Disclaimer: I don't own anything! If I did do you think I'd be writing fanfiction? Excuse the language on Catherine's and Buffy's parts they might be a little OOC but what the heck its my world. Just so you know I'll also be upping the rating on this fic so no one will complain. Now on with the story.
Prelude to the Future
By
Animefreek
Finally the day had arrived. The X-Men would soon be flying to get Buffy and the others. Of course Dawn was practically jumping out of her skin. Catherine thought it was cute. Dawn was following around Jean and Scott helping to prepare rooms for her sister and friends. During the day both Jean and Scott sent Catherine stray thoughts about getting Dawn out of their hair for a while, but Catherine smiled and shut them out. Dawn was happy and distracted from her problems for a bit so who was she to interfere. Xavier and Hank had already started taking bids from construction companies to rebuild the Institute. Catherine was thinking about possibly combining her property Raven's Keep with the institute, that way they could accommodate more students and possibly training those interested in the Wiccan arts. Xavier was kind of 'iffy' about the witchcraft training but liked the idea to expand the school. For the life of her Catherine couldn't figure out why she was making all these plans for the future when the present still seemed so dire. She put it off as the optimistic side she inherited from her mother. Now all that was left to do was contact Willow with the details.
Sunnydale: The Magic Shoppe
Willow was helping Giles with the day's receipts when she promptly blacked out.
Willow's Mind
Willow awoke to find herself in a clearing of trees. The sun was shining, birds were singing, and she had no idea where in the hell she was. She was about to panic when she heard a familiar laugh and turned around. There standing in a positively gorgeous white dress was Catherine Macleod. Catherine stood over the young witch silently for a while just soaking up the humorous and confused face of her friend. "You do know that your face will stick like that if you don't stop looking at me like that." Catherine teased. "Catherine its good to see you again. Where are we?" Willow asked. "Oh this is my peaceful place. Its just a little spot in my mind where I come to get away from the real world and think." Catherine said nonchalantly. "Okay. Why am I here?" Willow asked. "I did say I'd contact you when we were ready to pick you guys up." Catherine said. "Anyway, Logan, Scott, and Remy will pick you guys up at about 10:00 p.m. your time in this clearing outside of Sunnydale." Catherine raised her hand to the air and clearing changed to the clearing outside of Sunnydale. "You know the place?" Catherine asked. Willow nodded an affirmative. "Good I'll see you guys when you get to Raven's Keep." Catherine said and vanished.
The Magic Shoppe
Giles was about to call an ambulance for Willow when he heard her groan a little from the couch in his office. "How long have I been out?" Willow asked. Giles rushed to her side. "Nearly an hour. I was about to call and ambulance when you woke up. What happened?" Giles explained. "Catherine contacted me. She told me the time and place they're going to pick us up tonight." Willow stated and then went into detail. When the others were told it seemed to lift a weight from there shoulders, but for Buffy it only meant that soon she'd pound the daylights out of Catherine for not telling her about the attack on the Institute.
Raven's Keep
Catherine was still meditating in the den. Everyone could tell that she was in her special zone so they let her be everyone except for Bobby. He never was good at taking orders. Bobby slowly crawled across the hardwood floor like a cat stalking its prey until his face was only an inch away from Catherine's. He had a devilish smile on his face as he thought of his next move. Then suddenly Catherine opened her eyes and asked, "Bobby what are you doing?" "Oh I was thinking about waking sleeping beauty with a kiss." He said with a grin that was growing wider by the minute. "You really won't give up on me will you?" She asked. "I said I'd let you find your way back to me if 'we" were possible, I'll never give up on you. You have my heart in your hands." Bobby said. Catherine had to admit that he was a romantic devil. "Why do you always know the right thing to say?" Catherine asked. "I'm good." He said simply. Catherine smirked at him. "If you're that good why aren't we still dating?" Catherine teased. "Because you can't cage a tiger. It has to roam free to be happy and I'd rather see you happy than with me." Bobby said sincerely. Then he closed the distance between them as he chastely kissed her on the lips. "I'll never give up on you. You'll always be the one." Bobby said as he got up and left the den.
Catherine watched him exit and Methos enter. "Child you don't know what you do to men. You're so much like your mother." Methos said as he sat on a couch next to her. Catherine remained on the floor. "You heard huh." I was more of a statement than a question. "Yes. Take it from someone who has been around a while, make sure what you have is what you truly want. I wanted Cassandra and I was too foolish to see that if I had maybe we wouldn't be going through all these changes." Methos said with a sigh. "Methos stop. Stop with all the self pity and blame. None of this is your fault. These are the cards that fate has dealt us and all we can do is play them out. No matter how much I hate it." Catherine said. "Anyway, you have Cordy now and Cassandra would be happy for you." Catherine said smiling. "And you have Wesley, although for how long I don't know." Methos said. Catherine quirked an eyebrow at him from her positions on the floor. "What's that supposed to mean?" Catherine asked. "It means that I could have been Wesley standing at that door and trust me men like Wesley are hurt easily. He's a good person don't do something you'll regret." Methos said.
"Like break his heart." Catherine stated. "Yes." Methos said. "I thought you had more faith in me than that." Catherine said as she walked out of the den. Methos stared at her retreating back and sighed. "I do. I do but you're so much like your mother and she has broken hearts without even realizing it. I should know I'm Duncan's best friend." He said to himself.
Catherine went out to the garden to get some fresh air and found Xavier doing the same thing. Xavier didn't turn around he simply said hello telepathically. Catherine came and sat beside him. 'Do you think I'm a horrible person?' Catherine asked telepathically. 'No. I think you're a child learning how to be an adult too soon. You don't fully know what you want yet but destiny has decreed that you have to follow a set path anyway.' Xavier said. 'How come you understand and I don't?' Catherine asked. Xavier grinned. 'No one fully understands destiny but take it from one whom knows….nothing ever goes the way we plan. As for Bobby and Wesley you've made your choice and so has Bobby. Move on and enjoy the time you have.' Xavier said. ' Of course you're right. No one is guaranteed tomorrow not even an immortal. Thanks for talking with me.' 'My pleasure you're one of the most interesting people I've ever met.' Xavier said with a smile. 'And the most trouble.' Catherine shot back. 'That too.'
Catherine poked the man in his side and kissed him on the head. After that they sat relatively still enjoying the peace before the storm.
Near Raven's Keep's Front gate
Dawn walked along the grounds enjoying the cool breeze and humming happily. Her sister would be with her again soon and Glory would be a distant nightmare. Buffy was the slayer and could defeat any monster. Glory was toast. Just then Dawn caught some movement by the gate and stopped. "Excuse me dear, but do you know a man by the name of Duncan Macleod?" A man with a raspy voice and gray hair said just outside the gate. "Who wants to know?" Dawn asked. Immediately she knew she made a mistake. "An old friend. I was in the neighborhood and I thought I'd check on him." Dawn stepped away. No one knew that Duncan was there. Duncan would of said something and Joe would have let them know if any of Duncan's immortal friends were near. They might be willing to help. "I have to go." Dawn said sheepishly. "Alright, go then. Enjoy the time you have with them. After all in a few days they'll all be dead and the earth will be a living hell." Kalos said with a grin. Then he reached and grabbed her arm. Dawn was in shock. She could see the energy from the barrier spell crackling around his arm but it seemed to have no effect on the man at all. She screamed. That got everyone's attention. Duncan arrived on the scene first, much to the amusement of Kalos. "Well, well if it isn't Macleod. Come to save the damsel in distress?" Kalos mocked. "Let go of her Kalos! Your fight is with me, she's not a part of this." Duncan said in a low growl. "Oh but she is. I know what she is. Glory will be so glad to find her at last." Kalos said. Dawn felt like passing out and screaming and crying all at once. Who was this man? How did he find out she was the key? "Let go of her Kalos! I won't tell you again." Duncan spat. "Is that a threat Macleod? I was only trying to make polite conversation with the child." Kalos said still grinning.
Inside Raven's Keep
Catherine was sitting at her desk reading her latest financial statement with glee. Being a thief had its advantages sometimes. She was quite comfortable to say the least. And being very good with investments was a plus too. Wesley sat behind her looking at the papers in awe. How someone so young could accumulate that much money was beyond him. Then Catherine's body jerked forward violently and she gasped in pain. "Someone's gotten past the barrier, someone very strong." She weased. "I'll tell the others." Wesley said as he raced out. Catherine tried to stand but found she was leaning more on her desk than she wanted to. If this creature was strong enough to break through her barrier spell and make her feel it at the same time they were all in deep trouble.
Outside
Duncan rushed Kalos pulling Dawn away from him. "Go inside!" Duncan barked. Dawn ran toward the mansion meeting Jean, Xavier, and Wesley at the door. "What's wrong? What's happening?" Jean asked a very frightened Dawn. "A man outside, his name is Kalos he came through the shield." Dawn gasped as she caught her breath. "Get inside." Everyone turned to find Methos, Catherine, and Conner standing behind them with swords drawn. "Get inside." Catherine said again. Her voice was cold and strained. "Wesley I need you, Jean, and the Professor to go to my private study. There's a secret passageway behind the bookcase; it'll lead you to a cave about a mile down the beach. If Kalos gets past us use it and don't look back. Just run. If he's powerful enough to get past the barrier he'll be strong enough to get past anything the three of you can throw at him." Catherine said. Wesley was about to say something when Catherine kissed him. "Just do what I ask." Catherine's voice was sad and final. He nodded. "Come little one. Good-byes have been said." Conner said. Catherine was glad that Storm, Bobby and Jubilee were out shopping for provisions. Those three were totally loyal and would probably get themselves killed first before running. Catherine and the others then raced toward the front gate.
The Front Gate
Duncan and Kalos stood gripping each other's collars and glaring at each other. "Do you really think you're a match for me Macleod?" Kalos asked. "More than a match." Duncan growled. "We're all more than a match for you." Conner said. Kalos grinned this was what he'd been waiting for. With a twist of his wrist Duncan went flying through the air. To the amazement of the others. Wesley and Jean watched form the closed curtains of Catherine's study. "This doesn't look good." Wesley said. Dawn was sitting next to Xavier trying to look brave.
"Dad!" Catherine yelled as she rushed to Duncan's side. Conner and Methos stepped in front of them. Catherine got an idea. She closed her eyes and chanted in Latin. The wind rose and the sky became dark. The immortals looked around and could see the pale blue of the barrier surrounding the mansion. Kalos screamed and backed away behind the barrier as the blue gate went from the color of a spring sky to a deep navy blue. The Immortals were puzzled but Wesley knew what she was doing. He continued to watch.
Kalos' arms were burnt badly and he hissed in pain. "I'll leave for now but I'll be back soon and with help. Oh and I have a parting gift for the little witch." Kalos sneered then his form changed completely into the form of Apocalypse. Methos gasped as did the others except for Catherine and Duncan who was out cold. Apocalypse waved his hand in the air and Catherine screamed. Catherine grasped her head in pain. "AHHHHHH! TOO MUCH ENGERY! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" She could feel her lungs filling with blood. Her nose was bleeding too. She couldn't hear, all she could do was feel her own gut wrenching pain. Blood spilled from her mouth and she died. Apocalypse smiled. "That's for the arms." He said as he changed back to the form of Kalos. "Oh and Methos. You will return to me soon enough. I think I'll just let you say goodbye to what's left of your friends." He said laughing as he walked away.
Wesley ran out of the mansion and to the front gates. He took one look at Catherine's temporary lifeless body and rushed away to throw up. She was definitely a site. Blood oozed from her pores and mouth, not to mention eyes were wide with horror. Dawn and the others were coming towards them when Conner shot Jean a 'No.' look. She held back with Dawn as Xavier hovered closer to the scene. He couldn't hide the look of shock on his face. "We'll get Dawn back inside and you can put her in the temporary medlab." Xavier said. Conner carried Catherine while Methos revived Duncan.
Two Hours Later
Catherine awoke in the medlab. Her body ached all over and the worried looks on her loved ones faces didn't help either. She tried to sit up. Methos pushed her back on her pillows and adjusted the bed for her. "Lay down it'll be a few more hours until you're at full strength again." Methos said as he examined her with Hank at his side. Hank was surprised to find that he used to be a doctor himself. "I'm fine. Have Buffy and the others arrived yet? I need to talk to her." Catherine asked in a peeved tone. "No. Now rest. They still have an estimated two hours to arrive." Methos said bluntly. Catherine glared at him. "No. You rest I'm getting up and going outside to train." Catherine said in a tone of voice that said, 'Don't fuck with me right now.' "Catherine be reasonable. You're still weak. If you train now you'll only do yourself more damage than good." Duncan said. Catherine for the first time in her life glared at her father. She then shakily stood up. "I'm going to go train," was the only thing she muttered before she left the room.
Duncan was about to go after her when Conner stopped him. "Let her go. She's frightened and this is the only way she knows how to deal with it." Conner said. "I'm her father she could come to me." Duncan said hurt. "Duncan, you've only been her father for little over a year and in that year her entire world has been changed forever. She doesn't know how to cope yet." Conner said. "Leave her be."
"Yes, old friend. When she's ready she'll come to you." Xavier said. "If you start coddling her now she'll never get past the fear and self-doubt she's feeling now. Your fatherly attitude could end up endangering her life."
Outside
Catherine stood still looking at the front gate as if she were trying to will the past events of the day to re-enact before her eyes. Her sword was drawn in a shaky hand. The only thought that ran through her mind was "I could have lost Dawn. I wasn't strong enough." There in front of the gate underneath the now dark sky she started her katas.
Unknown the Catherine Methos stood watching the frightened girl. He knew exactly what she was going through. There were always times in the lives of immortals when they felt helpless and this was Catherine's. He watched as her moves went from controlled to frantic. She then collapsed to the ground and began to cry and shake. Methos couldn't watch anymore and moved toward her. "Shh. It'll be okay Cathy. You'll be okay." Methos said as he cradled his 'niece' in his arms. Catherine didn't look at him; she just stared up at the sky. Catherine hugged Methos close and asked, "Doesn't it bother you that with all the gifts of power I have that I couldn't beat him?" Methos sighed and said, "No one here could have done any better. I'm the oldest immortal alive and I was powerless today as well. If it wasn't for you and the barrier you put around the mansion would have probably been taken by Apocalypse."
"He still ended up killing me." Catherine said weakly. Methos and the others were right she needed to rest. Catherine promptly blacked out in Methos' arms. Methos took a free hand and wiped her long hair out of her face and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I owe you so much. I won't let you fight Apocalypse again. If its me he wants then it's me he'll get." Methos said as he carried her back to the mansion.
A clearing outside of Sunnydale
The entire Scooby gang including Spike were gathered and nervous. Domino and Cable decided that they should stay behind and guard the Hellmouth. Giles thought this was strange considering Cable's history with Apocalypse, but since there was no time to argue he let it slide. Buffy was digging a trench with her pacing when the Blackbird arrived and Scott, Remy, and Logan started getting everyone aboard. Buffy was the first to board and didn't even make eye contact with Scott. She merely handed him the printed version of the newspaper article and took a seat on the plane. It didn't take a telepath to see that she was pissed at him and the others. Scott silently prayed that Buffy didn't try to take his or Catherine's heads.
Next on where Giles and the vampire know as Spike. "Who's he?" Logan asked Logan of Giles. "That's Spike our vampiric alli, don't worry he's neutered." Giles said with a smile. He knew that would ruffle Spike's feathers. "Oh Remy sorry mon ami." Remy said with a look of pity. Spike turned to Giles and said, "I hate you." "Not that kind of Neutered. Some military sods caught me and put a bleeding chip in my head. I can't hurt anything except other monsters. So I'm stuck with these sods until I can get the thing out." Spike said now only slightly peeved. Giles was grinning from ear to ear. Remy was laughing now as was Logan and Scott was hoping that having a vampire in Raven's Keep wasn't a bad idea.
Next came Willow and Tara who shot Scott a few shy glances and waves as they held hands and found their seats. Scott was still blushing. Finally came Anya and Xander. "Hello Scott." Anya said. "Are you and Jean having good sex because Xander and I are. You don't look too relaxed," Anya said as Xander tried to shuffle her to a seat faster. Remy and Logan were practically leaning on each other laughing while Scott turned the same color of his shades. Then Anya noticed Remy and Logan. "Who's the red head with the weird eyes? Is he a demon?" At that Remy straightened a bit. "Who's the short guy? I bet he gets a lot of sex. Feral is so in." Anya said as Xander went about trying to explain, for the hundredth time, there are certain things you don't say out loud. Scott had a look on his face that said; "I am avenged." After that the flight was to say the least quiet.
Two hours later at the mansion
Catherine was fully recovered now and sitting in the first floor den in Wesley's lap. The others were in strategic places around Dawn. She still was pissed. Mostly at herself for not being stronger. Everyone else including the professor told her that she did more than anyone could have possibly. Wounding Apocalypse was a feet to be proud, but all Catherine could think of was how he had killed her with a wave of his hand. Had she really defended the mansion with her powers or was he just playing with them? Jean interrupted her thoughts when she stood up and announced that Scott and the others would be landing shortly. 'Let the games begin.' Thought Catherine. Xavier gave her a look that said, 'Stop being cynical. That's not you.'
Storm walked out onto the patio and provided a suitable cover of fog and clouds for the descending plane. First off was Logan. Jubilee ran and gave him a big hug that he returned gladly. Catherine thought they were cute, kind of like her and Duncan when her father wasn't being overprotective. For a second she wondered what it would be like to be a normal sixteen-year-old with Duncan and Amanda. She shook her head to banish the thought, she wasn't normal. What normal sixteen-year-old had a live in lover, immortal parents, a witch, and a mutant that belonged to group of spandex clad superheroes? Catherine scanned the 'Scooby gang' for new faces or at least people she'd never been formally introduced to. Among them were Willow's girlfriend Tara, Anya, Xander's girlfriend, and Spike. "Well let's get this over with girl." Catherine said to herself as she walked up to the plane.
"Miss Macleod, it's a pleasure to see you again." Giles said as he hugged her briefly. Then he caught sight of Wesley. "Wesley, what are you doing here?" Giles asked. Wesley smiled and put his arm around Catherine's waist. "Catherine and I are together." Wesley said. "Oh. How in the world did you land her?" Giles said with a wicked smile. Catherine laughed a bit at the older Brit's humor. Wesley looked a little put out. "Is it that amazing that I could find a beautiful woman that would be interested in me?" Wesley asked. "Yes." was Giles' only reply. Catherine laughed louder as Giles took her arm and proceeded to introduce her to Tara.
"Tara, this is Catherine Macleod. While we're here you could learn quite a bit from her. She inherited her powers from the very first witch." Giles said. Tara meekly said hello and shook Catherine's hand. Tara jumped form the touch. "Is something wrong?" Catherine asked. "Oh No it's just that I can sense your power, it's amazing." Tara said with awe in her voice. Catherine smiled. "Not really." Catherine still doubted her own strength. "Its good to see you again Willow. Sorry about the blacking out thing, it's a side effect that can't be avoided." Catherine said. Willow nodded and said it was okay. Next up Giles introduced her to Spike. "Hello luv. I was expecting a powerful old hag not a simply delicious looking little muffin like you." Spike said as he took her hand and kissed it. She decided to tease him a little. "Thank you William. Oh and you can get that naughty little thought out of your mind. I'm taken." Catherine said with a sly grin as she left the shocked vampire. Catherine turned, "Oh and by the way I'm also a telepath."
The last new comer was Anya, the ex-vengeance demon. "Anya, this is Catherine." Giles said simply. "Hello, so you're boffing Wesley." Anya said as Xander slapped his hand to his forehead in annoyance. Catherine didn't miss a beat. "Yes I am and we're having a wonderful time." Anya grinned mischievously. "I like her." Anya said. Meanwhile Duncan was giving Wesley the 'you touched her' look again and playing with the hilt of his sword. He moved next to Bobby. "Don't look at me man. He doesn't like me anymore than you." Bobby said to Wesley. "I know. I was hoping that he'd take one look at you and decide to leave me alone." Wesley said. "That's cold man." Bobby said. "You should know." Wesley said with a smirk. Wesley shouldn't have smirked, Macleod thought it was meant for him. And so the chasing of Wesley with the katana began.
Catherine would have stopped Duncan if not for a certain someone punching her in the face and sending her sliding across the grass.
Jubilee and the other X-Men besides Scott were on the other side of the yard meeting and greeting their new guests. Dawn was hoping up and down in front of Xander and Spike. Spike smiled, he had a soft spot for the kid. She wanted to know what everyone was doing back in Sunnydale. Then they all turned at the sound of a loud crack. Jubilee and Dawn say at the same time, "Oh shit!"
Catherine stood up glaring at the slayer. She didn't need to ask what the punch was for; she could read minds after all. "You bitch! You could have told me about this sooner, instead I have to read about it in a news paper." Buffy said in a low growl that could of put Logan to shame. Catherine glared at her. "You know what? Fuck this shit! I do the best I can to teach your sister to take care of herself, I get attacked and killed, and then you show up and punch me. I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!" Catherine said as she flipped forward and slams a boot to the side of Buffy's face.
Buffy is sent sliding back against the plane as Scott disembarks. "Catherine, Buffy stop this at once!" Scott barks. They both turn to him. "Fuck off Scott!" They both say in unison. Buffy looks at Catherine and lunges for her, sending both rolling around on the ground. Catherine flips Buffy off of her and jumps to her feet, but Buffy isn't slowed down at all as she too has jumped to her feet. They both start throwing furious punches at each other. Buffy is obviously the one with more brawn but Catherine's cat like reflexes help he land a couple of major blows to Buffy's midriff.
On the other side of the yard the Professor is getting angry. He uses his telepathic powers to send a booming message to Buffy and Catherine's minds to stop. He then instructs Jean to grab Buffy while he grabs a very pissed and powerful Catherine before she does something that she'll regret. "Catherine! Buffy! Stop this at once. You are not each other's enemies, we are here to protect Dawn or have you forgotten that." The professor stated. Buffy and Catherine stopped there struggling and looked at each other as if they had just woken up from a dream. "He's right you know. We shouldn't be fighting each other." Buffy said. Catherine smiled at her. "Yeah we should be kicking Glory and Apocalypse's butts." Catherine said with a gleam in her eyes that just screamed 'Amanda.' The two young women smiled at each other. That is until they here Wesley screaming about a crazy Scot with a sword. Catherine bows her head and says, "Not again."
Meanwhile Bobby, Logan, and Remy are exchanging money. Bobby won the first bet about Xavier breaking up the first fight, but lost all his money when he thought Wesley couldn't scream like a little girl.
After that everything calmed down as Catherine and Conner pulled her irate father off of her boyfriend.
Somewhere in New York the next day
Ben moaned as he woke up in a room completely done in pink and red cushions. He had a raging headache and it didn't help that he had no idea where he was and he had on a pink nightie. "Where the hell am I now?" He asked the air only to be answered by one of Glory's many demon servants. "We're in New York. Salem Center I think they call it." The female demon said in a low voice. "Why am I here?" Ben asked. "The Key is here." The demon said before she turned leaving him a set of men's clothes. Ben eyed the clothes warily before heaving a sigh and getting dressed. "At least I get to see New York and maybe this way Glory won't hurt any of my friends." Ben said to himself. He walked out into the street a short time later to survey his new surroundings. Maybe this could be a new start for him.
Raven's Keep: Dining Room
Catherine and the others where having breakfast in the formal dining room this morning in stead of the usual standing around in the kitchen. Everyone seemed to be having his or her own conversations except for the immortals. Wesley was talking Giles and the newly returned Joe Dawson, Xander was talking to Hank and Bobby trying to get the skinny on Catherine and Wesley, the Professor was having a quiet conversation with Jean and Orroro, and Buffy, Tara, Willow, and Anya seemed to be engrossed with the gossip that Dawn and Jubilee were supplying. Scott, Remy, and Logan were outside working on their newly salvaged motorcycles. The immortals just sat and ate quietly contemplating the up coming battle.
Catherine sipped her tea as she eyed the three Watchers thoughtfully. If she hadn't come to know Wesley's little 'ticks' she'd have thought they were just talking about the weather. She supressed the urge to peek inside their minds. She had the feeling that it was just too early to be serious, although she was already there. 'When did I become so serious? I'm supposed to be the fun Macleod.' Catherine asked herself.
On the other side of the table Xander was trying to digest his food and the information of what was happening. "Okay, so that's Methos over there only he's better, and now this evil mutant guy is after him because he was one of the original four horsemen and he wants him back so that he can destroy the world." Xander said. "Yes. Precisely my young friend. Our rather aged friend was the original death." Beast clarified. "Yeah and somehow Wesley and Catherine met in Paris, ended up in L.A. together, and became a couple." Bobby said with a bit of acid in his tone. "Hey is the little green man of jealousy popped his head into this conversation?" Xander teased Bobby. "Shut up." Bobby snapped. Hank laughed a bit, as did Xander. "I miss my bubble baths. Man imagine if we'd stayed together a little longer. It wouldn't have been just foreplay by now. But oh no mister I-have-a-snooty-Brit.-accent had to show up." Bobby griped. Xander and Beast let out small snorts. Xander discreetly leered down the table at Catherine then turned to Bobby and Beast. "Feel your pain."
Catherine wondered why Xander gave her that leer from the other in of the table. "For his sake I hope Dad didn't catch that look." Catherine looked. Duncan did catch the look. "Uh oh his eye is twitching." Catherine thought. "Okay Catherine you must distract Daddy." Catherine thought.
"Dad have you called mom lately? When are you going to marry her anyway and make an honest woman of her?" Catherine asked as Duncan spat half of the contents of his mouth onto Catherine are polished oak table while the other half went down the wrong path. "I uh uh…What brought that on?" Duncan sputtered. "Oh nothing. I just wanted to know when you two were going to make me legitimate. And stop fighting the feelings that you have for each other." Catherine said putting on her most innocent face, which fooled no one. Xavier was fighting back a rather huge smile while the others including Remy, Logan, and Scott who had just come in, just squeaked and sputtered. It was no secret how Duncan felt about Amanda, if she crooked her little finger he'd come running. Only thing was both were stubborn and wouldn't make a first move.
"Worry about your own personal life young lady." Duncan said in warning. It was his training -today-is going-to-be-payback voice. "She has a point Duncan. You too should just get it over with, you wouldn't be the only married immortal couple." Conner said with a grin. "My personal life is very 'good' Daddy." Catherine said putting emphasis on the word good. Xander hooted, "Way to go my man Wesley!" Wesley blushed as Giles rolled his eyes and Joe gave him the same evil look Duncan always gave him. By now everyone was laughing and for a short moment forgot anything was wrong.
Salem Center Marketplace
Ben walked through the open-air market and smiled at the children running down the street playing. This was a very nice place so far, he hoped it would stay that way. He was so busy enjoying the scenery that he forgot to watch where he was going and bumped into someone. "Buffy!" "Ben?"
Near the Institute
A tall burly man with shaggy blond hair past his shoulder blades stood looking at the rubble and the construction crew clearing the burnt debris. A gloved hand touched his burned and scarred face. His own healing factor had gotten rid of most of the burns but his face was by far the worst. No amount of mutant genes could get rid of those horrible wounds. During his recovery the only thing he could think of was revenge. "That little brat is going to pay for this. While I'm at it I'll take out the runt too." He said to himself.
A mile down the road another seemingly younger man with short dirty blond hair watched to threat to his charge. "You won't hurt her. I'll stop you and make up for my betrayal." He said as he slipped on a pair of dark shades and jumped on his bike. Maybe if he found Catherine first he could warn her without coming near the Highlanders, there was no telling how they'd react to him now. Richie jumped on his bike and head to the last place he'd thought he'd ever want to see again, Raven's Keep.
Okay he's back by popular demand. RICHIE!!!! How long is he back for you ask? That depends on what my muse and I think of next. Much thanks to Marcus for his suggestions and feedback on this one. The climax is coming soon and it promises to be a real knock down drag out fight of good versus evil. In the next series I'm going to have Catherine do a little dimensional traveling. So far I'm set on her going to the X-Men evolution dimension and Kung Fu: The Legend Continues. If you guys have any suggestions I'm all ears. Read and Review Please.
