FF: Guardians of the Veil part 5 epilogue/5

["belgin_tei" <belgin_tei@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Title: Guardians of the Veil. Part 5 Epilogue
Sequel to: A New Beginning.
Author: David A. Knapton.
E-mail: belgin_tei@xxxxxxxxxxx
Archive: Full House Slash plus Any others that want it 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. Also crossover with Angel I don't think there is much if any 
spoilers, because although there are some indications about some 
character relationship issues in the series, mine were planned the 
way they are some time before I saw any of it on the show.
Rating: Probably 18 overall.
Pairings this part: Buffy/Willow/Tara Xander/Anya Louisa/John 
Sarah/James Olivia/Giles Hank/Jennifer plus a few I don't want to 
reveal here.
Disclaimer: I own none of the people in this story, but if I did then 
the show would probably never be shown again!
Special Disclaimer: See part 2.
Summery: Everyone assembles in LA, some unexpected visitors also 
arrive. <> = Thought.
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.
A Special Note to any religious fanatics: This story is only a STORY, 
I apologise if any part of it upsets you, if you are a fanatic of any 
religion and cannot except my apology, maybe you should look at what 
some religious fanatics are doing in some parts of the World, flame 
them not me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Tor
 
As more demons appeared over the brow of the hill, they were hit by 
fifteen tazer blasts and two crossbow bolts, as Colonel McBride with 
Mary led the defence on that side, some of the demons fell withering 
in pain while others just ignored it. Just before melee was joined, 
some of the remaining priestesses released various spells at them, 
from energy bolts to spells that blinded them. The defence on the 
other side facing the tower was led by Giles and Commander Johnson, 
vampires and demons were still continuing to pour out the tower, but 
because the doors would only allow two or three out at a time they 
were beginning to thin out the demon ranks.
 
Giles took the opportunity to assess their position, the spirits 
swirling around were actually helping them as some of the demons kept 
getting confused and tried attacking them, but he could see that if 
they didn't get help to McBride and the others they would be 
overwhelmed. He turned to Johnson, "Commander, I think you should 
take some men and help the Colonel before it's to late, just leave me 
one team and Sarah and James, we'll hold this side," he managed to 
say while breathing heavily.
 
Commander Johnson nodded before leading two of his remaining three 
teams to the other side of the circle. He arrived just as Colonel 
McBride went down under half a dozen demons, Johnson and his men 
aimed and fired all their tazers at the demons, knocking several of 
them backwards the rest falling dead on top of the Colonel, while two 
of his men pulled the Colonel from under the demons, Commander 
Johnson took command of the defence.
 
On the left flank furthest from the reinforcements Mary, who stood 
guard over the remaining priestesses, saw two soldiers go down after 
taking a swipe from a long clawed demon, which did not stop to finish 
them off but advance on where Buffy, Willow and Tara's bodies stood. 
Calling for help, Mary ran at the demon, as she got close she ducked 
under the things long clawed hands as they swept at her head, moving 
in close she plunged her dagger into its belly. The demon roared in 
pain jumping back and causing Mary to lose her grip on the dagger, 
leaving her only a stake as a weapon, in desperation, as the demon 
stopped to pull the dagger out, she sprang forward and plunged the 
stake into its eye, with its dying breath it swiped at Mary catching 
her in the chest and sending her twenty feet into a couple of 
soldiers coming to her aid.
 
Looking around at the dead and wounded scattered around the Tor, 
Olivia wept openly, <So much destruction, I beg you Lady please help 
us,> she sent the thought into the ether, as she saw yet another 
soldier fall.
 
Just as the soldiers thought this was going to be their last battle, 
there was commotion at the rear of the demon force, from his position 
Commander Johnson could not see what was happening but Giles could, 
several dozen soldiers were advancing on the demons firing tazer 
rifles.
 
As the demons began to route towards the north Giles heard the voices 
of five young women he knew so well. "We call forth a veil to protect 
that which comes before and after. By our will so mote it be." Then 
everything went white.
--------------
San Diego
 
As the four hellhounds ran forward, they were met by Spike and Helga, 
one jumped at Spike knocking him to the ground, trying to get to his 
throat, he held the hellhound's head between his hands snapping its 
neck. Helga allowed the two hellhounds she was facing to start to 
pass her, knowing that they were trying to get to Dawn, at the right 
moment she kicked out with her foot hitting one in the side and 
sending it into the wall, where Anya put a bolt into it, while 
decapitating the other with her sword. The last hound was past them 
before either could stop it but found itself facing Hank, as he drew 
back his sword to strike at it the hound sprang on him knocking him 
to the ground. Hank let go of the sword trying to stop the 
hellhound's teeth from getting to his throat, he knew he could not 
hold back those teeth for long.
 
Jennifer had cowered in the corner of the basement unable to do 
anything while Hank and Dawn's friends had tried to stop that 
horrible creature, she knew she wasn't taking all this very well but 
it was all beyond her. When the four ugly dogs had come in, she 
cringed when the young man had snapped one's neck and the big amazon 
blonde had cut another ones head off, but when she saw one knock Hank 
to the ground she was forced into action. Grabbing the baseball bat 
that Dawn had dropped she ran to where Hank was pinned by the animal, 
swinging the bat she caught it on the side of the head. The hellhound 
stopped attempting to get at Hank's throat and turned to growl at 
Jennifer who swung the bat again with enough force to knock the hound 
off of Hank.
 
Taking the opportunity Hank grabbed his sword and lunged at the 
hellhound managing to plunge it into its heart.
 
Bending down Jennifer helped Hank up, she managed a little 
smile, "You said we'd have fun with Dawn this summer, you didn't say 
anything about this."
 
"I know what you mean, anything after this isn't going to be as 
great," he saw the look of disbelief, "I know it sounds crazy but I'm 
having fun... well the almost having my throat ripped out wasn't fun 
but still," he smiled at her. "Why don't you help Dawn's friend get 
her boyfriend over here so the two of you can help protect him and 
Dawn, I have to help the others," he finished as he moved just behind 
the man and woman, who were far better at fighting than he was, but 
he figured he would be in position to stop any of the creatures that 
got past the two and getting at Dawn.
 
Spike and Helga had started to systematically cut down the demons 
that were coming out of the tunnel, because of the size of the 
passage only one or two demons could enter at a time plus the number 
of dead demons was beginning to block the reinforcements from getting 
in.
 
Just as Jennifer and Anya had pulled Xander over to where Dawn stood 
motionless, Anya heard several female voices that sounded like her 
friends announce, "We call forth a veil to protect that which comes 
before and after. By our will so mote it be." 
 
There was a sudden flash of white light, when they could see again 
they saw Dawn looking around at them smiling, "Miss me," she smirked.
 
"The demons are running," frowned Spike beginning to enter the 
passage to go after them.
 
"Let them go Spike they can't hurt me anymore... I don't think," she 
said a strange expression on her face.
 
"What happened to you?" asked Hank coming over to his daughter.
 
"It's a long story," she said looking around grimacing, "But lets go 
somewhere else."
 
"The bedrooms are probably best," nodded Spike, "I'll carry Xander if 
someone can get the doors," he said bending and easily lifting the 
still unconscious Scooby.
 
"Yeah, we need to pack anyway," said Dawn smiling at him.
 
"Why? where are we going?" asked Jennifer following Hank up the 
stairs and helping push open the door.
 
"Well we can hardly stay here," pointed out Dawn walking into the 
hallway and looking around at the destruction, "And anyway we have to 
meet everyone in LA," she told them.
--------------
LA
 
More and more vampires were jumping off the balcony forcing Gunn and 
Lisa to forgo their tactic of Lisa hitting them and Gunn staking 
them, they were slowly having to give ground.
 
Lisa more than once over the last half-hour had wished that Buffy was 
here to help, she had never imagined she would ever have to face so 
many vampires at one time. She heard a cry of pain come from Gunn, 
taking a quick look to see what had happened, she saw him hold his 
left arm to his body, it looked to be broken but he had managed to 
stake the vampire that had done it but was faced by two others. 
Hitting the vamp she was fighting so hard that her fist actually 
entered its chest, she let it fall to the ground in pain and jumped 
to her friend's aid. She delivered a one legged kick to the first one 
then did a roundhouse kick to it, sending it backwards into two 
others that had just jumped from the balcony, as she finished her 
spin she plunged her stake into the second vamps chest.
 
She took the opportunity to get Gunn out of danger by pulling him 
over to where Rosa was standing guard over Cordelia, unfortunately 
this forced Angel back from the stairs or he would have been flanked.
 
Gunn dropped his stake and grabbed a supersoaker and joined Angel and 
Lisa as they helped Rosa protect Cordelia, holding it one handed he 
squeezed the trigger hitting the two vampires advancing on him full 
in the face, they fell to their knees screaming in pain where Lisa 
took the time to squat down and stake them.
 
Now that Angel had moved away from the base of the stairs Rosa had a 
clear line of sight at the demons now advancing on them, rising her 
hands and chanting something under her breath she sent a stream of 
flame into them, with a roar of pain six of the demons turned to ash.
 
Gunn looked at Rosa in awe, "Remind me never to piss you off," he 
said, "Why didn't you do that earlier?"
 
"I have to choose wisely, I have not got an infinite amount of 
energy," she said, Gunn could hear the weariness in her voice.
 
Angel stepped forward to meet a large sword welding demon, he jumped 
to the left as the demon brought its sword down at his head, then 
swept his sword at the demon's midsection, somehow the demon managed 
to block the swing and lifting Angel's sword up with its own, this 
forced Angel off balance, the demon kicked at Angel's legs sending 
him to the ground. The demon roared in triumph as it raised its sword 
to deliver the deathblow, before he could do so his roar changed to a 
scream of pain as a bolt hit him in the side of the neck. Deciding 
not to look a gift horse in the mouth Angel pushed his sword up 
through the demon's stomach and into its heart, rolling to the side 
as the huge demon fell towards him.
 
Lisa ducked a punch from a vampire, then upper cut it to the chin 
send it back into the three other vampires on her side of Rosa 
sending them all to the floor, as she jumped in to try and stake 
them, she smiled seeing a stream of holy water hit the downed vamps.
 
Rosa was tired but still managed to block the punch aimed at her 
face, pushing the demon's arm to the side she plunged her strange 
wavy stake into its chest, she smiled at the look of surprise on its 
face just before the demon turned to dust.
 
Fred was frightened when she saw Lisa pull Gunn away from the stairs, 
with no one at the side the demons and vampires could get at her and 
Wesley, luckily for both of them all the demons seemed interested in 
was getting at Cordelia and only the occasional vamp took any 
interest in her and Wesley, which she could stop with her 
crossbow/supersoaker.
 
As Fred watched the last vampire turn to dust as Lisa staked it, she 
somehow sensed Wesley slipping away, even years later she was still 
unsure how she knew! She dropped her weapon and spun around to face 
Wesley laying on the table, she felt for a pulse in his wrist, she 
couldn't find one. Quickly she moved her hand to his neck, nothing. 
In panic she began CPR, she screamed at him, "Don't you leave me 
Wesley," she said as she continued the heart massage.
 
She felt Angel's hand gently stop her, "It's to late, let him go," he 
said quietly to her.
 
She pulled angrily away from him as he tried to enfold her in his 
arms, "No, I won't let him," she shouted, redoubling her efforts. 
After some ten minutes she let out a cry of despair and fell across 
his limp body, they could hear her whisper to him, "Please don't 
leave me... I-I love you," she wept.
 
Angel and Gunn gasped as they saw a swirl of energy move from Fred to 
Wesley, who drew in a ragged breath of air.
 
Fred lifted her tear streaked face from Wesley's chest, a look of awe 
spread across her face as she watched his chest rise and fall, she 
wrapped her arms around his neck, planting kisses all over his face. 
She watched as his eyes opened, "Did you say you love me?" he asked, 
a smile coming to his face.
 
Fred blushed and looked down at the floor, "I-I... ah," she looked 
back up into his eyes, "Y-yes," she said before looking down at the 
floor again.
 
Wesley raised his arm to her chin gently lifting it so he could look 
into her eyes, "I love you too," he smiled before groaning, looking 
at the concern on Fred's face he half smiled again, "I think I need a 
hospital," he pointed out.
 
Before anyone could respond, they all heard a choirs of female voices 
one of which sounded like Cordelia's, "We call forth a veil to 
protect that which comes before and after, by our will so mote it 
be." Then a flash of white light filled their vision, when it faded 
Cordy was looking around smiling at them all.
 
Cordy ran over to where Wesley lay on the table, taking is hand she 
smiled down at him, "Mother said you had died! How did this happen?" 
she asked looking around.
 
"Mother! What are you talking about?" asked Gunn.
 
Smiling Cordy looked around at her friends, "Sorry, long story, I'll 
tell you everything later but first we have to take care of some 
things." Looking around at the destruction she sighed before 
beginning to issue orders, "Right Fred, you and Gunn go and get 
Angel's car and bring it around the front, then you two take Wesley 
to the hospital." 
 
"What about the demons?" asked Fred.
 
"The attacks are over, we won," smiled Cordy.
 
"Ok we're on it," said Gunn running up the stairs followed by Fred. 
 
"Lisa check out the hotel, make sure we haven't got any uninvited 
guests," instructed Cordy, nodding Lisa followed Gunn up the 
stairs. "Angel carry Wes up to the lobby then start getting ride of 
the bodies lying around up there." She looked at Rosa for a second 
before turning back to Angel, "I need to talk to Rosa for a moment, 
then we'll come and help," she gave him a little smile as he gently 
picked up Wesley.
 
Cordelia waited until they were alone before turning to Rosa, a sad 
look on her face, "Rosa there is no easy way to tell you this, I'm 
sorry but I have to tell you that your grandmother Sophia is dead, 
she was killed by the Warlock just over an hour ago." She sighed 
seeing the unshed tears in the other woman's eyes, "If there is 
anything you want or need you only need to ask okay," Cordelia 
finished placing a gentle hand on Rosa's shoulder.
 
Rosa just nodded not trusting her voice.
 
"Right, now I know this may sound heartless, but we need to clean up 
the hotel, we have several dozen guests arriving over the next couple 
of days, which gives us very little time. Will you help?" Cordy 
finally asked, sensing that it would help Rosa get her mind off the 
guilt of not being at the Tor to protect her grandmother.
 
Nodding Rosa followed Cordy up the stairs.
--------------
When the light had dissipated Buffy, Willow and Tara found themselves 
back on the Tor. Bodies were everywhere, they looked around for their 
friends, Colonel McBride was being helped over to them by Giles and 
Jimmy, Olivia walking beside them, Sarah and Louisa, along with the 
few priestesses that had survive, were attending to Maggie and Mary's 
bodies. Commander Johnson and the soldiers were taking care of the 
wounded as well as the bodies of those that had died that morning, 
which included Captain Henry Jones, Riley and 10 priestesses not 
including Maggie.
 
"Are you three alright?" asked Giles, "What happened to you?"
 
"Its rather complicated, I'll let Willow and Tara fill you in I want 
to go and see Riley one last time," she sighed then looking at her 
girlfriends, "You're ok with that right!"
 
"Of course Buffy, go we'll tell Giles what happened," smiled Tara 
giving Buffy a quick hug then gently pushing her towards where 
Riley's body lay.
 
Willow looked at Giles and the other two men, "When we were taken 
from here we found ourselves in a strange room that we could all 
sense we had been in before but not knowing when or how," she began 
to explain as Giles and Jimmy helped the Colonel to the ground, "Also 
there were Cordelia and Dawn, we are the five sisters the prophecy 
spoke of, anyway after filling them in on what was going on, that was 
when Buffy and Cordy almost came to blows..."
 
"Not surprising when you take into account that they are literally 
Fire and Water," Tara pointed out to Willow.
 
"Yeah I guess your right there," smiled Willow, then a frown appeared 
on her face, "Aren't we opposites too? I mean I'm Air and your Earth."
 
Tara could sense the worry emanating from Willow, she smiled 
reassuringly, "No I think it also has to do with their mortal 
personalities," she pointed out giving Willow a quick hug.
 
"Willow, Tara can we focus for a moment, what happened in this 
strange room," asked Giles.
 
"Oh sorry Giles," Willow gave him an apologetic smile, "Anyway before 
Buffy and Cordelia could get into a fight the Goddess appeared, she 
explained that the five of us are the primal forces that became known 
as Air, Fire, Earth, Water and Spirit," she had to smile at the shock 
on Giles and Jimmy's faces. "We were created in that same room and 
given the power to restore the Veil, if it should ever be destroyed, 
she merged all of us except Dawn with mortal souls at the beginning 
of time, Dawn stayed as primal energy until Glory showed up last year 
when the same was done to her," she explained.
 
"So you were able to restore the Veil?" asked the Colonel.
 
"Yes, but the five of us had to pay the ultimate price to do it," 
sighed Tara.
 
"What do you mean?" asked Giles.
 
"We have to remain in the realm of the living, we had to give up our 
rebirths forever," Willow answered, "We will see the end of time!"
 
"I see, I'm so sorry," Giles said sympathetically, "So what now?"
 
"We have to meet everyone in LA, where the Goddess will come to us, 
she said we were to bring all our friends as well," Willow told him.
 
"I'll speak to Sir Geoffrey, he can arrange to charter an aircraft," 
said the Colonel.
--------------
Buffy walked over to where the soldiers had laid Riley's body, she 
stood looking down at him for a moment, taking in his features, he 
looked peaceful, which somehow seemed out of place when you looked at 
all the death and destruction that surrounded them. She knelt down by 
his side she gently straightened his clothes and smoothed down his 
hair trailing her hand down over his cheek, leaving her hand there 
she slowly leaned down and laid a gentle kiss on his lips, "Thank 
you," she whispered. "I never said goodbye the first two times you 
left me... Goodbye Riley, I won't forget you," she said rising and 
walking over to where Willow and Tara had joined the group around 
Maggie and Mary, tears running down her cheeks.
 
As Buffy got to the group she found herself enveloped in her 
girlfriends arms, they both kissed a tear-streaked cheek, "Are you 
okay sweety?" whispered Tara.
 
"No not really, he gave his life to save us all, I've lost... no 
we've lost a good friend," she looked down at Maggie and Mary's 
bodies, "Make that many good friends," Buffy sighed. "I guess we will 
be going through this a lot in the years to come!"
 
"Yeah I guess your right, so what now?" said Willow.
 
"Well we make a quick stop at the base then get a flight to LA, then 
home," said Buffy. She looked around at the number of soldiers, "Is 
it my imagination or are there more soldiers than there was at the 
start of the fight?"
 
"Yes just after we left the base the second shipment of tazer rifles 
arrived, so Sir Geoffrey sent Agent Logan with another thirty 
soldiers to help, if he hadn't I don't think any of us would be here 
now," said Giles.
--------------
Gunn, his arm in a sling, stood with Lisa watching the three cars 
pull-up and stop at the front entrance, as people started getting out 
Lisa jumped down the steps to grab Giles and Buffy in bear hugs.
 
Gunn turned around and called out, "Their here."
 
"We know," smiled Cordy as she and Dawn came down the stairs into the 
lobby.
 
Gunn looked at her closely, his eyes narrowing, "Is this something to 
do with being this Seer of the Goddess person?" he asked her.
 
Dawn giggled, "No we saw them from the window up there," she pointed 
to the balcony they had just left.
 
Dawn and Cordy hugged their friends as they entered the lobby. On 
seeing Xander's bandaged head Buffy, Willow and Tara began fussing 
over him, asking what happen.
 
"I'll be fine in a couple of days, after all how many times have I 
hit my head when we're fighting to save the world, my head's becoming 
immune to the damage." Xander smiled, trying to lighten their mood, 
but could see it wasn't working, so he looked at them with a serious 
expression on his face, "I'll be fine honest, the doctor said that 
I'll be as good as new in a couple of days."
 
After all the introductions were over Cordy looked around, "We've put 
you all in the rooms on the top floor, then when you have settled in 
we can get the meeting with mother underway," she smiled at them.
 
"Thanks Cordy, we'd like to rest for a while but we are planning to 
leave tonight," said Willow.
 
Cordy looked back at her and the others from the stairs, "Afraid not 
Willow, mother says that you will be here until tomorrow," she told 
them a big smirk on her face.
 
"How do you mean, mother said we'd be here until tomorrow?" asked 
Buffy, "She didn't tell us that, just that we had to come here."
 
"She told me later," she answered a big smirk still on her face, "I'm 
Steve's replacement, I'm the Seer of the Goddess," she paused for a 
moment her face taking on an almost melancholy look, "I will be for 
the rest of time," she finished.
 
"Oh great, Cordy's going to know everything we do! I don't know 
whether I'm going to be able to cope with that," pouted Buffy.
 
"Don't worry Buffy," smiled Dawn, "I'm sure if we can keep you two 
apart most of the time, say only meet every couple of decades or so 
it won't be to bad."
 
"I think that can be arranged," said Buffy.
 
As Cordy was showing them to their rooms Buffy suddenly frowned and 
turned to Dawn, "Didn't dad come with you, I mean he's okay right, 
nothing happened to him did it?"
 
Dawn rolled her eyes, as they heard Cordy giggle, "Oh yeah he came 
here with me, so did Jennifer. He's going to be a problem from now 
on," she sighed. At Buffy's confused look, she explained, "It seems 
our father 'loves' fighting demons, last night after we got here he 
went out with Lisa and Spike on patrol. He came back covered in 
blood, luckily not his own but a demon's, Jennifer freaked when she 
saw him," she laughed at the memory, "It took him three hours to 
pacify her and he's had to take her shopping this morning."
 
"Oh my god, I wish I'd seen it," laughed Buffy.
 
"Yeah well, I spoke to Spike and Cordy did the same with Angel, they 
said they'd give him some training, so that he will be less likely to 
get hurt," smiled Dawn.
 
"Oh I almost forgot I have letters for the two of you!" said Buffy 
looking at Dawn and Cordy.
 
"A letter for me? Who from?" asked Dawn.
 
Before Buffy could explain Cordy answered, "From my predecessor Steve 
Langly." She smiled at the annoyed look on Buffy's face, "I'm sorry, 
did you want to tell us?"
 
"No forget it," said Buffy before taking the letters from her jacket 
and shoving them into Dawn and Cordy's hands, "Here. Now where's this 
room?"
 
"Buffy why are you acting like this?" asked Dawn a hurt look on her 
face.
 
A look of anguish crossed Buffy's face, she grabbed her sister in a 
hug, "I'm so sorry, I think it's a combination of jetlag and the 
realisation of what we did and had to give up." She released Dawn 
looking into her eyes, "We'll talk later okay!" she said smiling at 
her sister.
 
"Ok," said Dawn returning the smile.
--------------
When Buffy entered the lobby later, with Willow and Tara, she was in 
a much happier mood. She found everyone already gathered there. 
Spotting Giles sat next to Wesley who was in a wheelchair, they 
walking over to them, Buffy smiled down at Wesley, "Hi Wes are you 
okay? Mother said you died."
 
"I will be in a few days," Wesley smiled up at her before looking 
over at Fred who was talking to Dawn, Lisa and Cordy, "I did died, 
but my fiancée brought me back," he smiled as Fred sensing that he 
was looking at her turned and returned his smile.
 
Giles and the others followed his look, "Your fiancée?" he frowned.
 
"Yes but please don't say anything, Fred wants us to tell everyone 
later," he pleaded with them.
 
"Of course we'll keep it quiet," smiled Tara.
--------------
"So what's with you and Cordelia," Spike said hooking one leg over 
the chair-arm.
 
"That's none of your business Spike," growled Angel glancing over at 
Cordy, as he always seemed to when someone mentioned her name.
 
"Course it is if your serious about her, I mean she'll be my 
grandmother," Spike smirked. "I think I'll go and talk to her about 
it," he said beginning to rise.
 
"Leave her alone Spike," said Angel, his eyes darkening for a moment 
as he grabbed Spike by the arm and pulled him back down.
 
"Ok ok, I won't bug her, but you were more fun before you got 
domesticated."
 
"And you weren't so bitter before you got neutered," said Angel 
smirking at the scowl on Spike's face before turning serious. "What 
are you doing with Dawn? If you're planning to hurt her, Buffy won't 
be the only one after your ass."
 
"Dawn's my friend," Spike frowned, "I don't know why but I like her, 
I know being a demon and all I shouldn't, but I do. I made Buffy a 
promise before she died that I'd look after her if anything happened 
to her." he looked at his grandsire a serious expression on his 
face, "Even without the promise I would have protected her, don't ask 
me why! Maybe it's the powers that be!"
--------------
"So are you and Angel an item?" asked Dawn smirking at Cordy.
 
"That's really none of your business Dawn," put in Lisa.
 
"Of course it is, Cordy's my sister, sort of, and I like Angel."
 
"It's alright Lisa," smiled Cordelia, "I love Angel and although he 
doesn't know yet, he loves me," she smirked as she looked over at 
Angel and Spike. She turned back to Fred and Dawn still 
smirking, "And you two have some interesting times ahead of you! Oh 
and congratulations Fred, you and Wesley will be very happy together. 
And Dawn, you need to sort out your feelings for Spike, mother want's 
you two together."
 
"What do you mean? He's my friend that's all," Dawn said frowning.
 
"Dawnie although I know you think you love Kevin at the moment, you 
need to let him go, you're no longer a normal human being. How is he 
going to feel in 10, 20 or 30 years when he is getting old and you 
still look young," pointed out Cordelia. "Although Spike doesn't know 
yet, he does love you, you will have many happy centuries together."
 
"I'll need to think about it, have a talk with Kevin and Spike, I 
don't want to hurt anyone," sighed Dawn.
 
"Dawn you can still stay friend's with Kevin and anyway you're still 
at school you have a little time to sort things out with him," Cordy 
pointed out.
 
At that moment everyone turned towards the front doors, to see 
Jennifer sweep into the lobby with several bags trailed by Hank 
carrying a pile of boxes.
 
Dawn and Lisa went to help her dad with the boxes, taking several off 
the top so that he could at least see where he was going. "Now that's 
a woman with style," laughed Cordy, watching as Jennifer led the 
other three into the lift.
--------------
It was half an hour later, just after Dawn and the others had return 
to the lobby, that a middle aged man and a woman in her early 
thirties walked into the lobby. Everyone could sense the two were not 
what they seemed! Their smiles however were infectious everyone found 
themselves smiling back.
 
The five primals moved forward and hugged the woman, before Cordy 
turned to the others, "This is mother! At least that's what we call 
her. I'm not sure what you should call her?" she mused.
 
"You may address me by whatever you feel most comfortable, Lady, 
ma'am or mother if you wish," smiled mother before introducing her 
companion. "This is my companion, you may call him Herne or my lord."
 
Herne smiled at the look on many of those present, "Although I 
already know all of you, it is still a pleasure to meet you all in 
person."
 
"First of all my lord and I would like to thank you all for helping 
the primals save this universe, although most beings will never know 
what you have done for them, know that we will not forget what you 
did," began mother. "Although you are all within my thoughts I will 
deal with the primals first."
 
She looked at Dawn, taking her hand she walked over to Spike and 
placed Dawn's hand in his, smiling at both she announced, "It is my 
wish that you two be as one. William I know that you care for Dawn, 
although you do not know it yet, she holds your heart in her hands. 
If you except Dawn into your heart you will be rewarded beyond your 
wildest dreams."
 
"I don't know about that! I can think of some really wild dreams," 
smirked Spike.
 
"Spike," pleaded Dawn.
 
"Ok, we'll talk alright," he said sitting down with Dawn. Everyone 
noticed that he kept hold of her hand.
 
Mother then turned to Cordelia, who had taken a seat next to 
Angel, "Child your burden will be the greatest of all my children, 
you will need the love of all your sisters in the times to come." She 
said smiling at all the primals but made a special point of looking 
at Buffy, who could not endure her look and looked at the floor 
blushing. "Before she bonded with Willow and Tara, Buffy was meant to 
be Angel's reward as he was hers, that cannot come to pass know. 
Cordelia you have taken her place at his side and will eventually 
replace her in his heart."
 
Mother walked over to Angel and placed her hand on his head, a white 
light slowly spread over his body, "Angel, know that your soul has 
been redeemed, the curse has been made permanent although it was not 
a curse but a blessing. I release you from your obligation to my Lord 
and my cause, but would ask you to continue to fight by the side of 
your soulmate."
 
At first Angel said nothing, then he began to laugh, something he had 
not done in over a century, his heart felt lighter than he could ever 
remember, even when he had been human he had felt a burden on his 
heart. He looked into the pools that were the Goddesses eyes, "Yes My 
Lady I will continue to fight, I wouldn't know how to do anything 
else."
 
Mother then turned to Buffy, Willow and Tara who had sat down 
together on the step; she walked over to them a slightly sad look on 
her face. "I know that you three have been through much, both 
together and separately, but you have each other now, learning to 
lean on each other, in the years to come you will need each other 
even more." Then her smile returned seeming to light up the whole 
room, "But for now I have a reward for you," she gave a little 
giggle, "Although at times you will think differently, through you 
three shall come the chance to permanently close the Hellmouth on 
this world."
 
They waited for her to elaborate on the reward but mother just turned 
as if she was moving onto something else. Buffy jumped up, "So aren't 
you going to tell us more?" she asked.
 
Smiling at her, she giggled again, "I don't want to spoil the 
surprise."
 
"But I don't like surprises!" pouted Buffy.
 
"Nonsense, you love surprises you just hate not knowing before anyone 
else, you won't have to wait to long. Now rejoin your loves so I may 
continue," said Mother a little steel entering her voice.
 
Buffy turned and walked back to Willow and Tara, blushing like a 
chastised child, being pulled down by her girlfriends.
 
"Now the five of you have given up much, more than you really know at 
the moment. As you know because of your connection to the Veil you 
must stay in the realm of the living, but every 40 lunar months you 
may enter the realm of the dead for 12 hours, there you can rest, 
cleanse your soul and visit your families and friends." 
 
She then looked at Olivia and Louisa as well as Sarah, Helga and 
Rosa, "The Covent will still need to re-enforce the Veil as it has 
throughout time, this way it will make it easier for the primals to 
leave this realm. So Olivia will you take up the mantle of my High 
Priestess?"
 
All eyes were turned to Olivia who looked at Giles before turning to 
look at her Goddess. "My Lady as much as I am honoured that you would 
want me as your High Priestess I do not feel able to take up such a 
role, with your permission I would like to stay as a humble 
Priestess." She smiled as she looked around at the others before 
taking Giles hand, "Besides Rupert and I plan to get married, that 
and being a Priestess is more than enough pressure," she laughed.
 
The next five minutes became a whirl of activity as Giles and Olivia 
found themselves being hugged and their hands shook by everyone 
present. Cordelia finally called everyone back to the meeting. "Ok 
lets continue shall we!" she said clapping her hands as if she was a 
teacher trying to get the attention of a class. Buffy narrowed her 
eyes at Cordy who just smirked.
 
Willow rolled her eyes as she took hold of Buffy's arm, "Just let it 
go Buff," she whispered.
 
Cordy looked at mother after everyone had settled down, giving her a 
small smile, "Sorry if I over stepped the mark then."
 
Mother giggled, "Perhaps just a little dear." She looked over at 
Olivia and Giles, "Very well dear you have my blessing." She then 
turned to Louisa and John, "Will you take up the mantle of my High 
Priestess dear?"
 
Louisa looked into the eyes of her husband for a moment as if asking 
his opinion, John raised her hand to his lips, "You have always been 
MY Lady, go for it Lou."
 
Louisa smiled a shy smile at her husband before rising and walking 
over to the Goddess, standing in front of her for a second before 
falling to her knees, "I am, as always your humble servant My Lady, I 
will humbly take up the position as your High Priestess and try to 
fulfil the position as well as my predecessor Maggie."
 
She then lend over and kissed the Goddesses foot, "I will walk in 
your footsteps with unwavering love," she then moved up to kiss the 
Goddesses knee, "I will always bend to your will," she then 
straightened up and kissed her stomach, "I will guide and protect all 
your children."
 
Louisa rose before leaning forward and kissing the Goddesses between 
the breasts, "I will nurture all your children as I nurtured my 
children," she then kissed her on the lips before saying, "I will 
always speak the truth when invoking the authority of your High 
Priestess." Lou then gently kissed the Goddess between her eyes, "I 
will watch over your children and try to guide them on the right 
path," finally she kissed her forehead, "I will always be guided by 
your wisdom." Louisa then stepped back and fell to her knees again.
 
The Goddess smiled down at her latest High Priestess, "I except your 
vows to me my child," she said placing a hand on Louisa's head, a 
white light spread throughout her body. After a few moments to 
collect her thoughts, Louisa rose and smiling at the others in the 
room then walked back to her husband and sat quietly next to him. Her 
daughter broke her quiet contemplation.
 
"Oh my this means I'm supposed to be leader of the Sisterhood," she 
exclaimed before blushing when she realised she had spoken out loud.
 
The Goddess looked at her for a moment, "If you wish to be released 
my child no one will think any the worse of you! I am aware of your 
feelings for James."
 
Sarah looked around in what looked like despair, "I love Jimmy and 
being my mum's protector... I don't know what to do," she burst into 
tears, Jimmy wrapped her in his arms.
 
"Why can't she have both!" Asked Dawn quietly.
 
"Because it is forbidden child," answered Herne.
 
Mother turned and smiled at Dawn before turning to her 
consort, "Maybe it is time for a change, many of the Sisterhood have 
sacrificed their love as well as their lives for our cause." She 
turned back to the two young lovers, "From this time on any Sister 
that wishes to be joined with a loved one may do so, with two 
provisos, the loved one must except the Sister's place as protector 
of my Priestesses and be willing to live near the Priestess."
 
Jimmy took hold of Sarah's head, holding it between his hands, "I 
love you Sarah Grant, I except your position in the Sisterhood and 
protector of your mother, will you marry me?"
 
Sarah gently pulled away from Jimmy smiling reassuringly when she saw 
the worry of possible rejection on his face, she turned to the 
Goddess for a moment, "Thank you My Lady, I except the position and 
will try my best to do a good job." She then turned back to Jimmy and 
flew into his arms, "Yes I'll marry you," she cried planting a kiss 
on his lips.
 
There was another round of hugs and congratulations before everything 
settled down again.
 
Next the Goddess turned to Xander and Anya, "My children you have my 
thanks for the help you have given to my Primals, know that without 
you two they would not have lived to see this day, my blessings on 
you and your planned union." She smiled at the blush on Xander's face 
before turning her full attention to Anya, "Child you are forgiven 
for your transgressions, are you ready to take up your place as one 
of my Priestesses once again?"
 
Gasps went up from all those who knew the former vengeance demon. She 
looked around them with a sheepish look on her face, "There's 
something that no one ever knew about why I became a demon, it wasn't 
a man that jilted me for another woman but a woman that jilted me for 
a man."
 
"And so you decided to take it out on all those men over the years... 
Wait your GAY," shouted Xander jumping up and staring down at Anya.
 
"Yes as I've told you before 'All men are evil' and of course I'm not 
gay I love you Alexander Harris," she said also getting up.
 
"Anya I don't know if I'll ever understand you or women in general," 
he said shaking his head before giving her a kiss.
 
"Welcome to the real world, women have been an enigma to the male of 
the species since the beginning," said Angel, getting many nods from 
most of the men in the room including Herne, who received looks from 
their respective partners.
 
Anya turned to the Goddess, "I can really return to you My Lady?" she 
asked the Goddess.
 
"Yes dear you may take up the position you abandoned 12 centuries 
ago," the Goddess said smiling at her.
 
"But My Lady she has no living female relatives," interrupted 
Sarah, "Who will be her protector?"
 
"Well strictly speaking that is true but Rosa here is a direct 
descendant of Anya's former lover and the man that she left Anya for, 
so if she is willing she can repay the debt owed Anya by one of her 
ancestors."
 
All eyes were now turned to Rosa, who looked at Anya then the 
Goddess, "My Lady I would be honoured to repay the debt to Anya if 
she will except me as her protector."
 
"Yes My Lady I will take up my place within your coven and except 
Rosa as if she was my own kin," Anya stated formally before taking a 
similar vow to the Goddess that Louisa had taken earlier, as she 
stepped back she had tears in her eyes, "I'm sorry for all the 
trouble I have caused your children over the years, I will not let 
you down this time."
 
The Goddess enfolded Anya in her arms placing a kiss on her cheek, "I 
know you won't dear, the hate has been replaced by love, the love of 
a good man, a man who will cherish you all the days of your life," 
she gave Xander an amused look before turning back Anya, "Even if you 
confuse him."
 
The Goddess next turned to Hank and Jennifer who both had what could 
only be described as awe on their faces, "You two have my thanks, I 
know you are confused with most of what has happened to you over the 
last few days. Although you did not understand what was happening you 
still helped protect Dawn, you are blessed threefold."
 
Finally the Goddess turned to Wesley and Fred, "Although no one knew 
what your choices were Winifred I always had faith in you, you have 
given this world a great gift and a great hope when you gave your 
love to Wesley." She smiled at Fred's confused look then turned to 
Wesley; "You my child will train and help guide the ultimate slayer, 
my blessing on you."
 
Turning to the two people in the room that the US and British 
governments had sent to the meeting, the Goddess looked very serious 
at them. "Although you have my thanks for your help in averting the 
end of this dimension I must insist that you leave my Priestesses and 
the Sisters alone, their responsibility is to the veil and its 
maintains. If they require anything from you then you may render 
assistance but otherwise leave them to do their duty."
 
"You have the assurance of Her Majesties Government and my personal 
guarantee that they will not be interfered with in anyway," stated 
Colonel McBride.
 
"Yes madam I will pass your request to my superiors," nodded General 
James Smith.
 
"It was not a request General!" said the Goddess the smile leaving 
her face.
 
"My apologies madam, a poor choice of words, I will tell them," 
General Smith amended.
 
"Very well gentlemen, that is all I have to say at the moment but 
Herne has some things he wishes to say," said the Goddess the smile 
returning to her face.
 
Herne smiled at her, "Thank you my dear." He looked around the 
room, "Now when the demons began their assault on this dimension and 
we created the Veil we still needed some way to protect the realm of 
the living, so we created the slayer and the organisation that became 
the Watchers Council. Although we both use to watch over them we have 
had may other concerns in resent centuries so left the Council to run 
its own affairs, this has brought about many problems. Now My Lady 
and I have decided this has to change, in their arrogance they have 
corrupted the rules we laid down and have wasted that which we 
entrusted to them, the slayers."
 
"So even you think of us as a weapon to be used until we die," 
interrupted Buffy jumping up.
 
"No Eternal that is not what I am saying, yes the council is supposed 
to help the slayer with training and guidance but they are also 
supposed to help the slayers have as normal a life as their calling 
will allow, much like your own watchers Merrick and Giles. The 
Council feared that the slayers having friends and families weakened 
their authority over them, they began stopping the slayer having that 
normal life, that is why Kendra died so young and Faith turned out 
the way she was in Sunnydale." He smiled at Angel, Cordy and 
Wesley; "Though her outlook is getting better thanks to you three 
keeping in contact with her, when she is released from prison next 
year she will need you to survive."
 
"If you wish sir, I could arrange for this Faith to be released now 
if it will help?" Put in General Smith.
 
"My thanks General but prison has and still is helping Faith change 
her attitude to the world, when she is released she will be one of 
the greatest slayers ever to exist that was not the Primal," he said 
looking at Buffy. "Now I request some of you to aid me in putting the 
Council back on track."
 
"Yes of course we will help," answered Giles getting nods and yes's 
from the others.
 
"Thank you, I have arranged for the Council's representatives to be 
here tomorrow morning, that is why you will be here until tomorrow, 
although some of you do not need to be here some must." He began to 
explain, "Buffy and Lisa as slayers should be here as should Giles as 
a watcher and Wesley as a former watcher, I would also like Louisa as 
the High Priestess here and General Smith and Colonel McBride. 
Everyone else is free to be here if they wish although it maybe 
better not to frighten them with such a large group of people!" 
pointed out Herne.
 
"That's okay with me, Will and Tara can get any information from the 
bond," pointed out Buffy.
 
"And I will be supplied with any information I need because I'm the 
Seer," smiled Cordy before turning towards the Goddess, "Have I 
thanked you for taking away the migraines? Mother."
 
"Yes dear on several occasions," answered the Goddess.
 
"Okay how about the rest of us hit the malls tomorrow morning," 
suggested Cordelia, this was met with almost universal enthusiasm by 
the women and groans by the men who started coming up with reasons 
why they couldn't go shopping, but Cordelia managed to shoot every 
excuse down, so in the end the men gave in to the women as they knew 
they would.
--------------
At exactly 9 the next morning Quentin Traverse and Andrew Collins 
entered the lobby with their four assistance, looking around at the 
people already there, Quentin frowned unsure why he had come here 
with Collins? He knew some of the people but not all this worried him 
more than he cared to admit.
 
Buffy smirked as she saw the confused look on Quentin's face from 
where she sat on one of the large couches with Lisa and Louisa, sat 
on the other couch was Herne, Colonel McBride and General Smith, 
stood by the side of Wesley in his wheelchair was Giles.
 
As soon as Buffy saw the man next to Quentin Traverse, she sprang 
from the couch screeching like a banshee, before she could reach the 
man Herne was there holding her back. Speaking quietly to her, "Be 
calm Eternal if you kill him he cannot make emends to you and the 
five other slayers that have died because of him!"
 
"What are you talking about? Who are you?" asked Quentin.
 
"You can call me Mr Green," he smiled as Louisa laughed loudly. "As 
for the rest! Why don't you ask your friend there!" said Herne 
looking at Collins.
 
"I don't know what you mean! I came here to meet a man who said he 
had information on why another slayer was called and where she can be 
found."
 
"You bastard there's no way I'm letting you near another slayer, I'll 
kill you first," growled Buffy.
 
"As I told you in England young lady, it isn't your place to question 
the council," smirked Collins.
 
"When did you meet Miss Summers in England and why wasn't I 
informed?" Asked Quentin frowning.
 
"It wasn't anything of importance Quentin," said Collins trying to 
reassure his colleague.
 
"Nothing important? You bastard, you kidnapped me and planned to 
brainwash me," snapped Buffy still trying to get at the man who was 
in league with the Warlock.
 
Quentin looked shocked as he looked back and forth between Buffy and 
Collins, "You kidnapped Miss Summers and planned to use our 
behavioural modification technique on her! Why?"
 
Collins turned to Quentin anger on his face, "Because you allowed her 
to dictate terms to us, she is the slayer it is we who control the 
slayer not the other way around!"
 
"Actually it is suppose to be an equal partnership, the slayer is the 
body and the Council the mind," Herne told them, "Neither can operate 
properly without the other."
 
Both Traverse and Collins turned to look at the man in front of them, 
it suddenly occurred to them that he was easily preventing the slayer 
getting free.
 
"What are you?" asked Collins.
 
Herne smiled at them, "I have many names, if I was to speak them all 
your bones would be dust before I finished, my true name is only 
known to one other being in this universe. As I told you just now you 
can call me Mr Green, my friends here," He looked towards the others 
that had risen when Buffy went to attack Collins, "Call me Herne."
 
Herne stepped back, releasing Buffy who just stood smirking at the 
look of shock on the two men's faces. Herne's clothes began to shift 
as his body began to expand and change, his head started changing 
into that of a stag and antlers grew from his head, in less than half 
a minute the middle aged man had vanished to be replaced by a eight 
foot creature of legend.
 
"Your twisting and changing of the rules My Lady and I laid on you 
has destroyed many slayers before their time as well as thousands of 
the innocent it was your responsibility to protect. This will stop as 
of now or I will tear the Council down and start again. Choose NOW," 
said Herne.
 
As Herne had been speaking, his body had been slowly beginning to 
glow with a white light slowly building until everyone had to look 
away, as he announced the choice the light vanished and the middle 
aged man stood before them again.
 
Buffy arched an eyebrow at Herne, "That was a little OTT don't you 
think 'Father'," she smirked.
 
Herne returned her smirk, "That title is not strictly correct 
Eternal."
 
"Well if Mother created us and you're her 'husband' that makes you 
our father doesn't it?"
 
"I suppose you're right Eternal," he nodded smiling at her.
 
"Why do you keep calling me that?" Buffy asked him.
 
"Because that is what you are now 'The Eternal Slayer'."
 
Buffy frowned for a moment, "Great I have this gig forever... Just 
great."
 
"But you are as I have ever been, your entire being burns for the 
hunt, the kill, does it not?" Smiled Herne.
 
Buffy could see the fire in his eyes, "Well yeah, but without the 
risk of losing, dying, it won't be the same!"
 
"Ah Eternal you cannot die but you can still be injured," said Herne 
then suddenly let out a roaring laugh, "And it will still hurt... a 
lot."
 
"Great... Just great," she sighed turning back to the Watchers, as 
did Herne.
 
"So gentlemen what is your choice?" asked Herne.
 
"You give us no choice, we will change," said Collins in a voice that 
conveyed a great deal of shock.
 
"I'm glad to hear it but just to keep you honest you will allow my 
representatives here full access to all Council property and the 
archive," Herne indicated Giles, Wesley, Buffy and to the surprise of 
everyone Colonel McBride. "If they find anything they do not like you 
will stop doing it or suffer the consequence, am I clear," Herne 
finished, the threat clearly in his voice.
 
"You want outsiders to have a veto on what we do?" asked Collins in 
shock.
 
"You have been out of control for to long, but yes for now I do until 
they are satisfied you have changed. You will also provide any 
relevant information to the various intelligence agencies around the 
world in their fight against the forces of darkness."
 
"And what happens if these intelligence agencies abuse the 
information as the Initiative did several years ago?" asked Quentin 
Traverse.
 
"That is where your intelligence will be of use," replied Herne.
 
"Is that all?" asked Quentin.
 
"Just one more thing," smiled Herne turning to Lisa and waving his 
hand for her to come to him, as he placed an arm around her shoulder 
he turned back to Quentin. "This is Lisa, she is the slayer we sent 
to take Buffy's place, who is beyond you now, she and every slayer 
that will come after her are under my protection, if the Council 
abuse their position I will be very angry." With that he turned and 
as he walked through the front doors he vanished.
 
There was silence in the room for almost a full minute until Giles 
turned to Quentin and the others, "I think under the circumstances 
Quentin it maybe wise if you left now," he said glancing meaningfully 
at Buffy. "I have to be in England in a couple of weeks to help my 
fiancée sort out her home and medical practice before coming back to 
the US, I will meet you to sort out how we proceed from here." He 
smiled over at Lisa; "Of course Lisa will remain where she is, 
helping protect the Hellmouth, I'm sure you'll agree?"
 
"Very well, two week then," nodded Quentin before turning and leading 
the other Council members out.
 
Buffy walked over to Giles and hugged him, "Thank you for getting rid 
of them, with Herne gone and without Will and Tara here I don't know 
how long I could have stopped myself from attacking them."
 
Before Giles could reply he found himself being hugged by 
Lisa, "Thanks for making them leave me alone." Releasing him, she 
turned to Buffy, "Now I've met some more Watchers I can see why you 
hate them so much, I'm glad I followed your advice and didn't get 
Giles to tell them about me."
 
"Yeah well I think things are going to change now, but I'm glad 
you're going to stay in Sunnydale with us, I know Dawn would have 
been very upset if you hadn't. Now why don't we go and join the 
others at the mall?" smiled Buffy.
--------------
It was almost three in the afternoon before everyone that had to 
leave were ready. Dawn left with Hank and Jennifer to continue their 
holiday to everyone's surprise Dawn asked Spike to go with them, 
mainly because she was worried about her dad and his newfound 
enthusiasm for fighting the forces of darkness.
 
Helga returned to Germany to meet up with her cousin who had survived 
the fight on the Tor. Rosa said goodbye to Anya and promised she 
would return to Sunnydale as soon as she sorted out her affairs in 
Italy and Colonel McBride returned to report to Sir Geoffrey, he also 
arranged to meet up with Giles when he was in England with Olivia.
 
Lisa of course had to stay with Angel but didn't really want to go 
back to Sunnydale without Dawn. Louisa, John, Sarah and Jimmy took 
the opportunity to go to Sunnydale to visit with Giles and their new 
friends, as it was summer they felt it would be safe to do so.
--------------
The next few weeks went by quietly for the various groups, Dawn and 
Spike were planning their return to Sunnydale, although she was not 
really looking forward to explaining things to Kevin. Louisa and her 
family had stayed in Sunnydale until Giles and Olivia had to return 
to England to sort out Olivia's permanent move to the US, they 
planned to be married the following spring. 
 
It was decided between them that while Lisa was in LA Wesley would be 
her Watcher for which he was paid a good salary much to the anger of 
the Council until Giles threatened to ask Colonel McBride to have 
some of their less lawful operations investigated!
 
On their return to Sunnydale, the gang helped Giles and Olivia move 
into the same apartment building as Xander and Anya.
 
The week before Dawn was due to return home Buffy was laying in bed 
early morning, sunshine streaming through the window; she looked over 
to her left when she sensed her lovers stirring.
 
Willow's eyelids fluttered opened smiling up at Buffy who was leaning 
on her elbow smiling down at her, "Morning sweety," said Buffy 
leaning down for a kiss.
 
Just before either of them could deepen the kiss Tara who was on the 
other side of Willow sprang out of bed running to the bathroom where 
she began to heave the contents of her stomach into the toilet pan.
 
Willow and Buffy rushed into the bathroom concern and worry on their 
faces, they knelt one on each side of her, "Tara what's wrong?" asked 
Willow.
 
Raising her head and turning her pale face towards Willow, she tried 
to smile, "What does it look like I'm being sick!"
 
Despite the worry on both hers and Willow's face Buffy couldn't help 
giggling, "Baby that's not what Willow meant," she placed a hand on 
Tara's forehead, "You aren't hot, so you haven't got a fever, maybe 
its something you ate?"
 
"I donno maybe!" Tara managed to say before having to turn back to 
the pan as she began to heave again.
 
"Buffy go call Olivia see if she can come over and have a look at 
Tara," said Willow holding onto Tara as continued to be sick.
 
"Right," said Buffy getting up and rushing back to the bedroom. As 
she was about to pick up the receiver the phone rang, grabbing hold 
of it with the thought of getting rid of whoever it was, before she 
could say anything Cordy's voice came from the other end.
 
"Buffy I need to talk to Tara before you call anyone."
 
"How did you know I was going to call anyone?" asked Buffy before she 
remembered, "Never mind. Tara can't speak to you at the moment she's 
sick, I have to call Olivia," she pleaded trying to keep her cool.
 
"Olivia is being sick at the moment, so is Anya that's why I need to 
tell Tara what is happening to the three of them."
 
"What do you mean? Are they under attack? I think you better tell me 
so we can start working on a plan to stop whoever is doing this," 
babbled Buffy.
 
"Buffy you've been around Willow to long, your babbling," Buffy 
ground her teeth trying to get her temper under control, wishing she 
could reach through the phone and strangle Cordelia.
 
At that moment Tara came back into the bedroom with Willow hovering 
over her, her face still pale, "Who is it Buffy?" she asked.
 
"Its Cordy she say's Olivia and Anya are sick as well, but she 
insists on talking to you," replied Buffy, the frustration clearly in 
her voice.
 
Tara took the phone from Buffy, "Hello Cordy, so what's wrong with me 
and the others?" She listened for a moment before sitting down on the 
bed; feeling like her legs would not hold her up. Willow and Buffy 
rushed to her side as her face drained of what little colour 
remaining, "Thanks Cordy, see you," she pressed the disconnect button.
 
"What's wrong Tara?" asked a very worried Willow.
 
Tara took a hand of each of her girlfriends, "It seems that Anya, 
Olivia and I are all pregnant."
 
They were silent for almost a whole minute, "What did you say?" asked 
Buffy.
 
"I'm pregnant... BUFFY," shouted Tara as the slayer fainted.
 
The End?
 
 
This may seem a strange place to finish I do plan to write the third 
part set 15 years in the future called 'Ashley the Ultimate Slayer' 
where most of the things I have 'missed out' including the contents 
of the letters will be explained.