Book of Homecoming part 3b
By Phoenixgod2000
Rating-this part pg-13, whole story R
Summary- the vampires go recruiting Halloween night. Riley and Anya date,
and the scoobies receive a LOTR style gift giving.
Feedback-yes please it's the only way I'll get better
Authors' note- this is the last part that will be really talky. Pretty
much the rest is an extended fight scene with some romance thrown in.
***
Lisa Meyer rushed about her house. She had a hundred things to do, and Mitchell was sitting on his ass again watching TV. Tonight was Halloween, the only night of the year that was actually quiet in Sunnydale and her two children wanted to go out. Unfortunately both had the chicken pox and couldn't go out trick or treating. And she'd been hearing about it all night. She had just bent over to pick up a toy her daughter left out when the doorbell rang.
She rushed to answer the door thinking it was going to be some late kids. When she opened the door she saw a young woman- a sense of vertigo overcame her and when she blinked, she saw it was actually a young girl. The child wore a dress that looked about a hundred years old and was carrying a ratty doll that looked the same age.
The young child smiled widely, and Lisa was hit with slight vertigo again. As Lisa stared into the girls pale face she heard herself ask, " what do you want sweetheart."
The girls soft British voice said, " I'm here to trick and treat."
Although normally she was careful to not let anyone in after dark, she felt herself say the words, " I invite you in." The little girl drifted like a dream into the small house. Lisa just blinked as the little girl focused her too-old eyes on her and asked, " Where is the rest of your family, they should see my trick too."
" In the living room." And walked off to lead the trick or treater deeper into her home.
Drusilla smiled and followed eagerly behind. Her trick would be a glorious one.
***
Riley had never seen a more erotic sight than the one he was witnessing at that moment. He and Anya were at the bronze, the only dance club in town, after they ate their fill of French food. They had a small table in the back and Riley had just gotten a drink for Anya. She was using her straw to suck the rum & coke out of her small glass. And that was the genesis of this most erotic scene. Apparently Anya had no gag reflex. Her beautiful pursed lips were draining the glass of all its liquid by deep throating the straw. Gulping, Riley asked, " Would you like to dance?"
Anya looked up and for the first time all night seemed to get nervous. " Umm, I don't really dance. I don't know how."
"Huh." Riley was confused. On their date Anya had unceasingly talked about all of the places she had gone and things she had seen. For someone as widely traveled as she is, to not know how do dance was surprising to say the least.
" Well, like I said, I went a lot of places for work." She looked down, and her confidence seemed to vaporize. " I didn't have a lot of time to socialize."
" What exactly did you do?" Riley was curious. Anya had talked a lot about where she had gone, but was very evasive about what she did there.
" Mostly I worked for the man who took care of me." Anya answered evasively. " He did a lot of work in the demon underground. It was important work and I didn't have time to goof off."
" That's too bad, you must've not had a lot of time for fun stuff." Riley shook his head
Anya shrugged her shoulders. " That's true. But he still helped me a lot. My village was kind of old fashioned. I was married to a man who. He took me out of a bad situation. He taught me the skills to survive in a world were women were second-class citizens. Showed me the world. I owed him."
" Anya. You didn't owe him service forever." Anya just smiled. " It sounds like he made you into what he wanted. Not what was best for you. If he didn't let you have the fun or live the life you deserved as a young women, he's just an ass." He stood up and stuck out his hand. " Since I am not an ass, I want you to have a good time. Now come on, lets dance."
" But I don't know how," Anya whined.
" Don't worry about it. Let me lead."
As Riley led Anya onto the dance floor she muttered, " Just like a man, always wanting to lead." Despite her protestations, by the time she got there, a smile could be seen on her face from across the club.
***
" So there I was, just sitting under the tree, when some guy walks up to me and says, hey kid wanna try out for a movie. I was bored so I said sure. I get to the auditorium where they're having tryouts for whatever movie their doing. I had no idea what film we were trying out for. I did notice that they had everybody divided up into groups of three, two guys and a female. I was talking with my group, when this nerdy looking guy in a beard walked up to us and handed out scripts. He told me that this was a space opera that he was putting together and the character that I was reading for was a smuggler named HAN SOLO!"
Xander looked at the table where he was regaling the group with a story prompted by Dawn's question about the coolest thing that has ever happened to him. The jaws of everyone at the table just dropped. Even Angel seemed impressed by the story. Oz actually made an expression. " I about died and went to heaven right there. I so wanted that part. But it was destined for Harrison Ford."
" Damn right it was," Cordelia answered primly
" You actually met George Lucas," Dawn asked excitedly. One of the things that she liked about Xander was their shared love of science fiction. " Was he cool. Did you do anything for the movie since you didn't get the part?"
" Met him. Hell, faith and I worked for ILM for a while. We busted our ass for a NEW HOPE and the EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. I even got to play a storm trooper." Xander said calmly.
"Why not RETURN?" Willow asked.
Xander shuddered. " I hate Ewoks." Dawn shuddered with him.
" Cordelia, what were you doing while they were working." Joyce asked.
Cordelia scrunched her face as she tried to remember. " I was working in Milan in '77 as a fashion designer."
" I have a weird question." Willow asked out of the blue. " If you guys simply caught up to us in time, why didn't you just show up six months ago, like the day after the sisterhood." Willows question silenced the table. They all looked at the three expectantly. " You three could have just slipped back into the group and we wouldn't have.wouldn't have worried." She finished quietly.
" That would be my fault," Faith said sheepishly. " One of Xander's immortal students is a skilled planes walker. Derrick had sent a message asking for some help about eight months ago. I figured that the dimension that he was in had a time dilation of about a day there to a week here. We were gone for about eight days so I figured two months-plenty of time. Turned out, the dimension had a time dilation of a day to a month. Eight days equaled eight months, six months past when the young versions of us disappeared."
" And on that embarrassing note, lets go back into the study." Cordelia said. " We have gifts for everyone to celebrate our homecoming." She smiled at the group. "We've been waiting a long time to give them to you." ****
Dog Tag hated Halloween. He was a man of action but thanks to this stupid vampire tradition he wasn't out there killing all those people wandering around like they owned the place. Instead, here he was with his minions, buddies of his from Nam that he turned and they were watching television and talking about whether or not Christopher Lee would make a good vampire. Damn it he was a predator, a vampire, and most importantly a Green Fucking Beret.
Sometimes during these quiet moments he thought about how he was turned. He remembered the tiny tunnel dug out by the Charlies. He remembered the surprise that he felt when he encountered the wizened little ancient demon feeding in the tunnel he was exploring. The demon certainly wasn't supposed to decide the foreigner was worthy of turning. Dog Tag loved his new freedom. Hell, he hadn't been the nicest mortal, and as a vampire, the whole fucking world became Charlies for him to kill. It didn't take long before he turned some of the more talented soldiers and formed his own vampire unit. They ran drugs and guns for twenty years out of north Vietnam before the Hellmouth beckoned him. So now here he was wasting his talents, but he couldn't leave thanks to the energies of the hellmouth.
He hated the fricken' hellmouth.
His thoughts turned over in his mind as he watched his men drink blood from bags and laugh at the antics of movie vampires. His boys were losing their edge. They already lost two men to that pretty blond slayer. He was about to yell at them when the door to their crypt flew off its hinges and into the room. A beautiful blond vampire walked in. She wore a charcoal gray suit and her white blond hair was bound in a tight braid.
" You lead this group," she said. It wasn't a question. Dog tag could tell she already knew the answer.
" What's it to you bitch." He smiled. She was a smart looking one with her fancy dress and spiffy haircut. She also looked like she couldn't fight through a wet paper bag. He'd seen plenty of prissies when he was in the military and he could smell she was one too. Typical. She was the reason why bitches and fags shouldn't be let in the military. And she wanted to give him orders. No fucking way. He stood up and walked over to the slight female vampire.
" I have a proposition for you." She began. " Your group vampires are very impressive. Not many vampire leaders have the foresight to turn military types, let alone green berets and Navy Seals. I know that you have a lot of power and formidable skills but you have done nothing since you arrived at the hellmouth of any consequence. I represent people who can give you structure and command-a reason for being. Give you all the power and more that you could ever want." Alicia Killdare eyed the vampire in front of her. She could tell that he didn't like the idea of taking orders from a woman. Over the centuries, she'd met more than one human and vampire who had similar issues. She hoped she could restrain her more homicidal impulses while she 'convinced' him. She would hate to have an accident with her new powers. She also eyed him appreciatively. If she could train out his more mysogystic impulses, he might make a suitable replacement for Thomas. Certainly one she could control.
" Oh really." Dog Tag raised his eyebrow. " My boys and I work for ourselves, nobody else. We 'specialy don't take order from women." He punctuated his words with a swift punch aimed at her jaw. A strong action designed to show her who was boss.
The blow never landed. The slight female vampire lifted up her hand and caught his massive fist. Somehow her strength was enough to completely stop his forward momentum. She smiled and squeezed his fist. Dog Tag gasp as he felt the bones in his hand crumble. As he fell to his knees Alicia whispered, " When I was mortal, my husband used to hit me. Nobody hits me anymore." As his buddies leapt up to defend him she lifted her other hand and tentacles of darkness writhed out of the corners and wrapped around them. Shifting her grip, she lifted Dog Tag off the ground with one had. Smiling Alicia told the surprised vampire, " I think you'll find that the group I work with has a lot to offer. Now will you come peacefully, or will I have to get angry."
The shaken Dog Tag could only nod in acquiescence.
***
Anya snuggled deeper into Riley's embrace. She and Riley were walking back to her apartment since it was nice out. She convinced Riley that they were safe on the streets Halloween night. Anya lived in a nice part of town, thanks to power of the wish before she lost it. She had easily used her powers to grant herself a nice place with all the money and furnishings she wanted.
Now riley was walking her back to her apartment after a most successful date. The farm boy turned special ops soldier pleasantly surprised her by his sweetness and solicitousness. For the first time since she lost her vaunted immortality she felt safe with a man besides Giles. Aud had never really liked men after what Olaf did to her. She loved him, took care of him and he cheated on her with some cow who was more likely drop a boy for him. Her centuries of work with D'hoffran made her like men even less than before. Giles had shown her kindness and understanding during her adjustment to mortality. That was why she agreed to stay behind and help against the mayor's ascension despite the odds she thought they'd face. But Riley, Riley was something different. Not an older man who was drawn in by the seeming youth of her face and wanted to help and protect her because of her fragility. No, Riley thought she was pretty and interesting. He listened to her and asked questions about her life and her work that made her think about things and the way D'hoffran treated her that had never occurred to her before. In short he acted like she mattered to him, not a worker or a trophy, but as a person and she liked it.
Meanwhile Riley focused on the petite woman he had wrapped in his arms. He had enjoyed dancing with her tonight, and talking with her more. She had such a beguiling blend of innocence and age, it captivated him the way she acted, motioned, saw the world excited him. He even liked her frank speech and bluntness. As a military man, he could appreciate her upfront ness. He carefully looked around to make sure that no vamps or anything was around. He didn't like having to walk four blocks back to Anya's apartment but she wanted to walk. That was another thing. Anya seemed to have absolutely no fear of death; it was like nothing could scare her. She wanted to walk, so walk they did. She actually told Riley that a vampire attacking them on Halloween would be 'tacky'.
It was about the time where Riley was thinking he was pleased at the level of non-interference they were getting from the nightlife when a low whistle rang out from an alleyway nearby. Riley reached behind his back and gripped his collapsible baton with a wooden tip but didn't bring it out.
Three vampires walked out of the alley. Riley recognized the lead as the vampire that knocked him out in the graveyard fight several days ago. Immediately he pulled Anya behind him.
" Anya," he whispered savagely. " When I tell you to go, run to your apartment. I can hold off three vampires.for a while. I get there when I can." Then he smiled at her. " I had a good time tonight."
" So did I," she replied tersely. " Which is why I am not going to let you do something stupid before I have had my way with you." She reached into her purse and pulled out a lighter. Riley looked at her incredulously. She shrugged. " You'd be surprised what I can do with a Zippo. Now can we leave so I can get on with seducing you?"
Riley perked up and snapped out his baton. " On three we break for your apartment," he said while eyeing the approaching vampires. " One, two.THREE." Riley and Anya both started to sprint forward the half a block to her apartment. Two of the vampires ran with unnatural speed to head off the rushing couple. Anya murmured a quick spell under her breath and flung the Zippo at the vampire in the lead. Glowing with potential energy it struck him in the chest and burst on him. The vampire dusted in a blaze of fire that seemed to consume him from within. The other vampire tackled Riley.
Rolling on the ground Riley flung the vampire off him and blindly grabbed for his wood tipped baton. The vampire rolled to his feet much faster than Riley and kicked the downed soldier in the ribs.
Anya searched her purse for something she could use on the vampire beating up her potential boyfriend. She flung things randomly out of her purse as she cursed her lack of a second lighter. She was no pyromancer so she needed a focus for fire and heat based magic. Someone like Amy Madison could create fire at will, but Anya needed something she could bring the explosive potential out of. And she did not have anything on her.
Then she heard the footsteps behind her and cursed herself for not remembering the third vampire. Without turning around she began to run forward only to be stopped up short by the vampire's cold hand on her arm. The iron like grip turned her around and she drew in a sharp breath as she beheld the vampire before her.
He was a lord among vampires. Power seemed to radiate from his very being. His smile shone like a thousand watt bulb. She was entranced. Her heart beat faster and a smiled played about her lips as she beheld his magnificence. a small voice asked in her mind. A very small voice since the majority of her mind never felt an attraction like the one she was experiencing at this moment.
Meanwhile Riley had struggled to his feet and was trading slugs with the other vampire. A savage kick by Riley snapped the kneecap of the vampire and as he dropped to the ground, Riley drew out a backup stake and smoothly dusted the vampire. Turning around he saw Anya seemingly hypnotized by the large vampire.
Thomas Thorne saw the rushing Special Forces soldier and pushed Anya directly into his path. The dazed ex-demon ended up on the chest of her Riley. She shook her head, clearing her mind of the foreign influence. Riley unceremoniously pushed her off himself and leapt to his feet.
" Stop." The vampire's commanding voice slowed Riley's charge. Thomas put all his power behind his newly developed powers of command. Riley stumbled but kept going. Again Thomas shouted, " Stop." Again Riley shook his head, dazed, but kept going.
" Didn't you know," Riley grunted, " I'm from Iowa. We're too dumb for mind control."
Riley punched Thomas in the face, throwing all his weight behind the blow. Thorne staggered but kept to his feet. Riley followed up with a series of strikes that would shatter the ribs of an ordinary vampire. Thorne grunted but seemed to hold up under the stress. He knocked Riley to the ground with one powerful strike and stood over the prone soldier. Just then a group of kids and parents walked around the corner of block.
Thorne smiled. " Another time warrior. We will meet on the field of battle and you won't be able to hide behind children." Then he turned around and in a feat that would make Angel proud, disappeared into the night.
Anya bent over Riley, concerned for him. " That was very stupid Riley. I am very displeased. You could have been killed and I wouldn't be able to get any orgasms out of you." She smiled softly at him, her stern tone moderated by the concern in her gaze.
Riley just groaned and rolled his eyes. " Thanks a lot. And here I thought you liked me for my over developed cow milking skills."
Anya smiled as she helped him to his feet and guided him to her apartment. " If your good at milking, I have this great massage technique I could teach you. I learned it in India and it involves the prostate. The first thing you have to do is."
***
The large living room of the mansion was decorated with the paraphernalia of a three hundred lifetimes. Sword from every corner of the globe lay preserved in cases. Paintings from world famous artists graced the walls. Over the fireplace hung the stuffed head of a gryphon that Xander had hunted in Mesopotamia.
The group filed into the room and looked around wondering what could be the gifts that Xander and the others seemed so eager to distribute. Giles took up position near a bookcase. Amy and Tara curled up together on the sofa. Joyce and Dawn took positions at the other end of the same sofa. Oz and Willow shared a large easy chair and Buffy and Angel took center stage near the large oak coffee table. The whole room seemed to carry an air of expectancy, like the world was just waiting to change. Into what, they could not say.
The Three were the last to enter. Faith and Cordelia, looking like Greek princesses flanked Xander. Xander himself carried a large cherry wood chest, balanced easily in his two hands. Smiling at the group, he put it down in the center of the room and looked around. Then he nodded at Cordelia.
She began to speak. " Over the years the three of us have come across many objects of power. Some of those items were destined for others. Others were lost or destroyed. The things in this chest are things that we can use to help us hold back the darkness." She looked at the group. " These things belong to you. I can feel it," she finished.
Xander opened the chest and pulled out the first item. Some sort of shrived hand or paw with a thin silver chain wrapped around it to make the item into a necklace. Xander held it up and grotesque shadows danced along the wall.
Oz's eyes widened as he caught the items scent. It was a shriveled wolfs paw. Almost involuntarily his hands itched to snatch the thing from Xander's hand.
" This is a wolf talisman. An Indian shaman made it and enchanted it to make it a conduit for wolf spirits." Xander smiled. " I don't know everything that it does, but I do know that it gives a werewolf control over their shape shifting abilities." He tossed it to Oz. " Wear it in good health."
" Thanks," Oz said simply. Willow looked from Oz to Xander in shock and pleased amazement.
Faith pulled out the next item. It was a thin tube about six inches long that seemed to glow coppery in the firelight. Symbols moved and flickered along the tube like carvings of licking flame. " This wand was made in Greece by the pyromancer Heraclitus. Its filled with the liquefied and distilled essence of fire elementals." She threw it to Amy.
Amy held it in her hand and marveled at it. It was slightly warm to the touch. Like it had been left out in the hot sum all day long. " What does it do?"
" It'll enhance your fire powers." Faith smiled, " but practice outside. We're not insured yet."
Cordelia reached into chest and pulled out a thick tome. She smiled at Tara. " This is a tome that was given to me by a dear friend of mine. She was lost during the witch burnings in Europe." Cordelia wiped a tear from her eye. " One of the last things she told me was that her book of shadows should go to the most deserving witch we could find. We can't think of anyone we'd rather give it to." She handed the book to Tara.
Tara thumbed through the book and her eyes widened as she saw the spells and potions. " The witch who owned this.these spells.how could she die? How could anyone kill someone so powerful?"
Cordelia smiled sadly. " Everyone has a time to die, and she respected hers."
Xander pulled a beautiful broadsword, golden filigree covering the hilt and runes etched along the blade. " Giles, this blade is the sword of Acadia. Crafted by the fey folk more than a thousand years ago. It acts as a battery for magical power, so even if you aren't a natural witch you can cast some spontaneous spells. The sword is also capable of cutting through illusions and protective wards."
Giles took off his glasses and took the sword with shaking hands. " Xander, this.I don't know what to say. This gift is more than I could expect."
" Don't worry about it." Xander smiled at the watcher.
Cordelia pulled out a small medallion from the chest. Without words she tossed it to willow.
Willow turned the silver medallion over in her hands and gasped. " This a kabalistic amulet. The secret names of God are inscribed on this in Yiddish." Willow shook her head. " I can't take this, the amount of power.No one should have this thing."
" What can that kabbieblastic thing do?" Buffy asked.
" With the proper incantation in the language and enough power behind it, nearly anything." Willow said softly, never taking her eyes off the talisman. " The words on this talisman are the foundation of reality, in Jewish lore these are the words that God uttered at the beginning of time to create the universe."
" Willow we trust you with it. If we didn't we wouldn't have given it to you." Cordelia knelt in front of Willow. " Rabbi Loew wanted this to go to someone deserving. You are that Willow. Never doubt that."
Willow searched Cordelia's face and then gave a weak smile. " Okay."
" And with that little drama out of the way," Faith said, " We get to the final actual present for the evening. She pulled a sword out of the chest and she held it out to buffy.
The sword was of Chinese design, a tai chi sword. It was straight with a slightly curved tip that flared out. Chinese characters flowed up and down the blade. The entire weapon's bearing gave the impression of water, of flowing. It almost seemed to shine like it was a little wet with fresh polish. Buffy gave a few practice swings and marveled at the weapons balance. " Wow."
" That sword was made during the warring states period of China. A blacksmith-sorcerer crafted it to hunt dragons. It can pierce the hide of any supernatural creature or demon, and dusts vampires like wielding a stake. There is almost nothing on this plane that this weapon can't kill. Even a god." Faith said smiling.
Xander smirked. " Try not to lose it."
***
Vampires were milling about the large central chamber of the Temple of Amara. Spike stood with his four original master vampires and Dog Tag on a raised dais. He turned to Thomas Thorne. " You separate the vamps with potential from the really stupid ones?"
Thorne nodded. " Dog Tag and I weeded out the truly stupid vampires from the ones that at least show a glimmer of intelligence and promise. Our great kingdom won't be dragged down by dead weight."
Dog Tag, the newest master vampire nodded in agreement. " My boys and I made sure that any vamps with military training and some common sense won't be in the ritual." He shrugged. " The rest don't matter a whole lot." To Dog Tag, any vampire who wasn't military trained wasn't worth the blood used to turn them.
Drusilla giggled and turned to her lover. " Can I keep one for a pet Spike?" She battered her girlish eyes at him. " I promise to walk him everyday and feed him lots of schoolchildren."
Spike rolled his eyes. " Sure pet. Whatever you want." Then he turned to Catherine Madison. " Begin the ritual."
Catherine began to chant in a language that was old when the temple was newly built.
***
Faith walked up to Joyce and smiled at her. " Don't worry. This won't hurt at all." She took Joyce's head in her hands and closed her eyes. Then they flew open and the whole group saw swirling red chaos in them. A soft glow appeared in between her fingers.
Joyce felt nothing at first, then warmth that seemed to start at the outer edges of her head and gradually moved inward. There was a pressure in her mind that seemed to build, build, and then drain away. She gasped with relief and then faith took away her hands.
" What did you do?" Joyce rubbed her temple.
Faith looked wearily at Joyce, lines of age showing around her eyes. " You had a tumor growing in your brain. It probably would have killed you in a year or so, if I hadn't healed you."
Joyce looked to buffy and dawn in horror. " Tha-Thank you Faith, I don't know what to say."
Faith smiled. " Just be yourself. And don't get sick again. Healings wicked hard."
{Catherine's chant began to rise. Her eyes became empty pools of shadow as the words tripped off her tongue. Spike smirked as he saw several vampires fall to the ground as the change came over them. Involuntarily, all the vampires burst into game face. And those faces twisted and began to bulge}
Cordelia walked over to angel and Faith went to her side. Xander rolled his eyes and found a corner of the room. He might have agreed to this for Buffy's sake but he didn't have to watch it.
" Come here Angel." Cordelia's soft voice mysteriously carried to every corner of the room.
Angel stood up cautiously. If his heart could beat, it would be racing. He knew that Xander's wives didn't hold the same level of animosity that he did, but something tickled the back of his mind. This, whatever was about to happen, was going to be momentous.
" Your gift isn't an object, because to someone like you, most possessions are meaningless." She looked to Buffy. " The things you want, love, acceptance, happiness, are denied to you because of the curse. The curse cannot be easily broken because no mortal caster can permanently anchor a soul. Only the creator can do that." Then Cordelia smiled at Faith. " The creator or a god like Faith here."
{Screams echoed about the main chamber as vampire bones broke and reformed. Spines cracked and limbs lengthened. Spike laughed over screams of pain that gradually became roars of hunger}
Faith and Cordelia joined hands and closed their eyes. Then an amazing transformation overtook Cordelia. Those who had seem her use upper level powers knew that her eyes transformed into smoky gray orbs when her powers were active. This time the transformation went beyond her eyes. Her long hair and eyebrows became drained of color. They took on the same smoke color as her eyes. Cordelia opened her mouth and gray mist rolled out and swirled around Angel.
Closing his eyes Angel inhaled the smoke into his long dead lungs. He could feel the magic doing something, spreading its energy throughout his body. He sank to his knees as the magic and divine power worked its passive magic on his mind, body and soul.
Finally the magic mist faded from around Angel and he stood up weakly. The first thing he did was seek out Buffy. Her tear-streaked eyes watched him holding her breath; she stared like she could not believe her eyes. In a few short steps he caught her in his arms and she sagged against him.
" Is it true, is his soul really anchored for good?" She asked from within his chest.
Xander walked forward and nodded. " Its true all right, Angelus ain't coming out to play no more, is he Angel?"
Angel stared hard at Xander while hugging buffy close. " No, Angelus is gone for good."
Xander and Angel met each other's gazes. They held that pose for a second and then they each nodded. They still didn't like each other, but they could pretend.for at least one night.
Then Xander walked over to the chest and pulled out a number of glasses and a decanter filled with a glowing green liquid the consistency of snot. Placing the glasses on table, he filled each one with the unappealing drink.
" There is no magic, no power that can keep a person alive forever short of ambrosia or forcibly stealing the quickening of an immortal by magic. But there are things that prolong life and health. This," and he held up the bottle, " is the blood of a Mohra demon."
" The demon assassins." Giles asked curiously. " Aren't they are supposed to be very rare?"
Cordelia snorted. " Sure they are, unless you happen to piss off the demon lord of their home dimension. Then they pop out of the frinkin' woodwork. But that would be a long story," she added sheepishly.
Faith retorted, " well if you hadn't-"
" Girls, focus," Xander shouted in exasperation. " I'm trying to get to the part were the blood will grant everyone here extended life spans and really fast healing."
Then he turned back to the group. " Morhra demons are nearly impossible to kill, and their blood grants limited regeneration power to mortals that drink it. Plus it will triple maybe quadruple your life span's." He turned to Joyce and Giles. " For the two of you, it will actually reverse your aging process slightly as the rejuvenating powers of the blood restore your health, metabolism, and muscle tone. We think it will give you the physiques of someone in their mid thirties. Not a huge difference, but one you'll feel and others will definitely notice. And of course you'll stay that way for a long time." Xander looked around. " These glasses are here for you. There is enough for everyone here except for the three of us, dawn, buffy. And Anya of course if she wants it." Xander looked around. " You don't have to do this. Long life spans can be wonderful, but a burden. When the people you care about start to die." Xander got choked up and couldn't continue.
Faith took over. " It might be a little selfish but we don't want to have to do that with any of you for a long time. But like Xan said, it's your choice. A long life ain't always roses and parties."
" Hey," dawn asked indignantly. " How come I don't get the cool drink?"
" Because," Cordelia answered compassionately, " your twelve. The blood would have too much of an unpredictable effect on you since you haven't reached your full growth." Then she smiled, " when your ready, if you still want it, it'll be there for you."
Joyce stared at the glass in front of her. For what seemed like the millionth time that night, her mind swirled in chaos. Youth, vitality.it was staring her in the face. Joyce didn't like to think about it, but she knew that Hank had traded her in for a younger model. She was getting older, and aging sucked for everyone but especially women who were judged by their looks. She had two teenaged children, and the recent growth spurt by dawn really hit home that she wasn't a young mom anymore. But she was wise enough to realize what Xander said was true. The world was changing, and would change faster and not always for the better. Did she really want to see it, watch the world maybe go down in flames? Watch one, maybe both of her daughters march off to fight everyday. Then a single thought crossed her mind and she reached for the glass and downed it in a single gulp. None of those things mattered. Not aging, not the sad state of world affairs. She was a mother and she needed to be there for her daughters. No matter how long they lived, they would always be her daughters.
And they will always need their mother.
One by one, each one of the Scooby's took the glass in their hand and drank the life giving blood, each for their for their own reasons.
None of them knew it, save for perhaps Cordelia, but a new legend was being born. One that will echo down through the pages of history. Only their choices would tell whether it was a remembered fondly or one remembered darkly. Destiny and Fate danced on the edge of a pin for each of them.
{Spike surveyed his new shock troops. The vampires who were subject to the ritual were changed. They were at once both more and less than vampire minions. Stronger, faster, more in tune with their combat instincts, they were also now barely intelligent and paced like the caged animals they now resembled. Regressed vampires, they would obey the commands of any true master vampire who gave them orders. They had no wants, no desires besides blood and violence. William the Bloody was going to write his name across world with the blood of Buffy the vampire slayer. He had his troops now. His Turok-Han}
***
Lisa Meyer rushed about her house. She had a hundred things to do, and Mitchell was sitting on his ass again watching TV. Tonight was Halloween, the only night of the year that was actually quiet in Sunnydale and her two children wanted to go out. Unfortunately both had the chicken pox and couldn't go out trick or treating. And she'd been hearing about it all night. She had just bent over to pick up a toy her daughter left out when the doorbell rang.
She rushed to answer the door thinking it was going to be some late kids. When she opened the door she saw a young woman- a sense of vertigo overcame her and when she blinked, she saw it was actually a young girl. The child wore a dress that looked about a hundred years old and was carrying a ratty doll that looked the same age.
The young child smiled widely, and Lisa was hit with slight vertigo again. As Lisa stared into the girls pale face she heard herself ask, " what do you want sweetheart."
The girls soft British voice said, " I'm here to trick and treat."
Although normally she was careful to not let anyone in after dark, she felt herself say the words, " I invite you in." The little girl drifted like a dream into the small house. Lisa just blinked as the little girl focused her too-old eyes on her and asked, " Where is the rest of your family, they should see my trick too."
" In the living room." And walked off to lead the trick or treater deeper into her home.
Drusilla smiled and followed eagerly behind. Her trick would be a glorious one.
***
Riley had never seen a more erotic sight than the one he was witnessing at that moment. He and Anya were at the bronze, the only dance club in town, after they ate their fill of French food. They had a small table in the back and Riley had just gotten a drink for Anya. She was using her straw to suck the rum & coke out of her small glass. And that was the genesis of this most erotic scene. Apparently Anya had no gag reflex. Her beautiful pursed lips were draining the glass of all its liquid by deep throating the straw. Gulping, Riley asked, " Would you like to dance?"
Anya looked up and for the first time all night seemed to get nervous. " Umm, I don't really dance. I don't know how."
"Huh." Riley was confused. On their date Anya had unceasingly talked about all of the places she had gone and things she had seen. For someone as widely traveled as she is, to not know how do dance was surprising to say the least.
" Well, like I said, I went a lot of places for work." She looked down, and her confidence seemed to vaporize. " I didn't have a lot of time to socialize."
" What exactly did you do?" Riley was curious. Anya had talked a lot about where she had gone, but was very evasive about what she did there.
" Mostly I worked for the man who took care of me." Anya answered evasively. " He did a lot of work in the demon underground. It was important work and I didn't have time to goof off."
" That's too bad, you must've not had a lot of time for fun stuff." Riley shook his head
Anya shrugged her shoulders. " That's true. But he still helped me a lot. My village was kind of old fashioned. I was married to a man who. He took me out of a bad situation. He taught me the skills to survive in a world were women were second-class citizens. Showed me the world. I owed him."
" Anya. You didn't owe him service forever." Anya just smiled. " It sounds like he made you into what he wanted. Not what was best for you. If he didn't let you have the fun or live the life you deserved as a young women, he's just an ass." He stood up and stuck out his hand. " Since I am not an ass, I want you to have a good time. Now come on, lets dance."
" But I don't know how," Anya whined.
" Don't worry about it. Let me lead."
As Riley led Anya onto the dance floor she muttered, " Just like a man, always wanting to lead." Despite her protestations, by the time she got there, a smile could be seen on her face from across the club.
***
" So there I was, just sitting under the tree, when some guy walks up to me and says, hey kid wanna try out for a movie. I was bored so I said sure. I get to the auditorium where they're having tryouts for whatever movie their doing. I had no idea what film we were trying out for. I did notice that they had everybody divided up into groups of three, two guys and a female. I was talking with my group, when this nerdy looking guy in a beard walked up to us and handed out scripts. He told me that this was a space opera that he was putting together and the character that I was reading for was a smuggler named HAN SOLO!"
Xander looked at the table where he was regaling the group with a story prompted by Dawn's question about the coolest thing that has ever happened to him. The jaws of everyone at the table just dropped. Even Angel seemed impressed by the story. Oz actually made an expression. " I about died and went to heaven right there. I so wanted that part. But it was destined for Harrison Ford."
" Damn right it was," Cordelia answered primly
" You actually met George Lucas," Dawn asked excitedly. One of the things that she liked about Xander was their shared love of science fiction. " Was he cool. Did you do anything for the movie since you didn't get the part?"
" Met him. Hell, faith and I worked for ILM for a while. We busted our ass for a NEW HOPE and the EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. I even got to play a storm trooper." Xander said calmly.
"Why not RETURN?" Willow asked.
Xander shuddered. " I hate Ewoks." Dawn shuddered with him.
" Cordelia, what were you doing while they were working." Joyce asked.
Cordelia scrunched her face as she tried to remember. " I was working in Milan in '77 as a fashion designer."
" I have a weird question." Willow asked out of the blue. " If you guys simply caught up to us in time, why didn't you just show up six months ago, like the day after the sisterhood." Willows question silenced the table. They all looked at the three expectantly. " You three could have just slipped back into the group and we wouldn't have.wouldn't have worried." She finished quietly.
" That would be my fault," Faith said sheepishly. " One of Xander's immortal students is a skilled planes walker. Derrick had sent a message asking for some help about eight months ago. I figured that the dimension that he was in had a time dilation of about a day there to a week here. We were gone for about eight days so I figured two months-plenty of time. Turned out, the dimension had a time dilation of a day to a month. Eight days equaled eight months, six months past when the young versions of us disappeared."
" And on that embarrassing note, lets go back into the study." Cordelia said. " We have gifts for everyone to celebrate our homecoming." She smiled at the group. "We've been waiting a long time to give them to you." ****
Dog Tag hated Halloween. He was a man of action but thanks to this stupid vampire tradition he wasn't out there killing all those people wandering around like they owned the place. Instead, here he was with his minions, buddies of his from Nam that he turned and they were watching television and talking about whether or not Christopher Lee would make a good vampire. Damn it he was a predator, a vampire, and most importantly a Green Fucking Beret.
Sometimes during these quiet moments he thought about how he was turned. He remembered the tiny tunnel dug out by the Charlies. He remembered the surprise that he felt when he encountered the wizened little ancient demon feeding in the tunnel he was exploring. The demon certainly wasn't supposed to decide the foreigner was worthy of turning. Dog Tag loved his new freedom. Hell, he hadn't been the nicest mortal, and as a vampire, the whole fucking world became Charlies for him to kill. It didn't take long before he turned some of the more talented soldiers and formed his own vampire unit. They ran drugs and guns for twenty years out of north Vietnam before the Hellmouth beckoned him. So now here he was wasting his talents, but he couldn't leave thanks to the energies of the hellmouth.
He hated the fricken' hellmouth.
His thoughts turned over in his mind as he watched his men drink blood from bags and laugh at the antics of movie vampires. His boys were losing their edge. They already lost two men to that pretty blond slayer. He was about to yell at them when the door to their crypt flew off its hinges and into the room. A beautiful blond vampire walked in. She wore a charcoal gray suit and her white blond hair was bound in a tight braid.
" You lead this group," she said. It wasn't a question. Dog tag could tell she already knew the answer.
" What's it to you bitch." He smiled. She was a smart looking one with her fancy dress and spiffy haircut. She also looked like she couldn't fight through a wet paper bag. He'd seen plenty of prissies when he was in the military and he could smell she was one too. Typical. She was the reason why bitches and fags shouldn't be let in the military. And she wanted to give him orders. No fucking way. He stood up and walked over to the slight female vampire.
" I have a proposition for you." She began. " Your group vampires are very impressive. Not many vampire leaders have the foresight to turn military types, let alone green berets and Navy Seals. I know that you have a lot of power and formidable skills but you have done nothing since you arrived at the hellmouth of any consequence. I represent people who can give you structure and command-a reason for being. Give you all the power and more that you could ever want." Alicia Killdare eyed the vampire in front of her. She could tell that he didn't like the idea of taking orders from a woman. Over the centuries, she'd met more than one human and vampire who had similar issues. She hoped she could restrain her more homicidal impulses while she 'convinced' him. She would hate to have an accident with her new powers. She also eyed him appreciatively. If she could train out his more mysogystic impulses, he might make a suitable replacement for Thomas. Certainly one she could control.
" Oh really." Dog Tag raised his eyebrow. " My boys and I work for ourselves, nobody else. We 'specialy don't take order from women." He punctuated his words with a swift punch aimed at her jaw. A strong action designed to show her who was boss.
The blow never landed. The slight female vampire lifted up her hand and caught his massive fist. Somehow her strength was enough to completely stop his forward momentum. She smiled and squeezed his fist. Dog Tag gasp as he felt the bones in his hand crumble. As he fell to his knees Alicia whispered, " When I was mortal, my husband used to hit me. Nobody hits me anymore." As his buddies leapt up to defend him she lifted her other hand and tentacles of darkness writhed out of the corners and wrapped around them. Shifting her grip, she lifted Dog Tag off the ground with one had. Smiling Alicia told the surprised vampire, " I think you'll find that the group I work with has a lot to offer. Now will you come peacefully, or will I have to get angry."
The shaken Dog Tag could only nod in acquiescence.
***
Anya snuggled deeper into Riley's embrace. She and Riley were walking back to her apartment since it was nice out. She convinced Riley that they were safe on the streets Halloween night. Anya lived in a nice part of town, thanks to power of the wish before she lost it. She had easily used her powers to grant herself a nice place with all the money and furnishings she wanted.
Now riley was walking her back to her apartment after a most successful date. The farm boy turned special ops soldier pleasantly surprised her by his sweetness and solicitousness. For the first time since she lost her vaunted immortality she felt safe with a man besides Giles. Aud had never really liked men after what Olaf did to her. She loved him, took care of him and he cheated on her with some cow who was more likely drop a boy for him. Her centuries of work with D'hoffran made her like men even less than before. Giles had shown her kindness and understanding during her adjustment to mortality. That was why she agreed to stay behind and help against the mayor's ascension despite the odds she thought they'd face. But Riley, Riley was something different. Not an older man who was drawn in by the seeming youth of her face and wanted to help and protect her because of her fragility. No, Riley thought she was pretty and interesting. He listened to her and asked questions about her life and her work that made her think about things and the way D'hoffran treated her that had never occurred to her before. In short he acted like she mattered to him, not a worker or a trophy, but as a person and she liked it.
Meanwhile Riley focused on the petite woman he had wrapped in his arms. He had enjoyed dancing with her tonight, and talking with her more. She had such a beguiling blend of innocence and age, it captivated him the way she acted, motioned, saw the world excited him. He even liked her frank speech and bluntness. As a military man, he could appreciate her upfront ness. He carefully looked around to make sure that no vamps or anything was around. He didn't like having to walk four blocks back to Anya's apartment but she wanted to walk. That was another thing. Anya seemed to have absolutely no fear of death; it was like nothing could scare her. She wanted to walk, so walk they did. She actually told Riley that a vampire attacking them on Halloween would be 'tacky'.
It was about the time where Riley was thinking he was pleased at the level of non-interference they were getting from the nightlife when a low whistle rang out from an alleyway nearby. Riley reached behind his back and gripped his collapsible baton with a wooden tip but didn't bring it out.
Three vampires walked out of the alley. Riley recognized the lead as the vampire that knocked him out in the graveyard fight several days ago. Immediately he pulled Anya behind him.
" Anya," he whispered savagely. " When I tell you to go, run to your apartment. I can hold off three vampires.for a while. I get there when I can." Then he smiled at her. " I had a good time tonight."
" So did I," she replied tersely. " Which is why I am not going to let you do something stupid before I have had my way with you." She reached into her purse and pulled out a lighter. Riley looked at her incredulously. She shrugged. " You'd be surprised what I can do with a Zippo. Now can we leave so I can get on with seducing you?"
Riley perked up and snapped out his baton. " On three we break for your apartment," he said while eyeing the approaching vampires. " One, two.THREE." Riley and Anya both started to sprint forward the half a block to her apartment. Two of the vampires ran with unnatural speed to head off the rushing couple. Anya murmured a quick spell under her breath and flung the Zippo at the vampire in the lead. Glowing with potential energy it struck him in the chest and burst on him. The vampire dusted in a blaze of fire that seemed to consume him from within. The other vampire tackled Riley.
Rolling on the ground Riley flung the vampire off him and blindly grabbed for his wood tipped baton. The vampire rolled to his feet much faster than Riley and kicked the downed soldier in the ribs.
Anya searched her purse for something she could use on the vampire beating up her potential boyfriend. She flung things randomly out of her purse as she cursed her lack of a second lighter. She was no pyromancer so she needed a focus for fire and heat based magic. Someone like Amy Madison could create fire at will, but Anya needed something she could bring the explosive potential out of. And she did not have anything on her.
Then she heard the footsteps behind her and cursed herself for not remembering the third vampire. Without turning around she began to run forward only to be stopped up short by the vampire's cold hand on her arm. The iron like grip turned her around and she drew in a sharp breath as she beheld the vampire before her.
He was a lord among vampires. Power seemed to radiate from his very being. His smile shone like a thousand watt bulb. She was entranced. Her heart beat faster and a smiled played about her lips as she beheld his magnificence. a small voice asked in her mind. A very small voice since the majority of her mind never felt an attraction like the one she was experiencing at this moment.
Meanwhile Riley had struggled to his feet and was trading slugs with the other vampire. A savage kick by Riley snapped the kneecap of the vampire and as he dropped to the ground, Riley drew out a backup stake and smoothly dusted the vampire. Turning around he saw Anya seemingly hypnotized by the large vampire.
Thomas Thorne saw the rushing Special Forces soldier and pushed Anya directly into his path. The dazed ex-demon ended up on the chest of her Riley. She shook her head, clearing her mind of the foreign influence. Riley unceremoniously pushed her off himself and leapt to his feet.
" Stop." The vampire's commanding voice slowed Riley's charge. Thomas put all his power behind his newly developed powers of command. Riley stumbled but kept going. Again Thomas shouted, " Stop." Again Riley shook his head, dazed, but kept going.
" Didn't you know," Riley grunted, " I'm from Iowa. We're too dumb for mind control."
Riley punched Thomas in the face, throwing all his weight behind the blow. Thorne staggered but kept to his feet. Riley followed up with a series of strikes that would shatter the ribs of an ordinary vampire. Thorne grunted but seemed to hold up under the stress. He knocked Riley to the ground with one powerful strike and stood over the prone soldier. Just then a group of kids and parents walked around the corner of block.
Thorne smiled. " Another time warrior. We will meet on the field of battle and you won't be able to hide behind children." Then he turned around and in a feat that would make Angel proud, disappeared into the night.
Anya bent over Riley, concerned for him. " That was very stupid Riley. I am very displeased. You could have been killed and I wouldn't be able to get any orgasms out of you." She smiled softly at him, her stern tone moderated by the concern in her gaze.
Riley just groaned and rolled his eyes. " Thanks a lot. And here I thought you liked me for my over developed cow milking skills."
Anya smiled as she helped him to his feet and guided him to her apartment. " If your good at milking, I have this great massage technique I could teach you. I learned it in India and it involves the prostate. The first thing you have to do is."
***
The large living room of the mansion was decorated with the paraphernalia of a three hundred lifetimes. Sword from every corner of the globe lay preserved in cases. Paintings from world famous artists graced the walls. Over the fireplace hung the stuffed head of a gryphon that Xander had hunted in Mesopotamia.
The group filed into the room and looked around wondering what could be the gifts that Xander and the others seemed so eager to distribute. Giles took up position near a bookcase. Amy and Tara curled up together on the sofa. Joyce and Dawn took positions at the other end of the same sofa. Oz and Willow shared a large easy chair and Buffy and Angel took center stage near the large oak coffee table. The whole room seemed to carry an air of expectancy, like the world was just waiting to change. Into what, they could not say.
The Three were the last to enter. Faith and Cordelia, looking like Greek princesses flanked Xander. Xander himself carried a large cherry wood chest, balanced easily in his two hands. Smiling at the group, he put it down in the center of the room and looked around. Then he nodded at Cordelia.
She began to speak. " Over the years the three of us have come across many objects of power. Some of those items were destined for others. Others were lost or destroyed. The things in this chest are things that we can use to help us hold back the darkness." She looked at the group. " These things belong to you. I can feel it," she finished.
Xander opened the chest and pulled out the first item. Some sort of shrived hand or paw with a thin silver chain wrapped around it to make the item into a necklace. Xander held it up and grotesque shadows danced along the wall.
Oz's eyes widened as he caught the items scent. It was a shriveled wolfs paw. Almost involuntarily his hands itched to snatch the thing from Xander's hand.
" This is a wolf talisman. An Indian shaman made it and enchanted it to make it a conduit for wolf spirits." Xander smiled. " I don't know everything that it does, but I do know that it gives a werewolf control over their shape shifting abilities." He tossed it to Oz. " Wear it in good health."
" Thanks," Oz said simply. Willow looked from Oz to Xander in shock and pleased amazement.
Faith pulled out the next item. It was a thin tube about six inches long that seemed to glow coppery in the firelight. Symbols moved and flickered along the tube like carvings of licking flame. " This wand was made in Greece by the pyromancer Heraclitus. Its filled with the liquefied and distilled essence of fire elementals." She threw it to Amy.
Amy held it in her hand and marveled at it. It was slightly warm to the touch. Like it had been left out in the hot sum all day long. " What does it do?"
" It'll enhance your fire powers." Faith smiled, " but practice outside. We're not insured yet."
Cordelia reached into chest and pulled out a thick tome. She smiled at Tara. " This is a tome that was given to me by a dear friend of mine. She was lost during the witch burnings in Europe." Cordelia wiped a tear from her eye. " One of the last things she told me was that her book of shadows should go to the most deserving witch we could find. We can't think of anyone we'd rather give it to." She handed the book to Tara.
Tara thumbed through the book and her eyes widened as she saw the spells and potions. " The witch who owned this.these spells.how could she die? How could anyone kill someone so powerful?"
Cordelia smiled sadly. " Everyone has a time to die, and she respected hers."
Xander pulled a beautiful broadsword, golden filigree covering the hilt and runes etched along the blade. " Giles, this blade is the sword of Acadia. Crafted by the fey folk more than a thousand years ago. It acts as a battery for magical power, so even if you aren't a natural witch you can cast some spontaneous spells. The sword is also capable of cutting through illusions and protective wards."
Giles took off his glasses and took the sword with shaking hands. " Xander, this.I don't know what to say. This gift is more than I could expect."
" Don't worry about it." Xander smiled at the watcher.
Cordelia pulled out a small medallion from the chest. Without words she tossed it to willow.
Willow turned the silver medallion over in her hands and gasped. " This a kabalistic amulet. The secret names of God are inscribed on this in Yiddish." Willow shook her head. " I can't take this, the amount of power.No one should have this thing."
" What can that kabbieblastic thing do?" Buffy asked.
" With the proper incantation in the language and enough power behind it, nearly anything." Willow said softly, never taking her eyes off the talisman. " The words on this talisman are the foundation of reality, in Jewish lore these are the words that God uttered at the beginning of time to create the universe."
" Willow we trust you with it. If we didn't we wouldn't have given it to you." Cordelia knelt in front of Willow. " Rabbi Loew wanted this to go to someone deserving. You are that Willow. Never doubt that."
Willow searched Cordelia's face and then gave a weak smile. " Okay."
" And with that little drama out of the way," Faith said, " We get to the final actual present for the evening. She pulled a sword out of the chest and she held it out to buffy.
The sword was of Chinese design, a tai chi sword. It was straight with a slightly curved tip that flared out. Chinese characters flowed up and down the blade. The entire weapon's bearing gave the impression of water, of flowing. It almost seemed to shine like it was a little wet with fresh polish. Buffy gave a few practice swings and marveled at the weapons balance. " Wow."
" That sword was made during the warring states period of China. A blacksmith-sorcerer crafted it to hunt dragons. It can pierce the hide of any supernatural creature or demon, and dusts vampires like wielding a stake. There is almost nothing on this plane that this weapon can't kill. Even a god." Faith said smiling.
Xander smirked. " Try not to lose it."
***
Vampires were milling about the large central chamber of the Temple of Amara. Spike stood with his four original master vampires and Dog Tag on a raised dais. He turned to Thomas Thorne. " You separate the vamps with potential from the really stupid ones?"
Thorne nodded. " Dog Tag and I weeded out the truly stupid vampires from the ones that at least show a glimmer of intelligence and promise. Our great kingdom won't be dragged down by dead weight."
Dog Tag, the newest master vampire nodded in agreement. " My boys and I made sure that any vamps with military training and some common sense won't be in the ritual." He shrugged. " The rest don't matter a whole lot." To Dog Tag, any vampire who wasn't military trained wasn't worth the blood used to turn them.
Drusilla giggled and turned to her lover. " Can I keep one for a pet Spike?" She battered her girlish eyes at him. " I promise to walk him everyday and feed him lots of schoolchildren."
Spike rolled his eyes. " Sure pet. Whatever you want." Then he turned to Catherine Madison. " Begin the ritual."
Catherine began to chant in a language that was old when the temple was newly built.
***
Faith walked up to Joyce and smiled at her. " Don't worry. This won't hurt at all." She took Joyce's head in her hands and closed her eyes. Then they flew open and the whole group saw swirling red chaos in them. A soft glow appeared in between her fingers.
Joyce felt nothing at first, then warmth that seemed to start at the outer edges of her head and gradually moved inward. There was a pressure in her mind that seemed to build, build, and then drain away. She gasped with relief and then faith took away her hands.
" What did you do?" Joyce rubbed her temple.
Faith looked wearily at Joyce, lines of age showing around her eyes. " You had a tumor growing in your brain. It probably would have killed you in a year or so, if I hadn't healed you."
Joyce looked to buffy and dawn in horror. " Tha-Thank you Faith, I don't know what to say."
Faith smiled. " Just be yourself. And don't get sick again. Healings wicked hard."
{Catherine's chant began to rise. Her eyes became empty pools of shadow as the words tripped off her tongue. Spike smirked as he saw several vampires fall to the ground as the change came over them. Involuntarily, all the vampires burst into game face. And those faces twisted and began to bulge}
Cordelia walked over to angel and Faith went to her side. Xander rolled his eyes and found a corner of the room. He might have agreed to this for Buffy's sake but he didn't have to watch it.
" Come here Angel." Cordelia's soft voice mysteriously carried to every corner of the room.
Angel stood up cautiously. If his heart could beat, it would be racing. He knew that Xander's wives didn't hold the same level of animosity that he did, but something tickled the back of his mind. This, whatever was about to happen, was going to be momentous.
" Your gift isn't an object, because to someone like you, most possessions are meaningless." She looked to Buffy. " The things you want, love, acceptance, happiness, are denied to you because of the curse. The curse cannot be easily broken because no mortal caster can permanently anchor a soul. Only the creator can do that." Then Cordelia smiled at Faith. " The creator or a god like Faith here."
{Screams echoed about the main chamber as vampire bones broke and reformed. Spines cracked and limbs lengthened. Spike laughed over screams of pain that gradually became roars of hunger}
Faith and Cordelia joined hands and closed their eyes. Then an amazing transformation overtook Cordelia. Those who had seem her use upper level powers knew that her eyes transformed into smoky gray orbs when her powers were active. This time the transformation went beyond her eyes. Her long hair and eyebrows became drained of color. They took on the same smoke color as her eyes. Cordelia opened her mouth and gray mist rolled out and swirled around Angel.
Closing his eyes Angel inhaled the smoke into his long dead lungs. He could feel the magic doing something, spreading its energy throughout his body. He sank to his knees as the magic and divine power worked its passive magic on his mind, body and soul.
Finally the magic mist faded from around Angel and he stood up weakly. The first thing he did was seek out Buffy. Her tear-streaked eyes watched him holding her breath; she stared like she could not believe her eyes. In a few short steps he caught her in his arms and she sagged against him.
" Is it true, is his soul really anchored for good?" She asked from within his chest.
Xander walked forward and nodded. " Its true all right, Angelus ain't coming out to play no more, is he Angel?"
Angel stared hard at Xander while hugging buffy close. " No, Angelus is gone for good."
Xander and Angel met each other's gazes. They held that pose for a second and then they each nodded. They still didn't like each other, but they could pretend.for at least one night.
Then Xander walked over to the chest and pulled out a number of glasses and a decanter filled with a glowing green liquid the consistency of snot. Placing the glasses on table, he filled each one with the unappealing drink.
" There is no magic, no power that can keep a person alive forever short of ambrosia or forcibly stealing the quickening of an immortal by magic. But there are things that prolong life and health. This," and he held up the bottle, " is the blood of a Mohra demon."
" The demon assassins." Giles asked curiously. " Aren't they are supposed to be very rare?"
Cordelia snorted. " Sure they are, unless you happen to piss off the demon lord of their home dimension. Then they pop out of the frinkin' woodwork. But that would be a long story," she added sheepishly.
Faith retorted, " well if you hadn't-"
" Girls, focus," Xander shouted in exasperation. " I'm trying to get to the part were the blood will grant everyone here extended life spans and really fast healing."
Then he turned back to the group. " Morhra demons are nearly impossible to kill, and their blood grants limited regeneration power to mortals that drink it. Plus it will triple maybe quadruple your life span's." He turned to Joyce and Giles. " For the two of you, it will actually reverse your aging process slightly as the rejuvenating powers of the blood restore your health, metabolism, and muscle tone. We think it will give you the physiques of someone in their mid thirties. Not a huge difference, but one you'll feel and others will definitely notice. And of course you'll stay that way for a long time." Xander looked around. " These glasses are here for you. There is enough for everyone here except for the three of us, dawn, buffy. And Anya of course if she wants it." Xander looked around. " You don't have to do this. Long life spans can be wonderful, but a burden. When the people you care about start to die." Xander got choked up and couldn't continue.
Faith took over. " It might be a little selfish but we don't want to have to do that with any of you for a long time. But like Xan said, it's your choice. A long life ain't always roses and parties."
" Hey," dawn asked indignantly. " How come I don't get the cool drink?"
" Because," Cordelia answered compassionately, " your twelve. The blood would have too much of an unpredictable effect on you since you haven't reached your full growth." Then she smiled, " when your ready, if you still want it, it'll be there for you."
Joyce stared at the glass in front of her. For what seemed like the millionth time that night, her mind swirled in chaos. Youth, vitality.it was staring her in the face. Joyce didn't like to think about it, but she knew that Hank had traded her in for a younger model. She was getting older, and aging sucked for everyone but especially women who were judged by their looks. She had two teenaged children, and the recent growth spurt by dawn really hit home that she wasn't a young mom anymore. But she was wise enough to realize what Xander said was true. The world was changing, and would change faster and not always for the better. Did she really want to see it, watch the world maybe go down in flames? Watch one, maybe both of her daughters march off to fight everyday. Then a single thought crossed her mind and she reached for the glass and downed it in a single gulp. None of those things mattered. Not aging, not the sad state of world affairs. She was a mother and she needed to be there for her daughters. No matter how long they lived, they would always be her daughters.
And they will always need their mother.
One by one, each one of the Scooby's took the glass in their hand and drank the life giving blood, each for their for their own reasons.
None of them knew it, save for perhaps Cordelia, but a new legend was being born. One that will echo down through the pages of history. Only their choices would tell whether it was a remembered fondly or one remembered darkly. Destiny and Fate danced on the edge of a pin for each of them.
{Spike surveyed his new shock troops. The vampires who were subject to the ritual were changed. They were at once both more and less than vampire minions. Stronger, faster, more in tune with their combat instincts, they were also now barely intelligent and paced like the caged animals they now resembled. Regressed vampires, they would obey the commands of any true master vampire who gave them orders. They had no wants, no desires besides blood and violence. William the Bloody was going to write his name across world with the blood of Buffy the vampire slayer. He had his troops now. His Turok-Han}