I ask how we should address you as sir?"
"My name is Mr Owen Burnet, I am Mr and Mrs Xantos personal assistant, you will address me as Mr Burnet, until told otherwise." Owen said addressing both Buffy and Faith. "I am presuming you would both like to work together given your work history. You worked together at shop, I see here."
"Yes Mr Burnet, we work exceedingly well as a team." Faith said, looking at Owen. "Can we ask what this interview will consist of, we both brought changes of clothes in case we are required to show our combat skills sir."
"We will be doing a combat workout, but you will be required to stay as you are for a real skills test." Owen answered. "As in a real situation, you will be required to fight as you are, if need be the case."
"Of course sir." Buffy said. "But we needed to be sure, also you may want to see our skills and what we can do in training with no distractions."
"We will see about that but first we will see how you can cope dressed in normal street clothes." Owen said, as the lift stopped and he and the girls climbed out into a fully matted area. "Welcome to the training areas, you will enter here and face many obstacles. You will be required to guard me through here and make sure nothing happens to me."
"Sounds reasonable." Faith said undoing her jacket to make her movements less restricted and Buffy did the same. "You ready B."
"Always F." Buffy said, looking to Owen. "Get ready Mr Burnet, we are going to enter, when we are in just stay between us but a little further back."
"Of course Ms Jones." Owen said slightly impressed with their demeanour.
Entering the room, both of them looked around, seeing it was clear first, entering slowly they where then set on by two men in black suits. Stepping in front of Owen to protect him, the two men attacked them both of them throwing punches at the girls.
Buffy and Faith grabbed their wrists yanking them upwards, leaving their opponents exposed. Pushing the opponents back to back, they then kicked them in the chest, leaving them breathless. Then flipping them over, leaving them unconscious stepping over the body. Indicating for Owen to stay where he was for the moment. Then seeing two robots creeping up behind Owen.
"Mr Burnet get down." Faith yelled.
As she and Buffy took out their guns, from under their jackets, firing their guns taking out the robot. Firing them with magnesium bullets, they had got the designs from the Initiatives files. A friend of Giles had just finished creating three crates of them before they left. The bullets caused the robots to malfunction and stop working, dropping to the floor.
Before Owen could say anything, six ninja's appeared in front of them. Dropping the guns and withdrawing their shock sticks with electro-magnetic cores, which would stun anything non-human but put humans out. Throwing their jackets off they charged into the group, both Buffy and Faith striking the back of two of the ninjas. Realising that the ninja's weren't going down, Buffy and Faith looked at each other.
"Not human." Buffy said looked puzzled, and Faith nodded. "Not super-natural, probably cyborgs."
"Definitely." Faith said, as she and Buffy reached behind their backs, and turned up their electro packs. "Fully charged." Then taking out their other sticks from behind their back. "Lets rock and roll B."
Slapping two against the ninja they each had previously hit, short circuiting their wiring. Nodding to each other they then proceeded to another ninja, Faith shocking one of the knees and then its head. Buffy shocked hers in the heart and the other to it's throat and then striking its brain area. They each shocked their third in the heart and brain.
Looking around and sensing no immediate danger, they slipped their shock sticks into their back holsters. Picking their jackets up and slipping them back while clicking off the packs. Hearing a clapping from behind them they saw Owen with a red headed woman, with a weird facial tattoo covering her left eye.
"Like what you see Mr Burnet." Buffy asked, and then turning to the red head. "Mrs Xantos I presume, it is nice to me you."
"Of course, nice fighting styles by the way." Fox said nodding, and stepping over the robots, as the two blokes stood up and skipped away. Then approaching Buffy and Faith, she looked over the ninja cyborg armies. "I must say I am really impressed with the way you dealt with these."
"We live to please." Buffy said bowing to Fox. "I presume you would like to discuss things with Mr Burnet, so we will leave you in peace."
"Thank you, there is an office off to the left there, if you would wait in there for us please." Owen asked.
"Of course Mrs Xantos." Faith said, as she and Buffy walked into the office, leaving them alone.
"Well I have never seen anyone do that to our androids." Owen said turning to Fox. "Those droids were our best, those power packs they were packing aren't anything I have ever seen. The black suits had seven black belts each, and those bullets they used against the robots aren't normal. If I had to guess I would say they contained magnesium cores, but I have never seen them at all, our R&D department, are no where close to developing them."
"So you are saying whoever they are, they have amazing resources behind them and are expertly trained." Fox asked, and Owen nodded in agreement. "How about the background checks, do they check out?"
"On front they check out." Owen said. "But we are digging deeper to see how good they are, but it will take several days to get the checks back. What do you want to do until then?"
"Well I say we give them a chance." Fox said, and Owen nodded. "Though I wouldn't mind to see how they do against David in sparring, I reckon they would give David a good run for the money."
"I will go and talk to him." Owen said, turning to leave, then turning back. "Will you tell them, they carry a change of clothes for sparring as far as I know?"
"I will." Fox said, still peering over the ninja android bodies.
In the mean time Buffy and Faith were sitting in the office, in two comfy chairs looking around the office. Both of them hoped they hadn't over done it, using both the magnesium bullets and shock sticks. But they also realised that if they wanted to stand a chance of getting the jobs they needed to impress.
"So B, you got the electronic device Willow passed to us to attach to the computer system." Faith asked, and Buffy reached into her shoulder bag and withdrew a small black box.
Then passing it to Faith, and Faith stood up and walked up to the computer. Pulling the net connection lead out of the computer port, she then attached the small black box. Then re-connected the lead to the computer and it looked like nothing was there. Sitting back down in the armchair and smiled to Buffy. Fox then opened the door and entered, both Buffy and Faith stood up putting their arms behind their backs.
"Well ladies there will be one final test." Fox said, and Buffy and Faith nodded in agreement. "Owen would like to test your skills against my husband, David to see how much you really can do. This won't effect your jobs which by the way you have."
"Thank you." Buffy said, nodding and shaking Fox's hand, as Faith did afterward. "So after this test, when will we be starting the job, may I ask?"
"Tomorrow morning." Fox said, turning to the door. "I believe you have a change of clothes with you for sparring correct?"
"Yes right here." Faith said, patting the bag beside her.
"If you would get changed and then comes out please." Fox said, then leaving.
"Lets do it again B." Faith said turning and changing.
"Sure old friend." Buffy said changing.
Five minutes later, dressed in sweats, tank tops and trainers, Buffy and Faith left the office. To find Fox and a man dressed in GI, with hair in a ponytail, and goatee beard, standing together at the entrance. Nodding to them, they stood in the middle of the gym, as the man approached and nodded to them.
"So these are your new bodyguards hey Fox." He said, and then walked around the two girls examining them. "They certainly seem like normal girls, but you are saying they took apart all our friends." Fox nodded. "So are you willing to spare against me and see how well you do?"
"Yes we certainly are Mr Xantos." Buffy replied. "But understand, it will be one on one, even odds as it were, not two on one, please understand."
"If you choose it that way, but I will kick your butt, if you want it that way." The man said. "By the way I am David Xantos your new employer and I warn you now, you set me or my family or friends up, you will die a very painful death. So who of you is going to go first?"
"B, it's up to you?" Faith asked, and Buffy shrugged her shoulder. "Then I will go first, one on one no interference from the outside." Looking both at Buffy and Fox, Buffy especially. "Though it isn't to the death is that understood?"
"Never said or thought it would be." David said, removing his jacket, to reveal a simple vest and trousers. "Let get it on Faith shall we."
"Ready when you are." Faith said, stepping up to David, as Buffy joined Fox. "Lets see what we can do."
Bowing to each other, they then took a fighting stance and started to fight. Charging at her David struck her at with a chop but Faith then blocked the move and let him go and resumed the stance. Beckoning David to try again, he did charging and trying to sweep Faith's legs away, which she simply jumped over. Striking him in the chest with a light snap kick which sent him flying backwards against the wall.
Standing up again, David took up a fighting stance, which allowed Faith to relax slightly although remaining on guard until he bowed. David then came at her, charging and preparing to fight an elbow, but Faith grabbed his arm. Flipping David over on to his back and then placing her hand to his throat, to strike at him. But stopped just short of the target, and looked down at him, offering him the choice. To which David nodded and Faith let him up and then bowed to her and Faith bowed to him.
"Well done Faith." David said offering and then shaking Faith's hand. "You certainly have more skill, than I have ever seen in a human, or I have ever actually ever seen. I would be honoured to have you guard my family."
"Well it would be my honour along with Buffy to serve and protect your family." Faith said bowing again to David, and then to Fox with Buffy with her. "Your turn B, when Mr Xantos is ready."
"May I ask why Faith calls you Buffy, when her name is Elizabeth?" Fox asked to both Buffy and Faith.
"Yes my name is Elizabeth, but I prefer to be known as Buffy." Buffy said nodding to both Fox and David. "So Mr Xantos, are you ready for another battle or would you prefer a break?"
CHAPTER 2
Two days later Buffy and Faith climbed down the stairs in their warehouse. Both of them dressed in their casual suit, the Xantos liked them to wear. Which consisted of black trouser, grey turtle neck shirt and a black sports jacket, the whole ensemble finished of by some comfy black Doc Martins. Reaching the Porsche Roadster, which Faith had brought for them when she and Buffy scored the jobs, as a modes of transport.
Jumping into the car, Faith sat in the drivers seat and clicked open the security gates by remote before driving off. Buffy who was seated in the passengers seat grabbed the remote from Faith and closed the gates as soon as the brunette drove them out of the warehouse. Driving out of the warehouse district, 10 minutes later they arrived outside the Eerie building and pulled up outside the car pool entrance. Using their security remote to access and open the gate, they drove their car in and parked it in their spot.
Climbing out of the car, both Buffy and Faith removed their jackets, and then opened up the boot taking out their shoulder and back rigs. Which contained their shock sticks and magnesium adapted gun, slipping them on and attaching them to their trouser belts. Then slipping their jackets back on, smoothing them down, to look reasonably smart in appearance.
Walking through the car pool and arriving at the elevator, Faith flicked her security pass through the card reader. Though you could use the elevator without a security card, it only took you as far the business side of Eerie building went. If you wanted access to the living area of the Xantos', you needed a security pass. Which both Buffy and Faith had received upon getting their jobs, they stepped into the elevator as it arrived. Not needing to press any buttons, it went upwards quietly and calmly.
Stopping a minute later, the girls checked their appearance again, and Buffy slid her security I.D through a hidden card scanner causing the doors to open. Opening up to reveal the bottom floor of the castle that was positioned on top of the Eerie building. The current residence of the Xantos family, entering the residence and checking the appearance of which looked normal for them. Seeing Owen sitting at the desk, opposite the lift.
"Good morning Mr Burnet." Faith said, as she and Buffy approached the desk. "So what are we up to this morning, Mrs Xantos got anything major scheduled we should know about."
"Nothing major this morning." Owen said looking up and nodding to them, and stepping around the desk and perching on top of it. "No Fox will be spending some quality time with Alexander today. She asked me to inform you that it would be a good opportunity to explore the castle and get to know it. As you may be called on to defend the castle, if it is attacked while Fox and the children are here."
"Sounds sensible." Buffy said, as she and Faith walked out of the room, and headed out to explore the castle.
Meanwhile back at the warehouse, Willow and Tara sat in the new kitchen area, having spent yesterday converting the warehouse by using magic. The magic had allowed them to convert the warehouse into living quarters. Thereby creating a kitchen, lounge area, bathroom, and room for witchcraft.
Having discussed the operations last night with Buffy and Faith, Willow and Tara had decided to try and get work at Nightstone Industry. The company that Demona run under her human identity Dominique Destine formally run with Thailog. Now that Thailog was presumably dead after the clone incident, she ran it alone. The clones were now living with Talon's (Derek Maza) clan under the city. Demona has a very important part to play in the forth-coming war against Oberon. The problem being that she still wanted to annihilate the human race, at the moment, but she will be need to be convinced of the human race's future.
Deciding that one of them would need to work as close as possible to Dominique in the business. This would mean working as her secretary, and at the moment the company was looking for a new receptionist for her office. Tara decided that would be the best place for her, and Willow would try and get the job in the computer department, as a trouble shooter. Hopefully giving her access to the computers full system, accessing any project against the humans. That Demona was maybe hatching using Dr Severius skills and technological skills.
So the girls had interviews with Nightstone Industry Personal Department, later this morning. In the mean time the rest of the crew, Amy, Jamie and Claire, were to scoop out the activities of Quarry Men, the Hunters and gargoyles. The Hunters and the Quarry Men, being the most important, as they would be threat in the end. Though from what they knew, though neither group would threaten the war, both could get in the way. Leaving Dawn to look after the new warehouse, and stay out of trouble, thereby staying safe for now. Spike had disappeared the night they arrived in the warehouse, before he left he had talked to Buffy and Faith, but no one knew what about.
Willow and Tara put their coffee cups, into the sink and left the kitchen area, seeing no one else was around. They exited the living quarters, and stopped by the V.W Beetle. Which they had bought yesterday, when securing the Porsche Roadster for Buffy and Faith, and the Jeep for Amy, Jamie and Claire to use. Leaving the van for emergency uses and for Dawn's use, if she ran into trouble.
Climbing in the white Beetle, with Tara in the drivers seat and Willow sitting besides her. They activated the warehouse gate, driving out of the warehouse and then closing the gate behind them. Driving out of town and towards Manhattan Island, where Nightstone Industry, was located. Built in a four floor converted warehouse, though it was rumoured to have several floors below ground level.
Arriving outside Nightstone Industry, they parked their car in the public car park opposite the company. Climbing out of the car, both of them had decided to go in separately and ignore each other as if they didn't know each other. Willow stayed by the car, Tara nodded to Willow then paused by the road, allowing the traffic to go by. Once the road was clear, Tara crossed and paused to look back at Willow smiling to her. Entering the building, Tara walked up to the reception, pausing at the desk for the receptionist, who was busy checking some papers.
"Erm excuse me." Tara said, and the receptionist looked up questioningly, pausing to reassure herself and make sure she didn't stutter. "The Bowmore Employment Agency send me down here for the receptionist job, for Ms Destine."
"Of course if you please take a seat, I will inform Ms Clarke, Ms Destine's receptionist." The receptionist said, and Tara nodded turning to leave. "Can I have your name please?"
"What oh of course." Tara said turning back to the receptionist, taking out her new drivers license, and showing it to the receptionist. "Tara Stark, I believe this I.D should cover your need for I.D."
"Oh yes thank you, but Ms Clarke will cover that, if you successfully gain the job." The receptionist said, and Tara withdrew her license. "So if you take a seat, I will see about getting Ms Clarke here, and I can get some work done."
"What, oh of course." Tara said, turning and taking a seat, at the seats besides the reception, picking up one the magazines on the table.
Moments later Willow walked in, not even looking to Tara; she then walked to the receptionist desk.
"Good morning, can may I help you?" The receptionist asked.
"Yes, the Bowmore Employment Agency sent me." Willow said, and the receptionist nodded. "I am here for the Computer Analysts job."
"Right if you take a seat, I will call the computer department, and get them to send someone down for you." The receptionist said, then realising she had done it again. "Can I get your name please?"
"Of course, it is Willow Chase." Willow said, routing through her purse for some I.D. "I have my driver license here somewhere, where the hell is it?"
"No I don't need it, the computer department will take it if you get the job." The receptionist said, and Willow looked slightly relieved. "If you take a seat with that young lady over there, she is also from Bowmore Employment Agency, here for the receptionist job."
"Thank you." Willow said, taking a seat besides Tara. "Hi I am Willow Chase, I am from Bowmore Employment Agency as well." Offering Tara her hand.
"I am Tara Stark, from the administration department." Tara said, shaking Willow's hand. "So what job are you here for?"
"Computer Analyst." Willow said, and glancing at the magazine that Tara was reading. "Any good, though it seems to be a little out of date, better than the ones you usually get to read, in these sort of places."
An hour later back at the Eerie building, Buffy and Faith had explored most of the castle. And were now standing on the balcony with the gargoyle statues surrounding them. Knowing that the statues still had a few several hours before they awoke for the night.
"Wow B, they are amazing aren't they." Faith said looking and feeling Goliath's stone statue. "He looks amazing, I wonder what he is really like when he wakes up."
"I know we will meet them eventually." Buffy said, looking over the gargoyle statues. "So do you think Spike will be able to get the intelligence we need to stop Oberon before he can move against us."
"I don't know, but I just hope he doesn't get hurt you know." Faith said, then looked a little shocked at Buffy. "B when did it happen?"
"What?" Buffy asked.
"When did I starting caring for Spike." Faith answered, and Buffy shrugged. "I can understand caring for Angel, hell he did a lot for me in the past. But Spike, what the hell is going on, he is a vampire I should be staking him, not caring for him."
"I know what you mean, but he has proven himself to be on our side many times, you know." Buffy said, and Faith nodded in agreement. "So do you have the device with you?"
"Right here B, but I suggest we leave it for now." Faith said, and Buffy nodded. "Besides I think we ought to go and check on Fox and Alexander hey."
"Sounds like a plan." Buffy said, turning to smile to Faith.
Exiting the balcony, the two of them silently head to the living quarters, minutes later. Entering the Xantos living quarters, seeing Owen looking through some of the paperwork. Nodding to the girls, he went back to the paperwork. Walking through the corridors, until they stopped outside of Alexander's room, hearing voices from within. Knocking on the door, and standing casually waiting for Fox to come to the door. A minute later Fox came to the door, seeing the girls she allowed them in.
"So ladies any particular reason for you coming here?" Fox asked, while watching Alexander playing with a ball, bouncing it off the wall.
"No ma'am." Faith said, and Fox looked up puzzled. "We believe our job, is to protect you and Alexander correct." Fox nodded. "Well we are here to protect you then."
"So you believe me to be in trouble in my own home?" Fox asked.
"No ma'am, but what I think Faith means is our job would be easier, if we got to know you both better." Buffy said, and Faith nodded in agreement. "Also if there was trouble here, I am sure that your security measures, would activate and defend the castle. But what if the building was damaged, or what if someone was able to infiltrate the building undetected. Then you would need someone to watch you, and to protect you and your son."
"So you are going to watch us from now on." Fox asked, and both girls nodded in agreement. "Ok I can understand that, and won't object as you are just doing what you are paid for. So stick around, but just don't do anything to get in the way, of me and Alex playing ok."
"Not a problem, we will just sit and watch you have fun." Buffy said smiling, as Alex started bouncing the ball up and down. "Wouldn't want to stop him having fun, as he seems to be really enjoying himself."
A few hours later back at the warehouse, Buffy and Faith entered in the Porsche Roadster. Parking between the van and V.W Beetle, they climbed out of the car and walked through into the living area. In the lounge/dining area, they found everyone sitting eating dinner.
"Hey guys." Faith said collapsing on the sofa besides Willow and Tara. "So how did it go with you guys today?"
"Not bad, secured the job with Nightstone Industry, as Ms Destine's personal receptionist." Tara said smiling. "But Willow, wasn't lucky enough to get the Computer Analyst's job, so no linking to the computer system sorry."
"Don't worry about it guys, Willow scoring the job, was an extra bonus." Faith said. "We just needed an operative, to keep an eye on what Demona was up to. That will be you Tara, if you don't mind it will be important to us all, you are important to us."
"I will do what I can." Tara said smiling. "So how did it go at work today anyway?"
"Not bad though the day isn't over for us though." Buffy said, sitting down opposite Amy and Jamie, smiling to her. "So Amy, Jamie what are you up to this evening?"
"Nothing." Amy said, then noticing the puppy-dog eyes, on Buffy and Faith's faces. "What do you want us to do?"
"David, Fox and Owen, are going out to eat tonight, and we need you to watch them for trouble." Faith said, and Amy and Jamie both nodded. "As we want to keep Willow and Tara separate from the Xantos as we can't have them working things out yet." Amy nodded. "Well we need someone to watch Alexander, while we are out tonight, so we were wondering if you two would watch him for us."
"So you want us to baby sit for Alexander, while you get to go out for fun?" Amy asked, and Buffy shyly nodded. "Ok I am up for it, Jamie what about you." Jamie shrugged. "Ok we will do it, but you owe us for it."
"Sounds like a deal." Buffy replied, hugging both Amy and Jamie, then turning to the others. "So you guys going out tonight, or are you staying in."
"Not sure at the moment." Willow said, turning and smiling to Tara. "I think Tara wants to get an early night, starting her new job tomorrow. But if Dawn wants to go out, I am sure Tara wouldn't mind me taking Dawn to see a movie or something."
"Nah I am happy here, watching the new TV." Dawn said, and Willow nodded thankfully. "So what happened to Spike, Buffy?"
"Oh he has gone undercover D." Faith answered looking to Buffy, who nodded in agreement. "He is trying to infiltrate the local demon and vampire community, see if he can get some information on Oberon's plans."
"Sounds like a good idea." Dawn said.
A couple of hours later, Buffy and Faith stepped out of the lift, entering the living quarters of the Xantos. Both of them dressed in casual clothes, jeans, t-shirts and sports jackets with their shoulder rigs underneath. Finding Owen standing there, dressed in casual clothes, he gave a slight nod to them as he noticed the girls enter.
"Evening ladies." Owen said.
"Good evening Owen." Faith said, smiling to Owen, who smiled back at her. "Amy and Jamie are waiting downstairs, they are ready to sit for Alexander tonight, if that is still ok."
"Of course it is ok." Owen said smiling. "You both have vouched for these young ladies, so they will be trusted as you are trusted. But if anything happens to Alexander, and they do nothing to try and help him. Understand both of you will be held responsible and be punished."
"Understood Owen, but they will do everything they can to protect Alexander's little life." Buffy said, and Owen nodded for them to call their friends up, Faith sent the elevator down. "They will be here in a minute."
"Very well ladies." Owen said smiling. "Mr and Mrs Xantos, should be ready any minute now, and Alexander is in his playroom, my dears."
"Amy, Jamie." Buffy said, smiling as she turned to find her friends behind her. "This is our bosses P.A Mr Owen Burnet, is that right Owen, I have never figured out what title suits you best."
"P.A will do Elizabeth." Owen said, using Buffy's full name, he never called her Buffy, and Buffy suspected he never would. "Anyway I will take these two young ladies to meet Alexander, if you wait here I believe Mr and Mrs Xantos should be along in a minute. I will be back, once I have done the introductions to Alexander required."
"Of course Owen, there is no rush." Buffy said smiling, as Owen, Amy and Jamie left, giving them enough space not to hear her. "They are in love aren't they?"
"What?" Faith asked a little shocked.
"Amy and Jamie." Buffy replied, but Faith still looked a bit shocked. "Are you really telling me you don't see it between them, it's like what Willow and Tara were like in the beginning."
"I've noticed some kind of interaction between them, but just put it down to them being close friends." Faith said smiling to herself. "Well if it is, Jamie does deserve it, you have no idea what her past was like B. I know what she has told you, but that is just the PG-13 version if you get my meaning."
"Yeah I do, and I have half suspected I was never getting the full story from her, but I still trusted her for some reason you know." Buffy said, and Faith nodded knowing what she meant. "Well if they are happy together, good for them, I think Amy really deserves it as well. After all her mum put her through, and then being stuck as a rat for two years. Yes, I reckon if they can be happy together, good for them."
"Yeah I know what you mean." Faith said looking skyward, hoping someday she would find the happiness she hoped for.
"You'll find it when you are ready, and have forgiven yourself." Buffy said smiling and cupping Faith's face, which looked puzzled. "You were hoping for the same happiness Jamie has found with Amy. For yourself weren't you."
Faith nodded not trusting her own voice.
"As I said, you will find it when you and your soul are ready." Buffy said, then leaning closer to her. "I'll be waiting for you, but until then friends forever." Pulling away.
"What?" Faith asked pulling away slightly. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"Hey Fox." Buffy said turning away from Faith as she heard Fox approaching, giving Faith a look that said later. "You all set to go out or do you and Mr Xantos need more time."
"No, we are ready, David is just saying good night to Alexander." Fox said smiling. "By the way, I like your friends though I sense something not right, practising Wiccans, rights."
"Erm yeah they do have slight magical abilities, but they won't do anything to harm Alexander, I promise." Buffy said and Faith nodded in agreement.
"What?" Fox asked a little shocked, and then realised what they meant. "Oh god no, I never thought they would, I was just commenting I can read people's aura, so I know they aren't a threat, like you aren't either. But I do get the feeling there is something you aren't telling us."
"What is that honey?" David asked coming over, and placing an arm over Fox's shoulder, and then turning to Buffy and Faith. "Nice friends you have there girls, I am positive Alex will be fine."
"Glad you like them." Buffy said, then seeing Owen coming up behind the Xantos. "As we are all here, I believe we should be going, if we are to get you to your appointment on time."
"Of course, well as Owen is here lets get going." David said, after checking behind him seeing Owen there, Buffy activated the lift opening.
Climbing into the lift with Buffy at the back and with Faith in front and the Xantos between them with Owen. The lift went downwards stopping at the basement level, the door opened to show them in the basement. Faith stepped out, checking around to make sure it was clear, then seeing the limo. Indicating for the Xantos to come out, opening the door of the limo, allowing David, Fox, Owen into the limo before shutting the door.
Opening the limo's front door, as she and Buffy climbed in, Faith nodded to Michelle Wright, the Xantos personal limo driver. The limo drove out of the Eerie Building basement car park, ten minutes later the limo pulled up outside a club / restaurant. Looking a little puzzled, Buffy and Faith climbed out of the limo opening the passenger door, on the side of the club.
"We are here at Straker, Mr Xantos, I presume this is the right place?" Faith asked, and David nodded before stepping out of limo, followed by Fox and Owen.
"And please it is David not Mr Xantos, you call Fox by her first name, why not me then." David asked.
"Simple Fox asked us to call her Fox, and as you never said anything, we didn't want to presume anything." Buffy replied, and David nodded in agreement. "Never thought you guys, would want to visit here, seems like a club of our younger generation, you know."
"Well I can understand that, but the person we are meeting wanted to meet somewhere public, and myself and David like the food served here." Fox said smiling while David nodded. "By the way ladies the person we are meeting tonight, is someone who would rather not be seen meeting with us. He has certain connections to certain people we will need at the moment, so be careful and watch out for anything suspicious. You will be sitting a table away, so the meeting can be kept confidential, you understand. We trust you, but our friend has never met you, and won't trust you."
Twenty minutes later Buffy and Faith, were sitting at a table with glasses of soda, to drink. The Xantoses had told them, that the meal was on them, and to order anything they wanted. Both of them not wanting to abuse their generosity, ordered salads for the first course. Buffy was having a vegetarian lasagne, and Faith was having steak and fries for their main courses. They were both skipping deserts, as neither of them were really hungry.
The Xantos were meeting with Macbeth, both Buffy and Faith weren't surprised, they knew Macbeth was a powerful ally in the forth-coming war. They also knew that if they stood a chance of winning, Macbeth needed to be convinced to trust the Xantos and the others. The real problem would be getting Macbeth to stay on their side once they convinced Demona where she needed to be.
Thirty minutes later, just as Buffy and Faith, were finishing their main course, drinking their fourth soda. The Xantos, Owen and Macbeth, were just finishing their main course, the waitress approached their table.
"Ladies are you finished for tonight yes?" She asked, and Buffy and Faith nodded. "There is a phone call for someone named B, as I have heard you being referred to, I presume the call is for you. The caller said his name is Spike, does that mean anything to you?"
"Yes, that will be for me." Buffy said, mopping her face with her napkin, and then standing.
"Right come this way." The waitress said, leading Buffy out of the main area of the restaurant, as the band were setting up to play. Pausing by a set of telephone booths, one with the phone off the hook. "There you go ma'am."
"Thanks." Buffy said, waiting for the waitress to leave. "Spike what is up, and how did you find out we were here?"
"Willow told me, anyway the reason I am calling is for two reasons." Spike said, pausing. "From what I have heard, the demons population is being organised, as we suspected it would. Also they are planning some major raids tonight, they want to take out some major players in the war. Also Oberon wants to get Alexander away and back to Avalon."
"Oh shit Spike, what is happening when?" Buffy asked worried.
"There is a cadre of vampires on their way to take the Xantoses and their guest out at the restaurant. While several demon cadres are taking on the Eerie building, being led by the Weird sisters. Willow and Tara are on their way to the Eerie Building, I suggest you get the Xantos home immediately. I am going to see if I can help Red out." Spike said just before hanging up.
"Thanks Spike." Buffy said, dropping the phone and rushing back to the table, causing Faith to look up. "We got company coming, according to the information Spike got there are two raids happening. A cadre of vampires is coming here to take out the Xantos and Macbeth. While two cadres of demons, are going to try and take on the Eerie Buidling, to grab Alexander. Willow, Tara and Spike are on the way there, they have alerted Amy and Jamie."
"Great thought we might have more time before Oberon made his move." Faith said, dropping her napkin and Buffy nodded and they both went over to the Xantoses. "David there is trouble on the way."
"What do you mean?" David asked looking up a little shocked.
"There is trouble on the way, we will explain later, we need to get you all out of here now." Buffy said, then looking at Macbeth. "You too Macbeth, we will explain everything, when we get you all back to the Eerie Building."
"I want to know who the hell you are, and what the hell is going on?" Macbeth asked furiously. "David, Fox?"
"They are recently hired bodyguards to look after Fox and Alexander." David said looking to both Buffy and Faith. "I would like an explanation now."
"No time to explain." Faith said sensing dozens of vampires, all around the restaurant. "Damn Spike was too late warning us, David we have company coming." Suddenly all the windows were smashed in and vampires charged in. "Company, B you ready for slaying?"
"Always F." Buffy said, both of them taking their hand guns out, then seeing approximately 50 vampires, and with civilians near them. "There are too many of them to shot them, going to have to go hand to hand."
"Definitely B." Faith said glancing to Buffy who nodded.
"What the heck are these thing?" David asked, then taking a gun Buffy passed to him, then seeing Faith break off two chair legs. "Ok what the hell is going on guys?"
"They are vampires, me and B are going to take them on, one on one, as there are too many civilians." Faith said, passing Buffy a second stake, passing Fox her gun. "Use these to shoot the vampires in the head or the heart, the magnesium bullets will cause them to go to dust."
"Not going to ask." David said.
"Macbeth, don't suppose you have a gun do you?" Buffy asked, then not seeing Macbeth, where he was just a minute ago, turning around she found he was in the process of beating several vampires. "Macbeth catch." Throwing him her stake.
"What the hell am I meant to do with this?" Macbeth asked, looking to Buffy.
"Put it through the vampire's heart, Macbeth." Buffy said, as she and Faith jumped into the battle.
Meanwhile David and Fox, started shooting the vampires, hitting them hard and fast. Buffy flipped one of the vampires over, placing her wooden heel into its heart. As two vampires grabbed her arms, flicking her wrists out she staked them using the wrist stake holsters, dusting the two of them. Looking around her she saw, both Macbeth and Faith in the middle of the battle, also seeing Fox and David striking the vampires. Seeing the only few vampires left running out.
"You guys ok?" Buffy asked, helping Faith and Macbeth up onto their feet, and then went over to David and Fox, who where standing up and looking around them. "Heh guys you alive in there."
"Yes thank you." David said standing up, as he and Fox passed the guns back to Buffy and Faith, who immediately holstered them. "Ok that went well, though still waiting for an explanation here?"
"No time, we got to go." Buffy said, and Faith nodded trying to usher them out. "By the way what happened to Owen?"
"Don't know he disappeared earlier, saying something had come up." Fox answered. "Why?"
"Oberon?" Faith asked, looking to Buffy.
"Only one it can be, just hope he doesn't do anything stupid." Buffy said to Faith, with the other three staring at them. "We will explain later, we need to get to the Eerie Building, as from what I heard demons are attacking there. Macbeth we could do with your help at the Eerie Building, and also it would be useful if you are there, as we can tell you about what is going on. David we are going to need the reinforcement at the castle, can you get Goliath and his clan, and Talon and his clan at the castle."
"How the hell do you know about the gargoyles?" David asked, then seeing the look on Buffy and Faith's face. "Let me guess you'll explain later?"
"Will do." Buffy said, as the group left the restaurant, and then went to the limo, Faith opened the door and let the others climb in. While they took the front seats, Michelle looked a little shocked. "Back to the Eerie Building and step on it."
Ten minutes later the limo stopped outside the Eerie Building, hearing gun and laser fire above. Not being able to enter the basement, finding the building blocked off by the police. Opening the limo doors, both Buffy and Faith got out to find the others already out.
"We need to get upstairs." Buffy said, and Faith nodded, turning to David. "Don't suppose you have any ideas or secret entrance to get upstairs."
"The only chance is Elisa." Fox said looking through the police in front of the building, spotting Elisa talking with her old partner Matt Bluestone, she waved them over.
"Hey Fox, David, Macbeth." Elisa said, slight hostility towards Macbeth from the past, and then turning to Buffy and Faith. "Don't believe I know who you are?"
"Buffy Anne Summers, Detective Elisa Maza I presume." Buffy said, offering Elisa an extended hand, which was accepted and shook, then turning to Matt. "Detective Matt Bluestone, as well I believe."
"Yes well Ms Summers it is nice to meet you also, I can ask how you know the Xantos?" Matt asked.
"We work for Fox as bodyguards for her, and Alexander." Faith said, and Matt nodded. "So we need to get up there, as one of our charges is up there, but hopefully protected by some friends."
"Wouldn't happen to be two girls, red and blonde heads?" Elisa asked, and Buffy nodded. "Well they blasted in, knocking our people out of the way, and from what I know, whoever is attacking has started losing. Greatly gifted with magic yes?"
"That they certainly are." Spike said walking up between the group. "Elizabeth, Faith, the van is just around the corner and everything is ready inside."
"Right Spike." Faith said, turning to the others. "Give us five minutes and we will be ready to finish against the raid on the castle. We need to get a few things, Elisa if you can organise Goliath, and a couple of other gargoyles to take us up. I believe both myself, Buffy and Spike, can help our friends turn the tide, as it were."
"I will see what I can do?" Elisa answered, turning to find both Buffy and Faith along with Spike had disappeared, then turning to David and Fox. "How much do you trust them?"
"Well they saved our lives tonight, and by the looks of it are going to save my son and help the clan." David answered. "Apart from that I am not sure, they have promised us all explanations later. I am presuming Goliath's clan, is up there what about Talons."
"I will get Goliath, Bronx, and Broadway, to take them upstairs." Elisa said, pulling out a small radio transeaver. "Goliath, bring Bronx and Broadway downstairs, we have a few friends wanting to join the battle. Though they need some help getting upstairs."
"They wouldn't happen to be related to the witches up here." Goliath asked.
"From what I know yes." Elisa answered.
"We will be there in a minute." Goliath said cutting the link.
Thirty seconds later, two women and a man dressed in black camouflage suits, carrying several different weapons on them.
"How long until our ride gets here?" Buffy asked, dressed in the black suit.
"Buffy is that you, Faith and your friend?" Fox asked, and Buffy nodded.
"Here they come." Elisa said, seeing the gargoyles landing a few feet away. "Goliath, please come and meet your passengers."
"Sure Elisa." Goliath said, coming up and nodding to his friends. "David, Fox, Macbeth, who would the black suits be?"
"I am Elizabeth." Buffy said removing her mask, as Spike and Faith did the same. "These would be Faith, and Spike two of my most trusted friends, there are 4 other of my friends upstairs. They would be the witches, I am sure you have run into." Goliath nodded. "Well us plus a couple of others, were sent here to help in the future battles. That you, your clan, and several other friends will be battling soon."
"And why should I trust you?" Goliath asked.
"I will vouch for them for the moment Goliath." Macbeth said, speaking up as a hover transport came into sight. "If you won't take them upstairs for matters of trust, then I would be honoured to take them."
"I think that would be wise Macbeth." Goliath said, then turning to Buffy, Faith and Spike. "I only transport those I trust totally, and at the moment I don't know you well enough to do that. I hope you aren't offended."
"None at all." Buffy said. "I just hope me and my friends can gain that trust quickly, as it will be needed."
"Well we will see." Goliath said.
CHAPTER 3
Four hours later, the battle was over and the demons had been defeated and banished from the castle. Alexander was never in any danger, both Amy and Jamie had erected a magical shield around his room. Though it kept him in, it also kept everyone and anything else out, until the shield was taken down. None of the gargoyles, nor any of the Scooby's involved, only a few of the Xanacorp security force, were injured but nothing serious.
The group was gathered in the conference room along with the gargoyles from Goliath's clan, the Xantos, the Scooby's, Elisa, Matt and Macbeth. The Xantos, were sitting with the gargoyles and the others at one end of the table. With the Scooby's sitting opposite them, the others were waiting for an explanation of what is going on.
"So you guys want an explanation correct?" Buffy asked.
"That would be nice please." David answered.
"Well first of all some introductions I guess, some of us you know by other names, but the name we give you tonight is our real identity." Buffy said, and the other Scooby's nodded. "My name is Elizabeth Anne Summers, more commonly know as Buffy, being short for Elizabeth."
"Hi my name is Faith Adams." Faith said.
"Jamie O'Connor." Jamie said.
"Dawn Jayne Summers, Buffy's younger sister." Dawn said nodding.
"Amy Madison." Amy said.
"Willow Rosenberg." Willow said.
"Tara McKlay." Tara said.
"Claire, Faith's watcher also temporarily assigned as Elizabeth's Watcher, while in this world." Claire said.
"Me I am Spike, or William the Bloody." Spike said, stepping out of the shadows. "I am also a vampire, though I can't hurt a human being."
"Ok so that covers our group, more commonly known as the 'Scooby's'." Buffy said. "We are not from this reality."
"What do you mean, you are not from this reality?" Goliath asked.
"We are from another Earth." Claire said, and Goliath was still confused.
"In our reality myself and B, are chosen warriors to defend the innocent, from demons and vampires, we are known as 'Vampire Slayers'." Faith said. "We all live in a small town in California called Sunnydale, the only problem with this town is that it is located on a 'hellmouth'. The 'hellmouth', is a gateway between Earth and hell, and if it was opened it would bring hell onto Earth."
"So you are saying vampires and demons, are real?" Macbeth asked, and Faith nodded in agreement. "Those were vampires, we faced off against at the restaurant, and those were demons attacking the castle correct." Buffy nodded. "So who is behind this, and who were those sisters leading the demon army?"
"Oh answers to those are easy, the one organising the raids, is Oberon Fox's step father." Buffy said, and Fox looked shocked. "He wants to control the human race, and tonight was just the start. He will be planning on launching a large offensive against the human race. He will be using his children and the vampire and demon population. The sisters were his children from a different marriage than that of Fox's mother Titaina. They are the 'Weird Sisters', previous guardians of Avalon, before Goliath, Angela, Bronx, and Elisa defeated Oberon on Avalon."
"So you are saying that Oberon is going to attack." David said, and Buffy nodded. "So can I ask why are you here?"
"We were sent here, by those above, the Power's That Be." Faith said, and the Xantoses, Gargoyles, Macbeth, Elisa and Matt looked puzzled. "I think I will allow my mother to explain." Looking upwards. "Sarah, can you come down here?"
"Who is Sarah?" Fox asked, still very puzzled.
"She is my mother and our groups whitelighter, our guide sort of." Faith said smiling describing her mother. "She is an agent for the P.T.B, she helps us when battling demons and makes sure we get the information needed, to save the innocent and to save the world on a regular basis."
"You called." Sarah said orbing in, then hugging her daughter Faith. "So you guys have contacted our new allies I see." Seeing everyone else apart from the Scooby's open mouthed. "Can you please shut your mouth, I can see what you had for dinner please."
"What the hell, what just happened?" Fox asked a little shocked, at the method of Sarah entrance. "So you are a 'Whitelighter', I heard of them but just put them down to legends, nothing else."
"They are in your reality, but in these ladies reality whitelighters are real, and a great help to those fighting the darkness." Sarah said looking over the group. "I think some introductions are required here, I am Sarah Adam's, Faith's birth mother. Though I died ten years ago, I was reborn to serve the P.T.B, and now serve as the 'Scooby's' whitelighter."
"Okay." Goliath said, looking at his friends and family, and then at the new 'friends'. "I believe that we are all tired, and it would be best to start this again tomorrow night. Giving us all a chance to relax and process the information and then meet back together, and see where we move from there."
"I can understand that and agree with it." Buffy said, then turning to the other group opposite hers. "There are a few things I wish to discuss with certain people privately."
"I would prefer anything you think needs to be discussed in private to be discussed among the group instead." David said, and his people and friends nodded in agreement. "It is a matter of trust, please understand this."
"No I understand that." Faith said, and Buffy nodded in agreement. "There are certain other allies, we will need in the future, I just wished to talk with Goliath, Angela, and Elisa about those they met on their quest, and who could be trusted and useful for the future. All myself and B wanted was to discuss this, so we send someone out to fetch them. We were planning on telling you about this, once we knew who would be going, and who they would be bringing them with them."
"So you just plan on saving us all the hassle?" Brooklyn asked, stepping forward to stand next to Goliath. "But if this involves Goliath, as his second in command, I should be there also. Don't you agree Goliath?"
"Actually Brooklyn, I would like to go and patrol for the last few hours, before sun up make sure those demons that we beat but escaped aren't causing any trouble." Goliath said, and Brooklyn nodded in agreement, then turning to Buffy. "Shall we go and discuss this, as I believe that it may take sometime to decide who will be required and everything."
"Will do Goliath." Brooklyn said, indicating for Lexington and Broadway to go with him. "I will see you later Goliath ok."
Twenty minutes later Buffy, Faith, Dawn, Goliath, Angela and Elisa were gathered in the castle's main courtyard. Dawn had tagged along when Fox had offered to show the others around the castle. They were all sitting around a table, as Buffy pulled a file out from the briefcase that Claire had given her earlier.
"Ok Elisa the first person we wish to discuss is your police captain." Buffy said, but Elisa looked a little worried. "Though she has had no direct involvement with the gargoyles, according to our information Captain Marie Chavez will play an important role in the forth coming confrontation with Oberon, and I believe it will be best to have her onboard from the start."
"That could be a little difficult." Elisa said, and Goliath nodded knowing the situation. "The police at the moment want to capture the gargoyles, and though the captain may not agree with that, she does like to follow orders, unless there is a very good reason not to follow the them. I believe I can persuade her to meet with Goliath and the others, and not to do anything stupid. But it will be risky, she may believe I am not in control of the situation, and try something stupid."
"Well we understand that." Faith said, and both Buffy and Dawn nodded in agreement. "But she is too important to leave to chance, can you see if you can bring her along to tomorrow night's meeting."
"I'll try, but can't promise anything." Elisa said smiling.
"Ok who from the list of friends we made, on our quest for Avalon, do you want to recruit?" Angela asked.
"Well I don't have locations, I just have names." Buffy said, and Goliath nodded for her to go on. "First of all is the clan based on Avalon itself, we will need to get them and their human friends off there quickly. Oberon isn't going to be pleased, when he finds out his plan won't be going as he planned, and he may decide to incinerate the population as revenge."
"Understood." Angela said, realising her family would be at risk. "I think that means one member of the group, my 'clan', will need me to be there. To convince them to leave their home."
"Thank you for offering Angela." Buffy said, then looking to Goliath who nodded for his approval of Angela, being part of the team. "Ok the next major player, I want to recruit is Arthur Pendragon, his leadership skills will be needed to lead in this war."
"Understood though recruiting Arthur maybe easier if Macbeth was on the journey as well." Elisa said, and Goliath nodded in agreement. "Also from what I last heard, Arthur has now hooked up with his old friend Merlin."
"Merlin, the legendary Merlin alive, now that is someone I would love to meet." Dawn said enthusiastically. "That is it I decided I am joining the trip, to go in search of allies."
"No way Dawn, it is too dangerous, the only reason you are here is cause Sarah convinced me to let you stay." Buffy said, and Faith nodded in agreement. "There is no way, you are going to risk your life doing this, mum would kill me if I came home and you had gotten hurt."
"Definitely D, you got hurt and your mum would never forgive me, after everything this year would be down the drain." Faith said. "Sorry but no way you are going?"
"It is part of my destiny, Buffy, Faith, you both need to stay here and you need the witches help, and I am the only one who has major need to be here." Dawn said. "This way there is someone representing our group, I can't ask Willow to leave Tara, or the other away around. I can't ask Amy to leave Jamie, they are only just starting out, and Claire is needed here for research. So that leaves either one of you two or me, both of you are needed here in case Oberon tries another attack. You know it is the sensible choice, it is not like I can't defend myself, and I am sure that if there is a real problem, Angela won't let anything happen to me?"
"You have my word that Dawn will be defended, until the end." Angela said, smiling to Dawn then turning to Dawn's sister. "You will be able to keep in touch with her, we will take a satellite phone from Xantos. He has always said that if we need one, he would organise one without a problem."
"Thank you Angela." Faith said stubbornly. "But it is still not going to happen, Dawn was right about most of us, but Claire can go. If we need to research and need Claire's help we can send Sarah for her. Tell me you agree with me here, B."
"I do in principle." Buffy said smiling to Faith. "But I also can see Dawn's point and I really hate to say this, but I am going to have side with Dawn on this, I will trust my sister into Angela's care."
"Ok B it is your choice, as D is your sister." Faith said. "But trust me if one single hair on Dawn's head is hurt. I will bring a whole world of pain on the gargoyles, is that understood."
"Understood Faith, and I assure you that my daughter will do her best to defend Dawn." Goliath said swearing an oath, for him and his daughter. "We need to trust each other, if we are going to succeed here, I ask you to trust my daughter here, and thereby trust me."
"I am willing to trust you both. Faith?" Buffy said looking to her partner, who thought for a second and then nodded. "The next ally I think we need is an old enemy, a former member of the 'Pack', Henry Monmouth AKA the Dingo."
"I can agree with that, though it may take some talking to get Lexington to trust him." Elisa said, looking to Goliath. "Can you see about Lexington, see if he will be willing to put the past behind him and trust Dingo."
"I am sure once Lexington sees that Henry is sorry for his past, Lexington will give him a chance." Goliath said to Elisa, then turning to Buffy and Faith. "I would suggest we recruit the Japanese Clan, they have said if we need them, they would be here for us."
"Sounds sensible." Faith said, then pausing to think. "What about the Olympain, would they help us if you asked for their help?"
"I am not sure, though I will ask." Angela said, and Faith nodded. "What about the Nokkar on Easter Island, he was send here to defend the Earth, I would suggest this is a threat to the human race."
"I can agree with you asking." Goliath said, and Elisa nodded. "I also suggest we recruit Golem from Prague."
"Sounds sensible." Elisa said.
"Dad what about ColdStone and ColdFire, they said when they left if we need them, they would be there for us." Angela said, and Goliath nodded. "So I suggest we try to recruit them too."
"Sounds sensible." Goliath said. "I will contact them though."
The next afternoon Elisa was standing outside her captain's office, waiting for Matt to arrive. Having discussed it with Matt last night, they had decided to approach the captain together. Given that Matt's current assignment, working with taskforce assigned to the gargoyle situation. Though the police didn't officially want to capture the gargoyles, they still judged them as a possible threat. The taskforce still existed, to deal with supernatural threats associated with the gargoyles. Moments later Matt arrived, nodding to Elisa who then knocked on the captain's door.
"Come in." The captain said, from within her office, Elisa and Matt nodded to each other and opened the door entering the office quickly. "Elisa, Matt how can I help you?"
"Well we aren't sure how to say this, but we need you to trust us." Elisa said, and Chavez nodded for her to continue. "What is your opinion on the gargoyles?"
"Not sure, after they rescued the train, I believe they may well be here to help and defend us, as they claim they do." Chavez said, leaning back in her chair, behind her desk. "Can I ask why you ask this, and what does have to do with you?"
"We need to bring you into an alliance that is forming." Elisa answered. "There is a darkness coming, that will threaten the entire human race, and we need to fight this. We have new and old friends, uniting together and we need to introduce you into this alliance."
"Does this alliance include the gargoyles?" Chavez asked, and Elisa and Matt nodded in agreement. "So both of you two know the gargoyles." Elisa nodded. "How long have you been keeping this a secret?"
"I met the gargoyles a few months before I met Matt." Elisa answered. "I have kept this from you because neither of us were sure where you stand on the gargoyle position. The gargoyle clan I work with, has never threatened the human race, since their revival all they have wanted to do is to defend and protect the human race. There are enemies out there that have threatened our lives, and thanks to them the threat has never come true."
"So you want me to trust the gargoyles?" Chavez asked.
"No just meet them captain." Matt said. "And then just make your own mind up."
"Ok when do you want me to meet the gargoyles and your other friends?" Chavez asked.
"There is a meeting tonight, if you could come it would be useful." Elisa said, and Chavez nodded in agreement. "Come to the Erie Building, an hour after sunset, we should all be together by then."
"I'll be there." Chavez answered smiling.
"Please come alone." Elisa asked, and Chavez nodded in agreement.
"I will do, though I do not promise I will join this alliance of yours." Chavez said, Elisa and Matt both nodded. "I have been thinking though, Elisa with your last partner going rogue and the taskforce not being needed so much. How would you two feel about being partnered up again?"
"Well it would be useful, at least until Oberon is dealt with." Elisa said, seeing her captain looking puzzled, at the mention of Oberon's name. "Oberon is the being we are fighting, the one who is the start of the trouble we are facing. Including the attack on Strakers, and the Erie building last night."
That evening Elisa was standing in the reception area of the Erie building, waiting for her captain to arrive. The others were gathered in the courtyard of the castle on top of the building. The gargoyles had woken up just under an hour ago, and they were now running a quick patrol. The Scooby's had yet to arrive, having spent the day discussing new operations, and the trip that Dawn, Angela and Bronx would be taking at the end of the night.
Minutes later captain Chavez arrived, dressed in a casual suit, nodding to Elisa. They both walked over to the private lift, Elisa used a swipe card to access the lift for the castle. The lift arrived minutes later, and both the captain and Elisa climbed onboard.
"So Elisa are all your friends upstairs yet?" Chavez asked.
"No the gargoyles and the Scooby's are not upstairs yet." Elisa said smiling. "The gargoyles are running a quick patrol at the moment, as for the Scooby's they went home to change, and get something to eat earlier apparently, they haven't arrived back yet."
"Ok." Chavez. "So who is upstairs, can I ask?"
"Well the Xantos obvisously, Matt and Macbeth." Elisa said.
"Ok Macbeth, is a new name to me, who is he?" Chavez asked.
"Well he is not exactly new, you know the play by Shakespeare, Macbeth." Elisa asked, and Chavez nodded. "Well the character in the play, is based on the person upstairs, captain."
"How the hell can that be, that play was written several hundred years ago." Chavez said puzzled.
"Actually he is older than that." Elisa said, and her captain still was puzzled. "Macbeth dates back to the time, the gargoyles existed first of all."
"What are you talking about, how old are the gargoyles?" Chavez asked. "And also how long can they live?"
"Gargoyles, age at the half rate of humans." Elisa said, but her captain looked puzzled. "In 994, most of Goliath's clan were destroyed, and a human thinking Goliath had destroyed his love, cursed Goliath's clan. He put them under a spell that put them to sleep, until they rose above the clouds. That happened when David moved their castle to the top of his building, a thousand years later in 1994."
"So the gargoyles have been in New York, since then." Chavez asked and Elisa nodded. "And how long after that did you meet them."
"A few days after they woke up." Elisa said, and her captain nodded. "I swear I intend on telling you about them, but before I had a chance the gargoyles were revealed on T.V. Then with the hysteria that ensued and the taskforce appointed, both me and Matt decided to keep it between us."
"I can understand that." Chavez nodded.
Moments later the lift stopped, opening up to the courtyard of the castle, to find the gargoyles standing with the others. Elisa nodded to her friends and then joined them, leaving her captain on her own.
"So Captain Maria Chavez, please come and let us do some introductions here." Goliath said, stepping forward from the others. "I myself am Goliath leader of my clan of Gargoyles, let me introduce my clan members. The one-eyed Gargoyle is Hudson, the red skinned one next to him is Brooklyn, my second in command. The well-rounded one next to me is Broadway, the smaller one is Lexington, and hound / pet is Bronx. The female member is my daughter Angela, that covers my gargoyle clan. You know everyone else except our friend Macbeth here."
"It is an honour to meet you captain." Macbeth said, stepping forward to meet Captain Chavez, and offering her his hand, and Chavez shook it. "Well I suspect you have several questions, you would like to ask, so why don't we sit down, and wait for the others to arrive. You can then ask every question, you have ok."
"Sure I can deal with that." Chavez said, letting Macbeth lead her to a seat, as the others sat down with her. "So when does this 'Scooby's' get here, and what is it?"
"We are the 'Scooby's." Buffy said, as she and the rest of the 'Scooby's', stepped out of the elevator. "Captain Chavez I presume, it is very nice to meet you." Offering her hand to the captain.
"Ok I need an explanation here." Chavez said shaking Buffy's hand. "Most of these people, I would say are still kids, especially her." Pointing to Dawn. "How can you involve kids in these problems Elisa, answer me that."
"I will Elisa." Buffy said then turning to the Chavez. "We are involved because we told them about the problem, without us the Xantos and Macbeth probably would be dead. Also David and Fox's child Alexander, would now be with the enemy, and the human race would probably be doomed."
"Ok so how did you know what was coming?" Chavez asked. "I also want it known while we are meeting like this, that you'd call me Marie, I hate being called Captain off duty."
"Ok I can see that." Buffy said, then realising she still hadn't introduced her group to Marie. "Some introductions here I think, I am Elizabeth Anne Summers, more commonly know as Buffy. The youngest of us all is my little sister Dawn, the dark haired one next to her is Claire. The dark haired one next to me is Faith, the red and blonde ladies next to me are Willow and Tara. That leaves the blonde and brown haired ones next to Faith, and they are Jamie and Amy. That leaves our resident vampire, William the Bloody A.K.A Spike."
"Well thank you, for your introductions." Marie said, and smiled to the Scoobys. "But I still don't understand how a group of kids, can possibly help here and why the hell do you let them." Snapping at Claire.
"I have no choice." Claire said standing up to Marie. "Buffy and Faith are the leaders of this group, they are chosen, destined to fight these wars. This is their destiny, they are chosen of their generation, to fight the darkness, they are their generations 'vampire slayers'. My job as Faith's watcher is to guide her and train her, and while we are in this reality I do the same job for Buffy."
"What do you mean reality?" Marie asked. "You mean you aren't from Earth?"
"We are from Earth." Faith said, and Marie smiled. "But we aren't from this Earth, there are several different realities, some ruled by demons making them hell. But there are also realities like yours, but there are slight differences, nothing we can tell from ours and yours."
"So why are you in our reality?" Marie asked.
"We are here to stop the enslavement of the human race and to create ourselves some new allies for the future." Buffy said, and the others apart from the core scoobies looked puzzled, glancing to the others who knew what she knew they shrugged. "There is something big coming that will effect every reality, and all history and future. To win or survive this, we will need every ally we can get, I will explain everything else we know. But we need to deal with Oberon and his forces first."
"Ok I still don't like the idea, of kids fighting things, that are totally unmentionable." Marie said, and the Xantos nodded. "So I am presuming you guys have plans for this war, so what are they?"
The next night the groups were gathered by the docks standing by a new boat. David had secured it for the journey that Angela, Bronx, and Dawn were taking, having spent the day packing the boat. Buffy, Faith and Dawn were cuddled together, away from the others talking.
"You will take care of yourself ok Dawnie?" Buffy asked.
"Course I will, I want to see mum's reaction when I come back eighteen months older." Dawn said kidding to her sister and Faith. "So what do you two plan on doing, while I am off recruiting my allies, for this war."
"Protecting and building our forces here." Buffy said, and Dawn nodded in agreement. "Lets get the last of your gear onboard, and let you Angela and Bronx get on your way."
"Sure." Dawn said picking up her bag.
The three of them went back to the yacht to find the gargoyles and the Xantos standing there. The other Scoobys were gathered on the yacht waiting, having just finished packing the yacht with essentials. Dropping her bag onboard the yacht Dawn then turned to the others.
"So Dawnie, are you ready for the greatest journey of your life." Willow asked, and hugged her little 'sister'.
"Yep I am ready." Dawn said enjoying the hug, before turning around and hugging Tara, Amy and Jamie. Then turning to the Xantos and the Gargoyles. "Take good care of my family ok."
"Will do if you do too." Goliath asked. "Angela and Bronx are important to me and the rest of our clan."
...to be continued...