Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy or any of its characters,
unless Joss Whedon takes pity on my poor soul and gives them to me. Anyone who
sues shall be paid in pocket lint and dirt. Actually better make that dirt I’m
running out of lint.
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AN: style='mso-spacerun:yes'> I have a live journal now href="http://www.livejournal.com/users/mefiant_aus">www.livejournal.com/users/mefiant_aus
so I will be putting update info on there from now on.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Also open to suggestions as well.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> But remember be gentle it’s my first class=SpellE>fic.
style='font-size:14.0pt'>
style='font-size:14.0pt'>****************************************************************
style='font-size:14.0pt'>
style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>Chapter 15
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The
Scoobies blankly stared at the crying slayer as the man called Hoston lead her
over to sit at the table.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dante
cleared his throat “Perhaps I should introduce our newcomers.” He waited for
the group to turn their attention to him. “This is Rupert Hoston and his wife
Sarah.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Taralang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> gasped
“As in Rebecca’s watcher?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Hoston
nodded “Yes I was Rebecca’s watcher until she died”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Rebecca’s
sobs had subsided; she searched his face “How?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Are you
a demon?” questioned style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“No I am
very human” Hoston looked towards Spike for confirmation.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Smells
human” Spike confirmed “Plus he does have a heartbeat.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Rebecca
searched Hoston’s face “You’ve been here thisthis time?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Hoston
nodded as the others waited for an explanation.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dante
spoke up “Midian’s timeline works differently to most other dimensions.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> For every full day that passes here only one
hour passes in your timeline.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy remembered
when she had sent Angel to hell “I’ve heard of that before.” She frowned
slightly “But why isn’t he long dead? It’s been over a hundred years since he
was last seen so if he’s still human he should be dust.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Yes well
in most cases you would be correct, however in Midian the aging process in
humans is the reverse to the passage of time.
For a resident to look as though they have aged one full year
approximately 24 of your years and 570 Midian years would have to pass.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Well
that would suck” exclaimed Dawn
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The
others looked at her puzzled
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Well you
would stay a baby for what? Hundreds of years.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy’s
face took on a look of horror “Oh my God you would be a teenager for ever.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dante
laughed “Luckily for some reason the change in the aging process doesn’t start
until adulthood.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
looked towards Anya “Why didn’t you tell us about this place before?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Anya
looked uncomfortable “It was not allowed” she looked towards Dante as if
seeking permission “For over a century the Slayer has been an enemy, not an
ally. If I were to have exposed Midian,
at the very least I would not have been permitted to return.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Hoston
took over the conversation “Before the attacks the Slayer would visit the
community nearest her to train.” He removed his small wire frame glasses and began
to clean them “With the difference in the timelines it was an ideal
situation. The Slayer could train for
days without leaving the human world unprotected for more than a few hours.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The
Scoobies stared at Hoston in fascination as he studiously continued to clean
his glasses. Giles shifted uncomfortable
as they turned to look at him, wide grins on all their faces.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> “I can see how that would be an efficient way
to train.” He felt his own hands inching towards his face before he remembered
that he was currently sans spectacles.
He looked towards Dante and the others “If we are to go up against the
council it would be highly beneficial for us to resume the alliance.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The tall
woman called Jayala spoke for the first time “How can we be sure that you mean
us no harm?” her voice had a soft lyrical quality to it “There are many demon
families here that would become vulnerable should our presence be revealed.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Rebecca
took this opportunity to speak “I do not believe that Buffy and her friends
would do anything that could bring harm to Midian and its people.” She glanced
at Spike “They have formed alliances with demons before and from what I’ve been
told, they have stood by them.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-stylEN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
looked towards Anya “Why didn’t you tell us about this place before?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Anya
looked uncomfortable “It was not allowed” she looked towards Dante as if
seeking permission “For over a century the Slayer has been an enemy, not an
ally. If I were to have exposed Midian,
at the very least I would not have been permitted to return.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Hoston
took over the conversation “Before the attacks the Slayer would visit the
community nearest her to train.” He removed his small wire frame glasses and began
to clean them “With the difference in the timelines it was an ideal
situation. The Slayer could train for
days without leaving the human world unprotected for more than a few hours.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The
Scoobies stared at Hoston in fascination as he studiously continued to clean
his glasses. Giles shifted uncomfortable
as they turned to look at him, wide grins on all their faces.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> “I can see how that would be an efficient way
to train.” He felt his own hands inching towards his face before he remembered
that he was currently sans spectacles.
He looked towards Dante and the others “If we are to go up against the
council it would be highly beneficial for us to resume the alliance.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The tall
woman called Jayala spoke for the first time “How can we be sure that you mean
us no harm?” her voice had a soft lyrical quality to it “There are many demon
families here that would become vulnerable should our presence be revealed.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Rebecca
took this opportunity to speak “I do not believe that Buffy and her friends
would do anything that could bring harm to Midian and its people.” She glanced
at Spike “They have formed alliances with demons before and from what I’ve been
told, they have stood by them.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dante
stood and motioned for the others from Midian to join him “If you’ll excuse us
for a moment” they quickly moved out of the room.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The
Scoobies looked to Anya who merely smiled “It’s going very well.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Xander
looked confused “But we haven’t really talked about anything?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Anya
merely smiled “Mathew is a Shartala, they are empathic demons.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> He has spent the entire time reading your
intentions. If he believes that none of
you are a threat then it is highly likely that a mutually beneficial alliance
will be formed.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>A small
gnome like creature entered and offered them refreshments while they were
waiting. Each of them took a tankard
sniffing the contents lightly before drinking.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>*********************************************************************
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The
others soon returned to their places at the table.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Dante waited for everyone to settle before he
spoke “Midian welcomes you.” He inclined his head slightly to each of the
Scoobies in turn “We believe that we can assist you in your quest Miss
Summers.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy and
Giles both expelled a low breathe, the tension easing from their bodies.style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“So how
is this going to work, do we need to sign something or...” Buffy let the
sentence hang, hoping that they wouldn’t have to sign in blood.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Your
word is sufficient Miss Summers.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“So how style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'>is this going to work” lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Taralang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> spoke up
for the first time.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dante
thought for a moment “I think that I will assign an elder to assist each of you
for the next few days.” He turned to Bo “Isabo could you assist Miss Summers,
Rebecca and…do you prefer William or Spike?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike
shifted uncomfortably “Doesn’t matter.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>style='mso-spacerun:yes'> “William then!
Could you train them in some of the older weapons that they may not be
familiar with. Especially the ones that
would be most useful against Dretgo’s.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Bo was
nodding her acceptance when style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> broke in
“Isn’t that a bit dangerous, I mean Buff and Rebecca are both slayers and
Spikes….”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Annoying”
muttered Xander as he picked up his drink.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> glared
at him while Spike merely smirked “Spike’s a vampire, won’t she get hurt?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Anya sat
back arms crossed a huge smile on her face, Xander fixed firmly in her sights ‘This
is going to be good’.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:ita>Sar>Sarah
leant across the table to pat style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>’s hand
“Of course not dear, after all Isabo is a vampire as well.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Xander
spit his drink out across the table as he began to choke, he turned incredulous
eyes towards Bo “What…how…huh” finally his mind seemed to grasp onto something
“SUN!” he yelled almost jumping from his seat “Sun…with the sunshine
and…and…SUN!”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Bo gentle
tucked her hair behind one ear and showed him the small green gem that sat on
her lobe. “Amaran gems.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike’s
full attention was now fixed on the tiny earrings “But I thought that the Gem
of Amara was destroyed.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Oh that”
Bo looked a bit disgusted “Let’s just say that that particular gem belonged to
a blabbermouth.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike
could feel hope rising up within him “So there’s more of those pretty baubles
then luv?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Bo smiled
“The gem isn’t the source of power itself, merely the receptacle.” She motioned
towards Jayala “Any gem can become Amaran if it is blessed by an Amaran
priestess.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Jayala
smiled “I would be more than happy to provide you with a blessing
William.” She looked to lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Taralang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> and lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Willowlang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'> as she
stood “Would you ladies like to watch?”
Both girls nodded vigorously and moved to join her.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> “William?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike rose,
a huge smile plastered across his face as he followed the others out of the
room.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>*********************************************************************
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Anya
watched as Xander continue to stare at Bo, occasionally his mouth would open as
if to speak, but then it would snap back shut.
Anya could almost see his mind slowly ticking over as he tried to
process that fact that his new crush was the very thing he professed to hate so
much.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Bo simply
stared back at him innocently; Mathew had warned her that Xander may not take
the news ‘well’. She gave Anya a
conspiratorial smile; the two had spoken often after D’Hoffran had sent Anya to
them to heal. Bo had been curious about
the man that had hurt Anya so badly, she also knew however that Anya had finally
admitted that they were never meant to be together and that both of them would
have been miserable.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Bo gave
Xander another broad smile and a wink before turning her attention back to the
others.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dante
looked towards Giles “Rupert and Sarah will accompany Mr. Giles and Mr. Harris
to our archives and provide them with any information that they may need with
regards to the Dretgo’s and their allies.”
Dante paused momentarily “I suggest you listen carefully to what Sarah
tells you Mr. Giles.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Giles looked
towards Sarah curiously.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Sarah
graced him with a motherly smile “I am a Dretgan demon Mr. Giles; we are an
evolved form of the Dretgo.” She heard the gasps of the others left at the
table “We do not feed upon our mates or children.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> The Dretgo’s actually consider us to be the
lower being.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>There was
silence from the remaining Scoobies, that is until Xanders head hit the table
with a resounding thud as he began to mutter softly.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> Dawn and Buffy craned forward trying to hear
what he was saying. Dawn snickered as
she made out the words she moved to whisper in Buffy’s ear “Good Demons.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Giles
moved around the table and tried to gently pull Xander up so that they could
get to work. Xander lifted his head and
looked at him blankly “My head hurts”.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Well
don’t bash it against a lump of wood.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Xander
looked back down at the table as if deep in thought “Ok”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Giles
sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger “Now
that we’ve established that fact can we please
get to work?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Ok”
Xander stood up still looking dazed and walked up to Sarah; he gave her an odd
look “Good demon?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Sarah
smoothed his hair “Yes dear I’m a good demon”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Ok”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Sarah
linked her arm through Xanders and gently led him out.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“I think
you broke him” Dawn smirked at Bo.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Anya
snorted “He’ll just have to get over it.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dawn
looked around the now depleted group “So do I get a job” she asked hopefully.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“You are
the key” Mathew spoke for the first time since the meeting began.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Yes, but
since Glory’s dead I don’t think I do anything anymore.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Mathew
pressed a large clawed hand against Dawn’s forehead “The power still courses
through you.” He gave her a steady look
“I can teach you to harness that power.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
leapt from her seat and tried to pull Dawn away “No.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> There will be no harnessing of anything.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> I will not let you hurt Dawn.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Why
would I hurt her?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“Because…Because
it involves cutting and blood. And it’s
not of the good. No cutting Dawn” Buffy
hovered over Dawn protectively.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Mathew
looked horrified “Why would I cut her. I
was going to teach her how to harness her energy through meditation and
training.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
felt her fear deflate as she looked down at Dawn’s pleading eyes “Please Buffy”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“There’s
not cutting?” Buffy was still unsure
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“No cutting
or harming of any kind” Mathew reassured her “Anya will be helping me.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> “Her knowledge of teleportation and
dimensions will be useful in helping Dawn focus her abilities accurately.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“What are
my abilities?” Dawn was curious now; she
stood up preparing to leave with Anya and Mathew.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“One of
them is the ability to create dimensional doorways like the one you used to get
here” Mathew chatted amiably to Dawn as the left the room.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Dante
waited for the others to leave “We have sent clothing for you and your
companions to your abode Miss Summers. I
hope you don’t mind but I assumed that you would remain here for a few days
before returning home.” He slowly stood “William should return shortly so that
you can begin your training.” Dante
moved forward to take Buffy’s hands briefly staring intently into her eyes
before turning and leaving the room.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
turned to face Bo “So vamp huh?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Bo nodded
“Yep, I was turned in 1901”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“So
you’re like way old then”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Bo
laughed “Not as old as Anya”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Buffy
joined her “I keep telling Xander that he’s a demon magnet.”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Rebecca
laughed at that comment.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“What’s
so funny pet?”
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The girls
turned to look at Spike as he sauntered into the room flashing them a wide
grin. He just couldn’t contain his
excitement at now possessing another Amaran gem; he was practically bouncing as
he walked.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>“I was
just saying that Xanders a demon magnet” Buffy caught a flash of green on
Spikes finger ‘So he went for a ring again.’
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Spike merely
smirked before throwing his arm across Rebecca’s shoulder; he reached over to
drag Buffy to him and threw his other arm around her as well.style='mso-spacerun:yes'> “C’mon let’s go play in the sun.” The three
of them walked outside into the sunlight.
Spike paused for a moment letting the warmth rush over him; his skin
tingled at the feel. Suddenly he
released the girls and ran forward arms stretched wide spinning around like a
small child.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>Bo stood
between the girls as they laughed at his antics “Come on lets put all that
energy to work”.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>The small
group walked towards the outskirts of the village Spike talked and bounced the
whole way. For once in his unlife
everything was perfect.
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>*********************************************************************
lang=EN-US style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-font-style:italic'>
