Disclaimer: I do not own any of the series mentioned in this story.

Author's note: For anyone who has played and beaten Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate, you should know who exactly the black-cloaked figure with the helmet with the glass face is. As I've mentioned before, this series of stories was meant to show that the way everything in the Whedonverse has gone, cannot be left up to the Powers as they are fully aware of what goes on and who does what. They can claim to be about balance but as shown in the shows and their comic continutations, their not really as great as they make themselves out to be on the show. Also, when it comes to Fate doing what he did in Mirror of Fate, it's safe to say he did more than he probably should have. For this story, with the universes of Lords of Shadow, Charmedverse, and Whedonverse, there's the idea that Fate is behind so much when working with the higher beings involved with the characters from each respective series. The first story arc of this story will be wrapping up soon enough. And for anyone who is curious what will happened to the altered canon universe in this story, well, let's just say, you'll see the future of that world soon.

Summers' Residence

Sunnydale

Home Dimension

Buffy sat at the kitchen table as she looked over an old tome that Gabriel kept in his collection. Buffy found herself surprised at the list of angels that were recorded yet were not seen for reasons she didn't give much thought to. She soon thought on what she and the group knew about the Old Ones and realized that their knowledge was practically non-existent. She wondered what Xander would think if he shared the same thoughts on the matter. The sentiment immediately made her sad as she realized that her best friend, who had been there for her throughout everything was willing to risk himself in the same manner as he usually did; leaping in, not caring whether or not he died as long as his friends lived. However, she knew he would come back but was becoming increasingly distraught as she missed his company. She was brought out of her musings as the front door opened, with Riley coming into the kitchen

"Hey Buff. You doing alright?" the military officer asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just doing some research of my own. I'm surprised at how much these brotherhood guys had on demons. And from what Faith said about Gabriel's story about that Forgotten One, I doubt we'd stand much of a chance," Buffy said with a grimace.

"Well, that's why we have such a strong group, right? Hell, if it wasn't for you guys, I can't imagine where me, Graham and Forrest would be. Still, meeting an angel. An honest-to-god angel that's on our side...sort of puts things in a new perspective," Riley replied to his girlfriend.

"Yeah. I've been meaning to ask, how have you held up with everything? I know it can't be easy being around Angel with everything I've told you," Buffy began trailing off.

"It's kind of weird sometimes. I've patrolled with him, Spike and Drusilla. Billy Idol and Carmilla were easy enough to deal with, part of it from the arguing. But with Angel, it was..." Riley stopped to really gather his thoughts.

"Lemme guess, he got all broody on you?" Buffy jibed slightly at her ex. Riley looked up and smiled softly.

"Yeah. I guess with everything we've all learned, he's just had to deal in his own way. As much as I can't believe it, I feel bad for the guy. I mean it was one thing that his soul was crammed in the same body as a demon. But for him to suffer to begin with. That's the cruel and unusual thing for anyone to do," Riley said.

"Yeah, well I made it worse when we slept together," Buffy added on. She had told Riley about the loss of her virginity and initially, it didn't sit well with the soldier. However, he eventually moved past it was he realized that everyone was different at one point in their lives. Looking at the three, four as he counted Gabriel, vampires of the group made that point more than clear.

"That in itself wasn't really your fault to begin with. No one knew how the curse could've been broken, let alone if it could've been broken to begin with. It sounds like the people who performed it were to focused on revenge instead of just ending him, or at least imprisoning him," Riley said further. Buffy thought about Riley's point and thought back to what Sachiel told everyone. It seemed that the Powers were more focused on consolidating their plans and power over those chosen. However, now she that she felt the burden being shared by the entire group, she knew that everything could turn out for the better. The house's doorbell ringing signaled to the couple that someone was at the door. Buffy went to open it and noticed that Sandy was outside, looking rather distant.

"Hey. Is everything alright?" Riley asked the younger woman as they both allowed her inside.

"I'm fine. I've just had a hard time coping with everything that's gone on and what I seemed to do. I've tried practicing at home with my powers. It's not easy. I've broken too much stuff in my apartment. And I need some more help," Sandy said.

"Help with what? Did something attack you?" Buffy asked as she began to grow worried about her new friend.

"No. I need training in how to fight. All those vampires I came up against before I ran into that new one seemed to be pure luck, and maybe a little divine intervention. But I might not always be able to rely on that or my powers. I need you guys to train me," Sandy said. Buffy and Riley looked to each other and nodded. They took Sandy to the backyard of the home where the slayers of the group trained, to help her prepare.

Summers' Residence

Origin Dimension

Alucard, Ariel and Alex sat along with Rona, Molly, Amanda, and a number of the potential slayers as Dawn explained everything she knew about her origins of being the key. The potentials present could only feel sympathy for the girl as they never truly understood the scope of how far outclassed the girl felt. They all had the hope of being the next slayer within them but Dawn was still a normal girl, for the most part. They thought back to the other normal human; rather not as normal after the display he made with Spike. Dawn explained how she was a mystical ball of energy turned human with the power still inside of her. The power was bound to her blood as a human and was no longer active as a result of the barriers closing. Ariel listened as she used her power to reach out and scan Dawn's person. Alucard didn't know what to make of this development as he had never known any power capable of doing such a thing. He felt that there was something else at work but was missing a certain element. Ariel snapped him out of his train of thought.

"So this order of Dagon was responsible for turning the energy of the key into human form, which as a result gives you an honest-to-goodness human soul, but they also altered reality as a result?" Ariel asked the group disbelievingly.

"Uh, yeah. I don't understand the issue?" Dawn asked just as confused as the rest. Ariel could only shake her head in annoyance as no one seemed to understand the importance of her asking the question.

"No human no matter how powerful in magic is capable of altering reality let alone creating a soul. The only one who can is the Almighty himself," Alucard explained. Willow entered into the room as she heard the conversation from the kitchen and it made her think about her own experiences with magic, particularly when she re-ensouled Angel.

"So then what did cause all of this?" Rona asked. As new as she was to these experiences, she could tell when something about a situation seemed fishy.

"If I had to guess, Sariel and Kushiel. The Powers were charged with handling events that took place over this hellmouth. But it seems that rather than actually do anything to remedy the situation, they only exacerbate everything. On my world, the Key wasn't given human shape. Instead, Father had my brother Sachiel instill it within a human sometime after the flood. When Faith's half-sister Luna Lehane was born, the power remained dormant until she was pushed and her energy-wielding abilities came about as a result. The Key functioned in her the same way, but the way it came into the physical world was different. For you, Dawn, I suspect Sariel and Kushiel had altered this timeline. The shape of reality is never as straight-forward as many of you would believe. The monks of Dagon believed that they altered reality on their own and that Dawn existed for only a few years. But to alter reality this heavily, to create a new soul takes more than the power any human would possess. Reality can be altered enough to change certain events. Dawn is as real as everyone in this room as are the memories reformed in your minds. All thanks to my brothers. If I ever see them again, I'll tear them a cosmos of new ones," Ariel seethed, causing the house to reverberate as her anger seeped out through the building. Dawn and the rest of the humans in the house backed away from the archangel.

"Okay. So what about the power of the key?" Dawn asked, hesitantly.

"Well, I've theorized that the power inside you is only dormant. It is possible that with the upcoming battle, we may be able to rid you of the power, should any other entity attempt to use you blood at any other given time. It would also help to seal the portal beneath this town for good," Alucard answered to the younger girl.

"But how would you do that? We always knew the hellmouth to be a mystical convergence of energy. Doesn't that kind of thing just happen?" Willow asked.

"It is true that the energies that make up the hellmouth draw all manner of evil supernatural creatures to them. However, forming an actual portal, especially one as unstable as the hellmouth would suggest that there is more behind it's creation than anyone really understands. My father had gone through a natural portal to one of the darkest hell dimensions. The portal itself was sealed off by the found members of the brotherhood. But with the seal being broken, other demons would likely find their way into this world. However, they've only roamed the area in which the portal to the Shadow Plane was located. For many of the half-breeds, the hellmouth's energies have the same effect on their demonic heritage," Alucard explained further.

"But if that's true, then why aren't you and Gabriel affect as well?" Molly asked.

"Despite our vampiric natures, we weren't possessed by demons. My father and I have retained our souls and humanity," the vampire added on.

"So what about this method of removing my power?" Dawn asked. She had already experienced what Glory put her through once. She would hope not to have to go through it again.

"There is an item that is capable of helping seal the hellmouth. However, the power of the amulet alone would only seal it off. The source of hellmouth's power would like be something akin to the power of the Key," Alucard said. Dawn noticed Ariel's impassive expression flinch for about a split-second.

"Ariel, what do you know?" Dawn asked the archangel. Ariel looked to the group as the living room started filling with more people. Anya, Xander, Faith, Spike, Buffy, and Giles, along with the potentials there, had been drawn by the conversation as it progressed. Ariel looked to them all and realized that she could only tell them the truth so that they understood the gravity of the situation.

"When the rebellion took place, My big brother and the third of the angels who sided with him fell to earth. During the time after Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden, the Grigori who came to earth mated with human women and created the nephilim, just as the Old Ones did. However, during that time, an item was created by my fallen brothers of the Grigori. It's known as the Seed of Wonder," Ariel began explaining.

"Oh lord," Spike said, surprising everyone, including Giles. Ariel looked at the demonic vampire wondering what was on his mind.

"That seed has been around since before the First Evil. It's the reason why Twilight is an inevitability. The world itself came from the Seed. It was demons and horrors then. Probably spillover from some less than pleasant dimension. What?" Spike said as he noticed the archangel eying him angrily.

"You're going to sit here, and tell me that the Seed created the world? Even when I'm sitting here, as proof of how much mankind has been lied to?!" Ariel yelled throughout the house. Spike shrank back as he realized he had said the wrong thing, which didn't bother him when he was soulless.

"This whole world has been steeped in lies so long, it's no wonder this planet has been going to hell in a hand basket. The Seed itself is a magical item. And in case I haven't made this clear, Magic itself, at least dark magics were introduced by demons as well as the pagans that have been inhabiting this world. Why do you think those magics you used in their names always came with a price? They think themselves to be greater than Father. I wouldn't be surprised that Sariel and Kushiel used their services for more than one of their plans," Ariel said. Suddenly a thought occurred to her as to the 'fate' of this world and why it would've gone the way it has.

"At any rate, the Fallen made the seed in an attempt to imitate the Tree of Life. A number of the Old Ones in Hell sought a way to come back into this world when they create the Seed. However, the Seed itself did not have the power to create doorways, only open them. There are natural portals to Earth that come from Heaven and Hell, as well as Purgatory. But they are few and far between compared to the portals that lead to those pocket dimensions that the half-breeds inhabit. The convergence of energy in this town did form a natural portal. However, the Seed kept it open until the seal was placed to keep the Old Ones locked there. If you want to get rid of the hellmouth for good, the Seed has to be destroyed," Ariel finished.

"But then what happens to us? If the seed is responsible for magic, wouldn't me and other witches be powerless? And what about the slayer line?" Willow asked. Alex filled her in and what he was told as far as the fated battle against the First.

"As I've said, you've relied on the power of supernatural entities, calling themselves higher beings. The Seed provides a link to them but it is not the heart of this world. If the world itself has been going to hell, it's only because of the way that humans have ruined it. The demons and so-called higher beings were just an add-on to everything else. So now it all comes down to a few choices. The first is how you intend to fight the army of turok-hans beneath the seal. The second is who will you send to take care of the Seed. That will be the most difficult task. The Seed is sentient and will protect itself. So you must choose wisely. And finally, what will you do when this is all said and done," Ariel said to everyone present.

"While you all mull that over, Alex and I need to handle a few things before I leave this world for good," Ariel said.

"You're leaving?" Buffy suddenly.

"Yes. This final battle you all will have to handle without us. We still have battles on our world that we must get back to. But there are some...friends we must see to. Alex, are you ready?" Ariel asked her charge.

"Yeah. Let's go. Oh. Whatever happens guys, don't lose yourselves. Never forget why you fight. So long," Alex said as he and Ariel exited the house. Buffy watched the younger double of her male friend leave with a look on longing on her face. She looked back to her Xander, who had a stoic expression on his face. They went back to business to discuss what could happen with Gabriel and Alucard.

"So what happens now?" Alex asked.

"We see about the Halliwells," Ariel said. She grabbed Alex's should and they disappeared in a flash of light, like a shooting star.

San Francisco, California

Halliwell Residence

Origin Dimension

Alex and Ariel appeared outside of the mansion, with Xander anticipating the same reception as back in Sunnydale. Xander went up the stone steps to the door and prepared to knock. He was caught off guard as Phoebe immediately opened the door. Xander was shocked at her appearance as she seemed to have mature into a more beautiful woman than the Phoebe he already knew.

"Alexander Harris, right?" Phoebe asked the newcomers.

"Yeah. You shouldn't know me. How do you know about me?" Alex asked as he looked at the youngest sister.

"I saw you and Ariel in a vision. Leo told us that the Elders saw your arrival. Which honestly, couldn't have come at a worse time. Come in and we'll explain," Phoebe said as she stepped aside to allow the visitors inside. Alex stopped and saw Piper and Paige, who had grown more beautiful as well. However, he noticed someone was missing.

"Where's Prue?" Alex asked as he thought about the eldest sister. The three sisters all looked shocked at his possible knowledge about their sister.

"She's not with us. She's...she's been dead. For two years now," Piper answered. Alex put his head down as he thought on the words.

"Was it Shax?" Alex asked. The sisters looked up and the looks on their faces gave him his answer.

"Alexander, how do you know that?" Paige asked.

"Please. Just Xander or Alex. And as for how I know. It's quite a story. One I've told at least twice now. So you all may want to sit down," Alex said as the sisters complied. The empowered young man told them his story about how he was approached by a mysterious, supernatural entity, posing as a demon. The demon had awakened a power within him. The power helped him save a number of his friends and even kept his girlfriend from going down a dark path. Then came the point where he and Faith had met up with the Charmed Ones while on their roadtrip, and how they recruited the sisters and found Paige, with everyone now in Sunnydale. The sisters were marveled at the fact that one person made choices that could've led to them living somewhat peacefully, even if they were constantly fighting the darkness. However, they figured that the Elders kept them away from the others who could've been allies for some reason. That thought led them to the way Gideon seemed to behave whenever it came to them.

"So then all those stories we heard about demons, angels and all the like are true. Which only makes it weirder about what we're going to face," Piper said.

"What's going on?" Alex asked.

"My future son showed up and explained some of our future. On top of that, we've got the Titans to deal with," Phoebe said.

"Titans? As in Greek Titans? How does that work?" Alex asked.

"The Titans were entities said to be like deities. The Elders sealed them away. Whoever released them have no idea what they were doing. I wouldn't be surprised if one of my lower ranking brothers was stupid enough to do so. The Titans could be taken down by one such as myself. A lower ranking angel would have a difficult time but it wouldn't be impossible for one of my brother's, say Castiel, to take them out. Besides, they themselves are not omniscient, nor omnipotent. A friend of our's that is with our alternate selves could likely kill them provided he had the correct weapon," Ariel explained.

"So what will it take to get him here?" Phoebe asked.

"If I know those guys, first they'll go to Los Angeles. And then you can contact them at Angel Investigations. They have a friend named Gabriel Belmont. He'll be able to help you," Ariel said to the sisters.

"Wait, do you guys have any idea about what we can do if Gabriel will help us?" Piper asked.

"What I can offer you are words of wisdom. Be careful of the powers you use. Many of the powers offered, like the Hollow, come with a price," Ariel said. Alex arched an eyebrow as he wondered what exactly the archangel was talking about.

"What's the Hollow?" Phoebe asked Alex's question.

"Where there is creation, there is also oblivion. The Hollow is a magical vapor. It is capable of gving power to witches, demons, whitelighters, blacklighters, any supernatural creature that uses magic," Ariel began explaining.

"What about angels? Wouldn't you guys be able to use it's power?" Paige asked.

"No. Our powers and abilities do not rely on the use of magic, contrary to what popular culture tells you. Not even the strongest of my fallen brothers and sisters use magic. Only those of the lower ranks became what Alex and his friends in Sunnydale know as the Old Ones. At any rate, the Hollow gives them power but it causes the user to develop an insatiable appetite for power. Eventually it consumes them unless you're eternal like me. But the Hollow has...a problem," Ariel said.

"For those of us mere mortals, who have a sense of foreboding, what exactly is this problem?" Alex asked his guardian.

"When I said there was creation and oblivion, I meant that the Hollow is practically oblivion. It's why anyone who merges with it becomes hungry for power. The Hollow will only last for minutes inside it's vessel until whoever is using it becomes used themselves. Someone like myself could likely withstand it a bit longer. But I don't know anything else that could possibly control it fully," Ariel said.

"Who in the world would've created something like that? Is anyone even guarding this thing?" Piper shouted in outrage.

"The Hollow is secure for now. One of my sisters and one of my fallen brothers guards it," Ariel answered.

"An angel and a devil working together? Sounds like the start to a bad joke," Alex said.

"The Hollow is capable is eating away at all of reality, returning the universe to the empty void it once was. That is not what Father had in mind unless he says so. So for someone to have created this must have designed it as a failsafe," Ariel explained.

"So why haven't you guys done anything to get rid of it? I mean this thing sounds like a supernatural nuke," Alex said as he thought over her words.

"Despite being an archangel, even I'm not omniscient, and neither are my brothers. Father would know but He likely wouldn't say," Ariel said.

"Why wouldn't he?" Alex said.

"Maybe because he believes that we can stop this. Some forces do what they can to gain control over everything never truly knowing what they unleash on the world. Their arrogance will cause them to show themselves sooner or later. But for now, we can only let things play out. You and I have other things to worry about. Like getting home. But there is somewhere I need to go first. You must stay here with the sisters," Ariel said before vanishing.

Salem, Massachusetts

Ariel appeared outside of what was a large house, about the size of the Halliwell mansion, built from wood. The archangel took one look at the house and suddenly vanished inside of the home and appeared inside from what looked to be the attic. She looked around and found nothing of particular interest. Her musings were interrupted as she heard footsteps getting louder, signaling someone's approach. A beautiful woman with short blonde hair stepped and took notice of Ariel.

"I heard you were coming. I have to say, an angel from another universe sounds like something straight from a comic book," the woman said.

"When you've been around for as long as I have, you find that not much surprises you, Prue," Ariel responded. The woman, now identified as the eldest Halliwell smiled softly.

"It's been a while since I used my old name. I actually go by Patience now. Not much difference in meaning, especially with my temper. Still I learned a lot. Like the fact that Paige was never destined to take my place. For so long, we thought the Elders were content in sitting back, trying to manipulate us. Hell, one of the Angels of Destiny filled me in after Shax killed me," Patience said.

"Just what did he say?" Ariel asked. She had wondered about how her brother might have been taking the changes done to fate of those that she, Sachiel, and Alex had been responsible for but heard nothing. But on this world, she felt perhaps it would be a bit different.

"Perhaps you could ask me yourself," came a deep, cultured male voice. What followed was the appearance of a man in silver robes with short sleeves and short white hair appeared.

"Remiel? You're the one who guided Prue?" Ariel asked.

"Yes I was. When Prue's soul had departed the living world, I was tasked with accompanying her. However, it seemed that her role in the war against evil was interrupted. After some consultation, Father asked that I look after her once she was brought back," Remiel answered.

"Then I was right that Prue wasn't finished with her fight. But what about Paige?" Ariel asked her brother.

"Paige is of the Warren line. However, she was originally meant for something else. It is possible that they were responsible for the interruptions in the lines of destiny tied to Prue and Paige," Remiel answered.

"And they would be?" Ariel asked.

"Forces. They are personifications that exist and act to bring about Utopia. They are called the Avatars. It seems they have been working with someone within the Heavens to orchestrate events. The Elders themselves rank the lowest among all in the Heavens. But even they are being manipulated," Remiel began explaining.

"What is it that they want?" Ariel inquired of her brother.

"As I said, they want Utopia. But a great price comes with this. Freedom," Remiel answered darkly.

"So what will you do?" Ariel asked as she could foresee the consequences.

"Let me and your other self worry about them. You must return to your world and prepare for what may come now that the fate of your universe has changed. If you're to stand any chance against them, you must unite your friends and gather them for the coming storm. I shall help you open the way. But we will need one other," Remiel said. He and Ariel vanished before Prue who only look astonished at the onslaught of information she had taken in.

"I wonder how Piper, Phoebe, and Paige are doing?"

Tree of Life

Ariel, Alex, and Remiel stood in front of the tree as they were finally ready to see this journey to it's end. They were soon joined later by Gadreel who looked determined about something.

"Glad to see you here," Ariel said to her sister.

"Anything for my favorite sister. Let's begin," Gadreel responded. The three archangels stood in a circle and chanted before they were suddenly enveloped in a golden glow. In only a few seconds, the portal that Alex and Ariel had gone through appeared. Ariel and Alex looked to each other and grabbed hands. The empowered young man took one last look at Remiel and Gadreel before he turned back and he and his guardian jumped through and the portal closed behind them.

"Think they can do it?" Gadreel asked.

"Knowing Ariel and Sachiel, they'll be able to help turn things around. And from the look of the Harris boy, he has grown to be a fine warrior. What matters is whether or not he can push himself to where he needs to be," Remiel replied. Gadreel nodded and the two archangels vanished elsewhere within their world.

Tree of Life

Home Dimension

Late June, 2001

Ariel and Alex emerged from the portal with it closing behind them. Xander took a look around as he wasn't sure what to think. The first thought on his mind were of his girlfriend and of the friends and family he left behind when this started.

"Is this it? We're really back?" Xander asked with anticipation.

"Let's find out," Ariel said as she grabbed his shoulder and teleported them away.

Magic Box

Faith, Sandy and the others were all in the shop as another day was passing for the group. Any of the usual slaying activity had slown down considerably, or rather had become rather redundant. The usual half-breeds, including vampires had become easy to deal with. However, for some of the gang, the paranoia of what could come next had begun to steadily set in. Before anything else happened, a flash of light by the front door of the shop caught their attention. Everyone turned and was shocked to see Ariel standing next to Xander who took in their appearances. His eyes immediately locked onto Faith. The dark-haired slayer swiftly made her way over to her boyfriend. Xander stepped forward for a warm embrace.

"Faith, I-" Xander was cut off, as Faith slapped him on the side of his head, which caused a rather loud smack to resound in the shop. Everyone looked at Faith in disbelief or shock at what she had done.

"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT WE WENT THROUGH AFTER YOU LEFT?! HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN THIS QUICK TO JUST JUMP IN HEAD-FIRST, QUESTIONS LATER?! I SHOULD KICK YOUR ASS FOR THAT STUNT YOU PULLED!" Faith shouted at her boyfriend. Xander, for his part, could only open and close his mouth as he tried to form words but nothing came out. Faith looked hard at him, only for her look to turn into a sympathetic smirk before Faith grabbed Xander by his cheeks and smashed their lips together. Xander returned the affection as he kissed his girlfriend back. Everyone else in the shop could only smile at the reunion, which they unfortunately had to break up as the kiss was turning int a full blown makeout session. Giles cleared his throat to gain their attention, which caused the two lovers to part.

"Sorry. So what's been up? How long have we been gone? Who's the new girl?" Xander asked as he spotted Sandy standing next to Tara. The dirty blonde stepped forward to give Xander a better look at her.

"I'm Sandy Weissman. I graduated with you guys and helped fight the mayor," Sandy replied.

"So what brought you here?" Xander asked his former classmate. Sandy looked to the others who smiled their support.

"It started with these visions."