Giles and Miranda walked back in to the back of the store, hand in hand.

Buffy looked up at Giles and Miranda, "Giles? There something you want to tell us?"

"Yes. I knew Miranda when I was in London, before I joined the Watchers. In fact it was Miranda dying that caused me to join the Watchers to get back at the vampire that killed her. Only I knew her as Mirriam then. She will be staying to help us." Giles explained.

Miranda spoke up, "Actually, I did not have much of a choice, even if I did want to leave, which I don't, Rupert dear, I do not think I could. I am
mentioned in the prophecy. I think I am 'the one in hiding'. I also think that Rupert here is the 'father-watcher'. From the way he looks at you two,
Buffy and Willow, he obviously loves you like a father." Miranda smiled at them to show that, if Giles loved them like a father, then she would love them like a mother.

"OooKay, fine. Well that's two sussed out. If the prophecy is talking about Wills, then the 'evil lover who will join the side of light' is Spike. Does that
mean I am 'the greatest slayer', Giles?" Buffy asked.

Giles looked at Buffy with pride, "You are the greatest slayer to ever live. Most slayers die with in their first year. You have lasted five already and look like lasting many more. I could not be more proud of you if you were my own flesh and blood daughter."

Giles then went over and gave Buffy a hug. Buffy sniffled and hugged Giles back.

"And if Buffy is the daughter of my heart, then you Willow are the daughter of my mind. You continue to surprise me at every step. From hacker to witch, friend to protege."

Willow was sniffling now too, and she joined Buffy and Giles in the hug.

"Hey, does this mean that Buffy is my sister? Buff, if your my sister, can I borrow that blue sweater then?" Willow joked to break the tension.

"Willow I don't even let Dawn borrow that sweater, so you can keep your grubby paws off, Missy." Buffy laughed with Willow.

Willow looked at the others, "Well, let's get back to this prophecy, shall we?" She then went back to the table and sat down. "If Buffy is the greatest slayer, Giles is the father watcher and Miranda is the one who is hidden,  then who are the rest? It says 'they will join in pairs'. Well, Giles and Miranda look pretty pair-ey too me," Willow said with a smile, noting how closely the two were sitting together. "Spike and I are a pair, so who is 'the great one' that will pair with Buffy? Khalil, any ideas?"

Khalil had been sitting watching all of the goings on with amusement. "I believe the prophecy is referring to me. My name is Khalil al-Raschid, which
means Khalil the Great. So I suspect I am 'the great one' mentioned, which makes me glad as I would not like to see anyone else with Buffy."

Buffy chuckled and sat in Khalil's lap and kissed him. "That's good, coz I don't want anyone except you." She then kissed him again.

"Khalil, if Buffy is my daughter, then I must ask what your intentions are?" Giles jokingly asked Khalil.

"Oh completely honourable. It's not like I could corrupt her or anything. I mean, what could she do? Burn down her school? Again?" Khalil ribbed Buffy.

"Buffy, you burnt down your school? Why?" Miranda was shocked, more so because it was obviously not a secret.

"Which time?" Buffy asked.

"You've done it more than once? Do I really want to know?" Miranda looked at Giles. "Rupert, it looks like you have been somewhat lax in the discipline with the children."

"Hey, I had a good reason. The first one was full of vampires and it was the only way to kill them all. The second time the mayor of Sunnydale had turned in to a giant demon snake and blowing him up was the only way to send him back to hell. See, I had reasons." Buffy whined the last part out. Another mother didn't sound like a good idea any more.

"That's alright Buffy, I'm just joking. You had good reason both times.Now back to the prophecy. Any ideas on the rest?" Miranda asked the group.

"Well, I think Xander is the heart. And Anya is the vengeance demon of course." Willow stated. She then saw the look on Miranda's face, "Anya was Anyanka, a demon of vengeance, but she is human now and living with Xander. Xander and I grew up together and he is one of my best friends. He is the funny heart of our little group. He keeps us laughing, even if it's only at his pathetic jokes. Now the Souled Vampire has go to be Angel, unless anyone else knows any other vampires with a soul?" Willow looked at Khalil and Miranda, who both shook their head.

Buffy then thought about the line. "Hey Wills, the line is 'The Souled Vampire and the fallen slayer'. You think Angel and Faith have hooked up? They both have a lot to atone for, and both think they can't. I think they would work good together. You think so?"

Willow agreed, "You're right. They would be a good couple. Angel could keep Faith on the side of good and Faith could lighten Angel up a bit. Yeah I
can see that working. Why don't we ring him and see if he can come up here. But don't tell him we know, I want to see his face. OK" Willow grinned evilly.

Buffy could see Willow was up to something. "OK I will ring him and ask him to bring his crew up here tomorrow night." Buffy went over to the phone and dialed a number.

"Hey Cordelia. How goes the helping the hopeless? Good. Could I speak to Angel please. Thanks." She waited for him. "Angel, hi. Could you come down to Sunnydale tomorrow night? We have a prophecy that mentions your team and we thought you should see it. You can? OK I'll see you when you get here. Is Faith still working for you? Good, bring her with you. No it's cool. I know she's trying to atone. I'll behave, I promise. OK See you tomorrow night. Bye."

Buffy hung the phone up and turned around. "He'll be here tomorrow, just after sundown. I say we stop for the night and start up again when they get here. Giles you want to ask Anya and Xander to hang around tomorrow after work? Thanks." Buffy now had everything organised for the following night's research party.

Willow, realising the time, stood up. "Well I have to go off and be with my Spike. See you all tomorrow." Willow then walked out the back door.

"Buffy, would you like to come home with me?" Khalil asked Buffy.

"Of course I would, honey. That bath of yours is divine. Maybe you'll join me this time, hey?" Buffy had not managed to get Khalil to even stay in the bathroom with her, let alone getting him in the bath. "Or am I up for another night of talking to Soreya?"

Miranda perked up at that, "Khalil, you still have Soreya working for you? I thought she would have died centuries ago."

"Hers are a long lived people. As long as she wants to stay, I am happy to have her work for me. She has even let me start paying her now." Khalil looked at Buffy, "Soreya is one of the desert spirits, who I saved from a djinn a couple of hundred years ago. She insisted on looking after the tower for me while I am away. I have told her it is not necessary, but she will not take no for an answer. I must admit that I have not tried very hard to convince her to leave, as she is the best major-domo I have ever had." Khalil explained.

"Later Giles. Miranda." Buffy bid them both good night as Khalil summoned his portal.

"Well, Rupert. That just leaves us. Lets go back to your place and you can tell me what you have been up to." And they did just that.

Angel and his team arrived the following evening. With Angel was Faith, Cordelia, Gunn, Wesley, Virginia and Kate. Kate had been visiting Angel when Buffy had rang and Angel had gotten a feeling that she should come to Sunnydale with them. Angel could not explain why, but he thought it was important.

Cordelia looked around Sunnydale as they drove in to town "I can't believe I'm coming back to this town. I so do not want to be here."

"I think it's cool that the great Cordelia came from somewhere. You can show me where you grew up" Gunn said to Cordelia. He then put his arm around her, "It'll be fine. You've grown up now. They can't do anything to you unless you let them. Just remember, I'm right beside you all the time." Gunn then kissed her on the cheek.

"Thanks, dear. Just keep telling me that and I'll be fine."

Faith looked even more apprehensive the Cordelia had. She hugged Angel, trying to hide inside his long coat, "I'm scared Angel. I did horrible things to these people. How can they forgive me? Should they forgive me?"

"Shh. You'll be fine. Just show them that you're sorry. They're a forgiving bunch. Now come on, let's go inside." Angel then walked up to the front door of the Magic Box and knocked.

Giles answered the door, "Angel, please come in. All of you please come in." They all then followed Giles in to the shop.

Buffy went up and hugged Faith. "Hi there. No hard feelings, OK."

Faith returned the hug. She was surprised at how friendly Buffy was being. Faith had not known what she expected, but this wasn't it. "Thanks. I'm sorry for what I did, for everything. I was messed up. I know that now."

"How is it going? Really."

"It's tough being good. But I'm taking it one day at a time. And I have friends who help me and tell me when I am going to far." Faith smiled at Angel. Willow and Buffy saw the smile and Buffy looked at Willow with a barely perceptible nod and a twinkle in her eye.

Buffy then looked at Faith and said with a smile "And how long have you and Angel been sleeping together?"

Faith was stunned. Her and Angel had been getting closer, but they had only started sleeping together the week before.  She sputtered, "But, but, how did you know? I know no-one told you. You're not mad. Why aren't you mad?"

Buffy laughed, "I didn't know until just now. You just gave it away. But it's cool. You both have a dark side. You should be good for each other, keep each other honest. I still care for Angel, but only as a past love. I have someone else in my life now." Buffy then looked over at Khalil and gave a radiant smile.

Buffy then walked over to Angel and gave him a hug as well. "I'm fine with it really. You both need love, and I'm glad you found it with each other. Now, how is it you are still Angel, which is a good thing really, but what about the happiness clause? Faith does make you happy doesn't she?"

"Deliriously happy. I received a message last week that my soul was now permanent. I don't know who sent it or how it happened, but it's true."

Faith chimed in, "It's anchored alright. We've tested it. Lots. No Angelus. He's gone for good."

Buffy just said "Good. Although too much information for my delicate ears." Now come in and sit down. Let me introduce everybody, then you can introduce your lot. OK for those who don't know me, I'm Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This is my honey Khalil al-Raschid ibn Mustapha bin Jamila, but we just call him Khalil." Khalil gave a deep bow of greeting, hand over his heart. "Next to him is Willow." "Hi" "and the bleached moron next to her is Spike."

"Fuck you, slayer. Peaches. What is it with you and slayers. Don't you know they're supposed to slay vampires, not lay vampires?" Spike couldn't resist the urge to taunt Angel.

"Spike sometimes I wonder why I never killed you." Angel sighed.

"Now boys, calm down. Spike behave, or you're sleeping alone tonight." Willow admonished Spike. "Angel, I'm glad you didn't kill Spike."

"Willow, are you screwing Spike?" Cordelia was stunned, the Sunnydale gang had all changed a lot. They had grown up. Willow was now a strong woman, not the mousy little thing she had been in school.

"Yep. Five ways from Sunday. He's all mine and I'm all his."

OK guys, back to the introductions," Buffy stepped in before they got too far off track. "This is Xander and his girlfriend Anya. The stuffy English guy is Giles and next to him is Miranda. Now Angel, you want to introduce your lot?" Xander gave a goofy grin, Anya nodded, Giles glared at Buffy and Miranda giggled.

"As you have all probably worked out, I am Angel. This is my girl Faith, the other slayer. This is Cordelia and next to her is Gunn. This stuffy English guy is Wesley and with him is Virginia. And this is Kate." As Angel said their names, Cordelia smiled, Ginn nodded, Wesley scowled at Angel, Virginia nodded and so did Kate.

Giles indicated the table. "Please everyone, sit down and I will explain why you are all here." Once everybody had sat down, Giles picked up the complete prophecy. "We have found a prophecy that names most of us." Giles started to read,

"In the last years of the new millennium,
One will be born who will join the undying.
Lover of evil, she will be a great force for good.
Guard the child as the forces of darkness will try to seduce her.
She will be surrounded by the forces of light.
The first will be the evil lover who will join the side of light and
become something never seen before.

The forces of light will be few but powerful.
They will join in pairs, becoming a family of power and light.
The greatest slayer and the great one, the father-watcher and the one in hiding.
The heart and the vengeance demon.The Seer-Queen and the Street Prince
The Souled Vampire and the fallen slayer,
the former-watcher-rogue-demon-hunter and the sorceress,
The protector and the Sidhe.

Together they will push back the dark.
But they must not destroy the dark."

Giles put the prophecy down. "We have worked out some of the people mentioned. Starting at the top, the one born to join the Undying is Willow. The evil she loves is Spike. The greatest slayer is Buffy and the great one is Khalil. I am the father watcher and Miranda is the one in hiding. Xander is the heart and Anya is the vengeance demon. The souled vampire is obviously angel and the fallen slayer is faith. The rest is where we are stumped. Any ideas?

Angel thought for a minute. "I think I can see the rest. The seer-queen is Cordelia. She is my seer from the Powers That Be. And she is our own Queen C. I think Gunn is the Street Price. He rules his area like a princedom of old, looking after his people and protecting them. The former watcher rogue demon hunter is Wesley and the sorceress would be Virginia. Her father is a high level mage and she has quite a lot of power as well. The protector and the Sidhe have me stumped though."

Kate spoke up for the first time. "Angel, could I be the protector?" She looked at the assembled group, "I am a detective in the LAPD. Our motto is To Serve and Protect. So I could be the protector mentioned."

Angel and Giles nodded. Giles said "That would make sense, but who is the Sidhe? The Sidhe are one of the old faery races." Just then a point of light appeared above the table. The point then moved over to a space next to the table and formed in to a portal. Out stepped a man. Or at least at first glance he appeared top be a man. He was six feet six inches tall, almost effeminately thin, with almond shaped eyes and ears that swept up to a point. He bowed deeply and spoke to Khalil in a smooth musical voice in a lilting language that seemed to be more singing than speaking. Khalil answered in the same tongue.

Khalil then looked at the group and said "Well, it seems that Lachiel here has been sent by Titania, queen of the Fae, to help us. Lachiel is a warrior of the Sidhe. It looks like our group is complete."
 

Part 17

Khalil looked at everybody. "Now that we are complete, I think we need to get to
know each other. I want each person to say a few things about themselves, to
introduce his or her self to the rest of the group. I will start. I am Khalil,
a 1500
year old immortal from what is now Jordan, in the middle east. I am a wizard of
some small skill as well as having accumulated a lot of knowledge about a myriad
of subjects." Khalil nodded at Buffy.

"Hi. I'm Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My honey is Khalil. I slay vampires, demons
and other nasties. I'm 19 going on 900. Wills, you're next."

Hey there. I'm Willow Rosenberg. I'm a witch and I found out last week I'm
immortal too. Spike, your turn, and be nice. Oh yeah, I'm dating him." Willow
pointed at Spike

"Yeah Red, of course. I'm the big bad vampire that fell in love with a cute
redhead. A bunch of pansy-arsed soldier boys put a chip in my head so I can't
feed on people. But I can still fight vampires and demons, so I'm still the
big bad. Watcher. Your turn."

"Thank you Spike. I am Rupert Giles, but please call me Giles. I am Buffy's
watcher. I help her to train so that she may slay the vampires that try to
take over Sunnydale. My dear?" Giles put his hand out to Miranda.

"My name is Miranda. I am immortal as well, although I have yet to reach
my first millennium. I knew Rupert about 10 years ago and until yesterday
he thought I was dead. That was a mistake on my part. I am a mage of
little power but great skill, even if I do say so myself. I have also been
hiding my real self." Miranda then took off her amulet. She changed from a
40 year old grey haired matron to a 25 year old blond haired woman.

"Woah, hottie alert. Owww." Xander cried after Anya hit him across the back of
his shoulder. "I'm Xander. I'm the comic relief. This is Anya, the love of
my life. Anya?"

"Um, I am Anya, but I used to be the vengeance demon Anyanka. I'm human now.
And Xander is my lover."

"Ewwww. I'm Cordelia. I escaped this poor burg for better things. Unfortunately
a friend died and left me with his visions. I get pictures and a splitting
headache which tells Angel who he should help." Cordelia then nudged Gunn.

"Uh Hey. I'm Charles Gunn. I stupidly fell in love with the May queen here
and these other losers are my punishment." Gunn joked with a smile. "I'm
the muscle. Wes?"

"Hmmm? Oh yes. I am Wesley Wyndham-Price, former watcher and rogue demon hunter.
This is my Girlfriend Virginia. Dear."

"Hi there. I am a mid level Sorceress and I know most of the big players in LA."

"I'm Faith, the other vampire slayer. I've fucked up in the past, now I'm
trying to make up for all the shit I've done. Fang, you're up next."

"I'm Angel, the vampire with a soul. I ate a gypsy girl and her clan cursed
me by giving me back my soul. I'm also trying to make up for all the evil
I've done over the years. Kate?"

"Hi there. I'm Kate Lochley. I'm not entirely sure why I'm here. I'm a
detective in the LAPD. I also know who and what really commit most of the
crimes in LA. I feel a bit out of my depth here."

"And finally I am Lachiel, a warrior of the Sidhe. I was sent here by my Queen
Titania, who said I would find here the other half of my heart, but Titania
did not tell me she would be so fair." Lachiel said this to Kate.

Kate looked Lachiel in the eye, and she felt as if she had found part of
herself that she didn't know she was missing until now.

Khalil spoke up "Might I suggest we get to know each other a bit better
before we try working on the prophecy. Let's call it a get-to-know-you
party." Khalil then made a gesture and muttered some arcane words and
the table was covered in a tablecloth and in drinks and finger food.
"Please eat, drink and enjoy."

The group broke up from the more formal atmosphere that had been pervading the
room and settled in to a much more relaxed feeling. Small groups formed as
old friends caught up and new friends got to know each other.
**

Buffy, Faith and Angel sat in one corner talking.
"So Faith, when did you hook up with Angel?" Buffy was curious. She hadn't
even know Faith was out of Prison.

"I got out of jail early for behaving myself. It helped that I gave myself up
and I pleaded guilty. As long as I keep in touch with the police, so they know
where I am all the time, I stay out. Kate helps with that. When I got out, I
realised I had nowhere to go, so I rang Angel. He gave me a room in the hotel
and he got me helping him with his crusade to stop Wolfram and Hart. When I
got down he helped me back up. I do the same for him. He keeps me from slipping
back into evil Faith. We got closer the more time we spent together, as we
realised that we could both understand each other, coz we've each been there
and we know what it's like. We're each other's conscience. Man, that's
the most I've ever said at once."

Angel put in "We started falling in love and things have just progressed from
there. I'm glad you've found someone who can love you like I couldn't."

"So am I. I care for you, but we had too much history to make it work,
didn't we." Buffy asked with a wistful smile.

"Yes. I think we both knew that. That was why I left. You wouldn't have found
love if I was still around. So I left. And we both found love."

"I was sorry when you left, but now I can see it was for the best. Friends?"

Angel and Faith both hugged Buffy "Friends"

**

In another corner Xander, Anya, Cordelia and Gunn sat chatting.

"Anya, weren't you the demon that tried to get vengeance on Xander for me?"

"Yes I was. But my power stone was destroyed and I was trapped in Human form.
I asked Xander to take me to the senior prom and we've been together ever
since. We live in a nice apartment not far from here."

"Xander, you finally moved out of your parents basement? Good for you.
So what do you do for money? Slaying vampires doesn't pay well" Cordelia asked.

Xander smiled, "I'm in the heady world of construction. Amazing as it sounds,
I'm actually pretty good at it. I finally found something I'm good at on
my own. I'm no longer the loser I was in school."

Anya smacked Xander lightly, "You weren't a loser Xander. You just don't
do well in classrooms. Remember your boss said you're one of the best workers
he's ever seen. And that bracket you made is going to make you both rich."

Gunn asked, "Bracket?"

"I had an idea for a collapsible bracket to shore up buildings when they're old
and we need to go in and repair them. We can carry it in and set it up where
it needs support. Fred, my boss, thinks it's a good idea and we're going to
see if we can market it. If it works, we stand to make a lot of money. I just
did it, 'cause I'm too lazy to lug in all the steel I-Beams and stuff. We'll
see what happens. Now what's the story with you and Gunn here?"

"Gunn started doing some work for Angel, after they met on the street. Gunn
was killing the vampires preying on the street people. He's organised the
people and given them their self respect back. I started falling for
him, despite his horrid dress sense. We've been together nearly a year now."

Gunn asked "So you went out with the May Queen huh? She a bitch in High School
as well?"

Cordelia could see Gunn was joking, but wasn't going to let him get away with
it, "You could use a bitch in your life. That's the only way anyone could get
through that thick skull of yours."

"I love you too dear." Gunn them snuggled up closer to Cordelia.

"And don't you forget it, mister."

****

Lachiel and Kate were getting to know each other.
"Tell me of yourself, my lady fair."

"There's not much to tell. You're familiar with L.A.?"

Lachiel nodded, "I visit this realm on occasion, although it has
been some time since I was here last. What is todays date?"

"15 September 2001."

"In that case it has been almost 15 years since I was here last. I fear
I will be out of date in a lot of things. Your culture changes just
so fast. In Tir nA nOg things change slowly. Centuries go by with out
a change. You should treasure the changes for the gifts they are.
Now, you were saying before I interrupted?"

"I'm a Homicide Detective with the LAPD. While working on a case I
bumped in to Angel. That's when I discovered the things that go bump
in the night are real. One of them killed my father. I've been helping
people as much as I can, working with Angel when our paths cross. I was
visiting him when the phone call to come down here came in. I had a feeling
I should be here with everyone, so I asked if I could come. Angel had a
similar feeling, so here I am. Now what about you?"

"I am a warrior of the Sidhe, the ruling race of Faery in th Tir. My Queen
received a message that should come here to meet the other half of my
heart, and here you are." Lachiel then lent forward and kissed her lightly
on the lips.

Kate kissed him back. She had forgotten what it was like being in love. Cops
didn't make good partners. Kate had seen too many marriages break up, so had
decided a long time ago that she would not go through that pain. Now though
she felt like she had met her equal. Here was someone that she did not have
to protect, and would not try and protect her, but would fight at her side.

****

Willow was sitting next to Spike, her head on his chest, just relaxing. Angel
and Faith came over to talk.

"Hey babe, hear you're bumpin' ugly's with bleach boy here. He's a hottie
all right." Angel glared at Faith. "It's all right, Fang. You're the only
one I want to bump ugly's with."

"That's my Faith, subtle as ever. Willow, you and Spike look good together.
I'm glad you both found someone."

"Thanks Angel."

"Yeah, thanks Peaches. As if we cared what you thought, anyway."

Willow hit Spike, "Spike, I told you to be polite. Or do you like sleeping
on tombs?"

"Sorry Red."

"I don't believe it! Spike apologising. He must really love you, Willow.
Spike never apologises." Angel could see Spike had it bad.

"He does to me. Unless he likes sleeping alone that is."Willow said with a
smile, then kissed Spike to show she didn't mean it.

Buffy then came up to them and said "Hey guys. A group of us are going
out patrolling for old times sake. You wanna come along?"

"Fuck yeah. I never get to slay vamps anymore. LA is full of demons, but
not too many vamps. Come on Angel, take Faith vamp hunting?"

"Sure, why not. It should be fun. Willow and Spike you coming?"

"Yep. And so are you Spike."

"Looks like I am then, doesn't it. Damn it Red, sometimes I wish I could
tell you no. But I can't." Spike looked mournful, then smiled. Truth to tell
he liked the violence. Not that this was a secret.

"OK then," Buffy then raised her voice. "OK all people coming patrolling,
follow me." She then led the group outside.

The slaying group consisted of Buffy, Willow, Spike, Angel, Faith, Cordelia,
Gunn, Kate and Lachiel. Giles, Miranda, Khalil, Wesley, Virginia, Xander
and Anya were staying in and continuing to talk. Or eat in Xander's case.

*****

The group on patrol spread out. They wanted to be close enough that they could
help each other, but not so close that they would scare away any vampires.
Kate, Lachiel and Gunn noted the way the others meshed together so effortlessly.
Here was a group that knew what creatures were out in the darkness and were not
afraid. They went through the first cemetery with out incident. They were
walking
through the second cemetery when they were attacked. The group attacking were
either very organised, or very suicidal, attacking such a large group of
people. The group of vampires attacking contained 20 vampires, so they expected
to have the advantage of numbers. Expecting the girls to be weaker, they
attacked
the men.

Buffy and Faith leapt into the middle of the vampires punching and kicking.
Willow
summoned her staff and attacked one of the larger vamps. She blocked his punch
with the staff and then thrust the staff through the vampire's chest, turning
the
staff back in to the fire from which it was made. The vampire screamed and burst
in to flames. He started running away, until his heart was consumed by the fire
and he exploded into dust.

Cordelia just gawked, "Willow! When did you become the warrior chick?"

"Oh, just a little something Buffy's man showed me how to do. Fun isn't it."

As Willow was talking to Cordelia, three of the vampires attacked Spike. Spike
was considered a traitor, since he had started helping the slayer and her
friends.
Two of the vampires held Spike down and the third hit him with a baseball bat.
Spike's arm broke with a sickening crack. "Ahh fuck. You'll pay for that you
wanker."
The vampire then dropped the baseball bat and pulled out a 20" long machete and
stabbed Spike with it. "Shit. That hurts." Spike said, then passed out.

Willow saw what happened and went crazy. She gave a loud, guttural shout and
threw a bolt of pure energy. The three vampires were consumed instantly. Willow
then turned around and threw bolts of fire at all of the other vampires in
seconds. She then came to her senses and ran over to Spike. Spike was
bleeding badly. Willow could see he needed blood, and fast. She picked up
the machete the vampire had dropped and slashed it across her wrist. She then
led the blood drip in to Spikes mouth.

Spike woke up. "What're you doing Red?" Spike asked weakly.

"You need blood Spike. And it's not like it will kill me. Now drink." She
pushed her wrist at Spike's mouth.

Spike could see the look of determination on Willow's face. He drank deep,
knowing that he could take as much as he needed and Willow would not die.

As Spike drank, Willow could feel herself getting light headed. She was just
about to ask Buffy for help when she passed out. Spike stopped drinking when
she did, then he passed out from the pain, as well.

Buffy looked at the two lovers, looking cute slumped across each other. "Don't
they look cute? Gross with all that blood, but cute. Come on lets get them
home."
Buffy then picked up Willow.

Angel picked up Spike. As Spikes sire, he felt responsible for him.

As the danger was past, Buffy took her time going back to the Magic Box.

Cordelia looked at Buffy, "Aren't you worried about Willow? She gave Spike a
lot of blood. Shouldn't we get her to the hospital?"

"Nah, she'll be fine. Willow's immortal now. A little thing like this can't
kill her." Buffy explained.

Lachiel just looked on and muttered to himself, "What hast thou sent me
in to, my Queen?"

Kate heard him and held his arm, "Feeling a bit out of your depth? Me too.
What have we gotten ourselves involved in? Vampires, immortal witches who
throw fire as if it's nothing. I'm just a simple L.A. cop. I don't know
how to handle all of this."

Lachiel pulled Kate in to a one-armed hug. "We will handle it together."

Kate just smiled wanly and hugged him back.

****

Back at the Magic Box Giles, Miranda, Khalil, Wesley and Virginia were
having a discussion on the relative merits of different types of magic.
Get a group of spell casters together and they will always talk 'shop'.
Xander and Anya watched the discussion get quite animated at times, as
each person advocated their particular type of magic and gave reasons
why it was better than the others. The discussion was heated, but
good natured, as they were all friends. When it came down to it, they knew
they could count on the others for support, both magical and personal.

Buffy pushed the door open with her foot and brought Willow over to the
table. She laid Willow down. Angel put Spike next to Willow.

"What happened?" Wesley asked.

"Spike got stabbed. Willow went spare and killed all the vamps, then
fed Spike to help him heal. I don't know why Spike passed out again, He
had enough blood to heal the stab wound, and he's never passed out like that
before. Khalil, you got any idea?" Buffy asked Khalil.

"You say that Willow gave Spike blood to heal? How much blood had Spike lost?"

"I think he probably would have died if Willow hadn't of given him any blood.
Why?"

"I told you last week, that an immortals blood changes vampires, remember.
Well Spike is going through that change. We will just have to wait and see what
type of changes the blood makes. It is different every time, for each vampire."

Willow then stirred. "I feel like shit. Buffy could you kill me again, to get
rid of this fucking headache?"

"Wills, I think you've been hanging around Spike too long. The old you would
never have used language like that." Buffy poked fun at Willow.

"Yeah, well the old me didn't wake up after being drained of all her blood to
save her vampire lover, either. Speaking of my vampire lover, where is he?"

"Next to you on the table. He passed out just after you."

"He shouldn't have passed out! I gave him plenty of blood."

Khalil answered Willow, "Yes, well that is the problem. I warned you that
immortal
blood changes vampires, didn't I? Well Spike is changing. We will have to wait
until he wakes up before we know what the changes are. I suggest you and Spike
stay
here until he awakens."

"Yeah that's probably the best bet."

"Khalil and I will stay with you as well. Giles, you don't mind if we bunk down
here do you?" Buffy asked.

"No, of course not. I will check in on you first thing in the morning."

The group of friends all bit each other good night and then left to get some
sleep.
Angel still owned the mansion on the edge of town, so his crew were going to
stay with him. The others all went off to their respective homes for some much
needed sleep.

***********

The Next Morning

Khalil and Buffy were asleep together on the bed that pulled out from the couch.
Giles had bought the pull-out bed after one to many late nights researching in
the shop. Willow was curled up on a blanket, asleep next to Spike, who was
still
unconscious.

Spike woke up, feeling energised. As if every cell in his body had been given a
wake up call. He felt like running to New York and back, then maybe swimming to
Hawaii on top of the run. He stood up and stretched, joints popping from the
hard table he had slept on. He then walked around the shop for a while to
work the kinks out. He stopped and stretched again, popping his shoulders and
back.

Willow left the lands of sleep slowly. She opened one eye to see how Spike
was. What she saw made her sit up. "Oh my. Buffy, quick. Tell me I'm dreaming."

Buffy sat up suddenly. She looked at where Willow was pointing. There was Spike
standing in the sunshine coming in through the front window.
 

Part 18

Spike could see that something had the chits excited, but he could not tell
what.
He then noticed that it was a bit warm. He turned around and noticed he was
standing in direct sunlight.

"Fuck. Shit. Fuck" Spike spun around, trying to put out imaginary flames. He
then
realised there weren't any. "What the fuck? Red, what's going on?"

"Remember when Khalil warned us that vampires who drink form immortals are
changed? Well my guess is, this is how you've changed. Looks like you don't have
that nasty allergy to the sun anymore. Anything else feel different?"

"Allllrrriiiiight. Come on let's go outside." Spike then grabbed Willow and ran
outside in the sun for the first time in 120 years. "Shit. Is it always this
fucking bright?"

"Your eyes are suited to the dark, silly. Of course it's going to be bright for
you. You've been in the dark for 120 years. I'm surprised you can see at all."

Spike then looked at Willow standing in the sun and he stopped. She was
beautiful,
with her hair shining in the sunlight, bringing out more shades of red than he
knew existed. He walked up to her. "You are beautiful. Thank you, for saving me
last night and giving me the sun back." Spike then kissed Willow to show what he
did not have the words for, that he loved her with his whole being.

"Hey what time is it?" Spike asked.

"A little after 1. Why?" Willow had no idea where Spike's thoughts were going,
but
she was sure she wasn't going to like it.

"Let's go visit Angel. I'll by you lunch on the way. Or would it count as
breakfast, considering it's after lunch?"

"Spike. What is your devious mind up to?"

Buffy and Khalil came out of the back of the Magic Box.
"Hey Wills, he still alive? He no go poof?" Buffy asked.

Willow answered, "No he no go poof." She then giggled at how that must have
sounded.

"Trust me luv, as long as you're around, I won't be going poof." Spike said,
deliberately misinterpreting Buffy and Willow.

"You know what I meant, you bleached moron," Buffy huffed at Spike in
exasperation.

"Come on, let's go inside. I have a few questions I would like to ask you."
Khalil
said to Spike.

"OK mate, but let's not take too long. I want to see Angel before the sun goes
down."

They went back inside and sat down. Khalil looked at Spike. Spike could you
bring
out your demon please?"

"OK," Spike did as Khalil asked, putting on his demon face.

"Well that's one theory shot. I thought maybe your demon had been destroyed by
the blood. Guess that is not the case. Do you feel any different?"

"I don't know. Red, do I feel any different?" Spike was in a playful mood.

"Actually, you do seem to be more relaxed and playful. Not acting like the big
bad. You still want to kill and maim?" Willow asked.

"Hmmm, not really no. I think I could still hit someone, but the bloodlust seems
to have dulled a fair bit. Think you could still love me if I wasn't an evil
vampire?"

"Well, you're still a vampire, so I don't think that is an issue. And I will
always love you, you know that, don't you?"

"Of course I do. Let me prove it." Spike gave Willow a deep kiss to prove his
love was still just as strong as ever.

"Spike, I would like to try one more thing. I want you to hit me." Khalil told
Spike.

"Are you sure? What're you trying to test?"

"It's all right, I have my answer. The old Spike would have just hit me. You
seem to have at least part of your conscience back."

"As long as my soul doesn't come back I'm happy." Spike said.

"That's a common misconception. Vampires still have a soul. It's a conscience
they lack. All beings have a soul. A soul does not stop one from committing
evil. Mankind has proved that conclusively. I have seem much evil done in the
name
of good, to believe that a soul stops you from doing evil. No, the thing a
vampire
lacks is a sense of right and wrong. You seem to have this sense back, but not
in the way that Angel got his back. You are not plagued by your past deeds
for instance, but you seem to be calmer for one thing. Well I will think
about it and let you know what I come up with."

"Come on then Red, let's go see Peaches." Spike then started walking out the
door
with Willow right behind him. They walked across town, taking their time, just
enjoying the time in the sun together. They reached Angels mansion in the middle
of the afternoon. Spike went up to the front door and banged loudly, making
sure he
was in the shade.

Angel answered door, "What! Oh Spike, I should have known, who else would be so
loud at this early hour. What do you want?" Angel was not a day person, and was
more than a little grumpy at being woken up.

"What's wrong Peaches? Not happy to see your favorite childe?"

"Spike, what do you want? And how did you get here? It's the middle of the day."

"We walked. What of it?"

"Spike, it's the middle of the day. The sun is out and you expect me to believe
you walked here? Willow, tell my fool childe he is being an idiot, would you?"

"Um, Angel, we did walk here."

"Don't tell me Spike has you in on his joke too." Angel's jaw then dropped as he
saw Spike walk off the end of the verandah and in to the sun.

Spike lit up a cigarette and stood looking back at Angel, one eyebrow cocked
in question. "What was that, 'dad'? I can't hear you from here. Why don't you
come here and say it again. Oh that's right, ya can't can ya. Damn shame
that ain't it." Spike had a big grin on his face. He was loving this.

Faith had come downstairs to see what the commotion was all about. She walked
up next to Angel and put her arm around him, "Angel, why is Spike walking in
the sun? And more importantly, why isn't he a pile of dust?"

Spike walked in to the mansion stopping to kiss Faith on the hand, "Hi 'mum'
how are you this fine sunny day?"

Faith screamed out, "ALL RIGHT. WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE?"

Cordelia, Gunn, Wesley, Virginia, Kate and Lachiel came running out of their
respective bedrooms to see what the shouting was about.

Willow noted that Cordelia and Gunn were sharing one pair of pajamas, while
Wesley and Virginia were sharing another. Kate had her own pair, while Lachiel
was in just a pair of briefs. *Yum* thought Willow. Lachiel was a fine specimen
on the male form, all smooth and sleek.

"Red, you know I hate it when you look at other men like that." Spike chided
Willow.

Cordelia spoke up for the rest of them, "What's with all the shouting? Don't
you know some of us were sleeping."

Faith looked at Cordelia, "Spike was walking in the sun. He didn't go foom
and turn to dust. I don't know how, but he was in the sun."

"Ah, hello. Spike, vampire, sun. Never the twain shall meet. You didn't hit
your head last night did you?"

"Come on Cordy. I'll show you." Spike then pulled Cordelia outside into the
sun with him.

Wesley looked on in horror. "A vampire in the sun. That's amazing! And a little
frightening. Why doesn't he combust? Willow, do you know what is going on?"

Willow waited until Spike and Cordelia came back inside, "Well you know last
night when Spike was hurt and I fed him my blood? Well Khalil had warned us
that an immortal's blood would change a vampire, but he did not know how.
Apparently each time is different, even with blood from the same immortal.
It looks like Spike has lost the vampires allergy to the sun. Oh and he
has his conscience back, so he is not pure evil any more. Just mostly evil."
Willow said with a smile for Spike.

Faith asked Willow, "So it wouldn't work for Angel then? Shit, that's not
fair is it?"

"I don't know. Khalil said that each time would be different. So if I did
give Angel my blood, we don't know what might happen. Angel, I'm willing
to experiment if you are. It's not like I don't have plenty of blood to
spare." Willow didn't see any reason why Angel should not get some of the
benefits as well.

"Red, I don't want Angel feeding off of you. Let the poof get his own
immortal. You're mine." Spike was jealous at how easily Willow had offered
her blood to Angel.

"It's OK Spike. I would bleed in to a cup for him. You're the only one
that gets to suck on my neck." Willow said with a kiss for Spike.

"Too much info Red. It's too early in the day for naughty thoughts like
that." Faith said. She then gave Angel a sultry glance, "I take that back,
it's never too early for naughty thoughts."

"It's all right Willow, I think we'll wait and see what happens to my idiot
childe here before I give it a go. Who knows, we may get lucky and he will
explode."

"Yeah, well screw you too Peaches."

"Now that I'd pay money too see." Faith drooled.

"Come on Red, let's go for a walk in the sun. Later Peaches."

Spike and Willow walked out of the mansion.

**********

A Couple Of Days Later

"Spike come away from that mirror. I swear, you are the vainest vampire I have
ever met. It's not bad enough you're getting a tan, but you spend all your
spare time preening in front of that mirror." Willow was starting to feel
neglected.

Spike had discovered he now had a reflection again and was like a child with a
new toy, he hardly moved away from the mirror. "I'm sorry luv, but after not
having
a reflection for 120 years, I'm still amazed at how I look. Damn, but I'm sexy."

"I know that. Now get that sexy ass back over here. I've been thinking..."

"Oh no, what ever will we do?"

"Shut up you, or I'll find out if you can still be staked. Now, as I was saying
before
I was so rudely interrupted, I've been thinking. Mostly about that gang of
vampires
that attacked us the other night. Did anything strike you as strange about
them?"

"Not really. Why?" Spike was not sure where Willow's train of thought was
going, but
he knew she was quite a bit more intelligent than him, so he was suer it was
important.

"Didn't it strike you as strange that they attacked us? We had two slayers, two
master
vampires and a half a dozen others. Don't you find it a bit strange that they
would attack such a strong group? It kinda sounds like suicide to me. I'm a
little
worried about what they might have been up to."

"When you put it that way it does seem strange. Vampires rarely hunt in packs
like that,
and even when we do, we don't attack large groups. It far easy to attack single
people
than a group. Less wastage. What do you think we should do?"

"I don't know. Be alert I guess. Look for anything strange going on around
town. You
noticed anything on those long walks you've been taking?"

"No, nothing. I'm sorry if I've been neglecting you. Let me make it up to you.
Let's
go out for dinner. Somewhere special."

"OK. Lead on sir."

Spike took Willow to the best restaurant in town and they had a nice quiet
evening,
just a young couple in love.
 

Part 19

Willows new 'family' had met at Angels mansion to discuss the prophecy. Giles
Shop had gotten too small from the, so they were now using Angels mansion as
their base of operations.

Khalil stood up and spoke "Thank you everyone for coming tonight. We have all
read the prophecy and we know who it talks of, but now we have to work out what
the forces of darkness have planned. The only clue we have is the attack early
this week, when the large group of vampires attacked. Other than that we do not
have anything to go on. Has anyone got any ideas?"

Everybody looked at everyone else. They were all stumped. The prophecy spoke of
their meeting but did not mention anything else. The Acre Chronicles from which
the complete prophecy was taken had other prophecy's, but nothing that seemed
to relate to their present set of circumstances.

As they were sitting and talking, there was a knock on the door. Willow got up
to answer it. She opened the door and looked. On the door step was a finely
dressed man in a chauffer's uniform. "Good afternoon, Miss. Would I have the
honour of address Miss Willow Rosenberg?"

"That depends. Who wants to know?" Willow ad lived in Sunnydale a long time,
where paranoia was a survival trait.

"I am the servant of Mr Gerald Smythe. Mr Smythe is an antiquities dealer in
Los Angeles and would like to meet Miss Rosenberg. If you are not she, would
you be so kind as to pass this invitation on to her?" The chauffeur then
handed Willow a small envelope baring her name in gold. He then turned around
and walked back to the limousine he had arrived in.

Willow closed the door and went back to her seat.

"Who was it luv?" Spike asked.

"A chauffeur. He wanted to give me this." Willow held up the envelope. She
turned it over, checking it over. It appeared to be nothing other than an
envelope. Willow then opened the envelope to find a piece of metal 3"x5" and
an index card. On the card was the name Gerald Smythe. Willow looked at the
card and said "Gerald Smythe?"

The piece of metal glowed and a small figure appeared from out of the
card like a holograph. It was a distinguished looking gentleman dressed in
the fashions of the late 19th century.

The figure spoke "Greetings. I am Gerald Smythe. I invite Willow Rosenberg and
her fifteen friends to a little soiree. My chauffeur will pick you up at 7PM
this evening. I give you my personal guarantee of safe passage for the
evening." The figure disappeared back in to the piece of metal, which stopped
glowing.

Khalil walked over and picked up the piece of metal. "Hmmm, it has been some
time since I have seen one of these. It is a message card. They used to be
used to record a message like the one we just saw, long before the advent
of the telephone. They were a way of guaranteeing that only the correct
recipient would receive the message. Now it is just a flashy piece of magic."

"Do you think we should go? To the soiree? What exactly is a soiree anyhow?"
Buffy asked.

"The gentleman was dressed in Victorian Era clothes. The gentlemen of that
era placed great stock in their word. I think we will be safe. And it is not
as if we are exactly defenseless, is it? I say we go, if only to find out
what this gentleman wants. Does everyone agree?"

Everybody nodded. They were all curious as to what this Gerald Smythe wanted
as well. And how he knew their exact number. He had the advantage over them at
the moment, and this was not something they liked.
 

Part 20

6.40 That Evening

The group of friends were meeting back at Angels to wait for the chauffeur to
arrive for the trip to Los Angeles. Angel came down the stairs and sat down
in the sitting room. He was wearing a tuxedo, with a red silk bow tie and
cumberbund. Just as he sat down he was joined by Gunn, Wesley and Lachiel.
All the men were wearing tuxedo's, differing only in the colour of cumberbund.
Wesley's was royal blue, Gunn's was green and Lachiel's was yellow.

Angel said "You may as well sit down guys. We all know the women will be at
least another five or ten minutes."

The men nodded to each other and all sat down.

The first of the women to come down the stairs was Faith. She was wearing a
knee-length dark red cocktail dress with a pair of low heeled shoes, suitable
for fighting in, should the need arise. She was also wearing her hair up, held
in place with a pair of hair sticks.

Angel stood and walked over to her "You look lovely." He noted the hair sticks.
"Coming prepared?"

"Always."

Angel sat down again, and Faith sat on his lap.

Kate came down next. She was wearing a yellow dress, similar in style to the one
worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. She walked over and kissed
Lachiel, "See, I told you they'd all be in tuxedo's. You look gorgeous."

Lachiel did not look convinced, "I find this mode of dress uncomfortable. Why
do I have to dress so?"

"You mean besides the fact that I said so?" Kate joked. "It is the required
dress
for the occasion we are going to. Surely court dress can't be any worse?"

"That is true, but I am used to that. Do not mind me, I will survive. You look
gorgeous as well."

Next down the staircase was Virginia. She was in a royal blue pants suit, going
for comfort rather than fully formal. Virginia had a suspicion she knew who
Gerald Smythe was, but had not said anything in case she was wrong. If she
was right, the pants suit would be a calculated insult. If she was now, it would
not matter.

The last down the stairs was Cordelia. She had carefully timed her arrival to
make sure she was the last down the stairs, and thus ensure centre stage. As
she descended the stairs, Gunn's jaw dropped. Cordelia was wearing a green
formal dinner dress that brought out he eyes perfectly.

Gunn tried to say something, but all he could say was "uh..um..er..Cordy..
you look...wow."

Cordelia smiled. Mission successful. She walked over to Gunn and kissed him.
"Thanks. You look damn fine as well"

There was a knock on the door. Faith stood up and walked over to open the
door. Willow, Spike, Khalil, Buffy, Giles, Miranda, Xander and Anya
were standing at the door.

"Wow, Faith. That dress should be illegal," Xander stated.

"Thanks Xan. Just a little something I had in the back of the wardrobe."

"Little is the operative word there, slayer. Damn, but you look good. If I
wasn't madly in love with Willow, I'd go for you myself." Spike leered at Faith.

"Spike, if you like living, I'd shut up now." Willow admonished Spike.

Spike looked at Willow. "You know I only have eyes for you my love. You
transcend beauty. You're stunning." Spike then took Willow in his arms
and kissed her to show how much he loved her.

Cordelia looked at the group that had just arrived. Willow was in a bright
red slip dress with knee high black boots. The dress set Willow's hair aflame.
Buffy was in a light pink evening dress, Miranda was in a light blue dress of
similar cut and Anya was in a lilac number. The men were in tuxedo's, like
their L.A. counterparts, each with a cumberbund matching their partner's
dress.

At exactly 7PM there was a knock on the door. It was the chauffeur, arrived to
take them to the 'soiree'. "If you will follow me please." He then led them to
the limousine and held the door open as they filed in. The stretch limousine
was fully twice as long as a normal limousine and the was easily sufficient
space inside for the 16 friends to sit in comfort.

"Wow. Now that is a car. I could get used to this treatment." Xander gushed.

"I wouldn't grow too accustomed to in Xan, we don't know what the catch is
yet. Be on your guard." Willow warned Xander.

The group then got in the car and sat down. There was enough room for even
Angel, the tallest of them at about 6'1", to stretch his legs out.

The ride to L.A. was quiet, the group watching where they were being driven
to, just in case. They made idle chit-chat, but nothing of any of their
many secrets was discussed.

After about an hour, they arrived at a large mansion in the ultra-wealthy
area of Bel Air. The house sat on 15 acres of land, surrounded by a high
fence. The house itself was a Victorian Mansion, which made sense, based
on how Smythe dressed in the message he sent. The mansion was 4 stories high
with a strong Gothic influence.

The limousine pulled up at the front of the house and the chauffeur got out
and opened the door for Willow and her group. The chauffeur indicated they
should follow him and he walked up to the front door and knocked. He then
walked back to the car and got in, driving away.

The front door of the mansion was opened by a man dressed as a butler from
the late 19th century, in house coat and tails. "Ah, the Rosenberg party.
Please follow me, if you would be so kind."

The group did so. They were taken through a middle sized foyer, to a set
of large double doors. The doors opened as they approached, showing a
palatial ballroom. The ballroom took up fully half of the ground floor of
the mansion and was full of people, some dancing, some sitting on the
outskirts and some standing around talking. As the group entered, the
butler announced them at the top of his voice.

"Miss Willow Rosenberg and Party, including the Masters Angelus, Spike,
two Slayers, The Undying Ones Khalil and Miranda and others."

"Well there goes the element of surprise," Said Spike. He wondered if they
were going to get out of the room alive.

Just then the crowd parted and Gerald Smythe walked up to them. "Ahh,
Miss Rosenberg. Thank you for accepting my humble invitation."

"Thank you for inviting me, although I must admit a certain curiosity.
I don't think we have met, so how do you know who I am?" Willow asked.

"I will answer all of your questions, but not here. Please refresh
your selves, and mingle for a while. Once you are refreshed, we will
talk in my office. For the moment, please enjoy my hospitality. As I
promised in my message, nothing him befall you in my home. You have my
word on this." Smythe then walked away before anyone could say anything.

"OK this is now officially of the weird." Buffy said. She did not like
some of the looks she and Faith were getting.

As they group approached the bar, a stunningly beautiful woman walked up
to Spike and said "William, where have you been keeping your self? I
missed you." The blond woman then went to kiss Spike on the lips.

Spike lent back, to avoid contact. "Now, Jen, That's not nice. I'm
with someone now."

Jen looked at Spike and then the group. She noticed the possessive look
Willow gave her as she held Spike's arm. "Not this slip of a girl? Why
she's shill wet behind the ears? You don't need a girl, William, you
need a woman."

Willow looked down her nose at Jen, "I do not know who you are lady,
and I use the word lightly, but I suggest you keep your hands of my
man."

Jen laughed and looked at Spike. "I see why you like her now. She has
fire. I apologise. I didn't know Spike was with someone. Have fun
with her Spike. Mortals are just so frail, why all sorts of 'accidents'
happen to them."

"Spike. Who was she?" Willow asked, calmly.

Spike was worried. Willow was too calm. "Just a past mistake, Red."

"She better be careful what she tries. She will be in for a shock.
Now let's get a drink." They walked up to the bar.

"What may I get you, my Lord and Lady?" the bar man asked?

"Midori and lemonade for my Lady, and I'll have a red beer if you have
them.

"Of course sir. You will find we have a full assortment of 'drinks'
here tonight." Spike could not help hearing the emphasis the bartender
placed on 'drinks'. The bartender knew he was a vampire and did not care.

The rest of the group had drinks as well. They found a space near on
of the walls and regrouped. Spike asked Angel, "Angel, you notice how many
vampires are here?"

"Yes. Most of the people here are vampires. But not our type. I think we
are at a Camarilla gathering."

Wesley and Giles did a double take. "Not your type? Then what type are
they? And what is the Camarilla?" Wesley asked.

"They are Kindred. And the Camarilla is one of the groups of the Kindred.
There are two main groups of Kindred, the Camarilla and the Sabbat. The
Camarilla believe in control things from the shadows. The Sabbat like
to be a bit more open about things." Angel answered. He then noticed
one of the servants come up to them.

"Miss Rosenberg, if you would like to come this way, I will take you and
your friends to see Mr Smythe."

Willow nodded to the servant, indicating to the rest that they should
follow her. The servant led them through the foyer and in to a sitting
room. In the room was enough chairs for all of them and Gerald Smythe
sitting behind a large desk.

"Please come in, have a seat."

They did so, sitting next to their partners.

Willow asked Smythe "Mr Smythe, why have you asked us here? We've never
met before."

"It is very simple my dear. I have discovered through various mystical forces
that you are the newest champion for the Forces of Light. Now, as I am one
of the champions of the Forces of Dark, I felt we should meet. I much prefer
to meet my adversaries in civilised circumstances. Much better than trading
witticism whilst engaged in combat. wouldn't you agree?"

Willow was surprised how calm Smythe was being about all this. He had just
admitted to being her enemy in the same matter of fact tone as one would
discuss the colour of a car. "Uh...yeah. I'm a little surprised. You're
being very calm about this. Shouldn't you be, like, um, trying to kill me
or something?"

"Oh, there is plenty of time for that. I thought we could get to know each
other a bit first. Trying to kill someone is so very personal, and we haven't
even been formally introduced. So please allow me to introduce myself.
I am currently Gerald Smythe, Prince of Los Angeles and a champion of the
Forces of Dark." Smythe took Willows hand as he said this, kissing her on the
back of the hand. He then looked at Willow strangely, as if he expected
something
to happen that didn't.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Gerald Smythe. I am Willow Anne Rosenberg, witch and
champion for the Forces of Light."

"Well then Willow, know this. For tonight you are safe here. For, even though I
serve the Forces of Dark, I am still a man of my word, and I did guarantee that
nothing would happen to you and yours."

"Ah, but, Mr Smythe, you are not a man, are you?" Khalil pointed out.

"Indeed, that is true. Very well then, I am a vampire of my word. Now please,
mingle and enjoy the evening in the knowledge that this is the last night of
safety
you will enjoy."

The butler than led them back to the ballroom, where they headed straight for
the
bar to get a drink to settle their very shaken nerves. Smythe was different from
other vampires they faced, in that he was supremely confident, but also was in
complete control of himself as well. Most of the vampires they had fought, were
easy to kill because they were so busy telling them how they were going to be
devoured by the Dark Lords, or whoever, that they were easy to stake. Smythe
was not going to be that easy.

The group tried to enjoy the rest of the evening, but it was hard, knowing that
their host was going to try to kill them tomorrow. They were trying to think of
a polite way to leave, when a dark haired woman walked up to the group. The
mystically inclined in the group, Willow, Khalil, Giles, Miranda, Virginia and
Lachiel, as well as the supernaturals, Angel, Spike, Buffy and Faith, all felt
the power coming from this woman.

"Good even, Willow. I bid you greetings and well met." The woman greeted Willow.

"Good even, to you. I am sorry, I didn't catch your name?"

"I didn't throw it," the woman said with a laugh. "Besides, you should know
better
than to ask for a name. Names have power. Ask instead what the person would like
to be called."

"Sorry. Thought I would try it anyway. What may I call you, ma'am?"

"My name is The Morrigan" The woman said, in conflict with her earlier
admonishment.

"But you just said..." Willow queried

The Morrigan cut Willow off. "I said do not ask for names. I never said I would
not
give mine."

Willow was curious about one thing. "Don't you think it a bit presumptuous to
call
yourself by the name of a Goddess?"

"How do you know I am not The Morrigan? Surely you can feel this?"
Everyone in the group, mystical, supernatural and mundane, all felt a pull in
their
heart, as if something had gripped their souls. "Do not worry though. I am one
of the
Gods of Light. You have nothing to fear from me."

"Then if I may be so presumptuous my Lady, why are you here?" Giles asked.

"Rupert Giles. You have nothing to fear from me. None of you do. And to answer
your
question, even though Geraldus the Smith is a champion of The Dark, he would
not,
nor in fact could he, prevent me access to his home. To many of his kind still
worship me, particularly the Lhiannan, so I have power here. He could not deny
me,
even if he dared. Now I believe you were looking for a reason to leave. Allow
me."

The Morrigan waved her hand and they were all standing in the back room of The
Magic
Box. She then started to fade away before there eyes. "Do not forget, I am the
Goddess
of War. Call My name in battle and I will help you."

Willow felt as if something monumental had happened. She looked in the mirror
and could
see the image of a Raven tattooed over her left eye. She had been marked by the
Goddess.
 

Part 21

Willow looked in the mirror again. Yep the mark of The Morrigan was still there.
Then as Willow concentrated on it, it disappeared. Willow was glad. As much as
she liked being chosen by a Goddess for a blessing, the mark on her face was a
bit disconcerting. Willow concentrated again and the mark reappeared.

"Wow. This is so cool. I've been blessed by a Goddess." Willow gushed.

Spike hugged Willow, "I always knew you were special, luv. SHE could see it
too."

Buffy pouted, "Why does Willow et to be chosen by a Goddess? Why not me?"

Khalil looked at Buffy," You already have my dear. The slayer is a Champion of
Light as well. You have supernatural strength, your slayer sense and your
delicious beauty."

Buffy smiled and kissed Khalil, "Ooh, I like that. Thanks. Any time I forget
how
lucky I am, you just remind me."

"Of course. You're stuck with me now. Now I think we should plan what we are
going
to do about Smythe. Did any one else notice The Morrigan called him Geraldus the
Smith, not Gerald Smythe? It looks like he is older than he lets on. I suggest
we research him under that name and see what we can come up with."

Angel spoke up, "I think we should head back to Los Angeles. We can keep an eye
on Smythe. Also I don't think you really need all of us here, fun as it has
been."

"Yeah, Red and Buffy have the vamps under control here. You don't need us
getting
in the way." Faith pointed out. "Besides, where would we all stay, theres just
too damn many of us. If we split up, we can really do some damage."

"Indeed, that is true. But we should keep in touch." Giles said.

"I have an idea for keeping in touch. I can teach my portal spell to Virginia.
The spell will allow her to travel to my tower. I will set up a meeting room
for our base of operations. We can meet there, or leave messages for each other
so we will always be in touch. I will also teach it to Willow and Miranda
as well, so we have plenty of people who can transport. Lachiel, I assume
you have your peoples usual ability to planeshift?"

"Yes, that is true. If you would be willing to take me to your tower, I will be
able to find my way there again."

"My thinking exactly. If you, Willow, Miranda and your partners would like to
spend the night, I will teach the spell to you. How does that sound?"

Willow, Miranda, Giles and Buffy all nodded.

Buffy said to Miranda and Kate"You girls have to see the bathroom. It is to die
for." Buffy could see that Kate was a little shell shocked. This was all a
bit too much for a street cop to deal with all at once.

Buffy went up to Kate and put her arm over her shoulder, "It's all rigth Kate,
I know this all sounds crazy now, but you'll be amazed how quickly you get
used to it all. I was completely in denial when I found out I was the slayer,
now I deal with world-ending prophecy's on a daily basis. But I'm still a
neurotic 19-year-old at heart." Buffy then gave Kate a smile.

Kate hugged Buffy, "Thanks. I guess it all seems overwhelming at the beginning.
I just feel out of my depth. I mean, I'm just a plain old street cop. What
help can I be? You're a slayer, Willow, Khalil and Miranda are immortal,
Angel and Spike are vampires, Cordelia is a seer, Wesley and Giles are Watchers,
Virginia is a sorceress, Lachiel," Kate smiled at Lachiel, "Lachiel is a
Sidhe warrior, Anya is an ex-demon, Xander and Gunn have been helping you
guys for years. What do I bring to the mix?"

"You bring the thing we need the most. You're normal. And I don't mean that in
a bad way. True we all have powers and abilities or knowledge, but you,
Xander and Gunn, you don't. You just fight because you can't not fight. You
have a good a good heart. You can not stand to see a situation exist if you
can do something about it. This is why you became a Police officer, am I
correct?" Lachiel asked Kate. Kate nodded. "This is the same thing. You can
help us by being you."

Kate understood what Lachiel meant. She was on the team because she didn't
have any special powers, abilities or knowledge. She reminded them of who
they were fighting for, the normal people. she smiled and kissed Lachiel.
"Thank you. I needed that."

"Any time my lady. Now I believe we have a journey to make. Khalil? We are
ready when you are."

"Of course. Angel, I am glad we met." Khalil then shook Angel's hand.

Buffy hugged Angel, glad that they had both moved on to new loves. She did
not say anyting, not needing words to convey her message. She then went
over to Faith and hugged her, "You keep this fool from brooding too much,
'kay?"

"Dead cert. I'll slap him in line,' Faith said with a smile. She was glad
Buffy was over Angel. She didn't want to think how awkward it would have
been if Buffy was still in love with Angel.

Khalil summoned his portal and he and Buffy, Willow and Spike, Giles
and Miranda and Kate and Lachiel all walked through. The portal then closed
again. The rest of the group left as Anya locked up the shop.

read the interlude 'The Tower'

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