********
 

Chapter 1

Briana cursed as she tripped on her skirt, sending her crashing to the forest floor. Unnerved by the silence, she pushed herself up and continued running. She knew they were after her. Morgana and the others would stop at nothing to regain the stone. Leaning against a tree, Briana desperately tried to catch her breath. Goddess, what would they do when they found out she had separated the stone? Shuddering at the thought, Briana started running. With Merlin gone her only hope lay in reaching the Lady of the Lake. Briana increased her speed as she saw the waning sunlight marking the end of the forest. Suddenly, she felt someone grab her arm and roughly swing her around.

“I believe you have something of ours, pretty.”

Screaming, Willow woke up. Scrambling out of bed, Willow frantically searched her room. Once it registered that she was in her bedroom, she sat back down on the edge of her bed. She wasn’t in a forest and there were no vampires.

It was just a dream. Vampires couldn’t go out in the sunlight and the only one she had heard of with teeth and claws, like the ones in her dream, was the Master. It was just a dream. Repeating that as a mantra, Willow managed to calm down.

Looking at the clock, she realized that Buffy would be here soon. They needed to help Giles with some research and then, since her parents were gone for the weekend, they had decided to do a sleep over.

As she was getting ready, Willow let the logical side of her mind take over as she analyzed the dream. The dress, the references to Merlin and the Lady of the Lake all came from her fascination with Anya’s tales of knights and powerful magicians. As for the vampires, living on the Hellmouth it was only natural she had cast them as the villains.

“Hey Wills. Ready to go and do the research thing?” Lost in her thoughts, Willow jumped at the sound of Buffy’s voice. “Whoa, didn’t mean to scare you.”

Looking at her best friend, Willow smiled and shook her head. “It’s okay. I was just thinking about a weird dream I had.”

“Good weird or bad weird?” Buffy asked as she dropped her bag and sat down beside her. “Did it involve a certain dark, cryptic, and absolutely gorgeous vampire we know?”

Willow started blushing as she remembered some of the dreams she’d had about Angel. “N-no. This was just one of those really strange dreams.”

“Did you want to talk about it?”

“Maybe later. Right now we should head to the library. We don’t want to upset Giles by being late.”

“Yeah, I could do without another lecture.” Standing, Buffy reached out and pulled Willow to her feet. “But when we get back you’re going to tell me all about this dream. It’s not good to hold in stuff that’s bothering you. It can make you act like a bitch. Believe me, I know.”

“Hey, that’s not fair. You just had a lot of things you were trying to deal with. What with the Master having killed you and your dreams about his resurrection,” Willow defended.

Smiling, Buffy linked her arm through Willow’s as they started to leave. “That’s one of the qualities that make you a great friend. You’re always willing to defend me, no matter how much of an ass I make of myself.”

Laughing, the two girls made their way downstairs.

**********

“I don’t see why I need to go. I already helped you defeat the Master.”

Anya stared in exasperation at the brooding vampire. It had been almost a year since she had summoned Angel to help defeat the Master. During that time the he had avoided all unnecessary contact. Despite all of her efforts to the contrary. Well, she had decided enough is enough. He was going to have to start interacting with the humans. It was only fair. If she had to then so did he. Even if she had to drag him kicking and screaming.

“Oh yes, your cryptic routine was real helpful.” Anya moved so she was standing in front of Angel. “We’d even like to thank you for it. If you ever stopped lurking!” Anya ended in a shout.

Surging to his feet, Angel glared down at the ex-demon in front of him. “I don’t want any thanks. You asked me to help stop the Master. I did. End of story.”

“We need your help. And I’m not going to let you stay hidden away just because you’re afraid to get involved,” Anya declared, as she matched him glare for glare.

“First, I gave Giles the Codex. He’s intelligent enough to decipher it.” Angel gathered his magick and let it wash over her. "And second, you can’t make me do anything. Even as a demon you weren’t strong enough to challenge me.”

Crossing her arms in front of her, Anya rolled her eyes. “You know, for someone who is several thousand years old, you sound remarkable like a five-year old. You might as well stop your little power show. It isn’t going to intimidate me. I know you won’t hurt me.”

Releasing his power, Angel sat back down with a resigned sigh. He should’ve known better. Arguments wouldn’t get Anya to change her mind. If she couldn’t counter the argument, she’d resort to other means. In the thousand years since he had met her he had only found one person who could match her for stubbornness. Pushing away all thoughts of his obstinate childe, Angel focused on Anya. “What do you want me to do?”

“I want you to come to the library with me and help us figure out the prophecies in the Codex.” Anya held up her hand to stop his arguments. “Yes, I know Giles will eventually be able to do it. Specially with Willow’s help.” Anya paused as Angel looked away at Willow’s name. Maybe she had picked the wrong girl when she had tried to push him and the Slayer together. Deciding to file that for future reference, she continued, “But it will take time. Time we may not have. I figure, since you wrote it, we should be able to solve the prophecies quicker with your help.”

“I wrote what I saw. It doesn’t mean I understood it.” Seeing the expectant look on Anya’s face, Angel gave in. “Fine, I’ll help.”

“Great! We’re all meeting at the library tonight,” Anya said cheerfully.

Suppressing a groan, Angel got to his feet. “I’ll get my coat.” As he got ready, Angel pushed aside all thoughts of a certain redhead. He was doing this to make Anya happy, not because he would be able to see Willow.

**********

Buffy and Willow were sitting at one of the library tables talking when Xander arrived.

“Hey guys. I brought provisions,” Xander said as he held up the paper sack in his arms. “Where’s the G-man?”

“He had to get a book from Ms. Calendar.” Willow smiled as he eagerly unpacked his snacks. “You should’ve brought enough to share.”

“Very funny, Will. I don’t eat that much.” Xander caught the incredulous looks they gave him. “Okay, maybe I do but I’m a growing boy. To change the subject, are we going to the Bronze tonight?”

“No. Willow and I were just talking about renting some movies and vegging out in front of the TV,” Buffy said.

At this, Xander gave them a hurt look. “What?! You’re planning a movie night and didn’t include me.”

Willow watched in amusement as Xander pouted. “Well, we were also going to do the girl thing. So, we didn’t think you’d be interested.”

“But, hey, if you want, we can do your hair and nails as well,” Buffy said.

Perking up, Willow exclaimed, “He used to be so cool about letting me practice braiding hair on him.”

The girls broke out laughing at the look of discomfort on Xander’s face at this disclosure. “Ha-ha, very funny. And Willow, don’t ever mention the hair braiding again or I’ll get you more stuffed frogs.”

“Sorry, we couldn’t resist,” Willow said once she stopped laughing. “We had planned on inviting you. So, do you want to watch movies with us?"

Xander crossed his arms and gave them a haute look. “What movies do you have?”

Arching her eyebrow at him, Buffy asked, “Does it really matter? We’ve got ice cream, cookies, and are going to order a pizza.”

Dropping his pose, Xander grinned at them. “In that case, I’ll watch anything.”

As all three started laughing again, the library doors open as Angel and Anya entered.

“What are you laughing about?” Anya asked, as they joined them at the table.

“Xander,” Buffy answered, grinning at the boy. Seeing the way Angel and Willow avoided looking at each other gave Buffy an idea. Casting a wicked glance at Willow, Buffy continued, “Actually, we were planning an overnight movie marathon at Willow’s. Why don’t both of you come?”

Before Willow could respond to Buffy’s offer, she saw the look of excitement on Anya’s face. Not wanting to hurt her feelings, Willow forced a smile and seconded the invitation. “You should join us. It’ll be fun. I haven’t had a slumber party in a long time.”

Thoughts of spending the night with Willow tumbled through Angel’s head making him glad he was seated. “Thanks for the offer bu..,” Angel broke off as Anya’s foot connected with his leg. Turning to glare at her, he saw the determination in her eyes. She wanted to go and she wasn’t about to leave him alone. On the way over she had already voiced her opinion on how solitary he had become.

“We’d love to,” Anya exclaimed. Pausing as an idea occurred to her, Anya asked, “Does this involve an orgy?”

At her question, Xander choked, Willow blushed, and Buffy started laughing.

“N-no, of course not.”

Controlling her amusement, Buffy teased, “Though, if you want, we could play some games to make things interesting.”

“Games?” Anya asked.

“Oh, spin the bottle, strip poker, stuff like that.”

“Buffy!” Willow could feel her face get redder as images of a naked Angel flashed through her mind.

Luckily, Giles arrived, stopping Buffy’s teasing of Willow.

“Good. You’re all here,” Giles said.

“That’s because you told us to be here, G-man.”

“Right.” Ignoring the detested nickname, Giles explained, “The prophecy will have to wait until Monday. For some reason only the last two lines are in the Codex.” Giles looked questioningly at Angel. He shook his head, telling Giles he didn’t know about the missing lines. “Jenny, Ms. Calendar, is going to check with her sources this weekend and try to find the complete prophecy.”

“Great! Does this mean we can leave?” Buffy asked hopefully.

“Unfortunately, no. Ms. Calendar came across a reference to something called St. Vigeous. It’s suppose to be some type of special day for vampires.” Anticipating what their response would be to the rest of it, Giles paused and cleaned his glasses. “I’d suggest we start looking through the books. And Willow, if you could search that contraption.” Giles gestured at the computer she was sitting in front of.

While the others groaned at having to research, both Angel and Willow eagerly pitched in. They were happy at anything that would allow them to put off spending the night together.

**********

“It’s done. I left the gift for her.”

“Good.”

Whirling around, the brunette glared at the speaker. “This is going to tear her world apart. That’s if she survives. And all you can say is good!”

“This is the way it has to be.” The woman walked over and put a comforting hand on the brunette’s shoulder. “I know she was your friend, Erica. But this is something she must do.”

Shrugging off her hand, Erica continued to glare. “This isn’t right Vivien. And you know it! She’s died, several times, trying to help us. But, knowing what she went through, we’re told not to interfere. She doesn’t even know what it is she needs to do!”

“We have started sending her the dreams that will guide her in this task. This is not something the Goddess would have required of her. But she bound herself, by blood, to this legacy in an effort to protect the man she loves. Now she is the only one who can finish it.” Vivien saw that Erica was unfazed by this revelation. "You must not get involved! Promise me!”

Seeing how serious she was, Erica relented. “Fine. I promise I won’t interfere with Willow. Under two conditions; first if she calls me, and second if she’s in danger of dying, I will help her.” With that, she turned and stalked away.
 

Chapter 2

At the park the silence was broken as a black Desoto crashed into the Welcome to Sunnydale sign.  As the car stopped, a lean blonde in a black leather trench coat stepped out and sauntered to stand beside the fallen sign.  He scanned the empty park, checking for any dangers as a brunette woman, clothed in a long flowing white gown, joined him.

“If it isn’t just like the bloody poof to decide to hide out on a bleeding hell mouth,” the blonde said as he lit up a cigarette.

“Spike,” the brunette chided.

Spike looked over at the woman and then down at the sign.  “What?  It’s not my fault some idiot put a sign up where an innocent bystander could run it over.”

“As scary as the thought might be, over the years I’ve gotten use to your driving.”  Catching Spike’s gaze, she continued, “What concerns me is your attitude towards Angelus.  He had his reasons for leaving.”

“Right.  He wanted to play the martyr.”  Throwing his cigarette to the ground Spike savagely ground it under his boot.  “Drop it, Dru.  I’m not going to debate the issue.  The bloody wanker abandoned us.”

Stepping closer to him, Dru reached out and laid her hand on his cheek.  “If you truly hated him, you wouldn’t have been so willing to come and help him.”

“Oh, please!  You’re the one who had the vision and decided to hare off to save the idiot.  I’m just here to keep you safe.  Now why don’t we go and find this Anointed fellow of yours.”  With that Spike turned and walked back to his car door.

Sighing in exasperation at her companion’s stubbornness, Dru watched as Spike got into the car.  She was not looking forward to dealing with both Spike and Angelus.  They were bad enough separate, but together they gave new meaning to the words arrogant, stubborn and opinionated.  Remembering her dream, Dru began to smile.  Both of them were about to meet their match.

Impatient, Spike opened the window and called out.  “Are you coming? Or were you waiting for sunrise?”

Still smiling, Dru went to join him in the car.  It was going to be fun to watch both Spike and Angelus get their comeuppance at the hands of two young women.

**********

Across town an excited group of teens, and one quiet vampire, made their way to Willow’s house.  After several hours of useless research Giles let them leave.  Once they had agreed to come back tomorrow afternoon.

“So what movies did you get?” Xander asked.

Looking over at him, Buffy shrugged.  “I don’t see what that matters.  You’ve already agreed to stay.”

Holding his hands in front of him as if to pray, Xander begged, “Just tell me no sappy love stories.”

Instead of replying, Buffy gave him an evil grin.

Willow watched in amusement as her friends teased each other.  Having decided to stop fretting over Angel spending the night, Willow prepared to enjoy the sleepover.  With this in mind, Willow brought up an idea she’d had.  “Why don’t we tell stories.”

“Stories?”  Everyone turned to look at Angel as he spoke for the first time since leaving the library.

“They’re a tradition at slumber parties.  It’s where you sit around and try to scare each other,” Buffy explained.

“You live on a Hellmouth.  You fight demons and vampires daily.  And for fun you sit around and tell scary stories?” Angel asked perplexed.

Xander rolled his eyes at Angel’s comments.  “Geez, deadboy, you certainly know how to put a damper on things.”

“Xander,” Willow reprimanded, giving him an aggravated look.  “It’s actually pretty fun.  And not all of the stories need to be scary.  Anya tells great stories and they’re not scary.  They’re all about knights and powerful magicians fighting against evil.”

“Oh, well, my stories aren’t that good.”  Casting a guilty glance at Angel, Anya tried changing the subject.  “That story we had to read for English was really scary.  I had nightmares for weeks.”

“Watership Down was frightening?” Xander asked incredulously.

“Actually it was kind of sad,” Buffy said.

“Sad!  How could a book about a bunch of bunnies be sad?”  Giving a shudder, Anya exclaimed, “I don’t even know why someone would want to write about how they live.”

Trying not to laugh, Willow explained.  “Um, Anya, rabbits don’t really live like that.  The writer used them as an allegory for human society.”

Seeing that Anya was going to comment on this, Angel interrupted.  “Before we get to far off the subject, I think Willow had a good idea.  It should be interesting to hear what Anya considers a good story.”

Turning to smile at Angel, Willow missed the expression of panic on Anya’s face.  “They’re really cool.  They’re all about knights and powerful magicians fighting evil.  My favorite story is with Merlin.”  When Angel turned his full attention to her, Willow couldn’t look away.  To cover her nervousness Willow began to babble.  “He turned into a wolf to hunt down one of Morgana’s men.  I always thought that would be cool to be able to turn into a wolf or a hawk.  But I don’t like heights so a hawk may not be good.  Do you think birds are ever afraid of heights?”

“Wills.  We’re there.”

At Xander’s words Willow tore her attention away from Angel and noticed they had reached her house.  Catching Buffy’s knowing grin, Willow felt herself start to blush.  “I-I’ll get the door,” she stammered as she pulled out her key and headed up the steps.

Falling in beside her, Buffy whispered, “Do I need to ask who you were thinking about?”

Feeling her face getting redder, Willow tried to ignore Buffy.  With her attention focused on the door Willow didn’t notice the package until she tripped over it.  Before she could do more than stumble, Buffy’s hand shot out and steadied her.

“Are you alright, Will?” Buffy asked.

“Yeah.  What did I trip over?”  Looking down, Willow saw the package.  “Oh.  It must be something for my parents.”

Assured that Willow was okay, Buffy bent down and picked up the package.  “Actually, it’s addressed to you.”

Opening the door, Willow turned in surprise.  “For me?  Why would I be getting anything?”

“Maybe it’s a late birthday present,” Xander offered as he joined them in the doorway.

“But I got all my presents,” Willow said.

Buffy brushed past Willow and into the house.  “Well, you’ll never find out until you get inside and open it.”

Giving the others an apologetic smile, Willow opened the door wider and waved the others in.  She gave Angel an inquisitive look when he stopped beside her.

“I need an invitation, little one.”

“Oh, right.  Angel, please come in.”

Pausing, Angel smiled at her and picked up a lock of her hair.  “I think you would make a beautiful wolf.”  Releasing her hair, Angel walked into the house.

Gripping the door, Willow enjoyed the view as Angel went into the living room.  Blushing, Willow realized that she had been staring at his butt.  When she closed her eyes to try and regain her composure the picture of him playing with her hair flashed through her mind.  Embellishing the scene she imagined him leaning down to kiss her.

“Hurry up, Wills.  I want to know what you got,” Xander yelled.

Snapping her eyes open, Willow became aware that she was still standing with the door open.  Closing the door with a silent groan, she went to join the others.  She had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

**********

Down the street, Erica watched as they entered the house.  Her trepidation had grown when she had seen Willow laughing with her friends.  It hurt knowing that soon Willow would be struggling to learn how to control her new powers and not being able to help her.  Suddenly, Erica’s mood lightened as she thought of a way around her promise.  She couldn’t teach Willow herself but there was someone in Sunnydale who could.

Closing her eyes, Erica concentrated on the person she was seeking.  Once she was found, Erica cast the spell to take her there.  When she opened her eyes, she found herself standing in front of a table covered in books.  “Jenny.”

Startled, Jenny Calendar dropped her coffee cup at the sound of a voice coming from her previously empty apartment.  Preparing a spell, Jenny walked into the other room.  Her eyes widened in astonishment as she saw who her visitor was.  “Erica?”

“I need your help.”  Erica got straight to the point.  She wanted to keep this meeting short.  She didn’t want to draw unwanted attention to Jenny.

“But, how…”

Erica cut her off.  “Jen, I don’t have time to answer your questions.  Will you help me?”

“Of course.”

Taking a deep breath, Erica felt some of her tensions leave at her agreement. “There is a student at Sunnydale who is going to become a very powerful witch.  She isn’t aware of this yet, as she just inherited her powers on her seventeenth birthday.  I want you to train her.”

“I’m more than willing to help, but I don’t think I’m the right person.  I know how to do magick but I’m not that strong at it,” Jenny explained.

“That doesn’t matter.  She has the ability.  What she needs is to be shown what to do and how to control it.  And that you can do.”  Seeing that Jenny still had doubts, Erica continued, “There is no one else.”

At that, Jenny pushed aside her concerns and agreed.  “Alright.  Who is it?”

“Willow Rosenberg.”
 

Chapter 3

Briana watched as her lover moved to the edge of the bed. “Must you leave so soon? You still have several hours until
sunset.” Rolling on to her side, she gently stroked his back. “I miss you when you’re gone.”

Turning, Merlin grabbed her hand and pressed a kiss into her palm. “As I’ll miss you. But I’ve already put this off for
too long.” Running his hand through her red hair spread out against the pillows, Merlin cautioned, “I want you to stay
away from Morgana while I’m gone.”

“I have no desire to spend more time than I absolutely have to with that woman.” Seeing the concern darkening his brown
eyes, Briana sat up and cupped his cheek in her free hand. “Merlin, I promise you I will not seek a direct confrontation
with her. But if the opportunity comes up to stop whatever she has planned, I’ll do what I must. Now, enough talk about
Morgana.” Sliding her hand into his hair, Briana pressed his face into her neck. “If you are to travel during the day
then you will need blood.”

Releasing her hand, Merlin turned his head to capture her mouth in a devouring kiss. Engaging her tongue in a dueling
game of dominance, his hands came up to play with her breast. Breaking the kiss, Merlin stated, “Your blood is not the
only thing I would take.”

“Goddess, I hope not,” Briana panted, as her head fell back, exposing her throat to him.

Pushing her back onto their bed, Merlin turned and moved so that his body covered hers. Keeping one hand on her breast,
he slid the other one down between her legs. Inserting two fingers into Briana, Merlin caught her keening cry of need
with his mouth.

Briana could feel herself getting closer to the edge as Merlin’s fingers moved in her. “Please,” she begged, as he began
to place stinging kisses on her throat. When he ignored her pleas, Briana grabbed his ass and tried to pull him into
her. In retaliation Merlin caught her nipple between his fingers and squeezed, causing her back to arch as pleasure raced
through her body.

Growling, Briana grabbed his hair and tugged his head away from her neck. “Enough playing! I need you inside of me.”

At her words, Merlin felt his control break. Removing his fingers, he quickly sheathed himself in her heat. Setting a
pounding rhythm, Merlin soon sent Briana over the edge. Sinking his teeth into her neck, he could taste the love and
desire flowing through her blood. As her feelings washed over him, Merlin began to pump harder as his climax exploded
through him.

Shifting his weight so he didn’t crush her, Merlin collapsed onto Briana. Nuzzling her neck, he licked the blood away
from his mark. “I love you, little one.”

Briana softly ran her hands over his back. “I love you, my Angelus.” Smiling at her name for him, Merlin snuggled her
closer.

**********

Sleepily Willow reached for her lover. As her hand hit the edge of the couch, Willow’s eyes snapped open. Blushing, she
glanced over at the others sprawled out in the living room to make sure they were still asleep. Hopefully, the TV had
drowned out any noises she might have made.

Willow looked over at Angel. Licking her lips, she wondered if he tasted as good in real life as he had in her dreams.
Willow’s hand followed the same path Angel’s had taken in her dream as she remembered how good his touch had felt. Willow
moaned as her hand brushed her wet panties. At the sound, Willow jerked her hand back. She couldn’t believe she had been
touching herself while fantasying about Angel. With both him and her friends sleeping a few feet away!

Groaning softly, Willow threw off the blanket and got up. Maybe a cold shower would wash the pictures of her and Angel
making love from her mind.

Angel waited until Willow had gone upstairs before rolling over onto his back as he gave up any pretence of sleeping.
When she had first started moaning in her sleep he had thought she was having a nightmare. Until the scent of her arousal
had reached him.

Watching her twist and turn in thrall to her dream lover, Angel had quickly hardened to the point of pain. When she had
started waking up he had rolled over in an attempt to hide his arousal. Not wanting to embarrass her, he had pretended to
sleep. But when he heard her slide her hand down her body it had taken all of his will power not to get up and replace
her hand with his.

Hearing the shower start, Angel grimaced as images of a wet and naked Willow flashed through his mind. Images guaranteed
not to help his erection to go away. Carefully getting to his feet, Angel made his way to the kitchen in the hopes of
finding something to distract him.

**********

Getting up from her computer, Willow picked up the package lying on her bed. Pulling out the necklace, she studied the
dark blue stone. Willow still wasn’t sure who or why it had been sent to her or even what it was. The only thing she
knew was when she touched it she got the feeling of great power and age. And that it belonged to her. She had tried
looking for information on it. But the only thing she had discovered is that it was a moonstone.

“Hey, Will. You ready to go?”

At Buffy’s voice Willow looked up from the necklace she was fiddling with. “Almost. I decided to wear my new necklace.
I want to ask Giles about it.”

“Here. Let me,” Buffy said, as she walked over to stand behind Willow. “So what were you doing up here instead of
downstairs with the rest of us?”

“Since you guys were still sleeping I decide to do some research.” Willow wasn’t about to tell Buffy that since she
hadn’t been able to get rid of the images of Angel making love to her, she hadn’t wanted to have to face him. “I was
trying to find out more about my necklace.”

Moving so she was facing Willow, Buffy gave her a smile. “Uh-huh. And what, I wonder, may you decide to do research
instead of hanging with your buds.” Buffy’s smile got wider as Willow refused to look at her. “Alright. I’ll let it go
for now. But we will discuss it later,” Buffy warned.

Willow jumped up and headed for the door as she made a mental note to avoid being alone with Buffy anytime in the
immediate future.

**********

Angel finished cleaning up the kitchen as the others got ready to leave for the library. In an effort to control the urge
to join Willow upstairs, he had cooked breakfast for the group. Even though Anya and Buffy had teased him about being
domesticated, it had been worth it. He would have preferred drawing but at least cooking had kept his mind off Willow.
As long as he didn’t count the ideas he had come up with about feeding her breakfast in bed.

“Angel.”

At Willow’s call, Angel jumped in surprise. Angel was chagrined. Here he was the oldest and most feared Kindred and he
was so lost in thought about a seventeen year old girl, that she could approach him unaware. Hoping she hadn’t noticed
his shock, Angel turned around to face her.

“Are you okay?” Willow asked in concern.

“I’m fine.” In an effort to shift her focus, Angel asked, “Was there something you wanted?”

“Yeah. I put some towels in the bathroom for you.” Taking a deep breath, Willow hesitated before pressing on. “Also, I
wanted to let you know that we were going to go to the Bronze later tonight. D-did you want to meet us there?”

Pleased by her shy invitation, Angel stepped closer to her. “Would you like for me to?” He asked, as he captured her
gaze.

Powerless to look away from him, Willow nodded. “Yes,” she whispered.

Entranced by the blush sweeping across her face, Angel reached out and softly traced the color on her cheek. Giving her a
sensual smile, Angel replied, “I’ll be there, little one.”

Willow felt heat lick through her at both his touch and the images invoked by his nickname for her.

“Hey, Wills. Stop flirting and let’s go,” Xander yelled from the living room.

“I’m coming,” Willow hollered back.

“I so don’t want to know that,” Xander replied.

Hearing the others laugh, Willow frowned as she tried to figure out what she had said. As she caught the double entendre,
Willow’s blush deepened. “Um, we’re leaving now,” Willow said as she stared at the floor, unable to meet his eyes.
“Well, I’ll see you at the Bronze tonight.”

Angel stared after her as she hurried to join the others. Shaking his head, Angel grabbed a bag of blood from the
refrigerator and stuck it in the microwave. He didn’t have time to stand around and fantasize. He needed to find Spike
and Dru if he was to meet Willow later. And that wasn’t something he planned on missing. He had been attracted to Willow
since he first met her but he had been leery of getting involved. Anya was right on that one. But after seeing the
desire in her eyes, Angel had changed his mind. Taking the blood out of the microwave, Angel headed for the shower.
Looking at the clock, Angel saw that it was after two. He wouldn’t need to be in the sun long. If he hurried the blood
should allow him enough time to locate Spike and Dru.

**********

Walking into the warehouse, Angel stared down at the couple lying on the bed. “Dru,” Angel called, as he gently shook her
shoulder.

Opening her eyes, Dru gave an excited squeal as she saw Angel and launched herself into his arms. “Angelus! I’m so glad
to see you. I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Princess.” Angel returned Dru’s hug before setting her down. He looked at her with paternal pride.
She had come along way from the scarred young woman who had asked him to change her. So had Spike. Pushing aside his
feelings on seeing them, he focused on finding out why they were here. “What are you and Spike doing in Sunnydale? And
in the lair of the Anointed One?”

“Saving your ass. Like we always do.” Pushing himself up into a sitting position, Spike reached for his cigarettes.
Lighting his cigarette, Spike watched Angelus in irritation. If the poof expected him to welcome him back with open arms
like Dru, he was in for a long wait. “Spare me all your sentimental crap. I’m not buying.”

“Spike,” Dru said, as she sat back down on the bed.

“What’s wrong, Spike?” Angel asked at the same time.

“You want to know what’s wrong?” Spike jumped off the bed so he was standing in front of Angel. “You’re what’s wrong.
You disappear, don’t contact us for ten years and then waltz in here like the bloody prodigal son.”

Trying to control his temper, Angel reminded him, “You knew how to contact me if you needed me.”

“Why in the bloody hell would I contact you? You were the one who ran away instead of asking us for help.” Wanting to
provoke him, Spike threw his cigarette at Angel.

Growling, Angel grabbed Spike by the throat and slammed him back against the wall. “I did not run away. I’m sorry I
didn’t tell you why I left but we’ll have to deal with that later. Now, tell me why you’re here?”

“Or you’ll what?” Spike choked out.

Standing, Dru decided it was time to intervene. She knew if she didn’t stop them this would turn into an all out brawl.
Just like always. Both Spike and Angelus were too stubborn to give an inch to the other. “You’re in trouble, Daddy. The
stars told me so,” she said as she swayed from side to side.

“Drusilla,” Angel warned, as he released Spike and turned to her.

Shrugging, Dru smiled at him. “I don’t know where the visions come from so the stars could have told me,” she reasoned.
“Besides, it makes the others believe I’m crazy.”

“What was the vision about?” Angel asked.

Sitting back down on the bed, Dru rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know if I can describe it. It was so confusing. The
images kept changing as if nothing was set.”

At her distress Spike and Angel forgot about their fight and went to comfort Dru. Spike sat down beside her and gently
rubbed her back. Angel knelt in front of her and took her hands into his.

“It’s okay, luv. Just tell us what you can,” Spike said.

“The only things that were constant were the Anointed One, two vampires I couldn’t see, a dark stone, and death. When it
passed the only thing I knew was that Spike and I had to come here.” Dru didn’t tell them about the blonde and the
redhead that would stand with them. It was going to be hard enough for the four of them without knowing it was foretold.

“Does this have to do with St. Vigeous?” Angel asked.

Spike snorted. “Not likely. They’re an unimaginative lot. They’re just planning a straight out attack on the Slayer.”

Frowning, Angel thought over what Spike had said. With Dru and Spike’s help there would be no problem with winning the
coming fight. They could concentrate on Dru’s vision. But Angel didn’t like having the threat of battle hanging over
their heads. “Is there any way you could get them to move up their attack?” Angel asked Spike.

“Please. I’m the big bad who’s killed two Slayers. Give me a little more time and they’ll follow me anywhere,” Spike
replied.

“Good. The sooner we can deal with that problem the better.” Giving Dru’s hands a reassuring squeeze, Angel stood up.
“Spike, work on the others then meet me at the Bronze tonight to let me know what’s going on.” Giving them both a serious
look, Angel continued, “I don’t want either of you going out during the day. Not even if you’ve fed. Neither of you are
strong enough in magic to survive the effects of the Hellmouth.”

“You must be losing your memory with old age, Daddy,” Spike replied sarcastically, breaking their tentative truce. “This
isn’t the first Hellmouth that we’ve been on.”

Not wanting to get into another fight with his childe, Angel refrained from commenting and started to leave. Stopping by
the tunnel entrance he had used to bypass the others in the factory, Angel turned and looked at his childre. “Thank you.
I’m glad you came.”

Dru smiled. “There was never any other option.”

Spike opened his mouth then closed it. He couldn’t tell Angelus the same story he told Dru. He couldn’t lie to him.

Not able to leave it that way, Spike commented, “Nancyboy better be on his way, if he’s going to get more hair gel before
tonight,” He didn’t want them to think he was going soft so he made sure it was loud enough that Angel could hear.

Growling softly at his childe’s continued obstinacy, Angel entered the tunnel entrance.

Turning towards Spike, Dru gave him an exasperated look.

“What?” Spike inquired, as he arched his eyebrow.
 

Chapter 4

Angel watched in displeasure as Buffy, Xander and Anya made their way to the table.  They were all laughing and talking but there was no sign of
Willow.  If they had left her to make her way here alone he was going to be very upset with them.  Angel briefly considered that she had decided
not to come.  Then remembering her excitement when he had agreed to meet her, he dismissed the idea.  She may be nervous enough to try and
postpone it but she’d be here.

As they all sat down at the table, Anya smiled at Angel.  “I’m glad you decided to join us.”

Angel gave them a curt nod.  “Where’s Willow?”

“Ms. Calendar asked to talk to her.  She’s going to meet us here later.”  Watching him closely, Buffy caught the irritation that flashed through his eyes at her answer.  Looking down at the table, she hid her knowing grin.  Angel did care for Willow.  Buffy knew Willow had feelings for Angel, even though she tried to hide them.  And now that she knew for sure that Angel was attracted to Willow she’d have to step up her efforts to get them together.

“Buffy!”

At Angel’s growl, Buffy jerked her head up.  “What?”  From the looking he was giving her she had obviously missed something.

“Is Willow walking over here by herself?”  Angel gritted out from between clenched teeth as he fought down the urge to shake her.

Buffy gave Angel a dirty look.  “Of course not!  You may think I take my responsibilities lightly but Willow’s my friend.  I’d never leave her alone to make her way through Sunnydale at night.  When Ms. Calendar is done talking to her she’s going to drop her off.”

Before Angel could say anything else, Cordelia walked up to their table.  She managed to stop so that she was standing between Angel and Xander.  “It looks like your missing one of your little slayerettes.”

“Was there something you wanted Cordelia?  Because if not I’m sure you could find some people hard enough up to actually tolerate you,” Buffy
said flatly.  She really didn’t want to deal with Cordelia tonight.

“Please!  As if I would actually choose to spend time with you!” Cordelia gave Buffy a disgusted look.  “I just wanted to thank Angel and Xander for saving my life.”  She laid a hand on each of their arms and gave them a bright smile.

Anya snorted.  It was just like Cordelia to flirt with both men.  Willow was too unsure of herself to say anything but that wasn’t a problem that
Anya had.  And Xander was hers.  Or at least he soon would be.  “I tried to talk them out of it.  But they both insisted it was the right thing to do, even if you were a bitch.”

Cordelia glared at the ex-demon but before she could utter a cutting remark, Buffy started talking.  “Hey, Anya, do you remember that story you told us?  The one about the wife who wished her husband’s lover was bald.  Now that is a spell that I think has a lot of potential.”  Buffy and Anya gave Cordelia’s hair a speculative look.

“That one was fun!” Smiling, Anya paused and cocked her head to the side as she thought.  “You know, I think I still remember the spell.  I bet
Willow would have everything I need to cast it.”

Cordelia felt her eyes get wider as the girls talked.  Putting a hand to her head, she hurried off to join her friends.  She wasn’t sure if they were joking or not but she wasn’t about to find out.

Buffy and Anya grinned at each other as they watched Cordelia scurry off.

“Okay.  Now that that is settled would either, or both of you girls like to dance?” Xander asked, having wisely remained silently during the
confrontation.

Watching the others move out on to the dance floor, Angel stood up and made his way to the bar to refill their drinks.  As he neared the bar he
felt the presence of his childe.  Looking around, Angel spotted Spike standing by the door.  Setting the glasses on the bar, Angel went to join Spike outside.

>From her place on the dance floor Buffy watched Angel follow the good-looking blonde out the door.  Pushing her way through the crowd, Buffy made her way to the door with Xander and Anya at her heels.

“Where are we going?” Xander asked once they had cleared the dance floor.

“Angel and another vampire just went outside.  I want to see what’s going on,” Buffy replied.

Anya gave Buffy an incredulous look.  “We’re following Angel?  Ignoring the obvious fact that he won’t be happy with us, Angel can take care of
himself.”

“I know that.  And normally I wouldn’t follow him.  But something is setting off my Spidey sense and I want to know what,” Buffy said as they
made their way outside.

Once they were outside they could hear the sound of fighting coming from the alley.  Quickly making their way over, the group came to a halt as
they watched Angel and his blonde companion staking two vampires.

“Spike!”  Anya threw herself into the arms of the blonde.

Xander and Buffy exchanged a perplexed look before turning back to Anya and Angel.  “What is going on here?  And who’s blondie?” Buffy demanded.
 

**********

Willow slowly made her way to the Bronze as her mind tried to grapple with everything Ms. Calendar, Jenny, Willow corrected herself, had told
her.  She knew she shouldn’t be walking by herself but she needed a chance to think about what Jenny had told her before meeting the others.  She knew she would have to tell them about her powers.  Buffy and Xander won’t give her a choice.  But she figured tomorrow would be soon enough.  No sense in ruining their night out.

Everything had started out like any other day.  Talking and joking with her friends, helping research, even her dream, though a little more graphic then usual, was normal.  She had been dreaming about Angel since she met him.  Just a typical day until Jenny entered the library and asked to talk to her.

Her first clue that something was wrong was when Jenny asked her to come to her apartment so they could talk undisturbed.  But even then, Willow could never have seen what happened next.

**********

Willow looked at the book Jenny had just handed her.  Flipping through the blank pages, Willow looked at Jenny in confusion.  “What is this for?”

“It’s your Book of Shadows.”  Seeing that Willow didn’t know what she was talking about, Jenny explained.  “Every witch keeps one.  It’s where
they write down their spells.”

“But I’m not a witch,” Willow protested.  Though she had to admit she liked the idea of learning magick.  Maybe that’s why Jenny asked her here, to teach her.  “Are you going to show me how to do spells like you do?” Willow asked excitedly.

“Not quite.”  Jenny knew what she had to tell her now would be the hardest part for Willow to accept.  “What I’m going to do is teach you how to control and use your power.  I’m a technopagan.  I can cast spells and such but I had to learn how to find and manipulate the magical field.  You won’t have to because for you that ability is innate.  What you need to learn is how to control your powers.”

“I don’t have any magical powers.  At least nothing I’ve ever felt…” Willow stopped as she remembered the strange feelings she had had for the past two weeks.

“Until recently,” Jenny finished for her.  “Most witches come into their powers between their sixteenth and eighteenth birthdays.  So, I’d guess
that you just started noticing the magick around you after your last birthday.”

Willow nodded in agreement.  That would explain why being in the library lately had been making her skin crawl.  It would also explain the necklace.  Willow frowned as another thought occurred to her.  “Did you give me this?” she asked as she pulled the necklace out from under her
shirt.

“No.  But it’s definitely magical.”  Jenny reached out to get a closer look at the stone.  When she touched it a silver light flashed through the stone causing Jenny to jerk her hand away.  Studying her burnt fingertips, Jenny sighed.  Well, this explained why Erica had been so urgent in her request.  “Willow, you’re bound to the stone.”

“What do you mean I’m bound to it?” Willow asked as her mind tried to frantically process what had just happened.

“It means that you are linked to it.  It’s magick will enhance yours and yours will enhance the stone’s.  Also, no one else can use, or even touch, the stone without your permission.”  Jenny got up and went over to her bookshelves.  Pulling a new book from the bookcase, Jenny rejoined Willow.  “I’ll look into it and see if I can find any information about it.  But I think our first priority is teaching you some protection spells.”

**********

Willow came back to her surroundings as she felt herself grabbed from behind.  Her scream was cut off as a hand covered her mouth.  Willow
scrambled to reach her holy water or her stake as two more vampires appeared in front of her.  If she could get free, she could at least try
a protection spell.

“Look what we have here boys.  If it isn’t the slayers little friend.” The vampire in front of her taunted.  “Maybe we should leave her a little present.  A nice, dead present.”

The vampire holding her leaned in and scraped his teeth across her neck, leaving scratches in his wake.  Shuddering, Willow felt the vampire
licking at the blood welling from the cuts.  “She has such sweet blood. This should be fun.”

“Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt, but it doesn’t look like the lady is having a good time.”

At the sound of a new voice all of them turned and watched a dark-haired man step out of the shadows beside them.  Willow felt her eyes widen at the sight of the gorgeous man who had come to her aid.  He was a tall, muscular man with long brown hair he wore pulled back into a queue at
his neck.  Willow could feel her heartbeat increase as he gracefully stalked closer to their frozen tableau.

The power and strength the man radiated a long with his good looks, held her attention like a magnet.  Willow blinked in an effort to clear her
mind.  Focusing on the vampires, she noticed that they were as mesmerized by the man as she was. Using their distraction, Willow slowly began to withdraw her stake.

“I think you should let the lady go,” Duncan Mcleod said as he withdrew his sword.  Now that he was closer he could see the way the men’s faces
were distorted.  He wasn’t sure what was going on but he wasn’t about to let them hurt the woman.  He had noticed her when she had walked by him earlier.  She had been too lost in her thoughts to notice him but her vivid red hair and looks had got his attention.  If she had been older, and he wasn’t suppose to meet Methos, he would’ve made sure she was aware of him.  Duncan hadn’t gotten far before she had screamed and he had heard the others taunting her.

“Well, well it looks like the dinner menu has expanded,” growled the lead vampire as he shook of the spell cast by the newcomer.  With that, him and the vampire beside him attacked.

Duncan just had time to bring up his sword before they were on him.  His sword flashed as he struck at them keeping them back.  Despite the  blood flowing from their cuts the vampires kept on coming.  Duncan could see the more minor cuts healing and he knew if he didn’t find a way to stop them, that eventually they would overwhelm him.  He would survive but the redhead wouldn’t.

Feeling the vampire’s hold loosen as he watched the fight, Willow quickly shoved her stake into his leg.  Howling he threw her to the ground.

“Cut off their heads,” Willow shouted as she struggled to cast the protection spell that Jenny had been teaching her.  The blue shield surrounded her just as the vampire lunged at her.  He turned to dust as he hit her barrier.

Taking her advice, Duncan slashed the nearest vampire across the chest and then cut off his head when he bent over.  Duncan barely had time to
register the vampire turning to dust before the other one was on him. He felt the demon’s claws ripping into his stomach as he smashed the hilt of his sword up into the vampire’s face.  As he stumbled back, Duncan brought his sword around removing his head.  Sinking to the ground, Duncan clutched his stomach as he watched the last vampire turn to dust.

Seeing her savior fall to the ground, Willow hurried over to him. “Oh my Goddess!  You’re hurt.  We need to get you to the hospital,” Willow exclaimed as she pried his hand away to take a look at the injury. Willow watched in awe as blue lights flashed under his skin, healing him.

“No hospitals.”  Duncan watched the redhead, expecting to see fear or repulsion.  He was surprised at the acceptance in her eyes.

“Okay.  We’ll go to my house.  It isn’t far from here.”  Willow gave him a reassuring smile.  She knew it wasn’t a smart idea to take him to her
house since she didn’t know who or what he was, but there was something about him that made her trust him, something that seemed familiar.  “We can get you cleaned up and I can call my friends so they don’t worry about me.”

Duncan hesitated.  He knew Methos was waiting for him but he wanted to know what had happened here.  Plus he had the feeling that this slip of
a girl had the answers to what had been making him unease since he arrived in Sunnydale.  Besides he would enjoy spending more time with her.  “That sounds good.  By the way my name is Duncan Mcleod.  And you are?”

“Willow Rosenburg,” Willow offered as she helped him to his feet.  “And thank you for saving me.”

Taking her hand in his, Duncan lightly brushed his lips across her knuckles.  “It was an honor, Willow.”

Blushing, Willow turned away from him and lead the way to her house, unsure how to react to his gallantry.

Once they were gone two vampires, older than the fledglings that were killed, stepped out of the shadows.  The dark-haired man turned to his
blonde companion, showing the scar that marked his cheek.  “An Immortal and a witch.  This town is definitely an interesting place to play. Don’t you agree Penn?”

“Especially, since it also has a Slayer and Angelus.”  Penn shared an evil smile with Gavin at the thought of playing with the two that were just here.

“Yes, let us not forget Angelus.”  Gavin ignored the Slayer as he focused on his true prey.  “This time we’re going to even the score with him.”
 

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