Genesis

A/N: Well thanks to everyone who has reviewed, I'm still trying to bring a few things together, I am getting there I promise.

Sorry once again for not updating sooner, but I've been struggling with how I can get this thing to go where I want it to, and I'm having many internal arguments about some things.

Anyway enough babble.

Feedback: Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to offer feedback, it's a welcome sight after I post, at least your letting me know what you think.

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Chapter 31
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Back at the house the SIT’s were being updated on the recent situation, the gang had decided that the unaccompanied patrols were to go ahead. Rhona and Vi were currently receiving their instructions for tonight’s patrol they were going to take the new headsets with them and were only to patrol the known quiet areas of town. Rhona had begun to complain that she wanted to get in there and get dusting, but Dawn had taken the time to explain that with the looming apocalypse and their inexperience that a light patrol was all that would be needed. They would be needed for more intense work soon enough.

Kennedy had laid down some ground rules for the others, they all had curfews that they had to adhere to unless they were being accompanied by one of the Scoobys'.

Angel and Cordelia were currently helping Wesley, he had begun to look through the vast tomes containing prophecies, as they were not aware of this book and diamond they had to start from scratch, researching any cross referenced material in the hope that they may come across the inevitable.

Cordy had been reading through some of the old scrolls but couldn’t really concentrate, she kept stealing glances at Angel, ever since the conversation with Anya she couldn’t stop thinking about him, well that was wrong, even before the conversation with Anya she couldn’t stop thinking about him. She was desperately trying to understand these feelings that were bombarding her, she knew she cared deeply for him, and before she was a ‘higher being’ there may have been a possibility that they would get together, but she always had that doubt in her mind, what if he didn’t feel the same anymore. Sure he had been ecstatic when she had awoken from the coma but he seemed to have distanced himself a little.

She wasn’t sure when he had started to drift away from her, they were still close, yes, but there was this strange distance that had formed between them, she needed to find out why, and she needed to stop it before it really affected them, but she didn’t know what to do, she didn’t know if she wanted to risk admitting her feelings for him, to him or to herself for that matter.

She knew the pain he went through over Connor, she knew it was killing him that he had given up yet another thing that could make his life happy, but she also knew why he had done it, he had done it for Connor, for all of them, he had made the deal with Wolfram and Hart to ensure that they all would survive. But there was more to it, she just couldn’t get what it was.

Looking over at him one more time she sighed and stood from her position, Angel must have heard her defeat and looked over at her, he watched her intently as she stood and smiled warmly at her, he had missed her when she was gone, and now that she was back he was having a hard time of things, feelings that he had tried so hard to forget, he had tried so hard to push down into his core, he shouldn’t be feeling like this towards her, no he couldn’t feel this way. Watching her leave the library he brought his eyes back to the tome he was currently trawling through resigning himself again to the fact that they could never be more than just friends.

*****

Cordelia made her way to the kitchen to get something to snack on she hadn’t eaten much at lunch and had decided that dinner was too far away to wait. As she entered the kitchen she saw the Slayers enter through the door at the rear giggling to themselves, she smiled at them thankful that someone in their group had finally admitted their feelings for one another.

“Hey Queen C, whatcha doin?” Faith drawled spotting the taller brunette.

“Well Faith, I’m playing pool, whatcha think I’m doing?” Cordy answered flippantly.

“Hey, woh down there C, I only asked.” Faith raised her hands in mock surrender looking concerned at her friend.

“Sor, sorry Faith, I didn’t mean to snap, I’m tired I guess.”

Faith looked at her for a moment then turned her attention to the petite blonde who was looking rather confused at the small exchange between the two. Placing a soft kiss on her lips, Faith moved her mouth so that it was just a breath away from Buffy’s ear. “Would you mind leaving us for a bit, I think I better find out what’s got up her ass.” She whispered chuckling softly and she felt Buffy shiver from the feeling of her hot breath on her ear.

“Ah, yeah no probs, I’ll ah, see you upstairs.” Buffy replied backing away from her girlfriend and trying to calm her breathing.

Faith waited for Buffy to leave the kitchen then turned to the brunette who was currently riffling through the contents of the refrigerator.

“So Cordy spill!” Faith stated when she knew that they were alone.

“Huh, spill what?” Cordy turned to look at her confused.

“Don’t give me that C, I know you too well, something’s crawled up your ass, so spill, what’s gotten into you girl?” The brunette asked with a concerned tone moving to sit on a stool next to the breakfast bar.

“Can’t hide from you huh?” Cordy smiled softly and moved to join her friend, putting her head in her hands she sighed out slowly, she raised her head and looked at the brunette.

“I think I’m in love with Angel.” She stated softly.

“You only just figured that out huh?” Faith smiled.

“Am I that obvious?”

“No don’t worry, I guessed from before yunno, when you used to come visit, you used to get this look in your eyes every time you mentioned him, took me a while to figure it out, but I got there.”

“I just don’t know what to do, I can’t feel this way. I mean I can’t fall in love with him.” Cordy put her head back in her hands.

Faith placed her hand on Cordy’s back and moved it gently trying to sooth her. “Listen C, no-one can stop who they fall in love with, I mean look at me and B, who woulda thought it, god Cordy we almost killed each other back in the day, but I don’t think I could live without her now.” Faith smiled thinking about how she felt about the blonde.

“Did I ever say I’m happy for you?” Cordy turned to her friend.

“Nope, I don’t think you did, but thanks, it’s good to have someone who cares about me for a change.” Faith lowered he head, she hated feeling alone and the confession she had revealed to Buffy earlier was still fresh in her .
.

“Look C, I know you don’t wanna be feeling like this, and from Angel’s current soul situation I can see why.” Faith wiggled her eyebrows. “But you Cordy you gotta give these things a chance, talk to him, see how he feels, and go from there, but please Cordy, don’t give up on this, it’s about time the two of you had some happiness.”

“When did you get all Oprah on me?” Cordy laughed.

“What can I say, I’ve seen the light.” Faith chuckled.

Cordy stood and enveloped Faith in a bug sug she smiled when she felt Faith’s arms encircle her and hugged her back strongly. “Hey Slayer, mind the merchandise.”

“Oh come on C, I gotta cop a feel when I get the chance.”

“Don’t let your girlfriend catch you.” Cordy laughed while playfully slapping Faith on the arm.

Laughing to themselves they left the kitchen and made their way back to their respective places, Cordy back to the library and Faith up to her girlfriend.

***

Everyone had gathered in the main dining room for dinner tonight, and were chatting animatedly about the current happenings. Dawn had been talking to a couple of the trainees when she noticed that Vi had hardly touched her dinner. Turning to face the young girl she spoke softly, “You ok Vi?”

“Yea, I’m just a little nervous about tonight I guess, I mean I know I’m ready and stuff, but it’s still a big thing you know?” Vi answered shyly.

“Yeah I know, but Vi we wouldn’t send you out alone unless we thought you were ready, we all have confidence in you and Rhona, the both of you have proved that you’re ready, you just have to make sure you believe it to.” Dawn answered trying to reassure her friend.

“I know, thanks Dawn.” Vi offered and returned to her food, this time trying to eat some of it.

Buffy had heard their little exchange and was smiling proudly at her sister, for someone so young she seemed to have grown so quickly, she had been through and seen so much, it saddened Buffy a little that her kid sister couldn’t have a normal life, but then again none of them could, she glanced around the table looking at all the people there, from the original Scooby gang to the LA group and now the addition of all the new Slayers. She sighed a little hoping that all the new girls understood what it was that they were giving up, the pressure that they would feel every minute of every day, each time they went on patrol, each time a fight went wrong and one got away how many lives wouhey hey not be able to save.

Faith was sitting close to Buffy at the crowded table and heard the soft sigh from the blonde she looked up and could see concern in her lover’s eyes.

“Hey, you ok?” She asked in a whisper.

“Yeah I’m good, just thinking is all.” Buffy replied smiling gently at the brunette.

“Tell me later?” Faith questioned wondering what her girlfriend had been thinking about, but deep down she knew what it was, she knew that Buffy toolot lot on herself, trying to protect everyone, and not only did she have to protect her friends she had a whole bunch of young girls that had to be shown exactly how to fight and stay alive.

At that point Faith decided she was not going to let Buffy take all the responsibility, she was going to show her that she could let go a little and let the others take more of a supporting role to all of them. Buffy was not going to be alone in her decisions anymore, Faith was going to make sure that the ‘Chosen two’ were going to be on equal footing and that she was going to lessen the burden on her girlfriends shoulders.

“Yeah, I’ll tell you later, it’s nothing really.” Buffy tried to wave off the concern that was shown in her lover’s eyes.

Turning back to the group she looked over at the two young girls who were going to go out on their first unsupervised patrol, she remembered back to when she had to go out alone for the first time, sure she hadn’t had as much training as the new girls had had, but she could see the nervousness in the young girls. Rising from her chair she called to both of them to follow her.

The three made their way into the library, Buffy just wanted to help them relax a little, and to show them that they had all the support they could need, but she was also giving them a chance for an out, if they didn’t think they were ready, then she wasn’t going to force them to go.

“So, you guys ready for this?” The blonde asked them as they sat around the large oak table.

“Yep, just a bit nervous you know.” Vi answered, turning to look at her soon to be slaying partner.

“Rhona, what about you? Are you ready for this?” Buffy asked with concern.

“Yeah I’m ready, ‘snot like we haven’t had to fight before, it just s a s a little strange knowing that what ever decisions we make are our own.” She looked at Buffy for support.

“Listen you guys, whatever goes down tonight remember the first rule of slaying “Stay alive” don’t worry if you let them get away, just make sure you both come home safely, this is your first time out alone and I know first hand how hard it can be. Both of you are tremendous fighters, you proved that when we fought ‘The First’ and every time that you’ve gone out on patrolu’veu’ve both come a long way since you first arrived in Sunnydale and I believe in you, we all do. So like I said, go out and kick some un-dead ass, just make sure you got each other’cks cks ok.”

“Ok, thanks Buffy.” Vi replied.

“Yeah, thanks Buff, we’ll be fine, just a little first night nerves.” Rhona smiled letting the blonde know she understood all that was said and that she was grateful for this little pep talk.

“Alrighty then, I s’pose it’s time you both went and got yourselves tooled up and ready, I’ll meet you in the lobby in say ten minutes.” Buffy offered standing and making her way back out of the library and back towards the dinning room.

Gathering everyone together in the lobby they waited for the two SIT’s to arrive, there was a little buzzing noise as all the remaining SIT’s were talking about the two that were going out alone, some were confident in what they were saying others seemed a little scared at the prospect of having to go out alone.

Entering the large lobby Vi and Rhona smiled at the group assembled in front of them, these were their friends all here lending a supporting hand, they felt good knowing that all these people were beginning to feel like family to them, sure it was unconventional but the truth was they were becoming a family.

“Ok guys, just be careful out there, if you have any problems at all you radio back and we’ll be with you in minutes ok.” Faith stated walking towards the two. Buffy had told her about the little pep talk and Faith herself wanted to show them that she supported and believed in them too.

“You make sure you keep in contact with us, anything at all you think you can’t handle you tell us.” Willow joined in, voicing her support.

“Ok guys, enough already, lets get these girls out there.” Kennedy offered trying to save the girls anymore of the Scooby’s concerns.

“I guess you’re right, come on guys, lets see you out, now you remember your route and everything yes?” Willow began as she escorted the two towards the large front doors.

“Yes Willow, we remember it, now quit worrying so much, we got enough weapons and stuff and we got the radio so we’ll be good.” Rhona stated rolling her eyes a little, she was nervous enough and the way everyone kept talking to them made her feel worse, she just needed to get out there and get this done.

Everyone gathered outside to wave off the two nervous girls, after a few hugs and other soppy stuff from the others Rhona and Vi made their way down the long driveway and out onto the street below, out into the night, out into what was to become their world of darkness and destruction, the world that they had sworn to make light once again. With heads held high they walked with confidence towards their first destination.

*****

James had been trying to keep going all day, he had managed to escape the caves without any problems, he didn’t stop to wonder why it had been so easy or why he wasn’t being followed. He was growing weaker by the minute, he could hardly breathe now as his ribs were giving him tle, le, his leg felt as though he had a thousand nails being punched into it every time he place it to the ground, but he had to keep moving, he had to get to safety.

Struggling to hold himself upright he clung to anything, trash cans, fences, cars even walls, anything he could reach to help pull himself along. It was getting dark he had to hurry or he’d be a sitting target for anything that wanted a meal, he was still loosing blood from many of his wounds and he knew that vampires would smell him, he was a sitting duck, he had to get there.

Rounding another corner, he looked up and spotted the neon sign, it flashed on and off and even though the harsh colours invaded his senses it was like a beacon in the night to him. Gathering what little strength he had left he stumbled towards the sign in the desperate hope that the man who could help him would still be there.

Crashing through the doors he lurched forward, the floor finally coming to meet hn a n a bone-crushing thud.

“Oh shit, James.” The muffled voice penetrated his brain.

“Hhhppmm.” Was all he could muster before the darkness enveloped him once again, slipping back into that haven where he had no more pain.

*****

The Scooby’s and the LA group had once again gathered in the library, the watchers were still researching with Willow helping out but the others were just sitting around chatting. Xander and Andrew were keeping their eye on the computer tracking device ensuring that the girls who were out on patrol didn’t seem to linger in one place for too long. Faith and Kennedy we showing each other some different fighting techniques, neither of them could sit still for very long, it was eerie how similar the two of them were.

Buffy was sat with Cordelia, Angel and Spike, they were telling her about what had happened at W&H since she and the gang had breezed through LA on their way to their new lives. She was laughing at some of the stories about Harmony and how she just couldn’t seem to get things right. Angel had explained that Fred had been working on some new product, some kind of impenetrable clothing, but it wasn’t like a bulletproof vest all chunky and uncomfortable, it was just like normal clothing. This had intrigued the blonde so they had agreed to keep her informed of the developments.

“How’s the girls' doing Xan?” Faith asked towelling herself down after the quick sparring session she had just had.

“They’re going pretty good from what we can tell, they’ve just finished the first half out and they’re now on the way back. They radioed in a while back, they came across a vamp in one of the ally’s about to have a midnight feast, but apparently it was smooth dusting.” He replied smiling at the brunette, this new tracking system was awesome, he and Andrew had been watching the two tiny blips on the screen for the last hour, each time the blips stopped moving they timed them, making a note of each time they stopped. They were trying to see if they would be able to spot trouble if they lost communication with the slayers.

“Excellent, see whad’I tell ya B, they’d be cool.” Faith sauntered back over to her girlfriend, making sure she had her full attention before running the towel down over her breasts.

“Huh!” Buffy replitaritaring over at her girlfriend, wondering how the hell she could be jealous of a fucking towel, but said towel had just had the luxury of travelling over the perfect skin of her lover taking with it the sweet droplets of moisture that had been gathering over it, her tongue nipped out almost snake like as she imagined tasting that which is truly Faith.

“I said..” Faith continued walking to her lover. “The girls are doing good, just like I told ya they would.” As she finished talking she dropped onto the sofa next to the blonde.

“Great.” Buffy replied wistfully, watching as another bead of perspiration made it’s way from her lovers collar bone down towards and then disappearing between the succulent breasts, once again her tongue darted out trying in desperation to taste it’s flavour.

Faith could see the need in her lovers’ eyes, and it made her want to satisfy that need. She was already worked up from the sparring and now looking into her lovers’ eyes she had no choice but to act on these feelings.

“Ah Xand, how long d’you think before they make it back?” She turned her attention back to him.

“I’d say ‘bout an hour maybe a little more if they come across anything.” He answered looking at Andrew for confirmation, on receiving the agreement he repeated. “Yeah about an hour.”

Faith turned her attention back to her lover. “I’m gonna go take a shower, you wanna scrub my back?” She whispered softly.

“Oh god yes.” Buffy replied jumping out of her seat and almost ran to the door, being closely pursued by her raven-haired mate.

“Soooo, did not need to hear that.” Spike sighed falling back against the sofa he had been sitting in.

Even though Faith had whispered her request his vampire hearing had picked it up. Sure he knew that Buffy was in love with Faith and he knew that they were good together but it still hurt to be reminded of it, but the worst thing was now he had screaming visuals of the two slayers all wet and soapy in the shower, hot bodies rubbing against each other. Jumping up he turned to Kennedy.

“You wanna go one more round?” He questioned, he had to stop this train of thought before he let the demon in him take over and run up to the slayers apartment and join them in the shower, sure he’d do it, but he liked the way his body was he didn’t think that dust was such a good fashion statement.

“Sure Spikey, gotta little urgh ya need to work off huh?” Kennedy smiled knowing exactly what had been going through the vampires mind.

“You could say that pet.” Spike smirked.

Both crouched into a fighting stance and began circling each other waiting for the right moment to strike.

*****

“James, come on James stay with me.” The voice called out to him gently, he was in complete darkness, the pain was gone but something, someone was calling him back, calling to him, he didn’t know why but he followed that voice. He winced a little as his consciousness began to claim him, the pain in his leg began to register once again, the shallow breaths that he had been taking still didn’t seem enough but his ribs threatened so much pain if he tried to breath harder.

“James, come on that’s it, you’re gonna be ok, come on James stay with me.” The voice kept calling him. He could feel wetness on his face along with the gentle rubbing of some kind of cloth, he tried to open his eyes, but they seemed so heavy.

“Where…..” He tried but the words failed in his throat, he had spent god knows how long screaming at the pain that was being inflicted on him that his throat was raw.

“It’s ok James you’re safe, I’ll take care of you, rest now, just rest, you can tell me when you wake up.” The voice soothed him, on hearing the soothing words he drifted off once more hoping that when he woke he would not be in such pain, that whe hae had gone through was only a nightmare that he would wake up and laugh at the absurdity of it, even though deep down he knew how real it all was.

*****

As Rhona andenteentered the house through the large doors the smiling members of the Scooby gang and LA Group greeted them. Willow rushed over and hugged the both of them, congratulating them on safe return. She was soon followed by more hugs and handshakes from everyone else.

Once the small greeting had taken place they all returned to the library for the Slayer’s debriefing. Dawn was ready to take notes of all the vampire or demon occurrences while Giles and Wesley stood off to the side in case they were needed. Giles had decided that it was time that Dawn took more of an active role with the Slayers and thought that tonight would be as good a time as any. But due to the fact that the slayers were also new to this, he made sure he was close by in case any pertinent information came up, he didn’t want to miss anything, especially as this apocalypse was looming.

“Hey guys, we miss anything?” Asked a very flushed blonde as she entered the library followed closely by an equally flushed brunette.

“No Buff, we’re about to get started.” Dawn replied raising an eyebrow at her sister.

“What? What?” Buffy asked as if her and Faith had not run off earlier to partake in the pleasure known as a shower.

“Oh, nothing, just you still got shampoo in your hair, I woulda thought with how long you’d been gone, and with Faith helping yunno ya coulda washed the shampoo out.” Dawn smirked at her sister.

Buffy quickly raised her hand to her hair and felt the suds still lingering there, she blushed looking at Faith with a ‘help me’ look on her face, but she was saved by everyone just bursting into laughter, which soon enough her and Faith joined.

“Ok everyone I think we’ve embarrassed the Chosen two enough, lets get on with this.” Giles tried to gather some semblance to the meeting, although he had been chuckling along with everyone.

“Ok girls, from the top, and don’t leave anything out, it could all be important.” Dawn turned to the slayers.

Rhona and Vi told everyone about what they’d seen and how many vampires they had come across. The gang already knew about the one in the ally, but apparently not long after that they had stumbled across another two, they had explained a little about the fight and that by working together they had managed to dust both of them, even though one was twice the size of them.

Nothing else seemed to be out of place on their patrol so they were excused and Dawn began to enter the notes she had taken into the new database that Willow and Andrew had been working on.

“Right, I think that’s all we can do for today, I say a good nights rest is in order.” Wesley suggested to the group.

“Yeah it’s getting late, or gotten late.” Willow replied looking at her watch to see that it was already two am.

Everyone said their goodnights and retired to their respective rooms. Angel and Spike however went outside to get some un-needed fresh air. Being vampires they couldn’t take full advantage of the property during the day, so they walked the grounds at night. Even though they tormented each other daily, they seemed to have a bond, no nothing like the bond between the slayers, but a bond between vampires, the only vampires like them, the only souled vampires, whether that soul be forced or requested they were the same.

“So Peaches, what up with you and Cordy?” Spike asked taking his cigarettes out and lighting one.

“What?” Angel turned to look at the peroxide vamp.

“I said, what’s up with you and Cordy?” Spike replied with a sigh.

“No, I heard the question William, I meant what do you mean by it?”

“Well what I said, what’s up…..”

“Do not finish that.” Angel glowered.

“Ok, ok, keep your hair in place. I meant that when she woke up, you were all, yay and jumping around the place, but as times gone by you seem to be like, I don’t know, sorta avoiding each other.” Spike tried to explain his question between taking small drags from his burning cigarette.

“It’s complicated.” Angel bowed his head, he really didn’t want to be talking about his relationship with Cordelia, and he most certainly did not want to talk about it with Spike.

“Piffle.” Spike retorted.

Angel glared at Spikes comment, how the hell would he have any idea if it was complicated or not, he wasn’t there before, before Connor, before the higher being, before when it was just Angel, Doyle and Cordy.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Angel asked exasperated.

“It means, PIFFLE.” Spike raised his voice. “Way I see it, you love girl, girl love’s you, where the hell is the complication.” He stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Spike would you leave this please. What I feel and about who I feel it has nothing to do with you, so I’d appreciate it if you stayed out of my business.” Angel spoke advancing on the blonde.

“Ok Peaches, ‘sup to you, but I know what I see, and it’s about time you opened your bloody bollocking eyes and noticed it too.” Spike replied walking away from his Grandsire.

Angel stood and watched as Spike became smaller in the distance. “Thing is Spike I already have opened my eyes.” He stated quietly, he had seen what was in front of him, he knew that Cordelia loved him, he also knew that he loved her.

Everyone thought of Buffy as being his one true love, but that wasn’t the case anymore, sure he loved the blonde slayer deeply, but it wasn’t that ‘truly, madly, deeply’ kind of love anymore. He couldn’t allow anything to happen between him and Cordelia, as much as he wanted to, he couldn’t, he wanted her to have the kind of life he could never give her, he wanted her to be able to experience everything with someone, and he knew that he wasn’t that person, so he had chosen to step back, allow her the space to find someone else, someone who could give her everything he wanted so badly to be able to give her himself.

Sitting down by the old oak he looked up at the house, resigning himself once again to the fact that he would never be truly happy, he couldn’t be, it was his curse.

****

James began to come round again, this time he felt more comfortable, sure he was still in a lot of pain, but at least he felt warm this time. He could sense that he was in a bed, he tried to figure out where he was, his mind was fuzzy with the details of what had happened. He remembered waking up in the cell he had been in for who knew how long and that he was untied, he remembered trying to walk across town, then he remembered the sign.

“I made it.” He sighed, wincing slightly at the pain in his throat.

“James, James, are you awake?” Came the concerned voice of his friend.

Trying to open his eyes to the harsh light of morning he replied hoarsely “Yeah, drink?” He needed a drink his throat was screaming at him, it felt as though it was made purely from sand paper.

“Here, drink it slowly.”

James brought a shaky hand to the glass and tried to take a drink, he felt a strong hand take hold of his steadying the glass.

“Thanks. I can’t believe I made it.” He stated again, still not believing he had gotten away so easily.

“You’re safe now, you want something to eat?”

“No.” James answered firmly he turned to look at his friend and sighed. “Kriss, I have to tell you about what’s happening, coming here I could have put you in danger, but I need you’re help, I can’t do this alone.” He almost pleaded.

“James, I got you’re back you know that, now come on and tell me everything, I’m sure it’s not all bad.”

James raised his eyebrow, then winced in pain. He started to explain to Kriss all that he knew, he explained about the book and the diamond and how the demon clan already had the diamond.

“So where’s the book?” Kriss enquired.

“See that’s the thing, I’m the only living person who’s knows, my Dad gave it to me when he was being hunted down, he told me I had to keep it safe whatever happened. I didn’t realise it was this important, see he left me loads of other books too, I just assumed they were all alike.” He bowed his head in shame at not listening to his fathers’ words.

“Then where is the book, we have to get it, I know some people who could help.” Kriss stated hoping that the Slayer’s would help them, after all the book was the one that they had been searching for.

After telling James about the Slayers and having his agreement to ask for their help he left to make a few calls, Kriss turned to look at the young boy again, he had so many injuries he was hardly recognisable but somehow he had managed to survive the ordeal and make it out alive. However Kriss did not believe that it would have been that easy to escape, there had to be more to this, they had to be careful this smelt of a definite trap, and he for one did not want to be the one falling in head first.

******

Giles was woken by the shrill ringing of his cell phone, rummaging around he picked it up and notice the unlisted number, frowning he pressed the answer button.

“Hello?”

“Is this Rupert Giles?” Came the deep voice.

“Yes, yes this is he, to whom am I speaking?” Giles answered perplexed, he didn’t recognise the voice and only a very limited number of people had this number.

“Oh thank god, Rupert it’s Harskristas, I met your slayer’s the other night, I must say a little unconventional having vampires as allies.” Kriss chuckled a little.

“Kriss? Is that really you, we all thought you had been killed.” Giles stood and began to pace, he couldn’t believe that what his slayers had said was actually true.

“Oh come on Ripper, you know me better than that.”

“It’s Rupert or Giles now, and yes I suppose I do know you better.” Giles remarked thinking back to the times when he, Ethan and some others including Kriss had caused some major upset in the council when they were younger. “So how did you get this number, what’s wrong, have you found the book?” He went into full watcher mode.

“Wait up Giles, I’m getting there, you’re number was easy, I’ve still got a few reliable contacts from the old council, nothing is wrong, yet anyway, and yes I think I may have located the book you’re looking for, but it’s a delicate situation, can we meet, only I don’t like conducting business over the telephone.” Kriss completed Giles’ list of questions.

“Yes, yes of course we can meet, where and when?” Giles was already taking the cap off his pen ready to make a note of the details.

*****

Gathering everyone together after breakfast Giles explained about his telephone conversation. Everyone was excited about the possibility of retrieving the book, but they were also a little apprehensive, well since when did anything ever go smoothly for them.

“So what time are we meeting Kriss?” Buffy asked the watcher who was currently cleaning his glasses.

“Well ‘we’ are not, I am, we can’t risk anyone finding out about this meeting, and the last thing we need is for the slayer’s to be seen talking to Kriss, he told me that his source had come to him for help but he was convinced there was a trap.” Giles replied hoping that Buffy would allow his plans.

“Oh, ok, if you’re sure you don’t need us, but you make sure you let us know if anything goes down ok.” Replied the blonde, she was a little upset that Giles didn’t want her to go to the meeting, but she trusted his judgement, if he believed there could be a trap then she wasn’t going to willingly put anyone in danger, not until they had more facts anyway.

“Every one else agreed?” Giles asked the rest of the group, to which he had a chorus of ‘yeah’s’ and ‘fine with me’s’. “Ok then, I have to meet Kriss at three this afternoon, he told me that he would explain more then.”

“Right, well the rest of us should get back to research, we still don’t know who wants to use this book or exactly what the book does, so I suggest we try and find out, even if we do locate it we may have to destroy it and we’ll need to know how.” Angel offered, he also wasn’t happy about the watcher going it alone, but he knew that Giles could take care of himself.

Readying themselves for another day at the books the gang moved around the library getting settled into their little work groups. The only two that were excused from research were Kennedy and Faith, and that was only because they drove the others crazy with their constant fidgeting and complaining, so they had the pleasure of training the SIT’s for the day.


*****

After a fruitless morning of research Giles readied himself for his meeting, he had placed a small knife in the breast pocket of his jacket as well as a few stakes. Roaring down the drive he left in plenty of time to be able to survey their meeting place.

Arriving at the small café Giles pulled up and parked his car so he would be able to see it from the café, stepping out and ensuring he locked it he made his way over to the café, stepping in he quickly surveyed the other customers inside and also the small selection of free tables. Spotting the table he thought would be most suitable he went and sat down, he chose the seat where he could see most of the café but most importantly he could see both the front door where the patrons entered and the rear door that seemed to be in use as a fire escape.

Ordering himself a coffee he sat back and waited for his old friend to arrive.

*****

Klee had been pacing his room for the last hour, the boy had escaped yesterday and as yet there had been no word. He was getting frustrated, he had requested three minions to go for the simple reason that at least one of them could come back and report what was happening, just as he was about to leave the room there was a knock at door.

“Come.” He called.

“Sir, the boy has stopped moving, we have his location and have men posted keeping watch for any movements.”

“G we’ we’re close I can feel it.” Klee remarked rubbing his hands together.

****

Kriss walked down the street, he kept looking around him for signs of anyone following him, he called into stores that he didn’t need to just to try and blend into the crowd. Taking one last look around he entered the café and quickly spotted Giles sitting at one of the tables.

“Giles, it’s good to see you again.” He greeted holding out his hand.

Giles looked up at the face that had not seemed to change from their younger days, yes there were signs of aging even though Kriss was a demon he could not hold the form of a human for long unless he took on the characteristics. Raising from his seat and taking hold of the offered hand he greeted his old friend.

“God Kriss it’s good to see you again.” Giles shook his hand rapidly squeezing tightly as if making sure that the person in front of him was real.

“Giles man, let go, you got a hell of a grip on ya.” Kriss chuckled, he could understand Giles’ reaction to him, he knew that the council on the whole thought he was dead, there were only a handful of council members that knew he was alive, and some of them had been killed when ‘The First’ had decided to try and break free.

“Ah, sorry, it’s just so good to see you, you have to tell me what has happened since we last saw each other, how did you survive?” Giles began rambling.

“We can discuss that again, I need your help now, so if we could get down to business I don’t know how much time we have.” Kriss stated nervously.

Giles had never seen Kriss nervous about anything, he was the one who would be confident throughout each battle with evil they had encountered, and to see this reaction was rather unsettling for Giles.

“Yes, yes of course Kriss, tell me, tell me everything you know.” Giles offered with a supporting smile.

They sat for at least another hour, Kriss relayed everything to Giles, he explained all that he knew of James and his father, Giles was shocked to learn that James’ father was Thomas Gordon, he had gone through the Watcher’s Academy with Thomas and was saddened to learn of his demise at the hands of ‘The First’, yet another of his friends slaughtered.

Kriss explained that Thomas had recovered the book around ten years ago and with some research he had learned how dangerous it would be if it fell into the wrong hands. Thomas had kept the book himself, as he did not trust the superiors of the Watcher’s Council, when the Bringers were reported to be closing in on him he had left the book along with many others with his son and fled. The Bringers did as he suspected and followed him leaving his son and his possessions alone he was killed no more than two days after.

James had managed to keep everything in order, mainly due to the fact the Thomas had set up emergency plans should anything ever happen to him. But one day he had been kidnapped by the demons who were looking for the book, at first he didn’t know what they were talking about, but over the time they had basically told him what was in it. He had recognised the symbol that emblazoned the front of the book as the same symbol that was set in the back of the robes that the demons wore, he had kept it’s location from them and managed to escape, but he didn’t have the strength to try and retrieve the book himself so he had gone to Kriss for help and now Kriss was here asking for Giles’ help along with the Slayers.

“I have to say that’s a lot to take in, but I can say here and now that yes we will help you and James, but we will need more information, here’s the address of the house, get James there as soon as possible, he’ll be safe there and for the time being close up the club, you’ll have to be with us on this one and James would probably be grateful for a friendly face, especially with what he’s been through.” Giles quickly handed Kriss a piece of paper with the address of the Slayers home.

“Thank you Giles, I’ll bring him as soon as I can, I have to sort a few things out first.” Kriss replied with a warm smile.

“Of course, but if there are any problems, any, you contact me immediately, I’ll see you soon Kriss, and I don’t think that I have to say ‘stay safe’ do I?” Giles smiled.

“No that you don’t Giles, that you don’t.”

Giles stood and saying farewell left the café once again checking around him for any signs of suspicious activities. Getting into his car he started the engine and began the short journey home.

*****

The house was a hive of activity by the time Giles returned, the SIT’s were located all around, some were reading up on demons others were listening to Dawn as she explained about some of the demons that her sister had fought.

The LA group had taken up residence at the oak table in the library, along with Anya and Andrew. Xander had been showing Buffy and Faith the basement that was now finished, he had installed a large weapons cage containing a wide array of weapons including some from the army, when Faith had asked what the hell were they for he had simply replied, ya never know who’s gonna ‘judge’ you, to which Buffy rolled her eyes and Faith became even more confused.

He had also installed some gym equipment, some weight machines as well he uhe usual treadmills and bikes, there was a large area cordoned off for sparring with a crash mat covering almost the entire area but leaving just enough room for a few benches so that people could observe.

“Wow Xand, this is amazing, I’ve been wondering what the hell you been doing.” Faith congratulated him on a job well done.

“Why thank you Faith, I think.” He joked.

“Yeah Xander this is great, I mean we can really get the girls into training now, and we don’t have to worry about what time of day and the weather and stuff, I never realised how big it was down here.” Buffy offered wide eyed at the large expanse now designed perfectly to suit their needs, she was stunned when she noticed the targets at one end of the room that could be used for crossbow training and stake throwing, and her mind was being filled with all the possibilities. She was taken out of her reverie when she heard Willow calling from the library to say that Giles had arrived.

Making their way back up the stairs they made their way to the meeting that was due to take place the moment they arrived.

*****
TBC
*****


Ok, you all know the drill, if you can take the time to offer your thoughts on this i would grately appreciate it.

Thanks once again