CHAPTER TWO
A bleeding heart torn apart
Left on an icy grave
In the room where they once lay
Face to face
Nothing could get in their way
But now the memories of the man are haunting her days
And the craving never fades
She's still dreaming of a man
Long forgiven, but not forgotten
The Corrs - Forgiven Not Forgotten
Should we even mention Angel is here Cordy asked as she, Ceara and Wesley sat in Wesleys car outside the Magic Box. Cordys face knitted tightly. I mean, I know Angel and Buffy got together once when she cameback but Im not sure theyre ready to work in the same town.
A small scowl touched Wesleys face as he considered it. ll find out sooner or later hes here. We did call Willow and tell her we were heading here and why.Yeah, but we didnt exactly mention we were bringing Angel but I guess theyd figure hed come, too. Cordy shook her head, wondering at this decision. Too bad we didnt get to talk to anyone live instead of leaving all those voice mails. Giles is still in England, right? We dont want Ceara getting into a tight spot. Cordy looked over the back of her seat at Ceara.
Well, since we never did get a hold of anyone we couldnt double check. Im fairly sure hes in England. Im not sure hes come to grips with all of this Wesley said.
Which is why I brought Aidan along. Are we just going to sit here or are we going to go in and talk to them about these kids Ceara felt less confident than she sounded. Just because Giles had moved back to England didnt ease the prickling up and down her spine that screamed he might just surprise her.
m ready Cordy said, checking her make-up in the visor mirror again.
They got out of the car and slowly made their way towards the Magic Box, each uncomfortable with the idea of facing their past awaiting them. Once inside, several expectant faces stared at them. Uncomfortable silence stretched out between them. Cordy took a step back, seeing Spike sitting at the table with Willow, Xander, Anya, Dawn and a woman she didnt know. He was comfortably deep enough in the shadows that he didnt have to worry about the fading sun.
What is he doing here Cordy stabbed a finger in Spikes direction.
And hello to you too, luv Spike sneered.
Willow shot Cordy an apologetic look. s with us now. Its a long story.I can imagine. Do you know what he did to Angel and Cordelia when he came to L.A. last Wesley asked, not taking his eyes off of Spike.
We have a pretty good idea. Xander rolled his eyes then gave Cordy a nervous look, pulling Anya closer. Anya was already shooting Cordelia jealousy-laden glances as if instinctively knowing there was cause to wary of her.
Maybe we shouldnt have had you here, Spike, at least not yet Willow said. The pale girl next to Willow patted her arm comfortingly.
Well, theres not much to be done for it now. Im Ceara Charging Thunder by the way. Ive got the vampires name and Im guessing the rest of you are Cordys friends. Ceara crossed over to the table where they sat, her eyes never leaving their faces, committing them to memory.
The red-head summoned up a faint smile. Yes. Im Willow and theyre Xander, Anya and Tara and Buffys sister, Dawn.
Ceara smiled softly, still marveling over a Slayer with friends. She had known a handful of Potentials and two active Slayers. Friends had never been on the menu thanks to the Watchers. Nice to meet you all.s Buffy Cordy asked, noticing she was conspicuously absent.
s working out. Shell be here soon. How did you know Spike was a vampire Dawn swept her hair back. Surprise shone in her eyes.
m real good at spotting them Ceara replied, shrugging her slim shoulders.
Ceara used to be a Potential Wesley offered. But thats not what were here for, I guess.Yes, you mentioned missing children in L.A. Willow said. What makes you think theyre hereYou have two missing kids in Sunnydale now and then theres Cordys vision Wesley offered. The incidents with the children started in L.A. with close to a dozen kids being taken. The only ones that have turned up were ritualistically killed. Then Cordys visions led us here to Sunnydale.
The door chimes jingled before anyone could respond to his report, and Anya popped up enthusiastically to serve the customer.
re not really sure whos doing it but were thinking its a normal human trying to raise a demon. We do know that Angel is supposed to do something to help or the Powers That Be wouldnt have sent Cordy that vision Ceara said more softly, hoping not to be overheard by the customer.
That begs the question, is Peaches here in town Spike asked, taking out a cigarette but several glares stopped him from lighting it. He put it back in the pack. Bloody hell. Dont I have rights, too Willow told him and he curled his lip at her. She ignored him expertly.
s here but hes still holed up waiting for sun down Wesley said.
An internal door opened and Buffy came out with Giles. The L.A. crews eyes opened wide seeing the older man.
Mr. Giles! I thought you were in England Wesley said, tossing a nervous look Cearas way. Her face remained passive, almost if she expected it somehow.
m here for the holidays, and to help with Anya and Xanders wedding plans. I didnt expect to see you here, Wyndham-Pryce Giles said, his eyes on Ceara, obviously studying her and comparing her to mental pictures from the past. His lips nearly disappeared as they pulled into a line. M-my word. C-C-Ceara, is that you
She smiled. m surprised you still remember me, Rupert. Its been a long time.I never thoughtI cant believe youre h-here He swept his glasses off, fiddling with them.
The feeling is mutual. Ceara walked toward Buffy looking her over. And you must be Buffy. I can see what Angel was talking about in regards to you.
Buffy blinked rapidly. I dont know you, do I? How do you know Angel and Giles
Ceara swept back her swag of raven hair as she studied the petite blonde who was dwarfed by Cearas lean six-foot frame. m staying at the Hyperion with Angel.
Buffy struggled to process that.
Ceara twirled the opal ring on her finger. m working in L.A. right now. Real quick summary of me: I see ghosts and I host the show, Paranormal Investigations. Im old friends with Wesley. He invited me to the Hyperion Hotel to check out the haunts there and Angel invited me to stay while I was in California.Angel said what about Buffy Willow asked, her eyes wide and curious.
That when he first met her, he was expecting someone taller, like me. I see his point. Youre tiny, no offense. Cearas full lips quirked up.
Why would he be comparing us Buffys face stormy.
Ceara was a Potential Giles supplied, still staring as if he couldnt believe what his eyes told him.
s how she knows you and Wesley then Buffy looked up at her Watcher.
Sort of Ceara said. I knew Wes from the Watchers Council. He was just getting started.Did you train with Mr. Giles, too Tara asked, then looked bashful as if shocked she had said anything to a stranger.
No. My Watcher was Neema Halloran. Rupert wasnt part of the group training me. I didnt even know he was a Watcher when I met him in that East End pub. He and I had a different sort of relationship Ceara said, cocking her head. She moved to the counter to play with a touristy crystal ball that rested there while looking at Rupert with slotted eyes. Anya, done with her customer, slid over behind the counter to keep a careful eye on the expensive crystal that Ceara shifted back and forth in her mahogany-skinned hands. Her fingers, with their perfect manicure in silver liquid chrome, deftly moved the crystal about.
Xander wagged his eyebrows at Giles.
A r-relationship that has no bearing on this case Giles said rapidly, his subtle stammer thickening. His stiffening stance told Xander, from years of experience, Giles didnt want to be pressed on the subject. As usual, Xander didnt really care if he crossed that line.
Yes, but after fifteen years youre still running from it obviously. Ceara tossed her hair back, fire flickering in her nearly black eyes.
Giles mouth opened then snapped shut. m not running! It doesnt have anything to do with the missing children. His faded blue eyes narrowed as he mulled over something she said. Surely it cant be that long ago when we knew each other.Why does this have an ominous overtone Xander asked amused. He ignored Giles glare.
Because, if he could bring himself to say it, he means in the Biblical sense Ceara replied much to Giles obvious horror.
Xander smirked.
Giles whirled on Xander. How many times have I asked you not to call me that? And it d-d-doesnt have anything to do with the problem at hand so theres no need to be discussing it.
Ceara set the orb aside and leaned against the counter, ignoring Anya checking it for damage. Maybe not, but it was fifteen years ago.re sure Giles asked, wiping his glasses with his shirt. It doesnt feel that long.I think nancy boy has arrived Spike said, glancing out the window. I recognize the Angel-mobile but who the hell is that in the car with the poofI guess we should wait for Angel before we continue then Buffy said, her eyes all but glowing as she glanced toward the door. A mix of anticipation at seeing Angel again and subtle fear was visible in her wan face to those knowing her best. She didnt trust Spike to keep their terrible secret. She knew what would happen if Angel had learned of her enormous lapse of judgment and desperation.
What bounced through wasnt exactly what everyone was expecting. Angel followed the teenager in.
Mum! John called and we have a prob Aidan said, trailing off staring at Giles. He edged closer to Ceara, running a nervous hand along one of his plaits. Strewth! MumYes, Rupert, I have tangible proof its been fifteen years Ceara said, giving him a knowing look.
Giles nearly lost his eyeglasses. He stammered something unintelligible. His long face drained to a shade paler than Spike Buffy turned to him, mouth open.
I think covers this situation. Spike grinned, thoroughly amused.
You said there was a problem, son Ceara said, dragging his attention away from Giles. She put a hand on his shoulder.
Aidan jumped a bit. He turned his attention to his mother reluctantly. Oh yeah, John called. You know Aimee and Chris hung out shopping in L.A. and were going to head down here on their own to meet the band. Theres been a car accident thats stalled traffic. They wont make it here until an hour after the gig starts. John wants to know if you and I can fill in.Do you feel up to doing that she asked.
Let me see, go on stage and play guitar in front of a crowded room. Aidan rolled his eyes at her, fingering the three rings that dangled from his right earlobe.
I knowt be a drongo, mum. Of course Ill leap at the chance to show off. Call John and tell him well be there Ceara said, grabbing Giles arm. Guess we ought to talk. She hauled him, still stunned, into the back room.
Whoa, am I the only one whos speechless Xander asked, glancing around at his friends.
Um, no Buffy replied, her face a little paler than usual.
m confused Dawn said.
I should probably introduce myself. Im Aidan Charging Thunder and I guess that was my father. Ignoring the stunned looks on the various faces, he turned to Wesley. You said he was in England.
Wesley studied his hands guiltily. I thought he was. I didnt know he had come back.
Aidan wrinkled his nose, his eyebrow ring dancing. Guess this went balls up.I should say so Wesley said, deep regret softening his voice.
Angel, whos the other vampire Aidan asked, nodding at Spike.
Angel gave the younger vampire a flat smile. m glad Buffy warned me you were around.Nice to see you, too, Peaches. How did you know I was a vampire, kid? You like your mom and see ghosts Spike made another attempt to light up hoping the Scoobs were sufficiently distracted. No such luck; pouting he put the unlit cigarette between his lips for something to chew on.
Yeah, just like the movie saysI see dead people. Vampires usually have a string of ghosts following them. To be expected, I guess, with all the killing and evil stuff. When I see someone with a parade of the dead behind him I tend to figure its a vampire Aidan said, inspecting the room nervously. The books upstairs called to him but he resisted their lure.
You never mentioned this to me. Theres a bunch of ghosts hovering around me Angel asked, looking rather uncomfortable with the idea.
I thought you knew. Aidan shrugged and Angel looked immensely saddened at the idea. Are you the Slayer he asked, stopping in front of Buffy.
She smiled, marveling at the boy before her as if he were some fey creatures she never expected to see. Yes, Im Buffy. Thats my sister, Dawn and these are Anya, Xander, Willow and Tara.Nice to meet you. Sorry to just lob in like this Aidan said, fishing out his cellular. s your phoneIs your battery dead Anya asked. This isnt going to be long distance to like wherever it is youre from is it? Because that would cost a lot of money. Her nose wrinkled. What is that accentAn, now would be the time to practice being less blunt Xander cautioned Anya; it becoming second nature at this point.
Aidan laughed. m from Oz, not as in the Wizard there of. And I have a good battery. Its just that I have to call my cousin, John, to tell him the gigs on and I dont want to tie up the phone in case you have to call 911 because I give it about two minutes before my oldies end up having a big blue. Aidan pointed to the door Giles and Ceara had disappeared behind and, from which increasingly louder voices were issuing.
Buffy aimed for a reassuring smile. Giles wouldnt hurt anyone.Oh, Im not worried about that, but you dont know Mums temper. She got over being angry years ago but then again seeing him again may cause Mum to drop her bundle and tempt her to remove key body parts he said matter of factly.
I can guess which one. Spike grinned around his unlit cigarette, and the others glared at him. He refused to look apologetic.
Yeah. My Uncle has a station in north Australia and we have uncles here in the states with buffalo stations. We help out when we can. Mom has a castrating knife in her purse. I think its her favorite weapon and she has a lot of fun Aidan pulled a lemony face. Keeps me from tempting fate, let me tell you.Yeah, an ex-Potential with a knife would keep most of us in line Spike said, curling up a bit protectively, thinking about the castrating knife.
Oh! Thats the training room, lots of weaponage Buffy said, casting a nervous glance at the room her Watcher had been dragged into.
Damn, not good. Im not going in there to break it up Aidan said and no one else volunteered.
Spike got up and crossed over to Angel. So she has you babysitting for her, Angelt push me, Spike. Youre just lucky Buffy told me what you did for her and Dawn or wed have another fight to worry about the older vampire said and Spikes face morphed, a growl rumbling in his throat.
Spike, Angel just dont even start Buffy warned, her voice brittle with tension. She put a hand on Aidans arm, realizing the boy was taller than she was. Maybe she really was short. This has to be a bit of a shock for you. Is there anything we can get for youll be all right. Actually I need a room to put on my bib and tucker Aidan said.
Willows brow knit, as she wondered if she should get involved. Uh, whatMy dress clothes. I have to change if Im going to join the band. Charging Thunder is playing the Bronze tonight. Do you know where thats at Aidan asked.
Cordy laughed. We all know it. Their band is good. She pursed her lips as if reconsidering it. I guess they are. I mean, they sing country music so its hard to tellno, theyre good.
Aidan beamed at her, beginning to unplait his hair. re only saying that because you like John and he said he might help you get on TV but thanks.He knows you well, Cordy Xander said, humor dancing on his heavy features.
Cordy pointed a finger at him. You can change in the restroom Buffy said.
Okay. Ill get my bag Aidan said, heading for the door.
Angel stopped him. ll get it. Its Sunnydale after nightfall. You really shouldnt be wandering around alone.m just going to the car, mate, but all right. Aidan shrugged, continuing to loosen his hair.
Did I hear Giles say you two were engaged Cordy asked Xander as Angel went outside.
Yes! Isnt it beautiful Anya jumped up and shoved the ring at Cordy.
Cordy caught her hand and examined the ring as only she could. s gorgeous. Congratulations. She glanced over at Xander and fought back the urge to mist up. Part of her missed him still. Both of you. Thats great. Have you set a datemaybe, I think Xander said, getting up to put an arm around his fiancée.
m happy for you both she said as Angel came in and handed Aidan the duffel bag.
I think you may have cause to be afraid about blood shed Angel said, trying not to listen to the shouts behind the training room door.
Aidan shrugged. She was only five years older than me when he left and she found out she was pregnant. Shes never quite forgiven him for that I dont think.
Buffy stared, unbelievingly. It didnt sound like something the Giles she knew could do. How old was she Wesley supplied. Old enough to no longer be a Slayer candidate.Righto. Which way to the loo Aidan asked.
Um, that way. Willow pointed to the door and he disappeared behind it. Is anyone else having trouble seeing Giles running off on a teen-aged loverHell, Im shocked he convinced anyone to shag him Spike said.
Buffy said sharply. I guess Giles was young once. She made a face at the thought.
s not all that old now Angel said and all eyes turned to him. What? I guess it depends on your perspective. Maybe we shouldnt be standing here listening.
Spike kicked back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head. Like wed miss this. Its better than Passions.s Aidan like, Angel Buffy asked, moving over to him. She touched his arm briefly then pulled away as if afraid to do more.
s a good kid. Hes polite and smart. He sewed me into the bedding while I was sleeping the other day, and I suspect he took pictures. Angel said, a perplexed and vaguely amused expression on his broad-planed face.
Why would he do that Willow asked, grinning at the image. She flipped her red hair back, bumping her shoulder against Taras. Her lover smiled reassuringly.
Angel shrugged. Ask him. Hes got a weird sense of humor.He did warn you hed get you back for calling him a chatterbox, Angel. Wesley grinned.
I wish I could have seen your face when you woke up Cordy added, showing all her perfect teeth in a wide, white smile.
s an odd boy, though. I guess seeing ghosts since youve been in diapers will do that to you. His mother has encouraged those ghostly abilities and those of a wicasa wakan, a Lakota holy man. Hes a real asset when it comes to occult research. I like having him around Wesley said, taking his glasses off and polishing them in a manner that put the Scoobs in mind of Giles. Maybe it was a Watcher thing.
You knew about this, Wesley. You used to be a Watcher. How could you never tell Giles? Were you that jealous of him Buffy asked, her cheeks red spots of anger.
Wesley took a step back. He had forgotten for a moment his disastrous stay in Sunnydale and how well he had not been received. He should have realized there was still a little ill will left over. Buffy, I didnt know. I just found out this week myself. Ive known Ceara for years but mostly our friendship has been through correspondence and Ive seen her once or twice in the last fifteen years. She never mentioned a child just for the reason I might tell Rupert. She didnt want him to know.
Aidan came back out of the restroom dressed in snakeskin cowboy boots, tight black jeans, a dark blue and black western shirt and a silver belt with big turquoise cabochons. A black horn and blue beaded three-tiered hair pipe choker decorated his neck. He wore a silver and turquoise wrist bracer easily four inches long and he had changed out his multiple earrings for turquoise and silver ones. His long hair, wavy from being plaited, spilled freely down his back, the blue streaks framing his face obvious in the harsh shop lights.
Dawn sidled over to him. You look nice. Buffy, can I go to the Bronze and hear him play She turned eager eyes on her sister.
I guess maybe we all could go Buffy stammered, thinking she knew what that look meant. She wasnt ready for her little sister to develop crushes but better this strange young man much closer to her age than Spike.
If Dawn was disappointed Buffy had invited everyone, it didnt show. She smiled warmly at Aidan. You play guitar, right Aidan winced, hearing something hitting the wall with a metallic clang in the other room. That didnt sound good. Ill contact John after we see if the police need calling.Surely it wont be as bad as that Willow said comfortingly then flinched several seconds later as something shattered.
That was wood breaking. Id suggest looking for cover before that door flies open, mates Aidan said.
Buffy pursed her lips. You might be right.
Ceara sat on table, watching Rupert pace the training room. She just let him do what he needed to in order to calm himself enough to speak. She glanced appreciatively at the well-stocked weapons cabinet. She felt a real need to use the punching bag that hung in the room.
Finally Giles came to roost in front of her. He pulled off his glasses again, gesturing at the door with them. T-that w-w-was. He grimaced. His stammer had always been a hindrance. He hated the fact when he was worked up he could barely speak, him! A man who could any other time talk a blue streak.
Yes, that was. Her was smile was somewhere between cocky and nervous.
He pushed his glasses back on. Y-you n-never told me. Pain rode high in that accusation.
Why the hell should I Cearas sharp tone shocked her. Hadnt she gotten over the pain years ago? She would have said yes but she felt the crack in the dam of her emotions widen and raw passion torrent through.
Giles ran a hand through his hair, trying to keep from reaching out to her, to try and hold her. He is m-my son.s eyes narrowed as her fingernails dug into the table. So? You gave up any rights to him when you walked out on me.
Giles mouth worked soundless for a few moments before he managed to sayI d-didnt know.
Ceara glanced away. I guess you didnt want to, what with the way you snuck away. She hopped off the table and went to the weapons cabinet.
I d-didnt
She whirled on him, stalking back over. She stabbed a finger into his chest. What? Run off? The hell you didnt. You ran. You transferred right out of London.
He backed away, head down. I did. Memories from all those years gone by washed over him threatening to suck him under. If I had known I would haveWhat? Come back? Married me? Stay in a prison of parental duty until we grew to hate one another She jammed her hands against her hips.
It wouldnt have been that way he said, reaching out for her.
Slapping his hand away, Ceara stepped out of reach. Why? Because you loved me so much She went back to the weapons cabinet, grinding her fists against her eyes, trying not to cry. She failed, looking back at him with tears racing down her face. Your love was so strong you bolted.
Giles swallowed hard, the crows feet around his eyes deepening. Those tears tore at him. He didnt know how to fix this. His Watchers training said nothing about this. I had my responsibilities.
Ceara snatched up one of the knives out of the cabinet and winged it at him. Giles barely moved in time and it clattered off the wall.
He stared at the weapon and back at her. You could have killed meIf a Watchers that slow, he deserves it. Ceara rooted through the weapons trying not to touch them. She wanted to feel the sword in her hand. You can take your damned responsibilities and shove them up your ass.
Giles fell silent for a few moments, edging toward her cautiously. Ceara, I never meant to hurt you.
She turned from the cabinet before she grabbed the sword. He stood too close. She couldnt deal with him so near after so long and with her so angry. The hell you didn She shoved him. Someone who cared about that wouldnt have run off like you did. Did you do it because you were afraid of loving me or did you even love me at all? Maybe you were just in it for the sex. The agony in his face made her turn from him again, trying to lose herself in the weapons. She was being cruel just because she could and part of her felt justified and the other part felt horrified at the darkness in her.
His pale eyes sheened over. Please dont think that. I loved youand I shouldnt have. I was an adult, a Watcher. I had no right to be with you. But if I had only knownI missed my sons entire life. Thats not fair.Fair? Whats fair about life She whirled around with one of the kendo sticks in hand and broke it against the cabinet. She shoved the splintered end at him. This is our lives, Rupert. They have always been controlled by sharp bits of wood, all the better to kill vampires with. And when being close to me meant choosing love over these shards of wood, you chose the wood. You missed out on your sons life. Well, I dont pity you. I never wanted you to know. I still dont want you in his life.
Giles felt the tears welling up so strongly he could barely hang on to a modicum of decorum. m sorry. He flung open the door and ran out into the main room.
For Gods sake, Rupert, you didnt even say goodbye when you left me she screamed after him.
He paused, oblivious to all the eyes on him. Looking back at her, he started to say something then he seemed to sag in on himself. His eyes sifted towards the front of the store and his only means of escape.
I didnt tell you about any of this to make sure the Watchers didnt take it out on you she said softly. You didnt deserve to be punished for being with me.
Giles hesitated then fled out the front door.
Ceara looked around at the group. She grimaced, wiping her face. Sorry. I hate throwing a wobbly like that. Oh, youre ready to go, Aidan. I guess we should head for the Bronze she said, trying to play off the fight.
He put his arms around her. Are you okay for this Mum
She kissed his forehead. Okay is a stretch but I can deal.I should gotalk to Giles Buffy said, looking at the door. What would she say? She was used to Giles comforting her. She had tried it once when Jenny had died and she knew it had been inadequate.
You do that. Well make sure they get to the Bronze Cordy said, shifting her weight from foot to foot nervously.
ll go with them so we can talk more about this case of ours Willow said uneasily. She never did deal well with disruptions.
ll meet you there Buffy said, steeling herself as if for a fight.
re going to be late. Aidan and I will ride with you, Angel. I can change in the backseat Ceara said, heading for the door. Angel glanced at his friends and followed her out with a rather bemused look on his face.
Buffy crossed her arms. ll change in his car she asked as Spike hustled past her. She grabbed his duster, yanking him to a halt. Where are you goingTo the Bronze. I dont want them to get too far ahead of me. I like this woman. Spike shrugged free and disappeared out the door.
Okay, between Angel looking in the rearview mirror and the way Spike usually drives that bike of his, theres going to be twisted metal everywhere if she starts stripping down in the back seat Xander said, in a tone that suggested he wanted to watch himself. Anya slapped his shoulder.
Xander, shut up. I better go catch up with Giles Buffy said, heading out into the night.