CHAPTER FOUR - COME TOGETHER

Dawn had arrived by the time Buffy got home, and was ensconced in the kitchen with Willow comparing notes on psych lectures. They looked up as Buffy entered, long dark-red hair next to long light brown hair, two pairs of enormous eyes regarding her. Sometimes Dawn looks more like Willow than like me, Buffy thought, swinging her bag into the corner.

"Hey, Buffy," Willow greeted her with a smile. "Rough day?"

"Not too bad," Buffy replied. She walked across to Dawn, slipping an arm around her for a brief hug. The younger girl almost towered over her now, but Buffy would never stop feeling protective of her little sister. "How are you, Dawnie? How's college life?"

"Not too bad," Dawn answered. "Pretty boring, I guess. No psychotic lecturers trying to take over the world or anything like that."

"Yeah, sounds dull," Willow said, shaking her head sadly. "You young things. You don't know you've lived until your teacher tries to turn you into Frankenstein's monster. Right, Buff?"

"It's an important part of college life," Buffy agreed. She shifted restlessly from one foot to the other. As much as she had been looking forward to seeing her sister, she suddenly felt the need for some alone time. "Um, Giles has some doom and gloom to tell us. Scoobie meeting at 9?"

"Yay, Scoobie meeting!" Dawn said enthusiastically. "Except, you know. For the doom and gloom part."

"Riiight," Buffy said, rolling her eyes at Willow. "So. Have we got any snack food choices for the gang?"

"I'm on it," Dawn said, hopping to her feet. "I brought supplies with me. Sugary goodness coming up."

"Great," Buffy said. "I'm going to go take a bath."

She slipped upstairs as Willow and Dawn began pottering around in the kitchen, and escaped to the sanctuary of her bubble bath.

*****

Buffy only stayed to hear the beginning of Giles' explanation to Willow, Dawn, Xander and Alison about the prophecies, and the day's trip to LA. With Spike's permission, he was going to explain everything to them, and Buffy didn't think she could handle another rendition of the news she had heard today.

Scoobie meetings now took place in Buffy's recently-refurbished basement, after Alison pointed out that holding gatherings in private locations where locals couldn't eavesdrop, and vampires couldn't enter, was probably a good idea.

As Giles began talking, Buffy slipped upstairs to wait on the back porch for Angel and Spike to arrive as agreed.

The warmth of the spring day had disappeared as the sun went down, and the cool night air meant the stars appeared crystal clear in the black sky. Faint mist appeared with each exhalation, and Buffy was glad to wrap herself in a warm coat as she sat on a wicker chair. The familiar shadows in the yard, the gentle purr of a car making its way down the street, the faint rumble of next door's television, the soft breeze that tickled her hair against her cheek, were all soothing to her senses, and she tipped her head back and watched the branches of the trees dance with the stars as she waited for Angel and Spike.

They appeared silently, dark shadows moving noiselessly across the garden, and perched quietly on the steps before her, smoking. Occasionally the two vampires exchanged a few words, too low for Buffy to make out.

So strange to see them getting on like this, she thought to herself.

Her eyes moved from one dark brown head to the other dark blonde one, currently turned towards each other in brief conversation. She strained her ears to catch a few words, but could only pick up the low chest rumble of their voices.

Her gaze settled on Angel's familiar profile. Her first love, her first lover. It seemed so long ago now, she could hardly remember what it felt like to have her world revolve around him. Sixteen years old, and unable to believe that passion this strong could ever fade. In this case, absence certainly hadn't made the heart grow fonder. She had grown up and away from him. Maybe if he had stayed in Sunnydale, her feelings would have stayed strong, but his move to LA had proved to be the death of their relationship.

The single night they had spent together was both etched in her memory, and faded like an old photograph. I guess no-one ever forgets their first time, she thought, but her memories of the actual event were fuzzy round the edges. It had been a sweet, gentle, loving experience, she remembered, with Angel happy to take the lead. Buffy imagined being in control came naturally to him.

Her eyes drifted over to Spike. Now he, on the other hand - every moment she had spent with him as his lover was as vivid now as the day it had happened. If loving Angel was soft velvet, silver glow, slow and dreamy, then Spike was golden sparks, silken sheen, enveloping, breathless black. Passionate, exciting, adventurous, sensual, at times dominating and at times submissive - his lovemaking had been like a drug. She hadn't been able to get enough. And she had given up, in recent years, trying to justify to herself why it was Spike's image and Spike's hands that she often brought to mind when she was alone at night in her bed. She had even given up feeling disgusted with herself in the morning.

She was roused from her thoughts by the sudden movement from the two vampires, who as one surged to their feet and turned to face the back door. A few seconds later, she heard it too - her friends were moving up the basement stairs, through the kitchen, making their way out the back door.

The door opened, and Dawn charged out first, a determined expression on her face. She made her way over to Spike and Angel, giving each a quick hug and then turning to face the others who were still standing by the back door. Dawn had made it clear that she was standing up for Spike and Angel.

Xander was through the door next, where he stopped, regarding the figures before him. Willow squeezed out behind him, her eyes enormous as they flicked between Spike and Angel.

Giles and Alison paused in the kitchen, silently watching the tableau.

After what seemed like eons, Xander stepped forward and stood before Angel, holding out his hand. "Angel," he said briefly, and if there hadn't been so much tension in the air, Buffy would have rolled her eyes. Why couldn't people speak in full sentences around here?

"Xander," Angel returned, taking the proffered hand. Then Xander moved slightly so that he stood before Spike, and Buffy found herself holding her breath. How would Xander act now?

The two stood facing each other, faces expressionless as brown eyes and blue clashed. Spike lifted his chin slightly, that old defiant look coming onto his face. Think you can take me? he seemed to be saying. Come and have a go if you think you're hard enough.

Xander smiled slightly at the unspoken challenge. "Spike," he said, holding out his hand. "Long time no see."

Buffy bit her lip to stop herself chuckling as Spike's jaw almost hit the floor. He quickly recovered, and shook Xander's hand. "Harris," he said briefly. "How's things."

Pleasantries over, Xander moved to Buffy's side, showing his own allegiances. Buffy reached out and gave his hand a quick squeeze. Since the events of five years ago, and Willow's actions, Xander had grown so much, was now able to see grey rather than just black and white. But she hadn't been sure how he would cope with seeing Spike again, and she was proud of him.

Willow quickly moved forward, pausing a little way from the vampires. She regarded them gravely, her eyes lingering over Spike. He looked back just as solemnly, his eyes level, no smirk or defiance present as he waited for Willow's judgement. She gave a slight smile

"Hello, Spike. It's ..." she swallowed, and an expression of surprise flitted over her face. "It's good to see you again."

Spike allowed his features to relax slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly in a smile. "And you."

Willow ducked her head and moved back so she was standing close to Xander and Buffy. There was silence.

Giles regarded the two groups standing in front of him for a few seconds, then stepped forward.

"Alison, I'd like you to meet Angel and Spike," he said, ushering Alison forward. She shook hands with each of the vampires, warm smile in place.

"Now that everybody's up to date, we need to come up with some suggestions," Giles continued. "Based on the evidence, we can safely assume that something is happening very shortly. But we need to find out exactly what."

"I thought you said this prophecy was very specific," Buffy said. "Doesn't it give more details?"

"Well, it is very specific - for a prophecy," Giles answered. "And particularly for this cult. Most of their prophecies have only been deciphered after they have already been fulfilled.

"This one is specific in that the portents are very accurate; and I can narrow down to within a week when it will be fulfilled. It also explains exactly what will happen. But it isn't very clear on how it will happen."

"Why don't you tell us exactly what the prophecy says, see if anyone else has any ideas?" Alison suggested.

"Good suggestion," Giles said. "I've got the book here ..."

He moved back to the basement entrance, and everyone turned to follow him.

As Buffy walked through the kitchen, she heard her name called in a quiet tone. Turning back, she saw Spike waiting by the door. He looked at her quickly, then glanced away.

"I can't ..." He gestured at the doorway. Buffy felt a flush of shame at her thoughtlessness. How could she have forgotten?

"Come in, Spike," she said softly.

His eyes locked with hers, and slowly he stepped through the open doorway.

****

As he entered the basement, Spike looked around curiously. Someone had spent a lot of time and effort turning it into an area that would perfectly meet Buffy's needs. Several stuffed dummies and punchbags stood around, looking somewhat worse for wear. Slayer fists and feet must be as fast and lethal as ever. A large target was fastened to the far wall, with a cluster of holes near the bull's eye. Various well-tended weapons, obviously favourites, were displayed in cases. One, a large axe, caught his attention, and he moved over for a closer look.

"Isn't that ...?" He turned to find Buffy standing behind him, a defiant look on her face.

"Are you admiring my favourite axe?" she asked, daring him. He gave a low chuckle.

"It's very nice," he told her, giving up any claim he might have had to the weapon that he had last seen in his crypt. He continued looking around the room.

At the other end of the room, a round table took up most of the space, surrounded by several mismatched chairs. A low ceiling light hung over the centre of the table, creating a warm pool of light Against the nearest wall, a desk with a sleek computer held pride of place, and a small bookshelf held a number of ancient looking tomes. Willow settled into the chair by the computer as if by right, running her fingers over the keys as though stroking a pet. The others all moved into the other chairs, each obviously having a customary place. Angel and Spike remained standing.

"Pull up a chair, guys," Dawn invited. They both shifted uncomfortably, and looked around the room. Spike perched on the basement steps, just outside of the light cast by the ceiling lamp, and Angel leaned against the wall nearby.

Everyone looked at them questioningly.

"Is this a vampire allergy we didn't know about?" Xander asked. "Stakes, garlic, holy water - chairs?"

Spike and Angel both glared daggers.

"Let's just ... hear the prophecy," Angel growled.

"Yes. Well, roughly translated, here it is." Giles repeated the words just as he had told them to Buffy earlier that day.

"On the night of the full moon the earth shall shake with fear.

The old ones shall return to the earth

Back to the beginning

Back where they belong.

Brought back by the leader of Aurelius

To claim what was theirs.

And the earth shall no longer be home to mankind.

Only if the Empress of Night-time leads the way

Only if the three of sadness come together

Only if the two hands guide the shade

Will the doorway remain closed."

He looked up at the others. "The first part is fairly clear, I think. One night next week, when there is a full moon, there will be an earthquake. Immediately ollowing that, something will happen that will bring back the old ones. The demons that inhabited the earth before mankind, I believe.

"The second part is more difficult. "Empress" could also be translated as "Queen", or simply some kind of female leader. "Night-time" could also be "darkness". I just can't make head nor tail of any of it."

"Is "the doorway" the Hellmouth?" Willow queried.

"Most likely," Giles said. "But we don't know for sure."

There was silence as everyone thought over the words. Then they all looked at each other, waiting for someone to make a suggestion.

Giles closed the book with a sigh. "Any ideas? Anyone?"

"We need more that this," Buffy said. "We can't just guess what these Helley-oens mean. Maybe it will all be clear after the event, but that's not really much help. Not if "earth will no longer be home to mankind." And womenkind, I expect."

"Ok, I expect this is a really stupid idea," said Xander, and paused. No-one corrected him. "But I'll say it anyway. Can we find a way of looking into the future? Then we'll understand what this prophecy means, and we can stop it." He looked around expectantly. "You know, with some kind of spell or something..." His voice trailed away.

Dawn reached over and patted his hand comfortingly.

"Um, I don't think there are any spells that can do that kind of thing," Willow volunteered from her corner. "I've never come across any that can do time-loopy stuff."

"Oh well," Xander sighed. "Another stupid idea for the Xand-man."

"It's not that stupid," Alison said soothingly. "Some people can see the future, you know. We just don't know any of them."

"There's Dru," Angel said suddenly, then subsided when everyone turned to look at him. "Ok, that was an even stupider idea than Xander's."

"Hey!" protested Xander. "Only I'm allowed to have the stupid ideas. It's what I do."

"Sorry," mumbled Angel.

Alison was looking at him with interest. "Drusilla? The vampire? She has psychic abilities?"

"Sure," Angel replied. "She had - visions - of things that happened in the future. She was also pretty handy with tarot cards, hypnosis, things like that."

There was an uncomfortable silence as everyone in the room remembered a few past events. Only Alison was unaffected.

"How lucid were her visions?" she asked.

Angel looked confused, but answered obligingly. "Before she - became a vampire - pretty lucid. Afterwards ... well, she found it hard to distinguish between reality and visions. She didn't really try. Just let it all happen."

"Why does it matter?" Xander asked. "One crazy vampire isn't going to help us."

Angel and Spike turned to stare at him forbiddingly.

"Alison has a number of skills and abilities," Giles explained, leaning forward. "She can act as a - channel - for those who receive visions. A translator, if you like."

"I don't have visions myself," Alison said. "My grandmother did, however, and I learnt to help her interpret them." She turned back to Angel. "Did Drusilla ever have someone help her?"

Angel shook his head. "Not that I know of."

Spike, who had sat silently through the discussion, now spoke up. "Dru never had any help from anyone. She just muddled through it as best she could. Most of the time she was dead accurate. But Harris is right. It doesn't matter that she has the abilities. There's no way she would help."

Giles and Alison exchanged looks.

"What is it?" Buffy said softly.

Giles gave a quick nod, and Alison turned to her. "We received a new shipment of goods in the Magic Box last week. One of them was an Orb of Thessulah."

A silence fell around the room as all absorbed the impact of her words.

"You mean ..." Angel breathed.

"No!"

Everyone jumped as the word exploded from Spike. He launched to his feet, his eyes ice blue.

"There is no way you are pulling that hocus-pocus on Dru. Christ, Angel. We've found it almost impossible to cope. And you were a drunken layabout and I was a pathetic loser without a spine before we were turned. You've told me often enough how pure and chaste and honest Dru was before you turned her. How do you think that soul would handle all the things Dru has done in the past century? If she's not completely insane now, she certainly would be after that!"

"Spike, let's at least talk about it ..." Angel began, laying a hand on Spike's arm to calm him down. But Spike shook him off.

"There. Is. Nothing. To. Talk. About. There is no way I'm letting you do this. No way in hell."

He cast a final scathing look around the room, then ran up the stairs and disappeared.

TBC