"So, what's new in the world of the big bad?" Asked Buffy, as she took a seat at the table.

"I really wish you wouldn't be so flippant." Giles said, and sighed. Then he began adjusting his glasses as he did. "Anyhow, the prophecy has the usual mention of the slayer, as well as a reference to an en-souled vampire, though not in those words. What it does not mention, however, is what this evil is, or how we can find it. I've called Willow, she's on her way. We need to start researching."

"What about Anya, Spike, and Xander? Want me to call them?"

"Not yet. The part about the en-souled vampire might be Angel. No since involving Spike needlessly. Not that we could stop him from getting involved. I just want to figure out what this evil is first. Then from there we'll figure out what we need to use to stop it." Giles started to walk back to the front. "I'd rather read the full prophecy once Willow gets here, instead of repeating myself. Meanwhile, let's go see about this person you brought. You said a portal?"

"I didn't see anything glowing, but he did come out of thin air. Or roll out of it anyway. I don't think he intentionally attacked the vamp." Said Buffy, not looking at Giles face at the time. If she had, she'd have noticed the look of puzzlement on his face. "The guy's goofy, but I'm used to that from Xander. This one's definitely better in a fight. Though each has his own uses."

"Just to clarify, what did he say his full name was?"

"He said something about being called Vash the Stampede, or something of that sort. Why?" she looked at Giles, and noticed the surprise on his face. "What? Do I have something on my face. Because if I do, I'd rather know now before I go out and talk to this guy. I hate being embarrassed."

"There isn't anything on your face, I'll cover everything when Willow arrives."

Xander, Anya, and Spike were walking home. They had nothing better to do, and Spike was their next choice to Buffy if a fight came about. En-souled, or not, he still loved a fight.

"I wonder if Buffy got home alright...," mused Xander as they walked through town.

"She's the slayer; she always comes out on top." Spike said.

"Haven't met a man, demon or not, that's strong enough to take her down. Kinda took the fun out of my old job." Anya said, grinning mischievously.

"Don't tell me you still miss bringing about the deaths of many men. I thought I changed your heart on that." Xander put on a hurt face.

"Hmm... looks like Giles is still at the shop. Wonder what's going on?"

"Hi guys." Said Willow startling them, except Spike who had smelled her coming. "Giles called me. I didn't know you were going to be here too."

"We were on our way home. What's up?" Asked Xander with his usual disregard for patience.

"Some prophecy thing. Shall we go in?"

After finishing the sandwich, and cleaning up what little of the mess was left, Vash started walking around the shop. Remembering what Giles had said, he avoided the top level. No since triggering a booby trap or something. He started checking the notes that someone had left on certain books.

"Hmm... 'Making a love potion... not recommended. You might accidentally cause everyone to want you. If you insist, read for the sake of it, don't try it at home.'" Vash scratched his head. "Ok... that was weird. Are they serious?" He pondered the merits of having everyone want you, versus the warning from both Giles and the note. "Best not risk it. Besides, Meryl might beat me up. If I ever see her again."

'Sneezing powder, great for practical jokes. Just make sure that no one is having diarrhea at the time' Vash flinches. "What is this world? I never heard of anything like this stuff being on earth."

Finally bored with wandering, he sat down at a chair in the reading section, and started tapping his fingers impatiently. "Have they forgotten about me?" He asked himself, while watching four people enter the building. "Hmmm... Buffy did say this was after hours, should I tell them to leave? Or ask them questions... choices, choices."

Spike was the first one to notice the visitor, and subtly prepared for anything. "Who are you? "

Xander, Anya, and Willow looked in the direction Spike was looking. Then they looked at each other. "Well, Spike, I'd say that if he's sitting there quietly he's probably a guest of Giles" said Willow.

"Buffy actually. They're in back talking about some kind of prophecy. Said they'd be back in fifteen minutes. The name is Vash. You are?" He had reacted to Spike's reaction, and had his hand ready, but not obviously near his gun. His left arm, was ready too, but using a machine gun in here would do a lot of damage to the store. After what Buffy had said about the hellmouth, and everything, he couldn't be too careful.

Spike growled.

"Quit it, Spike. He's a guest of Buffy, not her new lover." Anya said.

"What!!" Yelled Vash, waving his hands in front of his face, then frantically grabbed for the edge of the table as he fell over backwards.

Spike burst out laughing. "Guess you're legit then." Then he glared at Vash. "I'll be watching you though."

Anya looked at Vash, then at Xander. "What an idiot. Reminds me of you."

"Thanks a lot. There are times when I wonder why I put up with you." Anya kissed Xander. "What was I saying?"

"You were saying that you were going to buy me a new set of clothes tomorrow."

"I was?"

Willow ignored them, and watched Vash trying to right himself, thinking. While Spike thought about whether or not to add to the lover's debate. At which point Giles and Buffy walked out of the back.

"Willow, I thought I asked for just you."

"Well, they were standing in front of the store, gaping at the lights inside the store. I couldn't very well leave them out there in the cold, could I?"

"Fine, well since you're all here..."

"Wait, do I need to leave? You obviously have a private conversation here." Asked Vash.

"Actually... Buffy's description of your arrival, combined with the title you gave her, 'Vash the Stampede' I believe it was, makes you a part of our group until this prophecy no longer exists. I'm going to cover it now, so will all of you listen?"

'And a stampede will roll through, to save the present and the future, from an evil that will enslave everything. To the embattled, go the skills. Of speed and endurance, to which the evil will yield. And during that course, while the fighting is set, the weakness will be found, that will make the enemy misstep.'

"That's it. I need more research, there's probably some reference to this, or maybe a secondary prophecy. Meanwhile, I want patrolling. Vash will stay here for now, and help us research. He might see something we miss. Buffy and Spike will patrol. Xander you can stay here or go as you will."

"If Vash is part of this prophecy, we might need to brush Vash up on some techniques for killing the baddies." Said Buffy, as she grabbed up a couple stakes, and started walking out the door.

Spike grabbed a couple too, then smirked at everyone and followed her. Xander decided to stick around for a while.

"Well, Vash. I get the impression that you prefer to move around. Can you sit still long enough to help us save the world?"

Vash sighed heavily. "What choice do I have? All I've been doing is saving the world, with the occasional chance to actually sleep for four hours if I'm lucky. In fact, reading books is the least likely to kill me. Where do you want me to start?"