Chapter 11

Disclaimer - I don't own DC comics or any of its characters nor do I own anything to do with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This story is purely a work of fan fiction and does not seek to claim ownership or seek any financial gain.

Last Time

Artemis ran forward, "Are you all okay?"

Xander nodded as he sat up. Checking quickly, he saw Miri and Amanda shaking their heads and blinking.

"Yeah, he used a flashbang," said Xander.

"I'll secure him," said Artemis.

"Oh Goddess," said Willow as she looked past Sportsmaster.

They all turned to see what she was looking at as Willow rushed forward.

Cheshire was motionless on blood-soaked sheets with an arrow embedded in her left breast.

Chapter 11

It had taken several endless minutes for help to arrive. Willow and Miri had done an amazing job keeping Cheshire alive long enough for Zatara arrive and heal her. Artemis had been barely holding on to her emotions as the two women worked on her older sister. When Cheshire had been moved to another medical bay, Artemis had gone with her.

oOoOo

Batman had questioned Sportsmaster and eventually, Martian Manhunter had been brought in to help interrogate the man. After a brief session, he had called for the League's senior members to meet.

Batman had agreed and then gone to speak to those that had thwarted the attack.

"So Xander, the Guardian Ganthet just gave Ra's the information?" asked Batman. It was difficult to tell if the Dark Knight was happy or unhappy with the turn of events.

"I don't know about just, but yes he did. Ganthet said that we need all the help we can get," replied Xander with a shake of his own head. "To be honest, I'm not too sure about it either."

Batman was silent for a moment before turning to stare at Xander. "Ra's is a genius, a twisted one but still a genius and he has resources that are not lightly dismissed. The question is will he help or try to turn this to his own advantage."

Xander frowned and the shook his head again, "From what I've read, he's an eco-terrorist. Want's to save the world by killing most of the people. That's bad, but he never wanted to destroy it. If what's coming is anything like some of the really big bads we fought, it won't be interested in saving the environment."

Batman didn't answer and Xander simply waited quietly. Eventually, he shifted slightly and gestured toward the Earth, visible below them.

"Superman thinks that we have enough manpower to capture Bizarro and we can then destroy the possessing entity," explained Batman.

"He wants to try and save Bizarro doesn't he?"

Batman slowly nodded, "Not a hard one to guess."

Xander's expression hardened as he leaned forward, "Back home, our big hitter, went up against the First's flunky. Caleb knocked her across the room. Took her apart and she's like Amanda. We needed a mystical weapon just to injure him."

"I'll talk to him," agreed Batman. "I believe that Captain Marvel is looking for you."

oOoOo

Captain Marvel was waiting outside the interview room.

"How did he know you were here?" asked a surprised Xander.

Captain Marvel laughed, genuinely amused. "He's Batman…but seriously, I've learned to just accept it. Have you got a few minutes?"

Xander smiled, "Sure Billy."

Captain Marvel grinned back, "Okay Xander, how about we get something to drink. This time of day the cafeteria should be empty."

Xander shrugged, "I've got a while until Miri gets back from reporting to Queen Aga'po and I could use a cola."

Captain Marvel let Xander set the pace as they began walking. "How is your friend Willow settling in?"

"She's okay, a bit shocked but okay. What we do back home sort of erodes the old shock response. You get shocked by the sudden appearance of a demon and you get yourself killed," explained Xander. He didn't miss the expression on Billy's face. "With Slayers and Vampires, well it gets pretty Darwinian. You don't get many chances."

"Ouch, she did good work on Cheshire. Probably saved her life. Here we go," said Captain Marvel as he pushed the cafeteria door open.

He grabbed two sodas and walked over to a table by the viewing window. Xander popped his open a took a swig. "So, how can I help you?"

For a moment, Captain Marvel looked unsure where to begin. "Um…I wanted to thank you. What you did with Adam…you helped him where I've failed."

"Failed?" prompted Xander with a raised eyebrow.

"Teth-Adam…Adam and I both get our powers from Shazam. For years I've respected and served the old wizard's vision. I believed him when he told me Adam was evil. That he'd been a failed champion. When the truth is that Adam was born in a different time, with different values," explained Captain Marvel.

"Batman told you what I said, didn't he?" asked Xander in a neutral voice.

Captain Marvel nodded and Xander sighed.

"Look Billy, I'm not an expert on Adam but from what sources I had read Shazam is a bit, well crazy. But Adam did go off the rails before he met Isis. She brought him back and he's a better man with her. I knew she'd help and to be honest I felt sorry for him. I lost my lover and it took me years to recover so I know how it feels and I had the knowledge that could help correct that wrong."

Captain Marvel had a slight smile on his face, "I did get the chance to talk with them before the meeting. He seemed…calmer."

Xander grinned, "See, Oh mighty Isis strikes again!"

"What?" asked Captain Marvel.

Xander laughed, "It's from the Secrets of Isis, great show. I'll leave you to guess at who the main character was. But seriously, talk to them both Billy. The three of you together would be nigh on unbeatable."

oOoOo

Amanda smiled, resisting the urge to touch the image on the screen. "Hey, Sara."

Sara smiled, "It's good to see you. What's happening?"

"Nothing I can share just yet, but we are making progress. But I didn't call about that. I just wanted to catch up…to see you."

Sara blushed slightly as her smile widened, "And how do I look?"

"Spectacular," replied Amanda.

There was a quiet moment as their eyes locked before Sara cleared her throat. "So, what famous heroes are up there with you?"

oOoOo

Artemis watched her sister with a blank expression.

The last 24 hours had been…difficult. Her deflected arrow had nearly killed Jade. If the Witch Willow had not been there, she might not have survived. She blinked as her vision blurred with tears.

"Artemis."

She turned to see Wally standing in the doorway.

Wally's carefree expression was missing, "Are you okay?"

Artemis shook her head as her tears fell.

Wally paused and then stepped into the room and pulled his teammate into a tight hug. Artemis cried on his shoulder for a few minutes before she pulled back.

"They say she's going to be okay," said Wally. He could understand Artemis being upset that she had nearly killed Cheshire. None of them signed up to be killers.

"Why won't she wake up?" whispered Artemis as she turned her gaze back to Cheshire.

Wally frowned, wondering what exactly his teammate was going through. Artemis was always strong and controlled…this felt like something else. "What's going on Artemis?"

Artemis froze, then turned away, "It's nothing."

Wally frowned, "Artemis, this is clearly upsetting you."

Artemis glared at her teammate for a moment before sighing. "My full name is Artemis Lian Crock."

"As in Lawrence "Crusher" Crock…Sportsmaster?" Wally's expression didn't change. "Okay, that's…surprising, but you are not your father Artemis. Cheshire being injured while you fought him wasn't your fault."

Artemis shook her head, "Wally, Cheshire…her name is Jade." She took a deep breath. She had feared this moment since joining the team. No doubt telling the truth would cost her that spot on the team, but this was family. "Jade is my older sister."

Wally blinked, "No…really?"

Artemis nodded.

Wally's eyes grew wider, "Holy Smoke…I mean…wow. So the ass-kicking is a family thing?"

Artemis didn't reply to the rather forced levity, instead turning back to Jade. "Can you tell the others, I'll stay here with Jade."

"I can stay if you want," offered Wally.

"No, let the others know. I'll stay here with my sister."

"Artemis," began Wally but he was waved off.

"I'm fine," replied Artemis softly.

"Okay. I'll ah, come back later," promised Wally as he left. He found himself in the corridor looking at a closed the door. "What the hell just happened?"

"Hey Wally, what's up?" asked Xander as he and Captain Marvel as they walked past.

"Um…I'm not sure…I just visited Artemis and Jade…I mean Cheshire," Wally tried to explain without betraying Artemis.

Xander shot him a knowing look, "Cap, will you excuse me. I think I need to have a chat with Wally."

Captain Marvel nodded, "Okay, I'll see you at the meeting Xander. Thanks for the chat."

Xander gave Captain Marvel a lazy salute before turning back to Wally. "Come on let's have a talk."

Wally blinked as Xander dragged him into an empty infirmary room, "Um…look Xander, Artemis just told me something I need to talk to the team about."

Xander sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "Could it be her Sister?"

Wally froze, "You knew?"

"Yeppers, alternate dimension boy here," said Xander with a grin before growing serious once more. "I don't doubt she's thinking she'll be kicked off the team based on her family. I'd make sure that she knows you'll support her."

"You knew and you didn't say anything?"

Xander nodded, "She's solid Wally. She's never betrayed the teams trust despite rumours of a traitor. She's had to deal with a father who's a real piece of shit and a mother who's crippled. She and Jade used to be close until Sportsmaster came between them."

"Oh…should I tell the others?" Wally asked.

Xander nodded, "Yeah, I think you should…and Wally, don't let Robin be a dick about it. Batman and the league already know about her dad. I suspect they know about Jade too."

oOoOo

"Where are they?" muttered Willow as she walked out of her room in search of either Amanda or Xander. The Watchtower was a far larger structure than she realised from any of the comics she had read with Xander. She smiled wryly at that thought. Whoever would have thought that she would be wandering the corridors of the Justice Leagues HQ?

"Can I help Miss Rosenberg?"

Willow turned and let out a startled, "Eeep." When she found Wonder Woman and two stunning women, It took her a few moments to realise who they were. Despite her Mothers admonishments otherwise, reading comics did help you in real life. She couldn't help but smile as she took in the impressive pair, Big Barda and Maxima, "Wowsers…" Willow cleared her throat, suddenly self-conscious. "Um, I was looking for Amanda or Xander. I've been reading through the prophecy Ganthet brought and I think I found something."

Wonder Woman smiled, "Excellent, we are about to have a meeting with some of those we contacted for their assistance. Barda and Maxima have just arrived. My friends, this is our newly arrived dimensional traveller, Willow Rosenberg."

Barda nodded in acknowledgement and Maxima smiled and took Willows hand, shaking it gently. "This is how you humans do it isn't it?"

Willow nodded, awestruck by the other redhead's otherworldly beauty. "Um, yes…nice to meet you both."

Maxima made no move to release Willow's hand, "You are powerful Willow, I can sense the magic coursing through your veins. Perhaps…an extra-dimensional ally of mine searches for her friend and former…student named Willow."

Willow looked stunned for a moment before whispering her mentor and former lovers name, "Aluwyn."

Maxima laughed, "So you are that Willow. She'll be relieved you are well. If you wish I can summon her." Maxima's face grew serious as she continued. "Aluwyn and her coven are some of the most powerful magical's in the multiverse. Their assistance may well be needed."

Willow suddenly froze, "Hold on, if you know Aluwyn…then you can travel to our dimension!"

Maxima seemed to understand Willow's exclamation. "I had not known of your friend's plight until Diana sent word or I might well have been of assistance. Once this meeting is done with, I would be happy to assist in you in getting in contact with Aluwyn or her allies."

"That would be great," replied Willow with unfeigned enthusiasm.

"Would you like to come with us Willow? A witch who has an understanding of what we face might have valuable insights," offered Wonder Woman.

"That would be great Wonder Woman, but I should let my friends know and John is probably waiting for me with the research team…" Willow trailed off in the face of Wonder Woman's smile.

"Fret not Willow, I'll let Alexander and Amanda know and I believe that both John Constantine and Ganthet will be at our meeting," explained Wonder Woman. "And Willow, I am aware you also know me as Diana. You are welcome to address me as such."

oOoOo

The Watchtowers conference room was not quite as full as last time but there were a few new faces.

Xander took his seat alongside Miri and Amanda. Willow was sitting talking quietly with John Constantine, Giovanni Zatara and a woman in odd armour that looked familiar but Xander couldn't place her.

"Willow looks like she's settling in fine," said Amanda.

Xander shrugged, "Yeah well, Will's has bounced around reality a bit. This must be a bit, meh."

Amanda giggled, "Really?"

"No, but she is pretty interested in new magic and the like, so she must be loving the magical crowd," replied Xander.

The Martian Manhunter stood and addressed the room, "If we could come to order…"

He gave a detailed report of the attack on the Watchtower and the subsequent security actions and then continued with reports from the teams hunting Bizarro.

Xander was surprised to hear that they had found no sign of their quarry. He was about to turn to Willow and ask how the research was going when the conference room doors swung open admitting a rather dishevelled Superman. The Man of Steel was followed by several figures led by Aphrodite and Artemis. Given the company, they had to be Greek gods. Xander winced as a figure in Hoplite armour entered that had to be Ares. 'Yep, this is going to go great,' thought Xander.

Superman was about to speak when Wonder Woman leapt to her feet and began moving toward Ares, a long-time foe of her people.

"Diana, he is here at my request," warned Aphrodite.

The warning halted Wonder Woman but didn't stop her glaring at the God of War.

"What is going on?" asked Green Arrow calmly.

Aphrodite shot a quelling look at Ares, who had been about to speak. "We have been seeking the wisdom of our allies. One of those that was once known as Seshat, one of the Egyptian Pantheon, who was a goddess of scribes and knowledge. She brought forward a prophecy uttered by a priest of Amon." The Goddess paused, her eyes seeking out Xander and Amanda. "It states that the Nameless Whisperer must be released from its prison that is also its refuge. Only once it is released and still in it's weakened state can it be killed."

Xander accepted that with a nod, "So do we know where it is imprisoned?"

Ares laughed a rather grating sound to those around him. "That mortal is the question, isn't it?"

Artemis ignored Ares as she answered Xander. "We know generally where, but no not the exact location. We have allies looking to confirm our guesses."

Superman grimaced, "We found where Bizarro had been hiding. Unfortunately, he fled after our initial skirmish. He is getting difficult to counter." He turned to look to the Greek Gods. "Even with the assistance of Ares and Artemis, we only succeeded in driving him off."

Ares grunted and pulled out a knife, tossing it to Superman who caught it. "That is Celestial bronze and it has the blood of Bizarro on it. I'm sure your Magi can work with that."

There was silence in the room.

"How did you…" began Superman.

Ares snorted, "Because I am prepared."

Aphrodite rolled her eyes, "Yes, well my other news is that the various pantheons are preparing to offer what aid they can. Even those that have long chosen to be apart."

"I was of the understanding that they would be opposed to helping Divine One," said Wonder Woman.

Artemis looked less than happy and Aphrodite sighed, "They were, we had to really force the issue."

Ares laughed derisively, "They're afraid, the cowards."

"Ares," warned Aphrodite and the God of War bowed his head. "Our brethren are bound by complicated accords and there are penalties should we breach those accords. Those penalties could be almost as catastrophic as the release of the Nameless."

There were mutterings around the room as people processed Aphrodite's explanation.

"She's not bloody exaggerating," said John Constantine. "Breaching the accords could destroy our dimension or at best cause a war amongst the Gods."

Xander grimaced remembering the series he had read about the war of the Gods.

Maxima cleared her throat and looked around the room. "I have contact with a magical group led by Aluwyn, a powerful sorceress. They will be able to help track and potentially hold Bizarro. I know you have powerful Magical's in this dimension, but I suspect we may not have many shots at this."

Giovani Zatara gave Maxima a polite nod, "I have no objections, we will take what help when can get."

"Then I will begin contacting those we need," said Superman.

oOoOo

Cafeteria – The Watch Tower

Xander and Miri exchanged a look as they watched Willow play with her food rather than eat.

"Something the matter Will's?" Xander asked with a grin, earning an elbow from Miri who was trying to hide a smile.

"Aluwyn…she'll be here soon," replied Willow.

"Ah yes, Aluwyn…your lost love," Xander winked at Willow ignoring her scowl.

Willow's scowl faded as she looked down at her plate, her shoulders dropping. "My biggest mistake."

Xander looked concerned at her unexpected response, "Hey I'm only joshing Wills."

Willow's eyes were a bit misty when she looked up. "I know, Aluwyn…when we broke up, I thought it was for the right reasons. It was only afterwards that I realised that I made a huge mistake."

"What happened Willow?" Miri asked as she took Willow's hand.

"I thought…I believed that she was manipulating me. Making choices for me and in some ways, she was but I didn't see the love behind that, just the manipulation then I listened to someone who didn't have my best interest in mind." Willow was sounding miserable now.

Miri gave Willow's hand a friendly squeeze, "Willow, you need to talk to Aluwyn. Regret like loss can be difficult to face. Even if you move on it can damage your future relationships."

Willow looked up, "I left her, I broke her heart…why would she want to see me?"

Xander and Miri were about to answer when Maxima entered followed by a rather odd group of non-humans. One was a giant humanoid caterpillar, like a weird centaur, wearing a smoking jacket of all things. The second bore a striking resemblance to Poison Ivy but was clearly not the eco-terrorist. The third looked like a young child but had red skin, bat wings and shining silver horns growing from her forehead. The last newcomer was naked from the waist up and despite her green skin was a stunningly beautiful silver-haired woman. Her bottom half was snake-like and scaled.

Willow froze, clearly sensing something. Turning she spotted the group and froze in place, "Aluwyn."

The snake-like Aluwyn froze for the briefest moment when she spotted Willow.

"Willow!"

Willow's chair hit the floor as she rushed to Aluwyn.

The kiss was spectacular.

Xander grinned, "I suspect that's the end, for now, of EMO, Willow."

Miri laughed softly, "Come on, we have to train. We'll catch up Willow later."

oOoOo

Wally hesitated as his teammates stared at him, waiting for him to speak.

"Um, right…so I went and checked on Artemis," began Wally.

"Is she alright?" asked Miss Martian with a concerned expression.

"Ah, no not really," Wally took a deep breath. "Look, I found out why she's been freaking out."

Kaldur frowned, "I had thought that she was upset with further injuring Cheshire?"

"She is, in a way," Wally hesitated for a moment. "Look Cheshire is her sister."

There was silence.

Conner grimaced, "That makes, Sportsmaster…"

"Her Father yeah," replied Wally. "But before everyone freaks out, I spoke to Xander and he said that Green Arrow knew, so I asked him. It's true by the way."

Robin frowned, "Damn…so when Sportsmaster deflected her arrow it hit Cheshire and now she feels guilty."

"Jade, her name is Jade," corrected Wally. "And they used to be close."

M'gann shuddered, "Oh no…poor Artemis."

"She needs to know we support her because I think she's worried we'll kick her off the team," added Wally.

"She's our teammate, we need to show her that," said Conner.

oOoOo

In the Infirmary, Young Justice were soon gathered around their teammate.

On the way, they had passed Xander, who raised an eyebrow when Wally looked at him. When Wally nodded, Xander had given him a thumbs up and continued on his way. The speedster, for all his antics, was not stupid. Artemis needed her friends and teammates right now.

oOoOo

Giovani, Willow, Ganthet and John Constantine briefed the newly arrived magical's on their research about the Nameless. Aluwyn's coven were quite powerful and had a wealth of knowledge regarding magics that might help.

It meant more magical 'firepower', but nobody was forgetting that if the Nameless escaped his prison he was potentially several orders of magnitude ahead in the power stakes.

"I don't like that we can't really study his prison. The fact that his servant escaped means that the ancient bindings are failing, and we are going in blind," said Ganthet unhappily. "And the prophecy is very unclear on exactly how he can be defeated."

Aluwyn looked thoughtfully over the notes, "While I have heard of Glorificus and her fellow powers, I have no knowledge of the prophecy. It appears that only in this dimension was the warning heard."

"Which is odd," mused Willow. "Are we sure it is real?"

"Things look that way Luv," replied Constantine but he was frowning as he spoke. "It's certainly old enough."

"Hmmm," replied Willow as she considered all that she had been told. "I don't think we can simply dismiss the warning. There is too much at stake."

oOoOo

Xander ducked under a glowing fist and kicked out at Miri's legs, knock her off balance.

He tried to press his advantage, but Miri recovered quickly with a crescent kick that blocked Xander's attack. Using his ring he created a sword and attacked again. Even with his enhanced speed, Miri was skilled enough to avoid the strike.

"Hold," called out Amanda.

Xander stepped back allowing Amanda to take his place.

"Alright Miri, let's dance," Amanda smiled and attacked.

On the other side of the gymnasium, Aphrodite and Ares watched the three Star Sapphires train.

"Their fighting style is odd, but effective," Ares offered his praise begrudgingly.

"Not surprising given their backgrounds," replied Aphrodite distractedly.

"Something the matter?" Ares asked with an amused glance at his fellow Olympian.

"They're not ready…we have some inkling of what they face, they have no real idea. Even with everyone we have brought together, it might not be enough."

Ares shrugged, "It is not like we have a choice. But if it salves your conscience, they are all warriors, in their own way. They understand, even if they don't fully comprehend the danger. Sometimes a warrior has no choice but to fight, it is the nature of war."

"Our plans to recruit help are underway. We've done all we can to set things in motion," Aphrodite looked at the three mortals training before turning back to Ares. "They may have no choice, but they won't turn away from the challenge. The others are the same."

Amanda was just about to attack again when an alarm sounded, and Green Arrow requested all teams to come to the conference room.

oOoOo

Batman was expressionless as he studied Miri, Xander and Amanda. "You will be sitting this mission out."

"You have got to be joking," said Xander with clear anger in his voice.

Batman didn't react to his angry response.

"This is a joke right," added Amanda with a glare toward the Dark Knight.

"No, it's not. You two are this entities target. Taking you to confront him is a poor tactical decision," explained Batman.

Miri frowned as she considered the explanation, "And I am here because?"

"Because if you went, he'd follow. You also supply another level of protection."

"What if we are needed?" Amanda asked her belligerence not all that well hidden.

Unfazed, Batman met her glare, "You are needed. If the prophecy is correct you are needed to defeat the Nameless. You can't do that if you're dead," he explained bluntly. "Remember it is here, on Earth, to kill you."

Xander studied Batman silently, processing the argument. "Fine," Xander held up a finger to silence Amanda. "But the minute we are needed, you call us in."

oOoOo

"We have located Bizarro, he's in South Rhelasia," reported Green Arrow. "We have Superman, Supergirl, Martian Manhunter, Maxima and Wonder Woman onsite and engaging. They've requested assistance both against Bizarro and to help with the civilians. This is an all hands, we have thousands of civilian casualties."

oOoOo

Xander, Miri and Amanda found themselves watching as Black Canary and Green Arrow briefed the teams before transporting them to Earth. Eventually, it was only Young Justice and the Magic users remaining. "We are just about to transfer you to Mount Justice. From there Doctor Fate will open a portal to Rhelasia where the league is confronting Bizarro. The heavy hitters will, hopefully, be keeping him engaged and pinned down. Your job is to protect them while they do their job."

Black Canary took over, "We are leaving a reserve team here to act as back up if needed. So, if you are in over your head, call it in."

"Xan?"

Xander turned to see a worried looking Willow standing with Aluwyn and John Constantine.

"Hey, Wills."

"I've got a feeling, something hinky is going on," said Willow quietly. "Not here, but I feel like we are missing something, that we should have done something. I'm not making sense, am I?"

"No…you might be on to something. Be careful Willow," said Xander as he pulled his oldest friend into a tight hug.

"You too," said Willow.

"I will keep her safe," promised Aluwyn with a gentle smile on her inhuman and yet beautiful face.

"I kind of expected D'Hoffryn to show up you know," said Willow.

Xander's lips quirked up for a moment, "Yeah, but he's a bit of an evil tosser."

oOoOo

D'Hoffryn really wasn't looking forward to this…the Elder Miss Summers was a renowned grudge holder. He extended his senses and got…nothing. He really must remember to compliment Miss Rosenberg. The warding scheme was superb.

He raised his hand to knock, there was no way he was teleporting in as he had no desire to once again experience decapitation. Before he could touch the door, it swung open to reveal the younger Miss Summers.

"I'm going to get some… D'Hoffryn?" Dawn froze for a moment before turning her head slightly and yelling. "Buffy there is a Demon Lord at the door."

Dawn turned back to face D'Hoffryn with a serious expression on her face. "I heard Buffy chopped your head off."

He was spared answering by the arrival of Buffy Summers whose expression and tone was far from welcoming. "I did, looks like it didn't take, here's hoping that the second time is the charm."

"Ah, Miss Summers and of course Miss Summers," D'Hoffryn greeted them politely with a respectful nod each. "I come bearing news that I believe you will need and want to hear. Perhaps we might go inside?"

Buffy glared for a moment before nodding sharply, "Alright come in but no funny business…I'm not in the mood."

D'Hoffryn entered the rather quaint apartment and resisted the urge to sigh as he was met with a room full of slayers. All of whom were watching him with narrow-eyed suspicion.

Buffy leaned against the wall near the kitchen and raised an eyebrow, "So, not dead and you have a message."

"No, not dead Miss Summers. I am however in the possession of information about an upcoming apocalyptic event that I feel you should be informed about," explained D'Hoffryn.

"And this information is?" prompted Dawn.

D'Hoffryn kept his eyes on Buffy, "The location of Alexander Harris, Amanda Hayes and Willow Rosenberg."

Buffy's eyes widened for a moment before she schooled her expression. "And you know this how?"

"Miss Hayes made a wish, specifically that Willow and some of the big guns were present. As part of answering that wish, I transported Miss Rosenberg to Miss Hayes."

Buffy frowned, seemingly considering his words.

"Please tell me that they're all alive," said Dawn.

"Alive and well Miss Summers. Although, as I said earlier, they are facing an apocalyptic event that will, could it be allowed to occur, result in the end of everything," explained D'Hoffryn.

He went on to explain the prophecy and that the dimension their friends were protecting had done well so far but were outgunned.

"Interesting," said Buffy. "Now tell us the bits you left out."

D'Hoffryn sighed, this was going to take time.

oOoOo