Ravages Of Hell (31/32)

"Hello, I'm Huw Edwards reporting for BBC News." His voice cracked slightly. A second later he'd regained control. "On 29th May 2005. For weeks now, the world has been in a situation of considerable turmoil, many of its most powerful citizens have been murdered in an unprecedented bloodbath." He paused, again struggling with his composure. "Last night, the reasons and forces behind these apparently random incidents became shockingly apparent."

He glanced down at his notes, still far from sure that he wasn't unwittingly involved in some sort of colossal, tasteless hoax that would end up wrecking his career. Taking a breath, he looked up. "In the Cotswolds last night, demonic forces attacked a group of three hundred or so warriors defending the world-."

"Hello, I'm Ted Koppel," he leaned into the camera and smiled. "And this is ABC News Nightline on May 29th 2005." He turned serious. "Yesterday the world was shaken by the revelation that we're not alone on this planet of ours. This world is not also populated by aliens as many have suggested, but perhaps even more shockingly by demons." He looked to his left, the camera moving to the panel of experts. "Tonight, in a specially extended edition, my guests and I will discuss just how this disclosure will change the world we live in."

"And now to our Security Correspondent Frank Gardner outside the UN. Building."

"Thank you, Huw," the security correspondent nodded at the camera. "Today, three days after what is becoming known as 'the Slayer War', the UN meets in emergency council to discuss what to do next. Already the ambassadors have heard testimony from Rupert Giles, the head Watcher, Willow Rosenberg, the world's most powerful Wicca, Riley Finn, the ranking military officer at the battle, and Faith LeHane, the head Slayer and young woman who is rapidly becoming the public face of 'Slayerdom' as this staggering entity is becoming known."

"And as there been any discussion about just what do about demonic activity?"

Frank nodded at his question. "Such is the urgency of this situation the ambassadors have already come to a number of decisions. Miss Rosenberg has been named UN Advisor on Occult Research, with Mr Giles gaining the same rank on Demonic Activity. In addition, the newly promoted General Finn has been named the head of a Multi-National UN force consisting of sixty sixteen man teams made up of twelve troops, two Slayers, a magic user, and a Watcher. These teams' duties are to be limited to the hunting down of demons or humans participating in the black arts and will not involve them acting in any 'mundane' conflicts. Already thirty countries have offered resources, either financial or personnel, while no less than sixty-seven nations have agreed to allow these teams full border-access. One last point, Mr. Giles was at pains to emphasise how important the Council's independence is."

"Thank you, Frank," Huw glanced down at his notes. "At the same time the four Slayer War veterans spoke, their testimony was beamed via satellite to both the NATO and EU headquarters buildings. Let's hear the reaction from Gavin Hewitt in Brussels. Gavin, first, NATO's reaction?"

"The testimony was met with considerable shock, not the least that a number of their member nations, most notably England and America, had some knowledge of the Slayers but failed to share it with other nations. That aside, it had been decided that NATO will co-operate with the Watchers' Council in all matters, and that Mr. Giles be appointed NATO Ambassador for Occult Operations and a deputy ambassadorship was likewise bestowed on Miss Rosenberg."

"Heady days, Grant, "Huw commented. "And the EU's reaction?"

"Like NATO, Britain's partners were less than enthused by their prior knowledge of the Council's existence, and demanded to know why they weren't informed. That aside, they also promised full co-operation with the UN's new special forces unit. In addition, Mr. Giles was given the position of EU Commissioner for Demonic Security with Miss Rosenberg unanimously voted in as his deputy."

"Hello," Brian smiled into the camera, "I'm Brian Williams, and this is NBC Nightly News on 5th June 2005. Today, a number of the Slayer War veterans were honoured at the White House. For more, here's Campbell Brown, on location outside the White House."

"Hello Brian," the White House correspondent smiled before beginning her report. "Today, the newly promoted General Riley Finn was awarded the Congressional Medal Of Honour by the president who called him 'a shining example to the youth not only of America, but of the world'. Other awardees included Willow Rosenberg, Faith Lehane, and an absent Xander Harris who were all awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Miss. Buffy Summers and Angel were both awarded posthumous Presidential Medals of Freedom. In addition Miss LeHane was awarded a full pardon. Robin Wood, Connor Morgan, and Kennedy Lucas all received National Security Medals. Mr. Giles, who was unable to attend, was made an Honorary Citizen of the United States."

"I understand that award got quite a reaction?"

"Miss Lehane was heard to comment 'G's gonna shit when he hears this'." The White House correspondent smiled. "Given the Slayer's emerging reputation, we can't be sure that's a good thing."

"Gavin Hewitt, outside Buckingham Palace on the 11th June 2005." He smiled into the camera. "Today was a day of high pageantry, with awards being given out to the Slayer War veterans in a special investiture by the Queen. A new medal was made especially for the fighters of The Slayer Wars, the Slayer Cross, and was awarded to every one of the investiture's attendees as well as posthumously to the Slayer War's one hundred and sixty-seven dead. It's understood this award will be used in the future to mark bravery in battling demons."

"In addition to these awards, I understand a number of individual commendations were given out?" Huw commented from the studio.

Gavin nodded. "Both the vampire Angel and Buffy Summers were posthumously awarded honorary VCs. Both General Finn and the absent Xander Harris were also awarded honorary VCs. Mr. Giles was made a Knight of the Order of the Garter, something that reportedly had the head Watcher openly crying with pride. Miss Rosenberg was made an honorary member of the Order of Merit. Faith LeHane, Robin Wood, and Kennedy Lucas were all awarded honorary Military Medals."

"I understand that these are just some of the commendations that are mooted to becoming the way of the Slayer War heroes?" Huw queried.

"Yes," Gavin nodded. "Over twenty countries have announced plans to award the Slayers in some way or other. In addition, there are rumours that a certain Mr. Rupert Giles is a front-runner for this year's Nobel Peace Prize."

"Hello, I'm Mary Hart, and this Entertainment Tonight on 22nd June 2005." Mary smiled at her audience. "The big news in Hollywood is the rumours that a number of Hollywood big-hitters including Cameron, Spielberg, Scorsese, and others are competing for the rights to the Faith LeHane story, a movie to be called 'Troubled Hero'. When asked to comment on these rumours, Miss Lehane's only reply was to laugh and say 'there ain't a Hollywood chick with nuff 'tude to play me."

"Hello, I'm Nick Ross. And this week on Crimewatch UK we start with a missing person appeal," Nick paused, "an appeal for a person that over the last month you will have become more than familiar with." A picture of an one-eyed man appeared on the screen as he continued to talk. "Alexander Lavelle Harris disappeared the night of the Slayer War, after helping to save the world. Since that time, the young man has been feted and honoured with numerous awards from many nations. But he hasn't been seen since." The picture of the man disappeared, the camera moving back to Nick. "And so tonight, we're here to launch an appeal for Xander as he's known by his friends to get in touch. Together," he looked to his left, "with a very special guest, Sunnydale veteran, Slayer Cross awardee, and trainee Watcher, Miss Dawn Summers. Hello Dawn."

The beautiful brunette quickly wiped at her eyes before replying. "Hello Nick."

"First of all, I'd like to thank you all for your brave actions in the Slayer War," he began. "Now, could you tell us some more about your friend, I understand he was the first 'Scooby' to offer his loyalty to your sister?"

"Thank you, Nick. Yes Xander," the brunette paused, clearly collecting herself, "was more than a friend, he was a brother in all but blood."

"And he's been fighting demons since he was a teenager, in fact before he was legally able to vote?" Dawn nodded. "Amazing. I understand he saved your sister's life on a number of occasions?"

"And Faith's once," the trainee Watcher added.

"And the world from Miss Rosenberg after the death of her lover?"

The Watcher nodded. "But it's not that that makes him special. It's the way that when you've had the most awful day, he can look at you and just make you feel better by knowing he cares."

He looked into the camera. "And there you have it. One of the Slayer War heroes is missing. They saved us once, now we have a chance to help them. If you have any -."

"Hello, I'm Jan Hofer," he smiled at the camera, "and this is Tagesschau on 23rd July 2005. Rioting erupted today in Switzerland at a meet and greet for Slayer War vetrans Rona Andrews and Rona Crais, as panic erupted that they might not stay long enough to speak to the twenty thousand youngsters who had come to meet the two legends on their goodwill tour-."

"Hello, I'm Jeremy Paxman, and this is Newsnight, on 31st July 2005. Tonight on the program, we're delighted to have a live interview with Jans Mueller, a Der Spiegel correspondent who is the first reporter to get an in-depth interview with the enigmatic Sir. Rupert Giles. We'll be getting his thoughts on the very English legend. But first, the headlines-."

"Hello," he nodded towards the camera, "I'm Bob Schieffer and this is the CBS Evening News on 8th August 2005. Today in Crete, Rona Andrews and Vi Crais Slayed Stavros. The Greek demon was the oldest remaining known vampire, reputed to be over 800 years old." Bob paused as grainy footage was shown of the two Slayers in action, their movements supernaturally graceful. "No injuries were sustained by the Slayers and support team. In Slayer-related news, Kennedy Lucas led a successful attack on the Witchguard HQ."

"Tonight on Access Hollywood, do we have a guest for you," Maria Menounos beamed proudly. It had taken some serious bargaining and begging, but she'd got the guest she wanted. "Here she is," she rose, "I know I won't have to ask you to give a big hand to the senior Slayer herself. She's sexy. She's out-spoken. She's dangerous. She's brave. She's Faith Lehane!"

The studio audience erupted, with the largest wolf whistles coming from a bunch of frat boys. After a second, the Slayer herself strode onto stage, looking ravishing in a pair of two sizes too small leather pants and tiny black midriff top. "Yo," she hollered. "What's up gang?" The Slayer winked. "Can't hear you, make some noise ya all!"

"Hello, I'm Kathleen Pretty, and this is Canada Now: Newsworld Edition on 16th August 2005. Today, the UN announced the Summers Memorial Fund, named in honour of Buffy Summers. This fund, started with donations from each of the UN member nations will be used to compensate the families of Slayers fallen in battle-."

"Hello, I'm Jan Hofer," he stared grimly at the camera, "and this is Tagesschau on 23rd August 2005. Today Ms. Willow Rosenberg paid an emotional visit to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Afterwards a tear-eyed Ms. Rosenberg read a statement to the gathered press that Belsen and other camps should serve as a reminder that not only that evil is no respecter of nationalities, borders, or races, that the capacity for evil is in every one of us. And also that while it can be cruel, vindictative, and malicious that it is always cowardly and only by being brave enough to stand against it can we defeat it."

"Hello, I'm Susan McGinnis and this is CBS Morning News on 10th September 2005." She smiled before continuing. "Exciting Slayer news about international hero and heart-throb, General Riley Finn who it has been announced will be starring in a new series of recruitment adverts for the armed services-."

"Hello I'm Randy Price, this is WHDH-TV, and this is the 29th September 2005. Today, a Slayer veteran, none other than the legendary Faith Lehane, returned home to launch the 'Christine Forest Memorial Fund', a charity catering to abused teens."

"I understand this charity already has a number of big backers," Catarina commented.

"That's right, Cat," Randy smiled into the camera. "Local and national businesses are stampeding to be associated with a charity run by the beautiful Bostonian who is rapidly becoming the world's most photographed woman."

"I understand that this charity is very personal to Miss Lehane?" Catarina queried.

"Yes, dressed in a trouser suit instead of her customary leathers, the unusually serious looking Slayer read out a statement where she explained that Christine Forest was her first Watcher and the only real mom she'd ever had. She also said that she hoped by starting this charity she could save some kids from the hell she'd had to go through."

"I understand the usually exuberant Slayer looked tense," Catarina continued. "Are the pressures of fame getting to her?"

"Sources suggest the reason for the Slayer's tension is something else," Randy replied. "She and the others are very worried about the missing Xander Harris, the young man who has fought alongside Miss Rosenberg and Sir. Rupert Giles from the beginning."

Hello I'm Maria Miel and this is La 2 Noticias de TVE on 7th October 2005." Maria rustled her papers before continuing. "Today, the now legendary Sir. Rupert Giles was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in an emotional and heavily-guarded ceremony in Oslo, Norway."

"Hello, I'm Huw Edwards reporting for BBC News, on 10th October 2005. Today, Faith Lehane led a force consisting of herself, Connor Morgan, Kennedy Lucas and the Groosalug to wipe out a Scourge stronghold in Tuscany. The Scourge are a group of pure-blood demons somewhat similar to the Nazis of the 1930s, who believe all tainted with human blood should be wiped out." He looked down at his notes. "Fortunately there were no casualties on our side. In Slayer-related news, Sir Rupert Giles was awarded the freedom of Oxford and made an honorary chancellor. In addition, both Harvard and Moscow State University have announced plans to honour the British knight with doctorates some time in the new year."

"Hello, I'm GianfrancoVialli and this is Studio Aperto on 26th October 2005," he nodded into the camera, careful to keep his face grave. "Controversy raged today when Miss. Rosenberg and Miss Lehane snubbed a papal invitation to join the other major members of the Watcher's Council for a blessing. And now to our reporter on the scene, Rosa Rosso. Hello, Rosa."

"Hello," the former model smiled back at him from her position ourside the looming Vatican.

"I understand that the majority of the controversy has been ignited by some remarks made by Miss Lehane?"

"Yes," the elegant reporter nodded. "The American hero, idol to millions around the world, issued a statement where she said amongst other things 'I don't know if there is a god. But if there is, and he sits on his ass, allowing children to be abused, unjust wars to be fought, and millions to die from famine and easily curable dieases, I don't want any part of him.'"

"I understand the vatican has issued a respone?" he asked.

"Yes, they've been careful to be diplomatic, not wishing to anger those who idolise the American beauty. Their reply was 'Miss Lehane's stance is disappointing'."