Genesis

A/N: Well here's another one for you all. i hope you enjoy it.

Dedication: You've enspired me, you'll see what I mean.

Feedback: Please, please let me know what you think, I know nothing much has happened lately, but i still need to know if you're liking it.

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Chapter 32

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Klee exited his lair and made his way towards the great hall, he was expecting his Masters soon. The first ritual was being performed tonight and he had to make sure that everything was in its place.

He was concerned how his Masters would react to the fact that he had let their prisoner escape, but he was sure that when he explained his plans to them they would understand, after all he knew exactly where he was so there was no fear of losing him and the fact that this was the only way left to get the book.

Entering the great hall he surveyed everything, the altar was already covered with the many artefacts that would be needed, the area was ablaze with candles casting an eerie glow around everything.

The walls had been meticulously decorated with varying mystical signs, each one with its own reference to the ritual to be performed and the coming rituals. Looking beyond the altar Klee smiled at the sign decorating the end of the hall, it was the same one thhey hey sported on their robes, and the same sign that was etched into the leather bound book that he was desperate to find.

Satisfied that everything was ready and in order he left to prepare for the arrival of his Masters and the impending ritual.

*****

Once again the library was quiet, each occupant sat in quiet contemplation waiting to be told the result of Giles’ meeting. Buffy was sat on Faith’s lap while the brunette had her arms placed protectively around the petite blonde.

“The look on his face, I’d say that it ain’t good news.” Faith whispered.

“Yep, I’d have to agree, but since when did we ever get good news?” Buffy turned her head slightly to look at her lover.

“Hey, come on babe, we’ll find out what’s going on, we’ll kick some butt, and before you know it we’ll be doing the victory dance again.” Faith finished with a lopsided grin, trying to get her girlfriend to relax a little. She knew the threat that lay over their heads was a big one, but Buffy was feeling so tense at the moment that Faith was beginning to get a bad feeling.

“I know, its just, I’m getting a little old for all of this worry.” Buffy smiled a little.

“I get what ya mean, but you got me now remember and all those girls out there, you’re not alone anymore, I just wish you could see that.”

“I do see it baby, and I’m so happy that I have you with me to take some of this, its just, well it’s just a little hard to get used to.” She replied caressing her lovers face.

“Well ya better get used to it, cos I promised I aint going anywhere, and for once in my life I mean it with everything I am.”

Buffy’s smile widened at her lover, she knew Faith had changed so much from when they first met, she couldn’t believe sometimes that the woman holding her was once her enemy, she liked this side of Faith and part of her wished that she had seen this before, it would have saved them a lot of heartache.

“Ok everyone, I suppose I had better tell you what I know.” Giles spoke interrupting Buffy’s thoughts.

Turning her attention back to her watcher she snuggled a little deeper into the brunettes hold.

“Alrighty watcher man, lets have it.” The blonde smirked at Giles’ expression of her calling him ‘watcher man’.

“I see you’ve been spending a little too much time with Faith.” Giles chuckled, he definitely believed that Faith was having a good effect on his slayer.

She was considerably less uptight about everything lately, he liked it, he could see that Buffy was beginning to fully accept who she was, and now was able to combine both parts of her, he had been noticing that she separated the slayer from Buffy less and less, it was as if she was finally allowing herself to become whole, and believed that was mostly due to the brunette currently nuzzlat tat the blondes neck.

“Right back to it then, Giles what did Kriss have to say for himself.” Wesley offered trying to get this meeting underway.

“Yes of course.” Giles took off his glasses and cleaned them, gathering his thoughts together he began.

He explained all that Kriss had told him, everything about James and the book and about James’ father being a watcher, and one of which they could trust. He explained what he now knew of the book and that he had instructed Kriss to bring James to them as soon as possible, for safe keeping.

“So when are we expecting them?” Willow asked

“I’m not sure, Kriss said he had some things to take care of first, but I would expect within the next day, he is very worried about James.” Giles offered.

“Ok I’ll go get a couple of rooms ready for them.” She replied standing, holding her hand out for her girlfriend. Kennedy looked up and took the offered hand following her lover out of the library.

“I suppose this means no research for the rest of us?” Anya asked hopefully.

“Well there’s nothing more we can do tonight, so I guess not. Perhaps we could all do with an early night, get some rest, I think this is going to be our last chance for a while.” Giles concurred.

****

As soon as Kriss had left the small café he made his way back across town, he kept his eyes and ears open to ensure that he was not being followed. Entering his club he called the bar tender to the office.

“Harvey, I have to leave town for a while, I can’t explain anything, but I’m leaving the club for you to run, you know what you have to do?” Looking expectantly at his friend.

“Sure Kriss, I’ll keep everything under control, I aint gonna ask any questions, but I’ll just say be careful ok.” Harvey replied, he had known Kriss for many years now, he knew of his involvement with demon hunting and had been involved in some of the battles that had been fought. He knew not to ask questions, the less he knew the less he could tell anyone.

“Thanks Harvey, I’ll keep in touch.” Kriss shook Harvey’s hand and left the club, making his way back to the apartment.

Taking an indirect route he soon reached his apartment, checking around once again he entered.

“James, James, its me, are you awake?” He called as he entered.

“Yeah Kriss, I’m in here.”

“Hi, I spoke to Giles, he said they’ll help.” Kriss said entering the bedroom.

“We can trust him?” James asked, he didn’t know who this Giles was, sure he knew of the Slayer but not everything in great detail, his father had been sketchy on a few things, and had to run before he could tell James anymore.

“Yes James, we can trust him, he went through the academy with your father.” Kriss assured him.

“He has asked me to take you to him, they have a large home that they are apparently using as a new base for the Slayers.” Kriss began to explain the plan. “The rumours that we have been hearing about the Slayer’s being activated, is true. There was this big fight with The First Evil, they managed to beat him down, and in the meantime activate every living Slayer.”

“Wow.” James exclaimed.

“So yes we can trust them, and I know we’ll be safe with them. We have to move quickly, we have to get to them before anyone finds you. I’m not convinced that you weren’t followed, it was way too easy for you to escape.”

“Yes I know, I’ve been on edge ever since you left, I feel like someone is watching me all the time.” James spoke worriedly.

“It’ll be ok James, but we have to get to the Slayer’s.” Kriss replied exiting the room to start packing everything that he thought he would need for a while.

*****

Klee checked the mirror one last time, satisfied with his appearanceonceonce again made his way to the great hall.

Entering through the large doors he saw others already gathering to pay witness to the forthcoming ritual. There was a group of around twenty demons stood in a circle around one of the intricate mystical signs, they stood with their hoods covering their bowed heads.

Klee listened and could here the soft chant coming from the group, he smiled knowing that the ritual was soon to begin, they were ready, walking across the great hall Klee took his place at the left side of the alter and waited for his Masters.

Morgath and Morette entered the great hall only a few minutes after Klee, they were both impressed that their minions had managed to obey all of the specifics of the ritual, each individual sign had been meticulously hand painted and each looked perfect.

Walking across the great hall Morgath produced the Viascon diamond. He made his way to the alter and observed the intricately woven basket, it was an amazing piece, made from solid gold, placing the diamond in the centre of the basket he took his place on the right side of the alter.

Morette witnessed her partner placing the diamond in the basket and called for everyone’s attention. It was time, the ritual was to start, she was to take on the essence of the diamond.

Everyone gathered in orderly lines readying themselves for their Mistress to begin the ritual. They watched as she produced a large ornate dagger from her cloak, listening intently as she began to recite.

Morette place the blessed dagger on the alter and reached for the diamond, lifting it up she showed its beauty to the waiting minions, reciting once again this time louder than before she kept hold of the diamond.

The minions who were honoured to be part of this ritual watched in rapture as their Mistress held the diamond aloft. The many candles illuminating it, swirls of light began to flow around the great hall. They bowed their head as they saw the light begin to brighten, this time it was from the tiny grain held within the diamond within seconds the lighgan gan to fade once again and they watched as it was placed into the golden basket once again.

Morette picked up the dagger bringing it to the opposite hand drew it across her palm, she hissed quietly at the pain but continued. Holding her hand in a fist she moved it until it was placed over the diamond, speaking the practised words she watched as the blood ran from her wound and onto the diamond.

There was an air of silence around the great hall as each demon witnessed the spilling of blood, once again everything called for the essence of life.

Morette watched as the blood seeped over the diamond, she was amazed at how each drop had its place, as soon as the flow would hit the diamond it moved to a specific place and stayed there, none of the blood landed on the golden basket.

There were at least ten placed on the diamond now decorated with her blood, then everything seemed to stop. The blood that had been running from her palm had stopped. Looking intently at the diamond she watched as the ten spots of blood moved of their own volition towards the top, once there a soft glow came from the grain at its centre.

Gasping Morette watched as the blood seemed to melt into the diamond and move towards the grain, the grain began to glow brighter as the blood neared it. As soon as the blood ted ted the grain it was sent straight back up out of the top of the diamond and up into the wound on Morette’s hand.

Klee and Morgath moved quickly as they saw Morette begin to fall, catching her they laid her down gently.

“Moretty loy love, are you ok? Did it work?” Morgath asked hastily hoping that his partner was safe. Yes he wanted the same as Morette, he ed ted to be ruler, but not if that meant without her.

“Urrghh!” Morette moaned as her conscious made it’s appearance once again.

Opening her eyes slowly she was greeted by the concerned look in her lovers eyes, she smiled slightly at the sight.

“I’m ok, just a little tired, I think it worked but that ritual took a lot out of me, I need to rest.

“Yes of course, I’ll take care of you.” Morgath answered relieved that she was going to be ok. Lifting her from the stone floor he cradled her in his arms and made his way out of the main hall towards their accommodation.

******

Willow and Kennedy had been busy preparing two of the rooms for James and Kriss. They had taken two rooms on the second floor, at least that way they would be closer to the Scoobies if anything were to happen.

“This place is getting kinda crowded.” Kennedy stated after they had finished making the second bed.

“Yeah, I mean what with the arrival of the girls that Robin found and LA group and now a couple of strays, we should be a hotel.” Willow chuckled.

“Well I ain’t doing room service.” Kennedy pouted.

“Aw why not, I could just see you in a short skirt pushing a trolley.” Willow smirked.

“Oh you could, could you?” The brunette replied walking seductively towards her lover.

“Hmmm, and I’d give you an unforgettable tip.” Willow reached out and grabbed Kennedy by her pants and pulled her into a forceful kiss.

Shocked at first Kennedy didn’t respond, but as soon as her senses caught up with her she kissed back with just as much force, it constantly surprised her that her lover could endure her slayer strength. Wrapping her arms around Willows back she drew her in even closer and began to trail kisses along her jaw to her ear.

“Baby, I think we better go upstairs.” She whispereskilskily.

Willow shuddered at the passion in her lovers voice, she could feel the heated breath coming in short pants from her young lover.

“I think you’re right, don’t wanna spoil our good work now do we?” Willow replied trying to move toward the door.

Exiting the room they made their way to the stairs, barely able to keep their hands to themselves. Reaching the stairs Kennedy turned quickly and picked Willow up and began to ascend them. Willow placed her arms around the young brunettes shoulders and nuzzled her face into the crook of Kennedy’s neck, inhaling deeply the scent that drove her wild she began to nibble at any available skin she could reach.

“Keep that up, … we ain’t gonna make it to our room.” Kennedy panted gripping hold of her girlfriend even tighter.

“Oh and why’s that?” Willow asked shyly.

“I, ah, I think you know why.” The brunette stumbled a little at the feeling of the soft lips against her skin.

“Then I’d walk quicker if I were you, cos I aint stopping.” Willow whispered huskily then began to run her tongue around the shell of her lovers ear.

Taking a much needed deep breath and ensuring she had a good grip on her lover Kennedy began to run the rest of the way to their apartment, all the while trying to ignore the sensations running through her body that were being created by her lovers mouth.

Reaching the apartment door Willow reached out with one hand and swopenopen the door. Kennedy walked in quickly and kicked the door closed, turning she dropped the red head and pushed her forcefully against the closed door.

“Hmmm feisty, have I mentioned I love it when you’re feisty.” Willow husked.

“Once or twice.” Kennedy wiggled her eyebrows.

Taking the red head’s hands in hers she lifted them until they were placed above their heads, and began to kiss and sut het her exposed neck. Willow gasped as her lovers teeth grazed over the sensitive skin and threw her head back allowing greater access.

The brunette pushed her strong body against her lover practically pinning her to the door, she forced her thigh between her lovers and began to rock into her.

“Oh god, Ken.” Willow panted.

Just as Kennedy stepped back a little to begin removing Willows clothes she noticed her lovers eyes were glowing almost emerald. Staring in wonder she watched as her lover seemed to lose focus for a moment and then began to tumble forward.

“Will? Willow, what’s going on?” She asked concerned gently lowering her lover to the ground. The red head had seemed to just space out on her and it scared her a little.

“Whoa, head rush.” Willow giggled.

“Baby?” Kennedy asked brushing some loose hair from her lovers face.

“We need to get everyone back to the library, this ain’t good.” The witch began to rise, she stumbled a little but was grateful when she felt the strong arms of her lover help her to stand.

“What happened Will?” The brunette asked again.

“Lets just say, we have less time than we thought.”

******

Cordelia had been talking to Faith and Buffy when she felt the impending vision, clutching her head she lurched forward. Faith moved quickly and caught her friend just before she introduced her nose to the hard floor.

“Cordy?” Buffy spoke walking closer to them.

“Damn visions, ya think they could make em less goddamn painful.” The ex cheerleader responded with disdain.

“What you see Cor?” Faith asked trying to help Cordelia back to her feet.

Ruffling in her ets ets for her painkillers Cordelia looked at Faith then Buffy.

”I think we better call a meeting.” She looked worriedly at the two.

“Ok I’ll get the others.” Buffy left the two brunettes and began to rally everyone.

On her way dohe hhe hall to get Xander and Anya she met Kennedy coming out of her apartment.

“Hey Ken we need to get everyone to the library.”

“Hey Buffy we need to get everyone to the library.”

They both blurted out as soon as they saw each other.

“Huh? How do you know?” Buffy asked surprised.

“Willow, I’m not sure but something happened, she told me to get everyone together.” She looked a little worried.

“Oh is she ok?” Buffy asked concerned for her best friend.

“Yeah she’s good. Why are you calling everyone to the library?” The brunette asked.

“Cordy had a vision.”

“Oh.” Kennedy replied, she wasn’t quite sure how Cordelia had visions or what they were like, but she was willing to accept anything these days, she had seen so much since she had met everyone back in Sunnydale.

“Right, then I suppose we better get everyone.” Buffy offered and resumed her trip down the hall towards Xander’s apartment.

*****

Kriss helped James into the back of his car and covered him with a blanket so that he would not be seen. He packed everything he could into the trunk and sat behind the wheel.

“You ready?” He spoke to the seemingly empty car.

“Yeah, lets get this over with.” Came the muffled reply.

Starting the engine and pushing the remote button he waited for the garage doors to open allowing him enough room to drive through. They had one stop to make on their way and then it was on to Slayer Central.

Kriss had driven all around town, not going in any particular direction, he was convinced that they were being followed but whenever he looked he could not see anything.

Reaching his first destination he honked the horn and waited, constantly surveying his surroundings he tapped his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel.

“Come on, come on.” He whispered looking toward the high rise building.

Checking the mirrors once again he noticed a brunette leave the building and make her way over to the car.

“So where we going this time?” She asked entering the car with a dramatic sigh.
mewhmewhere safe.” Was her only answer.

Moving away from the curb Kriss beganweavweave his way once again through the streets all the while checking for anything that seemed out of the ordinary.

About an hour later they arrived at the large ornate gates of Slayer central, using the intercom they gained access almost immediately.

Kriss started to drive up to the house when the car was stopped by some sort of invisible field. Looking aroanxianxiously he was surprised to see Giles walking toward him followed by a number of other people.

“Hello Kriss, I am sorry for this little interruption but it seems as though you are carrying a stow away.”

“Huh?” Kriss asked confused.

“What he means is that we were ready for you and a human and it seems as though you got another demon in tow.” Faith offered as way of explanation to his car coming to a strange stop.

“Oh that would be Ami here.” He pointed over at the passenger side of the car at the young brunette.

“Hi.” She waved at the many pairs of eyes staring down at her.

“Hi. So who’s she?” Faith asked abruptly not liking that this guy had brought another demon.

“She’s my daughter.” Kriss replied.

“Oh, well, I guess that’s ok then.” She stumbled a little embarrassed at her earlier arrogance.

“Willow, you can release them.” Giles turned to the red head who chanted a few words in a language none of them could recognise and released the barrier.

“Ok Kriss, take the car into the garage and Xander wshowshow you where to go, we’ll meet you inside, I’m afraid we have some bad news.” Giles spoke to his friend.

“When is it ever good news?” Kriss mumbled.

Everyone made their way back into the house and automatically went to the library. Anya and Andrew went to the kitchen to make some well needed coffee for everyone. It was going to be a long night.

The Scoobies and the LA crew were all sat quietly in the library waiting for the arrival of their guests.

Xander entered followed by Kriss who was supporting the still injured James, Faith stood quickly and went to James’ other side offering her support. James smiled at her and allowed her to wrap his arm around her shoulder manoeuvring him to the nearest chair.

Once James was seated Kriss turned to everyone in the room.

“Well, some of you already know me, but for those who don’t, I’m Harskristas, or more easily Kriss.” He bowed his head slightly. “This is James, and this is Ami my daughter.” He finished pointing at each of them as he introduced them.

“Hey Kriss, well you know me but I’m Buffy, this is Faith, Dawn, Willow, Kennedy, Angel, Cordelia, Wesley, and Spike, Xander you already know and Andrew and Anya are making some coffee, they’ll be back soon. And this is Giles.” As she spoke each persons name they offered a small hey and wave indicating which was which.

Spike was ing ing intently at Ami, she was quite small in stature and had quite piercing brown eyes, there was something about her, something he couldn’t quite place but he liked it what ever it was.

James had tried to focus on the many names and faced as they were called, he doubted that he would remember any of them but he was grateful that they all looked friendly.

Ami had been in this situation with her father before, every now and again he would get involved in something that was a little too big to handle by himself and they would have to run and go into hiding.

She glanced around the room at the many faces, they looked like a bunch of misfits and her senses were telling her that there was a powerful witch in the form of the little red head named Willow and that Spike and Angel were vampires, but some part of her was telling her that they had souls. She noticed that Spike was staring at her and wondered for a moment if she had grown a second head. Shaking off the feeling she continued to look around, she gasped as she caught sight of Dawn.

Buffy turned hearing the gasp from Ami and wondered what was wrong.

“Hey, you ok?”

“Yeah, um, I hope you don’t mind me asking but what are you?” Ami turned her question to Dawn.

“I’m ah, you can see me?” Dawn asked confused.

“Yeah, you’re all like shimmying and stuff.” Ami replied walking closer to the teen.

“Dawn’s the key, well one of them anyway.” Kriss answered his daughter.

“You can see me too?” Dawn asked a little concerned.

“Yes I can see you, our kind can see through many mystical barriers, I can see you as human but I can also see the essence of power within you, and that is what Ami can see.” Kriss tried to explain.

“Oh.” Dawn stated a little shocked that someone sane could see her, so far it had only been the patients of the Pshyc ward that had been able to see her true form.

It concerned her a little, she knew she was the Key, this form of energy but she tried where possible to ignore it, forget about it put it on hold. But every time she managed to push it away just a little it came back. And now this diamond that held the grain, another key, were they of the same origin, what power did they hold? Were they only made for chaos and destruction?

Buffy could see the deflated look in her sisters’ eyes, she knew what Dawn was thinking the same thing started going through her mind as soon as Ami had spoken. Once again they were reminded that Dawn was first and foremost the Key, no matter how much Buffy wanted her to be normal, she never really would be.

Walking over and talking Dawn’s hand in her own she squeezed gently reassuring the young brunette that everything would be ok. Dawn smiled in gentle thanks for her sisters’ immediate support.

“Right then shall we get things underway?” Giles asked the group.

“Yeah, come on everyone, lets get this thing started.” Cordelia announced motioning to everyone to take a seat.

*****

Once Morgath had settled Morette in her room, he left to find Klee. They had been told of James’ escape and neither of them were happy about it. Navigating his way through the underground tunnels he arrived at Klee’s room, and entered not bothering to knock.

“Klee tell me exactly what you think you are doing.” He demanded.

Rising to his feet and bowing his head quickly at his master, he cringed at the tone in which he was being berated.

“Sir, I understand that you and M’lady are concerned, but really this is the only way.”

“Only way? Only way? Klee are you mad, we had him here and you let him go, how are we going to get the book now?” Morgath asked with exasperation, he and Morette had searched for almost three hundred years for the diamond and the book.

They had tracked down both in that time, but they had been eluded every time. They had managed to track the diamond over the last ten years, the book however had been more difficult. It had been lost to them for almost seventy years, that is until word had spread of it’s discovery. Spending the last five years moving from continent to continent they finally traced it to the Americas, almost having it in their grasp it’s keeper had been chased out of town. Luckily they had found out some personal information about it’s keeper and using that knowledge they had caught James in the hope that they would get the books location.you you can imagine how enraged he and his partner had felt learning that their trusted servant had let him go.

“Sir, please let me explain.” Klee pleaded, noting the silence he continued. “Sir, we were getting nowhere with the interrogating, the boy had almost died twice from the beatings that were bestowed on him. There was really no othay, ay, we have to get him to lead us to the book, he would befobefore he gave us the information.” Klee stopped waiting for his master’s reaction.

“Go on.”

“We followed him, I have men positioned and will track his every movement. He is currently at an apartment building downtown. I have my men reporting back with any new information, they have been instructed to watch and follow only. I do not want them ruining things by going in too soon.” Sitting back down he took a well needed breath. “So you see Sir, letting the boy go is the best way, we do not have time to wait fom tom to die of his injuries because trust me, he had way more balls than we ever gave him credit for.”

“I see.” Morgath answered furrowing his brow. “I want you to report directly to me on any new information, I do not want to worry Morette any more than is necessary.” He turned to exit the room. “Oh, and Klee, if this ‘plan’ of yours should fail, I will personally see to it that you suffer much more pain than that boy ever had.”

Watching as his master left the room Klee let out a long sigh, he had known that his master’s would not be happy about the situation but there was no other way, he just hoped that everything would be ok, he did not want to think about what would happen to him if all this failed.

*****

Giles had explained everything that they had found out, he had let Cordelia explain her vision that had contained some detail of the ritual that had taken place. Willow had confirmed the feeling that had washed over her was as if there had been a major shift of power across the earth.

The small amount of information that they had managed to get only told them that there would be three rituals in all, the last one was to be held in ten days time. They had no idea who was attempting to bring about the apocalypse and they had absolutely no clues as to where the demons were.

Waiting for everyone to finish explaining all that they knew, James sat quietly absorbing the information and taking in the people in the room. He had been nervous of trusting these people at first, even though his father was a watcher and he knew of the Slayer, he did not know everything.

Quentin Travers had done enough in the past to ensure that James could not trust just any council member. His father had introduced him to a smattering of watchers that could be trusted, and also some demons, that is how he knew Kriss. It was a few years ago when the book was recovered that James and Kriss had been introduced.

Looking around the room again he noticed that all eyes were on him, he knew this was his part, he had to remember all that he knew and all that he had gathered while being held prisoner.

“Well I suppose I had better start from the beginning.” He looked over at Kriss who gave him a reassuring nod.

“A few years ago, Dad, was given information about the Book of Zirex. He had bartered well with the demon who had it and had kept it safe ever since. When the Council Head Quarters had been destroyed and he learned of The First’s plan. He knew that the Bringers would soon be after him, he left many of his possessions with me and fled.” Pushing down the anguish he still felt over his fathers brutal murder he continued.

“He was murdered not long after. Anyway I didn’t know exactly what it was that my father had left me, sure there sre some of the usual demon reference books and some watcher’s diaries, I didn’t realise that the Book of Zirex was of such great importance. I was still young when the trade had taken place and Dad was still teaching me about the Slayers and demons and magic and all other things supernatural when he had to flee for his life, a lot of good that did him.” James bowed his head a little wishing that he had been able to help his father more, perhaps he would still be alive.

“James you wouldn’t have been able to protect him, you would have been killed right along with him. There wouldn’t have been anything you could have done.” Dawn offered a little encouragement at the battered and bruised young man in front of her.

“Thanks, but I just felt so helpless.” James looked over at Dawn and smiled a little in appreciation of her support.

“Well tell us what you know of the demons, you obviously know where the book is, but what about demons, who are they? Where are they?” Dawn encouraged James to continue, he may not have been able to save his father’s life, but that didn’t mean he was completely useless.

“Well I’m not sure exactly where they are, you see they knocked me out when they first took me prisoner, I just woke up tied in a cell. And to be honest when I managed to get out of there I was in so much pain I wasn’t really paying attention to my surroundings. Sorry.” He answered dejectedly.

“Not to worry, I’m sure we’ll be able to locate them, now that the grain has been activated I may be able to do a location spell on it. It may not work out exactly cos well the energy that’s floating around at the moment is all like I don’t know how to explain, but like mixed up.” Willow began to babble again.

“What about the book?” Faith asked. “I mean surely there must be some information in that about everything, there can’t just be the script for the ritual.”

“You have a point Faith, I was hoping that we could leave the book in it’s present location as there would be a risk in moving it, but we may not have a choice in the matter any more.” Wesley spoke to the once rogue Slayer, he had seen a great change in Faith, sure he had not exactly gone to visit her or anything, but her determination in ensuring that Angel got his soul back had been proof to him that the raven haired beauty was definitely on the road of redemption.

“So what does everyone else think? Should we take a risk and get the book?” Faith asked the rest of the group.

It was silent for a few minutes while they all processed the information they had been given. Each of them trying to come up with a better plan, but none of them could, they had exhausted nearly all of their available texts and nothing more had come to light. Even the books from Wolf, Ram and Hart had not managed to add anything.

“Well I agree with Faith, there has to be more in that book, we have to get it.” Buffy agreed leaning into the brunette a little more, she was proud of the way that Faith had changed, she was beginning to open up and she was becoming more involved in the meetings.

“Yep, I have to say I’m drawing a blank on anything else.” Spike concurred.

Soon enough everyone in the room was in agreement that they had to retrieve the book, they were in a catch twenty two situation, they could leave the book where it was and hope that the demons wouldn’t find it in time or they could try to retrieve it in order to get more information, there was a risk however that by uncovering the whereabouts of the book that the demons could still get a hold of it. The only hope they had was that there would be information about how to stop the ritual if it was ever started.

******

After deciding that they would discuss a plan on how to retrieve the book in the morning a good nights rest was in order. Realising they had only prepared two rooms Willow and Kennedy offered to prepare another room for Ami, but Kriss had expressed a wish to stay with James in case he needed anything during the night, he was still severely injured and Kriss felt an amount of responsibility for the young boy.

Buffy and Faith helped James up to the second floor and into the room that had been prepared, setting him down on the bed they wished both him and Kriss a goodnight and continued on their way to Buffy’s apartment.

Dawn had to show Ami where she would be sleeping for the duration of her stay. She offered to help her unpack and settle in, she knew how awkward things could get when you were new to a place.

“So how long have you been human?” Ami blurted out, her curiosity over Dawn had been growing all night, she had been taking glances in her direction and was awed by the beauty that the energy held.

“Ah, well all my life really, I don’t remember a time before I wasn’t Dawn.” Dawn answered as best she could, she hated being reminded of what she really was, even though she didn’t quite ‘know’ herself.

“Sorry I don’t mean to pry, it’s just I’ve never seen anything like you.” Ami apologised realising that this subject obviously upset Dawn. “I just wondered how long yunno in real time that you’ve existed as a human.”

“It’s ok, it’s just hard yunno, the monks made me a little over two years ago, but I have all these memories, like I remember falling off my bike when I was five and Buffy running to help me. But in reality it didn’t happen.”

“Wow, like what about everyone else? Do they have the same memories?” Ami asked her curiosity beginning to peak.

“Well as far as I know they do. I mean me and Buffy sat down when she was resurrected, we talked for hours about some of the stuff that supposedly happened when we were kids, everything from birthday surprises to when Mom and Dad were getting their divorce.”

“Wow, that’s some major mojo they got going there.” Ami answered in awe.

“You could say that. The thing that gets me more though is that I don’t know what power this energy holds. Sure a Hell God wanted to use me as some sorta key, but what if this energy can do more, I mean what if all it was created for was death and destruction.” Dawn voiced her concerns she didn’t know why she was confessing these feelings to a complete stranger when she couldn’t even talk to her own sister about it.

“I don’t think you have to worry, from what I know of mystical energy it’s neutral, it only becomes good or depedepending on how it’s used.” Ami offered a little comfort, she could understand the teens concern.

She being a demon knew of the internal battles that would be fought in thinking one day you could turn to the dark side and destroy everything and everyone that you cared for in little more than a blink of the eye. But her father had made her understand that no matter who or what you were by birth, it was who you became during life that determined whether you would stand in the light or dark.

“Really, you mean that even though this energy stuff is in me, it can’t really do anything on it’s own.” Dawn asked intrigued.

“Well I’m not completely sure, but yeah I think so, I mean the energy is not only in you it is you. I see you as human but I can also see the energy glowing around you, it’s as if the energy is trying to project your image.” Ami tried to explain the way that she saw Dawn.

“Oh like a hologram?” Dawn enquired.

“I suppose for a better word yeah like a hologram.” Ami agreed. “And well if the energy was evil do you really think it would project you in such a good way.”

Dawn blushed a little at Ami’s comment, she hadn’t thought of it that way before. It kinda made sense to her in a way though, lifting her gaze back to the woman in front of her she smiled in thanks.

Once all of Ami’s things had been put away, the two chatted for a while Dawn had explained the battle with The First, and how they had all decided to continue with the Slayers and the Watchers. She had told Ami about Wood and his ever growing ‘Slayer Hunters’ as they were becoming known.

Ami was impressed, she would never of thought of Buffy as being so strong even if she was a Slayer, she was just so ‘small’. Dawn had laughed at that comment and warned Ami not to mention Buffy’s vertical disability. Ami had looked rather quizzical at Dawns analogy but Dawn clarified the fact that Buffy hated being called short.

It was getting pretty late so Dawn had decided it was time for herleavleave, she thanked Ami for talking about her being the key and for her thoughts on it.

Ami had also thanked Dawn for making her feel welcome, the two parted company saying that they would get together after the meeting and talk some more. Dawn really liked Ami, they had only just met but she felt a bond of some sort as soon as they started talking.

***
TBC
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Please lemme know what you think.