Chapter 8: Questions, Decisions, First Dates
Dawn showed Champion the modern marvel of the microwave and began to heat some of the leftovers from the previous night. Not able to look at him, Dawn asked
"So, ah, you don't desire those women? Why?" She asked absently cleaning an already clean spot on the counter.
"I think that thee knows why Milady." Champion told her softly, "Thou art more beautiful than in my dreams."
Dawn smiled "I think the same way about you." she admitted, then added, "But it scares me too."
"Why Milady?"
"The things that I have dreamed, life, love, children. Happy ever after…Those are things of fairy tales." Dawn told him
"True" Champion admitted, placing his hands on Dawn's shoulders, "All we can truly hope for is more happiness than sorrow. More smiles than tears. I would spend a lifetime trying to do just that for thee." he told her gently
Dawn turned to face him, "I just have to think, please just give me some time."
"Of course Dawn." Champion stroked Dawn's face, "I have waited 1,500 years for thee, and I would wait unto the edge of doom for thee to be ready."
Dawn trembled under his touch, she desperately needed to talk to someone. Mom! She thought, "Moms always know what to do."
Later all the slayers were gathered together, each with a sword. Champion removed his shirt and hefted his sword.
"Lady Buffy?" Champion motioned for her to come forward.
Buffy laughed, "This is ridiculous." She scoffed "I've been a slayer for a long time now. I don't need anymore training."
"Don't be too sure Buff, I thought the same thing." Faith told her
"Okay, let's do this." Buffy hefted the sword and got ready.
"No, thy feet are all wrong." Champion told her, "Thou art making the same mistakes that Lady Faith made." he added "Were thou both trained by the same person?"
"By me." Giles admitted, "What's wrong with her feet."
"It is a classic form for only using power. Swordsmanship is more than just that."
"Slayers have to rely on their strength, it is the only way that they can face someone who is stronger than they are."
Champion stared at Giles, "Physical strength is but one facet. Look at me, I am just a man, I posses no powers. All of these slayers are stronger than I, and yet, I would have no difficulty in killing them all if that were my wish."
Giles laughed, "Oh I doubt that very much."
"I do not."
"Come on Champion." Buffy smiled holding her sword, "Let's see what you're made of."
Champion shrugged, "Very well, hold nothing back."
"Don't worry, I won't." Buffy attacked
In less than a minute, Buffy was disarmed and a sword was a scant inch from piercing her heart.
"Power alone will not help thee." Champion warned, "Thou must have finesse." he lowered the sword
Buffy stared in shock, she'd been beaten, and beaten easily. The man hadn't even broken a sweat!
"How are you without your sword."
"Fair." Champion admitted
"Good." Buffy attacked, every blow that she directed at Champion was either deflected or avoided completely. This fight lasted longer, since Buffy had the advantage of greater strength and stamina than did Champion. Finally, Champion connected a punch into Buffy's unprotected solar plexus. The air rushed out of her, as Champion moved in and grabbed her head.
"There, thy neck is broken, and thou art dead." He told her, and released her, "Thou art much better with thy bare hands than with a sword." he admitted rubbing his bruised forearm.
"Still there is room for improvement." Turning to Giles he said, "Thou hast trained thy slayers well. There is but only a little that I have to teach them now."
Turning he faced the slayers, "Shall we begin ladies?" he asked pleasantly
"Mom, Rupert, can I talk to you…in private?" Dawn whispered to her mother and stepfather.
Joyce looked to her daughter, "Of course honey, let's go get some tea." she said, a by-product of marrying an Englishman.
The two women and one man went into the kitchen, they all remained silent as Joyce prepared the tea. Once brewed, Joyce poured out three cups and sat down waiting.
Dawn played with her cup, biting her lip.
"This is about Champion." Giles said at last, Dawn looked up surprised, Giles chuckled, "I am not blind Dawn." he told her, "Neither is your mother. Now tell us what is wrong."
Dawn readjusted herself in her seat, "Do you guys remember when we went on the tour of England's castles last summer?" she asked
"Yes." Giles admitted, remembering how he wanted to show his new wife and children his own country.
"Remember, I told you how I dreamt for years about living in one."
Joyce laughed as she remembered Dawn telling of the dreams she'd had about living in a castle, with the most handsome man she'd ever seen and living happily ever after.
"Of course, I used to have similar dreams when I was a girl. Well not exactly. I mean your dreams were much more vivid. From the way you told them."
"Yes." Giles admitted remembering that afternoon as well, "You had such recall of even the smallest details of you dreams."
Dawn nodded, "In your dreams mom, did you ever meet that man. I mean meet him as in, he is exactly the way you dreamed him to be. His face, voice, mannerisms, every detail exactly as you dreamed he would be."
"No." Joyce admitted, "I used to dream like that with John Lennon, or Paul McCartney…"
"I did." Dawn broke in
"What?" Giles put down his cup staring at his step-daughter
Dawn sighed and sat up straight, "The man that I dreamed about, had all night conversations with, who I told everything to with out a second thought. Had children with, laughed and cried with. Is standing out in the lobby, teaching a bunch of slayers how to use a sword."
"Champion?" Joyce asked shocked
"What's more…" Dawn added, "He seems to have had the same dreams about me."
"Dawnie, that's just not possible, is it?" Joyce asked Giles
"I don't know…" Giles admitted just as shocked, "Shared dreams are not a rare thing, when magic is involved. However in the normal world it is rare. Still…"
Dawn looked up hurt, "Do you think I'm imagining it?" She demanded to know, "Do you think it is easy seeing him, really meeting him for the first time and falling instantly in love with him? He knows I'm the key, he knows and I never told him that except for in a dream."
"In Love?" Joyce asked amazed that her youngest daughter was talking this way.
"No, I don't think that you are imagining things." Giles told her gently, "What I was going to say, is that you both were touched by higher beings. Chosen by God or whoever, to be who you are. I think that it is very possible under those circumstances that you both have shared dreams. I could research it for you if you like Dawn."
"No that's okay." Looking up at her parents, "What do I do now?" she asked them
"Have you talked to him about this?" Joyce asked her daughter.
"Yes, he told me that I was more beautiful than I was in our dreams. That he loved me too."
"What did you say?" Giles asked her
"I asked him to wait for me, that I was confused and scared about all of this." Dawn looked at her parents with tears in her eyes, "He said that he has waited 1,500 years for me, and that we would wait until the edge of doom for me to be ready."
Joyce stared at her daughter, could see that she was indeed very confused as to what she should do next. Joyce knew that she couldn't tell her daughter not to see this man, or that it was ridiculous that she could fall in love with a man she had just met. It would only serve to drive Dawn away, and perhaps lead to something disastrous down the line.
"Honey, you are getting way ahead of yourself." Joyce began, she saw the look Dawn was now giving her, "Don't misunderstand me Dawn, I am NOT belittling how you feel in any way. I will NOT tell you that you are not feeling these emotions. You are not a little girl anymore, you are a woman now who knows her own heart. What I am saying is that you don't have to get married tomorrow." Joyce explained
"What?" Dawn asked confused
"Okay, so you are in love. Why don't you go out on a date with him." Joyce asked reasonably, "You both need to talk about what you have experienced. If it is true what you are saying…" Joyce looked at her daughter, "Then all I have to say that you are one of the luckiest women in the world. This is not something that happens everyday to find your one true soul mate. That, Dawn, is something very rare and very special."
Dawn smiled, "I knew you would have the answer." Shaking her head, "Did they give you a book on mom advice when Buffy and I were born?" she asked curiously
"Just experience honey." Joyce laughed
Giles wiped his glasses and replaced them, "I must say Dawn, that if you did find your soul mate. I am so glad that it is a man who was a knight of the round table, and not some tattooed, motorcycle riding hoodlum."
Dawn laughed, "Don't worry dad, I'm not at all interested in Wesley." she said walking out of the kitchen. "If you will excuse me, I need to ask Cordy for a favor."
"What?" Giles looked up and then smiled, "Ah yes, I get it."
Joyce laughed and refilled her and her husbands cups.
Dawn smiled as she saw that Champion was still knocking down slayers left and right. As she walked to Cordelia's side.
"Hey Dawn." Cordelia put an arm around her, "How are you doing?" she asked interestedly
Dawn smiled as she stared at her Champion, "I'm good, actually, I'm looking for a favor." she asked.
"Tell." Cordy smiled
"Well it's Saturday night." Dawn shrugged
Cordelia nodded in understanding, "Date night, and you want some company cause you want to go out with a certain man who is totally out of his element in the 21st century."
"That's about it." Dawn smiled, amazed that Cordelia could practically read her mind.
"Well." Cordelia began to think, "We need to do certain things first. Like gain permission for him to go out."
"What?" Dawn asked surprised, "Why wouldn't he be able to go out?"
Cordelia shrugged, "Champion has this whole chivalry and doing the good thing going on, he is sworn to protect the Halliwell sisters. He won't leave their side, unless they give the okay. I'm also guessing that he won't leave unless he's sure that they are well protected… Come on."
Cordelia and Dawn moved around the large group of women towards where Faith was standing and watching the practice.
"Faith?"
Faith turned and smiled "Hey guys, what's up?"
"You have any plans tonight?" Cordelia began
"Not really." Faith admitted, "They guys definitely ain't going out again tonight after last night." Faith laughed, "They were talking about doing movie night. Figured I'd hang out for that." She shrugged
"Great!" Cordy beamed, "We need a favor, well Dawn needs a favor…" Cordelia went on to explain the problem to her.
Faith smiled "Sure, no problem. Be happy to do that for you." Faith told Dawn, "You guys have fun."
"Thank you so much Faith." Dawn hugged the slayer, "I owe you."
"I'll remember that." Faith smiled
"Yeah." Cordelia added then smiled sweetly at Faith, "Dawn can pay you back when you finally go out with Wes."
"What?" Faith stared at Cordelia, "Cordy that's crazy…" Faith suddenly covered her mouth and her eyes opened wide in shock.
Cordelia laughed as she and Dawn walked away, leaving behind a Slayer with a growing realization.
Dawn stared at Faith's shocked face and then turned to her friend, "How the hell do you do that?" she asked amazed at Cordelia's insight on people and how they feel.
Cordelia shrugged, her smile widening, "It's a gift."
"One down." Cordelia told Dawn, "Now let's go talk to Piper."
Piper smiled in understanding, "So you are the one that he desires. That's a relief, I was afraid that he might be desiring Leo or something." she laughed seeing Dawn turn a bright crimson, "Sure no problem. Champion deserves a night off now and again. You should have seen the trouble we had last night to get him to leave. It wasn't till we told him that we had a bunch of slayers around that he agreed to go."
"Thanks Piper." Cordelia smiled, "One last item of business, then you can track down your Champion."
Angel stood by Spike, both men were watching with great interest as Champion showed them all moves that they had never heard of or seen before.
"What about speed?" One of the slayers asked.
"Accuracy first." Champion told them all, "Once thou are accurate, then thou can gain speed. Otherwise, thou might lose a piece of thy anatomy that that thou art attached to." he joked with them, "But once you are accurate…" Champion began to spin, his sword becoming a blur, he moved the sword from his right hand to his left, passing it around his back, flipping the sword in a 360 then catching it. Stopping short he looked at the amazed
young women,
"Once thou have accuracy, anything is possible." he told them simply "Enough lessons for today. For now practice what thee have learned with each other for another hour. Then rest. We begin again on Monday."
"Monday? What about tomorrow?" One of the girls asked
Shocked Champion turned on them, "Tomorrow is the Lord's day, tomorrow is a day for prayer and reflection. To give the great father thanks for his love and all of his gifts, for it is he that gave thee life."
"He is good." Angel told Spike who nodded his agreement.
"Angel."
Turning Angel smiled and walked to his wife, "Yes?"
Cordelia smiled, "Tonight is date night, you up for it?"
Angel smiled as well, remembering how well their last date night had ended.
"Of course." he said excitedly.
"We are doubling if that's okay with you." Cordelia motioned to Dawn
"Sure." Angel shrugged, "I have no problem with that. Amusement park again?"
"Sounds great!" Dawn smiled happily
Cordelia looked to where Champion was showing one of the slayers, who was, in Cordelia's opinion, taking much too long to learn how to even grip a sword. The girl was giggling like a little school girl as Champion tried to show her once again what she was doing wrong.
"You better hurry Dawnie, that tramp over there is trying to move in on your territory." Cordelia whispered
Spike was suddenly at her shoulder, "You want I should knock her out for you, Nibblet?"
Dawn smiled and hugged Spike, "Thanks, but I can handle the blonde slayers. I learned from the best." She pointed to Cordelia who smiled.
Spike laughed as he walked away. "That's my Nibblet."
Cordelia stared at the little tramp across the room, as she tried to grind her ass against Champion, who looked more than just a bit uncomfortable.
"You better go help the poor man out." Cordelia shook her head, wondering what the hell was wrong with all these damn blonde slayers.
"I will." Dawn stood up straight and looked at Champion and smiled.
Across the room, Champion could feel Dawn's eyes upon him. Looking up, suddenly he saw her smile. His heart was truly lost to her.
"I'm ready." Dawn called out to him
Champion bowed to the slayer and then walked towards Dawn. The slayer in question threw a dirty look at Dawn, who simply turned away from her and watched her champion come to her.
"Wow, Dawn." Cordelia was impressed, "You got a gift there girl, now you must only use it for good." She joked
Champion stopped before Dawn, "Tell me what is thy will Dawn, and I shall make it come true for thee."
"Would you like to go out with me tonight Champion?"
Champion smiled brightly, feeling as though his heart was about to burst though his chest with joy. Then he frowned and looked towards the Halliwell sisters. Dawn could tell that he was split in two, wanting to go with her, but also wanting to do his duty by his charges.
Dawn quickly added, "I've already spoken to Piper, she has given her okay, and Faith has agreed to be their protector for tonight."
Champion smiled again, as he looked towards the Halliwell sisters. All three of them were staring back at him and smiling as well. They nodded.
Champion turned back to Dawn, "It would be my very great honor, to be thy escort this evening."
"Great!" Dawn smiled and looked to Cordelia, "Cordelia and Angel are going to join us. I really don't know Los Angeles very well and I am guessing that you don't either…"
Champion laughed heartily, "Thou art right about that Dawn."
Cordelia looked at her watch, "Hey, we better go and get ready Dawn. Wouldn't want to keep our dates waiting." Pausing for a moment she looked at the two men, "You two get cleaned up, I'll leave what you should wear out on your beds."
Angel frowned a bit, "Cor, I am perfectly capable…" but was cut off
"What was that Mr. Black on black?" Cordelia asked sweetly
Angel shook his head, "You are the most exasperating woman that I have ever met in 250 years." he told her
Instead of being insulted, Cordelia flashed her 100 watt smile, "And you love me for it too."
Angel had to smile, "Yes I do." he admitted
A short time later, dressed in a red silk blouse wearing designer jeans that hugged all the right curves and leather boots, Dawn was ready. Her hair and make-up were perfectly applied with the help of Cordelia.
Buffy dressed in gray sweats and t-shirt looked at her sister.
"Why are you going all dressed up, it's just movie night." Buffy stared at Dawn
"I'm not staying." Dawn admitted, "Got a date." she smiled brightly
Buffy blanched, "You have a date! Who? When?"
"Thou art a true vision of loveliness." Champion said as he walked down the stairs staring at Dawn.
Dawn blushed, "Thank you Champion. You look really good too." Wearing a button down shirt the color of dark wine, jeans and a leather jacket.
Champion looked down, "Dost thou think so?" he asked, "Princess Cordelia, does seem to have much knowledge of fashion."
Buffy stared wide eyed at the couple, "You're going out with him?" she asked shocked
Dawn frowned, "Yeah, so?"
"Does mom know that you're dating older men, like thousand year older men?" Buffy asked
"Yeah, mom knows. Geez, Buffy relax, it's just a date." Dawn stared at her sister wondering what her problem was.
Drinking a beer, Spike passed by Dawn and Champion, "Hey, you two kids have fun tonight. Don't forget to do all the things that I would do." he joked giving Buffy a wicked wink
"Thanks Spike." Dawn smiled affectionately at him
Buffy shook her head trying to ignore Spike for the moment, she could steak him later.
"You're going out alone with him?"
Dawn shook her head, "Well actually, it's a double date. Champion and me, and Angel and Cordy."
Buffy just stared on in shock as her mother passed by with Giles.
"Oh honey, you look wonderful." Joyce smiled looking at her, then smiled at Champion, "Have fun tonight, and take good care of my girl."
"Thou hast my word, Milady." Champion bowed
"That's it…" Buffy began, "The world has gone mad."
Dawn had enough, "Oh Buffy, go take a pill or something. You're just mad cause you don't have a date tonight."
"What…I…" Buffy couldn't think of a come back, so she turned and walked away.
"Lady Buffy seems upset." Champion said tactfully
"Oh well that's her problem." Dawn said tired of her sister's rantings. Buffy could date older men, but she couldn't? The hell with that.
Angel and Cordelia came down the stairs ready to go out for the evening.
"You guys ready?" Dawn asked ready to leave as she stared at her sister.
Both Angel and Cordelia saw the looks being shared by the two sisters.
"Yeah, we better get going." Cordelia smiled, wanting to avoid a confrontation between the sisters, "You both look great." She added as they walked out into the night.
A short time later.
Dawn looked at their surroundings confused, "I thought you said we were going to an amusement park?" she began, they were pulling into the state park, and she didn't see any rides.
Angel smiled, amazed as always with his wife's ingenuity, "We were, but Cordy came up
with a great idea."
Angel pulled up into a giant lot that was full of cars and people in medieval costume were walking towards the park entrance.
Cordelia smiled at the couple in the back seat, "I remembered reading in the paper about the renaissance fair that's here for the next couple of weekends. We thought that this would make you feel more at home, Champion."
Champion stared at the costumes, "It does Princess, it reminds me much of my home." he admitted smiling as seeing all of this bought back some good memories for him.
The foursome wandered through the main thoro fair of the park. Jugglers and minstrels wandered through the area, jesters doing pratfalls for the enjoyment of children. Men dressed in medieval garb, wearing swords mingling among the guests dressed in normal street clothing. Damsels dressed in long flowing gowns curtsying for them.
"Good sirs." Then they moved on.
Dawn was having so much fun, holding Champion's hand as he told her of Camelot and how much of this was wrong. However the parts they got right, made his heart glad.
"I am so happy that I can show thee some of my home, if not quite right. However, still it is close." Champion told her
"Me too." Dawn admitted moving closer to Champion, gently pressing her body against his. This felt so right to her, just like one of their dreams. Being with Champion, touching him, holding him…Dawn could feel her heart filling with love and joy, unlike she had ever experienced in her entire life.
Angel and Cordelia had slowed their pace to let the older/younger couple move ahead of them.
"This was such a good idea that you had Cor." Angel told her as they walked hand in hand.
"Thanks, I think so too." Cordelia admitted and spotted the bar, "Hey I want to try one of those dark beers that you are always drinking." She announced pointing to the refreshment bar.
Angel smiled, "Of course Milady, thy wish is my command."
Cordelia pulled Angel close and kissed him, "You really are MY champion, you know that?"
Angel shrugged, a smile playing on his lips, "I kind of guessed that."
The foursome were all laughing and drinking guiness as they continued their walk. Up ahead they saw a large group gathering together.
"I wonder what that's all about?" Cordelia pointed
"Let's check it out." Angel shrugged and led the way.
They walked to the edge of the crowd and listened as a man stood up with what looked like a scroll in his hands.
"By order of the king, a tournament is announced." The man began, "A tournament of skill and accuracy to be sure my fine ladies and gentlemen. A tournament of archery is to be held this evening."
A young wench smiling and looking very fetching in her costume walked up on stage and held up a bow and quiver.
"The winner of this tournament, shall win the kings favor and the prize of this bow. It is the finest long bow ever made, it is of the finest wood in the lands, and is worthy of any great champion. Also dinner for two at our sister establishment, Medieval times." The woman walked off stage to a few cat calls and whistles, "Sign up now people and let us see who shall win this great prize."
Dawn smiled excitedly, "Champion, you have to enter, I have never seen anyone use a bow like you can."
Angel was confused, "Dawn you've never seen him shoot…"
Cordelia elbowed him in the stomach, "In her dreams…" She whispered to him
"Oh." Angel nodded in understanding.
One man who was standing in line to sign up, laughed, "Don't bother" the man had an Australian accent, "That bow is mine. I've been an archer for twenty years now. Ain't no one better here than me." he boasted, he eyed Champion and sniffed, another pretty boy, he thought, "So I'd forget about it sonny, unless you WANT to be embarrassed in front of your girlfriend." he laughed, a bunch of his friends laughed with him
"Ah" Cried the town crier, " A challenge, a challenge has been issued!" The crier looked to Champion, "Do you accept the challenge."
"Yes he does." Cordelia spoke up at that moment, angry that this man was ruining the romantic mood of the evening. The mood she had worked so hard to create.
"Cordy!" Angel hissed surprised by his wife's outburst.
"For me?" Dawn looked up pleadingly at Champion
How could he refuse, turning to look at the man, "Thy challenge is accepted good sir."
"THE CHALLENGE IS ACCEPTED!" The town crier announced to the others "What are thy names?" he asked getting a PDA out of his pocket to write the names down, completely ruining the medieval effect he was trying for.
"Name is Bob." The Australian announced "Bob Dachett. Sergeant Major, of her Royal Majesties Marines." he said proudly "I went back to the mother country." he explained with a laugh.
"And you buddy?"
"I am Champion." he said simply, the men looked at him waiting for his first name.
"John… John Champion." Dawn added quickly.
Bob Dachett, who really was an amiable sort of man threw his massive arm around Champion, "Come on son, let's get your public humiliation over with so I can get my bow, and you can continue your date with your pretty girlfriend there."
Twenty men stood on one edge of a field facing the forest. Twenty targets were placed twenty paces from them. The men listened to the rules of the competition carefully as they received their bows and arrows.
The "King" stood from his throne and stilled the cheering crowd, "Each archer will shoot two arrows at their targets. The men with the best single shot on the target shall move on to the next level of competition. After each round the target shall be moved back ten paces to make each round more difficult. The last man standing, shall receive their prize and a kiss from my lovely queen."
A dark haired beauty stood up by the king and held up the prize, then threw everyone a kiss.
"Let the competition begin, and may the best man win."
The Australian laughed loudly, "Don't worry kingy, I will." The crowd broke into good natured laughs.
Angel who also joined in the competition chuckled as did Champion. The man was loud, but there was no real harm in his boasts. Champion did need one point of clarification.
"Angel, is this man truly a king?" he asked
"No." Angel patted Champions shoulder, "He's just an actor, pretending to be a king."
"Ah." Champion nodded as he notched his first arrow.
The crier stood up, "Stand ready! Aim! FIRE!" he called out
Twenty arrows flew, most of them missed their targets, except for five. Two men smiled as their arrows hit the edges of the targets and hi-fived each other. Angel's hit closer to center, but two arrows hit their targets dead center.
Bob looked at the much younger man, "Not bad kid. Let's see if you can do that twice."
Cordelia and Dawn cheered on their champions.
Champion notched his second arrow, this is so much fun. He thought as he fired his second arrow, which landed right next to his first shot. Only five men made it to the next round as the targets were moved ten paces back. Again the arrows flew.
By the end of the round, only three men remained, Bob, Angel and Champion.
Bob looked over at the two young men impressed, "You lads are good." he admitted
"Thou art very good as well sir." Champion told him
The next round of arrows were fired and Angel missed the center by an inch. Only two men remained.
"Our third place finisher!" The crier announced and handed Angel a large stuffed dragon toy.
Smiling Angel went to Cordy,
"You were great." She said proudly
"Thanks, for you." He said presenting her with the dragon.
Taking the dragon, "Ahhh, aren't you cute." Cordy smiled and turned to Angel and kissed him. She hugged the dragon to her chest."
"Another ten paces." The crier announced as the targets were moved even further back now.
"That has to be at least sixty feet." Angel told the girls.
"Since we have only two contestants left, each man will shoot individually. One arrow apiece, the man closest to the center will be our champion, and receive his just rewards."
Bob stood and squared his feet and aimed, the arrow flew from his bow and soared through the air hitting the target square in the middle.
The crowd cheered it's approval
"Sir Bob has struck dead center of the target." The crier announced to the cheering fans "It will be next to impossible for Sir John to win this day."
Champion raised his bow, taking aim he let his breathing relax, his heart rate slowed and with practiced ease he let go his shot.
The arrow flew through the air, sailing across the sixty feet, and split the other arrow into pieces!
The crowd roared! Bob Dachett stared in awe, he literally ran the entire distance just to see the arrow with his own eyes. Dumbly, he took out his camera from his pocket and began to take pictures.
The crier stood up on his feet yelling over the cheering crowd, "Our new Champion, John Champion!"
Bob Dachett returned to Champion and pumped his hand.
"Greatest shot I've seen!" he said reverently "If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I would have called the man who told me a liar."
"Thank thee sir, t'was only a bit of luck."
Bob shook his head, "Luck my aunt Fanny's ass! That was pure skill my son! Who taught you to shoot like that?" he asked curiously
"My father." Champion admitted, "He was by far greater than me with a bow."
"Well he taught his son well, he'd be proud of you for a shot like that."
The crier came over, "Come on guys, time to get your prizes."
Champion looked over to his friends who were still cheering his victory. Waving he made his way over to the podium with Bob. Making their way up the platform the two men faced the "King and Queen."
The "King" smiled at the two men, clicking on his microphone he began, "Never have I seen a greater display of archery in my life. I salute you both!" The crowd began to cheer again.
"Now as to your rewards, for second place, from our friends at Martins Bows. The traditional flint back quiver for Sir Bob Dachett!"
A beautiful brown leather quiver was passed to Bob, who caressed the fine leather reverently.'
"Ah crikey, it's beautiful!" he announced and then received a kiss on the cheek from the queen.
"And for our champion of this evening! Also from our friends at Martins Bows, the finest long bow ever created by man, made from the finest of African woods and from red elm, this bow is hand made by master craftsmen, it's called the Vision and with that a flint back quiver! Also a gift certificate for dinner and show for two at Medieval Times! Goes to Sir John Champion!"
The bow was placed in Champions hand.
"Now that is a thing of beauty!" Bob Dachett declared
"It tis indeed magnificent." Champion ran his hand over the smooth wood.
"A kiss for the Champion." The queen kissed his cheek
"Thank thee Milady."
The two men descended from the platform and made their way back to the crowd. Both men were stopped and had to shake hands with some of the crowd.
Dawn threw her arms around Champion when he came back.
"I knew you'd win." she cried out
Cordelia hugged him as well as he shook Angel's hand.
"Congratulations."
Bob smiled at the young couple, as his friends came back to join him.
"Rotten luck ole man." One of his men called out
Bob shrugged, "Well if I had to be beaten, at least it was done by the most amazing shot I have ever seen." Patting Champion on the back, "Let me buy you a victory pint."
The now group of ten sat down with beers and began to tell stories. Cordelia smiled at the large Australian, she hadn't liked him at first, but as it turned out he was just a big teddy bear of a man.
Bob Dachett held the newly won bow in his hands, "Crikey, this is the most beautiful bow I've ever seen." he told the others as he drew on the bow, "I have to get me one of these tomorrow at the hunting store, I don't care how much it costs."
"It really is a work of art." Angel admitted eyeing the bow, "So where you guys from?" he asked starting a conversation.
"Ah, were from England." Bob began, "We are with the Royal Marines, the Queens own. Doing some training exercises down here with your American Marines." Downing his beer he wiped his mouth, "We head back to merry old England in a couple of more days. Thought we'd come down here for a lark. We've had some fun here though, ain't we lads."
"Sure have sergeant major." One of the younger men held up his beer.
"Well it was good meeting you all." Bob stood up as did his men, "We'll go now and get out of your hair and back on your dates. I just had to buy a beer for a true fellow archer." He held out a hand to Champion, who shook it.
"Fair thee well, Bob, and drink a toast for me for the mother land." he said
"You got it." Bob laughed as he gently took Dawn's hand, "Don't let this one get by you Miss. He's a good'un." Dawn blushed.
"Cheerio!" The men waved as they went back towards the makeshift pub to get some serious drinking done.
Champion looked after the marine, "There is a man who has not forgotten the face of his father. He reminds me of Sir Gawain." Champion told the others.
"The face of his father?" Dawn asked curiously
Champion smiled at her, "It is a saying, it means that he is a man of the modern world and yet still remembers the old ways and respects them."
"Where to next?" Cordelia asked ready to walk around the fair some more.
Dawn looked excitedly, "There are some fortune tellers down that way."
Cordelia smiled excitedly as well, "I know it's all fake." She admitted, "And I am a Seer and all, but I just love fortune tellers." she told Angel "They always tell you what you want to hear.
"Well…" Angel finished his beer and stood up, "Can't disappoint the ladies can we Champion."
"No we cannot." Champion stood and held up a hand to Dawn to help her up.
The middle aged woman held Dawn's hand, "You will meet a tall dark haired man, he will be fabulously wealthy and very handsome…"
"Really?" Dawn looked at Champion and smiled
Cordelia stared at the woman in front of her, "Really?" she asked, "You see children in my future?" Wishing it were all true.
"I see three children, plus the one that you already have." The woman nodded.
Angel stood back frowning as he looked at his wife. He so desperately wanted to give Cordelia those three children, he knew how much Cordelia loved them. However it was the one thing that he could never give her. At least not until he Sanshued. Still what he wouldn't give to be able to give his wife a child of her own. He knew that Cordelia loved Connor, there was no question of that…Still to give her a child of her own, their own. That would be by far the greatest gift that he could give to the woman he loved.
Needing to be alone for just a moment to collect himself, he patted his new friend on the back, "Champion, I'll be right back." he said as he walked off
Walking down to the beer tent, Angel was bought up short by a store that he'd missed entirely before. Looking at the small stand he read the placard again.
"Arthurian Legends." it read
Angel abandoned his quest for beer and went there instead. The small tent was empty, except for one old man who sat in a rocking chair seemingly asleep, an old seeing eye dog laid at his master's feet. The old man gave the appearance that he'd been around since the dawn of time. He was so small and wrinkled that it was hard to even tell if he was breathing.
Suddenly the old man's eyes opened showing completely white irises. Turning he faced Angel.
"The Angelic one is here." The old man wheezed "The creature of night with a soul."
Angel blinked in shock, he stared at the old man. How the hell did this man know who he was!
"I know why you are here Champion of Light." The old man struggled to stand "The book of legends, that is what you search for!"
Angel moved and helped the old man stand, "Thank you." The old man shuffled around the counter the dog by his side leading him.
"You know me?" Angel asked surprised
The old man smiled toothlessly, his eyes vacant and staring. "Yes, when I was a young boy and still had my sight. I read the book of legends, it spoke of this day. I know your quest for knowledge…" The old man reached under the counter, "I have it here!" he said holding up an old leather book, "In here is written of the final battle of Camelot. Written by one of the two survivors of that battle."
Angel was confused, "Two? I thought there was only one."
"No." The ancient shop owner shook his head, "Two there were, one who became Champion, the other who was once his squire. Bartholomew. He had been dispatched before the battle to warn the castle, but his loyalty was such that he returned to aid his master. He arrived in time to see the end of the battle. Wrote it all down he did." the old man waved the book at Angel. "Take it, take it now."
Angel took the old book and looked to the old man, "How much?" he asked the man
"Nothing." The old man smiled serenely, "For I have fulfilled my part in prophesy. I shall forever be remembered for aiding the side of light!"
"What is your name?" Angel asked the man
"My name is M. E. Earlin." he said, "Remember me Champion of Light. Go now, go with God's blessings."
Angel shook his head as he left the stall, the book clutched tightly in his hands. That was without a doubt the weirdest conversation he'd ever had, and Angel had weird conversations before. Putting the book in his inside coat pocket he returned to the fortune tellers tents.
"Where have you been?" Cordelia asked curiously
Angel shrugged, "I just had the weirdest conversation." he began
"Tell me when we get home." Cordelia smiled, "Right now I'm starving. Champion and Dawn have already gone to the food court."
The lobby of the Hyperion was empty when they got back. Well in actuality, Cordelia had called ahead and had requested from Faith to try and get the place empty so that the two love birds could have some private time. Faith had suggested a late trip to the Ice Cream Factory, which made the greatest sundaes she'd ever tasted. Everyone was up for it, so they had all quickly left just minutes before the others arrived.
"That was fun." Angel admitted surprised that he'd had such a good time. "I really had a great time."
"Of course you did." Cordelia smiled mischievously, "You were with me."
"Thank thee both." Champion told them
Dawn smiled, "Yeah, thanks guys, we had a great time."
Cordelia smiled and then yawned loudly, "Well Angel, time for bed." She announced
Angel was surprised as he looked at his watch, "Cordy, it's not even…" Catching the look his wife was throwing him, he quickly changed his attitude, "You're right, I'm exhausted. Well good night you two."
"Yeah, see you in the morning." Cordelia called back and the two were gone leaving Champion and Dawn alone.
Dawn moved to the couch and sat down, "Thank you for such a wonderful night… Val." she added shyly.
Champion smiled, "Thou dost remember my true name." he said as he sat by Dawn.
Dawn moved over and placed her head on Champion's chest, "I could never forget it."
Champion wrapped his arms around Dawn, "Long have I dreamt of this moment." He whispered huskily in Dawn's ear. "Dreamt of truly holding thee in my arms, my love."
Dawn hugged him closer, "So have I Val…" Shaking her head she looked up into his eyes, "I don't even remember why I was so scared." She told him, "Why was I so scared of loving you? After all I have loved you for years." she told him moving closer to his lips.
"It matters not love." Champion leaned forward and kissed her deeply.
Dawn felt the electric shocks down to her toes, opening her mouth to receive him fully Dawn deepened their kiss. Never had she felt so alive, nor so in love before.
"What the hell do you two think you're doing!" A voice shouted to them