Realizations
Last Chapter - Buffy's starting the quest and Giles found out tons of stuff. If you didn't read it... well, you probably wont be too lost, but still... lol.

Disclaimer - Dont own em, but Im sending bribes to Joss to try and make Spike all mine. (Balinn is mine though. dont take him. unless you ask nicely.)

Distribution - Please do take this story. But tell me first. Oh, and give me the link. :)


**** Chapter 10 - One Full Day ****

Buffy left The Haven with Balinn in tow around mid-morning. For a fleeting moment, she wished she had a watch. Staring up at the gray, cloudy sky, she couldn't help but wonder something.

Where should we go?

Balinn tilted his head towards her. Remember when we were outside the castle?

She stared at him. So, what, I just pick a direction?

Pretty much. You're a lot smarter than you look, you know that?

Buffy scowled. Okay, so if we continue down this road, we'll get to...

The ocean.

Right. And if we go back the way we came last night?

The castle.

There really isn't much here, is there.

Like we said last night, this dimension was created just for your test.

Okay. So, I guess we're going to the ocean, huh? Buffy started down the road. This better not take all day... She muttered.

Balinn followed her, shaking his head. You know Princess, this will take as long as you make it take.

She stopped and turned to look at him. What's that supposed to mean? And why do you keep calling me that?

Well, I have a feeling you think you're better than this. Heaven forbid you walk somewhere, sleep on the floor, and get a little dirty...

Buffy growled in warning.

And as for your other question. The more you complain about it, the longer it will take. Now, if you want to get this over with, get a move on! And he shooed her off.

Buffy sighed, shaking her head.

The pair walked in silence for a long time.

****

Giles reached his car just before noon. It had taken longer to walk back than he had hoped, because he had managed to get himself lost. It wasn't his fault, really. After all, this was the desert, and everything looks the same...

He was exhausted, mainly from driving all night and not sleeping for 24 hours. His original plan had been to wait until morning to leave, but his need for answers had been too great. Instead, he had gotten in his car shortly after leaving the Magic Box, and driven straight until morning.

Getting into his car and starting it, he decided to stop at the nearest motel and get some sleep. At least he would be home sooner than he thought. If he was lucky, he could be back home by this evening, and head over to the store first thing in the morning.

As he drove, he thought over what the old man had told him. He couldn't imagine what gift Buffy had awaiting her. And Spike had everything to do with this? Giles shook his head. He pinched the bridge of his nose.

What is her destiny? He asked aloud.

Turning on the radio, he tried to drown out his thoughts. But in the middle of the desert, reception wasn't very good, and all he found was static. He flipped off the radio, and went back to thinking.

At about 12:30, he pulled his car into the parking lot of a cheap motel. After getting a room, and unlocking the door - with a some difficulty, as the lock was cheap - he threw himself on the bed, falling instantly to sleep.

***
Willow arrived at the Magic Box shortly after one.

Welcome to the Magic Box! Please spend your money! A female voice came from behind the counter.

Just me, Anya. Willow answered, giggling.

Anya stood up, heaving several large books on the counter.

You want some help?

No thank you, I've got it. These are new. I ordered them, because they might tell us about Buffy.

Great! I'll get started on them. Willow picked up the books and moved them to the round table nearby. Sitting herself down and opening one, she wondered aloud.

I wonder if Giles has talked to that man yet.

He called me and Xander extremely early this morning. It was very rude.

Willow looked at her expectantly.

Oh, yes. He said he was about an hour or two from seeing him. He left last nite, you see. After he left here. And he would probably be home later tonight.

Good, so he's probably getting all kinds of info as we speak. Willow smiled.

***

Giles woke up and glanced at the clock. 1:22. Grunting, he rolled over and dozed off again.

***



She ignored Balinn. How dare he make fun of her! She snorted.

Buffy, you can't just ignore me. Look, I'm sorry about the Princess thing, okay? But it's not like you've been nice, either. He sighed. If we're gonna get this done, you have to work with me.

The blonde stopped walking. Work with you? You're supposed to be my guide, and so far, all you've done is tell me to pick a direction!

Balinn shrugged. That's guiding. What would you have done if I hadn't been here?

Buffy furrowed her brow. I... I don't know...

You probably would still be sitting outside the castle, waiting for your boyfriend.

She considered this, and conceded. Okay, you might be right.

I am right. Now, are you gonna play nice? No more ignoring me? He raised an eyebrow and tilted his head, giving her puppy dog eyes... ironic, since his eyes were extremely cat-like.

I'm sorry. No more ignoring. Buffy smiled.

Fabulous! Okay, now I'll tell you more about this key.

But I thought you didn't know anything...

Well, you weren't being a good sport. Now, do you want to know?

She sat down.

Right then. Anywho, this key is in three parts, each in a different part of the dimension. You have chosen the right way to the first piece.

No thanks to you. She mumbled under her breath.

Luckily, her guide didn't hear her. It lies in the ocean.

IN the ocean? Not around it?

IN the ocean.

So... how am I supposed to get it.

That I can't tell you.

Buffy raised an eyebrow. Can't? Or won't? She asked, playfully.

Well, I'm not allowed. Balinn responded, grinning.

Letting out a long sigh, Buffy stood up. Okay, then. Off to meet certain peril under the sea. Balinn groaned.

You probably won't meet certain peril. Maybe just a little bit of peril. He smiled.

No, it's too perilous! Buffy was giggling. You've seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail! She sounded surprised.

Only one of the best movies ever! He responded, laughing with her. Don't sound so shocked! Just because I'm not from your world, doesn't mean I don't watch your movies.

I'm just a little surprised, that's all. She said, shrugging. Balinn rolled his eyes at her. So how long have we been walking? I'm kinda hungry.

After that breakfast? We've only been walking about four hours! Balinn exclaimed. Buffy just smiled sweetly at him. Shaking his head, he concentrated and waved his hand. On the ground by Buffy's feet lay a blanket and an assortment of food.

Buffy squealed in delight, settling herself on the blanket and grabbing a hunk of bread. Balinn sat across from her, basking in the early-afternoon sun.

She said, between bites. Tell me about yourself.

What do you want to know? He asked, opening his eyes to look at the blonde.

Well... I mean, like, how old are you? Where do you live? What do you do? You know stuff about me, I think it's only fair if I know stuff about you. She answered, taking a bite out of a bright, red apple.

Okay... umm, I'm about 251 years old. The tall man grinned as her eyes widened. Oh, come on. Wasn't Angel about that old?

How'd you know about Angel?

It was part of the training' I had to go through to be your guide.

You had to learn about me? I'd say that was cool, but... it's a little creepy. What else do you know?

I thought you wanted to know about me? He smirked.

Buffy grinned sheepishly. Okay, back to you. I already know all about me, anyways.

Balinn lay back on the blanket and stared up at the sky. It had cleared up quite a bit since they had started walking, and now was clear blue with white, fluffy clouds dotting it.

Let's see. I live wherever I need to live. I guide a lot of people, you know. Sometimes I'm in one dimension, sometimes another. I've been to your world once or twice, but it's too modern for my liking.

I thought you said you had a family?

He shrugged. I do. But with my people... We aren't like you. We don't spend most of our lives in touch with each other.

Buffy frowned. What about friends? Don't you have any?

No. Never in one place long enough to make any.

The blonde was quiet for a moment. It sounds pretty lonely.

It's not, really. I may not have a set of friends or family like you do, but I'm never alone.

That's good, I guess.

He smiled, sitting up. Works for me. You done yet? Buffy nodded, wiping a crumb from her cheek. Fantastic! Let's get going then.

The pair stood up, and Balinn cleared away the food and blanket with his magic. After stretching her legs, Buffy took a deep breath. Ready. Let's go. They started off on the path to the sea once again.

***

Giles awoke again around two-forty. Groaning, he pulled himself up and threw his legs over the side of the bed. He trudged to the tiny bathroom and splashed his face with cold water. He was hoping to be back in Sunnydale by this evening, but at this rate, he would be lucky to make it to his car without falling asleep.

He finally checked out, after an odd look from the man behind the counter for his three hour stay. Starting his car, he began the long drive back home.

***

By seven, five members of the Scooby Gang had made it to the shop. They were all searching the books that Anya had gotten earlier when a very tired Giles stumbled into the store. He had been thinking the entire way home, and he thought he had a clue to what Buffy might do to get each part of the key.

Willow exclaimed, jumping up. We thought you'd be gone until at least tomorrow!

Yes, well, I would like to get in touch with Buffy.

The gang put down what they were doing and watched the older man intently.

Is something wrong? The redhead asked.

Uh, no. I would just like to warn her before something happens.

The witch was concerned. Okay, um, me and Tara will set up. You should sit down. You want some coffee?...

Yes, please. I didn't sleep last night...

And you woke Xander and I very early. Anya chimed in.

Xander whispered. Right Giles, I'll go get your coffee. Anyone else?

Everyone shook their heads no. Coffee only then. Don't start without me. The carpenter left.

Willow asked.

The blonde responded. They set up the crystal and waited for Xander to return, which he did ten minutes later.

Sorry it took so long. There was this crazy old woman in front of me. I think she may have been a little less than human. But anyways. He told them, handing a small cup to Giles, who took a long sip.

Are you ready? Tara asked him.

I am.

She and Willow sat across from each other, creating a triangle around the table with Giles. The three holding hands around the crystal, the witches started chanting and the gang was soon rewarded with a picture of Buffy outside, walking along a dirt path with the guide they had seen before.

***

Buffy felt that familiar feeling of being watched, and knew that Giles was about to speak to her. She stopped, gesturing to Balinn to be quiet.

Buffy?

Hey Giles, what's new in Sunnydale?

He chuckled. Nothing much, Buffy. I only wanted to give you some of the information that I came across.



There are three parts to the key. Each is hidden in a different part of the dimension you are in, and each is being guarded by something. Now, the man I talked to wouldn't tell me about the guard, but the prophecy stated that one of strength and wit would be able to release Spike. That leads me to believe that you may have to fight something or solve a puzzle.

Thanks for the warning. Balinn here won't tell me anything.

The shape-shifter glared at her, and she giggled.

Take care, Buffy. Do you still have the stone Willow gave you?

The stone. Uh oh, they had been in her clothes... she gave a panicked look to Balinn.

Don't worry, Buffy. I have them.

She sighed in relief. Yeah, I got it, Giles. Why?

If you need it...

She nodded.

Be careful.

I will.

***

Giles ended the spell with Buffy.

So that's what you got from that man?

No, actually, I got more than that. He proceeded to tell the group everything he had learned from the ancient man.

It was after eight when he finished, and everyone was pondering what had been said.

So, if she rescues him or not, things are going to change? Dawn asked, confused.

Yes, that is what I gathered.

Huh. Wonder what that means.

No one had an answer for that.

***

Night was falling as Buffy and Balinn reached the end of the road. Really, it was the edge of a cliff, but it was where the road ended. They looked out into the empty ocean, the sunset on their left casting shadows from the rocks on the beach below.

So, how do we get down? Buffy asked.

We don't. Not tonight. It might be dangerous, and I really don't fancy losing you before you even get to start. Won't look good on my resume. No, we will camp up here tonight.

Balinn waved his hand and a fire appeared on the ground between them. He turned himself into the cat and curled up on the ground.

Wait, what about me? Don't I get a pillow, or blanket or something? Buffy asked. The cat didn't answer. Glaring at the furry animal, she lay down on the other side of the fire and after a long time, fell asleep.

*****

A/N - woo, that was a long chapter. anywho, buffy finally gets to her first test next chapter. yay! man, this is gonna be a really long story. sorry bout that :p. but i like writing it! speaking of stories, maybe its cause im new to the fanfic scene, but what the heck does WIP stand for? just curious. okay, now its off to find food.