"Hey Albeuuurt." Xander stepped onto the thick carpetted floor of the Celestial Library, and headed for a table, sinking into a red plush seat. He considered putting his feet up, and was about to whne he paused, remembering the bolt of lightening that barely missed last time. He was still trying to figure out how the highly polished surface, Albert was so fond of, hadn't been scarred. "Anybody here?"

"Young Mr. Harris." Albert climbed down from one of the ladders giving access to a higher shelf, and headed for the table. "Watching that Crosby Show, I see."

"Cosby, Albert, and you know it." Xander grinned at the round headed wizened old figure. Got a favour to ask."

"Ah Ms. Rosenberg's request. You shall be notified when the time comes."

"You knew about it?" Xander felt a little confused. Which was par for the course when he had call to come to HQ.

Albert smiled. "This is the Celestial Library, where the Books of Lives are written and stored. Nothing is said or done but that it is recorded, you know that. So much information, too much for a simple old man to keep abreast of, but I do try my best with the more interesting lives, and Ms. Rosenberg's is most interesting indeed.."

"Even that bit last spring, when she tried to end everything." Xander pursed his lips. "Would you really have let her..."

"We cannot interfere. You know that."

"Yeah, I do." Xander levered himself to his feet. "Well that's everything, I guess."

"Actually, it isn't. Your coming here saved me the trouble of summoning you."

"Summoning me?"

"Yes, that is what I said. You see, we weren't quite straight with you when you came aboard, soto speak."

Xander sank back into his seat, and stared at the ancient librarian. "I don't get it."

"We needed you to act in the capacity you are."

"Is there a problem with my performance?"

"No no, nothing like that. You see, we needed you specifically. because of your relationship with the Slayer."

"Well, I gotta tell you, that relationship is very much on the rocks." Xander paused to think. Say, has this something to do with my going public?"

"Ah yes, but first, regarding the Slayer. You must remember, she is a force for life. Your, er, responsibilities do not happen until after Death's visit. You may arrive before the actual moment of death, but the main event, as it were, has already happened. You can see the difficulties there."

Xander nodded. "So why did you set me up for a public exhibition? Wouldn't it have been better if she never found out what it is that I do?"

"The Valaasco Sisters."

"The what, sisters?"

"Twin demons, used to be Angels before The Fall. Quite viscous. Their last visit, Europe was nearly depopulated."

"They're coming again."

"They should arrive on Earth in a matter of days, perhaps a week. Once they arrive on Earth, we do not believe they can be stopped." The air in front of Xander shimmered, and three worlds appeared befpore him, the third and the smallest glowed. "We believe that the Slayer's best shot will be there. On that world."

"Which is nice, but she's not on that world."

"Unless, of course, you took her."

Xander grew scared. "You mean...."

"That is one way. There is another. The Key could open a portal, which you could use to take her physical body between the worlds, and return her by the same route."