So Giles, care to explain ?

[ILLYRIAN]

SO GILES, CARE TO EXPLAIN part 1

Time wise ? you tell me.

"Aha Buffy, there's some-one here I'd like you to meet. This is Sally, she is like a Chimera," said Giles.
"Chimera ? what's that ?" asked Buffy.
"Hey, don't look at me, I missed school that year," said Faith.

"Don't look at me either, what about you Will ?" asked Xander.
"I suppose so, chimera, a chimera; in Greek Mythology, a person built or being of animal and human," said Willow.
"So Giles, what she said, care to explain ?" asked Buffy.

"Thank you Willow, Sally is a natural chimera, she was born with the mixed DNA of a snake, a mosquito, a Tigress and a human," said Giles.
"Does that make her a chimera though ?" asked Willow.
"Let me explain a bit further. Another watcher, a good friend of mine, Robson.

He knew about Sally, he asked her to come here to help Buffy and Faith."
"How do we need her ?" asked Faith.
"Right now, if either of you were to attack her, you'd lose," said Giles.
"But they are both slayers, your joking right," said Xander.

"If Faith attacked her, Faith would lose. If Buffy attacked her Buffy would lose, if they both attacked her, they'd both lose and I'll lay a years wages in less than half a minute. Have either of you girls heard the expression, know your opponent ?. Well Sally was born with Tigress DNA, she can be an adult

female tiger at will, she also has female mosquito. It's the female mossie that drinks blood to feed it's young, but only to feed it's young," said Giles
"She's a vampire ?" asked Willow.
"Yes Willow, but at the moment she's okay, oh, er, your not pregnant are

you ?" asked Giles.
"Wouldn't matta if I was, any blood'll do," replied Sally
"Sally has the DNA of a snake, a king cobra to be precise, in her human form she can disable her opponent. Two king cobra's have enough poison to kill a

platoon of soldiers, so I'm guessing that Sally could do more, oh and she is immune to her poison, all poisons."
Faith looks at Buffy, then at Sally. They both hug her.
"I know, why don't we all go to the mall. Clothes shows ?" asked Willow.

"The mall, I hear there there's a new shop, guided tours free," said Xander.
Sally smiled at Giles as she was helped from the room.
"I almost feel sorry for the evil, what could they put against us now."

"Is my dear Spike there ?"
"Hello Dru, what brings you back here ?" asked Spike.
"You did."
"There'd two slayers here now."

"Your worth it Spike. Did you feel it Spike.
"Something, I felt something," said Spike
"There's a light in our tunnel Spike, and its getting brighter, I also know who can get rid of your chip."

"You do ?" asked Spike.
"Mmmmm, wave bye bye, send it to never come back land, and guess what ."
"What's that Dru ?"
"Mummy is back !"

"What !"
"I brought mummy back," she smiles to Spike.
"Hang on a minute."
"I'm mummy to mummy, and she still wants, she might bring daddy home

soon, that's where we can say bye bye to the chip," said Drusilla.
"Sounds like a plan," agreed Spike.
"If we hurry we might see daddy again."

IN LOS ANGELUS

"Look who I found mummy," said Drusilla.
"Is he like Angel ?"
"He's not a pretend daddy, but he is tamed, but I know how to make him better," said Drusilla smiling.

"Then we can play happy families again," said Darla.
"Yes mummy dear, and soon ," said Drusilla.
"Daddy will be back soon, shall we go and see him, mummy," said Darla.
"Ooh goody, and they can give me back my Spike," said Drusilla.

IN SUNNYDALE

"Willow, Xander, Sally, can you leave us please ?" asked Giles.
Buffy looked at Faith, then grins.
"Don't grin Buffy, I've asked the council for help," said Giles.
"What is it ?" asked Faith.

"Bad news, Faith, it could be a problem."
"Guessed that when you said that you'd asked the council for help."
"They told me that there is another slayer, and she was coming here."
"Where from Giles ?" asked Buffy.

"From England, just down the road from my place, well a hundred miles down the road," said Giles.
"So who is she, what's she like ?" asked Buffy.
"She was taught by a friend of mine, didn't know she was a watcher though,

she's known as miss Harkness, I know her as a witch. I don't know the slayers name, but she is a witch," said Giles.
"When's she going to get here ?" asked Buffy.
"That's the thing, seems that she's been here for two months."

"WILLOW !!" shouted Faith.
Willow came rushing into the room, before she could ask why.
"Giles just told us there's another slayer in town, it appears that she's been here for two months and she's a witch," said Buffy.

"Oh good another witch," said Willow.
"So Will, how long has your friend been in town ?" asked Buffy.
"About two months, oh !, and she's a witch, you think Tara is the slayer."
"Don't know how to tell you this Will, but I think your friend is gay," said Faith

"Oh I know that," said Willow.
"WILL ! your smiling ! stop it !," exclaimed Buffy.
"Willow, just get Tara here, tell her miss Harkness and Giles have talked about her," said Faith.

Giles waited until Willow was out of the room.
"What I was telling you, I've had a few confirmed reports from LA," said Giles.
"Ooh Angels back," said Buffy.
"I wish, no, Angelus is back, with Darla, Drusilla and Spike. Part of Spikes

head has been shaved," said Giles.
"He's had the chip removed," Faith looked at Buffy, "I'm glad Tara and Sally are here."

TO BE CONTINUED

So in human terms
Darla's son is Liam aka Angel aka Angelus
Darla and Angelus were dating a long time
Angelus's daughter is Drusilla
Drusilla's son is Spike
Drusilla and Spike were dating a long time
Drusilla's grandmum Darla, is also her daughter
So Darla and Spike are brother and sister
Angel and Darla's son is Connor, the Tro-Clon.

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Giles, care to explain.

SO GILES, CARE TO EXPLAIN

PART 2

STILL IN SUNNYDALE

Willow walked back into the room, she caught Giles's attention.
"What is it Willow ?"
We've got some visitors."
"Who is it ?"

"There's Fred, Gunn, Wesley and Connor," replied Willow.
"What do they want ?" asked Buffy.
"Somewhere safe, and to warn you."
"Warn us ?. oh about them being back together, we know," said Faith.

"Hi there Wes, how's things," said Buffy.
"Not good, we've seen some rough things in the last few days, we must be due for some good news soon," said Wesley.
"Well if your going to be staying, we've got some. There's another slayer due

soon," said Giles.
"You mean that Faith, we heard she'd gone bad," replied Gunn.
"No, she hadn't, it was just a plan that didn't work too well," said Giles.
"Not a perfect plan, but some good info came our way."

"Miss Harkness, welcome," said Willow, "what you looking for Buffy."
"Just looking to see if any lights are coming on."
What ?"
"Nope, no charmed here, the power of three, you know," said Buffy.

"Not that far fetched, together we are stronger. Soon we will all be as strong as all three of us, plus there is another three here," said Tara.
"Yes, sorry Wesley, Connor, Fred, Gunn, that good news. I'd like you to meet Tara the Vampire Slayer," said Giles, "and Sally, who is a vampire."

"Ah, yes, vampires, Cordelia won't be coming here. Angel had this thing for her, Darla got in touch with her jealous side, then with Drusilla they ended her," said Fred.
"If this Darla or Drusilla try to harm Buffy, I will kill them," said Sally.

"You won't stop Darla, she has the strength of six vampires," said Wesley.
"One of the things I haven't said yet is about my friend Robson, he was tracking some vampires and got to close to them. Fourteen of them trapped him. Sally stopped them all, then killed them, by herself, within two minutes, sorry to

ask this Sally, would you mind showing them ?" asked Giles.
"I'm not really ready just yet."
"What do you need ?" asked Willow.
"Some clothes for when I return."

"We've got some spare clothes in the lockers, Faith ?, so yeah, anything that fits," said Buffy, "some towels as well."
Sally immediately became a Tigress, then roared at Gunn, he, Connor and Wesley were unable to do anything but stare. Fred got on her knees.

"Oh, isn't she just gorgeous."
The Tigress looked to Fred, it paced around Connor, then went to sit next to Fred. Fred gave the Tigress a big cuddle then stood up.
"Mr. Giles, is there a room behind that wall ?"

"The store room is in there, half way down there's some cubicles, that's where Faith and I have some spare clothes," said Buffy.
"When Wesley said about coming here, I wasn't keen on the idea, I don't like magic, it usually goes wrong," said Connor.

"If Willow wanted to, she could send you to England. You'd best wear a wet-suit though, just in case you go to far," said Tara.
Connor looked very puzzled as he stared at Tara, slowly he began to laugh.
"Where's every-one going to stay ?" asked Buffy.

"Good point, I've got a couple of spare rooms," said Giles.
"Best put Fred and Sally with him, Sally can protect them both," said Faith, "if Xander takes Gunn and Connor."
"Faith and miss Harkness can stay at my place," said Buffy.

"My mothers out of town for a couple of weeks, so Wesley can have my room. I'll stay with Tara, if that's ok with Tara," said Willow.
"Willow ! your smiling ! stop it" exclaimed Buffy.
"Buffy, the phone, it's your mum," said Xander.

"Mom, your back, how are you, I love you," said Buffy, tears in her eyes.
"Where's she bin ?" asked Faith.
"She went to Australia, to have that thing in her head fixed."
"Some-one rang here Buffy, that friend of yours, where you and Angel used

to meet. He was just there."
"Thanks mom, so how did it go with you ?"
"A lot better, the CAT scan was done, I was taken to hospital where I had an MRI. I was being operated on the next morning, seems I had two types of

tumour in the fourth ventricle, that impacted on the third venticle putting pressure on a certain part of the brain. So they took it out, after a few weeks of rehab, they gave me a clean bill of health, so here I am, ready to start nagging you to clean your room," said Joyce.

"Glad your home although Australia would have been safer."
"Another threat to world peace huh ?"
"I've just arranged for some people to stay at our house, oh no, I forgot about Dawn, damn."

"That's okay Buffy,company for me, company for Dawn. It's the least I can do, if it wasn't for the watchers council pulling a few strings," said Joyce.
"Right, I'll send Faith and miss Harkness right now," said Buffy.
"Who is Dawn ?, Tara."

"That's Buffy's sister."
"So why didn't you tell me about her ?"

AT BUFFY'S HOUSE

Joyce opened the front door.
"Faith, and you must be miss Harkness, I got the impression that you'd be older. You look like that Australian witch Fiona Horne. What's that Faith ?"
"Buffy told me to give you a bar of candy, she also said to tell you that miss

Harkness is a Tara's watcher, she said you'd know what the candy is about," said Faith.
"Can't think, DAWN ! your sister has sent some people to stay here, oh there you are dear. You know Faith and this is miss Harkness."

"My name is Fiona," said miss Harkness.
"I'm writing a play for my dolls, er, female action figures !. Fiona will Dawn. Joyce have you got a phone I can use, slayer stuff," said Faith.
"In the dining room Faith," said Joyce.

"Hi Buffy, you'll be coming here soon, won't you, Bring Willow and Tara, Giles Fred and Sally as well."
"Soon, just see every-one else safely home first," replied Buffy.
"Don't worry about the vampires, they won't be coming here, you get here

with the others, there is a much bigger problem now," said Faith.

EN ROUTE FROM LA TO SUNNYDALE

Darla picked up the phone.
"Hi there, what is it ?"
"Darla, glad it's you, we're leaving," said Lilah.
"Going on holiday, lucky you."

"No Darla, something has got the senior partners running scared, Wolfram and Hart is leaving, lock, stock and barrel. Buildings the lot, there's been a big time demon in Sunnydale for a while. The senior partners just got word that the big guns are headed there, so get as far away as you can."

"Mummy tell daddy to turn around, please, please mummy ?" asked Drusilla."Who was it Darla, and what's with her ?" asked Angelus.
"The same thing, Lilah just said they're leaving, the evil is going to Sunnydale, the devil's bosses, we should get away from there," said Darla

"What do you think Spike ?"
"Keep going, there's an old castle that Drac stayed in, we should go there and watch the fun."
"Sounds a good idea," agreed Angelus, we'll do that."

TOO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Giles, care to explain.

SO GILES, CARE TO EXPLAIN

part 3

STILL EN ROUTE FROM LA TO SUNNYDALE

"Guy's pull over, Dru is pitching a fit here," said Darla.
"What is it love ?" asked Spike.
"Don't go there Spike, something else is there."
"Get used to it Dru, we're going to Sunnydale," said Angelus.

"Then let me out, I'd sooner die here than upset them. Hell will be there."
"Good."
"No Daddy, not good. Hell is in the slayers domain, it's still going there."
"If mummy says we don't go there, we don't go there," said Darla.

Spike kept moving towards Sunnydale, just a bit faster now. Out of sight of them and quietly, Darla lit a match. She casually lit the top of the front seat between the two guys. At first not much happened, then the foam caught alight.

"Soddin' hell !, what the bloody Jesus do you think your doing ?" asked Spike
Darla smiled at him, she held up the box of matches.
"Mummy doesn't want to go to Sunnydale," said Darla.
Spike was about to ask Darla a question, he decided to see what Dru had to

say but she just smiled at him.
"So, Angelus, LA sound ok ?" asked Spike.
"Yep, good for starters,(then looking at Spike) at least I know where my evil streak comes from."

He glanced at Darla, she smiled so innocently to him.
IN SUNNYDALE
"Hi, come in B, guys. There was a phone call for you B, some girl, she just said that she saw Angel's car heading towards LA," said Faith.

As they settled in the front room.
"Willow, can you make every-one a drink, use the back way to the kitchen. Buffy, Tara, Giles, Fiona, I'll need to speak with you in the dining room. Sorry Joyce it's slayer watcher stuff," said Faith.

Giles slid the doors across when they were in the room.
"What is it Faith ?" he asked.
"There's no easy way to sat this Buffy, but please let me finish first. I don't think Dawn is your sister, in fact I'm sure she isn't. I know what she is but

not why she is like she is. Tara, when you first knew your watcher was coming here did you tell her everything ?" asked Faith.
"Yes."
"Fiona, did Tara happen to mention that Buffy had a sister."

"No, she didn't even mention Dawn," said Fiona.
"Figured as much, I really don't want to do this, but, oh well. Giles can you get Wiillow in here, I'll want the three witches to link hands, then see my past, as far back as you can, say what you see and feel please ?" asked Faith

"What happens then ?" asked Buffy.
"Then we go outside for part two."
"Ah Willow, we're to see into Faith's past, you hold hands with Tara, we will give the power and Tara will say what she sees," said Fiona.

"I see a large, no, it's a massive creature," said Tara, "it's in front of me, it just threw something. Oh I see, the creature isn't massive, I am small. It sees me, it's picking me up in the palm of it's hand, it's oh, it's Faith, oh my, Faith is a demon !"

Tara looked about the room, Buffy and Giles stared at her.
"Faith, that wasn't in this dimension was it ?"
"I would have given anything not to have done that," said Faith.
"What has that got to do with Dawn ?" asked Giles.

"Giles can you take Joyce and Dawn into the garden, it's time for part two, Buffy, they will only be there so that they don't get scared watching us."
"Anywhere special in the garden Faith ?" asked Giles.
"Between the seat and the house."

"What do you want us to do ?" asked Fiona.
"I'll need you three to make a portal, to where you just saw me," said Faith, "then I'll call my friend, then ask her to be like us. That's a thought Buffy, if you think of one of our enemies, she'll be that enemy."

Eight of them sat in the garden, the witches brought a portal into being. Faith asked for her friend. Buffy thought of her enemy. Then Darla appeared.
"I'd have thought it would have been Angel," said Faith.
"I tried, but I kept thinking of Darla standing on the pool table when she was

gunning for me," said Buffy.
"Faith, is that Darla ?" asked Giles.
"Oh no, this is my friend, being in a vampires shell might let my friend keep her powers," said Faith.

"Powers, what powers ?" asked Willow.
"The same powers I had to leave when I became human," said Faith.
"What ! what powers, er does she have, who is your friend ?" asked Giles.
"She can stop time, she can be in three places at once, she will know what

your thinking and what you will think, if she wants to."
Faith sprang to her feet and held Dawn tightly.
"It's okay Joyce, I'm not going to hurt your daughter," said Faith.
"Thank you for not hurting Dawn, but she isn't my daughter," said Joyce.

"What ?" asked Buffy, "how do you know that."
"Guess they touched the wrong part of my brain when the tumours were taken out, or the brain fluid compressed the right bit, I just know things now."
"What else do you know ?" asked Giles.

"I know who Faith's friend is, I know why Dawn is here, but like Faith I don't know why, oh, yes Faith, it is a problem having some-one you know looking like some-one you know of and having to call her by her name. Mind you, it'll confuse the heck out of certain vampires," said Joyce, smiling.

"This is all well and good, but who is she ?" asked Giles.
"Friends," said Faith, "this is my childhood friend the Goddess Illyria, but she prefers Illyria," said Faith.
"Illyria welcome, if you want to, then please stay here. This is Dawn, she has

been sent here, I don't know who by. I think I remember who created her, but Buffy here needs to know about Dawn," said Faith.
"You have done me a great favour Faith, Baaliitus and I threw Glorificus out of our world. Glorificus created the energy to help her return, I do not know

who created the energy as human, but now I can end Glorificus. Dawn, do you wish to remain here on this world ?" asked Illyria.
"I'd like to stay here, with, they are all I know," said Dawn.
"Then stay here you will, I will protect you," stated Illyria.

Dawn looked around here, and smiled.
"I've got friends !."
"Faith, there is another here," said Illyria.
Sally was suddenly with them.

"Good job she wasn't sitting down," said Giles.
"No, but I was carrying a cup of tea, and do I feel silly right now," said Sally.
"Illyria, this is Sally, she's a friend, she'll help protect Dawn," said Faith.
NEAR TO LOS ANGELUS

The car screamed to a halt. Angelus turned to Drusilla.
"Where did Darla just go ?"
"She was taken, a Hell-God just took her."
"Where ? where is she ?" asked Angelus.

"She is with the slayers, she is standing in front of them," said Drusilla.
"Them slayers," said Spike.
"That flamin' Buffy and Faith," said Angelus.
"And the third one," said Drusilla.

"Huh."

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Giles, care to explain.

So Giles, care to explain ?

part 4

IN SUNNYDALE

"How can Sally help us ?" asked Illyria.
"When she acts as a snake, like the cobra, she spits a poison that paralizes the victim," said Giles.
"As long as she knows, that when that is done she should go, let me battle," said Illyria.

"Do you know where she is now ?" asks Faith
Illyria goes quiet for a moment, looks around.
"She has gone across the water, there is another who helps her."
"I have heard my friends in the UK saying about a big evil that has just arrived there," said Fiona.

"If it is her, then why is she there ?" asked Buffy.
"There is a ghost near to where she is, it is rumoured that the evil came from there," said Fiona.
"Where is that ?" asks Buffy.

"It is said to be near Leek Wootton in Warwickshire."
"Then that is where we shall be," said Illyria.

NEAR LEEK WOOTTON.

"This is the stretch of road that the ghost appears on," said Fiona.
"What form does the ghost take ?" asked Giles.
"It is a ghost truck."
"Why ?, a ghost truck ! why is it special, what could it do ?" asked Fred.

"I've heard tales of a ghost truck, that is as old as time, it's meant to be near here. The ghost is said to have appeared as a horse, a wagon, a horse drawn coach through time. It is reported to have killed many people," said Giles, "have you heard about this ghost Wesley ?"

"I seem to remember about it being sighted once, but only once. It comes straight at you, then vanishes just before it hits you."
"How far from you is it that it vanishes ?" asks Buffy.
"Nearly a millimtre," said Wesley.

"That's it !, several times vehicles have been found in the trees at the side of the road, they seem to have tried to turn a sharp corner," said Giles.
"But this bit of road is straight," said Fred.
"That's what makes it scary."

"So how can we find out more about this ghost ?" asked Fiona.
"About the driver of the truck, he has red eyes," pointed out Wesley.
"I can think of one way, it's a bit dangerous though," said Gunn.
"What is it ?" asked Giles.

"If another truck is made to appear, but it reverses as fast as the ghost goes forward. Then a slayer is put in the cab of the ghost truck," said Gunn.
"If you can get me out again, I'll do it," said Buffy.
"What does the truck carry ?" asked Connor.

"Lets hope that Buffy remembers to ask," said Tara.
"How long would it take to get all that organised ?" asked Giles.
"We could do it now, why d'you ask ?" asked Fiona.
"Cos that truck is on the wrong side of the road, and It looks likew a ghost truck," said Giles.

For ten minutes their truck was chased before Buffy was put in the cab.
The red eyes of the driver glared at her, then Buffy realised they didn't feel evil. The truck driver slowed the truck and stopped by Buffy's friends, then her door opened by itself. Buffy looked at the driver.

"Who are you, why do you scare people ?" asked Buffy.
"My name is Epimetheus, I have always been here, I have to stop the evil from getting what I carry."
"What are you carrying and why ?" asked Faith.

"My brother stole fire from him and he gave it to others to use."
"Keep going but with a few more details," said Buffy.
"My brothers name is Prometheus, he stole fire from Zeus. Zeus had a box made, in it all the evils were put but so that the box couldn't be destroyed from the inside hope was put in it."

"Just a minute, that's Greek Mythology," said Giles.
"Is it ? oh !, well when my brother attempted to steal the box the person that carried the box opened it, but closed it to quick," said Epimetheus.
"I wonder," said Fred, deep in thought.

"What is it ?" asked Gunn.
"The Tro-Clon, it was said it could be Connor, we just assumed that the Tro-Clon would bring about the end of the world, what if it brings about the end of the world, but only for the evil ?"

"Then that means that Connor will save us Fred," said Gunn.
"Do you know what is said to be left in the box ?, the box was closed by Pandora before all of hope could get out," said Fred.
"That is Pandora's box !" exclaimed Giles.

"Zeus realised what he had caused to happen, it wasn't what he wanted. So he gave the box to another to protect it, I carry the dream of the box."
"We can help you protect the box, but we need to know where not to send the evil," said Buffy.

"The box was given to a wizard, his name is Myrddin," said Epimetheus.
"If Myrddin was to protect Pandora's box, then I know where it is, I hope no-one is claustrophobic, 'cos we are all going to a cave," said Wesley.
"Where is there ?" asked Willow, "can you come with us Epimetheus ?."

"I know where the truck'll be safe," said Wesley.
"But you still haven't said where the place is," said Illyria.
"Oh sorry, it's just below Tintagel Castle," said Wesley.
"What made you think of that place ?" asked Epimetheus.

"The name that wizard is better known as is Merlin. He is said to have lived in a cave below Tintagel Castle," said Wesley.
"What about the truck ?" asked Epimetheus.
"I can explain that, if it was to appear at the mouth of the cave it could roll back into the sea," said Giles.

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Gles, care to explain.

So Giles, care to explain.

part 5

AT TINTAGEL CASTLE REMAINS

Carefully at first they made their way to the upper reaches of the cave, after two hours of tracing their way through the passages, making sure the rocks weren't slippy or loose they entered a large cavern. They spent another hour searching the walls.

Giles found a fire already prepared, he was about to light it.
"Will that give us enough light ?" asked Connor.
"Probably not, but we'd be able to see where the smoke escapes."
"Normally I'd agree with you Giles, but what if the air is coming in halfway

down the wall ?" asked Fred.
"Either of you notice that the air is fresher when you stand up ?"
"Hmm, ok. So Connor, how much do you want to help ?" asked Fred.
"As much as I can, why ?"

"Because if we burn your denim jacket, it'd give us a lot of light and we'd get to see where the smoke is going," remarked Fred.
"Oh, oh all right."
"Look at it this way Connor, it could have been your jeans," said Giles.

"I think my eyes have become accustomed to the dark," said Buffy, "cos I can see something over there."
"Connor get your lighter going. Tara, Faith, come here quickly," said Giles.
"What is it Giles ?" asked Buffy.

"It's the slayers, you are all said to have been imbued with the spirit of a demon, well Buffy you just said you could see in this darkness," said Giles.
"Like a cat or a dog ?" asked Faith.
"Exactly, how-ever a werewolf would seem more likely. So if you can see

better, us watchers will have to add another aspect in the slayers training."
"I must be in the dark more often then, I can see ok now. That something that Buffy referred to, they're stalactites," said Tara.
Connor took his jacket off, then set fire to one of the sleeves.

"There's something wrong here, the stalactites should be narrower at the join. There not, I can't see the join either."
"So if they're not stalactites, they're columns," observed Buffy.
"The use of a column indicate's something's being held up," said Epimetheus.

"A column is also a table or part of a page, as a column can tell a story are these then those columns ?" asked Willow.
"It could be, or is it that these columns support something," said Wesley.
"Or both," added Faith.

"A local folklore says about a cave under the castle where the wizard Merlin used to live, we could be in that cave, or those columns may support the floor to Merlin's cave," said Wesley.
"Then if they appear as columns, we should clean them," added Willow.

Their cleaning revealed several markings, the marking when cleaned became visible as letters.
"They're not in Latin, any-one ever heard of Occam's razor ?" asked Willow.
"I have, where the simple answer is usually the right one," replied Wesley.

"We'll go with that then, these letters are R-I, S-E-T, O-N-E, W, T-I,
M-E. the most obvious thing to me is that they are in English, they are English words. So lets join them and see what they are."
"Go on then Giles," said Fiona.

"R-I-S-E-T-O-N-E-W-T-I-M-E," said Giles.
"Then pick out the words," said Fiona.
"That's four words, if there are six columns shouldn't there be six words ?" asked Fred.

"Why ? if there's two hundred letters in a books title it doesn't mean there has to be two hundred pages," said Willow, " try Rise To New Time."
"Sounds complicated to me, what could it mean ?" asked Faith.
"For one, it could be taken as a literal meaning of rising to a new time.

Another way of reading it would be to rise, as in what's above. Then new time would, well, something that is up from here will take you to a new time," remarked Buffy.
"Something that is above the columns," said Gunn.

"Why not ? a column is a support, several columns are just supports for something that is bigger," said Fred.
Tara shined her torch at the tops of the columns.
"There, look,it's like the joint of two long wide rocks."

"If you look at the ground, it seems as though some-one has turned each column," Willow slowly turns each column.
Above the columns a hidden cave is revealed. Tara looks into the new cave.
"Is that what we hope it is ?" ask Faith and Buffy.

"I've seen it, I've actually seen it, it's Pandora's box !" said Tara.
As they walk around it, Fred stares with interest.
"Recognize any of these markings Giles ?" asked Fred.
"If anything, I'd say they are star signs," said Giles.

They spent the next few hours trying to make sense of the markings.
Fred stood up.
"I'm getting hungry," she says, "I know it's a long walk, but it's got to be done, if I had the choice, I'd have a turkey sandwich."

A panel at the side of the box opens, there is a piece of paper on it. Faith picks it up and reads it.
"Here it is, in this box is a part of hope, only he who has the most hope may look into the box."

Faith looks up to see two figures.
"I am the protector of the box, I am Myrddin or Merlin, my friend is known as Guen, Guen will find he who should open the box."
"Who of all the men here has the most hope ?" asks Guen.

They look at each other.
"If I had to answer that question I'd say it was Epimetheus. He hopes for the sleep that he hasn't had for several thousand years," said Buffy.
"Wise choice Buffy. Epimetheus, you were one of those present when the box

was opened before, you have the first of hope," said Guen.
"How does this work ?" asked Fiona.
"Hope is in this world, but it is a hope with doubt, if the right person has all the hope then the hope can spread slowly to all he sees," said Guen.

"How long before the hope wins over the evil ?" asked Buffy.
"Hope will never rule, but the meek will have the hope of ruling the world, so an end to evil is possible," said Merlin.
"If Epimetheus has all the hope, how will that help the world ?" asked Buffy.

"I get it ! if Epimetheus has the hope, then he will sleep. But it isn't just a sleep, it's more than that, I think he is awake in his death, with all the hope he can sleep, or die in peace. The hope will then be released into the world," exclaimed Faith.

IN LOS ANGELUS

"It's changed again, it's party time in Sunnydale," said Drusilla, her smile becoming an evil grin.

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Giles, care to explain.

SO GILES, CARE TO EXPLAIN.

part 6

"Here we go again," said Angelus looking at Spike, trying not to grin.
"To the bat mobile !" exclaimed Spike.
"Batmobile ?" asked Angelus.
"Better than Vampmobile."

"Lets just get in the car and go to Sunnydale," said Dru.
The journey to Sunnydale was, well boring. They only stopped once for a refill, that's a refill for them not the car.

IN SUNNYDALE

They had been driving around for an hour and a half, they'd even visited the Bronze. Out of sheer boredom they'd had a group hug with Cordelia, but she soon became a redneck, so they dropped her like a sack of potatoes. Angelus became more and more fed up, Spike and Dru kept pointing to places where

they had killed some-one.
"Where are those bloody slayers Dru ?" asked Angelus.
"Still in England," replied Drusilla.
"What ! why are we here then ?"

"I dunno Dru ! oh well, let's get a cuppa at Joyce's place," suggested Spike.
"And wait for the slayers to get back," agreed Drusilla.
Angelus parked the car in the back lane
"I just saw the slayers sister," remarked Drusilla.

"That's good, we'll get a chaser first !" said Spike
At the front door Angelus and Drusilla kept out of sight. Spike practised what he would say.
"Give us a drink Joyce. Nope. We've come for the party, nah, she won't go

for that one. Tag your it, nup. Hello Joyce, mind if I come in for a cuppa,
hmm getting there," said Spike.
As Joyce opened the door
"Hi Joyce, I miss our little chat's and cuppa's together, alright to come in ?"

"I suppose so, as it's you but don't tell Buffy, come on in," said Joyce.
"That'll do me," said Angelus walking in.
"Ooh goody, the slayers house," commented Drusilla.
"Dawn ! run," shouted Joyce.

"Don't go Dawn, stay awhile, we'll have fun together," said Spike.
Angelus violently grabbed Joyce.
"What's this, no highlights." he said as he thrust her against the mirror.
Spike lifted Dawn up then slammed her body aginst the wall.

Drusilla savagely threw Sally into the banister, Dru grabbed her spun her around then into the banister again.
"Still want to be friends with the slayer ?" asked Dru.
"I'll always protect Dawn," said Sally.

Dru grabbed Sally's head , twisted it to one side then plunged her teeth in.
Dru reeled backwards, falling aginst the wall.
"Your blood, it's cold ! what are you ?"
Sally looked as though she was about to scream, but she sprayed her poison

into Drusilla instantly paralysing her. Sally took form as a four hundred pound
adult tigress, raising her massive body to it's hind legs, the tigresses body weight fell against Drusilla's shoulders...( removed due to its gruesome, explicit, nature )...the tigress roared, opened it's mouth wide and...( content

is so violent, it needs a RRR rating )...Sally returned to human form trying to get the dust out of her mouth. ( it'd be fairly accurate to say that Drusilla doesn't exist anymore ).
Spike and Angelus looked at each other, shocked by what they'd just seen

"So, Mexico !?" asked Spike.
"Sounds good," replied Angelus.
They both ran out the back door.
It was another two hours 'til the front door opened, Buffy, Faith, Tara and

Willow walked in. They were so excited by what they had seen and done. Buffy was about to walk into the front room when Tara held her shoulder.
"Buffy, look !"
Buffy saw the smashed banister and the dust covering the floor.

"Joyce ? what happened ?" asked Faith.
Still stunned, Joyce gazed into her half drunk tea.
"Angelus, Drusilla and Spike visited us, Spike had Dawn pinned against the
wall. Angelus pinned me on the mirror. Drusilla wrecked the banister with

Sally's body, then Sally changed," said Joyce, "I wish I'd told Buffy to slay vampires in front of Dawn, it might have helped a bit."
"For what ?" asked Faith.
"What did you spit at her Sally ?" asked Dawn.

"The part of me that's snake, it's a king Cobra, the spray paralyses. Two snakes are meant to have enough poison to stop a platoon of soldiers and Drusilla got most of mine," said Sally.
"But that doesn't explain the dust," said Buffy.

"That was Drusilla," said Joyce, "Sally became a tigress then bit her."
"I never thought !.......and the sound !.....your mouth !" said Dawn.
"I'm still getting dust from my mouth," said Sally.
"What about.......?" asked Buffy.

"Spike and Angelus ? they were scared ! and very shocked by what happened, Spike said something about Mexico, they both ran out the door," said Joyce.
"That's good, I asked Illyria to take form at her home," said Faith.

"She won't have any trouble with Darla will she ?" asked Buffy.
"Definitely not, the animals there are bigger and nastier than this world. From the look on Joyce's face, I'd say that Sally did something fairly extreme."
"If you wanted to make an understatement Faith, your correct."

"Well, from what I remember of my world, what happened here would make Sally seem like a six week old kitten," said Faith.
"I always wanted one of them," said Tara.
"Willow !! stop smiling like that !" exclaimed Buffy.

"Sounds like we can forget about them then," said Dawn.
"I'll tidy up the dust from the entry," said Tara.
"I'll give Xander a call, see if he can fix the banister," said Willow.
"You got anything planned for tomorrow Buffy ?" asked Sally.

"Not yet, that's the thing about hellmouth's, you never know when's next."
"So a few more of you would be a good idea," said Sally.
"That's not a bad idea, when it was Faith and me we did ok, now that there's three of us, it seems like there's not enough," said Buffy.


TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Giles, care to explain.

SO GILES, CARE TO EXPLAIN

part 7

"Giles, a few of the apartments here are vacant," said Fiona.
"Not a good thing is it, all sorts of people could move in," he replied.
"Glad you see it that way," said Xander.
"What does that mean ? oh no !" exclaimed Giles.

"Yes Giles, we're going to be neighbours now," said Xander.
"Did you tell him ?" asked Anya.
"Sort of," said Xander.
"Was that the I'll be living with you bit ?"

"No, but we don't need to tell him now."
"Don't worry Giles, I'm living here, so I'll keep an eye on them," said Fiona.
"Hey Gilesypoo ! when's the party ?" asked Faith.
"What party ?" asked a bewildered Giles.

"The moving in party," said Sallly.
"Oh, Xander and Anya's," replied Giles.
"What's happening ?" asked Buffy.
"Xander and Anya's moving in party," said Faith.

"Think I'll rename the place Hellmouth," said Anya, "either that or Melrose."
#"Then for the party I can say welcome to the Hellmouth," said Dawn.
"Good idea, I like that," said Anya.
#"If we all bring some food it'll be our own harvest," said Dawn.

##"So what about when the witch and teachers pet move in ?" asked Faith.
"What ?" asked Giles loudly.
"Didn't Fiona tell you ? oh dear. Fiona doesn't like being alone, so Willow and I will be moving in with her," said Tara.

"With all of you here, one slayer won't be enough protection, Sally and I will move in to the other place ," said Faith.
"Glad about that, you can go with Sally on her date with that guy, you'd be like a chaperon," said Joyce.

"A chap er one ?" asked Faith.
"No, a shaperown," said Joyce.
"Oh yeh, gotcha, but why ?" asked Faith.
#"After what she did at our place, if she wants to date him again, you should

be there to make sure she'll never kill a boy on the first date," said Joyce.
"Why don't we all go ?" asked Dawn.
#"I don't think she'll want the pack."
#"We'll be quiet, they won't know we're there, we'll be just like an angel."

"Til the music starts," said Anya.
"I don't like dancing," said Tara.
"I do," said Xander.
"Yeah !, I've seen your dancing," said Willow.

"What's wrong with my dancing ?"
"You like that robotics stuff, I prefer the jungle wrap," said Anya.
"When the music starts, we'll be ok," said Xander.
"Here it comes," said Buffy.

#"When the music begins it'll be I robot, you Jane. We go well together Anya."
"And there it goes," said Buffy.
"As long as Anya doesn't do any washing before the do, we'll be ok."
"Why d'you say that Buffy ?" asks Sally.

#"Don't you know ?, you lucky thing," said Dawn, "when Xander loses a sock in the washing we always get the puppet show."
"I don't understand," said Sally.
"Do the washing, lose a sock, the remaining one is then a sock puppet....."

#"You don't want to see that, it'll be one of your worst nightmares."
"As long as the washing is done after the party," said Joyce, "it'll never be done at our place again, great."
"Why does that make you feel good ?" asked Giles.

#"Out of sight, out of mind," replied Joyce.
"Oh, yes," said Giles.
"Giles wouldn't you prefer just one moving in party ?" asked Buffy.
"I suppose I would."

"It'd get all the noise done in one go," said Buffy.
#"Well done Buffy, you always seem to know what's going to happen, turning into a proper prophecy girl aren't you ?" said Giles.
"Let's organise the party for this Saturday, what about a theme for the

party." suggested Fiona.
#"Ooh, I know, when she was bad !" exclaimed Dawn.
"We could wear costumes as well," said Joyce, "I think I'll go as a hippy."
"Just don't eat any candy," said Buffy.

"I will if I want to," said Joyce.
"Yeah, you tell her," said Giles.
"Anya and I will do the tables for the party," said Xander.
"Why ?" asked Anya.

#"There's some assembly required and then that's it," said Xander.
"Now you see, I'd be no good at that," said Faith.
"Why not ?" asked Tara.
"You'd have to use some of the intelligence you got at school," said Faith.

"Didn't you ever go to school, Faith ?" asked Tara.
#"No, I always thought along the lines of fire pretty, school hard."
"No schooling at all ?" asked Tara.
"Look, can you keep a secret ?" asked Faith.

"Sure why," said Tara.
"Mumsikins and dadsikins are multi billionaires, I got all the best tutors now I'm at genius level, in the top two per cent in America," said Faith.
"Really ? nah !, ok, what's the square root of 59,259,629 ?"

"7,777," said Faith.
"What ! I didn't even have time to get my calculator out !" exclaimed Tara,
"your secret's safe with me. What are you going to the do as ?"
#"Thought I'd go as an Inca mummy girl."

"Look there's Xander, hey Xander what are you getting dressed up as ?"
#"I'm going as a reptile boy, Tara. I bet I know what Willow will go as."
"How do you know what she'll be, Xander ?" asked Anya.
#"Willow will be a ghost, just like every halloween do," said Xander.

"What about you Tara ?" asked Faith.
"Think I'll go as a Lie Detector Machine."
"That's different, why ?"
"#So I don't mind when people lie to me," said Tara.

"I'm just going to carry a light bulb," said Anya.
They looked at each other, they were all puzzled.
#"Because I come from the dark age."
"Are you ready for the do ?" asked Giles.

"Almost," replied Joyce.
"Good, a few of us will do a short play, I'll be the prompter," said Giles.
"How will that work ?" asked Xander.
"Simple really, when some-one forgets their lines, I'll prompt them, as long as

they say which part of the play it is," said Giles.
#"So if I ask what's my line-part 1 or what's my line-part 2, you'll tell me ?"
"That's right," replied Giles.
"That won't work, I'm not in the play !"

#"Yes you are, your going to be the grizzly bear called Ted," said Giles.
"I don't even know what my lines are !" exclaimed Xander.
"Oh we've thought of that, if you get your only line wrong, we all get to throw these at you," said Giles smiling.

"What are they ?" asked Xander.
#"Bad eggs," said Giles, "er Buffy, who is that ?"
"Well ?" asked Buffy, looking straight at the stranger.
"Here's my business card, my friends and I have a small business near

here, we've got Cats Haven, if you get a problem with stray cats we can get rid of them rfor you, or if you want a little pussy cat," he said
"Willow !! Stop smiling like that !, Tara ! don't encourage her," said Buffy.

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Giles, care to explain

SO GILES, CARE TO EXPLAIN.

part 8 and part 9

#"Just for a laugh why don't we call them in, just say that there is a cat that wanders around nicking our food, we wait 'till one of them is alone then send in Sally, see if they like the surprise," said Faith.
"Wouldn't Sally mind ?" asked Buffy.

#"Oh we tell her first, help create the air of innocence."
"How about if we get Willow in on it, she can tell the guy she's practising to be a witch, then she turns Sally into a tigress," said Buffy.
"Ooh, yeh, get Tara there. She can help make the guy believe that Sally is

talking," said Faith.
#"And Sally could say don't worry, Willow is just going through phases."
#"When Sally was a person, the guy would be bewitched, bothered and bewildered," said Buffy.

A couple of days later at the party in the courtyard, the courtyard had been renamed by Giles as The Crimson King. Dawn was in a really happy mood, she was spiking the punch with Vodka. No-one else was bothered by her behaviour, as the punch was 98 % alcohol before Dawn started adding to it,

mind you, the stuff that Dawn added to the punch made it a lower alcoholic content, the punch was for Giles, Joyce and Fiona only. Anya approached Joyce and Giles.
#"That's the thing about you old people, I can feel the passion between you."

[HASHTAG]#Giles[/HASHTAG] looked at Joyce, realising his chances of a romantic interlude with her had just been killed by death. Joyce had had ideas of a romantic nature, the
# tune, 'I only have eyes for you', had been playing over and over in her head, the only sentiments that now wandered through her head now were

#go fish. Anya grinned to herself knowing the turmoil that she had created. Giles and Joyce might not thank her, but Buffy definitely would. Right she though, Xander Harris it's your turn next. She noted that he he was staring at Willow and Tara kissing so she began to suck on his left earlobe, she

stopped and walked away. Tara asked Xander what that was all about.
#"She is starting to get amorous, that was the becoming - part one. later it'll be....
#"Let me guess, she'll suck the other earlobe, then it'll be the becoming -

part two," said Tara.
"Poor Xander, he'll miss out on the leather whip and the chains," said Willow.
#"I saw the way he watched us, bet he'd like Buffy Anne to join them."
"Anya is the only woman for me," exclaimed Xander.

"Bet he hasn't even tried the lycra body suit yet," said Tara.
#"Yeah, parties at his place'll really be a dead man's party," replied Willow.
Xander wandered off.
"That was mean of us," said Tara.

"I know, but I bet Anya gets asked some odd questions later."
"Willow !" exclaimed Tara.

AT ANOTHER PART OF SUNNYDALE

"Did they go for the Cats Haven crap ?" asked John T. Noah.
"Just as you said they would," replied Sydney.
"Right then, next step, you got it ready ?"
"All set to go," said Hope.

#"Tonight we get that slayer Faith, Hope and Trick is ready ?" asked John T.

IN THE COURT(yard) OF THE CRIMSON KING

In the early hours of the morning Sally and Faith went to see what the noise was, they had heard a low growling in the courtyard. Faith saw what she thought was a torchlight in the bushes, as she got close to it, it was shone in her eyes blinding her. Sally called out to Faith but got no reply.

#"We've got the beauty and the beasts John T. and Warrne ?" asked Hope
#"I'm glad they're moving here, it'll be like a homecoming for us," said Hope.
Then they left.
Willow, Tara and Fiona opened their door first.

"What is it Sally ?" asked Tara.
"Faith has been taken !, I don't know them but they've been here before."
"I'll get Giles," said Fiona.
"They said us being here was like a homecoming to them," said Sally.

"Is there anything else Sally ?" asked Tara.
"No, that's all they said."
"What are your thoughts, your feelings ?" asked Tara.
"I keep thinking of a marching band, and the hit parade, I don't know why

though," said Sally, "seventy six trombones ?"
"Hi Giles," said Willow.
"What you were saying Sally, seventy six trombones, the hit parade and a marching band, candy, I need some candy," said Giles.

#"Band candy ?" asked Willow.
"Hmm, no, candy will help me think, going back a bit here. In England, an old TV show called The Black and White Minstrel Show, I seem to remember a song, The Hit Parade. There was a marching band with seventy six

trombones right behind, I can't think what it's got to do with this place," said Giles, "it feels right though, Willow can you get Buffy to be here ?"
Willow spoke to Buffy, in her dream. As soon as Buffy woke up Willow continued.

"There is at the new place, Faith has been taken," thought Willow."
"Ok Will, I'll be there soon."
"No Buffy, let me know when your ready, Giles wants you here now."
In ten minutes Buffy appeared in the courtyard.

"Your getting very powerful Willow," said Giles.
"Yes and no, Buffy and I have a strong friendship as Tara and I have a strong friendship, there is extra power there," said Willow.
#"That'll help, I have a few revelations for you. I don't understand how

magics are done but I will be able to help you Will," said Buffy.
"What will you need ?" asked Giles.
"First up, Giles, can you show Willow and Tara along the path, like in preparing for deep meditation, tell them to look for the power sources."

#"Ok Buffy, I know what you mean, a bit of a lovers walk for witches."
"That's the one Giles, Fiona, prepare yourself for some power work, I'll ring mom and get her to bring Dawn," said Buffy.
"Why bring Dawn ?" asked Sally.

"Dawn has a lot of latent energy, she'll be helpful to them soon."
"I don't see how ?" asked Sally.
#"It's like if you make a wish, for the wish to work you'll need that extra something. Well, Dawn is that extra something," said Buffy.

"I think they're ready, is Fiona ready ?" asked Giles.
"She should be, we just need Dawn."
"I just saw some car headlights, could be from Joyce's car. What are you going to get them to do ?" asked Giles.

"Tara will contact Faith, tell her to be ready. Then the witches, fuelled with Dawn's help will bring Faith here," said Buffy.
"Just in case you forgot about them," said Joyce.
"No, we wouldn't do that to them," said Giles.

"I know what'll help, Faith will need her own watcher. Why not have Wesley as her watcher ?" asked Sally.
"Where is Faith ?" asked Wesley.
"She was taken earlier, the witches are about to bring her back," said Buffy.

"That's not quite right, Faith has made a friend there, we'll be bringing them both here," said Tara.
"Who is her friend ?" asked Fred.
"Some-one known as Fecklahr, now excuse me, we'll get her back," said Tara

Faith appeared in the courtyard with another.
"Who, where does your friend come from ?" asked Sally.
#"She was one of my captors, guess she wanted to make amends."
"What are you eating Faith ?" asked Giles.

#"Fecklahr gave me some gingerbread," said Faith.
Xander and Anya came into the courtyard.
"Got bored with the whips and chains already," said Willow, grinning.
"Willow ! don't smile like that," said Tara, smiling.

"Anyanka !"
"Halfreck !"



SO GILES, CARE TO EXPLAIN

part 9


"You two know each other ?" asked Xander.
"Of course we do, but it's been so long Anyanka, where have you been ?" asked Halfreck.
"I would like to hear that answer as well," said D'Hoffryn.

"Oh dear. I heard a woman in pain so I came here," said Anyanka.
"There was a woman in pain here, who was it ?" asked Fiona.
"Her."
"Buffy ?"

"I didn't know what it was that he did, but Buffy cried out for vengeance, she wanted him dead," said Anyanka, "she'd put a sword into him and a statue, so I gave him a push into hell."
"Do you know how Angel got out of hell ?" asked Giles.

"The Goddess Illyria was asked to get him out but she couldn't, so she got her friend to do it," said Anyanka.
"Who is her friend, I'd like to thank her," said Buffy.
"You don't know ? it was your friend Faith."

"You expect us to believe you, with talk about a Goddess ?" asked Giles.
"Why not ? he who stands before you is Lord D'Hoffryn of Arashmahar, he is like a God to Vengeance Demons. And who do you think asked Illyria to get Angel from hell ?" asked Anyanka.

"She is right, you fight the evil, yet you question the good," said D'Hoffryn.
"But you are right to question them, Giles," said Fiona.
"Miss Fiona Harkness !, I am honoured to meet you," said D'Hoffryn.
#"Thank you, I have been sent here to help them realise that they are not as

helpless as they think they are, many others fight the evil," said Fiona.
#"What is that sound above me, is that the Hindenburg, is it a Zeppo....
"No D'Hoffryn," interrupted Giles, "I think the word you want is Zeppekin, but that is the Good Year blimp. They use it for overhead camera work."

#"Ok, thank you, so back to my bad girls."
"We're not bad girls, slight;y naughty maybe, I realised that I didn't know about people anymore," said Anyanka.
"When Faith was captured, she made friends with Fecklahr, that's Halfreck. I,

with Tara and Willow with Dawn's help brought them both here," said Fiona
#"Neither of you have wreaked vengeance on anyone, so there will be consequences," said D'Hoffryn.
"But I sought knowledge, which will help me give vengeance," said Anyanka,"I

will be exacting vengeance soon, this man has treated a woman very badly, she has wished that he could see what he has done, so I will cause twenty two doppelgangers of him to be so."
#"Anyanka !, a doppelgangland of himself, that is clever," said Halfreck," and

so I will exact vengeance on those who captured Faith."
"Not yet, one of us is with them," said Fiona.
"A witch ?" asked Buffy.
"No, what you don't understand yet, you here are a few. Buffy, you are a

leader here, as a witch I will help you but you are in a group, who are in a # group who are part of a group. The one one of us who is with her enemies is eternal, she has been part of what you know many times. As a witness at a wedding, she was to protect he who turned the water to wine," said Fiona.

"So Buffy, seems you have more friends than you knew," said Willow.
"But the one of us who is among them, I will need to know who it is, so that I don't kill her," said Buffy.
"Why, she knew the risks, have you forgotten already, she is an eternal,

you cannot kill her, when you warned Faith that you were going to rescue
# her she was in earshot of your message."
"What do we do now ?" asked Faith.
"Get ready for work," said Fiona, "Giles is going to need some help today."

"What will happen ?" asked Buffy.
"Because of the party, and his sleep being disturbed, he will be tired today. But for now I need Connors attention," said Fiona.
"Why me ?"

"It is said that a virgin birth is very rare, Connor was born a human from two vampires. He had the choice of being the end of humanity or to help it."
"I hope that I will make the choice to help," said Connor.
#"That time is past, you have made the choices. You are here, that was

what we wanted. When the sun has risen high enough, you and I will go and I will show you that magics can be good," said Fiona.
"Faith, while you were gone a decision was made about your future, Tara has
Fiona as her watcher, Buffy has me, but you, well it was decided that Wesley

should be your watcher."
"So would some-one tell me how Faith got here ?" asked Wesley.
"Basically Faith didn't have a deep enough connection with Buffy or Tara. That and because of the training that Faith has missed, Willow, Tara and

Fiona were needed. Now about the training, Faith will need to make contact with herself in the crystals."
"Giles will be able to get the crystal through the Magic Shop," said Willow, "but that will be for next week.

Later that day in the Magic Shop.
"Forgive me if I'm wrong, but Faith doesn't seem all there," said Fred.
"I'd noticed that," said Tara, "what about you Willow ?"
"Can you two help her ?" asked Fred.

"Yes," replied Willow.
"Go and get her Will," said Tara.
"No, it should be you that tells her to come here, you need to develop your connection to Faith. You need to realise that you don't need spell magic,

what you need to do is increase your personal power, can you move that ball ?" asked Willow.
Even after five minutes the ball had only rocked a bit.
"I'll help you Tara. I'll place my fingers at the bottom of your spine, I want

you to see a ball of blue light around your spine, then follow my fingers up but allow the light to go through the top of your head, as keeping it in your head will be to keep it at the end of your spine."
When that was eventually done Tara looked at the ball, it rolled freely.

"That was great Willow, thanks."
"Now contact Faith."
Tara thought to Faith, then heard her reply. Faith came over to them.
"When did you learn to do that ? how far can you do ?" asked Faith.

"When it can be done, distance is not part of the equation, that person may be far away but if you see that person before you, then the mechanics of distance are removed," said Willow.
"Yes, the energy of thought, if the distance travelled is seen as short, then

less energy is required, a basic principle of quantum theory," said Faith.
"Faith, we both agree that you are not at ease with yourself, what is your problem, and how can we help you ?" asked Tara.
"I just realised the answer," said Willow, "you never had a graduation day and

you didn't have the people to share that part of your life with."
#"I never had a prom, that was a distant dream," said Faith, "there was no graduation day, no getting dressed up, just me and a bit of paper."
"Leave it with me. Willow, your with me," said Tara.

In their room.
"What is it Tara ?" asked Willow
"Right Willow, I want fifteen questions, so when Faith passes....
"You clever thing Tara," said Willow.

Needless to say the questionaire was handed out that afternoon. Tara spent most of their savings getting everything ready.
"There is a reason for this, isn't there Tara ?" asked Willow.
"Right now, Faith is with a group of people trying to guess if their answers

# were good enough, hence the graduation - part one. A bit later she'll get # her reward for passing, with her friends, the graduation - part two," said Tara, "if I could have got her parents I would have."
They all got dressed up and at the ceremony they were awarded their prizes,

until Faith went for her prize. Tara then declared what the reason for the questions were.
No-one had ever seen Faith cry before.

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Giles, care to explain

So Giles, care to explain.

part 10 and part 11

part 10

"Not much point trying to capture her again, plus now they'll be watching out for anything that's slightly suspicious," said John T. Noah, "we could use that against them, a few stolen cars left outside that place, break open the door of the Magic Shop a couple of times."

"A few blank letters would work well," said Sydney.
"I was wondering when you were going to wake up."
# "Yeah well, some-one has got to be the freshman here, you look like you're ready to fall asleep."

# "It'd help if we had a nicer place to stay, these living conditions are a bit rough," said Hope.
"We'll make a start on them tonight, or rather Hope and Sydney can."
"Doing what ?" asked Sydney.

"Throw a few rocks on their roof," said John T.
# "Then tomorrow during the harsh light of day, I will go and get a few vampires, put some sleeping pills in their blood and wait," said Warrne.
"That's the spirit, dump them in the courtyard, when the sun is nearly on

them, one of us shouts. They came out their houses only to see the vampires in flames," said John T.
# "That'll put fear itself into them."
"Then what's next ?"

"Those letters, one of them has a prize in it for a free meal and drinks."
"What's the point of that ?" asked Warrne.
"It'll put them off guard, and they might drive," said Sydney.
"And what if it doesn't go according to plan ?" asked Warrne.

"You'll just have to make sure that it does."
"How will I do that ?"
# "You, Sydney and Hope will be at a the next table to make sure it does.
But no beers remember, beer bad. It makes you say the wrong things."

IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING

"I'm going to the shops, any-one want anything ?" asked Xander.
"No, but I'll go with you," said Faith.
Xander came back with an ice cream each for Anyanka and Halfreck.
"Something weird is happening Buffy," said Faith.

"I saw Xanders reflection in a mirror, it was smiling at him."
"What's weird about that ?" asked Buffy.
"Xander had gone past the mirror before the reflection smileds at him."
"Giles ! can you come here please ?" asked Buffy.

"What is it ?" asked Giles.
"Faith said Xanders reflection smiled at him, after he'd passed the mirror, what would cause that ?" asked Buffy.
"It's a belief that if a mirror sees what happened it can repeat that, and of

what it has seen. It can also store a memory of a person," said Giles.
"But does that mean that Xandeer is dead ?" asked Faith, "and if so, how come he's walking about ?"
"It may be that Xander is dead, the mirror saw it took the body and we see

Xanders mirror image, what you saw in the mirror was him smiling at himself," said Giles.
### "If he saw himself, what-ever made him wild at heart has gone, the will, the initiative, he no longer pangs for life, his dead self calls," said Faith.

"How could we tell Anyanka, she'll be devasted without Xander around."
# "I know what you mean Buffy, she'll be something blue without him, still, it's good that Halfreck is here," said Faith.
"There is another way to this, Xander's reflection having seen himself may

now want to trade places, as much that Xander fought for the good, his mirror image may well be the opposite," said Giles.
# As buffy and Faith looked at each other there was a hush.
"He's always been willing to help. Giles, get Fiona," said Buffy.

Giles went across the courtyard to Fiona.
"The one called Hope, why is she with them ?" asked Buffy.
"It's to be ready for when Xanders reflection joins them," said Fiona.
"Who else is there ?" asked Faith.

"Let's go to the entry, there's no mirrors there, Xanders reflection won't be able to see her."
"Won't see who ?" asked Giles.
An opaque figure appeared in the bushes.

"Fiona, who is that ?" asked Faith.
"She is Hope, Hope these people want to know who Halfreck was with."
"It's ok Fiona, I know who these people are," said Hope.
"How do you know who we are ?" asked Giles.

"The others there are John T., Sydney, Warrne and Charlie. They are waiting for Xander," said Hope.
"Why are you there ?"
"To stop them Faith."

"By yourself ?" asked Faith.
"There are many more of us, many types to choose from it depends on what happens."
"What could they do ?" asked Giles.

# "With a human, all the gates to the Hellmouth could be opened. All the forces of hell could be released, and if that happened you would be doomed."
"I'm glad you're there to help us," said Buffy.
"I think now is the time to tell them about us," said Hope.

"Hope is an immortal demon hunter," said Fiona, "those of the hunters are many and as Hope said there are many types. They all protect the vampire slayers."
"How many are there ?" asked Faith.

"If you were to add all the people in this country, they would be three or four times as many."
"Well, it's good to know we can win," said Faith.
"We have never lost, but it is only now that we could win outright," said Hope

"Buffy, Faith, Giles, when Pandora's box was emptied into Epimetheus, the hope that was missing became part of this world, now there is the hope to win over the evil," said Fiona.
Hope began to disappear.

"Remember slayers, even if you don't see us we are with you."


So Giles, care to explain

part 11

Early the next morning Buffy went into the courtyard, she saw Giles talking with three strangers and Fiona.
"Hi, who are you ?"
"Morning Buffy," said Giles.

"Hope asked that these be allowed here to observe us. First up there is Graeves, he is a watcher but the hunters call him a see-er. I'm not to sure how old he is but it's about five hundred and fifty, he is a vampire."
"A vampire that's a see-er ?"

# "This is Pitts, he isn't a vampire but he used to be, he's a new man now, he is an eternal," said Fiona.
"We've met before," said Buffy.
"You have ? when ?" asked Giles.

"When the Master killed me, I was going along a tunnel with a light at the end, when I got to the light I met Pitts, he told me to return."
# "Pitts is one of two, they are each the I in team, they are The Keepers of The Light," said Graeves.

"That's an honour," said Giles, "bet mistakes aren't looked at favourably."
"The first day I was there I made a big clanger. The ones that are allowed to go into heaven are coded, 'goodbye'. This person from Western Australia I think his name was Ian Onslow, anyway, I entered it all as code. Big oops, I

# put down Goodbye IOWA. It took ages to work that out and find him."
"And you are ?" asked Buffy.
"I am Diana, I am an immortal demon hunter, not an old one though, I only became an immortal this year," said Diana.

# "Oh, so you're this years girl," said Faith.
"Sort of, in two days time it'll be my birthday, I'll be two hundred years old, I only added that last bit in case you need an excuse for a party," said Diana
Willow and Tara joined them. Tara walked to Graeves.

"Good morning sir," then she went to Fiona, "it has been an honour to be near you," said Tara.
"It wasn't meant as a trick but Graeves is my see-er."
# "Then who are you ?" asked Buffy.

# "If Diana and Hope are famous, she is a superstar," said Tara.
Tara and Diana knelt to Fiona as she began to glow then disappeared.
"Who was that ?" asked Giles.
"She is the Goddess Medusera," said Diana, standing up.

"That is why you knelt to her ?" asked Buffy.
"Because she is a Goddess, also as she is the one who makes yours and mine as chosen."
"Tara, where do you come from, what are you ?" asked Willow.

# "I come from the South West of England, when you went to the caves under Tintagel Castle I was one of the many sent to protect, that was when we found them, that was where the wild things are, or should I say, were."
"No more wild things. That's why the moon seems to be smiling," said Giles.

# "It's fair to say, there's a new moon rising," said Tara.
Anyanka walked straight into Giles, she looked up.
"What is it Anyanka, what's wrong ?"
"Xander went into the bathroom for his shave, when he came out he was like

a different person. He said he was leaving and left."
# "It wasn't your fault, you are not the Yoko factor here," said Giles.
"Who ?" asked Anyanka.
"The Beatles !" said Giles.

"Who ?" asked Anyanka.
"It's an old thing," said Faith.
# "Oh, primeval is it ?"
"The Beatles aren't that old," said Giles.

"It's all this talk about the good old days," said Buffy.
"I know what'll make him happy, tell him your going up against the big bad from those Hammer Films," said Faith.
# "He'll get all restless if I tell him that stuf," said Buffy.

"No he won't," said Faith.
"Yes he will," said Buffy.
# "Hey Giles, what do you think about Buffy vs Dracula ?" asked Anyanka.
"He wouldn't stand a chance."

"Ooh he thinks I'm good, did you mean that Giles ?" asked Buffy.
# "Yes Buffy, that was the real me talking."
# "Careful that might have been the replacement," said Faith.
"He's being replaced ?" askeds Anyanka.

"With a younger model."
# "I'll thank you to know I'm in full control of my faculties, I'm not out of my mind," said Giles.
Giles turned around, walked to his apartment, opened the door and listened

to the quiet.
# "There's no place like home."
"That's a thought, I'll go and see mom and Dawn today."
# "You are lucky that you can go and see your family," said Faith.

# "What can I say, guess I'm a fool for love," said Buffy.
"I'd like to see my folks, but I'd need to make an appointment first and that's if they're in the country," said Faith.
# "You are both lucky, there's not enough of my folks to make a shadow,"

said Anyanka.
"To much talk of family, we should talk of what's coming next."
# "Why, listening to you two talk of family is better than listening to fear," said Faith, "speaking of fear, do we know what we'll be facing next ?"

"Not yet, I wonder if Willow and Tara can help us, where are they ?"
"Back in their room Anyanka," replied Faith.
"How could they help us ?" asked Buffy.
"They are witches, we could follow them to their old ground."

"Their old ground Anyanka, where's that ?"
"I thought as they're witches, they'd go to the trees," said Anyanka.
"Maybe, yes, they can take me to the woods anytime," said Buffy.
# "HEY WILLOW ! Buffy said you can take her into the woods," said Faith.

Faith looked at Anyanka.
# "Not happy with the threesome here, she wants a triangle in the woods."
"WILLOW !! stop smiling like that," said Tara, "I'll tell Buffy or Mr Giles."
Willow opened the window.

"I don't understand, why would Buffy want to go into the woods with us ?"
"To find out what evil thing is coming next," shouted Faith.
"Oh, we can do that in our bedroom," said Tara, loudly.
"Tell Willow to stop smiling," called Buffy.

"Hey !!, I wasn't smiling," shouted Willow.
Tara looked at Willow, raised her eyebrows then smiled.
"That time," said Willow, grinning.

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Giles, care to explain

SO GILES, CARE TO EXPLAIN

Part 12 and part 13

Buffy looked at Giles, she tried not to smile. A young woman walked up to them.
"Who are you looking for ?" asked Giles.
"I was told to speak to Willow."

"Who said to speak to Willow ?"
A black bird flew into the courtyard, and onto the woman's shoulder.
"He did."
Tara saw what had just happened.

"What do you know about Rooks Willow ?"
"A bit, why ?"
"One just flew onto a woman's shoulder."
# "Are you sure it's a Rook, they're sometimes known as Crows," said

Willow, "does that make a difference, is this a checkpoint on my knowledge of birds ?"
"Hey Tara !, can you ask Willow to come down here. This girl reckons the bird told her to speak to her," called out Faith.

"Tara, the Crow is of a long held belief, it is a spirit guide for the native Americans, tell Buffy I'll be right down."
Willow walked into the courtyard, she looked at the Crow and saw what the Crow was looking at.

"Why are you here ?" asked Willow.
"Blackfeather said to meet with you," said Rebecca.
"Do you know her Willow ?" asked Giles.
# "This is Rebecca, she has blood ties with Blackfeather, they are as one. I

have read stories of those two," said Willow.
"Rebecca died over a hundred years ago, Blackfeather is a legend, he was,"
Willow looked at Rebecca, "he is a friend to all native Americans. Why is he coming here Rebecca."

# "The Chumash want their lands protected, Blackfeathers father had a strong crush on a Chumash squaw, he married her and became a great friend
with many of the Chumash."
"What was his fathers name ?" asked Willow.

"It was Geron."
"You don't mean Geronimo do you ?" asked Faith.
"No, that was Geron's father."
# "If you ever want to know about Rebecca and Blackfeather, the words I was made to love you are true of them, as they are together in every lifetime," said Willow.

"What if one of them is a fish ?" asked Faith.
## "The body knows no limit, it is the mind. They are forever."
"What of now Willow ?" asked Giles.
# "At a guess, Blackfeather is here to cause an intervention, to stop them

from doing what they seek to do," said Willow.
"Rebecca, we are already doing what needs to be done," said Giles.
"My Blackfeather will be here, to stop the lands of the Chumash from being desicrated. I see that you have fought with the Chumash."

"Sort of, they attacked us because we were on their lands, we only
defended ourselves," said Willow.
# "Will this request be to tough, love of the land is needed."
"We were chosen to protect the peoples of the world and to protect

the lands from the evil," said Faith.
# "If that fight leads us in a straight line or in a spiral. Then so be
it," said Buffy.
# "The weight of the world is on your shoulders, that is a heavy burden to

bear," said Rebecca.
"It isn't that bad as they're are many of us," said Buffy.
# "It's one of the things that is a gift to those who are good," said Faith.
"Who is that up there ?" asked Giles.

He watched in awe, the figure jumped off the roof and landed beside them.
"This is Blackfeather," said Rebecca, "they have started to protect the lands of the Chumash," said Rebecca.
"Then I will help them," said Blackfeather.

A great bird is heard, the sound of it's wings grew closer, very close then they stopped. Diana appeared to them.
"How did you get here ?" asked Blackfeather.
"On my unicorn," said Diana.

"Yet it isn't here."
"It is here, you do not see it though."
"Diana, what news do you have, Diana what is it ?" asked Willow.
"Hope has just spoken with me. Blackfeathers Crow should be with her, then

he can see what is happening," said Diana.
As the Crow landed on her soulder, she began to talk to John T.
"This is the time, tell me your plea for us to accept your bargaining."
"Why should we ?" asked Sydney.

"I am Hope of the Armed Forces of Byzantium, the Crow is Blackfeathers
spirit guide, even though you seek to open the world to the demons. Be
sure that we will stop you."
"What would you have us do, should we start the bargaining," said John T.

"Why, what power does she have ?" said
"You do not understand, I know of them. Many of the forces she speaks
of have Blackfeather's ancestors with them. We cannot win, I would rather face defeat than cause our loss. First we are left in freedom, secondly we

can all go to hell, our heaven is your hell."
"They are both acceptable," said Hope.
# "Then that is the bargaining parts 1 and 2."
# "The Crow rose from Hopes shoulder, then it rose higher an to it's after
life."

[HASHTAG]#Light[/HASHTAG] flooded the courtyard as the Goddess Medusera took form.
# "They are continueing the life serial that they began last year."
# "So, Goddess Medusera. They'll go to the way to the depths of hell," said Tara.
# "If they ever return be sure it'll be once more with feeling.

# "As in Latin, Tabula Rasa."
## "Their plans have been truly wrecked, maybe smashed."
# "Like the proverbial bad egg, they are gone," said Tara.



So Giles, care to explain

part 13


# "Doublemeat Palace, how may we help you."
"I need a job," said Willow.
# "If you are not afraid of working with dead things, you'll be ok here."
"That's ok, I'm with the dead now," said Willow looking at Rebecca and Blackfeather.

"Well, just come in and ask for the manageress, we'll go from there."
"Thank you," said Willow.
"See, I told you it'd be easy," said Giles, "I'd better go, there's
something I need to do."

"What's that ?" asked Rebecca.
"Hopefully it'll be of use to some-one one day, it's a thing I'm doing.
The Watcher Diaries, of slayers and demon hunters is what I'll call it,"
said Giles.

# "You could put that they are older and far away," said Tara.
"Could do, thanks for that Tara," said Giles.
"Will they be long ?" asked Rebecca.
"They shouldn't be, at least I hope they won't be," said Tara.

"So, what ? just sit, and keep waiting ?" asked Rebecca.
# "Sorry, yes, I guess it's an as you were thing," said Tara.
During the next fifteen minutes every-one else came to join them.
At last, the sound of heavy wings made them look to the skies.

# "Hell's bells, I love that sound," said Willow.
"One day you might get to see them, but not as many as me," said Tara.
"Why ? how many have you seen ?"
"I saw all of them once."

"All of them ? why, how many was there ?"
"There is two thousand six hundred of them, and they were going
into battle," said Tara.
"You saw them, you were in the battle ! you didn't get hurt did you ?"

"Not really, I only died once or twice," said Tara.
"What ! oh my god ! then you're."
"Yep, I'm an immortal," said Tara.
Hope, Molly, Saffron, Julie and Diana took form next to Tara.

# "Here I am, normal again," said Julie,"I'll get used to it soon."
Blackfeather's crow flew onto Hope's shoulder.
"He must like you," said Rebecca.
"Thanks."

"He must, he wouldn't have let the Crow move else," said Rebecca.
"Oh, I thought you meant the Crow," replied Hope.
Blackfeather went and stood before Willow.
# "Because of the entropy that exists, word has only just been sent to

me, it is for me to thank all of you. A special thank you to you Willow
from the Chumash tribe of native Americans. If ever we can be of help,
the whole injuns nation will be there."
"Faith, the two vampires that sought to kill you have become dust."

"Sorry Blackfeather, you've lost me," said Faith.
"The ones known as Angelus and Spike, they are no more."
"They didn't cause any problems did they ?" asked Faith.
"No, but they did with us. They both became as vampire and attacked

# us saying something about seeing red. That was just before all the
Chumash became bears," said Blackfeather.
He turned, saw Tara and smiled.
"I'm ready to go back now."


"I'll see if Rebecca's ready to go as well."
"Mom ! I was hoping you'd get here earlier," said Buffy.
"Is it anything to do with those two, who are they ?"
Buffy looked at Blackfeather and Rebecca.

"Damn, they're getting ready to go back."
"Back to where ?" asked Dawn.
"When," said Buffy.
"When, oh ! how old are they then ?" asked Dawn.

# "The first white settlers called them villains," said Buffy.
# "Blackfeather, Rebecca are you both ready ?" asked Tara,
"I'm not too sure if it'll be a case of your going separately or if it'll
be two to go," said Tara.

# "That is old Buffy. Excuse me, do either of you have a
grave ?" asked Dawn.
"Why do you ask ?" asked Rebecca.
"If you don't mind, I'll mark one of the stones under the steps with

your names," said Dawn.
"Thank you," said Rebecca," that'll be nice."

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Giles, care to explain

So Giles, care to explain

part 14

As Molly flew over the world she noticed at least thirteen vampires in what she thought was a theme park. She called to the other immortal hunters for their help. As their unicorns landed, so did the Goddesses Darla and Medusera.
"What have you seen Molly ?" asked Diana, "where are we ?"

"This is Western Australia, that town is Toodyay.
"There's more than a dozen vampires here, but I don't know why."
"So how about we get the Myth Investigators here. On my way here I saw a that town, so a few questions in the right place might be good."

A journalist, Mr David Jacobson, from the local newspaper was chatting with the principal Mrs Guthries and the vice-principal Miss Dewson.
"The school is due to hold an open day later this week. A display in the entry area is of the history of schooling in the area," said Mrs Guthries.

# "You've got various photo's showing the little buildings and the cramped conditions, and of how the boys ane girls were taught differently."
"One of our boys is especially proud of his contribution, he had found out that a person that had taught children how to read and write wasn't

employed as a teacher," said Mrs Guthries.
"He mainly helped those children who had a problem with learning," said the vice principle.
"That was from the year 1930 I believe," said David Jacobson.

"Graham had borrowed several photos from a childrens museum in Perth, now, we had an evening just for the parents of the children who had done the display. It was Grahams Grandmother who recognised that man as the person who taught her in 1931, then Grahams mother said the same person taught

her in 1982, and he looked just the same," said Mrs Guthries.
"While they tried to understand that I noticed the same person as having renovated the play area 18 months before, and he still looked the same. We now have most of the children scared to be by themselves. If you can find

an explanation we'd appreciate it," said the vice principle
"I agree, but an explanation about how a person doesn't change his looks for seventy six years won't be easy, thing is he looks forty odd in the photo, that would make him a hundred and sixteen," said Mrs Guthries.

"You know what, he helped those children, so alien or vampire, I'd like to thank him," said Sarah Dewson.
Over the next few days word spread about him, it was reported that he lived with two others and neither of them had aged either.

"We've tried to find out about them but all we know is that they live in an area but no-one knows where, who they are and where they come from is a mystery."
Two weeks later a meeting was held to find ways to know more about him.

One of the towns residents suggested they try the F.E.T.I. Park. Some of the Myth Investigators were at the meeting, they let it be known about them and said that they would go to the place. Hope and Tara went to the F.E.T.I. Park with another they had met.

On the drive to the park.
"What does FETI stand for Mark ?" asked Buffy.
"I'm not sure, but ETI means Extra Terrestrial Intelligence."
"That's right, you ignore me," said Sally.

"Oh, sorry Sally, I didn't mean anything by ignoring you," said Mark, "what does it mean."
"I said ignore me for a reason," said Sally, "I don't know the answer."
"There have been several films that have mentioned SETI, that's the Search

for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence, this is meant to have space ships so there is a link," said Garet.
"Mind you, as advertising goes they're on a winner, 'cos you wouldn't forget it," said Mark.

"But we still need to know what the 'F' stands for," said Buffy.
"My mum told me not to say the F word," said Tara.
"Wrong F word, but I know where your coming from," said Mark.
As they drove further into the park several alien figures were seen. A large

spaceship was seen on a ridge, on closer inspection they saw a plaque that read, this craft was seen over Moscow, Mexico and Britain.
"It also says that this craft crashed in Russia," said Sally.
"There's a crossroads ahead, to the left and right are more space ships,

straight ahead is to the main building. The sign says of a borrowed mother of a craft," said Garet.
"Let's do the main building first, we cab enjoy ourselves later," said Buffy.
In the main entrance was a small space ship, said to be used for gathering

plants."
"Has any-one else noticed that it's very well lit in here ?"
"Yes, I noticed that, it almost as if this place was for the benefit of might dwellers," said Marl.

"Well they do night trips, maaybe we should get Pitts, Blue, Darla and Scherry, Molly said that there a few vampires here.
They decided to leave a booking for the night trip. On the way out Tara said about another lane, it had a sign referring to a mother ship. They drove down

the lane, rounding a corner they saw the mother ship.
"That is huge," said Sally.
"It's got to be at least a kilometre wide, its round, but there's nothing holding it up," said Mark.

A van with darkened windows pulled up under a tree.
"So what do you think ?" asked Walter.
"Impressive," said Garet.
"Well it is our main attraction," replied Wayne, "but not for much longer, the

owners say they want it back."
"When we were in the main building we put some of our friend's names for the night trip."
"That is the best time to see them." said Wayne.

"Will you be doing the tour ?" asked Mark
"No, a few of us are visting some old friends."
"The three vampires had made a name for themselves, they had almost become celebraties riding into town in a wagon pulled by four horses.

A small group of children from the school with a teacher, Mr Mathews, the vice principal Sarah Dewson and a fire truck.

TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Giles, care to explain

SO GILES, CARE TO EXPLAIN

PART 15 1st bit

A mini-bus had been borrowed to take them from the school. They did
have one problem as no-one had been to the place. They followed the wagons tracks, driving along the winding lanes. It was one of the children
who pointed to the car. The Myth Investigators were waiting for them.

"I didn't know you were going to be here," said the vice principal.
"Couldn't leave it to you, could we ? beside's this is usually the fun bit.
Actually finding out about the folk that have being traced," said Buffy.
The teacher, Mr Mathews went into the cave,

"There was a slight incline here."
"That'll be so any rain water will run out," said Mark.
When he'd checked the cave he called the children to start looking.
They'd been wandering in the cave for five minutes before Susan said.

"I found a set of bootmarks, I followed them, but they went into the wall."
"Keep looking then," said Sarah Dewson.
Susan shone her toch from side to side, but all that she saw was that
her boot laces were loose. She raised her foot to put it on a rock, but

fell forward screaming as she fell. Her friends rushed to where she had
been, but couldn't find her. Slowly moving away they searched for her.
"Mr Mathews sir," called Geoff.
"What is it ?"

"There's a beam off light on my ankle."
"So, why tell me that," replied Mr Mathews.
"It's coming from the cave wall."
The school children rushed back, only to see Geoff standing there with

a beam from a torch on his ankle.
"Geoff, it's me, Susan."
"But, you, you're in the cave wall," said Geoff starting to cry.
"There's a passage here," said Susan, "I'll show you the way in."

All they saw was Susan's fingers coming from a rock.
The children's screams gained the attention of every-one.
"Where are you ?" asked Garet.
"I'm in a passageway, it's like that rock isn't really there, can't you

see my hand."
"We can see your hand, but it's in a rock," said Mr Mathews.
"I've heard of this before, it's one of them holograms," said Mark.
"That's it, I saw my laces needed tying so I went to put my foot up

and then I was in here," said Susan.
"Leave it to me," said Buffy.
She moved forward, slowly moving her hand it went into the rock, she
kept moving forward until she stood in front of Susan.

"Come on in, there's a passage in here," said Buffy.
The other end of the passage opened up into a large cavern, it was set
up just like a front room, computer, TV, bookshelves, a separate cooking area. Mark and Garet collected the books, soon every-one else joined in.

Mark suggested that they all return the next day as no power source
was evident. The rest of the day was spent getting the books sorted
into subjects, then the computer files were noted.
Early the next day the children ran up the side of the hill.

"Shouldn't an adult go with them," said Sarah Dewson.
"Should do, but we'd never keep up with them," said Garet, "I feel worn
out just watching them."
When the children reched the top of the hill they found heavy duty wire

between the trees, several paddles were on each wire.
"It's like they are collecting wind power," said Geoff, "which ever way
the wind comes from at least two lines would spin. Susan, Carissa,
you follow the wire down the hill see where they go."

They traced the wire down the hillside.
"Hey ! look at this !" exclaimed Susan.
"What is it ?" asked miss Dewson.
"There a lot of solar panels up here, but they are at such an angle

that they can't be seen from the track. Hey Geoff, Carissa, come here
# but watch out beneath you, there's some wires there."
"I'd say they would have enough power from the wind turbines and the
solar panels. There was a place where the cables went in and out,

maybe that's where a power storage place is," said Susan.
"What do you think Mark, those cables pass through the roof and up to
the panels ?" asked Buffy, "seems like a nice set up and self sufficient,
Mark, can you give Sally a call, see what she's found."

"Sally, it's Mark, what have you found ?"
"Lots of fun stuff, there's several books on wind power and sun power. There's loads of files on the computer about UFO's. There was one strange one though about stonehenge, it's got 'they nearly got it right', odd."

At a farm in the Adelaide hills, South Australia.
"How old will Hilda be this year ?" asked Walter.
"I'm not sure, we should have come last year," said Wayne.
"I wonder what her grandkids are doing now ?" asked Walter.

"Anything, Christine and Catherine will be in their mid-twenties now,
Peter is a couple of years older. Wasn't Hilda's daughter Kerri's birthday
just after Hilda's ?" asked Wynowa.
Cathy and Chris, as they preferred to be known as, had decided to find

something in their Gran's past for a birthday present. While going
through a box in the attic they found an old photo of two men and a
woman. They looked at each other.
"Let's see if we can find out about them said Chris."

The letter described a cave in ten tree hill, the one place on the farm
that no tree would grow. They took the photo to all the relatives they
could, but no-one knew about the people. They were becoming a little obsessed by the photo, eventually they went to see their Gran to ask her.

"I haven't looked at this photo for years, I've a vague memory of them.
They didn't go out in the sun, but every evening I would spend an hour
with them in the cave."
"Why did you go there ?" asked Cathy.

"That's where they taught me how to read and write, a bit of history
and some Geography, they were well travelled."
The memories were starting to return.
"The younger of them was a curious man, he said that the cave was an

unused underground burial chamber, a dolmen he said."
"A dolmen ! but that's a ancient European thing, there isn't any in this
country," said Cathy.
"Well, why don't we go and look for the cave, I'd like that," said Hilda.

Ten minutes later the three of them walked into the bush, toward the hill.
As they crossed a dry stream bed Hilda stopped.
"This is it, Wayne told me how to remember where the entry was, these stones point the wrong way, on the hill top is an entrance."

"A caves entrance from the top ?" asked Chris.
"That's how to remember, the fairy tale, the old lady that lived in a shoe."
They walked to the hole.
"Now wait, Wayne said opposite the side that you go in, go down the

side of the hill and the main entry will be there," said Hilda.
It only took ten or fifteen minutes for Cathy and Chris to clear the entry.
# "I'm trying to remember what Wayne said evey time he went in there,
now we go to same time same place. I never knew what he meant."

Just inside the cave, Hilda led them through the cave wall, along a passage.
# "Looks like there's been a bit of a cave-in, still it won't take you two long
to clear it. If you want I can help," said Hilda.
Cathy and Chris began moved the earth aside, grumbling as they did it.

# "Come on you two, where's that selfless spirit ?"
It didn't take long until the way was clear enough for them. They followed the passage, then it opened up to a big cavern.
"There is a long stone in the middle, Wayne would let me sit on it, he'd

tell me some fantastic stories, he often said about the undead, and
further in to the hill there's something else, his friend would come to
see him. I remember Walter let me see her once, he said her name
was, Darlinga or Darlina. I'm not sure about her name. Oh, the good days."

"Come on Gran, lets get you back, we'll come here tomorrow afternoon."
Later that evening they went back with Peter.
# "Is there any reason why you wanted to bring him ?"
"Yup, if some more earth needs moving, guess who'll do it ?" asked Cathy.

They took him into the cavern. Peter had a look around.
"Where does that other passage lead to ?"
"We never saw that one, suppose there's one way to find out," said Chris.
The three of them went along the passage, Peter shining his torch on

the side wall, suddenly he stopped.
"What is it ?" asked Cathy.
"There's no wall," said Peter, "oh hang on it's a corner, what's that."
At the other end of the passage there was a faint light.

The further they went the brighter the light got. As the passage turned
they saw some-one in front of them.
"Who are you ?" asked Cathy.
"I'm Darla, who are you ?"

"What did Gran said her name was ? Darlina, Darlinga what if it is Darla ?"
"Is the one they taught to read here ?"
"That's our Gran, she'll be here tomorrow," said Cathy.
"Good, there's a few here that would like to meet her."

"Is your name Darla, did you ever meet our Gran ?"
"Just the once, did your Gran mention about the others ," asked Darla.
"Yes."
# "Your okay with having conversations with dead people.

Because they are just behind you."
"Who else is here, I see some more figures," said Peter.
"That'll be Hope, Andrea, Buffy, Mark and Sally," said Darla.
"Peter, Gran said that the room back there is a dolmen," said Cathy.

"It is, sort of, we buried one of them there, then covered him with a big
stone so that he couldn't get out."
"Oh, so none of those people are what was buried," said Chris.
"Your Gran didn't tell you about who we are did she ?" asked Darla.

"No, why, who are you ?" asked Chris.
"I think you'd better sit down. The three that taught your Gran to read
and write are vampires, Sally is another type of vampire, Mark is a human
Hope and Andrea are demon hunters and Buffy is a vampire slayer."

"The one that's buried what is er, he ?"
"It is a demon, Buffy is here to make sure it is still there."
Cathy slowly turned around.
"That stone then....oh my god it's you, but you haven't changed, you

look the same as you did in the photo."
"Guess them being vampires is true."
"It is," said Wayne.
"Hang on, that photo must be over seventy years old, cos our Gran

will be eighty six soon, so how come you haven't aged at all ?" asked Chris
# "It's a known fact that the sun will dry the skin and I don't go out in
the sun, plus I'm a good sleeper," said Wynowa.
"Is there a reason you don't accept why we are here ?" asked Walter.

"Why are you here ?" asked Peter.
"For your Gran's birthday," said Wayne.
"Is there another reason ?" asked Darla.
"We've had a few problems with the circle, so we thought we'd kill two

birds with the one stone," said Walter.
# "We usually need a quick escape back to Toodyay, your Gran keeps
saying never leave me," said Wayne, "that and to check the circle."
"How do you know of Toodyay ?" asked Darla.

"We live there, several that you have helped have got together, we
started the F.E.T.I. park. We wanted to try and be a part of society."
"Oh dear, a big attack is being planned against them there, I'll need to
stop it, Chris, Cathy, Peter. Sorry about this but I don't have any choice

I will need to be me," said Darla.
They watched in amazement as Darla began to glow.
While Darla glowed, Buffy and Sally came over.
"I thought I recognised you, you're Walter, Wayne and you're Wynowa, what

does the F in FETI stand for ?" asked Sally.
"It is Found," said Wayne.
"Why found, I don't understand that ?" asked Sally.
"We've got space ships, to build a space ship takes a lot of intelligence so

it's called Found Extra Terrestrial Intelligence," said Wynowa.


TO BE CONTINUED

 

[ILLYRIAN]

So Giles, care to explain

SO GILES , CARE TO EXPLAIN

PART 15 part 2

"You'll stop an attack, why should we believe you ?" asked Cathy
"I think she's telling the truth," said Peter.
"Ever wondered about Peter, why he's different from you ?"
"We did explain it Darla, he's adopted," said Cathy.

"Or they were," said Peter, smiling.
"What is it Chris ?"
"That place where they came from, what is it ?"
"That is a stone circle, one of many around the world," said Darla.

"When you go to other places, do you travel quickly ? can any-one
use them ?"
"I could go to Britain and back in less than a minute, but only those
with demon in them can use it, but a vampire wouldn't be able to

go to Britain and back," said Darla.
"Why not ?" asked Chris.
"It's day there, they might get some sun on them."
"Before you go to Britain shouldn't we go to Perth," said Walter.

"In a minute, there's a few more coming," said Darla.
"Who else is coming ?" asked Peter.
"Another couple of vampire friends, Pitts and Graeves. We'll leave
here in about half an hour, give the sun time to set," said Darla.

# "Yeah, bring on the night," said Walter.
"Why are we going to Perth ?" asked Cathy.
"These silly vampires lost the circle," said Buffy.
"We didn't lose it !, it's just that it doesn't work," said Wayne.

"Is that the only reason ?"
"There may be a few demons there," said Darla.
"Any reason why they shouldn't come with us ?" asked Walter,
"another three pairs of eyes if needed."

"We won't be there to long will we, it's just it's our Gran's
birthday, wouldn't want to miss it," said Cathy, "is this them ?"
Darla sees Pitts and Graeves walking towards her.
"Get every-one around me, we'll be going," said Darla.

From the ridge on the edge of the escarpment Darla looked
out over the city of Perth.
"Vampires, humans, we'll look for the house and the stone-
circle, the rest feel where the demons are."

"Couldn't you get the immortals here, that would save us
a lot of time looking," said Hope.
"Looking for what ?" asked Cathy.
"For the house, the stone-circle, the demons," said Wayne.

"You don't know where the house is ?"
"I did say there was white-ants here," said Wayne.
"So Walter built the house, what did you do Wayne," said Hope.
"I built the stone-circle," said Wayne.

"Which we can't find," said Wynowa.
"I vote that Graeves goes up for a look," said Pitts.
"Now stop there, it was inferred that the immortals could find
things quickly, now a vampire that goes up ?" asked Cathy.

"Cathy, the immortals fly, on unicorns. All vampires can become
bats or another bird if they want," said Andrea.
"So why not get Wayne to see where the demons are, Walter
can look for the house then Graeves can look for the circle."

# "Good idea Chris, ok Wayne it's showtime, off you go. Walter
start looking for the house," said Darla.
Walter looked about but couldn't find any evidence of the house.
# "That tree," said Pitts, "its got the potential to be a house."

"I'm beginning to see why vampires were first thought of as evil."
# "Is it because of the killer in me ?" asked Pitts.
"No, it's the lack of a sense of humour," said Chris.
"And so say all of us," said Hope.

Graeves, out of sight of the others went into the trees, he
looked around to make sure he was alone, then went up to try
and find the stone circle. After a few minutes he alighted on the
ground, he was nearly with the others when Pitts approached.

"Had a good look about ?"
"What makes you think that ?"
"I know you don't like others see you change, that's why I drew
the attention to me, give you some privacy, what did you find."

"Just when I've got you figured out, you say something nice. Why ?"
"I like to have fun, make people laugh, put a smile on their face."
"Alright, go down that way, the stones could be there," said Graeves.
"You rest your arms, I'll take it from here," said Pitts.

"Cathy, Chris, Peter, hope you brought your shovels to dig around
the stone circle. You didn't think this was a free trip did you ?. Has
Wayne got back yet Darla ?" asked Pitts.
"He's on his way now."

The vampires and most of the humans went to where Graeves
thought the stone circle was and started ckearing the area.
Wayne got back and told the others that there was quite a few in
one of the houses but the other house was empty.

The hunters with Blue and Buffy began the walk to the house.
# Andrea held Blue's hand, saying, "This'll be our first date."
"Is Andrea a vampire as well ?" asked Cathy.
"No why ?" asked Darla.

"It's that same lack of a sense of humour again."
# "Go on you girls, get it done, find the demons," said Darla.
When they got to the house Buffy knocked on the door, as it
was opened Buffy looked into the owners eyes, she saw fear.

"My friends and I have been searching for some ancestors of ours.
It seems that they lived up on the ridge, according to the letters
they bulit a stone circle there, is it alright if we stay up there for
a few days, to do some searching," said Buffy.

"Yes, that'll be fine," said the land owners.
As the slayer and the hunters walked back Blue said to Buffy.
# "Regular little Storyteller aren't you ?"
When they got back to where Darla was.

"What did you see down there ?"
"The two humans that own the place are there, no kids though."
"Thanks Buffy, Blue ? Hope, you got anything to add ?"
"Yes Darla, there was about seventeen demons in there," said Blue

"Okay, I'll call for the Immortals and the Elite, can you go and
give them a hand with the circle until the others get here."
"We'll need am excuse for the door to be kept open when we
go back, if we give them rent money, that'll do," said Hope.

"Thought I heard some talking, what's going on ?" asked Chris.
Darla began to glow, and she became the Goddess Darla.
"I have sent a message, those demons you saw Hope, they
are the last of their kind, we have been searching for them.

The Immortals are here with many of the Riders, most of the
Elite are here, the Goddess Medusera will be here soon. Get
the humans away from the house, keep them away from the
house, now go, here is the money for the rent, get a reciept."

"How will they do that by themselves ?" asked Chris.
"Look at the ground Chris," said Goddess Darla.
Chris noticed that the bare earth was being trodden on.
As Buffy and Hope neared the house, Hope asked Buffy.

"What are you thinking ?"
# "Speaking to people, lies my parents told me," said Buffy.
"What does that mean ?" asked Hope.
"If you look into a persons eyes, they'll see the truth."

Hope and Buffy stood by the door as it was opened.
"You two again, what is it ?" asked a land owner.
"We thought that some rent money would be in order."
"Thank you, I appreciate that, thanks," said the owner.

"Oh, a receipt would be good from both of you," said Buffy.
"I only saw two go to the house," said Chris.
"Andrea and Blue kept to the stream, they're a surprise."
"Oh dear, can't wait to see them when they get out then."

"What do you mean ?" asked Goddess Darla.
# "The river bank is a bit muddy, they're going to be very
dirty girls when they get out," said Chris.
Both the owners stood at the doorway to do the receipt.

Hope and Buffy grabbed them and ran to the middle of the
paddock, Andrea and Blue ran to the house to cover them.
Ten demons ran from the house chasing Buffy and Hope,
Four of the Elite appeared on the roof, six by each window

eight of the Elite took form chasing the demons. The demons
came crashing through the windows straight at the Elite
waiting for them. As the demons neared Hope and Buffy,
the Elite chasing the demons ran to the side. Sixty two

of the Elite suddenly appeared between the demons and
who they were chasing. A storm of little arrows from the
cross bows cut into the demons, their knees buckling
under them they fell to the ground, all that remained

# were the empty places where they were. The Riders
continued to search the area. Buffy, Hope, the land
owners and the Elite went to the house. Hope leant
# against the house, touched the wall then said

"Home, sweet home. I shouldn't worry about those
# demons again, their end of days was brought forward."
Another thirty of the Elite came from the house, it's
all clear in there now. The Riders say the area is safe.

The land owners looked at them, smiling as they did.
"You people are wonderful, all of you. But where did
you come from ?"
"We have come from all times in this world, yet we

all come from the same place. She that stands on
the ridge, the Goddess Medusera, we all come from
# her, she is the one that has chosen each of us,"
said the General of the Elite.

THE END