FF: Guardians of the Veil part 2

["belgin_tei" <belgin_tei@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Title: Guardians of the Veil. Part 2
Sequel to: A New Beginning.
Author: David A. Knapton.
E-mail: belgin_tei@xxxxxxxxxxx
Archive: Any and All, but drop me a line so I can see my name in 
lights!
Spoilers: Set after the end of S5. Then it follows along different 
lines.
Rating: Probably 18
Pairings: Buffy/Willow/Tara Dawn/Kevin Lisa/Rob Xander/Anya 
Louisa/John Sarah/James Olivia/Giles.
Disclaimer: I own none of the people in this story, but if I did the 
show would probably never be shown again!
Special Disclaimer: The following characters are based on fellow 
local Pagans but their names have been changed because even though 
they would probably recognize themselves I have obviously taken some 
poetic licence. (Besides the person Sarah is based on would kill 
me!) : Maggie Johnson, Steve Langley, Louisa, John and Sarah Grant, 
James Smith, Mary Hunt. And no I'm not in it.
Summery: Buffy, Willow and Tara travel to Britain with Giles to help 
some of his old friends but what are they keeping from the slayer and 
her friends. <> = Thought.
Special Note: I remember sometime ago on a listing someone 
challenging people to write a story based around there own part of 
the world well here it is. Incidentally for those who don't know 
Anthony Head (when in England) lives in a little village about 10 
miles from the City of Bath where I was born. All locations both 
above and below ground do exist.
Dedicated to Shehulk for allowing me to use her 'There once was a 
demon' AU as a backdrop.
A Very Special Note to Any Pagans: I am using different aspics of the 
Goddess for my own ends not to offend anyone, may the lady forgive me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Six hours later they were on a plane bound for New York where they 
would get a connection to London. The plane was less than half-full, 
Buffy, Willow and Tara were sat together while Giles sat across the 
gangway on his own.
Buffy turned to Tara who was sat in the middle; she smiled as she 
slowly ran her finger up and down Tara's forearm. Tara turned to see 
her face full of mischief she smiled back as Buffy leaned in to 
whisper in her ear, "Baby you wanna join the mile high club?" 
Tara's eyes bugged out as Willow who was sat opposite Giles began to 
choke on the coffee she had been drinking, Tara turned to Willow 
thumping her on the back before turning back to Buffy, "Buffy what 
are we going to do with you?" She said shaking her head.
"Anything you want baby!" Smirked Buffy stretching like a pampered 
cat. Over the months since she had finally excepted their 
relationship Buffy's sex-drive had increased dramatically; she was 
almost always the instigator of their love making.
<Tell Buffy to behave.> thought Willow.
<Why we think it would be fun.>
<Yes I know we do, BUT we have to keep our hormones in check... For 
now anyway!>
Buffy turned to Willow, "Spoil my fun."
<Willow said to tell us if we don't behave we will tell Giles who 
broke the statue of Diana in the shop last week.>
Buffy's eyes bugged out, "You wouldn't?"
"Try me, now behave," smiled Willow.
Buffy sank back into her seat a pout on her face, Tara smiled as she 
leaned over her, "I promise that we'll more than make up for it when 
we get to England we'll let you have your naughty way with us."
"Promise," smirked Buffy.
"Have I ever lied to you?"
"Yes on our four month anniversary."
"Well yeah but that was because we wanted to surprise you, that 
doesn't count," smirked Tara.
"Ok I'll behave until we get there, then I'll have my wicked way with 
you."
--------------
It was 9.30 in the morning by the time they got through customs, 
carrying their luggage they exited the terminal.
"So what now Giles?" Asked Buffy.
"There's suppose to be someone to meet us."
"So why didn't they hold one of those funny little signs up 
with 'Giles party' on or something," asked Willow.
"Because it's supposed to be someone I know," sighed Giles.
"Who?" Asked Buffy.
"Olivia didn't say just that it was a surprise."
Just then they heard a female voice call out to Giles just before he 
was almost bowled over as a blonde girl who looked to be a few years 
older than them, Giles was trying to hold onto his bags and hug the 
girl at the same time.
"Uncle Rupert you finally got here, we were looking for you inside, 
have you been waiting long?" She asked.
"No we just got through customs. Sarah this is the Slayer Buffy 
Summers and her two girlfriends Willow Rosenberg and Tara Maclay... 
Buffy, Willow, Tara this is my niece Sarah Grant."
"Girlfriends! That's gotta be fun," smirked Sarah, "Nice to meet 
you," she shook their hands.
"So I assume you have a car," asked Giles.
"Yeah after I spotted you I sent Jimmy to get it... Oh here he is 
now," smiled Sarah.
They all turned to see a man with short brown hair and glasses pull 
up in a people carrier, he got out and came around to help with their 
luggage.
"Jimmy this is my Uncle Rupert, and his friends Buffy, Willow and 
Tara... Guys this is my boyfriend James Smith."
"Pleased to meet you," he smiled.
"Your American?" Smiled Buffy.
"Yeah, Iowa to be exact. I came here with the Air Force."
"Great another farmboy!" Groaned Buffy.
Sarah look confused, while James had an annoyed look on his face.
Willow turned to give Buffy an angry stare before turning back to the 
others, "I apologize for my girlfriend's attitude, but she use to go 
out with a boy from Iowa. They broke up, then he came back a while 
ago and got upset that she was with Tara and me then left again."
Buffy looked embarrassed; "Yeah I'm sorry I don't really have an 
excuse other than jetlag."
"Apology excepted. Now lets get your luggage loaded," smiled James 
picking up a bag.
The three of them curled up on the backseat and were asleep before 
they had gone a mile.
Buffy lifted her head from Willow's shoulder looking out the window 
they were travelling through countryside it was raining lightly she 
looked back at the others in the car the only ones that seemed to be 
awake were Sarah and James.
"Have a nice sleep?" Asked Sarah looking at Buffy through the rear-
view mirror.
"Yes thanks, so is it much further?"
"No we're almost there about twenty minutes or so."
"So Sarah what do you do?" Asked Buffy stifling a yawn.
"I work for a publishing company."
"That sounds interesting what type of publishing?"
"Mainly guide book I get to travel now that I got promoted, I get to 
check out the different facilities in cities all over Europe its 
great," smiled Sarah.
"What about you James? In the Air Force I mean."
"I'm a systems analyst at an Airbase in Gloucestershire," said James 
turning round, "And call me Jimmy, only the older people around here 
call me James."
"Okay Jimmy I have no idea where that is! You should get on well with 
Willow she's our resident computer nerd. So how did you two meet?"
"We meet when Jimmy was initiated into the covenant my mum and dad 
are the high priest and priestess of," smiled Sarah.
"So your both witches you'll get on well with Will and Tara, you can 
talk Witchy stuff."
"I take it your not into the Craft!" said Jimmy smiling.
"Na I leave that to my girlfriends, being a slayer is enough for me."
"What's it like being a slayer?" He asked.
"When I was first called you can't imagine how much my life sucked, I 
lost all my so called friends, got expelled from school."
"I know want you mean." said Sarah barely above a whisper.
"Huh," said Buffy.
"Nothing... So how did you meet Willow and Tara?"
"Well I met Will when I moved to Sunnydale, we went to school 
together her and a guy called Xander found out about me being the 
slayer and helped."
"What about Tara?"
"I met her through Willow when we went to College."
"Ah tell me to mind my own business if you like, but how come the 
three of you are together?" asked Sarah.
"No its ok, well let's see, about 18 months ago Willow and Tara got 
together then about 6 months ago I died. The ritual they used to 
bring me back bound the three of us together forever now we are 
almost like one soul inhabiting three bodies."
"Couldn't have put it better myself!" Smiled Willow wiping the sleep 
out of her eyes.
"Morning sweety... or whatever," smiled Buffy giving her a peek on 
the lips.
"Mmm morning... So were are we?"
"How should I know England."
"We're just coming to my parents home in a place called Timsbury." 
Explained Sarah.
"So what can you tell us about what's going on?" asked Willow.
"Not much I've only been back in the country myself for a couple of 
days, mum will have to feel us all in at home," Sarah explained 
before turning to Jimmy, "I should have been here, not trying to 
farther my career."
"Sarah your mum gave you her blessing, you shouldn't beat yourself up 
over it." Said Jimmy putting a gentle hand on her shoulder.
Buffy and Willow exchanged a confused look.
They were quite for what remained of the journey; they pulled up 
outside what Willow had always imagined every British country house 
looked like. Olde worlde with a thatched roof, a woman with longish 
blonde hair about Giles age was waiting at the door, she looked 
enough like Sarah that Willow guessed she must be her mother.
They all piled out of the car while Buffy and Giles helped Jimmy get 
their luggage Sarah led Willow and Tara up to the woman who she 
hugged.
"I'm so sorry I wasn't here mum," said Sarah.
"You have nothing to be sorry about, but we'll talk about it later. 
Now are you going to make the introductions."
"Ok mum this is Willow, Tara and Buffy guys this is my mum Louisa 
Grant."
"Welcome, please come in," smiled Louisa.
"Thank you Mrs Grant," said Willow.
"Please call me Louisa or Lou Mrs Grant is my mother-in-law," laughed 
Louisa.
"Alright Louisa it is," Laughed Willow, her laughter seemed to be 
infectious.
When everyone was inside Louisa turned to Giles taking him into her 
arms, "I've missed you little brother. How have you been? You haven't 
written for a long time."
"I've missed you too Lou, I'm sorry for not writing more but things 
got a bit hectic this year."
"And the award for understatement goes to my watcher," Buffy shock 
her head from side to side. "Giles we had to fight a god... Oh yeah 
and I died," she laughed rolling her eyes.
"Yes well quiet," smiled Giles.
"You died?" Asked Louisa.
"It's a long story when we have time Willow, Tara and I will tell 
you."
"Well I think the four of you should have a little rest, then we'll 
have something to eat before going to meet the others." Said Louisa.
"Very well, we are sort of tired," said Giles stifling a yawn.
"We're a bit pushed for space here, so I hope you three girls don't 
mind sharing?" Smiled Louisa. Sarah and the three lovers burst out 
laughing, "What's so funny?" she asked confusion clear for all to see 
on her face.
"Mum there in a relationship together as in gay."
"Oh I see, well then you definitely won't mind," laughed 
Louisa, "Sarah can you show them to Di's room."
As Sarah showed them to their room Willow turned to her, "Whose Di?"
"My older sister, she's in the states at the moment," smiled Sarah as 
she pushed the bedroom door open, "I'm afraid its going to be a 
squeeze with the three of you in her bed but I'm sure you won't mind 
that," they could see the mischief in her eyes.
"I think I'm going to like you Sarah," said Buffy returning Sarah's 
smirk.
"I think that goes both ways Buffy, I'll leave you to get some rest 
now," Sarah said leaving the room. She stuck her head back around the 
door a second later, "oh almost forgot we need to leave here by about 
7 tonight, so have a nice rest you three," she laughed and closed the 
door.
Tara went to the bed and tested it, "Goddess I'm tired," she yawned 
beginning to unbutton her blouse.
Buffy stood in the middle of the room, her hands on her hips, "Oh no 
you don't, you promised I could have my wicked way with you if I 
behaved on the plane."
"But Buffy we're tired," said Willow also beginning to undress.
"Oh really," smiled Buffy coming up to Willow and grabbing the sides 
of her head and planting a passionate kiss on her mouth. On hearing a 
low whimper coming from her Buffy broke the kiss and saw the lust in 
Willow's eyes, "Are you sure?"
On hearing Tara moan the other two turned to her, her eyes sprang 
open as she sensed her lovers looking at her.
"I don't think I would feel right making love in a strangers bed," 
she whispered as if she feared someone might have been listening at 
the door.
"Tara baby they know we're going to have sex... well Sarah does and 
probably Giles and Louisa as well, and-and you did promise Buffy we 
would and-and you should always keep your promises... unless its to 
get away from some evil vampire or something..." Babbled Willow 
beginning to get aroused at what Buffy hand was doing to her breast. 
<Where did my bra go!>
<It's on the floor where Buffy dropped it.> Replied the bond 
helpfully.
<Oh right I forgot.> Willow thought back as she let out a moan.
"I don't know about this," said Tara as she watched what Buffy was 
doing to Willow.
Buffy could hear in her voice as well as the smell of Tara's building 
arousal that her resistance was crumbling, "Tara baby why don't you 
come over here and help me with Willow," she said before taking one 
of Willow's nipples into her mouth.
"Uh okay," she replied almost in a dais as she got up and walked over 
to them.
--------------
It was 6.30 when they came down to see Giles sat with Louisa, Sarah 
and a rather large overweight man.
"Good evening did you sleep well?" Said Giles.
"Yes thank," said Buffy catching the smirk on Sarah face out of the 
corner of her eye, "So where's Jimmy?" She asked looking around.
"He got called back to base, something about a problem with the 
computers." Said Sarah. "Oh this is my dad John, dad this is Buffy, 
Willow and Tara."
"Pleased to meet you Mr Grant," said Willow.
"John please," he said taking a large curved pipe out of this mouth.
"Ok John," Nodded Willow.
"There's some food for you in the dining room. When you're ready 
we'll leave to meet the others," said John pointing at what they 
assumed was the dining room
"Thanks," smiled Buffy leading the way out of the room.
When they sat down Buffy looked towards the door to the room the 
others were in, "Something more than some missing witches is going on 
I can feel it."
"What do you mean Buffy? I don't think they mean us or Giles harm," 
said Willow.
"I don't mean they what to harm anyone, it's just that they are 
holding something back."
"I think your right Buffy they are very worried about it," said 
Tara, "But I mostly feel fear coming from them but I can't tell what 
about!"
Because there was so may going to the meeting and Jimmy had taken the 
people carrier Buffy, Willow and Tara went with John in his car, 
while Giles and Sarah went with Louisa. They parked the cars and 
walked the couple of hundred yards to a pub.
Buffy who was bringing up the rear stopped at the entrance slowly 
scanning the surrounding buildings the hairs on the back of her neck 
were standing on end she knew someone no scratch that something was 
watching her. She sighed as she looked up at the name 'The 
Hobgoblin', <Hope there isn't really a Hobgoblin.> then walked into 
the large room with a bar at the far end, in the middle of the room 
was a wide staircase leading down to another room. The bar was full 
of mostly young people two men were stopping anyone from going down 
the stairs. As they got closer they heard one of the men tell a young 
girl that there was a private function going on.
On seeing John and Louisa the two men let them pass, they led the 
group down the stairs and around behind them. Sat at a table near the 
back was Jimmy the only other person Buffy could see was a woman 
behind the bar. 
As they took their seats at a couple of tables Sarah gave Jimmy a 
quick peck then grabbed Buffy's arm, "Let's get the drinks in," she 
looked at her parents, "You want your usual."
"Yes dear that will be nice," her mum smiled.
"Yeah sweetheart," smiled Jimmy.
"Uncle Rupert?" Sarah asked looking at Giles.
"Pint of 6X," he smiled, "I haven't had one for over 4 years."
"I don't think so little brother," Louisa said shaking her head then 
looked at Sarah, "Get him a half," as Sarah smirked Louisa turned 
back to Giles seeing the look he was directing at her. "It's to 
strong and we have a lot to talk about, I don't want you embarrassing 
me by falling around drunk."
"Oh all right Lou," Giles sighed.
"Giles you're so whipped," laughed Buffy, stopping almost instantly 
when Willow and Tara shot her disapproving looks.
"Come on Buffy lets get the drinks," said Sarah getting a nod from 
Buffy.
On getting to the bar Sarah introduced Buffy to the barmaid, "Hi Mary 
this is Buffy she's the Slayer who has come to help, Buffy this is 
Mary Hunt she's a friend and a hedge witch."
Buffy extended her hand, "Nice to meet you Mary, what's a hedge 
witch?"
"In the simplest terms it means I practise the Craft on my own. So 
Sarah what can I get everyone?"
"We'll have our usual plus half a 6X," Sarah said then turned to 
Buffy, "What are you three going to have... I know Mary get them 
three rum and cokes."
Buffy looked around nervously before shaking her head, "Tara and 
Willow don't drink alcohol, I don't think they would approve of me 
having alcohol either and anyway were underage," she half smiled.
"And you said uncle Rupert is whipped, the legal age in this country 
Buffy is 18 not 21," laughed Sarah.
"No I'm not," pouted Buffy, "Alright I'll have a rum and coke but 
Willow and Tara will just have cokes."
"So how do you like Britain Buffy," asked Mary while going about 
preparing their drinks.
"Nice enough I suppose what I've seen, which isn't much as I was 
asleep on the drive from the airport, but is it always so cold and 
wet?" said Buffy giving a little shiver.
"No not really but I think coming from Southern California you've 
been spoilt," laughed Sarah, before turning to Mary putting on a 
sober expression, "I heard that our sisters Julie and Ann were the 
one's that were killed we'll find out who is behind this and revenge 
their deaths."
Mary nodded half smiling, "I hope so Sarah," she said as she handed 
over the tray of drinks, "These are on the house in memory of Julie 
and Ann."
"Thanks we'll talk later ok," said Sarah returning the half smile.
As Buffy followed Sarah back to the others she was frowning, she 
turned to Sarah, "What's going on here Sarah why did you say that 
this Julie and Ann were your sisters?"
"Everything will be explained when the others arrive I can't tell you 
very much anyway," Sarah sighed.
"Ok but I'm not known for my patience."
"Nor am I, I knew I'd like you Buffy," Sarah laughed putting the tray 
down.
Buffy noticed other women and a few men coming down the stairs some 
around her age while others were older one had to be about 60. She 
took a seat beside Willow and sipped her drink, deciding she liked 
the taste she felt her girlfriends eyes on her, looking up she gave 
them her best innocent look, "What!"
"No more tonight ok," said Willow her resolve face in place.
"Ok... But it does taste nice," answered Buffy.
Sarah leaned over and smirked at Buffy, "Like I said you're so 
whipped."
"Sarah that will do its none of your business," said Louisa sternly.
"Yes mother," answered Sarah lowering her head.
Buffy smirked, "Whose whipped?"
Sarah looked up beginning to blush; the look started Buffy, Jimmy, 
and her parents laughing very shortly it spread to the others finally 
Sarah joined in almost falling off her chair setting everyone off 
again.
"So did you solve the computer problem?" Asked Willow with a certain 
professional interest.
"Yeah someone had tried hacking into the base computer database, what 
was strange was they didn't seem to be after military secrets but 
recent delivers of spare parts and food orders... anyway whoever it 
was didn't really have a clue they got detected by the security 
program, they were picked up by the police in a house in London." He 
took a sip of his beer before smiling, "At least there was one good 
point about getting called back, I ran into an old friend from home 
he arrived just before I left to come here he wants to meet you 
Sarah."
"Well see if he can come to Cadillacs on Friday we'll see if we can 
set him up with someone... He's not married or anything is he?" said 
Sarah.
"No the last I heard Riley was still single although he was dating 
someone up to about 6 months ago," smiled Jimmy.
"Sorry Jimmy but did you just say your friends name is Riley, that 
wouldn't be Riley Finn by any chance would it?" Asked Buffy going 
slightly pale at the possibility that it could be her former 
boyfriend.
"Yeah, why do you know him..." Jimmy asked, then the realisation 
dawned on him, "He was the boyfriend from Iowa you broke-up with."
"Y-yes. What's he doing here?" asked Buffy.
"No idea the last time I saw him he was taken out of special force 
training for some other job," answered Jimmy.
"That would have been the Initiative," put in Willow grabbing Buffy's 
hand.
"The Initiative!" asked Jimmy frowning.
"The Initiative James was a covert wing of the US Government that at 
face value was after stopping the Demons and Vampires getting out of 
hand. But what they were really doing was far more sinister they 
hoped to create a super soldier," explained Giles.
"Did they succeed?" Asked Sarah.
"Oh yes but the creature Adam as its creator named it had plans of 
its own, it killed its creator and collected most of the local demons 
into an army. We finally managed to destroy him but it was a close 
run thing," sighed Giles shaking his head as he though of the 
arrogance of most Governments and the people who ran them.
"Jimmy if you see him again will you do both of us a favour and don't 
mention you know about us or that I'm in England," Buffy pleaded with 
him.
"Of course, I doubt I'll see him again anyway but if I do he won't 
hear anything from me," stated Jimmy.
Suddenly James, Louisa, John and Sarah as well as most of the others 
in the room sprang to their feet facing the two women who had just 
come down the stairs. Buffy recognised one as Olivia Giles friend the 
other was about 5'6 slightly over weight with shoulder length dark 
brown hair. Buffy also noticed Mary coming over and watched as she 
hugged the woman that held everyone's attention.
Giles frowned at the woman before rising and walking over to 
her, "Maggie!"
"Ripper how have you been?" smiled Maggie; "It must be almost 20 
years."
He smiled back as he hugged her, "I go by Rupert these days, I didn't 
know you knew Olivia or Lou."
"Yes for many years now, they kept me apprised of your location and 
what you were doing," replied Maggie.
Giles frowned, "Why? And why didn't they tell me?" He didn't like 
being kept in the dark.
"For several reasons, for one thing I forbade them from telling you, 
for another our Seer was sent a vision that one day you and your 
young charges would be needed. But mostly because you were a watcher 
and may have told the council about us, they are not to be completely 
trusted," explained Maggie.
"Something I can relate too," smirked Buffy.
"Yes dear I'm sure you can, but that will..." she stopped as they all 
heard screams coming from the room above and then one of the men that 
had been stopping people coming down stairs appeared at the rail 
seeking someone. When he saw Maggie he shouted to her, "My lady 
several dozen vampires have entered the pub, for your own safety you 
must leave."
"Quickly the back door get it open," ordered Maggie before turning to 
Mary, "You and your sisters must stop them, meet us at the mine when 
you can," she then turned to Buffy, "Would you help them dear, the 
sisters have not got your experience with vampires. It's imperative 
that none get away to report to their Mistress."
"Okay but when this is over I want answers," said Buffy picking up a 
chair and snapping off one of the legs to use as an impromptu stake 
and running to the stairs, she was followed by Sarah, Mary and six 
other young women.
Meanwhile Maggie had turned to the others, "We must go it is not time 
to confront the Warlock or her minions."
"But we have to help Buffy," said Tara not liking the idea of leaving 
her.
Willow nodded her agreement; "We can't leave her."
"You must you two are to important to the Goddess to die in a 
meaningless skirmish. Your Buffy will be fine but if you go to help 
her you could accidentally hurt the sisters who are use to fighting 
together, Buffy being the Slayer will be able to adapt to their 
fighting style," Maggie tried to reassure them. "Please trust me on 
this everything will be fine."
Giles noticed the people in the room moving through a door he had not 
noticed before he turned to Willow and Tara who he could see were 
still hesitating, "I think we should do as Maggie asks I trust her."
"Alright Giles we'll leave with you," nodded Willow as Maggie 
directed them towards the door.
On entering what was obviously the cellar with barrels and crates of 
beer. They stood in the room while John and Jimmy pushing on the far 
wall, as the secret panel opened their noses were assaulted by the 
smell of centuries old decay they could also hear the trickle of 
running water.
Jimmy and several others had grabbed some torches that were obviously 
stored here for the purpose of giving some light in the oppressive 
darkness of the passage. It was so old that had it not been for the 
occasional patches of old brick work and being straight Willow would 
have though it a natural feature. It was hard going as there was a 
lot of debris in places almost completely blocking the passage when 
they got to the end they were all covered in century old muck.
The end was blocked by a metal grate Maggie past a key forward from 
her position in the middle of the group John used it to unlock the 
grate.
Answering the question she could see in Giles eyes Maggie 
explained, "We have a few friends on the local council they provided 
us with keys to several locations in and around the City."
On getting to the opening Tara and Willow could see a metal ladder at 
the bottom was a canal-boat, a middle-aged man was helping some of 
the party onto the boat as he helped Maggie on she smiled at 
him, "Keeping secrets from me again Steve?"
"Only when it is necessary my Lady you were required to meet Rupert 
Giles young friends I knew you would need a means of escape so I 
borrowed my friend's boat. It's not as fast as a car but safer as 
your cars are being watched by agents of the Warlock," explained 
Steve.
"As always my friend you serve the Goddess to the best of your 
abilities," Maggie smiled at him before turning to Giles and his 
friends, "This is the Seer Steve Langley, Steve this is Rupert Giles, 
Willow Rosenberg and Tara Maclay."
"What do you mean THE Seer?" Asked Tara, ever since she had met these 
people her senses had been assaulted by the power coming from most of 
them. She had not shared any of this with Buffy or Willow but when 
she heard Maggie describe Steve as the Seer she remembered something 
her mother had once told her about her great grandmother being the 
Seer of the Goddess.
Although the question was directed at Maggie it was Steve who 
answered, "Yes child I am the Seer of the Goddess as was your 
maternal great grandmother."
Tara paled then she turned bowing towards Maggie, "Great Lady Buffy, 
Willow and I pledge ourselves to you and your priestesses."
"Tara what are you talking about?" Asked Giles frowning.
"Later Rupert we must get away from here everything will be explained 
when we get to the mine," reassured Maggie.
--------------
Buffy led the way up the stairs ducking a kick aimed at her head from 
a vampire on the top stair she grabbed its foot and heaved upwards 
sending it flying into two others coming up behind. As she got into 
the room proper she made a quick scan other than the combatants the 
room was empty except for about half a dozen bodies lying around, one 
of the bouncers was dead the other seemed to be coping with the two 
vamps attacking him and the young barman. Five of the vamps were 
finishing off some of the patrons that were beyond help the other 
eighteen or so were advancing on the stairs.
Buffy ran at them delivering a flying kick to the chest of the large 
vampire in the lead as she landed she plunged the stake in the chest 
of another before sweeping the legs from under another two staking 
one before springing to her feet. Sarah led three of her sisters to 
the left, while Mary lead the other three to the right. As she ran 
Sarah picked up a chair and smashed it into a vamps head shattering 
it and making the vampire stagger back, Sarah found that she still 
had the jagged back of the chair in her hand and shoved it into the 
vamps chest. She saw Jane sweep the legs from under a vamp to the 
right and when a second attempted to kick Jane in the head Gail 
blocked it before plunging her stack in its chest. As she used the 
back of the chair to ward off the vamps in front she saw Jackie her 
newest sister take a kick to her chest sending her half way across 
the room. Sarah screamed her name and sweeping the chair-back in fury 
at the neck of the vamp embedding two of the supports into its neck 
and out through the back then backhanding a vamp coming at her from 
the front.
Mary easily dusted the first two vampires before confronting a hulk 
of a beast that had to be over six and a half feet tall and weighed 
at least 300 pounds, after blocking his first blow it felt like her 
forearm had been hit by an iron bar. She tried kicking him in the 
stomach but he grabbed her foot and throw her back hitting her head 
on something, she saw Buffy stake the vamp before she blacked out.
Buffy found herself grabbed from behind by two vamps she brought the 
heel of her shoe down on the instep of the one on her right. When it 
loosened its grip she elbowed him in stomach causing it to release 
her, she swung around and staked the one still holding her left arm 
then reversed direction to stake the one to her right.
Buffy took the opportunity to survey the situation, there were only 
eight vampires still standing but four of the women that had followed 
her from below including Mary were either unconscious or dead, as 
were the bouncer and barman. Four of the vampires evidently decided 
that staying and fighting these women was a bad idea and ran out the 
door the other four began to advance on her.
As she prepared to meet them she called to the others, "Go after them 
I'll handle these four, besides I'd get lost out there."
Sarah was breathing hard when she heard Buffy shout looking up she 
saw the four vamps run out the door she nodded at Buffy in 
acknowledgement before turning to her remaining sisters, "We must 
stop them before they can get back to the Warlock," she lead them 
after the vamps.
As the leading vampire went to punch her in the face she used its 
momentum to throw it down the stairs then delivered a left cross to 
the next and plunged the stake into its chest. The other two had 
flanked her and were know moving from both left and right judging 
that the one to the right would get to her first she moved towards 
him and grabbed hold of its jacket lend back, planted her feet in its 
midsection and heaved it over and into the other vampire. As she 
flipped back up she saw the vamp that she throw down the stair 
running back up, not waiting for it to get to her she throw her stake 
into its heart. Turning around she grabbed a chair that had somehow 
managed to survive intact and planted it down through the chest of 
the two remaining vamps.
Buffy walked over to Mary and felt for a pulse letting out a sigh of 
relief when she found she was still alive as she was standing up to 
check on the others a male voice called out to her. "Police stay 
where you are," she spun around to see a dozen or so police officers 
enter the pub.

To be continued.