The Erlenmeyer Flask

Author's Note: Let me have a moment to introduce myself. I'm Jennifer, known as Faith to my friends as I live life easy and I party hearty. When I'm doing neither of those I'm either here on-line or in front of the screen watching the Buffster in action whooping un-dead ass *EG* ... This is my first piece of Fan Fiction and I have stuck my best mate who's still in the land of the cold (other wise known as England) as he's a great person and also the other half of the web editing team who wrote this site. The Erlenmeyer Flask is a tribute story to the X-Files created by Chris Carter .. The Truth Is Indeed Out There ....

Feedback: Yes please ... the more, the merrier

Spoilers: None

Distribution: Email me and it's all yours *S* .....

Character Pairings: Willow/Oz, Xander/Anya, Buffy/Faith

Anything Else: Thoughts are written in * *.

Starring (in alphabetical order): Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg Anthony Stewart Head as Rupert Giles Emma Caulfield as Anya Emmerson Eliza Dushku as Faith Adams Elizabeth Anne Allen as Amy Madison Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Anne Summers Seth Green as Daniel 'Oz' Osbourne

Guest Starring: Alexis Denisof as Wesley Whyndam-Price Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase David Boreanaz as Angel James Marsters as Spike

And Introducing: Edward Furlong as Patrick Giles

Prologue - Another Year Older ... Another Year Wiser

Giles opened his eyes and sighed as he saw the sight before him, outside the sky was overcast and rain was splattering on the window. Giles rubbed his eyes and turned his attention to his bedside clock to check the time, "Time to get up Giles." he said to himself. He stayed there for a few more moments before he threw the bed covers off him and got out of his bed wrapping his bed robe around him, then he slowly walked down stairs and into the kitchen. His attention was distracted momentarily as he heard a knock on his front door. "Just a moment," he said as he plugged in his kettle and walked over to the front door. When he opened it, he was greeted by the sight by Willow, who at seeing Giles gave a cheery little smile and a small wave. "Willow, do please come in out of the rain."

"Thanks," she replied as she entered Giles' apartment.

"You're up awfully early this morning," Giles said as he went back to making his morning cup of tea.

"Yep, I've come to see you."

This got Giles' attention, he turned around and looked at Willow, "Oh really, how can I help?"

"Well actually, it's not something you can help me with Giles." Willow said as she walked around and entered the kitchen, "I came to give you this." Willow stretched out her arm which was holding a small bag.

Giles took the bag and smiled at Willow. "Thank you," Giles said with slight confusion in his voice, "what did I do to deserve this?"

"Well," Willow said, "I believe it's something we like to call your Birthday!"

"Oh good grief," Giles said. With all hectic events that kinda of come hand in hand with living on the Hellmouth, little things like Birthday's become superfluous ... well Giles' birthday's anyway. "Err, thank you Willow, that's really kind of you. Let me err, just get dressed and then I'll open this."

"Okay Giles, and while you're getting dressed, I'll make you a Birthday cup of tea." Willow replied smiling as Giles walked past and up to the bedroom.

A short while later, and the whole of the Scooby gang was around Giles' place. Oz had turned up, then Xander and Anya had appeared along with Faith and Buffy. "This is truly fantastic everyone, I cannot thank you all enough." Giles said smiling.

"Hey, you more than deserve this Giles," Buffy said as she walked over to Giles and handed him a cup of tea.

"Absolutely," Faith said sitting on the couch, "I mean if it weren't for you we wouldn't have saved the world all those times."

"Hey Giles, who's the guy in the photo on the table?" Oz asked looking down.

"Oh that, yes," Giles said picking it up and passing it over to Oz. "That's a picture of my nephew, he's over in Oxford studying of all things to be a Watcher."

"A Watcher like you?" Willow asked. "Well obviously, as you know what kinda Watcher is there other than that of watching a Slayer and training her and Oz I thought we talked about you stopping me when I go into babble mode...."

"I think you look cute when you babble," Oz simply replied wrapping an arm around her waist and hugging her warmly.

"Well actually, there's more than one kind of Watcher." Giles said passing a reassuring smile at Willow. "His official title is Advisory Watcher. He researches information that Watcher's normally cannot get hold of, and he also reads up all those prophecies we like so much."

"Wow, running in the family, pretty cool." Xander said as Oz passed the photo to him.

"Yes, and apparently he's coming to Sunnydale."

"Cool," the gang said in unison.

"How comes?" Anya asked.

"Well I got a letter from our old friend Quentin Travers at the Watchers Council," Giles said with sarcasm as he mentioned Travers' name. "Apparently he felt that my nephew needed to take some time off as he's suffering from stress from over studying. He felt that coming here would do him the power of good."

"That's good Giles. We'll so help your nephew to relax here." Willow said.

"Absolutely," Buffy and Faith said looking at Willow.

"Actually Willow, I think you and he will get on really well together. From my last letter from him, he told me that he was practising magic."

"A Warlock?" Willow asked perking up at the news.

"Yes, indeed." Giles said.

"When will he arrive Giles?" Faith asked.

"Later on tonight, too bad the weather isn't pleasant for his arrival." Giles said looking through the window to see the rain steadily pattering against the pane.

Chapter 1 - It Can't Rain All The Time

* * * * * * * * * * Sunnydale, California, 8:18pm * * * * * * * * * *

The rain continued, like it had been doing so all day only this time with added thunder and lightning for effect, as the bus travelled down main street. Ahh yes, the comforts of public transportation with bits of discarded litter on the floor and the aromatic stench of urine filling the air. There are a good dozen or so people on the bus chatting or playing with their mobile phones, probably sending text messages to their friends but that didn't distract the man that was sitting at the rear of the bus all by himself. From outward appearances he looked in his mid-twenties, probably twenty-five but unusually there were already a few streaks of grey in otherwise dark red hair. He sat looking out of the window as people walked quickly through the streets desperately trying to avoid the rain.

"Why did I argue against getting a ride. Next time, I am so not taking the bus." the young man uttered to himself with a strong British accent. He turned his gaze once more upon the world outside and slowly became lost in his own thoughts.

"Last stop, Sunnydale bus depot." the driver called out.

That snapped the young man from his train of thoughts as he looked around to see people walking off the bus. He picked up his bags he had brought along with him and got off the bus himself. "Ahh, welcome to Sunnydale." he said to himself. "Doesn't seem all that sunny to me, but heck it is the evening after all." He looked around for a couple of seconds before he started to walk.

* * * * * * * * * * Restfield Cemetery, 8:38pm * * * * * * * * * *

"Oh man, this night is certainly slow," Faith said with mocking disappointment as both she and Buffy walked through the cemetery.

"Yep gotta agree with you on that, I'd definitely chalk this night up as yawn-worthy." Buffy replied as she twirled her stake in her left hand.

"Maybe the un-dead don't dig the bad weather either?" Faith joked as she looked up at the evening sky. The rain had died a little but the rumbles of thunder could still be heard nearby.

"Maybe we should just call it a night, what d'a say," Buffy said turning her gaze to Faith's direction.

"Sure, why not." Faith replied smiling. "Hey, I know. Let's go back, get showered and changed then we could nip over to Giles' to welcome his nephew into town. What d'a think?"

From a little way ahead of them they could hear the sound of muffled fighting. Buffy gave Faith a quick look and sighed, "Well not just yet. Looks like finally some action for the chosen two." With that they started running quickly to the sound of the fighting.

When they got there, both Faith and Buffy were stunned at the scene before them. Two vampires were attacking a young man, well I say fighting, they were more like losing badly. One of the vampires rushed the man, diving at his neck when suddenly he delivered a fierce roundhouse kick into the vampires' mid-section throwing him off balance. As the vampire was reeling from the blow the man quickly knelt down, picking up piece of wood that had broken from a nearby bench and jammed into the back of the vampire causing it to explode into a pile of dust.

The second one was a little trickier though, and wasn't going to give up his un-dead life so easily. He rushed the boy delivering a series of punches to the mans' head and chest finishing off with a roundhouse kick that knocked the man clean off his feet and to the foot of a nearby tree hitting his head against the thick trunk.. "You got guts boy," the vampire sneered. "Shame you aren't the Slayer."

"Hey, somebody's just said the magic word!" a voice echoed from nowhere.

The vampire looked around quickly trying to find the person who said that, and then he saw her standing a few feet away.

"Oh, I'm gonna enjoy killing you." the vampire said smiling broadly.

"Oh, I don't think so," another female voice stated, this time behind the vampire.

The vampire barely had time to speak as an arrow pierced it's heart and it exploded into dust. "Well, finally a little action," Faith grinned as she looked over at Buffy. They looked over and walked quickly towards the man who was still laying where he fell. He was barely conscious and was clutching his chest with his left hand.

"Hey buddy, you alright?" Faith asked as she approached, "I mean, can you walk?"

The man tried to speak but all he managed here a few inaudible groans.

"Come on, let's get him back to Giles' place so we can patch him up. At least we'll be out of the rain." Buffy said. They picked up some bags that were laying nearby then picking him up each by each shoulder, they carried him off back to Giles' apartment.

"What time did Giles say his nephew was arriving?" Faith asked.

"He said he'd be getting to his place for about ten-ish." Buffy replied smiling at Faith.

"Cool."

* * * * * * * * * * Rupert Giles Apartment, 9:05pm * * * * * * * * * *

Giles had spent the better part of two hours pacing backwards and forwards in his apartment waiting for his nephew to arrive. He knew he shouldn't have given in so easily when he offered to pick him up from the Airport, especially with this particularly dismal day they have had. His attention was broken when he heard frantic knocking on the front door which caused him to quickly walk over and open it quickly to them in. As he opened the door he saw Buffy and Faith carry the young man from the cemetery.

"Giles can we come in, this guy's getting a little heavy." Buffy spoke quickly.

"Good Lord," Giles uttered and ushered the three of them inside. As they got inside, Giles took the weight of the young man and carefully carried him over to the couch where he laid him carefully as not to disturb him.

"What happened?" Giles asked quietly as he walked over to the slayers.

"We were just finishing out sweep of Restfield when he heard fighting," Buffy explained as she put the man's bags on the floor.

"Yeah and the next thing we saw was this dufus trying to take two vamps single-handed." Faith finished off.

"But he did bag a vamps though." Buffy added.

"Well," Giles said looking at the young man, "he is able to protect himself you know."

"Well we saw that Giles, but ... err what d'a mean? Do you know him?" Faith asked quizzically.

"Err, this 'dufus' as you referred is Patrick Giles ... my nephew." Giles said returning his gaze to the slayers who stood almost dumb-founded.

"Err Giles, I'm sorry. You know I didn't mean that to be rude or anything." Faith said slightly blushing.

"No, it's quite alright Faith." Giles said with a smile. "Now why don't you two run along home, and I'll take care of him from here."

"Okay, goodnight Giles." Buffy and Faith said as they walked to the door.

"And girls," Giles said.

"Yeah," they replied turning around to face their watcher.

"Good work." he said with another smile.

"No probs," Faith said with a smile of her own. "See you tomorrow." The Slayers walked out of Giles apartment leaving him to tend to his nephew who was sleeping soundly on his couch.

* * * * * * * * * *

The following day seemed brighter than the previous which made Buffy smile as she made her way along to Giles' place with Faith and the rest of the gang in tow. They had spent a well earned Saturday afternoon down at the mall, the girls window shopping while Oz and Xander hung back and chatted to themselves, giving their reassurance to their respective honey's whenever they needed it for something or other. They reached his apartment as Buffy knocked on the door and a few moments later the watcher appeared and allowed them inside.

"Hey Giles," Buffy said as she made herself comfortable on his couch.

"Ahh, Buffy, Faith, good timing. I'd hoped you would visit today." Giles said sitting down along with the rest of the gang. "I must admit, I'm a little perturbed by the rather lack of vampires and demons we've been seeing recently."

"Well now you've put a jinx on it Giles," Xander said with mocking disappointment. "Now we'll be over-run with the un-dead."

"Yes well, quite. Be that as it may." Giles responded.

"How's Patrick?" Willow asked, "Buffy told us what happened last night."

"He's doing well thank you Willow. A few bruises but nothing permanent." Giles answered as he took off his glasses and cleaned the lenses with his handkerchief.

As if at that moment, Patrick walked in from the bathroom into the lounge where the gang were sitting and everyone's attention immediately focused on him. He didn't seem exactly like he was in the photograph they saw, he was maybe a couple of so years older and more physically built, and noone could avoid noticing the grey streaks that were in his hair.

"Hi there," he said tentatively giving a small wave to the group.

Faith was the first to break the silence, "How y'a feeling?"

"A little bruised but much better thank you." he said smiling. "Err, it was you two ladies who help me last night wasn't it? I was a little bit dazed." he finished a little hesitantly.

"That was us," Buffy said smiling.

"Here, why don't you sit while I make a pot of tea." Giles said as he got up from his chair. "Buffy, why don't you introduce the rest of the gang to him." Patrick walked over and sat in the now vacant seat as Giles walked over into the kitchen area.

"Well I'm Buffy and this here is Faith," Buffy began as she flashed a smile at her girlfriend.

"Cool," Patrick remarked smiling, "the chosen two eh. Your reputation precedes you."

"Really," Faith said smiling broadly. "Wicked cool."

"Over there," Buffy continued, "is my best friend from high school Willow and her boyfriend Oz." Buffy pointed over to the couple sitting close to one another holding hands like two loved-up people.

"How y'a doing," Willow said.

"Hey man," Oz simply said.

"And next to them is my other high school bud Xander with his ex-demon girlfriend Anya." Buffy finished.

"Welcome to vamp capital of the world," Xander said mockingly.

"I don't understand." Anya said looking at Patrick. "You wanted to rest, but you come here, to a place full of vampires and demons. Why?"

"Because this is where my uncle is," Patrick replied. "Besides I don't need peace and quiet to relax. Hold up," Patrick said as he pursed his finger to his lips. "You're an ex-demon. Your name wouldn't be Anyanka by any chance?"

"How did you know that?" Anya asked with genuine surprise on her face.

"Part of the business," Patrick simply replied as Giles returned with the tea and several cups.

"So Pat. Do you mind if we called you that? How long you staying here?" Faith asked.

"No that's cool," Patrick said smiling, "and I don't know how long. Probably as long as Uncle Rupert can stand to have me here I guess." he said as he started giggling.

"Please do me a small favour Patrick," Giles said as he found a place to sit on the couch.

"Anything," Patrick replied.

"Don't call me Uncle Rupert, it makes me feel older than I am. 'Giles' is good."

"Sure"

"Or 'G-Man'," Xander said flashing a cheeky grin.

"Oh please don't call me that," Giles said sighing making the rest of the group giggle.

"Are you really a practising magician?" Willow asked.

"Yep, for the past three years, but I haven't done anything in the past couple of months."

"Powerful?" Anya asked.

"Reasonably."

"For example?" Anya continued. From where Patrick was sitting, he could see that Anya had her 'interrogation' face on and wanted to know all about what he could do.

"Oh you know ... levitation, trans-mutation, teleportation."

"I was actually wondering why you stopped your magic training." Giles said as he placed his cup on the table. "Did you only just practice it whilst you were in training?"

"Well no not really," Patrick said. He paused for a moment as he took a sip from his cup. "It basically was because I was out of focus, you know from -- the stress and all that." he hesitated slightly. "And I found that when I did anything magic related it kind of had unexpected results." he finished quietly chuckling.

"Oh yeah? Like what?" Faith asked with interest.

"Well one weekend I wanted to get away from anything 'Watcher' related so I drove into the nearest forest and made camp for the weekend. On the first night I was building a fire and I decided instead of using a box of matches, I'd try my magic and conjure a flame to light the wood. But it didn't quite work out like that." He paused for a moment to take a final sip and then placed his cup on the table. "Instead of conjuring a flame I successfully managed to create a lightning bolt from a clear night sky which struck me where I stood."

There were silent gasps from the group as they tried to envisage the scene.

"How did you --" Xander stuttered, trying to find the words, "I mean surely, that could have killed you."

"It could have, but I found out at an early age that I healed quite quickly."

There were a few moments of silence as the information sunk into their minds.

Buffy broke the silence. "How could you of -- I mean, no offence but you're a man. You can't be a Slayer!" All eyes that were previously focused on Buffy quickly darted around to Patrick as they realised what he DID actually say.

"No offence taken -- No I'm not a Slayer -- And actually there are male slayers in operation."

"Male Slayers?" Giles said, a very surprised at hearing that. In all his years as Watcher, he'd never seen any male watchers. "How many?"

"Aahh I don't really know." Patrick said shaking his head slowly. "From last I remember there were like a couple of thousand ..."

"Couple of thousand" the group repeated together.

"Bearing in mind that there are like over six billion people in the world, a couple of thousand isn't all that much really."

"Very true." Oz spoke for the first time since they arrived. "Did the Council want to make you a Slayer though? Considering your ability for fast healing and all."

"They suggested it at first, but they found out that I had a knack for researching information. Like as if they could ask me anything and the information would just come to me."

"Cool."

"Yeah, but I still trained in weaponry as if I were a Slayer."

"So what, you're like a combo 'Slayer/Watcher'?" Faith asked.

Patrick thought about it for a couple of seconds. "I suppose you could call me that, for lack of a better description Faith."

"Cool."

The group spent most of the day and the afternoon hanging around Giles' apartment and chatting about anything and everything, but mostly finding out about Patrick.

* * * * * * * * * *

Buffy and Faith left later on that evening to patrol while Willow, Oz, Xander and Anya took Patrick out to experience the Sunnydale night life, specifically The Bronze ... let's face it, there's not much of a night life in Sunnydale as it's generally reserved for the un-dead.

Buffy and Faith take a leisurely stroll through one of the many cemeteries that are dotted throughout the town, there hasn't been much vamp activity these past few days and usually gave the slayers a wiggins.

"So what d'a think of Pat, B?" Faith asked as she twirled her stake in her hand.

"Oh, he's pretty okay. Sounds like he can take care of himself in a fight," Buffy replied.

"Just think," Faith continued, "if he were a slayer, we could be the Chosen Three in Sunnydale!"

"You'd want him to stay here?" Buffy suddenly asked turning to face Faith.

There was a couple of moments silence before Faith replied. "Are you jealous of him B? Do you think he fancies me or something?"

At the sound of that Buffy's jaw dropped to the floor in surprise, but in a way Faith was right she was a little jealous. "Do I need a reason to be?"

"No way, you know you're the only one for me Buff and you know it."

Buffy stopped and looked at Faith. "Prove it to me," Buffy said.

Faith moved close to Buffy so they were standing nose to nose. "I ..." **kiss** "...Love..." **kiss** "...You." **kiss**.

From behind Faith they heard the low growling noises which meant vampires approaching. Faith and Buffy broke the kiss and turned to face the approaching vamps, stakes at the ready. The first vampire charged Faith but she simply side-stepped him and he quickly ran into Buffy's stake dusting him immediately. Faith ran over to the second vampire and swiftly brought her knee up to his mid-section followed by a right hook which knocked his backwards and hit the tree impailing him on a branch through the heart. Buffy watching what was happening forgot about the last vamp which did a running tackle, knocking her to the ground. He sat on her chest and pinned her arms down by his legs while he started punching her.

"The day is nearing," the vampire snarled, "he is coming, the first will appear to us and you cannot stop him --" His speech was cut short as Faith staked him through his heart covering Buffy in his remains.

"Nice timing there hon," Buffy said smiling up at Faith.

"As always B," Faith said as she reached down and help Buffy to her feet. "What was he on about?"

"Dunno, something about the first returning," Buffy said brushing the dust off her clothes.

"The first," Faith said thoughtfully. "The first evil?"

"I don't know. Something for Giles to figure out." Buffy said.

"Finally some action," Faith said with a grin. "Let's go to the Bronze, I'm feelin' hungry."

* * * * * * * * * *

The Bronze was crowded as usual and the Dingoes were playing on stage. The gang sat in their usual place, Willow was watching Oz play on stage, Xander and Anya dancing and Patrick sat quietly next to Willow eating and watching the band.

The band finished the song and Willow turned and looked at Patrick sitting next to her. "How you liking the Bronze, Patrick?"

"It's a pretty cool place." Patrick said looking at Willow.

"Yeah, there's not much really happening here in Sunnydale so the Bronze is usually the only place to be."

"I never thought to ask, how long have you been practising magic?" Patrick asked.

"Oh, not that long," Willow replied., "Only a couple of years. Although there was this girl I knew in High School who was pretty powerful, but she err got changed into a rat."

"A-ha." Patrick simply said.

"It happened a while back. I've tried to change her back, but I haven't had any luck. Hey I just thought, maybe you can de-rat Amy."

"Maybe we could."

"Tomorrow? I could bring Amy over to Giles' place and we could try it."

"Sure, okay." Patrick turned his head to take in another view of the Bronze and in the distance spotted Buffy and Faith entering the club.

"Hey Pat, having a good time?" Xander asked as he and Anya came over from the bar both carrying something to eat.

"Yeah Xand, it's pretty cool." Patrick replied.

"Hey guys," Willow said as Buffy and Faith got near to the gang, "How'd it go tonight?"

"Hey Red, pretty good." Faith replied. "Dusted three vamps tonight."

"And there's an evil brewing." Buffy finished.

At that point the rest of the scooby gang silently groaned at the news.

That was the last Buffy and Faith spoke about what happened that evening and spent the rest of that night dancing and having fun with the rest of the gang.

* * * * * * * * * * Giles Apartment, 10:30am * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy and Faith sat on Giles' couch telling him what had happened on last nights patrol. Oz, Willow, Xander and Anya had not arrived yet and Patrick was in the bathroom.

"You know, this could mean the return on the First Evil," Giles said making tea.

"Yeah, that's what we thought," Faith said looking over at Giles.

Patrick came out of the bathroom and over to the lounge. "Hmm, I can't help to hear but what you said, doesn't really sound like the First Evil."

"Why do you say that?" Buffy asked.

"Well you said he, 'he is coming'. The First Evil isn't a person so why would a vamp say that."

"What do you think it could mean then Patrick?" Giles said as he came over with the tea and some cups.

"In some texts it does make reference to The First being the first vampire ... well actually the last vampire that walked the Earth before mankind came along."

"You mean Dracula? I thought he was a myth." Faith said with a little shock in her voice.

"Well no not Dracula, though he wasn't a myth. Unlike vampires that you see now the first was pure vampire ... more stronger, powerful."

"Do you know anything about this guy?" Buffy asked.

"Basically," Patrick said rubbing his hands together, "his name was Nosferatu. His activity was widespread in Central and Eastern Europe and he was the actual person that made Dracula. He was supposedly elegant, charismatic and very refined." Patrick picked up his cup of tea. "Though if a little on the pale side." he added.

That little comment made Buffy, Faith and even Giles giggle. Buffy couldn't help but think that Patrick was a lot like Giles, very knowledgeable but he had a more defined sense of humour.

"There was basically three at the time, along with Nosferatu there was Mulo who came from Serbia and Bajang who came from Malaysia. But he was kind of their leader."

"But he's dead right?" Faith asked.

"Yeah, he kinda died around a couple of millennia ago." Patrick said.

"Well if he's dust, how can he come back?" Buffy asked.

"Yes, and when?" Giles added.

"That, I need to research." Patrick said standing up and walking to his bedroom.

* * * * * * * * * *

A little while later and Patrick, Giles, Buffy and Faith were still in full research mode, looking up records of a vampire known as Nosferatu. As it was a warm day Patrick decided to take his research outside in Giles back garden as unlike the rest of the group with the exception of Spike, Patrick smoked. It is a bad habit, Patrick even admitted himself but he said it kept his head cool when talking to what he called 'the uptight and pompous Council officials' of which Quentin Travers was one of them. Patrick sat concentrated on his laptop searching through his database of all known demons and vampires that the council had a record of and any information from other sources when he heard somebody softly coughing behind him to get his attention. "Oh, hey Willow. Sorry I didn't hear you." Patrick said looking up at the red-headed wicca.

"Oh that's alright Pat, sounds like you got your hands full from what Giles, Buffy and Faith told us." Willow said.

"Hey man," Oz said stepping up behind Willow, "researching in comfort. Cool idea."

"Yeah I thought so," Patrick said with a smile on his face.

"Is it okay if we try to de-rat Amy, unless you'd rather do this research I don't mind." Willow blurted out a little on the fast side.

"Where is she?" Patrick asked.

"She's in her cage on Giles' table," Oz replied, "And we got her some clothes as well for when she is de-ratted."

"Cool." Patrick said folding up his laptop. "Let's go and de-rat your little friend then." Patrick stood up and followed Willow and Oz into Giles' apartment where he saw Buffy and Faith hard at work searching through books.

"We haven't found much on this guy," Buffy said as she saw Patrick walk back into the apartment.

"Yeah, there's real little info on this Vamp," Faith added. "Have you found anything Pat?"

"I think I may have found a little something on this guy. Let me just deal with Amy and then I'll tell you what I've dug up."

"Sure thing Pat," Faith replied. She dropped a book she was holding on the coffee table in front of her and huddled up snugly against Buffy as she brought her arm around Faith's waist and pulled her close to her body.

"Amy." Willow softly spoke to the rat that was playing on it's exercise wheel inside the cage. As if the rat recognised the voice it stopped what it was doing and scurried across the cage towards the sound of the person talking.

"Amy this is Patrick, Giles' nephew. He's going to try and help de-rat you."

"Hello Amy," Patrick said lowering his head so it was level to the little form of Amy the rat. He stayed there for a few moments while he watched the rat make little squeaking noises and every now and then Patrick nodded, almost as if he understood what the rat was saying. "Okay," Patrick finally spoke, "Amy asked to be put in the bathroom."

Willow and Oz stared at Patrick for a second or two before talking. "You could understand what Amy was talking about?" Oz asked.

"Just call me the Doctor DoLittle of the twenty-first century." Patrick replied with a smirk on his face. He picked up the cage gently along with Amy's clothes which were in a bag and took them to the bathroom. In doing this they didn't see a cloaked figure near the window watching the people inside. After taking Amy out of her cage and closing the door to the bathroom for privacy Willow and Patrick returned to the lounge.

"How are we going to do this?" Willow asked Patrick.

"Well by using a simple form of telepathy, I can talk to Amy in her rat form. How it's going to work is like this." Patrick pulled out three different coloured candles, a red one, a white one and a black one along with one of Willow's photos of Amy when she was human. She placed the red candle in front of Willow, the white candle in front of the photo of Amy and Patrick took the black candle. "Now, the incantation may be simple but you have to get the proper balance of emotions to get it to work properly. In this instance we will take an element each and all three of us will re- incite the spell." Patrick took out a lighter and lit the three candles. "Are you ready Willow?"

"Yep," Willow replied.

*Amy, are you ready?"* Patrick thought.

*Ready, willing and able" the small voice of Amy echoed through Patrick's mind.

"Okay."

Patrick and Willow closed their eyes and then all three began to chant. "Goddess of creatures great and small, we implore thee to undo thy will. Before thee, let the unclean thing become flesh. Allow your child to walk upon two instead of four. Hecate, I hereby license thee to depart."

All Buffy, Faith and Giles could do it watch as if almost in awe at what was happening before them. When they had reached the end of the incantation the flames on the candles intensified for a moment before dying back down to normal.

"Did it work? Did we do it?" Willow said slowly opening her eyes.

"Well, one way to find out." Patrick replied.

A couple of minutes of anticipation followed, nobody wanted to go to the bathroom, just in case the spell had worked and they had stumbled in there while Amy was still dressing or doing something private. Everybody turned their heads as they heard the sound of the bathroom door opening and out walked a tall slim young woman with shoulder length blonde hair and a semi- tanned complexion.

"Hey there guys," Amy said with a big smile on her face.

Chapter 2 - Turning Pointe

In a crypt in one of many cemeteries that were dotted all over Sunnydale were a group of maybe eight vampires standing around planning their nightly activity when out of the shadows entered a tall demon who was green in colour and a had ridges that ran in a line from the top of his nose, over his scalp and ended at the base of his neck.

"Are you sure?" the demon asked, his voice deep in thought.

"We saw," one of the vampire said. "Strong, knowledgeable and powerful."

"Excellent. Everything is almost at hand, now we know who the vessel is, it is only a matter of time before our sire comes to lead the way." A smile slowly crept across the emotionless face of the demon as he erupted in an fierce, evil laugh that echoed through the crypt.

* * * * * * * * * * Rupert Giles Apartment, Two Hours After Amy Was De-Ratted * * * * * * * * * *

Giles, Oz and Patrick sat around the coffee table still in deep research mode. Buffy and Faith decided to join Willow and Amy on a shopping spree as Amy had said that her clothes seemed a little 'dated', and that some seem a little small.

"Hey Pat," Oz said looking up from one of the books he was reading, "you still never told us about this vamp that's supposed to be rising. You know any details?"

Patrick put down his laptop and scratched the back of his head in thought for a couple of seconds. "Well, after his reign of terror finally came to an end, the folk of the town that he governed took his ashes and placed it in a solid silver container. Unbeknownst to the town folk, before this happened a warlock vampire placed an enchantment spell over the remains." Patrick leaned forward and flicked through the pages of a magic book. "The incantation was called the Spell of Restoration."

"What is the purpose of the spell?" Giles asked from the opposite side of the coffee table.

"Basically, once every ten years the conditions are right to perform the second half of the incantation, to bring him back from the dead."

"What would they need to perform the other half of the spell, and where would it be performed?" Giles asked taking off his glasses and cleaning the lenses.

"I got that," Oz said picking up a nearby open book. "He was killed on the one hundred and thirteenth moon in the Valley of the Sun."

"Well," Patrick said looking at Oz and figuring things out in his head, "the hundred and thirteenth day, or moon as it's said is April the twenty- third and from the texts the Valley of the Sun is the old name for --"

"-- Sunnydale." Giles, Oz and Patrick said together.

"The twenty-third is in three days time," Giles said looking at a nearby calendar. "What happened to the remains after they were placed in the container?"

"Well the original plan was for them to wait ten years and complete the incantation, however during that time they didn't predict an earthquake would strike this region. The vampires must have perished as they were the only ones who knew exactly where the container was being kept. It wasn't until the early thirteen-hundreds when an archaeological team came to this area and found the container still in tact. For reasons still unknown to us even now, the container was relocated deep within a historical museum in Bonn, Germany where it was named The Erlenmeyer Flask. It hasn't been touched in about six-hundred and eighty years."

Whilst Patrick was talking, Oz slowly looked between Patrick and Giles. "Just one question," Oz said after Patrick had finished talking. "If the vamps are here, and the flask is in Germany, how is this going to happen?"

Giles and Patrick looked at each other. "We're -- err, not quite sure of that," Giles answered.

* * * * * * * * * *

It was early in the evening when Faith and Buffy along with Patrick were patrolling through Sunnydale looking for any vamp action, but like the previous night nobody was playing. Faith and Buffy strolled side by side while Patrick hung back a little way, although being a Giles instantly gave him creditability and was accepted by the group he still felt a little out of place especially around the Chosen Two.

"I can't believe, another dull some night," Faith sighed quietly.

"I think the vamps are waiting for this 'first guy' to arrive before they decide to get daring again. They're probably not thinking we can stop it." Buffy replied.

"Hey Pat-Man," Faith called behind her, "What d'a think, we gonna kick this guy's undead ass or what."

"Pat-Man?" Patrick replied to Faith's 'nickname'. "Pat is good, but I'm not sure about Pat-Man. It sounds too similar to PacMan." he finished smirking.

"What's up with PacMan?" Faith turned and spoke in mock defence.

"That game is sooo eighties," Patrick replied with mock sarcasm. "I prefer a few good games of Soul Calibur instead, get the old blood flowing."

"Wow man, you're a Dream-er?" Faith asked with a grin coming across her face.

"Oh yeah, they kick ass babe!" Patrick suddenly exclaimed. Faith and Buffy stared wide-eyed in astonishment at that comment before falling about the place in fits of laughter while Patrick just stood there with a small smile on his lips.

"Oh Pat, I can't believe you said that," Buffy eventually said after regaining her composure, "I could never imagine a guy from the Council saying a line like that."

"I may be a Council guy Buff, but I'm still a guy," Patrick simply replied. He stood there for a moment or two looking at the two Slayers, then he slowly furled his eyebrows and began silently sniffing the air around him.

Buffy looked at him quizzically at what he was doing. "Hey Pat, you okay there?"

Instead of giving Buffy an answer though, Patrick quickly brought his body around and reached far into a bush he was standing in front of. There was a momentary struggle, and when Patrick pulled his arms back both Buffy and Faith were impressively shocked to see a vampire being thrown to the ground. Patrick sauntered over to the floored vamp and placed one of his shoes on his chest.

"Okay, just how long was you gonna stalk us there mate?" Patrick asked the vamp.

"You're all dead!" the vamp spat out suddenly.

Faith looked at Buffy and Patrick, her face expressionless. "We're dead huh. I dunno about you guys but I'm so not scared!"

"I don't know," Patrick casually commented. "This is so terrifying, I may need a change of underwear when I get back." he finished with a sly smirk.

Buffy was going to add her piece when suddenly two more vampires jumped from behind the bush the first one came from and tacked Patrick to the ground. Seeing this Buffy and Faith sprang into action, a vamp a piece, they could handle that without problems. Buffy gave her vamp a swift roundhouse kick to the midsection causing the vamp to double over before swiftly staking him in the back. Faith delivered a series of left and right's to her opponents' face before a swift kick in the chest caused her vamp to hit a nearby tree and dust as he was impaled on a piece of branch. While this was going on the vamp that Patrick had caught first had him pinned down and in a futile way attempting to suck his blood, but Patrick wasn't having any of it. Patrick swiftly brought his knee up to the vamp's crotch causing him to roll off growling in pain. Patrick quickly got to his feet and grabbing the vamp by his shoulders hauled him on to his feet.

"What did you mean by that comment?" Patrick asked the vampire.

"Our Sire is coming, soon you will all bow down to the supremacy of the first one." the vampire spat out with pride.

"And if you wanna see that day," Patrick continued tugging tighter on the vamp. "You'd tell me who the vessel is going to be?"

The vampire stood and simply chuckled at Patrick, then suddenly he turned to dust. Patrick looked at Buffy and Faith with a surprised look in his eyes. They just stood their and shrugged their shoulders, they didn't kill him, so who did.

"Hey guys, look at this." Buffy called walking over to a nearby tree. Faith and Patrick walked over to where Buffy was standing and looked down. Laying on the floor was a wooden box, the top covered with intricate engravings.

"What's this symbol mean?" Faith asked tracing her index finger around the central engraving. "It looks like a side ways engraved figure eight."

Patrick looked down and examined the box. "That there is the symbol for infinity, no beginning and no end." The slayers looked up at Patrick whose face paled slightly. "Oh, I think, crap."

"What?" Buffy asked, "What is it Pat?"

Patrick leant forwards and un-clasped the latch on the front of the box, then slowly swing the lid of the box open. The inside of the box was lined with red velvet and nestled in the box was a cylindrical metal tube with more engravings similar to the ones on the box.

"It's the flask," Patrick said running a couple of fingers along the flask, "and the seal is broken."

"But this is good right?" Faith asked with an optimistic smile.

Patrick lifted the flask out of the container and opened the lid. "It would be if the flask wasn't empty. I'll take this back to Giles' place and I'll meet you at the Broze in a little while, okay."

All three stood up, Patrick made his way to Giles' while Faith and Buffy made their way to the Bronze arm in arm.

* * * * * * * * * *

The gang was as usual, at the Bronze that evening. Buffy and Faith were on the dance floor and so were Xander and Anya. Willow kept Amy company at the table, although her attention was on her werewolf of a boyfriend up on stage playing with the Dingoes. After a little while the song ended which brought Willow back to reality and the rest of the gang off the dance floor.

"Hey guys," Willow said to Buffy and Faith as they strolled over arm in arm. "Enjoy your dance, you looked very cute-some together."

"Very much, thanx for askin' Red," Faith replied. "I'm gonna grab some snacks, anyone want any?"

"You're still hungry?" Buffy said with mock sarcasm, "Even after that three course snack you had just after you arrived."

"I thought Pat was gonna show up?" a voice drifted over from behind Buffy and Faith. They turned around and saw Xander and Anya walking over, food in hand.

"Yes, I haven't seen him for a while." Anya said following Xander's first comment.

"Well, it's not like you've been hangin' with us much lately?" Buffy said looking at the couple as they sat down.

"Well, you know it's been kinda quite on the research front recently and I thought it would be a good time to spend more time with my girlfriend." Xander said lifting his drink to take a sip.

"And of course have lots of orgasms." Anya casually added.

This comment turned Xander's face bright red as he almost sprayed the contents of his mouth over the table top. "Yes, well -- Thank you Anya." Xander said, finally getting his composure.

"Geez, and I thought I was bad." Faith muttered in Buffy's ear. "He should be comin' soon," she said to everyone before turning her attention back to the topic of food. "Come on B, let's go eat." Faith walked off dragging Buffy by her arm.

"Hey Oz," Willow said perking up at the sight of her boyfriend walking over to the table. "That was a good set this evening."

"Yeah, that was pretty cool man," Xander added giving an approving thumbs up.

"Thanks guys," Oz simply replied as he sat down and snuggled slightly against Willow. "Is Patrick a no show tonight?" Oz added after a moment looking around the Bronze, "I haven't seen him about."

"Faith said he was on his way." Amy said, "Does he know where the Bronze is?"

"He certainly does." A voice cut in. The gang looked over to see the figure of Patrick standing before them dressed from head to foot in red.

"Hey G-Man, good timing." Xander quipped. "Lovin' the threads by the way."

"Thanks," Patrick said sitting down next to Amy, "I think."

"Don't listen to him," Amy said defensively, "I think you look pretty nice."

"Thank you Amy," Patrick said with a smile on his lips.

"Oh hey, I just remembered something. I thanked Willow but I never got a chance to thank you as well for de-ratting me." She leaned across and gave Patrick a soft kiss on his left cheek. The moment her lips touched his skin it was almost as if a bolt of electricity coursed up and down his spine and his skin seemed to glow warm at the point her lips touched.

"Oh, hey, it was m-m-my pleasure. Glad t-to he-lp." Patrick managed to say without stuttering too much.

"Hey Pat, glad you could make it," the voice of Faith drifted across as she and Buffy approached the table laidened with food and beverages.

"Hey Pat, we thought you'd arrive by the time we got done so we got you something also." Buffy said graciously handing him a double-double chocolate chip muffin and a bottle of Snapple.

"Thanks Buffy," Patrick said flashing another smile in the Slayer's direction.

"Please feel free to call me Buff, it's kinda my nickname." Buffy said sitting down next to her girlfriend.

"But not 'B', that's reserved for mrick wasn't having any of it. Patrick swiftly brought his knee up to the vamp's crotch causing him to roll off growling in pain. Patrick quickly got to his feet and grabbing the vamp by his shoulders hauled him on to his feet.

"What did you mean by that comment?" Patrick asked the vampire.

"Our Sire is coming, soon you will all bow down to the supremacy of the first one." the vampire spat out with pride.

"And if you wanna see that day," Patrick continued tugging tighter on the vamp. "You'd tell me who the vessel is going to be?"

The vampire stood and simply chuckled at Patrick, then suddenly he turned to dust. Patrick looked at Buffy and Faith with a surprised look in his eyes. They just stood their and shrugged their shoulders, they didn't kill him, so who did.

"Hey guys, look at this." Buffy called walking over to a nearby treeI shouldn't have said anything."

"Hey it's cool Faith, it happened a little while back and it's still a little fresh in my mind you know." Patrick said with a small smile.

"Can I ask a question?" Oz said changing the subject from doomed relationships. "You said the Council has male slayers. Who is a better Slayer, males or females?"

The gang seemed to perk at the question and all eyes suddenly fell in the direction of Patrick in anticipation of an answer.

"Well the male Slayers are pretty tough in a battle, but strangely they don't usually act in a direct Slayer capacity like Buffy and Faith here, they're what you call reserves in the event of a big bad arising somewhere. Unfortunately, they're pretty slow on the up-take." he picked up his bottle of Snapple and took a refreshing sip, eyes still glaring at him. "What I mean is, at times they're not good thinking on their feet. As part of my training, fifty male slayers and fifty female Slayer returned to the Council for extra training, for which I was supposed to give. I used Uncle Giles' watcher diaries for inspiration and re-created a scenario which you guys will know well enough. Remember the Judge?"

"A demon who no weapon forged could kill," Willow said, "He was a piece of cake."

"Indeed. When we placed the female Slayer's in the scenario, they all managed to kill the Judge using a smiliar method Buffy used. When the male Slayer's came up to bat, so to speak it was a whole different story, they either failed or gave up, all except one."

"How did he kill him?" Anya asked curiously.

"He shot the Judge with a ten thousand volt jolt from a modified pulse rifle he keeps in his possession then when the Judge was paralysed he got the nearest sharp object and dismembered him before taking the parts and setting fire to them."

"Impressive," Faith and Buffy both said smiling.

"Indeed," Patrick continued. "So much so the Council made him Executive Assistant to the Tactical Department of the Watchers Council."

"And the others?" Xander asked.

"Went back to school so to speak." Patrick said with a smile. "And that is ultimately why you generally see female Slayers over male, 'cause they're strong and they can think on their feet."

"Cool," Buffy said with pride in her voice.

"Wicked cool," Faith followed with more pride in her voice.

While Patrick was talking the rest of the gang, although paying him complete attention, couldn't help but to notice Amy paying extra special attention to what he was saying and she was lost in deep thought. They all sensed a certain something, all except of Patrick of course.

A band started up on stage, playing a slow tune and people around then started filing back onto the dance floor. The gang looked at each others partner's silently asking each other if they wanted to dance, all except Amy and Patrick who weren't a couple. The gang looked in Amy's direction and silently pushed her to ask the question as they stood up and motioned over to the floor.

"Hey Patrick," Amy said finally plucking up her courage. "Would you like to dance?"

He was a little thrown at hearing the question, but he kept his composure as he turned to Amy and smiled. "I'd love to." He took her hand and walked to the dance floor with the rest of the gang. Being slightly taller than Amy, Patrick instinctively wrapper his arms around her neck while she wrapped her arms around his waist and they danced in blissful silence.

"What do you think B, a potential two-some of cuteness there." Faith whispered into Buffy's ear as they dance slowly, their bodies pressed close together.

"He may not be here for that long hon," Buffy whispered back, "but it would be nice to see another happy couple." She caught sight of them both dancing not far from them and a small smile crossed her lips. "They do look happy together, especially Amy. I mean, if it wasn't for him who knows how long she'd have been a rat for."

The rest of the dance was made in blissful silence.

* * * * * * * * * *

The light sound of footsteps running frantically...

The heavy sound of a heart beat pounding with each captured breath...

The rain poured heavily and the lightning ripped across the sky throwing shadows haphazardly in the night. A man was running, his clothes tatters and drenched in blood. What ever he did, where ever he went, it wasn't enough to shake whoever was following him. In one final futile attempt he dived into a back alley to find refuge, he turned to see if anybody was following.

"How are you holding up there?" a female voice stirred from behind him. The man twirled around to see a slender figure of a woman walk out of the shadows of a nearby building. "You look a little worst for ware, had a rough day in the office?" she joked.

"What? -- Why?" He blurted, his mind filled with multitudes of questions and his body was writhing in pain from the injuries.

"What once shall be, what is shall be no more. The season is approaching, and you need to be conditioned for the time." A flash of lightning streaked across the sky followed by an almighty clap of thunder which sent the man into a sudden dazed state as he clapped his hands over his ears to muffle the sounds.

The man was about to speak but all that escaped his mouth was a loud scream as something tore through the back of his shirt and ripped into his flesh. The Earth started to spin and his sight turned to black with nothing but his agonising voice filling the air.

* * * * * * * * * * Giles' Apartment, 21st April, 2000 * * * * * * * * * *

The sun shone brightly through the windows of Giles' apartment as Giles pottered about in the kitchen making breakfast for him and his nephew. He pulled a couple of plates out of a nearby cupboard as he saw Patrick saunter slowly downstairs rubbing his eyes and suppressing a yawn. "You look a little worse for ware," Giles said.

"I'm sorry," Patrick said still half asleep.

"Late night?"

"A hangover from my Oxford days Uncle. Too many late nights and even more early mornings."

Giles pointed to the table, "Take a seat, breakfast is nearly ready. Did I hear that Willow and Amy were visiting to aide you with your magic skills today?"

"Yes," Patrick replied a little un-sure of himself. "They're confident that they can re-focus my abilities and get me back on track so to speak."

"I don't mean to pry Patrick," Giles said a little hesitantly as he sat down opposite Patrick, "but have you thought how long you're planning on staying here in Sunnydale."

"I had been thinking about it, and if it's acceptable to you I was thinking that maybe I could work from Sunnydale."

"What about your parents back in England?" Giles asked lifting his cup.

"Uncle Giles, you know my parents never accepted or even approved of my calling to join the Council. When they visited me in hospital, it was the first time they saw or even spoke to me in those four years. And they still don't approve to this day."

"But you haven't made up your mind completely?"

"No," Patrick said slowly, "After all, there's always tomorrow."

* * * * * * * * * *

There was a light rapping noise on the front door and a moment later Amy bounded down stairs putting on her jacket. "Dad, I'm going out okay?"

Her father poked his head around the doorway to the lounge, "Okay dear, take care and I'll see you when you get back."

Amy opened the door to see Willow standing there smiling. She closed the door and followed Willow over to Oz's van.

"So, how did you enjoy last night? Did you like dancing with Patrick, you look very cuddle-some." Willow grilled with a Cheshire cat-like grin.

"It was a good night," Amy said, then she blushed slightly, "and yeah the dancing was also nice. He's kinda cute."

"Hey Amy," Oz said.

"Hey Oz,"

Chapter 3 - Inner Turmoil

Willow, Amy and Patrick had spent most of the morning in Giles' garden in an attempt to re-focus Patrick's magic powers. Oz had helped Giles inside in an attempt to get a better insight on what was going to happen concerning The First, from what they could hear from outside things weren't going so well with the three of them. They turned their heads to the back entrance as they saw Patrick bound in clutching his right hand tightly, closely followed by Willow and Amy who was showing slight signs of concern.

"Giles, where is your first aid box?" Patrick asked searching the kitchen cupboards.

"Down by your left leg. What happened Willow?" Giles asked rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"We was practising a levitation spell, using emotional control to float a pencil." Willow started.

"It was going great," Amy continued from the kitchen aiding Patrick, "I floated the pencil initially and when Patrick was sure he took over floating the pencil."

Patrick winced slightly under the sting of the antiseptic. "Then," Patrick finished, "the pencil decided to go psycho and stab me in the hand."

"Are you going to be alright?" Oz asked standing up looking at Patrick through the serving hatch.

"Yeah Oz, thankfully I heal pretty fast. But I'll bandage it up anyway." He turned and smiled at Amy who was finishing bandaging his hand up. "Thanks for that Amy,"

"Do you perhaps, you wanna try again?" Willow asked standing next to Oz.

Patrick gave a low sigh as he walked out of the kitchen area. "No, maybe not Willow. Thanks for your help, especially you Amy, but I don't know what's going to help me." Patrick walked over and grabbed his jacked from the hook. "I'm just going out for a stroll Giles, I'll be back later."

"Can I go with you?" Amy asked.

"Thanks," Patrick smiled briefly, "but I wanna be alone. No offence." Patrick walked over and opened the door. As he did Xander, Anya, Buffy and Faith walked in. Smiling briefly, Patrick silently walked out closing the door behind him.

"Is anything wrong with Patrick?" Xander asked giving a slightly confused look at Giles.

"Patrick is having a few difficulties still with his magic's, he's having trouble focusing the energies required."

"Wow a warlock without powers eh," Anya stated, "Now he knows how I feel." Her comment immediately received a frosty glare from the entire group, especially Giles and Amy who were standing side by side both with their arms crossed.

"You'd do well to apologise to Giles I think," Amy calmly said, "You just insulted his nephew."

"And I'd have to second that," Buffy said with a slightly aggravated tone.

"And I definitely third that," Faith said standing behind Buffy.

* * * * * * * * * *

Patrick had been walking aimlessly around the town for the better half of an hour not particularly watching anything but just looking at the people passing by, completely oblivious as to what kind of town they are exactly living in. Without noticing he found himself in the swing section of the park. Even though Patrick was twenty-four he found that every time he saw a swing he felt like a child again and the only thing he wanted to do was to play on the swings. He sat down on the nearest one and slowly swung back and fourth keeping himself lost in his own thoughts, after a couple of minutes he pulled out a pack of smokes from his pocket and lit one.

"You know smoking will stunt your growth." a female softly broke the silence. Patrick looked up at the person who walked into the swing area. She was a medium height female with long flowing red hair and shimmering green eyes.

"It's my life," Patrick simply stated flicking the ash from his cigarette.

"Can I sit down?" she asked pointing to the spare swing.

"It's a free country, why should I stop you." She walked casually over to the other swing and sat down, not taking her eyes off Patrick for a moment.

"Having a bad day?" She asked after a moment of silence.

"You could say that," Patrick said after taking a lug of his cigarette.

"You know they say fail once and you fail yourself, fail twice and you fail everyone else. How many times you fail today?" Patrick never said a word, he just returned to his own thoughts. "Wow, just must be more of a failure than I imagined."

"If you're got something to say then say it!" Patrick spat out.

"You don't look like a failure to me," she spoke with a small smile on her face. "You know, you look like a person destined for greater things in life."

Patrick continued to sit in silence. "Anything else?"

"Nope."

Patrick stood up and started walking away.

"See you again soon, I hope." she said with a beaming grin on her face. Patrick turned back and continued to walk out of the park. The voice, the face and those eyes seemed strangely familiar, however, he couldn't remember from where and when. He was a little thirsty and so he made his way over to the Espresso Pump to indulge himself with a Cappuccino.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Well I think that's all the research we can do on this Nosferatu fellow, all we can do now is wait until the twenty-third and hopefully thwart his coming to being." Giles spoke from behind a small pile of books. The rest of the gang sat comfortably around the table. Faith with Buffy, Oz with Willow and Amy. Xander and Anya decided to take off after the incident earlier.

"I hope that Patrick is okay," Amy said in a low voice, "he didn't seem all that happy when he left earlier on."

Giles looked up at Amy and saw her concern on her face. "Patrick is strong willed Amy, he should be okay."

"This is going to be a really silly question," Willow said changing the subject, "but what do we call this decade?"

"I'm sorry Willow, I don't quite follow you," Giles said taking his glasses off and cleaning the lenses with tissue.

"Well last year we were in the nineties, and before that the eighties and so on. Now it's the turn of the millennium, what do we call this decade, the naught-ies?"

That statement made Buffy and Faith double-over with laughter. "The naught- ies!" echoed Faith between breaths, "what a cool name. Hey B -- fancy getting naughty in the naught-ies." That only made them laugh even harder, with Amy joining in also and even Oz giving off a small chuckle at the statement.

"Oh yes, I understand now," Giles said understanding the comment Willow said. "The naught-ies yes, very good Willow. Seeing that it's now the new millennium and all that."

* * * * * * * * * *

Patrick sat at a window table in the Espresso Pump with his second Cappuccino in hand. He had been spending his time there reflecting on what the woman in the park had said to him about being a failure. He still wasn't sure who she was or even why she said that, but still he couldn't help but wonder.

"Hey Pat, what's with the long face?" a voice spoke stirring him from his thoughts. He looked up and saw Xander standing in front of him with a soda in his hand. "I'm sorry, you want to be alone? I can go if you want?"

"No, please," Patrick said pointing to a chair next to him, "company is good."

Xander smiled and sat down in the vacant seat next to Patrick "Do you wanna talk?" Xander asked a little hesitantly after a moment of silence, "I'm a good listener you know." he finished with a slightly nervous smile.

"Have, you ever felt out of place? You know, not sure about what you could contribute to something?"

"Pretty much most of the time," Xander replied, "until I found out I had a flair being Giles' research boy."

"I felt like that for ages, I mean years not knowing where I belong in life. Then one day as if the answer was staring in front of me, everything fell into place."

"You mean the Council?" Xander asked.

"Yeah," Patrick said idly stirring his spoon in his Cappuccino, "I had finally found a place that could expand my knowledge and to use the stuff I already knew. I even found myself in a relationship. It seemed that life was given to me on a silver platter, complete with napkin. Once, I used to be very sceptical, saying that something like that was too good to be true. I was stupidly surprised when the day came for the rug to be pulled from out underneath my feet, and I landed on my ass with a severe bump."

"That's what you get for over studying my friend." Xander simply replied.

"The what? -- Oh yeah the stress. Well it seems like the I'm back to being regular Joe Public." Patrick looked at his hands as if studying them for the first time. "Yep, no more waving my fingers to do a magic trick now my friend."

"You don't know that Patrick, things change."

"Yep. Though also for the worst as well as for the better."

"Hey, the gang are going to the Bronze again tonight, you wanna come along?"

"I dunno if I'm up for dancing tonight Xander,"

"You don't have to dance Pat. Come on, I know Amy would like to see you there. Between you and me I think she might have a little crush on you."

Patrick seemed to let that comment slide by him, he wasn't sure if he was ready for another relationship just yet. "No dancing?" Patrick said looking up.

"No dancing," Xander echoed.

"Lemmie go home and get changed and I'll meet you guys there okay?"

"Sure Pat, see you at the Bronze." Xander got out of the chair and dumped his empty soda carton in the trash.

"Hey Xand," Patrick said. Xander looked around towards Patrick. "Thanks for that mate."

"You're welcome, anytime." Xander said flashing his friendly grin at Patrick before walking away.

* * * * * * * * * * The Bronze, 9:25pm * * * * * * * * * *

The Bronze, once more seemed packed to the rafters with people intent on having a good time, and as Xander promised, the whole gang was there as usual, even Anya was brave enough to turn up after what she said.

"Hey Patrick, how's the hand?" Willow asked.

Patrick smiled and waved his right hand in front of his face. The bandage was off now and he was wiggling his fingers without pain. What's more, besides for a little purple patch where the injury occurred there was no scarring.

"Pretty cool," Oz commented nodding his head.

"Still no magic?" Anya hesitantly asked under the sudden gaze of the gang.

"No," Patrick replied unaware of the tension that was between Anya and the gang.

"You know," Anya continued, "If I had the power of the wish back I could just give you what you wanted?"

Intrigued at the statement, Patrick folded his arms on the table top and leant slightly forward in Anya's direction. "Really, and how would you do this?"

"Well, you'd simply ask for your magic's back." Anya shrugged.

"Oh, well then the question should be. Why would you help me? What possible reason would a Vengeance demon have for assisting a Warlock regain his powers?" There was a momentary silence in the group as they listened intently for Anya to respond. When she didn't say anything, Patrick continued. "Lemmie say this once, okay. Even if I could, I would not assist you in getting your necklace back. Even D'Hoffryn is aware of that fact that I would not assist you."

"How do you know D'Hoffryn?" Anya asked with surprise in her voice.

"I know him. At any rate, please just accept the fact I will not give you what you want so please stop asking me Anya." Patrick leant back and took a long sip from his drink. "Hey guys, I'm gonna go. I'm not really up to much and I wanna try and get an early night for a change." Patrick said standing up from his stool, the others quickly standing also.

"Are you alright Pat?" Faith asked a little concerned.

"Yeah, I'm okay."

"Do you perhaps, want me to walk back with you?" Amy asked, "Because, it would be no bother, really it wouldn't."

"Thanks for the offer Amy, but stay with your friends. Enjoy the rest of the evening." With a silent exchange of goodnights Patrick turned and walked away from the table and out of the club.

"I'm getting worried about him," Oz finally said breaking the silence that had hung over the group for what seemed like ages.

"I know what you mean," Amy said, her eyes still fixed on the door where Patrick exited from.

"Hey Amy," Buffy said. Amy turned her head and looked at Buffy. "We'll talk to Giles tomorrow about it, okay." the Slayer continued with a reassuring smile at the end.

* * * * * * * * * *

"What once shall be, what is shall be no more. The season is approaching, and you need to be conditioned for the time." A flash of lightning streaked across the sky followed by an almighty clap of thunder which sent the man into a sudden dazed state as he clapped his hands over his ears to muffle the sounds.

The man was about to speak but all that escaped his mouth was a loud scream as something tore through the back of his shirt and ripped into his flesh. The Earth started to spin and his sight turned to black with nothing but his agonising voice filling the air.

The woman knelt down next to the unconscious form on the floor, her long red hair blowing freely and her green eyes piercing the darkness. "You have been chosen," she whispered, "to fulfil a great destiny. Not here though, and not now. Soon your full potential will be released and the world will tremble." With those words the sky filled with brilliant streaks of lightning followed by a boom of thunder that seemed to echo around them. "Oh yes dear heart, you are definitely going places." She looked up at the remaining vampires surrounding them. "Take him back, but be careful with him."

* * * * * * * * * * Giles' Apartment, 22nd April, 2000 5:05pm * * * * * * * * * *

Giles sat down at his table, his usual cup of tea at his side and his Watchers' diary in front of him writing his daily journal. Even though none of the others have expressed their concern to him about Patrick, Giles knew too well that something wasn't right with him. The call from Quentin was a surprise and definitely unexpected, and it should never have had happened.

"Hi Giles," a voice said breaking his concentration. He looked up and saw Buffy and the gang filing through the door.

"Oh yes. Hello Buffy, Faith. How was last night's patrol?"

"The same as it has been for a while now. Quiet." Buffy said sitting opposite Giles while the others sat down on the couches. "How is Patrick, he wasn't feeling to happy when he left the Bronze last night."

"Studying for four years, bound to leave you a little on the stressed side." Faith said moving next to Buffy.

"Well, that's not exactly true." Giles said. "Patrick wasn't sent here to recover from stress."

"I don't understand," Willow said, "what happened to him?"

Giles took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. "At the end of January, he was leaving campus after his Graduation party when he was chased and ambushed by six vampires and another demon that wasn't identified. He was missing for seven days before found on the grounds of the Watchers Council. It wasn't until the end of February until he was discharged from Hospital, but after that he was suffering from severe depression and in the end, for his own well being Quentin granted him extended leave so he could come here."

"Oh man, that's bad." Amy said in a low voice.

"It must have been bad for him to be kept in hospital for twenty nine days. One day is more than enough for me." Xander said.

"Twenty nine days? Surely Xander you mean twenty-eight."

"Err no Giles," Xander said looking over to Giles, "twenty-nine. This year is a leap year after all."

Giles looked at Xander in stunned silence for a few moments. "Oh, damn!"

"What is it Giles?" Oz asked walking over to the table.

"We said that the ceremony would be taking place on the twenty-third, tomorrow."

"Yeah, that's right." Oz said.

"But that's not taking into account if we were dealing with a leap year. If that's the case, the ceremony will be taking place ..."

"... Tonight." Buffy replied.

"Okay, where is this ceremony going to take place. Any ideas?" Xander asked.

Giles rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Buffy, Faith why don't you go to Restfield Cemetery where you originally found the flask. Maybe you shoulduldn't."

"Thanks for the offer Amy, but stay with your friends. Enjoy the rest of the evening." With a silent exchange of goodnights Patrick turned and walked away from the table and out of the club.

"I'm getting worried about him," Oz finally said breaking the silence that had hung over the group for what seemed like ages.

"I know what you mean," Amy said, her eyes still fixed on the door where Patrick exited from.

"Hey Amy," Buffy said. Amy turned her head and looked at Buffy. "We'll talk to Giles tomorrow about it, okay." the Slayer continued with a reassuring smile at the end.

* * * * * * * * * *

"What once shall be, what is shall be no more. The season is approaching, and you need to be conditioned for the time." A flash of lightning streaked across the sky followed by an almighty clap of thunder which sent the man into a s and handed the photo to Willow, Xander looking over her shoulder. On the back on the photo was written 'Friday 13th, August, 1999'. Turning it over they saw a picture of a young couple in front of a large white building, in the background was a sign that read 'Oxford University'. The picture showed Patrick arm in arm with a beautiful young female. She had beautiful long flowing red hair and luminous green eyes set against a tanned complexion.

"I recognise her from somewhere," Xander said pointing a finger at the girl in the photo.

"The girl of your dreams?" Willow suggested with a slight smirk.

"No, no, I'm serious. I've seen that face before." Xander said with a more serious tone in his voice.

"Where Xander?" Giles asked looking at Xander.

Xander moved quickly over to Giles' bookshelf and started thumbing through the numerous volumes of books he had on display. He stopped momentarily and pulled out a volume of Frobishers' Demon Index before flicking through the pages intently.

"You think she's a demon?" Oz said looking at the photo Willow was holding.

"Got it!" Xander exclaimed walking back with the book wide open for everyone to see.

"Check out this picture," Faith said pointing to the picture in the book. "It's exactly the same female as in the photo."

"Oh course, a Klad'agh demon. She's a perception distorter usually hired by other demons and vampires. Their main form of attack is mind control. Very well remembered Xander."

"You're getting good at this X-Man," Faith said smiling.

Buffy looked at the photo. "Well if that's who I think it is, why would your nephew be dating a Klad'agh demon? Or didn't he know?"

"I'm not sure," Giles said looking at his watch. "But we'd better get a move on to Restfield Cemetery. Xander, weapons. We'll all go, who knows what we might see." Everyone started into action, Xander, Buffy and Faith stocking up on weapons before leaving the apartment.

* * * * * * * * * * Restfield Cemetery, 5:35pm * * * * * * * * * *

A vampire stood at the foot of a crypt and smelt the air. "The night greets us once more. So we can hunt and feed."

"It also marks a beginning," a voice cut in from behind the vampire. He turned around and saw his leader, a demon with green skin as well as a long line of ridges running from the top of his nose, over his scalp and which ended at the base of his neck. "Tonight is the beginning of the end. Soon the First will grace us and then this place will be ours for the taking." The demon smiled broadly and gave a low chuckle. "Come, we have preparations to make."

* * * * * * * * * *

"We're getting close," Buffy said and the gang walked through the cemetery. "We found the flask over there" she said pointing to a nearby tree.

"It's getting dark, it's nearly time." Giles observed.

"Hey guys," Xander said stopping. "There some vamp activity going on near that crypt, maybe we should check it out."

"Check it out, X-Man strikes home again," Faith grinned, "you're getting wicked good man."

"I have my moments," Xander replied modestly.

"Let's go Mr. Modesty." Buffy joked as the gang started over to the crypt. As the approached the entrance Faith looked at the doors which were covered in engravings.

"Hey B, look at this," Faith said running her finger along the central figure, "It looks like that symbol that was on the box the flask came in. That symbol for infinity."

"You're right," Buffy said looking at the doors for a moment. She turned around and faced the group. "Okay. Me and Faith go in first, Willow, Amy, Oz, and Xander back us up. Giles and Anya stay here in case anyone gets past or if someone wants to surprise us."

* * * * * * * * * *

The main chamber of the crypt was brightly lit and candles lined the length of two walls while in the center, vampires recited a chant in Latin. In front of them stood a small plinth which had a stone tomb resting on top. Behind it stood the green skinned demon dressed in a purple ceremonial outfit and holding a large and dusty book.

The demon looked down at the book and started reading. "To embrace our future we emplore upon the past. We call on this night of the timeless spirits of Mulo and Bajang to bring fourth and revive the embodiment of Nosferatu, the First One, to guide our way and lead us as ruler of this world so we may walk the Earth once more. What once shall be, what is shall be no more. This night starts the transition and only the First One can lead the way. We emplore thee, bring Nosferatu to us ... NOW!"

"I'm sorry, but the First One couldn't male it ..." Buffy's voice filled the cavern.

"Yeah but he did ask us to come along and kick your un-dead ass!" Faith continued.

"Kill them!" the demon snarled. At that, the vampires who were chanting, stopped and faced the slayers.

"Ready B?" Faith quietly to her girlfriend. With that Faith leapt forward and started attacking the nearest vampire. Buffy jumped in also and started on another vampire nearby striking repeatedly around the head making it stumble slightly backwards. "B! There's one behind you," Faith yelled from the other side of the room.

"We got your back!" Xander called entering the room. An arrow flew past Xander and struck the approaching Vamp in the heart through his back dusting him immediately. "Nice shootin' Oz."

"You take that side." Oz said point to where Faith was. Vampires slowly started turning to dust as one by one they battled towards the demon.

Faith was busy attacking a vampire when another one felt daring enough to attack her from behind. With lightning speed Xander covered the distance between him and the vampire and wrapped his hands around the vamps waist pulling him away, The vampire whipped his right arm back which connected directly with Xander's head throwing him slightly off his feet and loosening his grip on the vamp, then it turned on Xander grabbing him by the scruff of the neck getting ready to throw him face first into the wall. Xander, however, was one step ahead, grabbing hold of his right arm with both arms Xander turning his anger of the un-dead into strength spun the vampire around and threw him against the wall back first who immediately dusted on impact. The last of the vamps was quickly reduced to dust with one final crossbow bolt from Oz.

Looking around the now almost empty room, Buffy breathing softly but fast looked over to Xander. "Once again Xand, we've gotta compliment you. Have you been training yourself recently?"

"I'm not one to boast but I'm getting good," Xander replied with pride.

"Gotta say though, it was a perhaps a little too easy." Faith remarked looking around the bare room, except for the demon standing at the back of the room. "Gotta say," Faith said looking at the demon, "five of us, one of you? Not liking the odds right about now I'm guessing."

"For on this night, he shall arise and the world itself will tremble!" the demon spoke calmly, arms outstretched towards the stone casket.

"Err, what's in the box?" Xander said, asking noone in particular.

"I'm guessing that where the First One is?" Oz said re-loading his cross- bow.

They looked up as the stone lid of the casket blew of with incredible force smashing on the ground next to it. And as if by some un-spoken command more vampires entered the main chamber from either side behind the demon and stood in front of the stone casket. Behind, they could make out a new form rising from inside the casket standing with his back to the group. The demon stepped to one side, his arms folded across his chest and smiling broadly. "Thirty-five of us against five of you. How do those odds look now?" the demon spoke calmly.

Faith leaned in closely to Buffy's side and whispered, "What do we do B? What do we do?"

Chapter 4 - The Un-Written Prophecy

Giles and Anya stood on guard outside the entrance of the crypt, Giles holding a long sword and Anya with a cross-bow. Anya glanced down pensively at her watch and sighed.

"This is taking too long, what's going on down there?" Anya wondered.

"Hopefully, it's going well," Giles replied giving a re-assuring sideways glance towards the ex-demon.

* * * * * * * * * *

"B! Head's up!" Faith shouted as she tossed a stake towards Buffy. She caught it tightly by the butt and lunged swiftly into the vamps chest, dusting it immediately.

"Xander, how are you holding up?" Oz called while is was punching another of the vamps continuously in the face.

"Oh yeah doin' great man," Xander replied. He gripped the butt of his stake firmly as he drove it straight into the heart of a charging vamp. Not realising there was a second charging from behind he grabbed Xander by the neck and threw him back against a nearby wall. He hit it with a heavy thump and he fell to the floor. "Until then," he groaned, trying to catch his breath.

Faith, like Oz was fighting hand to hand not noticing the two vamps approaching her until it was almost too late. Seeing them at the last moment she punched the vamp hard in the face as she quickly reached in and grabbed one of her stakes and drove it through his chest. She knew though she could only get one of the two that were approaching her, but as she always said, if she was gonna go down that she was gonna go down fighting. She pulled back and spun around to meet one of the vamps, conscious that the other one was almost behind her. She stabbed out and staked the oncoming vamp, as she did she quickly spun her head around just in time to see the vamp behind her turning to dust. Giving an inquisitive look she spotted Willow just off the entrance re-loading the cross-bow. "Thanks red, I owe you." Faith called smiling.

"Faith," Buffy called as she notched up another kill. "I'm runnin' low on ammo, what about you?"

"Same here," she replied. "You thinkin' what I'm thinking?"

"I'm pretty sure," Buffy said looking over to Faith.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Can I ask a question?" Anya said as she looked around the cemetery

"Oh course," Giles replied.

"This may sound a little silly but, if this Nosferatu vampire ruled over Central and Eastern Europe, why would he come to Sunnydale?"

"Good question," Giles replied turning to face Anya. "Maybe he came here because of the Hellmouth energy."

"But at one time wasn't there more than one Hellmouth in the world?"

"More than likely, I'm not really sure though."

From inside the crypt they heard the voices of the slayers drift up to the entrance, things were not good. "HHHEEEEEELLLLLLPPP!!!!!"

They shot each other a worried look.

"Oh ..." Giles started.

"... Crap!" Anya finished.

They both turned and dashed through the entrance of the crypt.

* * * * * * * * * *

The vamp that floored Xander approached him grinning broadly. "Do you want you death to be quick or painful?" it gloated.

Xander looked up, "That was my line I think," he said. He swiftly brought his right foot up and caught the approaching vampire in the groin causing to double over. That gave Xander the window he was looking for as he heaved himself off the floor and punched him squarely twice in his face. "Now let's see you fly." Xander mocked. He grabbed the vamp by his left arm and threw him across the room. As he flew a cross-bow bolt came from nowhere and pierced his chest, showering the floor with more un-dead dust.

"Who invited all these?" the voice of Anya joked as she and Giles joined in the fray.

"Hey, nice timing hon. Hey Giles, nice sword." Xander said smiling.

The number of vamps was falling but there was still enough to pose a threat. Buffy had found herself being attacked by two at once and she was in desperate need for a little support as she was down to her final stake. She decided to take the chance as she lunged to the nearest vamp and drove the stake deep into his chest. She didn't have time to see him dust as the other vamp caught her with a right hook to the jaw that sent her reeling into the wall winding her. The vamp smiled at it quickly approached the slayer, fangs showing. Suddenly, Giles appeared behind him with his sword cleaving the vampires' head from his shoulders. As he turned to dust he approached Buffy smiling.

"Here, take these," he said passing her four stakes from his belt.

"Thanks Giles, and nice timing." Buffy replied smiling.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Good job Buffy," Oz said slowing walking to the center of the main room.

The gang looked slowly around at the now empty room and the piles of dust that now cover the floor. Everyone had they fair share of cuts and bruises, Xander probably slightly more than most.

"Good job everyone I'd say," Buffy said looking at the rest of the gang with a smile on her face.

"Indeed," Giles said replacing his sword in it's holder. "Very well fought everyone. Who'd have thought you'd manage to fight your way through .. how many vampires?"

"Well," Faith said thinking, "There were those eight when we arrived and then there were those thirty-five. Not what you'd call a walk in a park."

"But we lost the demon and the main vamp though," Buffy said looking to the back of the room where they stood previously. "Probably left while we were distracted."

"Did any of you see the face of the Fist One?" Giles asked.

"No, he kept his back to us," Willow replied.

"Can we leave here," Anya asked looking around. "Crypts are creepy places to be in."

"Indeed," Giles said. "Let's go to my place and we can get cleaned up." They all turned and walked silently out of the crypt.

* * * * * * * * * * Rupert Giles Apartment, 6:01pm * * * * * * * * * *

"So what now, more research?" Buffy asked Giles as they approached his apartment.

"Indeed," Giles replied. "With the presence of the First One in our world once more, we need to gleam some sort of insight as to what this countdown you mentioned means."

"Which only leaves one question," Faith said looking over to Giles. "Where is Patrick?"

Giles turned the handle of his apartment and everyone started to enter, relaxing after the battle they just fought.

"Hey guys, check it out." Xander spoke in a low hush. The gang stopped and looked over to where Xander was pointing to. Curled up on one of the couches and under a small pile of reference book laid Patrick. Quietly Giles moved over to behind the couch and looked down at the sleeping form in front of him, cradling a book. Carefully he took the book out of Patrick's grasp, keeping the page he had kept open using his thumb and looked at what he was reading, Buffy and Faith came over beside Giles.

"He knew." he said opening the book at the same point Patrick had it on. "He was reading about the Klad'agh demon."

"Giles, look at that," Faith said pointing to Patrick's laptop. Giles closed the book and peered over slightly to looked at the contents that were being shown on the computer. "What is a 'K'os Ta'Mogan'?" Buffy carefully picked up the laptop from the coffee table and took it over to the dining table where the others stood watching and listening to what was going on.

|Watcher's Council of Great Britain Reference Library | |System Administered & Maintained by Patrick Robert Giles For | |And On Behalf Of | |The Watcher's Council of Great Britain ©1998-2000 | | | |Nosferatu, also known as the First One (source Frobisher's | |Demon Index) | |- See also | | | |Cross-Reference: Nosferatu, The First | | | | | |One | | | | l |

aid Patrick. Quietly Giles moved over to behind the couch and looked down at the sleeping form in front of him, cradling a book. Carefully he took the book out of Patrick's grasp, keeping the page he had kept open using his thumb and looked at what he was reading, Buffy and Faith came over beside Giles.

"He knew." he said opening the book at the same point Patrick had it on. "He was reading about the Klad'agh demon."

"Giles, look at that," Faith said pointing to Patrick's laptop. Giles closed the book and peered over slightly to looked at the contents that were being shown on the computer. "What is a 'K'os Ta'Mogan'?" Buffy carefully picked up the laptop from the coffee table and took it over to the dining table where the others stood watching and listening td putting one of the books on the coffee table.

"Well," Xander said looking up, "we've got nothing .. nothing, and this." he finished holding up a book in his right hand.

"Which is?" Willow asked.

"Nothing." Xander putting the book back down on the table.

"This isn't funny Xander," Amy said looking over from the other side of the table.

"I'm sorry," Xander said apologetically. "It's just that we've been here for ages, but we haven't found a single piece of information."

There was a few moments of silence before the phone started ringing. All eyes turned to the phone as Giles walked over from the kitchen and answered it.

"Hello. -- Did you find anything? -- I see, alright. -- Well I'll see you two in the morning. Yes. Goodnight." Giles hung up and looked around. "That was Buffy, they've finished their patrol and are on their way back home. They didn't find anything."

"Same here," Oz said.

"Is there anybody you know who can help?" Willow asked turning around to face Giles.

"I don't know, maybe."

* * * * * * * * * * Los Angeles, California * * * * * * * * * *

"Watch out ladies, this man can't be tamed." a young woman spoke, obviously not hiding her sarcasm.

"You think you know me," a man said entering the room, he had a strong accent and was dressed very formally.

The woman was about to come back with another sarcastic remark when the phone began ringing. With a sly smile she reached forward and picked up the receiver. "Angel Investigations, we help the helpless. Giles, hey it GILES. How are you all there in Sunnydale? -- Really? -- Okay, one moment. It's for you" she finished, holding the phone out to the man.

"Hello," the man said picking up the receiver.

"Hello Wesley, it's Giles. Look, I know it's a little, err, strange but something important has come up and we need a little help."

"Oh really," Wesley replied with a little self-pride in his voice. "How may I be of assistance to you."

"Are you familiar with a vampire demon called Nosferatu, or the First One?"

"Wasn't he reputed to be the very last pure demon to walk the Earth?"

"Yes, and now he's returned, to of all places, here in Sunnydale."

"This is a most perturbing state of affairs Rupert." Wesley said reaching for a pen and a piece of paper. "What can I do?"

"Any information regarding a rite called the K'os Ta'Mogan. From what information I have it has something to do with forming a portal to the nether world, but we don't know how or when? I thought maybe you might have something in your books."

"I'll see what I can do and phone you back."

"Thank you," Giles said and hung up.

"Wow, you actually called Wesley," Willow commented, "Who'd have thought."

"Indeed."

"What do we do now?" Oz asked looking over the back of the couch.

"Why don't you all get out of here for the night. There's nothing more we can do for the moment." Giles said sitting down. "Maybe, if he's awake perhaps take Patrick along?" Giles stood up and walked upstairs.

"Who's Wesley?" Amy asked a little hesitantly.

"Oh, right you weren't around then." Willow said. "Well, after Giles was fired from the council, Wesley came to replace him as Watcher to Buffy and Faith. But on the night before graduation one of the Mayor's vamp lackeys tried to kill Angel and when Wesley said the Council wouldn't help Buffy out both Buffy and Faith quit the Council, and Wesley was fired for incompetence."

"Yes, very good Willow." Giles said as he walked down the stairs.

"Is Patrick still sleeping?" Anya asked looking up.

"No, once again he's gone out through the window." Giles replied as he scratched the back of his neck.

* * * * * * * * * * The Bronze * * * * * * * * * *

"What can I get you buddy?" the barman asked.

"Beer." a voice replied. The person in question was fairly tall, dressed mainly in black with a short crop of white hair, he also had a prominent accent. The barman served him the beer and took the money before moving on. He turned around and saw a young looking man purposefully stride over to the bar and stand next to him. There was nothing about him that made him look strange. Black jeans, black leather jacket and red shirt, but he just got this sensation that something wasn't right with him.

"Beer," the man as he reached the bar.

"You're not from around here are you?" the man with the white hair asked the new arrival.

"Neither are you," the other person replied. "Who are you anyway? Welcoming committee?"

"Call me Spike."

"Spike eh?"

"Here you go," the barman said taking his money.

"So Spike, what d'a want?" he said pulling out a box of smokes from his pocket.

"You smoke as well," Spike commented with mock surprise.

"Yeah," he replied bluntly and took a sip of beer. "Hey I know who you are. You're really my dad aren't you. Beer is bad, smoking kills, sex is evil. I'm not a good boy so say your point Spike and just piss off!"

"You got balls. I like that." Spike said with a smile.

The man pulled out a lighter and lit his cigarette. "Yeah, well you touch them and you'll be on the business end of a two by four with a sharpened end." he paused and drew a lug off his cigarette. "I know who you are Bill and to be honest I just don't have a care in the world. I don't fear you." he turned and faced Spike squarely in the eye. "It should be you who should fear me."

That antagonised Spike severely, all he wanted to do at that point was to rip his head from his shoulder. "I ought to rip that smug head from your shoulders!" he spat with a sneer on his face.

"Look who it is!" a female voice carried through the din of the other people. Behind the man appeared Buffy and Faith.

"Oh crap!" Spike said with disgust.

"Hey Pat how's it going?" Buffy asked looking over his shoulder.

"Drinking beer, cool." Faith commented.

"Beer is bad," Buffy said wrinkling her nose. "Beer is evil."

"No, beer is good." Pat said taking a few gulps from his bottle.

"Oh, I get it." Spike said smiling. "You got this big boy routine because you got the slayers as backup. Should have guessed that."

Patrick slowly placed the bottle on the counter and briefly scratched his neck. Suddenly he lunged forward and grabbed Spike quickly around the throat and pulled him forward so his face was only inches from Patrick's. "You listen to me Spike, I don't need backup from two ladies for me to kick your un-dead ass across this town." Patrick snarled squeezing a little harder. "If anything, it would be you who would be begging for their protection from me! Now do humanity a favour and go away!" He released his grip and pushed him back causing Spike to stumble a couple of steps before falling to the floor. He quickly got up and ran out of the Bronze.

"Like I said, beer is bad." Buffy repeated.

"Hey Pat, you okay?" Faith asked a little concerned. "I mean, not that I enjoyed that little floor show immensely but, how many of those have you had?"

Patrick picked up the bottle and turned to face the Slayers. "I'm okay, really. I was just releasing a little pent up anger that's all. Hey look," he said pointing to a corner, "there's Amy and the others." smiling broadly he stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray on the bartop and walked confidently over to them leaving two Slayers still a little baffled at what just happened.

"Hey look, it's Pat with Buffy and Faith" Xander said as he saw him strolling over to the table, followed by Faith and Buffy.

"Hey guys," Willow said looking round and giving a small wave.

"Hey guys, wasn't expecting you here." Xander said.

"Finished research for the night," Buffy said sitting next to Willow.

"Yep." Xander said watching Patrick sitting down next to Amy. "Hey Pat, how are you?" he asked spotting the beer he was holding.

"Hmm, let's see. Spent some time on the internet while you were out earlier, had a rest, came here, intimidated the hell outta Spike and beer." he said raising the bottle, "I'm good."

"Are you drunk?" Amy said a little worried.

"Yeah, you know, beer is bad." Willow added.

"No, I am fine," Patrick said looking Amy in the eye for a moment before looking away. "Hey Willow, Amy, you looking forward to tomorrow?"

"Why, what's tomorrow?" Willow asked.

"Day of the solar eclipse. Yep, gonna be pretty cool, from a mystical point of view methinks." Patrick said before taking another long sip.

"What time is it taking place?" Amy said.

"About noon." Patrick said as he finished his drink.

They sat in relative silence for a few minutes, not knowing what to say. Then they heard a slow tune start playing and people started walking to the dance floor.

"Hey Amy, wanna dance?" Patrick asked.

Amy sat for a couple of seconds, thinking about her answer. "Sure," she finally replied. They got up and walked to the floor leaving everyone looking a little wide eyed.

"What was that about him and Spike? And did anyone video tape it?" Xander said.

"Let's go," Anya said taking Xander's hand and dragging him to the floor followed by the others.

"How are you liking Sunnydale?" Amy asked looking into Patrick's eyes.

"Besides the whole living-on-a-Hellmouth-with-demons-on-every-corner aspect, it's a pretty cool place. I'm liking it a lot." Patrick replied with a smile. "How's life outside the rat cage?"

Amy giggled and looked up again at Patrick, "It's pretty cool."

* * * * * * * * * * Rupert Giles Apartment, 23rd, April * * * * * * * * * *

"Good morning Giles," Patrick said from the kitchen as Giles reached the bottom of the stairs. "I've made breakfast,"

"That's nice," Giles replied sitting down "What did I do to deserve this?"

"Oh I just thought I should earn my keep around here." Patrick said as he served the breakfast along with two steaming cups of tea. "After all, you been kind enough to keep me here and make me feel welcome. It's the least I can do."

"Well, you're very welcome Patrick, you need not prove anything to me. After all, you are family."

Patrick sat down opposite Giles and they both started eating. "Um, the Pergamum Codex, you think this could be a prophecy?"

"You know the Codex?" Giles said clearing his throat.

"I studied a duplicate they have at the Council back in England." Patrick replied holding his cup

"They've had a copy of the Codex and never told me about it?" Giles said a little surprised.

"Yeah well, the Council is never forthright with their information. Did you also know there was more than one Codex in this world."

"Really. I never knew that."

"I'm not sure exactly how many, but they're scattered across in different countries relating to different paths of different Slayer's"

"Incredible," Giles said with genuine astonishment as to be honest, all this that Patrick was telling him was news to him.

"Check this for a prophecy. In two thousand and thirty in Australia, it is prophesied that a demon will not attempt to open a portal to some demon dimension. He will believe that Earth already has a Hell in it's center and the only way to bring it forth is to turn the entire planet inside out."

"I don't believe that." Giles said putting down his tea cup.

"I got a copy of their Codex here, I'll show you if you want."

"Yes, it would interesting to read." Giles said. "That's an interesting ring you have, who gave that to you?"

Patrick looked down at his right hand where a single ring was placed on his index finger, "Oh this, my mother gave it to me before I left England."

* * * * * * * * * * Rupert Giles Apartment, 11:55am * * * * * * * * * *

The rest of the gang had congregated with Giles and Patrick and were in the back garden, for them it would be the first time they've seen a solar eclipse take place and they were very interested as to what it would look be like.

"This may sound silly," Buffy said, "but if it goes dark, won't the vamps think that it's night time and want to come out to feed?"

"For their sakes they better not," Faith replied. "By the time they realise differently, the sun would have dusted them all."

"And that's bad because?" Xander asked.

"Would spoil the fun of dusting them ourselves?"

"Hey look, it's happening," Willow said pointing up at the sky. From where they stood they could see the moon moving across the sky towards the sun

"Wow, this looks beautiful." Buffy said not taking her eyes from the sky.

"Hey Pat," Faith looking over, "How are you after last night in the Bronze?"

Patrick stood at the back with his arms folded across his chest. He glanced over to Faith and smiled. "Five by five."

"It's getting a little chilly," Xander said, "maybe I should have brought a jacket along."

"It will pass soon enough," Giles said.

They continued to stair in silence for a few more moments as the moon blocked out the last remains of sunlight, shrouding the Earth in darkness.

"That is incredible," Xander said.

"It certainly is," Willow said still looking at the sky.

From behind them they heard the soft growling of a vampire. Buffy thought that since Patrick pissed Spike off last night at the Bronze, he'd turned up to exact some sort of revenge.

"Hey Spike come to see the fun?" Buffy said sliding a stake from her pocket.

"No, not Spike ..." Patrick said. Buffy turned her gaze from the sky and looked behind her to see who had turned up. When she did though, her heart jumped into her throat.

"Giles," Buffy uttered softly. The rest of the gang turned and got the fright of their lives. What they were looking at was Patrick.

"It can't be," Giles softly spoke, "you can't be a --- vampire!"

"Not any vampire," Patrick replied, "he is playing host to a greater destiny, one far greater than any cross-breed can envisage. I am the First One," he finished with a low laugh. He took a step forward towards the group when Anya shoved a cross which had the end sharpened into a point, in his face stopping his advance. "You really think that can stop me?" he laughed grabbing the cross out of her hand. As he held onto it, smoke began to pour from his hand but all he seemed to do was continue laughing. "Pain is like fear," he continued, "if you can control it, it cannot be your master." Patrick grabbed for one of Anya's hands and without hesitation drove the pointed end of the cross through her hand causing her to reel back screaming in pain.

"You will pay for this," Xander hissed and he quickly attended to his girlfriend along with Giles.

"Heed my advice Slayers," Patrick scowled, "next time we meet, you both will die." With that he turned and started to leave.

As a last ditch effort Amy approached Patrick and placed her hand on his left shoulder. "Patrick, we will help you. Don't give up,"

Patrick turned slightly and looked deep in Amy's eyes. "I am no longer Patrick. I am called Nosferatu." Then he walked away leaving everybody in a shocked and stunned silence.