The Powers that Be
by Teri
(Warnings, Notes, & Summary: See Chapter 1)
Part 4 - Seeing is Believing
Tara looked at Anya, "you can tell?"
Anya glanced at Xander before answering, "sure. Descendants of Olympus are always obvious."
Giles noticed the glance, but decided to ignore it for now. They had enough to worry about without adding that to their plate; although, when this was over he and Anya would have a LONG talk. He considered the implication of the reality of the Greek gods for a moment, "so, if the Greek gods are real, then maybe some of their weaknesses are real?"
"I already told you Giles, the Hind's blood is gone," Anya reminded him.
"True, but as a child I remember a story of Ares being imprisoned in a Bronze Jar," Giles countered.
"So trap, not destroy?" Xander clarified.
"Yes," Giles affirmed with a nod of his head.
"It could work."
The last sentence stopped the group. The reason? No one at the table had said it.
The voice sounded like it had come from behind Xander. All heads turned that way as Xander jumped out of his chair, "who are you?"
"There is no one there," several of the girls chorused.
Tara stood looking at the empty spot Xander was and lowered her head with her hands outstretched.
"Hey, hey, hey, none of that," his voice sounded exasperated as he appeared. Standing in the room was a tall man mostly in green with a mustache that reminded Giles of a villain about to tie the damsel to the railroad tracks.
"I know you!" Anya huffed as she walked over to him; "you managed to steal my amulet one time. Why are you still alive?"
"Anya?" Buffy had moved between them, not only to possibly defend Anya, but to also get a better look at the intruder. She really wanted to know who the new guy was.
"Ah, lovely lady," he smiled. "I am Autolycus, King of Thieves," he bowed gallantly to Buffy and kissed her hand, at the same time he pocketed her watch, two rings, a small silver knife, and even a stake from her sleeve.
"That doesn't answer my question, Mister!" Anya got back into the fray.
"Well, you see my Uncle Hades and I have a hate/annoy relationship. He saw me coming and decided he couldn't put-up with me in his realm so he sent me back."
"Uncle Hades?" Giles parroted back.
"Uncle Hades," Autolycus conformed with a grin. He loved watching mortals' reactions to that statement. "Actually, great Uncle Hades to be precise."
"You're Hermes son, one of the current council of twelve," Tara added in slow realization of just who was in the room with them.
"Bingo, oh cute witch-y babe."
"Why are you here?" Buffy said again, now trying to figure out what happened to her stake.
"To help you against Glory."
I realize that this is a short chapter, but as it has been nearly two years since I updated I hope you will forgive me.I just wanted to show that I haven't forgotten about this story.
Thanks,
Teri
Posted: March 21, 2005
