Chapter 5: The Beginning of a New Era

An hour later Xander was in full battle gear. It wasn't metal like humans or dwarfs armor, it was nice flexible leather. It did however have protection ruins carved into it. It was good that Drows were always so paranoid about having to go to war, and that they also kept all things ready to go. Xander grabbed his daggers and slid them into his knee boots. He strapped his two swords to his back. They were his favored weapon since they were lightweight and gracefull instead ofbig and bulky weaponsthatprohibited movement.

He had already called the Drows to the ready about thirty minutes ago, and he was the last one to return. They were going by foot to Sunnydale since it was only about five miles and they were in no rush, and the fact that drow could run for hours before they tired helped. The King had confirmed that the Dwarves and Elves would meet them, and that several large packs of Kitsunes and Werewolves were coming. They had not heard from Angel or the Vampires, but they didn't expect to. They would show up only if it pleased them at the moment. Even the rogue demon packs that chose to live in the neutral regions were taking up arms for the war.

The Seventh level was not a place even spoken of in nighttime ghost stories or used in tall tales to make children mind. These beings had not been born demonic. They had been humans and several other races once, but had chosen to be vengeful and seek power beyond their control. It was amazing the number that they all knew would spew forth. It was almost unimaginable to think that there were that many people with black hearts, but they would come. An army that most likely out-numbered them by far, but the mystics' army had never been defeated and this time there was absolutely no room for defeat.

Xander positioned himself at the open portal that several of the drows that wouldn't be able to fight were going to open. He turned towards the drow warriors and gazed at them for a moment catching his breath. He knew that being who he was he should give a formal speech that spoke of bravery, but he knew it would be null once they passed through the portal.

"I'll spare you the long words," He paused seeing the overall relief, "Just Fight. It's all you can do." With that said he turned and strode purposely through the portal. He knew that many of the men and women going to fight today would not return. The most he could hope for was to come back with half the troops he began with. It was different than it had ever been any of the other times he had went out to save the world with Buffy and the gang. This was it for his people. The big bang against the biggest foe. Whoever came out the winner lived; whoever lost died. Simple as that, but the most frightening thing he had ever had to deal with in his life.

As he picked up the pace towards Sunnydale a smirk crossed his face. He sure hoped those blasted demons used firepower to break open the Hell-Hole because it was right below his kitchen, and right below his kitchen was an arsenal that when ignited would most likely take out half the road along with a few nasties.

"So…Do I need to like wait outside or something?" Faith asked as she stared up at the structure that was home base of the vampires. It was slightly creepy how normal and peaceful looking a building made for vampires by vampires could look, and plus being the slayer and all, she really didn't want to walk into a room with about ten master vampires.

"It would probably be for the best, but come on in anyways. It's not like Sunnydale here, most of the vampires act just like I do with a soul. I'm not sure if they have souls are not, or if it has something to do with how old they are, but they listen to reason before killing something." Angel told her trying to sound reassuring. Faith still wasn't all that reassured. She shrugged her shoulders a little bit and began to follow Angel. The end of the world was coming, so what if hers came a few hours earlier?

"Wow." Was the only word Faith could think of as soon as she stepped inside. From the outside the building was just that, a large non-descript building, but on the inside in was absolutely magnificent. The vampires had been around for ages and therefore many time periods decorating themes were contained inside one building. Draperies from a century ago were proudly displayed along the walls and contrasted nicely with the marble walls, ceiling, and floors. It was definitely only a place for the richest of the upper class to ever think of entering. Yet here she was, Slayer, from the slums, standing in one of the most lavish places on earth, surrounded by vampires.

"Angelus. He is waiting for you." Faith and Angel spun around to look at who had called to them. He was a mystery man draped in the shadows. Angel caught sight of the long swishy robes and the long hair that moved slightly when the man walked. He realized that this was probably 'His' consort.

'He' was the oldest of the Nobel and Most Ancient house of Aurelias. Rumored to have been born into the darkness during the time of Christ. He was an ageless man that had seen the world from the bitter start and might soon bear witness to the end if he did not join the war.

Angel and Faith followed the man obediently. They didn't dare take on anyone in the house for they knew they would loose hands down. They were soon turning sharp curves back and forth that confused anyone who didn't know where they were going. The man stopped walking a few feet ahead of them and moved his hand in a circle in front of the wall. The wall slid apart and the man led Angel and Faith through the opening. Angel was rather amused to find that on the other side of the hall there was an elaborate door to confuse anyone that happened to wander here accidentally.

"Angelus. What a pleasure." Angel's attention immediately snapped back to the vampire seated in a plush Victorian chair next to a dead fire.

"Master Aurelias. We have traveled from the Drow Realms…." Angel was cut off with a wave of the master vampires hand.

"Yes. Yes. I already know what is happening. Delicroux has been using his magicks and such just as I have to protect his people, but I fear that our kind will not be as thankful as the Drow. The vampires have fell into a time of ruin. Fledglings are not taught as they used to be. Childes are uncommon to a master in these times. I foresee the vampires will only be sending a small force. Seventy masters. Twenty-four childes. Plenty of fledglings, but they are not to be trusted. I will allow them to fight, but many will join our foe and I will an issue an order for them to be dealt with swiftly. Return to the Hell Hole and help Prince Xandrell ready the forces. You are dismissed Angelus." The master turned and strode into his private quarters with his consort following closely behind him.

"That was straight foreword." Faith commented as a different vampire lead them back through the maze. This one was not as tall or mystical looking as the master's consort had been, but he was regal in bearing just the same.

"I sometimes forget that he was the leader of the pharaoh's armies in Egypt before he was turned. He understands the world better than any and knows how he must deal with every situation." Angel told her.

"Woah. So that makes him like a million years old?" Faith asked amazed.

"Yes. With the creation of life came the creation of dead, and from that came the un-dead." Angel explained to her. They didn't speak anymore as they made their way threw the main hall and out of the building. They were going to return immediately to Sunnydale, whereas, it would probably take the Master a day to gather his people and head out, but they would come. There was no doubt about that. This was big. Way bigger and more important than going patrolling and saving the innocent. This was it.

The end or the beginning of a new era on earth.

Sorry for my mix-up when spelling Sunnydale as Sunnydell. I am really to lazy to go back through and change all the misspelled words, sorry again.