CJ pulled up outside the club at eight in the morning. Everyone walked sleepily down to the RV, except for Angel, who scurried from the door to the camper shielded by a thick blanket. CJ drove out onto a single-lane highway, headed for the desert while everyone sat silently in the back. Connor and Dawn sat napping quietly on the little couch together while Illyria remained in the front with CJ. Catherine sat at a table near the blackened windows, staring off into space when Angel appeared by her side holding a cup of tea.
"Thought you might like something to drink," he said placing the cup in front of her. Catherine looked up smiling and began to sip the tea as Angel sat down across from her. "How are you holding up?"
Catherine knew what he meant at sat thoughtfully for a minute, her eyes cast down before she lifted her head to meet his gaze.
"I'm fine, just a little emotionally tired, I guess," she answered. Angel placed his hand over hers and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"If you need to talk more, I'm here."
"Right now, I'm just trying to get my mind into battle mode, but thanks."
A few hours later, CJ pulled into a parking lot for tourists. The sun was high above the sand which took on a polished shine as the heat radiated off it. Catherine stood up and strapped her pack on as Illyria transformed back into her body armor. Dawn stood up in the RV, holding a flat circular disk in her hand. She placed it in Catherine's palm as she began to explain what it was.
"It's a type of mystical compass. Willow gave me instructions on how to make it. Basically, just follow the direction the arrow points in. I have it charged for picking up the caverns you're looking for. When you reach them, it'll spin back a round to help you find your way back. I've got a spare for us to keep tabs on you guys, you know, just in case."
Catherine nodded and placed the compass in the pocket of her jeans. She placed a dagger into her belt and strapped a gun to her ankle. Her normal sword was already sheathed and tied to her pack. Illyira didn't bother with a pack. She would not need it she had said and only carried a sword at her side. Before stepping out into the sun drenched wasteland, Catherine hugged everyone good-bye and when she came to Angel, he was the hardest to release.
"Be careful," he whispered in her ear. Catherine stepped back, a grin on her face.
"Always am," she replied. Slowly her and Illyria exited the RV and began heading in the direction of the compass. Angel and the others stood around quietly before sitting down once more to wait for the girls to return. Angel resumed his seat at the table and stared at the door, not taking his eyes off it till Catherine walked in and was alright. Dawn and Connor took over the couch once more, this time going over files in Dawn's laptop, and CJ made his way to the back and sat opposite Angel.
"She'll be okay. You know, a watched pot never bubbles," CJ offered. Angel glanced quickly at the young man and turned his attention back to the door. CJ sighed deeply. This is going to be a long wait, he thought.
Catherine and Illyria walked under the sun for a few hours. Catherine, doing all she could to stay hydrated and cool, could still feel her skin burning under her sleeves and baseball cap. Illyria seemed unfazed by the heat and blinding glare from the smooth sand. Finally, a rock formation appeared in the near horizon. At first Catherine thought it was a mirage, the rocks bleary in the heat made her think she was imagining it. Only Illyria's simple comment about reaching their destination, assured her that it was no illusion. As they approached the rocks, Catherine noticed the opening to a cave to the side and began entering. A little ways in, Catherine took off the pack and set it to the side along with the compass. She took one more drink of her water and readied herself for a possible fight. Illyria held the flashlight Catherine had given her as she shed the extra clothes and sheathed her sword. Finally, she stood and taking the flashlight, led the way. Slowly the women wound their way through the cavern as it went deeper. Luckily, there was only one path to the center and Catherine thanked God silently for making it a little easier to find their way out. Suddenly the tunnel opened into a large cavern, lined with stalagmites. The air was musty from the moisture locked deep within and Catherine could hear the falling of water droplets in the distance. She also noticed the torches that were embedded in the wall, lit as if waiting for someone. Catherine held up her sword, ready to attack and carefully entered the room. Illyria stayed close behind watching the shadows in the corners for any threatening movement.
"So, I assume you've come for the Sword of Daylight, Immortal," a voice resounded in the cavern. Catherine and Illyria both looked around and saw no one. The voice, sounding like faint wind chimes continued to speak from the dark. "I can already tell you are a worthy choice. Do not be afraid Immortal, there is no reason to fear me." As the voice faded with this last sentence, a small light appeared before the women and slowly grew larger and brighter, till a woman appeared before them. She was tall, with long golden hair past her waist. She wore robes of white and gold and her face was warm and friendly. Catherine slowly lowered her weapon, but still kept her grip in case it was a trick.
"I am called Meleah. I am from the dimension of light. I have been watching over the sword, waiting for someone like you to come and retrieve it, secretly hoping I would never have to see that day when it would be needed. What is your name Immortal?" Meleah asked softly. Catherine hesitated for a moment then shyly answered.
"Catherine, of the Tuatha De Dannan. I'm here to fight for the Sword."
"Catherine is a beautiful name. It means pure, which you are. Pure light. You are the best choice to wield this weapon in the upcoming battle. Worry not Immortal, there is no need to put you through trails for the Sword. You've already proven your worthiness with the trails in your lifetime." Meleah smiled at Catherine and suddenly produced a sword from the air. The hilt was golden with tiny diamonds encrusted in it and the blade was so smooth it reflected better than most mirrors. Catherine put her own sword down and with trembling hands took the sword from Meleah. The instant she touched it, she felt a sudden warmth fill her. It was as if she could feel the light of the sun entering her and filling her with an enormous energy.
"Wow, this is…what is this?"
"You feel it, don't you Immortal. The pure light of goodness is now in you. The pureness you had is what made you strong, now the sun's radiance will enable you to beat back the dark that threatens the life of the mortals. My task is complete and I must return. Good luck to you Immortal, we will be watching and will rejoice at your victory."
Before Catherine could say anything more, Meleah stepped back into the sharp light and was gone. Catherine turned to Illyria smiling brightly at her. She picked up the sword from the ground and handed it to Illyria.
Angel paced nervously around the RV, while everyone else watched.
"They've been gone almost all day. Something's not right, I should have gone with her."
"Yeah, 'cause walking around the desert in the middle of the day when you're a vampire makes a whole hell of a lot of sense," Catherine replied from the doorway. Angle walked over to her and hugged her tightly, while everyone else looked on in surprise. Feeling the eyes of everyone in the room on them, Angel pulled back and helped Catherine remove her back.
"I'm just glad you guys made it back okay. And from your smile, I assume you got what we were looking for."
Catherine still beaming unsheathed the Sword and everyone's breath caught as they looked at its beauty.
"That is one sweet looking weapon," Connor mumbled.
"It's powerful too. I can sense it. When it was given to me I just had this feeling wash over me. Like I was taking a bath in nothing but light. It was amazing." Catherine re-sheathed it and sat down as CJ began to pull away and head home. She couldn't stop grinning and Angel couldn't help but do the same as he looked at her.
"Things are looking up," he said.
"They most certainly are," she replied.