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The Final Prophesy -- by Charmed Kitten

Rating: NC-17

Description: Some one from Angel's past comes back to prepare him, Cordy and Wesley for a Prophesy that will bring them all their heart's desires.

Note: The character "Tirzah" is based on my best friend Jenn who is webmistress for The Bronze Fan Fiction Archive and my site The Vault. I hope you like her. Let me know if I should continue this series. I have used several Irish Gaelic words in here. I have put their literal translations in parenthesis. The text inside the astericks (*) are telepathic thoughts.

Disclaimer: I don't own them, Joss does. I own Rosalynde, Gale, Francis and Tirzah.

On Angel's desk lies a scroll with The Prophecies of Aberjian, several books and the head of a sleeping former Watcher. The sun tries desperately to peek through the cracks of the blinds. The Brit is too far gone into his stolen rest to notice it creeping on his back and face. His rest was rather peaceful for one who has seen what he had. Until the door slammed and rest vanished as quickly as snow in hell.

"Good morning," chirped Cordelia, dressed stunningly in a hunter green sundress with a white cardigan tied around her neck.

"Oh, dear...um...Good morning, Cordelia...um," replied Wesley, a bit disoriented and scrambling for his much-needed glasses.

"Did you fall asleep again over that scroll thingy?"

"Well, yes, actually, I did...but only briefly."

"Whatever. Did you find out anything useful, since you didn't make any coffee?"

"Oh, um...sorry 'bout that...um...Actually I did find something of interest."

Cordy turned to him with her back to the coffee pot and leaned against the door jam. She stared at him, then her head turned abruptly to the elevator as she heard the creaking of the machine. "Looks like the boss is up," she cracked.

"Um, yes...so it appears," Wesley replied as he began searching through the mess of papers for his notes.

As the elevator doors opened, Angel stepped out dressed in his usually black jeans and black button up shirt. "Morning, Cordelia...Wesley."

"Good morning, Angel," Cordy replied.

"Um...Angel, good morning. Um...have you ever heard of the Mistress Gale?"

"Mistress Gale? No....not that I can recall. Why, Wesley?"

"Well, it says here in the text that when the Mistress Gale comes to visit the one cursed with a soul...she will prepare him and another for their destiny...um...it also says that the Mistress Gale will be a part of the one cursed with a soul. She will bring back someone from his past and relieve some of his guilt. She will make him worthy of his soul mate."

"Wow. Sounds like a pretty amazing woman. Take away some of Angel's guilt? Even Buffy couldn't do that...Wait make him worthy of his soul mate? Does that mean he gets back together with Buffy? What about his soul and the whole 'grrr' thing?"

"I don't know."

"Of course you don't, Wesley. That's why I'm here," a voice said from the doorway.

All three heads spun to the doorway of Angel's office and were stunned into silence. Standing there framed in the doorway stood a young woman. She was tall and slender with long brown hair that reached the middle of her back and had deeply slanted honey brown eyes that were filled with laughter, wisdom and life. She was dressed in a black halter-top, a patchwork skirt that fell to her knees and a pair of straw colored platform shoes. She smiled and said, "I'm the Mistress Gale. I am so excited to finally meet the three of you. I've waited a few centuries for this moment."

"Huh! I mean, not that I'm not glad to meet you but who the hell are you?" Cordy asked while staring almost transfixed at the tattoo peaking from her halter neckline. "Wait...centuries? You're not a vampire are you? Angel, aren't vampires called mistresses?"

"Yes, Cordy, but..."

"I'm not a vampire, Cordy. I'm a ..."

"Gypsy," Angel spat out.

Gale's laughter filled the room. "Only half, Uncle Angel. Only half." Oblivious to the stunned looks of her audience she entered farther into the room and leaned up against Angel's desk. "My father was a gypsy. And don't worry, you can yell at Mother all you want about that. She'll be glad to see you. She's only a few hours behind me. Anyway...."

"Wait...did you just call Angel, Uncle?" Cordy screeched.

"Well, yes, I mean he is my uncle."

"How. Angel or rather Angelus killed all of his family when he was turned."

"No, Cordy. I didn't kill my sister, Rosalynde. She disappeared a few years before I turned from her finishing school."

"Right," Gale replied enthusiastically.

"But she was thought dead. And how are you still young it it's..."

"If it's 2000 and I'm not a vampire?" Gale asked. Angel, Cordy and Wesley nodded in confusion and curiosity. "Well, Mom discovered a coven of wiccas at her finishing school and soon became one of them. When they realized who she was, they quickly asked her to come with them to their home in Crosshaven, which is in Southern Ireland. She wasn't sure because she had to promise not to contact her family. They had to believe she was dead in order to save her life and fulfill the prophesy."

"But why did she have to lie to her family?" Cordy broke in.

"Because....Angelus would have killed her," Wesley replied impatiently.

"Oh, right." Cordy answered.

Gale simply smiled at Cordy and turned to Angel to finish her tale. "It was meant to happen, Angel. You were meant to be turned and live as Angelus. And you were meant to be cursed. But you were not mean to lose your soul again. Jenna failed us and you. She became Jenny and forgot about here purpose. And because of her blindness, she died. Not because of you, not because of Buffy and not because of your love for each other."

"But..." both Cordy and Angel started.

"No buts," Gale interrupted. "Let me finish." They both sighed and nodded. "Jenna was told to beware of Angel's happiness and to report to my mother when it was apparent that Angel had become a better person and if he was ready for his soul to be permanent. But her uncle corrupted her so that she could not see your goodness clearly and she waited too long. Her present to Buffy on her 17th birthday was to be your bound soul. She failed to fulfill her goal and failed to make up for it quickly enough. She knew her job. She was told by my mother, her Mistress, to fulfill it but she failed. Her punishment was her life."

"That is so cruel!" Cordy yelled. "Miss Calender was a great woman who didn't deserved to die."

Angel nodded sadly.

Gale looked straight into Angel's eyes and said, "Uncle, Jenna put the prophesy on hold until I was read and allowed the demons to have the upper hand. She brought back Angelus when her job was to prevent him from coming back. She failed, not you, not Buffy." The look that passed between the two deepened and through Gale's eyes Angel saw Jenna. He saw her speaking to someone in the shadows and heard Rosalynde's voice saying, "Go to Sunnydale like your people ask of you, but remember what you have learned here. Angel is the key, as is Buffy. Give the slayer her lover's soul bound to him on her 17th birthday and all will be well. You will live and the prophesy will begin." He heard Jenna reply, "As you wish, Mistress Rosalynde. My loyalty belongs to you and your cause. I will give the slayer Angel's bound soul."

"Good," was the reply from the shadows. Then all Angel saw was Gale's deep honey brown eyes. "Wait! I want to see my sister!"

"Soon, Uncle," Gale said smiling. " Mother will be here soon. Do you believe me now?"

"Yes....Yes, I do." Angel replied smiling.

"Good....I simply showed Angel the conversation between my mother and Jenna before she left for Sunnydale. She was warned and promised her Mistress her loyalty and that she would fulfill her task." Gale said for Cordy and Wesley's benifit. "Now on to how I look 25 and am actually 211 years old."

"What!" Cordy screamed. "How?!" Angel and Wesley look at Gale with curiosity. Wesley was almost ready to climb the walls. All the interruptions were driving him mad. He wanted the story in it's entirety. He was getting impatient.

"Don't worry, Cordy. You'll also be young forever, but I'll get to that soon. Just let me finish." Gale laughed at the look of shock that quickly changed to delight on Cordy's face. "Be patient or I shall not tell you, and I do know how persistent you can be, Cordelia. But I'm a witch and a gypsy. It will be easy for me to shut you up." Gale smiled as she read Cordy's mind of back in high school when Amy's mom had taken away a girl's mouth. Gale continued confident that Cordy would wait for her to continue the story at her own pace.

"Mother didn't know what the coven members meant by the prophesy but knew it was important. So she agreed. She left with them for Crosshaven and studied for years and improved her skills. Then five years after Angel changed, when she was 24, the Master and Mistress of the coven finally told here who she was and why it was so important she abandon her family. Mother was to give birth to the first of the elements of the Final Prophesy. One of the warriors would be her brother after he met his true love. Unfortunately he had to become Angelus first. Now Mother knew of Angelus, as well as what would happen to him. It was part of her studies. She was beginning to learn of the Final Prophesy. She had to allow it to happen. The prophesy was too important. They also told her that when she died, she would become immortal, the same as what will happen to all the elements. She just wasn't told when. She just knew it would be after my birth.

She was then told that she was to work with some gypsies and witches on some spells. It was there she met my father. They were never allowed alone for five years. She fell in love with him though. When she was 29, they were finally allowed alone to do some research when the others were sick. That night they conceived me. Two months later he left with another witch in the coven. My mother was left pregnant. When the Mistress found out, she called my mother to her chambers. She told her that she was caring the first of the elements and not to worry. She will meet her soul mate someday."

"Anyway Mom became immortal after she gave birth to me. She died after the labor. So she will always look 30."

"Now I died in a rather dumb way. We lived near the cliffs in Crosshaven. I was fascinated by them and the winds. I was trying to remember a spell that I would have to do that night. I had closed my eyes to see the page when a gust of wind came. I tripped over a rock and hit my head on a boulder. I woke up in my room with my mother sitting next to me laughing. 'Well, Gale,' she said, 'I guess your namesake thought you had aged enough.'" Gale smiled at the laughter coming from Angel, Cordy and Wesley. "And I've been immortal ever since."

But Cordy asked, "You are called Mistress though. Do you lead a coven?"

"I am second to my mother as you will be. All the elements are to be second to her. She is our source."

"Wait, I'm an element?"

"Yup. You're Earth. You will be the anchor to reality and humanity for the Warriors."

Wesley cracked, "Humanity? Cordelia?"

Gale and Angel laughed as Cordy threw her pencil at Wesley. Gale floated the pencil to her. "Yes, humanity. You'll understand why when she does die. But now it's time for me to move in."

"Move in?" Cordy asked. "Where are you going to live?"

"Mother and I are moving into the other half of the building. We are going to open a magic shop and live below. We want to be close to you guys to train you all."

"Train us," Angel asked. "How?"

"We need to train you to separate your actions from your demon's and of your role, to train Cordy of her role and powers, and to train Wesley with his role."

"My role?" Wesley questioned.

"Yes. You will be a watcher of sorts. But you must learn to be humble and work with Giles. He will be the same. I think."

"You think?" Angel asked.

"Well, Giles' role is rather confusing. No one is really clear on it yet. Hopefully you guys will be able to help. But first," Gale said when she saw the nods and eagerness light up their eyes. "I need to move in and make ready for The Mistress. We only have an hour." Looking guilty Gale continued, "I was supposed to wait till she came and tell you but when I heard Wesley talking about me. I had to come."

They all laughed. Angel asked if they could help. Gale's face lit up. "Of course you can," she answered.

Just then a man of about 30 years old entered dressed in jeans, comfortable brown work boots, a hunter green fedora and a hunter green paisley shirt. "Mistress, Tirzah and I have unloaded the truck. Everything is in the store and apartment, it just needs to be unpacked and placed."

"Thank you, Francis," Gale replied. "We'll be right over. You and Tirzah can each begin in your rooms."

"Mistress, Tirzah wishes to begin in the shop," Francis replied after throwing a wink at Cordy.

Gale laughed. "I should have know she would. Tell her it's fine. Just remind her to set the shelves up first before she puts the computer system in."

"Yes, Mistress," Francis replied as he left the room.

"Eww..." Cordy said. "Can't you dress him better than that? He...He dresses like Doyle." Cordy's face then fell and she turned her head towards the wall. Angel reached for her but Gale moved to stand in front of her. She gently grabbed her chin.

"There's a reason for that. Francis is Doyle's cousin. On his father's side. That's why they don't look similar." Francis has turquoise green eyes and sandy blond hair. He was also six feet tall and muscular. "Come on," Gale said. "We have a ton of work to do and little time." As Gale dragged them into the new magic shop, she gave out her orders. "Wesley--you unpack the books, arrange them by topic and then alphabetically--even the topics must be alphabetic. You'll know the topics, they'll be written on the boxes. Angel--you can help Tirzah in the shop. She'll need help with the shelves. Cordelia--you can help me decorate the apartment. Let's go."

Gale left Angel in the lobby of the office as she dragged Wesley and Cordy to the elevator. "Don't worry, Uncle. Tirzah won't bite, unless she's really hungry or you ask." Angel heard Gale's laughter as the elevator went down to the apartment.

He heard movement behind him and turned ready to fight. His vampire senses were going haywire. When he turned he was stunned. Standing before him was a true vampire mistress. He felt her power coming from her, yet he also felt other strange power coming from her. She then smiled at him and spoke. "Hello, Angel. I'm Tirzah." She laughed as he nodded somewhat foolishly. "Yes, I'm a vampire. I'm about 700 years old, but I've always had my soul. I'll tell you how later. I'm also a wiccan. That's the other source of power you feel from me. Now hurry we have a lot to do before Rosalynde comes." Angel nodded. "Set the shelves along the entire wall. I'll start creating the atmosphere." As Angel began, Tirzah began her incantation.

Immediately the room began to resemble a hut. The ceiling took on the appearance of a thatched roof, the floor of dirt, the walls of aged wood and from the ceiling few string of moss that twined itself around the shelves Angel had just finished putting up. But the most impressive change was the door. IT became a single slab of wood with a string latch. On the outer side of if hung a sign that read 'The Crone's Hut.' But underneath it written so only demons, witches and the like could see were written the words: Enter but all who live and visit here are safe and claim sanctuary by order of the Mistresses Rosalynde and Gale.

Angel saw the sign. "Sanctuary?" he asked, "Rosalynde and Gale will allow their shop and home to be a Sanctuary?"

"Only their shop. Wherever either goes and invites all in becomes a Sanctuary. All obey because all are afraid not to. Their temper is fierce. Rosalynde has the powers of all the elements. All come from her. She is their mother. And Gale is the wind. Those who anger her can find themselves in a windstorm beyond their wildest dreams. But enough of that, Rosalynde will explain when she gets here. We need to set up the office now. Come."

In the office Tirzah and Angel put together more shelves and cabinets as she set up her cherished computer. Meanwhile downstairs, Cordy and Gale were having the time of their lives decorating. Gale was using magic to move the furniture to the places they wanted. They had finished both Gale's and Rosalynde's rooms and the kitchen and were now working on the main room.

"Where should we put the couch, Cordy?"

"Um....in front of the fire place along with the recliners."

"Okay. Now for the paintings and pictures."

"Gale, put the favorite one on the mantel and scatter the rest around the room on tables."

"Okay. We're done!" Gale looked at her watch. "Perfect. We have 10 minutes left. Wesley, Francis, are you guys done?"

"Yes, Mistress," Francis answered.

"Good, let's see if Tirzah and Angel are done." Just then they heard the elevator start. "Good that must be them."

"Gale," Tirzah said from the elevator, "have you done the spell yet?"

"No, Tirzah," Gale answered. "We've just finished. Besides with Mother and you here it will be stronger."

"True," was the vampire's answer, as she entered the room both Cordy and Wesley's breath caught. Tirzah was Gale's height with long reddish brown hair in a french twist with wisps framing her oval face. Her pale porcelain skin made her round hazel eyes pop out as they were framed with black eyeliner and mascara. Her lips were painted a faint red. She was dressed in black leather pants with boots and a purple peasant blouse that did nothing to hide here well-endowed chest.

Tirzah walked up to them and introduced herself. Gale asked if anyone was hungry. All but Tirzah were. "I am going to finish my room and then I'll be out, Gale."

"Okay, but hurry. Mother will be here soon. I can begin to feel her."

"Yes, Mistress."

Cordy asked, "Why does Tirzah switch between calling you Gale and Mistress."

"Because she's my friend, teacher and follower as she is my mother's. Tirzah is 700 years old. So she has rights few others do."

"Is Tirzah immortal?" Cordy asked.

"Well, she's a vampire with a soul."

"Oh, cool." Cordy responded. "Was she cured like Angel?"

"No," Gale replied, "Every wiccan who studies or knows of the Final Prophesy has to have their soul bound. This makes it harder for demons or others who would benifit from stopping the prophesy from knowing." Gale laughed and continued. "Everyone is on a need to know basis. Only a few know the entire text."

"So we won't get to know everything?"

"Nope," Gale replied. "Only what you need to know, when you need to know it. IT's very complicated and lengthy. It will take several years for it to reach fulfillment. Heck, it started with my mother and Angel." Gale smiled at them all then leaned back on the cause she had been sitting on. Her expression changed form carefree laughter to serious contemplation. Angle got concerned and asked what was the matter. Francis answered, "The Mistress Rosalynde is close. Only a few blocks away. Gale is telling her what has happened."

"Francis," Gale spoke. "Your Mistress Rosalynde is outside the building. Go to her and help the others unpack her belongings."

"Yes, Mistress."

Gale turned to Angel. Her eyes were filled with tears. "I know I wasn't very emotional before. I was too nervous and excited. Besides you've never met me." She smiles as did Angel. "It's been a few centuries since you've seen Mother. She wants to see you first in private."

Angel nodded his agreement.

"How about going to your apartment? Mother will meet you after she freshens up. She's very nervous. Besides you're dirty from the shelves."

Angel laughed and agreed.

"Cordy, why don't you and Wesley go home and change too. Dress comfortably. I'll make Chinese for everyone. It'll be ready by the time you both get back."

"Okay," Cordy answered. "Come on Mr.. Rogue Demon Hunter. Let's go get changed."

"Dai Duit, Liam." (God to you.)

"Dia's muire duit, Rosalynde." (God and Mary to you.) Angel replied. "It's been too long. I've....I've missed you, Lynde." Angel finished as tears ran down his face.

"As have I, Liam, as have I."

Too many tears to count fell as brother and sister were reunited after centuries apart. Two hours passed as they gave each other a brief rundown of their lives and cried over the pain the other had to experience.

Finally, Rosalynde said that they needed to go back over to her apartment and she would then tell them of their roles in the prophesy. At least their immediate roles.

"Inon, (daughter/there needs be a `over the n), what have you made for us tonight?"

Gale laughed in partial relief and partial eagerness. "Everyone's favorite Chinese dishes. Do you want Orange Chicken and steamed rice first, mathair(mother ` over the first a)."

"That would be wonderful, inon."

Cordy and Wesley turned to the sound of a new voice. Cordy felt a pull unlike anything when Rosalynde spoke. And when she saw her, tears formed in her eyes. Here was her mother. The woman who would love her unconditionally and give her support and constructive criticism. Here was a mother she would be proud of. And damn, she was beautiful.

Rosalynde was petite, she barely reached Angel's shoulder where her head was currently resting. She had long red hair that reached her waist. It had a slight curl to it but not much. She was tiny, like Buffy, and she gave off the same aura of sassiness and a love of life. Her round face held almond shaped moss green eyes, exaggerated by makeup; an elf shaped nose, sprinkled with freckles and a wide mouth with pouty lips. she smiled at both Wesley and Cordy. As she approached Wesley he knelt down at her feet and kissed her hand.

"I pledge my life and service to you, Mistress. Both are yours for as long as I live." As he bowed his head once more over her hand, Rosalynde told him to rise. Angel and Cordy had an expression of bewilderment on their faces. Gale, Tirzah, Francis and Rosalynde laughed.

"I accept your pledge, Wesley. And I thank you." Turning to Angel and Cordy she said, "To those whom meet me immediately either run or offer their pledge, unless them are an element or a warrior in the prophesy." She then turned to Cordy. "Dia duit, inon. I have been waiting."

"Dia's muire duit, Mathair." Cordy replied. Then her expression became one of shock, as did Angel's. They said stimutaniously.

"I don't speak Gaelic!"

"You speak Gaelic!"

Gale laughed. "Her powers are beginning to come to her."

"Oh," was the reply from both of them.

"Now let us sit down and eat. And I will tell you what you need to know of your roles for now," Rosalynde said.

"Mistress, why can we not know our full roles?" Wesley asked.

"Because it is too overpowering," Rosalynde answered. "Anyway, here's the basis. Angel, you and Buffy will be reunited without complications, unfortunately not for several years. First you must learn to separate your actions from Angelus' actions, as well as fighting all the demons listed in the scroll." Rosalynde gave Angel a rueful smile and shrugged her shoulders. "Life was never promised to be easy for any of the warriors."

"Yeah, you should hear of the hell Chris has to go through in order to prove himself and win his soul mate." Gale interrupted in reaction to the downcast and hopeless look in her uncle's eyes.

"Gale!" Rosalynde said sharply, glaring at her daughter. "You know better than that!"

"Oops!" Gale replied with a shocked look on her fact that soon turned shameful. "I just reacted..."

" I know, Gaoth(Wind), but you can't tell them too much yet. You have been studying for centuries, since your death. Don't overwhelm them."

"Yes mathair, I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Just control your flights of fancy." Rosalynde smiled at her inon, showing her forgiveness. "Now Angel. Your main task is to spend time with your niece. Her love for live and her inability to allow people to dwell on guilt will help you to let go. Besides, her flights of fancy will not allow much time for you to brood." Laughter filled the room as a look of fear passed over Angel's face, until he also joined in. "Also brother mine, you need to train Gale and Cordy in fighting. It was never wise for Gale to fight with Christopher and Tirzah is about the same."

"Whose Christopher?" Cordy asked.

"You'll meet him someday. Until then don't worry about it dear. You'll soon have enough to occupy your thoughts. Now, Wesley. You will work with Francis. Francis will expand your knowledge of languages and your research abilities. He will also help you to translate the scroll."

"Cordy, my dear, you will work with both Tirzah and myself. We will begin your wiccan training. And no complaining about training with Angel and Gale." Rosalynde said as Cordy's face screwed up in disgust. "You must."

"Fine." Cordy answered in a huff. She had a feeling that her mother was going to enjoy torturing her, as well as her sister and Angel. Oh, God, Angel's gonna love this way to much, Cordy thought to herself.

At Giles' the downstairs room resembled a college dorm room during finals week. Only it was summer and none of the young adults in the room were taking summer classes. The research sessions at Giles' were informative but draining and could not be taken for credit at UC Sunnydale. But they helped to keep them alive so the Scooby Gang simply grinned and bore wading through the massive texts on demons that Giles had...well at least they tried to.

Right now the Scooby Gang was too pooped to do anything but sleep. The sun's rays peeked through the drawn blinds but didn't get too far. Spike was thankful for that. At least he didn't have to move to stay out of it's rays. He surveyed the room and it's occupants. His eyes rested on Xander and Anya cuddled together on the couch.

Bloody hell. How could an ex-demon like Anya settle for a brainless clown like Xander? She mus have lost more than her powers when she became human.. I mean look at the boy. He's drooling on the pillow and snoring like a sick old man. Ah, hell, the bloody wanker won't last long enough to be an old man.

*Deamhan(demon) behave. You may need him someday. Besides he's kept you from staking yourself, silly boy! And he amuses you. Admit it.*

Bloody hell! Who is talking?

*Come on, Deamhan. You don't recognize my voice. I'm hurt. You have forgotten our time in Italy so quickly. We kept you alive after Dru left you.*

Am I going nuts? I swear that it's Tirzah's voice but I haven't seen her or the Mistresses since...

*Since before you left us for Paris and turned Harmony. You bloody fool. How you could even THINK for a moment that that, that immature airhead cheerleader could fill Dru's shoes, I'll never understand.*

Bloody hell, it is you, Tirzah. You did hate those cheerleaders we saw in Venice.

*Yeah, well, their bloody annoying. Anyway continue your critique of them*

What?

*Continue. I want to know what you think of them. You must know since I'm spending so much energy to talk to you telepathically that it's important..*

True, but what's so bloody special about these...kids, Tirz? Why are you so interested in them?

*You'll know someday. But I need to prepare Christopher for his arrival.*

What? Chris is coming to Sunnydale? When?

*This afternoon. Now hurry. I'm getting tired. We moved in yesterday and I'm drained from all the spells I had to do.*

Where are you living now?

*In California, close to Sunnydale but not too close. Now tell me about them truthfully.*

Oh, fine. And I'm only telling you cause your voice is getting weak.

* Thank you, Deamhan.*

Welcome, luv. Now as I was going to say, or think before you had me thinking I was becoming a bloody Bedlimite, was that Anya is a bloodthirsty little miss. But I don't understand how such a weak wanker like Xander can keep her happy.

* Just wait till he proves himself to you, Deamhan.*

What the hell does that mean?

*Never mind, continue.*

Fine then. Just stop interrupting me. Now on to Mr. Rupert Giles. Now there's an interesting bloke. A true upholder of the Hellfire Club that one in his youth, but the bloody wanker turned good and became a Watcher. He could have had anything he wanted.

*Ah, but Deamhan, would he have been happy?*

How would I know, Tirz? But he's the heart of them. He gives them the strength to fight. They need him in order to stay alive. They'd all be dead and hate each other if it wasn't for him.. They can't stand to be away from him for long and they can't stand his disapproval. He's like their bloody father.

*Really? Interesting*

Yeah. Alright if you say so. Now the Slayer, Miss Buffy, is a bloody pain in the arse. Spike laughed. I could spend hours telling you about this wench. Bloody goody goody two shoes who always falls for the wrong guy. At least with the bloody poof she was well matched. She was more fun then. Now with the new boyfriend, instead of just messing up my plans, he puts a bloody chip in my head! I'd love to pay him back for that one. Oh, and he's dense.

God, how can you be shaggin' the Slayer and not know if it's her or not? I admit she threw me at The Bronze, but I knew something was up. Poor girl.. Doesn't make me want to kill her less, but she's the source of my survival right now. So I can't kill her, at least until I get this chip out of my head.

She thinks with her heart too much though. Gets her into trouble. Giles tries to keep her safe. He misses Angel's ability to do that, though he'd never admit it.

Fish boy, follows her around like a puppy dog, he can't tell her what to think let alone to be careful. Besides, he's too weak to stop her and she doesn't love him enough.

*And how do you know this, Spike?*

Because she still looks for the bloody poof. When she makes a decision and asks for everybody's input she'll look into the shadows. But instead of the love of her life, she sees me. And the light in her eyes dies just a bit, only for a second. And I know that she isn't looking for my approval. But she hides it well. Both Willow and Giles can pass it off as simple adjustments to college life. But Red's involved with her own new relationship so she's not watching Buffy as closely.

*Does it bother you that Buffy still looks for Angel?*

Nope. Only hope they can find a way to make him Soul Boy permanently.

*Really? Why?*

Cause I don't want Angelus back especially with this chip in my head. And they'll get back together. They have to.

*Why do they have to?*

Because she'll die soon without him.

*What? You sound disappointed?*

I am. The next Slayer might not be as fun as this one. She's not the same. I should know. I knew her weak spots when I was fighting her. but now she's not as much fun to fight against. She's missing a lot of her spunk and Riley's suppose to help but he doesn't. He just adds on the stress. She's always having to say his ass and training with him is hell for her. She always has to hold back. She needs an equal, not a crutch. Hey, Tirz?

*Yes, Spike?*

I just remembered something. That girls I saw briefly with Gale at your guys' place in Venice looks a lot like Red's new friend, Tara. They were pretty buddy buddy although the girl was saying that she didn't want to leave her.

*You must be mistaken. I doubt it. Now tell me about Willow before I get too weak to continue. Gale will tell you when and where to meet Chris tonight.*

Whatever you say, Tirz. I know you. You're trying to change the subject.. I'll let you this time.

Red's an interesting chit. I was rather surprised with her relationship with Tara. Didn't think she'd have done it. She's grown up a lot. Still dresses funny though. Could be a real looker if she dressed a bit more like our Slayer, just a bit mind you. Too much and she'd have to fight them off with a stick. She's a lovely combination of sweet and sour. Innocence and wisdom. An intoxicating combo for any man, or demon. A woman you would want to teach things to, but you know that she would surprise you with things you never though she'd think of. Plus, she's caring and stronger then many think. Even her best friends, the bloody blind idiots.

Spike began to move closer to Willow. She was sitting on the couch with a book on her lap. Tirzah felt him moving closer to her. She smiled sadly.. She knew Spike was in love with Willow. But she also knew that he didn't know it yet.

Spike starting to speak again to Tirzah as he stood over Willow.

"Hold on, the witch is going to get a major crick in her neck. I'm gonna put a pillow under her head."

Spike leaned over Willow with a pillow from Giles' couch. Just as he was about to place it under her head, Willow's eyes opened. She screamed and kicked Spike, sending him straight into the wall between the windows.

"Bloody hell!" both Giles and Spike yelled as Xander and Anya tumbled off the couch and Buffy jumped up into her fighting stance holding her book, ready to bash whatever had tried to harm Willow on the head.

"Where is it, Willow? What did it do to you? Buffy yelled. When she didn't see anything in the room, she rushed to Willow's side. "What happened, Wills?"

"Um...sorry, Buffy. I just had a bad dream."

"Oh. It's okay. You just scared me. Do you want to tell me about it?" She smiled, relieved that her best friend was okay. Sighs of relief were heard from everyone else in the room as well.

"It's okay, Buffy, I don't remember what it was now." Willow chuckled softly. "I scared myself screaming too."

Buffy and Willow shared a smile at that. Buffy at that point looked over at Spike getting up from the floor. "Spike, what happened to you?"

"The bloody witch scared me with her screaming. I got outta my chair and tripped over the book."

Buffy began to laugh and soon everyone else in the room joined in.

*Nice cover-up, Deamhan.*

Spike heard Tirzah's laughing in his head. He hollered, "Stop laughing at me, Tirz! It's all you fault!

*I'll see you soon, Spike. Bye!*

"When," he demanded. "When will I see you? Don't leave me like that Tirz....Tirzah?" But all he heard was her laughter and then silence.

And then Buffy asking, "Spike? Who are you talking to?"

Everyone had left Giles' with plans to meet back up at sunset. Spike and Giles were the only ones left. Giles had retreated upstairs to get some rest before another bout of research with Anya and Xander. Needless to say, he was not looking forward to it.

Spike was watching his soap, "Passions" on the t.v. downstairs. It had just finished. He began to flip through the channels when he felt a tickle at his neck. He turned around quickly but no one was there. He shrugged his shoulders and turned back to the t.v. Not even a minute later, he felt a breeze and then fell off the couch as someone hit him across the face with the same pillow he had tried to put under Willow's head his morning.

"Bloody hell! Who did that?" Spike growled.

"Only little old me, Spike," was the reply he got. Spike cracked his neck as his head shot up in disbelief.

"Gale?"

"The one and only, luckily for you."

"What are you doing here? I didn't hear you come in."

"Spike, you were so engrossed with the t.v. you couldn't even hear me yelling at you."

"You were yelling at me?"

Neither of them saw Giles standing on the landing of his staircase, rumpled from sleep and rushing to see what Spike had been yelling about. He was rather worried. Spike had not answered truthfully when they had asked who Tirzah was. And now there was a beautiful young lady in his living room talking to Spike. He quickly decided to stand silently and observed.

"Yes, Spike. For the last five minutes, I have been yelling at you. But you were so engrossed with your show that I couldn't get through telepathically so I astroprojected."

Giles' eyebrows rose in surprise. Telepathy, astroprojection? Who is this girl?

"Well, Miss high and mighty, you must not be as strong as Tirzah, if you can't talk to me telepathically and she did that tired." Spike smirked at her with affection.

Gale laughed. "Silly, you were more open minded when she talked to you and it's harder to astroproject then it is to speak telepathically. Anyway," she said as she walked closer to him, "is that anyway to greet your friend?"

"It is when she scares the bloody daylights out of me and hits me with a pillow. Chris and I won that pillow fight in Venice, remember little girl?"

"Little girl? I'm older than you are!"

"True, but I'm stronger."

Gale smiled. "When I come up here with Tirzah for the weekend, we'll have a rematch. But I have to a favor to ask of you, William."

Spike turned serious as did Gale. Giles' face held an expression of shock at the use of Spike's real name and his attitude towards Gale. He was acting brotherly to her one minute then...

"What is it, Mistress?"

What? He called her mistress? Giles felt as if a ton of bricks had fallen on his chest. Spike acknowledged this girl who claims to be older than him as mistress. Who is she?

"I need you to introduce Christopher, Blaise and Colin to the Slayer and her friends. They are in town now and moving into Angel's mansion. That will piss off Buffy, but Mother got Angel's permission. Don't ask how. Just do as I ask."

"Yes, Mistress, but they won't trust me. Especially when they see Chris fighting. He's not a mortal."

"I know, William. But you must think of something. Chris, Blaise and Colin must fight with them to defeat this demon. They will protect the Slayer.. She needs it from what you told Tirzah about her. She cannot die!"

"Why not?"

"Do not be disrespectful!" Gale said raising her voice as her eyes turned hard. Giles was in complete shock. He had no idea what to think about this.

"I'm sorry, Mistress. But you have never told me why. I don't understand what so important about her that you get so angry whenever you find out she is in danger."

Gale's face softened. "Sorry, William. My memories were in the past earlier today. It has made me irritable. This Slayer is more important that any other that will come after her. She cannot die yet. Too much training needs to happen before her true destiny is revealed to her and the others. Until then Christy will keep her safe. As will Colin, Blaise and Tara. Those three have vowed their lives to protect hers."

"Haven't they done the same to you?"

"Yes, but I'm immortal, as is Christy. WE cannot die."

"Oh," Spike replied. "I forgot. Your heart still beats."

"I know."

"Wait...what's this about Tara?"

"Tara is one of the coven. I sent her here to train Willow. She will also work with Anya when Christy comes. Anya will be more receptive then."

Giles felt lightheaded at all this information. What were they talking about? Immortal? Not being able to die? Buffy's true destiny? Tara being a member of a coven and training both Willow and Anya? He reached to balance himself against the wall when his hand slipped from the frame of a painting to the wall. The noise drew attention to him. Both Gale and Spike turned towards the noise.

"Giles," Gale said. "I have been wanting to meet you for centuries now. Oh, dear," she said quickly. "Mother will not like this." She shrugged her shoulders as Spike chuckled. "I must go but you will find some of your answers in the Watcher's Diaries from the 1930's to the 1950's. The rest you will have to wait till you meet my Mother. Spike," she said turning to him. "Tell him how you meet us in Italy and fill in some of the blanks the Watcher Diaries will have. I must go. Tirzah and I will be up in a couple of weeks. I miss my Christy. We haven't seen each other since Italy either." Gale began to fade. "See you soon."

"Bye, Gale." Spike said. He then turned to Giles and said, "I'll make the bloody tea. You get the brandy. This is going to take awhile."

Giles simply nodded as he made his way to the brandy decanter and took it to the table. He then got the Watcher Diaries that Gale has mentioned. As he placed them on the table, Spike said from the kitchen as he filled the teapot.

"You're looking for any reference to the Warrior, Christopher; The Mistress, Gale; the vampire, Tirzah and the Mistress, Rosalynde." Spike turned to place the kettle on the stove. "This is going to be too much bloody fun," he whispered to himself.

Tirzah was enjoying her evening walk through Venice. The breeze that Gale had called that day to cool off the city was still present and gently slapping Tirzah's long skirt against her legs as she strolled along the bridge.

It was a romantic night. One that was meant for lovers. If only I had one, she thought. I don't really miss having one anymore except on nights like this. Vampires lovers are too difficult since I have a soul and because of my loyalty to Rosalynde, Gale, and Christopher and mortal lovers get old and die.

Tears came to her eyes as she remembered her last lover and love, Tanis. He had died along side his son and Gale's first love, Tristian. Gale still mourns and feels guilt for their deaths, Tirzah remembered sadly.

It's only been a year. Tanis had loved her deeply and she him. Only their love for Rosalynde, Gale, Christopher and the others of the prophesy surpassed their love for each other. He was almost my equal. I know he wasn't my soul mate though, she thought. Tirzah had visions of the soul mates of the ones involved in the prophesy. She knew she had a role in it. She was referred to often enough. But she knew her soul mate would either become immortal at his death or be a vampire like herself.

"Get your bloody hands off my bottle, you dolts! And your bloody fangs off my neck! I'm...."

Damn. Tirzah ran to the alley and found a drunken man trying to fight off two vampires. She quickly staked them from behind. As she reached for the man, she saw his face. Fuck, he was gorgeous. Dressed in tight black jeans, a tight red shirt and a long black duster with bleached blond hair, the vampire standing before her was the sexiest thing she had seen in...she forgot how long. Then he spoke.

"Well, ducks, thank you for taking care of them. Wait. You're like me. You're a vampire, why'd you stake them?"

"I'd hate to see a sexy thing like you turned to ash."

"Why thank you ducks. You're a tasty looking morsel yourself."

Tirzah felt her knees go weak. He thinks I'm tasty! I want him now. But I want him sober. I'll take him to the villa. It's been claimed a sanctuary so I don't have to worry about him killing anyone.

Shit, Spike thought. I've come across a bloody vampire who could pass for an angel. Bloody hell! I don't want to think 'bout my sire, then I'll think about Dru and she left me for that nasty chaos demon. I want this one. Now. But I got to get sober.

"Come," she said. "I will take you to my villa. My name is Tirzah. But you must remember, my home has been blessed as a Sanctuary, so you cannot kill there."

"Oh," he answered. Thinking she's weird but sexy. "My name is Spike. Lead the way, ducks." I'll just watch that lovely arse of yours sway all the way there.

Tirzah laughed. "I don't think you'll make it that far. Take my hand. I'll get us there quicker."

As Spike took her hand he felt a spark of something. Then he heard her chanting. Tirzah said a spell that transported both of them to her room. Her suite had an adjoining room that she then lead Spike to. He was still tipsy from drinking and then the spell hadn't helped any. He followed Tirzah into the adjoining room.

"I'll draw a bath for you so you can clean up and sober up. I also have some blood wine...would you like some?"

"Sure, ducks. But are you going to take the bath with me?"

Tirzah laughed. "I've already taken my bath but I will wash you." Tirzah walked into their adjoining bathroom and began to draw the water.

"Sounds good to me, Tirzah." Spike smiled at the thought of her graceful hands sliding across his body. Damn, my jeans are getting tighter. Tirzah came out of the bathroom and noticed his arousal. Hell, I can't wait to get his dick inside of me.

"Why don't you get undressed and in the tub while I get us our wine."

"Alrighty." Spike let his duster slide off his shoulders, catching it at the last second, flipping it up, spinning quickly to catch it before it hit the floor and turning back around to Tirzah. "Whatever you desire, ducks."

Tirzah felt her knees weaken again and her stomach clench in desire. She smiled and said, "I want you naked in my tub and then....well...you inside of me as we are both screaming for fulfillment." With that she turned out the door and into her room. Shit, she thought, I'm going to have so much fun tonight. Tirzah chuckled to herself as she grabbed the tray that held the blood wine decanter as well as two glasses.

Back in the other room, Spike felt a pain like no other in his groin. Damn, no woman has turned me on this much since Dru all those years ago. He quickly pulled his mind away from the memories and stripped off his shirt and jeans. He then swaggered his way to the bathroom and slipped into the tub after turning the water off. He turned when he heard a sharp intake of breath. He smirked as he saw Tirzah with her mouth open and her eyes wide in shock. "Come on, Tirz....aren't you going to wash me?"

"Wash you? Oh, yeah right." Tirzah walked over and knelt on the tile floor of the bathroom. She gained confidence in that movement.

Spike asked her where she put the wine. "Oh, I left it in your room for later. I don't plan on you being in the tub long." She smirked. "I want you in bed the first time, then anywhere else we can think of later."

Spike groaned at the images she had placed in his head. His eyes closed as he imaged sinking into her wetness and having her long limber legs wrapped around him, tightening around him as her walls tightened around his penis. He jumped then relaxed as he felt her hands rubbing across his back, lathered with soap. Slowly her hands rubbed the muscles of his back and loosened his tight muscles, relaxing and turning him on. She then slowly began to rub her hands all over his body. Spike felt himself grow harder and harder with each stroke of her hands.

"God, Tirz, if you don't stop now, I'm not going to last much longer."

Tirzah laughed. "Don't worry, luv. I'm sure that it won't be the last time you come tonight. I'm counting on it."

Spike laughed and groaned at the same time. "But, ducks, I want to be inside of you the first time."

"Fine." Tirzah said with a tone of martyrdom. "Get up out of the tub. If you want to be inside of me....you'll have to dry off and undress me. I'll be in the bedroom."

Spike stood up and quickly dried himself off. While in the other room Tirzah changed into a lacy babydoll, the color of the inside of a peach. The color caused her porcelain skin to glow. To keep her hands busy as she waited for Spike, Tirzah poured the blood wine into the glasses. Once that was done she said a spell to light the candles in the room and turned off the lights. The room began to glow as the candlelight shined off the pale yellow walls. Spike came into the room dressed in his blood red silk boxers.

"Well, luv. You look delicious. Like a peach, can I eat you?" Spike asked with a gleam in his eye.

"Of course, luv. But first, a drink?" Why am I so nervous, she asked herself. It's not like I've never done this before, but I haven't. Not since Tanis. I just hope that Spike isn't old enough to smell my apprehension. Even though I know he is. I can feel his power.

Spike smiled and walked over to Tirzah and the table. He could smell the apprehension coming from her. I wonder what she is so nervous about. She probably hasn't had a lover in quite some time. I'll drag it out a bit, if I can. I'm ready to come right now, but I want to taste her skin and feel her body melt first. And I know just how to do it.

Spike took her glass and took a drink. Enjoying feeling her eyes following the glass and staring at his lips and throat as he drank. He brushed up against her as he set the glass down on the table. As he predicted her eyes followed the glass. He leaned in closer towards her. As she felt him move closer, she lifted her head to look him in the eyes, but she never got the chance.

Spike claimed her lips in a passionate kiss that would have taken both of their breaths away had they had to breath. He broke the kiss after several minutes and moved his mouth to her neck. Once there he placed them over her jugular and began to suck and nibble on her there. After only a few moments, he smiled against her skin when he felt her hands grab his shoulders in support and then he chuckled when he felt her body shake as she came so violently that he knew the floor beneath her was wet.

But Spike knew that he was not even close to done. He leaned up and whispered into her ear to hold on tight. He smiled once more when he heard her breathy yes and felt her hands tighten around his shoulders. He returned once more to her neck although he went to the other side and found her jugular once more. As he again began to suckle her there, he moved his hands slowly to her breasts. With his thumb and forefinger, he began to squeeze and twist her nipples clockwise, causing her to squeak with the pain and pleasure that swept threw her body. But she began to shake uncontrollably when he began to go in two different directions. On her left breast, he twisted and squeezed her nipple clockwise and on her right he twisted and squeezed her nipple counter-clockwise. Tirzah screamed his name as she came once more, grabbing onto his shoulders so hard, he grimaced in pain.

As her body ceased to shake, she fell limply against him, panting even though she did not need the air. Spike taking pity on her walked her backwards towards the wall. As he did so, she whispered, "Take me to bed now, Spike.. I want you inside of me."

"Soon, luv, soon. I promise you. Now be silent, except for your screams.." Spike whispered against her lips before once again claiming them for a passionate kiss. He slowly walked her back until she was leaning against the wall next to the bed. Tirzah moaned against his lips. Once more he began to suckle on her jugular as his hands continued their path down her body. He rubbed his palms against her breasts. The lace that separated their skins increased the friction and brought a moan to both of their lips. He moved his hands down her flat stomach and lifted the skirt of her babydoll and began to play with her clit. Tirzah began to moan loudly as he continued his assault. With one hand he entered into her with three fingers, moving inside of her wetness and creating a friction that was driving her mad. But he didn't stop there. With his other hand her pinched her clitoris between his fingers and began twisting and tugging it. Within seconds she came again. Tightening around his fingers so hard he gasped in pain and pleasure as he held on to his sanity, imaging her clamping down that hard on his penis.

Spike quickly drew his fingers out before the tremors had ceased, twisting her towards the bed as he violently ripped off her babydoll. She smiled as she reached around his waist and did the same to his boxers, relishing in the sound of the silk tearing. He pushed her onto the bed, watching her with his eyes as she crawled backwards to the center and beckoned him with her finger to come and join her on the center of it. He growled and jumped on top of her. Both began to giggle and squirm until his penis touched her opening. Their eyes locked at that instant and their lips slowly curved into a smirk as Tirzah reached for his head dragging it to hers and claimed his lips with her own as he rammed into her. Spike laid still inside of her, enjoying the feeling of her tightness as they kissed. When she raised her hips to let him into her deeper, he began to thrust into her. He continued to slam into her as she began to scream "Harder, Spike Harder. I want you deep inside of me. More, faster!"

Spike willingly met her pace, enjoying the feel of her clawing at his back and the smell as she drew blood. He felt himself ready to come and he looked down at her and smiled. She smiled back and exposed her neck to him. As he slammed into her once more, as deep as he possibly could, he leaned down and sank his fangs into her as she sank hers into him. At that moment both of them came and drank. As they pulled apart, Spike and Tirzah crawled under the covers and he pulled her close to him. They both fell asleep spoon fashion within seconds.

"Spike....Spike...hello?" Giles yelled while waving his hands before Spike's face.

"What? Oh, Giles. What is it?"

"I was wondering if you could clear some things up for me. The Watcher Diaries don't tell me much."

"That's a big surprise," Spike answered as Giles glared at him. "Okay, what do you want to know."

"Well, who are they? The Diaries simply say that they are powerful witches, well except for Christopher who is a amazing fighter, comparable to a Slayer in strength, and that they aided the Slayer of that time in defeating the followers of the demon, Torbus from sacrificing twenty children and raising him from hell. It just mentions their names, describes them vaguely and tells briefly what they did. It still doesn't tell me who they are."

"I'll tell you all that I know, and I'll admit that it's not a lot. I lived with them for six months, but I still don't know anything about the Slayer's true destiny, why they are so intent on keeping everyone here alive, or why Gale sent Tara here yet bound her to secrecy."

"What do you know of Tara? Did you know her before here?"

"I only saw her once from a distance with Gale. Their arms were filled with shopping bags. They were laughing and went into Gale's room. I didn't think much of it. It was still early afternoon so I didn't go into Gale's wing. Her wing was the side that the sun set on. But I didn't make the connection until I was talking to Tirzah this morning. And she didn't answer me.."

"So she didn't tell you why?"

"No, she even did her best to change the topic. I let her because her voice sounded so weak . I'll get more information from Christopher tonight."

"So the Warrior Christopher is coming tonight?"

"Yup. Now let me tell you what I know about them. Tirzah is a 700 year old vampire with a soul." Spike smiled at Giles' look of disbelief.

"But Angel is the only vampire ever documented in Watcher Diaries as to having a soul."

"In Watcher Diaries, yes he is. But Tirzah kept her soul when she was made. You see, Tirzah was a wicca before she was turned, a very powerful one. She belonged to this coven in southern Ireland where all of it's members who knew of this prophesy that they are always talking about had their souls bound to them. Even if they were turned by a vampire they would not lose their souls. This was insurance because of the prophesy that they protect. If any demon or vampire were to find out about it, they would do their best to stop it. And only this coven knows of it. Now Rosalynde is an immortal as are her children, Gale and Christopher. Rosalynde is about 240 years old. Gale and Christopher are about 215. Rosalynde became a member of the coven in 1751. She got pregnant by a gypsy that she had been working with who soon left with another witch from the coven. She had Gale and Christopher in 1964 and died in childbirth, but then became immortal. Gale and Christopher both died and became immortal in 1789. Rosalynde is called Mistress as is Gale. They are both very powerful. Rosalynde is able to control all four elements. Gale is able to control her namesake, the wind. Rosalynde is the leader of the coven and Gale is her second. From what I understand there is to be three more with Gale. But I don't know who they are. Tirzah doesn't really have a set role, at least not that I know of. She is both their friend, follower and mentor. Now Christopher is a true warrior. He travels the world fighting evil, yet the funny thing is that no one has really heard of him. I think it's because of his friend, Blaise. Blaise is a powerful wicca who travels with Christopher. I wouldn't put it past either of them to make people forget that he was there. They like to keep a low profile. But when you are in their presence....you can feel their power."

Giles was in shock. Spike took pride in that fact. Giles then asked, "So you met them in Venice, when?"

"Oh, after Dru...I ran into Tirz and lived with them for a while before leaving for Paris. But what Gale was saying today was that Chris, her twin, is moving into Sunnydale to work with and help protect the Slayer and the Scooby Gang. Blaise and Colin will be with him. Colin is Chris's bodyguard/valet/friend. He basically looks after him and Blaise. They are going to move into the mansion, Rosalynde got permission from Angel for them to use it. Giles...it's almost 10, the kids will be here soon, don't say anything to Tara. I want to talk to Christopher first."

"Okay. That sounds fair. When are you meeting them? Should I have Buffy, Riley, Willow and Tara still patrol for the demon or should we wait for him?"

"I meeting them whenever I can get to the mansion. Go ahead and have them patrol, but tell them to be back early. I don't know what Christopher will want to do."

Just then the door opened and the entire gang, Riley and Tara included entered into Giles' house.

Buffy said, "Reporting for duty, Giles. Where do you want us to patrol tonight?"

"Um...You should all stay together tonight. Just do a quick sweep of the cemetery and then come back here. We have a lot of research to do about this demon. Try to be back about midnight, okay?"

"Okay." Buffy replied. She turned to Willow, Tara, Riley and Spike.

"Are you guys ready?" They all nodded but Spike. "What, Spike?"

"I haven't eaten yet, Giles' ran out of blood. I need to go to the butcher's first. I'll meet you in the cemetery after I've had my dinner. Unless you want to fed me?"

"Nope. It's not your lucky night."

"Ewww....Spike do you have to be so honest about it?" Willow asked. Spike just shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

Giles turned to Xander and Anya. "You two start on these books and I'll start with these.

Willow saw The Watcher Diaries open on the table. She walked over to them. "Oh, Giles....these were the good ones....hey, I knew that the name Spike said this morning was familiar. Tirzah....here it is....she was a powerful witch who hung out with the Mistresses Rosalynde and Gale and the Warrior Christopher."

Giles quickly gathered up the books and turned to glare at Willow. "And how do you know this, young lady?"

"Oh..um...I read your books when you didn't know it?"

Giles looked at her sternly ready to lecture her when he was sidetracked by Tara's gasp of surprise.

"Spike....you talked to Tirz's this morning? Here?"

"Yeah, ducks. She talked to me telepathically. How do you know Tirzah by the way, Gale mentioned you briefly this afternoon. She said something about pledging your life to keep the Slayer and her friends alive."

"Um...well.....Tirzah was my father's l..lover.....um....and I'm a part of Mistress Rosalynde's coven. Gale is my friend...and mistress. "

"Tirzah was your father's lover?"

"Well....yeah...before he died anyway. He was killed along with my brother by vampires in Poland 5 years ago."

"Tara, how come you never told me you were part of a coven? Where is it at?" Willow asked in a wounded voice.

"Umm....in Southern Ireland....a town called Crosshaven. I never told you because I was told not to by my Mistress. I was just to come to Sunnydale and await her arrival."

Giles interrupted the conversation and told them to get on their way. They needed to be back early so that everyone could help research. Reluctantly they all left but Xander, Anya and Giles.

"I can't believe that you didn't tell me that you were....are...part of a coven....and that you know those people," Willow said. "Why didn't you tell me? Don't you trust me?"

"Willow, it's not about not trusting you....it's about obeying my Mistress. They are my only family now. My family is dead, they died to save those that the Mistresses and the Crosshaven Coven protects. That was their destiny....mine is the same." Tara saw the hopeful look in Willow's eyes. "And no. I can't tell you about them. They will be here soon and all will be reveled in time. The bond that I have with them surpasses any bond that I have ever or will ever have. I will never disobey their orders. Never."

Willow looked hurt but soon rallied. "Oh, Okay. I mean, I think I understand...it's the same with Buffy and Giles....well not really but I would do anything for them and I wouldn't want to betray their trust or tell anyone anything about them that they didn't want that person to know."

"Thank you, Willow." Tara said. "For understanding."

Willow smiled and said, "Your welcome. Now come on...let's find Riley and Buffy. They should have their half finished by now."

In the middle of the cemetery stood Riley and The Chosen One, but she didn't feel very chosen right now. He was driving her nuts!

"Buffy, come back with me to Iowa...just for a few weeks. I want you to meet my family and I don't like the idea of this coven thing."

"Riley, for the last time. I cannot go with you to Iowa. This isn't a job for me Riley. I can't just take a vacation. Every time I do something bad happens. And I am worried about this coven thing, simply because we don't know anything about it and Spike isn't really saying much, neither is Tara for that matter. But that is all the more reason for me to stay."

"I know, but I don't like you being in danger."

"Riley, I'm in danger every day of my life. That is my life. I don't have a choice, but I chose not to dwell on it. Can we please have this conversation at another time? Tara and Willow are walking this way."

"Okay."

"Thank you."

As they started for the crypt where they were to meet, Buffy, Tara and Willow felt a power that filled the air. Buffy and Willow were thrown but Tara smiled and laughed. But her joy was short lived. Riley saw a man standing in the shadows of the crypt and shot his taser gun at him. Tara screamed and ran towards the body.

"No, you bastard." She screamed as she ran towards Riley. She began to chant a spell that threw him up against a tree. Buffy and Willow remained in shock at both of their actions. But nothing prepared them for what came next. "Blaise! Colin! I know that you are out there. Hurry, it's Christopher." Then she stood at his feet and began chanting once more.

At that moment a symbol formed in the sky. But the symbol was formed by the stars in a pattern that neither had ever seen before but they knew deep in their souls included them and was a part of them. It was a pentagram with a four leaf clover in the center. The stars that created it were the brightest stars in the sky. So bright in fact, they did not seem normal. As Buffy and Willow stared at the symbol in the sky, Tara knelt down and placed Christopher's head in her lap. She then began weeping. Immediately, Buffy and Willow ran to her side.

"Tara?" Willow asked. "Is he dead?"

"No. He cannot die."

"Oh," was both of their replies. They looked at each other not quite understanding why he wasn't dead and why if he wasn't she was crying. Just then Spike and two others ran into the cemetery.

"Tara! What happened?" All three of them yelled as they ran to her side.. Moving past Buffy and Willow, they knelt beside Christopher.

"The bastard shot him with a taser gun. He hit his head when he fell against the wall of the crypt. Can we take him to Giles' until he wakes up?"

"Yes. But you'll have to show us the way. We have yet been able to look at the map you sent us. Chris missed you and wanted to find you first. Gale has been worried about you," Blaise replied. "He left us behind to wait for Spike. We didn't think that he would show himself to you though."

"It was my fault. We felt him, Willow, Buffy and I, and then I saw him. I was so happy. It's been so long, he started to step out of the shadows, but Riley...he shot him with the taser gun."

"Riley?!?" Spike growled. "Where is the bastard? I'll rip his heart out for hurting Chris."

"Oh my God!" Buffy exclaimed. "Riley!" She ran over to where he laid against the tree that he had hit when Tara threw him. Spike started to go after her, but was held back by Colin.

"Wait. Let Christopher decide his punishment and then Gale. To do so without their permission will not be right nor good for you. They will know what to do. Blaise will carry Chris, I will carry Riley. You must walk with Tara, Willow and Buffy. Comfort them as best you can....Riley will not die until the Mistresses have said so."

"Fine....why is it that I always obey you bloody wankers?"

Colin laughed. "Because your heart know we are right....and you're scared of the wrath of Rosalynde and Gale, as well you should be. You have seen their anger with your own eyes."

"I remember. How could I ever forget? Fine, follow me to Giles' he'll know what to do."

Blaise lifted Chris and then turned to Tara. "Don't forget to realign the stars, Tara. If any one in the coven sees them, they will be worried."

"Oh, yes, I had forgotten Blaise. Thank you." She whispered under her breath and the stars realigned themselves. Spike then took her arm as well as Willow's. Buffy took Willow's arm and they led the other four back to Giles'.

Spike opened the door for the girls. "Come on ducks. We're home....go in and take a seat. Giles...make us some tea won't you? The girls will need it as will you."

Giles looked up in disbelief but went and did it anyway.

Xander looked at Giles as if he was crazy. What the hell? Why was Giles listening to Spike? "Buffy, Wills, what happened?" he said as he began to get up. And then sat back down, hard, when he saw who had followed them.

Blaise entered first, cradling Christopher in his arms. It wasn't the sight of new people that shut Xander up. It was the sight of massive new people that shut Xander up. Spike grinned at the look of fear and wonder on all of their faces save Tara. He knew that Buffy and Willow hadn't gotten a good look at them in the cemetery. They both could see easily in the dark, but they were too confused then to really notice the size of the men they had met. He was just glad he had got them sitting down first.

Blaise claimed the couch for Christopher, bending down to his knees rather easily for a man of his size. Blaise was six five with fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes. He was broad shouldered and muscular. He gently laid his burden lovingly down on the couch. Tara quickly joined him, placing a pillow under the head of the man he had laid on the couch. Xander and Anya stood from the table and looked down at him. Both inhaled sharply. Anya out of lust and Xander out of surprise and fear. He looked just like Angel. The shape of his face, his nose, everything that Xander had memorized about Angel so as to not forget the face of the man that he had hated for so long was now lying motionless on the couch. The only difference was a tan and his strawberry blond hair.

"Where do you want me to put him, Blaise?"

All eyes turned to the source of the deep voice that spoke. There stood a man that made both Blaise and Christopher look the size of Spike. Colin stood six foot seven in his stocking feet, which were now incased in heavy boots. He had long black hair that he had tied with a leather string and bottomless black eyes. He was massive.

"Colin, just set him on the chair. I will heal him now," Blaise answered.. "Tara, you will help me." Blaise held up his hand before she could answer.. He knew by her eyes that she did not want to. "Your mistress would want it."

Tara's shoulders slumped in defeat. She rose with the help of his hand and stood tall. "Okay, Blaise. Together we will do this. But only because Gale will not forgive me if I let him die."

"Tara, let the hate inside of you die now. Christopher is not dead. He cannot be. He is not mortal. You must remember that. But Riley is. And his time is not tonight."

She nodded in understanding and smiled. Then she turned to Buffy and knelt in front of her. "The Chosen One. The Female Light Warrior. Because of my love for you, because of my vow to protect you and your destiny, I will put aside my anger to your current lover. But heed me well. He must not know that Christopher is not mortal. No one but those awake in this room must know. Not if we are to protect you. Promise me that, on your love for your friends and family and I will help heal Riley. He means nothing to me. But you and the others in the room mean my life. Promise me, Buffy. Please."

Buffy looked at her in disbelief. She battled with herself. Sure there were things she kept from Riley. Not because she thought that he would ever betray her or her friends, but he just didn't need to know. Tara was suggesting that if he knew then their lives would be in danger. She also didn't understand why Tara was treating her like this. She looked to Willow who just nodded at her, tell her to do as Tara asked. She knew what was going through Buffy's mind as did Giles. Buffy's gaze turned to Giles who nodded as well. Xander simply looked confused and Anya was too busy staring at Christopher to pay much attention to anything. When she followed Anya's gaze to the man laying on the couch, she felt something familiar pull her to him. She didn't know what it was, but she knew that is was special and important. But she also knew it wasn't love...it was more brotherly. But she never expected for Spike to be the one to set her at ease. He laid a hand upon her shoulder causing her to jump and turn to him.

"Buffy. Do as they ask. I hate the wanker you are dating for more than one reason. But they will heal him and let him live with or without your promise. But your promise will mean everyone else's. And they live only to protect and serve all of you as well as their Mistresses. They will not harm you. I know you know that."

Buffy nodded and turned to Tara. "I promise you that I will not tell Riley about Christopher's immortality. He'll just know that they both were healed by witches. But you have tell me what is going on."

Tara smiled sadly. "I can't, Buffy. You have to wait till Gale comes. She will come in a month. We will tell you all that she or Mistress Rosalynde will allow us to. We cannot disobey them."

Buffy nodded her agreement. She would never ask them to betray their mistresses. She had a feeling that it would be like betraying Giles' trust. She would never want to do that.

Tara then turned to Giles' and asked if they could take Riley to his room.. They needed to lay him down in order to heal him. Giles nodded and Blaise picked up Riley and followed Tara and Giles to Giles' room.

Giles returned back downstairs surprised at the silence in the room. As he entered, Colin stood and spoke. "Please sit down, Mr. Giles. Christopher will wake in a moment and will tell you as much as he can."

Giles sat down on the chair that Colin offered him. He scanned the room, his gaze resting lovingly on his children. Xander was sitting in the recliner with Anya on the armrest. Her arm was around his neck and they were holding on to each other in support and love. Even though they frustrated him beyond reason with their flightiness and hormones, he was glad that they were happy together. His eyes then rested on Spike. Although he didn't really trust him still, because he knew that once Spike lost the chip in his head, he would return to his old ways, Giles admired Spike. He had helped out a lot and even though he had sided with Adam, Giles could understand why he did. But it didn't mean that he agreed with or trusted him. It just meant that he was use to him and actually comfortable having him as a part of their family.

His gaze then turned to Willow and Buffy, his girls. They were huddled together on the floor with their backs cushioned by pillows against the coffee table that had been pushed back from the couch. They sat close and were holding hands. Before Giles could stand up and walk over to comfort them, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Wait, Athair(father)." Colin whispered in his ear. "See your mac(son) rise. You need to see it once before you see your inons'(daughters) do the same."

Giles turned and looked into Colin's eyes. Giles was a little scared at the darkness of them. They seemed so empty. Colin smiled and the feeling that Giles had faded a bit. He knew that there had been much sadness in Colin's life. And he knew that he really didn't want to know about it. Especially now. Not until he knew that his kids were going to be okay. Wait! Colin called him 'Athair'....and he knew what it meant. It meant father....but what the language was it in? How did he know what it meant if he didn't even know what language it was?

Suddenly a gasp filled the room. All the eyes quickly turned to the couch. Colin raced over to the couch and lifted Chris up. "Spike....get me some water for Chris."

Spike grabbed the glass of water that he had remembered Chris would want on the coffee table and walked over to the couch. He and Colin helped prop Chris up and Spike held the cup as Chris drank.

Chris turned to Spike, laughed and said, "De ja vu, Spike?"

Spike laughed. "Yeah. Except now I'm the one helping you instead of the one sitting down staring in shock." He turned to look at the Scooby Gang. But he quickly placed the glass in Chris's hand and ran to Willow's side. "Red! Red! Look at me. Focus on me. Don't faint. You're stronger than that. Come on, now."

Willow turned to look at Spike, letting go of Buffy's hand who was still staring at Chris in amazement. Her eyes became clearer and her face turned from pasty white to her normal slightly tanned color. She looked at Spike and whispered so that Buffy wouldn't hear, "He looks just like Angel. Except he is tan, has strawberry blond hair and emerald eyes. How is that possible?"

Spike smiled. You can't pull much over his Red's eyes, she's too smart. Wait! His Red.....I'll think about that later. "I don't know, Red. They wouldn't tell me. I noticed it too. Xander knows but I don't think that Buffy does."

Willow looked at him in disbelief.

"Pet, listen. Chris will remind her of him, but because of Riley she's suppressed any memories of him. To her, Chris will reminder of someone, but she won't be able to place her finger on it. Chris will make sure of that. He did that to me in Italy. I knew he reminded me of someone, but I didn't know who until I saw him again tonight. Why?" he answered to the question in her face. "I don't know. But they will do anything to keep her from being hurt."

Willow nodded and turned back around to face Chris. For some reason she felt safe and confident with Spike beside her. He had his arm behind her and she naturally leaned into the nook of his shoulder and arm.

Christopher turned to them and finally spoke. "I didn't want you to experience one of my many deaths and rebirths before we had actually talked, but I can't change it. It was my lack of caution that was the cause of it. I didn't think that Riley would have had a taser gun. I was just so happy to see Tara again."

At that moment both Tara and Blaise came down the stairs. "Riley's fine.....he won't wake up for awhile though. We put him into a deep sleep. He'll be out until tomorrow afternoon," Blaise said. He smiled at Chris. "I'm glad you're up old man."

"As am I, my friend, as am I." He returned the smile to his best friend and then turned to Tara. "Hello, little sister. How are you?"

Tara ran to his side and sat next to him on the couch. "Better now that you are alive again. I hate it when you die. It's like Tristan and Dad all over again." Tara said, her eyes filling with tears. Willow leaned forward but caught herself. She knew that Chris and Tara were not really related. Tara had told Willow and the rest of the gang that her father and brother had died by vampires. She had also told them that her father's friends had taken her in and made her a part of their family. Willow now knew that it had been Chris and the others.

"I know, little star. But don't worry. I'll never leave you. Neither will Gale or Mother." Tara smiled and nestled into his shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her. Turning to the others he said, "Well, I'm sure that you are all dying of curiosity so I'll tell you all that I can for now. Gale and Tirzah will clear up the rest when they come up here in a month or so. You won't meet Mother until it is almost finished." He smiled at the looks they all threw at each other and him. He simply waited for them to turn their gazes back to him and began.

"My mother was a young women living in Ireland in the 1700s. She had been sent to finishing school to prepare her for the Marriage Mart. The one she was sent to was in Dublin. While she was there, she met another young woman who did not want to be married as did my mother. They both wanted to see more of the world before they married and had children. My mother's friend happened to be a daughter of wiccans. She often spent school holiday's with them since her family was so far away. As she got to know them, she also began to practice with Cassandra. Cassandra's parents taught her and Cassandra witchcraft. They were amazed at my mother's powers though. Both of Cassundra's parents were powerful and that passed to their daughter but mother was passing her up quickly. Knowing something was special about her, Cass's parents contacted their Master and Mistress.

They came to Dublin to meet my mother. They asked her to join their coven in Crosshaven. Under one condition. She had to allow everyone in her family think her dead or missing. It would be the only way to keep her alive. They also told her that she had an important role in a prophesy that would change the world. Mother agreed. She joined their coven and lived with them in Crosshaven for several years. When she was 29, she got pregnant by a Gypsy who had been working with the coven. He abandoned her a few months later for another. The Mistress of the coven at that time told her that she was going to give birth to two children who would help bring about the prophesy. And she was told that she would become immortal as would all her children."

"Mother gave birth to Gale and I, seven months later. She died after giving birth to Gale, she's the younger. But she didn't stay dead. She continued her training and also raised us as did the other members of the coven. When we turned eighteen, our Mistress and Master died. But they put Mother in their place. They told her that only when she found her true love would the Crosshaven Coven have a Master again. We have not had a Master in almost two hundred years."

"Gale and I both died in the same year, 1789. Gale died first. Rather foolishly actually. She was walking along the cliffs as she loved to do. She was trying to remember a spell that she would have to do that night. She closed her eyes to see the page when a gust of wind knocked her off balance. She tripped over a rock and busted her head on a boulder."

Chris smiled at the laughter that followed. He wanted them to know them, but he was also fearful of telling them of his death. He knew that he had to though. Unfortunately his wasn't as nice as Gale's had been. Buffy and Spike noticed Chris's withdrawal into himself. Spike spoke up first.

"Chris....how did you become immortal? No one ever told me."

Chris smiled at Spike and began to start his story again.

"Unfortunately, my death was not as easy as Gale's. Gale lead a sheltered life compared to me. She was trained in witchcraft and such. I was trained to be a warrior from the time that I could walk. The year that we died, we were twenty-five. We knew of our destinies and what we had to do. I was sent into battle.. I had to fight a demon. I had gone in alone, I had been fighting demons for several years. Since I was eighteen. I went alone because we thought that it was just one. But we had gotten the wrong information. It was a nest of demons doing a ritual. They had been waiting for the Slayer of that time. They thought that she would be coming, but she had been killed the night before. I walked right into their trap. They were so angry that they did not have the blood of The Chosen One, which they needed. They tortured me for hours and eventually killed me. My mother, sister and Tirzah heard my pain. We are connected. They found me before the demons were able to destroy my body. They took me home after killing the demons and I came back to life at home, in my bed. That is my death." Chris smiled ruefully. He saw the looks of horror at his death on the faces of Willow, Spike, Xander, Anya and Giles and the look of compassion on Buffy's. He smiled at her.

She smiled back and felt once again that tugging at her heart and soul. And she felt something familiar about him, but she didn't know what it was. The only thing that she knew about him was that he was a warrior like herself and she felt safe with him. She knew that he would take care of her and have her back. She smiled sadly as she briefly allowed herself to remember Angel. She missed him so much. But she knew that it was for the best. They were not meant to be together, but her heart kept reminding her that one day they would be together again. That was the only thing that kept her sane some days. She was shaken out of her memories when she heard Willow ask where they were going to be staying.

"Oh, we've moved into the mansion," Chris answered.

"What?" Buffy screamed. "That is Angel's house. You can't live there!"

"Buffy, I have permission from Angel to live there. But I do have to leave his bedroom intact. That is the only request that he made."

Buffy was still angry that someone else other than Angel would be living at the mansion but her mind was now focused on why did Angel make him promise to leave his bedroom alone. Was he coming back? How did he know Chris and his family?

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