The Buffy Chronicles: Season I

by AndySocial

Giles get a visit from an old family member, but trouble quickly follows and it has the hellmouth in it's sights

5. Zero Hour

Zero Hour

Author's Note: Now, let me introduce myself. I go by many names, but commonly I go by either 'Doc or Andy and I'm the other half of the web team. I write the html code that produce Boca del Infierno, and is one of a few sites that I maintain. I'm heavy on the 'net' ... you can mainly find me surfing the web, chatting, generally having a laugh. If I'm not there then I'm usually out pubbing with my mates or watching Buffy in action ... This is the season finale of season one. If you haven't read any of the other stories, then I'd suggest you'd start from the beginning. Some storylines are taken from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, for the purposes of continuity in our little "Buffy-verse". This is a Buffy/Angel Crossover.

Feedback: Yes please ... the more, the merrier

Spoilers: Buffy Season 1 "Prophecy Girl", Season 3 "The Zeppo", Angel Season 2 "Judgement"

Distribution: Email me and it's all yours *S* .....

Character Pairings: Willow/Oz, Xander/Anya, Buffy/Faith

Anything Else: Thoughts are written in * *. Oh, and from now on Patrick Giles is known as either Nosferatu or the First One, mmm-kay.

Starring (in alphabetical order): Alyson Hannigan as Willow Rosenberg Anthony Stewart Head as Rupert Giles Emma Caulfield as Anya Emmerson Eliza Dushku as Faith Adams Elizabeth Anne Allen as Amy Madison Nicholas Brendon as Xander Harris / Alexander Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Anne Summers Seth Green as Daniel 'Oz' Osbourne

Guest Starring: Alexis Denisof as Wesley Whyndham-Price Carmen Electra as Annabella Fugazzi/Bajang Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase David Boreanaz as Angel Jennifer Lopez as Rebecca Nicholas Brendon as Alexander Robert Duncan McNeil as Nicholas Kennedy Brian Thompson as Mulo Terrance Stamp as Terrance Douglas

And Introducing: Edward Furlong as Patrick Giles/Nosferatu

* * * * * * * * * * Thursday, May 4th, 2000 * * * * * * * * * *

After the action that had taken place over the previous couple of days the gang thought they'd spend the day resting, Buffy with Faith, Oz with Willow and Anya with Xander.

"B, what do you thinks going to happen on Saturday night?" Faith asked as she snuggled close to Buffy in their bed.

"I don't know. In a perfect world, we'd go out on patrol and then we'd go to the Bronze. Somehow I don't think it's gonna be like that eh hon." Buffy replied looking into Faith's eyes.

"I wonder how Amy is, I haven't seen her lately."

"Willow said she's spending some time with her dad. I think they went away for a couple of days, away from Sunnydale."

Faith smiled as she ran her fingers through the slayer's hair. "Anyplace is better than the Hellmouth, B."

* * * * * * * * * *

Amy sat quietly in her seat as the plane flew back to Los Angeles airport. Amy had spent the past couple of days in New York with her father who was there on business and now they were on their way back to Sunnydale.

Amy sat quietly looking out of the window as the Sun slowly rose from the horizon emblazoning the land in an orange glow. She softly sighed while playing idly with her hair. *You can take the girl out of Sunnydale but you can't take the Sunnydale out of the girl* she thought to herself. She had to admit that she had a great time in New York as it was her first time there and as always her dad had spoilt her as he always did after what happened with her mother. She knew though as soon as she return to Sunnydale it would feel like she'd never left.. They were still a couple hours away from Los Angeles where from there it would be a long drive back to Sunnydale, so with a soft sigh she settled down and closed her eyes for a short nap.

"Amy." a voice spoke softly. "Amy."

Amy opened her eyes and found herself laying on a reclining chair overlooking a large golden beach and beyond that an endless ocean of the clearest blue.

"Hmm, I always wanted a condo on the beach," the voice spoke again.

Amy looked over to where the voice was coming from and gave a small smile, "Hey there Pat."

"How you doing there Amy." Patrick asked.

"Pretty good," Amy replied. "We're just coming back from New York, me and my dad. Went shopping, saw the sights, it was pretty good."

"Wanna go for a walk?" Patrick suggested holding out his hand towards Amy.

"Sure," she replied taking his hand.

They walked along the cool deserted beach, the sun setting on the horizon turning the sky blue into a beautiful and subtle mix of yellow, red and orange where it reflected perfectly on the surface of the ocean.

"Can I ask you a question?" Amy asked after a few moment's silence.

"Sure, what?" Patrick replied.

"Why did you join the Watcher's Council?"

"Well, I just like to live life dangerously." Patrick grinned in response.

"Oww," Amy replied, "didn't think research was dangerous, unless you're talking about those pesky paper cuts from all those musty old books."

Amy and Patrick carried on walking along the golden sands in peace, arm in arm.

* * * * * * * * * *

The first one sat silently in his seat his eyes closed, and a million plans running through his mind in an attempt to throw the mind of the body's host of the actual plans. He was aware that he was communicating with the opposition, the Slayer's and their little gang members and he was trying every method to confuse them long enough.

"Sire," a demon spoke quietly.

Instantly his eyes opened and he looked at the vampire who called him. "Speak." he simple said.

"The package is here sire," the vampire responded.

"Excellent," the First one said with a smile, "bring it to me." As the vampire left the other two demon forms of Mulo and Bajang emerged from the darkness and sat either side of the First One.

"What is our plan in getting the pages of the manuscript?" Mulo asked looking at Nosferatu.

"We could go for a direct assault but it could waste needless time, so instead they're going to being the pages to us."

"How are you going to achieve this sire?" Bajang asked from the opposite side.

"The main thing that keeps them all together is love and loyalty. If you take the glue away from the structure then sooner or later the structure will just collapse. This way suffering is better than a quick merciful death." At that moment a vampire approached the three who gazed upon the creature, now understanding what Nosferatu talked about.

"Do you know what to do?" Nosferatu asked.

"Yes," the vampire replied.

"Good, then you shall go at nightfall. Everyone please leave me."

With that Mulo, Bajang and the rest of the vampires left the room leaving the First One with his own thoughts, until not before too long he was once again asleep.

* * * * * * * * * *

Giles pottered about his apartment putting back his books on the shelves, he needed a job. Since he blew up the High School he had nothing do to, although he enjoyed being what he called a 'man of leisure' or 'a British bum' as Willow joked, he still felt he was too young to be home all the time. He wanted a life.

Stifling a yawn he decided to sit down in his favourite chair and have a little read through the pages that were so crucial to the survival of the world. As he sat and read he slowly felt his eye lids getting heavier and heavier and before too long, he too was asleep.

"Ahh, reading the finer points of dimension hopping there Giles," a voice whispered in his ear causing Giles to jump out of his seat with a start. Looking around wide eyed he realised after a couple of moments that he was standing in his old library, from back when he worked in the High School. "What's the matter, looks like you've seen a ghost?"

"Pa-Patrick." Giles said staring at the figure standing before him. "I wondered when you'd appear."

"Yeah," he replied, "it's just that your mind is a little harder to get into than the others."

"Indeed," Giles said with a smile.

"Tea?" Patrick offered.

"Thank you," Giles replied

"Wow, this was the library," Patrick said looking around. "Did you regret blowing it to smithereens?"

"I did actually," Giles replied also looking around. "I enjoyed the three years I worked in here."

"But it was worth it though, either that or giant snake on the rampage on Sunnydale."

They sat in relative silence for a little while drinking their tea and generally enjoying each other's company. "Err, Patrick, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure, fire away." Patrick replied looking up at Giles.

"Well, a few days ago some archaeologists found a rather large artefact under this school, well more rather under where we're standing in the library."

"You mean, they found a resonating crystal under the school?" Patrick asked.

"Yes." Giles replied taking off his glasses and cleaning them, forgetting that this was nothing more than a dream. "I've been reading some of your journals and I read that you found a similar artefact in Kansas City about two years ago."

"Yep, it was the first time I ever saw one in it's complete undamaged form." Patrick replied before taking a sip of his tea.

"What ever became of it?" Giles asked.

"Well, that's a far more interesting story than you can imagine." Patrick replied sitting back slightly in his chair.

"Would you -- That is, I mean, can you tell me?" Giles asked holding his tea cup in his hands. Even though, in his mind he'd spent a little while with Patrick he realised he knew nothing about what happened in his nephews' life while he was at Oxford, except for the journals he kept.

"Sure Uncle, I'll tell you," Patrick said with a half smile as he clasped his hands together and rested them on his chest. "Well after I reached Kansas, I was told to report back to Travers as to whether it was the real thing or not. Well about ten afters after I contact him the 'heavy mob' arrived from the Council waving papers left right and center proclaiming it to be property of the Watcher's Council, blah, blah, blah." Patrick mocked sarcastically. He wasn't all that interested in the legal stuff, something that his uncle agreed with whole-heatedly. "Eventually they capitulated to the Council and they started making arrangements for it's transport back to the Council in England. Trouble was, they had no idea what they were dealing with."

* * * * * * * * * * Kansas City (Excavation Site of Artefact), Saturday, April 18th, 1998, 5:00pm Author's Note: The 'descriptive text' in this segment is as if part of the story Patrick is telling Giles * * * * * * * * * *

We'd been arguing for I'd say about the past three hours in a coffee shop about how we'd get it back, even though there was only two plausible methods. Air, or sea. The man in charge was Edward McIntyre, and I've never met such a stubborn person in my life.

"Please tell me why we should move it by sea once more Mr. Giles." Edward asked before taking a lug of his cigarette.

"That way we can contain and properly monitor it far more easier than on some transport plane," Patrick replied staring at Edward.

"I'm afraid I have to agree with Mr. Giles on this one Mr. McIntyre." a woman sitting between us chipped in.

"Is that so Ms. Fugazzi," Edward responded to the woman's comments. He sighed heavily as he weighed the options in his mind before finally conceding. "Very well Mr. Giles, as the Tactical Leader in this assignment I will follow your advice and we will transport the artefact by sea. I'll make arrangements with the Council and we'll transport the artefact to the docks at first light."

* * * * * * * * * *

"What precautions did you take to transport the artefact?" Giles asked pouring a second cup of tea for himself and Patrick.

"Well," Patrick replied shifting slightly in his chair. "I was still very much a novice to the magic's at that time but I endeavoured to at least pull off a protection spell to prevent the Hellmouth forming but as extra packing to the wooden crate the Council also insisted on a steel 'cap' to go on top and below with a block of steel two feet thick to go through the center of the ring."

"Why so much?" Giles asked.

"Well from the research I'd done, I summarised that the Hellmouth itself wasn't a 'fixed' phenomenon. Rather it was more like directly linked to the resonating crystal itself, so wherever the crystal was, would be where the Hellmouth would appear." Patrick pulled out a pack of smokes and lit one before continuing the story. "Anyway, arrangements were made by Edward and the following morning the artefact was loaded into the cargo hold of a ship where the Council made the biggest mistake of it being a passenger ship, weirdly called the 'S.S. Aphrodite'. But they thought none the wiser about it and neither did I, well my part of the assignment was complete and I was going home. The next time I would see it would be four days later when it reached Liverpool harbour, but it was only two days after the Aphrodite set sail that I received a call from Travers ordering me to board the ship with a retrieval team. Something had gone wrong."

* * * * * * * * * * Somewhere At Sea, Monday, April 20th, 1998 6:55pm * * * * * * * * * *

*Why oh why did I agree to do this*, Patrick thought to himself with a heavy sigh, *I could have had a nice weekend, but no, I had to volunteer to travel back and fourth on Council business. And I'm not getting paid*. Patrick sighed again and looked out of the small port-hole in a futile attempt to gleam some sort of life from the great beyond, but all he saw was the darkness of evening as the sun disappeared for another day allowing the stars to shine brightly in the sky. A knock on his door distracted Patrick from further thoughts as the door opened and a young man in a military uniform appeared.

"Mr. Giles. We've spotted the vessel on radar, we'll be there in ten minutes." he said.

"Thank you," Patrick said gathering his thoughts on the assignment ahead.

"And Sir," he continued, "McIntyre would like to see us all in the briefing room."

"Fine, I'm coming," Patrick groaned in resignation. Standing up Patrick reached to his mouth with his left hand and pulled out a well chewed piece of gum which he let drop into a waste paper basket. "I picked the wrong time to stop smoking," he mumbled following the man out of the door.

Up in the briefing room twenty-five of the 'finest' from the military were seated as Edward McIntyre stood at the front briefing the soldiers on what has happened. He paused briefly as Patrick entered the room and sat in the last available seat.

"Right," McIntyre continued, "at oh-nine-thirty this morning we lost contact with 'Escort One', the team designated to stay with the artefact in the ships hold on it's journey back to England. As this artefact is crucial for the Council we thought it warranted a team to investigate the sip:discover" MX: 3 ST: urn:schemas-upnp-org:service:WANIPConnection:1

artefact and it's safe delivery back to England in one piece. Any questions?" There were low murmurs around the table. "Fine," McIntyre continued. "For the duration of this operation, I am in command and Mr. Giles there," he said stretching out his hand in Patrick's direction, "is our Tactical Leader. You will be taking orders from either one of us, understood ... then let's suit up, we're nearly at the target."

With that the marines stood and filed out of the briefing room leaving McIntyre with Patrick who was still sitting.

"Don't mind me saying, but that was a good speech there Edward, but what are we dealing with?" Patrick asked.

"We're not exactly sure," McIntyre replied taking a seat next to Patrick and pulling out a box of smokes.

"Edward," Patrick said leaning forward slightly, "these are Military men we're talking about. They've never been placed in this type of scenario, they don't know what they're facing. Hell, we've probably good a better idea than any of those guys. I mean what kind of weapons are those boys carrying?"

"Standard issue arsenal," McIntyre replied.

"No, stakes, knives, crossbows even?" Patrick replied.

"Not here, but there is a stock aboard the Aphrodite." McIntyre replied pulling out a cigarette from the box. "Here," he offered, "I doubt if that gum will keep your nerves in check."

"What does the Council want with the crystal anyway?" Patrick asked taking the cigarette and taking a light from Edward.

"They want to develop a way to safely de-activate it permanently." he replied lowering his voice slightly.

"Edward, don't the Board of Directors realise that having a resonating crystal on the ground of the Council would be a major breach of security."

"That's their problem," he replied placing a hand on Patrick's shoulder, "not ours lad."

* * * * * * * * * * S.S. Aphrodite, 7:07pm * * * * * * * * * *

They stood on the deck of the ship looking around. There were no lights on so the men had to resort to using their flashlights.

"Alright," McIntyre said aloud, "I want the usual teams, five by five. Team three go down to the cargo hold and check the status of the artefact, the rest look for survivors. Giles you're with me, we're going to their briefing room on deck three. Okay people, let's go."

* * * * * * * * * * Espresso Pump, Sunnydale, 12:00pm, Present Day * * * * * * * * * *

Buffy, Faith, Willow and Amy sat outside in the hot Sunnydale sun as they hear about Amy's dream.

"Wow," Willow softly spoke stirring her coffee.

"Yeah, made the flight back more pleasant," Amy agreed smiling.

"So," Faith egged on, "what did you guys do?"

"Well, we talked a bit about each other, walked along the beach for a while then we sat and watched the sun go down." Amy remembered with a big smile on her face. "The last thing I remember was falling asleep on the beach with Patrick's arms wrapped around my waist keeping me warm."

"That's really sweet," Buffy said picturing the scene in her head.

"Yeah, but I wish it was more than a dream," Amy sighed.

"We'll figure something out Amy," Willow said reassuringly, although she had to admit that the research she had been doing did not find anything that could help.

"Hey look, it's Xander," Faith said pointing down the street. The others looked around to see him slowly walking the street with a dishevelled look on his face. "Hey Xand," Faith called out.

"Xander!" Buffy called out. He still walked on, not paying any attention.

Willow got out of her seat and ran towards Xander with a curious look on her face. "Hey Xander, what's wrong?" she asked as she got near him.

"Hey Wil," Xander replied looking at his best friend. "Nothing, just got a little on my mind."

"Come on, tell us." Willow said taking his hands and pulling him back to the table.

"Nah, I just wanna be on my own." Xander replied a little dejected.

"Oh, no you don't," Willow said. "You're coming over here."

"What's wrong Xander?" Buffy asked as he sat down next to her. "It's not as if the world is going to end tomorrow."

"Where's Anya anyway?" Faith asked looking around, "Still sleeping off another night of passion?"

"I don't know where she has gone," Xander muttered in a low voice.

"What do you mean Xander?" Willow asked looking at him.

Xander slowly reached into his back pocket and tossed a folded piece of paper on the table. "It's from Anya. Like when before she thought we'd be killed on the day of Ascension, she thinks that we'll not survive Saturday. She left while I was asleep."

"Oh Xander," Willow said with sadness in her voice.

"I'm really sorry to hear that," Faith said, "For what it's worth, you seemed a good couple."

"Thanks," Xander replied looking at Faith with a small smile.

"You know we're here to help," Buffy said placing her hands on his shoulders, "If there's anything we can do for you..."

"I'd rather be on my own for a while guys," Xander said with a low tone.

"Xander, you shouldn't have to." Willow said taking hold of his hand.

"No. I want to," Xander said, "But thanks." He slowly stood up from the table and walked away leaving the letter on the table.

Buffy looked at it before tentatively picking it up to read it.

Xander,

I know this is a cowards way to leave like this, but I couldn't go without writing this to you. In all my time as a vengeance demon I never knew what love was. For me I saw only love as heartache, pain and suffering to the women concerned and I exacted pain to the men who had caused such torment. It wasn't until I met you Xander that I realised much I was wrong. How by accepting and embracing love, you realise how rewarding it can be, and no I'm not just talking about the orgasms we share. In all my time I have never experienced love, and so I never knew how happy it could make me feel just to think there is a special someone who has my heart and who would do anything to protect and look after me. I now know that love is much more than pain, so it pains me to do this. I cannot stay, fearing that Saturday night I may die, and for this I am sorry Xander. If I had told you of my intentions of leaving Sunnydale I know you would do everything in your power to stop me, but you know you cannot, just as much as I knew I could not talk you into joining me.

I may have your love Xander, but your heart and loyalties lie with your friends closest to you, Buffy, Faith, Willow, Oz, Amy and Giles, and I know in my heart that you would not leave or abandon them at their time of need. I know that you don't have any special powers, like the rest but I can see that you have greatest power that even I envy ... friendship. Buffy and Faith maybe the slayers, Amy and Willow maybe witches and Giles is a Watcher, but I believe that you hold the group together with your resourcefulness, charm, sense of humour, your compassion and above all your willingness to sacrifice your life for others.

It is not you who don't deserve me, it is I who don't deserve you. Please forgive and forget me Xander.

Live a long and happy life.

Anya.

"Wow," Willow said after a moment, "it might sound harsh but I never expected something like that from Anya."

Buffy raised her right hand and brushed away a few stray tears from her face, "I know what you mean Willow."

There were a few minutes silence as they reflect on what Anya had written in her letter, before Faith broke the silence. "You know, thinking back on our past experiences Anya was right, Xander has done more for us than we realise. I mean, he's backed us up in battle ..."

"... and he comforts us when we needed it ..." Buffy said, catching on to what Faith meant.

"... and he makes us laugh even when we're not in the mood." Willow finished.

"It's like he puts our well-being before his own, but what do we do for him?" Amy said looking at the letter on the table.

"Well we're his friends," Buffy replied, "and, well he's never really seemed like he needed help that much. But we're always there for him if he needed it."

"That's true," Willow agreed, "but I feel something I think he holds back 'cause he doesn't want us to see him as weak."

"I don't understand red. I've always seen him with a smile on his face, until just now that is." Faith said looking at Willow.

"Well it's something he doesn't like to talk about Faith. His parents aren't really all that .." Willow hesitated as she tried to find the right words, "... well anything really. His parents drink a lot, and sometimes then he's drunk his father ..." Willow stopped as she felt tears welling in her eyes.

"He doesn't hit him does he Willow?" Faith asked feeling anger well up inside her. Coming from a similar background, Faith could understand the pain Xander's father could have put him through.

"Yeah." Willow replied in a low voice as she felt a couple of tears roll down her cheek. "Sometimes when he'd come to school with those bruises, and you assume that it was from a fight with a vampire ... it was his father."

"Bastard!" Buffy spat.

Faith stretched out her arm and held Buffy's hands in her own. "He's given us so much over the years and asked for nothing, I think it's time we give him all the attention we can. Make him realise how much we love him."

"Agreed," Amy said.

"Absolutely," Willow said, "we should do something tonight after patrol."

"Definitely," Buffy said.

* * * * * * * * * * Rupert Giles' Dream * * * * * * * * * *

"Did you suspect anything as you got there?" Giles asked Patrick. The scenery had changed around them and they were once more at Giles' apartment.

"Like that we're boarding a ship after dark, or that we were being accompanied by a group of men who's idea of the paranormal is repeats of The Outer Limits and the Twilight Zone. Or that we had no idea what we were facing? Then yes, I suspected everything, but I was still a student and so it wasn't my place to say anything."

"So," Giles said, "what happened next."

"Well," Patrick started. "We'd reached the briefing room, and it was big. Full of equipment and lockers full of equipment. I thought it was a little weird that they had all that stuff loaded so quickly but I just thought that was just the resourcefulness of the Council."

* * * * * * * * * * S.S. Aphrodite, 7:16pm * * * * * * * * * *

"What should we do next?" Edward said looking around the room.

"Break out the weapons while I check their logs," Patrick said as he walked over to their computer systems.

"Are you expecting the worst Patrick?" Edward asked. He opened two of the lockers and pulled out two large carrying bags along with several crossbows. He opened the bags to reveal vials of holy water and stakes.

"I'd rather think of myself as a realist and although I'd like to think that nothing is wrong, I don't ignore the fact that -- Hey, this is strange."

"What is it?" Edward asked walking over to where Patrick was sitting.

"Well this is a passenger ship right,"

"Yeah, bound to England." Edward replied.

"Well according from their logs, this ship left from Canada making about half a dozen stops along the eastern coast of the States before picking us up."

"Okay," Edward said looking at the screen.

"At each stop cargo was unloaded and some was loaded, but one piece remains. At Canada a large crate was loaded on, also bound for England."

"So?" Edward said, not understanding.

"Well, it's the same size and weight as the piece of cargo we loaded, and that too is bound for the Council. What do you know about this?" Patrick said pointing at the cargo manifest.

"I don't know anything," Edward replied turning his gaze to Patrick, "I was only brought in on this a few days ago."

There was a moment of silence when a voice crackled over the radio. "Team three to Team Leader do you read, over."

"Go ahead," Edward replied.

"Sir we're in the cargo hold, I think you should get down here sir." the voice crackled.

"Understood, stand by." Edward said flashing a glance at Patrick.

Patrick turn his gaze to the men who had joined them to the briefing room. "Guys, un-load your weapons and take stock from the lockers."

"Yes sir," the group leader replied.

"Team three this is the Tactical Leader," Patrick said into the radio.

"Team three sir," the voice replied.

"We're on our way to the cargo deck, come to the briefing room on deck three and exchange your weapons, then search the ship for survivors."

"Understood sir," the voice replied.

"That applies to all teams," Patrick continued. He turned his gaze to Edward as the acknowledgements filtered through his headset. Walking over to the table top Patrick grabbed a handful of weapons. "Let's go guys." he said as they left the briefing room.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Why isn't there any lights," Patrick wondered as he walked down the corridor with McIntyre and one of the teams.

"There's a team in the engineering room fixing that right now." Edward replied shining his flashlight around the corridor.

"We're at the cargo hold sir," the group leader said looking at the cargo hold entrance.

They walked into the hold and looked around the place. "Whoa!" Patrick exclaimed looking around the room. "Someone been throwing a party and forget to invite us?"

All the crates and cargo that had been loaded had been thrown to the rear end of the room presumably to make more space. In the middle there was a large, what looked like a gun-metal grey box.

"What's in the box," an officer mused.

"The answer to the meaning to life?" another officer mocked in a sarcastic tone.

"Hey guys," Patrick said in angry tone. "We're not here in speculation one- oh-one!"

"Patrick, is everything alright?" Edward asked as he walked over to Patrick who was looking in the box.

"The artefact," Patrick said silently, not moving his gaze.

"No, it's not." Edward said slightly confused.

"Yes," Patrick said turning his gaze to Edward, "it really is."

"What happens now?" Edward says looking.

"Research." Patrick simply stated.

* * * * * * * * * *

"All teams have checked in," Edward said walking around the conference table in the briefing room. "All passengers have been found in the ball room, all dead."

"How?" Patrick asked with his nose in a pile of paperwork.

"Neck ruptures, which mean vampires." Edward replied sitting down next to Patrick. "What have you got?" he asked pulling out his box of smokes and passing one to Patrick.

"Like what I said earlier," Patrick said finally looking up from a book he was reading. "That is the artefact down in the cargo hold."

"Wait," Edward responded not believing, "I don't understand. The one we uncovered in Kansas was eight feet in size, the one down there was --"

"-- Double that size," Patrick finished. "I know."

"But how?"

"Well you take two artefacts and add a little bit of magic," Patrick tried to explain.

"Any kind of magic?"

"No, only a powerful magician could do something like this, probably a Necromancer. There's one thing that bothers me though."

"Which is?" Edward asked a little confused.

"We found the passengers, right?"

"Yep."

"So what happened to 'Escort One'?"

* * * * * * * * * * Harris Residence, Sunnydale, 2:20pm, Present Day * * * * * * * * * *

*I can't believe she's done this* Xander thought to himself as he idly walked around his bedroom. Twelve months she's been on the Hellmouth and she's faced any type of demon and we've survived, so why now with the prospect of the whole world going to hell does she decide to leave me.

With a sigh Xander walked over to his desk and pulled out his diary that he kept keeping his memories since the day Buffy had arrived in Sunnydale. His mind filled with a million thoughts and feelings but the most prominent, he just wanted to get away, he just wanted to be alone. Sure, Anya had been right, he'd never leave the Slayer's and would do anything he could but in all truthfulness he couldn't really hold his own in battle and he knew it.

* * * * * * * * * * Sunnydale High School, Flashback * * * * * * * * * *

"Boy, of all the humiliations you've had I've witnessed, that was the latest." Cordelia stepped into view, a le that size," Patrick finished. "I know."

"But how?"

"Well you take two artefacts and add a little bit of magic," Patrick tried to explain.

"Any kind of magic?"

"No, only a powerful magician could do something like this, probably a Necromancer. There's one thing that bothers me though."

"Which is?" Edward asked a little confused.

"We found the passengers, right?"

"Yep."

"So what happened to 'Escort One'?"

* * * * * * * * * * Harris Residence, Sunnydale, 2:20pm, Present Day * * * * * * * * * *

*I can't believe she's done this* Xander thought to himself as he idly walked around his bedroom. Twelve months she's been on the Hellmouth and she's faced any type of demon and we've survived, so why now with the prospect of the whole world going to hell does she decide to leave me.

With a sigh Xander walked ort, "Slayer, werewolf, witches, vampires. And you're, like, this little nothing. You must feel like Jimmy Olsen."

"I was just talking to..." Xander chuckled, then recognised the barb, "Hey, mind your own business!"

"Ooo, I struck a nerve." She smiled smugly, "The boy that had no cool."

"I happen to be an integral part of that group." He declared hotly, "I happen to have a LOT to offer."

"Oh, please."

"I do!"

Cordelia shook her head. "Integral part of the group?" she mocked him openly, "Xander, you're the, the USELESS part of the group. You're the Zeppo. Cool - look it up. It's something that a sub-literate that's repeated twelfth grade three times has, and you don't."

Turning on her heel, she clutched her books to her chest, a satisfied smile on her face.

"There was no part of that wasn't fun." She realised aloud.

* * * * * * * * * *

Finishing his diary entry, Xander closed the book and threw his pen on the desk. He decided to get some fresh air, so he grabbed his jacket. As he was about to leave his bedroom his bedside phone began to ring. He didn't really want to answer it, so he just walked through the door and closed it behind him.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Any answer?" Oz asked looking at Willow.

"No, he's probably out somewhere." Willow replied replacing the handset.

"What about a sleep over," Faith suggested sitting next to Buffy.

"Yeah," Buffy agreed. "A few movies, something to drink and some snacks."

* * * * * * * * * * Rupert Giles' Dream * * * * * * * * * *

"Are you trying to say that the two artefacts were simply merged to make one larger one?" Giles asked in an astonished tone.

"Yes," Patrick replied sitting opposite Giles.

"Could Nosferatu perform such an incantation?" Giles asked hesitantly.

"Yes," he simply replied.

"Where would he find another crystal though?"

"Well," Patrick replied scratching his temple, "there were reports from the Council that there was one in Miami Florida but nothing confirmed."

"Giles," a voice spoke from behind the former watcher.

Giles turned around and saw Buffy standing behind the couch with her arms crossed.

"Is Buffy a part of this dream?" Giles asked a little bemused.

"No," Patrick replied, "she's with you at your apartment."

"Then perhaps I should wake up then," Giles said shifting himself on the couch.

"Before you go there is something I should say." Patrick said getting serious. "There's some stuff on my compact discs it's encrypted, but I think it might help you."

"We'll look," Giles said, "rest assured. We'll get you back Patrick, count on it."

"Take care Uncle Giles." Patrick said before disappearing into thin air leaving Giles back in the real world.

"Giles, you okay?" Buffy spoke.

"What? Oh. Yes, hello Buffy, Faith. Here for some training?"

"If that's alright with you Giles," Faith said walking up behind Buffy. "You did look comfortable,"

"No," Giles said standing up, "that's quite alright. You do your training while I make some tea." Giles walked into the kitchen area and filled up his kettle before plugging it in to boil. "I don't suppose you know where Willow is do you?" he called to the Slayer's.

"I think she and Oz have gone to look for Xander," Buffy said as they moved the couches to make more training room.

"Why, has anything happened to him?"

"Anya decided to do a repeat performance of the Ascension and split town," Faith answered. "She left Xander a 'Dear John' letter while he was asleep."

"Poor Xander," Giles said in a low tone. "My own personal dislike for Anya aside whenever I saw him with her he always seemed to be happiest. Are you girls going to plan something to cheer him up?"

"Yeah," Buffy said. "We're gonna get together with the rest of us tonight and have some quality comfort friend time."

"That will be good," Giles agreed smiling.

* * * * * * * * * * 7.33pm * * * * * * * * * *

The gang had spent most of the day looking for Xander. They had checked all his house and all his usual haunts but he was nowhere to be seen. As it was getting late they'd decided to turn the search into a search and patrol. Faith and Willow search went together, Oz searched with Buffy and Amy searched with Giles.

"We'll be able to do it won't we?" Oz asked Buffy as they patrolled through Weatherly park.

"Yeah sure." Buffy replied in a confident tone, "Trust me, before you know it Xander will be alright, and we'll have our Xander-shaped friend once more."

"Well," Oz said giving Buffy a side-ways glance, "I was actually talking about Saturday night."

"Oh yeah," Buffy said, "totally."

"It may be a silly question, but could you do it?" Oz asked.

"Do what?"

"Kill Giles' nephew."

Buffy stopped as Oz asked this question and looked at her wondering *Could I really kill my ex-watchers' nephew* Buffy thought to herself. "I'm not really sure I can Oz. I'm guessing that Wil or Amy will find a magic spell to help before it gets to that." she finally replied.

"But you know you're gonna have to or Earth will be sucked into Hell itself." Oz said as they resumed their patrol.

"No, I'm holding my ears," Buffy said as she started humming a tune she heard on the radio earlier on. "We'll find a way to save him."

"Alright," Oz said, "but..."

"No, we will." Buffy said adamantly.

"But..."

"No!"

"Vampire."

"Oh," Buffy said turning around. "Oh, thanks," she said turning around again and acknowledging Oz and the stake that he had handed to her. She went straight for the vampire's heart but missed as he ducked down and attempted to slide her feet from under her. She jumped up in time. The vamp got up as well and began to run but he wasn't fast enough. Buffy quickly caught up and plunged the stake into his heart. Dust sprinkling over the park grass.

"So the plan is to look for an eleventh-hour reprieve before Saturday night." Oz said walking over to Buffy where she dusted the vampire.

"That sounds like the plan" Buffy agreed.

Suddenly the duo ran into a familiar face.

"Xand!" Buffy exclaimed giving her friend a running bear hug, "We've been looking for you all day, where have you been? We've missed you."

"Needed some space" he simply replied. "Hey, err, Buffy," he squeaked after a moment, "I'm having trouble breathing."

"Oh, sorry," Buffy said letting go and taking a step back to look at Xander.

"Xander, are you all right? You look a bit pale," said Oz.

"That's just because I'm a little hungry," he said turning around.

"Do you want a cake? I'm prepared for everything. I might have one in my bag you can have." Buffy began searching her bag that she had just picked up from the grave it was resting on.

"No, that's not exactly what I'm looking for," he said spinning around with a vampire game face on.

"What's with the British accent, Xander?" Buffy asked still searching in her bag. "You know, you should really stop making fun of Giles. Aha! I've found it," she proclaimed triumphantly looking up with a chocolate Twinkie. As soon as she peered at Xander, she was caught aghast. "Xander! Oz? He can't be!"

But Oz couldn't respond. The vamp had already gotten to him and was about to bite until a sharp kick to his head jostled him.

"What the..." he said, rubbing his head. "Who the hell are you?" he asked Buffy.

"I could ask the same question."

"Not tonight love. I'm really not into answering questions," he said lunging in her direction.

Pulling out a cross and holding it in his direction, she looked over at Oz. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Buffy, but what are you doing?" Oz asked.

"I'm holding him back," she said as the vamp winced and growled at the wooden cross. "I can't kill him, what if he's." she turned her head back to the vampire, "gone?"

"Hey guys, how's the slaying going tonight?" asked Willow as she and Faith came along, followed by Giles and Amy.

"Buffy are you alright?" Giles asked pushing his glasses up his nose, "you look like you've seen one too many vampires."

"We've got a problem," Oz said in a calm voice.

"Which is?" Willow asked, not really wanting to hear the answer.

"It's Xander," Oz continued. "He's a ... he's a --"

"-- vampire." Buffy finished.

"A what!" Giles, Willow, Faith and Amy spoke in unison.

* * * * * * * * * * Giles' Apartment, 8.01pm * * * * * * * * * *

"I just can't believe it Giles," Willow said in a quite tone that was barely audible. "I mean, how?"

"I don't believe it either Willow," Giles said as he brought over a second tray of tea and a third box of tissues. "I mean Xander would never willingly become a vampire, he'd rather die before that would happen."

Faith pulled a couple of tissues from the box and handed them to Buffy who was curled up next to her. "Giles, I couldn't help but to notice that your answer machine was flashing when we came in. Looks like you got a message."

"Oh, really," Giles said in an amazed tone, not realising that there was a message waiting for him. "I never noticed as I don't get many calls." He walked over to the machine and pressed the playback button.

"Greetings Mr. Giles," the voice boomed. Hearing that, the whole team turned their attention to the answer phone message.

"Patrick!" Amy exclaimed.

"No," Giles said dejectedly. "The demon."

"As you may have figured I am not your nephew, but rather the demon that has taken over his body and given him a purpose in life. As you may no doubt know you have something that I want and that has given you the upper hand, until now. This is because we have something you want, and contrary to popular belief, no he isn't a vampire ... yet. So, here is the deal, no negotiating. We will give you back your friend Xander in return you will give me the remaining pages of the Grand Grimoire. We will make the exchange tomorrow at eight o'clock, and if you don't turn up your friend will be turned ... or mercilessly killed, that decision is entirely up to Xander, but you have to be there. Oh yes, the place, Centennial Park opposite the Town Hall. Be there."

* * * * * * * * * * 8:08pm * * * * * * * * * *

"What kind of accent did he have again Buffy?" Giles asked looking through one of his books.

"English," Buffy replied.

The gang sat around the coffee table on tender-hooks while Giles flipped through the pages of the book in an attempt to identify the vampire Buffy and Oz had come face to face to in Weatherly park. If it wasn't Xander they saw, then who on Earth was it. "Aha, I think I've found him finally," Giles finally said making the others breathe a sigh of relief. "I thought he was English, but originally he came from Germany. He was born in Germany over 200 years ago, before Nazis, Its actually quite a surprise he has never acquainted himself with us before. Most of the older vampires have a tendency to be drawn to the Hellmouth," Giles continued opening his text again. "He has stayed in England for the past 90 years, probably where he acquired his accent. He seems to have a talent for ancient tongues." Giles looked up to his captive audience of Amy and Willow. "Quite a necessity when it comes to spells."

"So, Giles. Is there anything else that you've dug up on this demon?" Oz asked, still curious and worried about his friend's doppleganger.

"Well, the oddest things are that he looks identical to Xander and that his name is peculiarly enough Alexander."

"What?!" Many of the group said.

"Yes. His name is Alexander."

"That is so weird," Willow exclaimed with her usual wide-eyed look. "I wonder if he's related to our Xander?"

"Stranger things have happened red," Faith commented.

"Hey, Buffy. You saw him. I wonder if he has a birthmark near his Oh, wait, I don't think you can see that in plain sight," Willow pondered out loud.

"That is of such little importance." Giles commented off-handily. "I mean this Alexander guy could be meeting up with Nosferatu again as we speak and sending out some horrible spell."

"What is it honey?" Oz asked with concern in his voice.

"Oh my God. What if this look alike guy-vampire-what ever is walking the streets right now preying on some girl?" Willow said with a little worry on her face.

"Willow has bought up a good point," interjected Giles. "Alexander could get our Xander into great amounts of trouble if recognised."

"Maybe we should get back on patrol," Faith said standing up and walking around the couch.

"Sure," Buffy agreed, "I could do with some exercise."

"Hey, we Bronze-ing it later?" Amy suggested looking at the Slayers.

"Yeah, why not," Faith agreed. "See you there guys."

As soon as they left, Giles turned to Willow and asked, "Do you mind staying a bit and helping me compile a list of all the abandoned or vacant areas in town."

"Sure, Giles. Why?"

"Buffy and Faith have been patrolling constantly, looking into abandoned factories and warehouses and haven't turned up anything. If they have an artefact in their possession, it must be somewhere. I just want to knock off all checked places and see if there are any other places remaining."

* * * * * * * * * *

*Where on Earth am I* Xander through to himself as he tried to remember what he did to get himself into this situation. He remembered vaguely going to the ice cream parlour, not that he wanted an ice cream really, it was just for the sake that he was getting out of his bedroom. But he didn't know what happened after that.

"Wow, will you look at that," a British voice pierced the silence.

*Spike* Xander thought, *Spike has me? Oh geez*. Xander slowly opened his eyes looked around the room to try to find where the voices were coming from, though he didn't see much. He was laying on a concrete floor, imprisoned in a dank and smelly room.

"I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it," the voice continued. "It's scary."

"Who are you," Xander called.

"Wouldn't you like to know," the voice stated with a sinister grin. The person took a couple of steps forward where a single small light bulb hung.

"Hey," Xander stammered, "you can't ... I mean ... how?"

"Uncanny isn't it," Alexander said with a big smile on his face.

"Why am I here?" Xander asked.

"Quite simply, you're bait. We get what we want and they get you back, with the added bonus of being alive."

"They won't give you those pages, you know that."

"They will, we're sure of it." Alexander said before turning and walking out of the cell.

* * * * * * * * * * Friday 5th, May, 2000, 12:08pm * * * * * * * * * *

Giles had spent a better half of the morning pulling together all the information about tomorrow nights' little get together. At this point Giles' apartment looked more like a make-shift classroom, papers and books strewn across tables, a computer with a small mountain of disks and compact discs .. and oh yeah, a honking big white board in the back corner of the lounge where Giles drew out a copy of the map of Sunnydale with all possible factories and warehouses marked off.

"Hmm, what am I missing here." Giles muttered to himself looking at the white board.

"Hey Giles, you starting classes in Demonology one-oh-one," Willow said behind Giles.

Giles spun round on his heels looking at Willow and Oz looking at Giles, "I have got to get my locks checked."

"Looking for his hideout," Oz commented looking at the white board.

"Yes," Giles replied taking off his glasses and rubbing the bridge of hAmy and Willow. "Quite a necessity when it comes to spells."

"So, Giles. Is there anything else that you've dug up on this demon?" Oz asked, still curious and worried about his friend's doppleganger.

"Well, the oddest things are that he looks identical to Xander and that his name is peculiarly enough Alexander."

"What?!" Many of the group said.

"Yes. His name is Alexander."

"That is so weird," Willow exclaimed with her usual wide-eyed look. "I wonder if he's related to our Xander?"

"Stranger things have happened red," Faith commented.

"Hey, Buffy. You saw him. I wonder if he has a birthmark near his Oh, wait, I don't think you can see that in plain sight," Willow pondered out loud.

"That is of such little importance." Giles commented off-handily. "I mean this Alexander guy could be meeting up with Nosferatu agaBuffy and Faith. Oz and I will get weapons together."

"Done," Willow said smiling.

"Doing," Oz said walking to the weapons chest.

* * * * * * * * * *

"But my they are things of beauty," Alexander said admiring the resonating crystals, one on top of the other in the middle of the room.

"Yes they're magnanimous," Nosferatu grumbled walking around the room, "after you see so many, one looks like another. Now are we going to do this damned ritual or what!"

"Patience is a virtue," Alexander said coolly

"Patience? I have rituals to perform of my own before we can do this, and if I know that watcher they'll be searching for us right now. And we've got to wait a day and a half before my time will come." The First One strolled forward until he was nose to nose with Alexander. "Do the ritual, chant the bloody chant. Either that or I'll suck your mind dry like a bone, I'll do the ritual and you won't live long enough to see my shining moment of glory!"

"You only had to say please," Alexander said smiling.

* * * * * * * * * *

It was a beautiful Sunnydale over in Sunnydale High. *Wait, what am I doing here* Xander thought to himself *this was like over three years ago*.

"Well?" Buffy's voice carried from beside him.

Turning his head slightly to Buffy he gave chuckled slightly before continuing. "You know, Buffy, Spring Fling is a time for students to gather and --" he stopped for a moment as he tried to find the right words without making sound like a complete dolt. "Buffy, I want you to go to the dance with me. You and me. On a date."

There was a brief pause while Buffy thought his offer.

"Xander, I, I don't know what to say --"

"Well, you're not laughing, so that's a good start." Xander replied quickly before settling down and continuing. "I like you. A lot. I mean, we're friends, and we've shared experiences, we've fought blood sucking fiends together, and that's a good time, but -- I want more than that. I want to dance with you."

"I don't," Buffy said quietly, "I'm sorry, I just don't think of you that way."

"I guess a guy's gotta be undead to make time with you." Xander said, his gaze shifting around looking for a quick exit from this conversation.

"That's really harsh," Buffy said a little angry and a little hurt at the same time.

"I'm sorry, I don't handle rejection well. Funny, considering how much practise I've had." Xander said finally making his exit.

Knowing she'd just hurt his feelings big time Buffy felt she needed to make amends. "I never meant to --"

"You know what? Let's just not." Xander said cutting her off and walking away from where Buffy sat. With his mind full of nothing but Buffy he didn't notice at first the soft drumming sound of small pebbles falling from the sky like rain. Then from nowhere that quickly turned into a storm of stones making the students screaming for cover.

"Check it out! It's raining stones!" one of the Sunnydale students spoke in an astonished tone looking at the sky.

Xander looked over his shoulder and looked at the shower of stones taking place behind him and giving a little chuckle. "Figures."

"Xander," Buffy's voice whispered from nowhere. "Xander, can you hear me? Come on, we've gotta get you out of here."

Xander opened his eyes slowly and realised he wasn't at the school anymore. "Where am I?" he asked slightly dazed as he looked around.

"You're gonna be alright," Buffy said in a reassuring tone. "But we gotta get you to safety."

"Where's that freaky person that looks like me?" Xander said suddenly remembering his extremely brief conversation with Alexander.

"Don't know," Faith replied supporting Xander on the other side, "probably conversing with the Un-Holy First One."

"How did you find me so quickly?" Xander asked as he was helped out of his little cell.

"Escape now, talk later," Faith said looking around as they made their escape.

"Good plan," Xander said looking behind him, "I think I hear footsteps."

"How is Alexander progressing?" Bajang asked Mulo as they walked down the passage to look in on Xander.

"The joining is nearly complete and the First One is making the finishing preparations for tomorrow night." Mulo replied as they approached Xander's cell. They opened the door and stood in the doorway for a few moments in silence as they looked in the cell.

"Does he believe," Bajang finally said breaking the silence.

"Without a doubt," Mulo finally replied. "He believes it because he wants it so."

A smile crept across the two of them as the closed the cell door again, leaving Xander Harris still on the cell floor asleep, completely unaware that the escape was all in his head.

* * * * * * * * * * Chase Residence, Los Angeles, 10.08am * * * * * * * * * *

Since their last office had been destroyed they had come to use Cordelia's apartment as a base of operations in their pursuit of killing the demons and general un-dead that live in Los Angeles.

"I'm beginning to think it was the Sloth demon," Wesley said looking at a white board that was in Cordelia's lounge listing all their latest cases, as Cordelia leant down and started writing something on it.

"Sloth demons don't slaughter adolescents Wesley," Cordelia said looking up at him. "You ID'd it." Cordelia looked over to Angel who was intently looking at little glass ornaments.

"No," Wesley said. "I don't mean the demon we killed last night. I mean the one .."

"That was a nice gym," Angel said as he picked up one of the ornaments and tossed it idly in the air like a ball.

".. incinerated a month ago." Wesley finished as both he and Cordelia looked at Angel as if wondering what he was getting at. "I think that was what Wolfram and Hart raised in that box when Angel was fighting."

"Thing about the gym is that you're not alone." Angel carried on talking about the Gym they were at last night. "You got people around, urges you to work out."

Cordelia walked over to Angel and took the ornament from him, then placed it back. "You don't have to work out. You're eternal."

"May not always be," Angel retorted remembering the prophecy that Wesley discovered about him. He picked up the ornament again as he carried on thinking. "I mean you got your sauna, your fresh towels. I mean, how bad can it be."

"You'll shower with a lot of men," Cordelia simply replied as she stood next to Wesley, white board marker in her hand.

"I'll always be a loner," Angel said snapping back to reality. He turned his head and looked at Cordelia who stood with her index finger held slightly up and her eyes scrunched up. He shot a quick look at Wesley, "Vision!". Reacting before thinking he dropped the ornament on the floor and dashed to Cordelia's side along with Wesley. They reached her side, just as Cordelia sneezed.

"Just a sneeze," Cordelia said getting herself together.

"Oh," Wesley and Angel said relaxing.

"OH!" Cordelia retorted, a little angry.

"Bless you," Angel quickly said. "Sorry about this," Angel continued as he bent down and picked up the pieces of the ornament

"Why can't we work out of Wesley's?" Cordelia asked.

"We're getting a new office," Angel said re-assuring. "I just haven't .." Cordelia cut him off suddenly as she had a repeat of what just happened. *Is it a vision this time* Angel thought.

"Sneeze," Cordelia said before she sneezed. "followed by vision."

Angel and Wesley were quick by her side and helped her to the couch as the vision wracked through her brain.

"Are you okay?" Angel asked as they settled her down.

Cordelia took a couple of seconds as she regained her composure after the vision. "I'll be fine," she said looking at the two men.

"What have we got?" Wesley asked moving over to the white board to fill in the details.

"A nasty looking demon," Cordelia replied as Wesley started writing. "Didn't recognise it."

"Nasty demon, unknown origin." Wesley said as he wrote the letters N.D.U.O. on the board.

"Awful lot of that in this town," Angel commented. "I'm sure he'll feel right at home here."

* * * * * * * * * *

"The eyes are a little farther apart," Cordelia commented as Angel tried to draw the demon she saw in her vision. "Th-they look right through you. I don't think this guy's afraid of much."

"Wes I'm thinking northern Pakistan," Angel thought as he looked at the image.

"Or it could be indicative of a similar region," Wesley agreed. "I'm going to need Suliman's Compendium." He walked over to the small stack of books when suddenly the book in question flew from the stack by Cordelia's ghost, Dennis straight at Wesley which made him yelp with surprise."

"Don't yell like that," Cordelia told Wesley, "you will scare him."

"Scare him," Wesley repeated.

"Dennis is very sensitive he's just trying to help. He's more a person than a, g-h-o-s-t."

"We have to get an office." Wesley said off-handily as he started flicking through the pages, when suddenly Cordelia screamed out loud making both Wesley and Angel jump.

"There, there," Cordelia said pointing to a page in the book.

"Preomotu demon," Wesley said reading the description of the demon. "It's a killer. Bred to maim and massacre."

"Oh goodie a Pit Bull." Cordelia said in mock sarcasm.

Angel stood from where he was sitting and moved back to the white board. "Okay," he said as he started writing on the board, "now we know what it is, a Preomotu. Now we need to find it. Right now, we've got it narrowed down to somewhere."

"I maybe able to solve that," Wesley suggested. "I've been broadening our contact base, reaching out to the underlife. I may have someone who can help."

"Who?" Angel asked.

"A parasite demon named Meryll."

Cordelia gave Wesley a side-long glance. "Maybe it's time to give your little stool-ley a visit."

"There's a place he hangs out, a safe haven for demons. I've been meaning to take you there, I think it maybe of use to us."

"That's good," Angel said still looking at the board.

"But," Wesley continued a little hesitantly.

"But what?" Angel said looking at Wesley now.

"It's a little outside the box." Wesley finished.

* * * * * * * * * *

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it, I'm about to lose control and I think I like it,

The place in question, of all places a karaoke bar for the demon night-life of LA. Where demons, vampires and other-such come to drink, spend time relaxing and sing. Some good, some bad, and the rest, should be shot.

Tonight's the night we're gonna make it happen, Tonight we'll put all other things aside, Within this time you show me some affection, We're going for those pleasure in the night.

Angel, Wesley and Cordelia walked through the entrance for which you had to pass through a metal detector to check for weapons a bouncer to make sure the peace is kept.

"Your stool pigeon feels safe in a karaoke bar?" Cordelia questioned with a little surprise as they passed through the small crowd who were watching a demon sing the songs of the Pointer Sisters.

"In this one he does," Wesley replied. "It's a sanctuary." They looked on as the demon in question finished the number with a slick looking green demon wearing what looked like designer clothes, he had to be the owner of the club.

Wesley carried on looking around the bar and found who he was looking for. "Hello Meryll." he said as he sat down next to him.

"Cat got your tongue Meryll," Cordelia joked as she and Angel joined him nearby.

"I don't have a tongue. And, keep the blood-sucker away from me." he replied looking at Angel.

"He can't hurt you in here," Wesley said in his defence.

"I know his rep, hates his own kind, beating on demons wherever he finds them..."

"Especially ones that waste my time," Angel said with a little sneer.

"We're looking for the Preomotu," Wesley said as an envelope with some cash was given to Meryll.

"You've obviously not seen one up close," Meryll replied. "Preo's are stone cold killers. They got these teeth that'll ..." He looked at them for a moment and he knew they meant business. "If it's the Preo you're looking for, he don't like it above ground so he'll be travelling through one of those sub tunnels on the redundo line."

They'd heard enough, standing from the stools Angel and the others started off to leave the bar when Angel came face to face to the green demon they saw on stage before.

"Love the coat," he said looking Angel up and down. "It's all about the coat. Welcome to Caritas. Do you know what that means?"

"It's Latin for mercy," Angel replied.

"Smart and cute," the demon replied, "how 'bout gracing us with a number?"

"I don't sing," Angel said in an attempt to stay off the stage.

"Neither does he," he replied pointing to a rather hairy looking demon on stage. "He's kinda like a fog-horn on legs."

"Who is this guy?" Cordelia asked Wesley in a hushed voice.

"He's an anagogic," Wesley replied also in a hushed tone.

"Really. He looks like he's eating enough," Cordelia said looking at him.

"Psychic," Wesley said. "He's connected to the mystic. When you sing, you bare your soul. He sees into it."

"It isn't about your pipes bro," the demon said to Angel, "It's about your spirit. I can't read you unless you sing."

"I don't sing," Angel repeated.

"Come on Angel," Cordelia said egging him on. "I wanna hear you sing."

"No."

"It would be for a good cause," Wesley said in agreement, "we might learn something."

"Look, who's the boss here." Angel said looking at Wesley and Cordelia.

"I know you're feeling smooth in the groove." the demon said to Angel. "Isn't that the sort of thing that comes before a fell?"

Angel thought about it for a couple of seconds before answering. "There are three things I don't do. Tan, date, and sing in public." he said before making his way to the exit.

* * * * * * * * * * Sunnydale, California, 7.45pm * * * * * * * * * *

"I can't believe it," Buffy said as the whole group walked through the streets of Sunnydale on their way to Centennial Park. "I mean, we searched everywhere and we didn't find anything."

"I know, this is most perplexing." Giles agreed

"But we'll get him back right?" Willow said.

"Sure we will." Oz replied placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"This is gonna work right," Faith said giving Giles a side-long glance from where she walked.

"I hope," Giles simply replied. "For all our sakes."

They entered Centennial Park in relative silence all eyes alert looking for the meeting point where the First One will be with Xander.

"Giles, I think we've found them." Buffy said tapping him on his shoulder.

"Where?" Giles asked looking in Buffy's direction. "Oh."

The sight in front of them was indeed something to behold. A mass of demons and vampires encircled a mass crystal structure which stood upright in the centre of the park, in front of which stood Nosferatu and a bound and gagged Xander Harris.

"Slllaaayyyeeerrr." The First One called out. "I know you're out there, so come on out."

"We're here," Faith said as they emerged into the open area. "Are you ready to die?"

"Oh, you're not going to kill me," the First One said in a mocking tone.

"Why is that?" Giles spoke adjusting the shoulder strap on the weapons bag.

"I am eternal." he replied in a conceited tone.

"How do we know that's our Xander and not that vampire?" Willow asked looking at Xander.

"Because hh the streets of Sunnydale on their way to Centennial Park. "I mean, we searched everywhere and we didn't find anything."

"I know, this is most perplexing." Giles agreed

"But we'll get him back right?" Willow said.

"Sure we will." Oz replied placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"This is gonna work right," Faith said giving Giles a side-long glance from where she walked.

"I hope," Giles simply replied. "For all our sakes."

They entered Centennial Park in relative silence all eyes alert looking for the meeting point where the First One will be with Xander.

"Giles, I think we've found them." Buffy said tapping him on his shoulder.

"Where?" Giles asked looking in Buffy's direction. "Oh."

The sight in front of them was indeed something to behold. A mass of demons and vampires encircled a mass crystal structtrust this Meryll?"

"He seemed trustworthy enough." Wesley replied.

"Yeah, if the price is right." Cordelia added with sarcasm.

"I thought I was out of the tunnel," Angel said quietly with his head in his hands.

"Sure you did," Cordelia replied. "Because the tunnel is ... you know it's something we all ... Are we talking real tunnel or something symbolic. Just give me that much."

"I saw the light at the end of the tunnel," Angel said half-heartedly. "That someday, I might become human. That light was so bright ... I thought I was already out."

"Yeah, we all got a little cocky there didn't we." Cordelia sighed as she sat down next to Angel. "It's gonna be a long while 'till you work your way out, but I know you well enough to know you will. And I'll be with you until you do."

"How about your inevitable stardom?" Angel said with a slight smile.

"I'm not saying I won't have a day job."

"We've still got to find this Preomotu," Angel said looking at the board. "and we've got no leads as to it's whereabouts."

"Anything in the books?" Cordelia said looking at Wesley.

"Nothing more I'm afraid." he replied.

"Then," Angel said standing up. "There's only one way."

* * * * * * * * * *

"So, how exactly are we going to work this?" Buffy asked as they stood in a line facing the First One.

"Well," Nosferatu replied. "you give me those pages that belong to me and in return I will give you back your friend."

"Or," Faith spoke up, "how's about we get our friend back and I cut of your head." she emphasised the last part by waving a large axe in front of her face.

"Oh come on," he mocked in response, "you guys are severely out numbered. We'd cut you down before you took a step."

"You sound sure of yourself." Giles commented also getting a weapon ready.

"Please," he said extending his arms outwards. "See these guys standing by me. They are Preomotu demons, the most toughest, nastiest killers around. Let's just make the exchange and get it over with."

"Here's the bloody thing," Giles spat holding the casket up, "you come and take it."

"I don't have to go there," he said pointing his right arm in Giles' direction. Turning his palm up ways and mumbling a small spell the casket vanished from Giles' grasp and appeared in his outstretched hand. "Finally." he said looking at the wooden box. "I love presents don't you," he commented to Xander in a sarcastic tone.

"Bite me," Xander replied in a snarling tone.

"Word to the wise Xander, never say 'bite me' to a vampire," he said bearing his fangs in front of Xander.

"I'll remember that," he replied nervously.

* * * * * * * * * *

*I can't believe I'm actually doing this* Angel thought to himself as he stood in almost complete terror.

Oh Mandy, well you came and you gave without taking, But I sent you away oh Mandy.

*Why am I doing this?* Angel thought.

Well you kissed me and stopped me from shaking, And I need you today oh Mandy.

Everyone in the crowd sat and stood on as Angel nervously sang on stage, including Wesley and Cordelia who couldn't actually believe he'd be willing to do it.

"That man would do anything for a case," Cordelia commented as she sat in wonderment.

As Angel finally came to the end of his song the host of the club came up and stood next to Angel, who seemed rooted to the spot in fear and his eyes darted around the club.

"Well how 'bout that a performer," the host said as a few claps ripped through the room. "Why don't we call him Angel, the vampire with soul." There was a couple seconds of silence as that little joke fell completely flat. "Well," the host continued, "I'm gonna have a chat with tall, dark, and rockin'. And meanwhile, Dirthock the child eater is gonna open up to y'a all. Let's give him a hand."

"Well, you're just a hot ticket." the host said as he and Angel walked off the stage. "One night only, two seats left, partially restricted view."

"What can you tell me?" Angel asked as they found a seat.

"Well I can tell you're all business," the host said as he sat opposite. "The demon you spoke to earlier was telling a half truth here. The Preomotu is only one in a larger piece of this puzzle."

"What do you mean?" Angel asked getting slightly impatient.

"It's one of those prophecies that you just love." the host replied. "All I'll say is you've got to aid the 'Warriors of the Sun'."

"Is that all?" Angel asked in bewilderment.

"I can only tell you, what I tell you. The rest you have to find out."

* * * * * * * * * *

"You've got the pages," Faith called, "now give us back Xander!"

"Considering what you're doing," Nosferatu said, "I doubt you'd willing give up the pages no matter what, without trying something funny."

"We wouldn't put Xander in that risk," Giles replied, "he's too important to us all."

"Yes," the First One agreed. "He is indeed important. More so than you think. So, where are the real pages?"

"They are the pages!" Buffy replied in an angry voice.

"I know they're not. And you all know I'm telling the truth. These are forgeries, nothing more, nothing less."

They knew alright, he'd realised that in an attempt to keep the pages from his grasp they'd used magic's to make copies of the pages. Copies that would hold no power that the originals held, that he needed to complete the incantations and bring fourth hell. If they needed to do something it had do be now, and they wished they had extra backup.

"If you're gonna kill me," Xander said defiantly, "then just make it quick."

The First One leant close to him and whispered, "You're not gonna die, but then again where you're going, you'll wish you were."

The ground in the park began to rumble and shake and the artefact they stood in front of began to glow a brilliant green, which seemed to seep into the hole in the middle of the ring where is seemed to ripple and shimmer.

"Giles, what's happening?" Buffy whispered as they watched on.

"This is what happens when the Hellmouth opens," Giles replied, "although we never actually see this part happen."

"Why is it opening now? I thought this whatever it is will be happening tomorrow."

"Take a good look at him everyone," the First One said looking at Giles and the others. "You're just condemned this poor boy to hell." The First One stood behind Xander and grabbed him by his bound arms. "Bon voyage," he whispered.

"What are you ..." Xander asked. The First One spun him around on the spot and at the same time using his vampire strength to hurl Xander into the center of the artefact.

"XAAANNNDDAAARRR!!!" Buffy, Faith and Willow called out, but he was gone.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Why didn't I see this before!" Wesley exclaimed as he walked into the lounge where Angel and Cordelia sat also looking at books.

"What have you got Wes?" Angel asked looking up.

"The prophecy the host was talking about, the 'Warriors of the Sun'." Wesley replied. "It describes how seven warriors are to face the First One and stop the K'os Ta'Mogan. It also describes three other warriors who will join in order to succeed for without them they are doomed to failure."

"Looks like we're going to Sunnydale," Angel said standing up. "We'll go as soon as we can tomorrow, okay."

Cordelia looked between Angel and Wesley and groaned silently, "Yeah."

* * * * * * * * * *

The fight at Centennial Park was short. The Slayers didn't have a change to attack the demons before they disappeared literally into thin air. The gang took a slow walk back to their homes to get some rest after what had happened. *What have we done* Buffy thought to herself as she and Faith entered the Summers' residence and quietly walked up to their bedroom. *Have we really condemned our best friend to hell*.

"Don't," Faith said quietly looking at the worry and concerned that was etched over Buffy's face. "Things will turn out,"

"How can you be so sure?" Buffy asked looking into Faiths' eyes.

"Gut feeling," Faith replied.

* * * * * * * * * * Giles' Apartment, 6th, May, 2000, 9.35am * * * * * * * * * *

Two the female warriors, their strengths far reaching, Two the witches, their magic's never fleeting. One the oracle, wise in his teaching, One the cross-bread, thou with a heart ever beating, And a man of talents and knowledge, his words full of love and meaning.

These are the seven t'would save the soul, With three other warriors travelling, they'd complete the whole. The seven are the guardians, the Warriors of the Sun, As without them, the world once lost will once again become.

"The world is doomed," Giles muttered to himself as he dropped the book he was reading nonchalantly onto the coffee table, this attention shifted as heard a knocking on the door. With a heavy sigh he stood up and walked over to the door where he was met with five wiry companions. "I'll make a pot of tea," he said welcoming them into his home.

"I thought I looked tired," Buffy said walking over to one of the couches, "that was until I saw you Giles. You been researching?"

"Yes," Giles replied as he pottered about in the kitchen, "The only reference I found though was a vague prophecy regarding seven people called the 'Warriors of the Sun' which was predicted in the early forties."

"What does it say?" Faith said sitting next to Buffy.

"Well it describes in a round-about sense, seven warriors who with the aide of three others shall protect the Earth." Giles said walking to the gang with a tray. "The worrying thing though is the wording used to describe these seven warriors."

Without thinking, Willow picked up the open book on the table the looked though the passage. "Two the female warriors, their strengths far reaching."

"It may be that I'm still a little sleepy Giles, but did that mean me and Faith?" Buffy asked looking at her ex-watcher.

"It certainly sounds like it," he replied handing Buffy and Faith a cup each. "Willow, keep reading if you please."

"Err," Willow said looking back at the book, "Two the witches, their magic's never fleeting."

"Well that would be you," Amy said looking at Willow.

"And you." Willow replied looking at Amy. "One the oracle, wise in his teaching."

"That sounds like you Giles," Oz commented.

"One the cross-bread, thou with a heart ever beating." Willow continued a little confused, as with the others who didn't fully understand that line.

"Cross-bread," Oz said holding up his hands for attention, "Werewolf sitting here could be considered a cross-bread ... of sorts."

"Oh yeah," Buffy said perking up. "didn't think of you like a cross-bread Oz."

"Thanks," he replied.

"Okay," Faith said, "that's six. Who's gonna make the magic number red? My money's on the big 'A' guy personally."

"Well," Willow said looking back down, "the last line says ... oh" she stopped as if realised who the last person is to be.

"Willow?" Oz said placing an arm on her shoulder.

"It says 'And a man of talents and knowledge, his words full of love and meaning'."

"I don't understand," Faith said idly scratching the side of her neck.

"I do," Amy said looking at Willow, "I know who that person is."

"Who?" Buffy asked.

"The other person ... the one that isn't here..." Amy broke off looking at the forlorn look on Willows' face. "It's Xander."

There were a few minutes silence as they digested the information that they just heard. "Wait," Faith finally said breaking the silence, "Can't we get Angel in to take Xander's place?"

"Well," Giles replied slowly taking the book from Willow and looking at the passage again. "These are the seven t'would save the soul." he began reading. "With three other warriors travelling, they'd complete the whole, The seven are the guardians, the Warriors of the Sun, As without them, the world once lost will once again become." he finished closing the book. "It seems that Angel, Wesley and Cordelia will be joining us anyway by the sounds of it. Which means ...."

"No," Buffy interrupted covering her ears with her hands.

"Buffy," Giles softly replied.

"I don't want to believe it," Buffy said shaking her head from side to side.

"'He is indeed important. More so than you think', that's what he said about Xander," Giles said sitting on the edge of the coffee table in front of Buffy.

Buffy looked up into the eyes of her ex-watcher and he could see red streaks appear on her face where she silently wept. "It was my fault wasn't it," Buffy said in a hoarse whisper. "It was my idea, and now one of my best friends is suffering somewhere and we've lost before we've done anything." Buffy looked down again and stared at her hands before standing up and walking out of the front door with Faith following her.

"Giles," Willow said in a low voice, "I wanna do something ... for Xander."

"What did you have in mind?" he softly replied.

"I don't know," Willow replied looking up at Giles, her face too was red from tears. "I just don't want to forget him."

"I agree whole-heatedly Willow." Giles said with a small comforting smile. "It's the very least we can do to remember and honour our friend Xander."

* * * * * * * * * *

How long had it been? Was it minutes, hours ... days? He didn't really care how long as the burning question was where was he? Xander Harris groaned inwardly as he felt the dull ache coarse through his head. Slowly and reluctantly he opened his eyes to take in the surroundings. "Oh man, do I have strange dreams or what," he said to noone in particular as he got off the ground and looked around himself. "What am I doing in the Sunnydale High Library?"

"Hey Xand, you with us?" a female voice asked from behind him. Whirling around he saw the Slayers and the rest of the group sitting around the table looking at him.

"Did somebody hit you on the head?" Buffy asked looking at Xander with her head tilted slightly to her right.

"Well it'd bloody well make a change from me," Giles commented coming out of his office and over to the rest of them. "Xander," he said looking at him, "why aren't you changed, we're waiting for you lad."

"Changed?" Xander said in bewilderment holding the back of his head with his left hand. "Changed for what Giles, I don't understand?"

"You're the seventh." Willow said sitting next to her boyfriend.

"Seventh?" Xander repeated, still confused.

"Yes," Giles said.

"You are one of the Warriors," Oz said looking up at Xander.

"Warriors?" Xander repeated still in complete confusion. "What? Is Sunnydale getting a team to become a member of the National Football League or something?"

Buffy and Faith got up from where they were seated and walked to the end of the table facing Xander. "Two the female warriors, their strengths far reaching," they both said together.

"A-ha," Xander said not moving.

Then Amy stood up and stood next to Faith which Willow left her boyfriend's side and stood next to Buffy. "Two the witches, their magic's never fleeting," both Willow and Amy said together.

"You guys are creeping me out here," Xander said looking at their expressionless faces.

Giles and Oz were next, Giles stood by Amy while Oz stood by Willow. "One the oracle, wise in his teaching," Giles recited.

"One the cross-bread, thou with a heart ever beating," Oz continued.

"That's great guys," Xander said with a slight sarcastic edge.

"And a man of talents and knowledge, his words full of love and meaning." a voice echoed behind him. Spinning on his heels Xander found himself face to face with Angel who was standing in front of Wesley and Cordelia. "You are the seven, the first, last, and only true line of defence." As Angel finished, the room was plunged into darkness and silence.

"Hey guys?" Xander called out to noone in particular, but there was nothing. Complete silence. Xander closed his eyes and let out a slow drawn- out breath, then he heard something, several small clicking noises like latches being pulled, he also realised that he was laying down. "Hey guys," he finally said with his eyes still closed, "this is so not funny."

"It is if you're me," and strangers voice replied.

Opening his eyes in an instant Xander made out the shadows of several people all of which were holding weapons of some sort, all aimed directed at Xander.

"What's going on?" Xander asked as he slowly stood up from the ground. Looking around the place he recognised it as being Centennial Park but try as he did, he couldn't make out the features of the people holding the weapons at him.

"Well," the voice replied, "will you look at this. A vampire that wants to know what is going on.". There was a small wave of chuckles from the other people.

*Vampire* Xander thought suddenly, "Wait. I'm not a vampire." Xander said quickly.

"Wait, you're not a vampire?" the voice said in a mocking tone, "Then dead boy, what shall we call you, perhaps an un-dead civilian? Oh wait, how 'bout Dusty!"

"Where the hell am I?" Xander said in a loud tone.

"You just said it dead boy." the voice remarked.

"What?" Xander remarked confused. "And don't call me dead boy." he added as an after thought, *geez now I know why Angel hated it so much* Xander thought to himself.

"You," the voice said coldly. "are in Hell!"

* * * * * * * * * * Harris Residence, 3.03pm * * * * * * * * * *

Xander's bedroom, that is the luxury of his basement kinda left a lot to be desired but it was homely in a Xander way. Music CD's stacked haphazardly on shelves along with some books and other stuff. On a little table were other knickknacks along with a few photos of Xander and his friends.

Willow walked over to his stereo and looked at the CD that was still in the player, somehow, on some level the disc that was in there already was strangely appropriate. She pressed the power button and then pressed play on the CD player. She wasn't bothered about being heard by the Xander's parents as they were rarely at home. Willow sat on the seat in front of the desk and sat quietly as the track was queued. Willow looked at a picture of Xander with the gang taken in the park and became lost in her thoughts as the song started, 'You've got a friend' by the Brand New Heavies.

When you're down and troubled and you need some love and care, And nothing, nothing is going right, Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there, To brighten up even your darkest night.

You just call out my name, And you know where ever I am I'll come running to see you again, Don't you know that winter, spring, summer or fall, All you got to do is call, And I'll be there yes I will, You've got a friend.

Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend.

Thinking back to the days when they first met Buffy at Sunnydale High and the things they did together, which usually included heart-stopping, gut- clenching terror. Nethertheless she enjoyed it, or maybe it was the thought of being with Xander.

People can be so cold, They'll hurt you and desert you, Take your very soul if you let them, So don't let them.

You just call out my name, And you know where ever I am I'll come running to see you again, Don't you know that winter, spring, summer or fall, All you got to do is call, And I'll be there yes I will, You've got a friend.

"Hey," a low voice drifted across to where Willow was sitting. "Willow?"

Willow looked up to where the voice was and gave a sad smile, "Hey Buff." She walked over and sat next to Willow and began looking at the same photo.

They'd both already lost enough. Too much. How much can a person be expected to give up before their hearts finally break so much that it can't be taped back together? It's almost like the whole reason for life was to lose.

Angel left Buffy can't help that, but she found Faith. Unlike Xander though, Buffy knew exactly where Angel was, he was in Los Angeles with Cordelia of all people, which scared her, though she don't have the right to feel that fear. Buffy also knew Willow is with Oz all the time. She didn't want to begrudge them happiness, and she had Faith. But why did she feel like she was missing something.

"He was always there when we needed him wasn't he," Willow said breaking the silence.

"He was there for me when the Master killed me," Buffy said slowly as a few tears fell down her face.

"He was there for me when I was held by the Moloch guy," Willow said who had also started crying.

"He never had to do any of it, but he was with us all the way." Buffy said with a heavy heart. "He'd never quit even when it seemed like we were losing."

"And now we can't quit for our Xander," Willow added.

"Never quit," Buffy agreed.

* * * * * * * * * * Giles' Apartment, 4:00pm * * * * * * * * * *

Giles sat on his couch thinking about what had happened in such a short space of time, he still couldn't believe it. In less than a month he'd lost two important people from his life, Patrick and now Xander. A knock on his front door brought his attention as he got up and walked over to open it, where he was greeted by Cordelia, Wesley and Angel draped in a thick heavy blanket. "Please come in," he quickly ushered Angel in from the sunlight along with Cordelia and Wesley.

"Surprised to see us again so soon," Cordelia announced as Giles closed the door behind them.

"Not really," Giles replied casually, "you're here because of the prophecy that's about to pass."

"How did you know?" Angel asked with surprised in his tone.

"Yes," Wesley said, "we only knew about the prophecy last night."

"Well," Giles responded, "I myself only found about it this morning." Giles walked into the kitchen.

"Does everyone else know about it?" Angel asked looking at Giles through the serving hatch.

"In a manner of speaking," Giles said in a low tone. "We have a little bit of a problem."

"What sort of problem?" Wesley asked.

Giles and the others sat on the couches while he told them about what had happened the previous night. Needless to say that they took the news hard, Cordelia especially. Even though she hated him for what happened between Xander and Willow deep down, despite through all the arguments they had in the past, she loved him, but she'd never told him. Despite what he thought of him, Angel actually felt sorrow for the loss of the young man who he'd grown to know over the past three or so years whilst being on the Hellmouth. No matter how much he'd annoy Angel by calling him 'Dead-boy', he'd actually admired the quiet determination that Xander had shown, especially with the Master incident and Buffy's prophecy.

* * * * * * * * * *

A little while later the rest of the gang had arrived at Giles'. Like Giles himself, they weren't surprised at the arrival of Angel, Wesley and Cordelia from LA. Giles welcomed them inside his apartment where he took them over to the other side of the room where a whole corner of a room had been cleared and in it's place was placed a solid oak table. On the table stood a framed photo which had been blown up from it's original size which was of Xander who stood in the Sunnydale High Library between Buffy and Willow. Also on the table were seven thick candles, one for each member of the 'Scooby Gang'. Three candles stood in a line on either side of the photo and the seventh candle, Xander's candle, stood in front of the photo, all still unlit.

No words were spoken as they stood in front of the table, just silent prayers for the young man they'd grown to respect, love and admire. A young man who had a sense of humour all of his own that was definitely infectious and a co * Giles' Apartment, 4:00pm * * * * * * * * * *

Giles sat on his couch thinking about what had happened in such a short space of time, he still couldn't believe it. In less than a month he'd lost two important people from his life, Patrick and now Xander. A knock on his front door brought his attention as he got up and walked over to open it, where he was greeted by Cordelia, Wesley and Angel draped in a thick heavy blanket. "Please come in," he quickly ushered Angel in from the sunlight along with Cordelia and Wesley.

"Surprised to see us again so soon," Cordelia announced as Giles closed the door behind them.

"Not really," Giles replied casually, "you're here because of the prophecy that's about to pass."

"How did you know?" Angel asked with surprised in his tone.

"Yes," Wesley said, "we only knew about the prophecy passed the matches to Oz who like Giles walked forward and took a match from the box and lighting it. "Oz, The Werewolf" he spoke lighting the candle, "who is always calm under pressure."

Stepping back to his girlfriend he passed her the matches, then gave her a hug. Willow and Amy walked together to the table where they stood silently before Willow gave Amy the matches. She took one out and struck one before lighting the candle next to Giles' one. "Amy, the Wiccan, who will fight side by side with my friends." Amy passed the matches to Willow who also took a match and lit it.

"Willow, the Wiccan." she said lighting the candle next to Oz's. "who will never forget her child-hood friend."

They stepped back together and Willow passed the matches to Buffy before falling into her boyfriend's loving arms with tears flowing freely down her face. Buffy and Faith stepped forward, like with Willow and Amy, Buffy passed the matches to her girlfriend who lit the candle next to Amy's. "Faith, the Slayer, who will fight to vanquish the evil that took your life." Silently she gave the matches to Buffy who lit the candle next to Willows'.

"Buffy, the Slayer, who will fight for the memory of someone who I'm proud to call friend."

They stepped back and looked once more at the table, six of the seven candles had been lit, only one remained.

"Cordelia," Buffy said looking around to face the former cheerleader of the Sunnydale Razorbacks. "Would you do the honours?" she asked holding the matches to her.

Cordelia looked at Buffy, her face red with tears and her make-up slightly smudged. "Buffy," she said in a weak voice, "I put him through crap, I don't deserve to. Angel," she said looking at the vampire, "you do it?"

Buffy looked at Angel, who was looking at Cordelia. "Tell you what," he said softly, "we both will do it, okay?" Buffy passed the matches to Angel with a small smile. "Thank you," Angel said taking them. Cordelia and Angel stepped up in front of the table and looked at the photo together.

"Xander," Cordelia spoke in a soft tone, "through out all that has happened between us, I never got the chance to say how I really felt about you. You were always there for me, even when I didn't deserve you. I pray that wherever you are, you find it in your heart to forgive me for what I said and did to you."

"Xander," Angel spoke after a few seconds of silence. "I regret many things in my life, but that fact that I never got the chance to call you a friend is something the I regret the most. Despite our past encounters, I'd always admired the way you were always there when needed. I hope wherever you are, you are at peace with yourself. Farewell, my friend." With that Angel struck the seventh match and lit the seventh and final candle, Xander's candle.

They stood in silence, side by side with nothing but they thoughts once more. They were like that for what seemed like hours watching the seven flames burn brightly. "Giles," Buffy spoke quietly, breaking the silence.

"Yes Buffy?"

"Does he have the real pages?"

Giles took off his glasses and sighed inwardly, "I'm sorry to say. I don't know how or when but they're not in the place we put them yesterday."

"Can we really do this Giles?" Faith asked holding her girlfriend's hand tightly.

There were a few moments before he answered, "We have to Faith. We can't lose."

* * * * * * * * * * Sunnydale Border, 6:29pm * * * * * * * * * *

The last rays of sunlight covered the land signalling another night in Sunnydale, all was quiet on the roads. Then from nowhere it appeared, the only noise which came from a Harley Davidson motor bike entering the town. The rider looked around at the changing scenery from plain dessert to town life and smiled inwardly. *Finally civilisation* the rider thought as the motor bike purred passed a big sign that said 'Welcome to Sunnydale'.

The streets themselves looked clean and relatively tidy, but the strangeness that there were not that many people out was a bit peculiar. After a few minutes of riding the bike found itself on a street corner next to a small, but homely looking coffee bar called the 'Espresso Pump'. *Yep, definitely time for a caffeine injection* the rider thought as the engine smoothly died down and the rider got off the bike.

If anybody had seen the biker take their crash helmet off, they would have needed a double take. Of all the people who rode such a lucious piece of machinery whey wouldn't have thought it was such a stunning woman. "Finally," she commented looking around, "I'm here.". She placed her crash helmet in a little box on the back of the bike then locked it tightly, then reaching to the back of her hair she pulled out a hair band and let her long strands of red hair hang loose. She turned and faced the entrance of the Espresso Pump, "Yep, Cappuccino time." she said to herself as she opened the door.

* * * * * * * * * *

On the opposite side of town a tanker pulled into a gas station, the driver wanted a pack of smokes before driving out of town to Los Angeles. He paid for the smokes and put them in his shirt pocket, on his way out he couldn't help but to notice that the assistant that had served him was following him out of the dour. "Hey buddy, what d'a want?" the driver asked turning around to face the young man.

"How 'bout a snack for the road," the assistant said vamping out and sinking his teeth into the drivers arm.

The vampire took the driver completely by surprise and it took him a few moments to realise what was happening to him. Grabbing the vamp by the back of his head he pulled him back quickly making the vamp release his hold on the drivers' arm then he brought his knee up to the vamp's gut making him double over in pain. As the vampire regained his composure the driver met the vampire with a full on kick in the vamp's chest sending him flying backwards and through the glass fronting of the petrol station store.

"Damn," the driver spat turning back to his truck, "what's up with him, that guy was a maniac!" He got into his cab where he wrapped up his wound with a bandage and started driving off again.

* * * * * * * * * *

She opened the door to the Espresso Pump and walked slowly inside looking around at the sight before her. For an open coffee shop, it was strangely deserted just like the streets. "Hello," she said looking around the place. "Is anybody here?" she called, she didn't really get it. It was only six thirty yet she hadn't seen any life in this town whatsoever. As she carried on walking she heard a faint noise at the end of the counter. As she got near she saw two people. "Hello?" she called again.

One of the two people looked up at the woman, it's eyes void of human emotion and a set of fangs dripping with blood. "Ahh, dessert," it said in an evil tone.

Seeing this the young woman slowly backed off from the vampire as it stood up and followed her. "Look," she stammered, "I don't want any trouble okay .. Just don't come any closer." She carried on walking backwards, not taking her eyes off the vampire who was still approaching her. Then she felt the back wall, there was nowhere else to go as the vampire lunged towards her ready to bite her.

"Oww, I just love red heads," the vampire growled, "they taste so delicious. vamp's chest sending him flying backwards and through the glass fronting of the petrol station store.

"Damn," the driver spat turning back to his truck, "what's up with him, that guy was a maniac!" He got into his cab where he wrapped up his wound with a bandage and started driving off again.

* * * * * * * * * *

She opened the door to the Espresso Pump and walked slowly inside looking around at the sight before her. For an open coffee shop, it was strangely deserted just like the streets. "Hello," she said looking around the place. "Is anybody here?" she called, she didn't really get it. It was only six thirty yet she hadn't seen any life in this town whatsoever. As she carried on walking she heard a faint noise at the end of the counter. As she got near she saw two people. "Hello?" she called again.

One of the two peoplel to the floor. Looking down at the young woman he stretched out his hand towards, "We can't stay out here." he said looking at her, "Come with me to the police station, it'll be a lot safer."

Taking his hand they fled out back into the street where the officer was looking for some sort of escape vehicle. "There," he quickly said spotting a Police car. They quickly jumped into the car and sped off.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Police car sped through the streets of Sunnydale and where before the streets were empty were now more and more vampires appearing.

"What's going on?" the young woman asked the officer who was trying to contact the station. "I arrived in town and the whole place went insane."

"Great!" the officer exclaimed, "the radio's out, Great! My name's Kennedy, Nicholas Kennedy."

"My name's Rebecca, I'm here looking for my brother." the young woman replied.

Nicholas turned the car into main street towards the Police station as just a few hundred yards behind a large petrol tanker was driving, approaching the Police car a little quickly.

"Could you open the glove box?" Nicholas asked keeping his eyes on the road.

"Sure," Rebecca replied leaning forward a little and opening it up. Inside was a hand pistol.

"Take it, just in case." Nicholas said as Rebecca looked along gun sight.

Suddenly it sprung from nowhere, a large vampire that was hiding in the back of the Police car reached up and grabbed Nicholas by the shoulders causing the car to weave dangerously from side to side of the road. With the shock Rebecca dropped the gun into her lap as the car continued to swerve from left to right, then out of the corner of the eye Nicholas saw it and he slammed his foot on the accelerator. Suddenly the Police car went careening into a large metal pole of a sign post where the car immediately went from fifty miles an hour to zero flinging the vampire through the windscreen and cracked it's skull on the post.

"Are you okay?" Nicholas asked looking at Rebecca in the passenger.

She picked up her gun and shook the cobwebs out of her head. "Still in one piece," she replied looking at him.

Looking into the rear view mirror Nicholas suddenly caught sight of the tanker truck which was now almost on top of the Police car. "Hey," he said looking back, "that maniac's gonna ram us!"

They quickly unclasped their seat belts and dived out of the car in opposite directions as the tanker bore down on the car before it ran into it a few seconds later causing the truck to jack-knife and spill the contents of the trailer over the street where it immediately exploded into flames sending Nicholas and Rebecca flying off their feet.

"Rebecca!" Nicholas called.

"Nicholas!" she replied.

He breathe a sigh of relief, she was still in one piece. "I'm okay," he called to her from the other side of the tanker. "Head towards the Police station, I'll meet you there."

"Okay." she replied still looking at the mangled scrap under the tanker that was the vehicle they'd been riding in not a few moments before. "Now I know why he chose Sunnydale." she said to herself walking away from the wreckage. "When the fun starts in this place, it doesn't stop for a moment."

* * * * * * * * * * Giles' Apartment, 6:51pm * * * * * * * * * *

They had spent the afternoon preparing in a serious way. Buffy and Oz had gone to Xander's and Buffy's and picked all the weapons they had their while the rest of the gang stay at Giles' place making stakes, and lots of them.

Willow was using Patrick's laptop computer to scan the internet for any type of spells that might give them an upper hand. They didn't learn much, but both Willow and Amy had learnt a cool spell that made the vamps burst into flames, that would come in handy for sure. In the background Willow had found an audio program playing a live radio feed from a local station called 'HV2020, The Sound of Hill Valley', which was in the middle of playing a song by a group called Sweetbox called Everything's Gonna Be Alright.

"Right," Giles said overlooking a table stacked with weapons, "let's see what we've got here."

"Well," Faith answered, "we've got a tonne of stakes, think we've destroyed a forest making them. Five crossbows and literally loads of arrows, which is pretty cool. Only two axes, but we've also got these two pretty wicked looking Katana swords courtesy of the 'A' guy." she said with a smile.

"Excellent," Giles said smiling.

"We've also got the usual," Buffy added. "Holy water, and crosses. Hmm, where's the rocket launcher when you really need one."

"Yeah, one of those would be wicked cool." Faith commented.

"Hey guys," Willow suddenly called. "You gotta listen to this." Buffy, Faith and the rest of the walked over to Willow who turned up the volume on the speakers so they could hear the radio broadcast.

"I repeat," the announcer said, "we're receiving breaking news from the town of Sunnydale California where there are unconfirmed reports of and it may sound strange, civilian uprising. Less than ten minutes ago the nine- one-one service went down after receiving a record number of telephone calls from residents of Sunnydale who were reporting multiple attacks by what they claim were people, and I quote 'high on PCP'. The mayor of Sunnydale California has declared a state of emergency within the town as Police and Emergency services have been put on full alert in the town in response to the calls. At this time nobody is allowed in, or out of the city limits until such time as .... "

"Willow," Giles asked suddenly, "what's happened?"

"I've been disconnected from the internet," Willow replied with surprise as she grabbed Giles' phone. "Damn!" she cursed. "The phone line is dead."

"What do we do now?" Oz asked looking around the room.

"Well," Angel replied, "looks like the First One's throwing a party. I say we go crash!"

"Excellent," Faith said picking up a crossbow, "I'm callin' this baby guys."

* * * * * * * * * *

Spike slowly walked through the streets where things had broken down into what could be described as complete hysteria. Sirens of Ambulances, Fire trucks and Police could be heard throughout the town and a few minutes Spike swore he heard helicopters overhead. "Well," he said taking a lug of one of his cigarettes. "This is just ... swell."

"We meet again Spike," a voice boomed from behind the bleached-headed vampire. Turning around he saw the First One stand less than twenty feet away from Spike.

"I thought I knew you," Spike said walking up to him. "That night in the Bronze."

"Silence," the First One said waving a hand in front of his face.

"Yes, Sire." Spike automatically responded.

"Come with me Spike," the First One said in a low confident tone. "Witness the dawning of a new age in demon-kind where people like you and me will once again will be free to walk the Earth with nobody to repress us."

"I just gotta know," Spike said not taking his eyes from the First One, "Was all this your doing?"

"This," he said looking around at the chaos that was unfolding. "This is just a taste of what is to come."

"Warms the cockles of my non-beating heart that does mate," Spike commented with a chuckle as he followed the First One down the street.

* * * * * * * * * * Sunnydale Police Station * * * * * * * * * *

With the entire Police force out on the streets the station was completely deserted, phones were silent, computers still on, cups of warm vending machine coffee sat undrunk on desks. This made it easier for Rebecca to walk though the place without being stopped, she was on a mission. She needed weapons, big weapons if she wanted to stay alive in the God-forsaken place. She opened a door and walked down another corridor where she eventually stopped in front of a door marked 'Armoury'. "Excellent." she praised herself, then she noticed the door was locked and she cursed herself. Suddenly the door she'd come through burst open and she literally jumped out of her skin.

"FREEZE!" a voice called. Spinning on her heels she found herself face to face with Nicholas once again with his gun out. "Rebecca, you're still alive," he said realising who it was. "I thought you were dead!"

"You know Nick that's the second time you greeted me with a gun in my face. Is this how you say 'hi'." she finished with a smile.

"Sorry," Nicholas said lowering his gun. "Looks like you had the same idea, weapons." He walked over to the door and tried the handle.

"Locked." Rebecca said looking at him.

Quickly and without thinking he raised his gun and fired six shots at the lock where after the door swing effortlessly open. "Unlocked," he said re- holstering his gun.

"You could have told me," Rebecca said harshly taking her hands from her ears.

"Sorry." he said as they entered the armoury. "What are y'a looking for?"

"Explosive weapons." she replied looking around at the various weapons.

"Why explosive?" Nicholas asked curiously.

"It's the only way to dust the vamps out there," Rebecca casually replied.

"Wait." Nicholas said stopping. "Vamps? As in Vampires? As in Bram Stoker's Dracula?"

"Yes," Rebecca said still looking. "As in Bram Stoker's Dracula. As in those crusty hammer movies with Christopher Lee."

"Look Rebecca, I may not know much, but I know that vampires are no more than a myth."

Rebecca stopped momentarily and looked up at the officer. "You're not local are y'a mate?" she asked.

"No," he replied. "I was transferred from Texas last week."

"Oh boy!"

* * * * * * * * * *

The gang had loaded up all the weapons on Oz's van and were now on patrol. Before they left, Oz had the inspiration idea of attaching a bull-bar to the front of his van where he fastened a dozen long, thick stakes turning the van into a large weapon. They looked out of the windows as they saw the chaos envelop the streets of Sunnydale.

"Hey look," Willow said pointing out of the front window, "Isn't that Harmony? She's a vampire?"

They noticed Harmony before she had the bright idea to move and staked her with the van where she just stood looking at it.

"Man," Willow idly commented, "that was a harsh decision."

"What staking a vampire?" Faith asked.

"No I mean turning Harmony into a vampire! Who'd want her living forever!"

Despite the situation, they couldn't help but to laugh at that comment.

"Very good Willow," Giles said still smiling. "That sounded like something our Xander would have said."

"But I could never replace him," she countered, "not ever."

"It's cool red," Faith reassured with a smile, "Xand-man would be proud of y'a."

"I don't wanna sound negative her guys," Oz said, "but are we too late?"

"No," Wesley replied. "He's still got to perform the last part of the incantation."

"Wesley's right." Giles agreed, "but we are running out of time here."

* * * * * * * * * *

Rebecca and Nicholas had cleared out nearly the entire arsenal from the armoury and had taken it to the motor pool nearby which conveniently had two SWAT-type Police vans still there.

"Okay Nick," Rebecca said, "we take a van each. Load up equal amounts of weaponry and take different routes."

"Sure thing," he replied walking across the bay with two sets of keys and a couple of two-way radios. "Take this," he said handing her a radio. "They way we'll keep in touch."

"Officer thinking there Nick," she replied with a smile.

"We just met and already you're already callin' me Nick?" he mused to himself. "I kinda like that, Becky."

They opened the backs of the vans and started loaded the weapons aboard. "Say Nick," Rebecca said as she pushed one of several boxes in the van. "How 'bout when this is over, we grab a coffee?"

"Sounds good to me Becky," he replied with a smile on his face. "I'm a big fan of caffeine."

They loaded up the rest of the weapons quickly and quietly then closed up the backs ready to roll. "Hey Nick," Rebecca called as he pressed the button to raise the shutters. "You keep dreamin' about them coffee's okay."

"Sure thinkin' there," he replied. "What's the plan?"

"I'll take the south side of town, you take the top end. Keep on contact okay."

"Be safe," Nicholas said getting in his van.

"You too," she said quietly as she got into hers. After a second or two she started the engine and they both left the garage and into the town.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Stop the van," Buffy said quickly as she looked out the drivers' window. The van came to a halt as everyone looked out to where Buffy was looking.

"How many do you think Buffy?" Oz asked.

"I'd have to say a good couple hundred at least," she replied dejectedly.

"Okay then," Angel said, "It's time guys. Let's get out weapons."

They quickly and quietly piled out of the van and Angel started dishing out the arsenal to the gang.

"Err no offence Cordy," Buffy said looking at the Katana that she was wielding, "but I don't think you're all that skilled with that."

"I know," she replied, "but I just wanna .. I guess feel more useful."

There was a momentary pause then Oz gently took the Katana from her and gave her of all things the keys to his van. "It's the biggest weapon we got Cordy." he said looking at her.

"Are you sure?" she asked looking at the keys.

"Just don't run us over okay." Faith said loading herself with arrows and stakes.

"Entrance is round the corner Cordelia," Giles said point behind the gang. "Oh and Cordelia," he called as she got into the van. "Please be careful."

"I will," she replied. "and you guys be careful also. I've already lost one good friend today, I don't wanna lose any more." With that she closed the door. Angel too got out of the back and closed the side door then Cordelia turn and slowly drove back to the park entrance.

"Let's do it." Buffy said loading her crossbow.

* * * * * * * * * *

Standing in the middle of the part stood a complete mass of Vampires and Demons alike, some there merely as protection, while others are there simply to watch the festivities. In the middle of the park was the large crystal which was slowly pulsating a deep green colour like it did the previous night and on a small raised platform a hundred yards in front stood the three. Mulo, Bajang and Nosferatu all stood facing the crystal reciting the final incantations while directly behind them stood Spike and Alexander.

"After many centuries the three have become whole once more," the three chanted in unison. "and on this night we reclaim what was once ours. We call upon the elementals to come fourth so we may bring our kind fourth and conquer this world for all demon kind..."

Spike personally couldn't stand all this magic mumbo-jumbo, personally he'd rather be out killing than standing around. He'd usually let his Drusilla handle all that stuff. "Hey mate," he whispered to Alexander. "You may not be him, that bloke I mean, but you sure as hell look like that bloody poof."

"Bloody poof?" he whispered back giving Spike a side-long glance.

Crouching at the entrance to the park were the Slayers and the gang who looked on pensively at the ritual taking place.

"Buffy," Wesley whispered, "I don't mean to rush you here but I think we should do something."

"You're right," she replied looking back to the van waiting at the entrance to the park.

"What are you planning?" Giles asked.

"The cavalry," Buffy replied waving to Cordelia.

"May our words speak true," the three continued to chant, "may these words ... " their incantation was broken suddenly when their attention was drawn to a large black and white striped van tearing into the park where it started driving straight into the mass of vamps and demons.

"Slayer!" Spike hissed.

"Deal with them!" Nosferatu commanded at Spike and Alexander. "They cannot be allowed to interrupt the ceremony."

Angel vamped out and charged like a freight train towards the shocked vampires with Buffy and Faith closely following them, Buffy's Katana and already slashing the air and the Faith unloading a quick succession of crossbow bolts. Following Angel with her gaze, Buffy saw him run towards the side of the first group towards a tree, then suddenly he and actually began to run up it in a brilliant manoeuvre Buffy would have expected in the Matrix. One, two, three long steps and he completed a perfect 360 degree spin in the air, smoothly landing on his feet into the very center of the astonished group of vampires. Before anyone of them could utter a word, Buffy's Katana swung soundlessly in the air and two undead beings lost their heads.

Giles in all honesty was really in his element with the other Katana that Angel had provided, the only part of his rebellious he was actually glad for. With a roar, his Katana cut a vampire in two bloody halves and, even before it had began to turn into dust, another one had found how difficult was to say or do anything when you throat had been ripped from your neck. Not uttering a word, the former Watcher took his foe's head between his hands and snapped his neck with so much force that he was technically beheaded.

Faith kicked a vamp in the gut and shot him with a crossbow bolt when he folded in pain. A second one launched over her and the Slayer quickly reloaded, pointing the crossbow, and firing immediately leaving nothing but a small shower of dust float over her back.

Buffy looked at Faith over her shoulder, only to see the gaze of a big mouthed vampire. "You'll lose slayer?" With a swift movement, the Slayer extracted the blade from the vampire's bowels and spun, her sword slashing the air and cutting his head off.

Oz sunk the blade of his Axe deeply into his first opponent's gut and, when the Werewolf tore it out with violence. He grabbed him with an arm around the neck, using his own momentum to spin a full circle with the wounded vampire's back to his chest and used him as a shield when a second vampire tried to rip out his lungs. Oz pushed both of them and the vampires ended in the floor one on top of another. When they tried to stand up to their feet, the Oz's Axe slashed the air with enough force to behead both of them.

Amy and Willow were quicker and cleaner that the rest. With their arms were completely horizontal they opened her fists and signalled with their extended fingers to a small group of seven vampires. "Arsum!" they both cried out. Before the vampires had a chance to react, all seven were enveloped within a large fireball which reduced that little group into nothing more than a large pile of ash on the grass.

"Oh yeah, we're bad." Willow said with pride.

The entire group of demons and vamps were in a state of disarray at this point. Cordelia was running riot all over the park in the van mowing down vampires left right and center while demons tried to stop her. Buffy and the gang were making slow but steady progress as well, but nothing was going to stop the three when they were so close to the end.

"We bring fourth the power of the elementals," the continued to chant. "We bring fourth the book most evil so that we can accomplish our task, the Grand Grimoire." At that point above where the three stood, thunder began to bang and crash and lightning coursed and streaked across the Heavens, and the winds picked up into a fierce torrent.

"We call upon the power of the dark ones!" Mulo recited loudly.

"We call upon the strengths of the dark ones!" Bajang continued loudly.

"We call upon the magic's of the dark one!" Nosferatu cried. "For we truly are the salvation and deliverance for all whom walk in the dark!"

* * * * * * * * * *

Rebecca stopped near the end of the street wondering about the lack of vamp activity, it had seemed from her perspective that they'd all vanished. Grabbing a Magnum from the passenger seat she cautiously got out of the drivers side and looked up and down the street. Even though it was dark the lights from the shop windows was enough illumination to see the disaster area that the vampires had wrought to the town of Sunnydale. Turning back she opened the back of the van and after a little searching around pulled out a set of hi-tech binoculars and then closed the doors again.

"I need to get high," she mumbled to herself looking for a way to the roof top level. Moving quickly down a nearby alley her prayers were answered as she saw an outside ladder leading to the roof. Looking around for any stray vampires she quickly got a foot hold and climbed nimbly up to the roof where she was able to get a wider view of the town.

"Becky," a voice radio crackled over the radio. "Becky, it's me Nick, over."

She felt down the ear piece wire on the radio where her fingers found the button to let her talk. "Nick, I hear you," she replied. "What have you got, over?"

"Next to nothing. Saw a couple of stray ones, but ..."

"But what?" Rebecca asked looking through the binoculars.

"When I shot them ..." he said looking for the right words. "they exploded into dust. Were they vampires?"

"Yeah," Becky answered.

"Okay. Have you found anything?"

"Same as you, empty streets though." Rebecca replied as she saw something in the binoculars. "But I think I've just found something."

"What have you got?"

"Big gathering of bad guys, looks like some religious ceremony. There's this big piece in the center made out of glass or something, and it seems to be glowing."

"Where are you? What do you need?"

"I'm two blocks away from a large park in front of, I think it's the town hall."

"That's Centennial Park." Nicholas replied.

"Wait," she said suddenly, "I can see a small group of people of the west side of the park fighting these people. I can see eight and someone in a black and white striped van running riot through the vamps. How far can you get here?"

"Three minutes."

"Okay, meet me on the West side entrance, think we might give these people a helping hand." With that Rebecca left her position on the roof top and climbed down the ladder before driving off to the park.

Buffy and Angel were back to back, Buffy's Katana and Angels' Axe moving gracefully, slashing, cutting heads and limbs, and splashing undead blood everywhere. Willow and Amy were near them, casting balls of fire, electric lightning and other nasty surprises coming out from their nimble fingers. A few feet away Giles and Oz... well, they was just like a buzz saws, side by side. The Katana and Axe both flowing like into a near blur and chopping vampires like a thrashing machine.

The three were about three quarters through the final incantation. From their vantage point Nosferatu could see clearly the devastation the Slayers' were producing. "Come on!" Spike cried out at the vamps and demons. "Attack them, if they live then I'll kill you all!"

Rebecca screeched to a halt at the entrance to the park and jumped out of the driver's seat and around to the back on the van to unload all the goodies she brought. As she opened the doors she sensed a vampire walking up behind her. Grabbing a loaded rifle on the van floor she slowly exhaled before spinning around and hitting it squarely in the jaw knocking him away. The vampire approached again and Rebecca let the rifle fall to the road, quickly drawing her Magnum.

The vampire looked at her and then laughed. "A gun? Little girl, what do you think you're going to do with a gu ..." Rebecca fire once and once only squarely between the eyes. What the vampire didn't realise that the gun was loaded with explosive shells causing it's head to explode violently sending skull and brain matter acre her fingers found the button to let her talk. "Nick, I hear you," she replied. "What have you got, over?"

"Next to nothing. Saw a couple of stray ones, but ..."

"But what?" Rebecca asked looking through the binoculars.

"When I shot them ..." he said looking for the right words. "they exploded into dust. Were they vampires?"

"Yeah," Becky answered.

"Okay. Have you found anything?"

"Same as you, empty streets though." Rebecca replied as she saw something in the binoculars. "But I think I've just found something."

"What have you got?"

"Big gathering of bad guys, looks like some religious ceremony. There's this big piece in the center made out of glass or something, and it seems to be glowing."

"Where are you? What do you need?"

"I'm two blocks away from a large park in front of, I think it's the town hallointing behind them. Turning their heads they saw ten vampires bearing down on them both at a fast pace.

"Oh crap!" Buffy muttered grabbing Giles' hand and quickly started running back.

"FIRE IN THE HOLE!" a voice boomed suddenly.

Looking up Giles suddenly saw Rebecca pointing a large ominous weapon at the vampires behind them.

"Buffy, down!" Giles shouted pushing the slayer to the floor.

Looking up Buffy saw where Giles was looking where she saw a woman shouldering a large weapon.

"A rocket launcher?" Buffy said in astonishment.

"Man!" Faith said looking at Rebecca, "that's gonna kick arse!"

"This will be fun!" Rebecca said as she pressed the trigger on the launcher. The rocket burst out with force as she pressed the trigger and almost as quickly found it's target blowing the vamps into instant dust.

Wesley walked back to the entrance towards the young woman who had arrived. "I take it you're on the side of good, yes?" he asked.

"British?" she retorted re-loading the launcher as the rest of them retreated to the woman.

"Yes, I'm Wesley Whyndam-Price," he said offering his hand. "And you lovely lady, are?"

"I don't mean to be kurt," Rebecca said moving back to the van, "but there ain't really any time for any formals. Later okay."

"Have you got any more of those?" Faith asked looking at the launcher and practically drooling.

Rebecca took the launcher in both hands and threw it to Faith. "Hot and ready to trot." she exclaimed reaching into the back and pulling out a twelve gauge shotgun. "I got three more in here," she said spotting two more vamps approaching from behind Wesley. "Wes," she said pointing the gun, "duck!"

"What!?" he said as he fell to the floor as he heard to shots go off blowing the two vamps' heads apart like watermelons.

"Nick, Nick. Where are you?" Rebecca called into her radio.

"Where's Cordelia?" Oz said looking to the park.

"I don't know," Giles replied, "maybe she got into trouble on the far side of the park. I certainly hope she's still okay."

"Becky," Nicholas replied through her radio. "I'm right here darlin'." Everyone looked to their right as another SWAT van skidded to a halt next to Becky's and a Police officer jumped out of the driver's seat. "What's the plan?"

"Launchers, how many." Rebecca called opening the back of Nicholas' van.

"Only One." he replied handing it out.

"Okay," Rebecca said. She handed one to Buffy, Angel, Giles and Wesley. "Gimmie three sets of MP100's with explosive shells."

"Got 'em," he said passing three sets down the van where Rebecca gave one set to Oz and took a set for herself.

"And pass me a sniper rifle Nick,"

"Sure thing." he said throwing one her way followed by a few clips.

"I must say," Giles said to Rebecca, "you're timing is impeccable."

"Thank you," she replied as she moved back to her van. "You guys need any hand weapons at any time, help yourself. What's the plan?"

"I say we target the resonating crystal with the launchers while you take out those ... err, those ..."

"Vampires?" Rebecca finished his sentence.

"Yes, exactly." Giles replied raising his eyebrows slightly. "How did you ..."

"Promise, I'll tell you all later," Rebecca said holding her hands up. "Nick you're with me."

"Cool," Nick replied running to her side.

"And you?" she said looking at Oz.

"Oz," he said smiling.

"Thanks. Oz we'll take out any vampires that come near us okay."

"Sure thing," he replied looking at his MP100's.

"It is time," Mulo said looking into the glowing event horizon of the crystal. "They are coming."

Nosferatu looked down at Alexander who stood in front of them ready to defend them from the Slayers. "Alexander." he said, "I have not forgotten your efforts in all this. Stand in front of the crystal and we will make you something few people have dreamt of. We will make you into a living God."

"Oz, Nick," Rebecca said. "You take the left side, I'll take the right."

"Wait," Willow said to Rebecca as she was about to move off. "That vamp standing on the grass walking in front of the crystal. Could you do me a favour and ..."

"Done." Rebecca said with a smile and ran into the park guns blazing.

"Okay," Giles said looking at the launcher, "It looks like we only get one shot at this so I say we hit it at once with all five. The controls look simple enough."

"Okay," Wesley said shouldering his. "Let's do it."

"Damn it," Amy cursed, "I can't stand around here. I need to do something."

"Quick," Willow said grabbing her hand. "Come with me, we'll provide backup with our magic."

Nicholas and Oz sliced through the vampires and demons with ease with their guns, giving them a confidence that they might actually win to tell another day. Then Oz noticed it out of the corner of his eye, his van, the front crumpled where it went into a stone statue of Sunnydale's previous mayor. "Cordelia!" he called out running to the driver's door.

"Who is it?" Nicholas called.

"She's one of us," Oz said opening the door and finding Cordelia still there with her seat belt firmly in place. "Cordelia."

"Wh .. where am .." Cordelia groaned.

"It's okay Cordy we're here." Oz said uncoupling the seat belt.

"Oz," she said in a faint tone. "I wrecked the van, sorry."

"That's okay," he said helping her to the ground. "We've got backup."

"Oz, take her back." Nicholas said. "I'll cover you guys from here.

Rebecca was approaching the crystal from the other side with caution. Although she was a little more conservative with her ammo than Nicholas she was still dusting the vamps all around.

"Becky," Nick said over the radio, "we've found another of their team. Don't suppose you know any first aid, over?"

"A little." She replied. "Can you see me?"

"Yes."

"I'm gonna use the sniper rifle, cover me." She dropped the MP100's onto the floor and took the rifle from her shoulder where she slowly and steadily set up her target in the cross-hairs. "Come on," she mumbled to herself. "Show me that million dollar smile you jackass!"

Alexander was standing in front of the crystal as the power emanating from the center was now coursing though his entire body. "Yes." he exclaimed. "I feel the changes, I am becoming more than I ever was. I am a God!" he bellowed into the skies. "I AM A GOD!!"

A thunderous clap broke through the air, making the watching vampires cringe with surprise. The head of Alexander exploded in a cloud of blood, skull and brain tissue that splattered all around. The headless body remained sat for a second before crumbing to dust.

"Men," muttered Rebecca. "Dead or alive they've always got to have that God complex."

"On five" Wesley called out as they all knelt on the floor, the launchers ready to fire. "Five ... Four ... Ready ... "

"What do they do?" Nosferatu said pointing to the launchers.

"Aim ..."

"May I make a suggestion?" Spike said standing behind them again.

"Of course."

"... FIRE!! ..."

"BLOODY RUN!"

With that five rockets left their places and flew with deadly accuracy to their intended target with all the vampires and demons that knew better diving for cover at the sight of the formidable weapons of destruction as they flew to their intended target.

From the gangs view point the scene was incredible as it was enveloped in a fantastic ball of heat and light making them shield their eyes with their hands. When they looked up again they saw over three quarters of the demon army had literally turned to dust leaving several dozen injured demons remaining.

"Oh dear Lord," Giles said looking at the crystal.

"It's still in one piece," Faith muttered looking at the structure.

"Giles, what do we do?" Buffy asked looking at her former Watcher as Nicholas and Rebecca return. "What do we do?"

There was a loud bang as a sphere of green energy flew from the event horizon of the crystal towards the Slayers and the group.

"Everyone down!" Angel called as they fell to the floor as the green sphere flew over their heads and hit the SWAT van that Nicholas was driving making it explode in a massive fireball which nearly incinerated the gang and the other van in the progress.

"Buffy," Giles called, "we've got to get out of here!"

"But we can't," Buffy replied. "We haven't finished."

"Buffy," Wesley shouted. "We simply haven't got the fire power to demolish that structure."

"But?"

"B, honey," Faith said. "We've can't do no more. We have to find another way. We'll win this, just not today."

"Quick," Rebecca called helping the two witches to their feet. "We've gotta get out of here before it's too late." The gang piled into the back of the only remaining SWAT van and Rebecca dived into the drivers' seat while Nicholas took the passenger side. "Hold tight!" she yelled to the back and she slapped the van into gear and tore off up the street, to wherever.

* * * * * * * * * * Epilogue - The Low After The High * * * * * * * * * *

"You know a gambling man you say that after so many successes that one day you'd take a fall, on May sixth of the year two thousand we fell in a serious way. First by losing Xander, a person who I'd, no we all considered the loyal to the bitter end. Then we lost the battle against the three in Centennial Park, but if it wasn't for our what Angel called our 'Angels of Mercy' we'd surely would have died that night.

Our hopes are still high despite our present situation, and with our new found friends comes some sort of new found confidence within ourselves. That night may have been theirs but the war is definitely far from over. We are not alone in our efforts, this we know for sure, and because of this I believe in my heart that one day I will see the sun rise in the sky again. We all have hopes, we all have dreams and that is mine for I am sure without that I'd sure give in to reality."

From The Journals Of Buffy Anne Summers.

The End of Season I